SEMA_________________________________

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

RECALL INVESTIGATION

A joint investigation between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), identified a likely source of the multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to the Topps Meat Company. The CFIA provided FSIS with PFGE patterns, or DNA fingerprints, from tests of beef trim from Canadian firm, Ranchers Beef, Ltd., Canadian establishment number 630. This firm provided trim to the Topps Meat Company. The firm located in Balzac, Alberta, ceased operations on August 15, 2007. Some product remained in storage and was collected and tested by CFIA as part of the joint investigation of the Topps recall and as part of CFIA's own investigation into 45 illnesses in Canada from E. coli O157:H7.

PulseNet provided verification to FSIS that the PFGE pattern matched those from patients who were ill and from positive tests conducted by the New York Department of Health on product (both intact packages and open packages from patients' homes) that was later recalled by the Topps Meat Company. PulseNet is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) searchable database of all PFGE patterns from patients and food products in the United States. No product from Ranchers Beef, LTD has been eligible to come into the U.S. since October 20, 2007. For more information go to: www.fsis.usda.gov.

FSIS LAUNCHES NEWSLETTER

FSIS has launched a newsletter for small and very small plants. The newsletter will cover topics such as current food safety resources, regulatory policies compliance guidelines and common questions and export information. FSIS encourages plant owners and operators to share their comments, concerns and ideas with the agency. Establishments can subscribe to the online newsletter and automatically receive e-mail alerts when new content has been posted.

You can access and subscribe to the newsletter on the FSIS web site by going to: www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Small_Plant_News/index.asp

FSIS REGULATIONS, DIRECTIVES & NOTICES

FSIS Notice 70-07 (Oct 30, 2007), Revised Attachment 4 for FSIS Notice 65-07. This notice reissues attachment 4 to FSIS Notice 65-07

FSIS Notice 68-07 (Oct. 26, 2007), Routine Sampling and Testing of Raw Ground Beef Components Other Than Trim and Imported Raw Ground Beef Components for Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7.

FSIS TAKING ACTION TO COMBAT E.COLI O157:H7

October 23, 2007: FSIS announced new, ongoing and upcoming actions to protect public health against the risk of E. coli O157:H7, including expanded testing, including testing of imported trim at the border and more rapid recalls. FSIS will also increase testing of raw ground beef, boxed beef and subprimals for E. coli O157:H7. FSIS is to begin its product exams of Canadian meat and poultry starting November 9th. Additionally, FSIS will increase testing for Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella in ready-to-eat products. The rate of testing Canadian meat will be approximately double that of last year.

Key initiatives targeted to federally inspected plants that produce raw beef products include:

• Testing and analysis of trim.
• Verifying control of E. coli O157:H7. As of November, all beef plants will be expected to verify that they are effectively controlling E. coli O157:H7 during slaughter and processing.
• New checklist for verifying control. FSIS inspection program personnel will review both suppliers and processors based on a new checklist, once inspectors complete specialized training.
• More rapid recalls.
• Targeting routine testing. January 2008, FSIS will begin routine targeted sampling for E. coli O157:H7 at slaughter and grinding facilities. Currently, all plants have an equal chance of being tested. Under this new verification testing program, FSIS will test larger volume operations more frequently than in the past.
• Ensuring safety of imported beef products. FSIS notified countries that export raw beef product to the U.S. of new policies and programs and is working with them to ensure they implement the same or equivalent measures to protect the public from E. coli O157:H7 risks.

A comprehensive list of actions by FSIS to reduce E. coli O157:H7 is posted on the FSIS website at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_102307_01_Att/index.asp

REGULATORY EDUCATION SESSION

Small and very small plant owners and operators are invited to join FSIS inspection personnel at regulatory education sessions to bring industry and inspection personnel together to promote a uniform understanding of the regulations. As part of the initiative to enhance outreach to assist small and very small plants outlined in the FSIS strategic implementation plan (PDF Only), FSIS is holding a series of regulatory education sessions. For more information, call 800.336.3747 or check www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events.

To register, call 800.336.3747 or for online registration forms and information about upcoming sessions go to: www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Outreach_Sessions_SVS_Plants/index.asp.

Web Seminar:

• FSIS Statistical Process Control Policies and Guidance Procedures in Slaughter Operations
  This seminar will review FSIS guidelines for generic E. coli testing for process control verification in cattle, swine, and poultry establishments. December 5, 2007
• New Food Safety Technologies for Small and Very Small Meat and Poultry Slaughter Plants
  This seminar will provide descriptions of new technologies that small and very small plants can use to control pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella in meat and poultry slaughter operations.
  January 23, 2008
• FSIS Policies on Generic Labeling of Meat and Poultry Products
  FSIS representatives will discuss the requirements of generic labeling of meat and poultry products and describe the types of information that is allowed and not allowed on generic labels. February 20, 2008

FSIS, SIX TIPS FOR BEEF PURCHASING PROGRAM

USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recorded 12 recalls through September 2007, associated with E. coli O157:H7 in beef products, compared to 8 in 2006. Due to the concern about E. coli, the North American Meat Processors Association sponsored a conference focusing on E. coli prevention in September. At the conference Dan Englejohn of FSIS presented six suggested good manufacturing practices to help processors develop and implement effective purchase specifications.

1. Reassess your HACCP plan based on in-plant and nationwide information such as recalls, public health alerts or illnesses. "The bottom line is, don't wait for FSIS to mandate a reassessment," Englejohn said.
2. Require suppliers to have a validated intervention identified with verified CCPs for the carcass, primals and trim.
3. Require suppliers to test all incoming trim using the N-60 excision method. This method, while not yet mandated by FSIS, is considered by the agency to be the "gold standard" for trim, according to Englejohn.
4. Test some incoming and finished product on your own; for example, arrange for the supplier to select and hold a production lot but test the sample at 5 degrees F higher temperature to account for transport time.
5. Stipulate use restrictions for how you label and market your product for receivers of your product. "We do think your supplier needs to know how you're using product," Englejohn said.
6. Employ a third-party audit based on your specifications. “It's not enough to have certificates
   of analysis,” Englejohn maintained. “You need to have an ongoing dialogue with your supplier.”

From MeatingPlace.com

SEMA INDUSTRY NEWS

SEMA members, if you have something to share or information to up-date, please send it to the SEMA office and it will be posted at no charge. Example, new salesperson, personnel promotions, expanding your company, etc.

AC Legg’s Gene Funkhouser had a stroke a few months back. Gene says he is back to work and feeling much better. He appreciates everyone’s prayers, cards and calls.

Food Defense Plan is available on the FSIS website and 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.

askFSIS, a web-based feature, is designed to help answer technical and policy questions regarding inspection and public health regulations 24 hours a day. Access askFSIS web site at: www.fsis.usda.gov/Help/FAQs_Small_&_Very_Small_Plants/index.asp.

COLORADO BOXED BEEF CO-FOUNDER DIES

Edith Saterbo, co-founder of Colorado Boxed Beef, died Nov. 2 in Winter Haven, Fla., from heart failure. She was 77. She and her late husband Dick Saterbo founded Colorado Boxed Beef in 1975. She retired in 1989. The Auburndale, Fla.-based processor has since been led by sons Bryan, Stephen and John Saterbo. A fourth son, Richard, is not involved in the business.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Girls Inc., 2400 Havendale Blvd. NW, Winter Haven, Fla., 33881, or the American Cancer Society, 809 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, Fla., 33801

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THINGS TO PONDER………
How much easier it is to be critical than to be correct
Benjamin Disraeli, British Statesman
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