========================================================================= Date: Wed, 30 Jun 2004 13:15:50 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 June 2004 * * * * 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 2004 IN THIS ISSUE CONSUMER ALERT * FDA Reiterates its Previous Alerts about Eating Raw Sprouts RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS * Statement by Deputy Administrator Dr. John Clifford for USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Regarding an Inconclusive BSE Test * Transcript of Technical Briefing with Dr. John Clifford, DVM, Deputy Administrator for APHIS Veterinary Services - June 25, 2004 * Statement on Dairy Cattle Deaths in Washington State (FDA) * Statement on FDA Test Results from Washington State Dairy Cattle (FDA) * Beach and Boat Food Safety: New USDA Video News Release (VNR) * CDC's School Health Index - Edition III -- is Now Available! * FDA Investigating Illnesses Associated With School Lunches Served in Massachusetts * 2004 Grassroots Food Safety Education Initiatives (FDA) * An Egg Story: Does the Date Mean "Too Late?" (ARS) * USDA Food Safety Mobile Schedule * Meat and Poultry Plants' Food Safety Investments: Survey Findings (ERS) * USDA Amending Shell Egg Grading (ARS) * New USDA Lab to Study Stress Indicators in Livestock (ARS) * Congressional Testimony of Robert E. Brackett, Ph.D., Director, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FDA) * Fact Sheet: "Trans Fat Now Listed with Saturated Fat and Cholesterol on the Nutrition Facts Label" is Now Available in Spanish (FDA) * Update on Exploratory Data on Furan in Food (FDA) * Healthy People 2010 Focus Area Data Progress Review Focus Area 10: Food Safety * Speech by Lester M. Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D., Acting Commissioner of Food and Drug Administration at the Association of Academic Health Centers' 11th Congress of Health Professions Educators * Speech by Lester M. Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D., Acting Commissioner of the FDA at the Association of Food and Drug Officials Annual Conference * Remember What You Ate Yesterday? Researchers Develop Improved Food Consumption Survey Method (ARS) * Partnership for Food Safety Education: The Fight BAC!(R) On-line Store is Running a Special on Fight BAC!(R) Mousepads * Program Priorities in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; Request for Comments (FDA) * USDA Signs MOU to Enhance Safety of Meat and Poultry Products in the Americas * USDA Food Safety Employees Honored by Secretary Veneman * "Make Sure To Chill-Out Before You Grill Out" NEWS FROM THE USDA/FDA FOODBORNE ILLNESS EDUCATION INFORMATION CENTER * Risk Focused Inspections: Free Online Training PEOPLE IN THE NEWS * Dr. Martin Cole Named Director of the National Center for Food Safety and Technology (FDA) * Dr. Laura Tarantino Named Director of FDA's Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition MEETINGS/CONFERENCES/COURSES * FDA Announces Public Meetings on Good Manufacturing Procedures (GMPs) * Locations Announced for July "E. coli" O157:H7 Workshops (FSIS) * USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum Set for February 24-25, 2005 INDUSTRY INFO * Toll-Free Number to Expand BSE Surveillance Effort * APHIS' Enhanced Surveillance Program for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy * FDA Announces Revised Compliance Policy Guide on Prior Notice of Imported Food * New IKE Scenario from FSIS CONSUMER ALERT * FDA Reiterates its Previous Alerts about Eating Raw Sprouts The FDA has been alerted that Sprouters Northwest, Inc. of Kent Washington is recalling 2, 3, and 5 lb institutional trays of its raw alfalfa sprouts sent to various food institutions because they may be linked to a recent increase in salmonellosis in Oregon and Washington State. To date, 12 cases of "Salmonella Bovismorbificans" possibly linked to the consumption of raw alfalfa sprouts have been reported. In light of these outbreaks, FDA is reiterating its previous alerts about eating raw sprouts. Those persons who wish to reduce the risk of foodborne illness from sprouts are advised not to eat raw sprouts. This advice is particularly important for children, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems, all of whom are at high risk of developing serious illness due to foodborne disease. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2004/NEW01075.html RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS * Statement by Deputy Administrator Dr. John Clifford for USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Regarding an Inconclusive BSE Test "At approximately 5:30 this evening, (June 25, 2004) we were notified that an inconclusive BSE test result was received on a rapid screening test used as part of our enhanced BSE surveillance program. The inconclusive result does not mean we have found another case of BSE in this country. Inconclusive results are a normal component of most screening tests, which are designed to be extremely sensitive so they will detect any sample that could possibly be positive." To read the entire statement, go to: http://www.usda.gov/Newsroom/0263.04.html * Transcript of Technical Briefing with Dr. John Clifford, DVM, Deputy Administrator for APHIS Veterinary Services - June 25, 2004 http://www.usda.gov/Newsroom/0264.04.html * Statement on Dairy Cattle Deaths in Washington State FDA confirmed that it is investigating reports that at least three dairy cattle have died after exposure to a toxic substance on a farm in Enumclaw, WA, approximately 50 miles southeast of Seattle. FDA and FBI investigators visited the farm. Tissue samples from a cow that died are being analyzed at FDA's Forensic Chemical Center, a specialized FDA analytical laboratory in Cincinnati. View complete statement at: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2004/NEW01079.html * Statement on FDA Test Results from Washington State Dairy Cattle FDA's Forensic Chemical Center (FCC) laboratory in Cincinnati has completed its testing of milk samples from cows exposed to a toxic substance in Washington State. The results of the tests reveal no identifiable risk from this agent associated with the milk from any of the exposed cows. Read more about the test results at: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2004/NEW01081.html * Beach and Boat Food Safety: New USDA Video News Release (VNR) If you're bringing a picnic to the beach or on the boat, here's some advice from the USDA for keeping your food safe. Summer is prime time for outdoor activities like beaching and boating, but summer is also the peak season for foodborne Illness. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Meat and Poultry Hotline says it's important to fight bacteria when you're having food and fun in the sun. To view the VNR and script, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_and_events/video_releases/index.asp * CDC's School Health Index - Edition III -- is Now Available! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Adolescent and School Health, is pleased to announce the release of the third edition of the "School Health Index: A Self-Assessment and Planning Guide." This version of the School Health Index will enable schools to address their policies and programs related to safety (unintentional injury and violence prevention) in addition to the physical activity, nutrition, and tobacco-free lifestyle issues addressed in the previous editions. You may obtain a printed copy in the following ways: Request by email: healthyyouth@cdc.gov Request by telephone: 1-888-231-6405 Request by fax: 1-888-282-7681 Download from CDC Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/SHI When ordering, please specify either the elementary school version or the middle/high school and the number of copies desired. * FDA Investigating Illnesses Associated With School Lunches Served in Massachusetts FDA, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the CDC are actively investigating what may have caused four outbreaks of illnesses in children related to meals served at several schools in Massachusetts beginning in May 2003 and occurring in a Revere, MA school as recently as May of this year. Cases of illness have been reported among those who consumed school meals. The onset of illness has usually begun within one hour of eating these meals, and usually lasts less than one day. In nearly every case, the meals involved contained tortillas produced by Del Rey Tortilleria, Inc. of Chicago, IL, and distributed under the brand names "Del Rey Tortilleria" or "Pan De Oro." Investigations and repeated laboratory analyses by FDA of tortillas and ingredients have not identified any particular contaminant as the vehicle for these illnesses. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2004/NEW01074.html * 2004 Grassroots Food Safety Education Initiatives This year's grassroots food safety education projects concentrate heavily on reaching persons especially susceptible to foodborne illness or those responsible for their care, such as pregnant women, parents of young children, and seniors. The majority of the projects target culturally diverse populations. In addition, several projects continue the emphasis on food safety training of food service personnel begun in 2002. In cooperation with FDA's Office of Regulatory Affairs, 17 projects have been selected and will be funded by FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). View detailed information about the projects funded by FDA at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fssupd90.html * An Egg Story: Does the Date Mean "Too Late?" Today's consumers must decipher a variety of dates on grocery products. "Use-by," "sell-by," and "best-if-consumed-by" dates are guidelines for food storage. Table eggs are labeled with a "sell-by" date. But what's the real deal behind that date stamped on the carton? This article was published in the June 2004 issue of "Agricultural Research" magazine. To read the entire article, go to: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/jun04/egg0604.htm * USDA Food Safety Mobile Schedule The Food Safety Mobile continues to travel 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. Travels for 2004 continue with a tightly packed schedule. June 2004 22 Capital Hill Event, Washington, DC 25 USDA Farmers Market, Washington, DC 26-27 National Capital Barbecue Battle, Washington, D.C. 30 YMCA, Prince George's County, MD July 2004 1 Farmers Market, Washington, DC 3-4 The National Mall, Washington, DC 6 Super G Supermarket, Wilmington, DE 7 Safety Day, Garwood, NJ 10-11 Taste of Buffalo, NY 13 Food Safety Fair in Hanover Square, Syracuse, NY 15 Stop and Shop Grocery Store, West Hartford, CT 23-25 South County Hot Air Balloon Festival, Kingston, RI 27 Stop and Shop Supermarket, Middletown, CT August 2004 3-5 TBA, Grand Rapids, MI 6-10 TBA, Ann Arbor, MI 11-12 TBA, Lansing, MI 13-15 Great Lakes Folk Festival, East Lansing, MI 26 WIC Anniversary, ME 28-30 TBA, VT September 2004 (Accepting requests for Kansas and Massachusetts) 3-6 Hopkinton State Fair, Contoocook, NH 8 Elementary school, Sanbornton, NH 9 Shriner's Hospital for Children, Springfield, MA 28 Parents University, Pittsburg, KS October (Accepting requests for Arizona and Nevada) 1-3 TBA, OK 14-16 TBA, NV November 2004 (Accepting requests for Arizona, California, and Texas) Look for updates to the Mobile schedule on the FSIS Web site: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/foodsafetymobile New requests may be sent to FSIS at foodsafetymobile@fsis.usda.gov, or by calling (301) 504-9605. 