USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service is seeking comment on a new rule to enhance food safety. The proposed rule would implement a 2008 Farm Bill provision and according to U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack help prevent foodborne illness and speed the response when illnesses occur. He notes those are two goals of the Food Safety Working Group.
The proposed rule would require three things of regulated establishments. To promptly notify FSIS if any unsafe, unwholesome or misbranded meat or poultry product has entered commerce. To prepare and maintain current procedures for the recall of meat and poultry products produced and shipped by the establishment. And to document each reassessment of the establishment's process control plans or Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plans. USDA says this supports recommendations made by the Food Safety Working Group in July.
Comments must be received by May 24. Comments can be submitted online through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov.