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State Implementation of PHIS Begins
This week, FSIS took the first steps in beginning a staggered implementation of the Public Health Information System (PHIS) to 23 State Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) programs across the nation. In preparation for implementation, FSIS has held several conference calls with the participating MPI programs and distributed information on how to enroll in PHIS. FSIS has also distributed relevant information so that participating states could enter necessary data into PHIS in advance of their start dates.
Training materials are being mailed to the designated contact with each program by April 19. Training for state inspectors begins April 22. Once state inspectors have completed their training, they may begin using PHIS on their assigned start date. Implementation is expected to be completed by the end of 2013.
For questions related to computer functionality and connectivity, contact the FSIS Service Desk 24 hours a day/7 days a week by calling 1-800-473-9135. For business application or policy-related questions, contact the Office of Policy and Program Development (OPPD) via AskFSIS (http://askfsis.custhelp.com) or call 1-800-233-3935. For problems with eAuthentication or logging into PHIS with eAuthentication credentials, contact the USDA eAuth Service Desk at eAuthHelpDesk@ftc.usda.gov, 1-800-457-3642, or refer to the eAuthentication Frequently Asked Questions page at https://app.eauth.egov.usda.gov/AccountServices
/MainPages/eAuthFAQ.aspx.
Codex Public Meeting on Food Labeling
FSIS and the FDA are hosting a public meeting to receive comments and draft U.S. positions that are scheduled to be discussed at the 41st session of the Codex Committee on Food Labeling (CCFL) in Charlottetown, Canada. The public meeting is scheduled for April 17, from 1-3 p.m., at USDA’s Jamie L. Whitten Bldg., Rm. 107-A, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250.
Agenda items include: implementation of the World Health Organization Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health; proposed draft revision of the guidelines on nutrition and health claims concerning non-addition of sodium salts; and guidelines for the production, processing, labeling and marketing of organically produced foods.
Documents and agenda items related to the 41st session of the CCFL will be available at www.codexalimentarius.org/meetings-reports/en. For more information about the public meeting, contact Doreen Chen-Moulec at (202) 205-7760 or uscodex@fsis.usda.gov.
Export Requirement Updates
The Library of Export Requirements has been updated to reflect changes in export requirements for the following areas:
- Argentina
- Trinidad and Tobago
Complete information can be found at www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies
/Export_Information/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.
FSIS Solicits Feedback on AskFSIS
FSIS launched a survey on March 22 which is designed to enhance the usability and efficiency of AskFSIS—a Web-based question-and-answer forum. The purpose of the survey is to ensure that all customers receive the most helpful experience possible when accessing the application. Survey responses will be used to enhance customer service in the future. This survey ends today, April 12, 2013.
To access the survey, go to http://bit.ly/165iO2Q. For questions regarding the survey, contact Brittini Brown at Brittini.Brown@fsis.usda.gov. For technical issues with accessing the survey, contact Yolanda Kennedy-Edwards at Yolanda.Kennedy@fsis.usda.gov. Note that responses are voluntary and will remain confidential.
In addition, as the agency looks for ways to improve AskFSIS, a new feature called the “Help” tab has been added. This tool allows customers to better interact with the application and manage their own AskFSIS accounts.
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.
FSIS Policy Updates
FSIS issues notices and directives to protect public health. All notices and directives are available at www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/index.asp.
The following policy updates were recently issued:
Notice 26-13, Manufacture of Animal Food or Uninspected Articles at Official Establishments
Directive 10400.1, Sample Collection from Cattle Under the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Ongoing Surveillance Program
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.
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Last Modified:
April 12, 2013 |
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