Skip navigation
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

  • Food Safety
    • Recalls & Public Health Alerts
      • Report a Problem with Food
        • Additional Recalls
      • Annual Recall Summaries
        • Summary of Recall Cases in Calendar Year 2012
        • Summary of Recall Cases in Calendar Year 2013
        • Summary of Recall Cases in Calendar Year 2014
        • Summary of Recall Cases in Calendar Year 2015
        • Summary of Recall Cases in Calendar Year 2016
        • Summary of Recall Cases in Calendar Year 2017
        • Summary of Recall Cases in Calendar Year 2018
        • Summary of Recall Cases in Calendar Year 2019
        • Summary of Recall Cases in Calendar Year 2020
        • Summary of Recall Cases in Calendar Year 2021
    • Food Safety Stats
      • Consumer Research
    • Foodborne Illness and Disease
      • Illnesses and Pathogens
        • Campylobacter
          • Campylobacter En Español
        • Clostridium botulinum
        • Escherichia coli O157:H7
        • Parasites and Foodborne Illness
        • Salmonella Questions and Answers
      • Resources for Public Health Partners
        • State Departments of Public Health
      • Outbreaks
        • Outbreak Investigations: Prevention
        • Outbreak Investigations: Response
    • Safe Food Handling and Preparation
      • Food Safety Basics
        • Additives in Meat and Poultry Products
        • Appliance Thermometers
        • Asar a la parrilla y seguridad alimentaria
        • Cleanliness Helps Prevent Foodborne Illness
        • Cooking for Groups
        • Cooking with Microwave Ovens
        • Cutting Boards
        • Deep Fat Frying
        • Doneness Versus Safety
        • Food Allergies
        • Glossary of Packaging Terms
        • Grilling Food Safely
        • Grilling and Food Safety
        • High Altitude Cooking
        • How Temperatures Affect Food
        • How to Find the USDA Establishment Number
        • Importing Meat, Poultry & Egg Products US
        • Inspection for Food Safety: The Basics
        • Irradiation and Food Safety FAQ
        • Keeping "Bag" Lunches Safe
        • Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency
        • Kitchen Thermometers
        • Mail Order Food Safety
        • Meat and Poultry Labeling Terms
        • Meat and Poultry Packaging Materials
        • Natural Flavors on Meat and Poultry Labels
        • Safe Handling of Take-Out Foods
        • Slaughter Inspection 101
        • Slow Cookers and Food Safety
        • Smoking Meat and Poultry
        • Tailgating Food Safety Q & A
        • Understanding FSIS Food Recalls
        • Water in Meat & Poultry
        • Danger Zone 40F - 140F
        • Food Product Dating
        • Freezing and Food Safety
        • Leftovers and Food Safety
        • Molds on Food: Are They Dangerous?
          • Hongos en los Alimentos: ¿Son Peligrosos?
        • Refrigeration
        • Safe Temperature Chart
        • Shelf-Stable Food
        • Steps to Keep Food Safe
        • The Big Thaw — Safe Defrosting Methods
        • The Color of Meat and Poultry
        • Washing Food: Does it Promote Food Safety?
        • Food Safety While Hiking, Camping & Boating
        • Seguridad Alimentaria Durante Caminatas, Campamentos y Paseos en Bote
      • Meat
        • Bacon and Food Safety
        • Bagre de la Granja a la Mesa
        • Beef From Farm To Table
        • Bison from Farm to Table
        • Carne de res ablandada mecánicamente
        • Catfish from Farm to Table
        • Color of Cooked Ground Beef as It Relates to Doneness
        • Corned Beef
        • Door-to-Door Meat Sales
        • Fresh Pork from Farm to Table
        • Goat from Farm to Table
        • Ground Beef and Food Safety
        • Hams and Food Safety
        • Hot Dogs & Food Safety
        • Jerky
        • Lamb From Farm to Table
        • Mechanically Tenderized Beef
        • Rabbit From Farm to Table
        • Roasting Those "Other" Holiday Meats
        • Sausages and Food Safety
        • Veal from Farm to Table
        • Yersiniosis and Chitterlings Tips
      • Poultry
        • Chicken From Farm to Table
        • Chicken Liver
        • Duck and Goose from Farm to Table
        • Hock Locks and Other Accoutrements
        • Is Pink Turkey Meat Safe?
        • Let's Talk Turkey Roasting
        • Poultry Processing: Questions & Answers
        • Poultry: Basting, Brining, and Marinating
        • Stuffing and Food Safety
        • The Poultry Label Says "Fresh"
        • Turduckens Require Safe Food Handling
        • Turkey Basics: Handling Cooked Dinners
