Yantis Masonic Lodge Turkey Shoot Planned This Weekend
Yantis Masonic Lodge # 382 will host a Turkey Shoot this Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, with chances for people to win a turkey. This is the Lodge’s main annual fundraiser, which helps support Lodge operations.
The Turkey Shoot begins at 9:30 a.m., with shooting beginning around 10 a.m. and continuing until people quit shooting — usually around 4 p.m. There will be three shooting events consisting of trap/skeet clay shotgun shooting, .22 rifle target shooting, and pistol target shooting. Best out of five shots wins or the vent goes until a tie is broken. The Lodge plans to start out with 45 turkeys to be won.
Rifle and shotgun shells will be furnished. Bring your own pistol and shells for it. A .22 LR rifle will be furnished, otherwise bring your own.
Concessions will be offered on site for purchase, so bring your pocketbook so you can partake of the food and refreshments.
The Yantis Masons will serve chili, hot dogs, soft drinks at the concession area.
To get there, just look for the Stephens Red Barn; in Yantis, take FM 2966 east for 1.3 miles; take a right on County Road 1840. Continue for about 0.6 of a mile. Event will be on the left.
8 Personnel Changes Approved For Sulphur Springs ISD
Eight personnel changes were approved for Sulphur Springs ISD by district trustees at the regular November school board meeting this week.
Four staff members, three teachers and an aide on three campuses submitted resignations. One replacement has been approved, and one hired to fill a new position. One aide also will be transferring to another campus.
Sulphur Springs High School lost health science teacher Lacie Stracener on Nov. 1 and Dec. 16 will be CTE teacher Heath Robinson’s last day with the district.
Glennis Shannon Welch was approved to fill Stracener’s position at high school beginning Dec. 7, 2022. A substitute will serve as the HST teacher until Welch begins her duties next month.
No replacement has been hired yet to fill Robinson’s position; a substitute will fill the role until someone is found and approved to fill the CTE position full-time, according to school officials.
Karla Burnett also resigned as a third grade English language arts and reading teacher at Johnson Primary, effective Nov. 1, 2022. Campus staff are currently covering that class. Johnson Primary will be gaining a special education aide; Sarah Pence is moving from SSHS to Johnson Primary, where she will continue to serve as a special education aide.
Bowie Primary is losing a Title 1 aide; Gabriela Lopez resigned effective on Nov. 18, 2022, to accept a new job. All other resignations were reported to be for personal reasons.
Leah Redding was approved to join the staff at Barbara Bush Primary, where she will serve as a special education aide, a new position at SSISD. Redding’s start date was not noted in school reports from the Nov. 14, 2022 meeting.
Other business
Also during the Nov. 14, 2022 SSISD Board of Trustees meeting:
- The results of the Nov. 8, 2022 special school board election were canvassed. Proposition A was voted down by voters by less than 100 votes — 3,901 SSISD residents voted against (50.6%) and 3,809 voted (49.4%) in favor of the bond proposal. Proposition A would have authorized trustees to take out up to $81.5 million in bond funding to construct a new elementary school and facilities improvements throughout the district, as well as several new buses to replace those in the aging SSISD fleet.
- Craig Toney reported on the Educational Performance of Bilingual/ESL Program for the 2021-2022 school year during Monday’s regular November SSISD Board meeting.
- And, trustees received copies of the October 2022 Head Start Director’s Report, Policy Council Minutes and Financial Report.
- The consent agenda, including the Tax Credits and Supplements, Delinquent Tax Collections; and Financial Statements and Bills Payable for October 2022 were approved.
Peppa Pig Adventure Ticket Contest
Peppa Pig Adventure is coming to Dallas on Monday December 26, 2022 6:00 PM. KSST has secured a few tickets to give away. Little piggies everywhere will love celebrating the season with this 60-minute live musical experience!
Here’s how you can enter to win.
- Download and a print an official Peppa Pig coloring sheet from nickelodeonparents.
