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Direct Verifiable User (DV) Program
As a result of two Salmonella incidents in 2001 and 2004,
the California almond industry approved a mandatory pasteurization
plan for almonds. An industry initiative, the “Action
Plan” calls for a rule change in the outgoing quality
standards under the Federal almond Marketing Order administered
by the Almond Board of California (ABC). The final rule
was published in the Federal Register March 30, 2007
with an implementation date of September 1, 2007.
Within the mandatory pasteurization plan, there is
an exemption for the Direct Verifiable User (DV)
program.
Under this
program, non-pasteurized almonds may be shipped by handlers
directly to manufacturers in North America (U.S., Canada,
Mexico) which qualify as DV Users. Approved DV Users
must have demonstrated, to the ABC’s satisfaction, that
their manufacturing processes meet the minimum 4-log reduction
requirement for Salmonella. The DV User application has
to be approved annually, in order for the ABC to ensure
that DV User information is current. If you are not approved
for the DV user program you will receive treated product
beginning September 1, 2007.
The
validation of a DV User candidate’s manufacturing
processes must be carried out by an ABC approved Process
Authority. A Process Authority is a person that has expert
knowledge of pasteurization processes and other treatment
requirements for the safety of foods. Requiring these persons
to be ABC approved ensures that they are aware of the specific
requirements and parameters for treatment efficacy as they
apply to almonds. Once a DV User has received ABC approval,
it must select an ABC approved Auditor to conduct annual
audits of the 4-log reduction processes. Individuals who
qualify as Process Authorities are not precluded from applying
for approval as Auditors.
In order to qualify as a DV user, manufacturers must
submit an application accompanied by the Process Authority’s
validation report. The applications will be reviewed by
the ABC’s Technical Expert Review Panel (TERP), the
expert body which has been set up to review treatment technologies
against specific scientific criteria. Applicants which
are not approved have the right to appeal to the ABC Board
of Directors, and ultimately to the USDA.
There are no ABC-assessed fees or charges associated
with the application and approval process for DV
Users, Auditors
or Process Authorities.
A
checklist is provided to help guide manufacturers through
the ABC approval process. For complete information regarding
the mandatory pasteurization program please visit www.almondboard.com.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the mandatory
pasteurization program or the approval process, please
do not hesitate to contact us or the Almond Board of
California.
Direct Verifiable User (DV) Program
The DV User Checklist can be viewed or downloaded here:
DV User Checklist
The Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Plan (For European Union)
The Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Plan can be viewed or downloaded here:
VASP
Contact
us by phone at (209)527-0108 , by fax at (209)527-8616
or email
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