Large plants, those with 500 or more employees, have been required to meet these requirements since January 1998. Implementation in large plants has been successful based on compliance data and data on the prevalence of Salmonella in certain products. Background FSIS is the Agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture responsible for ensuring the safety, wholesomeness, and accurate labeling of meat, poultry, and egg products. The rule addresses the serious problem of foodborne illness in the United States associated with meat and poultry products by focusing more attention on the prevention and reduction of microbial pathogens on raw products that can cause illness. It also clarifies the respective roles of government and industry in food safety.
Industry is accountable for producing safe food.
Government is responsible for setting appropriate food safety standards, maintaining vigorous inspection oversight to ensure those standards are met, and operating a strong enforcement program to, among other things, deal with plants that do not meet regulatory standards. The requirements of the final rule are being phased in over several years. These requirements are effective in small plants, defined as having 10 or more but fewer than 500 employees, as of January 25, 1999. Assistance to Plants FSIS has prepared extensively for the implementation of the final rule in these smaller plants by providing extensive technical assistance. Conducted small plant demonstration workshops throughout the country to provide guidance and technical assistance to small plants.