=========================================================================
Date:         Sun, 1 Jun 2003 20:54:28 EDT
Reply-To:     EdNet@FOODSAFETY.GOV
Sender:       National Food Safety Educator's Network <EDNET-L@FOODSAFETY.GOV>
From:         EDNET@FOODSAFETY.GOV
Organization: National Food Safety Educator's Network
Subject:      EdNet Update May 2003
 
   * * * *      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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 
 
     May     2003     EdNet
 
 
IN THIS ISSUE
 
RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS
*   Statement by Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman Regarding Canada's
    Announcement of BSE Investigation
*   FDA Statement on BSE Cow in Alberta, Canada
*   BSE Resources
*   "National Academy of Sciences Concludes Performance Standards Should
    Be Science-Based and Linked to Public Health Objectives" (FSIS)
*   "Statement on 'Scientific Criteria to Ensure Safe Food,' a Report by
    the National Academy of Sciences" (FDA)
*   CFSAN 2003 Program Priorities (FDA)
*   USDA Food Safety Mobile Schedule for June and July 2003
*   Foodborne Illness Cost Calculator (ERS)
*   "Food Safety from Farm to Fork: The Role of Irradiation" Speech by
    Dr. Elsa A. Murano, Under Secretary for Food Safety, USDA
*   "USDA Releases Specifications for the Purchase of Irradiated Ground
    Beef in the National School Lunch Program"
*   Speech by Mark B. McClellan, M.D., Ph.D., Commissioner, FDA
    Regarding Food Security at the National Food Policy Conference
    (May 8, 2002)
*   "Food Service Safety Facts: Hand Hygiene in Retail and Food Service"
    (2003)
*   FSIS En Espanol
*   "Food Safety Information for Consumers in Languages Other Than
    English"
*   Web Tool for State Nutrition Status Now Available (ARS)
*   'A Possible New Vaccine to KO Salmonella in Chicken Eggs'
    "Agricultural Research" Magazine
*   "Emerging Infectious Diseases" Journal, May 2003 Issue, Online
*   CFSAN's 2003 Grassroots Food Safety Education Program
*   "Managing for Safer Food: The Economics of Sanitation and Process
    Controls in Meat and Poultry Plants" (ERS)
*   "Food and Nutrition Research Briefs" April 2003 (ARS)
*   FDA Pesticide Program Residue Monitoring Report and Database, April
    2003
*   FDA, Hispanic Health Group Announce Improved Information Access
*   "USDA Announces Enhancements to Ground Beef Purchase Requirements"
*   "Steps to a HealthierUS: Putting Prevention First" Conference:
    Archived Webcast is Now Available
*   "FDA Consumer" Magazine
*   Study Examines Effectiveness of Dietary Recall Method (ARS)
*   "FDA Fact Sheet: HHS Announces New Funding Opportunity for State
    Food Labs"
*   Video of May 7, 2003 FDA "Bioterrorism Act" Meeting Available Online
*   USDA Requests Applications For Research Grants
*   FDA Requests Comments on Extension of "Food Code" Data Collection
*   FDA and Bureau of Customs and Border Protection Announce Steps to
    Streamline Collection of Information on Food Imports
*   FTC and FDA Crackdown on Internet Marketers of Bogus SARS Prevention
    Products
 
NEWS FROM THE USDA/FDA FOODBORNE ILLNESS EDUCATION INFORMATION CENTER
State-Mandated Food Safety Certification Requirements for Restaurants: A
2002 Review of States
 
MEETINGS/CONFERENCES/COURSES
*   Upcoming Industry HIMP Training (FSIS)
*   Training Course: Food Safety Regulatory Essentials
 
INDUSTRY INFO
*   "Approving Ingredients Used in the Production of Meat and Poultry
Products: Use of Any Safe and Suitable Binder or Antimicrobial Agent in
Meat and Poultry Products with Standards of Identity or Composition,"
(FSIS)
*   Proposed Regulations on Recordkeeping and Administrative Detention
Available for Comment (FDA "Bioterrorism Act")
*   FDA to Open Food Bioterrorism Testing Labs
*   FDA Issues Draft Guidance on Using Deer and Elk Material in Animal
Feed
*   2002 FSIS National Residue Program, the "Blue Book"
 
 
RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS
 
*   Statement by Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman Regarding Canada's
Announcement of BSE Investigation
http://www.usda.gov/news/releases/2003/05/0166.htm
 
*   FDA Statement on BSE Cow in Alberta, Canada
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fpbse.html
 
*   BSE Resources
 
USDA's BSE Web Page:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/topics/bse.htm
FDA's BSE Web Page:
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/bse.html
 
*   "National Academy of Sciences Concludes Performance Standards Should
Be Science-Based and Linked to Public Health Objectives"
 
In a final report entitled "Scientific Criteria to Ensure Safe Food,"
the National Academy of Sciences concluded that performance standards
are a useful "score card" for measuring process control by food
processors and recommended that efforts be made to link such scientific
criteria to improvements in public health. The report was commissioned
by the U.S. Congress in early 2001, to provide recommendations for the
U. S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service and
the Department of Health and Human Services' Food and Drug
Administration on the role and appropriate use of performance standards
and other scientific criteria for improving food safety. To view the
press release:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/news/2003/nas042403.htm
To view the full report:
"Scientific Criteria to Ensure Safe Food"
http://www.nap.edu/books/030908928X/html/
 
*   "FDA Statement on 'Scientific Criteria to Ensure Safe Food,' a
Report by the National Academy of Sciences"
 
The National Academy of Sciences' report, "Scientific Criteria to Ensure
Safe Food," commissioned by The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, reinforces the progress FDA has
already made in reducing and preventing foodborne illness. The report
specifically attributes some of this progress to the adoption of the
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points approach to food safety -
which FDA has already applied to seafood, fresh juice, and is
voluntarily applied in the dairy industry. To view the FDA Talk Paper:
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2003/ANS01217.html
 
*   CFSAN 2003 Program Priorities
 
Excerpt from a letter from FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied
Nutrition (CFSAN) Director, Joseph A. Levitt:
"This year, as with last, our work plan focuses heavily on ensuring the
security of our country's food supply as a primary goal. With the
enactment last June of the 'Public Health Security and Bioterrorism
Preparedness and Response Act of 2002,' much of our effort during the
current fiscal year will focus on issuing the necessary regulations to
implement this statute. For example, the Food Safety and Security
section of our work plan prominently features the issuance of proposals
and final rules (along with necessary guidance) for the four major areas
of the new legislation, namely, facility registration, prior notice,
record keeping, and administrative detention. We will also continue to
enhance our level of emergency preparedness, particularly our laboratory
preparedness."
To view the entire letter from Mr. Levitt and the CFSAN 2003 Program
Table of Contents:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cfsan303.html
 
