SEMA_________________________________

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

EIAO RESPONSIBILITIES

FSIS has issued FSIS Directive 5100.2, "Enforcement, Investigations, and Analysis Officer (EIAO) Responsibilities Related to Recalls and Consumer Complaints" that provides EIAOs with directions on conducting activities relating to effectiveness checks for recalls as well as investigations of consumer complaints entered into the Consumer Complaint Monitoring System (CCMS). Processing establishments should review this Directive as it may help in developing the hazard analysis and supporting documentation you need. FSIS Directive 5100.2 may be viewed at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISDirectives/5100.2.pdf

FSIS/FDA GUIDELINES FOR DISASTER

FSIS and FDA have issued guidelines titled "FSIS/FDA Guidelines For Retail and Foodservice Establishments Affected By Natural or Other Disasters." These guidelines provide emergency action, food safety information and recommendations to retail food establishments that are forced to shut down due to natural or other disasters. Disasters can create conditions that may affect the integrity of an establishment's existing food supply and may potentially have lingering effects on the operation. The guidelines include advice on water, electricity, sewer, structural integrity of the facility, pest control, damaged food products, equipment, maintaining food temperatures, employees and U.S. government resources. To see the document, go to: http://www.foodsafety.gov/~dms/retdisa2.html

<<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->>
It is not the strongest of the species that survive,
nor the most intelligent,
but the one most responsive to change.
Charles Darwin
<<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->>

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act” (HR 554). The bill blocks frivolous lawsuits based on obesity claims against food manufacturers and related industries.

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced that summary information on new technologies approved for use in the production of meat, poultry and egg products will be available on its Web site.

AVIAN INFLUENZA

For two decades USDA has worked preparing the U.S. from an outbreak of the highly transmissible forms of avian influenza. Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Connor said “Attacking the disease at its source overseas is a main focus for USDA. We also have strict importation to prevent the spread of the virus in our country and an elaborate surveillance system in place to monitor our bird populations”.

Worldwide, there are many strains of avian influenza virus, which can cause varying degrees of illness in poultry. Avian influenza strains are divided into two groups: low pathogenicity and high pathogenicity. Low path avian influenza, has existed in the United States since the early 1900's and is commonly found here. It causes birds to become ill and can be fatal to them. These strains of the disease pose no known serious threat to human health. High path avian influenza is more fatal and transmissible. High path avian influenza is the type currently affecting parts of Asia and Eastern Europe.

NOVEMBER 15th DEADLINE
NOTIFY OLDER EMPLOYEES OF MEDICARE BENEFIT

Every employer is responsible for notifying any employee or dependent over age 65 and on their health plan by November 15 as to whether or not their prescription plan is credible. It does not apply to retiree coverage. Most employers will have credible plans, meaning the employers’ group prescription plan is stronger than the new Medicare part D program.

The Medicare prescription program is estimated to cost about $35 per month and will require subscribers to pay an annual deductible of $250, plus 25% of prescription drug costs between $250 and $2,250. When a Medicare beneficiary’s out-of-pocket expenses reaches $3,6000, the Medicare beneficiary pays the greater of a 5% coinsurance or a co-payment of $2 for generic drugs or $5 for other prescription drugs.

FSIS WEB SITE

FSIS will start posting brief descriptions of new technologies to encourage public and industry awareness by small and very small plants, thus helping to improve public health protection.

FSIS established the New Technology Staff (NTS) in 2003, to review new technologies that companies intend to use in the slaughter of livestock and poultry and in the processing of meat, poultry, and egg products. Review by NTS ensures that the use of new technologies will not adversely affect product safety, inspection procedures or the safety of FSIS inspectors.

FSIS defines the term "new technology" as new, or new applications of, equipment, substances, methods, processes or procedures affecting the slaughter of livestock and poultry or processing of meat, poultry, or egg products. The new technologies have contributed to the reduction of threats posed by pathogenic microorganisms in the recent years. For further details on the new technologies, visit www.fsis.usda.gov.

This notice will become effective on November 18, 2005.

<<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->>
THINGS TO PONDER………………
Don’t say “if only”
say “next time”
<<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->><<-->>

SEMA INDUSTRY NEWS

DeWied International's Jan Danielski will be retiring from DeWied International Inc., January 1, 2006. Jan's 20-year career with DeWied began as an Account Executive servicing the Midwest area, and then moved up to the National Super Market accounts Manager and 15 years ago promoted to Sales Manager US/CAN.

Jan says, “the last 20 years have been fun, challenging, interesting and very rewarding. The people we deal with are not only customers but also friends. I will miss them very much.”

Dan’s Prize, Gainesville, GA manufacturer of meat products for the foodservice industry, has announced changes in key executive positions.

Jim Smith, president and chief executive officer of Dan’s Prize, announced that Pat Hutzel, senior vice president of sales and administration, has been named president and chief operating officer. Smith will continue to serve, as chief executive officer of Dan’s Prize, a low cost, and high quality further processor of private branded roast beef and other products to foodservice customers.Bruce Graham, national sales manager for Dan’s Prize, has been advanced to vice president of sales.

