Pink Slime” Production Has Been Halted in All Plants in the U.S

From: (b) (6) To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Emailing: Meatingplace.com - Daily News Date: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 10:04:40 AM

I heard this morning on the TODAY show that “pink slime” production has been halted in all plants in the U.S. except one in So. Dakota.

From: (b) (6) - FSIS [mailto:(b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov] Sent: Monday, March 26, 2012 8:53 PM To: (b) (6) Subject: Emailing: Meatingplace.com - Daily News

As the Meat Turns!

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: complaints today? Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 3:13:30 PM

I’ve had 3. I hung up on the last caller because he was yelling at me for 5 minutes.

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 2:59 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - Commissioned Corps - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: FW: complaints today?

No CCMS ones from me.. (b) (6)

Folks, I would like to know if you all had any “pink slime” calls today – if so, how many, please?

Thank you

(b) (6)

From: (b) (6) - Commissioned Corps - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: complaints today? Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 3:17:27 PM

Rien (none)

(b) (6)

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 3:17 PM To: (b) (6) - Commissioned Corps - FSIS Subject: RE: complaints today?

Thank you sir (b) (6)

Technical Information Specialist

USDA-FSIS-FSE Staff

Meat and Poultry Hotline

5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Mailstop 5269

Beltsville, MD 20705-5000

Tel: (b) (6) e-mail: (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov

______From: (b) (6) - Commissioned Corps - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 3:02 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: complaints today?

I have 2 calls today.

V/R,

(b) (6) , MPH LCDR, US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Technical Information Specialist (Bilingual) USDA/FSIS/ FSE Room 2L244-C 5601 Sunnyside Ave Beltsville, MD 20705 (b) (6) Fax: 301-504-2092 (b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov

The mission of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of the Nation.

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 2:59 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - Commissioned Corps - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: FW: complaints today?

No CCMS ones from me.. (b) (6)

Folks, I would like to know if you all had any “pink slime” calls today – if so, how many, please?

Thank you

(b) (6)

------

(b) (6)

Technical Information Specialist

USDA-FSIS-FSE Staff

Meat and Poultry Hotline

5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Mailstop 5269

Beltsville, MD 20705-5000

Tel: (b) (6) e-mail: (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 2:48 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - Commissioned Corps - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: complaints today?

I have to run to a 3:00pm meeting, please forward any complaints to me, and I will file with CCMS when I return.

Thanks, (b) (6) (b) (6) Food Safety Specialist USDA/FSIS Food Safety Education Staff 2-L248C, MS- 5269 5601 Sunnyside Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 (b) (6)

Need Food Safety Answers? Call the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline 1-888-674-6854 or Visit our web site: www.fsis.usda.gov

<< OLE Object: Picture (Device Independent Bitmap) >> From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: complaints today? Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 3:16:26 PM

I thought I heard you earlier…

Sorry you had that one (b) (6)

I took 1 this morning and though she was not yelling, and kept her composure she quite loooooooooong in her comments, once I offered to take them…

..wasn’t too bad actually

Her info was very mixed up – pink slime together with meats falling on floors to be further processed into ground beef..(explained to her that would be totally unacceptable) --makes you wonder what they’re reading or listening to??

(b) (6)

------

(b) (6)

Technical Information Specialist

USDA-FSIS-FSE Staff

Meat and Poultry Hotline

5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Mailstop 5269

Beltsville, MD 20705-5000

Tel: (b) (6)

e-mail: (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 3:13 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: complaints today?

I’ve had 3. I hung up on the last caller because he was yelling at me for 5 minutes. From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - Commissioned Corps - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: complaints today? Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 4:16:42 PM

Hi (b) (6)

Sorry- nothing from me. Thanks

(b) (6) M.S.

Technical Information Specialist

(b) (6) fsis.usda.gov

(b) (6) From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: complaints today? Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 3:56:40 PM

No chats on pink slime, fortunately.

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 3:52 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - Commissioned Corps - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: complaints today?

Thanks!

So far I’ve counted 8 pink slime calls today—

Waiting to see if (b) (6) had any

(b) (6)you got the most (3), lucky you!

Any chats on ‘pink slime?’ (or were those included)??

(b) (6)

------

(b) (6)

Technical Information Specialist

USDA-FSIS-FSE Staff

Meat and Poultry Hotline

5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Mailstop 5269

Beltsville, MD 20705-5000

Tel: (b) (6) e-mail: (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov From: (b) (6) (VDACS) To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Component 7 for state office Date: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 9:07:55 AM

(b) (6)

Glad things are close to ready. (b) (6) is working on this but has been interrupted by investigating dumpster divers and stockyard ritual slaughter. I hope things are settling down so we can all get back to work, including issues with pink slime.

From: (b) (6) - FSIS [mailto:(b) (6) fsis.usda.gov] Sent: Monday, March 26, 2012 12:41 PM To: (b) (6) (VDACS) Subject: Component 7 for state office

Good morning, Dr. (b) (6) Everything appears to be set for the onsite review. I just wanted to touch base on the Component 7 information sheet which I sent out a few weeks ago. If the Compliance folks can get it filled out and returned it will save them a considerable amount of time in the office during the review. By laying out their selected supporting documents in sequential order of the questions they will be able to get through the component much faster thus freeing them up for any compliance duties they may have. I just returned for SC and they were able to save a lot of time by preparing things in advance. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns which I can address. I look forward to working with everyone again! Regards, (b) (6)

PS- I have attached another copy of the worksheet for review just in case you would like to refer to it.

(b) (6) Program Auditor USDA-FSIS-ICAD-OPEER-FSAB Salisbury Field Office 212 West Main St. Plaza Gallery Building, Suite 302 Salisbury, MD 21801 Ph) (b) (6) BB)(b) (6) Pin: (b) (6) Fax) 410-341-3612

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended

From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Congrats to pink slime haters Date: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 9:43:02 AM

Good morning (b) (6) what plant are you at? (b) (6)

USDA, FSIS, FO Frontline Supervisor Indianapolis, IN 317-730-1162 (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 9:39 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; [email protected] Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Congrats to pink slime haters

<< File: Will BPI's Plant Closures Affect America's Ground Beef.htm >> Yes, so true Mr. (b) (6)

Here is another article that goes with what you have said and was sent to me by via email.

I found this article just as interesting as the last. I thought I would share this if anyone hasn’t already received it.

Have a Great Day

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 7:54 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; [email protected] Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Congrats to pink slime haters

To all the pink slime haters … click the link below or you might have to copy and paste it in your browser …..the media frenzy that misrepresented the facts about finely textured beef is why the plants closed. But we can be thankful they are still feeding the little children mechanically separated turkey and chicken.

Actually let me be serious about something the reason this story had any legs is mainly because of Facebook and twitter. The power of social media is amazing and information and misinformation can spread like wildfire. As you can see it brought down BPI and that is only the start. Companies can’t live without social media and it might come to the point they can’t live with it.

I can write an article about anything true or false and have it blasted out to 9000 facebook accounts, 46,000 twitter users, and 16,000 forums anonymously for under $5.00 and so can anyone else that knows who to ask.(no I won’t tell you how) My point being its doesn’t matter if it’s true or not if its posted on any social media and goes viral a company or a person reputation can be destroyed. By the time the facts get out the damage has already been done. This results are social media enables the haters, and they are not held accountable for the lies they spread that destroys reputations. http://bit.ly/GRi8Af

From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; [email protected] Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Congrats to pink slime haters Date: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 9:39:30 AM Attachments: Will BPI"s Plant Closures Affect America"s Ground Beef.htm

Yes, so true Mr. (b) (6)

Here is another article that goes with what you have said and was sent to me by via email.

I found this article just as interesting as the last. I thought I would share this if anyone hasn’t already received it.

Have a Great Day From: (b) (6) To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Re: Congrats to pink slime haters Date: Thursday, March 29, 2012 9:04:40 AM

So true.

Go Colts!

On Mar 29, 2012, at 7:54 AM, (b) (6) - FSIS" (b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov> wrote:

Here is an email I sent to my fellow workers AKA Haters and info on the pink slime… The 2nd link I proved has a lot of news

http://bit.ly/GRi8Afread read first after email

http://www.foodsafetynews.com/search-results.html?q=bpi second after email From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Congrats to pink slime haters Date: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 8:18:45 PM

You have a point about social media. I am sure you have heard about the case in Florida involving the 17 year old unarmed boy who was shot and the neighborhood watch man who shot him. The Black panthers issued a bounty on the shooter to be brought to justice even though he has been in contact with the police and no arrest have been made. Some one tweeted Spike Lee the address of the shooter, Spike Lee retweeted the address to millions of people adding that some one should go get him. The problem was the address belongs to a 77 year old couple that has been scared so much that they moved in to a hotel while their house is being bombarded. So let that be a lesson.

(b) (6)

Consumer Safety Inspector

Chicago District Office

Circuit 50-23 (b) (6) From: Riek, Peggy - FSIS To: Murphy-Jenkins, Rosalyn - FSIS; Edelstein, Rachel - FSIS; Canavan, Jeff - FSIS Cc: West, Walinda - FSIS Subject: RE: Constituent call Date: Friday, February 03, 2012 1:34:33 PM

Thanks – I get with Linda W. regarding an appropriate response asap.

Peggy

______From: Murphy-Jenkins, Rosalyn - FSIS Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 1:22 PM To: Edelstein, Rachel - FSIS; Riek, Peggy - FSIS; Canavan, Jeff - FSIS Subject: RE: Constituent call

Jeff – do you have a recent response to CPA on this issue?

Rosalyn Murphy-Jenkins, Director LPDD- OPPD-FSIS-USDA (301) 504-0878 Main Line - Fax: (202) 245-4792

Submit your questions to... http://askfsis.custhelp.com Website: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/About FSIS/labeling & consumer protection/index.asp This document is intended only for the use of the party to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and protected from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the addressee or a person authorized to deliver the document to the addressee, you are hereby notified that any review, disclosure, dissemination, copying or other action based on the content of the communication is not authorized. If you have received this document in error, please notify us by telephone, FAX, or Email immediately.

______From: Edelstein, Rachel - FSIS Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 12:23 PM To: Riek, Peggy - FSIS Cc: Murphy-Jenkins, Rosalyn - FSIS Subject: RE: Constituent call

______From: Riek, Peggy - FSIS Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 9:21 AM To: Edelstein, Rachel - FSIS Subject: Constituent call

Rachel,

It was suggested here that I contact OPPD. Are there any guidelines for pink slime (ammoniated boneless beef trimmings or similar products) on the web?

We have a constituent calling asking: “Who authorized the use of pink slime and under what guidelines?”

Is there any information we can give out at this time?

Thanks.

Peggy

Peggy Riek, Public Affairs Specialist

Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education

USDA, Food Safety and Inspection Service

1400 Independence Ave., SW, Rm. 1175-South Building

Washington, DC 20250

Phone: 202-720-7608; Fax: 202-690-0460

[email protected] http://www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety http://twitter.com/usdafoodsafety http://www.fsis.usda.gov From: Riek, Peggy - FSIS To: Edelstein, Rachel - FSIS Cc: Murphy-Jenkins, Rosalyn - FSIS Subject: RE: Constituent call Date: Friday, February 03, 2012 12:24:54 PM

The only questions are those that were included in the email sent. I will check the directive.

Thanks.

______From: Edelstein, Rachel - FSIS Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 12:23 PM To: Riek, Peggy - FSIS Cc: Murphy-Jenkins, Rosalyn - FSIS Subject: RE: Constituent call

Hi Peggy--We wouldn’t issue guidelines on “pink slime.” Directive 10,010.1 (O157:H7 directives) includes sampling instructions for ammoniated product. But I’m not sure that addresses the issue. I’m not sure what you’re looking for. Something else that we’ve published? From: DiNapoli, Greg - FSIS To: West, Walinda - FSIS Subject: Re: Constituent Update - March 23, 2012 Date: Friday, March 23, 2012 4:27:00 PM

Good. Enjoy weekend. ------Greg DiNapoli USDA/FSIS Congressional & Public Affairs W: 202.720.5509 M: (b) (6)

From: West, Walinda - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 23, 2012 03:25 PM To: DiNapoli, Greg - FSIS Subject: RE: Constituent Update - March 23, 2012

No, it’s nobody’s fault. I am not getting into with him. Normally I would pick it up but I didn’t. I will catch it next week.

From: DiNapoli, Greg - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 23, 2012 4:18 PM To: West, Walinda - FSIS Subject: Re: Constituent Update - March 23, 2012

Its ok. Just leave it alone. And no need to get into it w Brian. I should have flagged it and was going to. Its my fault ------Greg DiNapoli USDA/FSIS Congressional & Public Affairs W: 202.720.5509 M: (b) (6)

From: Mabry, Brian - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 23, 2012 03:16 PM To: West, Walinda - FSIS; DiNapoli, Greg - FSIS Subject: RE: Constituent Update - March 23, 2012

Yes, but since the press release went out on March 14, we had the canceled FNS call (slated for 3.21) that was cancelled because it went to a listserv and we had the NYTimes and a bunch of school districts signing up for it. Just trying to help keep us out of the doghouse. No big deal, just a mention. Best ~ Brian

______From: West, Walinda - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 23, 2012 4:12 PM To: Mabry, Brian - FSIS; DiNapoli, Greg - FSIS Subject: RE: Constituent Update - March 23, 2012

We can. It’s the same one from the press release.

______From: Mabry, Brian - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 23, 2012 4:11 PM To: West, Walinda - FSIS; DiNapoli, Greg - FSIS Subject: FW: Constituent Update - March 23, 2012

Linda and Greg,

Although too late now, I would have liked to change the lead stories headline to include something about microbiology so we don’t get overrun by pink slime/LTF beef folks. If we get a second bite at the apple, maybe we can refine it:

NACMCF to Meet on Testing Methods for National School Lunch Program

Best ~ Brian

______From: FSIS Constituents Sent: Friday, March 23, 2012 3:43 PM To: '[email protected]' Subject: Constituent Update - March 23, 2012

Constituent Update

March 23, 2012

<< File: Update 03.23.12.pdf >>

NACMCF to Hold Meeting on National School Lunch Program Purchases

The National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) will hold a public meeting via teleconference on March 28 from 2 to 5 p.m. ET. Items on the agenda will include: assistance to the AMS with the Federal Purchase Ground Beef Program; Staphylococcus aureus and other criteria used in the ground beef purchase for the NSLP; and alternative screening methods for ground beef beyond those in the FSIS Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook and determining acceptable screening procedures.

FSIS will finalize the agenda on or before the meeting and post it on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/News/Meetings & Events/.

All documents related to the full committee meeting will be available at USDA-FSIS, Room 8-164, Patriots Plaza III, 355 E St. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250. Documents will also be available at www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations & Policies/Federal Register Notices/index.asp. To register or to provide public comment, contact Karen Thomas-Sharp at (202) 690-6620 or [email protected].

NACMCF Seeks Nominations for Members

Applications and nominations for membership are being sought from individuals with scientific expertise in the fields of epidemiology, food technology, microbiology (food, clinical, and predictive), risk assessment, infectious disease, biostatistics and other related sciences. Persons from the academia, industry, consumer groups, State governments and the federal government, as well as all other interested persons with such expertise, are invited to submit nominations. Members who are not federal government employees will be appointed to serve as non-compensated special government employees (SGEs). SGEs will be subject to appropriate conflict of interest statutes and standards of ethical conduct.

To receive consideration for serving on the NACMCF, nominees must submit a resume and USDA Advisory Committee Membership Background Information form AD-755. The resume or curriculum vitae must be limited to five one-sided pages and should include educational background, expertise and a list of select publications. For submissions received that are more than five one-sided pages in length, only the first five pages will be reviewed. USDA Advisory Committee Membership Background Information form AD-755 is available online at: http://www.ocio.usda.gov/forms/doc/AD-755.pdf.

Nominations including a cover letter to the Secretary, and the nominee’s typed resume or curriculum vitae and a completed USDA Advisory Committee Membership Background Information form AD-755 must be received by April 23, 2012. Self nominations are welcome.

Nomination packages can be mailed to: Tom Vilsack, Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250, Attn: National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods.

For further information, contact Karen Thomas-Sharp, Advisory Committee Specialist, at 202-690-6620 or [email protected]. To read the Federal Register notice, go to http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Frame/FrameRedirect.asp? main=http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/2012-0010.htm.

Export Requirement Updates

The Library of Export Requirements has been updated to reflect changes in export requirements for the following countries:

Canada

Cuba

Hong Kong

Japan

Complete information can be found at www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations & Policies/Export Information/index.asp.

National Advisory Committee Discusses Proposed Rule on the Modernization of Poultry Slaughter Inspection

FSIS hosted a Web conference meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) on March 20 to solicit comments and hear discussion on the “Modernization of Poultry Slaughter Inspection Proposed Rule” that was published in the Federal Register on January 27. Eleven committee members participated in the meeting.

FSIS presented an overview of the proposed rule and then opened the meeting up to discussion. The comments and input from committee members will help inform the agency’s decision making on the final rule.

Public comments on the meeting can be e-mailed to [email protected] or mailed to NACMPI, USDA, FSIS, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 1180, South Building, Washington, D.C. 20250. All submissions must include the agency name and docket number FSIS-2012-0016.

Comments on the proposed rule should be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov or by mail to: USDA, FSIS, OPPD, RIMD, Docket Clearance Unit, Patriots Plaza III, Room 8-164, 355 E Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024.

New Podcasts Tune in to podcasts on selecting, handling and preparing meat and poultry products to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. FSIS released these podcasts helpful to consumers.

Food Safety Discovery Zone

(English and Spanish)

Safe Food Handling of Leftovers

(Spanish)

Check out these podcast at www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/Podcasts/index.asp. Spanish language consumer podcasts are available at www.fsis.usda.gov/En Espanol/Podcasts SP/index.asp. Video-casts in American Sign Language are available at www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/SignFSIS/index.asp.

Updates on FSIS Testing for E. coli

Weekly updates for the agency’s raw beef E. coli sampling program are posted to the FSIS website.

For comparative previous and current year results, go to www.fsis.usda.gov/Science/Ground_Beef_E.coli_Testing_Results/index.asp.

FSIS Policy Updates

FSIS issues notices and directives to protect public health. The following policy updates were recently issued:

Notice 21-12, Randomly Selecting Beef Trim to Be Collected Under the Beef Manufacturing Trimmings (Mt50) Sampling Program

Notice 22-12, Sampling of Raw Beef Product Intended for the National School Lunch Program

Notice 24-12, Importation of Live Cattle from Mexico into the United States for Immediate Slaughter

Notice 25-12, Pasteurized Egg Products Imported in Bulk Containers from Canada

All notices and directives are available at www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/index.asp.

Codex Public Meeting on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Food FSIS and the FDA are sponsoring a public meeting to receive public comments and draft U.S. positions to be discussed at the 20th Session of the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCRVDF), which will be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The public meeting will be held on April 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. ET in the Jamie L. Whitten Bldg., USDA, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Rm. 107-A, Washington, D.C. 20250. Documents and agenda items related to the 20th Session of the CCRVDF will be accessible on the Codex website at www.codexalimentarius.org.

The following items will be discussed during the public meeting:

Draft Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) for Veterinary Drugs;

Revision of the Committee’s Risk Analysis Principles;

Proposed amendments to the Committee’s terms of reference; and

Risk management recommendations for the veterinary drugs for which no MRL has been recommended by the expert scientific committee because of human health concerns.

For more information or to submit written comments about the 20th Session of the CCRVDF, contact Kevin Greenlees at (240) 276-8214 or [email protected].

For more information about the public meeting, contact Kenneth Lowery at (202) 690- 4042 or [email protected].

Visit USDA’s Blog

Every day, the USDA Blog shares something new about USDA’s expansive mission. The blog provides a rich and diverse look at the work within the department, spanning the nation—and even the world—and highlights the breadth of USDA programs and the role they play in the lives of every American.

Go to http://blogs.usda.gov/ and see what’s happening within the agency and across the department. Check out Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Elisabeth Hagen’s blog “Setting the Record Straight on Beef” at http://blogs.usda.gov/2012/03/22/setting- the-record-straight-on-beef/.

Find food safety information for at-risk people along with tips and resources to keep consumers and other interested groups informed of the latest agency news and events. Follow FSIS on Twitter at www.twitter.com/USDAFoodSafety.

You can also receive alerts about recalls in your state and how to keep food safe during severe weather in your area by follow FSIS’ state Twitter feeds. A list of all FSIS state food safety alert Twitter feeds is available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fsis_Recalls/Open_Federal_Cases/index.asp#Twitter.

Also Tweet En Español

The FSIS Spanish language Twitter feed keeps consumers and other interested communities informed of the latest agency news and events and provides useful food safety tips.

Follow FSIS’ Spanish Twitter account at www.twitter.com/usdafoodsafe_es. From: West, Walinda - FSIS To: Mabry, Brian - FSIS; DiNapoli, Greg - FSIS Subject: RE: Constituent Update - March 23, 2012 Date: Friday, March 23, 2012 4:16:57 PM

I hear you! Sure, glad to make the change.

______From: Mabry, Brian - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 23, 2012 4:16 PM To: West, Walinda - FSIS; DiNapoli, Greg - FSIS Subject: RE: Constituent Update - March 23, 2012

Brian K. Mabry Acting Director, Congressional and Public Affairs Food Safety and Inspection Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Room 1175-South Building direct dial 202.720.9891 tel. 202.720.9113 l fax 202.690.0460 [email protected] www.fsis.usda.gov From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: contact information Date: Thursday, March 15, 2012 12:58:27 PM

I don’t have a clue what he’s talking about.

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2012 11:41 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: contact information

“Pink slime”? did I miss something?

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2012 12:38 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: FW: contact information

I emailed Washington this morning requesting a response from them. Below is the response I received. See you at the meeting.

______From: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2012 10:17 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: contact information

Thank you, sir! And, thanks for trumpeting out in the field the good work the agency and its employees are accomplishing! I hope to have some more information soon. Unfortunately, a lot of our efforts are focused on the “pink slime” issue de jour for today, but I’m hopeful this won’t last past today so we can focus on other things…

Dirk Fillpot

Media Supervisor

Congressional and Public Affairs

Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

Washington, D.C. 20250

Phone: (202) 690-3112

Cell: (202) 695-9950

[email protected] http://www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety

http://www.twitter.com/usdafoodsafety

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2012 11:01 AM To: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Subject: RE: contact information

Good Morning Dirk,

I was wondering if you have an update for me regarding the TV show “The Morning Blend” request for someone from USDA to appear on their talk show to discuss food safety? We’re rapidly running out of time as to when they were wanting someone from USDA to appear on their show (Monday, 3/26/2012). If possible, I’d appreciate a response from your office by tomorrow, Friday, 3/16/2012. Out of respect for their talk show, I need to be letting the Executive Producer of the talk show know if USDA is going to be able to appear on their show or no so if needed, they can schedule something different on the day they were wanting USDA to appear. Also, if you think this is something that USDA can do at a later date, let me know this so that I can ask the Executive Producer if she is able to reschedule the date for USDA to appear on their show. I want to thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. Hope you have a pleasant day.

(b) (6)

USDA-FSIS Consumer Safety Inspector

3000 Kennedy Ave.

Beloit, WI 53511

Phone #:(b) (6)

______From: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2012 1:30 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: contact information

Dirk Fillpot

Media Supervisor

Congressional and Public Affairs Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

Washington, D.C. 20250

Phone: (202) 690-3112

Cell: (202) 695-9950 [email protected] http://www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety http://www.twitter.com/usdafoodsafety http://www.fsis.usda.gov/ From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Subject: RE: contact information Date: Friday, March 16, 2012 12:44:00 PM

Hello Dirk,

Hopefully you’ve been able to resolve all media issues pertaining to “pink slime”. I’m sure you are busy addressing media issues a lot more important than the request from NBC TMJ4 TV station for USDA to appear on their talk show to discuss Food Safety, but I would really appreciate some kind of response from your office today that I’m able to share with the TV station regarding their request. If your office needs more time to review their request, let me know and I can contact the Executive Producer and maybe she can reschedule the date for USDA to appear on their talk show. Also, I was wondering if you’ve had a chance to read the email I sent you from Mike Craig, Wal-Mart, Food Safety and Health, regarding the press release Wal-Mart released in November 2011 about Wal-Mart teaming up with USDA to share food safety information with their consumers by playing food safety information on the overhead monitors at checkout lines in approximately 600 retail stores nationwide? It was stated in the press release that the Food Safety information played on the overhead monitors had the potential of reaching approximately 50 million consumers. WOW! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at (b) (6) . Hope you’re having a pleasant day.

