========================================================================= Date: Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:27:15 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 August 2008 * * * * 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-August 2008 IN THIS ISSUE ADVISORIES/ALERTS/WARNINGS * FDA Warns Consumers Not to Eat Certain Mussel Products from Bantry Bay Seafood * USDA Consumer Alert: "Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency"-Florida and Southeastern States * FDA Advice to Retail and Foodservice Operations on Raw Oysters Shipped with "For Cooking Only" Label as Part of a "Vibrio parahaemolyticus" Control Plan * USDA Consumer Alert: "Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency"-Texas, Louisiana * FDA Extends Consumer Warning on Serrano Peppers from Mexico RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS * "Back to School Food Safety Tips for Parents and Students" (PFSE-FSIS) * FSIS Issues Interim Final Rule and Requests Comments on Label Approval for Country of Origin for Various Meat and Poultry Products * USDA Announces Proposed Rule for Requirements of the Disposition of Downer Cattle * Web-Based Training Module, "ALERT: Food Defense Awareness"--Now Available in Spanish * FDA Announces Final Rule Amending the Food Additive Regulations to Allow for the Irradiation of Fresh Iceberg Lettuce and Fresh Spinach * FDA Consumer Update--"Irradiation: A Safe Measure for Safer Iceberg Lettuce and Spinach" * Safety and Food Packaging (FDA) * "The FDA this Week: Andy's Take" * FDA Law Enforcers Protect Consumers' Health * Video-Casts on "'E. coli' O157:H7" and "Storing Foods"-Available (FSIS) * Latest Podcasts from FSIS * Bottled Water Everywhere: Keeping it Safe (FDA) * FDA 101: Dietary Supplements * FDA's "Pesticide Program Residue Monitoring 2004-2006" * FDA's "Ginseng Dietary Supplements Special Survey--CFSAN Assignments and Field Regulatory Monitoring for FY 2003 and FY 2004" * USDA Signs Memorandum of Understanding With the National Pest Management Association * Reminder: September is National Food Safety Education Month (R) MEETINGS/CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS * FSIS to Hold Public Meeting to Discuss the Use of Low Dose Irradiation in Beef * FSIS Notice of Public Meeting: "National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods"-Docket No. FSIS-2008-0030, "Federal Register," Volume 73, Number 164 * FDA Public Meeting: "Food Labeling; Current Trends in the Use of Allergen Advisory Labeling: Its Use, Effectiveness, and Consumer Perception" * Register to Attend the 2008 Meat and Poultry Inspection Seminars for International Government Officials (FSIS) INDUSTRY * Final Rule: "Food Labeling: Health Claims; Soluble Fiber from Certain Foods and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease (Barley Betafiber)" (FDA) * FSIS Releases Results of Checklist and Reassessment to Control for "E. coli" O157:H7 in Beef Operations-Added to FSIS Notice 65-07 * FSIS Notice: "National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods; Re-establishment"-- Docket No. FSIS 2008-0023, "Federal Register," Volume 73, Number 153 * A Message for Retailers and Food Service Establishments on the Handling, Removal, and Disposal of Mexican-grown Jalapeno and Serrano Peppers due to "Salmonella" Saintpaul Hazard (FDA) * FSIS Notice 50-08: "New Performance-Based Inspection System (PBIS) Procedure Code and Result Codes" * FSIS Notice 49-08: "FSIS Responsibilities Related to APHIS's Sampling Program for Classical Swine Fever" * USDA Extends Comment Period for Proposal to Amend Animal Transport Regulations to Include Minimum Age Requirements for All Covered Animals (APHIS) * USDA Takes Action on Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling * FDA - European Union (EU) Seafood Processor Export Certificates Lists -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADVISORIES/ALERTS/WARNINGS * FDA Warns Consumers Not to Eat Certain Mussel Products from Bantry Bay Seafood On August 21, 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a consumer update warning consumers against eating certain frozen cooked mussel products made by Bantry Bay Seafoods, imported from Ireland, because they may be contaminated with azaspiracid toxins, a group of naturally occurring marine toxins known to cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Read this FDA warning at: http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/mussels082108.html * USDA Consumer Alert: "Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency"-Florida and Southeastern States On August 18, 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a consumer alert providing recommendations to those affected by Tropical Storm Fay, which could produce severe storms and tornadoes in Florida, as well as other southeastern states. USDA is hopeful this information will help minimize the potential for foodborne illnesses due to power outages and other problems that are often associated with severe weather events. To read this alert, visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_081808_02/index.asp * FDA Advice to Retail and Foodservice Operations on Raw Oysters Shipped with "For Cooking Only" Label as Part of a "Vibrio parahaemolyticus" Control Plan FDA is advising retail and foodservice operations to be aware that raw oysters shipped in containers bearing a "For Cooking Only" label may have a greater likelihood of containing harmful levels of the "Vibrio parahaemolyticus" ("Vp") bacterium, which may cause illness, than do raw oysters not labeled in this manner. Retail and foodservice operations should not purchase containers or packages of raw oysters that bear the "For Cooking Only" label unless the operator intends to fully cook the product before offering it for sale or service to the