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  "path": "/2026/05/usda-move-to-decommission-beltsville-research-center-sparks-food-safety-and-legal-concerns/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-21T04:04:23.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.foodsafetynews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Science and Research",
    "USDA",
    "Beltsville Research Center",
    "Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory",
    "Maryland"
  ],
  "textContent": "The USDA’s plan to decommission the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) and disperse its research units, including the Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory (EMFSL), is drawing criticism from scientists, food safety advocates, and Maryland lawmakers who say the move could disrupt critical food safety research and violate",
  "title": "USDA move to decommission Beltsville Research Center sparks food safety and legal concerns"
}