Food Safety and Inspection Service United States Department of Agriculture Washington, D.C. 20250-3700

FSIS Constituent Update: March 26, 2004

FSIS Issues Notice on Requesting Sample Collection Supplies and Forms

On March 19, 2004, FSIS issued a notice (FSIS 20-04) to inspection personnel outlining proper guidelines and required information when reordering supplies and forms from laboratories. Specific questions regarding these procedures may be directed to the Technical Service Center. The notice is available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISNotices/20-04.htm.

FSIS is Now Accepting Research Proposals

FSIS is seeking research proposals to identify, develop, and validate new technologies that are economically viable and assist small/very small meat, poultry, or egg product plants in meeting food safety requirements. For details on proposal requirements see the announcement at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/topics/coop_agreement_proposal.htm. 

Deadline for Comments Approaching

FSIS will continue accepting comments on the new BSE regulations until April 12, 2004.  Any comments should be directed to: FSIS Docket Clerk, Docket #03-0381F, Room 102, Cotton Annex, 300 12^th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20250-3700.  Complete information on the new regulations can be found at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/news/2004/bseregs.htm.

NACMCF Subcommittee on Scientific Criteria for Redefining Pasteurization to Meet

The National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods Subcommittee on Scientific Criteria for Redefining Pasteurization will hold public meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 27 & 28, 2004 and on Thursday, April 29, 2004, at the Aerospace Building, 901 "D" St., SW, Room 369, Washington, DC.  Access the meeting agenda at: www.fsis.usda.gov/ophs/nacmcf/meetings.htm.

If you would like to attend any of these meetings, please contact Karen Thomas, Advisory Committee Specialist, at 202-690-6620.  Please note, due to increased security measures at the Aerospace Center, all persons wishing to attend must RSVP in advance.

Export Requirement Updates

The Library of Export Requirements has been updated to reflect changes in export requirements for Iraq, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mexico, New Caledonia, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan.  Complete information can be found at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OFO/export/explib.htm.

Codex Schedules Public Meetings for 2004

Several public meetings have been scheduled to occur prior to formal Codex Committee sessions this year. The Delegates to the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants (CCFAC), the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS), the Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products (CCMMP), the Codex Committee on General Principles (CCGP) and the Codex Committee on Food Labeling (CCFL) have all posted public meetings. The dates, times, and locations for these meetings are available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/codex/meeting.htm.

THIS WEEK’S HOT WEB LINKS

*This section has been added to remind readers of information available on the FSIS web site.
Web links will vary from week-to-week.

• Research Proposal Guidelines
  http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/topics/coop_agreement_proposal.htm

• Food Safety Regulatory Essentials Training
  http://www.fsis.usda.gov/ofo/hrds/SLAUGH/Courses/fsre.html

• USDA's Agricultural Biotechnology Program
  http://www.usda.gov/agencies/biotech/index.html
   

For Further Information Contact:
FSIS Constituent Affairs Program
Phone: (202) 720-9113
Fax: (202) 720-5704
E-mail: LisaWallenda.Picard@fsis.usda.gov

FSIS Update Menu | FSIS Home Page | USDA Home Page