*   USDA Food Safety Mobile Schedule for June and July 2003
 
The Food Safety Mobile is traveling 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.
For 2003, FSIS has put together a core schedule for major events across
the United States. See the schedule for June and July below:
 
June 2    Hy-Vee Supermarket, Collins Road, Cedar Rapids IA
June 4-6 Various local events in Superior, WI and Duluth, MN
June 7    Washburn County Family Festival, Spooner, WI
June 10    Summer Safety Camp, Eau Claire, WI
June 12    Second Street Market, Chillicothe, IL
June 13    Jewel-Osco Grocery Store, Chicago, IL
June 14    Walworth County Farm Bureau Dairy Breakfast, Elkhorn, WI
June 19    Juneteenth Festival, Milwaukee, WI
June 20    Pick'n Save Supermarket, Milwaukee, WI
June 22    Dodge County Dairy Brunch, Beaver Dam, WI
June 24    Copp's Supermarket, Madison, WI
June 26-28    Greene County, Illinois Agricultural Fair, Carrollton, IL
 
July 2-6    Taste of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
July 18-20  Cheyenne Frontier Days, Cheyenne, WY
July 21    Albertson's Supermarket, Boulder, CO
 
You can request that the Mobile come to your local event, or plan a
special event around the Mobile. You should make your requests for
visits in 2003 based on the core schedule on the FSIS Web site. You can
make suggestions now for major events in future years to be part of the
Mobile's core schedule. FSIS plans to be in different regions at
different times from year to year (e.g., summer 2003 in the Midwest,
summer 2004 in New England, etc.).
How do educators and partners request a visit from the Mobile?
To request a visit for an event in your area, take a look at the 2003
core schedule on the FSIS Web site below. 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
Send your requests/suggestions in an e-mail message to:
foodsafetymobile@fsis.usda.gov
or call (301) 504-9605.
 
*   Foodborne Illness Cost Calculator
 
This interactive Web-based tool allows users to estimate the cost of
foodborne disease, using a variety of assumptions about the costs of
treating foodborne illness, the value of lost productivity and premature
death, and the number of cases of disease. There are several different
approaches to determining the costs associated with illness - and
several different approaches are used by Federal food safety regulators.
The Foodborne Illness Cost Calculator allows users to examine the
assumptions behind the different approaches and to perform a
side-by-side comparison of the cost estimates generated by each
approach. The goal of the Foodborne Illness Cost Model is to make the
calculations behind Federal Cost-Benefit and Regulatory Impact Analyses
more transparent and to improve food safety policy.
http://www.ers.usda.gov/data/foodborneillness/
 
*   "Food Safety from Farm to Fork: The Role of Irradiation"
 
Speech delivered by Dr. Elsa A. Murano, Under Secretary for Food Safety,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, before the First World Congress on Food
Irradiation on May 5, 2003, Chicago, IL.
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/speeches/2003/em_irrad.htm
 
*   "USDA Releases Specifications for the Purchase of Irradiated Ground
Beef in the National School Lunch Program"
 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released specifications for the
purchase of irradiated ground beef for donation through the National
School Lunch Program. The product will be available for schools to order
in January 2004.
http://www.usda.gov/news/releases/2003/05/0172.htm
 
*   Speech by Mark B. McClellan, M.D., Ph.D., Commissioner, FDA
Regarding Food Security at the National Food Policy Conference (May 8,
2002)
 
Dr. McClellan stated that because attacks are possible on our food
supply, we have new challenges in protecting our food supply. "But if we
respond effectively, these new threats also present new opportunities to
make our foods safer as well." The entire speech can be viewed at:
http://www.fda.gov/oc/speeches/2003/nfpc0508.html
 
*   "Food Service Safety Facts: Hand Hygiene in Retail and Food Service
Establishments" (2003)
 
FDA and CDC are working together to control the transmission of
pathogens that can result in foodborne illnesses. Transmission of
pathogenic bacteria, viruses and parasites from raw food or from ill
workers to food by way of improperly washed hands continues to be one of
several major factors in the spread of foodborne illnesses.
FDA's "Food Code" contains the Federal recommendations for preventing
foodborne illness in restaurants, grocery stores, institutions and
vending locations. Local, State and Federal regulators use the FDA "Food
Code" as a model to help develop or update their own food safety rules
and to be consistent with national food regulatory policy. The "Food
Code" contains specific hand hygiene guidance for retail and food
service workers describing when, where, and how to wash and sanitize
hands. Hand sanitizers, meeting specific criteria described in section
2-301.16 of the "Food Code," may be used after proper hand washing in
retail and food service.
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/handhyg.html
For consumer handwashing advice from FDA, click on:
http://www.foodsafety.gov/~fsg/handwash.html
 
*   FSIS En Espanol
This is a comprehensive index of materials available on the FSIS Web
site in Spanish.
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/spanish/index.htm
 
The newest fact sheets in Spanish are:
"Smoking Meat and Poultry"
"Ahumado de carnes y aves"
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/pubs/facts_ahumado.htm
English version:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/pubs/facts_smoking.htm
 
"Seniors Need Wisdom on Food Safety"
"Las personas mayores necesitan ser juiciosas en materia de inocuidad
alimentaria"
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/pubs/seniors_spanish.htm
English version:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/pubs/seniors.htm
 
*   "Food Safety Information for Consumers in Languages Other Than
English"
 
For an updated list of foreign language materials, visit:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/pubs/languages.htm
 
*   Web Tool for State Nutrition Status
 
An updated, online resource for checking a state's nutritional health is
now available from the Agricultural Research Service. It can help
nutritionists, health workers and others evaluate a community's risk for
nutritional problems. It includes information on nutrient intakes,
physical activity and body weight, healthy-eating patterns and food
security. The resource tool provides a series of easy-to-read tables and
color-coded customized maps that can be accessed by anyone on the World
Wide Web. Nutritionists, policy makers and public health workers at
community, county, State and National levels can create profiles to
gauge whether a community is at risk for food security or other
nutritional problems.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2003/030425.htm
 
*   'A Possible New Vaccine to KO Salmonella in Chicken Eggs,'
"Agricultural Research" Magazine, May 2003
 
Agricultural Research Service scientists in Athens, Georgia, have been
working on vaccination strategies in poultry to reduce the possibility
of "S. enteritidis" getting into the egg in the first place. The
scientists from the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory developed an
oil emulsion vaccine of inactivated "S. enteritidis" that provided
substantial protection to hens exposed to the bacteria. To view the
article:
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/may03/eggs0503.htm
 
*   "Emerging Infectious Diseases" Journal, Volume 9, No. 3 - May 2003,
is Online
 
To view the May issue:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol9no5/contents_v9n5.htm
 
