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March 6, 2009
FSIS Offers Regulatory Education Workshops
On March 13, FSIS will hold two regulatory education workshops in Missouri and Virginia for owners and operators of small and very small plants.

The workshop will cover a variety of topics and prerequisite programs, including hazard analysis and critical control points, sanitation performance standards, sanitation standard operating procedures, rules of practice, food defense strategies and Escherichia coli O157:H7.

The session will be held at the following locations:
  • Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown, 1301 Wyandotte Street, Kansas City, Missouri, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Hampton Inn of Staunton, 40 Payne Lane, Staunton, Virginia, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Online registration forms and information about upcoming sessions can be found at www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/
Registration_Regulatory_Ed_Sessions/index.asp
. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required.

Register for FSIS "How To" Workshops for Small and Very Small Plants
The Agency is hosting a series of "how to" workshops to provide practical tools and methods for proper application and compliance.

These outreach workshops will cover various information on Specified Risk Materials (SRMs), developing controls for Salmonella and Campylobacter, establishing effective sanitation practices, developing food defense plans, ensuring humane handling of livestock and conducting product recalls.

Visit www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/
Outreach_Sessions_SVS_Plants/index.asp
to register for a workshop. Individuals may also register by phone at 1-800-336-3747. Pre-registration is not required but it is highly encouraged.
March 9
Springdale, Arkansas
1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn & Northwest Arkansas Convention Center
1500 South 48th Street
(Developing Controls)

March 10
Kansas City, Missouri
1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Marriott Country Club Plaza
4445 Main Street
(Humane Handling)

March 12
Kansas City, Missouri
1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Marriott Country Club Plaza
4445 Main Street
(SRMs)

March 16
Dallas, Texas
7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Crowne Plaza Suites-Dallas Park Central
7800 Alpha Road
(Sanitation)

March 17
Dallas, Texas
1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Crowne Plaza Suites-Dallas Park Central
7800 Alpha Road
(Recalls)

March 19
Raleigh, North Carolina
7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn Carey
5630 Dillard Drive
(Developing Controls)
Export Requirement Updates
The Library of Export Requirements has been updated to reflect changes in export requirements for the following:
  • European Union
  • Sri Lanka
Complete information can be found at www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/
Export_Information/index.asp
.

Consumer Alert: USDA's Tips on Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency
Regions affected by severe winter weather are experiencing power outages. USDA advises you on how to avoid foodborne illnesses if you lose electricity.

Visit www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/
NR_030209_01/index.asp
.

Updates on FSIS Testing for E. coli O157:H7
The Agency regularly samples raw beef from establishments and tests for the presence of E. coli O157:H7 at its laboratories.

Weekly updates feature a table to illustrate year-to-date information for 2008 and 2009 for raw ground beef and raw ground beef components.

Results are posted to the Agency's Web site. Go to www.fsis.usda.gov/Science/
Ground_Beef_E.Coli_Testing_Results/index.asp
to find FSIS testing results for E. coli O157:H7 in raw ground beef sampling programs.

FSIS Posts New Podcasts
Tune in and subscribe to podcasts that offer helpful information on the selection, handling and preparation of meat and poultry products to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

This week, the FSIS released podcasts helpful to the everyday consumer and to plant owners and operators. Check out these new podcasts on the FSIS Web site at www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/Podcasts/index.asp.
  • Food Safety for Transplant Recipients
  • Palatine Tonsils - Plus Video!

In addition to the audio podcast, FSIS also released a video resource on how to identify and remove palatine and lingual tonsils in cattle. View the video at www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/
Meat_Poultry_&_Egg_Inspection_Video/index.asp#Safety
.

Consumer's Guide to Food Safety Fact Sheet
Consumer's Guide to Food Safety: Severe Storms and Hurricanes provides information and recommendations about keeping food safe during times of power outages and flooding.

Have questions? View details at www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/
Severe_Storms_and_Hurricanes_Guide/index.asp
.

Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill
  • Clean: When preparing food, wash hands and surfaces often.
  • Separate: Don't cross-contaminate.
  • Cook: Cook food to a safe minimum internal temperature as checked with a food thermometer.
  • Chill: Promptly refrigerate or freeze leftovers.

For more helpful food safety tips, go to FSIS' Web site www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/index.asp.


Last Modified: March 6, 2009

 

 

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