IFSAC Releases 2024-2028 Priorities

The Interagency Food Safety Analytics Collaboration (IFSAC)—a collaboration between FSIS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—has published its upcoming priorities for calendar years 2024 - 2028.

IFSAC remains focused on generating the most accurate and actionable estimates for foodborne illness source attribution in the United States by leveraging the latest science, data, and methods. IFSAC will continue to publish updated estimates of foods contributing to foodborne illness through annual reports and peer-reviewed scientific publications. Four priorities will guide its work for the next five years:

• Improve foodborne illness source attribution estimates for Campylobacter;
• Develop foodborne illness source attribution estimates for non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC);
• Finalize existing analyses; and
• Refine foodborne illness source attribution estimates using data from non-foodborne sources of pathogens.

IFSAC was established in 2011 to improve coordination of federal food safety analytics efforts and address cross-cutting priorities for food safety data collection, analysis, and use. Since its inception, IFSAC’s focus has been foodborne illness source attribution, with an emphasis on four priority pathogens: Campylobacter, E. coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella. IFSAC regularly communicates its findings to government partners, industry, academia, and consumer organizations.

For more information on IFSAC projects, visit cdc.gov/foodsafety/ifsac or email IFSAC@fda.hhs.gov.

NACMPI Meeting Reports Now Available

FSIS has posted reports from the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI). The reports contain the FSIS charges and recommendations approved by NACMPI during their June 21-22, 2023, meeting. Additionally, transcripts and recordings of the meeting are also available.

At the meeting, NACMPI reviewed and discussed ways through which FSIS can enhance outreach and engagement efforts to best promote equity and bring economic opportunity to underserved communities, while strengthening the food supply chain and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. FSIS sought input on these topics as they apply to prospective applicants for FSIS inspection and existing small and very small establishments currently receiving FSIS inspection. Two NACMPI subcommittees wrote and presented recommendations, which NACMPI discussed, voted on, and approved during a plenary session.

The purpose of NACMPI is to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on state and federal meat and poultry inspection programs, food safety, and other matters that fall within the scope of the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act. For further information about NACMPI, please visit the FSIS website.

Upcoming Events

• Wednesday, August 30, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. ET: 2023 Public Meeting: National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods

Available for Public Comment

FSIS seeks public comments on proposed rules and notices, which are viewable on the FSIS Federal Register & Rulemaking webpage. FSIS is currently seeking comments on the following:

• Until August 25: National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods 
• Until August 29: Notice of Request To Revise an Approved Information Collection: Accreditation of Laboratories, Transactions and Exemptions
• Until September 11: Notice of Request for a New Information Collection: Qualitative Research on Food Safety Behaviors Among Parents and Caregivers Who Prepare Meals for Minors or Older Adults. In Depth Interview Research

Policy Update

FSIS notices and directives on public health and regulatory issues are available on the FSIS Policy webpage. The following policy update was recently issued:

FSIS Notice 42-23 - USDA Material Management Service Center End of Fiscal Year Inventory and Reconciliation Closure

FSIS Notice 41-23 - Mandatory FSIS Fleet Management Training

FSIS Notice 40-23 - FSIS Workplace Safety and Health Hazards Training

Export Requirements Update

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

• Bolivia
• European Union
• Morocco
• Mexico
• Dominican Republic
• Japan

Complete information can be found at the FSIS Import & Export Library.