(b) (6)

USDA-FSIS Consumer Safety Inspector

3000 Kennedy Ave.

Beloit, WI 53511

Phone #:(b) (6) From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: Engeljohn, Daniel - FSIS Cc: Edelstein, Rachel - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Contents from ECM Folder No. 7196205 - Pink Slime Date: Thursday, March 29, 2012 10:41:44 AM

You’re response has been added to the folder and the workflow has been forwarded.

(b) (6) Management Assistant USDA, FSIS, OPPD Risk, Innovations, and Management Division (RIMD) Patriots Plaza 3 1400 Independence Avenue SW Mailstop 3782 Room 8-163B Washington, DC 20250-3700 (W) (b) (6) (F) 202-245-4793 Email: (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov

From: Engeljohn, Daniel - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 4:47 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Cc: Edelstein, Rachel - FSIS Subject: RE: Contents from ECM Folder No. 7196205 - Pink Slime

This response is not responsive to the issue about previously frozen product. The response regarding LFTB is correct.

Daniel L. Engeljohn, PhD Assistant Administrator Office of Policy and Program Development, FSIS, USDA Rm 349-E JWB, 1400 Independence Ave, SW, WDC 20250 Main Office -- (202) 205-0495 Voicemail -- (202) 720-0089 BlackBerry -- (b) (6) -- emergency only Fax -- (202) 720-2025 Policies -- http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/index.asp

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 4:39 PM To: Engeljohn, Daniel - FSIS Cc: Edelstein, Rachel - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Contents from ECM Folder No. 7196205 - Pink Slime Importance: High

You can give me your concurrence, via email, and I will add it to the folder and close-out the workflow on behalf of OPPD.

From: West, Walinda - FSIS To: Derrickson, Nichele - FSIS Subject: RE: Control #7182438 (Zazzaro - Pink Slime) Date: Monday, March 12, 2012 11:01:39 AM

Welcome.

______From: Derrickson, Nichele - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 11:00 AM To: West, Walinda - FSIS; Mabry, Brian - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Control #7182438 (Zazzaro - Pink Slime)

Thank you.

Nichele Derrickson, Congressional and Public Affairs Food Safety and Inspection Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Room 1175 - South Building

Phone: (202) 720-9113 Fax: (202) 720-5704 [email protected]

______From: West, Walinda - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 10:56 AM To: Derrickson, Nichele - FSIS; Mabry, Brian - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Control #7182438 (Zazzaro - Pink Slime)

Cleared without edits.

______From: Derrickson, Nichele - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 10:39 AM To: West, Walinda - FSIS; Mabry, Brian - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Control #7182438 (Zazzaro - Pink Slime) Importance: High

Linda: Please clear and review the attached document. Must be completed in the ECM folder.

Note: Please expedite, task due today, 3/12/12.

Incoming:

<< File: 00001195.pdf >> Draft Response:

<< File: Nancy Zazzaro-Pink Slime[1].docx >>

Thanks.

Nichele Derrickson, Congressional and Public Affairs Food Safety and Inspection Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Room 1175 - South Building

Phone: (202) 720-9113 Fax: (202) 720-5704 [email protected] From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: Blake, Carol - FSIS Cc: Derrickson, Nichele - FSIS Subject: RE: Control #7182438 (Zazzaro - Pink Slime) Date: Monday, March 12, 2012 2:07:02 PM

Thanks Carol. (b) (6)

Food Safety & Inspection Service

Congressional & Public Affairs Office

Room 1175 South Building

Phone: (b) (6)

Fax: (202) 720-5704

(b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov

______From: Blake, Carol - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 12:58 PM To: Derrickson, Nichele - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Control #7182438 (Zazzaro - Pink Slime)

I clear with edits in the attached. Thanks!

<< File: Nancy Zazzaro-Pink Slime1.docx >>

Carol Blake Assistant Administrator Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA Room 339-E Whitten Building Washington, DC 20250 Phone: (202) 720-3884 Fax: (202) 205-0301 Cell: (b) (6) [email protected]

http://www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety http://twitter.com/usdafoodsafety http://www.fsis.usda.gov

______From: Derrickson, Nichele - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 11:48 AM To: Blake, Carol - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Control #7182438 (Zazzaro - Pink Slime) Importance: High

Carol: Please clear and review the attached document for OPACE clearance. Must be completed in the ECM folder.

Note: Please expedite, task due today, 3/12/12.

L.West clears for CPAO with no edits.

Incoming:

<< File: 00001195.pdf >>

Draft Response:

<< File: Nancy Zazzaro-Pink Slime[1].docx >>

Thanks.

Nichele Derrickson, Congressional and Public Affairs Food Safety and Inspection Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Room 1175 - South Building

Phone: (202) 720-9113 Fax: (202) 720-5704 [email protected] From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Control number 7183817 Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 12:06:27 PM

Not yet. I am going to send ECM#7190678 forward to him for signature with a note and see if I can get a response.

(b) (6)

FSIS/OPACE/ECIMS

(b) (6) fsis.usda.gov

(Desk) (b) (6)

(Fax) 202-720-7609

FSIS/OPACE/ECIMS

TRUE PEACE IS NOT MERELY THE ABSENCE OF TENSION,

BUT THE PRESENCE OF JUSTICE

DR. MARTIN L. KING

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 12:05 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Control number 7183817

Excellent – did we get (b) (6) ok to autopen?

(b) (6) Issues Analyst Supervisor (Acting) Executive Correspondence and Issues Management Staff Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education USDA-Food Safety and Inspection Service 1400 Independence Avenue, SW - Room 1162-S Washington, D.C. 20250 Office: (b) (6) Cell: (b) (6) (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov Be Food Safe: CLEAN: Wash Hands and Surfaces Often SEPARATE: Separate Raw Meats from Other Foods

COOK: Cook To The Right Temperature CHILL: Refrigerate Food Promptly

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 12:03 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Control number 7183817

These pink slime letters have been revised and should be in your in-box.

Thanks, (b) (6)

Issues Analyst USDA/Food Safety and Inspection Service Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education Executive Correspondence & Issues Management Staff 1400 Independence Ave SW. Room 1166 Washington D.C. 20250

Phone (b) (6) From: Canavan, Jeff - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Control number 7196205 -- Al Sheldon e-mail Date: Friday, March 30, 2012 12:29:27 PM

(b) (6) ,

I think this may work. Let me know what you think.

Jeff

FSIS regulations require packaged meat products that need special handling (e.g., refrigeration) to maintain their quality to bear a handling statement on the principal display panel. The handling statement for ground beef can be identified as “keep refrigerated” even if some of the meat used in its formulation, including finely textured beef, has been previously frozen.

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 30, 2012 11:59 AM To: Canavan, Jeff - FSIS Subject: Control number 7196205 -- Al Sheldon e-mail

<< File: RE Message from Internet User - Pink Slime heat.txt >>

Not responsive to issue about previously frozen product. << File: asheldon-pink slime and frozen[1][1][2].docx >>

Thank you (b) (6)

Phone (b) (6) From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) @aol.com Subject: RE: Delegate Training Scenarios Date: Monday, March 26, 2012 5:21:55 PM

Thanks for the quick reply, (b) (6) In speaking with (b) (6) and the team about this, we decided to offer more time to this portion of the program and have it cross over the two days. In other words, we will conclude Thursday (2:30PM-4:30PM) with the first half of the session and open Friday (8:30AM-10AM) with the second half. Given the sequence and substance you all had in mind, would that work?

Also, (b) (6) indicated that you should feel free to pick and choose among the scenarios and not feel obligated to cover all of them, particularly if it would be more beneficial to focus on less vs. more.

From: (b) (6) [mailto(b) (6) @gmail.com] Sent: Monday, March 26, 2012 1:41 PM To: (b) (6) @aol.com Subject: Re: Delegate Training Scenarios

Thanks very much, (b) (6) Our experience in discussing these scenarios among ourselves is that it is VERY easy to discuss them at length, and in fact, we have collectively worried that, given the number of scenarios we have now, and the time we've been allotted, we'd have only 10 minutes per scenario, which would mean rigorously tight time management. On the other hand, doing this one thing for more than two hours without a break might get tedious.

One approach might be to allow 15 min per scenario, and allow 3.5 hrs for this section, but give a break in the middle. What do you all think?

I don't think we could add more scenarios without having this section eat up a huge amount of time. Plus, we three think that this list is very good, and we couldn't think of any obvious issue that is not covered by them.

Reactions?

From: (b) (6) - FSIS" <(b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:18:33 +0000 To: "(b) (6)

Subject: RE: Delegate Training Scenarios

Thanks very much, (b) (6) and (b) (6) Since we are still tweaking the agenda, we can add additional time to this segment if needed. In light of the scenarios and how you plan to cover them, would this segment benefit from additional time?

Also, just as an FYI, we recently learned that the conference facility closes at 430PM, so the agenda will need to be modified to reflect this fact.

From: L. Robert, Penny B. Lake [mailto(b) (6) @att.net] Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2012 1:28 PM To: (b) (6) @aol.com Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Re: Delegate Training Scenarios

(b) (6)

I believe I have found the note was sent from (b) (6) to (b) (6) about the scenarios. It is as follows:

"Dear (b) (6)

(b) (6) and (b) (6) and I have had extensive discussion of the 10 scenarios that you sent to us. We think that they are all excellent, and that each illustrates a different problem or issue.

As we contemplate how to organize the group's discussion in the most effective way, we need to know whether, as you suggested at one time, there might be more scenarios coming to us that you'd like considered also, or whether we should expect that the workshop participants will be intending to suggest their own.

Our proposal for the 10 we currently have is this:

We will introduce the discussion by saying that several general observations came to us as we considered the situations illustrated by these scenarios, and these general observations are generally applicable to all situations in Codex and should always be adhered to:

1. Prepare and Share — Early and Often. 2. Know your Resources and Make Use of Them….especially in tricky, complex situations.

We would then each take a scenario, start by illustrating briefly a situation that the person discussing that scenario has personally faced, and then discuss the points raised by the scenario, possible solutions, and then moderate a discussion with the participants.

If we work with these 10 only, we will be able to devote only 12 minutes to discussion of each, assuming that our time slot remains as it is given in the latest agenda (3PM to 5PM).

We propose to take them in the following order:

Old 9 becomes 1 (b) (6) "What happens when FAO or WHO representative intervenes…." Old 2 remains 2 (b) (6) Old 3 remains 3 (b) (6) Old 1 becomes 4 (b) (6) Old 4 becomes 5 (b) (6) Old 5 becomes 6 (b) (6) Old 6 becomes 7 (b) (6) Old 7 becomes 8 (b) (6) Old 10 becomes 9.(b) (6) Old 8 becomes (b) (6)

Please let us know if this meets with your approval, or whether you have any "pink slime" to throw at us. (Heh, heh….a little USDA humor for your afternoon…..)

We are looking forward to the workshop.

Best regards,

(b) (6) (and (b) (6) and (b) (6)

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have any questions or comments.

Have a good week,

(b) (6)

From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: discuss "pink slime" calls Date: Friday, March 09, 2012 8:04:17 AM

I think so:

I’m at home too, I will dial , access:

I will dial in as the ‘host’

Hope you can make it – you had very interesting comments earlier,

If you cannot attend I will certainly bring them up

Thanks (b) (6)

Hope you can join in

(b) (6)

------

(b) (6)

Technical Information Specialist

USDA-FSIS-FSE Staff

Meat and Poultry Hotline

5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Mailstop 5269

Beltsville, MD 20705-5000

Tel: (b) (6) e-mail: (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: discuss "pink slime" calls Date: Friday, March 09, 2012 9:28:29 AM

Thanks for joining in (b) (6)

Have a good weekend (b) (6)

Technical Information Specialist

USDA-FSIS-FSE Staff

Meat and Poultry Hotline

5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Mailstop 5269

Beltsville, MD 20705-5000

Tel: (b) (6) e-mail: (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov

-----Original Appointment----- From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 7:54 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Tentative: discuss 'pink slime' calls When: Friday, March 09, 2012 8:30 AM-9:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada). Where: conference call & HL area

(b) (6) can I call in to this? Regular number?

Thanks,

(b) (6) From: Blake, Carol - FSIS To: Weaver, Fatima - FSIS Subject: RE: District of Columbia Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 1:48:27 PM

Can you follow up on this for me? Requests are due by cob today. Maybe ECIMS could have someone to do mail pick ups, etc. I know Brian is swamped on pink slime stuff…

http://www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety http://twitter.com/usdafoodsafety http://www.fsis.usda.gov

______From: Blake, Carol - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 1:47 PM To: Blake, Carol - FSIS; Mabry, Brian - FSIS; DiNapoli, Greg - FSIS; Leach, Alicemary - FSIS; Cardwell, Rene - FSIS; Weaver, Fatima - FSIS Subject: RE: District of Columbia Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)

Following up on this – has anyone put forward a request? I would like OPACE to have at least one DC summer youth participant.

Also add Kroger and Food Lion if they are ground in the store.

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 10:44 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Document1

<< File: Doc1.docx >>

Everyone has been worried about the Pink Slime. Here is an article letting you know what groceries do not use it if you are concerned. Looks like all the ones except Costco use it. From: Khan, Atiya - FSIS To: Gould, Christopher - FSIS Subject: RE: Does the briefing book have talkers on "pink slime"? Date: Tuesday, March 06, 2012 11:44:19 AM

We have a paper on ammoniated beef.

Atiya Khan, Legislative Analyst

U.S. Department of Agriculture-FSIS

202-205-3826 (office)

202-510-5710 (cell)

Be Food Safe:

CLEAN: Wash Hands and Surfaces Often SEPARATE: Separate Raw Meats from Other Foods

COOK: Cook To The Right Temperature CHILL: Refrigerate Food Promptly

______From: Gould, Christopher - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2012 11:39 AM To: Khan, Atiya - FSIS Subject: Does the briefing book have talkers on "pink slime"?

Christopher Gould

Congressional & Public Affairs Office

USDA Food Safety & Inspection Service

202-690-4546 (desk)

202-365-0186 (cell)

202-720-5704 (fax)

Be Food Safe:

CLEAN: Wash Hands and Surfaces Often SEPARATE: Separate Raw Meats from Other Foods

COOK: Cook To The Right Temperature CHILL: Refrigerate Food Promptly From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Don"t be a hater Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 7:44:38 AM

You are funny (b) (6)

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 6:18 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Don't be a hater

Well not that I have ever eaten one but I hear McDonald's has salads....I am not really sure why they have them. I think the last one they sold was back in 1998 and even then they had to blow the dust off of it.

(b) (6) Consumer Safety Inspector Chicago District Office Circuit 50-23 (b) (6)

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 7:16 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Don't be a hater

Oh that's healthy (b) (6)

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 6:14 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Don't be a hater

Prices are high but look on the bright side, we aren't standing in line for bread or cheese and there is still a McDonald's on every corner.

(b) (6) Consumer Safety Inspector Chicago District Office Circuit 50-23 (b) (6)

-----Original Message----- From: Smith, Ladene - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 7:10 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Don't be a hater

I think it's already there (b) (6) got to grow and raise our own food, besides food prices are so high I might be eating wild game, just call me Annie Oakley. PS: went food shopping over the weekend and wanted to get a pot roast, for the price I should have gotten a Prime Rib......

(b) (6)

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 1:46 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Don't be a hater

It is sure tempting to go Vegan. I think I may do that in a couple of years when the food supply becomes too corrupted.

(b) (6) Relief Consumer Safety Inspector USDA, FSIS, OFO Columbus, IN.

CELL: (b) (6) EMAIL: (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle" From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: (b) (6) working @home Date: Friday, February 03, 2012 8:02:24 AM

Thanks. I’ve been going through my 284 emails and I saw the McDonalds item but haven’t read it yet.

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 8:01 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: (b) (6) working @home

Okay works for me. See you Wednesday AM.

Just an FYI, some things trending on the hotline: pink slime, McDonalds announced they will no longer be using this process for hamburgers (didn’t mention chicken nuggets) (b) (6) has entered it into the hotline screen under additives because of the ammonia involved in the process.

Not much else new. (b) (6) Food Safety Specialist USDA/FSIS Food Safety Education Staff 2-L248C, MS- 5269 5601 Sunnyside Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 (b) (6)

Need Food Safety Answers? Call the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline 1-888-674-6854 or Visit our web site: www.fsis.usda.gov

<< OLE Object: Picture (Device Independent Bitmap) >>

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 7:54 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: (b) (6) working @home

It was mostly catching up on sleep and relaxing – no new sights for me. But (b) (6) added his 100th country – Jamaica. I had already been there several times.

I hear you had great weather here. Hope it continues. I’m in the office with you next week on Wednesday and Friday. I’ll drive on Wednesday to give you a break, if you like.

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 7:52 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: (b) (6) working @home

Welcome back, hope you had a good trip! (b) (6) Food Safety Specialist USDA/FSIS Food Safety Education Staff 2-L248C, MS- 5269 5601 Sunnyside Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 (b) (6)

Need Food Safety Answers? Call the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline 1-888-674-6854 or Visit our web site: www.fsis.usda.gov

<< OLE Object: Picture (Device Independent Bitmap) >>

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 7:43 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - Commissioned Corps - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS; Van, Diane - FSIS Subject: (b) (6) working @home

Good morning, everyone! We just landed from Miami last night, rested and relaxed. I’m ready to work, so I will first start reading my 284 email messages. Talk to you any time (b) (6) .

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 6:46 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - Commissioned Corps - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Working @home

Good Morning! (b) (6) Food Safety Specialist USDA/FSIS Food Safety Education Staff 2-L248C, MS- 5269 5601 Sunnyside Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 (b) (6) From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: (b) (6) working @home Date: Friday, February 03, 2012 10:41:29 AM

Interesting. I hope you like the sessions. I think they’ll all good. Pati Jinich is a jewel. You’ll like her hands-on class. She’s on PBS-Tv channel 26 on Saturday mornings.

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 8:53 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: (b) (6) working @home

Session 1: I had trouble deciding between Trucs of the Trade and How Restaurants Evolve and Change with the Times. I chose Trucs of the Trade since I figured that would be more relevant for me in the home kitchen.

Session 2: When Does the Cumin Go In? Food Writing with Recipes. I chose this since Sara Moulton will be a part of the discussion.

Session 3: Mexican cooking demonstration

Session 4: Fish, Fowl and Fruit. Where in the World is My Food Coming From. I chose this because (b) (6) is the chair and I think the topic is very timely and I would like to hear comments or questions from the audience and how they feel about our global food market.

(b) (6) RD RN Technical Information Specialist USDA/FSIS Food Safety Education Staff 2L-248D 5601 Sunnyside Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 Phone (b) (6) (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 8:41 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: (b) (6) working @home

I’m interested in hearing which sessions you found interesting.

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 8:40 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: (b) (6) working @home Thank you! I love those croissants. I was at Wegman’s a week ago and bought three of them. Needless to say two didn’t make it home. I had to vacuum my car so (b) (6) wouldn’t see the evidence I left behind, chocolate and crumbs all over my seat and me.

I am looking forward to the symposium and have already made my selections.

(b) (6)

(b) (6) RD RN Technical Information Specialist USDA/FSIS Food Safety Education Staff 2L-248D 5601 Sunnyside Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 Phone (b) (6) (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 8:33 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: (b) (6) working @home

Good morning, (b) (6) I thought of you on the ship when they had pain au chocolat (chocolate croissants). Hope you can come to Les Dames’ symposium. I made sure L’Academie’s pastry students were going to make them for the breakfast.

Regarding the pink slime, I don’t think anyone would have thought to use such stuff in “the old days.” Now it’s all about making money from selling the unknowing public hog slop!

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 8:29 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: (b) (6) working @home

Hi (b) (6)

Welcome back!

A cruise this time of year sounds nice right now. I’m glad you got some rest and relaxation we all need a break from the “rat race” here.

Not much happening except we have been getting some call about “pink slime” again due to a story about McDonalds. Most people want to know if it’s true that USDA allows this. When I tell them yes, they start venting and I just listen.

(b) (6)

(b) (6) RD RN Technical Information Specialist USDA/FSIS Food Safety Education Staff 2L-248D 5601 Sunnyside Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 Phone (b) (6) (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov

Good morning, everyone! We just landed from Miami last night, rested and relaxed. I’m ready to work, so I will first start reading my 284 email messages. Talk to you any time (b) (6) .

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 6:46 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - Commissioned Corps - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Working @home

Good Morning! (b) (6) Food Safety Specialist USDA/FSIS Food Safety Education Staff 2-L248C, MS- 5269 5601 Sunnyside Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 (b) (6)

Need Food Safety Answers? Call the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline 1-888-674-6854 or Visit our web site: www.fsis.usda.gov

<< OLE Object: Picture (Device Independent Bitmap) >> From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Cisco phone help: never mind Date: Friday, March 09, 2012 12:56:23 PM ok, glad that helped and I’m knocking on wood too (b) (6)

Thank you

(b) (6)

------

(b) (6)

Technical Information Specialist

USDA-FSIS-FSE Staff

Meat and Poultry Hotline

5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Mailstop 5269

Beltsville, MD 20705-5000

Tel: (b) (6) e-mail: (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 12:54 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Cisco phone help: never mind

Okay, that makes sense. No pink slime so far…knock on wood.

FYI: I’m logging out at 4:00 pm today. I just did my timesheet and realized today should have been my short day (8). I should have logged in at 7:30 instead of 7:00. Oh well.

(b) (6) RD RN Technical Information Specialist USDA/FSIS Food Safety Education Staff 2L-248D 5601 Sunnyside Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 Phone (b) (6) (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov ______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 12:51 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Cisco phone help: never mind

It is weird indeed:

Sometimes it appears to have on queue what you saw the last time

And then when redoing it gives you the latest queue..

Not sure why it does it,,I’ve noticed before

I’ve been keeping an eye today also on the queue, since I’m trying to get these Lego –quite a few—project reviews out of the way.

It seems (b) (6) as well as (b) (6) are in the review process – I see their names on the Lego page (logged in)

(b) (6)

------(b) (6)

Technical Information Specialist

USDA-FSIS-FSE Staff

Meat and Poultry Hotline

5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Mailstop 5269

Beltsville, MD 20705-5000

Tel: (b) (6)

e-mail: (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 12:47 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Cisco phone help: never mind

I don’t know what’s happening. I logged out and then back in. Everything seems like it’s working. I will keep an eye on the queue and let you know if I need your help.

(b) (6) RD RN Technical Information Specialist USDA/FSIS Food Safety Education Staff 2L-248D 5601 Sunnyside Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 Phone (b) (6) (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: clarification -- and questions Date: Friday, March 09, 2012 2:52:07 PM

Great – I can take a quick look at your revisions before it moves forward.

Review the pink slime e-mails, and if they are all very similar and will receive near-identical responses, add them as documents in one folder. Use one as the lead response, and then we can add the text to the others when that one is cleared and signed.

The poultry e-mail should be separate, as it is different than the others I forwarded you.

I haven’t heard back from OA on 7160292. I can try again.

Be Food Safe: CLEAN: Wash Hands and Surfaces Often SEPARATE: Separate Raw Meats from Other Foods

COOK: Cook To The Right Temperature CHILL: Refrigerate Food Promptly

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 2:38 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: clarification -- and questions

I have found the kumar file and have printed off the new letter both on letterhead and on yellow pages. Would you like to review the letter for me and we can try again to get it signed? -- thanks.

Just to be sure –you said that I should insert all of the meat pink slime together in under the same control number. Right?

And the poultry pink slime should be inserted by itself. Right?

And have you heard if OA contacted the employee that I have as fi37 – control number 7160292.

Thanks,

(b) (6)

Phone (b) (6) From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: Cardwell, Rene - FSIS Subject: RE: Clearance - Ronk Date: Thursday, March 29, 2012 9:47:24 AM

Perfect. Thanks. (b) (6) Issues Analyst USDA/Food Safety and Inspection Service Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education Executive Correspondence & Issues Management Staff 1400 Independence Avenue, SW. ● Room 1166 ● Washington D.C. 20250 (b) (6) (W) ● (202) 720-7609 (F) ● (b) (6) (C) e-mail: (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov

Be Food Safe. CLEAN: Wash Hands and Surfaces Often SEPARATE: Separate Raw Meats from Other Foods

COOK: Cook To The Right Temperature CHILL: Refrigerate Food Promptly

______From: Cardwell, Rene - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2012 9:46 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Clearance - Ronk

Hey (b) (6)

I’d like to use the original pink slime language (see attached). I’m updating and moving forward. Thanks.

Thank you.

René Cardwell, Deputy Director ECIMS-OPACE/FSIS

Room 1163-South Building Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250 Office: (202) 720-9945 Cell: (202) 503-7113 Fax: (202) 205-0158

Be Food Safe: CLEAN: Wash Hands and Surfaces Often SEPARATE: Separate Raw Meats from Other Foods

COOK: Cook To The Right Temperature CHILL: Refrigerate Food Promptly

<< File: Ronk - Ammoniated beef[1][1].doc >> From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Closure letter for PS 2434 0294 (ICAD 12 0040) Pink Slime Date: Friday, March 30, 2012 11:59:30 AM Attachments: OIG Closure (Pink Slime).doc

Use this version

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 30, 2012 9:55 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Closure letter for PS 2434 0294 (ICAD 12 0040) Pink Slime

(b) (6)

Please see attached closure letter and advise of necessary changes, thanks!

<< File: Closure to OIG to NR (3).doc >> (b) (6)

Management Analyst

USDA/FSIS/OPEER/ICAD

500 Poydras Street, Suite 1109

New Orleans, LA 70130

Office: (b) (6)

Fax: (504) 589-2916 From: Blake, Carol - FSIS To: Weaver, Fatima - FSIS Subject: Re: CNN Story Just Ran on Pink Slime Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 1:40:40 PM

Thanks!! I'm in the NACMPI meeting in 327E but please go ahead.

Carol Blake Assistant Administrator Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education 1400 Independence Ave, SW Washington, DC 20250 Phone: (202) 720-3884 Cell: (b) (6)

From: Weaver, Fatima - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 12:34 PM To: Blake, Carol - FSIS Subject: RE: CNN Story Just Ran on Pink Slime

(b) (6) and I are on the way to your office to see what’s going on with the current TV, until a new one is purchased and received.

______From: Blake, Carol - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 10:54 AM To: Weaver, Fatima - FSIS Subject: FW: CNN Story Just Ran on Pink Slime

I really need to get a working TV in my office… J

<< OLE Object: Picture (Device Independent Bitmap) >>

Check your steps at http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/basis/index.html ______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 10:52 AM To: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS; Mabry, Brian - FSIS; Blake, Carol - FSIS Subject: CNN Story Just Ran on Pink Slime

Focus was that Publix, Safeway, and Whole Foods are saying they won’t sell the stuff. The host talked about how grossed out she was, but the reporter, Elizabeth Cohen, noted that there’s nothing unsafe about it, and in fact the ammonium hydroxide was for the purposes of controlling E.Coli.

Christopher Gould

Congressional & Public Affairs Office

USDA Food Safety & Inspection Service

202-690-4546 (desk)

202-365-0186 (cell)

202-720-5704 (fax)

Be Food Safe:

CLEAN: Wash Hands and Surfaces Often SEPARATE: Separate Raw Meats from Other Foods

COOK: Cook To The Right Temperature CHILL: Refrigerate Food Promptly From: Lavallee, Aaron - OC To: Mabry, Brian - FSIS; Rowe, Courtney - OC; Jarvis, Michael - AMS; Lavallee, Aaron - OC Cc: Blake, Carol - FSIS Subject: RE: Comment for msnbc.com story Date: Friday, March 09, 2012 3:51:32 PM

Here are both parts

Hi, Michael, We are looking into reports that 7 million pounds of waste beef commonly called “pink slime” is distributed for school lunches by the USDA. An online petition has been started, urging the National School Lunch Program to stop the use of ground beef containing pink slime, and has almost 20,000 signatures. Would the agency consider revoking the authorization of treating meats with the ammonia-based chemical? Any guidance is much appreciated.

From: Jane Weaver (MSNBC-JV) [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 02:30 PM To: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS Subject: Comment for msnbc.com story

Hi, Neil, We are looking into reports that 70 percent of the ground beef sold in U.S. supermarkets contains what is known as “lean finely textured beef” or pink slime. Many of our readers – and a lot of people online as well – seem to be in a panic about the safety of these meat products. Can you give me a comment about the safety of this meat and whether the agency would ever consider changing the authorization of the use of lean finely textured beef. Any help is much appreciated. We’re working on an update of the story this afternoon.

Best, Jane

Jane Weaver | deputy health editor | 212-413-6708

From: Lavallee, Aaron - OC To: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS; Jarvis, Michael - AMS; Mabry, Brian - FSIS Cc: Blake, Carol - FSIS; Rowe, Courtney - OC Subject: RE: Comment for msnbc.com story Date: Friday, March 09, 2012 3:50:26 PM

She is coming at us from all angles – looping everyone in.

From: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 3:49 PM To: Lavallee, Aaron - OC Subject: Fw: Comment for msnbc.com story

FYI.

From: Jane Weaver (MSNBC-JV) [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 02:30 PM To: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS Subject: Comment for msnbc.com story

Best, Jane

Jane Weaver | deputy health editor | 212-413-6708

From: Jarvis, Michael - AMS To: Mabry, Brian - FSIS Subject: RE: Comment for msnbc.com story Date: Friday, March 09, 2012 4:03:45 PM

I can send it

From: Mabry, Brian - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 4:03 PM To: Jarvis, Michael - AMS Subject: RE: Comment for msnbc.com story

Mike – did you already send this to her? You want to do it, or do you want me to – doesn’t matter to me since I’ll just buck it to Neil or Dirk on Monday. If you want me to cover you, give me the word.

From: Jarvis, Michael - AMS Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 4:02 PM To: Mabry, Brian - FSIS Subject: RE: Comment for msnbc.com story

Jane: Below is statement on record as well as some background info.

On the record: “All USDA ground beef purchases for the National School Lunch Program must meet the highest standards for food safety. This includes stringent pathogen testing and compliance with all applicable food safety regulations. USDA has strengthened ground beef food safety standards in recent years and only allows products into commerce - and especially into schools - that we have confidence are safe.”

ON BACKGROUND: The National School Lunch Program (NSLP), administered by the USDA, purchases approximately 20 percent of the products served in schools across the country. In other words, the majority, approximately 80 percent, is purchased by schools or school districts directly through private vendors and not USDA. In its role as the purchasing agent, to quantify how much of a particular product purchased by USDA is served in specific school districts or specific schools is difficult to measure and depends upon a case by case or even school-by-school basis. Procurement officials for schools may have this information.

Since the early 1990s, Lean Finely Textured Beef (LFTB) has been allowed as a component of the ground beef purchased by USDA for distribution through the NSLP. The maximum allowable percentage of LFTB that may be formulated into single servings of the ground beef purchased for the NSLP is 15 percent, which is similar to the composition found in many commercially available ground beef products. USDA does not purchase LFTB directly.

All USDA beef purchases for the NSLP and other Federal food and nutrition assistance programs meet very high food safety standards, which include stringent pathogen testing. Beef supplied by BPI as a component of the beef products purchased by USDA for the NSLP is subject to the same strict pathogen testing requirements for beef raw ingredients.

From: Jane Weaver (MSNBC-JV) [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 3:23 PM To: Jarvis, Michael - AMS Subject: Comment for msnbc.com story

Best, Jane

Jane Weaver | deputy health editor | 212-413-6708

191 Broadway, Apt. 6E

New York, NY 10533

(b) (6)@verizon.net (b) (6)

Food Safety Specialist

USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline

Room 2L254-B

5601 Sunnyside Ave.

Beltsville, MD 20705-5000 (b) (6)

Fax (301) 504-2092

1 (888) MPHotline or 1 (888) 674-6854

(b) (6) fsis.usda.gov From: Mabry, Brian - FSIS To: Rowe, Courtney - OC; Jarvis, Michael - AMS; Lavallee, Aaron - OC; Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS; Blake, Carol - FSIS; (b) (6) - OSEC Subject: RE: FOX News: Pink Slime request Date: Thursday, March 08, 2012 11:42:22 AM

FYI - Brian

AMI Press Release: Lean Finely Textured Beef Is A Safe and Wholesome Beef Product

Lean Finely Textured Beef Is A Safe and Wholesome Beef Product 03/08/2012 American Meat Institute

Attribute Statement to American Meat President J. Patrick Boyle ...THIS STORY CONTINUES... http://www.meatami.com/ht/d/ReleaseDetails/i/76164/mo person id/00077798/mo mailing id/MO- 02386

Lean Finely Textured Beef Is A Safe and Wholesome Beef Product

Thursday, March 8, 2012

(Attribute Statement to American Meat President J. Patrick Boyle)

Washington, DC -- “Lean finely textured beef (LFTB) is a safe, wholesome and nutritious form of beef that is made by separating lean beef from fat. To make LFTB, beef companies use beef trimmings, the small cuts of beef that remain when larger cuts are trimmed down. These trimmings are USDA inspected, wholesome cuts of beef that contain both fat and lean and are nearly imposs ble to separate using a knife. When these trimmings are processed, the process separates the fat away and the end result is nutritious, lean beef. It’s a process similar to separating cream from milk. One process uses food grade ammonium hydroxide gas, something commonly used in the production of many foods, to destroy bacteria. Another process uses citric acid (like acid in a citrus fruit) to destroy bacteria. Whatever process is used, it is all done under the watchful eye of USDA inspectors and according to strict federal rules. Lean finely textured beef is blended into foods like ground beef. Producing LFTB ensures that lean, nutritious, safe beef is not wasted in a world where red meat protein supplies are decreasing while global demand is increasing as population and income increases. Some recent media reports created a troubling and inaccurate picture, particularly in their use of the colloquial term 'pink slime.' The fact is, LFTB is beef. The beef trimmings that are used to make LFTB are absolutely edible. In fact, no process can somehow make an inedible meat edible; it’s imposs ble. In reality, the LFTB production process simply removes fat and makes the remaining beef more lean and suited to a variety of beef products that satisfy consumers’ desire for leaner foods. In fact, lean finely textured beef is a sustainable product because it recovers lean meat that would otherwise be wasted. The beef industry is proud to produce beef products that maximize as much lean meat as possible from the cattle we raise. It’s the right thing to do and it ensures that our products remain as affordable as we can make them while helping to feed America and the world.” Consumers with questions are encouraged to visit http://www.meatmythcrushers.com/. For information on the use of ammonium hydroxide in other foods, visit http://www.foodinsight.org/Resources/Detail.aspx? topic=Questions and Answers about Ammonium Hydroxide Use in Food Production. Note to media: A photograph that is being used in many stories is NOT lean fine textured beef. Its use is highly inaccurate in connection with stories about lean finely textured beef.

From: Rowe, Courtney - OC Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 11:22 AM To: Mabry, Brian - FSIS; Jarvis, Michael - AMS; Lavallee, Aaron - OC; Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS; Blake, Carol - FSIS; (b) (6) - OSEC Subject: RE: FOX News: Pink Slime request

Looping (b) (6) here. I am booked solid until 2:30. But could do something after that.

From: Mabry, Brian - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 11:14 AM To: Jarvis, Michael - AMS; Rowe, Courtney - OC; Lavallee, Aaron - OC; Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS; Blake, Carol - FSIS Subject: RE: FOX News: Pink Slime request

I know folks are at hearings and spread throughout right now, but FSIS Media thinks it would be worthwhile to have a conference call or quick huddle early this afternoon about where we think this story will go and how we want to respond.

Thanks for your consideration. Best ~ Brian

From: Jarvis, Michael - AMS Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 11:09 AM To: Rowe, Courtney - OC; Lavallee, Aaron - OC; Mabry, Brian - FSIS; Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Subject: RE: FOX News: Pink Slime request yes

From: Rowe, Courtney - OC Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 11:07 AM To: Lavallee, Aaron - OC; Jarvis, Michael - AMS; Mabry, Brian - FSIS; Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Subject: RE: FOX News: Pink Slime request

Does this work?

All USDA ground beef purchases must meet the highest standards for food safety. USDA has strengthened ground beef food safety standards in recent years and only allows products into commerce that we have confidence are safe.

From: Lavallee, Aaron - OC Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 11:05 AM To: Jarvis, Michael - AMS; Rowe, Courtney - OC; Mabry, Brian - FSIS; Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Subject: Re: FOX News: Pink Slime request

Okay well he has our background on food safety as a whole. Courtney can we take nslp out of the quote? He is going to chop it up on his own otherwise.

From: Jarvis, Michael - AMS Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 10:00 AM To: Lavallee, Aaron - OC; Rowe, Courtney - OC; Mabry, Brian - FSIS; Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Subject: RE: FOX News: Pink Slime request

Not a grade issue. This is FSIS mark of inspection issue not grading.

From: Lavallee, Aaron - OC Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 10:42 AM To: Rowe, Courtney - OC; Mabry, Brian - FSIS; Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Cc: Jarvis, Michael - AMS Subject: Fw: FOX News: Pink Slime request

See below - fox is confusing the usda grade A - I have asked mike to reach out

Why cannot let this story taint the grading program.

From: Folbaum, Rick [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 09:38 AM To: Lavallee, Aaron - OC Subject: RE: FOX News: Pink Slime request

Thank you

From: Lavallee, Aaron - OC [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 10:37 AM To: Folbaum, Rick Subject: Re: FOX News: Pink Slime request

Rick Off the record The purchases we make are for the school program I am not sure what purchases you mean outside of that - I am in a meeting and will have a colleague contact you about the grading program you refer to. Give me just a few.

From: Folbaum, Rick [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 09:31 AM To: Lavallee, Aaron - OC Subject: RE: FOX News: Pink Slime request

Thanks Aaron. But my questions weren’t specifically about the National School Lunch Program. I was asking about all USDA stamped beef products sold in supermarkets. Can you re-word the statement below so that I can use it? I don’t want to have to chop it up, though I could use just the second half of the quote. Removing the schools part would help me. As for the link, I’ll check it out. Thank you! Rick

From: Lavallee, Aaron - OC [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 10:27 AM To: Folbaum, Rick Subject: Fw: FOX News: Pink Slime request

Rick,

On the record from USDA Spokesperson Aaron Lavallee: ???All USDA ground beef purchases for the National School Lunch Program must meet the highest standards for food safety.?? This includes stringent pathogen testing and compliance with all applicable food safety regulations. USDA has strengthened ground beef food safety standards in recent years and only allows products into commerce - and especially into schools - that we have confidence are safe.???

OFF THE RECORD: For information about this particular product, please contact the company and here is a link to a public video of the CEO This video quotes the CEO/Founder as saying 70% http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHQHPNoyO7c&feature=player_embedded ?? ??

From: Chan, Stephanie - OC Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 09:20 AM To: Lavallee, Aaron - OC Cc: Rowe, Courtney - OC Subject: FOX News: Pink Slime request

Report in an Hr.

From: Folbaum, Rick [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 10:12 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Request from Rick Folbaum at Fox News Channel

Stephanie,

As per our phone conversation, I’d wish to request a response to the ABC News report on so called “pink slime” being found in “70 percent of the ground beef (found) at supermarkets.” The report quotes two former USDA scientists, Gerald Zirnstein and Carl Custer, who say they warned against using these beef trimmings, but that their government bosses “overruled them.”

Are these charges true? Were the scientists overruled? Are these ingredients safe for public consumption? What are these ingredients? And what is the USDA’s position on beef manufacturers who use cheaper ingredients as a way of boosting their profits?

My live report is in an hour, and I apologize for asking for such a quick turnaround, but I was just assigned the story. If you have a written statement, I’d like to incorporate it in my live shot. Emailing me is the best way to reach me as I will only be at my desk for the next 30 minutres.

Thank you, Rick Folbaum 212-301-3050

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. From: (b) (6) To: (b) (6) Cc: (b) (6) Subject: RE: Friday night Date: Friday, March 30, 2012 10:52:36 AM

ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

(b) (6) Loan Service Advisor-Peachtree City (b) (6)

From: (b) (6) [mailto:(b) (6) @rinnai.us] Sent: Friday, March 30, 2012 10:42 AM To: (b) (6) Cc: (b) (6) Subject: RE: Friday night

Hey we should worry about everything we eat really (kidding) I just read that Starbucks strawberry drinks have ground up beetles in it. Yum! I like my protein other ways ha!

From: (b) (6) - FSIS [mailto(b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov] Sent: Friday, March 30, 2012 10:38 AM To: (b) (6) Cc: (b) (6) Subject: RE: Friday night

Ok I want all of you to go to yahoo.com and scroll down and find the Dude, It’s beef article. Rick Perry and other governors and the Under Secretary are saying the pink slime is ok to eat. Hell she the U.S. wouldn’t even stop to answer questions about it.

From: (b) (6) [mailto(b) (6) @deltacommunitycu.com] Sent: Friday, March 30, 2012 9:35 AM To: (b) (6) Cc: (b) (6) Subject: RE: Friday night

(b) (6) was building a gun rack J

(b) (6) Loan Service Advisor-Peachtree City (b) (6) From: Kause, Janell - FSIS To: (b) (6) Bcc: Kause, Janell - FSIS Subject: RE: Friend of Ken Farber Date: Thursday, March 29, 2012 12:58:17 AM

(b) (6) – I understand that Ms. Halbrook has filled her student internship already. I will try others here at USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (on our policy side). Thanks.

Janell Kause, Director Risk Assessment Division, Office of Public Health Science, Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA Mail Stop 3777, PP3, Office 9-184B, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250 P: 202-690-0286; F: 202-690-6337; BB: 202-257-4483

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

From: (b) (6) [mailto:(b) (6) @uvm.edu] Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 11:19 PM To: Kause, Janell - FSIS Subject: Re: Friend of Ken Farber

Great - thank you so much. I really appreciate all your help. I'll be in touch with Ms. Halbrook right away.

(b) (6)

On Mar 27, 2012, at 2:41 PM, Kause, Janell - FSIS wrote:

I sent your resume on to Brenda Halbrook. She is the Director at USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service who works on issues related to the School Lunch Program. I think her group would be interested in someone with your back and working on children’s health issues.

Contact: Brenda Halbrook, M.S., R.D. Director, Food Safety Unit Food & Nutrition Service, USDA Alexandria, DC phone: 703-305-2608 fax: 703-305-2420 [email protected]

From: (b) (6) [mailto(b) (6) @uvm.edu] Sent: Monday, March 26, 2012 10:12 PM To: Kause, Janell - FSIS Subject: Re: Friend of (b) (6)

Hi Janell,

Thanks so much for your note. All of your suggestions definitely sound related to what I am interested in and I would love to know more. I have attached my resume, and anyone that you might be able to put me in touch with would be fantastic.

Thanks,

(b) (6)

On Mar 23, 2012, at 10:53 AM, Janell Kause wrote:

Hello (b) (6) I am on travel outside the U.S., but would like to follow up when I return. Please send your CV to my government account (I don't check this one enough) - (b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov

Places I think would be a good fit: EPA has a team that works on issues related to children's health and pesticide exposure (under the Food Quality Protection Act). I also think that with increased emphasis on children's diets and the school lunch program (e.g., concerns about "pink slime" in the School Lunch Program), there are opportunities at USDA's Food and Nutrition Service. Another place may be at the Department of Health and Human Service - I don't have specifics but think that they would have groups focused on children's health. Since I work for USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, I can direct you to some of my contacts that USDA Food and Nutrition Service (as well as FDA and EPA). Just let me know. Thanks.

On Mon, Mar 19, 2012 at 10:34 PM, (b) (6) <(b) (6) @uvm.edu> wrote: Hi Janelle

I got your contact from Ken Farber, and he suggested that I contact you directly to seek your advice. As I think he has mentioned to you, I am looking for an internship (paid or unpaid) for this summer. I was wondering if you might have any ideas and/or people I could get in touch with. I am interested in anything law-related, specifically children's law. Any advice or recommendations you have would be fantastic!

From: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS; Derrickson, Nichele - FSIS Subject: RE: FRIENDLY REMINDER--CPAO Weekly Report Date: Thursday, February 02, 2012 5:13:12 PM

· FSIS distributed a news release on Wednesday promoting food safety tips for Super Bowl parties.

· FSIS managed several media inquiries regarding the use of “pink slime” in ground beef, as well as in the National School Lunch Program. FSIS is highlighting the fact that we have determined that use of the product is safe for consumers, and that USDA only would allow food to be given to our schoolchildren that we are confident is safe.

Dirk Fillpot Media Supervisor Congressional and Public Affairs Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service Washington, D.C. 20250 Phone: (202) 690-3112 Cell: (202) 695-9950 [email protected] http://www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety http://www.twitter.com/usdafoodsafety http://www.fsis.usda.gov/

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 5:06 PM To: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Subject: FW: FRIENDLY REMINDER--CPAO Weekly Report Importance: High

Hi Dirk, Just checking whether you have any updates you’d like to the report?

(b) (6) Food Safety & Inspection Service Congressional & Public Affairs Office Room 1175 South Building Phone: (b) (6) Fax: (202) 720-5704 (b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov

From: Derrickson, Nichele - FSIS Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 9:57 AM To: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; West, Walinda - FSIS; Taylor, Kim - FSIS Cc: Mabry, Brian - FSIS; DiNapoli, Greg - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; Gaffney, Neil - FSIS; Khan, Atiya - FSIS; Tarrant, Alexandra - FSIS Subject: REMINDER--CPAO Weekly Report Importance: High

Good morning all,

This is a reminder that Michele and I need your updates for the CPAO Weekly Report. Please provide it by COB today. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Nichele Derrickson, Congressional and Public Affairs Food Safety and Inspection Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Room 1175 - South Building Phone: (202) 720-9113 Fax: (202) 720-5704 [email protected]

From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: From Carolyn O"Neil: THE DOCTORS Investigate: What’s Really in Your Food! Date: Friday, February 24, 2012 4:30:16 PM

Good actors… If it’s bologna they’re selling they better be sure it’s USDA inspected and not door to door.. TV doesn’t need doors though, does it?.. they’re IN there in our homes.. when we let them in. a.

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, February 24, 2012 3:26 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS; Van, Diane - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: From Carolyn O'Neil: THE DOCTORS Investigate: What’s Really in Your Food!

Our friend (b) (6) sent this email to us.

From:(b) (6) @aol.com [mailto(b) (6) @aol.com] Sent: Friday, February 24, 2012 3:01 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) @uga.edu Subject: Fwd: THE DOCTORS Investigate: What’s Really in Your Food!

Oh boy...here we go! Just wanted to give my colleagues involved in food safety science a heads up on this episode of The Doctors....in case you were not aware. Since when is Chef Rocco DiSpirito a food scientist? First Dr. Oz and arsenic in apple juice, now this. Please feel free to forward to colleagues. Carolyn

From: (b) (6)@MPRM.com To: (b) (6) Sent: 2/24/2012 2:49:35 P.M. Eastern Standard Time Subj: THE DOCTORS Investigate: What’s Really in Your Food!

Hi there,

It’s been four years since Food Inc. lifted the veil on America’s food industry and exposed how the nation’s food suppliers put profit ahead of the health of the consumer. But Americans are still being served harmful foods including burgers made out of pink slime, chicken “marinated” in chlorine and injected with salt water with sodium content equivalent to a serving of fries, artificial flavoring in ice cream that is otherwise used in lice killer and carcinogens in bread commonly found on the kitchen table – all government sanctioned ingredients.

On Monday, February 27, the hosts of the Emmy Award-winning syndicated talk show THE DOCTORS, along with special guest and celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito, take a closer look at American food staples and examines the harmful additives and processes used to prepare them. Please feel free to share these highlights with your viewers:

· Burgers* – Would you eat a burger made out of “pink slime”—the name given to the mechanically separated meat that’s treated with ammonia hydroxide to kill bacteria like E-coli? McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Burger King, once purveyors of pink slime, say they have discontinued their use of this meat, made from discarded beef (i.e. everything else from the cow that had been deemed inedible), but who still does? Schools serve it up daily in kids’ lunches.

· Chicken –To disinfect and cool chicken post slaughter, chickens are often soaked in a chlorine bath with a water-to-chlorine ratio up to 50 times more potent than the local swimming pool. Then, to help hide the chlorine taste, the chickens are “plumped” with salt water, making the chickens larger in both weight and price. Plus, via a scientific experiment, THE DOCTORS determined that chlorine baths may not even rid chicken of the bacteria the chlorine bath is supposed to prevent.

· Ice Cream – One billion gallons of ice cream are consumed by Americans every year. The most popular flavor? Vanilla. Real vanilla beans are expensive, so to save money, many ice cream makers use a synthetic flavoring called piperonal which is also an ingredient in lice killer.

· Bread – Many breads are made with potassium bromate, which has been banned in Canada and the UK and has been named a carcinogen by the EPA, but has been approved by the FDA. Plus, azodicarbonamide, found in many manufactured donuts and hamburger buns - as well as plastics, rubber and foam - has been found to aggravate asthma symptoms and contribute respiratory problems in humans.

So, what does THE DOCTORS recommend to avoid these harmful foods?

Read the fine print on labels! o Look for fewer ingredients with words you can pronounce o Avoid “artificial flavors” as much as possible o Avoid “artificial dyes”, especially Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5 & 6

· Limit processed foods.