        • Turkey Basics: Safe Cooking
        • Turkey Basics: Safe Thawing
        • Turkey Basics: Stuffing
        • Turkey from Farm to Table
        • Turkey: Alternate Routes to the Table
      • Eggs
        • Egg Products and Food Safety
        • Shell Eggs from Farm to Table
      • Emergencies
        • A Consumer's Guide to Food Safety: Severe Storms and Hurricanes
        • Fires and Food Safety
        • Keep Your Food Safe During Emergencies
        • Removing Odors from Refrigerators and Freezers
      • USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline
      • Brochures & Publications
    • Food Defense and Emergency Response
      • Emergency Response
      • Continuity of Operations (COOP)
      • Food Defense
        • Risk Mitigation Tool
        • Food Defense Considerations for Transportation of FSIS-Regulated Products
        • Food Defense Tools, Resources and Training
        • Functional Food Defense Plans
        • International Food Defense
  • Science & Data
    • Research Priorities
    • Data Sets & Visualizations
      • Microbiology
        • Baseline Microbiology Data Reports
        • Microbiological Testing Program for RTE Meat and Poultry Products
          • Tables & Results Microbiological Testing Program for RTE Meat
          • Tables & Results: Microbiological Testing Program Pasteurized Egg Products
          • Aggregate Salmonella Categorization of Raw Chicken Parts, NRTE Comminuted Poultry, Young Chicken Carcass and Young Turkey Carcass Establishments Using Moving Windows
          • Salmonella Initiative Program Criteria
            • Quarterly Sampling Reports on Antimicrobial Resistance
            • Quarterly Sampling Reports on Raw Beef Products
            • Quarterly Sampling Reports on Ready-to-eat Products and Egg Products
            • Quarterly Sampling Reports on Salmonella
            • Salmonella Action Plan: A One and Two Year Update
            • Salmonella Categorization of Individual Establishments for Poultry Products
        • Microbiological Testing Program for Escherichia coli O157:H7 and non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC)
          • Year-to-Date Totals: Testing of Raw Ground Beef Component (RGBC) Samples for E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC)
          • Annual Report for STEC in Raw Ground Beef or Veal and Raw Ground Beef or Veal Components
          • Individual E. coli Positive Results for Raw Ground Beef (RGB) and RGB Components 2017
          • Individual E. coli Positive Results for Raw Ground Beef (RGB) and RGB Components 2018
          • Individual E. coli Positive Results for Raw Ground Beef (RGB) and RGB Components 2016
          • Individual E. coli Positive Results for Raw Ground Beef (RGB) and RGB Components 2015
          • Year-to-Date 2018 Totals: Results of Raw Ground Beef Component (RGBC) Samples for E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC):
        • National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS)
        • Salmonella Verification Testing Program Monthly Posting
      • Residue Chemistry
      • Humane Handling Data
      • Laboratory Sampling Data
        • Egg Product Testing, Years 1995-2017
      • Inspection Task Data
    • Scientific Reports
      • Public Health Regulations (PHR)
        • FSIS Data Analysis and Reporting: Public Health Regulations FY 2022
        • FSIS Data Analysis and Reporting: Public Health Regulations FY 2021
        • FSIS Data Analysis and Reporting: Public Health Regulations FY 2016
        • FSIS Data Analysis and Reporting: Public Health Regulations FY 2017
        • FSIS Data Analysis and Reporting: Public Health Regulations FY 2018
        • FSIS Data Analysis and Reporting: Public Health Regulations FY 2019
        • FSIS Data Analysis and Reporting: Public Health Regulations FY 2020
        • FSIS Data Analysis and Reporting: Public Health Regulations FY 2023
      • Interagency Food Safety Analytics Collaboration (IFSAC)
    • Laboratories & Procedures
      • Accredited Laboratory Program
        • Key Facts: ISO Accreditation
      • FSIS Laboratories
        • Requesting Bacterial Isolates from FSIS
    • Risk Assessments
    • Sampling Program
      • Raw Pork Products Exploratory Sampling Program
      • Sampling Results for FSIS Regulated Products
    • Journal Publications
  • Policy
    • Food Safety Acts
      • Federal Meat Inspection Act
      • Poultry Products Inspection Act
      • Egg Products Inspection Act
      • Humane Methods of Slaughter Act
    • FSIS Guidelines
    • Directives & Notices
