FSIS Posts Updated Dataset on Imports

On December 16, 2019, FSIS will update the publicly posted dataset on import refusals for products regulated by the agency. 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, and any signs of tampering and to identify product adulterated by transportation damage. FSIS also performs additional activities on a random and/or 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/returned to the foreign country, converted to animal food, or brought into compliance with FSIS requirements, if applicable (e.g., relabeled, remarked, or issued a 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 the FSIS Datasets page.

Export Requirements Updates

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

• Azerbaijan 
• China, People’s Republic of European Union
• Japan 
• Mexico 
• Syria 
• Tajikistan 
• Turkmenistan
• Uzbekistan

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

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:

Docket Number FSIS-2019-0025 - Notice of Request for a New Information Collection: Small Meat Processor Study

Docket Number FSIS-2019-0026 - Notice of Request for a New Information Collection Focus Group Research to Inform Consumer Food Safety Education and Outreach

FSIS Notice 50-19 - Annual Leave Donations to the Voluntary Leave Transfer Progra