USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued Directive 8080.1 to provide guidance regarding recall plans and to incorporate new food safety regulations on the industry.
This directive instructs official establishments that they are required to notify their local FSIS district office personnel within 24 hours when they learn or determine that adulterated or misbranded product has entered commerce.
If an official establishment notifies FSIS personnel other than the district office that adulterated or misbranded product has entered commerce, those personnel are to contact the district office promptly, through supervisory channels. They are also to notify the establishment that it is still required to contact the district office directly.
The directive details exactly which actions are to be taken when a foodborne illness investigation is initiated and the appropriate actions for a recall; instructions for product sampling and laboratory analysis as well as environmental assessment and product traceback; proper agency action; and close-out and final assessment for every investigation.
The FSIS notice, which replaces the previous directive dated October 26, 2010, is available here.
