Will FSIS test product produced by AMR systems for spinal cord tissue and dorsal root ganglia?
Yes. In March 2003, FSIS began a routine regulatory sampling program to ensure that plants using AMR systems are preventing spinal cord from entering the food supply in products labeled as meat. The sampling program will be expanded to also test for the presence of dorsal root ganglia, and will include meat from beef and pork. Currently, there is no lamb prepared using AMR systems. What actions will FSIS take if spinal cord or dorsal root ganglia are found in product produced by AMR systems? Establishments must ensure that bones going in to the AMR system do not contain fragments of brain, trigeminal ganglia, or spinal cord. In addition, the product exiting the system cannot have spinal cord or dorsal root ganglia. If FSIS observes any bones entering the AMR system with these central nervous system-type tissues, the product that is produced will not be allowed to be labeled as meat. In addition, if tests on the product exiting the AMR system identify the presence of spinal cord or dors
