=========================================================================
Date:         Thu, 30 Aug 2007 16:30:45 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 2007
 
   * * * *      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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 
 
EdNet-August 2007
 
IN THIS ISSUE
 
 
ADVISORIES/ALERTS
*   FDA Warns of Potential Botulism Risk from Canned French Cut Green Beans
*   FDA Warns Consumers to Avoid Red Yeast Rice Products Promoted on Internet as
Treatments for High Cholesterol
*   Consumers Warned to Avoid Eating Raw Oysters from Southern Tip of Hood Canal
in Washington State (FDA)
*   Georgia Firm Expanded Recall of Canned Meat Products That May Contain
"Clostridium botulinum"-Update (FSIS)
 
RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS
*   Food & Nutrition - Dietary Supplements Training Videos (FDA)
*   Be Food Safe - New Enhanced Photo Gallery Available (FSIS)
*   Federal Court Issues Permanent Injunction Against Puerto Rico Dairies for
Drug Residues Found in Cows
*   FDA Takes Action Against Iowa Dairy for Illegal Drug Residues Found in Cows
*   American Angus Association Partners with USDA to Register Premises as Part
of the National Animal Identification System
*   National Milk Producers Federation Partners With USDA to Register Premises
Under the National Animal Identification System
*   Statement by Dr. Andrea Morgan on the Recent Detection of Foot-and-Mouth
Disease in the United Kingdom (APHIS)
*   FDA Announces Program to Enhance States' Food Safety Programs
*   Update on FDA's Investigation of Serious Botulism Outbreak - July 27, 2007
*   "Norovirus Activity-United States, 2006-2007," MMWR, Volume 56,
Number 33
*   Statement of David Acheson, M.D., F.R.C.P., Assistant Commissioner for Food
Protection, Food and Drug Administration Before Subcommittee on Emerging
Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology Committee on Homeland
Security,
U.S. House of Representatives
*   "U.S.: Botulism Associated with Commercially Canned Chili Sauce --- Texas
and Indiana, July 2007," MMWR, Volume 56, Dispatch
*   Reminder: September is National Food Safety Education Month (R)
*   It's the 10th Anniversary of the Partnership for Food Safety Education!
 
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
*   FSIS Assistant Administrator Dr. Kenneth Petersen Named Food Hygiene
Veterinarian of the Year
 
 
 
MEETINGS/CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS
*   FDA's Public Hearing on Use of Symbols to Communicate Nutrition Information,
Consideration of Consumer Studies and Nutritional Criteria
*   FDA Hosts 41 Middle and High School Science Teachers for the 2007
Professional Development Program in Food Science
 
INDUSTRY INFO
*   FSIS Notice 54-07: "Updated Requirements for Certifying Beef Exports to
Korea"
*   FSIS Announces September Regulatory Education Sessions for Small and Very
Small Plants
*   FSIS Notice 52-07:  "Dioxin Survey 08 - Revised"
*   FSIS Announces Launch of 24-Hour Web Feature to Answer Technical and Policy
Questions--"askFSIS"
*   FSIS Directive 7120.1: "Safe and Suitable Ingredients Used in the Production
of Meat and Poultry Products"--Amendment 12
*   FSIS Notice 51-07: "Dioxin Survey 08"
*   FSIS Notice 49-07: "Conducting Food Safety Assessments Related to the
Control of 'Salmonella'"
*   Notice of Public Meeting: "Codex Alimentarius Commission: Seventh Session of
the Codex ad hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from
Biotechnology"-Docket No. 2007-0025, "Federal Register," Volume 72, Number 152
(FSIS, FDA)
*   OPPED Offices to Relocate (FSIS)
*   FSIS Posts Second Quarterly Progress Report on "Salmonella" Testing of Raw
Meat and Poultry Products
*   FDA's Questions and Answers:  Polonium
*   Exploratory Data on Furan in Food: Individual Food Products (FDA)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
ADVISORIES/ALERTS
 
*   FDA Expands Warning on Eating Raw Oysters from Hood Canal in Washington
State--Additional Growing Area Linked to Illness Outbreaks
 