      • FSIS Notices
      • FSIS Directives
    • Petitions
    • Federal Register & Rulemaking
      • Federal Register Notices
      • Federal Register Rules
      • Executive Orders, Small Business Protection Laws & Other Guidance
      • Regulatory Priorities
    • Advisory Committees
      • National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI)
      • National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria For Foods (NACMCF)
        • 2021-2023 National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria For Foods (NACMCF)
        • NACMCF 2022 Subcommittee
        • 2018-2020 National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria For Foods (NACMCF)
  • Inspection
    • Inspection Programs
      • Inspection of Meat Products
        • Humane Handling Ombudsman
        • Modernization of Swine Slaughter Inspection
      • Inspection of Poultry Products
        • Reducing Salmonella in Poultry
          • Pilot Projects: Salmonella Control Strategies
          • Proposed Regulatory Framework to Reduce Salmonella Illnesses Attributable to Poultry
            • Component 1
            • Component 2
            • Component 3
          • Salmonella By the Numbers
          • Salmonella KPI
          • Salmonella Risk Assessments
        • Modernization of Poultry Slaughter Inspection
      • Inspection of Egg Products
      • Inspection of Siluriformes
    • Compliance Guidance
      • Significant Guidance
      • HACCP
        • HACCP-Based-Inspection Models Project
          • New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS)
          • HIMP Redesign Achievement of Performance Standards Young Chicken Plants
          • List of HIMP Participating Plants
        • HACCP Validation
      • PHIS
        • PHIS: Historical Information
      • Retail Guidance
      • Small & Very Small Plant Guidance
        • Appealing Inspection Decisions
        • Food Safety Resources for Small and Very Small Plant Outreach: Order Form
        • Small Plant Help Desk
        • Small Plant Help Desk Form
      • Microbial Risk
        • Listeria Monocytogenes
        • Salmonella
        • Shiga Toxin-Producing E.Coli (STEC) and E. Coli O157:H7
        • Specified Risk Material
          • BSE Rules Being Strictly Enforced
        • Guidance for Controlling Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) in Retail Delicatessens - Best Practice Tips for Deli Operators
      • Specified Risk Material Resources
      • Food Safety Assessments Tools
      • Recall Process
      • Sanitation Performance Standards Compliance Guide
      • Labeling
        • Basics of Labeling
        • Claims Guidance
        • Nonfood Compounds
          • Compounds Used for Construction and Repair in Federally Inspected Meat and Poultry Plants
          • Criteria Used by the Former Compounds and Packaging Branch for Evaluating Nonfood Compounds and Proprietary Substances
        • Ingredients Guidance
        • Label Submission and Approval System (LSAS)
          • Integration of Paper Label Applications into the Label Submission and Approval System (LSAS)
        • Labeling Policies
          • Human Food Made with Cultured Animal Cells
          • Regulations for Package Dating
          • Comprehensive List of Reasons for Label Modifications and Returns
          • Questions and Answers Concerning the Recently Published Generic Labeling Final Rule
        • Labeling Procedures
          • Information Required For Requesting a Temporary Approval
          • 10 Most Common Mistakes And How to Avoid Them
          • Label Submission Checklist
          • Labeling Situations That Can Not Have a Temporary Approval
          • Labeling and Establishment Responsibilities
          • Ten Most Commonly Asked Labeling Questions
          • Trans Fat Declarations in the Nutrition Facts Panel on Product Labeling
      • New Technology
        • Cooperative Agreements FY 2003
        • Cooperative Agreements FY 2004
        • Cooperative Agreements FY 2005
        • Food Safety Technologies FY 2003
        • Food Safety Technologies FY 2004
        • Food Safety Technologies FY 2005
        • NOL for Non-O157 STEC Test Methods
        • New Technology Information Table
      • Humane Handling
    • Import & Export
      • Import & Export Library
        • Eligible Foreign Establishments
        • U.S. Establishments by Country
          • Australia Eligible Establishments
          • Brazil Export Eligible Establishments
          • Egypt Export Eligible Establishments
          • Gibraltar Export Eligible Establishments
          • Israel Export Eligible Establishments
          • Japan (Casings) Export Eligible Establishments
          • Japan (Cold Storage Facilities) Export Eligible Establishments
          • Mexico Export Eligible Establishments
          • Russia (Beef) Export Eligible Establishments
          • Russia (Pork) Export Eligible Establishments
          • Russia (Poultry) Export Eligible Establishments
          • Russia (Prepared Products) Export Eligible Establishments
          • South Africa Eligible Establishments
      • Import Guidance
        • FSIS Import Procedures for Meat, Poultry & Egg Products
        • FSIS Import Reinspection
        • Sourcing Egg Products and Shell Eggs From Foreign Countries
      • Export Guidance
      • Equivalence
      • PHIS Components
      • International Reports
        • Foreign Audit Reports
        • Import and Export Data
    • Regulatory Enforcement
      • Humane Handling Enforcement
      • Quarterly Enforcement Reports
        • Quarterly Enforcement Reports (Narrative, Archived v1)
        • Quarterly Enforcement Reports (Narrative, Archived v2)
        • Quarterly Enforcement Reports (Narrative, Archived v3)
        • Quarterly Enforcement Reports (Narrative, Archived v4)
      • FSIS Policies on Regulatory Decisions
    • Inspection Training & Videos
      • Inspection & Mission Training
      • Meat, Poultry and Egg Product Inspection Videos
      • Regulatory Education Video Seminars
    • Apply for Grant of Inspection
      • Grants & Financial Options
    • State Inspection Programs
      • Cooperative Interstate Shipping Program
        • Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) Establishments
      • Guidance Documents for State and Local Agencies
      • States With and Without Inspection Programs
      • Reviews of State Programs
    • Establishments
      • FSIS Inspected Establishments
      • Meat, Poultry and Egg Product Inspection Directory
    • Inspection Forms
  • About FSIS
    • History
    • Leadership & Organizational Structure
    • Strategic Planning
      • FSIS Enterprise Governance Decision Making Process
    • Core Values
    • Food Safety & Agency Partners
      • Memoranda of Understanding (MOU)
    • Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
      • FSIS Adjudications
      • FSIS FOIA Reading Room
      • Frequently Requested Records
      • Making a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request
    • Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS)
  • Contact Us
    • FSIS Offices
      • Office for Food Safety (OFS)
      • Office of the Administrator (OA)
      • Office of Field Operations (OFO)
      • Office of Investigation, Enforcement, and Audit (OIEA)
      • Office of Public Health Science (OPHS)
      • Office of Policy and Program Development (OPPD)
      • Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO)
      • Office of International Coordination (OIC)
      • Office of Employee Experience and Development (OEED)
      • Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)
      • Office of Management (OM)
      • Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education (OPACE)
      • Internal Affairs (IA)
      • Office of Planning Analysis Risk Management (OPARM)
      • Civil Rights Staff
    • FSIS Department Emails
    • State Contacts
    • askFSIS
      • Having Trouble with the Webform
    • Pregúntele a Karen
  • Careers
    • Apply for a Job
    • Job Opportunities
    • Who Works for Us
      • Dr. Summer Addo — an Unexpected Career Path
      • Dr. Jeanetta Tankson Shares Her Passion for Science and Food Safety
      • Micheall Myrie - Visual Information Specialist and AAFE Award Winner
      • DDM Jeffery Jacobsen Ensures Meat is Safe and Cooks it, Too!
      • CSI Sherri Rodriguez: Thankful for FSIS and Friends
      • Stephen Whatley Celebrates 50 Years of Federal Service
      • Stevie Hretz Enjoys Putting “Humans First!”
      • Archives
    • Career Profiles
      • Administrative Positions
      • Compliance Investigator Positions
      • Consumer Safety Inspector
      • Food Inspector
      • Professional Positions
      • Public Health Veterinarian (PHV)
      • Scientific Positions
    • Incentives
      • Federal Employee Benefits Summary
    • Employment Programs
    • Food Inspector Apprenticeship Programs
    • Professional with Disabilities
  • News & Events
    • Events & Meetings
      • Officials' Calendar of Meetings
      • Food Safety Education Month
    • News & Press Releases
      • News Feeds & Subscriptions
    • Publications
    • Branding & Toolkits
  • Employees
