Laboratory Sampling Program for Imported Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products - Revision 1

FSIS directive 9900.6

Series Type 9000 Series: Exports & Imports

Issue Date Oct 24, 2024

Full Directive

9900.6.pdf

CHAPTER I – GENERAL SAMPLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL PRODUCTS

PURPOSE
This directive provides instructions to inspection program personnel (IPP) on the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) laboratory sampling and testing of imported meat, poultry, and egg products assigned by the Public Health Information System (PHIS). FSIS is issuing a new version of this directive to incorporate all laboratory sampling instructions for imported meat, poultry, egg products, and Siluriformes fish, including instructions from expired FSIS notices for raw beef and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Salmonella sampling, raw poultry Salmonella and Campylobacter sampling, and raw pork Salmonella sampling, and instructs IPP to use the cloth surface sampling method for imported fresh non-intact beef. This directive changes the packaging descriptions from intact to “product in the final package” and non-intact to “product not available in the final package,” so imported product packaging descriptions are consistent with domestic product packaging descriptions. Additionally, this directive provides new instructions on accepting certified Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) negative analysis test results from foreign countries that are eligible to certify test results for egg products imported in tanker trucks and totes. Finally, this directive provides instructions for IPP to access IPP Help to view the current import laboratory sampling Type of Inspection (TOI) information on the new “Import Laboratory Sampling Types of Inspection (TOI) Chart” and to refer to the new “Import Laboratory Sampling User’s Guide” for supplemental PHIS data entry instructions and other types of import laboratory sampling information.
CANCELLATION
FSIS PHIS Directive 9900.6, Laboratory Sampling for Imported Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products, 11/03/15
FSIS Directive 14100.1, Siluriformes Sampling at Import Establishments, 10/03/22
BACKGROUND
1. Import laboratory sampling TOIs for imported meat, poultry, and egg products are assigned through PHIS. In some instances, one or more import laboratory sampling TOIs are assigned to a lot. IPP are to refer to the information in this directive when PHIS assigns an import laboratory sampling TOI to imported product.
2. IPP are to refer to FSIS Directive 7530.1, Handling a Process Deviation or Abnormal Container of Thermally Processed, Commercially Sterile Canned Product for instructions on sampling abnormal containers.
3. IPP are to refer to the Imported Product Categorization Guide for Imported Product for questions about product categorization.
SAMPLING SUPPLIES
1. Sampling supplies are automatically sent out to official import inspection establishments (import establishment). IPP are to be familiar with the types of products on the import establishment grant of inspection to ensure required sampling supplies are available.
2. When required sampling supplies are not available, IPP are to refer to FSIS Directive 13000.2, Performing Sampling Tasks in Official Establishments Using the Public Health Information System, for instructions on ordering sampling supplies through PHIS or Outlook. All egg product and Siluriformes fish sampling supplies must be ordered through the specified laboratories:
  1. Egg Products – Western Laboratory; or
  2. Siluriformes fish – Eastern Laboratory or Western Laboratory.
3. When sampling supplies are needed immediately and are not available due to unforeseeable circumstances, IPP are to request the overnight shipment of supplies. In such cases, IPP are to indicate “Overnight delivery needed” in the subject line of the e-mail requesting supplies.
4. Chemical residue sampling supplies for egg products and Siluriformes fish may not be sent automatically and should be requested in advance to ensure availability.
5. When IPP request sampling supplies and kits for imported products through Outlook, they are to identify the following information in the e-mail:
  1. The Import Laboratory Sampling TOI (e.g., IMVRTE, MT51, IMVRTE, EGGIMP, IMPRESFRESH, Metals, IMPFISH_CH);
  2. The establishment name and number;
  3. IPP’s contact information (name, e-mail, and phone number where they can be reached); and
  4. The import sampling supply kit, including the species and product category and temperature category when applicable (e.g., fresh or frozen).
6. Should IPP have questions or concerns regarding the sampling supplies, they are to submit them to one of the FSIS laboratories via Outlook by selecting one of the email addresses below from the Global Address List.
  
