USDA will List Retail Stores in Meat Recalls

July 18, 2008 - Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer this week announced that beginning in August, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin listing retail stores receiving meat and poultry products involved in Class I recalls - those of the most serious concern to public health. This announcement provides a 30-day notice after the rule is published in the Federal Register before the process of listing retail stores takes effect.

USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) will post on its Web site a list of retail stores that receive products subject to Class I recalls generally within three to 10 business days of issuing the recall release. A Class I recall is one that involves a reasonable probability of serious health consequences or death for those with weakened immune systems. Retail stores include supermarkets or other grocery stores, convenience stores, meat markets, wholesale clubs and supercenters. FSIS will not identify distribution centers, institutions or restaurants, since they prepare food for immediate consumption without packaging that is identifiable or available to consumers.

The list of retail stores and locations compiled by FSIS personnel will be posted on the FSIS Web site www.fsis.usda.gov and shared with state and local public health officials where the retail stores are located.

<< Back