FSIS Draft Guidelines on In-Plant Video Monitoring

Related to Article: Remote Video Auditing

In late 2010, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued draft guidance to assist meat and poultry establishments that want to improve operations by using in-plant video monitoring.

The purpose of the "Compliance Guidelines for Use of Video or Other Electronic Monitoring or Recording Equipment in Federally Inspected Establishments" is to make firms aware that video or other electronic monitoring or recording equipment may be used in federally inspected establishments where meat and poultry are processed. Establishments may choose to use the recording equipment for various purposes including ensuring that livestock are handled humanely, ensuring that good commercial practices are followed, monitoring product inventory, or conducting establishment security. Records from video or other electronic monitoring or recording equipment may also be used to meet FSIS record-keeping requirements.

Though closed to comment in December, the guidance is still in draft format, pending Office of Management and Budget approval. Upon approval,  final guidance will be issue. The draft guidance is available at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/Compliance_Guidelines_for_Use_of_Video_101410.pdf.