    • HR Policies & Systems
      • Forms
      • Performance Management
      • Understanding Your Benefits
        • Emergency Backup Dependent Care (EBDC) Program
    • FSIS Safety
      • COVID-19 Pandemic Resources
        • Information about Face Coverings/Masks and Face Shields
      • Workplace Violence
    • Onboarding
      • New Hire Training
    • Agency Awards & Achievements
    • Professional Development Opportunities
      • OFO Workforce Investment Initiative Pilot Program
    • Facilities and Services
    • Employee Bargaining
    • Civil Rights
    • Employee News & Stories
    • FSIS Snapshots
      • January 2023 Snapshots
      • December 2022 Snapshots
      • September 2022 Snapshots
      • August 2022 Snapshots
      • November 2022 Snapshots
      • July 2022 Snapshots
      • October 2022 Snapshots
      • June 2022 Snapshots
      • May 2022 Snapshots
      • April 2022 Snapshots
      • March 2022 Snapshots
      • February 2022 Snapshots
      • January 2022 Snapshots
      • December 2021 Snapshots
      • November 2021 Snapshots
      • October 2021 Snapshots
      • September 2021 Snapshots
      • August 2021 Snapshots
      • July 2021 Snapshots
      • June 2021 Snapshots
    • Submit Your Stories
    • Meet Pickle-Eating Champ, CSI Joe Smith
    • Supervisors Make All the Difference!
    • Disability: Part of the Equity Equation
    • Archives
      • ARCHIVE: National Preparedness Month - Cyber Security for Remote Work
      • ARCHIVE: National Preparedness Month: Occupant Emergency Planning
      • ARCHIVE: Message from Leadership — Women’s Equality Day
      • ARCHIVE: Managing Heat Risk in Hot Weather
      • ARCHIVE: New Netflix Show Features USDA and FSIS
      • ARCHIVE: Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month — Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration
      • ARCHIVE: Thank You for Your Public Service
      • ARCHIVE: World Veterinary Day — Recognizing the Resilience of FSIS Veterinarians
      • ARCHIVE: Two Hero Inspectors Provide Potentially Life-Saving CPR to a Plant Employee
      • ARCHIVE: Hero Inspector Saves a Life While on the Road
      • ARCHIVE: Administrative Professionals Day — Thank You
      • ARCHIVE: Chief Information Security Officer Marvin Lykes Recognized for Operational Excellence
      • ARCHIVE: Women’s History Month: Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope
      • ARCHIVE: Alameda District Awards Petaluma Circuit Inspectors Recognition Coins
      • ARCHIVE: Collaborating in the Caribbean — Bringing Awareness About African Swine Fever
      • ARCHIVE: Message from Leadership — Be an Advocate for Public Health
      • ARCHIVE: Message from Leadership — Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
      • ARCHIVE: In Their Own Words: The 2021 Administrator’s Awards for Excellence Winners Speak Out
      • ARCHIVE: CSI Koffi Hoenou – From Togolese Teacher to U.S. Citizen
      • ARCHIVE: Dearborn, Mich., Circuit Inspectors Receive Collaborative Coins
      • ARCHIVE: Don’t Invite Foodborne Illness to the Party
      • ARCHIVE: Inspection for Ritual Meat and Poultry Slaughter
      • ARCHIVE: Thanksgiving Message from Leadership
      • ARCHIVE: Make a Difference for You and Your Colleagues – Respond to FEVS by Dec. 3
      • ARCHIVE: American Indian/Alaskan Native Heritage Month — Together Towards Tomorrow
      • ARCHIVE: Federal State Audit Staff Twice Honored for Supporting Military Staff
      • ARCHIVE: Veterans Day Messages from FSIS Leadership
      • ARCHIVE: Food Inspector Apprenticeship Programs for Veterans
      • ARCHIVE: Disability Employment Awareness Month — America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion
      • ARCHIVE: Helping Today’s Inspectors Be Tomorrow’s Leaders with Tuition Reimbursement
      • ARCHIVE: Dr. Geraldine Vidal-Covas Embraces Her Hispanic Heritage, Encourages All
      • ARCHIVE: National Preparedness Month – Home Go Kits & Pets
      • ARCHIVE: Mask Requirements Updated for FSIS Employees
      • ARCHIVE: Modernizing Egg Inspection
      • ARCHIVE: FSIS Recognized Twice for 2020 Food Safety Education Efforts
      • ARCHIVE: Four Steps to Good Mental Health
      • ARCHIVE: Building Relationships at Work
      • ARCHIVE: Pride Month and USDA’s Commitment to Inclusion
      • ARCHIVE: Honoring the Dedicated Public Servants of FSIS
      • ARCHIVE: Asian American and Pacific Islander Contributions to Our Nation’s History
      • ARCHIVE: USDA Vaccination Heroes Do Their Part for America
      • ARCHIVE: Remembering Their Sacrifice: Jean Hillery, Tom Quadros and Bill Shaline

