Why Turkey Prices Are on the Rise + Are New Food Labeling Mandates Coming?

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), turkey prices have reached their highest point since 2015 at $6.70 per pound. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks this year’s highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak, which has played a major role in driving up turkey prices ahead of Thanksgiving. Since February, a viscous and enduring strain of the HPAI virus has devastated nearly 250 commercial flocks and close to 300 backyard flocks. In total, the virus has killed 44 million birds this year, including 4.5 million turkeys, or 2.5 percent of US turkey production. While consumers should have little trouble finding frozen turkeys in time for Thanksgiving dinner, finding fresh turkeys may require some advanced planning. The team wonder whether avian viruses like HPAI are caused by poor living conditions and lack of hygiene on farms.  

Also, in this episode, Sydney talks about the Biden administration’s plans to update food labeling mandates to help consumers make healthier choices. The FDA was tasked with researching and developing a front-of-package (FOP) labeling system, which may come in the form of star ratings or traffic light schemes. Current food and beverage industry rules mandate that nutrition facts be printed on the back of a food or beverage package, but companies want the placement of additional nutrition information to stay voluntary. Industry leaders have already devised a voluntary label called Facts Up Front, which many brands including Kellogg’s and The Coca-Cola Company already use. Not to mention, new food labeling mandates could further drive up consumer prices at a time of inflation. The team discuss why food companies are pushing back and question whether the FDA’s ideas would be successful in helping consumers make healthier choices. 

Read the full articles here:

Avian Flu Drives up Turkey Prices Ahead of Thanksgiving

Here’s How the FDA Plans to Update Food Labeling Mandates

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