FSIS announces new regulations for meat, poultry and egg trade

Food & Drink Weekly, August 11, 2003

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recently announced the availability of new food safety and security guidance for transporters and distributors of meat, poultry and egg products in an effort to protect the U.S. food supply from intentional and unintentional contamination. FSIS Safety and Security Guidelines for the Transportation and Distribution of Meat, Poultry and Egg Products is designed to help facilities and shippers that handle meat, poultry and egg products strengthen their food safety and security plans. "These guidelines will further enhance the safety and security of meat, poultry and egg products throughout the food distribution chain," said Garry L. McKee, administrator of the department's Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The guidelines address points in the transportation and distribution process where potential contaminants could be introduced, including loading and unloading, and in-transit storage. Under the recommendations, companies are asked to check for vulnerable spots in the shipping where terrorists could poison food with harmful bacteria or chemicals. Companies should make security improvements like providing workers with additional training and increasing oversight of trucks, ships and airplanes carrying food, department officials said. They noted that terrorists are most likely to sabotage hamburger, chicken or other meat and poultry products as they are loaded and unloaded from freight trains or trucks. Those are moments when workers should closely monitor the shipments, the department said.

FSIS is requesting public comments in response to a series of questions contained in the Federal Register notice announcing the guidelines. The agency is interested in comments that address any shortcomings or suggest possible improvements in the published guidelines and any challenges the guidelines may pose, particularly for smaller transportation, distribution and storage companies.