Chilton Consulting Group
P.O. Box 129
Rocky face, GA 30740
Office: 706-694-8325 Fax: 706-694-8316 email: chilton@alltel.net
April 2008
HACCP & Regulatory Update
“Compliance and Performance”
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A COMPILATION OF NEWS ARTICLES AND EMERGING REGULATORY ISSUES AFFECTING THE MEAT AND POULTRY INDUSTRY
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Announcements from Chilton Consulting Group
We have so much going on! Jeff Chilton is excited to be dedicating his full attention to the consulting group to grow our business and help clients assure compliance and maximize profits! Please read all the announcements below to see what is happening:
1) There is a Basic HACCP Workshop scheduled in Greensboro, NC May 6-7, 2008. Please submit all registrations by Thursday, May 1, 2008. If you are interested, please contact Jeff Chilton today!
To this point, 2008 has been a successful year. I hope that this trend continues and that we are able to help many companies along the way.
Contact Jeff Chilton for more information on any of these new services. Chilton Consulting Group will be expanding considerably in 2008 while continuing to provide exceptional service as always for HACCP improvements and regulatory compliance.
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SERVICES AVAILABLE
With this growth there has also been an expansion of services. The list below outlines many of these services. If you don’t see what you need on this list, call and talk to us and we will do our best to see to your compliance and safety needs. This list is growing. If you don’t see what you need, please ask. With our experienced staff, we will be able to help you.
* Food Security Plan Development
* HACCP Plan Reassessments * HACCP Plan Developments
* Workplace Safety – OSHA Compliance and Workman’s Comp Cost Reductions
* Food safety & Quality Audits * Sanitation / GMP Audits
* Audit Preparation – Silliker, Cook & Thurber, AIB * SPS / SSOP Separation Project
* IVT Preparation / Listeria Assessment * Quality Process Improvements
* Operations Management Improvements (TOPS) * HACCP Training Workshops
* Product Recall / Crisis Management Planning * Food Security Plans
* Manpower Reductions / Efficiency Improvements * Waste Water Control / Cost Reductions
* Animal Welfare Audits * Small Plant Layout and Design
* FMEA – Failure Mode Effect Analysis
* Training Seminars – Food Safety, Regulatory, Quality Topics
* Regulatory Compliance – EIAO Prep Audit or NOIE Response
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Upcoming HACCP Classes - Basic and Advanced
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Basic HACCP Training Classes
Knoxville, TN
March 18 - 19
Gainesville, GA
April 7 - 8
Greensboro, NC May 6 - 7
Chicago, IL June 10 - 11
Orlando, FL July 29 - 30
Birmingham, AL September 23 - 24
Baltimore, MD September 30 – October 1
Gainesville, GA October 28 - 29
Orlando, FL November 10 - 11
Chicago, IL December 2 - 3
Advanced HACCP Training Classes
Knoxville, TN
March 20 - 21
Gainesville, GA
April 9 - 10
Chicago, IL June 12 - 13
Baltimore, MD October 2 - 3
Gainesville, GA October 30 - 31
Chicago, IL December 4 - 5
Customized HACCP or Listeria workshops can also be conducted on-site at client companies for groups of 6 or more.
EIAO and IVT reviews are becoming more frequent and detailed in scope. Our associates have hands-on experience assisting companies with preparing for and weathering these reviews.
Preparation for these reviews will be discussed in detail at the Advanced Workshop.
Participants receive an outstanding resource manual with current regulatory information.
Contact: Jeff Chilton, President, Chilton Consulting Group
Phone: 706-694-8325 Fax: 706-694-8316
Email: chilton@alltel.net www.chiltonconsulting.com
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AUDITS
Need to prepare for an NSF-Cook & Thurber, AIB, Silliker, SQF or other auditing group audit?
