Hi All:
As far as I know shrimp processing plant is usually under FDA jurisdiction, not USDA. I found this recent FDA memo in which they did not recommend reconditioning fish and fishery products that fell on the processing floor etc..
Quote: "Fish and fishery products that have come in direct contact with processing floors or walkways are considered adulterated, the insanitary condition cannot be overcome through reconditioning, and the product should be diverted for a purpose other than human food".
Hi Seafood Safety,
Thks for the interesting memorandum.
I also thought that all USA shrimp is FDA-regulated but according to OP apparently not. Maybe a typo.
Product reconditioning is the reworking, relabeling, segregation, or other manipulation that brings a product into compliance with the law, whether or not for its original intended use. Any reworking of product for this purpose must ensure the facilities and equipment to be used are sanitary and effective for the proposed process.
Fish and fishery products that have come in direct contact with processing floors or walkways are considered adulterated, the insanitary condition cannot be overcome through reconditioning, and the product should be diverted for a purpose other than human food.
It seems to me that the validity of the (FDA) 2nd quote would appear to be based on what specific criteria are required by "law" in the (CFR) 1st quote. (Also see posts 6,7, et al)
As above quoted, "should" surely must be "must" ?
Do FDA also have juridiction of floors/walkways at Vessels, Ports, Auctions, "Suppliers" etc. If so - Wow !!!
It looks like FDA may be textually supporting a change in what may (?) previously have been a more flexible approach (eg see Post 19).
I anticipate rumblings.