Tips for Faster Label Approval Process

On Labels are currently taking about 5-7 business days to evaluate.

TIP: Establishments must maintain a labeling record for all labels applied to meat and poultry products.

A complete record of labeling is required by 9 CFR 320.1(b)(10) for meat products and 9 CFR 381.175(b)(6) for poultry products. Each labeling record must include the following:

• A copy of the final label that is in use; 
• The product formulation; 
• The processing procedure for the product; and 
• Any supporting documentation needed to show that the label is consistent with the federal meat and poultry regulations and policies on labeling. 

This documentation must include a prior approval from FSIS when one is required by 9 CFR 412.1.

For example, a complete labeling record for labels that bear an animal raising claim such as “Raised without Antibiotics” would include a copy of the label in its final form and the FSIS sketch approval. The sketch approval includes the product formulation, processing procedures, and the documentation to support the “Raised without Antibiotics” claim.

Note that all labels must have a labeling record, regardless of whether the label was submitted to FSIS for approval or if it was generically approved as permitted by 9 CFR 412.2. Although the generically approved label may not be associated with a formal FSIS approval, the label must still comply with the labeling record requirements, including supporting documentation for any claims on the label, even if the claims do not require FSIS approval. For example, a “Choice” grade claim on a single-ingredient beef label, which was generically approved, would require support in the label record that the beef was derived from source material of the same grade.

For more information about required labeling records, please go to https://www.fsis.usda.gov/inspection/compliance-guidance/labeling.

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.

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

On July 20, 2020, FSIS will update the individual establishment Salmonella performance standard category information for raw poultry carcasses, raw chicken parts and comminuted poultry products at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/science-data/data-sets-visualizations.

Additionally, FSIS will post the aggregate sampling results showing the number of establishments in categories 1, 2, or 3 for establishments producing young chicken or turkey carcasses, raw chicken parts or not ready-to-eat (NRTE) comminuted poultry products at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/science-data/data-sets-visualizations.

Export Requirements Update

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

• China, People’s Republic of
• Mexico 
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines 

For a complete list of countries, visit https://www.fsis.usda.gov/inspection/import-export.