As most of you know, as a food industry lawyer, I have represented the food industry for over 20 years. During the course of that time, I have closely tracked evolving USDA policy, the strengthening of FSIS inspection and surveillance programs, the continuing parade of food product recalls, and the nearly monthly emergence of new foodborne illness outbreaks.
What is an enforcement action? It is any action that results in an establishment being restricted from production. It includes tagging a product, piece of equipment, room, area or even an entire building. It also includes withholding the marks of inspection and/or withdrawing the assignment of inspection personnel.
Since Executive Order 13777 Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda was signed in 2017, Regulatory Reform Task Forces have evaluated and proposed changes to existing regulations to repeal, replace and modify cumbersome requirements. Several labeling requirements for meat and poultry products are under review.
Numerous stories have been published in recent weeks relating to a waiver request submitted by Tyson Foods that proposes to reduce the number of inspectors in its facility.
USDA Secretary Perdue and FDA Commissioner Gottlieb have released a joint statement on the regulation of cell-cultured food products from cell lines of livestock and poultry.
