FSIS is amending the Federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations to allow for the use of sodium benzoate, sodium propionate, and benzoic acid as antimicrobials in certain ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. New uses of these substances in meat or poultry products will continue to be approved by FDA for safety and by FSIS for suitability. FSIS will add approved uses of these substances to the list of approved substances contained in the Agency's directive system. The final rule takes effect May 6, 2013. The full notice is available at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-03-07/html/2013-05341.htm.

Source: AMI