FSIS To Hold Workshops on New Directives to Prevent E. coli O157:H7
Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113
Amanda Eamich
WASHINGTON, May 20, 2004–WASHINGTON, D.C., May 20, 2004- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced it will hold a series of teaching workshops around the nation for small and very small plants on new directives designed to strengthen E. coli O157:H7 prevention procedures.
The workshops will be held from May 22 through September 11, 2004, and are designed to provide owners and operators of plants with detailed information about three new directives as well as updated procedures inspectors will follow in certifying plant compliance.
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.
These instructive updates are a part of FSIS' continuing effort to prevent E. coli O157:H7 contamination and protect public health by providing small and very small plant operators with as much technical expertise and assistance as possible.
E. coli O157:H7 Teaching Workshops
Saturday
Location
May 22
Toledo, Ohio
June 5
Los Angeles, California
June 12
Miami, Florida
June 19
San Antonio, Texas
June 26
Boulder, Colorado
July 10
New York, New York
July 17
Sacramento, California
July 24
St. Louis, Missouri
July 31
Montgomery, Alabama
August 28
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
September 11
Amarillo, Texas
Participants are encouraged to pre-register for the meetings and can do so by either calling toll free
1-866-553-3052. Any questions related to pre-registration or registration arrangements should be directed to Sheila Johnson, Strategic Initiatives, Partnerships & Outreach Staff, phone (202) 690-6498. Additional information on sessions is available at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/meetings_&_events/
