FSIS Makes Changes to its Sampling Programs for FY 2024

FSIS implemented changes to its sampling programs for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, starting October 1. After reviewing the sampling and testing programs, as it does each year, FSIS has made targeted changes that more effectively utilize agency resources without impacting food safety. FSIS evaluates the effectiveness of its sampling programs to ensure they are meaningful to public health protection and will provide the best available science and data to inform agency decisions.

FSIS Posts FY 2021 and FY 2022 Exploratory PFAS Sampling Data

FSIS posted exploratory sampling data for fiscal year (FY) 2021 and FY 2022 for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in U.S. domestic and imported meat and poultry products. The PFAS data for FY 2021 and FY 2022 is being posted retroactively; the quarterly sampling data for PFAS for FY 2023 Q1-Q3 is already on the FSIS website as part of the National Residue Program Quarterly Reports. FSIS expanded PFAS testing, as described in the September 25, 2020, Constituent Update, is a part of FSIS’ continued efforts to understand and characterize potential contaminants in the food supply.

FSIS and ARS Launch Exploratory Sampling Program for Antibiotic Residues

FSIS, in partnership with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), is starting a new exploratory sampling program to assess whether antibiotics residues are detected in cattle intended for the “raised without antibiotics (RWA)” market.

As announced in a June 14, 2023 USDA press release, this sampling program is part of the USDA’s multi-step effort aimed at strengthening the substantiation of animal-raising claims. 

FSIS Implements Modernized Chemical Residue Quantitative Method

FSIS has developed an innovative method for beef muscle samples that uses modern chemistry instrumentation for quantifying chemical residues.

On October 1, 2023, the FSIS laboratory system implemented a new quantitative method for veterinary drug residue analysis in bovine muscle samples entitled “Quantitation of Animal Drug Residues by High-Resolution, Accurate-Mass Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (HRAM LC-MS)” (CLG-MRQ1).

FSIS Post Individual Category Status and Aggregate Results for Poultry Carcasses, Chicken Parts, and Comminuted Poultry Tested for Salmonella 

On September 20, 2023, 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.

PHIS Q&A

I need to edit the original export certificate; however, I am unable to proceed with a replacement (in lieu of) certificate.

Response: Only certain fields can be edited on a replacement certificate. If the field is grayed out, it can not be edited and a new application is warranted.

Visit PHIS Help for Industry for additional resources.

Knowledge Article

askFSIS Public Q&A: HACCP Training Certificate
Does a HACCP training certification expire? Is there any requirement that establishment employees participate in continuing education?

HACCP training certificates do not expire and there are no regulatory requirements in 9 CFR 417.7 addressing continuing education.