FOOD SAFETY New year's FOOD SAFETY FOCUS Processors face rule and policy changes to enhance oversight and invigorate regulators' focus on food BY ERICA SHAFFER | eshaf fer@sos land.com D etermined to combat foodborne illnesses, regulating agencies such as the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) moved to strengthen oversight of meat and poultry processors and other food manufacturers in an effort to protect consumers from foodborne illness. In 2024, USDA made significant strides in Salmonella and Listeria prevention, while FDA launched a revamped Human Foods Program focused on its risk management 38 MEAT+POULTRY | 01.25 | www.meatpoultry.com capabilities. Industry stakeholders know these policy and organizational pivots will carry over into 2025. LOCKED ON LISTERIA Outbreaks of Listeria monocytogenes linked to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products and deli meats generated headlines. Most recently, Yu Shang Food Inc. of Spartanburg, SC, launched a recall of RTE meat and poultry products when Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) testing confirmed the company's ggw, ColleenMichaels - stock.adobe.comhttp://www.meatpoultry.com