Poultry Industry Safety Recognition Award Applications Being Accepted

The Joint Poultry Industry Safety Award Program is now accepting applications from poultry industry facilities that have demonstrated exceptional safety programs. This award program is open to members of the National Chicken Council (NCC), National Turkey Federation (NTF), and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY). Eligible facilities include poultry processing plants, further processing facilities, egg processing plants, hatcheries, feed mills, animal support services and rendering facilities. To qualify, applicants must have implemented innovative and effective safety programs as well as have maintained injury and illness rates below the industry average for three consecutive years.

According to the most recent data from the Bureau of...

USDA Promotes New, Voluntary “Product of USA” Label

WHAT HAPPENED: USDA on Tuesday announced the launch of a national public awareness campaign to inform meat, poultry, and egg producers of the “Product of USA” voluntary labeling standard which went into effect on January 1, 2026, and intends to increase consumer understanding of what the label means. The claim is voluntary and ends the prior practice which allowed imported products to carry the claim after minimal processing and strengthens consumer confidence by aligning with what Americans expect and demand.

WHY IT MATTERS: The new labels follow updated USDA rules governing which products can carry the designation. Previously, items that were merely packaged or processed in the U.S. could legally use the label. In 2024, USDA revised the...

NCC Applauds Trump Administration’s Delay of Biden-Era Poultry Payment Rule

“We applaud Secretary Rollins and the Trump administration for their thoughtful review of this Biden-era regulation and for listening to chicken farmers across the country who oppose it,” said National Chicken Council (NCC) President Harrison Kircher. “NCC strongly supports the administration’s commitment to cutting regulatory red tape and returning decision-making to farmers and the businesses that sustain rural America.

“The Biden administration finalized a regulation six days before President Trump took office that threatened to dismantle an efficient and successful industry model that has worked well for decades and...

Including Hot Rotisserie Chicken in SNAP Receives Bipartisan Support During Farm Bill Mark-Up

As the House Agriculture Committee worked to mark-up and approve the Farm Bill on Wednesday, members of the committee debated whether hot rotisserie chicken should be available through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), after an amendment offered by Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR). SNAP already covers cold rotisserie chicken.

“I want to thank Rep. Crawford and the committee members for their debate and bipartisan support for including hot rotisserie chicken in the SNAP program,” said NCC President Harrison Kircher. “Although the provision was ultimately not included in the bill, we appreciate the committee’s commitment to...

Trade Associations Praise Trump Administration’s New Nutritional Guidelines

Following Wednesday’s release of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, several trade associations welcomed the updated federal nutrition guidance, which places protein back at the center of the plate.

“Thanks to the bold leadership of President Trump, this edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans will reset federal nutrition policy, putting our families and children first as we move toward a healthier nation,” US Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said.

“We are realigning our food system to support American farmers, ranchers, and companies that grow and produce real food. Farmers and...

NCC Comments on Definition of “Ultra-Processed Foods”

In response to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) request for information to assist in developing a uniform definition of “ultra-processed foods,” NCC yesterday submitted detailed comments expressing recommendations and concerns.

NCC expressed general concerns about a classification system and contends that FDA and USDA should bolster existing frameworks and consumer education as science evolves instead of pursuing a classification system at all. However, should the Agencies choose to move forward with a classification system, NCC urges the use of a uniform, science-based approach...

NCC Elects New Officers; Simmons Foods’ David Jackson Installed as Chairman

The National Chicken Council (NCC) has installed the four officers that will guide the organization through 2026. The installation took place yesterday at NCC’s 70th Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. David Jackson, Chief Operating Officer of Simmons Foods, will serve as 2025-2026 Chairman.

David is responsible for running operations across the Simmons brands, including Simmons Foods, Simmons Prepared Foods, Simmons Pet Food, and Simmons Animal Nutrition. David joined Simmons in 1991 and has over three decades of poultry and pet food leadership. He has held important roles throughout the company, including President and Chief Operating Officer for Simmons’ poultry operations and Simmons Pet Food, as well as...

NCC Urges Government to Keep the Lights On

The National Chicken Council (NCC) today released the following statement regarding ongoing Congressional budget negotiations:

“Following House passage, NCC today is urging the Senate to follow-suit and pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) that would prevent the government from shutting down,” said NCC spokesperson Tom Super. “Businesses need certainty and the President signing a CR would help provide it...

NCC Shares USDA’s Goals to Further Reduce Foodborne Illness

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced a comprehensive plan to bolster the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) efforts to combat foodborne illness while speaking at the opening of USDA’s new, modernized Midwestern Food Safety Laboratory in Normandy, Missouri.

“President Trump is committed to ensuring American consumers have the safest, most abundant, and affordable food supply in the world. When it comes to food safety, USDA is charting a bold new course in giving consumers confidence their meat, poultry, and egg products meet our...