FSIS to Publish Notice to Revise Salmonella and Campylobacter Categorization

Later this week, FSIS will publish a Federal Register notice announcing and requesting comments on revised categorization relative to pathogen reduction performance standards. The establishment category status for Salmonella will be based on FSIS sample results during the 52-week window ending the last Saturday of the previous month, rather than on results during the last 13 completed 52-week windows. At the same time, FSIS will no longer include follow-up sampling results as part of the moving window when determining establishment category status. FSIS will update the individual establishments’ category status on its website on a monthly basis and will maintain the last six months of historical establishment-specific categorization data on the website, as it becomes available, using the revised categorization procedures announced in the notice. 

FSIS intends to use the revised categorization procedures for all establishments subject to a pathogen reduction performance standard for Salmonella or Campylobacter, including beef and pork establishments, in the future. FSIS will announce any expanded use of the revised procedures in the Federal Register and will request public comment.

FSIS will proceed with implementing the changes on the date announced in the notice. However, FSIS is seeking comments on the changes as part of its effort to continuously assess and improve the effectiveness of the agency’s polices. The advanced copy of the notice is available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/federal-register-rulemaking/federal-register-notices/changes-salmonella-and-campylobacter.  

FSIS will seek public comment for 30 days from the publication date. Comments may be submitted online via the federal eRulemaking portal at: http://www.regulations.gov; by mail including CD-ROMs sent to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., Mailstop 3758, Room 6065, Washington, D.C. 20250-3700 or by hand-or courier delivery to 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., Room 6065, Washington, D.C. 20250-3700. All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must include the agency name and docket number FSIS-2018-0043.