The July 26th update was informative! Here are the highlights:
FSIS determined that the number of uncategorized establishments has slightly increased. This increase is due to revisions made in late 2018 for FSIS procedures that categorize raw poultry processing facilities that are required to follow the pathogen reduction standard for Salmonella. To help ensure that eligible facilities are categorized, beginning August 2019, FSIS will schedule sampling based on daily production size. Previously, sampling numbers were determined monthly by production volume and type.
Unlike food labels regulated by the FDA, the USDA requires certain labels to be submitted for approval. The current (as of 07/26/19) turnaround time for review by the Labeling and Program Delivery Staff is 12-15 days. The update listed a few tips for speeding up approval for non-amenable products under voluntary inspection.
Last, the Library of Export Requirements are updated for Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Japan, Peru, and Singapore.
The Tentamus Group, in particular, Tentamus North America, offers various services to assist in compliance with food regulations and food safety:
- Product analysis for poultry microbial hazards, such as Salmonella and Campylobacter
- FSIS submission assistance for new label approval
- Product full label review for compliance to avoid misbranding
- Product Food Safety Plan/HACCP creation and consultation for overall food safety and compliance
- Environmental monitoring program creation and review