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FSIS Completes 2012 Food Defense Plan Survey
The agency completed its Seventh Annual Food Defense Plan Survey this August. As in 2011, this year's survey
covered meat and poultry slaughter and processing establishments, processed egg products plants and official
import inspection establishments.
The 2012 survey found that 77 percent of all establishments have a functional food defense plan, exceeding the
agency's FY 2011 goal of 76 percent. As in previous years, larger establishments have a higher rate of implementing
food defense plans: 99 percent of large establishments, 87 percent of small establishments and 67 percent of very
small establishments have a functional plan. To reach the agency goal of 90 percent adoption by 2015, FSIS will
continue outreach efforts, with particular attention to very small establishments.
FSIS encourages all FSIS-regulated establishments to develop a functional food defense plan, although having a plan
is not a regulatory requirement. Once implemented, a food defense plan helps the establishment to focus prevention,
response and recovery actions to protect the business, its employees and its customers. For guidance and documents
related to food defense, go to www.fsis.usda.gov/Food_Defense_&_Emergency_Response/
index.asp.
For questions and additional assistance, contact the Small Plant Help Desk at (877) FSIS-HELP (877-374-7435).
Any policy-related questions can also be addressed through the Policy Development Division at
http://askfsis.custhelp.com or (800) 233-3935.
Update on FSIS Baseline Surveys
The agency posted a document describing the Market Hog Baseline Survey and its findings on its website.
"The Nationwide Microbiological Baseline Data Collection Program: Market Hogs Survey August 2010 - August 2011"
was posted on Sept. 20, 2012, and is available at www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/Baseline_Data_Market_Hogs_2010-2011.pdf.
A survey also was completed on raw chicken parts in September 2012. Analysis of the resulting data is underway
and the web-based report is expected to be posted during the third quarter of FY 2013. The Raw Liquid Egg
Products Survey is in the seventh month of a planned 12-month sample collection period and should conclude in
March 2013.
Export Requirement Updates
The Library of Export Requirements has been updated to reflect changes in export requirements for the following
countries:
Complete information can be found at
www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/
Export_Information/index.asp.
FSIS To Hold Webinars on Poultry Sanitary Dressing Procedures
The agency will be conducting two webinar trainings on Nov. 7 (state audiences) and Nov. 8 (industry audiences),
that focus on verification of poultry sanitary dressing. The course will also cover process control procedures by
off-line inspection program personnel in poultry slaughter operations using a systems approach. Both webinars will
be held at 11 a.m. ET.
The training will discuss: a "system" as it relates to sanitary dressing and process control; the role
of sanitary dressing and process control as part of an establishment's food safety system. In addition, there will
be discussion as to how inspectors will verify poultry sanitary dressing and process control procedures as
outlined in Directive 6410.3 which can be found at
www.fsis.usda.gov/oppde/rdad/FSISDirectives/6410.3.pdf.
Registration is not required for either webinar. To participate, go to
www.connectmeeting.att.com (meeting number: 888-858-2144 and pass
code: 3959167). Participants are asked to log in 10 minutes prior to the start of the webinar. For specific
course questions, visit askFSIS at http://askfsis.custhelp.com/.
Updates on FSIS Testing for E. coli
FSIS posts bi-weekly updates for the agency's raw ground beef E. coli sampling program. Included are
testing results of raw ground beef component samples for E. coli O157:H7 and STECs from FSIS routine and
follow-up sampling programs. Also featured is data for non-O157 STECs by each non-O157 STEC serogroup.
To review testing results, go to www.fsis.usda.gov/Science/
Ground_Beef_E.Coli_Testing_Results/index.asp.
Get Answers at askFSIS
AskFSIS is a web-based technology and policy question-and-answer forum on topics such as exporting,
labeling, inspection, programs and procedures. In addition, askFSIS offers Really Simple Syndication (RSS)
feeds that link back to the Q&As. Visit http://askfsis.custhelp.com/ to
view recently posted topics.
The following topic was recently updated:
"Cook It Safe" Four Basic Messages
To prevent food poisoning at home, do the following:
- Read and follow package cooking instructions;
- Know when to use a microwave or a conventional oven;
- Know your microwave wattage before microwaving food; and
- Always use a food thermometer to ensure a safe internal temperature.
To find out more about the campaign, go to www.fsis.usda.gov/Food_Safety_Education/
Cook_It_Safe/index.asp.
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Last Modified:
October 19, 2012 |
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