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National Advisory Committee on
Meat and Poultry Inspection
November 14 - 15, 2001
Briefing Paper: Update and Status of Findings
from the Food Safety Systerms Correlation Team (FSSCTT) Activities in
Fiscal Year 2001
Purpose
The purpose of this briefing is to provide the National Advisory
Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection with a status report on FSSCT
activities that were conducted in fiscal year 2001.
Main Points
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The FSSCT of the FSIS Technical Service
Center was formed in fiscal year 2001 to gather information about how
inspection program personnel perform food safety inspection related
duties and how establishments are meeting food safety related
requirements. The FSSCT is focusing on identifying the range of food
safety inspection practices within a district. Based on the information
gathered, the FSSCT performs correlation activities with inspection
personnel and industry representatives.
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No record is made of individual
establishment findings.
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The process is designed to examine four of
the eight components of the food safety systems in each establishment.
The eight components are sanitation SOPs; hazard analyses; critical
control point (CCP) determination; critical limits; monitoring
procedures; verification procedures; reassessment procedures; and
recordkeeping procedures. The four components selected for examination
varies from establishment to establishment. All eight components are
represented in the data gathered in each district.
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The following are range-of-practice
observations that have been used as topics for correlation activities
with inspection personnel and industry representatives in fiscal year
2001.
Sanitation SOPs:
Hazard Analyses:
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Verifying that the process, flow charts,
and hazard analysis match
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Ensuring that all three kinds of hazards
(biological, chemical, physical) are addressed in all steps of the
process
- Ensuring that historical data and scientific support are available
to justify decisions made
CCPs:
Critical Limits:
Monitoring Procedures:
Recordkeeping Systems:
Inspection Subjects:
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Knowing the requirements for and the
importance of written documentation and support for decision made
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Documenting incidents of noncompliance
consistently, completely, and clearly
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During fiscal year 2001, both the in-plant
and the correlation portions of the FSSCT activity were completed in
the Boulder and Dallas districts and the in-plant portion was started
in the Lawrence district. A follow-up correlation was conducted
in Boulder. In November 2001, a follow-up correlation will be
conducted in Dallas.
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During fiscal year 2001, both the in-plant
and the correlation portions of the FSSCT activity were completed in
the Boulder and Dallas districts and the in-plant portion was started
in the Lawrence district. A follow-up correlation was conducted
in Boulder. In November 2001, a follow-up correlation will be
conducted in Dallas.
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Findings so far indicate that in-plant
inspection personnel and circuit supervisors have gained a much greater
understanding of the application of the regulations at their
assignemnts and indicated that they will follow through with changes.
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For fiscal year 2002, FSSCT plans to double
the previous fiscal year's accomplishments by completing activities in
six districts.
Contact Persons
Bobby Palesano
Donal Smart
Technical Service Center
USDA, FSIS, OFO
Suite 300 Landmark Center
1299 Farnam Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68102
(402) 221-7400
Attachment
FSIS
Notice 42-01
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