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

On June 20, 2019, 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/microbiology. 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/microbiology

FSIS to Post Updated Dataset on Imports

On June 17, 2019, FSIS will update the publicly posted dataset on import refusals for products regulated by FSIS. Federal law requires every commercial shipment of imported meat, poultry, and egg products to be inspected prior to product entering U.S. commerce. FSIS inspects each shipment to verify labeling, proper certification, general condition, 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, replacement certificate).

This dataset is updated around the 15th of each month and contains each shipment with product that was refused entry. For more information, please visit https://www.fsis.usda.gov/science-data/data-sets-visualizations.

Label Backlog Update and Tips for the Label Approval Process

FSIS is currently experiencing a delay of about 22-23 business days in evaluations for labels that require review prior to use. By providing industry with label application submission tips and suggestions via the Constituent Update, FSIS is hopeful that it will achieve a faster, more efficient label evaluation process.

TIP: Identifying all special statements and claims in the “Special Claims Information” section of the label application will help streamline the evaluation process.

FSIS has noticed many applications submitted with incorrect or missing information in the “Special Claims Information” section, specifically Step 3, in the electronic Label Submission and Approval System (LSAS) process and Box 10 on the paper FSIS Form 7234-1. Providing all the correct information allows FSIS officials to more quickly identify labels to evaluate based on their area of expertise. Including all required information helps streamline and speed up the label approval process.

For example, establishments should select the “Animal Production/Breed/Raising” box in LSAS for labels bearing claims related to animal raising practices, such as “grass fed” or “no antibiotics administered.” If unsure of which category a claim falls under, the establishment should select the “Other Claims” box and manually enter the claim into the text box, such as “Gluten Free” or “Whole Grains Claim.” This information allows FSIS to assign the label to the staff officer best suited to evaluate that particular label.

The User Guide for Industry Users provides guidance on how to use LSAS. Page 83 specifically provides information on the tip cited above. The user guide can be accessed at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/import/LSAS-Industry-User-Guide-063015.pdf

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

Export Requirements Updates

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

• Mexico
• Taiwan

Complete information can be found at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/inspection/import-export.

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:

Docket No. FSIS-2019-0014 - Notice of Request To Renew an Approved Information Collection Accredited Laboratory Contact Update Form

Docket No. FSIS-2019-0015 - Notice of Request for a New Information Collection Permit To Obtain Specimens of Condemned or Other Inedible Materials From Official Establishments

Docket No. FSIS-2019-0016 - Notice of Request for a New Information Collection Egg Products

FSIS Directive 9000.9 - Inspection of Closed-Face Sandwiches for Export to Canada

FSIS Notice 18-19 - Compensatory Time Off for Religious Observances