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In this Week’s Edition:
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FSIS Updates Lab Testing Criteria for E. coliFSIS is aligning the testing criteria for E. coli O157:H7 with that for non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Consistent with laboratory testing for non-O157 STEC, an E. coli O157:H7 isolate will be confirmed positive if it has the virulence-associated stx gene and eae gene, and is identified by the laboratory as O157. Furthermore, FSIS is removing the H7 gene testing requirement for certain O157:H7 isolates already positive for the virulence genes stx and eae. FSIS states harmonizing STEC laboratory testing creates a more efficient laboratory workflow where all regulated STECs are treated the same from initial laboratory screening to full isolate characterization. This update will not affect current FSIS laboratory protocols leading to the reporting of potential and presumptive positive results. More details here. USDA Extends Universal Free School Lunch Program Through 2021-22 School YearMore information here. FDA New Era of Smarter Food Safety PodcastOn Thursday, April 29, 2021, FDA is launching the first in a new quarterly podcast series that focuses on the development and use of new technologies to strengthen the ability of FDA, regulated industry, and others to accelerate prevention, speed outbreak response, and more swiftly adapt to crises that could affect the human and animal food supply. Details here. Robert Bonnie Nominated to Serve as Under Secretary for Farm Production and ConservationInformation here. AMS Announces User Fees for 2021-22Most fees remain unchanged but some have increased. The fee schedule is here. |
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AMS Seeks Comments on Wheat StandardsDetails here. USDA Seeks Comments on Supply Chain ResiliencyUSDA is required to report to the president on food and agriculture supply chain resiliency in a year. The notice requests comments and information from the public to assist USDA in preparing the report. USDA is also requesting public comment to inform its thinking regarding how stimulus relief programs and spending related to food supply chain resilience as authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 can help to increase durability and resilience within the U.S. food supply chain. More details and instructions on submitting comments are here. AMS to Hold Grain Inspection Advisory Committee Meeting May 12-13Details and registration here. AMS Proposes to Revise Chickpea StandardsMore information here. AMS Proposes to Revise Irish Potato StandardsThe proposal would allow for smaller potatoes. FSIS Updates List of Foreign Establishments Eligible to Export to U.S. |
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FDA Import AlertsThe latest FDA import alerts are available here and include pesticides, lead in ceramicware, dried fish and misbranding. FDA Warning LettersThe latest FDA warning letters are: 04/20/2021 Sky Global Food Inc Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) 04/20/2021 Hou Fu Biotech – Jiangsu Co., Ltd Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Finished Pharmaceuticals/Unapproved New Drug/Misbranded/Adulterated Please contact Erik Lieberman at elieberman@usfoodimports.com if you have questions or for additional information |
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