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 * Meat and Poultry Plants' Food Safety Investments: Survey Findings Results from the first national survey of the types and amounts of food safety investments made by meat and poultry slaughter and processing plants since the late 1990s provide evidence that market forces have worked in conjunction with regulation to promote the use of more sophisticated food safety technologies. To read the article, go to: http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/tb1911/ * USDA Amending Shell Egg Grading USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to amend the regulations governing the voluntary shell egg grading program. The proposed revisions would add definitions that describe the official identification and packaging of shell eggs. For more information, see the "Federal Register" of June 2, 2004, Volume 69, Number 106, page 31039. http://www.ams.usda.gov/poultry/regulations/rulemaking/31039.txt * New USDA Lab to Study Stress Indicators in Livestock USDA's Agricultural Research Service opened a new 2,300-square-foot Farm Animal Behavior and Well-Being Laboratory today in West Lafayette, IN, for the study of stress indicators in livestock. Researchers at the new laboratory also study the relationship between stress and the ability of pathogenic bacteria to establish themselves in animals. To read more, go to: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2004/040603.htm * Congressional Testimony of Robert E. Brackett, Ph.D., Director, FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Robert E. Brackett, Ph.D., Director of FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, addressed the U.S. Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, The Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia on June 8, 2004. Dr. Brackett testified before the Subcommittee at a hearing entitled: "Dietary Supplement Safety Act: How is FDA Doing 10 Years Later." View the entire statement at: http://www.fda.gov/ola/2004/dssa0608.html * Fact Sheet: "Trans Fat Now Listed with Saturated Fat and Cholesterol on the Nutrition Facts Label" is Now Available in Spanish To view FDA's fact sheet about the labeling of trans fats, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/stransfa.html English version: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/transfat.html * Update on Exploratory Data on Furan in Food FDA scientists identified the substance furan in a number of foods that undergo heat treatment, such as canned and jarred foods. The presence of furan is a potential concern because, based on high-dose animal tests, furan is considered possibly carcinogenic to humans. FDA has developed a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method to measure furan levels in food, which is posted on FDA's Web site. FDA previously posted exploratory furan data collected through April 28, 2004. FDA is now posting furan data that were collected through May 27, 2004. FDA is presenting this data to inform the public of its progress and to help stimulate research into the formation of furan in food. The results reflect furan levels detected in samples of individual food products. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/furandat.html * Healthy People 2010 Focus Area Data Progress Review Focus Area 10: Food Safety Foodborne illness is recognized as a significant public health problem in the United States. A 1999 estimate from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attributes 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths to foodborne pathogens annually. Read about the challenges, barriers, strategies and opportunities for reducing infections caused by key foodborne pathogens at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/hp2010.html * Speech by Lester M. Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D., Acting Commissioner of Food and Drug Administration at the Association of Academic Health Centers' 11th Congress of Health Professions Educators on June 7, 2004 Dr. Crawford stated that the safeguards for the programs that protect our food supply against bioterrorism, and our livestock from the Mad Cow's disease, or BSE are extensive, elaborate and are being carried out, day in and day out, by many Federal, State, and local agencies. The FDA is at the center of our government's robust efforts to protect against the two signature scourges of our era, the threat of bioterrorism and BSE. The entire speech can be viewed at: http://www.fda.gov/oc/speeches/2004/ahce0607.html * Speech by Lester M. Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D., Acting Commissioner of the FDA at the Association of Food and Drug Officials Annual Conference on June 21, 2004 "In the wake of 9/11, Americans face new and sophisticated bioterror threats. In particular, our food supply has been widely recognized as a potential terrorist target. Based on these considerations, the FDA was granted by Congress the lead responsibility for a broad-based, multifaceted program to protect the security of our food supply. We are currently implementing a number of unprecedented counterterrorism initiatives, with a heavy infusion of resources, and in close cooperation with an entire spectrum of Federal, State, local and international agencies." View entire speech at: http://www.fda.gov/oc/speeches/2004/afdo0621.html * Remember What You Ate Yesterday? USDA Researchers Develop Improved Food Consumption Survey Method A new interview technique for dietary surveys helps people remember and report more accurately the foods they ate over a 24-hour period. http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2004/040614.htm * Partnership for Food Safety Education: The Fight BAC!