========================================================================= Date: Thu, 28 Sep 2006 14:59:21 EDT Reply-To: EdNet@FOODSAFETY.GOV Sender: National Food Safety Educator's Network From: National Food Safety Educator's Network Organization: National Food Safety Educator's Network Subject: Ednet Update September 2006 * * * * 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-- September 2006 IN THIS ISSUE CONSUMER ADVISORY/ALERTS * FDA Statement on Foodborne "E. coli" O157:H7 Outbreak in Spinach * FDA Consumer Advisory on Refrigeration of Carrot Juice * FDA Warns Consumers of Potential Food Safety Risks During Storm-Related Power Outages and Flooding PEOPLE IN THE NEWS * Food Microbiologist Recognized With Top Food Safety Achievement Award (FSIS) RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS * "Be Food Safe" Campaign Previewed at Food Safety Education Conference * "be Food Safe: the FSIS Magazine" Unveiled at Food Safety Conference * FDA Broadens Access to Lead Screening Test That Gives Immediate Results * "What Consumers Need to Know About Avian Influenza"-- Updated (FDA) * USDA Awards More Than $4.5 Million for Integrated Organic Research * FDA Asks U.S. Marshals to Seize Dietary Supplements Products Being Promoted With Drug Claims * USDA Seeks Public Comment on Deregulation of Genetically Engineered Rice * Confirmatory Tests Being Conducted on Pennsylvania Wild Bird Samples (USDA, DOI) * Avian Influenza Tests Complete on Maryland Resident Wild Mallard Ducks (USDA, DOI) * Confirmatory Tests Being Conducted on Maryland Wild Bird Fecal Samples (USDA, DOI) * "Ciguatera Fish Poisoning--- Texas, 1998, and South Carolina, 2004," MMWR, Volume 55, Number 31 (CDC) * Revised "Cooking for Groups-- A Volunteer's Guide to Food Safety" (FSIS) * "FDA Consumer Magazine," September-October 2006, Volume 40, Number 5 * "Amber Waves Magazine," September 2006 (ERS) * FSIS Web Site Wins Prestigious Best Practices Award * National Nutrition Month(R) - 100% Fad Free -- March 2007 MEETINGS/EVENTS/CONFERENCES * Food and Drug Administration-Regulated Products Containing Nanotechnology Materials * FSIS to Hold Public Meeting on Risk-Based Inspection * National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) Public Meeting (FSIS) * FDA's "Reducing Risk Factors at Retail and Food Service" Satellite Broadcast INDUSTRY INFO * FSIS Notice 63-06: "Verification Procedures Involving 'E. Coli' O157:H7" * FDA's Guidance for Industry: Estimating Dietary Intake of Substances in Food * FSIS Notice 62-06: "Notice of Availability" * Questions and Answers Regarding Establishment and Maintenance of Records--Updated * FSIS Notice 61-06: "Delay of Implementation Date for FSIS Directive 5420.3, 'Homeland Security Threat Condition Response - Monitoring and Surveillance of Products in Commerce'" * FSIS Directive 5420.4- Revision 3: "Homeland Security Threat Condition Response - Emergency Procedures for the Office of International Affairs Import Inspection Division" * FSIS Directive 5420.3--Revision 3: "Homeland Security Threat Condition Response - Monitoring and Surveillance of Products in Commerce" * FSIS Amends Directive on "Homeland Security Threat Condition Response - Food Defense Verification Procedures"--Directive 5420.1, Revision 3 * FSIS Notice 60-06: "Nationwide Young Chicken Microbiological Baseline Data Collection Program" * FSIS Notice 59-06: "Illegally Imported or Smuggled Products" * FSIS Notice: "The National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection-- Nominations for Membership"-Docket No. FSIS-2006-0019, "Federal Register," Volume 71, Number 176 * FSIS Notice: "Harvard Risk Assessment of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Update-- Notice of Availability and Technical Meeting"-Docket No. FSIS-2006-0011E, "Federal Register," Volume 71, Number 176 ------------------------------------------------------------ CONSUMER ADVISORY/ALERTS * FDA Statement on Foodborne "E. coli" O157:H7 Outbreak in Spinach On September 14, 2006, the FDA issued an alert to consumers about an outbreak of "E. coli" O157:H7 in multiple States that may be associated with the consumption of fresh spinach and fresh spinach containing-products. The FDA, in working closely with the CDC and the State of California, has determined that the fresh spinach implicated in the outbreak was grown in the following three California counties: Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Clara. Spinach from the rest of the U.S. has not been implicated in the current "E. coli" O157:H7 outbreak. Individuals who believe they may have experienced symptoms of illness after consuming pre-packaged spinach are urged to contact their health care provider. The public can be confident that spinach grown in the non-implicated areas can be consumed. An outbreak of "E. coli" O157:H7 infection continues to be investigated and the FDA will continue to provide the public with regular updates on the "E. coli" O157:H7 outbreak each day until further notice. Read updated press releases at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/press.html Nationwide "E. coli" O157:H7 Outbreak: Questions & Answers http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/spinacqa.html For Q & A's in Spanish on the FDA's web site, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/sspinaqa.html * FDA Consumer Advisory on Refrigeration of Carrot Juice On September 17, 2006, the FDA advised consumers of the vital importance of keeping carrot juice-including pasteurized carrot juice-refrigerated. There were three cases of botulism in the state of Georgia associated with pasteurized carrot juice that may have been due to the product not being properly refrigerated. FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and health authorities in Georgia have been closely monitoring and continue to investigate these three cases of foodborne botulism. