USDA/FSIS has issued a new compliance document on the use of video recording in plants. The purpose of "Compliance Guidelines for Use of Video or Other Electronic Monitoring or Recording Equipment in Federally Inspected Establishments" is to assist meat and poultry establishments that want to improve operations by using in-plant video monitoring and 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. The guidelines highlight the Agency's expectations, should an establishment use video monitoring or recording equipment.
"The recommendations included in this compliance guide may further ensure the humane handling of livestock, as well as maintain the safety of our food supply and the integrity of federally inspected plants," said FSIS Administrator Al Almanza. "I encourage meat and poultry establishments nationwide to utilize the technology."
The final guidance included consideration of comments including:
- A total of 1,217 comments were received. Of those, 813 were a campaign form letter requesting that video be mandated in establishments. Another 400 comments were general statements that video should be made mandatory in establishments, concerns about worker safety, and concerns about inhumane handling. An additional comment was to require an accredited third party to audit mandatory video use in establishments. However, USDA determined that requiring video cameras in establishments is not necessary to ensure that animals are handled humanely in conjunction with slaughter. FSIS inspectors are required to conduct hands-on inspection to verify establishments are meeting regulatory requirements for humane handling in livestock and good commercial practices in poultry.
- FSIS incorporated three comments into the final guidelines. This includes clearer explanations on guidance of:
- video records not subject to routine access by FSIS: video records not designated by the establishment for use in HACCP plans or Sanitation SOPs, used for food defense security, or used for other purposes that do not require recordkeeping. However, such records would be subject to FSIS access during an investigation of food safety, food security, or any unlawful actions
- use of video technology as a tool to supplement establishments’ hands-on humane handling and good commercial practice activities: video technology cannot replace FSIS hands-on inspection activities
- the importance of effective implementation of video monitoring to result in trustworthy and accurate information that helps to prevent inhumane treatment or poor commercial practices: video cameras should be positioned and operate in such a way to allow continuous viewing of all steps from unloading to stunning
FSIS further noted that video or other electronic recording equipment can help meat and poultry establishments ensure that livestock are handled humanely, good commercial practices are being followed, product inventory is properly monitored, and the facility is adequately secure. Records from video or other electronic monitoring or recording equipment may also be used to meet FSIS' record-keeping requirements.
The guidelines published today are recommendations and not a regulatory requirement. The guide is available online at USDA.