The new rule that was announced Friday is expected to be published next week and will take effect 30 days later. A list of retail stores will be published within three to 10 business days of issuing the recall release, the USDA said.
The agency will list only retail stores, not distribution centers, institutions, or restaurants, since they serve food for immediate consumption without identifiable packaging, the agency said.
Under the current criteria, the USDA has announced the names of slaughterhouses issuing recalls along with the reason for the recall, a description of the products, any identifying product codes, the recall classification, and contact information for the company involved.
The new rule was prompted by the Feb. 17 recall by Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Co that involved 143 million pounds of meat, mostly beef. It was the largest meat recall in U.S. history.
At least one consumer group immediately criticized the new rule. Food & Water Watch, a nonprofit consumer rights group based in Washington, D.C., said the regulation would affect only Class I recalls, those involving foods posing the most risk. The group said the USDA should list retail stores involved in all classes of recalls.
