Constituent Update - October 14, 2022
USDA Releases Proposed Regulatory Framework to Reduce Salmonella Infections Linked to Poultry Products
Agency seeks comments on framework at public meeting
Today, USDA released a proposed regulatory framework for a new strategy to control Salmonella contamination in poultry products and reduce foodborne illnesses attributed to these products. The agency is hosting a virtual public meeting on Nov. 3, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET via Zoom to seek input on the proposed framework. FSIS is soliciting feedback from stakeholders on all of the elements of the proposed framework before moving forward with any proposed changes to regulations or other actions.
The proposed framework has been shaped by months of information-gathering and discussions with a wide range of stakeholders, researchers, and scientists. The proposed framework consists of three key components that, together, support a comprehensive approach to controlling Salmonella in poultry.
- Requiring that incoming flocks be tested for Salmonella before entering an establishment;
- Enhancing establishment process control monitoring and FSIS verification; and
- Implementing an enforceable final product standard.
The framework under consideration also addresses cross-cutting issues of testing for Salmonella, the impact on small and very small establishments and data sharing. An online copy of the proposed framework is available on the FSIS website.
Representatives from industry, consumer groups and other stakeholders are invited to participate in the public meeting. Attendees must pre-register to attend the meeting. To view the agenda and to register to attend, please visit the Meetings and Events page on the FSIS website.
FSIS is seeking feedback from stakeholders on the proposed framework, both at the public meeting and in written comments submitted to the meeting docket published in the Federal Register. Anyone who wishes to provide oral comments on the proposed framework at the public meeting should indicate so when registering for the public meeting, no later than October 24, 2022. Interested persons will have 30 days to comment after the meeting notice is published in the Federal Register. Written comments should be submitted at https://www.regulations.gov. Visit the FSIS website to view the Federal Register meeting notice and information on how to comment or submit information.
FSIS to Post Updated Datasets on Import Refusals and Import Volume
On October 17, 2022, FSIS will update the publicly posted datasets on import refusals and country-level import volume 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, and the importer has up to 45 days (30 days for egg products) to have the product destroyed for use as human food, re-exported/returned to the country of origin, 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 dataset is updated around the 15th of the first month of each quarter. The datasets contain each shipment with product that was refused entry.
Both the current and archived import volume datasets are updated around the 15th of the first month of each quarter. These data represent the volume of imported meat, poultry, and egg products presented for FSIS reinspection at port of entry.
To access these datasets or view more information about them, please visit the Import and Export Data page on the FSIS website.
FSIS to Post Individual Category Status and Aggregate Results for Poultry Carcasses, Chicken Parts, and Comminuted Poultry Tested for Salmonella
On October 20, 2022, 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
Policy Update
FSIS notices and directives on public health and regulatory issues are available on the FSIS Policy webpage. The following policy updates were recently issued:
FSIS Notice 55-22 - $1,000 Referral Awards
FSIS Notice 56-22 - Continuation of In-Field Study to Test the Cloth Sample Collection Method For Beef Manufacturing Trimmings
FSIS Notice 57-22 - Performance Management Instructions for Fiscal Year 2023
FSIS Notice 58-22 - Leave Bank Program 2022 Open Enrollment Period for the 2023 Leave Year
Export Requirements Update
The Library of Export Requirements has been updated for products for the following:
- Egypt
- Barbados
- Ecuador
- Colombia
- Chile
- Curacao
- Costa Rica
- Japan
- India
- Singapore
- Kiribati
- Benin
- Namibia
- Jordan
- Qatar
- Mexico
- United Arab Emirates
- South Africa
- New Caledonia
- Tunisia
- Mauritius
- Korea
- Myanmar
- Solomon Islands
- Western Samoa (Samoa)
- Hong Kong
- French Polynesia (Tahiti)
- Taiwan
- China
- Vietnam
- New Zealand
- Canada
Complete information can be found at the FSIS Import & Export Library.