CREW: Department of Agriculture: Regarding Specific Agency Policies and Programs: 4/2/2010 - US Department of Agriculture Response To CREW I

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Sent: Monday, August 07, 2006 1 :21 PM

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Subject: FW: changes in SSE surveillance situations

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Referred to APHIS for Release Determination

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FW: Description of BSE changes

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Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2006 11:06 AM To: OPEER/RS/Omaha, J.()){) iF;i? Subject: fIN: Description of BSE changes

August 29,2006 10:02 AM ·::://·i ....... · .. ··/: ..... >i>:/:< OPEER Directors

Subject: RE: Description of BSE changes

Please note an omission inserted in red text below that was left off the description sent yesterday.

Information Technology Specialist Office of the Chief Information Officer USDAIFSISIOPEER Telephone.202-690-j>.

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Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 5: 54 PM To: OPEER Directors

subj~~t;<6~~2~ipti~n of BSE changes

All,

As a follow-up from last week's staff meeting, below is information regarding the changes to the BSE surveillance program that just went into effect:

On August 27, 2006 APHIS began a new phase in the BSE surveillance program of cattle presented for slaughter. APHIS is moving from the Enhanced Surveillance phase to Ongoing Surveillance.

This new phase involves a change in the BSE testing requirements which have been implemented in the electronic Animal Disposition Reporting System (eADRS). eADRS is the tool used by FSIS inspection personnel at slaughter establishments to report information on the samples collected for the BSE testing programs. The following summarizes past and present BSE testing requirements:

Prior to August 27, 2006 change:

Mandatory BSE testing for:

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- All adult cattle subclasses and calves over 400 Ibs (steer, heifer, beef cow, dairy cow, bull stag and heavy calves) condemned ante mortem regardless of condemnation reason (condition/disease)

- All calves <= 400 Ibs condemned ante mortem for eNS

Optional BSE testing for:

- All calves <= 400 Ibs condemned ante mortem for any condition/disease other than eNS

Beginning August 27, 2006:

Mandatory BSE testing for:

- All cattle and calf subclasses condemned ante mortem for eNS, rabies and tetanus.

Optional BSE testing for:

- All cattle and calf subclasses condemned ante mortem for any condition/disease other than eNS, rabies and tetanus.

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Attachments:

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Technical Assistance-Correlation Div. Technical Service Center

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Tuesday, July 18,20062:43 PM

Subject: From FSNet, 7/18/06

R-CALF calls on Congress to reform beef import regulations 18.ju1.06

Meatingplace.com

Pete Hisey http://www.meatingplace.com/MembersOnly/webNews/details.aspx?it em=16240

Ranchers-Cattlemen's Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America, has sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and five congressional leaders asking that USDA and Congress address issues such as country-of-origin labeling and segregation of Canadian and U.S. cattle at feedlots and at slaughter.

Specifically, R-CALF USA is asking USDA to shelve the idea of allowing Canadian cattle over 30 months of age and beef from cattle over 30 months of age into the United States. The letter also asks USDA to rescind a rule allowing cattle and beef from cattle under 30 months into the country. Failing that, R-CALF is requesting that Canadian cattle be prevented from commingling with native-born cattle.

R-CALF Chief Executive Bill Bullard, told Meatingplace.com that with new OrE standards in place, he believes Canada is arguably in the "undetermined" category for incidence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

orE has shifted from a five-tier system that assessed risk by the number of BSE cases detected per million head of cattle to a more general three-tier system: "negligible," meaning no cases have been detected in the past 11 years; "controlled," meaning effective measures such as animal feed bans and specified risk material removal have been put in place to mitigate risk; and "u ndetermined," which

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means none of the above.

"We would argue that Canada belongs in that last category," Bullard said, contending that the recent discovery of BSE in a Canadian dairy cow born four and a half years after Canada's feed ban was implemented indicates that the ban is either ineffective or inadequately enforced.

R-CALF, which is appealing a decision by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in its ongoing lawsuit against USDA over reopening the border to Canadian product, argues that the import of animals from Canada and their subsequent commingling with native-born cattle endangers U.S. export trade with key customers such as South Korea and Japan, and lowers the value of all cattle because of the ongoing loss of those export markets.

R-CALF also is asking that in cases where U.S. beef is banned, imported beef from those markets also be banned until access is restored.

USDA/FSIS/OPPED/TSC/PAS 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 300

Omaha, NE 68102 Phone: 402-221

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Monday, May 01,20066:12 AM OPPED/TSC; OPEERIRS/Omaha From MEATINGPLACE.COM, 5/1/06

FOOD SAFETY

USDA issues BSE prevalence estimate: Four to seven cases likely

by Pete Hisey on 5/1/2006 for Meatingplace.com

Mike Johanns, Secretary of Ag re, released on Friday the agency's estimate of the prevalence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in the United States. Using results from the enhanced surveillance program in place since the summer of 2004 as well as more limited data from the five years prior to 2004, the agency determined that there are between four and seven undiscovered cases of BSE in the country.

Johanns said that some 5,700 locations across the United States were cited for samples, including slaughter plants, renderers, farms, public health laboratories, veterinary diagnostic laboratories, and salvage slaughter facilities. To date, only two native-born cases of BSE have been identified after testing of about 700,000 higher-risk animals. The agency is also testing 20,000 younger, lower-risk animals.

After the full report is peer-reviewed, USDA will design an ongoing BSE surveillance program that matches the risk under World Animal Health Organization (OlE) standards. Johanns said the peer review, which will decide if the agency's conclusions are merited, will be complete by the end of May, after which USDA will decide on a new testing regimen. "I do expect we will move to a level of testing that is in line with international guidelines for a country like ours that is at minimal risk for the disease," Johanns said.

Johanns will meet this week with his opposite number from Japan at previously scheduled meetings in Geneva, Switzerland, and he will have the prevalence results in his hand. "The information we released today I'm very confident will be very positively viewed by not only Japan but other trading partners around the world," Johanns said.

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USDA/FSIS/OPPED/TSC/PAS 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68102 Phone: 402-221 Fax: 402-221-7421 eMail:

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BEEF NEWS Alabama BSE case untraceable

20066:09 AM OPPED/TSC; OPEERIRS/Omaha

From MEATINGPLACE.COM, 5/4/06--2 Articles


High-yieldquaJity = High-yield profits

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VIsltu$onll!ll'ffor. tllemOSI up·to·tI<ltalnfOmla!lOfl ab<luiCttnadlao.beef'Md fhtprograll\Siand resoufcwlflalWl1offorouTU,S .. tradlng partners..

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+~;;'i,:in::-;v:esdt~ig:;at~io~n~i~n~to~t:'hh:e-;:c;as~e~of;""fb~O:V~in:e~~~'",r'" encephalopathy in an Alabama beef cow has

been completed, with authorities unable to the animal's herd of origin.

The animal, a red crossbreed, had no brands or tags, making its origin difficult to determine.

According to Alabama authorities, the animal was probably 1 0 years old, based on tests of its teeth, and therefore was born before FDA's 1997 feed ban went into effect The animal had recently given birth, and its calf is under observation at USDA's Ames, Iowa, laboratory for signs of the disease. A second calf died a year ago, but there was no documentation about the cause of death.

USDA examined animals in nearby herds but failed to find a DNA match. FDA examined area feed mills that handle materials prohibited from cattle feed and reported that all were in compliance with feed-ban rules.

The case was discovered in March when the animal became unable to walk. A veterinarian euthanized it and sent brain samples for testing.

BEEF NEWS

Japan objects to U.S. plan to scale back BSE surveillance

by John Gregerson on 5/4/2006 for Meatingplace.com

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Japanese Agriculture Minister Shoichi Nakagawa told U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns Tuesday that reducing the number of U.S. cattle tested for bovine spongiform encephalopathy won't be warmly received in Japan.

Late last week, USDA said it was considering scaling back on the number of cattle tested for SSE by almost 90 percent after data collected from its surveillance program indicated that only four to seven U.S. cattle likely carried the disease.

After meeting with Nakagawa in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday, Johanns reiterated that the likelihood of SSE occurrence in the U.S. herd is almost nonexistent.

Program Analyst USDA/FS!S/OPPED/TSC/PAS 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68102

Phone: 402-221

Fax: 402-221-7421

eMail:

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From:

Sent: Thursday, Ju1vg6,2006 .6:15 AM

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Subject: From MEAfINGPLI·';CE.c6M:7/6/06--Two

BEEF NEWS

Canadian BSE case involved animal born 'well before' feed ban


The Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed that a Manitoba cow infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy was born "well before" 1997, when Canada introduced a ban on cattle feed containing protein from cattle and other ruminants.

CFIA indicated the animal was purchased by its ownerin 1992, meaning it was at least 15 years of age. Meanwhile, the agency is tracing a calf that was born to the affected cow in 2004.

Officials also are attempting to locate herdmates from the animal's birth farm, though CFIA noted the investigation may be hampered by few surviving animals and sources of information.

CFIA said earlier that no parts of the animal's carcass entered the human or animal food chains. The findings marked Canada's sixth case of BSE since 2003.

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BEEF NEWS

U.S. beef quality control improving, Japanese inspectors say


vice ministers with Japan's agriculture and health ministries indicated that U. S. meatpackers are making progress in their efforts to ensure that risk materials associated with bovine spongiform encephalopathy don't find their way into beef exports to Japan.

Earlier this week, the two vice ministers visited the Greeley, Colo., plant of Swift & Co. Afterward, Mitsuhiro Miyakoshi of Japan's Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry said he could see that U.S. meat processors were motivated to abide by conditions for resuming beef trade between the two countries.

Along with Masao Akamatsu of Japan's Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, Miyakoshi visited the Swift plant as part of an ongoing inspection program involving the 35 U.S. meat processing facilities certified to ship product to Japan. The program is expected to conclude later this month.

Program Analyst USDA/FSISIOPPED/TSC/PAS 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68102 Phone: 402-221 Fax: 402-221-7421 eMail:

.usda.gov

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From:

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Subject: From MEATINGPLACE.COM, 5/11/06

LEGAL/REGULATORY NEWS

USDA vet reassigned over BSE test program overpayments


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veterinarian in Madison, Wis, has been while USDA investigates $1.2 million in

overpayments identified during an audit of the bovine spongiform encephalopathy surveillance program.

The veterinarian, who was not identified by USDA, is suspected of altering records to make the payments, which had been disallowed by USDA

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinal identified the veterinarian as Linn Wilbur and confirmed that he had been reassigned to the Raleigh, N.C., regional office of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

The overpayments were uncovered by an audit of the program by USDA's Inspector General. The veterinarian, according to reports, altered records so that vendors could be paid in full after parts of their invoices were disallowed for exceeding cost guidelines. The veterinarian was responsible for paying vendors for sampling, carcass transportation, storage and disposal. When some activities were disallowed as exceeding guidelines, the veterinarian allegedly shifted the costs to eligible categories.

The Inspector General investigated five offices in all, most in states with high cattle populations, and found discrepancies only in the Madison bureau.

Program Analyst USDA/FSISIOPPED/TSC/PAS 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68102

Phone: 402-221

Fax: 402-221-7421

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From:

Sent: 30, 2006 7:00 AM




Creekstone wins rapid hearing on USDA suit


U.S. District Court Judge James Robertson has ruled in favor of Creekstone Farms in the opening rounds of its suit against USDA to allow it to test all of its cattle for bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

Robertson set a schedule that will allow Creekstone to file a motion for summary judgment by June 23, and USDA will have until Sept. 15 to respond. By federal court standards, that is rapid action and could take months off the trial process.

Creekstone contends that USDA is overstepping its authority by refusing to allow the beef processor to test all of its cattle for BSE, a move that would make its beef highly desirable in markets such as Japan and South Korea. The company has its own testing lab, but USDA refuses to authorize the purchase of adequate supplies of rapid test kits, contending that universal testing is a marketing gimmick, not a scientific food-safety strategy.

Program Analyst USDA/FSIS/OPPED/TSC/PAS 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 300

Omaha, NE 68102 Phone: 402-221

.usde.gov

eMail:

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From:

Sent: Monday, June 12,200612:17 PM

To: OPPED/TSC; OPEERlRS/Omaha


BREAKING NEWS

Most recent BSE cases may have been atypical strain


The two recent a i cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in the United

States may have been spontaneous, or atypical, strains of the disease, and far different from the more common form of BSE discovered in Canada and most other BSE-affected countries.

John Clifford, head veterinarian for USDA, told The Associated Press over the weekend that while the cases, in Texas and Alabama, may be very different from typical BSE, it's important "we treat this as SSE regardless."

Leading prion researchers in Europe have identified similar atypical cases in cattle in France, Italy and Switzerland. The disease has affected relatively old animals so far, as was the case in Texas and Alabama.

The significance of the atypical strain is that it is far more difficult to detect because the spongy holes in the brain are not readily apparent. Also, there is evidence that while typical BSE is spread by infected cattle feed, the atypical version may not be, and may be spread by some as yet unknown means.

Program Analyst USDA/FSIS/OPPED/TSC/PAS 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68102 Phone: 402-221 Fax: 402-221-7421 eMail:

.usda.gov

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BEEF NEWS Two U.S. BSE cases: New questions, no answers


Tuesday, June 13, 2006 6:56 AM OPPEO/TSC; OPEERIRS/Omaha From MEATINGPLACE.COM, 6/13/06

EF

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- www.canadianbeef.info .

two cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy discovered in the United States in the past year or so, one in Texas and the other more recently in Alabama, are distinct from the earlier case discovered in Washington state and from very similar cases discovered in Canada and the United Kingdom, as well as several other countries around the world.

These so-called atypical cases match results in seven cases discovered in France, says Dr. JeanPhilippe Deslys, project coordinator for NeuroPrion, the European Network of Excellence, but are dissimilar to three other French cases as well as a handful in Italy and Germany, among others. The U.S. cases are so-called "high-weight" on a molecular basis, while the other atypical cases are "lowweight." (Results of ongoing experiments on this topic are due to be presented at Prion2006 in Turin, Italy in October.)

What it means is anyone's guess. Deslys says it could mean one of three things: that the "classic" BSE infection has mutated, much like a virus; that these cases are linked to scrapie in sheep or are truly spontaneous like most vCJD cases in humans and present little or no infective risk; or most ominously, that a new pattern of infectivity has emerged and may not be identified for years.

Deslys points to the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWO), which has moved geographically from the western United States to the Midwest and from there into Canada and the Northeast. Along the way, it has jumped from elk and mule deer to white-tailed deer and perhaps to other species, creating a geographic spread that Deslys says is "now almost out of control." Theoretically, it could be a bovine disease previously unidentified that could spread through feed as BSE does, or by means yet to be identified.

Some scientists believe that CWO may be transmitted through urine, which would indicate a level of infectivity never seen with BSE.

Ed Curlott, a spokesman for USDA's Animal and Plant Health I nspection Service, agrees that the major issue is the source of infectivity. "We have no data on transmission at ail," he says. "Right now, we are just following the science."

That may take several years, says Deslys, one of the world's top researchers in prion diseases. In the

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meantime, he recommends, steps should be taken to increase testing of animals sent to slaughter, and feed bans and other means of controlling amplification of the disease should be maintained or strengthened, "Risk assessment of this development is going to take at least a few years," he says, He notes that, to date, all atypical cases have been found in relatively older cattle, most more than six years of age,

Rapid tests, he says, are getting more sensitive and far more affordable, and coupled with an SRM strategy that keeps the most infective animal parts out of all food supplies, could provide enough protection to keep the disease at bay while research continues,

Program Analyst USDA/FSIS/OPPED/TSC/PAS 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68102

Phone: 402-221

Fax: 402-221-7421

eMail:

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15, 2006 6:38 AM OPPEDITSC; OPEERJRS/Omaha From MEATINGPLACE.COM, 6/15/06

BEEF NEWS

Japanese consumers voice skepticism of U.S. beef at hearing


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Visit us onlJll& for tl1:& most up.tO-tlatolnf()m1<atfoiil I, about C<lnadlan beef and the pr09faffi$ and rosources that we offor our U.S, ttadfng partners.

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e consumers expressed lingering concerns about the safety of U.S. beef Wednesday at a final public hearing on the issue in Tokyo, according to Kyodo News.

In the hearing, the last of 10 government-hosted events to discuss resumption of U.S. beef imports, attendees indicated they do not believe U.S. measures to safeguard against bovine spongiform encephalopathy compare favorably to Japanese methods.

A consumer from Kyoto said, "As there remain many unknown aspects about the disease, we need triple and quadruple countermeasures. But since such measures are not implemented, I am against the restart of beef trade at this point."

Others contended the United States lags behind Japan on BSE surveillance, as well as restrictions on risk material and animal feed associated with the disease.

One activist called the Japanese government the "lapdog" of the United States.

Agriculture Ministry officials told attendees that the United States has adopted new safety measures, including snap inspections and mandatory inspector training, since January, when trade was suspended after spinal material was discovered in a U.S. veal shipment to Japan.

They also indicated Japan will dispatch inspectors to survey all U.S. facilities certified to export beef to Japan before resuming imports of U.S. product.

A civic group representative characterized such measures as "peripheral" and demanded that "fundamental" policy, including a more comprehensive feed ban, be implemented in the United States.

Meanwhile, about 100 labor union members, some of them wearing cow costumes, marched through Tokyo's Kasumigaseki district of government ministries to protest the government's imminent decision

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to lift the embargo on U.S. beef


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BEEF NEWS Taiwan to send delegation to review U.S. beef practices

by Ann Bagel on 6/29/2006 for Meatingplace.com

A delegation from Taiwan plans to visit the United States in late July to inspect the raising, slaughtering and exporting practices for beef cattle, following a decision by a legislative committee reviewing the Taiwanese government's policy on U.S. beef imports.

The committee will also hire consultants to help with the review.

In January, Taiwan agreed to resume imports of U.S. boneless beef from animals 30 months of age or younger, but officials warned the ban could be reimposed if any serious violations of the requirements occurred.

Taiwan bought $55 million worth of U.S. beef in 2002 and $76.5 million in 2003 before it banned U.S. beef product in December 2003 after the discovery of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in Washington state.


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BEEF NEWS

Canada says Alberta animal may be its seventh BSE case


Canada said it may have found its seventh case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in an Alberta cow born after 1997, when the country imposed feed restrictions to curb the spread of the disease.

Tests were being performed on tissue samples from the 50-month-old animal, a dairy cow, to confirm the presence of the disease, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency indicated Monday. No part of the animal entered the human or animal food or feed chain, CFIA said.

The cow died on a farm and was singled out for testing as part of an ongoing surveillance program for BSE. Preliminary tests for BSE failed to rule out the disease.

Though the investigation comes less than two weeks after Canada discovered its sixth case of the disease, "this detection is consistent with a low level of disease and does not indicate an increased risk of BSE in Canada," CFIA said in a statement.

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USDA spokesman Ed Loyd told reporters he wouldn't discuss whether the discovery of another BSE case in Canada would affect beef and cattle trade with the United States until Canada has received results from the latest round of tests. He did, however, indicate that USDA had expected more cases of the disease from Canada

"It shouldn't have any impact on trade at ail," said Canadian Cattlemen's Association spokesman Rob McNabb.

Last week, USDA indicated it would not send any experts to take part in Canada's investigation of sixth case of BSE, saying it was confident in Canada's food safety measures.

USDA is debating whether the United States should be allowed to import Canadian cattle older than 30 months of age.

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Sent: Tuesday, July 25,20068:15 AM

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BEEF NEWS

USDA reduces BSE testing to 40,000 cattle per year


Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced Thursday that going forward, USDA will reduce the number of cattle it tests for bovine spongiform encephalopathy to about one tenth of the number it has tested during its expanded surveillance program of the past two years.

The number of higher-risk cattle tested will drop from about 1,000 per day to about 100 per day, or 40,000 per year.

Johanns defended the move as conforming with best science and far exceeding recommendations from the World Organization for Animal Health (OlE). But both Japan and South Korea have let it be known that they were dismayed that the United States would scale back its surveillance program just as both countries were in the process of reopening trade in U.S. beef.

Asked why he didn't wait until the markets reopened to announce the cutback, Johanns said, "That would be disingenuous, bordering on dishonest." Johanns and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Administrator Ron DeHaven both stressed that the enhanced surveillance program was not a food safety initiative, but

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simply a means to establish the prevalence of BSE in the national herd.

Critics jumped on that statement. "With the discovery of a case of BSE in Canada in the youngest animal on record in North America, the timing of today's announcement just defies logic," Rep. Rosa Delauro CD-Conn.) told Meatingplace.com. "And to say that BSE testing is not a food safety program is just baffling. Certainly, our main trading partners see it as a food safety issue. This will leave our producers unable to sell their products abroad, and if that happens, others will quickly fill the vacuum and own the market."

Johanns held that after testing 759,000 cattle over two years and finding only two new cases of BSE, there was nothing to gain from testing at such a level. Those tests cost roughly $52 million per year, he estimated, and the new program will cost about $8 million per year. "The enhanced surveillance program accomplished its mission," he said.

The new levels should kick in by late August, Johanns said, after the agency gives the contractors who conduct the tests a required 30-day notice. Those 30 days will give USDA time to talk with trading partners to address any concerns. But Johanns doesn't expect much of a reaction, at least from Japan, which is only buying beef from cattle under 20 months of age, younger than the youngest animal found to have suffered from BSE.

Non-ambulatory cattle, negotiations with China

Johanns also touched on two related subjects. The agency is "not ready to announce a decision" on whether or not to allow nonambulatory cattle into the human food supply. Such a decision would be subject to the rulemaking process, he said, which means that a final decision won't be made in the foreseeable future.

And, USDA is in talks with China over that country's insistence on restricting imports from the United States to boneless beef from cattle under 30 months of age. Agreements with Japan and Korea that allowed those countries' restrictions on what could be imported that are far below OlE standards were meant only to jumpstart trade, and are not meant to be permanent, Johanns said.

The United States rejected China's insistence on similar

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restrictions, and the two sides continue to talk. "I hope it's not a dead deal," Johanns said, adding that he was disappointed that China would not accept OlE standards.

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Johanns: New SSE case will not affect Canada's status


The discovery of another case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in Canada is not likely to change Canada's status as a trade partner with the United States, said Mike Johanns, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

"With the information currently available, we do not anticipate a change in the status of beef imports from Canada," he said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. "While our risk assessment anticipated multiple cases of SSE, we are confident that the interlocking safeguards in place in both Canada and the United States are providing effective consumer protection."

USDA is continuing work on a proposed rule to allow animals over 30 months of age to move from Canada to the United States, he said, and findings frorn.an investigation of this case will be considered in writing that rule.

Ranchers-Cattlemen's Action Legal Fund, however, had a different take on the matter, noting that Alberta, where this animal was found, has become a "hot spot" for SSE. R-CALF asked that trade in all cattle from Canada be suspended until a full investigation can

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be conducted.

The find was the eighth case of BSE discovered in the Canadian herd since the first was found in 2003. A case involving an imported British animal was discovered in 1993.

Program Analyst USDA/FSISIOPPED/TSC/PAS 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68102

Phone: 402-344:

Fax: 402-344-5006 eMail:

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Monday, August 28, 2006 6:44 AM

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USDA requests extension to respond to Creekstone motion


The Agriculture Department on Thursday asked the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for a four-week extension to respond to a motion for summary judgment that would clear the way for Arkansas City, Kan.-based processor Creekstone Farms to test slaughtered cattle for bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

In its filing, Creekstone contended USDA was claiming authority it doesn't have under the law. USDA is asserting its authority to regulate BSE testing under the Virus Serum Toxins Act (VSTA), a 1913 statute intended to prevent bogus hog cholera serum from being sold to pig farmers.