- Color one sheet in your own style.
- Make sure your first name and age is on the front of the sheet.
- Have your parent or guardian put their name on the back. Also include an email so we can contact the winners.
- Drop your creation by the KSST Studios at 717 Shannon Rd East. Bring it inside or leave it in the mailbox on the front door.
- Entries will be accepted until 12:00 pm November 28th, 2022.
Here are the valid entries so far:
Rules and Information:
The passes must NOT be resold!
Unclaimed passes will be dispersed by KSST.
Employees of KSST/KRVA can’t win.
Winner’s names and picture will be posted on Facebook.
Make It To The Table This Thanksgiving
By Johanna Hicks, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Family and Community Health in Hopkins County, [email protected]
This Thanksgiving holiday, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are teaming up with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to make sure you make it to the Thanksgiving table. With the Thanksgiving holiday kicking off soon, it is essential to take some time to remember that buzzed driving is drunk driving.
According to TxDOT, in 2021 there were 1,077 people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes where a driver was under the influence of alcohol. This is why Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is working to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death. As you head out to festivities during this Thanksgiving holiday, remember: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.
We know that friends and families will be especially excited to gather around the Thanksgiving table this year. Unfortunately, drunk driving is a real threat to our community, and that threat increases during the holidays. We want our drivers to take this seriously. Driving under the influence is deadly and illegal, and no one should ever take that risk.
If you are planning to head out to parties during the Thanksgiving holiday, here are a few tips to help you prepare for a safe night out:
- Avoid alcohol altogether. Opt for flavored waters, tea, soft drinks, or coffee instead.
- Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a driver or plan to use public transportation to get home safely.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911. Drunk driving IS an emergency.
- If you have a friend who is about to drive after drinking, take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
By working together, we can save lives and help keep America’s roadways safe. The bottom line is, it is never safe to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while impaired. Remember that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.
Christmas Joys Booklets
Thanks to everyone who attended Extension’s 49th annual Christmas Joys holiday program! We had a full house for both sessions. Every year, we make a few extra booklets and goody bags. If you would like to have one, drop by the Extension Office to pick up a copy for only $2. Thanks to Pat Connally, Wendy Johnson, Joan Brennan, and Susie Faltesek for serving alongside me as presenters for this year’s program!
Closing Thought
Perseverance is failing nineteen times and succeeding the twentieth. – Julie Andrews
Contact Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent, at the Hopkins County Extension Office: P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected]
SSISD Approves Application, Tax Agreement With Ashoka Steel Mills
Ashoka Steel Mills, LLC, this week cleared another hurdle toward locating the company’s first US plant in Sulphur Springs. The business received approval from Sulphur Spring ISD Board of Trustees for what is often referred to as a Chapter 313 Tax Agreement, referring to Texas Tax Code Chapter 313, which allows businesses to apply for a tax break on all or part of school district maintenance and operations taxes. Ashoka Steel Mills will still be required to pay the full I&S (interest and sinking or debt service) portion of school taxes, however.
Sulphur Springs ISD conducted a public hearing as is required for an amended application for an “appraised value limitation on qualified property” from Ashoka Steel. Then, after all seven board members acknowledged the had “no conflict of interest” with the application from Ashoka. The SSISD trustees adopted findings of fact in connection with the application submitted in April and completed the first week of May with a supplement to and approved as qualifying by the state Comptroller’s Office and agreed to the request to limit the amount of appraised value Ashoka must pay in M&O taxes to the school district.
Ashoka Steel Mills LLC is being developed in collaboration with Melwa group, an international conglomerate headquartered in Sri Lanka that operates 3 steel mills in Asia and Africa, and and Ashoka Capital Group, which is headquartered in the United States and working with Melwa group to establish steel mills across the United States.