*   CFSAN's 2003 Grassroots Food Safety Education Initiatives
 
This year's grassroots food safety education projects focus on cultural
diversity and children, pregnant women, and other populations highly
susceptible to foodborne illness. In addition, the emphasis on food
safety training of food service personnel and the importance of food
safety education in the school environment continue to grow.
In cooperation with FDA's Office of Regulatory Affairs, 19 projects have
been selected and will be funded by FDA's Center for Food Safety and
Applied Nutrition (CFSAN).
Seven projects target multicultural food service workers; three projects
focus entirely on children; two projects target pregnant women, women of
childbearing age and parents; four projects are general consumer food
safety education projects; and three projects are train-the-trainer
programs, providing training as food safety educators. To learn more
about the details of these food safety education projects:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fscupd63.html#fse
 
*   "Managing for Safer Food: The Economics of Sanitation and Process
Controls in Meat and Poultry Plants"
 
USDA's Economic Research Service has posted a new study, "Managing for
Safer Food: The Economics of Sanitation and Process Controls in Meat and
Poultry Plants." The study evaluates the costs of sanitation and process
control in producing meat and poultry. It shows that the costs of
sanitation and process control as required by the Pathogen
Reduction/Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point rule of 1996 raised
wholesale meat and poultry prices by about 1 percent.
http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/aer817/
 
*   "Food and Nutrition Research Briefs" April 2003
 
The USDA's Agricultural Research Service posted the April 2003 issue of
"Food & Nutrition Research Briefs" on its Web site at:
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/fnrb
 
*   "FDA Pesticide Program: Residue Monitoring: 1993-2001"
 
Results in these reports continue to demonstrate that levels of
pesticide residues in the U.S. food supply are well below established
safety standards.
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/pesrpts.html
 
*   FDA, Hispanic Health Group Announce Improved Information Access
 
FDA has joined with the National Alliance for Hispanic Health to help
improve access to health information for Hispanic communities across the
United States. Program goals include delivering information through a
new toll-free help line and enhancing dialogue between the agency and
Hispanic leaders on key health issues.
Press release (Spanish):
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/spanish/span00900.html
Press release (English):
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2003/NEW00900.html
 
*   "USDA Announces Enhancements to Ground Beef Purchase Requirements"
 
USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced additional product
specification requirements for ground beef items purchased for the
National School Lunch and other Federal food and nutrition programs.
These changes will more closely align AMS' purchase requirements with
those of large volume commercial purchasers of ground beef products. To
view the press release:
http://www.ams.usda.gov/news/109-03.htm
 
*   "Steps to a HealthierUS: Putting Prevention First" Conference:
Archived Webcast is Now Available
 
"Steps to a HealthierUS: Putting Prevention First" was held April 15-16,
2003 in Baltimore, MD, and focused attention on the urgency of
prevention and on promising approaches for tackling key challenges. To
view the conference Web site and Webcast:
http://www.healthierus.gov/steps/
 
*   "FDA Consumer" Magazine
 
The May-June issue of "FDA Consumer" is available online at:
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/303_toc.html
*   Study Examines Effectiveness of Dietary Recall Method
A human nutrition research procedure called the "dietary recall method"
can be used effectively to gauge people's food consumption, according to
a new study by Agricultural Research Service scientists in Beltsville,
MD.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2003/030514.htm
 
*   "FDA Fact Sheet: HHS Announces New Funding Opportunity for State
Food Labs"
 
FDA and CDC are working to expand the National Laboratory Response
Network and the Food Emergency Response Network to include a substantial
number of counter terrorism laboratories capable of analyzing foods.
http://www.fda.gov/oc/bioterrorism/foodlab.html
 
*   Video of May, 2003 FDA "Bioterrorism Act" Meeting is Available
Online
 
A video recording of a May 7 FDA public meeting and satellite broadcast
that discussed two provisions of the "Bioterrorism Act of 2002" is
available on FDA's Web site. The two-hour recording is available in
English, Spanish, or French. FDA held the meeting to help explain
proposed regulations regarding the administrative detention of food that
may pose a risk to public health and records maintenance among food
companies. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/vltbtac2.html
 
*   USDA Requests Applications For Research Grants
 
The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
(CSREES) solicits applications for the National Research Initiative
(NRI) Integrated Program for fiscal year (FY) 2003. In awarding these
grants, priority will be given to projects that are: 1) multistate,
multi-institutional, or multidisciplinary; or 2) projects that integrate
agricultural research, extension and education. The amount available for
support of these integrated programs in FY 2003 is approximately $30
million. Optional letters of intent must be received by June 30, 2003.
Applications must be received by close of business on July 30, 2003. The
complete request for applications, including instructions on how to
submit an application, is available at:
http://www.reeusda.gov/nri
 
*   FDA Requests Comments on Extension of "Food Code" Data Collection
 
In the "Federal Register," FDA announced an opportunity for public
comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the Agency.
The notice solicits comments on FDA's collection of information from
local, State, and tribal agencies concerning their adoption of, or plans
to adopt, all or portions of the FDA "Food Code" or its equivalent by
regulation, law, or ordinance. FDA has developed its model "Food Code"
to assist and promote consistent implementation of National food safety
regulatory policy among the local, State, and tribal jurisdictions that
have primary responsibility for the regulation or oversight of retail-
level food operations. Comments on the collection of information must be
submitted by June 16, 2003. All comments should be identified with the
docket number, 03N-0136. The complete "Federal Register" notice can be
read at:
http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/03-9533.pdf.
 
*   FDA and Bureau of Customs and Border Protection Announce Steps to
Streamline Collection of Information on Food Imports
 
The FDA and the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced
that they will streamline the implementation of the prior notice
requirements of the "Bioterrorism Act" ("the Act") by allowing food
importers to provide required information on food imports to both
agencies using an integrated process. Under "the Act," importers will
soon be required to provide "prior notice" about the content of their
food imports to FDA, starting no later than December 12, 2003. Since the
Act was passed last year, FDA and CBP have worked together to find ways
to modify CBP's Automated Commercial System, currently used to obtain
import information required by Customs. As a result of this
collaboration, importers, in most circumstances, will be able to provide
the required information to FDA using this existing system, making it
easier for them to comply with the new law.
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fpbtact4.html
 
*   FTC and FDA Crackdown on Internet Marketers of Bogus SARS Prevention
Products, Deceptive and Misleading Claims Must be Removed Immediately
 