If USDA's request is granted, the agency would be required to file a response on or before Sept. 22, and briefing on the summary judgment motion would be completed on Nov. 6. Creekstone did not oppose USDA's request.

Program' Analyst USDA/FSIS/OPPED/TSC/PAS

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1299 Farnam Street, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68102

Phone: 402-344-

Fax: 402-344-5006 eMail:

.usda.gov

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From:

Sent:

To:

Subject:

FOOD SAFETY

Collection of brain sampling temporarily suspended


Inspection program personnel will halt brain sample collection under the previsions of a recently released Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) notice.

FSIS Notice 52-06, "Temporary Suspension of Provision in the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Ongoing Surveillance Program," issued on Aug. 25, 2006, informed inspection personnel

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to stop collecting brain samples under the provisions of FSIS Notice 51-06, "Sample Collection from Cattle Under the BSE Ongoing Surveillance Program/' issued on Aug. 23, 2006, Paragraph II A.

A subsequent FSIS Notice will be issued to inspection personnel when sample collection is to resume.

Program Analyst USDA/FSIS/OPPEDITSC/PAS 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68102

Phone: 402-344·

Fax: 402-344-5006 eMail:

.usdc.gov

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From:

Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2006 6:59 AM


Subject: From MEATPOULTRY.COM, 5/16/06

Hong Kong bans beef imports from Harris

Ranch

(MEATPOUL TRY. com, May 16,2006) by MEAT&POULTRY Staff

HONG KONG - Trade officials in Hong Kong announced Tuesday that beef imports from Harris Ranch Beef Co., Selma, Calif., have been suspended following the discovery of prohibited bones in products shipped from the company.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced the suspension on the basis that the presence of bones in the beef violated imports rule designed to prevent the spread of bovine spongifonm encephalopathy.

Over the past several months, beef imports to Hong Kong have been banned from certain plants owned by Tyson Foods, Cargill Meat Solutions and Swift & Co.

According to a trade agreement between trade officials in the two countries, only boneless beef from cattle less than 30 months old, with high-risk materials such as brain and spinal cord removed during slaughtering, may be imported from designated plants approved by the United States

Latest 'donning-doffing' case targets Tyson

(MEATPOULTRY.com, May 16, 2006) by MEAT&POUL TRY Staff

KANSAS CITY, KAS. - As of Monday, approximately 262 current and former workers at a Tyson Fresh Meats plant in Holcomb, Mo., had joined a class action lawsuit, alleging they were not paid for time spent donning and doffing protective gear and walking to and from their work stations.

Plaintiffs claim they are owed overtime pay under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and Kansas state law. The case (Garcia et al. v. Tyson Foods Inc. et al.) was filed May 16 in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kas.

This past November, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in I.B.P., Inc. v. Alvarez, that employers must pay wages for time spent putting on and taking off "integral" gear and the time it takes workers to then walk to and from production areas in processing plants.

The ruling has seemingly triggered other "donning and doffing" claims and payouts, including a recent settlement by George's Processing, Inc., Cassville, Mo. This past week, George's agreed to pay $1.235 million to settle "donning and doffing" claims dating back nearly six years.

This past month, about 800 current and former workers from a Tyson plant in Pasco, Wash., began receiving checks from an $8.4 million settlement from the company, ending a long legal battle over overtime compensation.

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.usda.gov

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Subject: From MEATPOULTRY.COM, 6/11/06

Copyright 2006 Press News Limited

All Rights Reserved

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The Canadian PressCCP)

June 11, 2006 Sunday 12:31 PM EST FOREIGN GENERAL NEWS

673 words

Mad cow cases in Texas, Alabama appear to be rare, mysterious strain

LIBBY QUAID, AP

WASHINGTON CAP) _ Two cases of mad cow disease in Texas and Alabama seem to have resulted from a mysterious strain that could appear spontaneously in cattle, researchers say.

Government officials, however, were downplaying differences between .the two U.S. cases and the mad cow epidemic that has led to the slaughter of thousands of cattle in Britain since the 1980s.

It is precisely these differences that are complicating efforts to understand the brain-wasting disorder, known medically as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE for short.

"It's most important right now, till the science tells us otherwise, that we treat this as BSE regardless," the Agriculture Department's chief veterinarian, John Clifford, said in an interview.

At a meeting in London last month, experts presented research on the U.S. cases and on similar ones in Europe.

These cows appear to have had an atypical strai n that scientists are only now starting to identify. Such cases have been described in about a dozen cows in France, Italy and other European countries, as well as in Japan.

In the two U.S. cases, researchers did not detect the telltale spongy lesions caused by prions, the misfolded proteins that deposit plaque on the brain and kill brain cells. In addition, the prions in brain tissue samples from the Texas and Alabama cows seemed to be distributed

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differently from what would be expected to be found in cows with the classic form.

Laboratory studies on mice in France showed that both the classic and atypical strains could be spread from one animal to another. But scientists theorize the atypical strain might have infected cattle through an unusual way.

Mad cow disease is not transmitted from cow to cow like a cold or the flu. It is believed to spread through feed, when cows eat the contaminated tissue of other cattle. That happens when crushed cattle remains are added to feed as a protein source. This once-common practice ended in the United States in 1997.

Humans can get a related disease, variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, in similar fashion _ by eating meat contaminated with mad cow. Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob afflicts younger people, with an average age at death of 28 years.

A more common form of CJD _ not linked to mad cow _ can happen spontaneously and is reported in nearly 300 people in the U.S. each year. This form occurs mostly in older people; the average age at death is 68.

Some scientists are raising the possibility that the atypical strain also might happen spontaneously in cattle. The Texas and Alabama cows were older animals, as were some of the other animals in Europe with seemingly atypical cases.

Linda Detwiler, a former Agriculture Department veterinarian who consults for major food companies, cautioned agai nst making that assumption. "I think it's kind of early to say that would be the case," Detwiler said.

Other theories, she said, suggest the atypical strain might come from a mutation of mad cow disease or even from a related disease in sheep.

Mad cow disease has turned up three times in the United States: in native-born animals in Texas and Alabama and in a Canadian import in Washington state.

In the Texas and Alabama cows, tests found patterns distinct from what turned up in an infected cow in Washington state and a cluster of

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Canadian cases, researchers say. The Washington and Canadian cases resemble the classic British cases.

No matter what the origins might be of an atypical strain, the government says there is no reason to change federal testing or measures that safeguard animals and people from the disease.

"We still feel confident in the safeguards that we have," Clifford said. "We have to base our assumptions on what is scientifically known and understood. "

Meanwhile, mad cow research has been halted at the Agriculture Department's lab in Ames, Iowa, because of employee allegations that the lab was improperly disposing of animal waste.

The department asked a group of international experts to review the lab's disposal practices. The city of Ames also is investigating.

June 12, 2006

Copyright © 2006 LexisNexis, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions privacy Policy

Program Analyst USDA/FSIS/OPPED/TSCIPAS 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68102

Phone: 402-221

Fax: 402-221-7421

eMail:

.usdc.gov

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From:

Sent: 2006 7:05 AM


Subject: From MEATPOULTRY.COM, 6/22/06--3 Articles

U.S. beef exports to Japan to resume after REGULAR

inspections FORMAT

(MEATPOULTRY.com, June 21,2006)

by Keith Nunes

TOKYO - Japan has agreed to lift its ban on U.S. beef imports, pending planned inspections of U.S. meat processing plants, the agriculture ministry said.

"Japan agreed to resume U.S. beef imports on the condition that we find no further problems during onsite inspections," said agriculture ministry official Hiroaki Ogura.

U.S. Ambassador Thomas Schieffer welcomed the conditional agreement, saying he was hopeful the outcome would lead to a resumption of trade.

Kyodo News agency reported the inspections are meant to ensure U.S. processing facilities conform to Japanese food safety guidelines. Officials from Japan's health and agriculture ministries will inspect 35 meatpacking plants certified to ship beef to Japan to see if they are complying with export requirements, Kyodo said, citing government officials.

Only facilities whose safeguards meet Japanese standards will be authorized to export to Japan, the report said. Japanese officials also will be allowed to accompany U.S. counterparts on spot inspections of U.S. facilities, it added. The accord requires the U.S. to conduct the inspections.

Copyright 2006 Kyodo News Service All Rights Reserved

Japan Economic Newswire

June 21,2006 Wednesday 3:08 PM GMT INTERNATIONAL NEWS

186 words

Johanns reacts cautiously to Japan's beef import decision

WASHINGTON June 21

US. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said Wednesday Japan's agreement to lift its ban on US. beef imports is a step forward but stressed he will stay cautious until he sees US. beef again flowing into the Japanese market.

"Although this agreement is another step toward the resumption of beef trade with Japan, I will not be satisfied until US. beefis once again accepted into the Japanese market," he said in a statement.

Johanns made the comment after Japan and the United States agreed earlier in the day

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that Japan will lift its reinstated ban on US. beef after inspecting US. meatpacking plants to confirm safeguard measures against mad cow disease.

Despite lingering concern among Japanese consumers about the safety of US. beet: the first US. beef shipment under the resumed trade is expected to reach Japan in late July at the earliest, following Tokyo's one-month inspections at US. meatpacking plants.

"I cannot emphasize strongly enough the importance of Japan recognizing the US. food safety inspection system as a single, effective system and acting accordingly in resuming trade," Johanns said.

June 21, 2006

Copyright 2006 The Y omiuri Shimbun All Rights Reserved

The Daily Yomiuri(Tokyo) June 22, 2006 Thursday Pg. 4

610 words

EDITORIAL;

Lifting of beef ban requires vigilance

Yomiuri

The Japanese and US. governments have agreed that Japan will resume imports of US. beef.

With the agreement in place, US. beef could be back on the shelves of supermarkets as early as the end of next month.

While some consumers, such as gyudon beef bowl connoisseurs, welcome the development, others are worried whether US. beef will be safe.

It must not be forgotten that the imports will be resumed amid both supporting and opposing opinions.

Japanese and US. officials concerned with the beef trade have to do everything they can to ensure the beef that will be on the tables in Japanese households is safe. In this context, all-out quality control at US. meat-packing plants that ship beef to Japan must be ensured.

Imports of US . beef were first banned in December 2003 following a confirmation of the first case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the United States.

The ban was lifted late last year after a year of negotiations between Japan and the United States, and following the completion of administrative procedures in Japan.

The ban was reimposed a month later because parts of backbone were found in a shipment of veal from the United States. Backbones are considered a specified risk

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material because BSE-causing pathogens are likely to accumulate in them. Joint inspections needed

The reimposition of the ban was the correct action to take because one of the conditions for a resumption of beef imports was that alI specified risk materials were to be removed from beef to be shipped to Japan.

At the time, the US. side explained that workers at the meat-packing plant that handled the veal shipment and the US. inspector at the plant had not been fully aware of the conditions regarding beef exports to Japan. This was quite surprising.

During the latest negotiations, the United States explained it had checked all 35 plants licensed to export beef to Japan, and inspectors had been fully educated, a move that won Tokyo's approval.

Beef imports will resume after Japan has inspected the 35 facilities.

In December, US. beefwas arriving in Japan even while inspections were being carried out by US. officials and before a resumption of imports had been officially decided. In addition, not all meat-packing plants handling beef exports to Japan had been inspected. This drew criticism from Japanese lawmakers, experts and consumers, who said the Japanese government was not taking a firm enough stance on the issue.

S. Korea sets good example

Those incidents must be utilized as lessons. Like Japan, the South Korean government recently considered resuming imports of US. beef. However, it decided not to restart imports for the time being because it had discovered some inappropriate points during its inspections of U. S. meat-packing facilities.