On August 24, 2007, the FDA issued a news release warning consumers not to eat
raw oysters harvested from an additional part (growing area 5) of the southern
tip of Hood Canal in Washington State due to a foodborne illness outbreak caused
by "Vibrio parahaemolyticus" bacteria.  This follows an earlier outbreak and
August 10, 2007 warning about oysters harvested from growing area 6 of Hood
Canal. This release was updated on August 27, 2007 to include additional areas
of distribution. To read this warning in its entirety, visit the FDA Web site
at:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fpoyste4.html
 
*   FDA Warns of Potential Botulism Risk from Canned French Cut Green Beans
 
The FDA is warning consumers not to eat certain brands of French Cut Green Beans
in 14.5 ounce cans manufactured by Lakeside Foods Inc, of Manitowoc, WI, because
the product may not have been processed adequately to eliminate the potential
for botulism toxin. This warning is not related to another recent warning for
botulism. The canned green beans may cause botulism if consumed. FDA is
providing this warning to make consumers aware of the possible risk of serious
illness from eating these products. As of August 1, 2007, FDA had not received
reports of illnesses related to the product. View FDA's advisory at:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fpbotul4.html
 
*   FDA Warns Consumers to Avoid Red Yeast Rice Products Promoted on Internet as
Treatments for High Cholesterol
 
The FDA is warning consumers not to buy or eat three red yeast rice products
promoted and sold on Web sites. The products may contain an unauthorized drug
that could be harmful to health. The products are promoted as dietary
supplements for treating high cholesterol. The potentially harmful products are:
Red Yeast Rice and Red Yeast Rice/Policosonal Complex, sold by Swanson
Healthcare Products, Inc. and manufactured by Nature's Value Inc. and Kabco
Inc., respectively; and Cholestrix, sold by Sunburst Biorganics. FDA testing
revealed the products contain lovastatin, the active pharmaceutical ingredient
in Mevacor, a prescription drug approved for marketing in the United States as a
treatment for high cholesterol. For more information, go to:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fpyrice.html
 
*   Consumers Warned to Avoid Eating Raw Oysters from Southern Tip of Hood Canal
in Washington State
 
The FDA is warning consumers not to eat raw oysters harvested from an area of
the southern tip of Hood Canal in Washington after an outbreak of illness caused
by "Vibrio parahaemolyticus" bacteria.  Raw oysters harvested from "growing area
6" in Hood Canal from July 3, 2007 and after, have caused at least six people to
become ill in California and Washington. Additional reports of illness are being
investigated by the States. To date, records indicate that raw oysters from the
area were distributed to California, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, New York, Oregon,
Washington, British Columbia (Canada), Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore. To
view FDA's advisory, go to:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fpoyste3.html
 
*   Georgia Firm Expanded Recall of Canned Meat Products That May Contain
"Clostridium botulinum"--Update
 
On August 2, 2007, an update was posted regarding the expanded recall of canned
meat products that may contain "Clostridium botulinum," to add UPC codes and
clarify information for consumers. To see this update, visit the FSIS Web site
at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_033_2007_expanded/index.asp
 
 
 
 
RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS
 
*   Food & Nutrition - Dietary Supplements Training Videos
 
The FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) posted food
safety training videos on its Web site that may be viewed at:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/vltfst.html
 
*   Be Food Safe - New Enhanced Photo Gallery Available
 
The "Be Food Safe" Campaign theme is easy to remember and complements other
important outreach efforts like Fight BAC!(R) It is designed to be an "umbrella
campaign" that can be incorporated into many existing educational efforts. To
assist in your local campaign, four different styles of photographs are now
available. To view the photo gallery visit:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Be%5FFoodSafe/BFS_Photo_Gallery/index.asp
 
For more information on "Be Food Safe," or to receive a copy of the toolkit
featuring a  DVD containing ready-to-use print and radio advertisements, feature
articles, and other tools to help you run an effective, co-branded campaign go
to: http://www.befoodsafe.gov
Or, E-mail your questions to: befoodsafe@usda.gov
 
*   Federal Court Issues Permanent Injunction Against Puerto Rico Dairies for
Drug Residues Found in Cows
 
The U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico issued an Order of
Permanent Injunction against J.M. Dairy Inc. and Las Martas Inc., and Juan
Manuel Barreto Ginorio, the owner of the dairies, after illegal drug residues
were found in cows. The FDA is concerned about the sale of animals for human
food that may contain illegal levels of animal drugs because of the potential
for adverse effects on human health. FDA approves new animal drugs with
requirements, including a specified time period to withdraw an animal from
treatment prior to slaughter, to assure that a drug has been depleted from
edible tissue to a level safe for humans. The order prohibits the sale of milk
until compliance is met. The injunction is based, in part, on five illegal
residues in the edible tissue of three dairy cows sampled by the U.S. Department
of Agriculture's Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) between August 2003 and
September 2005. To read FDA's entire press release, go to:
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01682.html
 
