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Web Content Viewer (JSR 286)

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Petitions

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This page provides access to petitions submitted to FSIS for rulemaking and policy changes.

A petition for rulemaking is a written request to issue, amend, or repeal a regulation administered by FSIS. A request to issue, amend, or repeal other FSIS policy documents, such as FSIS directives, notices, or industry guidelines, may also be submitted by petition. FSIS’s regulations governing the petition process are in 9 CFR part 392. These regulations contain instructions on how to submit a petition to FSIS and describe the types of information that may help FSIS to review a petition in a more efficient manner. The regulations also permit interested parties to submit comments on a petition.

The Agency has established an e-mail address that allows interested persons to submit petitions and comments on petitions electronically.  The e-mail address is: fsispetitions@usda.gov.

All petitions for rulemaking or policy changes submitted to FSIS are posted on the FSIS website. Comments submitted on petitions are also posted.  When submitting an electronic comment on a petition, members of the public should identify the petition number in the subject line.  Other than first and last name, FSIS does not post personally identifiable information (PII), such as personal addresses, phone numbers, or e-mail addresses on its website.  Therefore, persons interested in submitting a comment on a petition are encouraged not to include PII with their comments.  If a comment on a petition includes PII, the Agency will remove such information before posting the comment.

Petition Submitted by Center for Food Safety (Dec 4, 2019) 
The petition requests that FSIS take certain actions with respect to the National Residue Program.

For access to supporting documents call (202) 720–5627 to schedule a time to visit the FSIS Docket Room at 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 6065, Washington, DC 20250–3700.

Petition Submitted by U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (Oct 23, 2019) 
The petition requests that FSIS limit the use of certain voluntary labeling claims, such as “Product of USA,” “Made in USA,” and  “USA Beef,” to meat products derived from cattle born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States.

Comments on this petition may be submitted through regulations.gov. The regulations.gov identification number is FSIS-2019-0024.

Petition Submitted by The Lamb Company (Sep 5, 2019)
The petition requests that FSIS repeal the definition of “spring lamb” in 9 CFR 317.8(b)(4).

Petition Submitted by Center for Science in the Public Interest (Aug 29, 2019)
The petition requests that FSIS prohibit the statement "No Nitrate or Nitrite Added" and "Uncured" in the labeling of products that have been processed using any source of nitrate, including non-synthetic sources, such as celery powder.

Comments on this petition may be submitted through regulations.gov. The regulations.gov identification number is FSIS-2019-0022.

Petition Submitted by National Bison Association (NBA) (Jul 22, 2019)
The petition requests that FSIS amend 9 CFR 412.2 to allow for the generic approval of labels of products that receive voluntary FSIS inspection (e.g., exotic species under 9 CFR part 352).

Petition Submitted by National Chicken Council (NCC) (Mar 1, 2019)
The petition requests that FSIS amend 9 CFR 381.82 to treat lesions that could be suspected of being caused by avian leukosis as a trimmable condition.

Petition Submitted by National Chicken Council (NCC) (May 8, 2018)
The petition requests that FSIS coordinate with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to exercise enforcement discretion to allow surplus broiler eggs to be processed into egg products under FSIS jurisdiction.

Petition Submitted by Organization for Competitive Markets and the American Grassfed Association (June 12, 2018)
The petition requests that FSIS amend the "Product of U.S.A." entry in the FSIS Food Standards and Labeling Policy Book (the Policy Book).

Comments on this petition may be submitted through regulations.gov. The regulations.gov identification number is FSIS-2018-0024.

Petition Submitted by Brazilian Beef Association (May 25, 2018) 
The petition requests that FSIS amend the import inspection instructions in FSIS Directive 9900.1 to eliminate "loose tin" from the list of conditions identified as container defects

Petition Submitted by Shawn K. Stevens (May 15, 2018) 
The petition requests that FSIS amend 9 CFR part 355 to add freeze dried and frozen pet food and pet treats to the pet food products eligible for USDA certification.

Petition Submitted by the Meat Import Council of America (Apr 30, 2018) 
The petition requests that FSIS revise its import re-inspection procedures to provide for reconditioning of transportation damaged products.

Petition Submitted by U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (Feb 9, 2018) 
The petition requests that FSIS exclude products not derived directly from animals raised and slaughtered from the definition of “beef” and “meat.”

Comments on this petition may be submitted through regulations.gov. The regulations.gov identification number is FSIS-2018-0016.  All comments received after April 13, 2018, will be posted to regulations.gov

Petition Submitted by Food & Water Watch (Dec 6, 2017) 
The petition requests that FSIS remove Brazil as a country eligible to export meat products to the United States under 9 CFR 327.2(b).

Petition Submitted by Mercy for Animals (Nov 15, 2017) 
The petition requests that FSIS initiate rulemaking to include poultry under the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act and the Humane Slaughter provisions of the Federal Meat Inspection Act.

Petition Submitted by National Chicken Council (Sep 1, 2017) 
The petition requests that FSIS permit waivers of the maximum line speed rates for young chicken establishments operating under the New Poultry Inspection System and Salmonella Initiative program.

Petition Submitted by C Dixon Lee, III (Aug 14, 2017) 
The petition requests that FSIS eliminate the “dual declaration” net weight labeling regulation in 9 CFR 317.2(h)(5).

Petition Submitted by Joyce Farms (Jul 26, 2017) 
The petition requests that FSIS initiate rulemaking to establish a regulatory definition and standard of identity for "Heritage chicken."

Petition Submitted by Import Export Associates (Jul 21, 2017) 
The petition requests that FSIS amend its policy on the use of safe handling instructions (SHI) on the protective covering of meat products shipped in a carton that bears all mandatory labeling required for an immediate container.

