Secretary Rollins Launches New Plan to Improve Meat Safety

New USDA Plan Targets Better Meat and Poultry Safety

At the opening of the USDA’s new Midwestern Food Safety Laboratory in Normandy, Missouri, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins launched a comprehensive new plan to bolster the safety of meat, poultry, and egg products. This plan is designed to reduce foodborne illnesses and improve oversight through several key initiatives led by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

One major focus of the plan is to enhance microbiological testing and inspection. FSIS will increase its Listeria testing and expand the number of samples tested for Listeria monocytogenes, helping to detect potential contamination faster and more efficiently. FSIS has already tested over 23,000 samples in 2025, a 200% increase from the previous year. The new Midwestern Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility, will play a central role in these enhanced efforts.

FSIS is introducing a new weekly questionnaire for inspectors to monitor potential food safety concerns in ready-to-eat meat and poultry establishments. Since the start of 2025, over 53,000 questionnaires have been collected, providing valuable data to identify risks early.

Another priority is to reduce Salmonella illnesses in poultry. FSIS is developing a new, more practical approach to Salmonella management, including consultations with stakeholders to create a strategy that addresses public health needs while supporting small producers.

Secretary Rollins also announced $14.5 million in additional funding to help states improve meat and poultry inspection programs. This funding will support small businesses and processors, ensuring the safety of the food supply.

FSIS is also intensifying its enforcement actions, with 103 enforcement actions already taken in 2025, a 36% increase from last year. This marks a clear commitment to holding businesses accountable and ensuring consumer safety.

The USDA’s new plan aims to strengthen the country’s food safety infrastructure, ensuring safer meat and poultry products for all Americans.