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fpcarrot.html Guidance on labeling of foods that need refrigeration by consumers, particularly for safety, is available at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fr970224.html * FDA Warns Consumers of Potential Food Safety Risks During Storm-Related Power Outages and Flooding The FDA is warning consumers to be alert to food safety risks that could result from possible power outages and flooding due to storms that currently threaten both coasts of the United States. "Foods that are inadequately refrigerated during storm-related power outages, and foods or bottled water contaminated by flood waters, present a potential health risk to consumers," said Robert E. Brackett, Ph.D., Director of FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. "Consumers may want to look up FDA's advice on how to confront such risks, which is available on the FDA Web site." View "What Consumers Need to Know About Food and Water Safety During Hurricanes, Power Outages, and Floods" at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fsdisas.html PEOPLE IN THE NEWS * Food Microbiologist Recognized With Top Food Safety Achievement Award On September 27, 2006, the USDA's Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Richard Raymond presented Dr. R. Bruce Tompkin with the prestigious 2006 Howard Bauman Award. Dr. Tompkin was recognized for his achievements in advancing and applying the science of food safety during his 40-year career as a researcher and educator. The award was presented in Denver, CO, at the 2006 Food Safety Education Conference, "Reaching At-Risk Audiences and Today's Other Food Safety Challenges." To read this news release, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_092706_03/index.asp RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS * "Be Food Safe" Campaign Previewed at Food Safety Education Conference The "Be Food Safe" campaign was previewed in Denver, Colorado on September 26th at the 2006 Food Safety Education Conference, "Reaching At-Risk Audiences and Today's Other Food Safety Challenges." 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, and provides the tools needed to launch your own local media campaign to spread the "Be Food Safe" message. Watch future issues of the EdNet newsletter for availability of "Be Food Safe" education materials including a 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. For more information on "Be Food Safe," go to: http://www.befoodsafe.gov, or E-mail your questions to: befoodsafe@usda.gov To read related news release-"USDA Sponsors Food Safety Education Conference-- Offers Preview of New Food Safety Campaign"-visit the USDA Web site at: http://www.usda.gov/2006/09/0382.xml * "be Food Safe: the FSIS Magazine" Unveiled at Food Safety Conference FSIS unveiled its new full-color glossy magazine titled "be FoodSafe: the FSIS Magazine" on September 27, 2006 at the 2006 Food Safety Education Conference "Reaching At-Risk Audiences & Today's Other Food Safety Challenges," in Denver, Colorado. This quarterly magazine will focus on food safety behavior trends, emerging science and research, inspection issues (domestic and international), and education programs for food workers, consumers and caregivers. The magazine replaces the quarterly newsletter "The Food Safety Educator" at no additional cost and it will serve a larger audience. Subscriptions can be purchased for $29 through the Government Printing Office at: http://bookstore.gpo.gov or visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Be_Foodsafe_Magazine/index.asp * FDA Broadens Access to Lead Screening Test That Gives Immediate Results On September 18, 2006, the FDA expanded the availability of the first simple and portable lead test system to more than 115,000 certified point-of-care locations nationwide, including healthcare clinics, mobile health units and schools. This will allow children and adults to be tested and treated for lead poisoning much easier and faster. The test, called the LeadCare II Blood Lead Test System and made by ESA Biosciences of Chelmsford, MA, is used to screen children and adults for harmful levels of lead using a finger stick or venous whole blood sample. It is performed while the patient is present, in as little as three minutes. The rapid result means a second sample for further testing can be obtained quickly if needed, reducing the need for a follow-up visit. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2006/NEW01456.html * "What Consumers Need to Know About Avian Influenza"-- Updated FDA has updated its Web page to answer questions about avian influenza, or bird flu, which can cause disease in domestic poultry. The viruses that cause bird flu have rarely infected humans, but severe, even fatal, cases have occurred abroad over the last seven years. The page explains precautions to ensure that the bird flu virus is destroyed in eggs and egg products from infected poultry. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/avfluqa.html * USDA Awards More Than $4.5 Million for Integrated Organic Research On September 13, 2006, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced that USDA is awarding more than $4.5 million in research grants to address organic agricultural issues and priorities, including global competitiveness. http://www.usda.gov/2006/09/0353.xml * FDA Asks U.S. Marshals to Seize Dietary Supplements Products Being Promoted With Drug Claims At the request of the FDA, on September 5, 2006, U.S. Marshals seized quantities of Ellagimax capsules, Coral Max capsules, Coral Max without Iron capsules, and Advanced Arthritis Support capsules distributed by Advantage Nutraceuticals, L.L.C. of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, valued at approximately $55,000. The products are alleged to be in violation of the new drug and misbranding provisions of the "Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act." Although these products are labeled as "dietary supplements," they are being promoted with claims typically associated with drug products. FDA considers these products to be unapproved new drugs. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fpseize.html * USDA Seeks Public Comment on Deregulation of Genetically Engineered Rice On September 8, 2006, USDA issued a news release announcing that it is seeking public comment on a petition to deregulate a rice genetically engineered (GE) to be tolerant to herbicides marketed under the brand name "LibertyLink." In 1999, after thorough safety evaluations, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) deregulated two similar "LibertyLink" rice lines. Under petition, APHIS would extend its deregulation from the original two lines to include the rice line known as "LLRICE601." http://www.usda.gov/2006/09/0345.xml * Confirmatory Tests Being Conducted on Pennsylvania Wild Bird Samples On September 2, 2006, the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior announced the presence of the H5 and N1 avian influenza subtypes in samples from wild mallard ducks in Pennsylvania. Testing has ruled out the possibility of this being the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain that has spread through birds in Asia, Europe and Africa. Test results thus far indicate this is low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI), which poses no threat to human health. http://www.usda.gov/2006/09/0337.xml * Avian Influenza Tests Complete on Maryland Resident Wild Mallard Ducks On September 12, 2006, the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior announced final test results, which confirm that an H5N1 avian influenza virus detected in fecal samples collected last month from resident wild mallard ducks in Maryland is a low pathogenic subtype. This strain has been detected several times in wild birds in North America and poses no threat to human health. http://www.usda.gov/2006/09/0348.xml * Confirmatory Tests Being Conducted on Maryland Wild Bird Fecal Samples On September 1, 2006, the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior announced that the presence of the H5N1 avian influenza subtype has been detected in fecal samples from wild birds in Maryland. Testing has ruled out the possibility of this being the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain that has spread through birds in Asia, Europe and Africa. Test results thus far indicate this is low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI), which poses no threat to human health. To read this news release, go to: http://www.usda.gov/2006/09/0335.xml * "Ciguatera Fish Poisoning--- Texas, 1998, and South Carolina, 2004," MMWR, CDC, Volume 55, Number 31 This report describes ciguatera fish poisoning in four persons (two in 1998, two in 2004) who ate fish caught by recreational fishers in waters outside of ciguatera-endemic areas (e.g., the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic and Gulf Coast waters off southern Florida). These cases underscore the need for physicians, regardless of whether they are in a ciguatera-endemic area, to consider ciguatera in patients who have gastrointestinal or neurologic symptoms after eating large, predatory fish. To read this report: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5534a2.htm * Revised "Cooking for Groups-- A Volunteer's Guide to Food Safety" "Cooking for Groups-- A Volunteer's Guide to Food Safety" from USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service has been slightly revised. http://www.fsis.USDA.gov/PDF/Cooking_for_Groups.pdf * "FDA Consumer Magazine," September-October 2006, Volume 40, Number 5 The September-October issue of the "FDA Consumer Magazine" is available online at: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/506_toc.html * "Amber Waves Magazine," September 2006 (ERS) The September 2006 issue of the "Amber Waves Magazine" from USDA's