FSIS to Post Updated Datasets on Import Refusals

On June 14, 2024, FSIS will update the publicly posted dataset on import refusals 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. Within 45 days for meat and poultry or 30 days for egg products, the importer must have the product destroyed for use as human food, re-exported 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. To access these datasets or view more information about them, please visit the Import and Export Data page.

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

On June 20, 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 on 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.

Upcoming Events

• June 2024 Public Meeting: National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods: June 24, 1:00-3:00 p.m. ET.
• Using Whole Genome Sequencing to Support FSIS Food Safety and Public Health Mission: July 8, 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET.

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 June 17, 2024: Notice of Request to Renew an Approved Information Collection: Animal Disposition Reporting
• Until June 17, 2024: Notice of Request to Renew an Approved Information Collection: Consumer Complaint Monitoring System
• Until June 19, 2024: National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods: Public Meeting
• Until June 24, 2024: Notice of Request to Renew an Approved Information Collection: Requirements to Notify FSIS of Adulterated or Misbranded Product, Prepare and Maintain Written Recall Procedures, and Document Certain HACCP Plan Reassessments

Export Requirements Update

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

• Mexico
• Canada
• Korea
• Georgia
• Morocco
• Egypt
• Tunisia
• Colombia
• Peru
• Mauritius
• Solomon Islands
• Turkey
• Nicaragua
• Panama
• Japan
• Cuba
• Chile
• Dominican Republic
• Jamaica

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