*   FDA Takes Action Against Iowa Dairy for Illegal Drug Residues Found in Cows
 
On August 8, 2007, a Complaint and Consent Decree of Permanent Injunction were
filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, Western
Division, against Ysselstein Dairy Inc., Rock Valley, Iowa, and its owner and
president,
Sjerp W. Ysselstein, after illegal drug residues were found in the dairy's cows.
The permanent injunction will not become effective against Ysselstein Dairy
until the Court signs and enters the Consent Decree. The action follows FDA
investigations into the dairy and its practices. The FDA is concerned about the
sale of animals for human food that may contain illegal levels of animal drugs
because of the potential for adverse effects on human health. For more
information, go to:
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01679.html
 
*   American Angus Association Partners with USDA to Register Premises as Part
of the National Animal Identification System
 
On August 8, 2007, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a partnership
with the American Angus Association that will facilitate the registration of up
to 15,400 new premises as part of the National Animal Identification System
(NAIS). The premises registration component of NAIS ensures the availability of
a nationwide communications network to assist livestock owners and animal health
officials in the event of an animal disease event. More than 408,500 premises
nationwide have been registered to date. To read the entire news release, visit
USDA on the Web at:
http://www.usda.gov/2007/08/0212.xml
 
*   National Milk Producers Federation Partners With USDA to Register Premises
Under the National Animal Identification System
 
On August 2, 2007, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a partnership
with the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) that will facilitate the
registration of dairy farm, dairy calf and heifer grower premises as part of the
National Animal Identification System (NAIS). To see the entire news release,
visit the USDA's Web site at:
http://www.usda.gov/2007/08/0208.xml
 
*   Statement by Dr. Andrea Morgan on the Recent Detection of Foot-and-Mouth
Disease in the United Kingdom
 
On August 3, 2007, Dr. Andrea Morgan, Associate Deputy Administrator of Regional
Operations, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, issued a statement regarding the recent
detection of Food-and-Mouth Disease in the United Kingdom. To read this
statement, visit the APHIS' Web site at:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2007/08/fmdstatement.shtml
 
*   FDA Announces Program to Enhance States' Food Safety Programs
 
The FDA launched a national program to bring about the adoption of more uniform,
equivalent, and high quality regulatory programs by State agencies responsible
for regulating facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food under
FDA's jurisdiction. The Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards are the
result of five years of intensive cooperative effort by federal and State
regulators. The standards define best practices for the critical elements of
state regulatory programs designed to protect the public from foodborne illness
and injury. To read about FDA's goal to strengthen safety of food facilities
overseen by States, go to:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fpstates.html
 
*   Update on FDA's Investigation of Serious Botulism Outbreak - July 27, 2007
 
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in collaboration with the U. S.
Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and
numerous State Agencies, has visited thousands of retail establishments this
week to ensure that canned food and pet food products manufactured and
distributed by Castleberry's Food Company that could contain botulism are
removed from store shelves and ensure proper disposal of the product. The FDA,
USDA and State Agencies will continue to visit stores, inform consumers of the
significant health risk, and work with the recalling firm to support the most
effective recall possible. For more information, go to:
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/castleberry/update072707.html
 
*   "Norovirus Activity-United States, 2006-2007," MMWR, Volume 56,
Number 33
 
In late 2006, CDC began receiving requests from numerous state public health
departments for information about a perceived increase in the number of
outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis (AGE), especially those involving
person-to-person transmission in long-term--care facilities. No national
surveillance system exists for AGE outbreaks, including those caused by
norovirus, unless foodborne transmission is suspected.
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5633a2.htm
 
*   Statement of David Acheson, M.D., F.R.C.P., Assistant Commissioner for Food
Protection, Food and Drug Administration Before Subcommittee on Emerging
Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology Committee on Homeland
Security, U.S. House of Representatives
 
