FSIS Releases Report on Safe Handling Instructions Label

FSIS has released the Consumer Labeling Research Final Report, which outlines the results from a recent study designed to test consumer responses to potential revisions to the Safe Handling Instructions (SHI) label. FSIS contracted with RTI International to conduct the study. The study involved a literature review; listening sessions with consumer, industry, and other relevant stakeholder groups; focus groups; in-depth interviews; and a web-based experimental survey. Several alternative labels were designed by a renowned graphic design expert and consumer response was assessed. This study adds to an extensive body of research already commissioned by FSIS on the SHI label. The previous SHI study, as well as other consumer research studies are available on FSIS’ website at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/food-safety-stats/consumer-research.

FSIS Posts After-Action Review Reports

Two After-Action Review (AAR) reports for outbreaks investigated by FSIS and public health partners are now available on the FSIS website. These AAR reports summarize outbreaks of Salmonella linked to charcuterie meats and Salmonella linked to ground beef. Both reports highlight lessons learned from the investigations and identify ways to prevent or solve future outbreaks.

FSIS, in collaboration with public health partners, investigates outbreaks of foodborne illness to determine if there is an association between FSIS-inspected products and human illnesses. FSIS and partners work to determine the specific products making people sick to take action and prevent additional illnesses.

Previously published AAR reports can be found on the FSIS Outbreak Response page. To learn more about outbreaks investigated by FSIS, annual summary reports, and resources, visit the FSIS Outbreaks page.

USDA Serves Up Food Safety Tips for Your Summer Cookout

Food safety is a year-round priority, but it’s especially important during summer holidays when cooking outdoors and handling food in warmer temperatures. Bacteria thrive during summer and can significantly increase the risk of foodborne illness if food is not prepared or handled properly. Brush up on some key tips in our latest press release: USDA Serves Up Food Safety Guidelines for Your Summer Cookout.

The release covers key topics, like:

• Cleaning your grill
• Keeping raw meat separate from other foods to prevent cross-contamination
• Using a food thermometer to ensure food reaches a safe minimum internal temperature
• Keeping food from sitting in the "Danger Zone" (40–140 degrees F)

When in doubt, reach out! You can call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or email MPHotline@usda.gov. For more tips, follow FSIS on X, and follow USDA on Instagram and Facebook.

FSIS Updated Import Presented Refused and Import Refusal Reason Datasets

On May 20, FSIS updated the Import Presented Refused and Import Refusal Reason datasets on the Import and Export Data page. The Import Presented Refused dataset includes lot-level information for import volume along with import refusal data at the lot-level. The Import Refusal Reason is provided as a secondary dataset, providing each refusal reason as its own row to facilitate analysis.

The Import Presented Refused and Import Refusal Reason datasets are updated monthly and posted the third Friday of each month, with data broken out by fiscal year (FY), starting with data from FY 2014 (starting on October 1, 2013) through the most recent FY. These datasets are released in an open, non-proprietary comma-separated values (csv) format. Instructions on how to open csv files using Excel are available on the FSIS Sampling web page in the Comma Separated Values Guide section.

Upcoming Events

• June 6, 9am-12pm: FSIS Small Plant Roundtable

Export Requirements Update

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

• Honduras
• Singapore
• Korea
• Cuba
• Jamaica
• Korea
• Benin
• Hong Kong
• Kiribati
• Uruguay
• Namibia
• Philippines
• French Polynesia (Tahiti)
• Canada

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