Source:  MEATINGPLACE, 8/2/11

FSIS is working on a system that would enable meat and poultry companies to submit labels for approval electronically, called the Label Submission and Approval System (LSAS), according to the North American Meat Processors Association.
In its Newsline newsletter, NAMP said the system will have a significant positive impact on the speed and accuracy of label review and will provide FSIS with tremendous access to reporting around labeling, ingredients and preparation of meat, poultry and egg products.

NAMP listed the benefits of the system as:
• Wizard function will reduce submission errors
• Faster processing than current paper submissions
• Cost and time savings vs. shipping via surface mail
• Online access to application status
• Electronic storage and record keeping will allow establishments to save and re-submit standard documentation
• System edit checks will check for formatting and submission errors, allowing for real time corrections that will reduce turnaround time for label review
• Enhanced communication mechanisms such as messaging within LSAS will reduce initial time spent on first time application submission and re-submissions.

NAMP said FSIS hopes the system will come online in late 2011.

For more stories, go to www.meatingplace.com.