Mexico                                   

Mexico                                                                                         

Butcher Certification Program, Contest Announced At Guadalajara Trade Show

USMEF announced a Butcher Certification Program and a Butcher Contest at the ANTAD Annual Convention in Guadalajara last month. In partnership with Mexico’s Monterrey Technical University, the Butcher Certification Program is designed not only to improve meat department staff hygiene, meat handling skills and customer service, but also to create a sense of pride in the profession and build loyalty to U.S. beef and pork.

The Butcher Certification Program is open to butchers, butcher assistants, meat department managers and their assistants, and regional supervisors of any chain. The program begins with an introductory course for supervisors covering the program’s topics and how to train their personnel who aim to earn the accreditation. After successfully passing the exams, the supervisors train the interested individuals with the aid of print and multimedia (compact disc) educational materials. Topics include beef and pork genetics, carcass and cuts, food safety and hygiene, temperature control, meat case presentation, customer service, equipment and utensils, inventory management, human resources and communications.

To earn the certification, candidates must pass both written and practical exams.  Less than half the participants earn the diploma and the coveted silver badge of accreditation, which serves as an emblem of pride and an example for others to follow.

The Butcher Contest will evaluate the knowledge acquired by the participants in the Butcher Certification Program, and how they apply that knowledge to meat case management and merchandising.  More details of the Butcher Contest and the Butcher Certification Program can be read in an online news release.

European Union

New Export Program Issued For Non-Hormone Treated Cattle For The EU

A new USDA Export Verification Program for Specified Product Requirements of Non-Hormone Treated Cattle (NHTC) for the European Union has been issued, replacing the previous ARC 1013 procedure issued in October 2002.

The new procedure outlines the specified product requirements for cattle to qualify for the program. These requirements must be met through the implementation of a USDA Quality System Assessment (QSA) Program.

Calves that have not left the farm of origin and are less than 12 months old are eligible for "back-verification," but calves that have left the farm of origin and/or are 12 months old or older are not eligible.

Farms, ranches, and feedlots that are currently approved under the NHTC Program have six months to implement the new requirements. See the QSA Program to assist in developing a quality manual.

Frequently asked questions and answers will be available soon on the NHTC Web site. For additional questions, e-mail ARCBranch@usda.gov.

Saudi Arabia

States With Outbreaks Of Vesicular Stomatitis Unable To Export Beef And Lamb

Beef and lamb derived from animals originating in a state with a confirmed outbreak of vesicular stomatitis in the three months prior to slaughter is ineligible for export to Saudi Arabia.

Information about the current vesicular stomatitis status can be obtained from the APHIS Web site. Additional information about the specific situation in a state can be obtained from the Technical Service Center.

Mexico

Boneless Beef Derived From Canada Requires Additional Health Certificates

For boneless beef and boneless beef products (excluding trimmings) derived from Canada, a copy of the health certificate issued by Canada must accompany shipments to Mexico.

In addition, at the exporter's request, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will issue an Annex A-9 that includes the additional certification statements which are also required by Mexico. For a list of these statements, see the Export Requirements for Mexico in the FSIS Export Library.

Mexico                                                                                         

Butcher Certification Program, Contest Announced At Guadalajara Trade Show

USMEF announced a Butcher Certification Program and a Butcher Contest at the ANTAD Annual Convention in Guadalajara last month. In partnership with Mexico’s Monterrey Technical University, the Butcher Certification Program is designed not only to improve meat department staff hygiene, meat handling skills and customer service, but also to create a sense of pride in the profession and build loyalty to U.S. beef and pork.

The Butcher Certification Program is open to butchers, butcher assistants, meat department managers and their assistants, and regional supervisors of any chain. The program begins with an introductory course for supervisors covering the program’s topics and how to train their personnel who aim to earn the accreditation. After successfully passing the exams, the supervisors train the interested individuals with the aid of print and multimedia (compact disc) educational materials. Topics include beef and pork genetics, carcass and cuts, food safety and hygiene, temperature control, meat case presentation, customer service, equipment and utensils, inventory management, human resources and communications.

To earn the certification, candidates must pass both written and practical exams.  Less than half the participants earn the diploma and the coveted silver badge of accreditation, which serves as an emblem of pride and an example for others to follow.

The Butcher Contest will evaluate the knowledge acquired by the participants in the Butcher Certification Program, and how they apply that knowledge to meat case management and merchandising.  More details of the Butcher Contest and the Butcher Certification Program can be read in an online news release.

European Union

New Export Program Issued For Non-Hormone Treated Cattle For The EU

A new USDA Export Verification Program for Specified Product Requirements of Non-Hormone Treated Cattle (NHTC) for the European Union has been issued, replacing the previous ARC 1013 procedure issued in October 2002.

The new procedure outlines the specified product requirements for cattle to qualify for the program. These requirements must be met through the implementation of a USDA Quality System Assessment (QSA) Program.

Calves that have not left the farm of origin and are less than 12 months old are eligible for "back-verification," but calves that have left the farm of origin and/or are 12 months old or older are not eligible.

Farms, ranches, and feedlots that are currently approved under the NHTC Program have six months to implement the new requirements. See the QSA Program to assist in developing a quality manual.

Frequently asked questions and answers will be available soon on the NHTC Web site. For additional questions, e-mail ARCBranch@usda.gov.

Saudi Arabia

States With Outbreaks Of Vesicular Stomatitis Unable To Export Beef And Lamb

Beef and lamb derived from animals originating in a state with a confirmed outbreak of vesicular stomatitis in the three months prior to slaughter is ineligible for export to Saudi Arabia.

Information about the current vesicular stomatitis status can be obtained from the APHIS Web site. Additional information about the specific situation in a state can be obtained from the Technical Service Center.

Mexico

Boneless Beef Derived From Canada Requires Additional Health Certificates

For boneless beef and boneless beef products (excluding trimmings) derived from Canada, a copy of the health certificate issued by Canada must accompany shipments to Mexico.

In addition, at the exporter's request, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will issue an Annex A-9 that includes the additional certification statements which are also required by Mexico. For a list of these statements, see the Export Requirements for Mexico in the FSIS Export Library.