FSIS Seeks Comments On Draft Risk Assessment For The Public Health Impact Of Hig

[2008-12-23 17:06:48]

Congressional and Public Affairs

(202) 720-9113

Bridgette Keefe



WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2008 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is seeking public comments on a draft quantitative food safety risk assessment for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus from consumption of poultry products, shell eggs and egg products. The risk assessment was done in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services' Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).



The risk assessment was designed to evaluate the relative effectiveness of strategies to reduce or prevent exposure to HPAI virus from consumption of poultry meat, shell eggs and egg products. It may also be used to target risk communication messages, identify and prioritize research needs, and provide a framework for coordinating efforts with stakeholders.



The risk assessment has been externally peer reviewed, consistent with the requirements in the Office of Management and Budget's "Final Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review." It has also been reviewed by various government agencies. FSIS intends to review and evaluate all public comments and make modifications to the assessment as appropriate.



The risk assessment is available on FSIS' Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Science/Risk_Assessments/index.asp . For further details on the risk assessment, please contact Neal J. Golden, Office of Public Health Science, FSIS, by phone at (202) 690-6419 or by e-mail at Neal.Golden@fsis.usda.gov .



Comments on the risk assessment must be received by Jan. 31, 2009. Comments can be sent to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 2534 South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C. 20250; e-mailed to fsis.regulationscomments@fsis.usda.gov or submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov . All submissions received by mail or electronic mail must reference the Food Safety and Inspection Service and include the docket number FSIS-2007-0001.



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Last Modified: December 2, 2008
Source: FSIS
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