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U.S. Resumes Beef Trade with Japan
On December 11, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns issued a statement to announce that the Japanese market is now open to U.S. beef products. “Japan’s action today provides an excellent example for other countries in Asia whose markets remain closed. Now is the time for Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, China, Singapore and others to open their markets to U.S. beef,” said Johanns.
Under the agreement, the United States may export beef from cattle 20 months of age and younger to Japan. More than 94 percent of total U.S. ruminant and ruminant products, representing a total export value of $1.7 billion, are once again eligible for export to Japan.
With the opening of the Japanese border, 67 countries have now established trade to selected U.S. beef and beef products.
FSIS Issues Notice of Request for New Information Collection
Today FSIS published a notice in the Federal Register titled, “Notice of Request for a New Information Collection (Application for Return of Exported Products).” The notice announces FSIS’ intention to request a new information collection form for the return of exported meat, poultry and egg products to the United States.
The form will help FSIS’ Office of International Affairs (OIA) determine if products need to be re-inspected after they are exported to foreign countries
and then returned to the United States. In accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations, exported product returned to this country is exempt from FSIS
import inspection requirements upon notification to, and approval from, OIA. However product that is shipped back out of the United States might require
re-inspection at a federally inspected facility for food safety and food defense determinations. When FSIS inspection program personnel establish that
product is safe and not adulterated or misbranded, the product may be released into commerce.
This notice is available on FSIS’ Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Frame/FrameRedirect.asp?main=http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/05-035N.htm.
FSIS Announces New District Manager for Raleigh
In January 2006, Steven Lalicker will become the District Manager for
the Raleigh district.
Lalicker has been with FSIS for over 20 years. He began his career as an
intermittent food inspector and has held a variety of positions throughout
the agency. Lalicker served as a front line supervisor at FSIS’ Technical
Service Center and is currently one of two deputy district managers in the
Raleigh District Office.
FSIS and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Hold Joint Public Meeting on Jurisdiction
On December 15, FSIS and FDA held a joint public meeting in Rosemont, Ill.
Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Richard Raymond delivered welcoming
remarks and FSIS Deputy Administrator Bryce Quick and Dr. Robert Brackett,
director of FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, gave opening
remarks.
During this meeting, the agencies discussed and solicited public
comments on developing a consistent regulatory approach concerning
the jurisdiction over certain food products that contain meat and poultry.
Both Agencies received compliments for holding the meeting and for attempting
to tackle the jurisdiction issue.
FSIS has authority over meat, poultry and egg products and FDA has
authority over all foods not under FSIS’ jurisdiction. As the principal
regulators, FSIS and FDA formed a working group to examine jurisdictional
issues for food categories that contain meat and poultry ingredients.
The group concluded that past decisions involving certain product
categories are no longer consistent, largely due to marketplace changes.
The group recommended an approach that will utilize defined conditions
and factors when making jurisdictional decisions for existing and future
food products containing meat and poultry.
The agencies also accepted public comments on the Federal Register
notice containing the working group’s recommendations.
FSIS Offers Holiday Food Safety Recommendations
This week, FSIS issued a news release with food safety suggestions
for holiday gatherings. The news release titled, "USDA Offers Food
Safety Recommendations for Holiday Gatherings – Avoiding Foodborne
Illness Key to a Food Safe Holiday Season," offers recommendations
to consumers to help them avoid foodborne illness while enjoying seasonal feasts.
USDA recommends everyone practice the following four basic food
safety steps when preparing food to help reduce foodborne illness:
- Clean - Wash hands and surfaces often.
- Separate - Don’t cross-contaminate. Keep raw meat and poultry apart from cooked foods.
- Cook - Use a food thermometer to be sure meat and poultry are safely cooked.
- Chill - Refrigerate or freeze promptly.
The news release also offers recommendations for safe food
handling for holiday buffets and dessert tables, and provides
helpful resources for additional food safety guidance.
For further information regarding food safety during the holiday season, visit FSIS’ Web site at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov.
Helpful Resources
USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline - Food safety experts are available
year-round Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Eastern Time to answer questions about safely preparing and cooking foods.
The toll-free number is 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854). Recorded messages
are available 24 hours a day.
Ask Karen - FSIS’ virtual representative can answer your
questions 24 hours day, seven days a week. Visit "Ask Karen"
at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Food_Safety_Education/
Ask_Karen/index.asp.
Holiday Buffets Fact Sheet - A concise one-page summary about
common types of foodborne bacteria associated with holiday foods.
The fact sheet also provides recommendations from USDA’s Meat and
Poultry Hotline that will help you have a safe holiday party.
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/Holiday_or_Party_Buffets.pdf.
Cooking For Groups Brochure - Helps hosts of large dinner gatherings and parties prepare and
serve food safely for large groups. Available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/
Cooking_for_Groups_index/index.asp.
Export Requirement Updates
The Library of Export Requirements has been updated to reflect
changes in export requirements for the following: Japan, Iceland,
and Romania. Complete information can be found at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/
Export_Information/.
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