Contact Chilton Consulting Group
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FSIS Notices
19-08 03/26/08 - ASSURANCENET DATA MONITORING RESPONSIBILITIES AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR OFFICE OF FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGERS
I. PURPOSE - This notice provides specific instructions to Office of Field Operations (OFO) managers at Agency headquarters (HQ) and at the District Offices (DO) on reviewing, monitoring, analyzing, and responding to AssuranceNet results. AssuranceNet has been operative since June 2006 and will be revised (Version 3.0) in May 2008, at which time this notice will be updated. This notice outlines OFO manager requirements for documenting findings as well as any required follow-up. Finally, this notice clarifies that AssuranceNet reports and analyses are appropriate for viewing organizational performance at the district and circuit level rather than at the level of individual establishments, which are monitored through supervisory oversight and by using other tools such as the Performance-Based Inspection System (PBIS).
21-08 4/2/08 - DISTRIBUTION: Electronic NOTICE EXPIRES: 4/1/09 OPI: OPPD EXPORT LIBRARY REVISIONS FOR MARCH 2008
24-08 4/9/08 - CANCELLATION OF NON-FSIS LETTERHEAD EGG PRODUCTS MEMORANDUM AND NOTICES, AND SECTIONS OF AMS PY-INSTRUCTION NO. 910
MEMORANDUM, NOTICES, AND INSTRUCTION CANCELLED – (A) This FSIS notice advises inspection program personnel that the following non-FSIS letterhead egg products memorandum and notices to the egg products industry are null and void:
1. U.S. Department of Agriculture Memorandum, signed by Howard M. Magwire, National Supervisor, Egg Products, Poultry Grading Branch, and dated October 17, 1977. This memorandum advised dried egg products inspectors that Salmonella- positive dried egg whites could be re-sampled and tested as an alternative to further processing. Food Safety and Quality Service policy at that time permitted the re-sampling and testing of dried yellow egg products determined positive for Salmonella.
2. Notice to the Egg Products Industry, signed by William D. Sutherlin, Acting Director of the Egg Products Inspection Division, and dated September 14, 1995. This notice advised the egg products industry that the policy that permitted, under certain circumstances, for the re-testing of egg products determined positive for Salmonella at Government expense, was being re-assessed. It also effected procedural changes to the re-testing procedures for Salmonella-positive dried, liquid, or frozen egg products and revised USDA’s Salmonella surveillance sampling plan used for a plant’s required testing of liquid and frozen egg products.
3. Notice to FSIS Egg Products Inspection Staff and the Egg Products Industry, Number 96-4, signed by William D. Sutherlin and dated January 18, 1996. This second notice amended the 1995 notice by stating that if retesting authorized by the Government of a production lot from which a sample was reported Salmonella-positive by a USDA laboratory, then the retest samples would have to analyzed at either a USDA or USDA-recognized laboratory at company expense. If retest samples were performed at a non-USDA laboratory, five laboratory audit samples from the production were to be submitted to a USDA laboratory for individual analysis at Government expense. All costs associated with the shipment of these samples were the responsibility of the official plant. FSIS NOTICE 24-08.
FSIS Directives
5500.2 Revision 2 4/9/08
NON-ROUTINE INCIDENT RESPONSE
This directive outlines the procedures that the Emergency Management Committee (EMC) is to follow while managing a non-routine incident.
Key Points:
• incorporates information on utilizing the new Non-Routine Incident Management System (NRIMS) to track and manage non-routine incidents
• provides instructions for completing, and information on accessing, FSIS Form 5500-4, Non-Routine Incident Report (NRIR)
• provides instructions for FSIS Form 5500-8, Impact of Non-Routine Incidents on Establishments, Warehouses and Import Houses
ll. CANCELLATION - FSIS Directive 5500.2, Revision 1, Non-Routine Incident Response, 7/16/07
9600.1 3/27/08
ILLEGALLY IMPORTED OR SMUGGLED PRODUCTS AND REPORTING IN THE IMPORT ALERT TRACKING SYSTEM
This directive provides methodologies that the employees of the Office of Program Evaluation, Enforcement and Review (OPEER) and the Office of International Affairs (OIA), and the Office of Food Defense and Emergency Response are to apply when surveillance or investigations identify meat, poultry, or egg products from a foreign country that have been illegally imported or smuggled, or are intended to be illegally imported or smuggled into the United States (U.S.). This directive also introduces the use of the Import Alert Tracking System (IATS).