· While it’s not economical for everyone to buy organic all the time, it’s worth spending a few extra dollars on organic poultry and beef.

o To save money, purchase the whole chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most expensive by the pound.

o Check the “sell by” dates, and plan to shop the day before when your butcher is likely to mark down the poultry and meat.

o Consider buying direct from a farmer’s market

· Check the sodium levels on fresh and frozen chicken packaging.

o A truly natural chicken breast has 50 to 75 mg. of sodium. If there’s more than that, the bird has been “plumped”.

· Cook for your family.

o If you want to know what’s in your food, make it yourself.

o It’s a great way to bond with your children and teach them about health.

Visit www.thedoctorstv.com for a cheat sheet that lists the harmful additives often hidden on food labels as well as a complete list of common additives to avoid. Also find a recipe for a delicious homemade, super low-calorie ice cream by Rocco DiSpirito.

Please feel free to use the photo below. Video clips are also available upon request.

Thanks, Traci

*Below is a photo of a 12 year-old burger THE DOCTORS’ Dr. Jim Sears uses in nutrition lectures. Not even mold has grown on the meat because of all the added chemicals in there!

From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: From Carolyn O"Neil: THE DOCTORS Investigate: What’s Really in Your Food! Date: Friday, February 24, 2012 3:33:17 PM

$ensationali$m….dies hard, or doe$ it ever? !!

(b) (6) ------(b) (6) Technical Information Specialist USDA-FSIS-FSE Staff Meat and Poultry Hotline 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Mailstop 5269 Beltsville, MD 20705-5000 Tel: (b) (6) e-mail: (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, February 24, 2012 3:26 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS; Van, Diane - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: From (b) (6) : THE DOCTORS Investigate: What’s Really in Your Food!

Our friend (b) (6) sent this email to us. From: STEPHANIE ARMOUR (BLOOMBERG/ NEWSROOM:) To: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Subject: RE: From Stephanie Date: Thursday, March 08, 2012 5:00:49 PM

(b) (6)

----- Original Message ----- From: Dirk - FSIS Fillpot To: STEPHANIE ARMOUR (BLOOMBERG/ NEWSROOM:) At: 3/08 16:57:27

What's you number? I can't find it. Thanks!

-----Original Message----- From: STEPHANIE ARMOUR (BLOOMBERG/ NEWSROOM:) [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 4:29 PM To: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Subject: From Stephanie

Hey Dirk, I was just nagging you on the pink slime release.

----- Original Message ----- From: STEPHANIE ARMOUR (BLOOMBERG/ NEWSROOM:) To: [email protected] At: 3/08 13:01:43

Say, what can you tell me about pink slime? :)

- This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. From: Patti Waller To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: FSIS FOIA 2010-00073 Date: Thursday, March 29, 2012 12:20:15 PM

Thank you, thank you! You are awesome.

A reporter is trying to track down records because of the whole “pink slime” issue. I didn’t keep a copy of this letter so now I can tell him that he has what I have.

______Patti Waller, MS, Epidemiologist MARLER CLARK THE FOOD SAfEtY LAw FIRm Direct Line: (206) 515-1927 Email: (b) (6)@marlerclark.com Website: www.marlerclark.com

This electronic transmission is intended for the addressee or entity indicated above. It may contain information that is privileged, confidential, or otherwise protected from disclosure. Any review, dissemination or use of this transmission or its contents by persons other than the addressee is prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, we respectfully request that you notify us immediately and erase all copies of this transmission. Thank you. P Please only print this email if necessary. Thank you!

From: (b) (6) - FSIS [mailto(b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2012 8:40 AM To: Patti Waller Subject: RE: FSIS FOIA 2010-00073

Hi Patti:

Sorry I missed you when I called. As promised, I have attached our response to you re. FOIA 10- 073.

Thanks again & have a good day.

(b) (6)

From: Patti Waller [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 3:27 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: FSIS FOIA 2010-00073

Hi (b) (6)

Hope you don’t live to regret the day I got your email address! So…what do you have as the status for this FOIA request I submitted in November 2009?

Patti

______Patti Waller, MS, Epidemiologist MARLER CLARK THE FOOD SAfEtY LAw FIRm 1301 Second Avenue, Suite 2800 Seattle, WA 98101-3808 Direct Line: (206) 515-1927 Main Line: (206) 346-1888 Toll Free: (800) 884-9840, ext. 1927 Main Facsimile: (206) 346-1898 Email: (b) (6)@marlerclark.com Website: www.marlerclark.com

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. From: (b) (6) - AMS To: Derfler, Phil - FSIS Subject: Re: FSMA Deliverables Date: Friday, March 16, 2012 8:01:06 AM

Yes I am in very warm Colorado Springs. I believe those are correct. I have a few as well but don't have my notes so can't definitively say what those are. Thanks for your help and those of others in fsis on the pink slime issue. We need to get this behind us.

From: Derfler, Phil - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 06:47 AM To: (b) (6) - AMS Subject: FW: FSMA Deliverables

I am pretty sure that you are on travel, but I wanted to follow up on this, just to set out what I think are my assignments going forward.

I said that I would identify people to work with FDA on section 104. I also said that I would contact (b) (6) on section 109. On section 110, (b) (6) of REE and (b) (6) of FSIS are already assigned. On 204, I said that I would confirm with David Goldman that (b) (6) is the right person. I also said that I would check with Terri Nintemann that she is right person on 206. Finally, on 305 I said that I would check whether (b) (6) is the right person.

So you have anything different or additional, please let me know. Thanks.

From: Difilippo, Michelle [mailto(b) (6) @fda.hhs.gov] Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 4:44 PM To: Keeney, Robert - AMS; Derfler, Phil - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) Subject: FSMA Deliverables

Mr. Keeney and Mr. Derfler,

Thank you for the meeting yesterday. I hope the discussion was a productive use of time.

As promised, I have attached the spreadsheet that we reviewed during the meeting and made a few minor tweaks based on yesterday's discussion. I will continue to make updates as needed.

Thank you again and please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Best, (b) (6)

(b) (6) Office of Foods (b) (6)

From: Canavan, Jeff - FSIS To: Edelstein, Rachel - FSIS Subject: RE: FTB and askFSIS Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 12:24:46 PM

I think so. I think it could be of use within industry but may be an issue for consumers.

______From: Edelstein, Rachel - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 12:22 PM To: Canavan, Jeff - FSIS; Engeljohn, Daniel - FSIS Cc: Murphy-Jenkins, Rosalyn - FSIS Subject: RE: FTB and askFSIS

Maybe that’s an option to present in your paper for Dan.

______From: Canavan, Jeff - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 12:00 PM To: Edelstein, Rachel - FSIS; Engeljohn, Daniel - FSIS Cc: Murphy-Jenkins, Rosalyn - FSIS Subject: RE: FTB and askFSIS

Rachel,

Yes, I checked the inquiries and Cargill specifically mentioned its proposed use on retail packages. I am not sure, I think most consumers only know it by the coined name pink slime and what they have heard from the media about its use as a filler. We don’t have a standard of identity in our regulations or policy book. I see your point, it may be problematic for consumers if they don’t know what it is. Would it be something we could allow on non-retail product since industry is familiar with its use?

Jeff

______From: Edelstein, Rachel - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 11:55 AM To: Canavan, Jeff - FSIS; Engeljohn, Daniel - FSIS Cc: Murphy-Jenkins, Rosalyn - FSIS Subject: RE: FTB and askFSIS

Will it be for consumer packaged product? Do consumers know what “finely texted beef” is?

______From: Canavan, Jeff - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 11:53 AM To: Engeljohn, Daniel - FSIS; Edelstein, Rachel - FSIS Cc: Murphy-Jenkins, Rosalyn - FSIS Subject: FTB and askFSIS

Dan and Rachel,

We have received two requests in askFSIS for the use of a “contains no finely textured beef” claim. One is from (b) (6) at Cargill, the other is from an Inspector at a small plant. I don’t necessarily see an issue with this claim. I think we will see more requests from industry since AMS has

From: Canavan, Jeff - FSIS To: Engeljohn, Daniel - FSIS; Edelstein, Rachel - FSIS Cc: Murphy-Jenkins, Rosalyn - FSIS Subject: RE: FTB and askFSIS Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 9:46:53 AM Attachments: LFTB claim.jc.docx

Dan and Rachel,

Here is the one pager. We identifed three options and reccomended one. We believe allowing the claim for non-retail product only is probably the best approach if are to allow a claim.

Jeff

______From: Engeljohn, Daniel - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 11:57 AM To: Edelstein, Rachel - FSIS; Canavan, Jeff - FSIS Cc: Murphy-Jenkins, Rosalyn - FSIS Subject: RE: FTB and askFSIS

I don’t have a problem with the claim but we MUST have approval from the Administrator’s office before accepting. Put together a one-pager (half page is probably more than enough) so that I can send the issue to them. I will ask them to agree, not agree, or ask us for more information

Daniel L. Engeljohn, PhD

Assistant Administrator

______From: Edelstein, Rachel - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 11:55 AM To: Canavan, Jeff - FSIS; Engeljohn, Daniel - FSIS Cc: Murphy-Jenkins, Rosalyn - FSIS Subject: RE: FTB and askFSIS

Will it be for consumer packaged product? Do consumers know what “finely texted beef” is? From: Canavan, Jeff - FSIS To: Murphy-Jenkins, Rosalyn - FSIS Subject: RE: FTB and askFSIS Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 1:15:24 PM Attachments: LFTB claim.jc.docx Importance: High

This is what I just put together. Let me know what you think. Little longer than ½ page but I think ok, really needed to break it into 3 options and briefly describe the potential impact.

______From: Engeljohn, Daniel - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 11:57 AM To: Edelstein, Rachel - FSIS; Canavan, Jeff - FSIS Cc: Murphy-Jenkins, Rosalyn - FSIS Subject: RE: FTB and askFSIS

Daniel L. Engeljohn, PhD

Assistant Administrator

Office of Policy and Program Development, FSIS, USDA Rm 349-E JWB, 1400 Independence Ave, SW, WDC 20250 Main Office -- (202) 205-0495 Voicemail -- (202) 720-0089 BlackBerry -- (b) (6) -- emergency only Fax -- (202) 720-2025 Policies -- http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/index.asp From: Herb Ostach To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Re: FW: CSO positions - 52"s required in HRO by Friday March 2, 2012 Date: Wednesday, March 07, 2012 9:20:30 PM

he was talking about pink slime in ground beef. the news also showed how usda is involved politically with the industry.

On Wed, Mar 7, 2012 at 8:55 PM, Behney, Jan - FSIS wrote: > No-what was he saying or doing? Can you believe it has been 2 months since you have been retired? > ------> Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Herb Ostach [mailto:(b) (6) @gmail.com] > Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2012 07:45 PM > To: Behney, Jan - FSIS > Subject: Re: FW: CSO positions - 52's required in HRO by Friday March 2, 2012 > > Did you see Carl Cuhe was talking about pink slimester on ABC news tonight? > > On Wed, Mar 7, 2012 at 7:23 AM, Herb Ostach wrote: >> It looks like a mess. Sandy and I are doing great. I hope you and your >> family are well also >> >> On Wed, Mar 7, 2012 at 7:09 AM, Behney, Jan - FSIS >> wrote: >>> See Yvonne’s proposed timeline letter and here I thought you were retired! >>> Should we send our selection to your home address????? How are you and Sandy >>> enjoying retirement? >>> >>> Jan T. Behney >>> District Manager >>> USDA,FSIS,FO,DO60 >>> 701 Market St., 4th Floor, Suite 4100A >>> Mellon Independence Center >>> Philadelphia, PA 19106 >>> Telephone: 215-430-6301 or 800-637-6681 ext 4306301 >>> Fax: 215-597-5009 >>> email: [email protected] >>> IMPORTANT: This e-mail, including all attachments, constitute Federal >>> Government records and property that is intended only for the use of the >>> individual or entity to which it is addressed. It also may contain >>> information that is privileged, confidential, or otherwise protected from >>> disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this e-mail transmission >>> is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for >>> delivering the transmission to the intended recipient, you are hereby >>> notified that any dissemination, distribution, copying or use of this e-mail >>> or its contents is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in >>> error, please notify the sender by responding to the e-mail and then delete >>> the e-mail immediately. >>> >>> >>> ______>>> From: Cooke, Robert (RMPS) - FSIS >>> Sent: Friday, March 02, 2012 8:39 AM >>> To: Behney, Jan - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; Nelson, Ron - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS >>> Cc (b) (6) - FSIS >>> Subject: FW: CSO positions - 52's required in HRO by Friday March 2, 2012 >>> Importance: High >>> >>> >>> Good Morning – Please see the message below regarding announcing the EIAO >>> positions. Several districts need to confirm that HRO has received their >>> SF-52. The recruitment is scheduled to begin March 6, 2012. >>> >>> Thanks >>> Robert Cooke >>> Director, Resource Management & Planning Staff, OFO >>> Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA >>> 202-418-8928 (Desk) 202-841-5541 (Cell) 202-245-5095 (Fax) >>> >>> >>> ______>>> From: (b) (6) - FSIS >>> Sent: Friday, March 02, 2012 7:36 AM >>> To: Cooke, Robert (RMPS) - FSIS >>> Cc (b) (6)

- >>> FSIS >>> Subject: CSO positions - 52's required in HRO by Friday March 2, 2012 >>> Importance: High >>> >>> >>> Good Morning, >>> These are the only 3 districts that I’m aware replied to your email. We are >>> still missing 52’s even for these. Since these are to open March 6th, >>> please confirm this morning these are all we will need to announce. >>> >>> >>> Philadelphia District-Wyalusing……….……… (HRO does not have the 52) >>> Raleigh District - Louisville, KY………………….SF-52#D16-12-0111 (HRO has >>> received) >>> Alameda District – Diamond Bar, CA (2 positions) (HRO does not have the >>> 52’s) >>> >>> Thank-you, >>> (b) (6) >>> Lead Human Resources Specialist >>> OM, OCHRO, Human Resources Operations >>> USDA, Food Safety Inspection Service >>> 100 North 6th St, Ste 420C >>> Mpls, MN 55403 >>> 'Phone: (b) (6) 6 Fax: 612-370-2062 >>> ;E-mail:(b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov >>> FSIS career opportunities: www.foodsafetyjobs.gov >>> >>> >>> ______>>> From: (b) (6) - FSIS >>> Sent: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 9:17 AM >>> To: Cooke, Robert (RMPS) - FSIS >>> Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS >>> Subject: CSO positions - 52's required in HRO by Friday March 2, 2012 >>> Importance: High >>> >>> >>> Morning, >>> Here’s the revised timeline we spoke about this morning. You indicated we >>> probably won’t have a lot of openings this time to announce. Once we get all >>> the recruit 52’s in this week we may list multiple locations on a few of the >>> announcements. Depends on what we get. Also, in order to minimize doing >>> multiple interviews, I believe Dr. (b) (6) headed a team to look at >>> applicants who applied to different locations. (HR sent a listing?)That way >>> only one interview would be done instead of interviewing the same applicant >>> multiple times for every location they applied. Do you know if this >>> approach was successful or if it will be requested this time? >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Thank-you, >>> (b) (6) >>> Lead Human Resources Specialist >>> OM, OCHRO, Human Resources Operations >>> USDA, Food Safety Inspection Service >>> 100 North 6th St, Ste 420C >>> Mpls, MN 55403 >>> 'Phone:(b) (6) 6 Fax: 612-370-2062 >>> ;E-mail:(b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov >>> FSIS career opportunities: www.foodsafetyjobs.gov >>> >>> >>> ______>>> From: Cooke, Robert (RMPS) - FSIS >>> Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2012 11:02 AM >>> To: (b) (6) - FSIS >>> Subject: RE: URGENT: CSO positions >>> >>> >>> (b) (6) – I just learned the training dates are 4/16-5/11 >>> >>> Thanks >>> >>> Robert Cooke >>> Director, Resource Management & Planning Staff, OFO >>> Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA >>> 202-418-8928 (Desk) 202-841-5541 (Cell) 202-245-5095 (Fax) >>> >>> >>> ______>>> ______>>> From: Cooke, Robert (RMPS) - FSIS >>> Sent: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 12:01 PM >>> To: (b) (6) - FSIS >>> Cc: (b) (6) FSIS >>> Subject: RE: CSO positions - 52's required in HRO by Friday March 2, 2012 >>> >>> >>> (b) (6) – it looks as though we will have 3 or 4 EIAO positions to announce. >>> I still need to hear from a few other districts, so far the following >>> locations are identified by the District Managers. >>> >>> >>> Raleigh District - Louisville, KY >>> Philadelphia District - Wyalusing, PA >>> Alameda District – Diamond Bar, CA (2 positions) >>> >>> Thanks >>> Robert Cooke >>> Director, Resource Management & Planning Staff, OFO >>> Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA >>> 202-418-8928 (Desk) 202-841-5541 (Cell) 202-245-5095 (Fax) >>> From: Cooke, Robert (RMPS) - FSIS >>> Sent: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 11:31 AM >>> To: FSIS - District Office Managers; FSIS - Deputy District Office Managers >>> Subject: Next EIAO Class - April 16th - May 11th >>> >>> District Managers – Our next EIAO class is scheduled for April 16, 2012 - >>> May 11, 2012. We need to know the names of candidates for the class and if >>> you have any EIAO positions that need to be announced prior to the class. >>> Our employment records indicate that most approved EIAO positions are >>> already filled so I hope we can announce and make selections within the >>> limited time available. >>> >>> Please get back with me ASAP if you need to announce a position so we can >>> get the job posted later this week >>> >>> >>> >>> Thanks >>> Robert Cooke >>> Director, Resource Management & Planning Staff, OFO >>> Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA >>> 202-418-8928 (Desk) 202-841-5541 (Cell) 202-245-5095 (Fax) >>> >>> >>> This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely >>> for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message >>> or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law >>> and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you >>> have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the >>> email immediately. >> >> >> >> -- >> H. OSTACH > > > > -- > H. OSTACH >

-- H. OSTACH From: Michael Whitaker To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Re: FW: Drover Cattle Network Article -- Slime wars – BPI responds Date: Thursday, March 22, 2012 10:42:19 AM

Thank you, Inspector.

>>> (b) (6) - FSIS" (b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov> 3/22/2012 8:56 AM >>> Here is the info that is talking about Pink Slime, Hope it is helpful. Let me know. Insp. (b) (6)

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 2:06 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: FW: Drover Cattle Network Article -- Slime wars – BPI responds

Ever heard of this “pink slime?”

(b) (6) Relief Consumer Safety Inspector Chicago District 50-02 (b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 1:17 PM Subject: Drover Cattle Network Article -- Slime wars – BPI responds

Slime wars – BPI responds Drovers Cattle Network | Updated: March 14, 2012

As the media continues to stir the pot regarding “pink slime” used in ground beef products, Craig Letch, director of food safety and quality assurance with Beef Products Inc., (BPI) the world’s largest processor of lean beef processed from lean trimmings, offers the company’s perspective on the maligned product.

Speaking with AgriTalk Radio’s Mike Adams, Lesch explains that BPI produces lean, finely textured beef (LFTB) from beef trimmings. The trimmings come from processors removing fat, and lean beef, from steaks, roasts and other cuts. The trimmings begin as about half fat and half lean beef. BPI uses a centrifuge process to separate the lean from the fat, resulting in a product that is about 95 percent lean. The process changes the texture of the lean beef, resulting in a product similar to finely ground beef.

As we know, ground or blended beef products carry a potential risk for food-borne pathogens because microbes, if present, are distributed through the product, which makes them somewhat less likely to be killed during cooking compared with those on the surface of whole-muscle cuts. So, Letch says, BPI uses interventions to reduce the possibility of microbial contamination. During processing, the company uses or ammonium hydroxide, a natural product, to elevate the pH of the LFTB, which he says is extremely effective in killing any microbes. “It is a temporary effect,” he says. It makes no physical changes to the LFTB, nor has any lasting effects on the taste or texture of the beef. The resulting product is pink, Letch says, because it is pure beef, with a little fat. The LFTB is used as a lean ingredient in hamburger, sausage, ground beef, and in many other foods. “Pink slime,” Letch says, is derogatory term that is not based on facts.

BPI offers descriptions of its process for producing LFTB, and its food-safety interventions, on the recently launched pinkslimeisamyth.com.

Most distressing to Letch and BPI are the implications in the media and elsewhere that their LFTB product is unsafe. He understands that consumers are confused, concerned and frustrated due to misconceptions resulting from misleading information.

“As a company,” he says, “we have strived to for decades to continuously improve our product.” BPI has invested in extensive food-safety systems since early 1990s when E. coli O157:H7 first emerged as a food-safety issue. BPI was one of the first meat processors to implement a “hold and test” system, in which they send product samples to a third-party laboratory for safety testing, and hold all products until confirmed free of pathogens. BPI also was one of first to voluntarily begin testing for non-O157:H7 STEC (shiga toxin producing E. coli) pathogens. The USDA will begin requiring processors to test for those pathogens in June of this year, but BPI has done so since June 2011. “We are extremely proactive in our approach to food safety,” Letch says.

A news release from BPI in response to the issue includes statements from several industry leaders regarding the safety and wholesomeness of the company’s products.

For more on this issue, read Greg Henderson’s commentary “We should be outraged, but not over pink slime.”

From: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS To: Blake, Carol - FSIS; Lavallee, Aaron - OC; Jarvis, Michael - AMS; Mabry, Brian - FSIS Subject: RE: FW: Remove 100% of all "meat paste" and non-food products from school lunches. Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 1:36:12 PM

At least we’ll be able to say we knew Jarvis before he was famous.

http://www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety http://www.twitter.com/usdafoodsafety http://www.fsis.usda.gov/

From: Blake, Carol - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 1:35 PM To: Lavallee, Aaron - OC; Jarvis, Michael - AMS; Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS; Mabry, Brian - FSIS Subject: RE: FW: Remove 100% of all "meat paste" and non-food products from school lunches.

Great, so we’re playing right into their hands.

From: Jarvis, Michael - AMS To: Blake, Carol - FSIS Subject: RE: FW: Remove 100% of all "meat paste" and non-food products from school lunches. Date: Friday, March 30, 2012 1:37:36 PM

Let’s talk when you have a second Not urgent

From: Blake, Carol - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 3:52 PM To: Jarvis, Michael - AMS Subject: RE: FW: Remove 100% of all "meat paste" and non-food products from school lunches.

Now?

Check your steps at http://www foodsafety.gov/keep/

From: Jarvis, Michael - AMS Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 1:55 PM To: Blake, Carol - FSIS Subject: RE: FW: Remove 100% of all "meat paste" and non-food products from school lunches.

When can we chat?

Great, so we’re playing right into their hands.

From: Lavallee, Aaron - OC Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 1:31 PM To: Jarvis, Michael - AMS; Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS; Mabry, Brian - FSIS; Blake, Carol - FSIS Subject: FW: FW: Remove 100% of all "meat paste" and non-food products from school lunches.

FYI the woman who started the petition is doing a full media blitz today.

From: Sarah Ryan [mailto(b) (6) @change.org] Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 1:15 PM To: Lavallee, Aaron - OC Subject: Re: FW: Remove 100% of all "meat paste" and non-food products from school lunches.

I'm not working on this campaign (we're just working with Bettina Seigel- no other pink slime campaigns). But if you send me to appropriate person/email address this petition should be targeting, I can pass it along to this petition creator.

Also, can we chat today? Bettina is going to be going on top tier media shows so it would be great to chat beforehand.

Thanks, Sarah

On Tue, Mar 13, 2012 at 5:46 PM, Lavallee, Aaron - OC wrote: This is not productive when these folks send this my way – any way to direct this to the appropriate place?

From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: Thompson, Charles - FSIS; Rivera, Miguel - FSIS Subject: RE: Fwd: ALERT: Online Petition May Have Potential to Impacts Services Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 8:35:54 AM

Thanks. I’ve forwarded this to GDIT, (b) (6) , so they will be aware too.

(b) (6) , IT Specialist USDA, Food Safety & Inspection Service Office of the Chief Information Officer Infrastructure Operations Division 1400 Independence Ave., SW Room 0153 South Bldg. Washington, DC 20250 (b) (6) (Office) (b) (6) (Blackberry) 202-690-3738 (Fax) Have a hardware, software or connectivity issue? Leave a Footprint at: http://service/footprints. Lost/stolen laptop, Blackberry or PDA or Personally Identifiable Identification (PII) incident? Immediately contact USDA at 1- 877-Pii2You or 1-888-926-2373, 24 hours a day, and then contact the FSIS Service Desk at (800) 473-9135.

