FSIS Issues New Meat and Poultry Recall Directive

WASHINGTONUSDAs Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on Sept. 9, 2013, published Revision 7 of FSIS Directive 8080.1, Recall of Meat and Poultry Products. This new directive, effective immediately, replaces Revision 6, published on Oct. 26, 2010.

Revision 7 states: This directive is being reissued in its entirety to provide guidance regarding recall plans and to incorporate new regulations that address the following:

1.      Official establishments are required to notify their local FSIS District Office (DO) personnel within 24 hours when they learn or determine that adulterated or misbranded product has entered commerce.

2.      If an official establishment notifies FSIS personnel other than the DO that adulterated or misbranded product has entered commerce, those personnel are to contact the DO promptly through supervisory channels. They are also to notify the establishment that it is still required to contact the DO directly."

This directive provides the terminology, responsibilities, and public notification procedures regarding the voluntary recall of FSIS inspected meat and poultry products.

Although Directive 8080.1 is intended for use by FSIS personnel, corporations and personnel involved in meat and poultry processing or sales, ranging from plant managers to retail meat managers, should be aware of the contents of this recall notice revision as well.