OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the significant developments from March. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to […]
March Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has officially begun what it calls a “right-sizing” of its operations, starting with two major moves in the National Capitol Region (NCR): the disposal of the USDA South Building in Washington, D.C., and the local relocation of the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). While they have shared these immediate
OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the significant developments from February. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to
February Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »
Your quality manager just called. FSIS found Listeria monocytogenes in environmental samples from your ready-to-eat production area. The inspector is asking about your production records for the past 90 days. And now you’re facing the possibility that FSIS will request a voluntary recall – which isn’t actually voluntary at all. I’ve guided meat and poultry
Your FSIS inspector just documented another noncompliance record. Your corrective actions keep getting rejected. And now you’re trying to explain to your operations team why production is on hold – again – because of compliance issues you thought were already resolved. I’ve watched meat and poultry establishments struggle with this exact pattern. They understand food
Food manufacturers launching products with meat, poultry, or egg ingredients face a critical regulatory question – does FDA or USDA have jurisdiction over your product? Getting this determination wrong costs companies months of production delays, facility redesigns, and sometimes forces complete product reformulation. I know this because understanding FDA vs USDA jurisdiction requires analyzing ingredient
FDA vs USDA Jurisdiction: Who Regulates What Read More »
Food manufacturers facing USDA enforcement actions often discover their compliance programs failed when it matters most. Notice of Intended Enforcement letters typically arrive with 3 day response windows – barely enough time to understand allegations, much less mount an effective defense. I know this because defending against USDA enforcement actions requires understanding both agency procedures
Defending Against USDA Enforcement Actions: A Legal Strategy Guide Read More »
Meat and poultry processors face labeling rejections from FSIS that delay product launches and waste printing costs. Label approval specialists cite obscure policy memos and technical violations that weren’t apparent from reading the core regulations. I know this because USDA labeling laws and requirements represent one of the most detailed regulatory frameworks in food production
Meat, Poultry & Egg Labeling Laws: USDA Labeling Requirements Read More »
Agricultural businesses operating under USDA regulations face policy shifts every five years when Congress passes the Farm Bill. These massive legislative packages – sometimes exceeding 1,000 pages – reshape USDA programs, enforcement priorities, and compliance requirements across every regulated sector. I know this because the Farm Bill determines which USDA programs receive funding and enforcement
The Farm Bill and What It Means for USDA-Regulated Industries Read More »
OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the significant developments from January. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to
January Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »
On January 7, 2026, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 (DGA) were released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The DGAs provide advice on nutrient needs, promote health, and help prevent chronic disease, which will influence current and forthcoming HHS and USDA food and
Analyzing the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines and MAHA Policy Impacts Read More »
OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few significant developments from December. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to reach out
December Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »
Your product launches are delayed. Your labeling team just received contradictory guidance from two different federal agencies. And now you’re facing questions from your legal department about which food labeling laws actually apply to your products. I’ve guided food manufacturers through this exact compliance maze for years – and the confusion isn’t your fault. FDA
Food Labeling Laws: FDA vs USDA Requirements and Enforcement Risks Read More »
OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the significant developments from November. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to
November Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »
Despite the Senate’s passage of a continuing resolution to fund the federal government through January 30, 2026, and the House’s likely passage of a similar bill later this week, the Trump Administration is continuing the legal fight over November’s SNAP benefits. To recap recent events: Last Thursday afternoon, the Rhode Island federal judge issued a
Oh, SNAP! USDA Is Continuing to Fight Against Payment of Full November SNAP Benefits Read More »
OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the significant developments from October. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to
October Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »
Your facility has invested millions in equipment, processes, and personnel to meet the highest food safety standards. Yet falling short on USDA inspection can trigger enforcement actions that shut down operations and destroy years of business development. I know this because inadequate USDA inspection readiness costs food establishments their FSIS grant of inspection, market access,
USDA Inspection Readiness Checklist for Meat, Poultry & Egg Product Establishments Read More »
Your operation has been watching USDA’s beef industry plan since Secretary Rollins announced it in October 2025. But the plan wasn’t static — 2026 brought significant regulatory developments that directly affect ranchers, meat processors, and every company placing a “Product of USA” claim on FSIS-regulated products. The USDA beef industry plan is now in an
USDA’s Plan to Fortify the American Beef Industry: What’s Changed in 2026 Read More »
OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the significant developments from September. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to
September Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »
Your food production facility operates under the strictest safety standards. You’ve invested in equipment, training, and processes. Yet one FSIS inspection noncompliance record can trigger enforcement actions that shut down operations and devastate your business reputation overnight. I know this because USDA compliance and FSIS compliance failures cost food producers millions of dollars annually –
USDA Compliance and FSIS Compliance and Enforcement: What Every Food Producer Must Know Read More »
Suppose you are interested in producing meat, poultry, and/or egg products for commercial sale. In that case, chances are you will be required to apply for and receive a Grant of Inspection from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). To help you navigate this process, FSIS has released a new guidance document, Applying
USDA-FSIS Publishes Guidance on Applying for Federal Inspection Read More »
Your meat or poultry processing facility produces premium products with exceptional quality control and safety standards. Yet one USDA labeling violation can trigger product recalls, establishment shutdowns, and regulatory sanctions that destroy years of brand development and market positioning. With FSIS ramping up enforcement actions heading into 2026, even minor labeling errors now carry greater
USDA Labeling Requirements in 2026: Complete Guide for Meat, Poultry & Egg Products Read More »
OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the significant developments from August. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to
August Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »
On August 15, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), a Request for Information on State Laws Having Significant Adverse Effects on the National Economy or Significant Adverse Effects on Interstate Commerce (RFI). The RFI requests public input on state laws, regulations, and practices that significantly and negatively affect the national economy or interstate commerce. The feedback
OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the significant developments from June. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to
June Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »
OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the significant developments from May. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to
May Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »
OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the significant developments from April. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to
April Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »
OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the significant developments from March. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to
March Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »
OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the significant developments from February. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to
February Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »
OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the significant developments from January. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to
January Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »
OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the developments from December that should be highlighted. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do
December Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »
OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the significant developments from November. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to
November Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »
The food, agriculture, and trade sectors are aware the Trump Administration could bring myriad policy changes that could have a significant impact on business. OFW Law provides an initial outlook at the new administration’s approach to food, agriculture, and trade, which will be influenced by individual cabinet and other executive branch appointments who will
Food, Ag, & Trade Outlook in the Incoming Trump Administration Read More »
OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients appraised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the significant developments from October. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to
October Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »
OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the significant developments from September. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to
September Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »
