=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:14:00 EST
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 January 2009
 
   * * * *      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.
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EdNet-January 2009
 
IN THIS ISSUE
 
ADVISORIES/ALERTS/WARNINGS
*   USDA Consumer Alert: Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency-Severe Winter
Weather in Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern States
*   Investigation Update: Outbreak of "Salmonella" Typhimurium Infections,
2008-2009:  Update January 15, 2009 (CDC)
*   "Salmonella" Typhimurium Outbreak (FDA)
*   Peanut Corporation of America Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of
Peanut Butter (FDA)
*   Tainted Weight Loss Pills Flagged as Health Risks (FDA)
 
RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS
*   Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack Lays Out Priorities, Extends Comment Period
for Payment Limitations Rule
*   FDA Updates Information on "Salmonella" Typhimurium Investigation
*   USDA Gives Food Safety Advice to Kick Off Your Super Bowl Party
*   Viewpoint: A Message from the Acting FDA Commissioner, Frank M. Torti, M.D.,
M.P.H., F.A.C.P.
*   "SignFSIS" Video-Casts to be Featured on USA.gov and DeafMD.org
*   Food and Nutrition Service's Core Nutrition Messages (USDA)
*   March is National Nutrition Month (R)
*   FDA Consumer Update: Caution to Dog Owners About Chicken Jerky Products
*   "Agricultural Research Magazine" -- January 2009 - Vol. 57, No. 1 (USDA)
 
MEETINGS/CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS
*   FSIS Notice: "Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee
on Food Additives"- Docket No. FSIS-2008-0042, "Federal Register," Volume 74, Number 16
*   FDA Announces Dietetics and Nutrition Workshop
*   USDA's 85th Agricultural Outlook Forum: "Global Agriculture & Rural America
in Transition"
 
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
*   Ron Hicks Is Named Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety
*   Vilsack Names Top Advisors
*   USDA and New Secretary Tom Vilsack Welcome Each Other
*   Frank M. Torti, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.P.  Named Acting Commissioner of U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
*   FDA Announces Two Appointments: Lou Valdez named Associate Commissioner for
International Programs and Lori Davis named Chief Information Officer
*   Transcript of Remarks by Former Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer and
Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner News Conference Call With Reporters Discussing Administration Accomplishments
 
INDUSTRY
*   FSIS Notice 12-08: "Sampling of Low Production Volume Raw Ground Beef
Establishments for 'Salmonella' and 'Escherichia coli'" O157:H7
*   FDA Issues Final Guidance on Regulating Genetically Engineered Animals
*   USDA Issues Final Rule on Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling
*   Federal Agencies Issue Draft Guidance for Industry Good Importer Practices
(FDA)
*   FSIS Program Area Undergoes a Slight Shift
*   FSIS Extends Comment Period on Draft Risk Assessment for Highly Pathogenic
Avian Influenza
*   FSIS Notice 05-09: "Measures to Address 'E. coli' O157:H7 at Establishments
that Receive, Grand, or Otherwise Process Raw Beef Products"
*   FSIS Notices Issued: 04-09; 03-09; 02-09
*   FSIS Directive 7120.1 Amendment 17: "Safe and Suitable Ingredients Used in
the Production of Meat and Poultry Products"
*   Have a Policy or Technical Question - "askFSIS"
*   FSIS Offices in Omaha Have a New Address
*   FSIS Contractor to Collect Enhanced Plant Profile Information for Public
Health Information System
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ADVISORIES/ALERTS/WARNINGS
 
*   USDA Consumer Alert: Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency-Severe Winter
Weather in Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern States
 
On January 27, 2009, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a consumer alert providing recommendations to the regions affected by severe winter weather in Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern States. USDA is hopeful that this information will help minimize the potential for foodborne illnesses due to power outages and other problems that are often associated with severe weather events. Read this alert in detail at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_012709_02/index.asp
 
*   Investigation Update: Outbreak of "Salmonella" Typhimurium Infections,
2008-2009:  Update January 15, 2009
 
CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of human infections due to "Salmonella" serotype Typhimurium. As of 9 pm EDT, Wednesday, January 14, 2009, 448 persons infected with the outbreak strain of "Salmonella" Typhimurium have been reported from 43 states. Among the 432 persons with dates available, illnesses began between September 8, 2008 and December 31, 2008. Patients range in age from <1 to 98 years; 48% are female.
Among persons with available information, 22% reported being hospitalized.
Infection may have contributed to five deaths. For more detailed information,
view:
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium/
 
*   "Salmonella" Typhimurium Outbreak
 
FDA is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and public health officials in many States to investigate an ongoing, multi-state outbreak of human infections due to "Salmonella" serotype Typhimurium. CDC and public health officials in multiple States comparing foods eaten by ill and well persons have suggested peanut butter as a likely source.
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph.html
 
*   Peanut Corporation of America Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of
Peanut Butter
 
On January 13, 2009, the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), a peanut processing company and maker of peanut butter for bulk distribution to institutions, food service industries, and private label food companies, announced a voluntary recall of peanut butter produced in its Blakely, Georgia processing facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with "Salmonella." The peanut butter being recalled is sold by PCA in bulk packaging to distributors for institutional and food service industry use. It is also sold under the brand name Parnell's Pride to those same industries. Additionally, it is sold by the King Nut Company under the label King Nut. PCA customers who received the recalled product are being notified by telephone and in writing.
All products affected were produced on or after July 1, 2008. To view specific lot numbers and descriptions of products being recalled, go to:
http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/peanutcorp01_09.html
King Nut Issues Peanut Butter Recall on January 10, 2009:
http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/kingnut01_09.html
 
*   Tainted Weight Loss Pills Flagged as Health Risks
 
On December 22, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted consumers not to buy or use more than 25 different weight-loss pill products because the products may be harmful to their health. FDA has recently expanded this alert.
For more information, go to:
 http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/weightloss_pills122908.html
 
 
RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS
 
*   Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack Lays Out Priorities, Extends Comment Period
for Payment Limitations Rule
 
On January 26, 2009, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced he will extend the comment period for the "2008 Farm Bill" Farm Program Payment Limitation and "Payment Eligibility" rulemaking process. Vilsack discussed his priorities as Secretary of Agriculture during a teleconference call with agriculture and other reporters across the country and said that as part of the regulatory review process outlined by the White House and Office of Management and Budget, he is directing the Department to extend the comment period for the payment limits Rule for an additional 60 days.
http://www.usda.gov/2009/01/0026.xml
 
*   FDA Updates Information on "Salmonella" Typhimurium Investigation
 
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration updated information on its Web site regarding the investigation into the "Salmonella" Typhimurium outbreak. Please visit the FDA Web site for the latest details:
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph.html
To view questions and answers about the recent "Salmonella" outbreak and why "Salmonella" has been in the news recently, view:
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph/faq.html
 
*   USDA Gives Food Safety Advice to Kick Off Your Super Bowl Party
 
On January 24, 2009, USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a news release offering some smart tips to help Super Bowl partygoers and hosts avoid committing their own food safety "personal fouls."  Read this entire news release at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_012408_02/index.asp
 
*   Viewpoint: A Message from the Acting FDA Commissioner, Frank M. Torti, M.D.,
M.P.H., F.A.C.P.
 
On January 21, 2009, Dr. Torti issued an introductory message as Acting Commissioner of FDA. To read this message, visit:
http://www.fda.gov/oc/viewpoint/
 
*   "SignFSIS" Video-Casts to be Featured on USA.gov and DeafMD.org
 
FSIS launched "SignFSIS" in June 2008 to provide consumers with an alternative format to receive food safety information in written English and American Sign Language. To date, the campaign has produced and posted to the FSIS Web site 12 video-casts covering food safety topics such as "E. coli," food safety during power outages and safe turkey preparation. Consumers now have two additional portals to view these innovative video-casts: USA.gov and DeafMD.org. Users can access the video-casts and subscribe for page updates on FSIS' Web site at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/signfsis/index.asp
 
*   Food and Nutrition Service's Core Nutrition Messages
 
The Food and Nutrition Service has released a set of 16 nutrition education messages, supporting content (such as tips and recipes) and implementation guidance for use in the nutrition assistance programs. Nutrition educators can employ these tools to support and enhance nutrition education targeting low-income mothers and children.
http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/corenutritionmessages/default.html
 
*   March is National Nutrition Month (R)
 
The theme for March 2009 is "Eat Right." National Nutrition Month (R) is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. Registered Dietitian (RD) Day, also celebrated in March, increases awareness of registered dietitians as the indispensable providers of food and nutrition services and recognizes RDs for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives. For more information and updates, visit ADA's Web site at:
http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/NNM_2007_home.htm
 
*   FDA Consumer Update: Caution to Dog Owners About Chicken Jerky Products
 
On December 24, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an update to caution consumers about a potential association between the development of illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky products. The products-also called chicken tenders, strips, or treats-are imported from China. FDA continues to receive complaints of sick dogs that their owners or Veterinarians associate with eating chicken jerky products. FDA issued a cautionary warning to consumers in September 2007. To read this update, visit:
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/jerky122408.html
 
*   "Agricultural Research Magazine" -- January 2009 - Vol. 57, No. 1
 
The January 2009 issue of the "Agricultural Research Magazine" from USDA's Agricultural Research Service is now available online at:
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/jan09/
 
 
MEETINGS/CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS
 
*   FSIS Notice: "Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee
on Food Additives"- Docket No. FSIS-2008-0042, "Federal Register," Volume 74, Number 16
 
On January 27, 2009, the Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, issued a Notice announcing they are sponsoring a public meeting on February 10, 2009. The objective of the public meeting is to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items and draft United States positions that will be discussed at the 41st Session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), which will be held in Shanghai, China, on March 16-20, 2009. The Under Secretary for Food Safety and FDA recognize the importance of providing interested parties the opportunity to obtain background information on the 41st Session of the CCFA and to address items on the agenda.
The public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2009, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. To read this Notice in its entirety, visit:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/2009_Notices_Index/index.asp
 
*   FDA Announces Dietetics and Nutrition Workshop
 
The FDA has scheduled a Dietetics and Nutrition Workshop for Tuesday, February 3, 2009 from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM, at the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), Harvey W. Wiley Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD. The Workshop is designed for dietetic interns, students and faculty in dietetics and nutrition, practicing dietitians and nutritionists, and all other interested parties. The purpose of the Workshop is to communicate FDA's nutrition and regulatory activities that are relevant to the practice of dietetics and nutrition. The following tentative list of topics:
Infant Formula, Food Allergy, FDA Codex Alimentarius activities, Food Labeling Health Claims, Consumer Research on Use of Food Label by Young Adults, Dietary Supplements, and Safety of Fresh Produce. There is no charge for the workshop but registration is required. Contact person is Ms. Lynise Fox. She can be reached at: Lynise.Fox@fda.hhs.gov. For additional information, go to:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cfsup192.html
 
*   USDA's 85th Agricultural Outlook Forum: "Global Agriculture & Rural America
in Transition"
 
Join us for USDA's annual Forum as the Secretary of Agriculture and government, farm, and industry leaders discuss the future of American agriculture. USDA's 85th Agricultural Outlook Forum: "Global Agriculture & Rural America in Transition"
is scheduled to take place on February 26-27, 2009, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel, Arlington, VA.  For a program preview and registration, please go to:
http://www.usda.gov/oce/forum/
 
 
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
 
*   Ron Hicks Is Named Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety
 
On January 23, 2009, the new Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued a memorandum designating his temporary management team. Ronald F. Hicks was named Acting Deputy Under Secretary to lead the Office of Food Safety during the interim of the incoming Administration. His extensive experience will bring great benefit to the Agency as this Administration shapes its vision for a productive transition. To read more, visit FSIS' Constituent Update page at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/Const_Update_012309/index.asp
 
*   Vilsack Names Top Advisors
 
On January 23, 2009, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack named John Norris as his chief of staff and Carole Jett as deputy chief of staff. "This is the first step in the process of quickly building a team of diligent, competent, and inclusive leaders to complement the excellent career staff already in place," Vilsack said. To read the rest of this announcement, visit USDA's Web site at:
http://www.usda.gov/2009/01/0025.xml
 
*   USDA and New Secretary Tom Vilsack Welcome Each Other
 
After being sworn in, on Wednesday, January 21, 2009,  as the 30th Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, the former two-term Iowa governor spent time the next morning greeting employees as they arrived for work at the USDA headquarters South Building. Vilsack and his wife, Ann Christine "Christie" Bell, surprised workers as they entered the building, shaking hands and answering questions. To read more, visit FSIS' Constituent Update page at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/Const_Update_012309/index.asp
 
*   Frank M. Torti, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.P.  Named Acting Commissioner of U.S.
Food and Drug Administration
 
On January 20, 2009, Dr. Torti was named Acting Commissioner of the U. S. Food and Drugs Administration. Dr. Torti received his B.A. and M.A. degrees from Johns Hopkins University, his M.D. from Harvard Medical School ("cum laude"), and his M.P.H. from the Harvard School of Public Health, where he trained in cancer epidemiology and nutrition. He was an intern and resident at the Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, a Harvard teaching hospital, and a fellow in medical oncology at Stanford University. Dr. Torti was Principal Deputy Commissioner and Chief Scientist at the Food and Drug Administration in Rockville, MD, from May
2008 through January 2009. To view Dr. Torti's entire biography, go to:
http://www.fda.gov/oc/bios/torti.html
 
*   FDA Announces Two Appointments: Lou Valdez named Associate Commissioner for
International Programs and Lori Davis named Chief Information Officer
 
On January 12, 2009, the former Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., announced the appointments of Lou Valdez as Associate Commissioner for international programs, and of Lori Davis as Chief Information Officer. Lou Valdez will help lead implementation of the FDA's international programs at a time of significant growth and expansion of the Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) international presence. Lori Davis will be responsible for strengthening FDA's IT infrastructure, and for creating a robust IT foundation to enhance the interoperability of systems across the Agency. To read entire press release, go to:
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW01942.html
 
*   Transcript of Remarks by Former Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer and
Former Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner News Conference Call With Reporters Discussing Administration Accomplishments
 
On January 9, 2009, USDA issued a transcript of remarks by former Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer and Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner discussing administration accomplishments during a news conference call with reporters. To read this transcript, visit:
http://www.usda.gov/2009/01/0004.xml
 
 
INDUSTRY
 
*   FSIS Notice 12-08: "Sampling of Low Production Volume Raw Ground Beef
Establishments for 'Salmonella' and 'Escherichia coli'" O157:H7
 
This Notice reissues the instructions in FSIS Notice 12-08, "Sampling of Low Production Volume Raw Ground Beef Establishments for 'Salmonella' and 'Escherichia Coli' O157:H7." The purpose of the Notice is to provide direction to inspection program personnel on how to submit samples for "Salmonella" and "E. coli" O157:H7 testing for establishments producing low volumes of raw ground beef when the inspector receives FSIS Form 10,210-3 with MT43S as the project code (Block 14).This Notice cancels FSIS Notice12-08. Read this entire Notice
at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp
 
*   FDA Issues Final Guidance on Regulating Genetically Engineered Animals
 
On January 15, 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a final guidance for industry on the regulation of genetically engineered (GE) animals under the new animal drug provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). The guidance, titled "The Regulation of Genetically Engineered Animals Containing Heritable rDNA Constructs," clarifies the FDA's statutory and regulatory authority, and provides recommendations to producers of GE animals to help them meet their obligations and responsibilities under the law. To view entire press release, go to:
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW01944.html
To view the final guidance for industry entitled, "The Regulation of Genetically Engineered Animals Containing Heritable rDNA Constructs," visit:
http://www.fda.gov/cvm/Guidance/fguide187.pdf
 
*   USDA Issues Final Rule on Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling
 
On January 12, 2009, the United States Department of Agriculture announced details of the final regulation for the mandatory country of origin labeling
(COOL) program required by the 2002 and 2008 farm bills. The full text of the final Rule was published in the January 15, 2009, "Federal Register." The Rule becomes effective on March 16, 2009, 60 days after the date of publication. To read this news release, visit:
http://www.usda.gov/2009/01/0006.xml
Copies of the final Rule and additional information are on display on line at:
http://www.ams.usda.gov/COOL
 
*   Federal Agencies Issue Draft Guidance for Industry Good Importer Practices
 
On January 12, 2009, the U. S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Commerce, Homeland Security, and Transportation and the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative issued draft guidance for industry titled "Good Importer Practices." The guidance is designed to provide guidance to importers on steps they can take to help ensure imported products are in compliance with applicable U.S. statutes and regulations. To read about how these federal agencies will be helping importers ensure their products are safe and comply with U.S. requirements, visit:
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW01941.html
 
*   FSIS Program Area Undergoes a Slight Shift
 
FSIS has recently renamed its "Office of Food Defense and Emergency Response" to the "Office of Data Integration and Food Protection" to better describe, overall, the key functions of the program area. The "Office of Data Integration and Food Protection" develops, maintains and coordinates all FSIS activities to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies resulting from non-intentional contamination or deliberate acts of terrorism affecting meat, poultry and egg products. The office also coordinates data analyses and integration activities of FSIS as well as the development and maintenance of predictive analytics, a system that integrates and analyzes multiple data streams to determine trends and patterns that may be of public health significance.
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/Const_Update_012309/index.asp
 
*   FSIS Extends Comment Period on Draft Risk Assessment for Highly Pathogenic
Avian Influenza
 
On December 2, 2008, FSIS published a "Federal Register" Notice requesting comments for a draft quantitative food safety risk assessment for highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). FSIS is extending the comment period for this risk assessment for an additional 30 days to March 4, 2009. FSIS intends to review and evaluate all public comments and make modifications to the assessment as appropriate. Comments can be sent to the Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture-FSIS, 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., South Building Room 2534, Washington, D.C. All submissions received must reference the Food Safety and Inspection Service and include docket number FSIS-2007-0001. For further details on the risk assessment, contact Neal J. Golden, Office of Public Health Science, at (202) 690-6419 or at Neal.Golden@fsis.usda.gov. The draft risk assessment is available on FSIS' Web site at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Science/Risk_Assessments/index.asp
 
*   FSIS Notice 05-09: "Measures to Address 'E. coli' O157:H7 at Establishments
that Receive, Grind, or Otherwise Process Raw Beef Products"
 
On January 7, 2009, FSIS issued a Notice titled "Measures to Address 'E. coli'
O157:H7 at Establishments that Receive, Grind, or Otherwise Process Raw Beef Products." FSIS is issuing this Notice because the rate at which it is finding "E. coli" O157:H7 in product, and the recent recalls because of the pathogen's presence, evidence that the measures employed by a number of establishments to address "E. coli" O157:H7 are inadequate. To read this entire Notice, visit:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp
 
*   FSIS Notices Issued: 04-09; 03-09; 02-09
 
On January 6, 2009, FSIS issued the following Notices:
* FSIS Notice 04-09: "How to Proceed in Establishments that Have Multiple FSIS Laboratory Confirmed Residue Violations from the Same Source Supplier"
* FSIS Notice 03-09: "Nationwide Market Hogs Microbiological Baseline Data Collection Program - Shakedown"
* FSIS Notice 02-09: "Requirements Related to Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (Sanitation SOPs) Preventive Measures"
To read these Notices in detail, visit the FSIS' Web site at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp
 
*   FSIS Directive 7120.1 Amendment 17: "Safe and Suitable Ingredients Used in
the Production of Meat and Poultry Products"
 
On January 7, 2009, FSIS issued Amendment 17 as part of the on-going updates to Attachment 1 for FSIS Directive 7120.1, titled "Safe and Suitable Ingredients Used in the Production of Meat and Poultry Products." To see this updated Directive, go to:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISDirectives/7120.1Amend17.pdf
This information is also available on the USDA Web sites at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/Ingredients_Guidance/index.asp
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/About_FSIS/labeling_&_consumer_protection/index.asp
 
*   Have a Policy or Technical Question - "askFSIS"
 
FSIS recently issued Notice 07-08, "Using 'askFSIS,'" to announce its intent to discontinue service to the techcenter@fsis.usda.gov and FSIS.labeling@fsis.usda.gov mailboxes. In its place, FSIS encourages the use of "askFSIS," a user-friendly tool to assist with technical and policy-related questions 24 hours a day. This resource is an interactive tool that will allow users to find answers, submit new questions, track responses and request notification of updates. If users want to ask about inspection, exporting or labeling procedures, "askFSIS" is available. For more details about this feature, send an e-mail to askFSIS@fsis.usda.gov or visit:
http://askfsis.custhelp.com
To see FSIS Notice 07-08 in its entirety, go to:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISNotices/07-08.pdf
 
*   FSIS Offices in Omaha Have a New Address
 
FSIS has relocated its Omaha offices formally at the Landmark Center to the Edward Zorinsky Federal Building. Phone numbers and other contact information such as e-mail at the new location will remain the same. However, all mail should be forwarded to 1616 Capital Avenue, Room 260, Omaha, Nebraska, 68102-5908. Omaha units of FSIS from the following program areas will be
affected:
* Office of Policy and Program Development's Policy Development Division (formerly the Technical Service Center);
* Office of Program Evaluation, Enforcement and Review; and
* Office of Public Health Science.
Use "askFSIS," if you want to ask about inspection, exporting or labeling
procedures: http://askfsis.custhelp.com
 
*   FSIS Contractor to Collect Enhanced Plant Profile Information for Public
Health Information System
 
In an ongoing effort to support a science-based, data-driven food safety inspection system, FSIS is developing the Public Health Information System (PHIS). PHIS will be a user-friendly, Web-based application that will replace many of the Agency's current systems and automate many business processes. One component of PHIS is predictive analytics. This function will support a data-driven approach to inspection, auditing and sampling by monitoring data from FSIS domestic and international inspection activities in real time to provide alerts and tailor future inspection activities to previous inspection findings and establishment characteristics. Predictive analytics will require specific information about inspection results as well as an enhanced establishment profile, which will include both demographic information about plants and additional information related to specific operations. Additional information will be provided in upcoming FSIS publications as well as Agency podcasts. For more information, contact Murray Penner, Labeling and Program Delivery Division, Office of Policy and Program Development at (202) 205-0623 or murray.penner@fsis.usda.gov http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/Const_Update_121908/index.asp
 
 
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