Japan should learn from such rigorous inspections.

The US. side agreed to allow Japanese inspectors to take part in random inspections. Continuous inspections would help prevent the inclusion of risk materials in shipments to Japan.

A key point of the latest negotiations was how Japan would respond to any violations of the terms of a resumption of imports.

US. negotiators insisted that only a facility that violated the conditions should be banned from exporting beef to Japan, instead of Japan imposing a total import ban.

After the negotiations, the two sides agreed that "an appropriate measure will be taken accordingly to the nature of the violation."

While safety is of paramount importance in the planned resumption of US. beef imports, at the same time, the two countries must exercise ingenuity to avoid unnecessary friction between them.

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 22, 2006)

June 21,2006

Program Analyst USDA/FSIS/OPPED/TSCIPAS 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68102

Phone: 402-221

000040

Fax: 402-221-7421 eMail:

s.(b)(6)

.usda.gov

000041

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From:

Sent:

To:

Thursday, July 13, 20066:25 AM

Subject:

F.S.I.S. to update Harvard Risk Assessment

(MEATPOULTRY.com, July 12, 2006) by MEAT&POULTRY Staff

WASHINGTON - The Food Safety and Inspection Service will hold a technical meeting to present and receive comments on an updated risk assessment for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (B.S. E.) in the United States on July 25. The update is part of a cooperative agreement with the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis, which completed its original risk assessment in 2001 and later revised in 2003 after being peer reviewed.

Both F.S.I.S. and the Food and Drug Administration implemented measures to strengthen protections against B.S.E. following its discovery in a cow in Washington state on December 2003.

The updated risk assessment analyzes the effects of various B.S. E. risk mitigation scenarios. The H.C.R.A. analyzed the effects of the measures implemented by the F.S.I.S. and F.D.A., and analyzed recommendations made by an international expert B.S.E. panel that was convened to review the actions taken by the United States.

An agenda will be posted prior to the meeting on the F.S.I.S. web site at www.fsis.usda.gov.

Pre-registration is recommended; to pre-register, contact at (202) 720- or by

e-mail at I Q:lfsis.usda.gov.

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Program Analyst USDAjFSISjOPPEDjTSCjPAS 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68102 Phone: 402-221 Fax: 402-221-7421 eMail:

.usda.gov

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000043

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From:

Sent:

To:

Thursday, August 24, 2006 6:17 AM

Subject:

Canada confirms another case of B.S.E.

(MEATPOULTRY.com, August 23, 2006) by Keith Nunes

OTTAWA - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (C.F.I.A.) confirmed the presence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in a beef cow from Alberta. The C.F.I.A. estimates the animal's age to be between 8 and 10 years. Based on the age range, officials speculate exposure to the infective agent came either before the implementation of Canada's feed ban or during the early phases of implementation.

A C.F.IA. investigation is under way to locate the positive animal's birth farm. The information will help verify the animal's age as well as help identify herd mates and potential sources of contaminated feed.

The positive animal is Canada's eighth.

"News of an additional case of B.S.E. in Canada is unfortunate, but not unexpected," said J. Patrick Boyle, president and chief executive officer of the American Meat Institute, Washington. "This announcement shows that Canada's surveillance system is working to target and eliminate any remaining cases of B.S.E. in the country."

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Program Analyst USDA/FSIS/OPPED/TSC/PAS 1299 Farnam Street, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68102 Phone:

Fax: 402-344-5006 eMail:

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.usdc.gev

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From:

Sent:

To:

Subject: From MEATPOULTRY.COM,

U.S.D.A. temporarily suspends testing of some brain samples

REGULA R FORMAT

(MEATPOUL TRY.com, August 28,2006) by MEAT&POUL TRY Staff

WASHINGTON - According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service, inspectors will, until further notice, not collect brain samples from cattle in accordance with provisions of Paragraph II. A. of F.S.I.S. Notice 51-06 (Sample Collection Under the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy ongoing Surveillance Program), as part of the agency's surveillance program for B.S.E.

Effective Aug. 27, the provision states that: "Until further notice, inspection program personnel will not collect brain samples under the provisions of Paragraph II. A. of FSIS Notice 51-06 except as follows: For cattle of any age that are condemned on ante-mortem for central nervous system disease, the F.S.I.S. Public Health Veterinarian is to identify the animal with a 'U. S. Condemned tag,' ensure that it is humanely euthanized, and not allow it to move off the premise of the establishment." P.H.V.s are instructed to contact the Area Veterinarian-In-Charge who is to collect the brain sample.

The agency urges processors to address questions with the Technical Assistance and Correlation Division, Technical Service Center, at (800)233-3935.

Program Analyst USDA/FSISIOPPED/TSC/PAS

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1299 Farnam Street, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68102

Phone: 402-344-

Fax: eMail:

.usda.gov

000047

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From:

Sent:

To:

Subject:

FYI

24, 2006 12:35 PM

OPPED/TSC FW:

-----Original Message----From: Engeljohn, Daniel

FYI

NEW ZEALAND AWARDED BSE-FREE STATUS

NEW ZEALAND: The internationally recognized designation could substantially boost beef exports.

The recent confirmation of New Zealand as a bovine spongiform encephalopathy (SSE)-free country has been hailed as "fantastic news" by the deputy chairman of Meat and Wool New Zealand Mike Petersen.

Petersen said the recognition of New Zealand as SSE-free country, announced by the World Organization for Animal Health (OlE) in Paris yesterday, confirmed New Zealand's premier biosecurity status. The OlE also recognized Australia, Argentina, and Uruguay as SSE-free.

Under WTO (World Trade Organization) regulations, the OlE is the internationally recognized standard-setting organization for animal health.

"This is a great boon for the beef industry and is a real accolade for farmers, industry, government officials, and the government itself--all of whom have worked hard to achieve this great outcome," Petersen remarked. "Everyone has been working very hard on this issue for a number of years and it is really rewarding to get this recognition from such a prestigious organization. /I

New Zealand had previously been assessed as having "top status" for SSE freedom by the European Union and this latest acknowledgement from the OlE was "as good as an Olympic medal," Petersen said.

"It is very important that we have achieved the highest status possible for SSE freedom," Petersen continued. "Overseas markets are very sensitive to food-safety issues and it's vital for us to stay at the front of the pack maintaining our image as a country that produces the safest meat in the world."

Petersen said only Iceland and Singapore, had previously achieved official SSE-free status, but added that neither country had a beef industry of any significant size. New Zealand is the world's seventh largest beef exporter and exports 83 percent of the beef it produces, returning NZ$2.3 bill ion annua Ily in export receipts.

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Web posted: May 24, 2006

Category: Food Safety, Legislation and Regulation In Europe:Chris Harris, Editor or

In North America: Bryan Salvage, Editorial Director

Dan Engeljohn OPPED, FSIS, USDA (202) 720-0089

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FW Ednet update June 2006.txt

subject: FW: Ednet update June 2006

* * * *

National Food Safety Educator's Network EdNet-L@foodsafety.gov

* * * *

* * * *

EdNet is an electronic newsletter from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Food safety and Inspection service (FSIS), and the centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC), providing updates on food safety

activities to educators and others concerned about food safety. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

EdNet-- June 2006 IN THIS ISSUE

CONSUMER ADVISORY

* FDA/EPA Advisory on seafood consumption Still Current

RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS

* FDA Commemorates a Century of protecting and promoting Public Health * FSIS celebrates 100 Years of the "Federal Meat Inspection Act"

* FDA Statement on Canadian Rule to Control BSE Risks

* Nominations sought For Membership on the National Advisory committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (FSIS)

* Statement by Agriculture secretary Mike Johanns Regarding Agreement for the Resumption of Beef Trade with Japan

* FSIS Issues News Release: "Heed safe cooking and Food Handling Advice for the Summer Grilling Season"

* FDA Receives "Keystone Forum Report on Away-From-Home Foods"

,~ Food safety Practi ces cri ti cal Part of Hurri cane Awareness (FSIS)

* "Emerging Infectious Diseases" Journal, vo l . 12, No.7, July 2006, is Now Available on the web (CDC)

,', "Amber Waves Magazi ne," June 2006 (ERS) * USDA Food safety Mobile

MEETINGS/EVENTS/CONFERENCES

* preliminary Program published for the September 2006 Food safety Education conference in Denver!

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

page 1

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*

FW Ednet Update June 2006.txt McKee Appointed Director of FSIS' Technical service Center

INDUSTRY INFO

* FSIS New Technology Information Table

,', FSIS Posts Quarterly Progress Report on "Salmonella" Testing of Raw Meat and poultry products

* FSIS Notice: "Request for Extension of a currently Approved Information collection"-Docket NO. FSIS-2006-0014, "Federal Register," volume 71, Number 121 * FDA Issues Guidance to Help Prevent Inadvertent Introduction of

Allergens or Toxins into the Food and Feed supply

* "Approaches to Establish Thresholds for Major Food Allergens and for Gluten in Food" (FDA)

,~ FDA's Guidance for Industry: "Recommendations for the Early Food

Safety Evaluation of New Non-Pesticidal Proteins Produced by New Plant varieties Intended for Food Use"

,', FSIS Notice 34-06: "certification of Intestines or Animal casing for Export"

* FSIS Updates Directive on "voluntary Reimbursable Inspection Services" * FSIS Posts Beef Advanced Meat Recovery Data on Web site

* Guidance for Industry: summary Table of Recommended Toxicological Testing for Additives Used in Food

* "Questions and Answers Regarding Establishment and Maintenance of Records Updated" (FDA)

,~ FSIS updates Directive on "verifying an Establishment's Food safety system"

* "compliance policy Guide: Guidance for FDA staff-sec. 500.500 Guidance Levels for 3-MCPD (3-chloro-1,2-propanediol) in Acid-Hydrolyzed Protein and Asian-style sauces" (Draft)

* FSIS Announces Groundbreaking Outreach Program to Assist Small and Very small plants

,/, FSIS Noti ce 30-06: "Avai 1 abi 1 i ty of Questi ons and Answers Regardi ng Use of Non-Amenable Animal Tissues in Inspected Products"

CONSUMER ADVISORY

*

FDA/EPA Advisory on Seafood consumption still Current

In response to recent inqulrles about the u.s. Food and Drug Administration/ Environmental Protection N)ency consumer advisory, "what You Need to Know About Mercury in Fish and shellflsh," FDA and EPA want to assure consumers that the advice contained in the 2004 advisory remains current and that FDA and EPA stand behind it. The advisory's recommendations are specific to women who might become pregnant, women who are pregnant, nursing mothers, and young children. Because of their many healthy benefits, we recommend that women and young children include fish and shellfish as a regular part of their diet. However, nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury. By following 3 recommendations for selecting and eating fish or shellfish, women and young children will receive the benefits of eating fish and shellfish and be confident that they have reduced their exposure to the harmful effects of mercury. To view these recommendations, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fpmehg2.html

RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS

* FDA Commemorates a Century of protecting and promoting public Health

on June 30, 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) celebrated the centennial of the Pure Food and Drugs Act of 1906 at an event dedicated to the Agency's past, present and future service to the nation. The ceremony, which was held at FDA's Harvey W. wiley federal buildin~, featured U.s. Health and Human services Secretary Michael o. Leavitt and Actlng FDA commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D. Also in attendance were special guests, including former commissioners of Food and Drugs, representatives of consumer and trade groups, and

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descendants of Dr. Harvey W. wiley, the scientist whose early support of food and drug regulations earned him the title of "Father of the Pure Food and Drugs Act." Dr. wiley served as the first director of the Bureau of chemistry of the united States Department of Agriculture, which later became the FDA. In addition to presentations by secretary Leavitt and Acting commissioner Dr. von Eschenbach, the program's highlights included an overview of the coming public health opportunities and challenges by FDA's Deputy Commissioners and other senior leaders of the Agency.

