Despite widespread layoffs across federal agencies, including USDA, the Food Safety and Inspection Service remains able to hire, according to FSIS Administrator Denise Eblen.
Speaking at the Southwest Meat Association’s Meat, Education, Advocacy & Technology Forum in Arlington, Texas, this week, Eblen reassured attendees about staffing concerns, emphasizing that FSIS remains fully capable of maintaining an adequate workforce.
“We are fortunate that FSIS is one of the few agencies that still have the ability to hire,” Eblen said, as reported by Meatingplace.
In a statement to Meatingplace, FSIS confirmed that its frontline inspection roles are considered public safety positions, meaning the agency is continuing to recruit inspectors to ensure meat processors remain operational and food safety standards are upheld.
While some federal agencies face hiring freezes or workforce reductions, Eblen said she is “confident” FSIS can maintain sufficient staffing levels to keep meat processing plants running safely and efficiently.
Bipartisan bill seeks to lower grocery prices
Reps. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) have reintroduced the Lower Grocery Prices Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at addressing the rising cost of food. The bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to analyze two decades of grocery price trends, recommend solutions to lower costs, and develop a national strategy to combat food price inflation.
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