Hutzel, a Dan’s Prize employee for 15 years, has been senior vice president of sales and administration at Gainesville since September 2004. Starting with the company in 1990 as regional vice president, Hutzel was advanced to vice president of sales six years later. He was subsequently promoted to senior vice president of sales and administration. Hutzel graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree at The Ohio State University in Columbus and received a master’s degree from California Western University in San Diego.

Graham has served the past year as national sales manager for Dan’s Prize. A nine-year employee, Graham began in regional sales in 1996 and was promoted to regional sales manager six years later. He became national sales manager last year. Graham received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

Smith has served seven years as president and chief executive officer for Dan’s Prize. Smith was one of the original members of the executive team when Hormel Foods Corporation acquired Dan’s Prize in 1991. He was named president and chief operating officer in 1997 and, one year later, became president and chief executive officer.

D.L. Lee Co.'s, Andy Lee, sales representative and Lindsey Erin Brown were married October 22nd. We wish the couple the best in their life together.

Curtis Packing: our condolences go out to Earl Branch and his family for the loss of Earl’s mother Lois, who passed away the end of September.

Concept Foods's Holiday Gift Ideas; For more than 50 years, Alma Cheese has produced great-tasting natural cheeses that thousands of customers have enjoyed. All natural and handmade from only the finest ingredients, our gift boxes will make the perfect holiday gift for your customers and staff.

Down home quality and the flexibility to fit any occasion, that’s what Alma Creamery is all about…..
To place your order, call TOLL FREE 1-866-765-3522 or visit our web site at www.almacreamery.com.

Each gift box will include a personalized message from you and will be shipped directly to that special person on your list.

Look in the classified section of the SEMA web site for listing of gift boxes, they range from $20 to $45. You may even want to make your own steak & cheese box or sausage & cheese box, the cheeses are sure to compliment your meat products.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Advertise here, a free SEMA service

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Advertise here, if you are looking for a career opportunity or to expand your staff.

Middle Management Position: Looking for an opportunity to work with a major processing company. Besides 30 years in the food processing industry, experience includes training in OSHA regulations, supervisor and plant manager in smoked meat and hams plants for 25 years. Working experience also includes hog kill plant, bacon processing and last job, production manager of a beef processing plant processing patty and bulk hamburger. For copy of resume, call the SEMA office 407.365.5661 or e-mail anna_ondick@earthlink.net

Foodservice Portion Control Market Manager: Central Florida area. Experience needed in portion cutting, production reporting and personnel management. Opportunities for growth, buying responsibility and profit sharing program. Full benefits. Mail resume to SEMA P.O. Box 620777 Oviedo, FL 32762, or e-mail resume to info@southeasternmeat.com. Resumes will be forwarded.

EQUIPMENT WANTED/FOR SALE

Advertise here if you have equipment to sell or if you are looking to purchase

Lowell Packing is selling its equipment and trucks. Some items available are a Reitz Blender,
Maurer Smokehouse, Alkar 9 & 6 & 4 cage smokehouses, Handtmann stuffer VF100, Groen Kettles Townsend skinner model 500, 3 Multivac R230/ M855/ M800. IHC and International trucks.
For a listing of equipment and pricing contact Scott Downing at 912.423.2051.

POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS

Advertise here if you are looking for a meat/poultry supplier
Processors advertise here if you are overstocked or discontinuing an item or supplies

CONCEPT FOODS, SEMA member Gift boxes
THE NIBBLER - $20 (plus S&H) - The perfect gift for that person who is hard to buy for. It offers a variety of cheeses that are “NIBBLIN’ GOOD” --- Pepper Jack Curds, Yellow Curds, Pepper Jack Cheese & Mild Cheddar Cheese.
THE TRADITIONAL - $20 (Plus S&H) – Highlights our top sellers and overall favorites among customers. The box includes both Yellow & White Cheddar Curds, our Mild Cheddar & our famous Co-Jack.
THE SPECIALTY - $30 (Plus S&H) – What a special treat for any season! This gift box is sophisticated & tasty. Packed full of our Naturally Smoked Monterey Jack, Summer Sausage, Half Moon of Sharp, Hickory Smoked Pepper Jack, Bacon Jack Cheese and a Cheese Cutter to slice it all.
THE SAMPLER - $40 (Plus S&H) - A super gift for families, this gift box features a Full Moon of Co-Jack, a Half Moon of Colby, a package of Yellow Curds & Pepper Jack Curds, a Block of Mild Cheddar, a Half Moon of Pepper Jack and a Summer Sausage Log.
THE FLINT HILLS FEAST - $45 (Plus S&H) – This is a FABULOUS collection of three flavors of our famous cheese (Mild Cheddar, Pepper Jack & Yellow Cheddar Curds), a bottle of the popular Elderberry Bliss non-alcoholic juice produced by Wyldewood Cellars, and a jar of Grandma Hoerner’s very own Cranberry Walnut Chutney.