The way FSIS conducts Food Safety Assessments (FSAs) is about to change. From the perspective of industry, the news can be both good and bad. While FSIS is streamlining the way in which FSAs are performed in an effort to substantially shorten the overall process, the agency announced it will begin targeting “at risk” establishments to determine which companies will actually receive FSAs. During the assessment which follows, Enforcement, Investigations and Analysis Officers (EIAOs) will be encouraged to focus on problem areas within the facility, and address more directly potential risk.
So, how will FSIS select which establishments will receive FSAs? Each month, FSIS headquarters will provide each district with a list of establishments to be assessed. The monthly list will also be prioritized by risk. The bad news for industry is, if your company makes the list, FSIS may have some significant concerns with your facility.