Sulphur Springs competed against other cities across the country to be one of the first two mills the company establishes in the USA. The mill is expected to produce 350,000 tons of rebar annually, using an electric arc furnace with an electric arc furnace to heat an estimated 402,500 tons of scrap metal which would be brought in by rail car, tying into an existing track that runs through the old Thermo/Luminant mine property. An electric arc furnace is considered a “green” production method, incorporating recycling steel to reduce carbon emissions.
SSISD Board of Trustees, joins the county, hospital district and city in signing agreements granting tax incentives to Ashoka Steel Mills, LLC. Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday morning, Oct. 24, 2022, approved a 10-year tax abatement for the company. Then, on Oct. 25, 2022, Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors granting a tax abatement to Ashoka Steel Mills, LLC. Both the the county and hospital district agreed to waive 70% of taxes the first five years of the agreement and 50% the remaining five years of the agreement. The abatement would begin after Ashoka is issued a certificate of occupancy, according to the agreement between the county and Ashoka.
The Sulphur Springs City Council also passed a resolution authorizing a tax abatement with Ashoka Steel during the Nov. 1, 2022. The City Council over the summer agreed to a deal for the business to use and eventually attain property in the old mine that facility is built on and authorized the city manager to deal with details. The city and Ashoka were still working out some details as of the Nov. 1 City Council meeting.
The company anticipates the project will take 2 years to complete on a portion of the old Thermo coal mine property owned by the City of Sulphur Springs. The business would only be taxed on $30 million of the total investment for 10 years.
Ashoka Steel also plans propose development and installation of a solar farm on mine property. They system would be 60 MWs on land leased by Vistra (TXU) from the city. Company representatives are “in discussions with Vistra (TXU) to purchase solar power from a solar farm they would develop and own.”
Company officials as of May 4, 2022, when attorneys sent supplemental information to the Comptroller’s office, were reported to be:
"working with Luminant environmental to identify the exact location of the proposed facility to make sure the land is released from bond before we would need to start construction. The PPA term would be ten years will an optional extension. We would tie into your substation and the agreement would have Ashoka Steel receiving the full production of the solar facility. We would provide monthly production schedule for the facility in the Term sheet. Luminant would work with Oncor on the interconnect agreement and Ashoka Steel would receive credits for any power that outflows to the grid. Ashoka Steel would receive all Renewable Energy Credits (RECS). Luminant is a Green E provider and can certify the RECS under this program. There would need to be a REP agreement to purchase power from the GRID when not receiving enough power from the solar facility."
From 2023-2024, the rebar manufacturer anticipates creating 10 new qualifying jobs, and 300 non-qualifying jobs.
Annie’s Room — A Maternal Fetal Telemedicine Room — Unveiled At Christus Medical Plaza
Hopkins County Health Care Foundation and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs hosted a special unveiling ceremony and blessing for Annie’s Room, a maternal fetal telemedicine room at CHRISTUS Medical Plaza in Sulphur Springs, Tuesday evening.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs President and CEO Paul Harvey welcomed everyone to the Plaza Conference Room, where the event began. After recognizing CHRISTUS officials and staff, Harvey offered thanks to Kayla Price, Executive Director of Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation, for her work for the foundation, for her hard work putting things together for the occasion.
“We are here for a special young lady today, so I don’t want to forget little Miss Annie Toliver,” Harvey said, pointing to the namesake for the new facility and asking her to wave.
Harvey then turned to Annie’s grandparents, Leesa and Brian Toliver, to offer “a very special thank to the family that made Annie’s Room possible. So Leesa and Brian, your generous support means so much to our health care providers and to our families that don’t even know they are going to need something like Annie’s Room. Your selfless gift will live on for decades through the children and parents we serve as part of maternal fetal telemedicine program. The hospital gives a deep sense of gratitude when community members come forward as the Tolivers have. Not only will this new room be a blessing to all of our families, but also an encouragement to staff to continue their good work on behalf of the hospital and the public.”
The hospital CEO introduced Father Justin Wiley, who offered a prayer of thanks.
Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Board of Directors Chair Maleta Reynolds noted the purpose of the foundation is to identify needs in the medical community, then try to raise funds to meet those needs. Over the last year, the foundation has had the pleasure of working with the Tolivers on the project of Annie’s Room, a project close to their heart.
“If you know the Tolivers at all, you know they moved to this community and they embraced us and took us on as their own; and we are all better for it,” Reynolds said.
Reyolds then recognized foundation members and introduced Dr. Martin Fielder, chief medical officer and OB/GYN, who was unable to be present for the blessing, but did provide a video thanking the Tolivers, noting what a pleasure it is to have “such generous people in our community willing to devote themselves to the patients and health care in the Hopkins County area.”
“Annie’s room has been fantastic already so far. It’s had enabled us to have our high risk patients see specialists locally here in Sulphur Springs instead of having to drive to the Metroplex or having to drive down to Tyler even, as many of our patients, that’s just something that they cannot do,” Dr. Fielder said. “We were able to take care of our patients here locally and be able to get them the care that they need that they wouldn’t otherwise get. It’s already been a great blessing to us here and to all my patients and all obstetrical patients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County.”
Annie Toliver with her family 
Father Justin Wiley offers a prayer 
All bough their heads as Father Justin prays 
Maleta Reynolds, chair of Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Board of Directors 
Leesa and Brian Toliver, explain why they donated Annie’s Room, an OB consultation room, in honor of their granddaughter, Annie Toliver. 
CHRISTUS Vice President of Mission Integration Andy Navarro and Father Daniel Oghenerukevwe, celebrant for the Blessing of Annie’s Room 
Father daniel Oghenerukevwe, Celebrant for Annie’s Room Blessing ceremony 
Father Justin Wiley, CHRISTUS Vice President of Mission Integration Andy Navarro and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs President/CEO Paul Harvey 
The Tolivers follow along as Father Daniel recites Matthew 15:30-37, part of the Blessing of Annie’s Room Nov. 15, 2022 
Father Daniel sprinkles holy water as part of the Blessing Ceremony for Annie’s Room
Reynolds then introduced Leesa and Brian Toliver; and Jonathan and Sally Toliver, their son, Davis and daughter, Annie.
Leesa Toliver noted that in addition to being involved with the Health Care Foundation for a number of years, the 2021 project especially touched their hearts.
“If we’d had this in our hospital, back when Sally was expecting Annie, it would have saved a lot of travel and heartache and worry in our family. I know other families have that same concern,” Leesa said.
She said when Sally was visiting Dr. Fielder he found a possible heart defect in her unborn child, and referred them to a specialist. That meant Sally had to make many trips back and forth to Dallas for doctor’s appointments, adding to a complicated pregnancy.
“When Brian and I were talking, and approached about possibly providing a room for this, for parents to come and families and talk to a doctor and do the tele-med and not have to travel to Tyler or the Metroplex, it just made sense to us. We wanted to prevent other families from having that worry and that hardship of traveling. That was something we felt like we could do and provide for our community, and we were happy to do it,” Leesa said. “We feel like Annie is a beacon of the future for those families, that they have some hope that things will turn out just like our beautiful little granddaughter.”
Annie Toliver helps grandparents Brian and Leesa Toliver unveil the sign for “Annie’s Room,” a private OB telemedicine consult room donated in her honor at CHRISTUS Medical Plaza in Sulphur Springs. 
Annie Toliver helps grandparents Brian and Leesa Toliver unveil the sign for “Annie’s Room,” a private OB telemedicine consult room donated in her honor at CHRISTUS Medical Plaza in Sulphur Springs. 
