FSIS Seeks Comments on Use of Survey to Gauge Understanding of “Product of USA” Label

Earlier this week, FSIS announced its intention to use a web-based survey to gauge consumer awareness, understanding, and value of current “Product of USA” labeling claims on meat (beef and pork) products. FSIS also intends to collect information on consumer understanding of other “USDA” labeling on meat products, such as the “USDA Choice” label and the USDA mark of inspection. 

FSIS is seeking public comments on using a survey. Specifically, comments are invited on:

• Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of FSIS' functions, including whether the information will have practical utility.
• The accuracy of FSIS' estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the method and assumptions used.
• Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.
• Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques, or other forms of information technology.

Comments must be submitted on or before April 4, 2022. Comments may be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking portal, by mail, or delivered by hand or courier. Please see the Federal Register notice for more information on submitting comments.

Don’t Fumble Food Safety on Super Bowl Sunday

Millions of Americans will come together to watch Super Bowl LVI on February 13, safely gathering with plenty of hot and cold snacks throughout the evening.

Unlike other food holidays, when meals are often consumed at one sitting, the Super Bowl is all about snacks that will last over the four-hour game. This can be a major risk factor, allowing foodborne illness to creep into the party. Did you know that bacteria start to multiply in perishable foods like wings, deli wraps, and meatball appetizers after only two hours?

For this reason, USDA recommends dividing the feast by half. Put out just enough food for the first two quarters while the rest waits safely in the fridge or oven ready to tap in after the halftime show.

For more Super Bowl Sunday food safety tips, check out our full press release and follow FSIS on Twitter in English or Spanish.

Consumers with questions can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or MPHotline@usda.gov, or live chat with a food safety expert at ask.usda.gov on Mondays to Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.

FSIS Updates State Contacts and HACCP Validation Webpages

FSIS has updated its state contacts webpage to better direct customers to listings of state meat and poultry inspection (MPI) program contacts, cooperative interstate shipping (CIS) program contacts, other state food regulatory officials, and available Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) resource contacts. As part of the update, FSIS removed its listing of HACCP contacts from its state contacts webpage because the agency determined they were duplicative of these other listings. 

FSIS revised its HACCP validation information webpage under the section “HACCP Coordinators” to include an updated listing of contacts affiliated with universities or state extension services that provide one-on-one advice and assistance to small and very small establishments related to HACCP and HACCP validation. FSIS also updated its HACCP Validation webpage under the section “HACCP Validation by Product” to include journal articles and other peer-reviewed scientific information that can be used as scientific support for the lethality treatments of fermented products, salt-cured products, and dried products. In addition to the listing of support documents, FSIS included links to electronic journal articles where possible.

These website changes were made in response to recommendations from the National Advisory Committee for Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) Subcommittee on Validation of ready-to-eat (RTE) shelf-stable multi-hurdle lethality treatments. The NACMPI subcommittee report can be found here. These changes also respond to recommendations from a December 2020 report by the Niche Meat Processors Assistance Network on the effectiveness of FSIS outreach to small and very small establishments.

Individuals or organizations identified as “HACCP Coordinators” or any of the state contacts may email us with requests for updates or corrections to the contact information on any of the webpage listings. State regulatory officials are encouraged to request updates through the existing points of contact in the FSIS Office of Field Operations.

Tips for Faster Label Approval Process

Labels are currently taking about 3-5 business days to evaluate.  

TIP: Include a description of the unique code used for traceability when submitting establishment transfer applications for temporary label approval.

Special circumstances may require temporary production of product at another establishment (e.g., after a fire, an establishment may need to move its production to another facility). Under these circumstances, an official establishment may transfer labels, wrappers, or containers bearing official marks with its establishment number to any other official establishment for short-term use up to 60 days under a temporary label approval. Transferred labels bearing a pre-printed establishment number must be code marked to identify the establishment that produces the product. The code mark is a unique identifier, such as a numeric code, consisting of the lot number and the establishment number in which the product was produced.

As with all other temporary labels, FSIS must review and approve the application for a temporary transfer before the label can be used on product intended for commerce. The application for a temporary establishment transfer label should include a description of the unique code for traceability purposes and should explain why a transfer of labeling is needed. The application should also include the original transferring establishment’s label approval, the date or dates the labeling material will be shipped and used, the amount of labeling material, and the type of labeling material (example: 2,000 printed bags shipped January 3, 2022, or 1,000 sticker labels to be used from January 3 – March 3, 2022). To reduce the amount of time needed to review the label application, establishments may include the information in a letter in the body of the label application rather than just in the label summary in the Label Submission and Approval System (LSAS).

Please note that FSIS regulations do not permit multiple establishment numbers on product labels. If the establishment number of the receiving establishment is used as part of the code, it should be embedded as part of the unique code such that it does not appear to be an establishment number. For example, if the receiving establishment’s number is “1234” the codes “EST 1234 ABC789” or “EST1234ABC789” are not acceptable because “EST” must precede the establishment number and the transferred label already bears the establishment number of the original facility. The codes “1234ABC789” or “1234 ABC789” are acceptable because “1234” does not appear to be an establishment number as it is not preceded by “EST”.

For additional information about the transfer of labeling please see FSIS Directive 7000.4.

FSIS will continue to provide updates regarding label turnaround time, as well as suggestions to assist industry to streamline label submissions in its Constituent Update. 

Export Requirements Update

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

• Australia
• European Union
• Dominican Republic
• Trinidad and Tobago

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