NCDA&CS offers industry work-shops on complying with meat and poultry regulations

Small meat and poultry processors can learn more about complying with state and federal regulations at a workshop offered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services this fall.

The multi-day workshop will take place in October. There is no fee for the course, which is being sponsored by the department's Meat and Poultry Inspection Division.

Interested businesses can choose from two sets of dates and locations:

• Oct. 4-6, Mitchell Community College, 500 W. Broad St., Statesville;
• Oct. 18-20, Wayne Community College, 3000 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro.

To register, contact Celia Overby at (919) 733-4136. Registration deadline is Sept. 15, and space in each course is limited to 40 people.

"This course is designed specifically to assist small and very small processors in meeting regulatory requirements," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "It also will give businesses insight into the thought process used by inspectors in verifying compliance."

The course is intended for meat and poultry business owners, managers and supervisors responsible for food safety systems in their plants. Topics will include sanitation performance standards and operating procedures, sampling programs and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point procedures.

Attendees will not be able to use the course to meet certification requirements in part 417.7 of Title 9 of the Code of Federal Regulations.