  NOTE: The “Import Laboratory Sampling User’s Guide,” available in IPP Help, contains a list of imported product laboratory sampling TOIs and the names and the types of sampling supply kits available for imported products.
REINSPECTION CATEGORIES
1. Level of Reinspection (LOR) is the intensity of reinspection assigned for an imported lot based on the compliance history of the foreign establishment and the country for a specific TOI and product. TOIs are assigned at one of three LORs:
  1. Normal is a LOR where randomly selected lots are assigned TOIs based on the FSIS annual sampling plan. Under the normal level of sampling, the importer of record (IOR) is required to maintain control of products sampled for adulterants by FSIS and is not to allow such product to enter U.S. commerce until negative test results are received.
  2. Increased is a LOR above the normal level that is directed by an FSIS management decision to address food safety concerns. FSIS may retain lots of imported products under increased reinspection pending receipt of a laboratory analysis. The determination to retain product is a management decision made on a case-by-case basis. If FSIS does not retain products, the IOR is still required to hold or maintain control of products tested for adulterants by FSIS and is not to allow such product to enter U.S. commerce until negative test results are received.
  3. Intensified is a LOR that is implemented automatically by PHIS when a TOI is reported as “Fail.” Under intensified reinspection, FSIS retains the sampled lot tested for adulterants by FSIS at the import establishment until negative test results are received. The sampled lot is not allowed to move off-site to be held.
2. When PHIS assigns the same import laboratory sampling TOI to a single lot at more than one LOR (e.g., Normal, Increased, and Intensified), IPP are to:
  1. Perform only one TOI;
  2. Select the TOI based on the following order of LOR priority: 1) Intensified, 2) Increased, and 3) Normal;
  3. Identify each of the remaining TOIs as “Submit Not Performed;” and
  4. Select “Agency Instruction” as the reason.
    
    NOTE: The IOR is the individual or company named on the entry made with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). For locations where the local customs authority is not U.S. CBP, the IOR is identified on the FSIS Form 9540-1, Import Inspection Application.
CONTROL OF PRODUCTS THAT ARE TESTED BY FSIS FOR ADULTERANTS
(TEST AND HOLD)
1. IPP are to withhold a determination as to whether imported meat, poultry, and egg products are not adulterated and thus eligible to enter U.S. commerce until the results of all Agency testing that bears on the determination have been received (see 77 Federal Register 73401 (December 10, 2012), Not Applying the Mark of Inspection Pending Certain Test Results and the final rule Egg Products Inspection Regulations 85 FR 68640 (December 16, 2020)). When not retained by FSIS, the IOR must hold or control applicable lots of product that FSIS tests for adulterants until IPP receive the results of the testing. If unacceptable test results are reported, the product will be refused entry.
2. IPP are to be aware that test and hold instructions apply to imported:
  1. Non-intact raw beef product or intact raw beef product that is tested for STEC that FSIS considers to be an adulterant;
  2. Ready-to-eat (RTE) meat, poultry, and pasteurized egg product tested for Lm or Salmonella; and
  3. Livestock carcasses and meat products tested for residues.
3. IPP are to be aware that test and hold instructions do not apply to:
  1. Meat and poultry products assigned a residue laboratory sampling TOI to test for metals;
  2. Non-intact raw meat and poultry or intact raw meat and poultry products tested for Salmonella, Campylobacter, or other pathogens that FSIS has not designated as adulterants in those products;
  3. Poultry carcasses or raw poultry parts sampled for residues; and
  4. Egg products assigned an EGGCHEM laboratory sampling TOI.
4. IPP are to be aware that the IOR has the following options for maintaining control of the product:
  1. Keep the sampled product on the premises of the import establishment where the product was sampled until laboratory test results are received; or
  2. If not retained by FSIS as part of an Intensified or Increased LOR, the sampled product can move from the import establishment, provided the IOR has effective measures in place to prevent the product from entering U.S. commerce until the results of the testing are received.
    
