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FSIS Enhances Food Safety Awareness with Launch of RSS Feeds and Web 2.0 Tools
On March 26, FSIS launched Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds for news and recall releases.
Also, FSIS added the capability to bookmark and share food safety content on personal and public
social networking Web pages.
RSS feeds are an effective method of summarizing the latest news and information from a Web site.
The feeds for news content complement those already available for the FSIS podcasting series Food
Safety at Home and Food Safety for Meat, Poultry, and Processed Egg Product Inspection. All RSS
feeds are accessible at www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Feeds/index.asp.
"We are excited to provide food safety information and resources in another timely and convenient
manner," said FSIS Administrator, Al Almanza. He emphasized that, "For issues of food
safety and public health, delivering useful information to as many consumers as possible is a top priority."
To further engage with consumers and stakeholders, FSIS launched a Twitter account to reach a larger
audience on the web, in which traditional means of communication may not have been reaching.
These new features will encourage wider use and awareness of multimedia and other informational
resources already provided by FSIS. To keep up with food safety announcements and useful tips and resources,
follow us at www.twitter.com/USDAFoodSafety.
Register for Codex Public Meeting on Food Labeling
FSIS and the Department of Health and Human Services' Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
announced a public meeting to discuss information and receive public comments on agenda items to draft
U.S. positions that will be discussed at the 37th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Labeling (CCFL)
to be held in Calgary, Canada.
The meeting will be held April 7, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Room 107A of the Jamie Whitten Federal Building,
1200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C.
Attendees must pre-register and present photo identification at the door. To pre-register, please send your
name, organization, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address to Maria Espinoza at
uscodex@fsis.usda.gov
or call (202) 205-7760. Individuals may also fax items to (202) 720-3157.
Documents and agenda items related to the 37th Session of CCFL will be available on the Codex Alimentarius
Web site at www.codexalimentarius.net/current.asp.
Consumer Alert: USDA's Tips on Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency
Many regions across the country affected by flooding because of severe winter weather are experiencing
power outages. USDA has a resource that advises you on how to avoid foodborne illnesses if you lose
electricity.
In The Consumer's Guide to Food Safety: Severe Storms and Hurricanes,
information and recommendations about keeping food safe during times of power outages and flooding are provided.
Check out consumer food safety fact sheets and videos at www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/
Emergency_Preparedness_Fact_Sheets/index.asp
Export Requirement Updates
The Library of Export Requirements has been updated to reflect changes in export requirements for the following:
Complete information can be found at www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/
Export_Information/index.asp.
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.
April 3
Denver, Colorado
1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Four Points by Sheraton Denver Southeast
6363 East Hampden Avenue
(Effective Sanitation)
April 3
Cincinnati, Ohio
1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Cincinnati Marriott Kingsgate Conference Hotel
151 Goodman Drive
(Food Defense Plans)
April 7
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn Historic District
400 Arch Street
(Recalls)
Updates on FSIS Testing for E. coli O157:H7
Weekly updates for the Agency's raw beef E. coli sampling program are posted to FSIS' Web site.
For comparative 2008 and 2009 results, go to
www.fsis.usda.gov/Science/
Ground_Beef_E.Coli_Testing_Results/index.asp.
FSIS Posts New Podcast
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, FSIS released a podcast helpful to plant owners and operators. Check out this new podcast
on the FSIS Web site at www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/Podcasts/index.asp.
- Freedom of Information Act - Part II
Check out USDA's Food Safety Quiz for Parents and Kids
Before you let your kids have the run of the kitchen, USDA advises you to take a little quiz
together, visit www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_090704_01/index.asp.
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Last Modified:
March 30, 2009 |
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