SEMA_________________________________ SOUTHEASTERN MEAT ASSOCIATION
RISK BASED INSPECTION SYSTEMBeginning April 2007, FSIS will implement Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) in approximately 250 processing plants in 30 locations. FSIS is using an algorithm or mathematical formula to determine the level of inspection that needs to be performed in processing plants. The algorithm combines two measures, each representing 100 points and each 50% of the total score. The inherent risk measure will measure different types of processed products and the volume of the processed products produced by the establishment. The measure of inherent risk will be: Species/Process x Volume The risk control measure represents how well each plant is controlling
risk in its operations.
The level of inspection for each establishment is based on its RBI measure. There will be 3 levels of inspection. Approximately 60% of the establishments will be in level 2, with 20% in each level 1 and 3. Daily inspection will continue at processing facilities. The new policy will result in fewer inspections of plants that are low risk and do a better job recording and handling of products. To start, the new system will be used in processing plants, excluding slaughter plants. Detailed information available on the FSIS web site: www.fsis.usda.gov/?Regulations_&_Policies/RBI_on_Processing/index.asp Public Meeting on Risk-Based InspectionFSIS will hold a public meeting April 2nd to discuss the algorithm used to compute risk-based inspection levels for processing establishments. This is the first of a series of "technical summits" on specific issues raised by stakeholders during the development of risk-based inspection in processing. Pre-registration for this meeting is encouraged. The session will be simultaneously connected to an audio conference call. This meeting will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the George Mason University, Arlington Campus, 3401 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22201. IMMIGRATION REFORM BILL INTRODUCEDA comprehensive immigration bill that addresses border enforcement, criminalizes employers who hire undocumented workers, mandates the use of an employment verification system and includes a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants was introduced in the House of Representatives. Key features of the bill include:
AMI is urging the inclusion of the following changes to strengthen the Basic Pilot Program:
Condensed from AMI March newsletter FOOD STAMP PROGRAMThe 2002 Farm Bill authorized USDA to award $5 million in Food Stamp Program grants for projects aimed at improving the accessibility and awareness of USDA's Food Stamp Program for low-income households. In order to reflect the changes that time and technology have brought to the program the Administration has suggested changing the Food Stamp Program to the Food and Nutrition Program. FOOD DEFENSE PLANAvailable on the FSIS web site is a guide that provides an easy, practical, and achievable three-step method for creating a food defense plan. By completing pages 13 -16 of the guide, you will have a plan specific for your operation. The guide can be found at www.fsis.usda.gov then click on Small and Very Small Plants. SEMA INDUSTRY NEWSIf your company has something they would like to share or information to update please send it in to the SEMA office and we will post it. Example, new salesperson, personnel promotions, expanding your company, etc. American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) now has available a Crisis Management & Security Training Manual. SEMA is an AAMP Affiliate member, allowing SEMA processing members to purchase the manual at the AAMP member rate of $35.00. To order a copy, call the AAMP office 717.367.1168. <<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->> WELCOME NEW SEMA MEMBERSProcessing Member Rocket City Meats and Seafood located at 2203 Meridian Street in Huntsville Alabama has been in business since 1984. It is an independently owned wholesale foods company, mainly meats (beef, poultry, pork, processed, and seafood). The owner is Billy R. Phillips who has been in the food service industry for over 35 years. There is also a retail outlet at the physical location where meats and grocery items are sold. Service for wholesale goods is provided to the Huntsville area as well as Birmingham, Scottsboro, Decatur, Hartselle, Guntersville, Albertville, and the Florence area. There is a website at www.rocketcitymeats.net. The contact for Rocket City Meats and Seafood is Bill Phillips at 256-533-9744 or fax 256-539-1566. Associate Member Florida Marking is a manufacturing facility in Longwood, FL with 30
employees. We manufacture items that identify your products. Labels,
decals, vinyl lettering, banners, stencils, rubber stamps, daters, inks,
engraved nameplates and all types of signs for facility marking are some
of the products we manufacture. In addition to this we distribute all
forms of Advertising Specialty Products to promote your business name.
We market to the entire Southeast and pride ourselves on our quick turn
around and quality products. Our company is in its 24th year of business.
The contact for Florida Marking Products is Jackie Abrams at 407.834.3000. CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Companies that invest in employee learning have higher
productivity, revenue growth, NEED SOME HELP?SEMA and some of the Universities in the Southeast are working together for the betterment of our industry. If you need some help or would like to develop a new product, process or need back-up documentation for processing procedures they may be about to help you. University of Georgia at
Athens, GA University of Florida University of Tennessee |
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