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Alexander is Found Guilty in Slaying of FSIS Compliance Officers
On October 19, an Alameda County, Calif. jury found Stuart Alexander, guilty of first degree murder in the slayings
of two FSIS compliance officers, Jean Hillery and Tom Quadros, as well as Bill Shaline, a California Department of
Food and Agriculture investigator on June 21, 2000. The two unarmed FSIS veterans, along with California investigator
Bill Shaline, were gunned down in the line of duty by Alexander, the owner of a San Leandro, CA, sausage factory.
FSIS Acting Administrator Dr. Barbara Masters commented, "On June 21, 2000, FSIS was stunned and saddened by the
heinous killing of two dedicated compliance officers, Jean Hillery and Tom Quadros. Following a lengthy trial, a jury
has found Alexander guilty of first degree murder on all counts. I hope that this verdict, so long in coming, brings
a degree of comfort to the grieving families of these dedicated FSIS compliance officers, whose lives were shattered
on that day. They have been forced to relive their horrible ordeal over the course of a trial that lasted more than
six months as they waited patiently for justice to honor the memory of Jean, Tom and Bill. I hope this verdict also
brings comfort to the FSIS family, who continue to mourn the loss of their colleagues. I also want to thank FSIS
employees and others who assisted in the prosecution of this difficult case."
"This case once again reminds us that preventing foodborne illness through the application of meat and poultry
inspection laws is more than an academic exercise. Jean Hillery, Tom Quadros and Bill Shaline were at that plant
that day because they understood the importance of food safety regulations and the protection of public health,"
Masters said.
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman also responded to the verdict, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families
of these brave public servants who were murdered mercilessly in the line of duty on June 21, 2000. They embodied the
commitment to their profession and dedication to public service that is at the very core of our workforce. We will never
forget their sacrifice, and their memory will continue to live through the efforts of their colleagues in ensuring food
safety for all Americans."
On Monday, the same jury will begin the penalty phase of the trial, after which it will determine whether Alexander should be
executed or serve life in prison. He is eligible to receive the death penalty because he was convicted of the special circumstances
of killing the inspectors while they were on the job and also committing multiple murders.
Salmonella Risk Assessments are Available Online
Two draft risk assessments related to Salmonella are available online at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations/
2004_Notices_Index/index.asp#Documents.
The first risk assessment is a quantitative analysis of Salmonella enteritidis in shell eggs and the second
is a quantitative risk assessment of Salmonella in pasteurized liquid egg products. The documents were developed
by FSIS to provide scientific information that the Agency can use to develop pathogen reduction lethality performance standards
for pasteurized shell eggs and egg products.
A public meeting was webcast on October 22, allowing individuals the opportunity to discuss the technical design and assumptions
used in the creation of the draft risk assessments.
Written comments on the draft risk assessments may be submitted to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety
and Inspection Service, Docket 04-034N, 300 12th Street, SW, Room 102, Cotton Annex, Washington, DC 20250. Comments on
the draft risk assessments must be received on or before November 15, 2004.
Reminder: Food Safety Email Subscription Service Available
FSIS' new email subscription service gives interested persons automatic and customized access to selected food safety news
and information.
FSIS customers may sign up for 21 initial subscription options across eight categories. Options range from recalls to export
information to regulations, directives and notices. Additional subscription options will be added based on demand.
Customers can add or delete subscriptions themselves and will have the option to password protect their account.
To subscribe, customers can visit the FSIS Web site at www.fsis.usda.gov or
service.govdelivery.com/service/multi_subscribe.html?code=USFSIS.
National Advisory Committee Seeking Membership Nominees
USDA is seeking nominees for membership on the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF).
Nominations are being sought for scientists with expertise in epidemiology, food technology, microbiology, risk assessment,
infectious diseases and biostatistics and other related sciences. Nominees may be currently employed by state and federal
governments, industry, academia or other scientific pursuits. Committee appointments are made by the Secretary of Agriculture.
Nominations and resumes will be received for 30 days after the notice seeking nominees is published in the Federal Register
and should be sent to Karen Thomas, Advisory Committee Specialist, USDA, FSIS, Room 333, Aerospace Center, 1400 Independence Ave., SW,
Washington, DC 20250.
Featured Office of the Week: Office of Food Security and Emergency Preparedness
The Office of Food Security and Emergency Preparedness (OFSEP) manages all homeland security activities within FSIS. OFSEP
makes sure that policy makers, scientists, field staff and management are prepared to prevent and respond to any food security
threat. To learn more visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/About_FSIS/OFSEP/
Library of Export Requirements Updated
The Library of Export Requirements has been updated to reflect changes in export requirements for Canada and Japan. Complete information can be found at:
www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations/
Index_of_Import_Requirements_by_Country/
The USDA Food Safety Mobile: Taking Food Safety Education on the Road
The USDA Food Safety Mobile travels continuously throughout the United States to educate consumers about the risks
associated with mishandling food and steps they can take to reduce their risk of foodborne illness. The next dates
and locations are as follows:
- Oct 25, 2004: Elementary School (Las Vegas, NV)
- Oct 27, 2004: Elementary School (Las Vegas, NV)
- Nov 4, 2004: Metropolitan Inner-Faith Association (Memphis, TN)
THIS WEEK'S HOT WEB LINKS
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