FSIS Seeks Comments on Guidance for Selecting Food-Safety Testing Labs

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued policy guidance that
provides criteria for federally inspected establishments to select commercial
or private laboratories to analyze testing samples. Created for businesses that
prepare meat, poultry or processed egg products, the document attempts
to ensure that “microbiological testing performed on their behalf meets their
food safety needs.”

FSIS encourages federally regulated establishments, which are required to produce commercial products that are safe and not adulterated or misbranded, to select labs that provide accurate, reliable test results by maintaining Quality Control or Quality Assurance practices. The establishments may undergo microbiological testing for reasons such as “fulfilling regulatory requirements, supporting ongoing verification of HACCP [Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points] plans, supporting decisions made in the establishment’s hazard analysis, evaluating the effectiveness of the establishment’s sanitation program, or complying with purchase specifications or requirements.” FSIS requests comments by May 7, 2012. See Federal Register, March 8, 2012.