The modern FDA dates its origin to June 1906, when president Theodore Roosevelt signed the Food and Drugs Act and Congress embarked on a policy of continuous strengthening of public health protections and of their enforcement, first by the Bureau of chemistry, and later by the FDA. Since then, Americans have benefited from increasingly comprehensive, science-based safeguards for a myriad of products essential for health, survival and high quality of life.

Today, these products represent almost 25% of all u.s. consumer spending and include 80% of the national food supply as well as all human drugs, vaccines, blood products, medical devices, tissues for transplantation, radiation-emitting equipment, and animal drugs and feed. For more information, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fp100yr2.html

*

FSIS celebrates 100 Years of the "Federal Meat Inspection Act"

On June 28, 2006, USDA's Food safety and Inspection Service celebrated 100 years of the "Federal Meat Inspection Act" (FMIA). The "Federal Meat Inspection Act" was signed into law on June 30, 1906, by president Theodore Roosevelt. The FMIA was a response to the dismal working conditions in the nation's meatpacking industry at the time and received widespread attention after the publication of "The Jungle" by upton sinclair. At a ceremony at USDA headquarters, Deputy Secretary of USDA chuck Connor talked about the important role food safety plays at the Department of Agriculture and thanked FSIS employees for their contributions to protect public health.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/About_FSIS/100_Years/index.asp

* FDA Statement on canadian Rule to control BSE Risks

On June 26, 2006, FDA issued a Statement on the canadian Rule to control BSE Risks. The FDA is aware of the release of a final rule by the canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to extend protections in canada against the risks of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), so-called "Mad cow"

disease. The rule is an addition to existing canadian measures to ban risky ingredients in animal feed -- measures that have provided significant safeguards to protect the health of both United States and canadian cattle fed animal feed from canada, and thereby have protected consumers of beef in both countries. The Canadian approach to BSE prevention is similar to FDA's approach, and the public health agencies of both countries have been in close touch as they have developed their respective regulations. Both countries' BSE feed rules are designed to forestall the spread of the disease and its related human form, variant creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, through BSE-infected animal feed. TO view the entire statement, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fpbsel0.html

* Nominations sought For Membership on the National Advisory committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods

On June 23, 2006, USDA's Food safety and Inspection service (FSIS) announced that nominations are being sought for membership on the National Advisory committee on Microbiological criteria for Foods (NACMCF).

submissions must be received by

July 24, 2006, and should be sent to MS. Karen Thomas, advisory committee specialist, Room 333, Aerospace Center, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., washington, D.C. 20250. Thomas can be reached at (202) 690-6620, by fax at

(202) 690-6634, or at Karen.Thomas@fsis.usda.gov. For further details on the nomination process, please visit the NACMCF homepage at:

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FW Ednet update June 2006.txt http://www.fsis.usda.gov/About_FSIS/NACMCF/index.asp

* Statement by Agriculture secretary Mike Johanns Regarding Agreement for the Resumption of Beef Trade with Japan

on June 21, 2006, Agriculture secretary Mike Johanns issued a statement regarding agreement for the resumption of beef trade with Japan. To read the statement, visit: http://www.usda.gov/2006/06/0211.xml

~, FSIS Issues News Release: "Heed Safe cooki ng and Food Handl i ng Advi ce for the Summer Gri 11 i ng Season"

On June 20, 2006, FSIS issued a news release offering food safety advice for summer grilling. "The risk of foodborne illness increases during the summer months because disease-causing bacteria grow faster on raw meat and poultry products in warmer weather," said under Secretary for Food safety Dr. Richard Raymond. "Bacteria also need moisture to flourish and summer weather, often hot and humid, provides the perfect conditions." The news release addresses the four key recommendations that can help keep friends and family safe from foodborne illness and provides important recommendations for grillers. The news release is available at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_062006_01/index.asp

On June 21, 2006, American public Health Association Executive Director Dr. Georges C. Benjamin and FSIS under secretary for Food safety Dr.

Richard Raymond participated in a safe summer grilling demonstration at the National Mall, washington, DC. TO see related video, titled "safe Grilling Advice," go to: http://www.usda.gov/agency/oc/bmtc/vidnews.htm

To see a related video news release titled "safe summer Grilling," go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/video_releases/index.asp

FDA Receives "Keystone Forum Report on Away-From-Home Foods"

The FDA has received a report that could help American industry and consumers take important steps to successfully combat the nation's obesity problem. The report, "Keystone Forum on Away-From-Home Foods:

opportunities for preventing weight Gain and obesity," provides recommendations from experts in industry, government, civic sector organizations, and academia, for improving consumers' ability to manage calorie intake from foods prepared and purchased away-from-home. The Keystone Report offers recommendations related to: 1) understanding and influencing consumer behavior; 2) increasing the availability of lower-calorie products, menu items, and meals; and 3) providing consumers with nutrition information. The Department of Health and Human services, in an effort to help Americans live long, better, healthier lives, is committed to reducing overweight/obesity, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity. FDA is working in concert with the Department to achieve this goal. The Keystone Report and related information are available online at:

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/nutrcal.html

* Food Safety Practices Critical Part of Hurricane Awareness (FSIS)

On June 6, 2006, FSIS announced the availability of a comprehensive collection of useful tips and answers to food safety questions for Americans living in hurricane-prone states: "A Consumer's Guide to Food

safety: Severe storms and Hurricanes," provides information and recommendations about keeping food safe during times of power outages and flooding. The "Guide" includes the updated recommended sanitizing procedures for flooded canned goods and drinking water. TO view this news release and to download the "Guide," visit the FSIS web site at:

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_060606_01/index.asp

* "Emerging Infectious Diseases" Journal, vo l , 12, No.7, July 2006, is Now Available on the web

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To view the current issue of the "Emerging Infectious Diseases" Journal, go to:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/index.htm

"Amber Waves Magazine," June 2006 (ERS)

The June 2006 issue of the "Amber Waves Magazine" from USDA's Economic Research Service is now available online at:

http://www.ers.usda.gov/AmberWaves/June06/

*

USDA Food safety Mobile

The USDA Food safety Mobile will not be operating in 2006.

The U.S. Department of AQriculture's (USDA) Food safety and Inspection service (FSIS) appreciates your lnterest in educating consumers about the importance of safe food handling and how to reduce the risks associated with foodborne illness. For additional information about food safety please call the USDA Meat and poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline, e-mail your request to fsis.outreach@usda.gov, or visit the FSIS web site at www.fsis.usda.gov. You may also select "Ask a Food Safety Question" on the web site to visit "Ask Karen" FSIS automated response system for food safety information 24/7.

MEETINGS/EVENTS/CONFERENCES

* preliminary Program published for the september 2006 Food safety Education conference in Denver!

The preliminary program for the 2006 Food safety Education conference, "Reaching At-Risk Audiences and Today's Other Food safety challenges," has been published. This 3-day conference, being held in scenic Denver, colorado, september 27-29, 2006, is being sponsored by FSIS; NSF International, a non-profit public health company; FDA; Centers for Disease control and prevention; USDA's cooperative State Research, Education, Extension service; NSF/WHO collaborating center for Food safety; and other partners. pre-conference workshops will be held on september 25 and 26.

The conference will be orQanized around five primary themes:

* Foodborne Illness survelllance and Epidemiological Insights * Food safety Behavioral and Attitudinal Research

* social Marketing, Educational Interventions, and Program Research * Role of Foodservice and Food Industries, and

* New Technologies

who should attend:

* public health professionals, medical personnel, and health care providers

* Food safety education professionals, researchers, consultants, and dietitians

* cooperative Extension, food service, health department, and freelance educators * Trade and health associations, and consumer groups

* sanitarians and quality control professionals

* Food safety marketers and communicators

* science writers, health care journalists, and other media professionals

Exhibit spaces are still available. Showcase your organization, programs, services, and products to a diverse and motivated audience!

To view the program and see the list of presenters, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/denver2006/

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

*

McKee Appointed Director of FSIS' Technical service Center Page 5

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FSIS' office of policy, Program, and Employee Development announced that effective June 25, 2006, Dr. Garry McKee will become the Director of FSIS'

Technical service Center (TSC) in omaha, NE. McKee brings more than 30 years of public health experience from previous positions within the wyoming Department of public Health, oklahoma state Department of Health, and more recently as FSIS administrator from 2002 to 2004. His experience, combined with a solid record in managing public health programs and personnel, will be a tremendous asset for FSIS to further improve the services the TSC provides to its customers. McKee's appointment is one of a number of ste~s FSIS is taking to further strengthen its assistance for small and very small plants.

INDUSTRY INFO

FSIS New Technology Information Table

On June 27, 2006, FSIS provided the latest summary describing some of the new technologies received and reviewed by FSIS for which there has been "no objection" for their use in establishments. Also listed on this web site is the case number assigned to the new technology and the name of the establishment. To view this information, visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/New_Technologies/index.asp

* FSIS Posts Quarterly Progress Report on "Salmonella" Testing of Raw Meat and poultry products

on June 23, 2006, FSIS posted on its web site the quarterly progress report on "salmonella" testing of selected raw and meat poultry products. This quarterly report provides preliminary data from the first three months of 2006. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/science/Q1_2006_salmonella_Testing/index.asp

* FSIS Notice: "Request for Extension of a currently App,roved Information collection"-Docket No. FSIS-2006-0014, "Federal Register,' Volume 71, Number 121

On June 23, 2006, FSIS published a "Federal Register" Notice, titled "Notice of Request for Extension of a currently Approved Information Collection (Exportation, Transportation, and Importation of Meat and poultry products)." This Notice announces FSIS' request for extension of a currently approved information collection addressing paperwork and recordkeeping requirements regardin9 the collection of information concerning the exportation, transportation, and lmportation of meat and poultry products.

This Notice is available on the FSIS web site at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/2006-0014.htm

* FDA Issues Guidance to Help Prevent Inadvertent Introduction of Allergens or Toxins into the Food and Feed supply

On June 21, 2006, the FDA issued guidance to industry to help prevent the inadvertent introduction of allergens or toxins into the united States food and feed supply. The guidance provides greater transparency by explaining how the Agency will conduct its early safety evaluation of new proteins in new plant varieties, including bioengineered varieties that are in development for possible use as food for humans or animals.