II. CANCELLATION - FSIS Notice 59-06, Illegally Imported or Smuggled Product, dated 9/13/06
FSIS Recall Notices
Ohio Firm Recalls Frozen Chicken Products Due To Mislabeling
FSIS-RC-011-2008 Class I Recall Health Risk: High
WASHINGTON, March 29, 2008 - Koch Foods, a Fairfield, Ohio, establishment, is recalling approximately 1,420 pounds of frozen chicken breast products because they were packaged with the incorrect label. The frozen, pre-browned, raw products were labeled as "precooked" and therefore do not provide proper preparation instructions. These raw products may appear fully cooked.
Kansas Firm Recalls Cattle Heads That Contain Prohibited Materials
FSIS-RC-012-2008 Class II Recall Health Risk: Low
WASHINGTON, April 4, 2008 - Elkhorn Valley Packing LLC, a Harper, Kan., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 406,000 pounds of frozen cattle heads with tonsils not completely removed, which is not compliant with regulations that require the removal of tonsils from cattle of all ages, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.
BOTULISM, SALTED FISH - USA: RISK, RECALL - Date: Tue 1 Apr 2008 Source: US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) press release [edited] <http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/grandsupercenter04_08.html>
Grand Supercenter, Inc of Lyndhurst, New Jersey is recalling the following products because they have the potential to be contaminated with _Clostridium botulinum_, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death.
HC Fresh, Frozen Salted Croaker, net weight: 16.9 oz (480 grams), item no. HC 0500402, expiration date: 2 Aug 2009
Consumers are warned not to use these products even if they do not look or smell spoiled.
HC Fresh Frozen Salted Croaker [a carnivorous, spiny-finned fish <http://www.answers.com/croaker&r=67>. - Mod.SH] was distributed through H Mart stores including H Mart and Super H Mart in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Texas area. The potential for contamination was noted after routine inspection. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. Consumers who have purchased these HC Fresh Frozen Salted Croaker products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Grand Supercenter, Inc at 201-507-9900.
SALMONELLOSIS, MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY - USA (03): (COLORADO) - Date: Sun 30 Mar 2008 Source: KJCT 8 [edited] <http://kjct8.com/Global/story.asp?S=8091068>
Alamosa officials plan to reopen city schools tomorrow [31 Mar 2008] as crews continue flushing the city water system to purge salmonella bacteria. The schools closed Tuesday [25 Mar 2008], when officials began pumping high concentrations of chlorine into the water. Adams State College closed Wednesday [26 Mar 2008]. – There have been at least 85 confirmed cases of salmonella and 315 people sickened.
Stonyfield Farm Blueberry Fat-Free Yogurt Recalled Due to Glass Fragments - Stonyfield Farm has announced a voluntary recall of its organic nonfat blueberry yogurt due to glass fragments in the products. Consumer protection officials have said that although the company does not believe the problem is widespread and there have been no reports of injury, it is recalling the products to ensure the safety of its consumers. Recalled products include 6-ounce Fat-Free Blueberry yogurt with the following dates printed on the bottom of the cup along with the product code: Apr 14 08, Apr 15 08, April 25 08, and Apr 26 08.
Salmonella Risk Spurs Cereal Recall - Malt-O-Meal Recalls Unsweetened Puffed Rice, Puffed Wheat Sold Under Various Names By Miranda Hitti WebMD Medical News Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD April 8, 2008 -- Because of salmonella risk, Malt-O-Meal is recalling its unsweetened puffed rice and puffed wheat cereals with "Best If Used By" dates ranging from April 8, 2008 (coded as "APR0808") to March 18, 2009 (coded as "MAR1809"). Salmonella bacteria can cause symptoms including diarrhea, fever, nausea, and abdominal pain. Severe cases of salmonella infection can be life-threatening.