The Toliver family joins CHRISTUS officials inside Annie’s Room 
Annie Toliver with CHRISTUS Dr. Martin Fielder, Fathers Daniel Oghenerukevwe and Father Justin Wiley, and Vice President of Mission Integration Andy Navarro 
Annie and Davis, Leesa and Brian Toliver in Annie’s Room 
testing chairs and couches in Annie’s Room 
Annie Toliver and friends outside Annie’s Room 
Touring Annie’s Room 
Waiting to tour Annie’s Room 
Annie’s Room tour 
Annie’s Room 
“Thank you, we are indebted to you,” Harvey said. Noting that Annie’s Room isn’t the only assistance the Tolivers have provided over the last few years to the hospital and CHRISTUS facilities. They also generously donated a trailer early in the COVID pandemic which allowed the hospital to reprocess their personal protective equipment. “We do thank you for everything.”
Andy Navarro, CHRISTUS vice president of mission integration, expressed gratitude and thank, and e to the Toliver family, the Foundation Board, all of the leadership team, and “especially thank the Good Lord for the little one, and how well she is doing.”
“This is a state-of-the-art telemedicine room, but more importantly, it’s a state of the heart of the generous givers, it’s a statement of heart of the foundation and what they mean to the hospital,” Navarro said. “Truly, it’s as we say, everything we do is a tangible expression of how we live out our ministry. So, as we gather together today as a community of people of good will to bless this telemedicine room, Annie’s Room, we do so in order that people can experience the love and healing of God. So they have an opportunity to do that.”
Father Daniel Oghenerukevwe served as celebrant and Father Justin as co-celebrant for the Blessing, with Sisters Rose Marikudi taking part in the program. Fr. Daniel recited the Introductory Rites. Also read, with some standing, was Matthew 15:30-37, followed by an Intercessions and Concluding Rites. Those present were asked to participate by reciting appropriately from the program where designated.
The group was then lead to the elevators to the upper floor, where Father Daniel sprinkled Holy water in Annie’s Room, with Annie and the Tolivers present. The sign outside the door was unveiled by Annie and her grandparents. Annie’s Room was opened for guests to tour the room designed as a private telemedicine room, where pregnant moms who are experiencing complications, and their families, can meet with their doctor remotely via the telemedicine link. The room features a big sofa and chair, where moms-to-be can get as comfortable as possible during their virtual medical appointments. The walls included images of moms-to-be and bright flowers by Leesa Toliver, who was asked to contribute some of her images for the room. Young Annie is a budding artist as well; her artwork was featured across the front of the event program.
After touring Annie’s Room and photos, those attending the dedication were encouraged to return to the conference room on the first floor of Medical Plaza to enjoy cookies with purple cookies with “Annie” written on them in white icing; chocolate, lemon, strawberry and turtle petit fours, ginger ale and white apple juice, and blood orange juice. The refreshment table was adorned with flowers and an assortment of pumpkins and fall foliage. Annie was joined for the naming of her namesake room by a group of friends and family members.
Chamber Connection – Nov. 16: Economic Development Lunch, Christmas Activities Planned
By Butch Burney
If you would like a crystal ball to see into the economic future, then you’ll want to get a glimpse of what the experts are saying at the annual Economic Development Luncheon, set for Wednesday, Dec. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Aaron Demerson, commissioner representing employers of the Texas Workforce Commission, is our keynote speaker. Mr. Demerson will present to Hopkins County the economic outlook for Northeast Texas for 2023. He serves as an advocate for over 555,000 Texas employers and his office provides a variety of resources, including training and assistance with hiring, managing and recruitment.
Tickets and tables are both available. Sponsorship tables are available on three different levels and individual tickets are sold for $20 each. For sponsorship opportunities or individual tickets, contact the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email [email protected].
Sponsorships must be in by Nov. 25 to be included in the program.
Christmas Activities
If it’s November, it means Christmas is coming, and the Lions Club will help you get in the Christmas spirit when they host their 16th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade on Friday, Dec. 2.
If you’d like to register for the parade, contact the Chamber at i[email protected] and we can email you a form. Entries will be graded in three categories: large business, small business and non-profit.
The parade will start at 7 p.m.