On July 24, 2007, a statement was issued by David Acheson, M.D., F.R.C.P.,
Assistant Commissioner for Food Protection, Food and Drug Administration Before
Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology
Committee on Homeland Security, U.S. House of Representatives on the subject,
"Federal Efforts to Mitigate Vulnerabilities in the Food Chain." To view entire
speech, go to:
http://www.fda.gov/ola/2007/foodsafety072407.html
 
*   "U.S.: Botulism Associated with Commercially Canned Chili Sauce --- Texas
and Indiana, July 2007," MMWR, Volume 56, Dispatch
 
On July 7 and July 11, 2007, public health officials in Texas and Indiana,
respectively, reported to CDC four suspected cases of foodborne botulism, two in
each state. Investigations conducted by State and local health departments
revealed that all four patients had eaten brands of Castleberry's hot dog chili
sauce before illness began. This report describes the ongoing investigation by
members of "OutbreakNet" and others and the measures undertaken to control the
outbreak, which is the first outbreak of foodborne botulism in the United States
associated with a commercial canning facility in approximately 30 years.
Consumers should not eat any of the recalled chili sauce or other recalled
products and should carefully dispose of all recalled products. Information
regarding product disposal is available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/botulism/botulism_faq.htm
To read the full report, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm56d730a1.htm
See also the latest FSIS and FDA news releases on Castleberry's Expanded Recall:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_033_2007_expanded/index.asp
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/castleberry.html
 
*   Reminder: September is National Food Safety Education Month (R)
 
September 2007 marks the thirteenth annual National Food Safety Education
Month(R) (NFSEM). 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 or 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. The theme this year is "Foodborne
Pathogens: Your Family's Health is in Your Hands" Industry can find help with
planning 2007 activities at The National Restaurant Association Educational
Foundation (NRAEF) Web site:
http://www.nraef.org/nfsem/
Food safety educators can visit:
http://www.foodsafety.gov/september.html
 
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.
 
*   It's the 10th Anniversary of the Partnership for Food Safety Education!
 
For 10 years the Partnership for Food Safety Education (Partnership) has played
a special role with consumers, reminding them about important steps they can
take, at home and at work, to reduce the risk to themselves and their families
of foodborne illness. Repetition over time of the simple, but critical, messages
of "Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill" has contributed greater awareness among
consumers of what they can do to reduce their risk of foodborne illness.
Consumer educators and public health practitioners across the country know they
can count on the Partnership for science-based materials that get the message
through in a world where advice is freely offered through so many channels.
 
The Partnership is here for the future, as it continues to contribute to the
food safety system by ensuring that consumers have important information they
need. With its
government, industry, consumer group and professional partner/advisors, the
Partnership will continue to improve the science and practice of consumer
education on food safety.
http://www.fightbac.org
 
 
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
 
*   FSIS Assistant Administrator Dr. Kenneth Petersen Named Food Hygiene
Veterinarian of the Year
 
The American Association of Food Hygiene Veterinarians (AAFHV) has chosen
Dr. Kenneth Petersen as its "Food Hygiene Veterinarian of the Year." Since 1989,
Petersen has worked for FSIS in positions of increasing responsibility
culminating in his appointment in 2005 as Assistant Administrator of the Office
of Field Operations.
Dr. Candace Jacobs, president of AAFHV said, "Dr. Petersen's accomplishments
have brought stature to his Agency and the profession and we wanted to
acknowledge his contributions that have significantly influenced food safety."
Petersen is a member of numerous professional organizations and is a diplomat of
the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. He received his
doctorate of veterinary medicine from the University of Illinois and a master's
of public health from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
in Bethesda, MD.
 
 
MEETINGS/CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS
 
*   FDA's Public Hearing on Use of Symbols to Communicate Nutrition Information,
Consideration of Consumer Studies and Nutritional Criteria
 
The FDA is announcing a public hearing concerning the use of symbols to
communicate nutrition information on food labels. The purpose of the hearing is
for FDA to solicit information and comments from interested persons about
programs currently in use regarding the use of symbols to communicate nutrition
information on food labels. The public hearing will be held on September 10 and
11, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To view more information about this public
meeting, go to:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/registe6.html
 
*   FDA Hosts 41 Middle and High School Science Teachers for the 2007
Professional Development Program in Food Science
 
