1. PURPOSE

Net weight reinspection is required for imported meat and poultry products which are intended to be sold directly to the consumer.  Inspection personnel should refer to FSIS Directive 7240.1, “Compliance Testing for Net Weight Labeling of Meat and Poultry Products” for procedures on net weight checks.

2. CANCELLATION

Part 4, Section 5, “Net Weight,” dated April 1, 2002

3. TARE WEIGHT EXCEPTIONS

1. When a lot of product with a total net weight of 500 lb. or less is assigned a net weight reinspection, one immediate container instead of two shall be used to calculate the tare weight.

2. When a net weight reinspection TOI is assigned, verify the net weight on one size of immediate containers if a lot is presented with containers of more than one size (catch weight containers excluded).  If the net weight fails, the entire lot is rejected/refused entry.

3. When a net weight reinspection is assigned in conjunction with a product exam, up to a total of 15 open containers shall be used to calculate the tare weight.

4. When a lot fails net weight reinspection, the importer/consignee may authorize up to 15 containers for tare weight determination.  If the lot still fails net weight reinspection, the inspector should secure all the tare weight materials pending an appeal from the importer/consignee.

4. NET WEIGHT EXEMPTIONS

Net weight reinspection should be exempted and not performed on:

1. Carcasses or containers of products shipped in bulk for further processing.

2. Product that is intended to be removed from the original package or immediate container for further processing at an official FSIS establishment.  In this case, the importer/consignee must present a certifying statement to the FSIS inspector requesting exemption from net weight reinspection.  The certifying statement should include the

   1. FSIS Form 9540-1 or foreign health certificate number;

   2. Lot number from FSIS Form 9540-1; and,

   3. Statement “The product will be further processed at an official FSIS establishment”

3. Inspection personnel shall exempt the net weight TOI in the AIIS and state the reason. 

5. HOTEL, RESTAURANT OR INSTITUTIONAL USE ONLY

Immediate containers or packages identified for “Hotel, Restaurant, or Institutional Use Only” and labeled with a net weight are NOT EXEMPT from net weight reinspection, unless they meet the criteria in IV.

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