My definition of insanitary condition is not always my wife’s definition of insanitary condition. Not a problem. In our house, my wife’s opinion rules the day. The same should not be true in an official establishment…
Adulterated: The Most Significant Term in Food Law
In 1991, I entered a graduate program in veterinary pathology. I knew the pathological conditions. Recognizing them under a microscope took practice, but I got there. The same is true of the term “adulterated,” arguably the most significant term in food law…
The Devil is Always in the Details: A Member’s Question
Understanding FSIS compliance is a challenging component of farming, and oftentimes can be confusing. Recently, an FTCLDF member had a question regarding the 20,000 exemption for poultry. Dr. Fisher provided a thoughtful, thorough response, and we thought it would be helpful….
Understanding FSIS Language
Fall 1979. I received the book list for my first semester classes in veterinary college. Top of the list: Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary. That first year, I opened this book more than any other. Regulatory agencies, like medicine, have their own language. Unless you understand that language, you do not know what you are talking….
The Rules of the Game
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Michael Fisher joins the FTCLDF website as a monthly contributor. Dr. Fisher is a retired United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) veterinarian, bringing decades of experience enforcing FSIS regulations during the slaughter and processing of animals for which the USDA…
An Open Rescue at Long Shadow Farm
The Rameys are dedicated to providing a happy life for their animals and sharing what they have learned through their years of farming with others. The owners frequently host chicken processing workshops welcoming interested foodies, farmers, and people looking to raise birds for meat and eggs to participate and volunteer. On September 17…
Wisconsin DATCP’s Secret Rules
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is commissioned by the state legislature to promote the interests of Wisconsin agriculture. The DATCP’s mission statement describes their effort to “partner with all citizens of Wisconsin to grow the economy by promoting quality food, healthy plants and animals, sound use of land and water resources, and a fair marketplace.” However, as many of our Wisconsin members can attest, DATCP behavior is far from consistent with their virtuous mission statement…
Feds Admit Harassing Small Montana Meat Plant, But Take No Action
As a boy growing up in Butte, Bart Riley loved spending time at the family business, Riley Meats, on West Park Street. Young Bart and his siblings would help out cleaning the shop after his father was done cutting meat for the day
PRIME Act Reintroduced in Congress; Bill Needed More Than Ever
FALLS CHURCH, VA—JULY 12, 2017—On May 25, Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Rand Paul (R-KY) reintroduced the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption Act
Introduction to the FTCLDF Custom Slaughter Map
In 1967 Congress passed the Wholesome Meat Act, Public Law 90-201, amending the Federal Meat Inspection Act. The act expanded the federal government’s authority over meat slaughter and processing to intrastate commerce but did