COVID-19
FDA issues temporary policy for receiving facilities, FSVP importers
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued guidance March 17 to communicate FDA’s intention to temporarily not enforce supplier verification onsite audit requirements for receiving facilities and importers under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in response to the... more »
Ag Workforce Coalition calls for action to keep H-2A, other visas in process
The steering committee of the Agriculture Workforce Coalition (AWC) on March 18 called on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to recognize all H-2A as well as any other non-immigrant visa petition involving an agricultural worker... more »
FDA schedules briefing to provide COVID-19 update
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will host a stakeholder call today, March 18, at 3:45 p.m. EDT to discuss food safety and food supply questions related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). During the call,... more »
Agriculture considered ‘essential business’ in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture on March 18 issued guidance for the agriculture industry on essential businesses and how those businesses can mitigate against COVID-19 while maintaining essential operations to ensure access to food. Governor... more »
Monterey’s COVID shelter-in-place order exempts agriculture
Monterey County, one of the most productive specialty crop areas in the U.S., is exempting agricultural operations and related food businesses are being exempted from a shelter-in-place order. COVID-19,... more »
Hours-of-service rules relaxed for food, other services amid coronavirus outbreak
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a national emergency declaration to provide hours-of-service regulatory relief to commercial vehicle drivers transporting emergency relief in response to the nationwide coronavirus (COVID-19)... more »
National Institute of Food and Agriculture extends deadlines due to COVID-19
Due to the disruptions arising from the national response to COVID-19, USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is extending the following deadlines. NIFA will continue to monitor the situation and post updates to this... more »
2020 Viva Fresh Expo in Texas canceled due to coronavirus
The 2020 Viva Fresh Expo has been canceled due to the increased concern for the health and safety of the exhibitors and attendees. Going forward, the 2021 Viva Fresh Expo is scheduled for March 23-28,... more »
USDA speaks on COVID-19 food safety work
Top USDA officials March 16 addressed food safety issues related to the new coronavirus. COVID-19, which stands for coronavirus disease 2019, as of March 16 had been linked to... more »
Status of US Consular operations in Mexico in light of COVID-19
The following information was posted March 16 regarding the operation of U.S. consulates in regard to Mexico. "The health and safety of those who work at and visit our embassy and consulate facilities is our... more »
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