consumer. To read entire advisory, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fsoyster.html * USDA Consumer Alert: "Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency"-Texas, Louisiana On August 4, 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a consumer alert providing recommendations to those affected by tropical storms, flooding or severe weather in Texas and Louisiana. USDA is hopeful that this information will help minimize the potential for foodborne illnesses due to power outages and other problems that are often associated with severe weather events. Read this consumer alert at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_080408_01/index.asp * FDA Extends Consumer Warning on Serrano Peppers from Mexico On July 30, 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement announcing laboratory testing by the Agency has confirmed that both a sample of serrano pepper and a sample of irrigation water collected by FDA investigators on a farm in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico (business address is in Nuevo Leon, Mexico) contain "Salmonella" Saintpaul with the same genetic fingerprint as the strain of bacteria that is causing the current outbreak in the United States. To read this FDA statement, go to: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01869.html RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS * "Back to School Food Safety Tips for Parents and Students" On August 28, 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the non-profit Partnership for Food Safety Education issued a news release titled "Back to School Food Safety Tips for Parents and Students" providing tips to help parents keep their children and themselves healthy. It's time to pull out the backpacks and clean the lunch boxes as children head back-to-school this month. Packing safe lunches for school and for work is critically important. September is also National Food Safety Education Month(R). To read this entire news release, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_082808_02/index.asp * FSIS Issues Interim Final Rule and Requests Comments on Label Approval for Country of Origin for Various Meat and Poultry Products On August 28, 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued an interim final Rule amending its regulations to provide that, to receive approval by FSIS, any label for a meat or poultry product that is a covered commodity, as defined by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) interim final Rule on country of origin labeling (COOL), must comply with that interim final Rule. The FSIS interim final Rule will be effective on September 30, 2008. Comments must be received on or before September 29, 2008, by mail to: Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, FSIS, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 2534, South Building, Washington, D.C. 20250. All comments must identify FSIS and the docket number FSIS-2008-0027. Comments will be available for view on FSIS' Web site at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/2008_Interim_&_Final_Rules_Index Comments can also be received though the Federal eRulemaking Portal at: http://www.regulations.gov * USDA Announces Proposed Rule for Requirements of the Disposition of Downer Cattle On August 27, 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a news release announcing a proposed Rule to amend the Federal meat inspection regulations to initiate a complete ban on the slaughter of cattle that become non-ambulatory after initial inspection by Food Safety and Inspection Service inspection program personnel. Read this news release at: http://www.usda.gov/2008/08/0218.xml * Web-Based Training Module, "ALERT: Food Defense Awareness"--Now Available in Spanish On August 22, 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it is now offering a Spanish version of its Web-based training module, "ALERT: Food Defense Awareness." The English version of this module was released in 2007, as part of the FDA's new food defense awareness program, "ALERT," which identifies key points that industry and businesses can use to raise awareness of food defense issues and decrease the risk of intentional food contamination at various points from farm to table. The module can be used by FDA investigators, other federal, state and local regulatory agencies, and by industry stakeholders, from growers to retail. To read more, visit: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cfsup186.html "ALERT" materials are also available in PDF and in other languages at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/alert/ * FDA Announces Final Rule Amending the Food Additive Regulations to Allow for the Irradiation of Fresh Iceberg Lettuce and Fresh Spinach On August 21, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a final Rule amending the food additive regulations to provide for the safe use of ionizing radiation for the control of foodborne pathogens and extension of shelf-life in fresh iceberg lettuce and fresh spinach. FDA has determined that this use of ionizing radiation will not adversely affect the safety of the food. There will be a 30-day period for submitting objections or a request for a hearing to Docket No. FDA-1999-F-2405 (formerly 1999F-5522). Additional information regarding the final Rule is available by contacting Dr. Lane A. Highbarger, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-255), FDA, 5100 Paint Branch Pkwy., College Park, MD 20740; tel: 301-436-1204. Read this FDA update at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cfsup185.html To see "Q and A's About Final Rule on Irradiation of Fresh Iceberg Lettuce and Fresh Spinach," go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/irradlet.html * FDA Consumer Update--"Irradiation: A Safe Measure for Safer