But regulatory oversight and testing literally has been cut in 2025. In part because there is an effort to shift regulations at the federal level to the states, many of which are underfunded.
Many things can be happening here at once. In fact, a new food pyramid combined with easing regulations and testing sort of goes hand in hand.
Some events from 2025 and early 2026:
The feds hadn't been using this data for years because of lack of funding, but now preventing any future studies via a data blackout is concerning.
Not all of these examples are directly meat related, but it still points to a pattern where public safety has been impacted.
There have been enough listeria outbreaks since 2025 to where I will no longer buy bagged salad.
And from where I sit in federal space and the cuts and sleight of hand I've personally witnessed on my own program - even while not CDC or USDA related - I am inclined to believe many decisions by this administration are to line pockets at the expense of public safety.
Call me paranoid, fine, but as has pointed out in the notes, making at effort to patronize local butchers, especially those from underrepresented communities, is good from a community-building standpoint.