December 27, 2013

In order to review and discuss safe handling instructions included on food labels, the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) will host a public meeting on January 7-8, 2014 at Patriot Plaza III building, SW Washington, DC, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is also seeking feedback on its Establishment-Specific Data Release Strategic Plan.

FSIS wants the committee to fully explore enhancing the safe food handling label on meat  and poultry packages and provide the agency with feedback. The agency will then consider whether or not the current safe handling instructions should be changed to meet the informational needs of consumers.  FSIS has also requested that the group review and provide further suggestions to its Establishment-Specific Data Release Strategic Plan that was developed from NACMPI recommendations in 2010.

FSIS welcomes comments through February 8, 2014, on the topics discussed at the NACMPI public meeting.

Established in 1971, the 17-member NACMPI meets on food safety concerns and advises the Secretary of Agriculture on matters affecting federal and state inspection programme activities. It also contributes to USDA's regulatory policy development. Recommendations are sent to USDA's Under Secretary for Food Safety for consideration and review by the Secretary of Agriculture.