#agalerts

#AgAlerts: Forever chemicals; change in the calorie count of nuts; Walmart’s meatpacking; the Salton Sea and food stamps

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In 2018, 3M agreed to pay Minnesota $850 million to settle a case alleging the manufacturer damaged natural resources and contaminated groundwater by disposing of the chemicals over decades. Studies have associated certain PFAS chemicals with increased risk of cancer and damage to organs such as the liver and thyroid. The suit alleges that the defendants knew or should have known that the chemicals persist in the environment and do not degrade, that they would inevitably accumulate and build up in humans and animals, and that it is a potential or confirm carcinogen.

aurora

USDA recalls 60,000 pounds of local beef

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The USDA recalled more than 60,000 pounds of raw beef from the Aurora Packing Company, Inc. in North Aurora because the meat may be contaminated with E. Coli.

Agribusiness

Large animal feeding operations on the rise
Several states see shifts in animal production since 2011

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The number of new concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) have increased across the U.S. over the past six years - bringing the total operations just under 20,000, according to data from the Environmental Protection Agency. From 2011 to 2017, the United States saw more than 1,400 new large-scale concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) established. That’s up 7.6 percent. Here's a look at the issue in maps and charts.

Beef

Country of origin labels set to go away

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Meat sold in the United States could soon lack a label that maps its origins. In 2009, Congress mandated that all livestock must include a country-of-origin labeling throughout what is commonly referred to as the COOL law. Under the requirements, the label must show where livestock was born, raised and slaughtered.

Health

Beef recall expanded nationwide; politicians seek more information

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Earlier this month, the Food Safety and Inspection Service announced that the California-based Rancho Feeding Corporation was recalling about 9 million pounds of "diseased and unsound" meat. At first, the recall only affected consumers in five states. Now, weeks after the recall was first issued, it has been expanded across the country.

Agribusiness

Beef suppliers settle lawsuit over abuse, slaughter of sick cattle

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Last month, former beef suppliers to the National School Lunch Program reached an agreement with the United States government and The Humane Society of the United States to settle allegations of mistreating downer cattle at the suppliers' Chino, Calif., slaughter operation. The settlement concluded a nearly five-year legal battle that started in 2008, which also involved the largest meat recall in U.S. history.