Food Safety and Inspection Service

  • About FSIS
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • News & Events
  • Employees
  • Food Safety
  • Science & Data
  • Policy
  • Inspection
  • Recalls
  • Search
  • Full Menu
ALERT: FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for… See more details
Page Hero
  • Careers
    • Apply for a Job
    • Job Opportunities
    • Who Works for Us
      • Dr. Summer Addo — an Unexpected Career Path
      • Dr. Jeanetta Tankson Shares Her Passion for Science and Food Safety
      • Micheall Myrie - Visual Information Specialist and AAFE Award Winner
      • DDM Jeffery Jacobsen Ensures Meat is Safe and Cooks it, Too!
      • CSI Sherri Rodriguez: Thankful for FSIS and Friends
      • Stephen Whatley Celebrates 50 Years of Federal Service
      • Stevie Hretz Enjoys Putting “Humans First!”
      • Archives
    • Career Profiles
      • Administrative Positions
      • Compliance Investigator Positions
      • Consumer Safety Inspector
      • Food Inspector
      • Professional Positions
      • Public Health Veterinarian (PHV)
      • Scientific Positions
    • Incentives
      • Federal Employee Benefits Summary
    • Employment Programs
    • Food Inspector Apprenticeship Programs
    • Professional with Disabilities
Subscribe for Updates
Document in circle icon

Participate in Creating Standards

FSIS invites the food safety community to participate in establishing standards for our food safety policies and services. Join us for public meetings or respond to comment requests.
Learn More

Cristina Picazo’s Hard Work Pays Off

Maria Cristina Picazo is on the move — to Wichita, Kansas, to be exact. A consumer safety inspector (CSI) at an establishment in Holcomb, Kansas, Picazo applied for and was promoted to enforcement, investigations and analysis officer (EIAO) in March 2020. After training, she will make the move to begin her new position in Wichita. This has been a noteworthy year for Picazo — in addition to her promotion, she earned an associate degree in animal science, as well as food safety and food production certificates at Garden City Community College (GCCC) in Garden City, Kansas. Through FSIS’ Continuing Education Program (CEP), the Agency reimbursed her for courses related to food safety, food science and animal science. While working full time throughout her coursework, she made the GCCC President’s Honor Roll for achieving a grade point average of 4.0.

Her A-shift supervisor, Dr. Camilo Potes, said, “I have known Ms. Cristina Picazo for almost three years during which time she worked with me as a CSI, and I have been consistently impressed with her attitude and productivity. Cristina is both very bright and quite motivated. She is also a quick learner and has shown the ability to digest large volumes of information and to articulate information and ideas. I am confident that she will devote herself with a high degree of diligence and success to her new role as an EIAO.”

