To request label records for a USDA FSIS inspected product,* submit a FOIA and provide the following:

1. Federal establishment numbers or names: Provide FSIS FOIA with the numbers or names of the federal establishments that process the inspected product. Federal establishment is not the same as the brand or retailer.
2. Date range: Provide a date range in which to search for label records
   
   *USDA FSIS-Inspected Products: meat, poultry, egg products

Ways to find a federal establishment number or name:

Several establishments could provide inspected product to one company or retailer.

• Locate an establishment, or the name/s it does business under, in the Meat, Poultry, and Egg Product Inspection (MPI) directory on FSIS' website
• Request the establishment numbers or names from the brand's company, the farm, or the retailer
• Other ways to find the USDA establishment number printed on a label

Items in a label record

• Various applications, re-applications, supporting documentation, etc. One establishment could have hundreds of labeling records.
• Product name, brand name, a claim on the label, or other specific criteria

FSIS does not index its labels based on

• product or brand names printed on the label
• names of the farms or retailers where the FSIS inspected products are raised or sold
• by special statements or claims printed on the label

Label Records not maintained by FSIS:

Labeling records maintained by the establishment and at the establishment are not subject to FOIA. Consequently, a label found in the market place may not be available through a FOIA request. Generically approved labels* do not need to be submitted directly to the FSIS for approval. Generically approved labels have prior approval and are acceptable for use in commerce provided the labels meet all FSIS laws and regulations. These labels are maintained by the establishments and kept on file under the establishments' control (not FSIS) as part of their recordkeeping requirements. Thus generic labeling records are not subject to FOIA.

For more information see: FSIS Compliance Guidance for Label Approval

*Generically approved labels: Only certain types of labels are required to be submitted to FSIS for approval under 9 CFR 412.1(b), for example, special statements or claims. These labels are maintained by FSIS and are subject to FOIA.