Availability of Guideline for Minimizing the Risk of Campylobacter and Salmonella Illnesses Associated with Chicken Liver

FSIS is announcing the availability of a guideline to assist FSIS-regulated establishments, retail food outlets, and foodservice entities in minimizing public health risks associated with raw or partially-cooked chicken liver. The guideline was developed because there have been several recent Campylobacter and Salmonella illness outbreaks linked to chicken liver dishes like pâté. FSIS will post the compliance guide on its website at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/fsis-guidelines.

Comments may be submitted online via the federal eRulemaking portal at: http://www.regulations.gov; by mail including CD-ROMs sent to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., Mailstop 3758, Room 6065, Washington, D.C. 20250-3700 or by hand-or courier-delivery to 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., Room 6065, Washington, D.C. 20250-3700. All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must include the agency name and docket number FSIS-2018-0022.

FSIS Posts Updated Quarterly Sampling Results

On July 31, 2018, the sampling results for FSIS regulated products will be updated on the agency website. Quarterly, FSIS calculates prevalence, volume weighted percent positive, or percent positive calculations for microbial pathogens in FSIS regulated products that are currently sampled through existing sampling projects using the prior 12 months of sampling data. Sampling results are available for raw beef, raw pork, raw chicken, raw turkey, processed eggs, and ready-to-eat products. For more information, visit: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/science-data/sampling-program/sampling-results-fsis-regulated-products.

FSIS Seeks Comments on Two Deregulatory Actions

Next week, FSIS will announce a proposal in the Federal Register to amend the federal meat inspection regulations to repeal an outdated regulatory requirement for livestock slaughter establishments. The proposed rule would remove a requirement for livestock slaughter establishments to mark carcasses with an ink stamp showing USDA inspection although those carcasses are to be further processed in the same establishment. USDA inspectors will continue to examine all carcasses for safety and wholesomeness for human consumption. To view the proposed rule and how to comment, visit the FSIS website at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/federal-register-rulemaking.

Also next week, FSIS will announce in the Federal Register a proposal to amend the federal meat inspection regulations to repeal redundant regulatory requirements for FSIS-inspected establishments that also prepare pet food and other inedible products. This deregulatory action would eliminate redundant regulations that restrict the hours that an official establishment may prepare uninspected, inedible products. Establishments are required to prevent the adulteration of meat and poultry products manufactured as human food and that will remain unchanged under this proposal. To view the proposed rule, visit the FSIS website at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/federal-register-rulemaking.

FSIS Extends Deadline for the Small and Very Small Plant Outreach Survey

FSIS would like to thank those of you who already completed the Small and Very Small Plant Outreach survey. The survey was initially sent to small and very small livestock and poultry slaughter and/or processing establishments the week of June 25, 2018. Establishments who have not yet completed the survey should have received an updated email and invitation this week. Additionally, we are extending the deadline for completing the survey to Aug. 24, 2018.

This voluntary survey will provide FSIS with feedback to inform communication, outreach, and technical support. We will use the results to assess current outreach efforts related to food safety, humane handling, and food defense. Your feedback will help to improve future guidance, tools, and resources. The email or mail survey came from Yolanda Kennedy (Yolanda.Kennedy@fsis.usda.gov), Agency Survey Coordinator, in FSIS’ Office of the Chief Financial Officer in the Performance, Evaluation, and Planning Staff. FSIS also mailed a copy of the survey to those small and very small establishments for which we do not have email addresses. As a reminder, the survey should take about 10-15 minutes to complete and individual responses will be kept confidential. Thank you in advance for your feedback!

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:

Notice 38-2018 - Notice Establishment Application for Export (FSIS FORM 9080-3)

FSIS Directive 9780.1 - Verifying the Ongoing Equivalence of Foreign Food Safety Systems

Export Requirements Updates

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

• Barbados
• European Union
• Kazakhstan
• New Caledonia
• South Africa
• Taiwan
• Western Samoa

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