USDA to list retail stores receiving recalled meat products

Beginning next month, USDA will begin listing retail stores receiving meat and poultry products involved in Class I recalls - Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer announced.

 

Class I recalls are those with the most serious impact on public health.

 

The announcement provides a 30-day notice after the rule is published in the Federal Register before the process of listing retail stores takes effect.

 

Schafer said the identity of stores receiving possibly contaminated meat has always been a piece of information missing for the public during a recall. People would want to know if they need to look out for recalled meat at their local store, he added.

 

 

USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) will post on its Web site (www.fsis.usda.gov) a list of retail stores that receive products subject to Class I recalls generally within three to ten business days of issuing the recall release.

 

A Class I recall is one that involves a reasonable probability of serious health consequences or death for those with weakened immune systems.

 

The names of distribution centres, institutions or restaurants would be withheld however, since they prepare food for immediate consumption without packaging that is identifiable or available to consumers.

 

The information posted on the FSIS Web site would be shared with State and local public health officials where the retail stores are located.

 

Previously, FSIS recalls always include the name of the establishment recalling the meat or poultry, the reason for the recall, a description of the recalled product, any identifying product codes, the recall classification and contact information at FSIS and the company involved.