CSI Cristina Picazo in her USDA office at Establishment M278, a large beef slaughter and processing plant in Holcomb, Kansas.

Picazo’s Career Track

Picazo began her FSIS career as a food inspector in 2003. She earned her promotion to CSI in 2007, where she conducts inspection verification activities of beef products to ensure establishments comply with the Federal Meat Inspection Act. These verification activities consist of performing direct observations and records review of the establishment’s implementation of their written hazard analysis and critical control point program, standard operating procedures, sanitation performance standards and all other food safety programs. She also conducts humane handling, ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections, and performs export verification and sampling of products. Said Picazo, “I get a tremendous amount of fulfillment and satisfaction knowing that every day I protect the health of consumers, the welfare of animals and the nation’s food supply chain.”

Picazo’s B-shift supervisor, Dr. Kevin J. Lavelle, describes her as “an extremely hard worker. She is excellent in the performance of her responsibilities and is very knowledgeable of the regulations and directives. Cristina applies this knowledge proficiently in the presence of deficiencies she finds on her patrols of the establishment. She possesses the ability to interact with the establishment management and personnel professionally and communicate her concerns to the veterinary medical officer promptly, succinctly and accurately. Most importantly, Cristina is a team player and always does her best to contribute to the fulfillment of the Agency’s mission.”

Picazo believes FSIS fosters success: “FSIS empowers me to be successful through many training opportunities where I have gained extensive knowledge to successfully execute my duties. I currently participate in FSIS mentoring programs where I contribute as both mentor and mentee.” Her mentor encouraged her to pursue the EIAO position. She also mentors food inspectors who are interested in a CSI position; to date, seven of her mentees have applied for and earned promotions to CSIs.

Prior to working at FSIS, Picazo was a quality assurance supervisor for a large beef plant. The position helped her understand food safety concepts and the importance of ensuring that food products are produced in a wholesome manner. A CSI at the plant discussed FSIS opportunities with her. She decided to apply for a job with the Agency because she had always been interested in food safety and wanted to be part of the FSIS team. More recently, a mentor in the Springdale District mentoring program helped Picazo understand the role and duties of an EIAO, which ultimately led to her new role with the Agency. Picazo advises anyone with a passion for food safety to consider a career with FSIS, and added, “I would advise them to prepare themselves for a wonderful

FSIS empowers me to be successful through many training opportunities where I have gained extensive knowledge to successfully execute my duties. I currently participate in FSIS mentoring programs where I contribute as both mentor and mentee.
Cristina Picazo
Consumer Safety Inspector (CSI)

Cristina Picazo’s Hard Work Pays Off

CSI Cristina Picazo in her USDA office at Establishment M278, a large beef slaughter and processing plant in Holcomb, Kansas.

Maria Cristina Picazo is on the move — to Wichita, Kansas, to be exact. A consumer safety inspector (CSI) at an establishment in Holcomb, Kansas, Picazo applied for and was promoted to enforcement, investigations and analysis officer (EIAO) in March 2020. After training, she will make the move to begin her new position in Wichita. This has been a noteworthy year for Picazo — in addition to her promotion, she earned an associate degree in animal science, as well as food safety and food production certificates at Garden City Community College (GCCC) in Garden City, Kansas. Through FSIS’ Continuing Education Program (CEP), the Agency reimbursed her for courses related to food safety, food science and animal science. While working full time throughout her coursework, she made the GCCC President’s Honor Roll for achieving a grade point average of 4.0.

Her A-shift supervisor, Dr. Camilo Potes, said, “I have known Ms. Cristina Picazo for almost three years during which time she worked with me as a CSI, and I have been consistently impressed with her attitude and productivity. Cristina is both very bright and quite motivated. She is also a quick learner and has shown the ability to digest large volumes of information and to articulate information and ideas. I am confident that she will devote herself with a high degree of diligence and success to her new role as an EIAO.”

