The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the Federal meat inspection regulations to establish an optional new inspection system for market hog slaughter establishments that has been demonstrated to provide public health protection at least equivalent to the existing inspection system.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the definition and standard of identity for the ``roaster'' or ``roasting chicken'' poultry class to better reflect the characteristics of ``roaster'' chickens in the market today. ``Roasters'' or ``roasting chickens'' are described in terms of the age and ready-to-cook (RTC) carcass weight of the bird. Genetic changes and management techniques have continued to reduce the grow-out period and increased the RTC weight for this poultry class. Therefore, FSIS is amending the ``roaster'' definition to remove the 8-week minimum age criterion and increase the RTC carcass weight from 5 pounds to 5.5 pounds. FSIS is taking this action in response to a petition submitted by the National Chicken Council.

FSIS is proposing to revise the regulations prescribing the statistical [[Page 80669]] methods used in measuring the performance of chemistry laboratories in its voluntary Accredited Laboratory Program (ALP) and to expand the scope of accreditations offered by the program. Currently, participants in the ALP are accredited for the analysis of food chemistry (moisture, protein, fat, and salt), specific chemical residues, and classes of chemical residues. FSIS is proposing to change the statistical method it uses to evaluate laboratory proficiency testing (PT) sample results to the z score approach for those accreditations that are currently evaluated by Cumulative Summation (CUSUM). FSIS also is proposing to accredit non-Federal laboratories for microbiological indicator organisms and pathogen testing, in response to industry interest. Additionally, the Agency is proposing to make various minor edits and changes to the regulation for the sake of clarity and to incorporate all sample types under the jurisdiction of FSIS (e.g., to include egg products), as appropriate for the associated analyte, and to improve program flexibility. Improving program flexibility includes updating definitions to remove specific references that are currently limiting the program.

Remarks as prepared for delivery by Alfred V. Almanza, Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety

Feds Feed Families 2021 is a voluntary food drive which encourages employees from all federal agencies to give in-kind contributions – food, services, and time – to food banks and pantries of their choice. Stuff the Truck events challenge USDA employees to donate foods to local food banks whether in person or making donations individually. Volunteer or organize your own event!

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is hosting a virtual public meeting with participation from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). FSIS will discuss the Agency’s commitment to reducing Salmonella contamination associated with FSIS-regulated products and thus saving lives, by leading with science, building relationships, and influencing behavior change. Industry, interested individuals, organizations, and other stakeholders are invited to participate in the meeting and to comment on the data and science that drive FSIS Salmonella reduction efforts.

Remarks as prepared for delivery by Alfred V. Almanza, Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety

Remarks as prepared for delivery by Brian Ronholm, Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety

Remarks as prepared for delivery by Alfred V. Almanza, Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety

This public meeting/webinar, held February 24, 2015, was recorded live and real-time closed captioning was provided. Viewers of the recorded webcast will notice some errors in the closed captioning of the presentations, which is to be expected during a live event. The written transcript is the official record of the public meeting. Errors have been corrected.

Remarks as prepared for delivery by Alfred V. Almanza, Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety

Remarks as prepared for delivery by Alfred V. Almanza, Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety

Remarks as prepared for delivery by Alfred V. Almanza, Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety, United States–Chile Symposium on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Food Safety

USDA offers many support options for small scale processing. USDA’s Rural Development (RD) offers loans, grants, and loan guarantees to assist small and very small meat processors, and USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) provides inspection services that broaden the marketplace for processors who are looking for more retail and commercial outlets. In this webinar, you will hear from Under Secretary for Food Safety Mindy Brashears and Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand, as well as RD and FSIS leadership, to learn how these opportunities and programs work together to support small scale meat processing.

Remarks as prepared for delivery by Alfred V. Almanza, Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety

Remarks as prepared for delivery by Alfred V. Almanza, Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety, International Association for Food Protection

Remarks as prepared for delivery by Alfred V. Almanza, Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety

Feds Feed Families (FFF) encourages employees from all federal departments and agencies to give in-kind contributions-food, services and time-to food banks and pantries. This year's campaign focuses on online donations and highlights a summer of giving in June-August, along with seasonal reminders to donate throughout the year.

Record of FSIS Administrator’s Awards Ceremony, U.S. Department of Agriculture Headquarters

Remarks as prepared for delivery by Alfred V. Almanza, Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety