Source:  Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 7/5/10

As promised, USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service is following up with processing companies of all sizes to make sure they have adopted a Food Defense Plan, in case of intentional sabotage of a food product in their facility. In July, FSIS will mail a letter to establishments that — according to the results of the December 2009 Food Defense Plan Survey — do not have a food defense plan. FSIS also will mail a letter to establishments that received a grant of inspection after FSIS conducted the 2009 survey. The General Food Defense Plan, which was developed by the Office of Data Integration and Food Protection with input from representatives from small and very small establishments, will be attached to that letter. If they review the plan and sign the cover sheet that accompanies the General Food Defense Plan, FSIS-regulated establishments will have adopted the food defense plan. In addition, during either the week of July 5, July 12 or July 19, at the weekly meeting with management, Inspection Program Personnel (IPP) at establishments that do not have a food defense plan are to discuss voluntary adoption and implementation of one using a script that FSIS has written. And, IPP are to document these discussions in a memorandum as set out in FSIS Directive 5000.1, Verifying an Establishment's Food Safety System. To read the notice in its entirety, including the script that FSIS has provided and other documents, click here.

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