========================================================================= Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:39:21 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 March 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-March 2008 IN THIS ISSUE ADVISORIES/ALERTS * Tropifresh, Inc. Recalls Whole Cantaloupe Products Because of Possible Health Risk (FDA) * Charlie's Produce Spokane Recalls Cut Cantaloupe Products Because of Possible Health Risk (FDA) * FDA Warns of "Salmonella" Risk with Cantaloupes from Agropecuaria Montelibano * USDA Consumer Alert: "Keeping Food Safe During An Emergency" * Limited Number of Aunt Jemima Pancake & Waffle Mix Products Recalled for Possible Health Risk (FDA) RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS * About "FDA.gov" Home Page Redesign * FDA's New Consumer Advice Web Page Redesign * "The FDA This Week: Andy's Take" * FDA's Electronic Freedom of Information Reading Room - Warning Letters and Responses * "Rise to the Challenge" - Take the National President's Challenge (HHS) * USDA Renews Funding Commitment for Johne's Disease Coordinated Agriculture Project * USDA Announces Added Funding to Control Cattle Fever Tick * Chicken Genome Leads to New Vaccine to Fight Poultry Disease (USDA) * FDA Takes Next Step in Establishing Overseas Presence * Statement by Stephen F. Sundlof, D.V.M., PH.D., Director, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition on "Food Safety" before the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, U. S. House of Representatives * FSIS Establishes Outreach Training Program Area to Assist Establishments and Educate Employees * "Slaughter Inspection 101" Fact Sheet-Updated (FSIS) * FDA's Strategic Plan: Charting Our Course for the Future * Statement Issued by Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., Commissioner of the FDA regarding "FDA at a Turning Point: Meeting the Challenge of a Rapidly Changing World" * Backgrounder: "Interim Actions to Verify Inspection and Surveillance at Federally Inspected Establishments" (FSIS) * Fact Sheet: "Playing It Safe With Eggs--What Consumers Need to Know" (FDA) * "Agricultural Research Magazine," March 2007 - Vol. 56, No. 3 (ARS) MEETINGS/CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS * FSIS Notice: "Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee on Food Labeling"-Docket No. FSIS-2008-2009, "Federal Register," Volume 73, Number 60 * 2008 Meat and Poultry Inspection Seminars for International Government Officials (FSIS) * FSIS Meeting: "'E. coli' O157:H7-Addressing the Challenges, Moving Forward With Solutions" * Public Meeting To Address Agenda Items for the Second Session of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods INDUSTRY * FSIS Directive 9600.1: "Illegally Imported or Smuggled Products and Reporting in the Import Alert Tracking System" * FSIS Notice 19-08: "AssuranceNet Data Monitoring Responsibilities and Instructions for Office of Field Operations Managers" * Clarification Letter Sent to Food Facilities Registered Under the "Bioterrorism Act"--U.S. Agents Have No Affiliation With the U.S. FDA * FSIS Notice18-08: "Questions & Answers Related to Raw Meat and Poultry Product Performance Standards for 'Salmonella' Sampling and Reporting" * FSIS Posts Fourth Quarterly Report on "Salmonella" Testing * FSIS Notices 16-08 and 17-08 * Questions and Answers Offered for Directive 6100.4: "Verification Instructions Related to Specified Risk Materials" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADVISORIES/ALERTS * Tropifresh, Inc. Recalls Whole Cantaloupe Products Because of Possible Health Risk On March 26, 2008, Tropifresh, Inc. of Los Angeles, CA announced it is recalling Agrolibano's Produce Brand whole Cantaloupes because they appear to be contaminated with "Salmonella," an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. To read this announcement, go to: http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/tropifresh03_08.html * Charlie's Produce Spokane Recalls Cut Cantaloupe Products Because of Possible Health Risk On March 22, 2008, Charlie's Produce of Spokane, WA announced it is recalling Charlie's Produce Brand Cut Cantaloupe Products, because they have the potential to be contaminated with "Salmonella," an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Cantaloupe used in these products may have been supplied from Agropecuaria Montelibano, a Honduran grower and packer, to Charlie's Produce Spokane. To view the list of fruit items containing cut cantaloupe recalled by Charlie's Produce Spokane, go to: http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/charlie03_08.html * FDA Warns of "Salmonella" Risk with Cantaloupes from Agropecuaria Montelibano On March 22, 2008, the FDA issued an import alert regarding entry of cantaloupe from Agropecuaria Montelibano, a Honduran grower and packer, because, based on current information, fruit from