USDA has denied Iowa’s request to prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing lab-grown meat and egg substitute products. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services submitted the request, arguing that these alternatives “may not” be as nutritious as traditional meat and eggs and citing concerns about the potential economic harm to the state’s livestock and poultry industries. 

In its rejection, USDA stated that the waiver did not meet any of the four criteria required for approval. These criteria include improving SNAP program administration, increasing recipients’ self-sufficiency, testing innovative welfare strategies, or aligning SNAP rules with other programs. The government also noted that Iowa’s proposal failed to demonstrate how banning lab-grown proteins would enhance nutrition for SNAP recipients or measure its effects. 

The waiver denial follows the enactment of Iowa’s Senate File 2391 earlier this year, which prohibits lab-grown meat and egg substitutes from being included in school meals across the state. However, the USDA’s decision ensures that these products remain eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, preserving consumer choice for program participants.

The denial, communicated to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services in July 2024, only recently came to light after Iowa-based news outlet The Gazette obtained a copy of the USDA’s decision letter. Iowa officials, including Governor Kim Reynolds, have yet to comment on the decision.

Related:Iowa pork industry contributed $15.4B in value-added activity to state's economy in 2024

Scott says Freedom Caucus pushing to block disaster aid for farmers

In a statement Thursday, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member David Scott (D-Ga.) strongly criticized what he says is an effort by the House Freedom Caucus to withhold disaster aid for farmers and rural communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Scott’s criticism came in response to the group’s statement the previous day opposing “unpaid” disaster aid. 

“The House should consider only what is absolutely necessary right now to provide critical relief to hurricane victims and farmers, and pay for it with offsets from wasteful spending elsewhere in the government, then wait for President Trump to take office to better manage disaster relief,” the caucus’s statement said.

Scott called the move “disheartening” and warned it could leave storm-affected regions in the Southeast without critical recovery support during the holiday season. He said the group’s position undermines bipartisan efforts by the House and Senate Agriculture Committees to address economic challenges in the agricultural sector. 

Related:Farm Progress America, Jan. 14, 2025

In a direct appeal, Scott urged President-elect Donald Trump to intervene. “I call upon President-elect Trump to direct the House Freedom Caucus to stand down and let Congress move forward in providing this assistance to storm-ravaged communities in the Southeast and bringing adequate resources to address the economic disaster facing farmers across the country,” Scott said.

USDA and FDA request input on food date labeling

The USDA and FDA have jointly issued a Request for Information to explore how food date labeling terms like “Sell By,” “Use By” and “Best By” influence consumer decisions, food waste and grocery costs. The agencies aim to clarify and standardize date labeling practices to reduce confusion and help American families avoid prematurely discarding safe and healthy food.

“It has been estimated that confusion over the multitude of different date labeling terms on food products accounts for about 20% of food waste in the home,” said FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones. “We are looking forward to gathering valuable information to determine how date labeling can make it easier for consumers to know whether a food is still good to eat and avoid food waste.”

Related:Pork Leadership Institute taps 17 for 2025 class

Both agencies are focusing on whether current practices mislead consumers into discarding food based on perceived rather than actual safety. The effort is part of the National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics, which aims to cut food waste in half by 2030. USDA estimates the average American family wastes $1,500 annually on uneaten food, and the EPA reports 66 million tons of food waste were generated in 2019. Reducing waste not only lowers costs but also reduces the environmental footprint of discarded food.

Stakeholders have 60 days to respond to the 13 questions posed in the RFI, with input potentially shaping future policy, guidance, or consumer education. Both agencies currently encourage the voluntary use of the “Best if Used By” label for quality-based guidance while exploring whether stronger federal standards are necessary.