FSIS to Update Certain Chemistry Residue Methods

FSIS is updating the methods it uses to analyze samples of FSIS-regulated products for a number of chemical residues.

For avermectins, FSIS’ current screening and quantitation method (Quantitation of Doramectin, Ivermectin, and Moxidectin by UHPLC; CLG-AVR) is being revised to use a modernized format design, similar to previous format updates, that will allow for improved accessibility and clarity for users. There were no procedural or analytical changes to the method. The new multi-residue avermectin confirmation method (Confirmation of Avermectins by UPLC-MS/MS; CLG-AVR2) details mass spectrometric confirmation analysis of 7 avermectins (abamectin, doramectin, emamectin, eprinomectin, ivermectin, moxidectin, and selamectin) in muscle from bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine, Siluriformes, and processed products. 

FSIS is revising its pesticide method (Screening for Pesticides by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS; CLG-PST5) to remove Pyrethrin II and Ethion monoxon as analytes of interest from the method. Currently, Pyrethrin I and II are listed in the method as the monitored residues for natural pyrethrins. However, the residue tolerance definition listed in 40 CFR 180 natural pyrethrins does not include Pyrethrin II. Therefore, Pyrethrin II is being removed. Residue testing for Pyrethrin I will continue. Additionally, as of last year, there is currently no commercially available reference material or analytical standard for Ethion monoxon. As such, Ethion monoxon will be removed as an analyte of interest from the method. The commercially available parent compound, Ethion, will remain in the method. 

FSIS is also updating the multi-residue method (Screening and Confirmation of Animal Drug Residues by UHPLC-MS/MS; CLG-MRM3) to expand the universal blank control concept, currently used for muscle samples, to include kidney and egg product samples. Beef will be used as the universal control for kidney tissue while whole egg will be used as universal control for egg products. The update improves the time to results for National Residue Program samples. The number of daily quality control samples are reduced, and the instrument analysis is decreased by more than 10 hours.

The updated methods will be posted to the Chemistry Laboratory Guidebook page of the FSIS website no later than August 19, 2024. Please direct questions regarding specific elements of any method to the USDA website via askFSIS.

FSIS to Post Updated Datasets on Import Refusals and Import Volume

On July 15, 2024, FSIS will update the publicly posted datasets on import refusals and country-level import volume for products that the agency regulates. Federal law requires every commercial shipment of imported meat, poultry, and egg products to be reinspected prior to product entering U.S. commerce. FSIS reinspects 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). 

The current Import Refusals dataset is updated around the 15th of each month and the archived Import Refusals dataset is updated around the 15th of the first month of each quarter. The datasets contain each shipment with product that was refused entry.

Both the current and archived Import Volume datasets are updated around the 15th of the first month of each quarter. These data represent the volume of imported meat, poultry, and egg products presented for reinspection to FSIS at port of entry.

To access these datasets or view more information about them, please visit the Import and Export Data page.

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 20, 2024: Notice of Request To Renew an Approved Information Collection: Foodborne Illness Outbreak Investigation Survey for FSIS Public Health Partners
• Until August 26, 2024: Availability of Guidance for Residue Prevention

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 Directive 4530.3 - Salary Rate Determinations for General Schedule Employees - Revision 4

Export Requirements Update

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

• Turkey
• Mexico
• Korea
• North Macedonia
• Hong Kong
• Barbados
• Dominica
• Uruguay
• Japan
• Kiribati
• United Arab Emirates
• Turks & Caicos Islands
• Egypt
• Canada
• Vietnam
• Mauritius
• Tunisia
• Western Samoa (Samoa) 
• European Union
• Jamaica
• St. Lucia
• Solomon Islands
• Qatar
• Cuba
• Dominican Republic

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