Erica Shaffer

United States

Digital Media Editor at Meat & Poultry (USA)

Contributing Editor at Dairy Processing

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Articles

FSIS delays sampling of stuffed chicken products

1 week ago | meatpoultry.com | Erica Shaffer

WASHINGTON – The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will begin sampling of not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) breaded stuffed chicken products starting Nov. 3, 2025, the agency announced on April 11. The sampling program initially was set to begin on May 1, 2025. FSIS said the agency needed more time to finalize its instructions to inspectors and prepare inspection program personnel (IPP) and laboratories for the new sampling and testing.
Hi Mountain Seasonings promotes DIY jerky kits

1 week ago | meatpoultry.com | Erica Shaffer

RIVERTON, WYO. – Consumers are preparing more of their meals at home to save money. Hi Mountain Seasonings, a leading manufacturer of seasoning kits for homemade jerky, sausage and do-it-yourself bacon cure kits, believes consumers will also take a DIY approach when making meat snacks. Hi Mountain Seasonings is promoting its line of jerky kits that cater to various palates and dietary needs, including low-sodium options.
Pre Brands expands beef offerings at BJ’s Wholesale Club

2 weeks ago | meatpoultry.com | Erica Shaffer

CHICAGO — Pre Brands, a leading grass-fed and grass-finished premium beef purveyor, announced an expanded line-up of beef products — including three new items — at all BJ’s Wholesale Club stores. Pre launched sirloin steak (18 oz / 3 pack), stew meat (16 oz) and 90% lean ground beef (3 pack / 48 oz) at BJ’s expands Pre’s current in-store lineup of ribeye (20 oz/2 pk) and New York strip (20 oz/2 pk) offerings to all banners.
Foodservice trends: Mixed bag for bacon

3 weeks ago | meatpoultry.com | Erica Shaffer

The foodservice industry is expected to make a gradual recovery in 2025 after experiencing its first slowdown since the pandemic. With consumers facing economic headwinds, foodservice operators are focused on value, menu innovations and customer experience. Bacon remains an arrow in operators’ quiver to cater to consumers’ varied demands. Foodservice operators continue to offer bacon on menus, although consumer conversations around food, health and wellness are changing.
Conference preview: IFFA unbound

3 weeks ago | meatpoultry.com | Erica Shaffer

Restrictions implemented during the early post-lockdown days that characterized the COVID-19 pandemic are long gone, and the organizers of IFFA 2025 are prepared for the return of enthusiastic crowds to the international celebration of food processing technology and food manufacturing innovation. Hosted in Frankfurt, Germany, every three years, roughly 1,000 exhibitors at IFFA welcome food processors, craft manufacturers, stakeholders in ingredients, spices, catering and hospitality.
Boar’s Head names new chief food safety officer

3 weeks ago | foodbusinessnews.net | Erica Shaffer

SARASOTA, FLA. — Boar’s Head Brand appointed Natalie Dyenson as chief food safety officer effective May 12, in charge of leading the company’s comprehensive food safety program. Dyenson’s hiring is one of a series of food safety initiatives implemented following a deadly outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes.
Smithfield Foods added to Russell 1000 Index, CEO details strategy

4 weeks ago | supermarketperimeter.com | Erica Shaffer

SMITHFIELD, VA. — Smithfield Foods exited the US public equity market roughly a decade ago but has emerged as a completely different company, according to President and Chief Executive Officer Shane Smith. On March 24, the company was added to the Russell 1000 Index, a key benchmark for large-cap US stocks. The inclusion became effective after the market close on March 21 as part of the quarterly addition of eligible initial public offerings to the Russell Indexes.
Pilgrim’s Europe increases lamb production for Easter demand

4 weeks ago | supermarketperimeter.com | Erica Shaffer

WARWICK, ENGLAND — Pilgrim’s Europe is scaling up lamb production in anticipation of strong demand for the product during upcoming Easter holidays. With Easter falling late in April, the company expects mild temperatures may lead consumers to trade the traditional beef roast for lighter center-of-plate proteins such as lamb. The company said lamb consumption rebounded in 2024, after a dip in 2023 — due to 70-year record high temperatures, which led consumers outdoors and to their grills.
Pilgrim’s Europe to scale up lamb production

4 weeks ago | meatpoultry.com | Erica Shaffer

WARWICK, ENGLAND — Pilgrim’s Europe is scaling up lamb production in anticipation of strong demand for the product during upcoming Easter holidays. With Easter falling late in April, the company expects mild temperatures may lead consumers to trade the traditional beef roast for lighter center-of-plate proteins such as lamb. The company said lamb consumption rebounded in 2024, after a dip in 2023 — due to 70-year record high temperatures, which led consumers outdoors and to their grills.
Packaged meats lead Smithfield to profitability

1 month ago | meatpoultry.com | Erica Shaffer

SMITHFIELD, VA. — Smithfield Foods exited the US public equity market roughly a decade ago but has emerged as a completely different company, according to President and Chief Executive Officer Shane Smith. On March 24, the company was added to the Russell 1000 Index, a key benchmark for large-cap US stocks. The inclusion became effective after the market close on March 21 as part of the quarterly addition of eligible initial public offerings to the Russell Indexes.