# Presentation: 411157

## Basic Questions About In-Distribution

- Philip S. Derfler
- Deputy Administrator
- Office of Policy, Program
- Development, and Evaluation

## What is the Public Health Basis for Assigning Inspectors to Work in Distribution Channels?

## “An ideal meat and poultry inspection system will ensure that adequate public protection measures are located throughout the food system, from animal production to the final sale of the food product.”

**“****An ideal meat and poultry inspection system will ensure that adequate public protection measures are located throughout the food system, from animal production to the final sale of the food product.”**

***Meat and Poultry Inspection, The Scientific Basis of the Nation’s Program, National Research Council, 1985***

## “FSIS has historically focused on the manufacturing of meat and poultry products, but the Agency’s public health mandate requires that it also work with the animal production, transportation, distribution, and retail sectors to implement effective prevention strategies and ensure that the whole system is working effectively to prevent food safety problems.”

**“****FSIS has historically focused on the manufacturing of meat and poultry products, but the Agency’s public health mandate requires that it also work with the animal production, transportation, distribution, and retail sectors to implement effective prevention strategies and ensure that the whole system is working effectively to prevent food safety problems.”**

*Pathogen Reduction/HACCP Proposal, February 3, 1995*

## Three Principles of Farm-to-Table Food Safety Strategy

**Hazards arise at each stage in farm-to-table continuum**
**Those in control of each segment of the continuum bear responsibility.**
**FSIS must address hazards within each segment of the food production chain and implement or encourage preventative strategies**
**                                                   ****PR/HACCP Final Rule, July 1996**

## FSIS Role In Distribution

**Ensure product is not handled under conditions that render it adulterated**
**Assess adequacy of HACCP plan under which product is produced**
**Ensure OCP protections**

## Is the Purpose of In- Distribution to Find a Place for Inspectors Displaced from Models Plants?

**Is the Purpose of ****In- Distribution to Find a Place for Inspectors Displaced from Models Plants?**

**No**

## In-distribution project will be shaped by what the Agency learns from the project about how best to configure its activities to ensure safety of product as it moves from the plant to consumers 
Agency has no plans to use consumer safety officers as in-distribution inspectors

**In-distribution project will be shaped by what the Agency learns from the project about how best to configure its activities to ensure safety of product as it moves from the plant to consumers **
**Agency has no plans to use consumer safety officers as in-distribution inspectors**

## What Then is the Relation of the Models Project and the In-Distribution Project?

**No continuing relation**** **
**Agency decided that it would be best if each project developed separately**

## What Establishments will In- Distribution Inspectors Visit?

**At first, inspectors will visit the same establishments traditionally visited by CO’s**
**FSIS will assess hazards in distribution to decide how best to configure its activities**
**Agency interest is in the product, not the facility**

## Why Isn’t In-Distribution Redundant to State 
Inspection Programs?

**Inspection Programs?**

## Difference in focus of two programs:

**State’s focus is on entire facility**
**FSIS’ focus is on federally inspected product and the mark of inspection that it bears**

## What Standards Will In-Distribution Inspectors Apply?

**In the short run, in-distribution inspectors will apply the adulteration and misbranding provisions of the Inspection Acts and relevant regulations**
**In the future, FSIS intends to propose performance standards for handling of meat and poultry products in distribution**