The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recently proposed a rule that, if adopted, will require both processing establishments and retail facilities that grind raw beef products to maintain records in a newly prescribed format. That format will delineate source materials and the identity of suppliers as well as any carryover from one production lot to the next. Our FDA Practice discussed the details and implications of the rule, which was proposed in July, in a Food Industry LawFlash.
The proposed rule represents a significant new recordkeeping requirement at the retail/grocery level and should be examined closely by such businesses. Submitted comments to FSIS detailing potential recordkeeping burdens and logistical concerns will be important to ensure that the proposal balances practical considerations with the intended food-safety goals.