November 17, 2005

USDA seeks new plant inspection system to assess risk
 

USDA is seeking to start within three years, a new inspection system to assess potential health risks posed by meat, poultry and egg products at slaughter and processing plants in the US.

A national advisory committee established by the USDA would meet, and discuss what inspection criteria and data should be used to decide the frequency and intensity of inspections for a plant. The USDA would then consider any recommendations for implementation.

USDA wanted the new inspection system to consider a plant's compliance history, types of animals processed there and any potential risks they posed to human health. The plant's food-safety system would also be continually assessed.