    NOTE: When a lot is subject to an Increased LOR the Increased List, which is available on the Import Inspection Operations (IIO) SharePoint site, will identify when lots must be retained onsite. If IPP do not have access to the site, they are to refer to FSIS Directive 9900.5, Label Verification of Imported Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products on how to obtain access.
5. When a laboratory sampling TOI for an adulterant is assigned under a “Normal” LOR or an “Increased” LOR, and the sampled product is not retained by FSIS, IPP are to ask the import establishment management how they will control the product. When product is held off-site, IPP are to:
  1. Ask the import establishment management to provide the name and address in writing of the off-site location where the IOR will hold the product;
  2. Inform the import establishment management that when product is held off-site and unacceptable laboratory sampling test results are received, the IOR is responsible for bringing the product to an import establishment to be refused entry by FSIS; and
  3. Inform the import establishment management that when product is held off-site, the IOR is responsible for providing IPP with a copy of the label when requested.
6. For Canadian imports, if the IOR intends to return the shipment to Canada after FSIS samples are collected, IPP are to use the instructions in Chapter IX and the “Import Laboratory Sampling User’s Guide” to complete the entry in PHIS.
7. The agency may change import laboratory sampling TOIs or evaluation of results as needed. IPP are to refer to the “Import Laboratory Sampling Types of Inspection (TOI) Chart” to determine which laboratory sampling TOIs assigned by PHIS are applicable if they have questions.
SELECTING SAMPLES
1. When an import laboratory sampling TOI is assigned through PHIS, IPP are to:
  1. Notify import establishment management about the sample;
  2. Clearly identify the product that will be sampled; and
  3. Clearly identify the type of laboratory sampling TOI assigned.
2. When collecting samples of imported product for laboratory analysis, IPP are to:
  1. Use random sampling which may include the use of random number tables, or use the FSIS computer Random Number Generator;
  2. Consider personal safety when collecting samples and contact their frontline supervisor (FLS) if safety concerns are evident;
  3. Select samples that can be submitted for laboratory analysis in their final package whenever possible. Samples submitted in final packages (i.e., consumer ready package) are not to weigh more than 20 pounds;
  4. Request import establishment personnel move products subject to sampling to the import establishment inspection room;
    1. IPP are to notify their FLS for guidance if totes or combo bins cannot fit into the inspection room.
    2. If the product will not be sampled immediately, IPP are to ensure that import establishment personnel secure the product.
  5. Use aseptic sampling technique when removing samples from product in final packages weighing more than 20 pounds for microbiological analysis. Resources for aseptic technique are available on IPP Help;
  6. Collect samples for laboratory analysis in a sanitary manner when PHIS assigns:
    1. A microbiological sample for products available in their final package weighing less than 20 pounds;
    2. A residue sample for products available in their final package and products not available in their final package. FSIS Directive 10800.2, Residue Sampling and Testing under the National Residue Program contains additional information on collecting samples in a sanitary manner; and
    3. A chemistry sample for products available in their final package and products not available in their final packages.
  7. Submit separate samples for each assigned sampling project. IPP are not to request food chemistry, microbiological, and pathology analysis on the same sample;
  8. Place a "USDA OFFICIAL IMPORT SAMPLE” stamp on each shipping container selected as a sample. When a product exam is assigned to the lot in addition to the import laboratory sampling TOIs, double stamp the carton or cartons from which the laboratory samples are obtained;
  9. Select samples from one single production code or date; and
  10. Observe import inspection establishment personnel’s handling and removal of the unit to be sampled.
3. When an aseptic sample is taken from products not available in their final package for laboratory analysis, the sample must be removed from a separate sample unit other than the product exam sample. When an aseptic sample is not required, IPP are to retrieve the sample in a sanitary manner after the product exam.
4. When samples are available in their final package, IPP are to:
  1. Use the instructions in Section VII.B to collect a sample;
  2. Select the number of packages to equal the desired weight or count for the assigned import laboratory sampling TOI and product; and
  3. Place the product collected in its final packaging in the larger, non-sterile bag provided by an FSIS laboratory.
5. When samples are not in their final package, IPP are to:
  1. Use the instructions in Section VII.B to collect a sample;
  2. Select the sample from the surface perimeter of the containers when possible (e.g., combo bins and totes); and
  3. Refer to Section VII.G. (below) for instructions on using roll top bags and cups supplied by an FSIS laboratory to collect samples.
6. When PHIS assigns a laboratory sampling TOI to frozen imported products, one of the following options are to be used to obtain frozen product samples:
  1. Defrost or temper frozen meat and poultry products as directed in FSIS Directive 9900.2, Import Reinspection of Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products when frozen products are not available in their final package, and defrosted product is permitted to be submitted for laboratory analysis for the specific type of product. IPP are to:
    1. Temper only enough bulk packaged product or cuts to retrieve the required sample amount. Do not completely thaw the entire block of product; and
    2. Allow the product to air temper (defrost) while remaining covered, if necessary, in a controlled environment. When product is individually quick frozen (IQF), the air temper step is not needed.
  2. The drilling sampling method for collecting applicable samples of frozen meat, poultry, and egg products in IPP Help under Sampling, Drill Sampling Method and the instructions in FSIS Directive 9900.2 for drill sampling pasteurized egg products. When an establishment elects to use the drill sampling method, IPP are to:
    1. Verify establishment personnel clean and sanitize the drill and drill bit before and after each use;
    2. Verify the establishment removes the frost and ice crystals from the top of the block of product and drill at a 45-degree angle to within 1 inch of the bottom of the product container, if possible, but not more than the drill bit safely permits;
    3. Verify establishment personnel avoid drilling through any hump that is caused by the freezing process; and
    4. Collect drilled shavings for laboratory analysis in a sanitary environment, using clean and sanitized equipment.
      