Iceberg Lettuce and Spinach" FDA has a consumer update on its Main Consumer Health Information Web page entitled, "Irradiation: A Safe Measure for Safer Iceberg Lettuce and Spinach". To view this Consumer Update, go to: http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/irradiation082208.html * Safety and Food Packaging The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for ensuring the safety of all food packaging, including components of packaging materials that are expected to migrate into food. The Agency refers to these materials as "food contact substances." Examples include coatings on cans, plastics, paper, and sealants for lids and caps. The Office of Food Additive Safety in FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition is charged with ensuring that food contact substances are safe. For details about how the FDA regulates components of food packaging under the laws governing the use of food additives, view: http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/foodpackaging081908.html * "The FDA this Week: Andy's Take" Through his communication column on the FDA Web site, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Andrew von Eschenbach, discusses weekly FDA issues of interest to the American consumer and occasionally preview upcoming FDA issues and events. The weekly issues of "The FDA this Week: Andy's Take" are available online at: http://www.fda.gov/oc/vonEschenbach/andys_take/default.html To view previous editions of "Andy's Take," click on "Archive of Andy's Take." * FDA Law Enforcers Protect Consumers' Health The men and women of FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI) represent the consumers' front line against companies and individuals who endanger the public's health. These criminals carry out unlawful actions involving pharmaceuticals, foods, and other products regulated by FDA. To learn more about the role of FDA's Special Agents, examples of investigations and how to report suspected crime, go to: http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/oci072307.html * Video-Casts on "'E. coli' O157:H7" and "Storing Foods"--Available Video-Casts on "'E. coli' O157:H7" and "Storing Foods" are just the latest on the "SignFSIS" Web page, where video-casts in American Sign Language featuring text-captioning are designed to inform deaf and hard-of-hearing consumers about foodborne illness and raise the level of awareness of the dangers associated with improper handling and undercooking of food. To see the latest video-casts, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/SignFSIS/index.asp * Latest Podcasts from FSIS New Audio Podcasts have been produced by the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS). To access a collection of recorded FSIS audio and visual broadcasts and subscribe to an iTunes or RSS feed to receive updates automatically, visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/Podcasts/index.asp * Bottled Water Everywhere: Keeping it Safe The U. S. Food and Drug Administration regulates bottled water products, working to ensure that they're safe to drink. FDA protects consumers of bottled water through the "Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act" ("FD&C Act"), which makes manufacturers responsible for producing safe, wholesome, and truthfully labeled food products. To read more about the regulations that focus specifically on bottled water, go to: http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/bottledwater082508.html * FDA 101: Dietary Supplements Dietary supplements come in many forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, energy bars, and liquids. These products are available in stores throughout the United States, as well as on the Internet. They are labeled as dietary supplements and include among others: vitamin and mineral products, "botanical" or herbal products, amino acid products, and enzyme supplements. People use dietary supplements for a wide assortment of reasons. For information about how dietary supplements are regulated, how to report problems to the FDA, and more, go to: http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/supplements080408.html * FDA's "Pesticide Program Residue Monitoring 2004-2006" On August 1, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted "FDA's Pesticide Program Residue Monitoring 2004-2006." This document is the eighteenth report summarizing the results of the FDA's pesticide residue monitoring program. To view this document, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/pes04-06.html * FDA's "Ginseng Dietary Supplements Special Survey--CFSAN Assignments and Field Regulatory Monitoring for FY 2003 and FY 2004" On August 1, 2008, the FDA posted the "Ginseng Dietary Supplements Special Survey" on its Web site. In FYs 2003 and 2004, FDA issued two field assignments covering pesticide residues in ginseng. The results from this survey may be viewed at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/ginseng.html * USDA Signs Memorandum of Understanding With the National Pest Management Association On July 25, 2008, Wildlife Services, a program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Pest Management Association to strengthen its cooperation and coordination on wildlife damage involving nuisance birds. To read entire news release, visit the USDA's Web site at: http://www.usda.gov/2008/08/0204.xml * Reminder: September is National Food Safety Education Month (R) For National Food Safety Education Month (R) 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have joined with the Partnership for Food Safety Education (PFSE) to produce a CD packed with timely consumer food safety education resources. On the CD are the four core food safety messages of the Fight BAC! (R) campaign created by the Partnership-Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill. The messages remain the solid foundation of consumer food safety education in the United States. The updated Fight BAC! (R) brochure is among the materials you will find on the CD. Also included on the CD are materials from the "Be Food Safe" campaign in English and Spanish. USDA worked in cooperation with FDA, the CDC and the Partnership to develop the "Be Food Safe" campaign. FDA provided resource materials in English and Spanish on produce, seafood, milk, and bottled water-as well as food safety for pregnant women and individuals with food allergies. The materials will also be available on the 2008 NFSEM Web site at: http://www.FoodSafety.gov/September The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's (NRAEF) International Food Safety Council (IFSC) urges restaurant and foodservice professionals to plan now to participate in the 14th annual National Food Safety Education Month this September. This year's theme is "Take Action to Prevent an Allergic Reaction." To visit the NRAEF Web site, go to: http://www.servsafe.com/nfsem/ MEETINGS/CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS * FSIS to Hold Public Meeting to Discuss the Use of Low Dose Irradiation in Beef On September 18, 2008, FSIS will hold a public meeting, to communicate with stakeholders and receive public comments on what action it should take with respect to a petition from the American Meat Institute (AMI). A copy of the petition is available on FSIS' Web site. The Agency received a petition from AMI in July 2005 to recognize the use of low penetration and low dose electron beam irradiation on the surface of chilled beef carcasses as a processing aid. Based upon research and information collected, as well as a positive evaluation of the safety of irradiation by the Food and Drug Administration, FSIS will consider data and information contained in the petition. A draft agenda and registration form are available on the "Meetings and Events" page of FSIS' Web site at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Meetings_&_Events/index.asp * FSIS Notice of Public Meeting: "National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods"-Docket No. FSIS-2008-0030, "Federal Register," Volume 73, Number 164 On August 22, 2008, FSIS issued a Notice to announce the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) will hold public meetings of the full Committee and Subcommittees on September 22-26, 2008. The Committee will discuss: (1) Parameters for inoculated-pack challenge study protocols, and (2) Determination of the most appropriate technologies for the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to adopt in performing routine and baseline microbiological analyses. For more information, contact Advisory Committee Specialist Karen Thomas-Sharp at (202) 690-6620. All persons wishing to attend must RSVP in advance. To read this Notice, visit the FSIS' Web site at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/2008_Notices_Index/index.asp View a summary report of the subcommittee meetings as posted on FSIS' Web site at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/About_FSIS/NACMCF_Subcommittee_Meetings/index.asp * FDA Public Meeting: "Food Labeling; Current Trends in the Use of Allergen Advisory Labeling: Its Use, Effectiveness, and Consumer Perception" On August 8, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an announcement of a public hearing on the use of advisory labeling of allergens in foods. FDA is developing a long-term strategy to assist manufacturers in using allergen advisory labeling that is truthful and not misleading, conveys a clear and uniform message, and adequately informs food-allergic consumers and their caregivers. The public hearing will be held on September 16, 2008, at the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition's Harvey W. Wiley Building in College Park, MD. For registration information, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/registe9.html To read FDA's announcement of the public hearing on food advisory labeling, visit; http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cfsup184.html * Register to Attend the 2008 Meat and Poultry Inspection Seminars for International Government Officials FSIS will host the last of three meat and poultry inspection seminars for international officials in Virginia between September 8 and 26, 2008. This three-week seminar will be held at the Ritz Carlton training facility in Arlington and will provide information focusing on verification and enforcement of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, pathogen reduction and import/export policies. For more information regarding these seminars, visit FSIS' Web site at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/2008_Meat_&_Poultry_Inspection_Seminars/ INDUSTRY * Final Rule: "Food Labeling: Health Claims; Soluble Fiber from Certain Foods and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease (Barley Betafiber)" On August 15, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it is adopting as a final Rule, without change, the provisions of the interim final rule (IFR) that amended the regulation authorizing a health claim on soluble fiber from certain foods and risk of coronary heart disease, to add barley betafiber as an additional eligible source of beta-glucan soluble fiber. FDA is taking this action to complete the rulemaking initiated with the IFR. This final Rule was effective August 15, 2008 and may be viewed in the "Federal Register" at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fr080815.html * FSIS Releases Results of Checklist and Reassessment to Control for "E. coli" O157:H7 in Beef Operations-Added to FSIS Notice 65-07 On August 15, 2008, FSIS posted a report titled "Results of Checklist and Reassessment of Control for 