FSIS has prepared extensively for implementation by providing technical assistance to plants. 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. Systems , on July 25, 1996. 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 roles of industry and government in food safety.
Industry is responsible for producing safe food.
Government is responsible for setting appropriate food safety standards, maintaining vigorous oversight to ensure those standards are met, and operating a strong enforcement program to deal with, among other things, plants that do not meet regulatory requirements. Small plants were required to meet these requirements by January 25, 1999. As the Agency did with small plants, FSIS has prepared for the implementation of the final rule in very small plants by providing extensive technical assistance and guidance to help them in meeting these requirements. Many of the initiatives developed for small plants continue to be an avenue of assistance for very small establishments. FSIS continues to provide these same activities to assist very small plants.