SEMA_________________________________

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

NEW PROCEDURES FOR COLLECTING & SUBMITTING
E.coli O157:H7 SAMPLE

This Notice 62-07 provides new guidance to inspection program personnel on collecting samples of beef manufacturing trimmings and other raw ground beef and patty components for Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 testing. In addition, this notice provides new instructions for submitting samples to the laboratory for E. coli O157:H7 testing.

Currently, under Directive 10,010.1 and FSIS Notices 17-07 and 18-07, inspection program personnel are not to send samples to the laboratory until the establishment has completed pre-shipment review for the sampled lot. With this notice, inspection program personnel are not to wait until the establishment completes pre-shipment review before submitting raw beef samples to the laboratory for E. coli O157:H7 testing. Rather, inspection program personnel are to submit the raw beef sample to the laboratory after the establishment has completed all interventions, except for any intervention that is based on microbiological test results.

NEW PROCEDURES FOR COLLECTING AND SUBMITTING SAMPLES

• Routine sampling of beef manufacturing trimmings;
• Routine sampling of raw ground beef;
• Follow-up sampling of raw ground beef; and
• Follow-up sampling of trimmings and other raw ground beef and patty components.

Inspection program personnel are to collect the sample after the establishment has completed production of a lot (as defined by the establishment) and applied all interventions except any microbiological testing intervention. If the establishment intends to test the product for E. coli O157:H7 before completing pre-shipment review, inspection program personnel are not to wait for the establishment to receive the test results. Rather, inspection program personnel are to collect the sample and prepare it for shipment to the laboratory on the first available Federal Express pick-up.

Consistent with current instructions, inspection program personnel are to sample product that is intended for use in raw ground beef or other raw non-intact beef products. When pulling samples, inspection program personnel should determine which product to sample based upon information available at the time that they notify the establishment of the sample request.

To review this new notice, go to www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISNotices/62-07.pdf

U.S. SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE RESIGNS

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns resigned in September. Johanns is expected to run for the Nebraska Senate seat currently held by Senator Chuck Hagel. Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner will serve as Acting Secretary of Agriculture. Conner has served as deputy secretary of agriculture since May 2005.

PUBLIX GREENWISE GOING ORGANIC

Lakeland based Publix Grocery Stores currently carry GreenWise organic and natural health foods along with other products in the stores, but feel there is a growing market in organic and healthier foods. The new stores will be named GreenWise, with the majority of the products being organic, natural and healthier foods. The model store opened in Palm Beach Gardens the end of September. GreenWise will be competing for market share with Whole Foods and Chamberlains.

October 24th is Bologna Day

ONE LESS PROBLEM, FLOORS

What are some of the most common demands meat and poultry processors make when speaking with a flooring supplier about their plant floors today?

A. Can the floor system hold up to thermal shock?
B. Does it cure fast?
C. Will the floor be slippery?
D. Will it hold up to chemical attack?
E. How soon can floor be applied over new concrete?
F. Will it hold up to live steam?
G. Is it resistant to the growth of bacteria and fungi, including e coli and salmonella?

These are major questions in today’s market place, especially with health inspections becoming more stringent. The answer is a urethane cement floor system. Urethane cement holds up to thermal shock, cures in six to eight hours, withstands chemical attacks, holds up to live steam, can be made non-slip as desired and, finally is resistant to the growth of bacteria and fungi, including e coli and salmonella.

Look for a contractor who installs this type of system and check out their references and type of warranty.

Provided by SEMA Member Tom Young, Advanced Surfaces Corp.

WHAT POULTRY PRODUCTS CAN BE LABELED, BACON?

Meat products can have “bacon” in the name as long as they meet the same requirements that apply to pork bacon, which includes limits on restricted ingredients and the requirement that the bacon must return to green weight. According to the FSIS Standards and Labeling Policy Book, poultry bacon products are acceptable and may be designated as (Kind) Bacon. However a true descriptive name must appear contiguous to (Kind) Bacon without intervening type or design, in letters at least one-half the size of the letters used in the (Kind) Bacon, and in the same style and color and on the same background. An example of an acceptable designation is “Turkey Bacon Cured Turkey Breast Meat-Chopped and Formed”.

NAMP newsletter 9/07

GET ANSWERS TO TECHNICAL & POLICY QUESTIONS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has launched askFSIS, a new web-based feature, designed to help answer technical and policy questions regarding inspection and public health regulations 24 hours a day.

It will allow visitors to seek answers on topics such as exporting, labeling and inspection-related policies, programs and procedures. "This new web-based tool will be especially helpful for owners and operators of small and very small plants and is another example of how FSIS is finding new and innovative ways to meet the needs of its customers," said USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Richard Raymond.

To access askFSIS, please visit FSIS' Web site at: www.fsis.usda.gov/Help/FAQs_Small_&_Very_Small_Plants/index.asp.

USDA WEB PORTAL

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has unveiled a new Internet resource to help smaller companies answer food safety questions and help food processors make science-based food production decisions. The portal, available at http://www.ars.usda.gov/naa/errc/mfsru/portal, is one of the most comprehensive decision support tools available.

SEMA WEB SITE - CLASSIFIEDS

Let the CLASSIFIEDS Work for You

There are five categories in the classified section. The page can be viewed by all web site visitors.

1. Business Opportunities: Restaurants, Grocers, and/or Distributors looking for products or suppliers.
2. Seeking Employment: People outside our Association who are seeking career opportunities in the Southeast.
3. For Sale: Processing companies looking to sell excess equipment, product overruns, discontinued products and/or discontinued paper goods. SEMA Associate members looking to sell discounted products.
4. Looking For: Processing companies looking for new or used equipment, packaging supplies or products.
5. Help Wanted: SEMA Member Companies looking to fill a position within their organization.

To place an ad: Go to the Classified section and click on Anna Ondick to attach your ad or e-mail info@southeasternmeat.com or fax the SEMA office at 407.365.5661.

There is no charge for a classified ad. All ads must be approved.

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THINGS TO PONDER………
Success is a journey not a destination
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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 it at no charge. Example, new salesperson, personnel promotions, expanding your company, etc.

Food Defense Plan is available on the FSIS website, 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.

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 ASSOCIATE MEMBER

Mark Sheffield is self-employed selling under the Insurance Office of America (IOA) Brand. IOA has full service insurance and financial services that specialize in property and workers compensation insurance. Mark can be reached at 813.637.8877 ext. 2543.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Companies that invest in employee learning have higher productivity, revenue growth,
and profit growth than companies that do not.