FSIS Updates for Small Plants - November 1, 2023
Tips for Faster Label Approval
Labels are currently taking about 3-5 business days to evaluate.
TIP: When submitting a label for approval that bears text in a foreign language, including the English translation in the application will result in a faster label evaluation process.
English translations are not required on final product labels unless one or more of the mandatory labeling features is in a foreign language (9 CFR 317.2(b), 381.116(a)). However, as part of the label approval process, FSIS must determine whether all the information on the label is truthful and not misleading, which means that the English translations must be included in label applications.
FSIS Announces Fiscal Year 2024 Dioxin Survey
On November 1, 2023, FSIS will begin a one-year sampling program of domestic beef, pork, and Siluriformes fish to determine levels of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds. This survey is part of FSIS’ effort to monitor dioxin in regulated products to provide insight on changes in human exposure to dioxin-like compounds through the diet. Dioxins are a group of compounds of public health concern that are found in the environment, generally occurring at very low levels as persistent environmental contaminants. FSIS in-plant personnel will collect the samples and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) will analyze the samples. This is the latest survey in the recurring five-year cycle of dioxin surveys that FSIS conducts with other federal partners, including ARS, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Food and Drug Administration.
FSIS Posts Individual Category Status and Aggregate Results for Poultry Carcasses, Chicken Parts, and Comminuted Poultry Tested for Salmonella
FSIS updated 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 posted 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.
FSIS Posts New Raw Poultry Laboratory Sampling Establishment-Specific Dataset
FSIS posted the new updated Raw Poultry Laboratory Sampling Establishment-Specific Dataset, as announced in the August 18, 2023, Constituent Update. This dataset combines the Exploratory and Special Program Poultry Sampling, Raw Chicken Carcasses Sampling, Raw Chicken Parts Sampling, Raw Comminuted Chicken Sampling, Raw Comminuted Turkey Sampling, Raw Turkey Carcasses Sampling, and Raw Poultry Follow-Up Sampling datasets. The dataset has also been updated to include the exploratory young chicken carcass rehang sampling project, Salmonella enumeration, and sanitary indicator organisms (aerobic count and Enterobacteriaceae). The dataset is available on the Establishment-specific Datasets on Laboratory Sampling page.
FSIS Posts Quarterly Updates to Establishment-Specific Datasets
On October 6, 2023, FSIS posted quarterly updates to the following establishment-specific datasets:
Establishment-specific Datasets on Laboratory Sampling
- Egg Product Sampling Data
- Intensified Verification Testing Data
- Raw Beef Sampling Data
- Raw Pork Products Sampling Data
- Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Meat and Poultry Sampling Data
- Risk-based Listeria monocytogenes Sampling Data
Establishment-specific Datasets on Inspection Tasks
- Livestock Humane Handling Inspection Tasks
- Poultry Good Commercial Practices Inspection Tasks
PHIS Q&A
How do I delete a Submitted 9060-6 Application?
Most 9060 records can be deleted. Exceptions include rejected applications, approved certificates and those certificated that have been replaced or are currently pending replacement.
- Click on 9060 in the left navigation menu.
- Select the Trash Can icon to delete the selected application.
- Select OK on the confirmation pop-up.
- The page refreshes and the row is removed from the grid.
Note: Once the application is deleted, it cannot be retrieved, edited or replaced.
Visit PHIS Help for Industry for additional resources.
Knowledge Article
askFSIS Public Q&A: FSIS Labeling Records
What is required in a labeling record?
The labeling record must include: the final label applied to the product, product formulation, processing procedures and supporting documentation, including prior sketch approval from FSIS (if applicable). The recordkeeping requirements for labeling records are found in 9 CFR 320.1(b)(10) and 381.175(b)(6).
Questions? Please submit them through askFSIS by filling out the web form on the FSIS website.
SMALL PLANT ROUNDTABLE
2024 meetings coming soon!
ESTABLISHMENT TOWN HALL
November 15, 2023 (VIRTUAL)
4 PM Eastern
FSIS@usda.gov