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the FDA are warning Web site
operators, manufacturers and distributors who suggest that their
products will protect against, treat, or even cure Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), that they are aware of no scientific proof
for such claims and that the Web site operators must remove any
misleading or deceptive claims from the Internet. The two agencies sent
warnings to Web site operators, and e-mail solicitors, cautioning that
it is against the law to make claims about SARS protection or treatment,
or any other health benefit, without rigorous scientific support. The
warning campaign is based on information gathered through an Internet
"surf" that the FTC coordinated with the help of the FDA and the Ontario
Ministry of Consumer and Business Services. Included in the review were
Web sites that promised consumers would be protected from SARS if they
purchased such items as personal air purifiers, disinfectant sprays and
wipes, respirator masks, latex gloves, dietary supplements like
colloidal silver and oregano oil, and SARS "prevention kits" that
package various items together, such as gloves, masks and wipes. Web
sites may be subject to State or Federal investigation or prosecution
for making deceptive or misleading marketing claims that their products
can treat, prevent, or cure SARS. To view the entire document:
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2003/NEW00904.html
 
 
NEWS FROM THE USDA/FDA FOODBORNE ILLNESS EDUCATION INFORMATION CENTER
State-Mandated Food Safety Certification Requirements for Restaurants: A
2002 Review of States
 
In a recent study conducted for the New Jersey Restaurant Association
Educational Foundation by the Food Policy Institute at Rutgers
University, the status of State food safety certification requirements
across the country was examined. The Institute interviewed all 50 State
restaurant associations and found that 16 states have state-mandated
food safety certification requirements for restaurants while 34 states
had some form of voluntary food safety certification program for
restaurants. The entire report may be viewed and downloaded from the
Food Policy Institute.
http://www.foodpolicyinstitute.org/publications.html
For more food safety information, visit the USDA/FDA Foodborne Illness
Education Information Center's Web site at:
http://www.nal.usda.gov/foodborne/
 
 
MEETINGS/CONFERENCES/COURSES
 
*   Reminder: Upcoming Industry HIMP Training (FSIS)
 
Industry training on the HACCP-based Inspection Models Project (HIMP)
will be held June 3-5, 2003, at Texas A&M in College Station, Texas. For
additional information, contact: Mark Reo at (202) 205-0010.
 
*   Training Course: Food Safety Regulatory Essentials
 
FSIS is providing training to improve and reinforce inspectors'
understanding of how to perform their food safety duties. The training -
Food Safety Regulatory Essentials Training (FSRE) - is based on the
recently issued FSIS Directive 5000.1, Revision 1, "Verifying an
Establishment's Food Safety System." The directive outlines the full
range of inspection responsibilities in relation to the HACCP/Pathogen
Reduction regulation. In addition, it incorporates all recent Agency
issuances (Directives, notices) related to these topics. For more
information please visit:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/ofo/hrds/SLAUGH/Courses/COR.html
 
 
INDUSTRY INFO
 
*   "Approving Ingredients Used in the Production of Meat and Poultry
Products: Use of Any Safe and Suitable Binder or Antimicrobial Agent in
Meat and Poultry Products With Standards of Identity or Composition,"
"Federal Register," April 29, 2003, (Vol. 68, No. 82)
 
FSIS is amending its regulations to permit the use of any safe and
suitable binder or antimicrobial agent in the production of meat and
poultry products that are subject to a standard of identity or
composition that provides for the use of such ingredients. The use of
these ingredients must be consistent with any limitations or conditions
of use prescribed in applicable FSIS or FDA regulations. This direct
final rule will provide establishments with greater flexibility in
formulating meat and poultry products. The rule will be effective June
30, 2003, unless FSIS receives written adverse comments that are within
the scope of this rulemaking on or before May 29, 2003. For details:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/01-032DF.htm
 
*   Proposed Regulations on Recordkeeping and Administrative Detention
Available for Comment
 
Two proposed rules related to the recordkeeping and administrative
detention provisions of the "Bioterrorism Act" were published in the
"Federal Register" on Friday, May 9, 2003. These proposals are the last
two of four proposed regulations that the Bioterrorism Act calls upon
FDA to develop regarding food safety. These two proposals deal with
establishing and maintaining records among food firms (Section 306 of
the Act), and the administrative detention of foods that may pose a risk
to public health (Section 303 of the Act). The other two proposals,
concerning the registration of food facilities and prior notice of
imported foods, were published in January 2003. A comment period of 60
days is being provided for the recordkeeping and administrative
detention proposals. Copies of the proposals, fact sheets, and other
related information are available on the FDA "Bioterrorism Act" Web
page. Please refer to sections 303 and 306 of the Act listed on this Web
page for this information.
http://www.fda.gov/oc/bioterrorism/bioact.html
 
*   FDA to Open Food Bioterrorism Testing Labs
 
FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are working to
expand the number of counterterrorism laboratories capable of analyzing
foods. This broadened network will provide effective and efficient
testing of food samples to help public health officials respond to
chemical or biological terrorism incidents. For more information, see
the FDA Fact sheet at:
http://www.fda.gov/oc/bioterrorism/foodlab.html
 
*   FDA Issues Draft Guidance on Using Deer and Elk Material in Animal
Feed
 
FDA has issued draft guidance describing the agency's recommendations
about the use in animal feed of any material from deer and elk that is
positive, or at high risk, for chronic wasting disease (CWD). CWD is a
neurological (brain) disorder that is in the same family as bovine
spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, or "mad cow disease"). FDA is asking for
comments on the guidance by June 16, 2003.
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2003/ANS01220.html
 
*   2002 FSIS National Residue Program, the "Blue Book"
 
The 2002 "Blue Book" is available on the FSIS Web site at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPHS/blue2002/
 
 
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+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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Date:         Mon, 30 Jun 2003 09:59:15 EDT
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Organization: National Food Safety Educator's Network
Subject:      Ednet Update June 2003
 
