|
Script: Import Permit Policies III |
 |
Intro:
Welcome to USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service podcast. Each episode
will bring you cutting edge news and information about how FSIS is working to ensure public
health protection through food safety. While we’re on the job, you can rest assured that
your meat, poultry, and processed egg products are safe, wholesome, properly labeled,
and packaged correctly. So turn up your volume and listen in.
Host:
Hello and welcome! I’m Alexandra Tarrant with FSIS and your host for this podcast.
Before we begin today’s podcast, I want to let our listeners know that in the coming weeks
FSIS will be switching to a new digital format to ensure the highest quality of audio
and video podcasts. Please stay tuned to our podcasts, or visit our website at
www.fsis.usda.gov, for more information. This is
the third of our four part series on the enhanced efforts the agency is taking regarding
imported food product ingredients containing small amounts of meat or poultry. With me
is Dr. Jerry Elliot from FSIS’ Office of International Affairs who has been with FSIS
for over 20 years. Thanks for joining me again today Jerry.
Guest:
I’m glad to be back.
Host:
In our previous podcasts, we have discussed the agency’s efforts to ensure that
imported products containing small amounts of meat and poultry are from an approved source
and the import permit process. Let’s talk a bit more about the role of APHIS. APHIS regulates
imports under statutory authority of the Animal Health Protection Act to ensure that they
don’t pose a risk to U.S. animal health, correct?
Guest:
Yes, that’s right; and APHIS issues a veterinary permit to importers of food
products containing a small amount of meat, poultry or processed egg product ingredients
into the United States.
Host:
We talked briefly about these veterinary permits. Can you tell us more about
how to obtain a permit?
Guest:
Well, importers may apply for an APHIS import permit by completing and submitting
VS Form 16-3. The application is on the APHIS Website at
www.aphis.usda.gov. You can obtain
a permit application by writing to the Import/Export Animal Products Programs at:
USDA, APHIS, VS
National Center for Import and Export Products Program
4700 River Road, Unit 40
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
This application can also be submitted to APHIS via their web-based system called e-Permits.
Host:
And, explain again how FSIS gets involved in this process.
Guest:
As of June 22, APHIS forwards the permit application to FSIS to verify that the
meat or poultry ingredient is from an approved source. FSIS reviews the applications and
works with the applicant so that he or she fully understands the documentation that is
needed. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to provide documented evidence of an approved
source to FSIS for their imported food product. Providing the proper documentation saves
time during the application process.
Host:
Okay. So, what if the conditions of the permit are not met?
Guest:
Well, if these conditions are not met, the imported food product will not be
considered approved for food to enter U.S. commerce, and APHIS will deny approval of the
permit.
Host:
Okay, that’s very important for importers to know. Jerry, please remind our listeners
where they can go to for more information.
Guest:
Sure. Your questions can be directed to FSIS at
permits@fsis.usda.gov or our phone number is (888) 287-7194. To contact APHIS,
you need to go to their website at www.aphis.usda.gov or you can reach them by phone at
(301) 734-8226 for additional permit guidelines. I’d also like to remind folks that the
Import Permit Guide for Products with Small Amounts of Meat or Poultry is on the FSIS
Web site at www.fsis.usda.gov.
Host:
That’s it for today’s segment. Thanks again, Jerry for being here.
Guest:
My pleasure.
Host:
Join us next time for the last of this four part series on imported food products.
Thanks to all of you for listening.
Outro:
Well, that’s all for this episode. We’d like your feedback on our podcast. Or if you
have ideas for future podcasts, send us an e-mail at
podcast@fsis.usda.gov. To learn more about food safety, try our web site at
www.fsis.usda.gov. Thanks for tuning
in.
|
