FSIS Updates Guideline for Training Establishment Carcass Sorters in NPIS

FSIS has updated its guideline titled, “FSIS Guideline for Training Establishment Carcass Sorters in the New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS).” The guideline helps poultry establishments train employees to conduct carcass and associated viscera sorting activities that are required under NPIS. FSIS updated the guideline to clarify that if establishments do not plan to use any edible visceral organs for human food, their sorting procedures can be to remove and discard the viscera.

FSIS Updates Rapid Pathogen Screening Methods

The FSIS laboratory system is taking important steps to modernize its pathogen detection methods to use the best available science, be fiscally responsible, and create food testing workflow efficiencies. The FSIS laboratory system routinely reviews its pathogen screening contracts every five years. After a thorough multi-laboratory evaluation of commercially available rapid pathogen screening technologies that replied to the agency’s public contract opportunity, FSIS laboratories plan to implement the following pathogen detection approaches and update the associated Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook (MLG) chapters.

The selected methods were determined to be fit for purpose in FSIS’ unique high throughput regulatory laboratory environment. Specifically, the FSIS food testing laboratories will begin using the bioMérieux GENE-UP® Campylobacter detection kit to screen enriched poultry samples received on or after August 12, 2024 for Campylobacter species (MLG 41). FSIS Laboratories will continue to screen enriched samples for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes (MLG 8) and Salmonella species (MLG 4) using the Neogen® Molecular Detection System (MDS) platform (formerly 3M™ MDS). The continued use of the MDS platform will provide FSIS with the flexibility to detect Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium in a more rapid manner, and to detect Listeria species in addition to L. monocytogenes. Further, the FSIS is currently evaluating commercially available rapid pathogen screening technologies for the identification of adulterant Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC; MLG 5C) in regulated products and a future Constituent Update will announce the outcome of that evaluation.

The FSIS laboratory system is currently implementing these method changes and effective dates for updates to the L. monocytogenes, Salmonella, and Campylobacter MLG chapters will be communicated in future Constituent Updates. The “Notice of Change” page included at the front of each revised or new MLG chapter will describe the changes made throughout the document. Further details can be found in the FSIS Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook (MLG). Please visit the FSIS website for a list of third-party validated test kits that can be used to meet regulatory requirements for pathogen testing.

FSIS Announces Webinar on Whole Genome Sequencing

FSIS is announcing a whole genome sequencing (WGS) webinar titled, “Using Whole Genome Sequencing to Support FSIS Food Safety and Public Health Mission”. The webinar will be held on July 8, 2024, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET. Interested individuals can join through Microsoft Teams or join by phone at 202-650-0123; access code 982252168#.

FSIS and public health partners use WGS as an integral tool to protect public health. FSIS scientists use WGS to characterize bacterial pathogens isolated from meat, poultry, and egg products, and prevent contaminated products from going to commerce. The agency also uses this technology to help identify products that may be the cause of foodborne illness.

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

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 4831.3 - Retirees Requesting Encased Badges as Mementos - Revision 2

FSIS Directive 4410.5 - Student Loan Repayment Program for In-Plant Veterinary Medical Officers - Revision 3

Export Requirements Update

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

• Namibia
• Canada
• Western Samoa (Samoa)
• Singapore
• New Zealand
• Mexico
• European Union
• India
• United Kingdom
• Jordan
• Korea
• Uruguay
• Peru
• Honduras
• Qatar
• Colombia
• Dominican Republic
• Cuba
• Guatemala
• North Macedonia
• Chile
• Taiwan
• Ecuador
• Curacao
• Hong Kong

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