Label Backlog Update and Tips for the Label Approval Process

FSIS is currently experiencing a delay of about 23-24 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: Expedited label evaluation is limited to extraordinary circumstances.

FSIS will conduct expedited label evaluations under the following extraordinary circumstances: 1) when misbranded product has been retained (“tagged”) by inspection program personnel in an official establishment; or 2) when a temporary label approval is needed to remove an unforeseeable impediment to movement of meat, poultry or egg products.

When either of the above extraordinary circumstances exist, the label application would need to include, at a minimum:

• A complete explanation of the situation at hand;
• The USDA tag number (if applicable);
• Evidence that the four conditions for temporary approval at 9 CFR 412.1(f) for meat and poultry products have been met (if applicable, see link below for additional information); and/or
• Information about relevant prior label approvals, such as a prior label approval number or a copy of a prior label approval.

This information can be uploaded as an attachment through the Label Submission and Approval System (LSAS) or by including it with a paper application submission.

While we realize a request for expedited label review may be necessary in some cases, such a request should not be routine, as it will delay review of other labels already submitted for approval. For assistance in determining which labels must be submitted to FSIS for approval, including what types of statements are considered “special statements or claims,” please see the FSIS Compliance Guidance for Label Approval at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/guidelines/2014-0002.

Additional information about temporary label approval can be found on the FSIS website at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/inspection/compliance-guidance/labeling/labeling-procedures/information-required-requesting

FSIS Posts Next Set of Establishment Specific Datasets

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article has been updated to correct an editing error. Comments are to be made on the sample dataset and data documentation, not on the Establishment-Specific Plan.

FSIS is preparing to publish the next set of establishment specific datasets as announced in the Federal Register on July 14, 2016 (Docket No. FSIS-2014-0032). Prior to publishing these datasets, FSIS is making sample datasets available. The sample dataset and corresponding data documentation on raw poultry follow-up sampling results can be found at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/science-data/data-sets-visualizations/laboratory-sampling-data. Please visit http://www.regulations.gov/ and follow the online instructions at that site for submitting comments to Docket FSIS- FSIS-2014-0032 on the sample dataset and data documentation by June 28, 2019. FSIS intends to publish the final dataset on July 5, 2019. Additional details can be found in the FSIS Establishment-Specific Data Release Strategic Plan.

Export Requirements Updates

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

• Barbados
• European Union
• Hong Kong
• Japan
• Korea, Republic of
• Mexico
• Morocco
• New Caledonia
• North Macedonia, Republic of
• South Africa
• Vietnam

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

Policy Update

FSIS notices and directives on public health and regulatory issues are available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/directives-notices. The following policy update was recently issued:

• Notice 15-19 - Mandatory Equal Employment Opportunity and Civil Rights Training for All FSIS Employees