- Also on that day, the city’s Christmas tree will be lit at 5:45 p.m. downtown.
- The Chamber will also be offering free photos with Santa at the Chamber office, 110 Main St., from 5-7 p.m.
- Christmas in Heritage Park will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26 and Dec. 3. Admission is $3; children under 7 are free. You can visit with Santa, see light displays and live nativity, roast marshmallows and enjoy free hot cocoa and old fashioned cider. You can also start your Christmas shopping in the country store!
- RPM Staffing Professionals will host its 2nd Annual Stockings for Seniors, with donations directly benefitting Rock Creek Health and Rehabilitation. Donations items include but are not limited to chapstick, books, socks, denture cleaner, hand lotion, etc. Contact RPM at 903-439-1022 or drop off donations at 401 Church St., Suite B.
- First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs will present Christmas at First, a celebration of the sights, sounds and the true meaning of Christmas, at 6 p.m. each day Dec. 10 and 11. Reserve your free tickets are SSFBC.org.
UPRA Rodeo
Fresh off its season-ending rodeo at the state fair, the UPRA rodeo association will get back to
ropin’ and ridin’ on the weekend of Nov. 18-19 at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Performance times are 7:30 p.m. each night and will feature team roping, bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, ranch bronc, steer wrestling, ladies breakaway, barrel racing, and tie down roping.
You don’t want to miss the chance to see these cowboys and cowgirls in action.
Be The Service
Do you know of a family in need of a meal this Thanksgiving? Be The Service is here to help. Join the Hopkins County Christian Alliance on Saturday, Nov. 19 as they give out 1,000 Thanksgiving meals to those who are in need. Each box of food comes with a turkey and other items for a Thanksgiving meal.
The food distribution starts at 10 am until 2 pm. The line for the distribution begins in the Sulphur Springs High School Parking Lot. When you arrive, follow the traffic attendant’s directions. Also, please fill out all the information on the registration card that an attendant will give you that morning.
Be The Service is an annual event sponsored by local churches right here in Hopkins County.
Ribbon Cuttings
Beauty Grace Lifestyle Shop hosted a ribbon cutting on Friday, Nov. 4, at their new location on
Connally Street, just a few doors down from the current building. Please welcome them to their
new store.
- The Barn of Emory, located at 550 Rain County Road 3425 in Emory, will have a ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18. Following the ribbon cutting, there will be visitation with vendors, music and a movie. Corner Grubhouse will have a ribbon cutting for their new breakfast menu at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17. Please join us.
- At noon on Thursday, Nov. 17, 101 Barbershop, located at 101 Bill Bradford Drive, will have a ribbon cutting. Please hel us welcome them.
- Hampton House Jewelry and Rockshop will host a 30-year ribbon cutting at their shop on Main Street at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 22. Please help us celebrate their achievement!
Como-Pickton Students, Staff Honor Veterans
On Friday, November 11, 2022, Como-Pickton students and staff honored local veterans during a special program at the school. CPFFA officers, along with Coach Joe Garcia’s (Active Reserve) AVID class lead the program for the entire district and community members. Como-Pickton band performed during the program.
“We had an incredible Veteran’s Day program today! Thank you FFA, Band, and Coach Garcia’s AVID class for honoring our hometown heroes,” said CPCISD Assistant Superintendent Lydia Walden
Como-Pickton students and staff honored veterans with a special program Nov. 11, 2022. 
Presentation of flags during the Veterans program at Como-Pickton school, lead by CPFFA. 
The 13 folds of the flag ceremony 
Coach Garcia presented the flag to Pickton Veteran Tommy Walters and thanked him for his service. 
Como-Pickton FFA officers, along with Coach Garcia’s (Active Reserve) AVID class, lead the Nov. 11, 2022, Veterans Program 
The POW/MIA table ceremony 
A U.S. Air Force Veteran was among those honored during the program at Como-Pickton school Nov. 11, 2022. 
