FSIS Asking Comments on Risk-Based RTE Verification Plan

Inspection agency releases new Form 10,240-1 to collect information about what kind and how many RTE products plants make.  FSIS wants to use the information to develop annual sampling frequencies based on risk. FSIS is asking for comments on its plan. - Posted 9/30/04 by BFS

EPA Proposing "Critical Use Exemption" for Methyl Bromide

New rule would stop phaseout of use of methyl bromide (MeBr) by this coming January.  AAMP has applied for another "critical use exemption" for meat processors that would last through 2007. - Posted 9/30/04 by BFS

www.BeefRetail.org

The Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, launched a new website that contains information to increase beef sales at the retail level. Several beef retail programs can be easily accessed on the site. This website is funded by the beef checkoff program. - Posted 9/29/04 by JBW

Docket No. 04–013N:  Humane Handling and Slaughter Requirements and the Merits of a Systematic Approach To Meet Such Requirements

All livestock establishments are required to meet requirements in the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act (HMSA), Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and implementing regulations. - Posted 9/29/04 by JBW

   

Animal Welfare in Slaughter Plants (PDF)

Basic animal handling guidelines presented by Dr.Temple Grandin.

    

Good Management Practices for Animal Handling and Stunning (PDF)

The main emphasis of this guide is on the use of welfare performance standards that can be objectively scored instead of specifying practices or equipment design.

  

Humane Slaughter Systems (PDF)

To facilitate humane handling, a system should be implemented by slaughter houses that will ensure that humane handling from the time that the animals enter the plant on the truck up until the time that they are stunned and bled.

Registration For The FSIS Announcements via Email

Register for FSIS email notification to provide you with the latest news from the Agency. - Posted 9/29/04 by JBW

FSIS Notice 49-04: Production Information On Post-Lethality Exposed Ready-To-Eat (RTE) Products

This notice announces the availability of FSIS Form 10,240-1:   Production Information on Post-Lethality Exposed Ready-to-Eat Products. Establishments that produce products that are regulated under 9 CFR part 430 are required to complete the form in accordance with 9 CFR 430.4(d). - Posted 9/28/04 by JBW

FSIS Form 10,240-1

Fighting Fire With Fire

The Center for Consumer Freedom stands up against “the growing fraternity of food cops, health-care enforcers, militant activists, meddling bureaucrats and violent radicals who think they know what's best for you.” - Posted 9/28/04 by JBW

Sausage Makers Face Depletion Of Inventory Of Beef Rounds Used In Casings

Because of USDA action in response to the BSE cow found in the US in late 2003, USDA prohibited the use of certain parts of animals, including the small intestines from beef, which are used in many popular sausage varieties. - Posted 9/28/04 by JBW

Editorial Feedback

John Munsell responds to the Meat Marketing & Technology editorial "USDA wants to tell you a story." - Posted 9/27/04 by JBW

Grant To Fund Anti-terrorism Training for Food Production Personnel

U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Domestic Preparedness awarded a $4.7 million grant to the Western Institute for Food Safety and Security at the University of California, Davis. - Posted 9/23/04 by JBW

Chef Training

Chef training at the Culinary Training Center encourages use of U.S. processed meats. - Posted 9/23/04 by JBW

Editorial:   Perspective On The National Animal Identification Plan

A national livestock identification plan can benefit meat processors, MeatNews editor Dr. Dom Castaldo says. - Posted 9/22/04 by JBW

USDA Launches a New Spanish-Language Website

USDA “En Español” unites the English-language website materials under one bi-lingual umbrella for the first time as part of its ongoing efforts to expand Hispanic access to USDA programs. - Posted 9/21/04 by JBW

Confidentiality Concerns

U.S. livestock producers and ranchers want information in the national livestock identification program to be confidential. - Posted 9/21/04 by JBW

Chicken Challenge

Researchers discover that “free range” poultry has similar bacterial contamination rates. - Posted 9/21/04 by JBW

Compost Demonstration Using Meat Processing By-Products

Composting demonstration will be held at an AAMP member's establishment.  - Posted 9/20/04 by JBW

September is National Preparedness Month

Throughout the month of September, hundreds of activities are planned across the country to highlight the importance of individual emergency preparedness. - Posted 9/17/04 by JBW

Report exposes radical animal rights group's plan to target children with graphic propaganda. - Posted 9/17/04 by JBW

Take a Bite out of PETA

Sign the petition to have PETA's tax-exemption status removed. - Posted 9/17/04 by JBW

FSIS Calls For More Diligent Humane Handling

USDA is asking meat processing facilities to use a systematic approach to ensure that they are meeting the requirements of the law during handling and slaughter. - Posted 9/17/04 by JBW

 

Humane Slaughter Revised

USDA encourages livestock handling facilities to monitor compliance with humane slaughter rules. - Posted 9/17/04 by JBW

  

FSIS Notice 35-04:  Documentation of Humane Handling Activities

This notice provides inspection program personnel with clarification regarding what information they are to record in Humane-handling Activities Tracking (HAT).

Americans, Western Europeans Least Worried About Food Safety

Russians, Asians and Mexicans worry greatly about the safety of their food supply, but most American and Western Europeans think the food supply is safer than it was a decade ago. - Posted 9/17/04 by JBW

NCBA Offers New Merchandising Materials for Beef Value Cuts

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association has developed new merchandising materials to assist industry professionals with information and instruction on the fabrication and merchandising of the new cuts. - Posted 9/8/04 by JBW

HACCP Resource Materials

FSIS has updated (June 2004) this brochure designed to assist small and very small plants with their HACCP programs. - Posted 9/3/04 by JBW

NSF will launch the NSF Scrub Club during National Clean Hands Week (September 19-26, 2004).  Though NSF is focusing their efforts during this week, the program will continue to promote proper handwashing throughout the school year - especially during the holiday season when food safety and disease prevention become most critical. - Posted 9/3/04 by JBW

Plant Security Guide For Small & Very Small Establishments

AAMP is working in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Michigan State University, and the Michigan Meat Association to develop a Crisis Management and Food Security Training program keyed to small and very small volume meat and poultry processors. - Posted 9/1/04 by JBW

FSIS Meat and Poultry Slaughter and Processing Survey

FSIS has been given the go ahead to start a survey of meat and poultry slaughter and processing plants on September 7. The survey will be administered by RTI. RTI will start contacting plant managers in mid-September. Additional information on the survey can be found in the brochure (PDF document). - Posted 9/1/04 by JBW