Girl with catfish plate

This Fish is the Cat's Meow

Catfish is a white meat, low-fat fish, and the sixth most popular seafood in the United States. Catfish is also the largest aquaculture industry in the U.S., according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Catfish growers had sales of $437 million in 2023. Through the 2008 and 2014 Farm Bills, Congress gave the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) authority to inspect Siluriformes fish, such as catfish.
Learn All About Catfish
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Safety Through Inspection

KEEPING FOOD SAFE WITH SCIENCE-BASED ACTION
FSIS protects the public's health by ensuring that meat, poultry and egg products are safe, wholesome and properly labeled.
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Grants & Financial Options

USDA is committed to supporting meat, poultry and egg establishments of all sizes. There are several opportunities available for financial and technical assistance.
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Small & Very Small Plant Guidance

Looking for help? FSIS compliance and inspection resources will help address common questions and challenges for small operators.
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Reducing Salmonella in Poultry

Through Science-Based Action
USDA is mobilizing a stronger and more comprehensive effort to reduce Salmonella illnesses related to poultry products.
Learn About This Collaborative Effort

Evidence-Based Policies in Action

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Science

Research, Methods & Data
Learn more
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Policy

Rulemaking & Regulatory Guides
Learn more
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Food Safety

Handling & Preparation Tips
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Food Safety Facts

6.9 Thousand
establishments that FSIS monitors
7.7 Million
food safety and food defense procedures
297 Thousand
Humane Handling & Good Commercial Practices Enforcement Activities

Did you know that the 1905 book The Jungle was a driver of the Federal Meat Inspection Act that governs FSIS’ activities today?

Upton Sinclair's novel took aim at the poor working conditions in a Chicago meatpacking house. The ensuing public furor moved Congress to pass the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), which President Theodore Roosevelt signed into law in 1906 and requires federal inspectors in meat-packing houses.

89
total recalls in 2023
24
total public health alerts in 2023

Top 2023 Recall Reasons

41%
MISBRANDING
37%
PRODUCT CONTAMINATION
37%
UNREPORTED ALLERGENS
Corona Virus as viewed under a microscope - courtesy CDC

USDA Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Information

Get Answers and Find Resources
President Biden's National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness calls on all parts of the federal government to contribute resources, facilities, personnel, and expertise to contain the pandemic. USDA is responding to that call.
Visit USDA's COVID-19 Info Center

Food Safety Tips

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Cleanliness Prevents Illness

Mishandling food can lead to foodborne illness. Wash hands and surfaces often.
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Be Smart. Keep Foods Apart.

When handling raw meat, poultry and seafood, keep separate to prevent cross-contamination.
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Take Your Food's Temperature

Cook raw meat and poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature.
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Keep Foods Chill, and Stay Safe

Cold temperatures keep harmful bacteria from growing, so refrigerate promptly.

Have a Question or Concern About a Food Product?

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Call Our Hotline

For help with meat, poultry and processed egg products, call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854).
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Report a Problem with Food Online

If you having a problem with a food product, let FSIS know or find the appropriate public health organization.
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Free & Open Access to Information

In keeping with our society's interest in an open government, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows any person access to almost all Federal agency records unless they are protected by one of nine exemptions.
Learn About FOIA
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Collaboration & Input

FSIS actively promotes and encourages collaboration to improve food safety outcomes and protect public health. Sharing information, promoting discussion and seeking input on science-based, data-driven policy decisions helps stakeholders become part of the food safety solution.
Learn About Our Rulemaking

Careers

Join the Food Safety and Inspection Service
Consider a job with the Food Safety and Inspection Service. As an employee at one of the largest public health regulatory agencies in the U.S. Government, you can have the satisfaction of doing work that protects the public. Explore the job profiles below to learn more about what we do.
Career Profiles-Food Inspector

Food Inspector

Inspectors provide the first line of defense against adulterated meat and poultry products.
Career Profiles-CSI

Consumer Safety Inspector

CSIs ensure a plant is operating within its written plans for HACCP, sanitation, and processing.
Career Profiles-Public Health Veterinarian

Public Health Veterinarian

PHVs help oversee the effectiveness of farm-to-table food safety systems.
Career Profiles-Scientific_Positions

Scientific Positions

FSIS scientists protect the public by providing microbiological, pathological, chemical and other scientific analyses of meat, poultry, and egg products.
Career Profiles-Administrative_Positions

Administrative

FSIS Administrative Positions include roles ranging from human resources to purchasing.
Career Profiles-Professional Positions

Professional Positions

FSIS Professional Positions include roles ranging from data analysts to financial managers.
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