(R) On-line Store is Running a Special on Fight BAC!(R) Mousepads While supplies last, the Fight BAC!(R) on-line store is running a special on Fight BAC!(R) mousepads. It is thin, measures 7.75" in diameter, and exhibits the official Fight BAC!(R) logo. The cost is $2.00 each and $1.50 each for 50 or more. No minimum. The Fight BAC!(R) store also features a new, smaller sized Fight BAC!(R) poster, 11x17, with English on one side and Spanish on the other. It is great for the community center or classroom. Check these items out at www.fightbac.org -- click on Store. * Program Priorities in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; Request for Comments--"Federal Register," Volume 69, Number 121, Docket No. 1998N-0359 FDA is requesting comments concerning the establishment of program priorities in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) for fiscal year (FY) 2005. As part of its annual planning, budgeting, and resource allocation process, CFSAN is reviewing its programs to set priorities and establish work product expectations. This notice is being published to give the public an opportunity to provide input into the priority-setting process. DATES: Submit written or electronic comments by August 9, 2004. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments concerning this document to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. Submit electronic comments to: http://www.fda.gov/dockets/ecomments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donald J. Carrington, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-666), Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Pkwy., College Park, MD 20740 E-mail: Dcarring@cfsan.fda.gov, 301-436-1697 * USDA Signs MOU to Enhance Safety of Meat and Poultry Products in the Americas On June 24, 2004, the U.S. Department of Agriculture entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Pan American Health Organization to establish ways to improve the safety of meat and poultry products that are traded among the nations of the Western Hemisphere. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_062404_01/index.asp * USDA Food Safety Employees Honored by Secretary Veneman On June 25, 2004, more than 100 Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) employees were honored by Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman for their exceptional performance in promoting food safety and protecting public health during the 58th annual U.S. Department of Agriculture's Honor Awards Ceremony. Of particular interest to food safety educators, the USDA Food Safety Mobile Team, a group of 19 Washington, D.C.-based employees, was honored for researching and launching the Food Safety Mobile, a 35-foot mobile teaching tool which has brought important food safety information directly to U.S. consumers in an innovate and creative manner. The Mobile has traveled to schools fairs and other events in communities large and small, reaching millions of Americans with important food safety messages. This new form of "mobile marketing" contributed greatly to FSIS' goal of protecting public health by informing consumers about their role in keeping food safe. http://www.usda.gov/Newsroom/0260.04.html * "Make Sure To Chill-Out Before You Grill Out" Firecracker-hot weather and backyard grilling typify the Fourth of July holiday weekend. But before you head for the grill, make sure you go for the chill, says USDA. Go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_062904_02/index.asp NEWS FROM THE USDA/FDAFOODBORNE ILLNESS EDUCATION INFORMATION CENTER * Risk Focused Inspections: Free Online Training The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Food Safety and Sanitation Program, has developed a free online course that was made possible by funding from the FDA through an Innovative Food Safety Grant. The 8-unit course teaches inspectors how to work with operators to identify and control the risk factors that contribute most to foodborne illness. It includes printable resources such as forms, checklists, and signs that can be downloaded and customized. Some additional online food safety training may be found at http://peaches.nal.usda.gov/foodborne/fbindex/Distance_Ed.asp For more food safety information, visit the USDA/FDA Foodborne Illness Education Information Center's Web site at: http://www.nal.usda.gov/foodborne/ PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Dr. Martin Cole Named Director of the National Center for Food Safety and Technology (NCFST) Dr. Martin Cole joins NCFST from Food Science Australia where he served as the Group Manager, Food Safety and Quality, and, most recently, as the Deputy CEO. NCFST, founded in 1988, at Illinois Institute of Technology is a unique consortium of food industry companies, FDA, and university-based scientists. The NCFST Center Director is responsible for the leadership of a dynamic research and education program at the world-renowned Food Safety Research Center. Read about Dr. Coles' years of international experience in R&D management within the food industry and government at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fssupd90.html * Dr. Laura Tarantino Named Director of FDA's Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) has announced the appointment of Laura Tarantino, Ph.D., as the Director of CFSAN's Office of Food Additive Safety (OFAS). As the OFAS Director, Dr. Tarantino will provide leadership for FDA's food additive safety program and will oversee all aspects of the Center's petition review processes for food and color additives, consultation/notification processes for generally recognized as safe substances, food contact substances, and foods and food ingredients derived from recombinant DNA biotechnology. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2004/NEW01078.html MEETINGS/CONFERENCES/COURSES * FDA Announces Public Meetings on Good Manufacturing Procedures (GMPs) FDA has scheduled two public meetings intended to obtain comments about FDA's current good manufacturing procedures (GMPs) in manufacturing, packing, or holding human food regulations. FDA believes that these comments may be useful in determining appropriate revisions to the GMP regulations. The first meeting will be held in College Park, MD, on July 19, 2004. This meeting was originally planned for June 11, 2004. The second public meeting is scheduled for July 21, 2004, in Chicago, IL. The complete "Federal Register" notice announcing the current dates for these public meetings is on FDA's Web site at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fr040614.html. The original May 21, 2004, "Federal Register" notice for the meetings is online at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fr040521.html * Locations Announced for July "E. coli" O157:H7 Workshops FSIS is holding a series of teaching workshops around the nation through September 2004 for small and very small plants on new directives designed to strengthen "E. coli" O157:H7 prevention procedures. The workshops are scheduled on Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm. They will present the materials in the directives to operators of small and very small federally-inspected plants, state-inspected plants, federal and state inspection personnel, members of academia and other interested parties. The following workshops scheduled for July are as follows: * July 10 - The Westin New York at Times Square, 270 West 43rd St., New York, NY 10036, (212) 201-2700 * July 17 - Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza, 300 "J" Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, (916) 446-0100 * July 24 - Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center, 16625 Swingley Ridge Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017, (636) 532-5000 * July 31 - Ramada Inn - East, 1355 East Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36117, (334) 277-2200 You may also register for the workshops by calling (866) 553-3052 or via FSIS' Web site: www.fsis.usda.gov/News/Meetings_&_Events * USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum Set for February 24-25, 2005 USDA will hold Agricultural Outlook Forum 2005 on February 24 and 25, 2005. The meeting will take place at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia, 22202. USDA holds the Forum to provide timely forecasts of farm prospects and insight into developments affecting the farm economy. Speakers include top government officials, industry analysts, farmers, business leaders, and experts. The public and press are invited to attend this popular event, which attracted more than 1,400 participants last February. A staffed press room for news media will be available. Program details will be available this fall at http://www.usda.gov/oce. To get updates on the meeting, send your e-mail and postal address to agforum@oce.usda.gov or write to Outlook Forum 2005, Room 4419 South Building, USDA, Washington, DC, 20250-3812. To reserve a room at the Marriott Crystal Gateway Hotel, call (703) 920-2320. Mention USDA Outlook Forum to receive the discounted room rate. INDUSTRY INFO * Toll-Free Number to Expand BSE Surveillance Effort The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced a toll-free number to report high-risk cattle in the United States. The toll-free number for the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) surveillance program is 1-866-536-7593. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/pubs/sa_ahbsetollfree.html * APHIS' Enhanced Surveillance Program for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy To view the enhanced surveillance program in PDF form, go to: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/issues/bse-enhan_surv/fs_bsesurv.pdf * FDA Announces Revised Compliance Policy Guide on Prior Notice of Imported Food FDA has revised its Compliance Policy Guide (CPG) for the Prior Notice interim final rule, originally issued in December 2003. Under the new guide, the Agency will exercise enforcement discretion for non-commercial shipments with a non-commercial shipper, irrespective of the type of carrier. The FDA intends to focus its efforts on education from now through March 2005 (or shortly thereafter depending on the date of issuance of the final rule). The revised CPG is posted at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~pn/pnoview.html * New IKE Scenario from FSIS FSIS' Technical Service Center issued a new Interactive Knowledge Exchange (IKE) scenario, Scenario 4-04, "Program Employee Verification Activities for Instructional Statements on Raw Ground Beef Components or Raw Beef Patty Components." To view scenario 4-04, please visit the FSIS Web site at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OFO/TSC/IKE/ike-_interactive_knowledge_exchange.htm 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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