FSIS Next Steps

1
FSIS Next Steps
Infrastructure
FSIS is interested in developing an
infrastructure that supports the transition of
the Agency from a purely inspection program to a
regulatory public health agency. FSIS plans to
accomplish this goal by

• Integrating program functions

2
FSIS Next Steps
Infrastructure
FSIS is interested in developing an
infrastructure that supports the transition of
the Agency from a purely inspection program to a
regulatory public health agency. FSIS plans to
accomplish this goal by

• Maximizing the effectiveness of verification and
  oversight of Pathogen Reduction/HACCP
  requirements, and

3
FSIS Next Steps
Infrastructure
FSIS is interested in developing an
infrastructure that supports the transition of
the Agency from a purely inspection program to a
regulatory public health agency. FSIS plans to
accomplish this goal by

• Establishing performance expectations for meeting
  public health objectives.

4
Background
Pathogen Reduction/HACCP requirements have been
successfully implemented through joint efforts of
the Agency and the regulated industry. These
regulations require an integrated systematic
approach to verify that the requirements are
being met. The Agency needs to change the
current mix of scientific, technical and
enforcement personnel and their resources to
fully implement a regulatory public health
program.
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Program Functions
Align functions of all program areas to support a
team/corporate approach to regulatory compliance
verification. The Agency plans for this goal
include

• Integrating epidemiological and risk based
  methods into the regulatory compliance framework
• Combining inspection and enforcement activities
  into one comprehensive regulatory strategy
• Developing training/education to support a
  corporate regulatory compliance verification
  methodology.

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Maximizing Effectiveness
FSIS had four major objectives for maximizing its
effectiveness as a regulatory public health
Agency, they include

• Increasing scientific expertise for verification
  of Pathogen reduction/ HACCP requirements and
  pursuit of public health farm to table activities
  by implementing the Consumer Safety Officer
  series and re-directing Veterinary Medical
  Officer responsibilities

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Maximizing Effectiveness
FSIS had four major objectives for maximizing its
effectiveness as a regulatory public health
Agency, they include

• Focusing education and training on the scientific
  and legal basis for making regulatory
  determinations and implementing statutory
  authorities. Education and training would
  include certifying FSIS regulatory compliance
  verification personnel in food science, food
  safety disciplines, and public health mission.

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Maximizing Effectiveness
FSIS had four major objectives for maximizing its
effectiveness as a regulatory public health
Agency, they include

• Integrating FSIS information systems (PBIS,
  enforcement, laboratory and recall databases) to
  provide continuous program analysis and
  evaluation that support regulatory determination,
  actions and emphasis

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Maximizing Effectiveness
FSIS had four major objectives for maximizing its
effectiveness as a regulatory public health
Agency, they include

• And finally, maintaining a work environment that
  is safe and healthy, prevents workplace violence,
  and provides opportunities for diversity and
  harmonization.

10
Accountability
FSIS goal is to make all employees at all levels
of the organization accountable for performing
public health regulatory compliance
verifications. The Agency plans to accomplish
this goal by

• Establishing performance standards that reflect
  Pathogen Reduction/HACCP verification
  expectations
• Developing public health organizational goals
• And continuously evaluating progress in meeting
  these standards.

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FSIS is seeking input or comments on its plans
for developing an infrastructure that will
support its goal of becoming a regulatory public
health agency.