Economic Research Service is now available online at: http://www.ers.usda.gov/AmberWaves/September06/ * FSIS Web Site Wins Prestigious Best Practices Award FSIS' Web site (www.fsis.usda.gov) tied with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's site to win top honors in the general audience category for the prestigious best practices award presented to top government Web sites by webcontent.gov, a consortium of government, Federal and military Web site managers. The award represented the FSIS Web site's achievement in displaying best practices in serving its customers. FSIS' Web site was selected by a panel of Federal Web managers, mostly comprised of the Web Managers Advisory Council. The group includes representatives from every cabinet-level agency, several independent agencies and representatives from the judicial and legislative branches. Over 50 Web sites were nominated for awards. Winners were named during the group's Fall Government Web Managers Workshop, on September 19, 2006 in Washington, D.C. A list of finalists and additional information about the award can be found at: http://www.firstgov.gov/webcontent/improving/marketing/awards/finalists.shtml * National Nutrition Month(R) - "100% Fad Free"-- March 2007 National Nutrition Month(R) (NNM) is a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored annually by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). The campaign is designed to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. NNM also promotes ADA and its members to the public and the media as the most valuable and credible source of timely, scientifically based food and nutrition information. The theme is "100% Fad Free." If you have questions, e-mail ADA at: nnm@eatright.org To obtain permission from ADA for theme or artwork usage, see the "Guidelines for Using NNM Service Mark and Slogan," visit: http://www.eatright.org/nnm MEETINGS/EVENTS/CONFERENCES * Food and Drug Administration-Regulated Products Containing Nanotechnology Materials The FDA will hold a public meeting on FDA-regulated products containing nanotechnology materials, and has opened a docket on FDA-regulated products containing nanotechnology materials. The purpose of the meeting will be to help FDA further its understanding of developments in nanotechnology materials that pertain to FDA-regulated products. The public meeting will be held October 10, 2006, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Natcher Auditorium, National Institutes of Health Campus, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bldg. 45, Bethesda, MD. http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/06-6867.htm * FSIS to Hold Public Meeting on Risk-Based Inspection FSIS will hold a public meeting to discuss risk-based inspection on October 10-11, 2006. The meeting will consist of presentations and discussions on the vision of risk-based inspection, establishment risk control, inherent product risk and risk-based inspection implementation. The meeting is scheduled for October 10, from 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. EST, and for October 11, from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., EST. and will be held at George Mason University, Arlington Campus, 3401 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Va. 22201. For more information about risk-based inspection, the technical papers and the public meeting, visit the FSIS Web site at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/Risk_Based_Inspection/index.asp To read this Notice, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/2006-0029.pdf * National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) Public Meeting The National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) will hold a public meeting on October 12-13, 2006, to review and discuss the following issues: (1) "Using Risk to Direct In-Plant Inspection Activities in Processing Assignments," and (2) "Using Risk in Slaughter Operations." Two subcommittees will also meet on October 12, 2006, to work on these issues after discussion during the full committee session. The full Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, October 12, and Friday, October 13, 2006, fro 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Subcommittees will hold open meetings on Thursday, October 12, 2006, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. All Committee meetings will take place in the conference room at the south end of the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cafeteria located in the South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, D.C. 20250. A meeting agenda is available on the Internet at the NACMPI Web site: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/about_fsis/nacmpi/index.asp * FDA's "Reducing Risk Factors at Retail and Food Service" Satellite Broadcast FDA is announcing "Reducing Risk Factors at Retail and Food Service" via satellite broadcast on November 30, 2006. This program will focus on the topic of reducing risk factors in retail food stores and food service facilities. The goal of this program is to improve the ability of regulators and industry to reduce the occurrence of risk factors and foodborne illness at retail. Success stories and tools will be discussed