'Escherichia coli' O157:H7 in Beef Operations." The data was collected in response to several events in 2007 including an increase in the number of "E. coli" O157:H7 positives and recalls. FSIS welcomes comments from its stakeholders and there will be a 30 day comment period, during which individuals may submit information to O157H7EstablishmentPractices@fsis.usda.gov. The report can be found on FSIS' Web site at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/Ecoli_Reassement_&_Checklist.pdf This report has been added to FSIS Notice 65-07. To see this Notice, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp * FSIS Notice: "National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods; Re-establishment"-- Docket No. FSIS 2008-0023, "Federal Register," Volume 73, Number 153 On August 7, 2008, FSIS issued a Notice titled "National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods; Re-establishment." In accordance with the "Federal Advisory Committee Act," this Notice is announcing the re-chartering of the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) by the Secretary of Agriculture on June 5, 2008. The Committee is being renewed in cooperation with the Department of Health and Human Services. The current charter for the NACMCF is available for viewing on the NACMCF homepage at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/About_FSIS/NACMCF/index.asp To read this Notice in its entirety, visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/2008_Notices_Index/index.asp * A Message for Retailers and Food Service Establishments on the Handling, Removal, and Disposal of Mexican-grown Jalapeno and Serrano Peppers due to "Salmonella" Saintpaul Hazard FDA is currently asking retailers and food service operators to respond immediately to remove and secure for disposal fresh (raw) jalapeno and serrano peppers grown, harvested or packed in Mexico. This, in an effort to make sure that all such peppers are not inadvertently made available for use, purchase, salvage or donation and therefore preventing any possibility for human or animal consumption. Suggestions for the proper handling and removal of these products from further circulation and disposal of products are provided on FDA's Web site at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fspepper.html * FSIS Notice 50-08: "New Performance-Based Inspection System (PBIS) Procedure Code and Result Codes" On August 1, 2008, FSIS issued a Notice titled "New Performance-Based Inspection System (PBIS) Procedure Code and Result Codes." This Notice provides instructions for use of the "Build PBIS Schedules" function; introduces the new procedure code 07A01; and provides new result codes for use with the procedure code 07A01. Inspection program personnel are only to deactivate the "Build PBIS Schedules" function when a Federally-inspected meat or poultry establishment operates two days a week or less. Read this Notice in its entirety at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp * FSIS Notice 49-08: "FSIS Responsibilities Related to APHIS's Sampling Program for Classical Swine Fever" On August 1, 2008, FSIS issued a Notice titled "FSIS Responsibilities Related to APHIS's Sampling Program for Classical Swine Fever." This Notice provides direction to Food Safety and Inspection Service inspection program personnel on their responsibilities related to the APHIS'(Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's) sampling program for Classical Swine Fever. Read this Notice at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp * USDA Extends Comment Period for Proposal to Amend Animal Transport Regulations to Include Minimum Age Requirements for All Covered Animals On July 30, 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued a news release regarding its proposal to amend the "Animal Welfare Act" regulations by adding minimum age requirements for the transport in commerce of animals. To read the news release in its entirety, go to: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/notices/content/2008/07/miniage.shtml * USDA Takes Action on Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling On July 29, 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued an interim final Rule for the mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) program that will become effective on September 30, 2009**. The Rule covers muscle cuts and ground beef (including veal), lamb, chicken, goat, and pork; perishable agricultural commodities (fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables); macadamia nuts; pecans; ginseng; and peanuts -- as required by the "2002 and 2008 Farm Bills." USDA implemented the COOL program for fish and shellfish covered commodities in October 2004. Commodities covered under COOL must be labeled at retail to indicate their country of origin. However, they are excluded from mandatory COOL if they are an ingredient in a processed food item. To read this entire news release, visit: http://www.usda.gov/2008/07/0195.xml Copies of the interim final Rule and additional information can be found at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/ **See September archive for Date Correction. * FDA - European Union (EU) Seafood Processor Export Certificates Lists In the past the EU has accepted and used the FDA list of approved seafood establishments for acceptance of U.S. seafood shipments. However, due to a change in EU legislation, the EU began maintaining their own Official List of approved establishments. This has resulted in two separate (and different) lists. To view further information about the FDA list of approved establishments and the official EU list, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~frf/sfeuexp.html 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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