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FSIS Rule Would Make Retail Lists Available During Recalls |
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Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113
Steven Cohen
WASHINGTON, March 6, 2006 - The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced
a proposed rule which would make public lists of retail outlets that have received products that have been
recalled.
"We believe that publishing a list of retail establishments that have received products subject to
recall will help consumers more easily determine if they purchased recalled product," said USDA Under
Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Richard Raymond. "FSIS currently posts detailed information about
recalled products, including pictures when possible, on its Web site to help consumers identify products
subject to recall."
In 2005, there were 53 recalls involving meat and poultry products, compared with 113 in 2002. When a recall
is conducted, FSIS posts a recall press release on its Web site to help consumers identify the product.
The Agency also distributes the press release to national wire services and newspapers, television and radio
stations in those states where the product has been distributed as well as electronically to mailing lists
maintained by FSIS. Federal, state and local health and agricultural officials are also alerted to the fact
that a recall is taking place. The recall release includes the name of the recalling establishment, the reason
for the recall, a description of the food being recalled, any identifying codes, the recall classification and
the appropriate contact persons for FSIS and the company involved.
During the recall process, FSIS receives lists of consignees from the recalling firm. FSIS contacts consignees
at all levels of distribution to ensure that proper notification is taking place and that products subject to
recall are being removed from commerce and properly disposed of or returned to the recalling firm. If a product
has been distributed to the retail level, under the proposed rule, FSIS will post a complete list of retail
outlets on its Web site once that list has been verified for accuracy.
Beginning in 2002, FSIS entered into a series of Memoranda of Understanding to allow states to participate in
the recall verification process. While consignee identities and distribution lists have in the past been
considered confidential business information, FSIS has concluded that it has the authority to release the names
of retail consignees of recalled meat and poultry products and that doing so will enhance the effectiveness of
the recall process.
FSIS invites the public to submit comments on this proposed rule. Comments must be received on or before
May 8, 2006. Comments can be sent to Docket Clerk,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 300 12th Street, S.W., Room 102 Cotton
Annex, Washington, D.C. 20250; or through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov.
For further information on the proposed rule, contact the Regulations and Petitions Policy Staff, Office of
Policy, Program, and Employee Development, at (202) 720-2709 or by fax at (202) 690-0486.
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Last Modified:
March 7, 2006 |
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