through interviews with various leaders in the regulatory community and industry. Topics include communication skills, using risk control plans, tools for improving food employee behaviors, food preparation practices, personal hygiene of foodservice workers and techniques used to ensure safe food temperatures. This is an interactive program involving a live audience and a Q & A segment so viewers will have the opportunity to call/fax in specific questions. Printout program materials will be available several days prior to the broadcast at: http://www.fda.gov/ora/training/Satellite/satmain.htm Satellite technical coordinates will not be available until October 15, 2006. Mark your calendars to visit: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/ocer/dcm/html/program_calendar.html INDUSTRY INFO * FSIS Notice 63-06: "Verification Procedures Involving 'E. Coli' O157:H7" On September 27, 2006, FSIS issued Notice 63-06, titled "Verification Procedures Involving 'E. Coli' O157:H7" to remind inspection program personnel of the verification activities they are to perform regarding "E. Coli" O157:H7. The high prevalence season for "E. Coli O157:H7 lasts until the end of September. There has been a recent increase in the rate at which the FSIS is finding this pathogen in its verification sampling of raw ground beef. To read this Notice: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp * FDA's Guidance for Industry: Estimating Dietary Intake of Substances in Food This FDA guidance, one in a series of Chemistry Guidance documents, provides general recommendations for calculating and submitting estimates of dietary intake to support the documentation of the safety of substances introduced into food either intentionally to accomplish a technical effect, adventitiously as a component of an added substance, or inadvertently through contamination resulting from processing. The FDA's pre-market approval processes for food and color additives require an estimate of the probable consumer intake of the additive to determine whether its use or presence in a food at a given concentration is safe. This document is primarily directed at petitioners for food and color additive regulations and notifiers for generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substances, and include illustrative examples of calculations performed by the Office of Food Additive Safety (OFAS) reviewers in FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) to obtain an estimate of probable intake for substances in the diet. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/opa2cg8.html#intro * FSIS Notice 62-06: "Notice of Availability" On September 20, 2006, FSIS issued "Notice of Availability" to announce it has posted answers to five commonly asked questions about the "Sanitation Performance Standards." FSIS received these questions from small and very small plants. The Agency compiled the questions as part of its enhanced outreach efforts. This is the first of a series of question and answer documents that respond to frequently asked questions that FSIS receives from small and very small plants. The answers to the questions are on the Technical Service Center Question and Answer page at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/HELP/FAQs_TSC/index.asp To see this Notice, visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp * Questions and Answers Regarding Establishment and Maintenance of Records--Updated The FDA has issued the fourth edition of its guidance entitled "Questions and Answers Regarding Establishment and Maintenance of Records." The guidance responds to various questions raised about section 306 of the "Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002" and the Agency's implementing final rule at 21 CFR Part 1, Subpart J, which requires the establishment and maintenance of records by persons who manufacture, process, pack, transport, distribute, receive, hold, or import food in the United States. To read this guidance document and persons covered by the regulation, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/recguid4.html * FSIS Notice 61-06: "Delay of Implementation Date for FSIS Directive 5420.3, 'Homeland Security Threat Condition Response - Monitoring and Surveillance of Products in Commerce'" On September 15, 2006, FSIS issued Notice 61-06, titled "Delay of Implementation Date for FSIS Directive 5420.3, 'Homeland Security Threat Condition Response - Monitoring and Surveillance of Products in Commerce.'" This Notice announces that personnel of the Compliance and Investigations Division (CID), Office of Program Evaluation, Enforcement and Review (OPEER) are not to implement the instructions in FSIS Directive 5420.3, until October 16, 2006. This will provide OPEER time to ensure that Investigators receive training in sharepoint. To view this Notice, visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp * FSIS Directive 5420.4- Revision 3: "Homeland Security Threat Condition Response - Emergency Procedures for the Office of International Affairs Import Inspection Division" This Directive details the emergency Food Defense Verification Procedures that Import Inspection Division (IID), Office of International Affairs (OIA), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) field