Insights and Stories of P.J. Huffstutter

Jan. 25, 2015 at 12:14 pm CST

Chicago | Reuters — U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has directed agency staff to create and deliver an updated animal welfare strategy plan within 60 days, according to an internal email reviewed by Reuters. The emailed memo from Chavonda Jacobs-Young, head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, […]

By P.J. Huffstutter

Jan. 19, 2015 at 7:43 pm CST

Chicago | Reuters –– Merck and Co. is funding the testing of lower dosages of its controversial cattle growth drug Zilmax, in a move livestock experts say is crucial if the company is to resume sales of the product to the U.S. beef industry. Nearly 18 months after Merck pulled […]

By P.J. Huffstutter, Tom Polansek

Nov. 7, 2014 at 2:24 pm CST

Chicago | Reuters –– A group of environmental and public health groups sued the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday, seeking to set aside the agency’s approvals for feed additives containing ractopamine that are used to boost the weight of cattle and pigs. The groups, in two related lawsuits […]

By P.J. Huffstutter

Nov. 5, 2014 at 4:17 pm CST

Reuters — Merck & Co. is taking steps to resume sales of its controversial cattle feed additive Zilmax by changing the way the drug is administered, hoping to recapture some market share in the beef industry, where the U.S. herd has the fewest animals in more than 60 years. The […]

By P.J. Huffstutter

Sep. 18, 2014 at 4:08 pm CDT

Chicago | Reuters –– The U.S. government will set up a task force and presidential advisory council to tackle the growing threat of antibiotic resistance to national security, setting a Feb. 15 deadline for the outlining of specific steps to be taken, White House advisers said at a press conference […]

By P.J. Huffstutter