Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113; FAX: (202) 690-0460
Steven Cohen

USDA Creates Regional Training Centers For Meat Inspectors
Names Coordinator for Training and Education Initiative

DES MOINES, Iowa, Aug. 21, 2003 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced new regional training centers designed to bring comprehensive workforce training programs to the Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) field employees throughout the country.

On July 20, FSIS released a vision document to guide continuing food safety initiatives, including revamping its education and training programs to better prepare field employees to implement and enforce new food safety regulations. FSIS is focused on strengthening its public health emphasis by recruiting scientifically trained employees and training its current employees in scientific and technical principles.

“This Administration remains committed to improving our meat inspection systems,” said Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman. “Training for inspectors is an important part of our efforts to ensure that all our systems effectively protect the public health.”

FSIS is establishing regional training centers in five field locations: Atlanta, Dallas, Philadelphia, Des Moines and Boulder, Colo. In addition, FSIS will be conducting interactive and on-site training sessions that will be easily accessible to its field employees.

“We are committed to aggressively addressing the training and education of the men and women who work every day to keep America’s meat, poultry, and egg products safe,” said FSIS Administrator Dr. Garry L. McKee, while addressing employees and inspectors here during a tour at the Des Moines Cold Storage facility. “The most effective way to provide comprehensive training to our field employees is to bring that training to them.”

In addition to establishing the new training centers, FSIS has designated a position inside the agency’s highest office to oversee the comprehensive workforce training program. Commander Lynn Hodges, of the U.S. Public Health Service, will coordinate this program as senior advisor for workforce training and education.

“Commander Hodges is a welcome addition to the FSIS scientific team and will ensure that training and education remains a key focus for the agency,” said McKee.

Regional, interactive and on-site training that is coordinated from agency headquarters will allow FSIS to train more inspectors each year in various skills to enhance their technical and regulatory abilities. During fiscal year 2004, which begins October 1, FSIS will train all new entry-level slaughter establishment inspectors and veterinary medical officers in technical, regulatory and public health methods. The types of training offered will be expanded in the future.

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NOTE: Access news releases and other information at the FSIS web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov.

For Further Information, Contact:
FSIS Congressional and Public Affairs Staff
Phone: (202) 720-9113
Fax: (202) 690-0460

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