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GUIDE TO TRACEBACK OF FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IMPLICATED IN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS

Note Since this guide published in April 2001, Emergency Operations has become a separate office. The electronic copy of this document has been modified to reflect that change (i.e. all references to DEIO have been changed to EOC). No other changes have been made.

7/06- Note a separate DFI Guide to Produce Farm Investigations has recently published. This guide has been modified only to delete specific instructions on produce farm investigations, and instead refer the investigator to the Produce Farm Guide for further guidance.

Last updated: June 2006

File available in Word (220 kb); PDFPDF icon (184 kb)


TABLE OF CONTENTS

ATTACHMENTS

INTRODUCTION

Traceback Procedures
   Initiating a Traceback Investigation
      Traceback Coordination
      Product Samples
      Use of FDA Reports and Forms
      Traceback Reports
      Requests for Information
      Traceback Responsibilities

Methods and Analysis
   Point of Service Investigation
      Interviews
      Observations
      Record Collection
      Analysis of POS data
      Distributor Investigations
   Interviews
      Observations
      Record Collection
      Analysis of Distributor data
   Importer/Processor/Grower Investigations

Farm/Source Investigations


Note: This document is reference material for Investigators and other FDA personnel. The document does not bind FDA, and does not confer any rights, privileges, benefits, or immunities for or on any person(s). An alternative approach may be used if such an approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes, regulations or both.