this company appears to be associated with a "Salmonella" Litchfield outbreak in the United States and Canada. The import alert advises FDA field offices that all cantaloupes shipped to the United States by this company are to be detained. In addition, the FDA has contacted importers about this action and is advising U.S. grocers, food service operators, and produce processors to remove from their stock any cantaloupes from this company. The FDA also advises consumers who have recently bought cantaloupes to check with the place of purchase to determine if the fruit came from this specific grower and packer. If so, consumers should throw away the cantaloupes. For more information regarding this advisory, go to: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01808.html * USDA Consumer Alert: "Keeping Food Safe During An Emergency" On March 19, 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a consumer alert providing recommendations to the regions affected by severe weather and flooding in the Central United States with the hope 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_031908_01/index.asp * Limited Number of Aunt Jemima Pancake & Waffle Mix Products Recalled for Possible Health Risk On March 4, 2008, the Quaker Oats Co. announced the products in the recall are a small quantity of Aunt Jemima Pancake & Waffle Mix: Original, Original Complete and Buttermilk Complete, which may have potential salmonella contamination. No other Aunt Jemima, frozen Aunt Jemima or Quaker products are affected. The products are sold in 2 pound and 5 pound boxes with Best Before dates of FEB 08 09 H through FEB 16 09 H stamped on the top. For more detailed information about the recalled products and the UPC codes of affected products, go to: http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/quakeroats03_08.html RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS * About "FDA.gov" Home Page Redesign The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has changed its home page design. It has a "layered" approach that allows you to find information quickly. Structure is improved to provide for easy scanning. Content is presented in plain language to make it more understandable. For more information about the reasons for the redesign of "FDA.gov" home page, visit: http://www.fda.gov/redesign/default.html * FDA's New Consumer Advice Web Page Redesign FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition has redesigned its "Information for Consumers and Health Educators" web page. To view, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/advice2.html * "The FDA This Week: Andy's Take" The Commissioner of U. S. Food and Drug Administration, Andrew von Eschenbach, will discuss weekly FDA issues of interest to the American consumer and occasionally preview upcoming FDA issues and events on the FDA Web site. To view the Commissioner's Inaugural Edition of "Andy's Take," go to: http://www.fda.gov/oc/vonEschenbach/andys_take/default.html * FDA's Electronic Freedom of Information Reading Room - Warning Letters and Responses To simplify the search for warning letters and responses, FDA has designed the Web page titled "FDA's Electronic Freedom of Information Reading Room - Warning Letters and Responses." To search for the most recent warning letter, go to: http://www.fda.gov/foi/warning.htm * "Rise to the Challenge" - Take the National President's Challenge The National President's "Challenge" supports the Secretary of Department of Health and Human Service's prevention priority and the HealthierUS Initiative. The President's Challenge is a six-week physical activity program designed to help improve anyone's activity level. The Program launched March 20, 2008 and will run through May 15, 2008. Joining a group is a great way to make staying active easy. All new participants can register through April 3, 2008. To learn more about the President's Challenge, go to: http://www.PresidentsChallenge.org * USDA Renews Funding Commitment for Johne's Disease Coordinated Agriculture Project On March 20, 2008, USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) awarded the Johne's Disease Integrated Program (JDIP) $4.8 million in renewed funding of four years to control and ultimately eliminate the disease. To read more, visit CREES' Web site at: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2008news/03201_johnes.html * USDA Announces Added Funding to Control Cattle Fever Tick On March 19, 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced it will make an additional $5.2 million available to control outbreaks of cattle fever ticks occurring outside a permanent quarantine zone between Texas and Mexico. To read this news release, visit: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2008/03/tickfund.shtml * Chicken Genome Leads to New Vaccine to Fight Poultry Disease On March 13, 2008, USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) issued