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FSIS Makes Some Changes in its Laboratory Testing Methods
In an effort to modernize laboratory methodology for chemical residue analysis, the FSIS laboratory system
will be replacing the screening aspect of the 7-plate bioassay with a multi-residue method as a screening tool.
This will be referred to as the Screening and Confirmation of Animal Drug Residues by UHPLC-MS-MS (ultra high
performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry).
This new method covers multiple veterinary drug classes, including sulfonamides, anti-inflammatory drugs,
beta-agonists, and antibiotics, and is applicable to porcine and bovine kidney at this time. This method is to
be posted in the FSIS Chemistry Laboratory Guidebook (CLG) on FSIS' website with an effective date of Feb. 17.
Another FSIS CLG method, Screening of Sulfonamides by Automated Robotic Extraction and Thin Layer Chromatography
(TLC), has been expanded to include muscle and liver in both sheep and goat. This information is to be posted as
well in the guidebook once finalized. The effective date will be no earlier than Feb. 24.
To review the laboratory guidebook: www.fsis.usda.gov/
Science/Chemistry_Lab_Guidebook/index.asp.
Humane Handling Training Resources Available On-line
FSIS recently issued humane handling training using a situation-based approach. This training includes two modules:
one focuses on animal handling from truck unloading through entrance to the stunning area and the other covers
stunning and post-stunning situations.
In both training modules, participants are presented with specific situations at livestock slaughter establishments.
The situation-based training helps participants to be able to: verify humane-related regulatory compliance,
identify humane-related regulatory noncompliance, determine whether a noncompliance is egregious and select
appropriate actions to be taken.
There are two guides for each module; a participant and facilitator guide. Discussing the specifics of each
situation allows participants to gain a thorough understanding of the proper response.
For more information and to access the situation-based participant and facilitator guides, visit
www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Employees/
Regional_Training/index.asp.
Nutrition Labeling Rule to be Implemented in March
Next week, FSIS will implement a final rule that will require nutrition labeling of the major cuts of
single-ingredient, raw meat and poultry products and ground or chopped meat and poultry products.
The Federal Register notice and other related documents, including examples of labels, can be found on the
FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/
Interim_&_Final_Rules/index.asp.
Export Requirement Updates
The Library of Export Requirements has been updated to reflect changes in export requirements for the following countries:
- European Union
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Russia
Complete information can be found at
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/
Export_Information/index.asp.
Register for Codex Public Meeting on Methods of Analysis and Sampling
FSIS and FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) are hosting a public meeting to receive
public comments and draft U.S. positions to be discussed at the 33rd Session of the Codex Committee on
Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS) in Budapest, Hungary.
The public meeting will be held on Feb. 28, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the FDA, CFSAN Harvey Wiley Building,
5100 Paint Branch Parkway, Room 1A-002, College Park, MD 20740.
Some items scheduled for discussion include: endorsement of methods of analysis in codex standards;
principles for the use of sampling and testing in international food trade; and developing a discussion paper
on provisions for proprietary methods.
Documents and agenda items related to the 44th Session of the CCMAS will be accessible at the Codex website at
www.codexalimentarius.org. For more information about the public
meeting, contact Marie Maratos at (202) 690-4795 or
marie.maratos@fsis.usda.gov.
Comment Period on Proposed Rule for Labeling Extended
FSIS proposed a rule on Dec. 5, 2011, that will allow establishments to label a broader range of products without
first submitting the label to the agency for approval. The comment period, originally scheduled to close
Feb. 3, 2012, will now close on March 3, 2012.
The extension was granted to allow sufficient time for industry members to: (1) develop comments comprehensively
addressing important proposed changes to the prior label approval system; and (2) assemble, analyze and submit data
establishments have collected on their experience with the prior label approval system and generic labeling.
Individuals are invited to submit comments electronically through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at
www.regulations.gov Comments may also be mailed to USDA, FSIS, OPPD, RIMD,
Docket Clearance Unit, Patriots Plaza III, 355 E St., S.W., Rm. 8-164, Washington, D.C. 20024-3221. All items
submitted must include the docket number FSIS-2005-0016.
Get Answers at askFSIS
AskFSIS is a web-based technology and policy question-and-answer forum on topics such as exporting,
labeling, inspection, programs and procedures.
In addition, askFSIS offers Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds that link back to the Q&As. To view
recently posted topics, visit http://askfsis.custhelp.com/.
Updates on FSIS Testing for E. coli
Weekly updates for the agency's raw beef E. coli sampling program are posted on the FSIS website.
For comparative previous and current year results, go to
www.fsis.usda.gov/Science/
Ground_Beef_E.coli_Testing_Results/index.asp.
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Last Modified:
February 24, 2012 |
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