To: NMA Members
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������ NMA, Associate Director Regulatory Issues
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Re: FSIS Directive 5000.1 Rev. 1
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May 28, 2003
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Today FSIS posted on their web site FSIS Directive 5000.1 Revision 1 dated May 21, 2003.� The Revised Directive, which can be accessed at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSIS_Directives.htm, is basically a comprehensive �Handbook� for Consumer Safety Inspectors (CSI) and Consumer Safety Officers (CSO) to utilize in their verification of a plant�s food safety systems.�
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Specifically the Revised Directive indicates that the purpose and design for the 123-page �Handbook� is to assist CSIs and CSOs in �performing, and in better understanding, their job responsibilities�.� A �how to� explanation is also provided to guide the CSIs and CSOs in using the �handbook� and tables for understanding the regulatory requirements and in performing the inspection methodology and making regulatory decisions.
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The Revised Directive�s �Handbook� addresses Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures, Sanitation Performance Standards, HACCP, and Generic E. coli testing programs and Compliance with the Salmonella Performance Standards.� Lastly, an entire chapter is devoted to Enforcement issues related to the documentation of non-compliance with SPS, SSOP, HACCP and Generic E. coli testing.�
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In addition, the Enforcement Chapter deals with the trending of non-compliance and linking of NRs in order to determine instances of repetitive non-compliance.� The last section of the Enforcement Chapter specifically addresses enforcement action, regulatory control action, withholding and suspension action, notification and abeyance.��
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It is our understanding that the Revised Directive and �Handbook� have been available since mid April and utilized by FSIS to train field personnel for immediate application upon the completion of their training.�
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NMA staff will provide further comment on the Revised Directive and �Handbook� following a comprehensive review of its contents.�
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Please e-mail me at [email protected] or call me at 510-763-1533 if you have any questions or comments.�
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