=========================================================================
Date:         Wed, 31 Aug 2005 16:34:26 EDT
Reply-To:     EdNet@FOODSAFETY.GOV
Sender:       National Food Safety Educator's Network <EDNET-L@FOODSAFETY.GOV>
From:         National Food Safety Educator's Network <EDNET@FOODSAFETY.GOV>
Organization: National Food Safety Educator's Network
Subject:      Ednet Update August 2005
 
   * * * *      National Food Safety Educator's Network      * * * *
   * * * *             EdNet-L@foodsafety.gov                * * * *
 
EdNet is an  electronic newsletter from the Food  and Drug Administration
(FDA), Food  Safety and  Inspection Service (FSIS),  and the  Centers for
Disease Control  and Prevention (CDC),  providing updates on  food safety
activities  to   educators  and  others  concerned   about  food  safety.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 
 
August 2005 EdNet
 
 
IN THIS ISSUE
 
 
CONSUMER ALERTS
 
*   Tropical Storm and Hurricane Katrina: Keeping Food Safe During
Flooding and Power Outages (USDA)
*   FDA Offers Valuable Food Safety Information for Hurricane Katrina
Aftermath
*   FDA Notifies Consumers of Recall of Esh Foods Cream Cheese Spreads
Due to Undeclared Allergens
*   FDA Notifies Processors of Recall of Fancy Whole Basil Due to
Possible Health Risk
 
RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS
*   Investigation Results of Texas Cow that Tested Positive for Bovine
Spongiform Encephalopathy (FDA/USDA)
*   FDA Launches New Education Campaign: "Food Safety For Moms-To-Be"
*   Reminder: September is National Food Safety Education Month(R)
(NFSEM)
*   More Than Half of U.S. Population Sensitive to One or More Allergens
(HHS)
*   Fight BAC!(R): News From the Partnership for Food Safety Education
*   Food Safety 101: USDA Offers Food Safety Tips For College Students
*   Speech by Lester M. Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D., Commissioner of FDA, at
the 51st International Congress on Meat Science and Technology
*   FDA-NSTA Teacher Program
*   FDA's CFSAN 2005 Program Priorities:  Accomplishments Through June
2005
*   USDA Food Safety Mobile Schedule for 2005-2006
 
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
*   FDA Commissioner Announces Appointments to Senior Agency Positions
*   Secretary Johanns Announces Appointment of Dr. Masters as
Administrator of FSIS
*   Dr. Curt Mann is Named Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety (USDA)
*   Linda R. Tollefson is Appointed as FDA's New Assistant Commissioner
for Science
 
MEETINGS/COURSES/CONFERENCES
*   New Workshops on "Listeria monocytogenes" and Product Recall (AFDO)
*   Public Meeting to Discuss Agenda Items for the Codex Task Force on
Foods Derived from Biotechnology (USDA/FDA)
*   "Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee on
Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses," Docket No. 05-006N,
"Federal Register," Volume 70, No. 154 (FSIS)
*   "Healthy Schools, Healthy People - It's a SNAP" Awards Reception
*   Vision 2006:  A Conversation with the American Public  (FDA)
 
INDUSTRY INFO
*   FDA Bans Baytril for Use in Treating Poultry Bacterial Infections
*   FSIS Notice 40-04, Extension of Effective Date: "Additional BSE
Surveillance Sampling Q & A"
*   "Notice of Request for a New Information Collection (Voluntary
Recalls of Meat and Poultry Products)"- Docket No. 05-019N, "Federal
Register," Vol. 70, No.147 (FSIS)
*   FSIS Directive 5610.1: "Consumer Complaint Monitoring System"
*   Bulletin to the Food Service and Retail Food Store Industry
Regarding Cake Batter Ice Cream (TM) and Similar Products (FDA)
*   FSIS Directive 6030.1, Revision 1: "Religious Exemption for the
Slaughter and Processing of Poultry"
*   FSIS Directive 6500.2: "Incident Investigation Team Reviews"
*   FSIS Notice 50-05: "Availability of Specialized Methodologies for
Incident Investigation Teams"
*   "Notice of a Section 610 Regulatory Flexibility Act Review of The
Pathogen Reduction/ HACCP Systems Final Rule"- Docket No. 05-024N,
"Federal Register," Volume 70, No. 155 (FSIS)
*   "Irradiation in the Production, Processing, and Handling of Food" -
Docket No. 1999F-4372, "Federal Register," Volume 70, Number 157 (FDA)
*   FSIS Notices 54-05: "Policy on Use of Results From Third Party
Laboratories"
 
 
CONSUMER ALERTS
 
*   Hurricane Katrina Aftermath: Keeping Food Safe During Flooding and
Power Outages (USDA)
 
The USDA provided recommendations on August 25, in advance of Tropical
Storm Katrina, and on August 29, 2005, in the aftermath of Hurricane
Katrina, which has caused widespread flooding and power outages in Gulf
Coast states. Distribution of this important public health information
will help minimize the potential for foodborne illnesses due to power
outages or flooding.
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_082905_01/index.asp
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_082505_01/index.asp
 
*   FDA Offers Valuable Food Safety Information for Hurricane Katrina
Aftermath
 
As Hurricane Katrina hits Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida,
FDA wants area residents to be prepared for the aftermath.  FDA is
providing important tips to help people affected by this storm to
protect their health and food supply.  As flooding occurs, immediately
evaluate stored food and water supply. Perishable food such as meat,
poultry, seafood, milk and eggs that are not properly refrigerated or
frozen may cause illness if consumed, even when it is thoroughly cooked.
To view FDA's suggestions for keeping food safe at home, go to:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fphurri2.html
 
*   FDA Notifies Consumers of Recall of Esh Foods Cream Cheese Spreads
Due to Undeclared Allergens
 
On August 12, 2005, FDA notified consumers that Esh Foods LLC,
Gordonville, PA, recalled its 5 lb bulk packages and smaller unlabeled
containers of Crabmeat Cocktail Cream Cheese, Shrimp Cream Cheese and
Plain Whipped Cream Cheese spreads because they may contain undeclared
fish, eggs, wheat, milk, shrimp, soy and crab.  People who have
allergies to these undeclared ingredients run the risk of serious or
life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the products.  The
spreads were distributed in New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.  To
read more about the Recall, go to:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fpallerg.html
 
*   FDA Notifies Processors of Recall of Fancy Whole Basil Due to
Possible Health Risk
 
On August 26, 2005, FDA advised processors and repackers that Majestic
International Spice Corporation of Montebello, CA, is voluntarily
recalling its dried "Extra Fancy Basil" spice in 12.5 kilogram bags
because FDA found the product contaminated with "Salmonella Blockley."
"Salmonella" is a well-known cause of both outbreaks and sporadic
disease in various parts of the world and as such poses a potential
health threat. FDA is issuing this advisory because there is concern
that the firm has not adequately alerted its consignees to the problem.
To view entire advisory, go to:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/tpbasil.html
 
 
RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS
 
*   Investigation Results of Texas Cow that Tested Positive for Bovine
Spongiform Encephalopathy (FDA/USDA)
 
USDA and FDA have completed their investigations regarding a cow that
tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy in June 2005. The
agencies conducted these investigations in collaboration with the Texas
Animal Health Commission and the Texas Feed and Fertilizer Control
Service.  To read the press release, visit:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/usdabse.html
 
*   FDA Launches New Education Campaign: "Food Safety For Moms-To-Be"
 
As part of the FDA's ongoing commitment to educate expectant mothers
about the potential risks of foodborne illness, the Agency is launching
a new bi-lingual public health education campaign entitled "Food Safety
for Moms-to-Be."  This broad education campaign in English and Spanish
features a new comprehensive Web site and an educators kit for
healthcare professionals designed to educate pregnant and soon-to-be
pregnant women about the food safety risks of "Listeria monocytogenes,"
Methylmercury, and "Toxoplasma."  To view this easily-navigated Web site
that offers food safety information for women before, during, and after
pregnancy, including timely, seasonal articles on food safety and health
tips, go to:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/pregnancy.html
 
*   Reminder: September is National Food Safety Education
Month(R)(NFSEM)
 
September marks the eleventh annual National Food Safety Education
Month(R) (NFSEM).  The theme this year is "Keep Hands Clean with Good
Hygiene."  The goals of NFSEM are:  to reinforce food safety education
and training among restaurant and foodservice workers; to educate the
public to handle and prepare food safely at home where food safety is
equally important--whether cooking from scratch or serving take-out
meals and restaurant leftovers.  Restaurants and foodservice operations,
hospitality associations, colleges and universities, Federal, State, and
local government agencies, and consumer organizations across the country
participate in National Food Safety Education Month(R) in a variety of
ways each year.  For help with planning your 2005 activities, visit The
National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Web site
at:
http://www.nraef.org/nfsem
 
National Food Safety Education Month(R) is sponsored by the National
Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's International Food
Safety Council, an initiative focused on heightening the awareness of
the importance of food safety education to the restaurant and
foodservice industry and supported by many public and private sector
organizations.
 
*   More Than Half of U.S. Population Sensitive to One or More Allergens
(HHS)
 
More than fifty percent of the U.S. population tested positive to one or
more allergens, according to a large national study. The new findings,
based on data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey (NHANES III), shows that 54.3% of individuals aged 6-59 years old
had a positive skin test response to at least one of the 10 allergens
tested.  The new findings published in the August issue of the "Journal
of Allergy and Clinical Immunology" was conducted by researchers at the
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, both components of the
National Institutes of Health.
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/oc/news/allergen.htm
 
*   Fight BAC!(R): News From the Partnership for Food Safety Education
 
The Partnership for Food Safety Education (Partnership) will highlight
National Food Safety Education Month(R) this year with a Congressional
luncheon and District Food Safety Action Kit distribution on September
15, 2005.  Health and Agriculture legislative assistants will be invited
to learn more about the Fight BAC!(R) Campaign and encouraged to mail
envelopes of Fight BAC!(R) food safety educational materials aimed at
public health agencies, middle schools, and local restaurant
associations to constituents in their home districts.  NSF
International, a member of the Partnership, is sponsoring the event.
Representatives from USDA, FDA, and the CDC will be on hand to talk
about the value of the Partnership in efforts to sustain a national
campaign to educate the public about the importance of practicing safe
food handling.
http://www.fightbac.org
 
*   Food Safety 101: USDA Offers Food Safety Tips For College Students
 
When students pack up for college, they make sure to take along the
basics -- TV, laptop, MP3 player and cell phone.  Many students will
also arrive at school with a microwave oven, tabletop grill, mini-fridge
and toaster-oven in tow.  Most students, however, don't know there are
food safety considerations that need to be taken into account when
cooking with these appliances.  To read the news release, visit:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_082405_01/index.asp
 
*   Speech by Lester M. Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D., FDA Commissioner, at
the 51st International Congress on Meat Science and Technology
 
On August 8, 2005, Dr. Crawford made a speech at the 51st International
Congress on Meat Science and Technology. To view the entire speech,
go to:
http://www.fda.gov/oc/speeches/2005/international0808.html
 
*   FDA-NSTA Teacher Program
 
During the first week of August 2005, twenty-five high school teachers
from around the globe learned about the science of food in and around
Washington, D.C., thanks to a partnership between the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and the National Science Teachers Association
(NSTA).  The FDA/NSTA Professional Development Program in Food Science
provides separate one-week workshops for middle and high school teachers
to learn the latest information in food science.  One of several
lectures on scientific issues in food science and food safety was
provided by Dr. David Acheson, Director of the Office of Food Safety,
Defense and Outreach.  He discussed with teachers the relationship
between food safety and food defense and the importance of these issues
regarding public health.  To read about other lectures and learning
activities, go to
http://www.nsta.org/main/news/stories/nsta_story.php?news_story_ID=50779
 
*   FDA's CFSAN 2005 Program Priorities:  Accomplishments Through June
2005
 
Robert E. Brackett, Ph.D., Director, Center for Food Safety and Applied
Nutrition (CFSAN), provided a report on CFSAN's 2005 program priority
accomplishments for FDA's Foods Program. To read highlights of program
areas accomplishments, go to:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cfsan805.html
 
*   USDA Food Safety Mobile Schedule for 2005-2006
 
The USDA Food Safety Mobile continues to travel throughout the
continental United States, appearing at State and county fairs, food
events, media events, schools, libraries, grocery stores, community
events, parades, festivals, health and safety expos, conventions, trade
shows, FSIS District Offices, and at FSIS events in conjunction with
visits and presentations by USDA officials.
 
August
30-Sep 1 Farm Progress Show, Decatur, IL
 
September
10-11    NBC 10 HealthFit Expo, Providence, RI
14       Big Y Supermarket, West Springfield, MA
16-18    The Big E - Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, MA
29-Oct 1 AARP's National Event and Expo, New Orleans, LA
 
October
7-9      Mississippi State Fair, Jackson, MS
12       Annual Family Conference (Huntsville, AL)
14-16    Alabama National Fair (Montgomery, AL)
 
November
5        Penn State Football Game, University Park, PA
19       Raleigh Christmas Parade, Raleigh, NC
 
January 2006
27-29    South Florida Fair, West Palm Beach, FL

February 2006
15       Agape Food Bank, Lakeland, FL
18-20    Florida State Fair, Tampa, FL
 
April  2006
15       Costco Wholesale, Kennesaw, GA
22       WalkAmerica 2006, Atlanta, GA
 
 
If you are interested in having the Food Safety Mobile visit your event,
grocery store, or school in 2005-2006, you are encouraged to make your
requests as soon as possible.
 
Look for updates to the Mobile schedule on the FSIS Web site:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/foodsafetymobile
 
Requests may be sent to FSIS at foodsafetymobile@fsis.usda.gov, or by
calling (301) 504-9605. We look forward to partnering with you
as we work together to promote public health through food safety
education!
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/foodsafetymobile
 
 
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
 
*   FDA Commissioner Announces Appointments to Senior Agency Positions
 
On July 29, 2005, FDA Commissioner Lester M. Crawford, D.V.M., announced
the following appointments to senior FDA positions:  Scott Gottlieb,
M.D., Deputy Commissioner for Medical and Scientific Affairs; Janet
Woodcock, M.D., Deputy Commissioner for Operations and Chief Operating
Officer; Murray Lumpkin, M.D., Deputy Commissioner for International and
Special Programs; and Patrick Ronan, Chief Staff Officer to the
Commissioner.
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2005/new01215.html
 
*   Secretary Johanns Announces Appointment of Dr. Masters as
Administrator of FSIS
 
On August 1, 2005, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced the
appointment of Dr. Barbara Masters as Administrator of the Food Safety
and Inspection Service (FSIS), overseeing the regulation of meat,
poultry and processed egg products, which constitute 40 percent of the
American food dollar. "Dr. Barb Masters has excelled throughout her
public service career in protecting the public health from foodborne
illness and ensuring that the nation's meat, poultry and egg products
are safe, wholesome and correctly packaged," said Johanns. "I know she
will continue to do an outstanding job as administrator and I am very
pleased that she will serve in this important capacity on our management
team." To read the entire press release:
http://www.usda.gov/2005/08/0287.xml
 
*   Dr. Curt Mann is Named Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety (USDA)
 
On August 12, 2005, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced the
appointment of  Dr. Curt J. Mann to serve as Deputy Under Secretary for
Food Safety.  "Curt Mann brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and
dedication to food security, food safety and bio-defense that will
assist our efforts to protect the public health from contamination of
meat, poultry and egg products," said Johanns.  "We are glad to welcome
him back to USDA to serve in this important role and continue our
commitment to safeguarding the public health."  To read the
announcement:
http://www.usda.gov/2005/08/0306.xml
 
*   Linda R. Tollefson Appointed as FDA's New Assistant Commissioner for
Science
 
On August 23, 2005, FDA Commissioner Dr. Lester M. Crawford announced
the appointment of Rear Admiral Linda R. Tollefson to the position of
Assistant Commissioner for Science.  Most recently, RADM Tollefson
served as Deputy Director of the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM).
In her new position, she will also serve as Coordinator for Commissioned
Corps Affairs at FDA and direct FDA's Offices of Women's Health and
Orphan Products Development.  To read about Rear Admiral Tolleson's
exemplary service to FDA for 21 years in a variety of key positions, go
to:
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2005/NEW01221.html
 
 
MEETINGS/CONFERENCES/COURSES
 
*   New Workshops on "Listeria monocytogenes" and Product Recall (AFDO)
 
The Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) in cooperation with
FSIS and FDA   announced it will conduct two critical workshops as part
of its Crisis Management Series, "Intervention Strategies for the
Control of 'Listeria monocytogenes,'" on October 4, 2005 and "Product
Recall," on October 5-6, 2005 at the Holiday Inn Inner Harbor,
Baltimore, MD.  Enrollment and hotel rooms are limited, advance
registration is strongly encouraged. Contact AFDO at:  (717) 757-2888.
For more information visit AFDO at:
http://www.afdo.org
 
*   Public Meeting to Discuss Agenda Items for the Codex Task Force on
Foods Derived from Biotechnology (USDA/FDA)
 
On August 9, 2005, USDA and FDA announced a public meeting to receive
public comments on agenda items that will be discussed at the Fifth
Session of the Codex Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods
Derived from Biotechnology (FBT) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission,
which will be held in Chiba, Japan, September 19-23, 2005.  The public
meeting for comments will be held August 30, 2005, in Washington, DC.
Members of the public can access or request copies of documents
pertaining to the Fifth Session of the FBT at:
http://www.codexalimentarius.net/current.asp.
 
For further details concerning the Fifth Session of the FBT, contact
U.S. Delegate Bernice Slutsky at (202) 720-3631 or by fax at (202)
720-6314. For more information about the public meeting, contact Ellen
Matten, U.S. Codex Office, FSIS at
(202) 205-7760 or by fax at (202) 720-3157.  To read this announcement:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Nr_080905_01/index.asp
 
*   "Codex Alimentarius Commission:  Meeting of the Codex Committee on
Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses," Docket No. 05-006N,
"Federal Register," Volume 70, No. 154
 
On August 11, 2005, FSIS announced a public meeting, sponsored by USDA
and the FDA, to be held on October 18, 2005. The objective of the public
meeting is to provide information and receive public comments on agenda
items and draft U.S. positions that will be discussed at the 27th
Session of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special
Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex),
which will be held in Bonn, Germany, on November 21-25, 2005.  View this
announcement on:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/2005_Notices_Index/
 
*   "Healthy Schools, Healthy People - It's a SNAP" Awards Reception
 
You are invited to help us celebrate "National Clean Hands Week" as we
honor our "2005 Healthy Schools, Healthy People, It's a SNAP" national
awards recipients.  Join us for hors d'oeuvres, networking and special
presentations.  Dr. Julie Gerberding, Director of the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, has provided a special message for this
spectacular awards ceremony.  The Reception is to take place on
September 19, 2005, at 7 pm, National Press Club, 13th Floor, 529 14th
St., NW, Washington, DC  20045. RSVP by September 9, 2005, by phone:
202-662-2528, or E-mail SNAP@cleaning101.com
http://www.itsasnap.org
 
*   Vision 2006:  A Conversation with the American Public (FDA)
 
The FDA is holding a series of public meetings entitled "Vision 2006 --
A Conversation with the American Public," in three cities.  The meetings
will discuss five specific Agency programs or initiatives: drug safety,
direct-to-consumer advertising, dietary supplements, the Critical Path
Initiative, and the advisory committee process and how potential
conflicts of interest are managed.  We are holding these meetings to
update the public on current Agency programs, engage the public in
discussion, and obtain consumer input on specific issues.  If you wish
to make a presentation or attend any meeting, please register online at:
http://www.grad.usda.gov/
 
 
INDUSTRY INFO
 
*   FDA Bans Baytril for Use in Treating Poultry Bacterial Infections
 
On July 28, 2005, FDA announced its final decision to no longer allow
distribution or use of the antibiotic Baytril (enrofloxacin) to treat
bacterial infections in poultry.  FDA took the action after determining
that the drug can promote resistance in "Campylobacter" bacteria, a
major cause of foodborne illness.  The Agency's ruling does not affect
other approved uses of the drug.
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2005/new01212.html
 
*   FSIS Notice 40-04, Extension of Effective Date:  "Additional BSE
Surveillance Sampling Q & A"
 
On July 29, 2005, FSIS issued an Extension for Notice 40-04 to provide
answers to questions FSIS personnel have asked regarding FSIS' Bovine
Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) surveillance sampling program.  To view
the entire Notice:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/Notice_40-04/index.asp
 
*   "Notice of Request for a New Information Collection (Voluntary
Recalls of Meat and Poultry Products)"--Docket No. 05-019N, "Federal
Register," Vol. 70, No.147 (FSIS)
 
On August 2, 2005, FSIS announced a Notice to request a new information
collection regarding the voluntary recalls from commerce of meat and
poultry products.  Comments on this Notice must be received on or before
October 3, 2005.  To view the entire Notice:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations/2005_Notices_Index/index.asp
 
*   FSIS Directive 5610.1:  "Consumer Complaint Monitoring System"
 
On August 8, 2005, FSIS issued Directive 5610.1 which describes the
purpose and activities of the Consumer Complaint Monitoring System
(CCMS).  The CCMS is an electronic database used by FSIS to record,
triage, analyze, and track all consumer complaints reported to the
Agency.  The FSIS Human Health Sciences Division of the Office of Public
Health Science is responsible for the overall management of the CCMS
program.  To read this Directive in its entirety visit:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations/regulations_directives_&_notices
 
*   "Bulletin to the Food Service and Retail Food Store Industry
Regarding Cake Batter Ice Cream (TM) and Similar Products" (FDA)
 
On August 9, 2005, the FDA posted a Bulletin informing the retail and
food service industries that incorporating an ingredient that is
intended to be cooked into a ready-to-eat food that will not be cooked
or otherwise treated to eliminate microorganisms of public health
concern can pose a serious food safety risk. A recent multi-state
outbreak of  "Salmonella Typhimurium" has been associated with
consumption of "cake batter" ice cream.  FDA wants to alert the industry
that "Salmonella" is known to occasionally be present in flour and other
non-animal foods such as barley, cereal powder, and yeast.  For these
reasons, FDA is asking food service operations to review their menus for
these types of products and to either work with their suppliers to
ensure all ingredients are intended to be ready-to-eat or to process
their final products to eliminate microorganisms of public health
concern.
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~ear/ret-batt.html
 
*   FSIS Directive 6030.1, Revision 1: "Religious Exemption for the
Slaughter and Processing of Poultry"
 
On August 10, 2005, FSIS issued a Directive providing instructions to
inspection program personnel for verifying that establishments are
properly performing under a religious exemption for the slaughter and
handling of poultry.  The Directive announces the use of the new poultry
exemption form, FSIS Form 6030-1, which is a combination of the four
previously used forms.  It provides clarification to inspection program
personnel about their verification responsibilities in establishments
producing poultry products under a religious exemption.  It also
provides direction on the use of the new poultry exemption form, FSIS
Form 6030-1 (replacing Forms 6001-1, 3, 4, and 5).
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISDirectives/6030.1Rev1.pdf
 
*   FSIS Directive 6500.2: "Incident Investigation Team Reviews"
 
On August 10, 2005, FSIS issued a Directive to define "Incident
Investigation Teams (IITs)."  The Directive explains when and how the
teams are formed and provides the protocols that the teams will use to
conduct reviews.  Specialized methodologies that the IITs can use as
guidance for sampling procedures will be developed and will be available
on the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Web site at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations/Emergency_Management_Policies/
 
To view the Directive in its entirety, visit:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISDirectives/6500.2.pdf
 
*   FSIS Notice 50-05: "Availability of Specialized Methodologies for
Incident Investigation Teams"
 
On August 10, 2005, FSIS issued a Notice to announce the availability of
the specialized methodology, "Incident Investigation Team Methodology
for 'Escherichia coli' ('E. coli') O157:H7 in Beef Slaughter
Establishments."  This methodology will be used by incident
investigation teams as instructed in FSIS Directive 6500.2, Incident
Investigation Team Reviews.  The specialized methodology is available on
the FSIS Web site at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations/Emergency_Management_Policies
 
*   "Notice of a Section 610 'Regulatory Flexibility Act' Review of the
Pathogen Reduction/ HACCP Systems Final Rule"--Docket No. 05-024N,
"Federal Register," Volume 70, No. 155
 
On August 12, 2005, FSIS issued a request for comments, as part of a
review of the regulations established by the Pathogen Reduction/Hazard
Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) final rule under Section 610 of
the "Regulatory Flexibility Act," as amended.  These provisions require
that all Federal Agencies review existing regulations that have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities to
determine whether the associated impact can be minimized. FSIS is
seeking comment from the public, especially from small meat and poultry
establishments, on the regulations established by the Pathogen
Reduction; HACCP Systems final rule.  Comments on this Notice must be
received on or before October 11, 2005.
www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/2005_Proposed_Rules_Index/
 
*   "Irradiation in the Production, Processing, and Handling of Food"
 Docket No. 1999F-4372, "Federal Register," Volume 70, Number 157
 
On August 16, 2005, the FDA amended the food additive regulations to
provide for the safe use of ionizing radiation for control of "Vibrio"
species and other foodborne pathogens in fresh or frozen molluscan
shellfish (e.g., oysters, mussels, clams, etc.).  This action is in
response to a petition filed by the National Fisheries Institute and the
Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. This rule is effective
August 16, 2005. Contact person:  Lane A. Highbarger, Center for Food
Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-255), Food and Drug Administration,
5100 Paint Branch Pkwy., College Park, MD 20740, 301-436-1204.
To read how to submit written or electronic objections and requests for
a hearing by September 15, 2005, go to:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fr050816.html
 
*   FSIS Notices 54-05: "Policy On Use of Results From Third Party
Laboratories"
 
On August 29, 2005, FSIS issued a Notice to reissue the contents of FSIS
Notice 52-03 in its entirety.  FSIS is periodically presented with
positive results from a laboratory analysis conducted by a third party
laboratory that indicates an adulterant is present in FSIS inspected and
passed product. A third party laboratory is one not owned by, or under
contract with, the establishment providing the sample.  Under very
limited circumstances, FSIS may rely on a third party laboratory's
positive result to take action on the product (e.g., request a recall or
take regulatory action).  This Notice describes the circumstances in
which FSIS considers it appropriate to rely on results from a third
party laboratory.  To view this Notice in its entirety:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/
 
 
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