Source: USDA, 7/14/17

FSIS is announcing the appointment of Dr. Kurt Schulz as the new Humane Handling Ombudsman, effective immediately.

The creation of the Humane Handling Ombudsman position was one of several measures taken by USDA to improve FSIS verification and enforcement of federal humane handling laws and regulations. FSIS employees, Agency stakeholders and the general public can report humane handling concerns or complaints when the standard reporting mechanisms do not adequately address or resolve outstanding issues.

The duties and activities of the Humane Handling Ombudsman are founded on three guiding principles:
• Act as an independent, confidential and neutral resource for FSIS employees and stakeholders to bring forward complaints and concerns related to federal humane handling laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with all concerned parties by facilitating and effectuating resolutions that are fair and equitable.
• Identify individual and systemic improvements to address humane handling problems that may threaten the effectiveness of the Agency’s food safety mission and assist in the implementation of those improvements along with ways to minimize recurrence.

The previous Ombudsman who served since 2012, Mr. Mark Crowe, accepted a promotion within FSIS. For more information, please contact Dr. Kurt Schulz, DVM, at Kurt.schulz@osec.usda.gov or visit https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/production-and-inspection/humane-handling-ombudsman/humane-handling-ombudsman