[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 178 (Monday, September 15, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 48211]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-24437]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food Safety and Inspection Service
[Docket No. 97-058 N]


FSIS Recall Public Meeting

AGENCY: Food Safety and Inspection Service.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is holding a 
public meeting on September 24, 1997. The purpose of the meeting is to 
discuss with all interested parties Agency policy on recalls of meat, 
poultry, and egg products, including public notification procedures. 
Discussions will focus on whether there is a need to change specific 
aspects of the current policy for handling recalls voluntarily, and on 
the public health benefits of expanding the Agency's current statutory 
authorities. FSIS also is interested in receiving suggestions and 
comments from the public.

DATES: The meeting will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on 
September 24, 1997.

ADDRESSES: The one-day meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn 
Westpark Hotel, 1900 North Fort Myer Drive, Arlington, VA 22209.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To register for the meeting, please 
contact Ms. Traci Phebus at (202) 501-7138, or FAX (202) 501-7642. 
Persons interested in presenting a proposed suggestion are requested to 
contact Ms. Phebus. Presenters are asked to submit one original and two 
copies of written comments to: FSIS Docket Clerk, Docket No. 97-058N, 
Room 102 Cotton Annex Building, 300 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC 
20250-3700. Participants who require a sign language interpreter or 
other special accommodations should contact Ms. Phebus at the above 
telephone or FAX numbers.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To ensure public health protection 
throughout the food production and distribution system, FSIS and the 
States oversee production and distribution of meat, poultry, and egg 
products not only during processing in officially inspected 
establishments, but also in distribution channels after the products 
leave the inspected establishments. When meat, poultry, or egg products 
in commerce are found to be a health risk to consumers, FSIS asks the 
firm to coordinate a recall of the products, and the Agency provides 
appropriate public notification. FSIS verifies the effectiveness of 
voluntary recalls and ensures that corrective actions are subsequently 
taken so firms distribute products meeting food safety and other 
regulatory requirements. If a firm does not agree to initiate a recall, 
FSIS has authority to detain and seize the product. However, it could 
take considerable time and effort to determine the distribution 
channels through which the product has moved and then locate such 
product. In view of a recent recall of a meat product, FSIS is 
convening this public forum to solicit public comment and discussion on 
the Agency's policy.
    Directive 8080.1, Revision 2, dated November 3, 1992, details 
current FSIS practices and procedures for recalls. A limited number of 
copies will be available at the meeting. Transcripts of the meeting 
will be available in the FSIS Docket Room.

    Done in Washington, DC, on: September 10, 1997.
Thomas J. Billy,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 97-24437 Filed 9-10-97; 3:46pm]
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P