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For Business and Industry:
FSIS Directive 9040.1, Revision 3
Reinspection of Product Intended for Export Questions and Answers (Aug 8, 2006)
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- Q1. Can you please provide the link to Directive 9040.1, Revision 3 on the FSIS Website?
- Q2. Can inspectors elect to open boxes of product without observing any damage in an ID warehouse?
- Q3. If opening of boxes is necessary, does the warehouse have to have a "clean room"?
- Q4. Is reinspection necessary when export certification occurs at the production plant?
Q1. Can you please provide the link to Directive 9040.1, Revision 3 on the FSIS Website?
A. Directive 9040.1, Rev.3 can be found on the FSIS Website at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/
rdad/FSISDirectives/9040.1Rev3.pdf (PDF Only)
Q2. Can inspectors elect to open boxes of product without observing any damage in an ID warehouse?
A. Yes, inspectors do have the authority under 9 CFR 318.2 to reinspect product as often as necessary to determine whether the product is wholesome and properly labeled in official establishments or off-site where inspection services are requested. FSIS Directive 9040.1, however, states that inspection personnel should focus on cartons showing evidence of mishandling or off-condition. Inspectors need not routinely open boxes showing no evidence of poor condition. In general, opening boxes is not necessary when product appears in good condition.
Q3. If opening of boxes is necessary, does the warehouse have to have a "clean room"?
A. No, a specific room is not required. However, warehouses should have a designated area where ID services can be performed under sanitary conditions. FSIS Directive 9040.1, Rev. 3, states that inspectors can request that the applicant open selected samples of boxes or containers in a sanitary environment (e.g., identification services area of the facility) or can open and examine boxes of product for export in a sanitary manner without the use of a dedicated "clean room." Should further inspection be needed, the inspector may also request that samples be removed to another, suitable facility where inspection may be performed. Section 416.4(d) of 9 CFR applies to all situations:
416.4(d) Product must be protected from adulteration during processing, handling, storage, loading, and unloading at and during transportation from official establishments.
Q4. Is reinspection necessary when export certification occurs at the production plant?
A. In cases where the certificate is to be issued at the establishment that produced the product for export, very little reinspection should be required at the time of the export given that the product, and any subsequent storage of the product, has been subject to federal inspection. FSIS Directive 9040.1 requires more reinspection only if inspection program personnel find signs of poor product handling and storage.
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Last Modified: August 8, 2006 |
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