In this Week’s Edition:
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FDA Updates Seafood HACCP Guidance |
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FDA has determined specific chapters, appendices, and addenda of the guidance would be updated with the availability of new science. This update includes:
The modifications can be reviewed through the “Guidance to Industry: Fish and Fishery Products Hazards and Controls Guidance Fourth Edition – June 2021” section of the guidance document. The updated guidance supports and complements the FDA’s regulations for the safe and sanitary processing and importing of the fish and fishery products using hazard analysis and critical control point methods. Updates may be accessed through the Fish and Fishery Products Hazards and Controls Guidance Page. NCBA Submits Petition on Country of Origin LabelingThe petition requests the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) eliminate broadly applicable Product of USA labeling claims but continue to allow for more appropriately descriptive generic claims such as “Processed in the USA.” USDA will be accepting comments on the petition. FSIS Posts New HACCP Models for Certain Categories of ProductsUpdated guides and models reflect changes in FSIS policy and lessons learned about implementing HACCP since its inception. The materials include updated scientific references and footnotes containing explanatory guidance and links to related sources of information. Consistent with the previous models, each model includes a product description, ingredients list, production flow diagram, hazard analysis and HACCP plan. The revised Guideline for the Preparation of HACCP Plans leads an establishment through the process of developing a HACCP plan according to seven principles and provides links to additional reference materials. Templates are provided in the guide so the establishment can capture the product-specific information as demonstrated in the guide. Additional models will be posted as they are revised. The following models were recently added:
USDA Announces Additional Aid to ProducersDetails here. AMS Revises Standards for Lentils and Split PeasMore information here: APHIS Delists Japan from Regions Free of Classical Swine Fever, Adds Thailand to List of Regions with African Horse SicknessMore information available here: Vilsack Speaks on Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices HereThe statement is available here. FDA Issues Threshold of Regulation Exemption for Metal Carbides in Food Processing EquipmentFDA has issued a Threshold of Regulation (TOR) exemption for the use of metal carbides and metal carbide alloys as a component or ceramic coating in repeat-use applications such as parts in food processing equipment. FSIS to Post Poultry Salmonella Testing ResultsOn June 21, 2021, FSIS will update the individual establishment Salmonella performance standard category information for raw poultry carcasses, raw chicken parts, and comminuted poultry products on the Salmonella Verification Testing Program Monthly Posting page. Additionally, FSIS will post the aggregate sampling results showing the number of establishments in categories 1, 2, or 3 for establishments producing young chicken or turkey carcasses, raw chicken parts, or not ready-to-eat (NRTE) comminuted poultry products at the location linked above. FSIS to Host Virtual Open House at Midwest and Western LabsFSIS plans to host a joint virtual open house at the Midwestern and Western Laboratories on August 2, 2021, from 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET. Topics have been specifically chosen based on recent feedback and frequent questions received by the FSIS laboratories. Participants will learn:
Participants must pre-register. The registration link for the open house will be announced in a future Constituent Update. |
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FDA Import AlertsThe latest FDA import alerts are available here and include pesticides, mycotoxins, illegal colors and L. monocytogenes in seafood. FDA Warning LettersThe latest FDA warning letters are below: CGMP/Food/Prepared, Packed or Held Under Insanitary Conditions/Adulterated/L. monocytogenes Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act/Adulterated/Misbranded E-Vaperz Spring Hill Location LLC Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act/Adulterated/Misbranded Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act/Adulterated/Misbranded Please contact Erik Lieberman at elieberman@usfoodimports.com if you have questions or for additional information |