Picazo’s Career Track

Picazo began her FSIS career as a food inspector in 2003. She earned her promotion to CSI in 2007, where she conducts inspection verification activities of beef products to ensure establishments comply with the Federal Meat Inspection Act. These verification activities consist of performing direct observations and records review of the establishment’s implementation of their written hazard analysis and critical control point program, standard operating procedures, sanitation performance standards and all other food safety programs. She also conducts humane handling, ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections, and performs export verification and sampling of products. Said Picazo, “I get a tremendous amount of fulfillment and satisfaction knowing that every day I protect the health of consumers, the welfare of animals and the nation’s food supply chain.”

Picazo’s B-shift supervisor, Dr. Kevin J. Lavelle, describes her as “an extremely hard worker. She is excellent in the performance of her responsibilities and is very knowledgeable of the regulations and directives. Cristina applies this knowledge proficiently in the presence of deficiencies she finds on her patrols of the establishment. She possesses the ability to interact with the establishment management and personnel professionally and communicate her concerns to the veterinary medical officer promptly, succinctly and accurately. Most importantly, Cristina is a team player and always does her best to contribute to the fulfillment of the Agency’s mission.”

Picazo believes FSIS fosters success: “FSIS empowers me to be successful through many training opportunities where I have gained extensive knowledge to successfully execute my duties. I currently participate in FSIS mentoring programs where I contribute as both mentor and mentee.” Her mentor encouraged her to pursue the EIAO position. She also mentors food inspectors who are interested in a CSI position; to date, seven of her mentees have applied for and earned promotions to CSIs.

Prior to working at FSIS, Picazo was a quality assurance supervisor for a large beef plant. The position helped her understand food safety concepts and the importance of ensuring that food products are produced in a wholesome manner. A CSI at the plant discussed FSIS opportunities with her. She decided to apply for a job with the Agency because she had always been interested in food safety and wanted to be part of the FSIS team. More recently, a mentor in the Springdale District mentoring program helped Picazo understand the role and duties of an EIAO, which ultimately led to her new role with the Agency. Picazo advises anyone with a passion for food safety to consider a career with FSIS, and added, “I would advise them to prepare themselves for a wonderful career.”

“FSIS empowers me to be successful through many training opportunities where I have gained extensive knowledge to successfully execute my duties. I currently participate in FSIS mentoring programs where I contribute as both mentor and mentee.”

Cristina Picazo

Paying it Forward

Picazo enjoys running, listening to music and volunteering her time. An avid advocate of the Continuing Education Program, she has written articles about the program for the district newsletter. As a member of the Springdale District Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Committee, she has volunteered to make presentations about CEP to fellow FSIS employees. She has also assisted the Springdale District with several recruiting events. In addition to mentoring food inspectors, she has tutored others continuing their education and assisted with several resume writing classes for FSIS inspectors in the southwestern Kansas area.

Picazo is married with five children: Cristina, Leopoldo, Priscila, and twins Brianna and Britney. Also employed by FSIS for over twelve years, her husband Armando Picazo is a CSI in Holcomb, Kansas. It’s no surprise the couple has taught their children about food safety — how to read labels, check expiration dates on food products and measure the internal temperature of foods when cooking.

Picazo is excited about her new EIAO opportunity. She is going places — to Wichita and beyond.

Turkey production line in 1956

Our History

USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service has a long, rich history of improving and protecting America's food supply.
Learn More
David Vasquez-April Faces of FSIS

Core Values

Our team is full of dedicated public servants who embody our core values.
Learn More
Woman hugging her dog

Who Works for Us

"Faces of Food Safety" introduces you to the men and women who play a role in making our food safe.
Learn More
Learn More About FSIS
Last Updated: Sep 08, 2020
  • USDA.gov
  • USA.gov
  • Whitehouse.gov
  • About Us
  • Our Performance
  • Information Quality & Publishing Schedule
  • Visit OIG
  • FOIA
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Non-Discrimination Statement
  • Plain Writing
  • No FEAR
  • Significant Guidance

Food Safety and Inspection Service

  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • GovDelivery
  • Instagram
  • Flickr
  • YouTube
  • Linked In
  • RSS
.

Start your search

Popular Topics

Recalls Import & Export FSIS Directives FSIS Guidelines Petitions