askFSIS and Small Plant Help Desk Moved to a New Platform – Deactivating All User Accounts

As announced in past industry calls and the Constituent Update on February 19, 2021, askFSIS and the Small Plant Help Desk have transitioned to a new data management platform.

The new platform does not have any user accounts, usernames or passwords. We have also announced existing account holders have until March 31, 2021 to recover any existing account information before all accounts get deactivated. Customers now submit their written question and information to askFSIS or the Small Plant Help Desk using the askFSIS Webform or Small Plant Help Desk Webform.

• Instructions for saving existing askFSIS account information is at this link.
• Instructions for saving existing Small Plant Help Desk account information is at this link.

If you have any questions about the transition, please contact askFSIS or the Small Plant Help Desk for assistance.

FSIS to Host Webinar on Egg Products Final Rule’s Impact on Imports and Exports

On March 22, 2021, FSIS will host a public webinar that will be of particular interest to USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) and American Egg Board (AEB) industry members. The webinar will focus on impacts of the Egg Products Inspection Regulations final rule on import and export programs.

FSIS will provide details on how to register for the event in a later Constituent Update.

The Egg Products Inspection Regulations final rule aligns the egg products regulations to be consistent with current requirements in the meat and poultry products inspection regulations. Under the new rule, federally inspected egg products plants are required to develop and implement Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs). Under the HACCP system, plants will be able to tailor a food safety system that best fits their particular facility and equipment. Furthermore, by removing prescriptive regulations, egg products plants will have the flexibility and the incentive to innovate to achieve enhanced food safety.

FSIS Seeking Comments on Internet Access at Official Establishments and Plants Proposed Rule

On March 2, 2021, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced in the Federal Register that it is proposing to amend its regulations to require official meat, poultry, and egg products establishments and businesses receiving voluntary inspection services from FSIS that have an internet connection to provide FSIS access to it for the purposes of conducting and recording inspection verification activities. FSIS views internet service as a necessary utility, like lighting, heating, and laundry services, that should be provided by establishments as a regulatory condition of receiving inspection.

FSIS is seeking public comments on the proposal until May 3, 2021. Comments may be submitted online via the federal eRulemaking portal, available at http://www.regulations.gov; or by mail sent to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mailstop 3758, Washington, D.C., 20250-3700. All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must include the agency name and docket number FSIS-2020-0019.