1. PURPOSE
   This notice informs inspection program personnel (IPP) that FSIS will stop sampling for Salmonella sampling in raw fish in both domestic and imported products.
2. BACKGROUND
   The final rule "Mandatory Inspection of Fish of the Order Siluriformes and Products Derived from Such Fish" (80 FR 75590; December 2, 2015) amended the Agency's regulations to establish a mandatory inspection program for these fish and for products derived from these fish. FSIS conducted exploratory sampling for Salmonella in raw fish to monitor its presence.
3. SUSPENSION OF SAMPLING PROJECTS
   1. IPP are to be aware that FSIS is stopping Salmonella sampling for raw fish, both in domestic and imported product.  After July 13, 2022, IPP will no longer receive sampling tasks for the project codes:
      1. EXP_FI_MIC01; and
      2. IMPFISH_MI
   2. If any sampling tasks remain after July 13, 2022, IPP are to cancel the remaining sampling tasks and select "Not collected for miscellaneous reasons" as the reason for the cancellation.
      
   3. IPP are to return any unused shipping containers and sampling supplies after July 13, 2022, including the FedEx overnight billable stamp, to the FSIS Laboratory that provided the IPP with these materials. IPP are to send a request through the Public Health Information System or Outlook for a pre-addressed return FedEx ground-shipping bill. If submitting the request through Outlook, IPP are to use one of the following e-mail addresses:
      • FSIS - Sampling Supplies - Western Lab
      • FSIS - Sampling Supplies - Eastern Lab
4. QUESTIONS
   Refer questions regarding this notice to your supervisor and if needed to the Office of Policy and Program Development through askFSIS or by telephone at 1-800-233-3935. When submitting a question, complete the web form and select General Inspection Policy for the inquiry type.

NOTE:  Refer to FSIS Directive 5620.1, using askFSIS, for additional information on submitting questions.