Nomination Period Extended for Membership on NACMPI

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the nomination period to apply for membership on the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) to Jan. 7, 2019. NACMPI provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on meat and poultry inspection programs. The full committee consists of 20 members and each person selected is expected to serve a two-year term. Nominations for membership are being sought from persons representing industry, academia, state and local government, public health organizations, consumers, and consumer organizations.

To receive consideration for service on the committee, individuals with knowledge and interest in meat and poultry food safety and other FSIS policies must submit a resume and the USDA Advisory Committee Membership Background Information form AD-755 by Jan. 7, 2019. The form is available online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-755.pdf. Nomination packages can be sent by email to valeria.green@usda.gov or by mail to: Valeria Green, Program Manager, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mail Stop 3783, Patriots Plaza III, Room 9-267A, Washington, D.C. 20250. Attention: National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection. For additional information on how to apply, visit: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/10/09/2018-21859/national-advisory-committee-on-meat-and-poultry-inspection-nominations-for-membership.

FSIS Launches Webpage to Facilitate Access to Sampling Programs Information

FSIS has created a new webpage that compiles information related to the agency’s sampling programs currently available in different sections of the website. The goal is to provide a one-stop online location where consumers can easily find historical information and reports. The individual reports and information, however, will continue to be available on the data collection and reports page.

The new Sampling Programs webpage is available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/science-data/sampling-program.

Policy Updates

FSIS notices and directives on public health and regulatory issues are available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/directives-notices.  The following policy updates were recently issued:

• Notice 65-18 - National Day of Mourning for President George H.W. Bush; Federal Government Closure on Wednesday, December 5, 2018
• Directive 7120.1 Rev. 48 - Safe and Suitable Ingredients Used in the Production of Meat, Poultry and Egg Products

Export Requirements Updates

The Library of Export Requirements has been updated for products for the following countries:

• European Union
• New Caledonia
• South Africa
• Western Samoa

Complete information can be found https://www.fsis.usda.gov/inspection/import-export.