personnel will follow when the Department of Homeland Security declares a threat condition Yellow, Orange or Red. To read this Directive, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISDirectives/5420.4_Rev3.pdf * FSIS Directive 5420.3--Revision 3: "Homeland Security Threat Condition Response - Monitoring and Surveillance of Products in Commerce" On September 14, 2006, FSIS issued Revision-3 to the Directive titled "Homeland Security Threat Condition Response - Monitoring and Surveillance of Products in Commerce." This Directive describes the procedures that personnel of the Compliance and Investigations Division (CID), Office of Program Evaluation, Enforcement and Review (OPEER), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will follow when the Department of Homeland Security declares a threat condition yellow, orange, or red. To read this Directive, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISDirectives/5420.3_Rev3.pdf * FSIS Amends Directive on "Homeland Security Threat Condition Response - Food Defense Verification Procedures" On September 7, 2006, FSIS amended Directive 5420.1, Revision 3, titled, "Homeland Security Threat Condition Response - Food Defense Verification Procedures." This Directive details the emergency food defense verification procedures that inspection program personnel will follow when the Department of Homeland Security declares a threat condition yellow, orange or red. The Directive, which became effective on September 15, 2006, is available on the FSIS Web site at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISDirectives/5420.1Rev3Amend1.pdf * FSIS Notice 60-06: "Nationwide Young Chicken Microbiological Baseline Data Collection Program" On September 14, 2006, FSIS issued a Notice titled "Nationwide Young Chicken Microbiological Baseline Data Collection Program." This Notice provides information to inspection program personnel at establishments participating in the FSIS "Nationwide Microbiological Baseline Data Collection Program for Young Chickens." Information in this Notice applies to the 90-day training (i.e., "shake down") period that will be conducted before the actual study begins. The 90-day training period will begin upon receipt of this Notice. The sample collection procedures for this study are different than those for the routine sampling of chicken carcasses. To read this Notice, visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp * FSIS Notice 59-06: "Illegally Imported or Smuggled Products" On September 13, 2006, FSIS issued a Notice titled "Illegally Imported or Smuggled Products." This Notice provides methodologies that the Office of Program Evaluation, Enforcement and Review (OPEER) and the Office of International Affairs (OIA) will apply when surveillance or investigations identify meat, poultry, or egg products from a foreign country that have been illegally imported or smuggled into the United States (U.S.). To read this Notice, visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp * FSIS Notice: "The National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection-- Nominations for Membership"-Docket No. FSIS-2006-0019, "Federal Register," Volume 71, Number 176 On September 12, 2006, FSIS issued a Noticed titled "The National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection-- Nominations for Membership." This Notice is to solicit nominations for membership on the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI). The full Committee consists of no less than 16 and no more than 18 members, and each person selected is expected to serve a two year term. Existing members can serve three consecutive two year terms. USDA is soliciting nominations in order to fill 16 to 18 vacancies on the Committee. Nomination materials must be received no later than October 12, 2006. To read this Notice, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/2006_Notices_Index/index.asp * FSIS Notice: "Harvard Risk Assessment of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Update-- Notice of Availability and Technical Meeting"-Docket No. FSIS-2006-0011E, "Federal Register," Volume 71, Number 176 On September 12, 2006, FSIS issued a Notice titled "Harvard Risk Assessment of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Update-- Notice of Availability and Technical Meeting." This Notice is to announce that FSIS is reopening and extending the comment period for the 2005 updated Harvard Risk Assessment of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). The original comment period closed on August 11, 2006. The Agency is taking this action in response to a comment that was submitted after the Agency held its July 25, 2006, technical meeting to provide information on the updated risk assessment model and report. Comments are due by October 27, 2006. To read this Notice, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/2006_Notices_Index/index.asp ARCHIVED EDNET NEWSLETTERS Interested readers can access EdNet newsletters archived since October 1997 from the Web site: http://www.foodsafety.gov/~fsg/ednet.html SUBSCRIBE Please forward this issue to colleagues and friends and tell them how to subscribe. Thank you for sharing. 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