   * * * *      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 June 2003
 
 
IN THIS ISSUE
 
 
RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS
*   Statement by Secretary of Agriculture Ann M. Veneman Regarding U.S.
    Beef Trade Issues (June 20, 2003)
*   FSIS Strengthens Regulations to Reduce "Listeria monocytogenes" in
    Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products
*   New Tool on Tap for Fighting "Listeria" (ARS)
*   Advice on SARS and Potential for Food Transmission (FDA)
*   FDA's Questions and Answers for Food Workers and Managers Regarding
    Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
*   FTC Charges Marketers of Seasilver with Making False and Deceptive
    Claims; FDA Seizes Seasilver Inventories
*   FTC and FDA Take New Actions in Fight Against Deceptive Marketing of
    Coral Calcium Supreme Dietary Supplement
*   Planning Against Biological Terrorism: Lessons From Outbreak
    Investigations "Emerging Infectious Diseases," CDC
*   "Foodborne Transmission of Hepatitis A --- Massachusetts, 2001,"
    MMWR, June 20, 2003 (CDC)
*   For an Enjoyable Fourth, Consumers Should Practice Food Safety
    (FSIS)
*   National Food Safety Education Month (SM) (NFSEM) 2003 "Choose Your
    Theme!"
*   USDA Food Safety Mobile Schedule for July and August 2003
*   White House Calls for Revised Dietary Guidelines
*   The U.S. and Mexico Sign a Memorandum of Understanding Enhancing the
    Safety and Quality of Shellfish (FDA)
*   Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman Names Members to National
    Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection
*   Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman Announces New Resources for
    Food Stamp Participants
*   Speech by FDA Deputy Commissioner Lester M. Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D.,
    at American Enterprise Institute Regarding Genetically Modified
    Products (June 20, 2003)
*   FDA's Consumer Questions and Answers About BSE
*   FDA's CFSAN Developing Programs for 2004
*   Management Changes in FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied
    Nutrition
*   CFSAN Offers Grants for Food Safety Research
*   FDA Food Safety Constituent Update
*   "Termmetros de cocina," ("Kitchen Thermometers") FSIS
*   Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman Presided Over Ministerial
    Conference on Agricultural Science and Technology
*   50 Teachers Selected for FDA/NSTA Professional Development Program
    in Food Science
*   Food Safety Employees Honored At Annual Awards Ceremony
*   USDA Honors ARS Employees
*   Transcript of Technical Briefing on BSE, June 9, 2003
*   Solicitation of Input from Stakeholders on Research, Education and
    Extension Programs Related to Food Safety Administered by the
    Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service and the
    Agricultural Research Service (USDA)
*   Veterinary Careers with FSIS
*   2000 FSIS Annual Report to Congress
 
NEWS FROM THE FOODBORNE ILLNESS EDUCATION INFORMATION CENTER
Two Newly Revised Pamphlets are Now Available from the International
Association for Food Protection (IAFP).
 
MEETINGS/CONFERENCES/COURSES
*   Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Advisory Committee; Notice
of Meeting (FDA)
 
INDUSTRY INFO
*   FSIS Issues a New IKE Scenario on Microbiological Testing Programs
for "E. coli"
*   IKE Scenario 04-03, Update to FSIS Directive 10,010.1.
"Microbiological Testing Program for 'E. coli' O157:H7 in Raw Ground
Beef"
*   Notice of Requirements for Extension and Revision of a Currently
Approved Information Collection (FSIS)
*   "Verifying an Establishment's Food Safety System" (FSIS)
*   Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Notice Reissued (FSIS)
*   Notice Issued on In-Plant Screening Tests (FSIS)
*   FSIS Updates "Food Standards and Labeling Policy Book"
*   Beverages: Bottled Water; Confirmation of Effective Date (FDA)
*   FDA Guidance for Industry: Standardized Training Curriculum for
Application of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Principles to
Juice Processing; Availability
*   Need to Complete New Registration Form and Importance of
Compliance with Recordkeeping and Registration Requirements Under the
Federal Meat and Poultry Products Inspection Regulations (FSIS)
 
 
RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS
 
*   Statement by Secretary of Agriculture Ann M. Veneman Regarding U.S.
Beef Trade Issues (June 20, 2003)
 
"We are continuing to work diligently to address the request from Japan
and Korea to discuss changes in their import standards as a result of
the discovery of a single case of BSE recently reported in Canada." To
access the press release:
http://www.usda.gov/news/releases/2003/06/0223.htm
 
*   FSIS Strengthens Regulations to Reduce "Listeria monocytogenes" in
Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products
 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service
announced an interim final rule requiring Federal establishments
producing certain ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products to take
steps to further reduce the incidence of "Listeria monocytogenes."
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/news/2003/lmfinal.htm
To view the FSIS backgrounder:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/background/lmfinal.htm
 
*   New Tool on Tap for Fighting "Listeria"
 
A new tool could be at hand for "subtyping" strains of "Listeria
monocytogenes" bacteria that cause foodborne illness, thanks to
scientists with USDA's Agricultural Research Service.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2003/030527.htm
 
*   Advice on SARS and Potential for Food Transmission (FDA)
 
The FDA is informing the public, due to the heightened interest in
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the concerns regarding the
public health, that there is no information that suggests food is unsafe
for consumption and can transmit SARS. To view the fact sheet, go to:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fssars.html
 
*   FDA's Questions and Answers for Food Workers and Managers Regarding
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fssarsqa.html
 
*    FTC Charges Marketers of Seasilver with Making False and Deceptive
Claims; FDA Seizes Seasilver Inventories
 
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) announced coordinated actions against two companies - both charged
with promoting the dietary supplement "Seasilver" with unsubstantiated
medical claims. The agencies' actions against Seasilver USA, Inc. and
Americaloe, Inc. are designed to halt the fraudulent marketing of
Seasilver and to seize the available inventory of the product. These
actions are the latest part of Operation Cure.All, an on-going
coordinated effort among the FTC, the FDA, Health Canada, Canada's
Competition Bureau, and state Attorneys General to crack down on
unscrupulous marketers who prey on consumers with serious illnesses.  To
view the entire report, see:
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/06/seasilver.htm
 
*   FTC and FDA Take New Actions in Fight Against Deceptive Marketing of
Coral Calcium Supreme Dietary Supplement
 
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has charged the marketers of a
dietary supplement called Coral Calcium Supreme with making false and
unsubstantiated claims about the product's health benefits. This action
is part of a series of initiatives the FTC and the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) are taking against the purveyors of products with
unsubstantiated health and medical claims. Detailed information can be
viewed at:
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/06/trudeau.htm
 
*   Planning Against Biological Terrorism: Lessons From Outbreak
Investigations May 2003 "Emerging Infectious Diseases," Vol. 9, No. 5,
CDC
 
CDC examined outbreak investigations conducted around the world from
1988 to 1999 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC)
Epidemic Intelligence Service. The most critical component for
bioterrorism outbreak detection and reporting is the frontline
healthcare profession and the local health departments. Bioterrorism
preparedness should emphasize education and support of this frontline,
as well as methods to shorten the time between outbreak and reporting."
To view the entire report, see:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol9no5/02-0388.htm
 
*   "Foodborne Transmission of Hepatitis A --- Massachusetts, 2001"
"Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report," June 20, 2003
 
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted typically from person to person
by the fecal-oral route. Foodborne transmission occurs when an
HAV-infected food handler contaminates food during preparation or when
food is contaminated during harvesting or processing before reaching the
food service establishment or home. This report summarizes the
investigation of an outbreak of foodborne hepatitis A in Massachusetts
in which a food handler with hepatitis A, who was considered unlikely to
transmit HAV, was implicated as the source. The findings underscore
challenges faced by local and state health departments when determining
whether PEP is appropriate.
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5224a2.htm
 
*   For an Enjoyable Fourth, Consumers Should Practice Food Safety
 
Fireworks and the smell of grilling hamburgers fill the air as Americans
celebrate the Fourth of July. For a safe family celebration, the United
States Department of Agriculture reminds consumers to follow four simple
but important safe food guidelines. To view the press release, go to:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/news/2003/july4.htm
*   National Food Safety Education Month (SM) (NFSEM) 2003 "Choose Your
Theme!"
 
