Meat & Poultry

The American Meat Science Association (AMSA) announces that Dr. Keith Belk has been named an AMSA Fellow and is a recipient of the 2013 AMSA Signal Service Award. The AMSA Signal Service Award was established in 1956 and is given to members in recognition of devoted service and lasting contributions to the meat industry and to the association. The Signal Service Awards are sponsored by Keystone Foods, Johnsonville Sausage Company and Elanco Animal Health. Dr. Belk will be honored at an Awards banquet during the AMSA 66th Reciprocal Meat Conference on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 in Auburn, AL. …

Tyson Foods, Inc. continues to accelerate the strategic expansion of its value-added foods portfolio with the acquisition of the assets of Circle Foods, LLC, a producer of frozen and refrigerated handheld Mexican foods, uncooked tortillas and Indian flatbreads, from Claridge, officials of both companies announced. …

Summer is about to be in full swing and that means many grilling days are ahead for Florida residents. According to a recent survey of consumer attitudes conducted by the Florida Beef Council, released in conjunction with Florida Beef Month, Floridians perceive beef as a smart meal choice that provides an excellent balance of taste and nutrition. Florida residents also consider beef as a symbol of “the good life”, they make it an important part of special occasions and they enjoy grilling beef more than any other area of the United States. …

The National Turkey Federation announced the addition of Keith M. Williams as Vice President of Communications and Marketing. …

It seems like a common-sense approach that consumers should know where their food comes from. Recently new rules called Country of Original Labeling for U.S. meatpackers were put into place that does just that — they require labels that say where the animal was born, raised and slaughtered. The rules apply to cuts such as steaks and roasts but do not apply to ground beef. But the rules are not going unchallenged. …