CMR

USDA Announced Change Of Recall Policy In Naming Marketers

Washington, D.C.-In the past the Department of Agriculture in the United States has not named its retail providers of different meat products at times when it announces a wide meat product recall.

All that appears to be changing.

The USDA announced that it would now identify retailers who have received recalled meat, but only in a way to help protect the public health or when it poses a serious health threat.

The Federal USDA agency has often been criticized for its refusal to name names when it has in the past issued a meat recall.

After careful examination the agency has decided to alter its policy, and change course.

This type of information will be only done during Class I type major recalls, and it is hoped that it will not damage retailers but that it will serve to help protect the public health.

“Only those most serious of public health concerns will be dealt with in this manner,” said Secretary of the USDA, Ed Schafer.

Earlier in 2008 the USDA refused to name the schools and retail outlets that had received tainted ground beef, and they came under relentless media fire and accusations of not acting in the best interest of the public.