SEMA_________________________________

SOUTHEASTERN MEAT ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 620777; Oviedo, FL 32762 Phone: 407-365-5661

APRIL 2003 VOLUME 18, No. 4

VENEMAN PRESENTS OPTIONS TO MODERNIZE MEAT INSPECTION AUTHORITIES

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman said, “We have taken numerous actions to reduce pathogens.” During remarks to the 2003 Food Safety Summit and Expo, Veneman said that USDA is considering actions such as mandatory notification to USDA when a federal establishment has reason to believe that meat or poultry has been adulterated or misbranded.

In addition, the department will consider authority to impose civil penalties after notice in writing and continued lack of compliance. This authority would involve due process before an administrative law judge, and liabilities would be limited to penalties based on continued noncompliance. Also, cease-and-desist orders and potential suspensions at earlier phases and on an expedited basis arising from HACCP violations may be considered.

USDA TAKES FOOD SAFETY MESSAGE
“ON THE ROAD”

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman has launched a nationwide tour to educate and reinforce to consumers the importance of handling food safely. The cornerstone of the initiative is a new USDA Food Safety Mobile that will serve as a backdrop during the tour of some 100 communities across the country.

“Food safety is top priority for this Administration and food safety education is an important part of our efforts to reduce foodborne illness,” said Veneman during the christening of the Mobile at the 2003 Food Safety Summit. “The tour and the Mobile will help educate millions of people about the risks associated with mishandling food and how they can reduce their risk of foodborne illness.

You can follow the travels of the Mobile and find useful food safety information at
www.fsis.usda.gov/foodsafetymobile

USDA LAUNCHES NEW MAD-COW MEAT TEST

The USDA said federal meat inspectors have begun testing for tiny pieces of spinal cord and brain tissue in meat at about 34 processing plants in an effort to safeguard against mad cow disease. In addition, the USDA declared that beef products containing such parts must be labeled as such or withdrawn from the marketplace. Mad cow is believed to be spread when bones, spinal cord and parts from diseased cattle are ground up for livestock feed. There have been no reported cases of mad cow in the United States.

IRRADIATION — GOOD OR BAD??

Two consumer groups last week renewed efforts to persuade FDA to deny approvals of irradiation for new food classes, including ready-to-eat hot dogs and lunch meats, citing new studies that they say chip away at the generally accepted notion that irradiated food is safe.
Further information at: www.foodcompliance.com/News/Article?A=1-11

MANDATORY LABELING NOT SO COOL

Mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL), to be brought in under the US Farm Bill in September 2004, came under heavy fire at an international conference on the beef industry.
Further information at: www.meatnews.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Article&artNum=5013

NEW SUPPLIER ORGANIZATION

Twenty-four supplier companies attended a newly merged supplier organization meeting,
The Meat Industry Suppliers Allegiance (MISA) is the product of a recent merger between the Meat Industry Suppliers Association and the Meat, Poultry & Seafood Council of Food Processing Machinery Association.

Suppliers questioned the meat industry’s willingness to pay the freight for the best available food safety design and construction. They provided concrete examples of processors opting for cheaper, less well-designed equipment, which has prompted some suppliers to offer several grades of design and construction. “Bottom line pressures on the major companies are so great that some may not be willing to walk the walk,” said Phil Clemens, CEO of Hatfield Quality Meats.

Trade shows were another hot topic. “Trade shows are at risk of being marginalized because the ritual of going to shows is diminishing,” Gary Slack, of Slack Barshinger, said. He said there has been two consecutive years of overall decline in U.S. trade show attendance and a drop in show floor density of nearly a third.

TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT SETS GUIDELINES FOR SECURE TRUCK TRANSPORT

As the Department of Homeland Security raised the national threat level to Code Orange, the Department of Transportation released guidelines to ensure safe and secure transportation, including recommendations that truck drivers:

Watch for vehicles following their trucks, especially if there are three or more people in the car
Contact the dispatcher or 9-1-1 immediately if a driver believes he is being followed
When leaving the home facility, remain aware of any possible surveillance of the facility or the truck
Avoid discussion of cargo, destination, or trip specifics with unknown people on open channels
Be aware of anyone approaching the vehicle when stopped at a traffic light or in traffic
Make sure to have communication devices to contact dispatchers and emergency officials; carry back-ups, if possible
Leave trucks in a secure parking lot or truck stop if possible when stopping at facilities
Never leave the vehicle running with keys in it
Avoid stopping in unsafe or high crime areas
Use seals to prevent and identify tampering and to avoid pre-loading hazardous materials shipments without adequate security
Use an engine kill switch and tractor and trailer brake locking devices.
Check electronic tracking systems regularly and notify dispatchers when they are not working or when tampering may have occurred
Use a fifth wheel lock whenever possible when dropping a trailer
Perform a quick walk around to check the truck for foreign objects after all stops

AAMP SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

AAMP has a Scholarship Award of $2,000 available to a deserving student.

