FSIS Publishes Notice to Resume Cecal Sampling in Sheep and Lamb

FSIS is announcing the resumption of cecal sampling in sheep and lamb on February 1, 2024. During 2020–2022, FSIS collected and analyzed cecal samples from sheep and lamb as part of exploratory sampling. During 2024, FSIS is collaborating with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and using a One Health approach to better understand antimicrobial resistance in sheep and lamb at different sampling points – production, slaughter, and retail locations.

In addition to FSIS cecal sampling, APHIS will collect fecal samples during sheep and lamb production. FDA will collect product samples at retail. Salmonella, Campylobacter and generic E. coli isolated from all samples will be characterized for antimicrobial resistance. Through this and other One Health collaborations, FSIS and its partners intend to obtain insight to further advances in health in animals and people.

FSIS to Post Individual Category Status and Aggregate Results for Poultry Carcasses, Chicken Parts, and Comminuted Poultry Tested for Salmonella 

On January 19, 2024, FSIS will update the individual establishment Salmonella performance standard category information for raw poultry carcasses, raw chicken parts, and comminuted poultry products on the Salmonella Verification Testing Program Monthly Posting page of the FSIS website. Additionally, FSIS will post the aggregate sampling results showing the number of establishments in categories 1, 2, or 3 for establishments producing young poultry carcasses, raw chicken parts, or not ready-to-eat (NRTE) comminuted poultry products at the location linked above.

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 February 13, 2024: Notice of Request for a New Information Collection: Web-Based Surveys

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 03-24 - Intermittent Cecal Sampling of Lamb and Sheep for the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System

FSIS Notice 02-24 - Night Differential

FSIS Directive 7230.1 - Ongoing Verification of Product Formulation and Labeling Targeting the Nine Most Common ("Big 9") Food Allergens - Revision 3

Export Requirements Update

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

• Honduras
• Mexico
• Japan
• Philippines
• Cuba
• El Salvador
• Costa Rica
• Kazakhstan
• Azerbaijan
• Qatar
• Guatemala
• Singapore
• Korea
• Hong Kong
• French Polynesia (Tahiti)
• European Union
• Mauritius
• Uruguay

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