FSIS Memo Contradicts Inspectors' Claims

February 7, 2001

A memo from USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service "stood in stark contrast" to meat inspectors' claims in recent media reports," according to the American Meat Institute. The reports had indicated that hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) systems have limited inspectors' powers to enforce humane slaughter regulations.

FSIS Deputy Administrator Mark Mina last month sent the memo, reminding inspection supervisory personnel of the agency's obligation to ensure plant compliance with the Humane Slaughter Act. "Although the Pathogen Reduction/HACCP rule of 1996 removed FSIS from a ‘command and control' inspection mode and replaced it with performance standards and verification, the intent of the Humane Slaughter Act of 1978 was not changed," Mina said. "FSIS ensures, by verification, that the establishment handles and slaughters livestock humanely."

Mina also said in the memo that FSIS will conduct plant correlation activities in the top 100 cull-cow slaughter establishments during February, March and April 2001 to ensure uniform enforcement of humane slaughter regulations. Subjects for review during these activities will include rules of practice regulations relating to humane slaughter and an overview of humane slaughter regulations. The correlation activities will be done in conjunction with the correlation activities for residue testing.