a news release to announce researchers in Michigan, Delaware and Texas are using the chicken genome sequence to develop vaccines to combat Marek's disease, a highly contagious, cancer-causing viral disease which costs the poultry industry $1 billion a year worldwide. CSREES funded this research project through the IFAFS (Initiative for Future Agricultural and Food Systems) program. For more information, visit: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/newsroom/impact/2008/nri/03131_chicken_genome.html * FDA Takes Next Step in Establishing Overseas Presence The FDA is on the path to establish offices in China. FDA has received approval from the U.S. State Department to establish eight full time permanent FDA positions at U.S. diplomatic posts in the People's Republic of China, pending authorization from the Chinese government. This is an important step forward in the FDA's plans to hire and place FDA staff in China over the next 18 months. Building the FDA's capacity outside of the United States supports the Agency's "Beyond our Borders" initiative. The initiative facilitates the building of stronger cooperative relationships with the FDA's counterpart Agencies around the world and enhanced technical cooperation with foreign regulators. To read entire press release, go to: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01806.html * Statement by Stephen F. Sundlof, D.V.M., PH.D., Director, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition on "Food Safety" before the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, U. S. House of Representatives On March 12, 2008, Dr. Stephen Sundlof, Director of the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at the FDA issued a statement regarding "Food Safety" before the Sub-Committee of U. S. House of Representatives. Read this statement at: http://www.fda.gov/ola/2008/foodsafety031208.html * FSIS Establishes Outreach Training Program Area to Assist Establishments and Educate Employees On March 7, 2008, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a new program office dedicated to supporting the Agency's continued efforts in outreach to small and very small plants and education of FSIS personnel. The Office of Outreach, Employee Education and Training (OOEET) will provide consolidated access, resources and technical support for small and very small plants to better assist them in providing safe and wholesome meat, poultry and processed egg products. This program area also will ensure that all FSIS personnel have the necessary training to effectively carry out their assigned duties. OOEET will collaborate with State inspection programs to share training materials, provide technical advice and conduct outreach activities. To read this announcement, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_030708_01/index.asp For more information, call (800) 336-3747. To get the latest information on the Agency's small and very small plant outreach, visit the Small and Very Small Plant Web page at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Small_Very_Small_Plants/index.asp * "Slaughter Inspection 101" Fact Sheet-Updated USDA offers "Slaughter Inspection 101." This fact sheet, updated on March 4, 2008, describes the mission of FSIS, the basics of inspection, and the duties performed by FSIS inspectors, in meat and poultry slaughter facilities. View this fact sheet at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Slaughter_Inspection_101/index.asp * FDA's Strategic Plan: Charting Our Course for the Future On February 29, 2008, the FDA issued "Charting Our Course for the Future." This latest Strategic Action Plan sets forth the Agency's long-term strategic goals and objectives. Read this entire publication at: http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/strategicplan022908.html * Statement Issued by Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., Commissioner of the FDA, regarding "FDA at a Turning Point: Meeting the Challenge of a Rapidly Changing World" On February 29, 2008, a statement was issued by Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., Commissioner of the FDA, before National Press Club Washington, D.C., regarding "FDA at a Turning Point: Meeting the Challenge of a Rapidly Changing World." To read this statement, go to: http://www.fda.gov/oc/speeches/2008/fdaworld022908.html * Backgrounder: "Interim Actions to Verify Inspection and Surveillance at Federally Inspected Establishments" On February 29, 2008, FSIS issued a Backgrounder titled "Interim Actions to Verify Inspection and Surveillance at Federally Inspected Establishments." The final report of the USDA's investigation will provide valuable information to determine what, if any, actions are needed to strengthen or enhance our inspection system and policies. Pending the conclusion of the investigation, USDA will implement a series of interim actions to verify and thoroughly