Interesting Articles and the NEWS
Foodborne Outbreaks From Leafy Greens Increasing http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_62269.html
NAMP to FSIS: Let industry take the lead 07.apr.08 NAMP NewsFax
NAMP is deeply concerned about the possible expansion of USDA policy on E. coli O157:H7 to consider boxed beef, subprimals, and other intact beef products as adulterated if found with E. coli O157:H7. FSIS on March 27 said it was considering expanding its policy, and is holding a public meeting on the issue this Wednesday and Thursday in Washington, DC. FSIS should not start down the current path without comprehensive multinational industry input, collaboration, and a plan. The potential impact of this action on industry practice is too extensive to be undertaken without careful forethought and international industry and foreign government cooperation. All U.S. beef processors reassessed their HACCP plans for beef products just six months ago, and many are in the implementation stages for additional interventions and process controls. Time and dialog is needed to gauge the results of these latest actions, and to determine what additional actions may be necessary. NAMP strongly believes FSIS should concentrate its effort on other actions and policies to prevent this organism from entering the food chain.
In the “field to fork” beef chain, the two most effective CCPs are prevention of contamination and decontamination at slaughter, and cooking prior to consumption. Focusing on these two points in the process, coupled with best practices employed throughout the food chain, should result in minimizing the number of human illnesses related to E. coli O157:H7.
NAMP knows of no illness that has resulted from consumption of an intact beef product, and we believe that an expansion of the USDA’s adulterant policy is unnecessary. (http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/) Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging
US regulators to consult public over E. coli concerns 31/03/2008 By Neil Merrett
The US department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will next month look into solutions to significantly reduce the presence of E. coli O157:H7 in raw meat stocks following recent scares. The E. coli O157:H7 strain of bacteria has been found to cause serious harm, especially to children, senior citizens and those with weak immune systems.
Focus of the talks - According to the FSIS, one of the key issues at the talks will be a discussion on a survey taken last November of 2,400 ground beer suppliers and producers in order to allow a more efficient system for prioritizing food safety testing. Sampling programs, risk and food safety assessments, and import issues concerning beef trim testing will also be reviewed, the authority said.
(http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/feedback/index.asp?type=4&page=/news/printNewsBis.asp?id=84330).
U.S.D.A. mulls limiting meat recall information http://www.meatpoultry.com/news/weekly_enews.asp?ArticleID=92357
F.S.I.S. identifies plants with Salmonella trouble
http://www.meatpoultry.com/news/weekly_enews.asp?ArticleID=92461
Hallmark/Westland recall costs are widespread
http://www.meatpoultry.com/news/weekly_enews.asp?ArticleID=92394
Pork products found containing 'Super Bug' http://www.meatpoultry.com/news/global.asp
U.S.D.A. earmarks $16M to eradicate bovine TB in three states http://www.meatpoultry.com/news/newsfinder.asp?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=604&docId=l:769901171&topicId=14427&start=2&topics=single
Senator pushes for U.S.D.A. to disclose recipients
of all recalled meat
http://www.meatpoultry.com/news/newsfinder.asp?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=604&docId=l:767901238&topicId=14427&start=11&topics=single
Incidence of food-borne illness holds steady
http://www.meatpoultry.com/news/weekly_enews.asp?ArticleID=92693
U.S.D.A. audits reveal animal handling violations http://www.meatpoultry.com/news/weekly_enews.asp?ArticleID=92581
Corn prices taking toll on feedlot operators
http://www.meatpoultry.com/news/newsfinder.asp?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=604&docId=l:773658146&topicId=14427&start=1&topics=single
Federal restrictions put on cattle from Minnesota
due to T.B. concerns
http://www.meatpoultry.com/news/newsfinder.asp?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=604&docId=l:772374299&topicId=14427&start=2&topics=single
Fighting the resistance
Assessing research indicating workers in poultry plants are at risk from
antibiotic-resistant E. coli
http://www.meatpoultry.com/feature_stories.asp?ArticleID=92064
Still a long way to go
A new Rutgers study shows that young adults still don't use good food-safe
sense
http://www.meatpoultry.com/news/beyond_stories.asp?ArticleID=92522
Tyson: Ethanol policy "not right"
CEO Bond tells Tennessee officials that federal ethanol programs will spike food
prices
http://www.meatpoultry.com/news/beyond_stories.asp?ArticleID=92377
Foodservice struggles
The economic downturn is now impacting a crucial meat and poultry market
http://www.meatpoultry.com/news/beyond_stories.asp?ArticleID=92679
FDA ISSUES
FDA Recalls
Mrs Baird's Issues Voluntary Recall of 4" Buns Due to Undeclared Milk (April 1)
The buns were sold at Costco stores in North Texas in a two count package
containing 24 buns and to restaurant and institutional customers in Texas and
Oklahoma in 12 count packages.
