Associations request extension of comment period on FSIS non-O157 STEC declaration
The American Meat Institute (AMI) joined seven other industry associations in requesting an extension of the comment period regarding the Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) recent Federal Register publication, Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Certain Raw Beef Products, which declares that six non-O157 strains will be treated as adulterants when found in certain beef products.
“Many members of the undersigned organizations will be directly subject to the new policy set forth in the Final Determination and Request for Comments (FDRC) and all will be affected. For that reason, the undersigned organizations need additional time to prepare comments that will help guide the agency as it prepares for and implements the new policy,” the letter stated. In addition, the groups requested a delay in the effective date of the new policy.