analyze humane handling activities in all federally inspected establishments. To read the Backgrounder in its entirety, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_022908_01/index.asp * Fact Sheet: "Playing It Safe With Eggs--What Consumers Need to Know" FDA issued in March a fact sheet titled "Playing It Safe With Eggs--What Consumers Need to Know." To view this fact sheet, available also in PDF format, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fs-eggs.html * "Agricultural Research Magazine," March 2008 - Vol. 56, No. 3 The March 2008 issue of the "Agricultural Research Magazine" from USDA's Agricultural Research Service is now available online at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/mar08/ MEETINGS/CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS * FSIS Notice: "Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee on Food Labeling"-Docket No. FSIS-2008-2009, "Federal Register," Volume 73, Number 60 On March 27, 2008, the Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, issued a Notice announcing they are sponsoring a public meeting on March 31, 2008. The objective of the public meeting is to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items and draft United States positions that will be discussed at the 36th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Labeling of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, which will be held in Ottawa, Canada, on April 28 to May 2, 2008. In addition, a working group on the Implementation of the World Health Organization Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity, and Health will meet on April 26, 2008. To read this Notice, visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/2008_Notices_Index/index.asp * Public Meeting to Address Codex Committee on Food Labeling On March 25, 2008, the Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a public meeting to provide information and receive comments on draft U.S. positions that will be discussed at the 36th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Labeling (CCFL), to be held in Ottawa, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2008. The public meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 31, 2008, from 1 to 4 p.m., in Room 107A, Jamie Whitten Federal Building, 1400 Independence Ave, SW., Washington, D.C. To read this announcement, visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_032508_01/index.asp Agenda items and documents relating to the 36th Session of CCFL will be available on the Codex Alimentarius Web site at: http://www.codexalimentarius.net/current.asp * 2008 Meat and Poultry Inspection Seminars for International Government Officials FSIS is pleased to announce the 2008 Meat and Poultry Inspection Seminars for International Officials. The purpose of these seminars is to familiarize international government officials with U.S. inspection regulations and procedures used by USDA to assure that the nation's meat, poultry and egg products are safe, wholesome and properly labeled. This year, three seminars will be held at three separate locations: * May 19 - June 6 -- University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, PR * August 4 - 15 -- Texas A&M University, Amarillo, TX * September 8 - 26 -- Arlington, VA For further information, e-mail mpis@fsis.usda.gov, or call the Office of International Affairs at: (202) 720-3473; FAX: (202) 720-7990. To read more, visit: www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/2008_Meat_&_Poultry_Inspection_Seminars/ * FSIS Meeting: "'E. coli' O157:H7-Addressing the Challenges, Moving Forward With Solutions" On April 9, FSIS will sponsor a public meeting focused on "E. coli" O157:H7. The purpose of the meeting is to have a discussion with stakeholders on recent spikes in recalls and illnesses related to "E. coli" O157:H7, provide updates on FSIS initiatives and build a foundation for establishing solutions to address the challenges this pathogen causes. For more information and updates on this meeting, check the "Meetings and Events" page of FSIS' Web site at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Meetings_&_Events/index.asp * Public Meeting To Address Agenda Items for the Second Session of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods On March 3, 2008, the Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services announced a public meeting to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items and draft U.S. positions that will be discussed at the Second Session of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), to be held in The Hague, Netherlands, March 31 - April 4, 2008. To read more about this public meeting, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_030308_01/index.asp INDUSTRY * FSIS Directive 9600.1: "Illegally Imported or Smuggled Products and Reporting in the Import Alert Tracking System" On March 27, 2008, FSIS issued a Directive