The FDA/NSTA week-long Professional Development Program in Food Science was held
July 30 -August 4, 2007, for middle and high school science teachers. The
selected teachers learn the latest information in food science, using "Science
and Our Food Supply" (a curriculum developed for this program). Workshop
participants learn basic microbiology and other food-related topics, including
how to read the food label, and to incorporate food science into their courses.
The program has included 380 teachers from all 50 states, the District of
Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
Several FDA, USDA, and University of Maryland scientists and educators
coordinate efforts to make this a highly valuable workshop for the teachers. In
its 8th year, the program has graduated 380 teachers who, in turn, will have
conducted workshops reaching approximately 7,800 teachers nationwide. This
summer program in food science is estimated to have reached the classrooms of
more than 2 million students. To find out more about the FDA/NSTA Partnership in
food science and future conferences, visit:
http://www.nsta.org/pd/fda.aspx/
 
 
INDUSTRY INFO
 
*   FSIS Notice 54-07: "Updated Requirements for Certifying Beef Exports to
Korea"
 
On August 28, 2007, FSIS issued a Notice titled "Updated Requirements for
Certifying Beef Exports to Korea." To view this Notice, visit the FSIS Web site
at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp
 
*   FSIS Announces September Regulatory Education Sessions for Small and Very
Small Plants
 
On September 12, 2007, FSIS will hold regulatory education sessions for the
owners and operators of small and very small plants. The regulatory education
sessions will be held at the following locations:
* Radisson Suites, 1211 E. Garvey Street, Covina, CA, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This
session will cover a regulatory walk-through of sanitation standard operating
procedures, and hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) and rules of
practice regulations.
* Holiday Inn Select, 549 S. Rock Road, Wichita, KS, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This
session will cover a regulatory walk-through of sanitation performance standard
regulations and food defense.
* Holiday Inn Convention Center, 3321 S. 72nd Street, Omaha, NE, 6:30 to 8:30
p.m. This session will cover a regulatory walk-through of sanitation standard
operating procedures, and HACCP and rules of practice regulations.
* Holiday Inn New Philadelphia, 131 Bluebell Drive SW., New Philadelphia, OH,
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This session will cover a regulatory walk-through of
sanitation standard operating procedures, and HACCP and rules of practice
regulations.
* Crown Plaza Suites, Dallas Park Central, 7800 Alpha Road, Dallas, TX, from
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This session will cover a regulatory walk-through of
sanitation performance standard regulations and food defense.
To register by phone, call (800) 336-3747. Online registration forms and
information about upcoming sessions can be found at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Outreach_Sessions_SVS_Plants/index.asp
 
*   FSIS Notice 52-07:  "Dioxin Survey 08 - Revised"
 
On August 23, 2007, FSIS issued a Notice to update some of the instructions in
FSIS Notice 51-07, "Dioxin Survey 08." To see this Notice, go to:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISNotices/52-07.pdf
 
*   FSIS Announces Launch of 24-Hour Web Feature to Answer Technical and Policy
Questions--"askFSIS"
 
On August 16, 2007, USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a
news release announcing the Agency has launched "askFSIS," a new Web-based
feature, designed to help answer technical and policy questions regarding
inspection and public health regulations 24 hours a day. The new interactive
feature will provide answers on technical issues in more depth than the standard
list of "frequently asked questions" currently available through FSIS' Web site.
It will allow visitors to seek answers on topics such as exporting, labeling and
inspection-related policies, programs and procedures. Users can also register to
be notified when answers are updated. To read this news release, visit the FSIS'
Web site at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_081607_01/index.asp
 
*   FSIS Directive 7120.1: "Safe and Suitable Ingredients Used in the Production
of Meat and Poultry Products"--Amendment 12
 
On August 16, 2007, FSIS issued Amendment 12 as part of the ongoing updates to
Attachment 1 for FSIS Directive 7120.1, "Safe and Suitable Ingredients Used in
the Production of Meat and Poultry Products." Attachment 1 identifies the
substances that have been approved in 21 CFR for use in meat and poultry
products as food additives, approved in GRAS notices and pre-market
notifications, and approved in letters conveying acceptability determinations.
To view this updated Directive, go to:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISDirectives/7120.1Amend12.pdf
 
*   FSIS Notice 51-07: "Dioxin Survey 08"
 
On August 15, 2007, FSIS issued a Notice titled "Dioxin Survey 08," to inform
inspection program personnel that FSIS, in conjunction with the Agricultural
Research Service (ARS), is conducting the Dioxin 08 survey beginning September
4, 2007. This survey is scheduled to run 12 to 18 months. The survey will gather
data about dioxin levels in U.S. beef, pork, and poultry. To see this Notice,
visit:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp
 
