Iowa pork producers can now export sausage and similar products to Nigeria.

Last week, Nigeria agreed to partly open its market to US pork producers after negotiations between the USDA and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to Jen Sorenson, president of the National Pork Producers Council, this is the first US protein Nigeria has allowed in its market.

In a release from NPPC, Sorensen says;

Nigeria has the largest GDP of any African country, with a population of just over 211 million, we are excited to be the first U.S. protein to be allowed access to the Nigerian market. NPPC thanks the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for their efforts to reach an agreement that allows the U.S. pork industry to provide affordable, wholesome and nutritious products to Nigerian consumers.

At this time, poultry, beef, and other pork items are still ineligible for trade with Nigeria.

Photo by Hello I'm Nik on Unsplash

FDA Announces New Regulatory Program for Eggs

The FDA and National Egg Regulatory Officials are announcing new programs for state egg and egg product regulators entitled the Egg Regulatory Program Standards (ERPS).

These programs are designed for the regulatory activities of agencies to become more efficient in egg product safety.

These programs are for regulatory programs, not manufacturers or growers. With these ten standards, the FDA hopes to strengthen the safety and integrity of US eggs and egg products supply.

Areas of focus of the ERPS include:

Regulatory Foundation
Training Program
Inspection Program
Inspection Audit Program
Egg-related Illness, Outbreak and Emergency Response
Compliance and Enforcement Program
Outreach Activities
Program Resources
Program Assessment
Laboratory Support

Iowa is currently one of two states to have regulatory agencies enrolled in ERPS.

The Best Burritos In The Cedar Valley - Photos/List

This radio station took a (very) informal poll on our Facebook page and here's a list of the most popular places in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area to wrap your hands around a giant delicious burrito. You'll notice that they're listed in alphabetical order because it's hard to say that one is better than the other. Except for those cheap frozen burritos you can find in your grocer's freezer, those are truly disgusting. Especially, when you compare them to these local creations made with fresh ingredients and tender loving care. There's a surprising amount of fantastic Mexican restaurants in the area, let's check them out.