Please call the school if you can help locate other Como-Pickton graduates who have served in the military, so they their picture can be added to the wall of honor.
Rep. Slaton Files Bill To ‘Charge Illegal Aliens With The Crime Of Criminal Trespass’
AUSTIN, TEXAS – Yesterday, Representative Bryan Slaton of House District 2 filed House Bill 91 that will, if passed, empower Texas law enforcement and prosecutors to arrest and charge illegal aliens with the crime of criminal trespass.
Representative Slaton issued the following statement in a Nov. 15, 2022 press release:
“The crises at our southern border has taken a nose-dive under President Biden, and it has not abated. Lip-service and half-hearted attempts at securing the border are not enough. We must empower our Texas Law enforcement to do something about the flood of illegal aliens and cartel activity, and HB 91 will be an important tool in that fight. Rather than simply apprehending illegals and turning them over to federal agents, who will then release them back into the country, we can charge them with criminal trespass and prosecute them under our own State laws.”
FDA: Foundational Rule To Improve Traceability Of Contaminated Food Finalized
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced an unprecedented advancement in foodborne illness prevention through the finalization of a rule to more effectively trace contaminated food through the food supply, whether sourced in the U.S. or abroad.
The final rule establishes additional traceability recordkeeping requirements for those that manufacture, process, pack or hold certain foods, including fresh leafy greens, nut butters, fresh-cut fruits and vegetables and ready-to-eat deli salads. In collaboration with industry, the FDA will be able to more rapidly and effectively identify the origin and route of travel of certain contaminated foods to prevent or mitigate foodborne illness outbreaks, address credible threats of serious adverse health consequences or death, and minimize overly broad advisories or recalls that implicate unaffected food products.
“This rule lays the foundation for even greater end-to-end food traceability across the food system that we’re working on as part of the New Era of Smarter Food Safety initiative,” said Frank Yiannas, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for food policy and response. “This standardized, data-driven approach to traceability recordkeeping helps create a harmonized, universal language of food traceability that will help pave the way for industry to adopt and leverage more digital, interoperable and tech-enabled traceability systems both in the near term and the future.”
Foods subject to the final rule requirements appear on the Food Traceability List (FTL). To determine which foods should be included on the FTL, the FDA developed a risk-ranking model for food tracing based on the factors that Congress identified in Section 204 of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). These foods include fresh leafy greens, melons, peppers, sprouts, herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, and tropical tree fruits, as well as shell eggs, nut butters, fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, ready-to-eat deli salads, cheeses (other than hard cheese), finfish and crustaceans.
The FDA released a proposed rule in 2020 and held a public comment period where comments were received from food producers and other stakeholders through early 2021. In response, the agency has made several changes to the final rule so that it better aligns with current industry approaches to food traceability and harmonizes points in the supply chain where records must be maintained.
Key features of the final rule include:
- Critical Tracking Events: at specific points in the supply chain – such as harvesting, cooling, initial packing, receiving, transforming, and shipping FTL foods – records containing Key Data Elements are required.
- Traceability Plan: information essential to help regulators understand an entity’s traceability program. These include a description of the procedures used to maintain required records, descriptions of procedures used to identify foods on the FTL, descriptions of how traceability lot codes are assigned, a point of contact for questions regarding the traceability plan and a farm map for those that grow or raise a food on the FTL.
- Additional Requirements: maintenance of records as original paper or electronic records, or true copies; providing requested records to the FDA within 24 hours of a request (or within a reasonable time to which the FDA has agreed); and providing records in an electronic sortable spreadsheet when necessary to assist the FDA during an outbreak, recall or other threat to public health.
Foodborne illness affects millions of Americans each year. Today’s action progresses the agency’s commitment to better protect the public by ensuring a safe and wholesome food supply. Enhanced recordkeeping requirements for FTL foods will allow for faster identification and rapid removal of potentially contaminated food from the market, ultimately resulting in fewer foodborne illnesses and deaths.