      NOTE: The drill is to be a variable speed, heavy-duty electric drill with a rated capacity of not less than 1,800 RPM without a load. The drill bit is to be 11/16 inch or larger with not less than a 12-inch shank (thin-twist type), the type typically used only for wood and capable of producing large shavings. Since it is best to drill within 1 inch of the bottom of the frozen block of product, a 12-inch bit is only acceptable for blocks that are approximately 6 inches thick. An 18-inch bit is preferred for a block that is approximately 9 inches thick and a 24-inch or longer (if available) bit is recommended for a block that is 12 inches thick or more.
7. Collecting Samples.
  1. When using sterile sample cups IPP are to:
    1. Open the sample cup without contaminating the interior;
    2. Ensure the sample cups are not overfilled;
    3. Ensure the lids are tightly closed; and
    4. Place the filled sample cups in the same secondary containment bag (large zipper lock bags supplied by FSIS laboratories), expel excess air, and use the zipper lock to close the bag.
  2. When using roll top bags IPP are to:
    1. Open the roll top bag without contaminating the interior by grasping the side of the bag;
    2. Fill the bag to the fill-line indicated. Do not underfill or overfill the bag;
    3. Ensure that each roll top bag is properly closed by carefully squeezing out the air remaining in the bag and tightly folding over the top at least four times as trapped air and loose closures may lead to leakage. Do not wrap bag with tape. When folding over the tops of each bag, do not touch the bag near its opening. Fold over the side tabs to secure the folds in place and do not tie the ends; and
    4. Place the roll top bags in the same secondary containment bag (large zipper lock bags supplied by an FSIS laboratory), expel excess air, and use the zipper lock to close the bag.
  3. Edible tallow packaged in bulk containers (e.g., totes or railway cars):
    1. IPP are to notify their FLS verbally or by e-mail of the sample request. Based on IPP’s description of the container size, construction, and location the FLS can determine if obtaining a sample is feasible.
    2. When it is determined a sample can be collected, IPP are to provide designated import establishment personnel with FSIS sampling supplies and observe that import establishment personnel obtain samples in a sanitary manner from the correct product.
    3. IPP are not to climb on tanker trucks and railway cars to retrieve samples.
8. When PHIS assigns an import laboratory sampling TOI that is not applicable to the product, IPP are to:
  1. Refer to the “Import Laboratory Sampling Types of Inspection (TOI) Chart” to verify the TOI is not applicable; and
  2. Select “Not Applicable” as the most appropriate reason in PHIS for not performing the assigned sample.
9. Sample Receipt – IPP are to provide FSIS Form 9770-1, Official Receipt for Samples of Foreign Products Collected for Laboratory Analysis, to the IOR once all samples are collected from the lot (9 CFR 327.11).
10. Before submitting the sample to the laboratory for analysis, IPP are to:
  1. Complete the following:
    1. Enter all the data required to complete the “Sample Management – Sample Collection” information in PHIS;
    2. Print a copy of the completed laboratory sample form, sign it, and submit the printed copy with the sample to the laboratory; and
    3. Place the applicable lot on hold in PHIS and select the appropriate reason.
  2. When PHIS requires production dates for sampled products, IPP are to:
    1. Record the date of the final process identified on the foreign inspection certificate (e.g., date of deboning or date of slicing) when recording the production date on the laboratory form in PHIS for complex products; and
      
