Are only FSRE trained inspectors elgible to perform floor duty?

Question

In USDA inspected plants only the inspectors who are GS-7's have been allowed to perform floor duty. I have learned this is true for some slaughter plants but not for others.Can anyone give me an honest answer on what is proper protocol for this?

Answer 1

This is a question for the USDA directly.

Contact them at

USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline

The Hotline answers consumer food safety questions and provides support for food safety educators / communicators.

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

1-800-256-7072 (TTY)

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Answer 2

My understanding is that there is an insufficient umber of trained inspectors, meaning that some plants are either not inspected, or are inspected by non FSRE-trained inspectors.  The question is whether the non FSREs are a willing to write up NRs.  If not, what does that mean for food safety?