Applicants must be a dependent of an AAMP member, an AAMP member’s employee, or the dependent of an AAMP member employee. The scholarship is awarded to a sophomore, junior, or senior pursuing an approved program in Animal/Meat/Food Science or related AG Engineering at an accredited 4-year college, university of qualified tech school. A freshman will be considered if there are no other eligible applicants. Age, gender, race, religion, national origin or financial needs are not conditions of eligibility for the award.

If you know of anyone you think would qualify and be deserving of this scholarship, please contact Anna Ondick, at the SEMA Office at 407-365-5661 for more information.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Kevin Crofton will be the new contact at Crofton and Sons replacing Dr. Joe Yates.
Kevin can be reached at 816.685.7745 extension 21

Chilton Consulting Group officially welcomes Dr. Estes Reynolds. After 25 years, Dr. Reynolds has now retired from the University of Georgia. Now, he is really ready to go to work to address the needs of Chilton Consulting Group clients. Dr. Reynolds is a food scientist with degrees in Microbiology and is designated as Process Authority. Dr. Reynolds brings expertise in the areas of HACCP, Sanitation, Plant Design, Product Development, Label Approvals, and Wastewater systems. CCG also welcomes Mr. David Rowe. David is joining CCG as an
Associate Consultant to specialize in workplace safety and OSHA Compliance

SEMA CONVENTION 2003
Marriott Riverfront; Savannah, Georgia
June 13-15, 2003

The SEMA Convention has a lot to offer this year. Come hear John Burns, Meat Marketing Director, of Piggly Wiggly of Alabama tell us what he looks for from a supplier, what products consumers are looking for and much more.

Al Squire of Ryan’s Steakhouse will explain impairments to performance. Participants learn how to identify through a “performance model” how to overcome productivity barriers to success.

Learn how to design for product and personnel flow, environmental control and more with Mark Redmond of Hendon & Redmond.

Registration packets have been mailed out to all members. Remember—hotel reservations must be in no later than May 13 and Convention registration forms must be received no later than May 30. If you did not receive a registration packet, please contact the SEMA office at 407.365.5661

Two suppliers exhibiting at the convention are:

Tufco Flooring & International Casings

ANN MARGARET AND HER GENTLEMEN!

I would like to share this with our membership. It was sent in by David Lee of D.L. Lee and Sons……………..

Richard, my husband, never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8x10 black and white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margaret, with Bob Hope in the background, which was one of his treasures.

A few years ago Ann Margaret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to sign the treasured photo, so he arrived at the bookstore at 10 o’clock for the 7:30 signing. When I got there after work, the line went all the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot, and disappeared behind a parking garage.

Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book, and no memorabilia would be permitted. Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI’s so far from home.

Ann Margaret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as 2nd in line, it was soon Richard’s turn. He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo with many shouts from employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, “I understand. I just wanted her to see it.” She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said, “This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for ‘my gentlemen’.” With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a ‘to do’ about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them.

There weren’t too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he was the only one there.

Later, at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he’d like to talk about it, my big strong husband broke down in tears. “That’s the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army,” he said.

Richard, like many others, came home to people who spit on him and shouted ugly things at him. That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet. I’ll never forget Ann Margaret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband.

I now make it a point to say ‘Thank You’ to every person that I come across who served in our Armed Forces. Freedom does not come cheap, and I am grateful for all those men and women who have served their country.

If you’d like to pass on this story, feel free to do so. Perhaps it will help others to become aware of how important it is to acknowledge the contribution our service men and women make.

KNOW YOUR ASSOCIATES

ALL AMERICAN SEASONINGS, INC.
1540 Wazee Street, Denver, Colorado 80202
Phone: 303.623.2320
Email: joeg@allamericanseasonings.com

We are a family-owned business that for the last 40 years has grown steadily as a supplier to nearly every segment of the Food Industry. By combining science, technology, and imagination, our product development staff has created an extensive library of seasonings and flavors to meet the demands of our customer throughout the country and abroad. This growth is due to what we feel is our unique approach of providing quality in both our products and our service, while emphasizing the belief that we are not successful until our customers have succeeded as well.

We go beyond using quality spices and ingredients; at All American our greatest asset is the ability to combine creativity with a sound working knowledge of flavor technology. Utilizing this combination and listening very closely to our customers needs enables us to form and maintain the kind of partnerships that are essential to helping you survive the competitive business climate.