North Aire Market Issues Allergy Alert on Possible Traces of Almonds in Chicken
Dumpling Soup Mix (April 8)
North Aire Market of Shakopee, MN is recalling 99 boxes of Chicken Dumpling Soup
Mix because they may contain undeclared traces of almonds. The 99 boxes were
sold in various parts of the country primarily to specialty gift shops and
through the company's web site under the brand, Maggie and Mary's Chicken
Dumpling Soup Mix. The lot codes related to this recall are: 0730810, 0720810,
0910810, 0920811, 0920810, 0930810, 0980810, and are found on the bottom of the
retail box.
News
Guidance for Industry: Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards of Fresh-cut Fruits and Vegetables February 25, 2008
FDA Announces Permanent Injunction against Food Companies, Executives February 22, 2008
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CHILTON CONSULTING GROUP – PERSONAL PROFILES
In each issue a different person will hold the top spot in an effort to make everyone aware of the diverse nature of this group and the wide range of services and expertise that we have to offer. I have included everyone’s email address so that if you have questions you can go directly to the person of interest.
Jeff Chilton chilton@alltel.net
HACCP Plan Reassessments Regulatory Responses to NOIE or Notice of Suspensions
IVT/Rlm Audits HACCP Training
Audit Preparations Services / Food Safety and Quality Audits
Quality Improvements TOPS: Total Operational Performance System
Dr. Ron Beckman drbeckman@tampabay.rr.com
Slaughter, slaughter regulations and improvements to the slaughter process.
USDA compliance assistance and mediation, HACCP Plan reassessments,
Animal Welfare Audits, HIMP Implementation projects,
BEV/Beef export Programs and General productivity and efficiency reassessments.
Bobby Pace bobbypace@knology.net
HACCP and Food Safety Consultant HACCP Plan Reassessments
Quality Improvements ISO Implementation / Auditing
David Rowe safety01@hughes.net
Facility Safety Training Mock OSHA Inspections, Safety Audits
Mechanical Integrity Tracking HACCP Plan Reassessments
ISO Implementation / Auditing Website / newsletter development
Dr. Estes Reynolds agfood@charter.net
HACCP Training HACCP Plan Reassessments
Microbiological issues, Pathogen trouble shooting,
Process improvements. Quality improvements,
Plant Layout and Design for Small Processors.
Sharon Chilton schilton@alltel.net
Maintains the corporate library, assist with accounting and marketing details and coordinate consulting projects.
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2008 HACCP Workshop Registration Form
Complete this Form for the Desired Workshop
Type of Workshop: Basic_______ Advanced ________ Listeria _________
Workshop Date: ___________________________________________________
Workshop Location: ________________________________________________
Name: __________________________________________________________
Title: ____________________________________________________________
Company: _______________________________________________________
Street Address: ___________________________________________________
City, State, Zip: ____________________________________________________
Telephone: ________________________________________________________
Fax: _____________________________________________________________
Email: ____________________________________________________________
Co. Web Site: ____________________________________________________
Product Types Produced: _____________________________________________
Workshop Cost
$400 per person for the first 5 participants from each company;
$365 per person for the 6th-10th participants from each company;
$320 per person for the 11th or more participants from each company;
Payable before or at the beginning of the workshop. $50 cancellation fee applies.
Mail registration fee to: Chilton Consulting Group
PO Box 129
Rocky Face, GA 30740
Fax the completed for to: 706-694-8316
Questions - Call our office at 706-694-8325
Thank you for registering!