FSIS Announces Second Webinar on the Modernization of Swine Slaughter Inspection Proposed Rule

On April 16, FSIS will host its second webinar on the proposed rule “Modernization of Swine Slaughter Inspection” (83 FR 4780, Feb. 1, 2018). The purpose of the webinar is to provide an overview of the proposal. FSIS will respond to questions and provide additional information concerning the proposal during the webinar. However, FSIS is not taking comments on the proposal during the webinar.

The proposed rule can be found at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/frn2016-0017. Comments on the rule may be submitted online via the Federal eRulemaking Portal, available at http://www.regulations.gov; by mail sent to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Patriots Plaza III, Mailstop 3782, Room 8-163A, Washington, D.C. 20250-3700; or by hand or courier delivery to Patriots Plaza III, 355 E St. S.W., Room 8-163A, Washington, D.C. 20250-3700. All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must include the Agency name and docket number FSIS-2016-0017. The comment period will end on May 2, 2018.

The webinar will take place on April 16 from 2-4 pm ET. To access the webinar, visit http://ems8.intellor.com/login/804919 and follow the on-screen instructions. Use the following information when logging on: Meeting Number: 1-877-369-5243 or 1-617-668-3633, Access Code: 0586029#. Please be sure to log on as a participant. The webinar will be recorded and posted on the website upon availability. To register, contact Cody Kahlig at cody.kahlig@usda.gov.

Establishment Specific Datasets Now Available

FSIS has posted a new establishment specific dataset on the FSIS website as announced in the Federal Register on July 14, 2016 (Docket No. FSIS-2014-0032). This is the full dataset of FSIS’ routine microbiological sampling of raw chicken carcasses. Prior to publishing this dataset, the sample dataset and corresponding data dictionary were posted on Feb. 9, 2018 and comments were sought until March 23, 2018. FSIS updates existing datasets quarterly, approximately the first Friday of the next quarter. The next update will occur in July.

The quarterly updates to other establishment specific datasets are now available on the FSIS website:

• Establishment Demographic Data, which supplements the existing MPI Directory
• Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Meat and Poultry Sampling Data
• Egg Product Sampling Data
• Raw Ground Beef Sampling Data
• Raw Beef Trim Sampling Data
• Raw Beef Components Sampling Data
• Raw Beef Follow-up Sampling Data

The next new dataset that FSIS will post will be on FSIS’ routine microbiological sampling of turkey carcasses. The sample dataset and data dictionary will be posted on the FSIS website around May 11. Additional details can be found at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/science-data/data-sets-visualizations.

Policy Updates

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

• Directive 2410.1 - FSIS Employee Separation or Transfer Clearance
• Directive 7150.1 - Descriptive Designation for Needle or Blade Tenderized Raw Beef Products as Required by 9 CFR 317.2(e)(3)
• Directive 9500.1 Rev. 1 - Contingency Plan for Import Reinspection when PHIS is not Available

Export Requirements Updates

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

• European Union
• Netherlands

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