What is IKE?

"IKE"

The Interactive Knowledge Exchange (IKE), is a new service of the FSIS Technical Service Center.

It is important that everyone understands that IKE and the information herein is intended for the use of all field employees. Many of our field personnel have ready access to a computer and their own "outlook" mailbox, while others have less access. We expect each Inspector In Charge (IIC) to share and discuss these scenarios with all off-line personnel. The IIC may also post these for review and discussion by on-line personnel.

We are excited about the introduction of this new education and correlation tool, and hope all Field Operations employees will take advantage of this opportunity in learning.

Introduction and Use of the Interactive Knowledge Exchange (IKE)

In a continuing effort to enhance and improve the scientific basis of our inspection activities, the Food Safety and Inspection Service is implementing a new service to facilitate greater sharing of knowledge and information with, and among, FSIS field personnel. This new service is identified as the "Interactive Knowledge Exchange (IKE)," and is described below.

The Interactive Knowledge Exchange (IKE) is a new tool available to all Field Operations’ employees. It is provided to help employees keep current, and correlated, on regulatory requirements, directives, notices, HACCP, SOP, and/or agency sampling programs. IKE allows, through the use of fictional scenarios, an employee to review FSIS requirements, and hopefully, to correlate with his or her work-group and supervisor regarding the application of those requirements.

The IKE system works in the following manner:

A scenario pertaining to an inspection related subject will be sent bi-weekly to all Field Operations employees, utilizing the "FAIM" and "Outlook" e-mail systems. Each scenario will include a " what would you do?" or "what is the correct action to take?" section, with suggested solutions to problems or issues raised in the scenario.
Any employee may ask questions regarding these scenarios. It is believed, however, that the greatest benefit may be gained from discussions of the scenarios and questions within individual work groups and with supervisors. If questions pertaining to any of the scenarios or answers given on IKE are not resolved through discussions within the work-group or with the supervisor, they should be submitted to the following special "Outlook" address. IKE@fsis.usda.gov
Questions received concerning the scenarios will be evaluated, researched and answered by Technical Service Center (TSC) specialists. Note: The responder may vary depending on the question asked; e.g. slaughter question to a slaughter specialist, or labeling to a labeling specialist, etc.
Information generated through the Interactive Knowledge Exchange (IKE) process may be used at work unit meetings, District Meetings, or meetings with plant management. The scenarios, and any subsequent questions and answers are intended to aid Field Operations’ employees through increased understanding and correlation of regulations, policies, and standards for the inspection of meat, poultry, and egg products.
Using this system will help us continually improve in our role as a public health regulatory agency. I am confident the IKE program will be a success, and I urge you to take advantage of this new tool for learning and correlation.
All IKE Scenarios are in the IKE Public Folder.

For IKE related questions, send mail to ike@fsis.usda.gov. For all other general questions, send to Tech Center address listed below.

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Last modified: May 10, 2004 since its inception on May 21, 1999.