This guidance is focused on resolving any potential food safety issues prior to possible inadvertent introduction of material from a new plant variety for which FDA has not been consulted. This guidance describes the procedure for early food safety evaluation of new proteins in plant varieties prior to the stage of development where the new proteins might inadvertently enter the food supply. TO read FDA press release, go to:

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2006/NEW01393.html

The full text of the guidance document entitled, "Recommendations for the Early Food safety Evaluation of New Non-Pesticidal Proteins Produced by New plant varieties

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FW Ednet update June 2006.txt Intended for Food Use," can be found online at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/bioprgu2.html

* "Approaches to Establish Thresholds for Major Food Allergens and for Gluten in Food"

FDA'S report, "Approaches to Establish Thresholds for Major Food Allergens and for Gluten in Food", summarizes the current state of scientific knowledge regarding food allergy and celiac disease, including information on dose-response relatlonships for major food allergens and for gluten, respectively. The report presents the biological concepts and data needed to evaluate various approaches to establish thresholds that would be scientifically sound and efficacious in relation to protection of public health. Each approach has strengths and weaknesses, and the application of each is limited by the availability of appropriate data. It is likely that there will be significant scientific advances in the near future that will address a number of the limitations identified in this report. This report is now available at:

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/alrgn2.html

* FDA'S Guidance for Industry: "Recommendations for the Early Food

safety Evaluation of New Non-Pesticidal Proteins Produced by New Plant varieties Intended for Food Use"

On June 20, 2006, FDA issued a guidance document entitled: "Recommendations for the Early Food safety Evaluation of New Non-Pesticidal Proteins Produced by New plant varieties Intended for Food Use". This guidance is for developers of new plant varieties that are intended for food use. The guidance describes procedures for the early food safety evaluation of new non-pesticldal proteins produced by such new plant varieties, including for example such proteins produced in bioengineered plants. TO view this document, go to:

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/bloprgu2.html

* FSIS Notice 34-06: "Certification of Intestines or Animal casing for Export"

On June 15, 2006, FSIS issued Notice 34-06, titled, "Certification of Intestines or Animal casing for Export." This Notice instructs inspection profijram personnel on how to determine whether intestines and casings from animals are ellgible to receive the marks of inspection and how to certify the intestines and casings for export. Notice 34-06, which is effective on July 17, 2006, is available on the FSIS web site at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_policies/Notice_34-06/index.asp

*

FSIS updates Directive on voluntary Reimbursable Inspection Services

On June 15, 2006, FSIS re-issued Directive 12,600.1, Revision 1, to address non-mandatory inspection services for which the agency receives reimbursement for voluntary reimbursable services. The Directive titled, "voluntary Reimbursable Inspection services,"'updates and combines information from Directive 5110.1, Revision 1, "Reimbursable Services Reference Guide and Directive 12,600.1, voluntary Reimbursable Inspection services." This Directive is available on the FSIS web site at:

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oPPDE/rdad/FsISDirectives/12600.lRev1.pdf

*

FSIS Posts Beef Advanced Meat Recovery Data on web Site

FSIS posted on its web site the results from regulatory testing of ~he product from beef advanced meat recovery (AMR) systems. To view the results, V1Slt the FSIS web site at:

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/science/Beef_produced_bY_AMR_SYstems/index.asp

* "Guidance for Industry: summary, Table of Recommended Toxicological

Testing for Additives Used in Food'

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The purpose of this Guidance document is to provide a brief summary of recommendations for the minimum toxicity tests to be performed for safety evaluation of direct food additives and color additives used in food based on their levels of concern. Information in this document can be used as general guidance for the determination of concern levels, as well as the extent and types of toxicity testing for direct food additives and color additives used in food. For specific questions, you are encouraQed to discuss them with the appropriate regulatory staff in the Division of petltion Review at the office of Food Additive safety. This document, reformatted in 2006, summarizes information published in the 1993 draft "Redbook II." It supersedes previous versions released in 1983 and 1997. No substantive changes have been made. View summary table at:

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/opatxgui .html

* "Questions and Answers Regarding Establishment and Maintenance of Records"-Edition 3

FDA has issued the third edition of its guidance entitled "Questions and Answers Regarding Establishment and Maintenance of Records." The guidance responds to various questions raised about section 306 of the "Public Health security and Bioterrorism preparedness and Response Act of 2002,"

and the Agency's implementing final rule at 21 CFR Part 1, sUbpart J, which requires the establishment and maintenance of records by persons who manufacture, process, pack, transport, distribute, receive, hold, or import food in the united States. such records are to allow for the identification of the immediate previous sources and the immediate subsequent recipients of food. updated Questions and Answers are online at:

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/recguid3.html

,\ FSIS updates Directive on "verifying an Establishment's Food safety system"

On June 1, 2006, FSIS re-issued Directive 5000.1, Revision 2, to provide comprehensive direction to consumer safety Inspectors (CSIS) on how they are to protect the public health by properly verifying an establishment's compliance with pathogen reduction, sanitation and HACCP regulations. This Directive is to be implemented beginning July 3, 2006, and is available on the FSIS web site at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISDirectives/5000.I_Rev2.pdf

* "compliance policy Guide: Guidance for FDA Staff-sec. 500.500 Guidance Levels for 3-MCPD (3-chloro-l,2-propanediol) in Acid-Hydrolyzed Protein and Asian-style Sauces" (Draft)

FDA posted a draft guidance for FDA staff reQarding Sec. 500.500 "Guidance Levels for 3-MCPD (3-chloro-l, 2-propanediol) in ACld-Hydrolyzed Protein and Asian-style Sauces." The purpose of this compliance Policy Guide (cPG) is to provide guidance to help FDA personnel determine whether to take enforcement action based upon the presence of 3-MCPD in acid-HP and Asian-style sauces in interstate commerce or offered for import into the united States. This draft document is being distributed for comment purposes only and can be viewed at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cpgmcpd.html

* FSIS Announces Groundbreaking Outreach Program to Assist small and very small Plants

On May 31, 2006, FSIS announced a groundbreaking initiative to provide the assistance necessary for small and very small plant owners to further improve their establishments' food safety programs. TO read this news release, visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_053106_01/index.asp

~, FSIS Noti ce 30-06: "Ava i 1 abi 1 i ty of Questi ons and Answers Regardi ng Use of Non-Amenable Animal Tissues in Inspected Products"

On May 25, 2006, FSIS issued Notice 30-06, titled "Availability of Questions and page 8

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Answers Regarding Use of Non-Amenable Animal Tissues in Inspected Products." This Notice announces the availability of questions and answers regarding FSIS Notice 15-06, "Use of Non-Amenable Animal Tissues in Inspected products," and the availability of other questions related to non-amenable animal tissues. FSIS Notice 15-06 provided clarification that non-amenable animal tissues do not need to bear a mark of inspection (Federal, State, or non-domestic) to be included in amenable meat or poultry products produced in official establishments. The questions and answers are available on the FSIS web site: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/Notice_30-06/index.asp

ARCHIVED EDNET NEWSLETTERS

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FW.Lean Trimmings and Herd on the Hil16272006.txt

Lean Trimmings

Edited by Elliotte Bowerman June 26, 2006

JAPAN AGREES ON BEEF TRADE RESUMPTION AFTER INSPECTIONS

After months of negotiations, Japanese and U.S. officials reached an agreement to restore beef trade last wednesday. The agreement came in time for Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi 's visit to Washin9ton, D.C. this week. Japanese audit teams arrived on saturday and will begin lnspections today. They will inspect 35 plants by July 21. Japan has agreed to expeditiously resume beef trade after the inspections are complete. Agriculture secretary Mike Johanns issued a statement last wednesday saying that, " ... my expectation is that minor noncompliance issues will not disrupt our entire trading relationship. Instead, Japan has agreed to notify us of such issues and discuss the appropriate course, such as the rejection of individual shipments, if appropriate. II

some beef industry officials are skeptical. Jay Truitt, vice president of government affairs for the National cattlemen's Beef Association, told Meatingplace.com that there are many gray areas that need to be resolved. Truitt said the agreement needs to include protocols for addressing shipments that may violate the a~reement, timelines for inspection and processes to resolve problems found durlng plant

i nspecti ons.

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FW Lean Trimmings and Herd on the Hil16272006.txt

In a conference call last Tuesday with AMS, Livestock and seed Program Deputy Administrator Barry carpenter said Japan will only inspect the 35 facilities currently seeking approval to export to Japan. Japanese officials would not discuss the timing of future inspections.

In Japan, fewer than one in 10 restaurants and retailers plan to immediately stock u.s. beef when trade resumes, according to a survey by the Nihon Keizai shimbun. Half of the 60 companies polled said they have no plans to resume beef imports, ~hile 30 percent said they would wait and see, depending on price and consumer lnterest.

Meanwhile, nine senators from farm and ranch states introduced a bill last wednesday that would impose $3 billion in tariffs on Japanese goods if the Japanese market is not reopened to U.s. beef by Aug. 31. On Thursday, during discussions of the fiscal 2007 agricultural funding bill, the Senate Appropriations committee approved economic sanctions if Japan doesn't resume beef trade by the end of the summer. The bill could be discussed this week, reports the New York Times. In response, Japan's Agriculture Minister shoichi Nakagawa said, "The fact that the senators have chosen this moment to submit the bill I think is nonsense."

A letter from the NMA to Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns June 26, 2006:

Dear Mr. secretary:

As audit teams from Japan begin their review of u.s. beef plants that would like to export eligible beef products to Japan, we would like to thank you for your leadership in the discussions with Japan to reopen this important export market.

National Meat Association and its members truly appreciate your commitment to working with the industry to address and overcome the many obstacles that have arisen. We recognize that you have set this is as a priority, and that you worked with others, including your own staff in various agencies at USDA, and key officials in the Office of the special Trade Representative and the State Department.

There is still some way to go, but today marks a major progress point. The members of our organization appreciate your efforts, and those of other government officials, and we look forward to continuing to work with you in your efforts to reopen this market for the excellent beef products that we are all able to enjoy every day in the united states of America.

Thank you!

sincerely, Rosemary Mucklow Executive Director

Page 2

NMA SUMMER CONFERENCE SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED

NMA is pleased to announce its summer speakers today. This is one top-notch group. The summer guests are always a very savvy set, but to continue raising the bar in honor of its 60th Anniversary, NMA has invited some of industry's most influential people for this session.

Giving the keynote address at the luncheon on Thursday, Aug. 17, is Steve Dittmer from Agribusiness Freedom Foundation. AFF is a communicatlon and educational initiative that promotes free market principles throughout the agricultural food chain. Dittmer has earned a reputation as a straight talker with publications of AFF sentinel and he will certainly be bringing his wit and assertive analysis to bear this summer.

For the Industry session on Friday, Aug. 18 to be chaired by Lou Gast, we will have Mike Mullins from cargill on meat-industry politics, John Nalivka from Sterling Marketing with an industry economics update, Barry Carpenter from USDA/AMS to

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address federal programmatic matters, David Perl of Alchemy Training on employee education, John Linker of Alaniz and schraeder will give a legal update, Leann saunders of IMI Global on marketing and communications, shira Kramer of Sterilix for the latest from the labs, and we have invited Dr. Ken Petersen from USDA/FSIS for a discussion of reQulatory issues. such a line up is not only hard to find anywhere else, but NMA'S lnformative PDQ format is unique in the industry.

The saturday speakers will include scientific expert Dr. Mel Kramer, president of EHA Group. An infectious disease epidemiologist with expertise in animal health and foodborne illness, Kramer recently served on a USDA delegation to Japan to address Bovine spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). Kramer works tirelessly to inoculate the debate about disease with reality, despite media sensationalism, and we can look forward to a dose of his healthy pragmatism at our meeting.

AS well as these excellent speakers, summer conference attendees will also have an opportunity to participate in the programs. If you have not attended a Summer conference before, it is the perfect opportunity to see the association in action. It is the time when you can take a break from your daily routine in the plant and visit a relaxing and enjoyable destination.

Catch up with industry updates and rekindle friendships at coeur d'Alene Resort's lakefront community, one of the prettiest settings in the West. Located in northern Idaho, the region is defined by blue skies, sparkling water and pine-forested mountains. Be sure to make your travel plans today and join us August 17-19, 2006. For more information visit http://www.nmaonline.org.

SUPPLIER OF THE WEEK: Timeclock plus page 3

PETA ATTACKS SMITHFIELD

people for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has asked a virglnla Commonwealth's Attorney to file criminal charges against NMA member Smithfield Foods for its treatment of pigs involved in traffic accidents, reports Meatingplace.com. PETA claims Smithfield should treat injured animals rather than euthanize them at the scene, and if euthanization is required it should be lethal injection. PETA filed a similar complaint in Virginia in october, and no action has been taken on it yet.

LMA PRESIDENT: JIM SANTOMASO

The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) named Jim santomaso its new president for 2006-2008. Santomaso is president and manager of sterling Livestock Commission Co. in sterling, co. He hopes to see the LMA membership grow by 5 percent annually. In the past two years, membership has risen 23 percent to 773 members. santomaso, 53, is also president of the colorado Livestock Marketing Association.

