Meeting on Releasing Retail Information

April 7, 2006 -- The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on Thursday that it will hold a public meeting to discuss the proposal to make lists of retail consignees of meat and poultry products that have been recalled voluntarily by a federally inspected meat or poultry establishment available to the public. In early March, the agency announced a proposed rule that would make public lists of retail stores that have received products that have been recalled.

During the recall process, FSIS receives lists of consignees from the recalling firm. The agency contacts consignees at all levels of distribution to ensure proper notification is taking place and that products subject to recall are being removed from commerce and properly disposed of or returned to the recalling firm. If a product has been distributed to the retail level, under the proposed rule, FSIS will post a complete list of retail stores on its Web site once that list has been verified for accuracy.

The public meeting will be held April 24 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the U.S. Department of Agriculture South Building in Washington, D.C.

Comments on the proposed rule must be received by May 8. Complete details can be found at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-2125.htm