From: Thompson, Charles - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 5:05 PM To: Rivera, Miguel - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Re: Fwd: ALERT: Online Petition May Have Potential to Impacts Services

Charles W. Thompson Branch Chief USDA/FSIS/OCIO Infrastructure Operations Division (IOD) Engineering Branch Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA Room 0149 South Building 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington DC 20250-3700 Office: (202) 692-4230 Mobile: (202) 679-2978

Have a hardware, software or connectivity issue? Leave a Footprint at the help desk http://service/footprintsLost/stolen laptop, Blackberry or other Personal Data Assistant (PDA) or Personally Identifiable Identification (PII) Incident? Immediately contact USDA at 1-877-Pii2You or 1-888-926-2373, 24 hours a day, and then contact the FSIS Service Desk at 1 (800) 473-9135. From: (b) (6) - Contractor - FSIS To: (b) (6) - Contractor - FSIS; (b) (6) - Contractor - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) Contractor - FSIS Subject: RE: Fwd: ALERT: Online Petition May Have Potential to Impacts Services Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 9:06:46 AM

Bigger question is why is (b) (6) involved…..

(b) (6) General Dynamic Information Technology Sr. System Administrator USDA, FSIS, OPEER, OCIO 4920 Bob Billings Parkway Lawrence, KS 66049-3855 (b) (6) - Blackberry (b) (6) - BB Pin (b) (6) - Cell (b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov

Have a hardware, software or connectivity issue? Leave a Footprint at the service desk http://service/footprints Lost/stolen laptop, Blackberry or other personal data assistant or Personally Identifiable Identification (PII) incident? Immediately contact USDA at 1-877-Pii2You or 1-888-926- 2373, 24 hours a day, then contact the FSIS Service Desk at 1-800-473-9135.

From: (b) (6) - Contractor - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 8:03 AM To: (b) (6) - Contractor - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - Contractor - FSIS Subject: FW: Fwd: ALERT: Online Petition May Have Potential to Impacts Services

Shouldn’t information like this be going to the Service Desk? Need to streamline information like this. There’s too much siloing of information as it relates to issues like this.

(b) (6) (Contractor) Lead Systems Engineer, GDIT USDA/FSIS/OA/OCIO 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington DC 20250-3708 Room 0137-South Building Email:(b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov Office:(b) (6) BB: (b) (6)

Have a hardware, software or connectivity issue? Leave a Footprint at the service desk http://service/footprints Lost/stolen laptop, Blackberry or other Personal Data Assistant (PDA) or Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Incident? Immediately contact USDA-FSIS AT 1-877-PII2You or 1-888-926-2373, 24 hours a day, and then contact FSIS Service Desk at 1(800)473-9135.

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 7:27 AM To: (b) (6) - Contractor - FSIS; (b) (6) - Contractor - FSIS Subject: FW: Fwd: ALERT: Online Petition May Have Potential to Impacts Services

FYI.

From: Thompson, Charles - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 5:05 PM To: Rivera, Miguel - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Re: Fwd: ALERT: Online Petition May Have Potential to Impacts Services

From: Rivera, Miguel - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 03:43 PM To: Thompson, Charles - FSIS Subject: Fwd: ALERT: Online Petition May Have Potential to Impacts Services

Janet B. Stevens, PMP Chief Information Officer Office of the Chief Information Officer Food Safety and Inspection Service/USDA [email protected] Phone: 202-205-9950 | Fax: 202-690-3903 | Cell: (b) (6)

Visit the FSIS Web site: www.fsis.usda.gov

FSIS Employees, visit your intranet site, InsideFSIS: http://inside.fsis.usda.gov

Have a hardware, software or connectivity issue? Leave a Footprint at the Service Desk: http://service/footprints or call 1-800-473-9135.

Lost/stolen laptop, Blackberry or other personal data assistant or Personally Identifiable Identification (PII) incident? Immediately contact USDA at 1-877- Pii2You or 1-888-926-2373, 24 hours a day, then contact the FSIS Service Desk at 1-(800) 473-9135. From: cindy deyrup To: Cornett, Julie - FSIS Subject: Re: Fwd: FW: JAVMA 10-10-0594 Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 11:05:25 PM

I didn't know you could torndao-proof a house. I've been out in the Gulf when there were water spouts. Made me nervous.

On Tue, Mar 20, 2012 at 8:27 AM, Cornett, Julie - FSIS wrote:

hi Cindy – I tell you one thing though – I admire all of you guys who keep pushing this thing through. What a nightmare – I had no idea it was so messy getting a journal article published. My hats off to you and (b) (6)

Regrettably I have no basement – because I still owned the house in Omaha (couldn’t sell) while I was house hunting down here I ended up buying as decent but inexpensive small house as I could here in Arkansas. I am still having problems downsizing – not enough storage space. Ha ha.

With all the tornado’s we have seen the last several years though I am thinking I should make the whole house a “safe room”. You sound really busy and like you are having tons of fun. I really look forward to retiring myself.

I am going to hang onto your email address – promise I will do better keeping in touch. The last several years have been a fog. Too much to do.

Talk to you soon, Julie

J.A. Cornett, DVM, MPH

Deputy District Manager, Springdale D.O.

4700 S. Thompson, Springdale AR 72764

800-457-6505/ 479-751-8412

From: cindy deyrup [mailto:(b) (6) @gmail.com] Sent: Monday, March 19, 2012 10:00 PM To: Cornett, Julie - FSIS Subject: Re: Fwd: FW: JAVMA 10-10-0594

I hope you have a basement. I'd sent (b) (6) an email 10 days ago to find out what was going on with the article. I don't know if it was a coincidence or if Alice Thaler did something, but back came this email.

I guess the slaughterhouses like the KIS, but the labs don't. Too many false positives, but that's better than false negatives. Carl Custer sent me stuff on pink slime. Did you see his 10 sec of fame on ABC?

I'm taking tai chi and a film class. No work there, just relaxing. I'm also doing German play-reading with a group. We're reading Medea in German. Lots of work for that and also for another German course I'm taking. I work out, swim, and ride, but all that hasn't stopped my joints from stiffening up. On the whole, I'd rather be younger.

On Mon, Mar 19, 2012 at 10:46 PM, Cornett, Julie - FSIS wrote:

Hi Cindy. I don't know much. Just sitting here in NW arkansas watching tornado warnings. I am amazed we heard fm javma - I had forgotten about this. Good to hear from you. How's life on the other side of fsis? Julie ------Sent from my BlueBerry Wireless Handheld Julie Cornett,DVM MPH USDA FSIS SDO bb479-530-6520 [email protected]

From: cindy deyrup [mailto(b) (6) @gmail.com] Sent: Monday, March 19, 2012 09:41 PM To: (b) (6) (b) (6) @fda.hhs.gov>; Cornett, Julie - FSIS Subject: Fwd: FW: JAVMA 10-10-0594

Whaddaya know?

------Forwarded message ------From: (b) (6) - FSIS (b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov> Date: Mon, Mar 19, 2012 at 4:56 PM Subject: FW: JAVMA 10-10-0594 To: cindy deyrup <(b) (6) @gmail.com>

FYI

(b) (6) D.V.M., M.P.H.

Surveillance Epidemiologist

USDA/FSIS/OPHS/AED/ZFHSB

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Stop 3766, PP3, Room 9-233B

Washington, DC 20250-3700

Office:(b) (6)

Fax: 202.690.6364 email: (b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov

From: Carol Obodzinski [mailto(b) (6) @avma.org] Sent: Monday, March 19, 2012 4:02 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Re: JAVMA 10-10-0594 Importance: High

Dear Dr. (b) (6)

***PLEASE CONFIRM RECEIPT OF THIS E-MAIL WITH TWO ATTACHMENTS***

Editing of your manuscript has been completed, and the files you will need to prepare the final version of your manuscript are attached.

Please make any necessary changes to the document and any figures and upload the revised version of the document, figures, and responses to editor’s comments to our online manuscript tracking system. To do this, the corresponding author should log on to the system at http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/javma, click on “Author Center,” and then click on “Revised Manuscripts in Draft.” Click on “Continue Submission” to respond to any of the comments from the editor and upload the manuscript and figures. You must upload all figures with the revised manuscript, even if figures have been uploaded previously and have not been revised. Processing of the manuscript will be delayed if all figures are not uploaded with the revised manuscript.

Please do not upload the final version of your manuscript as a new manuscript.

You may fax the completed Corresponding Author Form to Fax Number 847-925-9329, upload it as a separate file when you upload your final version in Manuscript Central, or e-mail it to me as an e-mail attachment.

The final version of the manuscript must be uploaded by April 4, 2012. If the manuscript is not returned by this date, it will be withdrawn from consideration.

Please contact me if you have any difficulties using the electronic files or uploading the final version of the manuscript. If you have any questions about the editorial changes that were made, please contact Dr. Aasha Sinha at 800-248-2862, extension 6745, or e-mail [email protected].

Sincerely, (b) (6)

JAVMA Secretary

American Veterinary Medical Association

1931 N. Meacham Road, Suite 100

Schaumburg, IL 60173

847-925-8070 Ext. (b) (6)

Fax(b) (6)

(b) (6) @avma.org

From: Lavallee, Aaron - OC To: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS; Blake, Carol - FSIS; Mabry, Brian - FSIS Subject: RE: FYI - 2 additional "pink slime" inquiries for the list Date: Thursday, March 08, 2012 2:36:06 PM

Give me a call

If it is Stephanie we need to have a terse convo with her upfront. None of this nice background convo then blindsiding us when it runs with a snarky headline.

______From: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 2:24 PM To: Lavallee, Aaron - OC; Blake, Carol - FSIS; Mabry, Brian - FSIS Subject: FYI - 2 additional "pink slime" inquiries for the list

Bloomberg

Food Safety News

Dirk Fillpot

Media Supervisor

Congressional and Public Affairs

Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

Washington, D.C. 20250

Phone: (202) 690-3112

Cell: (202) 695-9950 [email protected] http://www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety http://www.twitter.com/usdafoodsafety http://www.fsis.usda.gov/ From: Blake, Carol - FSIS To: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Cc: Mabry, Brian - FSIS Subject: RE: FYI - another place where USDA TPs on "pink slime" is posted Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 11:47:25 AM

And yet AMI was nice enough to remove them from their site.

______From: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 11:30 AM To: Blake, Carol - FSIS Cc: Mabry, Brian - FSIS Subject: FYI - another place where USDA TPs on "pink slime" is posted

Just FYI: http://www.explorebeef.org/CMDocs/ExploreBeef/LFTB%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

Dirk Fillpot

Media Supervisor

Congressional and Public Affairs

Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service Washington, D.C. 20250

Phone: (202) 690-3112

Cell: (b) (6) [email protected] http://www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety http://www.twitter.com/usdafoodsafety http://www.fsis.usda.gov/ From: Lavallee, Aaron - OC To: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Subject: RE: FYI - I"ll take over the KPRC (Houston) inquiry for FSIS on pink slime Date: Wednesday, March 07, 2012 4:34:11 PM

I connected with her – sent her our approved but make sure she doesn’t need anything else.

______From: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2012 4:24 PM To: Lavallee, Aaron - OC Subject: FYI - I'll take over the KPRC (Houston) inquiry for FSIS on pink slime

I thought that was easier than trying to involve Neil at this stage…

Dirk Fillpot

Media Supervisor

Congressional and Public Affairs

Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

Washington, D.C. 20250

Phone: (202) 690-3112

Cell: (202) 695-9950

[email protected]

http://www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety

http://www.twitter.com/usdafoodsafety

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/ From: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS To: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS Subject: RE: FYI - Training opportunity next Tuesday Date: Wednesday, March 07, 2012 4:24:53 PM

Yeah…. Well, we’re trying to kick them to Jarvis’ shop, so, hopefully, lucky him! J

Dirk Fillpot

Media Supervisor

Congressional and Public Affairs

Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

Washington, D.C. 20250

Phone: (202) 690-3112

Cell: (202) 695-9950 [email protected] http://www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety http://www.twitter.com/usdafoodsafety http://www.fsis.usda.gov/

______From: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2012 4:22 PM To: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Subject: RE: FYI - Training opportunity next Tuesday

Lucky you.

Neil Gaffney

Press Officer

Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education

Food Safety and Inspection Service

U.S. Department of Agriculture

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Rm. 1175-South Building

Washington, DC 20250 O.: 202-690-3386; BB: 202-573-1845; Fax. 202-690-0460

[email protected]

http://www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety

http://twitter.com/usdafoodsafety

http://www.fsis.usda.gov

PHIS has arrived. Learn more at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PHIS/index.asp

______From: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2012 4:21 PM To: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS Subject: RE: FYI - Training opportunity next Tuesday

Great… I’ll work the KPRC request from here, given that Aaron and I have been tag-teaming these. Easier than trying to bring you up to speed on where we’re trying to go with it…

Dirk Fillpot

Media Supervisor

Congressional and Public Affairs

Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

Washington, D.C. 20250

Phone: (202) 690-3112

Cell: (202) 695-9950 [email protected] http://www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety

http://www.twitter.com/usdafoodsafety

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/

______From: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2012 4:18 PM To: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Subject: RE: FYI - Training opportunity next Tuesday

I will mark it on my calendar. Pink slime is now seeping my way – got a call from NBC affiliate in Houston. I sent the e-mail to Aaron after calling him. Neil Gaffney

Press Officer

Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education

Food Safety and Inspection Service

U.S. Department of Agriculture

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Rm. 1175-South Building

Washington, DC 20250

O.: 202-690-3386; BB: 202-573-1845; Fax. 202-690-0460

[email protected]

http://www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety

http://twitter.com/usdafoodsafety

http://www.fsis.usda.gov

PHIS has arrived. Learn more at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PHIS/index.asp

______From: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2012 4:17 PM To: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS Subject: FYI - Training opportunity next Tuesday

Sending an email so I don’t forget. I’d like for you to plan to attend a training session next Tuesday in DC, at the Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, from around 8 to 10 a.m. It is being hosted by PRSA, and focuses on discussions among assignment desks and futures editors about how to work with them on pitching stories. I think that will be good for everyone here to be able to learn more about, so I’d like for you to give us a wrap up of what they talked about either the week after this event or later if you end up going. You can register online at www.prsa-ncc.org, and the cost is $55. Please work with Nichele to arrange for the payment. Also, if you have a conflicting event or no interest in going, please let me know. Thanks!

Dirk Fillpot

Media Supervisor

Congressional and Public Affairs

Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

Washington, D.C. 20250

From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: FYI Date: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 2:42:15 PM

Yep, that sounds like something he would say. (b) (6)

CSI, IIC Est's. 10269, 40040 and

00676

USDA FSIS FO

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 2:40 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: FYI

I had the radio on while driving and heard Rush talk about this a couple of weeks ago. He said the USDA” MADE” the meat companies make the pink slime.

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 10:17 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: FYI

In case people start firing questions regarding this sh…uff.

<< File: Pink slime 3.docx >> (b) (6)

CSI, IIC Est's. 10269, 40040 and

00676

USDA FSIS FO From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: FYI Date: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 3:19:58 PM

I didn’t hear that, but I do know that the USDA (PHIS specifically) is making me go crazy. It’s called the blue poo poo…

(b) (6) CSI/IIC

Est. 18988/18988A & 10165

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 2:40 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: FYI

I had the radio on while driving and heard Rush talk about this a couple of weeks ago. He said the USDA” MADE” the meat companies make the pink slime.

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 10:17 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: FYI

In case people start firing questions regarding this sh…uff.

<< File: Pink slime 3.docx >> (b) (6)

CSI, IIC Est's. 10269, 40040 and

00676

USDA FSIS FO

From: (b) (6) M. - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS; Michael, Matthew - AMS Subject: RE: Gerald is famous Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 12:29:43 PM

Let’s just hope that star hits him.

------(b) (6) USDA/FSIS/OFO NEW: (b) (6)

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 8:30 AM To: Michael, Matthew - AMS;(b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Gerald is famous

Just think, we can say we knew him before his stardom hit.

(b) (6) , DVM, MS USDA FSIS International Equivalence Staff Room 2940-S (b) (6)

From: Michael, Matthew - AMS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 8:27 AM To:(b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Gerald is famous http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/03/whats-wrong-with-pink-slime/

Matthew Michael Director, Compliance and Enforcement Division USDA National Organic Program 1400 Independence Ave SW; Room 2959 Washington, DC 20250-0268 Phone: (202) 260-8657 [email protected]

From: Doug Chartier To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Goal 2! Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 8:34:56 AM

Haha! Agreed.

-----Original Message----- From: Hepner, Allen - FSIS [mailto(b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov] Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 7:54 AM To: Doug Chartier Subject: RE: Goal 2!

I'm waiting for the Strategic Plan to be covered on ABC World News, as opposed to Pink Slime...

-----Original Message----- From: Doug Chartier [mailto(b) (6) @northhighland.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 8:40 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Goal 2! http://blogs.usda.gov/2012/03/13/an-open-look-at-how-fsis-enforces-the-humane-handling-of-livestock/

______

This e-mail message and its attachments are for the sole use of the designated recipient(s). They may contain confidential information, legally privileged information or other information subject to legal restrictions. If you are not a designated recipient of this message, or an agent responsible for delivering it to a designated recipient, please do not read, copy, use or disclose this message or its attachments, and notify the sender by replying to this message and delete or destroy all copies of this message and attachments

______

Well good!!! As a consumer and old man I need to watch my diet

Leonard Lang

From: (b) (6) - FSIS" <(b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov> To: 'Len Lang' (b) (6) @yahoo.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 8:45 AM Subject: RE: Good morning

Oh yeah… We’re on the job…

(b) (6)

From: Len Lang [mailto(b) (6) @yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 8:45 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Re: Good morning

Well at least you took care of all the pink slime coming into the country; I was worried.

Of course I thing hamburger helper just does fine by itself also

Leonard Lang

From: "(b) (6) - FSIS" (b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov> To: "(b) (6) @yahoo.com'" (b) (6) @yahoo.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 8:41 AM Subject: Re: Good morning

Yeah. Its a pain but yeah.

From: Len Lang [mailto(b) (6) @yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 07:38 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Re: Good morning

U doing it from home?

Leonard Lang

From: (b) (6) - FSIS" <(b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov> To: "(b) (6) @yahoo.com'" (b) (6) @yahoo.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 8:36 AM Subject: Re: Good morning

Good morning. Still doing it. On again now.

From: Len Lang [mailto(b) (6) @yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 07:32 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Good morning

How was training

Leonard Lang

From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 3:38:31 PM

Sometimes, but it’s usually from warm, cold, warm, cold etc. J I was restless last nite and didn’t know why til I got up this morning and found out 2 big earthquakes in Japan, soooooooo that explains the anxious feelings since about Monday every morning when I get up. You slept really well when you got home from the hospital and on the road to recovery and you let all that old crap slip away.

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 1:22 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text

Don’t you ever have trouble sleeping sometimes ?

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 1:21 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text

That’s fine I was just asking if I could help in any way. When you’re ready give me a yell and we’ll talk.

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 1:17 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text

Right now I’ve had enough of the inquisition. Let’s just shelve it for now

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 1:14 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text

Take the time to look deep inside and you’ll find the answers like you did when you were sick and healing. Are you hanging on to stuff that doesn’t matter??

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 1:12 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text

I don’t know, If I did maybe I could sleep

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 1:10 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text

What’s making you crazy???

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 1:02 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text I didn’t sleep much last night. Woke up at 1 am and couldn’t go back to sleep L

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 12:59 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text

WOW what’s up with you??? Are you okay and can I help in any way???

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 12:53 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text No I don’t. drop it

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 12:52 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text

Yes you do and that doesn’t have to be the end of the subject.

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 12:50 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text I Don’t look good in lace. End of subject.

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 12:43 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text You need to get in touch with all things feminine. J

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 12:13 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text Huh?

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 10:27 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text

We need to reclaim the Devine Feminine!!!!! That will heal the ills of everything!!!!! J

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 9:54 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text The dark side is causing a disturbance in the force.

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 9:41 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text

Is Darth Vader there too???

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 9:35 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text In a galaxy far, far away

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 9:34 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text

Where does this poo bah work???

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 8:10 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text The grand exhaulted poo bah

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 12:27 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text

Devine WHO then????

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 12:24 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text NO !!!

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 12:19 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text

(b) (6) ???

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 12:17 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text You would question the Devine ???

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 12:16 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text

I don’t know WHO the authority is, but maybe they should rethink their stand on this matter!!!!!! J

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 12:14 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text

Well I have it on good authority that I am as pure as the driven snow J ______From:(b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 12:11 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text

Yes it does and one of us is the pot and the other is the kettle!!!! J

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 12:06 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text It takes one to know one!!!!!

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 12:05 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text

SMARTA@*!!!!!! J

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 11:46 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text

And let there be light J

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 11:22 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text

OHHHHHHHHHH I get it now Ricky!!!!!!! J Thanks for the help with the English!!!!! J

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 11:17 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text That’s not the way I read it. I will try to ‘splain to you Lucy. 4( for) us 2(to) go to Vegas……

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 11:14 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text

Who are the other 2 going to Vegas if she feels up to it???

______From:(b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 11:12 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text In her text she said “ 4 us 2 go to Vegas if I feel up to it” that’s when I told her we have 3 weeks, we’ll take our time. (b) (6)

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 11:04 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text

Why did you change the font size??? It was fine the other way you know. All you can do is offer to take her if she wants to go. That would be a nice road trip to see if you can put up with each other for any length of time. Would suck to travel together on a long trip and find out you don’t like spending that much time in each other’s company. I guess folks are just now catching on to the pink slime thing. They didn’t seem to mind feeding it to their kids in fast food burgers, so what’s the difference if it’s in that and school lunch burger??? I don’t think it should be called ground beef either, but that’s just my opinion!!!! I think it should be declared on the label and if it’s used in meat in the restaurants, then it needs to be disclosed on all of the dishes it’s used in on the menu. Of course that’s just my opinion again. We all know what that’s worth!!!!! J

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 10:57 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Got a text I told her in a text I have 3 wks off next month and we would have lots of time, frequent stops, stay overnight. The seat reclines very nicely. I’ll see what she answers. Thanks. R U busy ? I was reading some of the stuff on pink slime. Is this just now coming to light ?

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 10:47 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS From: Murphy-Jenkins, Rosalyn - FSIS To: Canavan, Jeff - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Message from Internet User - Pink Slime Date: Thursday, March 22, 2012 6:39:24 PM

Maybe she should read and find out the difference. Fresh can mean frozen for beef!

Rosalyn Murphy-Jenkins, Director LPDD- OPPD-FSIS-USDA (301) 504-0878 Main Line - Fax: (202) 245-4792 Submit your questions to... http://askfsis.custhelp.com Website: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/About_FSIS/labeling_&_consumer_protection/index.asp This document is intended only for the use of the party to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and protected from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the addressee or a person authorized to deliver the document to the addressee, you are hereby notified that any review, disclosure, dissemination, copying or other action based on the content of the communication is not authorized. If you have received this document in error, please notify us by telephone, FAX, or Email immediately.

-----Original Message----- From: Canavan, Jeff - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 6:27 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Cc: Murphy-Jenkins, Rosalyn - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Message from Internet User - Pink Slime

Mary Katherine,

Ros asked that I respond to your inquiry. These are more difficult because they are not really asking a question. They are not going to be happy with any response we give them. I think we can go back with the fllowing though.

Lean finely textured beef (LFTB) is not considered a cooked or partially cooked product. Meat trimmings that can be labeled as beef but contain signficant amounts of fat, e.g., up to 88 percent fat, are subjected to low temperatures (not to exceed 107 degrees Fahrenheit) in order to reduce the fat content. Because the temperature does not exceed 107 degrees Fahrenheit, the proteins are not denatured during the process. Therefore, the product does not appear to have been heat treated and has similar performance characteristics as "beef." LFTB cannot exceed 10 percent fat and typically contains a minimum of 14 percent protein has a protein efficiency ratio (PER) of 2.5, a measure of protein quality. These criteria ensure that LFTB is compositionally similar to beef and declared as "beef" in products in which it is used as an ingredient.

Jeff From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Re: Message from Internet User - Pink Slime Date: Thursday, March 22, 2012 6:00:37 PM

Kroger may have made a public announcement along with a number of others in the last day or two. But yeah, thr company should answer the question.

----- Original Message ----- From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 04:55 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Message from Internet User - Pink Slime

OK. Sounds like proprietary info, even if we did have it or access to it.

I'll check with (b) (6) tomorrow.

