Source: USDA, 6/19/15

FSIS is affirming, with changes and a request for comment, the interim final rule “Control of Listeria monocytogenes in Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Products,” which was published in the Federal Register on June 6, 2003.  FSIS is making minor changes to the regulatory provisions in response to comments that the Agency received, on the basis of experience in implementing the provisions, and because the way FSIS obtains establishment profile information electronically has changed.

FSIS is clarifying in the regulations that establishments may not release product into commerce that has been in contact with Listeria monocytogenes-contaminated surfaces without reprocessing the product.  In addition, FSIS is removing the requirement for establishments to report production volume and related information to FSIS because the Agency now routinely collects this information through its Public Health Information System.

Comments must be received on or before August 18, 2015 and may be submitted online via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov; by mail sent to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and inspection Service, Patriots Plaza 3, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Mailstop 3782, room 8-163A, Washington, DC 20250-3700; or by hand- or courier-delivery to Patriots Plaza 3, 355 E Street SW., Room 8-163A, Washington, DC 20250-3700. All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must include the Agency name and docket number FSIS-2014-0033.

The notice can be found at http://www.fsis.usda.gov.edgesuite.net/wps/portal/fsis/topics/regulations/federal-register/federal-register-notices. The compliance guide can be found at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/regulatory-compliance/compliance-guides-index#Listeria.