JAPAN ACCEPTS NATURAL PORK CASINGS FOR EXPORT

Natural pork casings and imported natural ruminant casinQs that follow specific requirements for processing, documentation and plant eliglbility are now eligible for export to Japan, reports USMEF. For specific requirements and statements, visit the Export Requirement for Japan in the FSIS Export Library. A link is available to the library on the NMA Links page at http://www.nmaonline.org/html/links.htm.

CFIA ENHANCES FEED BAN

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced today a complete ban on BSE specified Risk Materials (SRMS) from all feeds, pet food and fertilizer including imports. Hoping to accelerate eradication of BSE in canada and significantly bolster the country's ability to trade internationally, CFIA is taking a hard line

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against these materials. While CFIA acknowledges that the measures are not a guarantee against more BSE detections in the short term, the agency hopes that the spread of BSE will steadily diminish, because there will be no opportunity for cross contamination. canada also believes that the economic opportunities gained by exports will more than offset the costs of this ban. In fact, they believe that more markets will open on the tails of this announcement.

The measures will be introduced over the course of a 12-month phase-in period, with additional provisions for small establishments to achieve full compliance. During that time, an awareness campaign will be undertaken to ensure that all regulated parties are fully aware of thelr responsibilities. A fact sheet about the ban can be accessed online at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/feebet/rumin/enhrene.shtml.

Page 4

TYSON WINS "DON & DOFF" LAWSUIT, COULD SET PRECEDENT

On wednesday, a Philadelphia jury ruled in favor of NMA member Tyson Foods Inc. in De Asencio V. Tyson Foods. 550 employees sued Tyson in 2000, alleging the company did not pay them for the time used to put on and take off certain pieces of clothing before and after shifts and breaks. After a two-week trial in federal court, the jury favored Tyson.

"Businesses across the country, including ours, are facing similar wage and hour suits because federal labor regulations ln this area are vague," Ken Kimbro, Tyson's senior vice president of human resources, said in a release. "We're hor.ing this decision will help bring some clarity to this nationwide legal debate.'

WHAT IS HEALTHY? AHA RELEASES FIRST LIFESTYLE GUIDELINES

The American Heart Association (AHA) released its new diet and lifestyle recommendations June 19. For the first time the guidelines recognize the importance of a healthy lifestyle in addition to a healthy diet. The AHA is recommending consumers lower their saturated fat intake from 10 percent of calories to less than 7 percent. The AHA also recommends reducing the intake of sugars and emphasizes physical activity and weight control.

GOOSE IN CANADA POSITIVE FOR A.I., PRECAUTIONS BEING TAKEN

The canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), has implemented disease control measures in western Prince Edward Island after finding a young goose with the avian influenza virus in a backyard flock. The virus was determined to be an H5 subtype and a sample has been sent to the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease in winnipeg for further testing.

Herd on the Hill

Edited by Elliotte Bowerman June 26, 2006

U.S. UNBENDING ON CUTTING WTO AGRICULTURAL TARIFFS

united States trade negotiators say they will not compromise on their demand for substantial agricultural tariff reductions worldwide. The United States has held out for an average reduction of about 66 percent. The European union, under pressure from its agrlcultural sector, will agree to lower target reductions of only about 50 percent. But the U.S. remains firm on the reduction levels it has laid out. The U.s. has offered to reduce farm subsidies by 60 percent in return for increased access to its agricultural exports. Any agreement must be ratified by Congress, so the support of lawmakers from farm states will be vital, reports Meatingplace.com.

CHANGES IN STORE FOR CALIFORNIA RECALL BILL Page 4

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A food recall bill that would give california public health officials the option of making distribution lists public has been withdrawn from the desk of Gov. Arnold

schwarzenegger for further modification to work out a compromise. NMA is

opposed to SB 611. A similar bill was passed last year and vetoed by the governor.

FSIS FOOD SECURITY FOCUS GROUP

FSIS held food a security focus group June 6 and 7 in washington, DC. NMA Member Dale T. Smith & Sons participated in this government/industry brainstorming session.

Bill webber, quality control manager for Dale T. smith, said he found the session very useful and that the main things that FSIS seems to want accounted for are traffic, packaging integrity, inventory and operational checks.

Keeping track of foot traffic is especially important. Most people think of food security in terms of outsiders entering a plant, but it's important to remember a disgruntled employee has much more access.

FSIS could possibly mandate food security plans as soon as the end of the year, but each plan would vary depending on the facility.

NMA thanks Bill for taking the time away from work to participate in this important effort to get information from smaller firms.

Page 2

MANAGING MANURE: EPA PROPOSES RULE FOR FEED LOTS

Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOS) would continue to be required to properly manage the manure they generate under a rule proposed Thursday by the EPA. The rule would revise the current permit system, including requiring a nutrient management plan submitted with permit applications and clarifying the best conventional technology for fecal coliform bacteria. For more information on the proposed rule, visit http://www.epa.gov/npdes/afo/revisedrule.

APHIS HELPS INTERNATIONAL BIRD PATROL

APHIS trained 24 scientists from 19 countries on diagnostic testing for highly pathogenic Avian Influenza last week during a workshop at the National veterinary services Laboratories. participating countries included Argentina, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burma, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Lebanon, Libya, Mexico, Mozambique, Oman, Pakistan, Romania, sudan, Taiwan, Uganda and uruguay. Two other international workshops have been held since February.

AMSA SCIENCE CONFERENCE IN ILLINOIS

The American Meat science Association (AM SA) held its 59th Annual Reciprocal Meat Conference June 18-21, 2006 at the University of Illinois, champaign-urbana. The conference was a 9reat way for academia, industry, and regulators to convene and exchange informatlon and thoughts on the future of the Meat Industry. NMA Regulatory Analyst Sat bir Bal was in attendance for NMA.

There were a selection of presentations, including topics on Emerging Diseases and Food Defense Issues to performance standards for Meat and poultry. USDA was represented by such presenters as Dr. Dan Engeljohn and Marty O'Connor. university Professors from the university of Nebraska-Lincoln, Iowa state university, University of Arkansas, University of Illinois, Texas Tech university, colorado state university, university of Missouri, and Texas A&M university made presentations on the latest animal and food science research. Presentations were also made by members of swift, cargill, Land O'Frost, and premium standard Farms

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among others. In addition, the future of the meat industry was on display. students from various universities participated in a poster contest, in which they were able to show and present research that they have been working on at their respective universities.


BROAD IMMIGRATION REFORM UNLIKELY

Despite months of political wrangling, broad immigration legislation is all but doomed for the year, according to Republican congressional leaders. Election-year concerns in the House and conservativesi: implacable opposition to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants make immlgration reform highly unlikely, reports the Associated Press. while the Senate approved a path to citlzenship for illegal immigrants, the House did not and almost certainly will not.

MEMBERS WANTED FOR NATIONAL COMMITTEE

FSIS is seeking members for the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological criteria for Foods (NACMCF). submissions must be received by July 24. For more information, visit the NACMCF web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/About_FSIS/NACMCF/index.asp.

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FW PROAHEDR BSE bovine - USA feed recall.txt

fyi

2006 9:09 AM

BSE, bovine - USA: feed recall

fyi

D.V.M.

Service Center

cal Assistance & correlation 1299 Farnam St. Suite 300

omaha, NE. 68102

402-221-7400

-----original Message-----

From: owner-promed-ahead-edr@promed.isid.harvard.edu [mailto:owner-promed-ahead-edr@promed.isid.harvard.eduJ On Behalf of proMED-mail Sent: wednesday, June 21, 2006 5:41 PM

To: promed-ahead-edr@promedmail.org

subject: PRO/AH/EDR> BSE, bovine - USA: feed recall

BSE, BOVINE - USA: FEED RECALL *******************************

A proMED-mail post <http://www.promedmail.org> ProMED-mail is a program of the

International society for Infectious Diseases <http://www.isid.org>

Date: 21 Jun From: source. ., <http://www.chron.

Mad Cow Feed Recall, USA, Albertville, AL, 16 Jun 2006; Feed Recalled Over Mad Cow violation

Livestock feed ingredients shipped to 9 states may have been contaminated with cattle remains in violation of a 1997 ban to protect against mad cow disease, a manufacturer said Tuesday [20 Jun 2006J.

H.J. Baker & Bro. Inc. said it was recalling 3 livestock feed ingredients, including 2 used to supplement feed given to dairy cows.

A sample tested by the Food and DruQ Administration was positive for cattle meat and bone meal, said Mark Hohnbaum, presldent of the Westport, connecticut-based company's feed products group.

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FW PROAHEDR BSE bovine - USA feed recall.txt

"This is very concerning to us. This isn't something that happens to us. We are very serious about food safety," Hohnbaum said. Mad cow disease is only known to spread when cows eat feed containing brain and other nerve tissue from infected cattle. Protein from cattle was commonly added to cattle feed to speed growth until the ban largely outlawed the practice.

Cattle tissue may have contaminated 2 feed ingredients given to dairy cows -Pro-Lak and Pro-Amino II -- made by H.J. Baker between August

2005 and June 2006. The 3rd of the recalled ingredients, Pro-Pak with porcine Meat and Bone, was mislabeled. It is used in poultry feed.

The company announced the recall in the wake of ongoinQ FDA inspections of its Albertville, Alabama plant, Hohnbaum said. The inspectlons have found manufacturing and clerical issues, he added.

The company shipped the ingredients to feed manufacturers and dairy farms in the following states: Alabama, california, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi and Tennessee. The company is notifying its customers of the voluntary recall. It does not know how much of the feed ingredients it sold, Hohnbaum said.

On the Net:

Food and Drug Administration animal feed information: <http://www.fda.gov/cvm/animalfeed.htm>

Terry S. Singeltary Sr. <flounder9@verizon.net>

[The company is already notifying its customers. Furthermore, the company does not know how much feed was contaminated, so they are likely being very cautious and notifying customers, although they may not have had animals exposed.

It is likely the company does not know how much contamination each batch of feed received.

Customers should be forewarned that even if an animal consumes some of this feed, it does not mean it is sure to come down with Bovine spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). It takes a certain amount of infective material being consumed as well as certain conditions within the animal for BSE to develop.

What is intriguing about this event is that, though the FDA will fine the feed manufacturer, on-farm mixing of feed that may contain prohibited material does not find its way onto the FDA radar screen.

There have been multiple cases of farm-site feed mixinQ with confirmation of prohibited material being in the feed, and the feed belng fed to cattle. When this apparent oversight was brought to the attention of the FDA, the reply was that they [the FDA] did not believe they had jurisdiction over the farm, only the manufacturers.

since the FDA could not demonstrate a prion to a court of law, they did not see how they could prosecute a case of farm-site feed mixing.

clearly, had the international team that surveyed the situation in the us during 2004 known of this approach, their recommendations may well have been different.

without adherence to the feeding rules, cases of BSE in the united states will likely continue to occur on a sporadic basis. - Mod.TG]

[see also:

2004

BSE, bovine - USA (WA) (16): new regulations 20040318.0747 BSE, bovine - USA: APHIS Page 2

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FW PROAHEDR BSE bovine - USA feed recall.txt report 20040205.0426

2003

BSE, bovine - USA (WA) (09): new regulations 20031230.3172J .................. tg/msp/mpp

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From: sent: Wednesday, June 28,

To: ~ .' ~. '. .

Hudne J J; carr: J e LedUJe['!:i;

FW Your news from Inside AMI06282006.txt

2006 9:02 AM

,

subject: FW: Your news from Inside AMI

1. CANADA ISSUES NEW FEED CONTROLS June 27, 2006

The canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is banning specified risk materials (SRMS) capable of transmitting bovine spongiform encephalopathy (SSE) from all animal feeds, pet foods and fertilizers.

CFIA stated that extending the SRM controls to all animal feeds addresses potential contamination that could occur during feed production, transportation, storage and use. RemovinQ SRMs from pet food and fertilizers is intended to mitigate risk associated wlth potential exposure and the misuse of products.