Educators, this year you are invited to choose your own theme for NFSEM
2003 this September. In the past we have developed consumer education
materials that support the four key messages from the Fight BAC!(R)
campaign: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill. This year, you are
encouraged to be creative and choose from any or all of the four key
messages. Gather ideas from the wealth of materials that have already
been developed from past campaigns. To get started, you may review NFSEM
2002 at http://www.foodsafety.gov/~fsg/fs-mon02.html
You may also access our on-line Food Safety Education and Consumer
Information page on the FSIS Web site at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/consedu.htm
 
This year FSIS has developed the "Food Safety Mobile CD ROM" that will
be available only at Mobile events.
 
The theme for food service and industry for NFSEM 2003 is "Store it.
Don't ignore it." Their materials are accessible at:
http://www.nraef.org/nfsem/media.asp
 
Created by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's
International Food Safety Council, NFSEM an annual observance, is in its
ninth year. This month long celebration focuses on the importance of
food safety education during September and all year long.
 
*   USDA Food Safety Mobile Schedule for July and August 2003
 
The Food Safety Mobile is traveling 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. For 2003, FSIS has put together a core
schedule for major events across the United States. See the schedule for
July and August:
 
July 2-6                             Taste of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
July 11-12                         Grand Forks Fair and Expo, Grand
Forks, ND
July 18-20                         Cheyenne Frontier Days, Cheyenne, WY
July 22-23                         Apex Community Center, Arvada, Co
July 25                              Albertson's Grocery Store, Boulder,
CO
July 26                              Farmer's Market, Fort Collins, CO
July 31-August 3              South Dakota State Fair, Huron, SD
 
August 5-10                      Sioux Empire Fair, Sioux Falls, SD
August 11                         Western Iowa Tech, Sioux City, IA
August 14-17                    Iowa State Fair/w 4-H, Des Moines, IA
August 27-September 1    Nebraska State Fair, Lincoln, NE
 
You can request that the Mobile come to your local event, or plan a
special event around the Mobile. You should make your requests for
visits in 2003 based on the core schedule on the FSIS Web site. You can
make suggestions now for major events in future years to be part of the
Mobile's core schedule. FSIS plans to be in different regions at
different times from year to year (e.g., summer 2003 in the Midwest,
summer 2004 in New England, etc.). How do educators and partners request
a visit from the Mobile? To request a visit for an event in your area,
take a look at the 2003 core schedule on the FSIS Web site below. 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
Send your requests/suggestions in an e-mail message to:
foodsafetymobile@fsis.usda.gov or call (301) 504-9605.
 
*   White House Calls for Revised Dietary Guidelines
 
On May 28, the White House Office of Management and Budget urged the
Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA) to
revise the Nation's "Dietary Guidelines" to include new information that
omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD),
while trans-fatty acids may increase the risk of CHD. Since CHD kills
over 500,000 Americans each year, even a small improvement in dietary
habits could save thousands of lives. Revised every five years, the
"Dietary Guidelines" are scheduled to be updated in 2005. The "Food
Guide Pyramid" has not been updated since 1992. A copy of the letter
sent to HHS and USDA may be found at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/pubpress/2003-13.pdf
 
*   The U.S. and Mexico Sign a Memorandum of Understanding Enhancing the
Safety and Quality of Shellfish
 
On June 18, 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and
Mexico's Ministry of Health, Federal Commission for Protection from
Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
covering the safety and quality of fresh and frozen aqua cultured
molluscan shellfish exported from Mexico to the United States. This MOU
formally recognizes that the Mexican Shellfish Sanitation Program meets
the guidelines of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program of the
United States.
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2003/NEW00914.html
 
*   Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman Names Members to National
Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection
 
On June 4, 2003, Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman named members to
the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection. "I am
pleased these individuals have agreed to serve on this committee," said
Veneman. "The members will provide valuable input to issues regarding
meat and poultry inspection." To view the press release and names of
members:
http://www.usda.gov/news/releases/2003/06/0184.htm
 
*   Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman Announces New Resources for
Food Stamp Participants
 
On June 5, 2003, Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman unveiled Mrs.
Bush's National Hunger Awareness Day public service announcement that
encourages Americans to volunteer in the fight against hunger and
announced the availability of new tools designed to increase access to
the Food Stamp Program to help raise awareness of the resources
available to those in need. To view the press release:
http://www.usda.gov/news/releases/2003/06/0186.htm
 
* Speech by FDA Deputy Commissioner Lester M. Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D.,
at American Enterprise Institute Regarding Genetically Modified Products
(June 20, 2003)
http://www.fda.gov/oc/speeches/2003/aei0612.html
 
*   FDA's Consumer Questions and Answers About BSE
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/bsefaq.html
 
*   CFSAN Developing Programs for 2004
 
The Food and Drug Administration is requesting comments concerning the
establishment of program priorities in the Center for Food Safety and
Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) for fiscal year (FY) 2004. As part of its
annual planning, budgeting, and resource allocation process, CFSAN is
reviewing its programs to set priorities and establish work product
expectations. Written or electronic comments should be submitted by
August 4, 2003. Submit electronic comments to:
http://www.fda.gov/dockets/ecomments
For more information, see the "Federal Register" of June 5, 2003 (Volume
68, Number 108, Pages 33727-33728)
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fr030605.html
 
*   Management Changes in FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied
Nutrition (CFSAN)
 
Joseph A. Levitt, Director of FDA's Center for Food safety and Applied
Nutrition announced management changes made in the Center for Food
Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). "As all of you know, food safety
has been the centerpiece of our program for several years, and we
organized our Center to address that priority. Since September 11th,
2001, the 'security' of our Nation's food supply has become equally
important. And more recently, as we come to recognize that our country
is facing an epidemic in obesity -- together with the need to pay
greater attention to dietary supplements -- our 'applied nutrition'
program is again coming to the forefront. The CFSAN management changes
are designed to help the Center respond more rapidly, efficiently and
effectively to these current Agency priorities." To view the entire
announcement from Mr. Levitt:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cfsan603.html
 