(b) (6) Issues Analyst

Executive Correspondence and Issues Management Staff USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Rm 1166-S Washington, DC 20250

Desk: (b) (6) E-mail: (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov www.fsis.usda.gov

Be Food Safe: CLEAN: Wash Hands and Surfaces Often SEPARATE: Separate Raw Meats from Other Foods COOK: Cook To The Right Temperature CHILL: Refrigerate Food Promptly

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 5:48 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Re: Message from Internet User - Pink Slime

She can provide the general campaign language you can work from

----- Original Message ----- From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 04:40 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Message from Internet User - Pink Slime

I didn't know it was a 3-for-1 special. Ha ha.

It looks like these questions are getting specific. Is (b) (6) our current point person on messaging here?

(b) (6) Issues Analyst

Executive Correspondence and Issues Management Staff USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Rm 1166-S Washington, DC 20250

Desk: (b) (6) E-mail: (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov www.fsis.usda.gov

Be Food Safe: CLEAN: Wash Hands and Surfaces Often SEPARATE: Separate Raw Meats from Other Foods COOK: Cook To The Right Temperature CHILL: Refrigerate Food Promptly

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 4:48 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: FW: Message from Internet User - Pink Slime

Per your request....

Be Food Safe: CLEAN: Wash Hands and Surfaces Often SEPARATE: Separate Raw Meats from Other Foods COOK: Cook To The Right Temperature CHILL: Refrigerate Food Promptly

-----Original Message----- From: Meat and Poultry Hotline Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 7:44 AM To: FSIS Subject: FW: Message from Internet User - Pink Slime

Please see the attached.

Thank you.

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) @att.net [mailto(b) (6) @att.net] Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2012 7:29 PM To: Meat and Poultry Hotline Subject: Message from Internet User - Pink Slime

Can you tell me if Kroger (Atlanta metro stores) uses "PINK SLIME" ...They would not give me an answer...We are going to quit eating any kroger beef until we find out...

Thank You, Alan Hayes From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: Canavan, Jeff - FSIS Subject: RE: Message from Internet User - Pink Slime Date: Friday, March 23, 2012 3:12:35 PM

Thanks. Have a great weekend. (b) (6)

(b) (6) Issues Analyst USDA/Food Safety and Inspection Service Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education Executive Correspondence & Issues Management Staff 1400 Independence Ave SW. Room 1166 Washington D.C. 20250 Phone (b) (6)

-----Original Message----- From: Canavan, Jeff - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 23, 2012 3:11 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Message from Internet User - Pink Slime

(b) (6) ,

We don't have a regulatory or policy book standard which makes this touchy. I think we can modify to just remove the last sentence, I don't think it is needed here.

Jeff

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 23, 2012 2:55 PM To: Canavan, Jeff - FSIS Subject: RE: Message from Internet User - Pink Slime

Hi Jeff, In the last sentence of your e-mail you mention that "These criteria ensure that LFTB is compositionally similar to beef and declared as "beef" in products n which it is used as an ingredient. Where can he find these criteria?

Thanks,

(b) (6) ,

(b) (6) asked that I respond to your inquiry. These are more difficult because they are not really asking a question. They are not going to be happy with any response we give them. I think we can go back with the fllowing though.

Jeff

-----Original Message----- immediately.

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 9:43 AM To: Murphy-Jenkins, Rosalyn - FSIS Subject: FW: Message from Internet User - Pink Slime

Can you help me respond to this e-mail? Thanks, (b) (6)

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 9:54 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: FW: Message from Internet User - Pink Slime

One more with a specific issue related to LFTB:

Be Food Safe: CLEAN: Wash Hands and Surfaces Often SEPARATE: Separate Raw Meats from Other Foods COOK: Cook To The Right Temperature CHILL: Refrigerate Food Promptly

-----Original Message----- From: Meat and Poultry Hotline Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 7:44 AM To: FSIS Subject: FW: Message from Internet User - Pink Slime

Please see the attached.

Thank you.

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) @rawdonmyers.com [mailto(b) (6) @rawdonmyers.com] Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2012 4:56 PM To: Meat and Poultry Hotline Subject: Message from Internet User - Pink Slime

I have seen your position on this subject, that no extra labelling is required because the so-called Pink Slime is beef and not an additive to the beef.

However, Pink Slime is partially cooked (simmered) and then frozen. I firmly believe I have the right to know when I am buying previously frozen vs. fresh, and cooked vs. uncooked. If the store represents it's ground beef to be fresh (unfrozen) and completely uncooked, then I should be able to safely assume there is no Pink Slime in it. Otherwise it should be labelled PARTIALLY COOKED AND PREVIOUSLY FROZEN. Then I will know the truth as it should be.

Those have always been the rules. Fresh means never frozen, and uncooked means completely uncooked. The USDA should not allow the rules to be broken, otherwise why have them, and why have a USDA.

Thank you, Al Sheldon Loveland, OH. From: Canavan, Jeff - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Message from Internet User - Pink Slime Date: Friday, March 23, 2012 3:10:52 PM

(b) (6)

We don't have a regulatory or policy book standard which makes this touchy. I think we can modify to just remove the last sentence, I don't think it is needed here.

Jeff

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 23, 2012 2:55 PM To: Canavan, Jeff - FSIS Subject: RE: Message from Internet User - Pink Slime

Thanks,

Mary (b) (6)

I ll take it from here and let OC know… they might just want to send them the release, but I ll clear that with Aaron.

Dirk Fillpot Media Supervisor Congressional and Public Affairs Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service Washington, D C 20250 Phone: (202) 690-3112 Cell: (202) 695-9950 dirk fillpot@fsis usda gov

http://www youtube com/USDAFoodSafety http://www twitter com/usdafoodsafety http://www fsis usda gov/

From: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 11:03 AM To: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Subject: FW: MHLW questions on "Pink Meat" issue

Any suggestions?

Neil Gaffney Press Officer Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education Food Safety and Inspection Service U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Rm. 1175-South Building Washington, DC 20250 O. 202-690-3386; BB 202-573-1845; Fax. 202-690-0460 [email protected]

http //www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety http //twitter.com/usdafoodsafety http //www.fsis.usda.gov

PHIS has arrived. Learn more at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PHIS/index.asp

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 7:06 AM To: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS Subject: FW: MHLW questions on "Pink Meat" issue

Neil – I guess I should have anticipated an inquiry from Japan about this. Is there anything available that we can send back to Tokyo?

Thanks, (b) (6) FSIS/OIA

From: (b) (6) I [mailto(b) (6) @fas.usda.gov] Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 5:14 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) (FAS) Subject: MHLW questions on "Pink Meat" issue

(b) (6) :

The U.S. media stories on the “Pink Slime” concerns in the U.S. have caught the eye of MHLW here and they have contacted us with a series of questions. Namely:

· What kind of the product is “Pink Slime” and how is it different from original ground beef products? · How the product is manufactured? Is the process different from manufacturing original ground beef products? · What are specific USDA/FSIS rules and regulations in adding/applying ammonium hydroxide in beef? · Are there any other additives added in “Pink Slime”?

Sato-san, our office Food Safety expert has read up on the issue, but couldn t fully understand the relation between pink slime and ammonium hydroxide. He notes:

Based on a quick search of CFR, I think ammonium hydroxide has GRAS status. “c) In accordance with §184.1(b)(1), the ingredient is used in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practices. The affirmation of this ingredient as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a direct human food ingredient is based upon the following current good manufacturing practice conditions of use”. http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx? type=simple c=ecfr cc=ecfr sid=eae685992bcb459f20cf4dca497e8de6 region=DIV1 q1=Ammonium%20hydroxide rgn=div8 view=text idno=21 node=21%3A3.0.1.1.14.2.1.31

Given the sensitivity on this issue, we d like to get official guidance from FSIS and Washington on what talking points we can say. I m not sure it s even exported buy want to clarify with you first.

Thanks (b) (6)

(b) (6) Agricultural Attaché Office of Agricultural Affairs/FAS

From: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Cc: Kishore, Rita - FSIS Subject: RE: MHLW questions on "Pink Meat" issue Date: Friday, March 16, 2012 11:02:23 AM

Let me ask around. Will be back in touch.

http //www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety http //twitter com/usdafoodsafety http //www.fsis.usda.gov

PHIS has arrived. Learn more at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PHIS/index.asp

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 10:46 AM To: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS Cc: Kishore, Rita - FSIS Subject: RE: MHLW questions on "Pink Meat" issue

Thanks, Neil. I ve forwarded this to FAS/Tokyo.

Hate to be picky but the Japanese ask some fairly technical questions that aren t really addressed in the press release. Could their inquiry be addressed to technical folks for a response? As Rita has noted, probably other countries will come forward with the similar questions.

(b) (6) FSIS/OIA

From: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 10:22 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: MHLW questions on "Pink Meat" issue

Here you go:

http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome? contentid=2012/03/0094.xml&navid=NEWS RELEASE&navtype=RT&parentnav=LATEST RELEASES&edeployment action=retrievecontent

http //www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety http //twitter.com/usdafoodsafety http //www.fsis.usda.gov

PHIS has arrived. Learn more at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PHIS/index.asp

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 7:06 AM To: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS Subject: FW: MHLW questions on "Pink Meat" issue

Neil – I guess I should have anticipated an inquiry from Japan about this. Is there anything available that we can send back to Tokyo?

Thanks, (b) (6) FSIS/OIA From: Kishore, Rita - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: MHLW questions on "Pink Meat" issue Date: Friday, March 16, 2012 10:41:45 AM

You are right. What we need to ask Neil is if the agency has developed some talking points for this. Other countries are going to ask the same question.

From: Dutrow, Ralph - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 10:37 AM To: Kishore, Rita - FSIS Subject: FW: MHLW questions on "Pink Meat" issue

Any suggestions as to who might be able to actually answer the questions MHLW asks at the bottom?

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 10:36 AM To: (b) (6) FAS Subject: FW: MHLW questions on "Pink Meat" issue

This doesn t really provide answers to any of the questions below; it s a Departmental release that focuses on the school lunch program.

(b) (6) FSIS/OIA

From: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 10:22 AM To:(b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: MHLW questions on "Pink Meat" issue

Here you go:

http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome? contentid=2012/03/0094 xml&navid=NEWS_RELEASE&navtype=RT&parentnav=LATEST_RELEASES&edeployment_action=retrievecontent

http //www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety http //twitter.com/usdafoodsafety http //www.fsis.usda.gov

PHIS has arrived. Learn more at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PHIS/index.asp

From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS Subject: RE: MHLW questions on "Pink Meat" issue Date: Friday, March 16, 2012 9:30:49 AM

Thanks. Of course it s the weekend in Tokyo so anytime today would be fine……….(b) (6)

From: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 9:29 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: MHLW questions on "Pink Meat" issue

The Department has been calling the shots on this and haven t really shared their stuff with us yet. Let me see what I can get you ASAP.

http //www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety http //twitter.com/usdafoodsafety http //www.fsis.usda.gov

PHIS has arrived. Learn more at http //www fsis usda gov/PHIS/index asp

From (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 7:06 AM To: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS Subject: FW: MHLW questions on "Pink Meat" issue

Neil – I guess I should have anticipated an inquiry from Japan about this. Is there anything available that we can send back to Tokyo?

Thanks, (b) (6) FSIS/OIA

From (b) (6) I [mailto(b) (6) @fas.usda.gov] Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 5:14 AM To:(b) (6) - FSIS Cc (b) (6) uyu (FAS) Subject: MHLW questions on "Pink Meat" issue

(b) (6) :

The U.S. media stories on the “Pink Slime” concerns in the U.S. have caught the eye of MHLW here and they have contacted us with a series of questions. Namely:

Sato-san, our office Food Safety expert has read up on the issue, but couldn t fully understand the relation between pink slime and ammonium hydroxide. He notes:

Given the sensitivity on this issue, we d like to get official guidance from FSIS and Washington on what talking points we can say. I m not sure it s even exported buy want to clarify with you first.

Thanks (b) (6)

(b) (6) Agricultural Attaché Office of Agricultural Affairs/FAS U S. Embassy, Tokyo Tel: (b) (6) Fax 03-3589-0793 (b) (6) @fas.usda gov

From: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Cc: Kishore, Rita - FSIS Subject: RE: MHLW questions on "Pink Meat" issue Date: Friday, March 16, 2012 11:11:08 AM

It looks like OC will now be reaching out to you all (it s never as simple as it seems). They may try to just give you all the press release – I told them you already saw it.

http //www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety http //twitter com/usdafoodsafety http //www.fsis.usda.gov

PHIS has arrived. Learn more at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PHIS/index.asp

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 10:46 AM To: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS Cc: Kishore, Rita - FSIS Subject: RE: MHLW questions on "Pink Meat" issue

Thanks, Neil. I ve forwarded this to FAS/Tokyo.

(b) (6) FSIS/OIA

From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Minor language change for Pink Slime letters Date: Thursday, March 15, 2012 9:48:22 AM

Thanks, (b) (6)

Phone (b) (6)

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2012 9:38 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Minor language change for Pink Slime letters Importance: High

Hi (b) (6)

Please use the approved language below:

All USDA ground beef purchases must meet the highest standards for food safety. USDA has strengthened ground beef food safety standards in recent years, and only allows products into commerce that we have confidence are safe.

Thanks and Have a Wonderful Day!

(b) (6) Issues Analyst

Executive Correspondence and Issues Management Staff

Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education

Food Safety and Inspection Service

1400 Independence Ave. S.W., Room 1166-S, Washington, DC 20250-3700

Phone: (b) (6) Fax : (202) 720-7609

Email: (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov

Check your Steps at http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/basis/index.html From: Riek, Peggy - FSIS To: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS; Gaffney, Neil - FSIS Cc: West, Walinda - FSIS; Mabry, Brian - FSIS Subject: RE: Miscellaneous ISSUE=1627 PROJ=63 Date: Thursday, March 08, 2012 3:37:30 PM

Thanks!

From: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 3:32 PM To: Riek, Peggy - FSIS; Gaffney, Neil - FSIS Cc: West, Walinda - FSIS; Mabry, Brian - FSIS Subject: RE: Miscellaneous ISSUE=1627 PROJ=63

Here’s the statement on this issue that we are providing to reporters:

From: Riek, Peggy - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 2:20 PM To: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS; Gaffney, Neil - FSIS Cc: West, Walinda - FSIS Subject: FW: Miscellaneous ISSUE=1627 PROJ=63

Hi Dirk,

Do you have any current, approved language I can provide for this inquiry. There is a deadline of March 9.

Thanks. Peggy

From: FootPrints CPAO Call Tracker - FSIS [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 1:06 PM To: Riek, Peggy - FSIS Subject: Miscellaneous ISSUE=1627 PROJ=63

When replying, type your text above this line.

A call has been entered into the CPAO Call Tracker and has been assigned to Primary Constituent Group.

Call Information

Ticket Number: 1627 Subject of Call: Miscellaneous Secondary Subject: Call Date: 03/08/2012 12:45 PM Contact Name: Sam Young Caller Type: Primary Constituent Contact Phone Number: (b) (6) Cell Phone Number: Alt. Phone Number: Contact Email Address: Employer/Organization: Private Citizen Call Info: Entered on 2012-03-08 at 13:06:53 by (b) (6) :

RE: Broadcast on Pink Slime added to meat. What stores are adding the slime? Please call by tomorrow (3/9/12).

Notes: Entered on 03/08/2012 at 13:06:52 EST (GMT-0500) by (b) (6) : [ no Notes entered ]

More information about the call may be available in the ticket.� Please open the ticket to see more information.

Please return this call back as soon as possible.� Update ticket 1627 with the information that was provided, the date the call was returned, and then close the ticket.

Click here to view Call Log in Browser From: West, Walinda - FSIS To: Riek, Peggy - FSIS Subject: RE: Miscellaneous ISSUE=1628 PROJ=63 Date: Monday, March 12, 2012 3:07:35 PM

Ok.

From: Riek, Peggy - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 3:07 PM To: West, Walinda - FSIS Subject: FW: Miscellaneous ISSUE=1628 PROJ=63

Just remembered that we were not calling him back since he did not request a call back (checked with (b) (6) and (b) (6) last Friday to confirm this). I can close out.

From: Riek, Peggy - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 2:55 PM To: West, Walinda - FSIS Subject: FW: Miscellaneous ISSUE=1628 PROJ=63

Ok that I give Mr. (b) (6) the same response, or are we waiting on something (since Senator Gillibrand was being contacted by the Constituent)?

From: Riek, Peggy - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 2:16 PM To: West, Walinda - FSIS Subject: FW: Miscellaneous ISSUE=1628 PROJ=63

Did you respond to this one? We were going to talk about this one (which I cc’d to (b) (6) and (b) (6) as an FYI) and the Consultant one but then it came time to publish. I can send the response if you did not handle then.

I saw you responded to Mr. (b) (6) last Friday.

From: FootPrints CPAO Call Tracker - FSIS [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 9:06 AM To: Riek, Peggy - FSIS Subject: Miscellaneous ISSUE=1628 PROJ=63

When replying, type your text above this line.

A call has been entered into the CPAO Call Tracker and has been assigned to Primary Constituent Group.

Call Information

Ticket Number: 1628 Subject of Call: Miscellaneous Secondary Subject: Call Date: 03/08/2012 7:00 PM Contact Name: Glenn Sukys Caller Type: Primary Constituent Contact Phone Number: (b) (6) Cell Phone Number: Alt. Phone Number: Contact Email Address: (b) (6)@q.com Employer/Organization: consumer Call Info: Entered on 2012-03-09 at 09:06:26 by Nichele Derrickson :

Message was retrieved from voicemail.

Constituent is very concerned about the "pink slime" issues that was reported by ABC news on Wednesday and Thursday this week. He would like USDA to reverse any permission to use "pink slime" in any product. Glenn mentioned he is currently reaching out to Senator Kristen Gillibrand as well.

Notes: Entered on 03/09/2012 at 09:06:25 EST (GMT-0500) by Nichele Derrickson: [ no Notes entered ]

More information about the call may be available in the ticket.� Please open the ticket to see more information.

Please return this call back as soon as possible.� Update ticket 1628 with the information that was provided, the date the call was returned, and then close the ticket.

Click here to view Call Log in Browser From: Riek, Peggy - FSIS To: Derrickson, Nichele - FSIS Subject: RE: Miscellaneous ISSUE=1630 PROJ=63 Date: Monday, March 12, 2012 12:54:03 PM

I talked with someone finally and received the correct email. No problem

From: Derrickson, Nichele - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 12:54 PM To: Riek, Peggy - FSIS Subject: RE: Miscellaneous ISSUE=1630 PROJ=63

Hi Peggy,

The email address is (b) (6) @pwcgov.org.

Thanks.

From: Riek, Peggy - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 12:08 PM To: Derrickson, Nichele - FSIS Subject: FW: Miscellaneous ISSUE=1630 PROJ=63

Hi Nichele,

Would you check the email address for the caller as the emails are coming back as undeliverable to me? I need to send out a response. Thanks. Peggy

From: FootPrints CPAO Call Tracker - FSIS [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 10:58 AM To: Riek, Peggy - FSIS Subject: Miscellaneous ISSUE=1630 PROJ=63

When replying, type your text above this line.

A call has been entered into the CPAO Call Tracker and has been assigned to Primary Constituent Group.

Call Information

Ticket Number: 1630 Subject of Call: Miscellaneous Secondary Subject: Call Date: 03/12/2012 10:55 AM Contact Name: Peter Candland Caller Type: Primary Constituent Contact Phone Number: (b) (6) Cell Phone Number: Alt. Phone Number: Contact Email Address: (b) (6) @pwcs.edu Employer/Organization: Prince William County Public Schools Call Info: Entered on 2012-03-12 at 10:58:38 by Nichele Derrickson :

RE: Requesting a statement from USDA concerning the "pink slime" in school lunches.

Many constituents are calling and they would like to have a statement to provided these callers.

Email address: (b) (6) @pwcs.edu

Notes: Entered on 03/12/2012 at 10:58:37 EDT (GMT-0400) by Nichele Derrickson: [ no Notes entered ]

More information about the call may be available in the ticket.� Please open the ticket to see more information.

Please return this call back as soon as possible.� Update ticket 1630 with the information that was provided, the date the call was returned, and then close the ticket.

Click here to view Call Log in Browser From: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS To: Gaffney, Neil - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; Cochran, Catherine - FSIS; McIntire, Richard - FSIS Subject: RE: Miscellaneous ISSUE=1632 PROJ=63 Date: Thursday, March 15, 2012 8:19:50 AM

I will take care of it (and likely send straight to our friends in OC)…

From: FootPrints CPAO Call Tracker - FSIS [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2012 8:18 AM To: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Subject: Miscellaneous ISSUE=1632 PROJ=63

When replying, type your text above this line.

A call has been entered into the CPAO Call Tracker and has been assigned to Media Staff.

Call Information

Ticket Number: 1632 Subject of Call: Miscellaneous Secondary Subject: Call Date: 03/15/2012 8:00 AM Contact Name: Jenny Glick Caller Type: Media Contact Phone Number: Cell Phone Number: (b) (6) Alt. Phone Number: Contact Email Address: Employer/Organization: CBS Radio Call Info: Entered on 2012-03-15 at 08:18:11 by Peggy Riek :

Reporter called for Carol or Bill Bagley. Re: announcement today about "pink slime." Questions: What is it? How do you know if your meat has "pink slime."

She would like a call asap today on her cell phone.

Notes: Entered on 03/15/2012 at 08:18:10 EDT (GMT-0400) by Peggy Riek: [ no Notes entered ]

More information about the call may be available in the ticket.� Please open the ticket to see more information.

Please return this call back as soon as possible.� Update ticket 1632 with the information that was provided, the date the call was returned, and then close the ticket.

Click here to view Call Log in Browser From: Riek, Peggy - FSIS To: West, Walinda - FSIS Subject: RE: Miscellaneous ISSUE=1634 PROJ=63 Date: Thursday, March 22, 2012 9:31:29 AM

Ok – the statement is it then

From: West, Walinda - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 8:55 AM To: Riek, Peggy - FSIS Subject: RE: Miscellaneous ISSUE=1634 PROJ=63

I was, but I don’t have anything else to add.

From: Riek, Peggy - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 8:40 AM To: West, Walinda - FSIS Subject: FW: Miscellaneous ISSUE=1634 PROJ=63

Is this statement still what we are telling callers? I believe you were suggesting to be the caller on these calls last week. Or should I just respond with the statement? This one is still hanging….

From: FootPrints CPAO Call Tracker - FSIS [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2012 4:10 PM To: Riek, Peggy - FSIS Subject: Miscellaneous ISSUE=1634 PROJ=63

When replying, type your text above this line.

A call has been entered into the CPAO Call Tracker and has been assigned to Primary Constituent Group.

Call Information

Ticket Number: 1634 Subject of Call: Miscellaneous Secondary Subject: Call Date: 03/15/2012 4:10 PM Contact Name: Judise Williams Caller Type: Primary Constituent Contact Phone Number: (b) (6) Cell Phone Number: Alt. Phone Number: Contact Email Address: n/a Employer/Organization: consumer Call Info: Entered on 2012-03-15 at 16:10:20 by Nichele Derrickson :

Re: Would like to speak with some one concerning "pink slime" added in School Lunches. Judise is a concerned parent and would like to know why is this added in meat. Why was this approved by USDA?

Notes: Entered on 03/15/2012 at 16:10:20 EDT (GMT-0400) by Nichele Derrickson: [ no Notes entered ]

More information about the call may be available in the ticket.� Please open the ticket to see more information.

Please return this call back as soon as possible.� Update ticket 1634 with the information that was provided, the date the call was returned, and then close the ticket.

Click here to view Call Log in Browser From: (b) (6) To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Missoula News: Recommended article from Bonnie Date: Friday, March 30, 2012 7:46:21 PM

Cool, I love how they call him ornery, I knew exactly how they were talking about, I've never know his real name (b) (6)

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) - FSIS [mailto(b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov] Sent: Friday, March 30, 2012 3:37 PM To: (b) (6) Subject: FW: Missoula News: Recommended article from Bonnie

You have to know (b) (6) to appreciate this one.

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) @mt.gov [mailto:(b) (6) @mt.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2012 3:50 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Missoula News: Recommended article from Bonnie

Bonnie (b) (6) @mt.gov) has sent you the following from Missoula News:

Message: Whitey gets some press right along with pink slime

RE: article "etc." http://missoulanews.bigskypress.com/missoula/etc/Content?oid=1543841

(To view the article, please click the above link.)

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. From: (b) (6) To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Missoula News: Recommended article from Bonnie Date: Thursday, March 29, 2012 6:25:30 PM

Maybe you can trade them in for Roller Derby season pass!!!

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) - FSIS [mailto:(b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2012 4:12 PM To:(b) (6) Subject: RE: Missoula News: Recommended article from Bonnie

Cool thanks (b) (6) - horrible news for the Grizzlies (Robin Pflugrad the coach and the Athletic Director Jim O'Day) were fired today. I just paid for my season tickets - $454 down the drain!!!!!!!!

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) @mt.gov [mailto(b) (6) @mt.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2012 3:50 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Missoula News: Recommended article from Bonnie

(b) (6) @mt.gov) has sent you the following from Missoula News:

Message: Whitey gets some press right along with pink slime

RE: article "etc." http://missoulanews.bigskypress.com/missoula/etc/Content?oid=1543841

(To view the article, please click the above link.)

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. From: Rogers, James - FSIS To: Dessai, Uday - FSIS Cc: Ransom, Gerri - FSIS Subject: RE: Monthly Baseline Meeting w/OAA Date: Friday, March 16, 2012 8:18:15 AM

Let me know when.

Jim

James E. Rogers, Ph.D. Branch Chief/National Baselines Studies Director Microbiological Analysis and Data Branch Microbiology Division Office of Public Health Science United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service

Mailing Address

Stop 3777, PP 3, # 9-226 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250 Tel: 202-690-6537 Blackberry: 202-329-2703 Fax: 202-690-6364

“This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.”

From: Dessai, Uday - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 8:07 AM To: Rogers, James - FSIS Cc: Ransom, Gerri - FSIS Subject: RE: Monthly Baseline Meeting w/OAA

Yep and just imagine MSP going to school lunch program after getting Ammonia treatment (if that happens)! For our NACMCF public meeting Gerri and I are concened about this topic dominating the discussion and take away the focus from the actual recommendations!

From: Rogers, James - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 8:03 AM To: Dessai, Uday - FSIS Cc: Ransom, Gerri - FSIS Subject: Re: Monthly Baseline Meeting w/OAA

There is pink slime in poultry too. It is called MSP.

James E. Rogers, Ph.D. Branch Chief Microbiological Analysis and Data Branch Microbiology Division Office of Public Health Science United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service Tel: 202-690-6537 Blackberry: 202-329-2703

From: Dessai, Uday - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 06:42 AM To: Rogers, James - FSIS Cc: Ransom, Gerri - FSIS Subject: RE: Monthly Baseline Meeting w/OAA

That is a good thing! Ground poultry issues needed to be briefed to OAA in-depth so they can work with policy proactively. I will be interested in hearing the discussions. Also include Gerri in the discussion from NACMCF view point (right now the focus is on pink slime laer it may be ground products!!) Also, many thanks for acting for me yesterday!

From: Rogers, James - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 7:38 AM To: Dessai, Uday - FSIS Subject: Re: Monthly Baseline Meeting w/OAA

Actually it did not happen. We spent almost 1.5 hours on the ground poultry baseline instead.

From: Dessai, Uday - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 06:29 AM To: Rogers, James - FSIS Subject: RE: Monthly Baseline Meeting w/OAA

Hi Jim

I am sure this meeting went well!

Please brief me on the outcome at the earliest possible.

Thx

-----Original Appointment----- From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2012 4:54 PM To: (b) (6)

- FSIS Subject: Monthly Baseline Meeting w/OAA When: Thursday, March 15, 2012 10:00 AM-11:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada). Where: 341-E

Please note the call-in number and access code as follows:

Phone:

Access Code:

The agenda will be provided before the meeting.

(b) (6) s, Program Analyst

Microbiological Analysis and Data Branch Microbiology Division USDA/OPHS/FSIS Stop 3777, PP3, Room 9-227B

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

From: Jarvis, Michael - AMS To: Blake, Carol - FSIS; Lavallee, Aaron - OC Subject: Re: more info Date: Friday, March 09, 2012 2:47:02 PM

I've got it and will send to aaron On way back to office Making copies of my resume

From: Blake, Carol - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 01:45 PM To: Lavallee, Aaron - OC; Jarvis, Michael - AMS Subject: RE: more info

(b) (6) at AMI could probably do it. Want me to contact her?

From: Lavallee, Aaron - OC Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 2:38 PM To: Blake, Carol - FSIS; Jarvis, Michael - AMS Subject: FW: more info

Guys do either of you have a contact at BPI or AMI that can get us a picture of what lftb actually looks like? WaPo is going to run a story saying that the pink slime thing is false.

From: Elizabeth Flock [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 2:36 PM To: Lavallee, Aaron - OC Subject: RE: more info

Hi Aaron. These links don’t address the misleading photo of pink slime, which is actually showing Advanced Meat Recovery in chicken. Do you have anything that addresses this?

From: Lavallee, Aaron - OC [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 2:29 PM To: Elizabeth Flock Subject: more info

Elizabeth – this should help. The folks at AMI of Nat. Meat assoc should have a picture. But let me know if I can help dig up anything else.

This more in-depth story helps explain what this is http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/03/beef-products-inc-gets-support-from-food-safety- leaders/

http://www.meatami.com/ht/a/GetDocumentAction/i/76184

Some of these external sources may be able to provide more info.

Dr. (b) (6) (formally of Jack in the Box - (b) (6) Dr. (b) (6) (Iowa State University) -(b) (6) (b) (6) (STOP Foodborn Illness) -(b) (6) (b) (6) (formally of National Consumer League) - (b) (6) Dr. (b) (6) (Kansas State University) -(b) (6) Dr. (b) (6) (Texas A&M University) - (b) (6) (b) (6) (National Meat Association) - ((b) (6) (b) (6) (Food Safety Lawyer) - (b) (6)

Aaron Lavallee Communications Coordinator, Office of Communications U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250 Office Direct: 202.720.6959 Cell: (b) (6) [email protected] http://www.usda.gov

Stay Connected with USDA:

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: More...... pink slime. Date: Friday, March 30, 2012 3:20:42 PM

Hi (b) (6)

I agree!

Thanks and Have a Wonderful Day!

(b) (6) Issues Analyst

Executive Correspondence and Issues Management Staff

Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education

Food Safety and Inspection Service

1400 Independence Ave. S.W., Room 1166-S, Washington, DC 20250-3700

Phone: (b) (6) Fax : (202) 720-7609

Email: (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov

Check your steps at http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Friday, March 30, 2012 3:18 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: More...... pink slime.

(b) (6)

We have a bundle of new similar pink slime e-mails. I’m thinking we could again package these in a single folder and have the CCOs assist with a mail merge, rather than creating multiple folders for multiple responses. All would be FI30s.

Let me know your thoughts – thanks,

Be Food Safe: CLEAN: Wash Hands and Surfaces Often SEPARATE: Separate Raw Meats from Other Foods

COOK: Cook To The Right Temperature CHILL: Refrigerate Food Promptly From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Re: MTO5 Date: Monday, March 19, 2012 12:15:51 PM

Yep

Sent from my Blackberry Wireless Device.....

(b) (6) , Investigator U.S. Dept of Agriculture - FSIS Office of Program Evaluation, Enforcement and Review Compliance & Investigations Division 155 E. Columbus Street Pickerington, OH 43147 (b) (6) Office (b) (6) Blackberry 614-833-9901 Fax email: (b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov

----- Original Message ----- From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 19, 2012 11:06 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: MTO5

Really!!??? That means I have a present! Lol I'll be up in the morning before I go over to the health conference.

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 19, 2012 12:04 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Re: MTO5

Last May, no biggie, I just said heck with it and came to the office - which is a good thing since my new laptop is here, our SHEDDER is here, and you have a box from (b) (6)

Sent from my Blackberry Wireless Device.....

----- Original Message ----- From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 19, 2012 11:02 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: MTO5

Oh wow! That was months ago..... you could probably take another one... it's been awhile.

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 19, 2012 11:04 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: MTO5

What are you doing taking a sample three blocks from my apartment (Holly Hill Farms in Reynoldsburg)?!?!? LOL

Nice people, I will probably buy my meat from them from now on - since there's no PINK SLIME!!!

Sent from my Blackberry Wireless Device.....

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. From: (b) (6) (HRSA) To: (b) (6) - Commissioned Corps - FSIS Subject: RE: My Officer"s CV Date: Thursday, March 22, 2012 4:46:21 PM

LOL! How to cook a turkey was not in any of my MPH courses J I would tell them to deep fry the turkey outside. Every year someone burns their house down by deep frying the turkey inside the house. Yes, please tell me some stories when we get to go out for lunch/dinner!

From: (b) (6) - Commissioned Corps - FSIS [mailto(b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 4:43 PM To: (b) (6) (HRSA) Subject: RE: My Officer's CV

He gets the pleasure of working on Thanksgiving Day helping poor new cooks learn how to cook a Turkey. Remind me to tell you some HOTLINE stories when you are down in the dumps. You will laugh your socks off. We actually keep records on what people call about. It is hilarious.

From: (b) (6) (HRSA) [mailto(b) (6) @hrsa.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 4:40 PM To: (b) (6) - Commissioned Corps - FSIS Subject: RE: My Officer's CV

LOL. Poor guy. I can’t imagine speaking all day about Pink Slime. The TV news shows talk about this every day. I am on the treadmill while the news is on a few of the TV sets. I would probably throw my plastic water bottle at the TV screen in the gym if I were in his shoes. I will keep my eyes out for other HRSA jobs for Israel.

From: (b) (6) - Commissioned Corps - FSIS [mailto(b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 4:11 PM To: (b) (6) (HRSA) Subject: RE: My Officer's CV

Yeh, that is why he wants to leave. (b) (6)

From:(b) (6) (HRSA) [mailto(b) (6) @hrsa.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 4:10 PM To: (b) (6) - Commissioned Corps - FSIS Subject: RE: My Officer's CV

Hey (b) (6)

Sorry, I got caught up in another staff meeting. I’m sure Israel would make a great Project Officer. I don’t think I could handle meat complaints all day. Plus Israel must really hate hearing the phrase “pink slime” LOL. Not exactly a good term for a “food product”. Needs better marketing J

From: (b) (6) - Commissioned Corps - FSIS [mailto:(b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 3:03 PM To: (b) (6) (HRSA) Subject: RE: My Officer's CV

Hope HRSA can pick (b) (6) up. He is a good officer just burned out on the USDA HotLine listening to meat complaints all day.

From: (b) (6) (HRSA) [mailto(b) (6) @hrsa.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 3:01 PM To: (b) (6) - Commissioned Corps - FSIS Subject: RE: My Officer's CV

(b) (6) forwarded it to me this morning. I forgot to CC you. I will send you a copy now.

From:(b) (6) - Commissioned Corps - FSIS [mailto(b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 3:00 PM To: Reed, Daniel (HRSA) Subject: My Officer's CV

(b) (6)

Here is the CV for the officer I was talking to you about the other day. He used to be the IT guy down in DCP many years ago. He is ready for a move from USDA and has no grant training. Thanks for looking at his CV. Thanks, (b) (6) CAPT (b) (6) Commissioned Corps Program Management USDA/FSIS Agency Liaison 5601 Sunnyside Avenue Room 2-L156 Beltsville, MD 20705 (b) (6) (Phone) (b) (6) (Cell) (301) 504-5914 (Fax) (b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: Blake, Carol - FSIS Cc: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS; Mabry, Brian - FSIS Subject: RE: NACMCF Draft Meeting Release Date: Monday, March 12, 2012 10:12:52 AM

Great, Thanks Carol.

I’ll make the edits, per your comments, and include some language regarding the subgroup’s activity leading up to this meeting. I’ll have the revised version back to you as soon as I can.

Thanks, Bill

From: Blake, Carol - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 10:03 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Cc: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS; Mabry, Brian - FSIS Subject: RE: NACMCF Draft Meeting Release

Comments are attached. Please address them and resend to me for clearance. Most importantly, I think NACMCF’s subgroups have been meeting to talk about this, and this is a time when the entire group meets to report out, correct? I want to be really clear in this release that this has been part of a process, otherwise, everyone (including OC and OSEC) are going to think this is a reaction to the pink slime stories. Please revise and send back to me.

Thanks, Carol Blake Assistant Administrator Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA Room 339-E Whitten Building Washington, DC 20250 Phone: (202) 720-3884 Fax: (202) 205-0301 Cell: (b) (6) [email protected] http://www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety http://twitter.com/usdafoodsafety http://www.fsis.usda.gov

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 9:39 AM To: Blake, Carol - FSIS Subject: NACMCF Draft Meeting Release

Good Morning Carol!

Please find attached a draft of the NACMCF Meeting Release. Please let me know if there are any edits or changes.

Thanks, Bill

Bill Bagley Public Affairs Specialist USDA, Food Safety and Inspection Service Congressional and Public Affairs 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250 Desk: (202) 720-0286 bb: (202) 731-2152 http://www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety http://twitter.com/usdafoodsafety http://www.fsis.usda.gov

PHIS has arrived. Learn more at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PHIS/index.asp

From: (b) (6) - AMS To: (b) (6) - AMS; Ransom, Gerri - FSIS; Dessai, Uday - FSIS; (b) (6) - AMS Subject: RE: NACMCF Talking Points 3-28-2012 Date: Monday, March 26, 2012 4:03:40 PM

I would like to put the last sentence you added as the first talking point and then drop the section on LFTB.

Marty

From: (b) (6) - AMS Sent: Monday, March 26, 2012 4:02 PM To: (b) (6) - AMS; Ransom, Gerri - FSIS; Dessai, Uday - FSIS; (b) (6) - AMS Subject: NACMCF Talking Points 3-28-2012

All:

Nikki (LSP Chief of Staff) provided some edits and through Gerri, FSIS Public Affairs, suggested that we nip the LFTB (aka pink slime) issue in the bud by stating that the meeting is not a discussion about LFTB. I included a statement at the end of the LFTB section. Please review to make sure it is appropriate.

(b) (6)

(b) (6) , Ph.D.

Livestock and Meat Marketing Specialist USDA / AMS / LS / Standardization Division 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Rm 2607-S Washington, DC 20250

Direct line: (b) (6) Main line: (b) (6) Fax: (202) 720-1112 E-mail:(b) (6) @ams.usda.gov

www.greening.usda.gov P Do you really need to print this e-mail?

From: Dessai, Uday - FSIS To: Ransom, Gerri - FSIS Subject: Re: NACMCF Talking Points 3-28-2012 Date: Monday, March 26, 2012 7:47:07 PM

I certainly agree. Uday Dessai 202 257 2923 Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

From: Ransom, Gerri - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 26, 2012 05:51 PM To: Dessai, Uday - FSIS Subject: RE: NACMCF Talking Points 3-28-2012

I still think they may want to condense. I have asked Kerry to tie it all together at end and make a conclusion

From: Dessai, Uday - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 26, 2012 6:44 PM To: (b) (6) - AMS; Ransom, Gerri - FSIS; (b) (6) - AMS; (b) (6) - AMS Subject: RE: NACMCF Talking Points 3-28-2012

Hi Kerry and Gerri The following bullet looks good to me – very precise and upfront (second point as laid out).

· NACMCF’s current charge does not include a review of the inclusion of Lean Finely Textured Beef (LFTB) into USDA’s National School Lunch Program (NSLP) ground beef items. This issue will not be discussed during this teleconference. (This is good and precise) The other bullets also are reasonable. Thx

Uday

From: (b) (6) - AMS Sent: Monday, March 26, 2012 5:44 PM To: Ransom, Gerri - FSIS; (b) (6) - AMS; Dessai, Uday - FSIS; (b) (6) - AMS Subject: RE: NACMCF Talking Points 3-28-2012

I incorporated (b) (6) suggestion.

(b) (6) , Ph.D. Livestock and Meat Marketing Specialist USDA / AMS / LS / Standardization Division Phone: (b) (6) www.greening.usda.gov P Do you really need to print this e-mail?

From: Ransom, Gerri - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 26, 2012 4:13 PM To: (b) (6) - AMS;(b) (6) - AMS; Dessai, Uday - FSIS; (b) (6) - AMS Subject: RE: NACMCF Talking Points 3-28-2012

Hi (b) (6)

The full name of the committee needs correction to National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods. However, we will have defind it already so using just NACMCF will work.

Anyway you can make this more concise will be good.

I cant see the new LTTB commernt but that sounds good.

Gerri M. Ransom Director, Executive Secretariat USDA-FSIS, Office of Public Health Science National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods

Stop 3777, PP3, 9-210B 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250 Office: 202-690-6600 Fax: 202-690-6364 E-mail: [email protected]

From: (b) (6) - AMS Sent: Monday, March 26, 2012 4:02 PM To: (b) (6) - AMS; Ransom, Gerri - FSIS; Dessai, Uday - FSIS; (b) (6) - AMS Subject: NACMCF Talking Points 3-28-2012

All:

(b) (6)

(b) (6) , Ph.D.

Livestock and Meat Marketing Specialist USDA / AMS / LS / Standardization Division 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Rm 2607-S Washington, DC 20250

From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: Ransom, Gerri - FSIS Subject: RE: NACMCF Date: Monday, February 27, 2012 12:04:54 PM

I’m at my desk and can chat now if that’s convenient.

(b) (6) is my desk.

From: Ransom, Gerri - FSIS Sent: Monday, February 27, 2012 12:04 PM To: Bagley, William - FSIS Subject: RE: NACMCF

Hi Bill-

Wow, pink slime……….I can give you a call. I am working off-site today. What is the best number to reach you at. Do you want me to phone now?

Gerri M. Ransom Director, Executive Secretariat USDA-FSIS, Office of Public Health Science National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods

Stop 3777, PP3, 9-210B 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250 Office: 202-690-6600 Fax: 202-690-6364 E-mail: [email protected]

From: Bagley, William - FSIS Sent: Monday, February 27, 2012 12:02 PM To: Ransom, Gerri - FSIS Subject: RE: NACMCF

Hi Gerri,

Thanks for responding! I just had a couple of quick questions regarding the pink slime issue since this meeting’s going to address the National School Lunch program. I wasn’t sure if there were any specifics about the microbiological testing/methodology that would be directly addressing this issue. If you have a minute to chat, it’d be much appreciated! Thanks!

Bill

From: Ransom, Gerri - FSIS Sent: Monday, February 27, 2012 11:56 AM To: Edelstein, Rachel - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Cc: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Subject: RE: NACMCF

Hi Rachel-

Thanks to all and okay, will do.

Gerri M. Ransom Director, Executive Secretariat USDA-FSIS, Office of Public Health Science National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods

Stop 3777, PP3, 9-210B 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250 Office: 202-690-6600 Fax: 202-690-6364 E-mail: [email protected]

From: Edelstein, Rachel - FSIS Sent: Monday, February 27, 2012 11:55 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS; Ransom, Gerri - FSIS Cc: Fillpot, Dirk - FSIS Subject: RE: NACMCF

Hi Bill—This has cleared OA and OFS, so it’s getting ready to go to OFR. I think Carol Blake is ok with everything. Gerri—Maybe you can respond to Bill? I’m going to go ahead and get it moving to OFR.

Thanks, Rachel

From: Bagley, William - FSIS Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2012 4:04 PM To: Edelstein, Rachel - FSIS; Ransom, Gerri - FSIS Subject: NACMCF

Good Afternoon!

I noticed in this meeting announcement that there was a reference to microbiological testing for items in the National School Lunch Program. I wanted to see if you could possibly shed any more light onto this issue and what’s going to happen at NACMCF?

Thanks! Bill

Bill Bagley Public Affairs Specialist USDA, Food Safety and Inspection Service Congressional and Public Affairs 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250 Desk: (202) 720-0286 bb: ((b) (6) http://www.youtube.com/USDAFoodSafety http://twitter.com/usdafoodsafety http://www.fsis.usda.gov

PHIS has arrived. Learn more at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PHIS/index.asp

From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Re: Nat"l School Lunch Program Date: Thursday, March 22, 2012 8:20:43 AM

OK. Thanks.

(b) (6)

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 07:07 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Nat'l School Lunch Program

We still aren’t doing any school lunch program products at 8999. There really hasn’t been much of an uproar about the ammoniated stuff, yet…

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 2:47 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Nat'l School Lunch Program

Hi (b) (6) With all the talk about pink slime lately, questions about Nat’l School Lunch Programs have come up. Does Est. 8999 produce raw beef for the Nat’l School Lunch Program? Or is the answer the same as it was back in 2007?

Thanks, (b) (6)

______From: (b) (6) Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2007 10:20 AM To: (b) (6) Subject: RE: FY06 AMS School Lunch and Child Nutrition Program - Estimate of Inspector Hours

This took awhile since I’ve been having computers problems. The product is bulk ground beef in chubs. (b) (4) The USDA approval for the label is: 2466973 and the CN approval# is 064740 (8/24/05).

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 3:31 PM To: (b) (6) Subject: RE: FY06 AMS School Lunch and Child Nutrition Program - Estimate of Inspector Hours

Hi (b) (6) I need some more specific information on this:

What is the product that they produce that are considered CN labeled? What is the volume of these products (rough estimate)?

How often do they produce these (rough estimate—hours per day, days per week, weeks per month or something like that)?

Thanks much! (b) (6)

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2007 9:25 AM To: (b) (6) Subject: RE: FY06 AMS School Lunch and Child Nutrition Program - Estimate of Inspector Hours

8999 does one product with CNS labeling, which I cover. They don’t do anything specifically for the National School lunch program, so they don’t have a Grader here.

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2007 2:37 PM To: (b) (6) Subject: RE: FY06 AMS School Lunch and Child Nutrition Program - Estimate of Inspector Hours

Hi (b) (6) Here’s an old issue that came up again. Is 8999’s involvement with Child Nutrition labeling, or National School Lunch Program, or both? In either case, how is it covered by inspection? Do you cover it or is there someone else like a USDA grader that comes in when they produce this? (b) (6)

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 11:11 AM To: (b) (6) Subject: RE: FY06 AMS School Lunch and Child Nutrition Program - Estimate of Inspector Hours

It just was re-added to the TQC after a long absence. I’m going to GUESS 2 hrs / month.

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) Sent: Thursday, October 06, 2005 4:35 PM To: (b) (6) (b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov); (b) (6) (b) (6)

Subject: FW: FY06 AMS School Lunch and Child Nutrition Program - Estimate of Inspector Hours Importance: High

Hello all IICs. Please see the following e-mail and reply to me telling me whether you have a plant(s) involved in School Lunch or Child Nutrition Program and if so, an estimate of the number of hours designated as service to this program. If you have no school lunch or Child nutrition program, please reply to me saying such.

If you’d like more information on what I’m talking about you can look at FSIS Directives 7222.1 dated 9- 9-98 and 7010.1 dated 6-12-89.

Thanks. (b) (6)

-----Original Message----- From: White, Craig Sent: Thursday, October 06, 2005 4:08 PM To: FO/DO20/Front Line Supervisors Subject: FW: FY06 AMS School Lunch and Child Nutrition Program - Estimate of Inspector Hours Importance: High

Hello All;

Here’s a new one. Please provide some puppy on sand paper sounding estimates per below. Please return the Base and overtime estimates to me, I will compile and forward.

From: Wonda Email To: Thompson, David (DDMDO90) - FSIS Subject: Re: Neighborhood gathering Date: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 9:08:31 PM

Thanks David sounds good to me, let me wait to hear back from (b) (6) will give him a day or two longer but this looks good to me.