      EXAMPLE: When IPP submit a dry-cured ham sample to the laboratory for analysis, they are not to use the date of earlier salting and curing periods as the production date.
    2. Select the date of sampling as the production date when a production code is on the product and not an actual production date and record the product code in the “Remarks” section of the laboratory form.
  3. When product cannot be submitted to the laboratory in the final package, IPP are to state that the selected sample is not in the final package in the “Remarks” section of the laboratory form.
SAMPLE SUBMISSION
1. IPP are to submit samples to the FSIS laboratory designated on the form in PHIS, EXCEPT for products sampled in the Pacific Islands and Puerto Rico. For these samples, IPP are to:
  1. Send laboratory samples taken from imported products in the Pacific Islands to the Western Laboratory, regardless of which laboratory is designated on the sample form in PHIS;
  2. Send laboratory samples taken from imported products in Puerto Rico to the Eastern Laboratory, regardless of which laboratory is designated on the sample form in PHIS; and
  3. Line through the laboratory name on the form and write in the correct laboratory name for samples taken in the Pacific Islands and Puerto Rico.
2. IPP are to:
  1. Ensure that the gel coolants are frozen solid at least 24 hours before sample collection for refrigerated samples;
  2. Keep refrigerated samples in the refrigerator (if shipping same day or next day) or in the freezer (if shipping later, such as collecting over a weekend before a Monday holiday) until the sample is picked up by the carrier, except for products and samples identified in paragraph C;
  3. Ensure sample security is maintained at all times and that the samples collected remain under FSIS control before pick-up by carrier;
  4. Ship samples on the day of collection or the next day, but are not to ship samples on a Saturday, or the day before a federal holiday; and
  5. Refer to FSIS Directive 7355.1, Use of Sample Seals for Laboratory Samples.
3. Supplemental Instructions for submitting samples.
  1. Egg product samples collected after the courier has picked up for the day are held overnight under the same condition as received (refrigerated or frozen) and submitted to the laboratory in the same condition as received.
  2. Raw poultry products sampled for Salmonella and Campylobacter:
    1. Chicken part samples are to be held overnight under the same condition as received (refrigerated or frozen);
    2. Rinsate or swab samples for chicken or turkey carcasses are to be held overnight under refrigeration and are not to be frozen;
    3. Non-frozen samples of ground, or other comminuted, or mechanically separated chicken or turkey are to be held overnight under refrigeration and are not to be frozen; and
    4. Samples of frozen ground, or other comminuted, or mechanically separated chicken or turkey collected by using the drill sample method, are to be kept frozen and not allowed to thaw.
  3. Raw pork products sampled for Salmonella analysis collected after the courier has picked up for the day are held overnight under the same condition as received (refrigerated or frozen) and submitted to the laboratory in the same condition as received.
  4. Frozen raw beef products sampled for STEC collected after the courier has picked up for the day are held overnight and must remain frozen under the same condition as received (refrigerated or frozen) and submitted to the laboratory in the same condition as received.
LABORATORY SAMPLES IDENTIFIED AS DISCARDED NOT ANALYZED
1. IPP are to monitor LIMS-Direct for sample results.
2. When a laboratory sampling TOI is identified as discarded or not analyzed by the laboratory in LIMS-Direct for product sampled under an “Increased” LOR and the product is retained by FSIS, or the product was sampled under an “Intensified” LOR, IPP are to:
  1. Collect a second sample for resubmission to the laboratory;
  2. Add a replacement sample in PHIS using the instructions in the “Import Laboratory Sampling User’s Guide”; and
  3. Notify the import establishment management that a second sample is being submitted to the laboratory and ask them to notify the IOR.
3. When a sample is discarded by the laboratory for product sampled under a “Normal” LOR, IPP are to:
  1. Verify the laboratory TOI is recorded in PHIS as “Complete” with a status of “Discarded Not Analyzed” for the lot; and
  2. Notify the import establishment management that the sample was discarded and that the lot will not be resampled.
    
