USDA'S CROSS RESIGNS

LAURA KLEPACKI

WASHINGTON -- H. Russell Cross, administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service, has said he plans to resign to return to academia. The resignation comes before the expiration of his contract in February.

Cross's departure is almost immediately on the heels of the resignation of C. Eugene Branstool, assistant secretary of agriculture in charge of marketing and inspection services, spurring speculation of discord at the agency.

In a written statement, the American Meat Institute expressed concern over the departures.

"I am disappointed to lose both Russell Cross and Eugene Branstool, two officials who were working hard to make positive changes in the meat and poultry inspection systems," said J. Patrick Boyle, AMI president, speaking on behalf of the group.

"We are concerned that two resignations so closely timed from positions that are so closely related indicate a level of frustration at the agency that may be counterproductive to achieving meaningful and badly needed reforms."

Cross will return to Texas A&M University as a professor in its Animal Science Department, where he previously served as chairman. Branstool, a former Ohio legislator, will return to his family farm there.

Both had been closely involved in the issuance of the new safe-handling labels for fresh meat and poultry. Neither could be reached for comment.

Sam Barone, director of information and legislative affairs, also has submitted his resignation.