As a custom blender of food ingredients, All American is equipped to mix large quantities of your dry formulations and package them according to your specifications. Our packaging capabilities range the entire spectrum from a 15-gram bag, up to 2000 lb. totes. Our blending and packaging lines are equipped with the latest computer weighing and automated packaging/sealing technology available. This allows your company to operate at peak efficiency and assure that your customers receive the consistent quality they’ve come to expect from your product.

The heart of our flavor technology is our R & D laboratory/kitchen. Here you will find food scientists performing new product development as well as ingredient profiles for flavor matching. We combine the most accurate technology to achieve a customer's specific needs.

All American Seasonings also takes Food Safety very seriously. We have a state of the art HACCP and SSOP program to ensure they safety of all our products. Our GMP programs meet or exceed recommended safe food practices. All American Seasonings also has an onsite lab to verify that all our products meet stringent microbiological specifications. We are inspected by AIB annually, and have consistently scored high marks on all our independent audits. All American Seasonings also employs the newest innovations in metal detection and foreign material elimination.

We encourage you to experience our service excellence. You may contact us directly by calling Joe Gallagher (Marketing Director) at 303.623.2320 ext. 21 or send us an email at: joeg@allamericanseasonings.com

HANDTMANN, INC.
1692 Barclay Boulevard, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Phone: 800.477.3585

The Handtmann family business has been in operation for more than 125 years and has been manufacturing vane cell Vacuum Fillers for over 40 years. The Vacuum Filler aka sausage stuffer, pump, and many other terms, is manufactured in Biberach, a small town in southern Germany.

In the meat industry, Handtmann is the leader in technology and innovation. There are attachments for linking, hanging and cutting of sausages in all types of casings. Some systems can produce as many as 3000 portions a minute. All of the new style fillers have servo drives rather than hydraulic. This has allowed for greater production and smoother operation.

There are many uses for the Vacuum Filler besides making sausage. It is actually an exact weight portioner. It is used in the baker industry as a dough portioner, and in the tortilla industry as a depositor. It can also extrude cookie dough. The vacuum filler really can take just about any soft malleable food product and deliver a portion.

Handtmann has representatives in over 60 countries, providing direct sales and support. In the United States we are located in Chicago, a good central location for servicing our customer. Steve Tennis has been the President of Handtmann, Inc. for 12 years. Scott Sirridge is the Territory Manager for the Southeast. Both can be contacted at 1.800.477.3585

WELCOME TO OUR NEW PROCESSING MEMBER

TRAVIS MEATS, INC. - W.D. Travis
P.O. Box 670; Powell, TN 37849
Phone: 865.938.9051

Founded in 1935 by William B. Travis, Travis Meats, Inc, began retail as Travis Fish Market, located in Knoxville, TN. Mr. Travis bought his first product from his previous employer, his father. The Travis family food purveying began as a commercial fishing operation in the Chesapeake Bay area of Virginia in the early 1900’s. Travis Fish Market became Travis Meat and Seafood Company in 1942.

In 1958, the company directed its business toward wholesale food service operations instead of retail sales. In 1973, Travis purchased an 85,000 square foot building in Powell, Tennessee. This is our present home. Our facility has now grown to over 150,000 square feet.

By 1984 the seafood trade was discontinued, and the company focused its attention to red meat products. We now supply over 300 high quality, frozen, portion controlled beef, veal and pork products to over 100 distributors all over the country. Travis Meats, Inc. employs approximately 180 people who produce our quality meat.

Travis is a family owned business that has remained small enough to respond to our customers’ changing needs. The Company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction will continue to drive Travis Meats, Inc. into the future.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBER

OMNI APPAREL, INC. - Brenda Evans
Kingsbridge Drive, Carrollton, GA 30117
Phone: 770.838.1008 Fax: 770.838.1038
Email: oapparel@bellsouth.net

Omni Apparel, Inc. has been in business since 1992. The business was started in Douglasville, GA and moved to a new building in Carrollton, GA in 1998. Omni Apparel is a USA made only manufacturer of butcher frocks, lab coats, wrap-around smocks and aprons. We offer a complete line of garments used in the meat and poultry industry. Omni Apparel is large enough to supply the largest company and small enough to give great, personalized service. We are dedicated to offering quality USA made garments at an affordable price. Our turn-around time is 10 working days or less with 90% of orders shipped within 24 hours.

Our company has recently added an in-house Embroidery Department offering corporate and casual apparel, customized embroidery and on-site digitizing. You can depend on Omni Apparel to provide top quality garments, competitive prices and dependable service.

Save today and buy your garments direct from the manufacturer.