    NOTE: Samples that meet discard criteria for one pathogen may still be tested for other import laboratory TOIs assigned to the lot by PHIS.
LABORATORY SAMPLING TEST RESULTS AND ACTIONS TAKEN BASED ON THE RESULTS
1. After a sample has been submitted, IPP are to:
  1. Monitor PHIS for sample results; and
  2. Release the shipment when acceptable results are posted.
    
    NOTE: The result not posting in PHIS doesn’t preclude IPP from releasing the product if LIMS Direct is acceptable, but it does prevent IPP from closing the application and PHIS from sending the “may proceed” to CBP & the Broker.
2. When an indeterminate result for chemistry or residue samples displays for a lot in the PHIS Lot Manager screen.
  1. IPP are to:
    1. Send an e-mail to Office of Field Operations (OFO) Recall Management & Technical Analysis Staff (RMTAS) at foimports@usda.gov;
    2. Identify the e-mail subject as Indeterminate Laboratory Sample Test Results;
    3. Include the PHIS application-lot ID number, laboratory form number, and either a scanned copy of the product label with the ingredients statement or a typed product name and ingredients statement; and
    4. Identify the status of the lot.
  2. Indeterminate sample test results will show as such in the PHIS Lot Manager screen until RMTAS has researched and determined a test result of Pass or Fail. RMTAS will then enter the result in PHIS.
    1. When RMTAS determines an indeterminate test result is a Fail, IPP are to follow instructions provided by RMTAS.
    2. RMTAS will notify FSIS’ Office of International Coordination (OIC) of the result.
3. When Acceptable laboratory sample tests results (e.g., negative, passed, detected non-violative) are identified in PHIS for the requested analyses, and all other reinspection results are acceptable, and the lot was:
  1. Sampled under a “Normal” LOR or an “Increased” LOR and held under IOR control, IPP are to:
    1. Notify the import establishment management that the laboratory sampling test results are acceptable, and the lot can be released, and
    2. Complete the reinspection of the lot in PHIS.
  2. Sampled under an “Increased” LOR and retained by FSIS or the product was sampled under an “Intensified” LOR, IPP are to:
    1. Notify the import establishment management the laboratory sampling test results are acceptable, and the lot can be stamped “U.S. Inspected and Passed” and released; and
    2. Complete reinspection of the lot in PHIS.
4. When an import laboratory sampling TOI is reported as presumptive positive (microbiological results for adulterants only) in PHIS.
  1. Lots sampled under a “Normal” LOR and the product is still at the import inspection establishment, IPP are to:
    1. Notify the import establishment management of the presumptive positive test result; and
    2. Verify the product is still under IOR control.
  2. Lots sampled under a “Normal” LOR or an “Increased” LOR, and held under IOR control and the lot has been moved from the import establishment to an off-site location, IPP are to:
    1. Request the import establishment management to:
      1. Notify the IOR of the presumptive positive;
      2. Confirm with the IOR that the product is still on hold;
      3. Confirm the off-site location of the product; and
      4. Notify the IOR no further movement of the product is permitted.
    2. Notify their FLS to report the presumptive positive result as well as the hold status and location of the lot; and
    3. Provide the FLS with a copy of the inspection certificate (for non-electronic Certification (eCert) countries), PHIS import application, and lot number.
  3. The FLS is to e-mail these documents to RMTAS at foimports@usda.gov and the appropriate district office (DO) contact immediately.
  4. RMTAS may issue instructions to retain applicable products from the same foreign establishment until further notice based on data review. This may include previously inspected and passed products.
5. When a sample is confirmed Positive, Failed, Detected – Violative or identified with any other unacceptable sample test results.
  1. If the product is under IOR control at an off-site location, IPP are to:
    1. Confirm through the import establishment management that the IOR still has the product under control and the product has not entered U.S. commerce;
