The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) issued compliance guidelines for a systematic approach to humane handling of livestock on Wednesday. A systematic approach is a comprehensive method of evaluating how livestock enter and move through an establishment and focuses on treating livestock so as to minimize excitement, discomfort, and accidental injury. While it’s not a regulatory requirement, FSIS believes that it is the best way to comply with Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, the Federal Meat Inspection Act, and federal regulations on humane handling of livestock. This new guidance was developed to address humane handling incidents noted in a May 2013 report by the USDA Office of Inspector General (OIG). The audit found that FSIS enforcement policies don’t keep pig slaughter plants from repeatedly violating the Federal Meat Inspection Act. In addition, the report cited 10 instances of “egregious violations” of humane handling regulations where inspectors did not issue suspensions. “We have taken significant measures over the last few years to strengthen our ability to enforce humane handling laws at livestock slaughter facilities nationwide,” said FSIS Administrator Al Almanza in a statement Wednesday. “The guidance is one example of our commitment to the humane treatment of animals. We continue to implement improvements so that we have the best system possible.” FSIS reports that, as of this year, half of slaughter facilities have adopted a systematic approach to humane handling, a goal laid out in the agency’s 2011-2016 strategic plan.
The News Desk team at Food Safety News covers breaking developments, regulatory updates, recalls, and key topics shaping food safety today. These articles are produced collaboratively by our editorial staff.
An analysis of official controls in Norway and Iceland has revealed effective oversight overall with some recurring weaknesses.
Norway and Iceland are part of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
Bongkrekic acid and the illegal use of a substance to give the appearance of fish freshness were examples of emerging risks discussed in a recent report about problems in Europe
The majority of countries are finding implementing food safety culture controls difficult, according to a European Commission survey.
The report looked at the state of food safety culture controls in
Ireland’s largest Listeria outbreak and plans to introduce a food hygiene rating system are among the highlights of the Irish food agency’s annual report.
According to the Food
Foods Alive Inc of Angola, IN, is recalling its 8-ounce packages of organic moringa leaf powder because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
The recalled organic
A young girl has died in Australia from a serious condition that develops after an E. coli infection.
The 3-year-old girl fell ill after visiting a farm in
Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer for many Americans, bringing one last round of backyard barbecues, picnics and gatherings with family and friends.
But as summer winds
Another outbreak of Salmonella infections related to fresh sprouts is under investigation, this time in Washington and Montana.
The implicated broccoli sprouts are produced by Evergreen Sprouts LLC of Idaho.