*   CFSAN Offers Grants for Food Safety Research
 
FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) announced the
availability of approximately $3 million in research funds for fiscal
year (FY) 2003. These funds will be used to support collaborative
research efforts between CFSAN and scientists, and to complement and
accelerate ongoing research in four project areas in order to reduce the
incidence of foodborne illness and to ensure the integrity of the
Nation's food supply (including food additives and dietary supplements)
and cosmetics. All awards will be subject to the availability of FY 2003
funds. Submit applications by August 11, 2003. Submit completed
applications to: Rosemary Springer, Grants Management Specialist, Grants
Management Staff (HFA-520), Division of Contracts and Procurement
Management, Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville,
MD 20857, 301-827-7182.
e-mail: rspringe@oc.fda.gov
Hand-carried or commercially delivered applications should be sent to:
Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 2129, Rockville, MD
20857. Application forms are available either from Rosemary Springer or
on the Internet at
http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html
For more information, see the "Federal Register" of June 25, 2003
(Volume 68 Number 122, Pages 37847-37850)
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fr030625.html
 
*   FDA Food Safety Constituent Update
 
To view the most recent editions of the FDA Food Safety Constituent
Update:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fscupdat.html
 
*   "Termmetros de cocina," ("Kitchen Thermometers")
 
"Termmetros de cocina," the Spanish translation of "Kitchen
Thermometers: Technical Information from FSIS," is now available on the
FSIS Web site. Using a food thermometer is the only reliable way to
ensure safety and to determine the "doneness" of meat, poultry, and egg
products. To be safe, these foods must be cooked to an internal
temperature high enough to destroy any harmful microorganisms that may
be in the food. To view the fact sheet, go to:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/pubs/kitchen_spanish.htm
English version:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/thermy/kitchen.htm
 
*   Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman Presided Over Ministerial
Conference on Agricultural Science and Technology
 
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman traveled to Sacramento, CA, June
20-25 to host government ministers from more than 100 countries at the
Ministerial Conference and Expo on Agricultural Science and Technology.
The theme of this conference was the critical role science and
technology can play in raising agricultural productivity in developing
countries in an environmentally sustainable way to alleviate world
hunger and poverty. Ministers had the opportunity to see first hand an
array of exhibits and product demonstrations including conventional to
cutting-edge technologies geared to small-scale and large-scale
enterprises, with applications throughout the food chain.
http://www.usda.gov/news/releases/2003/06/0201.htm
 
*   50 Teachers Selected for FDA/NSTA Professional Development Program
in Food Science
 
In July, 25 middle school and 25 high schools teachers will be coming to
Washington, DC to participate in the 4th FDA/National Science Teachers
Association (NSTA) Professional Development Program in Food Science.
This weeklong (July 7-12 for middle school and July 28-August 2 for high
school) program supports the use of the FDA/NSTA supplementary food
safety and food science curriculum "Science and Our Food Supply."
 
The teachers who participate in the program will be required to conduct
a daylong workshop for other teachers in their district or at statewide
meetings. This requirement provides a multiplier-effect in the number of
teachers reached with "Science and Our Food Supply." To date, more than
20,000 copies of the curriculum have been requested.
To learn more about the "Science and Our Food Supply" program, see:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/tchcuric.html
 
*   Food Safety Employees Honored at Annual Awards Ceremony
 
On June 13, 2003, more than 100 Food Safety and Inspection Service
employees were honored by Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman for their
exceptional performance in promoting food safety and protecting public
health during the 57th Annual U.S. Department of Agriculture's Honor
Awards Ceremony.
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/news/2003/honor.htm
 
*   USDA Honors ARS Employees
 
On June 13, 2003, sixty-five Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
employees are among those honored at USDA's annual honor awards
ceremony--for individual or team achievements in protecting the
environment, boosting job opportunities and ensuring food safety.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2003/030613.htm
 
*   Transcript of Technical Briefing on BSE, June 9, 2003
http://www.usda.gov/news/releases/2003/06/0199.htm
 
*   Solicitation of Input From stakeholders on Research, Education and
Extension Programs Related to Food Safety Administered by the
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)
and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), June 17, 2003, "Federal
Register:" Volume 68, Number 116
 
CSREES and ARS are planning to conduct a ``Stakeholders' Listening
Session on Food Safety Research Priorities'' in Denver, Colorado. The
listening session will be held on Monday, June 30, 2003, from 8:30 a.m.
to 5 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel Denver Stapleton Plaza; 3333 Quebec
Street; Denver, CO 80207. For more information about the listening
session, go to:
http://www.cahs.colostate.edu/fshn/foodsafety/
 
*   Veterinary Careers with FSIS
 
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is a public health
regulatory agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. FSIS is
responsible for ensuring that the commercial supply of meat, poultry and
egg products moving in interstate commerce or exported to other
countries is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged. In
order to do this successfully, FSIS employs 1,100 veterinarians called
Veterinary Medical Officers throughout the United States. Most of the
entry-level veterinarians work in one or more private slaughter and
processing plants. For more information about FSIS veterinary careers:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/vetstudents/vetcareers.htm
 
*   2000 FSIS Annual Report to Congress
 
The 2000 FSIS Annual Report to Congress is now available. It is
available in both HTML and PDF form.
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/congress/congress.htm#Annual
 
 
NEWS FROM THE USDA/FDA FOODBORNE ILLNESS EDUCATION INFORMATION CENTER
 
*   Two Newly Revised Pamphlets are Now Available from the International
Association for Food Protection (IAFP)
 
>>> "Before Disaster Strikes... A Guide to Food Safety in the Home"
provides guidelines to help plan for a disaster and determine if
household food and water supplies are safe following a natural disaster.
 
>>> "Food Safety at Temporary Events" is a 14-step guide to keep
temporary events free of the risk of food poisoning especially when the
event (church supper, street fair, civic celebration and other similar
events) calls for food service to be set up out-of-doors. Both of these
publications can be ordered through the IAFP Web site at:
http://www.foodprotection.org
For more food safety information, visit the Foodborne Illness Education
Information Center's Web site at:
http://www.nal.usda.gov/foodborne/
 
MEETINGS/CONFERENCES/COURSES
*   Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Advisory Committee; Notice
of Meeting "Federal Register" Volume 68, Number 115
 
This notice announces a forthcoming meeting of the Transmissible
Spongiform Encephalopathies Advisory Committee of the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA). The meeting will be open to the public. The
committee provides advice and recommendations to the Agency on FDA's
regulatory issues. Date and Time: The meeting will be held on July 17,
2003, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on July 18, 2003, from 8 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. Location: Holiday Inn Select, 8120 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD,
301-652-2000. For more information, go to:
http://www.fda.gov/cber/advisory/tse/tse0703.htm
 
 
INDUSTRY INFO
 
*   IKE Scenario 03-03, Update to FSIS Directive 10,010.1.
"Microbiological Testing Program for 'E. coli' O157:H7 in Raw Ground
Beef"
 
