Program Description:FSIS wants to improve its outreach to underserved and non-English speaking persons engaged in meat and poultry processing.

The initial focus is on Spanish-speaking operators of small plants (fewer than 500 employees) and very small plants (fewer than 10 employees, or less

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than $ 2. 5 million in sales.) Operators of small and very small plants generally have fewer technical and financial resources by which to ensure compliance with Federal inspection requirements than do large plants.

This disadvantage is exacerbated if English is not the predominant language spoken because difficulties may arise in understanding and complying with applicable inspection laws and guidance generally available only in English.

Therefore, FSIS intends to fund one or more cooperative projects to provide training and education to Spanish-speaking owners and operators of establishments producing meat and poultry products subject to FSIS’ regulations.

The goal is for those trained to be able to enhance their own food safety programs, better demonstrate compliance with applicable regulations, and communicate more effectively with FSIS and other Agencies regarding the production and export of their meat, poultry, and egg products.

The cooperator that receives the funding will design, develop, and deliver training for Spanish-speaking operators of meat and poultry facilities that addresses the effective use of HACCP systems, appropriate responses to emerging food safety and food defense concerns, understanding of the latest information on foodborne-illness and hazards, and the availability of new procedures and technologies for hazard avoidance and mitigation.

HACCP training should encompass products entering plants as well as products produced.