    2. Notify the import establishment management to inform the IOR that the lot is refused entry and must be returned to an import establishment to be officially refused entry; and
    3. Confirm the import establishment management and the IOR know that the import mark of inspection must be removed from all boxes.
  2. When a sample is confirmed Positive, Failed, Detected – Violative, or identified with any other unacceptable sample test results, and the sampled lot is held onsite or confirmed to be held off-site by the IOR, IPP are to:
    1. Initiate a refused entry in PHIS; and
    2. Immediately send an e-mail to notify the FLS and DO of the unacceptable laboratory sampling test result and if the shipment is held off-site, indicate the status of the shipment returning to an import establishment. The e-mail is to include a copy of the inspection certificate (for non-eCert countries) and PHIS import application and lot numbers. The FLS or DO will send the e-mail notification and documents to RMTAS.
  3. When IPP refuse entry on imported product, they are to:
    1. Verify the import mark of inspection is removed from all applicable containers;
    2. Verify all containers are stamped “United States Refused Entry,” including products held off-site and returned to an import establishment to be refused entry;
    3. Refer to FSIS Directive 9900.8, Meat, Poultry and Egg Products Refused Entry Into the United States, for further instructions on refusing entry on imported products; and
    4. Refer to the “Import Laboratory Sampling User’s Guide” in IPP Help to enter the refused entry data into PHIS.
  4. When a lot tests Positive, Failed, Detected – Violative or identified with any other unacceptable test results for adulterants, and the IOR failed to maintain control of the product:
    1. The DO will notify the appropriate Office of Investigation, Enforcement and Audit Regional Director and RMTAS.
    2. RMTAS will follow the instructions in FSIS Directive 8080.1, Recall of Meat and Poultry Products.
    3. The lot cannot be refused entry in PHIS because the shipment is in U.S. commerce.
6. Imported products not required to be held pending receipt of laboratory testing results, and if Positive for Salmonella and Campylobacter in raw product or “Detected – non-violative” for Metals, are not to be refused entry.
  1. Laboratory Sampling TOIs:
    1. Raw Beef products sampled for Salmonella;
    2. Raw Poultry products sampled for Salmonella and Campylobacter;
    3. Raw Pork products sampled for Salmonella; and
    4. Meat and poultry products sampled for metals.
  2. When PHIS assigns one of the laboratory sampling TOI’s as described in 1. above with a laboratory sampling TOI for an adulterant to the same lot:
    1. IPP are to withhold the test results of the laboratory sampling TOIs described in 1 above until after receiving the laboratory sampling test results for adulterants (e.g., STEC, Lm, residues); or
    2. When negative or acceptable test results for adulterants are received first, IPP are to advise the import establishment management the lot does not need to continue to be held until receipt of the exploratory sampling test results.
  3. When test results are reported for the laboratory sampling TOI’s described in 1. above as negative, acceptable, or “Not Detected” for Metals, IPP are to notify the import establishment management the sampling test results are negative and request that they notify the IOR.
  4. When test results are reported as positive for Salmonella or Campylobacter, or “Detected – non-violative” for Metals, for the laboratory sampling TOI’s in paragraph one, IPP are to notify the import establishment management the sampling test results are positive, and request that they notify the IOR, but that no further actions are required.
  5. When test results are reported as positive for Salmonella or Campylobacter, or “Detected – Non -Violative” for Metals, and the IOR requests that the lot not be stamped “U.S. Inspected & Passed” because the IOR wants to drawback the entire lot or partial lot from the United States, IPP are to:
    1. Request that the IOR provide evidence that the drawback was completed with CBP;
    2. Review the information to verify the product and the amount of product coincides, at minimum, with the kind of product and the weight of the product being withdrawn for the lot;
    3. Attach any documents provided by the IOR to the case file; and
    4. Identify the appropriate “Type of Withdraw” in PHIS.

