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Protocol for Off-Site Collection of Samples for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Testing Now Available
FSIS issued notice 33-04 on detailing how the compliance and inspection division will handle sample collection for BSE testing of bovine animals on June 14, 2004. This notice deals specifically with animals that were condemned during ante-mortem inspection at federally-inspected establishments and then moved to an off-site sample collection location. These off-site locations are typically rendering operations, landfills, collection sites, pet food manufacturers and other non-USDA inspected establishments. The notice details how the sample will be collected by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) service. This protocol will verify that ante-mortem condemned cattle arrive at the proper locations and that APHIS is aware of the cattle's arrival.
The complete notice, 33-04, regarding protocol for off-site collection of samples for BSE testing is available on FSIS' Web site, www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISNotices/33-04.pdf.
Notice Regarding eADRS Issued to FSIS Employees
FSIS issued notice 35-04 pertaining to the Electronic Animal Disposition Reporting System (eADRS) on June
15, 2004. Notice 35-04 provides inspection personnel with clear guidelines on what information is
considered necessary to be recorded in the Humane-handling Activities Tracking (HAT) section of eADRS.
This notice also covers information necessary for records issued for humane handling noncompliance and
guidance for inspectors' response to serious humane handling violations. Notice, 35-04 is available on
FSIS' Web site, www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISNotices/35-04.pdf.
FSIS Seeks Comments on Upcoming New Technology Web Site
FSIS is seeking comments on a proposed plan to post information that concerns the use of new technologies
in the production of meat, poultry, and egg products on its Web site. The posted information will focus on
new technologies currently under review, or that have already been reviewed, by the agency. Comments are
being sought specifically regarding the value to the public, potential costs and negative effects that
this information would have if made available to the public.
All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number 04-003N and be received by July 19,
2004. Comments may be submitted to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection
Service, 300 12th Street, SW., Room 102 Cotton Annex, Washington, DC 20250 or through the Federal
eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov.
The notice in its entirety is
available on FSIS' Web site, www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/04-003N.htm.
Reminder: Upcoming Codex Meeting
The 27th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission will take place at the International Conference
Center in Geneva, Switzerland from June 28-July 3, 2004. The U.S. Codex Office held a public meeting in
preparation for the session. This meeting will provide draft U.S. positions on items of the provisional
agenda and opportunities for public comment.
Items on the agenda include matters related to the Codex Procedural Manual, preliminary and final adoption
of Codex Standards and related texts and program and budgetary matters. Other agenda items include the
Joint FAO/WHO Evaluation of Codex, the Trust Fund for Enhanced Participation in Codex and the relations
between Codex and other international organizations.
The agenda items and more information for the Geneva, Switzerland meeting
can be found at:
www.codexalimentarius.net/codex/codex27_en.htm
E. coli O157:H7 Workshops Scheduled for June
FSIS is holding a series of teaching workshops around the nation, through September 2004, for small and
very small plants on new directives designed to strengthen E. coli O157:H7 prevention procedures.
The workshops are scheduled on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. They will present the materials in the
directives to operators of small and very small federally-inspected plants, state-inspected plants, federal
and state inspection personnel, members of academia and other interested parties.
The three FSIS Directives to be covered during the sessions are: Directive 10,010.1 Revision 1,
Microbiological Testing Program and Other Verification Activities for Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Raw Ground Beef
Products and Raw Ground Beef Components and Beef Patty Components; Directive 6420.0,
Verification of Procedures for Controlling Fecal Material, Ingesta, and Milk in Slaughter Operations;
and Directive 5000.2,
Review of Establishment Data by Inspection Program Personnel.
The workshops scheduled for June are as follows:
- June 19 - The St. Anthony, 300 East Travis, San Antonio, Texas, (210) 227 - 4392
- June 26 - Renaissance Boulder Suites Hotel, 500 Flatiron Blvd., Broomfield, CO, (303) 464 - 8400
To pre-register for the workshop in San Antonio, Texas, please call (202) 690-6520 or e-mail renee.ellis@fsis.usda.gov.
You may also register for this workshop and all future workshops by calling (866) 553-3052 or via FSIS' Web site
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News/Meetings_&_Events/
Library of Export Requirement Updated
The Library of Export Requirements has been updated to reflect changes in export requirements for Colombia,
Honduras, Hong Kong, Japan, Romania and Serbia. Complete information can be found at:
www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations/Export_Information/
The USDA Food Safety Mobile: Taking Food Safety Education on the Road
The USDA Food Safety Mobile is a 35-foot, recreational-style vehicle covered with a bold, eye-catching
design and prominent food safety messages, including the four Fight BAC!® messages of the Partnership for
Food Safety Education.
The next stops for the Food Safety Mobile are:
- June 23: FSIS Fair (Beltsville, MD)
- June 26-27: National Capital Barbecue Battle (Washington, DC)
Featured Office of the Week: Labor and Employee Relations Division
The Labor and Employee Relations Division's (LERD) mission is to prevent and correct conduct and
performance problems that can significantly interfere with the agencies vital Public Health Goals.
To accomplish this important task LERD provides vital leadership and helpful advice to managers handling
labor relation issues. LERD is also dedicated to promoting and enhancing relations with the National
Joint Council of Food Inspection Locals and other important employee organizations.
THIS WEEK'S HOT WEB LINKS
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