 |
||||
|
||||
|
||||
The newly-created Facility Certification Institute (FCI), headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, is offering an additional layer of protection for the U.S. beef supply against the introduction of BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) in this country. More commonly known as "mad cow disease," BSE has never occurred in the United States; however, its appearance in several European countries has led to widespread media exposure and worldwide consumer concern. U.S. government and industry have been working vigorously together to reinforce the nation's safeguards to prevent the disease. The creation of FCI represents one of the latest BSE firewalls. FCI was founded in response to the increasing demand from producers, meat packers and food companies for certification that the cattle and beef they receive have not been fed restricted-use protein products in compliance with the FDA's prohibition. In Europe, such products have been identified as a suspected source for BSE. Intended for feed mills, pet food manufacturers, feed dealers, ingredient suppliers, livestock producers, grind and mix operations and on-farm mixers, the FCI program offers third-party certification for any operation desiring qualified documentation of compliance with federal mammalian protein regulations. It also provides verification for firms not using restricted-use protein products. FCI Chairman Richard Severson considers the FCI objective highly crucial not only for agriculture but also for consumers throughout the U.S. "The FCI mission is to help prevent the occurrence of BSE within our borders. We don't have BSE in this country. But, this is a way to make the safest food supply in the world even safer," Severson said. The new institute contracts with expert, independent agents to inspect facilities that utilize restricted use protein products as well as those, which do not. The agents review procedures, examine records and issue certifications to those facilities successfully meeting the program requirements. Two levels of certification are offered: Level 1 for facilities not using restricted protein products and Level 2 for facilities using restricted products but conforming to federal limitations for those products.Thus far, 200 facilities through the U.S. and Canada have been inspected. This represents nearly 15 million tons of manufactured feed. Further information can be obtained from www.certifiedfeed.org, or call 888-FCI-6885. © |
||||
|
|
||||
|
||||
|
All information is copywrited by Feed Lot magazine and cannot be printed or re-printed without the publishers express consent. Please contact Feed Lot Magazine for reprint and copy authorization. | ||||