CHAPTER II – MICROBIOLOGICAL SAMPLING OF RTE MEAT, POULTRY, AND PASTEURIZED EGG PRODUCTS

INTRODUCTION
SAMPLING PROCEDURES FOR PRODUCTS IN THEIR FINAL PACKAGE

CHAPTER III – RAW BEEF PRODUCTS SAMPLED FOR STEC

INTRODUCTION
IMPORTED RAW BEEF PRODUCTS ELIGIBLE FOR SAMPLING
SAMPLE SELECTION

CHAPTER IV - RAW POULTRY PRODUCTS SAMPLED FOR SALMONELLA AND CAMPYLOBACTER ANALYSIS

INTRODUCTION
SUPPLEMENTARY SAMPLING SUPPLY INSTRUCTIONS
PRODUCT ELIGIBILITY AND SAMPLE COLLECTION

CHAPTER V - RAW PORK PRODUCTS SAMPLED FOR SALMONELLA ANALYSIS

INTRODUCTION
ELIGIBLE PRODUCTS
SAMPLE SELECTION

CHAPTER VI – FOOD CHEMISTRY AND SPECIATION TESTING

INTRODUCTION
FOOD CHEMISTRY SAMPLING
SPECIES SAMPLING

CHAPTER VII – PATHOLOGY

INTRODUCTION
SUPPLEMENTAL PATHOLOGY SAMPLING PROCEDURES
SUPPLEMENTAL PATHOLOGY RESULTS INSTRUCTIONS

CHAPTER VIII – RESIDUE TESTING

INTRODUCTION
ELIGIBLE PRODUCTS
SAMPLE SELECTION

CHAPTER IX - RETURN OF IMPORTED SHIPMENTS TO CANADA SUBJECT TO TEST AND HOLD PENDING RECEIPT OF LABORATORY RESULTS

ELIGIBLE PRODUCTS
IMPORT INSPECTION PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITIES
LOT DISPOSITION
OFO-HEADQUARTERS RESPONSIBILITIES

CHAPTER X – DATA ANALYSIS AND QUESTIONS

Note: Download PDF for complete information.

Food Safety and Inspection Service

Laboratory Sampling Program for Imported Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products - Revision 1

Start your search

Popular Topics