Thanks Wonda

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 28, 2012, at 10:40 AM, "Thompson, David (DDMDO90) - FSIS" (b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov> wrote:

> Here is some of the products we can get. > I plan to get a case of tamales for my contribution. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Martin, Bud 001 [mailto(b) (6) @jackson.sysco.com] > Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 10:20 AM > To: Thompson, David (DDMDO90) - FSIS > Subject: RE: Neighborhood gathering > > Here are my top items for tacos/fajitas. > > 1647353 + 2/5LB SYS CLS CHICKEN FAJ BRST STRIP PRCK approx $35 box ***Top Seller*** > 7573728 + 3/5 LB TYSON CHICKEN FAJ BRST STRIP approx $55 box > 2380434 + 2/5 LB CASASOL CHICKEN FAJ BRST STRIP PRCK approx $50 box > 1551928 + 2/6 LB MCCARTY /TYSON CHICKEN GROUND TACO FILLING approx $33 box > > 7696586 + 2/5LB HORMEL BEEF GRND TACO FLLNG PRCK approx $35 box > > > Bud Martin > Sales Support/Premium Protein > Sysco Jackson, LLC > 4400 Milwaukee Street > Jackson, MS 39209-2683 > > T 601.354.1701 (b) (6) > C (b) (6) > F 601.292.2182 > > > > > > > > > KEEP UP TO DATE WITH BEEF, PORK, SEAFOOD & POULTRY MARKETS, TRAINING AND NEWS > Click on link below: > http://mysysco/sites/BlueCube/seafood/Pages/default.aspx > > > > CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information in this email may be confidential and/or privileged. This email is intended to be reviewed by only the individual or organization named above. If you are not the intended recipient or an authorized representative of the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination or copying of this email and its attachments, if any, or the information contained herein is prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please immediately notify the sender by return email and delete this email from your system. > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Thompson, David (DDMDO90) - FSIS [mailto:[email protected]] > Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 6:08 AM > To: Martin, Bud 001 > Subject: RE: Neighborhood gathering > > How is your business dealing with the "pink slime" issue? Have ya'll had to make a lot of changes? > > -----Original Message----- > From: Martin, Bud 001 [mailto(b) (6) @jackson.sysco.com] > Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 11:02 PM > To: Thompson, David (DDMDO90) - FSIS > Subject: Re: Neighborhood gathering > > Ill put together a list of options and get to you this week. I'm traveling tomorrow but if I get a break ill shoot something over. > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Thompson, David (DDMDO90) - FSIS > To: Martin, Bud 001 > Sent: Tue Mar 27 22:06:43 2012 > Subject: Neighborhood gathering > > Hey Bud, I would like to check on some chicken fajita meat and beef taco filling for a hood gathering on May 5 for about 75 people. Can you assist? > My cell 6019279903 > Thanks > David > David R. Thompson DVM > Deputy District Manager > USDA FSIS OFO JDO > Sent via BlackBerry > > > > > This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. > > > > > From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: New fact sheet for posting: "Leftovers and Food Safety" Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 3:16:47 PM

Yep. Right now, we’re getting barraged with “pink slime” calls. Whoever put out this “slime” should have to answer the callers.

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 10:20 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: New fact sheet for posting: "Leftovers and Food Safety"

Very nice! It’s great to have some outside interests to distract you from the on-the-job silliness.

(b) (6)

Web Manager, Web Services Staff Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education Room 1150-S (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov Phone: 202-720-3698 | Fax: 202-690-3903

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 10:08 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: New fact sheet for posting: "Leftovers and Food Safety"

Great!

The symposium sessions were some of the best I remember. We had over 250 attendees, and I think it went very well despite the dummies at USG who kept fouling up our classrooms and space needs.

If you want to see the program book, I’m attaching the inside pages here. (b) (6) was a co-chair with me. I designed the book.

<< File: 2012 Seminar Program Book_FINAL.pdf >>

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 10:00 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: New fact sheet for posting: "Leftovers and Food Safety"

The fact sheet has been published.

(b) (6) Web Manager, Web Services Staff Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education Room 1150-S (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov Phone: (b) (6) | Fax: 202-690-3903

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2012 10:01 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: New fact sheet for posting: "Leftovers and Food Safety"

Dear (b) (6)

This new fact sheet, "Leftovers and Food Safety," has final clearance from FSES and CPA and is ready to post on the website. I suggest it be placed under the “Safe Food Handling” section.

Thanks!

P.S. How is (b) (6) doing?

<< File: Leftovers_and_Food_Safety.pdf >> << File: Leftovers_and_Food_Safety.doc >> (b) (6)

Food Safety Specialist

USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline

Room 2L254-B

5601 Sunnyside Ave.

Beltsville, MD 20705-5000 (b) (6)

Fax (301) 504-2092

1 (888) MPHotline or 1 (888) 674-6854

(b) (6) fsis.usda.gov From: (b) (6) - OES To: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: New Incident from AsktheExpert Date: Thursday, March 22, 2012 7:49:21 AM

Thanks…

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 7:48 AM To: (b) (6) - OES; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: New Incident from AsktheExpert

Good Morning (b) (6) FSIS is responding to the Pink Slime letters. Send it on. Thanks

(b) (6) FSIS/OPACE/ECIMS (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov (Desk) (b) (6) (Fax) 202-720-7609 FSIS/OPACE/ECIMS

TRUE PEACE IS NOT MERELY THE ABSENCE OF TENSION, BUT THE PRESENCE OF JUSTICE DR. MARTIN L. KING

From: (b) (6) - OES Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 7:47 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: FW: New Incident from AsktheExpert

Good Morning:

Scroll to the bottom of this e-mail…please review the message below and let me know if you agree that this should be sent to FDA or should it be assigned to FSIS.

Thanks

(b) (6)

From: (b) (6) Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 4:10 PM To:(b) (6) - OES;(b) (6) - OES;(b) (6) - OES Subject: FW: New Incident from AsktheExpert

Not related to ARS research. I believe this should go to FDA. Thanks.

(b) (6)

From: ASK USDA [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 4:01 PM To: ARS Subject: New Incident from AsktheExpert

The following question has been received:

Contact Information Email Address: (b) (6) @aol.com First Name: Last Name: Type: Title:

Reference #120321-000048 I want to know what we as consumers and Americans cab do to get Summary: pink slime banne... Topic Level 1: Food Subtopic Level 2: Food Safety Information Center Date Created: 03/21/2012 04:00 PM Last Updated: 03/21/2012 04:00 PM Status: Referred Assigned: Country: State: First Time Chatting?:

Discussion Thread Customer By Web Form 03/21/2012 04:00 PM I want to know what we as consumers and Americans cab do to get pink slime banned and to have the woman who approved it investigated and charged? I am incensed at the FDA over this entire fiasco.

From: wachholtz To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Re: Northern Lights Date: Saturday, March 10, 2012 9:18:45 PM

The ABC world news with Diana Sawyer has jut been going on and on with the pink slime stuff. They just aren't giving up as they are calling and calling the government guru on the stuff and they get no answer other than it is beef. So they have two laid off or fired or retired idiots that they use as experts on the subject and call them whistle blowers. Was nice here today got up to 68 and no wind this afternoon.. I guess they have closed off I-10 the last two days between Arizona and New Mexico on account of dust storms. There is a guy here in the park that was sad your team lost last night. His coach even has the lite blue color as a accent color. The jayhawk is on his license plates for car and motor home. He was a coach for wrestling and football at a high school in Kansas. He is worried about Missouri winning it all. So how was Walter doing??? Sliding around on his new wood floors. The old moon is already getting smaller. Where did you get the northern light deal.

So what are you doing tomorrow, napping????

Love, Don

On 3/10/2012 4:48 PM, (b) (6) - FSIS wrote:

So is it going on this wonderful Saturday afternoon/evening? It is clouding over at present. The sun was out most of the day. They are predicting rain tonight and on Sunday. I called Walter today as he was worried about the pink slime nonsense going around. He said there was a story in the Omaha Herald today about school lunch programs suffering. They have been putting Partially defatted chopped beef in course ground for at least 30 years I know of. With everything now days having mechanically separated chicken in the ingredient statement now there is some nasty shit. Dixie had a flare up with her liver problem yesterday and into today. Seems after she works all week by the end of the week she is exhausted and bring on the flare up. Have a good evening love Rodney

The Northern Lights are seen in the skies near Faskusfjordur on the east coast of Iceland Thursday March 8, 2012. A solar storm shook the Earth's magnetic field early Friday, but scientists said they had no reports of any problems with electrical systems. After reports Thursday of the storm fizzling out, a surge of activity prompted space weather forecasters to issue alerts about changes in the magnetic field. From: Bob Monahan To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Nothing Date: Monday, March 19, 2012 10:20:19 AM

I know, Pink Slime could raise it's ugly head at any time.

On Mar 19, 2012 8:16 AM, "(b) (6) - FSIS" (b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov> wrote:

Yea, I should be around – but one never knows as “Meat Never Sleeps”

From: Bob Monahan [mailto:(b) (6) @gmail.com] Sent: Monday, March 19, 2012 9:29 AM To:(b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Nothing

Are you on the road tomorrow, or will you be around? Coming to visit my mom.

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: Engeljohn, Daniel - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Notice of Investigation 12-0040 Date: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 9:11:10 AM Attachments: ICAD-12-0040 attachment.htm Invest 12-0040.pdf

Good morning,

The attached complaint originated from a citizen named (b) (6) (b) (6)@aol.com, who sent it through the OIG hotline as well as to other parties. Since a number of the “for your information” complaints originate from customers who require “extra care” you might consider having the response emailed from a member of your staff who can take the extra time to handle this customer. I suspect there will be some back and forth to explain the product’s science.

Yours truly,

(b) (6) (b) (6) Internal Control and Audit Division USDA, FSIS, OPEER

From: Engeljohn, Daniel - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 6:48 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Notice of Investigation 12-0040

Here’s the response to the question raised in the complaint. Is my email response sufficient or do you need the response placed on a letterhead memo/letter? If so, to whom? Thanks.

Response: Lean finely textured beef (LFTB) is a meat food product whereby heat and a mechanical process are applied to meat trimmings to reduce the fat content. Because the temperature does not exceed 107° F, the proteins are not denatured during the process. The product does not appear to have been heat treated and has similar performance characteristics as meat. LFTB typically contains at least 14 percent protein, no more than 10 percent fat, and has a protein efficiency ratio of 2.5 resulting in a product that is compositionally similar to beef. Therefore, FSIS determined that LFTB may be used and labeled as beef in the formulation of ground beef and other meat food products. Moreover, anhydrous ammonia may be applied to LFTB by a Federal establishment as a food safety intervention. Anhydrous ammonia reacts with the moisture in LFTB to form ammonium hydroxide, the active component. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists ammonium hydroxide as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), section 184.1139 for use in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice (Title 21: Food and Drugs). Data showed that the use of anhydrous ammonia under these conditions of use only provided a momentary effect for the reduction of microorganisms and that there was no significant difference in appearance, texture, flavor, or overall acceptability between treated and untreated product. Therefore, FSIS determined that the use of anhydrous ammonia to treat LFTB was consistent with FDA’s definition of a processing aid in 21 CFR 101.100(a)(3)(ii)(c), i.e., substances that are added to a food for their technical or functional effect in the processing but are present in the finished food at insignificant levels and do not have any technical or functional effect in that food. FSIS applies FDA’s definition of a processing aid on a case by case basis as described in the following compliance policy guide posted on the Agency’s website (http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/Determination_of_Processing_Aids.pdf). Because processing aids are exempt from labeling ammonium hydroxide is not listed on the label.

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 26, 2012 5:45 PM To: Engeljohn, Daniel - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Notice of Investigation 12-0040

See attached,

(b) (6) (b) (6) Internal Control and Audit Division USDA, FSIS, OPEER

From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Notification of A Newly Posted askFSIS Q&A Date: Friday, March 23, 2012 5:29:55 AM

Yeah, it sounds like all the big suppliers are pulling out of product containing FTB. From what discussions we had last night it sounds like the Cargill Corporation is going to stop using it all together….(b) (4) . So just think about how much that is nationwide. We were involved, slightly, on some discussions that the plant was having.

(b) (6) , SCSI

Cargill Regional Beef

Route 706

Wyalusing, PA 18853

Ph: 570-746-3000, Ext. (b) (6)

Fax: 570-746-1014

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 6:20 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Notification of A Newly Posted askFSIS Q&A

I heard about one of the issues the plant was dealing with last night. That being Wal-Mart wanting to keep the FTB (pink slime) out of their product. That could have a huge effect on the industry. Between that and the new labels on ground beef, there could be a sea change coming for the beef industry. Have a good one.

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 5:22 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: Notification of A Newly Posted askFSIS Q&A

No meeting on it at this time. Had a few other pressing issues we’ve been dealing with. We are probably going to have another meeting with the plant today, and we’ll try and cover it then. Let you know the outcome when it comes about.

(b) (6) , SCSI

Cargill Regional Beef

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Subject: FSIS Notice 17-12 HACCP task You can view this answer here

Question: Which task are IPP at veal slaughter and beef fabrication establishments to perform in response to FSIS Notice 17-12 Verification of Antimicrobial Intervention Coverage of Carcass or Product at Veal Slaughter and Beef Fabrication Establishments?

Answer: IPP at veal slaughter and beef fabrication establishments are to perform a directed HACCP task (Raw Intact or Raw Non-intact, as appropriate) in response to FSIS Notice 17-12. IPP are to perform this directed HACCP task no earlier than one week following the weekly meeting described in Section III.A.1. of the notice and no later than 30 days of the initial awareness meeting.

The instructions in the notice for IPP to perform their verification activity as a directed HACCP Implementation procedure was inaccurate. IPP are unable to perform their verification activity as a HACCP Implementation procedure because that procedure is not available in the task library. When performing the directed HACCP task (Raw Intact or Raw Non-intact, as appropriate) IPP are to follow the instructions for a HACCP Implementation procedure described in FSIS PHIS Directive 5000.1, Verifying an Establishment’s Food Safety System . IPP are to perform both components (recordkeeping review and observation) of the task. From: (b) (6) - FSIS To: (b) (6) - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: nutritional labeling exemption [Incident: 120315-000055] Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 7:18:44 PM Attachments: image001.png

Just wonder how that hairy head cheese with uninspected snouts is tasting right about now. Remember what they said about the pink slime. “There’s no way to make something inedible edible”. There trying a new twist with the snouts. I guess it goes by what you’re interpretation of inedible is. It may be a new R&D project with Leinie’s Red.

(b) (6)

Consumer Safety Inspector-Relief Plover, WI Circuit 45-21 (Golden Sand) N4419 Clear Lake Road Medford, WI 54451-8955 (715)965-6738

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 5:48 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Re: nutritional labeling exemption [Incident: 120315-000055]

No mostly labeling. NR appeal to south. Export signing. And none north of highway 10. Then north of 10 couple things will look at.

(b) (6) DVM FLS Plover Circuit 920-257-8915 (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov Sent from BlackBerry

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 05:46 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: nutritional labeling exemption [Incident: 120315-000055]

Let me know if you need any help.

(b) (6)

(b) (6) Consumer Safety Inspector-Relief Plover, WI Circuit 45-21 (Golden Sand) N4419 Clear Lake Road Medford, WI 54451-8955 (b) (6)

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 5:46 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: Re: nutritional labeling exemption [Incident: 120315-000055]

No it's spring and many fires in circuit. Just being human for a bit.

(b) (6) DVM FLS Plover Circuit (b) (6) (b) (6) fsis.usda.gov Sent from BlackBerry

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 05:26 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: nutritional labeling exemption [Incident: 120315-000055]

Probably. (b) (6) gave him information on a hot slot.

(b) (6)

Consumer Safety Inspector-Relief Plover, WI Circuit 45-21 (Golden Sand) N4419 Clear Lake Road Medford, WI 54451-8955 (b) (6)

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 5:25 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: nutritional labeling exemption [Incident: 120315-000055]

(b) (6) must still be at the Casino.

(b) (6)

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 5:11 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: nutritional labeling exemption [Incident: 120315-000055]

(b) (6) says he hasn’t appealed the NR. Hasn’t answered it either.

(b) (6)

Consumer Safety Inspector-Relief Plover, WI Circuit 45-21 (Golden Sand) N4419 Clear Lake Road Medford, WI 54451-8955 (b) (6)

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 5:07 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: nutritional labeling exemption [Incident: 120315-000055]

I agree. We need an answer so that we can either forget it or get the other labels corrected at Abby. I also agree with (b) (4) on the Policy Memo. How do we know it’s intention if it is not stated. I don’t trust (b) (4) responses anymore.

(b) (6)

From: (b) (6) - FSIS Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 8:23 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Cc: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: FW: nutritional labeling exemption [Incident: 120315-000055]

This is what Fritz is quoting. This is why you should send the NR to (b) (4) and get a clarification so we can get this behind us. § 317.400 Exemption from nutrition labeling. (a) The following meat or meat food products are exempt from nutrition labeling: (3) Products that are not for sale to consumers, provided that the labels for these products bear no nutrition claims or nutrition information, These products are for sale to consumers through the food service. My Take WTR.

This is what I sent to Fritz yesterday and his response is below. So what is Policy Memo 90 B for? How do you know it’s not intended for the consumer unless you identify the product as such. What you think. This is getting really old. Time to go to work on the water thing. LABELING REQUIRMENT GUIDE. A. When Packaging Must Bear Required Labeling FSIS labeling authority is very broad, extending from the labels appearing on the food package, before they are applied to the product, to point- of-purchase materials, including promotional brochures and shelf-talkers. 48 As mentioned previously, a “label” is a display of any printing, graphics stickers, seals or other written, printed or graphic matter upon the immediate container. 49 This regulatory authority over the food label can affect the processing and manufacturing operations of food companies. Meat and poultry products that do not bear the USDA-approved label, unless expressly exempt, may not be distributed in interstate commerce.

The manner in which a meat or poultry product is packaged when shipped from an inspected establishment determines what information should appear on the label of the packaged product. The rules vary depending upon whether the product is a processed or prepared meat or poultry product, or an unprocessed meat cut, or a poultry product, and upon the type of package or container in which the product is packed and shipped.

Immediate containers (e.g., bags, cardboard cartons, tray packs, and film bags enclosing processed or prepared meat products) can be considered “protective coverings” and exempt from marking and labeling requirements if placed within a shipping container that meets all mandatory labeling requirements (product name, handling statement, legend, establishment number, net weight, ingredients statement, signature line, nutrition facts, and safe handling instructions when required). 50 This exemption does not include the mandatory identification and marking required for the inner container of the meat food product. The shipping container that contains exempt immediate containers must be marked “Packed for Institutional Use Only” or with an equivalent statement of intended limited distribution from one federal establishment to another. The unlabeled product within the shipping container may not be removed for further distribution nor displayed or offered for sale at retail.

This labeling provides that nutritional information does not have to be printed on the shipping container. The “from one federal establishment to another” is vague but could mean from one federal establishment to another federal establishment or from one federal establishment to HRI’s. If the prepared product was from one federal establishment to another for copack for consumer sales. “The packed for Institutional use” would negate the nutritional information on the shipper. Would still be nice to know because the co-packer will need that information. For HRI’s the consumer won’t know where it came from anyway unless they get sick or bite into a big nail; God forbid.

50 Footnote See 9 C.F.R. §§ 301.2 and 381.1(b) (definition of “immediate container”); 9 C.F.R. § 317.2 (definition of “protective covering”); See also Policy Memo 090B (Directive 7220.1) and the Food Standards and Labeling Policy Book at 137 (“Protective Coverings, Poultry” entry).

Directive 7220.1 is the interpretation of what is required to meet the intent of the regulation and basically is regulatory. It does say must be marked “Packed for Institutional Use Only” or equivalent statement. When does the government ever say must unless it is regulatory. We’re not talking HACCP here.

My take on things and this even makes sense to me.

This is pretty much what Policy Memo 90B although 90B states, “In addition, the shipping container must be clearly marked "Packed for Institutional Use" or an equally descriptive statement of intended limited distribution, i.e., locations where the entire contents are consumed on the premises. Unlabeled product may not be removed from shipping containers for further distribution nor displayed or offered for sale.

(b) (6)

Consumer Safety Inspector-Relief Plover, WI Circuit 45-21 (Golden Sand) N4419 Clear Lake Road Medford, WI 54451-8955 (b) (6)

From: Fritz Brown [mailto(b) (6) @abbyland.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 7:28 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: FW: nutritional labeling exemption [Incident: 120315-000055]

(b) (4) here is the answer that I got the other day from askfsis about the limited distribution statement.

-Fritz

______Fritz Brown QA and Food Safety Manager Abbyland Foods 715-223-6386 (b) (6)

From: FSIS Labeling & Consumer Protection Staff [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2012 10:17 AM To:(b) (6) @abbyland.com Subject: nutritional labeling exemption [Incident: 120315-000055]

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From: Boody, Elizabeth - FSIS To: O"Drudy, Leo - FSIS Subject: RE: OCR Leg Directors Meeting Date: Monday, March 12, 2012 3:54:17 PM

Thank you very much for attending the meeting, and the notes, Leo.

Elizabeth Boody Legislative Analyst Congressional and Public Affairs Office Food Safety and Inspection Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Room 1180 - South Building Office Phone: (202) 720-6032 Office Fax: (202) 690-0460

Blackberry: (202) 306-2507

Be Food Safe:

CLEAN: Wash Hands and Surfaces Often

SEPARATE: Separate Raw Meats from Other Foods

COOK: Cook To The Right Temperature

CHILL: Refrigerate Food Promptly

______From: O'Drudy, Leo - FSIS Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 3:47 PM To: Boody, Elizabeth - FSIS; Gould, Christopher - FSIS; Khan, Atiya - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: OCR Leg Directors Meeting

I reported that our hearing went well and we had basically nothing else to report.

------

The Department feels the agencies have prepared well for the approps hearings. The only unexpected element so far was that there is already a lot of Farm Bill talk in the approps hearings. The Secretary will be up at the Senate approps hearing on the 28th or 29th –the Senate doesn’t do individual agencies (within a Department).

The FDA is going to issue a new directive on animal antibiotics – rolling it out this Friday – that antibiotics have to get a veterinarian prescription. They did a guidance last year to the same effect but that was non-binding, and a few months back requested the withdrawal of antibiotics important to human health.

(b) (6) asked (b) (6) of AMS) what’s happening on the “pink slime” issue. (b) (6) responded that a Decision Memo is on its way to the Secretary, already in the OES tracking system but is not yet out of AMS.

Leo K. O'Drudy, III Legislative Analyst

FSIS Congressional and Public Affairs Office

US Department of Agriculture

Room 1180 South Building

1400 Independence Avenue SW

Washington DC 20250

202-720-0283

202-690-0460 fax leo.o'[email protected] From: Boody, Elizabeth - FSIS To: O"Drudy, Leo - FSIS; Gould, Christopher - FSIS; Khan, Atiya - FSIS; (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: OCR Leg Directors Meeting Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 7:53:14 AM

The second item about antibiotics has to do with the fact that there is a loophole for buying antibiotics for agricultural use. At the “irresponsible use of antibiotics” meeting on the Hill last week, for example, Dr. (b) (6) said that anyone can buy a 10, 20, or even 50 lb bad of tetracycline at a feed store in MD. They just need money. No ID, no prescription.

Blackberry: (202) 306-2507

Be Food Safe:

CLEAN: Wash Hands and Surfaces Often

SEPARATE: Separate Raw Meats from Other Foods

COOK: Cook To The Right Temperature

CHILL: Refrigerate Food Promptly From: (b) (6) To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: ODA Meat Inspection Report 0021 Old Strasburg Provision District 6 Date: Monday, March 12, 2012 8:26:42 PM

I'm pretty sure you're right about that document but when (b) (6) was still here he told Dr. (b) (6) that we shouldn't go by that becuase there really wasn't any validity to it. It 'may' indicate but there are too many other variables that could also promote high counts. that's how I recall it anyway.

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS (b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov] Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 11:36 AM To: (b) (6) Subject: RE: ODA Meat Inspection Report 0021 Old Strasburg Provision District 6

My memory could be misleading me, but it seems we use to have a document that gave some guidelines on bacterial loads, and above a certain level it was an indication the product may have been mishandled in some manner, or was being produced in a potentially insanitary condition or manner. That's all. Maybe some day I can locate that document.

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) [mailto(b) (6) @agri.ohio.gov] Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 11:28 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: ODA Meat Inspection Report 0021 Old Strasburg Provision District 6 seriously, what will you do with the results of a plate count? No number has been established to correlate safe and not safe, ask a food microbiologist. it's raw ground beef, you're going to get numbers, if you don't have a plan for what you're going to do with those numbers, then why get them in the first place? It's sort of like what we've got going on right now with the 'pink slime' propaganda that's out there. It looks bad, it sounds bad but it's just a different way to get to the same result and since people aren't used to it, it sounds worse than it really is.

______From: (b) (6) - FSIS (b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov] Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 7:08 AM To: (b) (6) Subject: RE: ODA Meat Inspection Report 0021 Old Strasburg Provision District 6

I thought I emailed (b) (6) , but apparently TK has assumed your body.

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) [mailto(b) (6) @agri.ohio.gov] Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 6:29 PM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: RE: ODA Meat Inspection Report 0021 Old Strasburg Provision District 6

No plate count...what's a plate count going to tell you, there's microbial organisms present? I'd expect that. Sorry I didn't get you called back, I was on phone from the time I left home until 930 (3 hours) before I even talked with Dr. (b) (6) I'll call you next week sometime (b) (6) Agriculture Inspection Manager ODA-Division of Meat Inspection

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) - FSIS [mailto(b) (6) @fsis.usda.gov] Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 7:44 AM To: (b) (6) Subject: FW: ODA Meat Inspection Report 0021 Old Strasburg Provision District 6

This is all we get with "organoleptic" test? No plate count?

-----Original Message----- From: (b) (6) [mailto(b) (6) @agri.ohio.gov] Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 7:35 AM To: (b) (6) - FSIS Subject: ODA Meat Inspection Report 0021 Old Strasburg Provision District 6

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