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Food Safety Tips Available for Those Recovering from Wildfires, Other Fire Devastation
Due to the potential threat from flames like those recently caused by the High Park wildfire in Colorado and the
Whitewater-Baldy Complex wildfire in New Mexico, FSIS is issuing recommendations to minimize the likelihood of
foodborne illness during the recovery or clean-up phase after a fire.
Each year, two million American homes and families experience losses from wildfires or flames sparked by accidental
fires. "Food safety is a critical public health issue, especially during times of emergency," said USDA
Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Elisabeth Hagen. "A fire in the home can expose foods to toxic fumes and
chemicals, making them unsafe to eat. Loss of power can also create unsafe foods."
Consumers can find more information about how to be food safe after emergencies through www.AskKaren.gov.
Also check out this press release for more helpful tips at
www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_061812_01/index.asp.
FSIS Updates Chloramphenicol Test Method
The FSIS Chemistry Laboratory Guidebook (CLG) method, Screening for Chloramphenicol by ELISA, has been updated.
This screening method has been extended to allow for testing of pork muscle. When implemented, this method will
further enhance consumer protection by preventing residue from this antimicrobial compound into the food supply.
This method will be posted to the CLG, with an implementation date no earlier than July 23. To review the method,
visit www.fsis.usda.gov/Science/
Chemistry_Lab_Guidebook/index.asp.
Comment Period Extended for HACCP Systems Validation
FSIS is extending the comment period 30 days for the
Federal Register notice
that clarifies requirements for validation and for the guidance document to assist establishments in meeting
the validation requirements. The original deadline to submit comments on both documents was July 9; the new
deadline to receive comments is now August 9. FSIS is extending the comment period in response to a request
from an industry association that stated small businesses with multiple HACCP processing categories need
additional time to evaluate the draft guidance document.
Comments may be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov
or by mail to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, FSIS, Docket Clerk, Patriots Plaza III, 355 E St. S.W., 8-163A,
Mailstop 3782, Washington, DC 20250-3700. All items submitted must include docket number FSIS-2009-0019.
Export Requirement Updates
The Library of Export Requirements has been updated to reflect changes in export requirements for the following countries:
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Switzerland
Complete information can be found at
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/
Export_Information/index.asp.
Faces of Food Safety: Meet Dr. Regina Tan
Since the launch of Faces of Food Safety, we've come to know inspectors, veterinarians, investigators,
administrative assistants and scientists. Our latest spotlight is on Dr. Regina Tan, the director of the
Applied Epidemiology Division for FSIS' Office of Public Health Science.
Her office is responsible for detecting health hazards and clusters of disease associated with FSIS-regulated
products. She oversees three teams: surveillance, investigations and prevention and control.
To read more about Tan's story, visit www.fsis.usda.gov/About_FSIS/
Faces_Food_Safety/index.asp.
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Last Modified:
June 22, 2012 |
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