FSIS Posts Individual Category Status and Aggregate Results for Poultry Carcasses, Chicken Parts, and Comminuted Poultry Tested for Salmonella

On April 22, 2019, FSIS will update the individual establishment Salmonella performance standard category information for raw poultry carcasses, raw chicken parts and comminuted poultry products at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/science-data/data-sets-visualizations/microbiology. Additionally, FSIS will post the aggregate sampling results showing the number of establishments in categories 1, 2, or 3 for establishments producing young chicken or turkey carcasses, raw chicken parts or not ready-to-eat (NRTE) comminuted poultry products at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/science-data/data-sets-visualizations/microbiology

Label Backlog Update and Tips for the Label Approval Process

FSIS is currently experiencing a delay of about 22-23 business days in evaluations for labels that require review prior to use. By providing industry with suggestions via the Constituent Update to assist with the submission of label applications FSIS is hopeful that it will achieve a faster, more efficient label evaluation process.

TIP: Label applications must always include a complete label bearing ALL required label features.

For the quickest possible turnaround of a label approval for a new logo, graphic, or claim, establishments must include a complete label in the submission. Label approval is based on the complete label. Therefore, applications that do not include a complete label will be returned. 

As a reminder, a label application needs to include the product formula, processing procedures, the complete label including all required label features, and supporting documentation for any special statement or claim on the label (including logos and graphics). If the establishment is submitting a label that includes previously approved claims, the application should also include a copy of the prior label approval including the label and any documentation used to support the prior approved claims, in order to streamline the label evaluation process.  

Establishments may also use askFSIS to request feedback about a new logo, graphic or claim, including whether it can be added to a label generically. If FSIS determines that the logo, graphic or claim includes a special statement or claim, then the establishment should submit a label application through LSAS, including a copy of a complete label, for sketch approval.

For a review of required label features, please see the “Label Submission Checklist” at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/inspection/compliance-guidance/labeling/labeling-procedures/label-submission-checklist.

FSIS Proposes to Remove Dual Labeling Requirements for Certain Amounts of Meat and Poultry Products

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to amend its labeling regulations to remove duplicative net weight and net content requirements for packages that contain certain amounts of meat or poultry products. The proposed regulation would apply to products that are at least one pound or one pint, but less than four pounds or one gallon.

FSIS is proposing this action in response to a petition submitted by a small meat processor in response to USDA’s request for ideas to better serve its customers.

Under proposed rule, establishments that produce meat and poultry products in packages containing one pound or one pint and less than four pounds or one gallon will be allowed to  express the weight or contents in one unit of measurement on the product label, instead of using both measures [e.g., “Net Wt. 24 oz.” or “Net Wt. 1.5 lbs.” rather than “Net Wt. 24 oz. (1.5 lbs.)].

Establishments would be allowed to use their current labels until they run out or may elect to use them indefinitely. 

FSIS will accept public comments on the proposed rule for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.  Comments may be submitted online via the federal eRulemaking portal at https://www.regulations.gov; by mail including CD-ROMs sent to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mailstop 3758, Room 6065, Washington, D.C., 20250-3700 or by hand-or courier delivery to 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 6065, Washington, D.C., 20250-3700. All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must include the agency name and docket number FSIS-2018-0012.

To view the proposed rule, visit https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/federal-register-rulemaking.

Export Requirements Updates

The Library of Export Requirements has been updated for products for the following countries:

• Canada
• Jamaica
• South Africa
• Tunisia           

Complete information can be found at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/inspection/import-export.

Policy Update

FSIS notices and directives on public health and regulatory issues are available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/directives-notices. The following policy update was recently issued:

• Docket No. FSIS-2018-0012 - Rescission of Dual Labeling Requirements for Certain Packages of Meat and Poultry
• Directive 7120.1 - Safe and Suitable Ingredients Used in the Production of Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products