FSIS released a new Interactive Knowledge Exchange (IKE) scenario to
help illustrate changes covered by the FSIS Notice 11-03 Update to FSIS
Directive 10,010.1, "Microbiological Testing Program for 'Escherichia
coli' O157:H7 in Raw Ground Beef." The Agency issued the Notice on April
18, 2003, because the prevalence of "E. coli" O157:H7 has been shown to
be seasonal and begins to rise in April and May. The Agency will need to
increase verification efforts at this time, according to the IKE
scenario. Additionally, IKE scenario clarifies that where
inconsistencies exist, FSIS Notice 11-03 supercedes FSIS Directive
10,010.1.
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OFO/TSC/ike_scenario_03-03.htm
 
*   IKE Scenario 04-03, Update to FSIS Directive 10,010.1.
"Microbiological Testing Program for 'E. coli' O157:H7 in Raw Ground
Beef"
 
This IKE scenario is the second of two that were designed to illustrate
the update to FSIS Directive 10,010.1 provided in FSIS Notice 11-03
published on 4/18/2003. The Notice provides updated instructions to
inspection personnel on some of issues covered by FSIS Directive
10,010.1, "Microbiological Testing Program for 'Escherichia coli'
O157:H7 in Raw Ground Beef." FSIS issued the Notice because the
prevalence of "E. coli" O157:H7 has been shown to be seasonal and begins
to rise in April and May. As a result, the Agency needs to increase
verification efforts at this time. Where inconsistencies exist, FSIS
Notice 11-03 supercedes FSIS Directive 10,010.1.
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OFO/TSC/ike_scenario_04-03.htm
 
*   Notice of Requirements for Extension and Revision of a Currently
Approved Information Collection, May 28, 2003, "Federal Register:"
(Volume 68, Number 102)
 
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, this notice announces the Food
Safety and Inspection Service's (FSIS) intention to request an extension
for and revision to a currently approved information collection package
(ICP) regarding Pathogen Reduction and the Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Point (HACCP) System. In addition, FSIS plans to incorporate the
currently approved "Eschericha coli" ("E. coli") contamination in beef
products information collection package into the revised and extended
Pathogen Reduction/HACCP information collection package.
Dates: Comments on this notice must be received on or before July 28,
2003. For further information or comments contact: John O' Connell,
Paperwork Reduction Act Coordinator, Food Safety and Inspection Service,
USDA, 300 12th Street, SW., Room 112, Washington, DC 20250-3700, (202)
720-0345. Access the notice at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/03-014N.htm
 
*   FSIS' Handbook 5000.1, "Verifying an Establishment's Food Safety
System"
 
This directive issues FSIS Handbook 5000.1, "Verifying an
Establishment's Food Safety System." The handbook provides comprehensive
direction to FSIS field personnel on how they are to protect the public
health by properly verifying an establishment's compliance with the
pathogen reduction, sanitation and HACCP regulations. Access the
directive on the Web at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISDirectives/5000.1Rev1.pdf
 
*   Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Notice Reissued
 
On May 27, 2003, FSIS issued a notice to reiterate to veterinary medical
officers that they are to pay particular attention to cattle showing
signs of central nervous system disorders. In light of the recent
discovery of a cow infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)
in Canada, FSIS is reissuing this information. Access the notice at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISNotices/18-03.htm
 
*   Notice Issued on In-Plant Screening Tests
 
On May 16, 2003, FSIS issued a notice to inform veterinary medical
officers of the Agency's policies regarding the use of rapid in-plant
screening tests for the detection of antibiotic drug residues in mature
swine. Access the notice at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISNotices/15-03.htm
 
*   FSIS Updates "Food Standards and Labeling Policy Book"
 
FSIS' Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff has updated the 178-page
"Food Standards and Labeling Policy Book." The book contains helpful and
descriptive information in a dictionary format. Download a copy of the
book at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/larc/PolicyBook.pdf
 
*   Beverages: Bottled Water; Confirmation of Effective Date
June 9, 2003 "Federal Register:" (Volume 68, Number 110, Docket No.
03N-0068).
 
The FDA is confirming the effective date of December 8, 2003, for the
direct final rule that appeared in the "Federal Register" of March 3,
2003 (68 FR 9873). The direct final rule amends the bottled water
quality standards regulations by establishing an allowable level for
uranium. This document confirms the effective date of the direct final
rule.
DATES: Effective date confirmed: December 8, 2003.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul South, Center for Food Safety and
Applied Nutrition (HFS-306), Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint
Branch Pkwy., College Park, MD 20740-3835, 301-436-1640.
 
*   Guidance for Industry: Standardized Training Curriculum for
Application of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Principles to
Juice Processing; Availability
June 13, 2003 "Federal Register:" (Volume 68, Number 114)
 
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the availability of
a final guidance document entitled ``Guidance for Industry: Standardized
Training Curriculum for Application of HACCP Principles to Juice
Processing'' (the guidance). The guidance advises juice processors of
FDA's view that the 1st Edition of the Juice Hazard Analysis Critical
Control Point (HACCP) Training Curriculum of the Juice HACCP Alliance
(the standardized curriculum) is adequate for use in training
individuals to meet the requirements of the juice HACCP regulation. The
guidance also advises processors and educators on how the requirements
of the juice HACCP regulation may be met using the standardized
curriculum or alternative curricula for training individuals and on how
they can view, download, or purchase the standardized curriculum.
DATES: You may submit written or electronic comments on the guidance
document at any time.
ADDRESSES: Submit written requests for single copies of the guidance to
Michael E. Kashtock, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
(CFSAN) (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). Include a self-addressed
adhesive label to assist that office in processing your request.  Submit
written comments on the document to the Dockets Management Branch
(HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm.  1061,
Rockville, MD 20852. Submit electronic comments to
http://www.fda.gov/dockets/ecomments.
See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for electronic access to the
guidance document. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael E. Kashtock,
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-305), Food and Drug
Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Pkwy., College Park, MD 20740-3835,
301-436-2022, FAX: 301-436-2651,
e-mail: mkashtoc@cfsan.fda.gov
 
*   Need to Complete New Registration Form and Importance of
Compliance with Recordkeeping and Registration Requirements Under the
Federal Meat and Poultry Products Inspection Regulations
 
FSIS intends to increase its enforcement of the registration and
recordkeeping requirements to ensure that all businesses subject to the
Federal Meat Inspection Act
and Federal Poultry Products Inspection Act that are required to be
registered with FSIS and/or to maintain business records are properly
doing so. In this notice, FSIS is also informing the public that the
Agency
has developed a new registration form. Because this form requires that
registrants provide certain information that was not required on the
previous form, all parties required to register, including those that
are currently registered, must complete the new form and submit it to
FSIS. Parties must submit the new registration form to FSIS by March 22,
2004. For more information, see "Federal Register" of June 25, 2003
(Volume 68, Number 122).
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/01-034N.htm
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Arshad Hussain, Division Director,
Data Analysis and Statistical Support Staff, Food Safety and Inspection
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, (202) 720-3219.
 
 
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