titled "Illegally Imported or Smuggled Products and Reporting in the Import Alert Tracking System." This Directive provides methodologies that FSIS employees -various offices-are to apply when surveillance or investigations identify meat, poultry, or egg products from a foreign country that have been illegally imported or smuggled, or are intended to be illegally imported or smuggled into the United States. This Directive also introduces the use of the Import Alert Tracking System.To read this Notice in detail, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISDirectives/9600-1.pdf * FSIS Notice 19-08: "AssuranceNet Data Monitoring Responsibilities and Instructions for Office of Field Operations Managers" On March 26, 2008, FSIS issued a Noticed titled "AssuranceNet Data Monitoring Responsibilities and Instructions for Office of Field Operations Managers." This Notice provides specific instructions to Office of Field Operations managers at Agency headquarters and at the District Offices on reviewing, monitoring, analyzing, and responding to AssuranceNet results. AssuranceNet has been operative since June 2006 and will be revised (Version 3.0) in May 2008, at which time this Notice will be updated. To view this Notice, visit the FSIS Web site at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp * Clarification Letter Sent to Food Facilities Registered Under the "Bioterrorism Act"--U.S. Agents Have No Affiliation With the U.S. FDA The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) has sent by e-mail a letter to owners and operators of food facilities registered with the U.S. FDA pursuant to the "Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002" and the Agency's implementing regulation, the "Registration of Food Facilities Final Rule (21 CFR นน 1.225-1.243)." U.S. FDA sent its letter in response to an inquiry the Agency received from a foreign embassy seeking clarification on information that had been sent to a number of food facilities in its country by FDA Registrar Corporation (FDA Registrar Corp). U.S. FDA is aware that private businesses, such as FDA Registrar Corp., are offering their services to food facilities. The purpose of U.S. FDA's response is to clarify that these private businesses are not affiliated with U.S. FDA, nor do they act on U.S. FDA's behalf. To view the clarification letter, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cfsup178.html * FSIS Notice18-08: "Questions & Answers Related to Raw Meat and Poultry Product Performance Standards for 'Salmonella' Sampling and Reporting" On March 17, 2008, FSIS issued a Notice titled "Questions & Answers Related to Raw Meat and Poultry Product Performance Standards for 'Salmonella' Sampling and Reporting." This Notice responds to questions about the responsibilities of inspection program personnel and District Offices regarding: A. Reporting "Salmonella" performance standard (PR/HACCP) sampling results, and B. Scheduling "Salmonella" performance standard (PR/HACCP) sampling after a failed set. To read this Notice in its entirety, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp * FSIS Posts Fourth Quarterly Report on "Salmonella" Testing FSIS posted the fourth quarterly progress report on "Salmonella" testing of selected raw meat and poultry products to its Web site. This report provides preliminary data for the months of October through December 2007. The quarterly report is available on FSIS' Web site at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Science/Quarterly_Salmonella_Results/index.asp * FSIS Notices 16-08 and 17-08 On March 10, 2008, FSIS issued the following Notices: * FSIS Notice 16-08: "Humane Handling Activities and Documentation in Livestock Slaughter Establishments" * FSIS Notice 17-08: " Increased Verification of Humane Handling Requirements in Livestock Slaughter Establishments" To read these Notices in their entirety, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp * Questions and Answers Offered for Directive 6100.4: "Verification Instructions Related to Specified Risk Materials" On February 28, 2008, FSIS published questions and answers for Directive 6100.4 titled "Verification Instructions Related to Specified Risk Materials." This Directive provides instructions to inspection program personnel on how to verify that establishments that slaughter cattle and establishments that process the carcasses or parts of cattle are complying with final regulations that prescribe requirements for the removal, segregation, and disposition of specified risk materials (SRMs). Questions and answers for this Directive communicate further clarification to instructions for Agency personnel in carrying out their functions. For more information, visit: www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/6000_Series-Slaughter_Inspection/ 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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