The regulated industry will be permitted to propose alternative approaches that can be shown to achieve the same level of protection as full SRM removal.

The new regulations go into effect July 12, 2007, with additional time given to small establishments to achieve full compliance. CFIA will launch an awareness campaign to guarantee all regulated parties know of the new regulations and have adjusted their practices and procedures as required.

"Feed regulations implemented in both canada and the U.S. in 1997 have effectively protected the North American cattle herds," said AMI Foundation President James H. Hodges. "While we would have preferred that canada move toward a more limited SRM removal policy given the extremely low risk of SSE in North America we are confident that the proposed feed regulation being considered by the u. S. Food and Drug Administration will yield equivalent protection," he said.

For more information visit http://www.meatami.com/

You can also read this release online from: http://www.meatami.com/subscriptionRedir.cfm?News=1&ID=2962

2. FIRST QUARTER SALMONELLA TESTING REPORT ISSUED June 27, 2006

The testing data of selected raw meat and poultry products for salmonella from January to March 2006 has been released by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS or the Agency).

The results show a slight decrease in all categories, except for ground beef Page 1

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analyzed for salmonella in the PR/HACCP verification-testing program. FSIS warns that an increase of testing frequency in establishments with process-control problems may demonstrate an increase in salmonella-positive results.

Absent from this release is data for turkey carcasses. sampling was initiated in June 2006 and initial data will begin appearing in the next quarterly report.

TO review the report, go to http://www.fsis.usda.gov/science/Ql_2006_salmonella_Testing/index.asp.



TO change the frequency of your subscription or filter the news by topic: http://www.meatami.com/Template.cfm?section=MYlnterests&NavMenuID=314

To unsubscribe: http://www.meatami.com/Template.cfm?section=subscribe&NavMenuID=238&Template=unsub.c fm

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1. CANADA CONFIRMS SIXTH CASE OF BSE July 5, 2006

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the country's latest case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a mature cross-bred beef cow from Manitoba.

The animal was at least 15 years old and was born well before the 1997 feed ban was enacted. CFIA noted, in a statement, that given the animal's age, investigative efforts may be constrained by few surviving animals and limited sources of information.

The animal was purchased by the owner as part of an assembled group of cattle in 1992; investigators are currently working to locate the birth farm to track the animal's herdmates and feed. A calf born to the animal in 2004 is also being traced.

CFIA stressed the fact that the safety of the canadian food supply remains protected - through the removal of specified risk material and through enhancements to Canada's feed bad - and the ongoing effectiveness of the country's surveillance program, which targets cattle most at risk of BSE.



2. CROSS-CONTAMINATION STUDIES REQUESTED BY FSIS July 5, 2006

Information on studies related to cross-contamination by bacterial foodborne pathogens of foods that are not likely to undergo cooking or additional cooking in food handling and preparation is being requested by the Food safety and Inspection service.

FSIS is interested in quantitative data obtained by observation of retail and home food handlers related to the types of food handling and preparation behaviors that could lead to the transfer of bacteria from products of animal origin to foods that are not likely to undergo cooking or additional cooking and the frequency at which these behaviors occur.

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The agency intends to use information submitted for risk assessment modeling to estimate the public health impact of the presence of various bacterial foodborne pathogens in meat, poultry and egg products.

submissions must be received on or before sept. 3, 2006. To review the entire notice, go to http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6 -10418.htm.



To change the frequency of your subscription or filter the news by topic: http://www.meatami.com/Template.cfm?section=MYInterests&NavMenuID=314


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From:

Sent: Inursaay, ~ulY ~3, 2006 10:07 AM To: -

~'J"~'J~~0~'.~~ "W'W~~'~0"~V~~'.0.'.~.=~V»'~0_~'~>.'0~'W'~'~"'~~"W"'v •• ww.,.~~~~.

1. UPDATED HARVARD RISK ASSESSMENT OF BSE RELEASED July 12, 2006 USDA To Hold Technical Meeting

A revised version of the October 2003 Harvard Risk Assessment of sovine spongiform Encephalopathy (SSE) was released by the Food safety and Inspection service (FSIS or the agency).

The updated risk assessment model incorporates information available throu~h December 2003. It evaluates the impact of measures implemented after the dlscovery of the first sSE-positive cow and recommendations made by an international SSE panel.

The agency will hold a technical meeting to discuss the updated risk assessment model and report on July 25, 2006. Comments on the updated document must be received by Aug. 11, 2006.

To read the entire notice, go to http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Frame/FrameRedirect.asp?main=http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE /rdad/FRPubs/2006-0011.htm


YoU can also read this release online from: http://www.meatami.com/subscriptionRedir.cfm?News=1&ID=2976

To change the frequency of your subscription or filter the news by topic: http://www.meatami.com/Template.cfm?section=MyInterests&NavMenuID=314


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Here is your copy of Inside AMI

1. FOREIGN ANIMAL AND POULTRY DISEASES MEETING SCHEDULED August 28, 2006

The secretary's Advisory Committee on Foreign Animal and poultry Diseases will meet on Sept. 12 and 13, 2006 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the U.S. Department of Agriculture center at Riverside in Riversdale, Md.

The meetinQ will focus on the U.S. animal health emergency management system, the foreign anlmal disease situation worldwide and its relevance to the united states. The meeting will be open to the public; however, they will not be allowed to participate in the committee's discussions. Written comments on meeting topics can be submitted to the Committee.

The Committee advises the secretary of Agriculture on actions necessary to prevent the introduction of foreign diseases of livestock and poultry into the United States. It also advises the secretary on contingency planning and on maintaining a state of preparedness to deal with these diseases if introduced.

To review the meeting notice, go to http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6 -14220.htm.


YoU can also read this release online from: http://www.meatami.com/subscriptionRedir.cfm?News=1&ID=3031

2. COLLECTION OF BRAIN SAMPLING TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED August 28, 2006

Inspection program personnel will halt brain sample collection under the previsions of a recently released Food safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Notice.

FSIS Notice 52-06, "Temporary suspension of Provision in the Bovine spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) ongoing surveillance program," issued on Aug. 25, 2006 informed inspection personnel to stop collecting brain samples under the provisions of FSIS Notice 51-06, "sample collection from cattle under the BSE ongoing surveillance program," issued on Aug. 23, 2006, paragraph II. A.

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FW Your news from Inside AMI8292006,txt

A subsequent FSIS Notice will be issued to inspection personnel when sample collection is to resume,

TO review the notice, go to http://www,fsis,usda,gov/regulations_&_policies/Notice_52-06/index,asp,



To change the frequency of your subscription or filter the news by topic: http://www.meatami.com/Template.cfm?Section=MyInterests&NavMenuID=314

To unsubscribe: http://www.meatami.com/Template.cfm?section=subscribe&NavMenuID=238&Template=unsub,c fm

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FW Your news from Inside AMI.txt

1. COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED ON SSE RISK ASSESSMENT september 12, 2006

The time for commenting on the updated Harvard Risk Assessment of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has been extended by the Food safety and Inspection SerVlce (FSIS). Comments will now be accepted until Oct. 27, 2006.

FSIS extended the comment period in response to a suggestion submitted after the agency held its July 25, 2006 technical meeting.

For additional information, go to http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6 -15017.htm.



2. USDA SOLICITING NOMINATIONS FOR INSPECTION COMMITTEE september 12, 2006 Nominations for the National Advisory Committee on Meat and poultry Inspection (NACMPI) are currently being solicited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Members of the committee advise the Secretary of Agriculture on food safety policies that contribute to the department's regulatory POllCy development.

The full committee consists of no less than 16 and no more than 18 members and each person selected is expected to serve a two-year term. Existing members can serve three consecutive two-year terms. USDA is looking to fill 16 to 18 vacancies on the committee.

Nomination materials must be received no later than oct. 12, 2006. For additional details, go to http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6 -15060.htm.



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From:

Sent: 04,20063:23 PM s.(b)(6)

To: All Veterinarians

Cc: District Office Managers

Subject: News Bits FYI

May 03, USAgNet - New food safety Website launched. Building on the successful Fight

BAC! Campaign, the Partnership for Food Safety Education introduces a new Website

dedicated to food-safety information. The new site features a wealth of food-safety

information to help consumers reduce risk of food-borne illness.

Partnership for Food Safety Education's new Website: http://www.fightbac.org/

Source: http://www.usagnet.com/story-national. cfm ?Id=805 &yr=2006

May 03, Food Production Daily (Europe) - European public skeptical of food safety

measures, survey finds. Recent food safety incidents and the introduction of genetically

modified foods in Europe have resulted in public concern over the safety of the European food

supply. According to a survey conducted by the European Union-funded Safe Foods Integrated

Project, consumers have little confidence in the safety of their food supply and remain skeptical

and distrustful of the management procedures currently in place. The implications of the study

are that despite an increase in regulations and safeguards over the past five years, public

concern remains high and could put further pressure on government to take additional

measures. The food industry and regulators also need to do more to educate the media and the

public about the issues, the report's authors suggest. The study also found the public may be

suspicious of the motives behind particular measures.

000077

Safe Foods Integrated Project Website: http://www.safefoods.nl/default.aspx

Safe Foods Integrated Project study:

http://www.sciencedirect.com!science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6W

Source: http://www.foodproductiondaily.com!news/ng.asp?n=67443-food-

safety-media-confidence

May 02, Cattle Network - USDA releases report on investigation into Alabama bovine

spongiform encephalopathy case. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and

Health and Inspection Service Tuesday, May 2, released the results of an investigation into a

bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) case identified in Alabama in March and noted that

the animal was a non-ambulatory red crossbred, and that dentition determined that the animal

was more than ten years old. The ten-year age determination is significant because it indicates

that the animal was born prior to the implementation of Food and Drug Administration's 1997

feed ban that minimizes the risk that a cow might consume feed contaminated with the agent

thought to cause B SE.

Statement by USDA Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford:

http://www. aphis. usda.gov/newsroom! contentl2006/05/alepi. sht ml

Alabama BSE Investigation Final Epidemiology Report:

http://www . aphi s. usda. gov /newsroom/hot _i ssues/b se/ content/pr intable _ version/EPI _Final. pdf

000078

Source: http://www.cattlenetwork.comlcontent.asp?contentid=33 818

May 03, Reuters - Government releases pandemic flu plan. A flu pandemic would cause

massive disruptions lasting for months, and cities, states, and businesses must make plans now

to keep functioning -- and not count on a federal rescue. President Bush last fall proposed a

$7.1 billion plan to prepare for the next worldwide outbreak of a super strain of influenza. This

report updates that plan, an incremental step that basically outlines exactly which government

agency is responsible for some 300 tasks, many already under way. Even draconian steps, such

as shutting down U.S. borders against outbreaks abroad, would almost certainly fail to keep a

flu pandemic from spreading here, the report acknowledges. In a severe pandemic, up to 40

percent of the work force could be off the job for two weeks. Because 85 percent of the systems

that are vital to society are privately run, the administration aimed to use the report to energize

businesses in particular to start planning how they will keep running under those conditions.

The report warns that the federal government won't be able to offer the kind of aid expected

after hurricanes or other one-time, one-location natural disasters.

Pandemic Influenza Implementation Plan:

http://www. whitehouse. gov/homeland/nspi _implementation. pdf

Fact Sheet: Advancing the Nation's Preparedness for Pandemic Influenza:

000079

s.(b)(6)

http://www. whitehouse. govl news/releases/2006/05/20060503 -5. html

Source: http://www.nytimes.coml2006/05/03/healthl03 end- flu. html

Cnie! Pu6fic '}{eaftn 'Veterinarian Room 3159 South Agriculture Building

Direct phone Secretary ph. Cellular ph. FAX

When you are making a success of something, it's not work It's a w(~' of life. You enjoy yourself because you are making your contribution to the world» Andrew Granatelli

000080

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