FSIS Posts Updated Dataset on Imports

On Aug. 15, 2018, FSIS will update the publicly posted dataset on import refusals for products regulated by FSIS. Federal law requires every commercial shipment of imported meat, poultry, and egg products to be inspected prior to product entering U.S. commerce. FSIS inspects each shipment to verify labeling, proper certification, general condition, any signs of tampering, and to identify product adulterated by transportation damage. FSIS also performs additional activities on a random and for-cause basis such as physical product examination and laboratory sampling for pathogens and chemical residues.

Any product that does not meet FSIS requirements is refused entry, and the importer has up to 45 days (30 days for egg products) to have the product destroyed for use as human food, re-exported and returned to the foreign country, converted to animal food, or brought into compliance with FSIS requirements, if applicable (e.g., relabeled, remarked, replacement certificate). This dataset is updated around the 15th of each month and contains each shipment with product that was refused entry

For more information, please visit https://www.fsis.usda.gov/science-data/data-sets-visualizations.

FSIS Posts Next Set of Establishment-Specific Datasets

FSIS is preparing to publish the next set of establishment-specific datasets as announced in the Federal Register on July 14, 2016 (Docket No. FSIS-2014-0032). Prior to publishing these datasets, FSIS is making sample datasets available. The sample dataset and corresponding data dictionary on raw chicken parts sampling results can be found at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/science-data/data-sets-visualizations/laboratory-sampling-data. Please visit http://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions at that site for submitting comments to Docket FSIS-2014-0032 by Sept. 21, 2018. FSIS intends to publish the final dataset on Oct. 5, 2018. Additional details can be found in the FSIS Establishment-Specific Data Release Strategic Plan.

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:

Notice 43-18 - Transition to Next Gen USDA AgLearn

Directive 4440.1 - Enforcement Investigation and Analysis Officer Assessments

Directive 7320.1 Rev. 1 - Prevention and Control of Trichinella in Pork Products

Export Requirements Updates

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

• Argentina
• Barbados
• Morocco
• New Caledonia
• South Africa
• Western Samoa

For a complete list of countries, visit https://www.fsis.usda.gov/inspection/import-export.