*   FSIS Notice 49-07: "Conducting Food Safety Assessments Related to the
Control of 'Salmonella'"
 
On August 8, 2007, FSIS issued a Notice titled "Conducting Food Safety
Assessments Related to the Control of 'Salmonella.'" This Notice addresses Food
Safety Assessments (FSAs) conducted to analyze an establishment's control of
"Salmonella." FSAs generally assess all aspects of an establishment's food
safety system (see FSIS Directive 5100.1). This Notice provides specified
methodologies that FSIS personnel are to use when evaluating control of
"Salmonella" in poultry slaughter operations. Notice 49-07 can be viewed on
FSIS' Web site at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISNotices/49-07.pdf
 
*   Notice of Public Meeting: "Codex Alimentarius Commission: Seventh Session of
the Codex ad hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from
Biotechnology"-Docket No. 2007-0025, "Federal Register," Volume 72, Number 152
 
On August 8, 2007, the Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) issued a Notice titled "Codex Alimentarius Commission: Seventh Session of
the Codex ad hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from
Biotechnology." This Notice is to announce that USDA and the FDA are sponsoring
a public meeting on
September 6, 2007, to discuss the agenda items coming before the Seventh Session
of the Codex ad hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from
Biotechnology (FBT) and to present draft U.S. positions on the agenda items. The
Seventh Session of the FBT will be held in Chiba, Japan, September 24-28, 2007.
The Under Secretary and FDA recognize the importance of providing interested
parties the opportunity to comment on the agenda items that will be discussed at
this forthcoming session of the FBT. This Notice is available on FSIS' Web site
at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/2007-0025.htm
 
*   OPPED Offices to Relocate
 
FSIS is relocating three Washington, D.C., Office of Policy, Program, and
Employee Development offices from the Cotton Annex building to the South
Building. The Label Distribution Office will be relocated to Room 2542 South,
and the docket and physical "Freedom of Information Act" (FOIA) Reading Room
will be relocated to Room 2534 South. Correspondence about label applications
sent by the U.S. Postal Service (including U.S. Priority Mail and U.S. Overnight
Mail), and express mail not connected with the U.S. Postal Service, should be
addressed as follows: USDA, FSIS, OPPED, Room 2542 South Building, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C. 20250.
 
Inquiries or correspondence about label applications may be faxed to the Label
Distribution Office or the Labeling Compliance Team at (202) 205-0145 or
(202) 205-0271. Please provide a cover sheet indicating the reason for the fax.
Label applications from small businesses will be accepted, provided the labeling
is legible. Call (202) 205-0623 or (202) 205-0279 with questions about labels or
labeling.
 
*   FSIS Posts Second Quarterly Progress Report on "Salmonella" Testing of Raw
Meat and Poultry Products
 
On August 3, 2007, FSIS posted to its Web site, the second quarterly progress
report on "Salmonella" testing of selected raw meat and poultry products. This
report provides preliminary data for the months of April through June 2007. FSIS
is now providing results from individual "Salmonella" verification sample tests
the Agency regularly conducts at meat and poultry establishments to
establishments that have asked to be informed of various tests. The quarterly
report is available on FSIS' Web site at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Science/data_collection_&_reports/index.asp
 
*   FDA's Questions and Answers:  Polonium
 
On August 2, 2007, the FDA was informed that Polonium-210 (Po-210) was found in
well water in Fallon, (Lahontan Valley) NV, by the US Geological Survey (USGS).
Some of the wells are on dairy farms. FDA tested the milk from these farms. The
results indicate that the potential risk from lifetime consumption of this milk
is extremely low and poses no human health concern.
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/po-qa.html
For background and information about the health effects related to Po-210, go to
CDC's Web page at:
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/polonium.htm
 
*   Exploratory Data on Furan in Food: Individual Food Products
 
The most recent data on furan in food can be found on FDA's Web site at:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/furandat.html
FDA's report titled "An Updated Exposure Assessment for Furan from the
Consumption of Adult and Baby Foods" may be viewed at:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/furanexp.html
 
 
ARCHIVED EDNET NEWSLETTERS
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1997 from the Web site:
http://www.foodsafety.gov/~fsg/ednet.html
 
 
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