Petition Submitted by Sampco, Inc (May 5, 2017) 
The petition requests that FSIS amend its regulations and other policy documents to establish a consistent policy on the use and labeling of heart meat in certain meat products.

Petition Submitted by Leonard Lang on behalf of the Golden Quality Seafood Corporation (Jan 4, 2017) 
Petition requesting that FSIS modify its residue sampling program for imported catfish.

Petition Submitted by Center for Science in the Public Interest (Dec 1, 2016)
Petition requesting that FSIS require labels on processed meat and poultry products warning consumers that frequent consumption of these products may cause increase the risk of colon cancer.

Petition Submitted by American Veal Association (Jul 14, 2016)
Petition requesting that FSIS publish a regulation to define veal.

Petition Submitted by Safe Food Coalition (May 31, 2016)
Petition requesting that FSIS initiate rulemaking to revise the regulations that prescribe safe handling instruction labeling for raw and partially cooked meat and poultry products.

Petition Submitted by Lorna Moffat (Nov 13, 2015)
Petition requesting that FSIS allow the use of inert gasses, such as argon and nitrogen, to be used as a humane method of slaughter for swine.

Petition requesting that FSIS revise its policy on humane handling violations conducted by livestock transporters that are not employed by the slaughter establishment (Jan 23, 2015)

Petition Submitted by Import Export Associates Inc. for CKF Foods
Petition requesting that FSIS review its procedures for reinspection of imported chitterlings.

Petition Submitted by Consumer's Union (Jun 26, 2014)
Petition submitted requesting that FSIS issue an interpretive rule to prohibit the use of the claim “natural” in the labeling of meat and poultry products.

Petition Submitted by International Yak Association (Nov 2014)
The petition was submitted by the International Yak Association and requests that FSIS amend the regulations to include Yak as an exotic animal.

Petition Submitted by National Chicken Council (May 24, 2016)
The petition requests that FSIS establish labeling requirements for not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) stuffed chicken products that may appear ready-to-eat (RTE) and issue a Compliance Guideline for developing and communicating validated cooking instructions for such products.

Petition Submitted by the National Chicken Council (Nov 18, 2013)
Petition submitted by the National Chicken Council requesting that FSIS amend the definition for the “roaster” chicken poultry class.

Petition Submitted by Southern Poverty Law Center (Sep 3, 2013)
Petition submitted to both USDA and OSHA which requests that USDA ensure that worker safety is protected in any rulemaking related to line and work speeds in the meat and poultry processing industries.

Petition Submitted by Zatarain's (Aug 23, 2013)
Petition submitted requesting that FSIS revise the Jambalaya entry in the Food Standards and Labeling Policy Book

Petition Submitted by Animal Legal Defense Fund (Jun 3, 2013)
Petition submitted requesting that FSIS require mandatory labeling to disclose routine antibiotic use in animals used to produce meat and poultry products, and to clarify the standard for "antibiotic free" labeling claims.

Petition Submitted by Animal Legal Defense Fund
Petition submitted requesting that FSIS take regulatory action to withhold the official USDA mark of inspection from foie gras products unless such products bear labeling that states that they were derived from diseased birds.

Petition Submitted on Behalf of Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (Mar 14, 2013)
Petition submitted requesting that FSIS declare and regulate feces as an adulterant, amend 9 CFR 317.212, 318.125(b)(2)(i), 381.125(b)(2)(ii) and 318.96.

Petition Submitted on Behalf of Import Export Associates (Jun 20, 2012)
Petition submitted requesting that FSIS review its policies on the documentation that is required to accompany meat and poultry products for export to a foreign country and apply these policies in a consistent manner.

Petition Submitted on Behalf of SunOpta, Inc. (Jun 8, 2012)
Petition submitted requesting that FSIS permit the labeling of an oat fiber ingredient used as a binder in Meat and Poultry Products as "Oat Fiber. .

Withdrawal of Petition Submitted by Midwest Coalition for Human Rights (Apr 27, 2012)
Midwest Coalition for Human Rights withdraws petition requesting that FSIS work with the U.S. Department of Labor/OSHA to take action to slow down the speed of the line in meatpacking and poultry processing plants.

Petition Submitted by National Meat Association (Apr 10, 2012)
Petition submitted requesting the amendment/clarification of current policy applicable to display caddies containing meat and poultry products (jerky and snack sticks).

Petition Submitted by Shiff Hardin LLP (Apr 6, 2012)
Petition submitted requesting that FSIS create rules and regulations governing the sale, transport and processing of horses and horse meat intended for human consumption.

Petition Submitted by Preferred Meal Systems (Jan 10, 2012)
Petition submitted requesting that FSIS authorize a regulatory experiment in which the labels of the FSIS-regulated component of Preferred Meal Systems' products would be generically approved if all labeling materials associated with such products would otherwise qualify for generic approval except for the claim that the product is acceptable for use in USDA-monitored child nutrition programs. .

SOIA, A Division of American Freedom Defense Initiative (Jan 1, 2012)
Petition submitted requesting that FSIS amend the regulations to require that the labels of ritually slaughtered meat or poultry products, and products containing ritually slaughtered meat or poultry, disclose the fact that the meat or poultry was derived from a ritually slaughtered animal. The petition also requests that FSIS require that the labels of these products identify the type of ritual slaughter employed, .

Petition Submitted by Maple Leaf Farms (Dec 20, 2012)
Petition submitted requesting that FSIS revise the standard of identity for Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Petition Submitted by Applegate Farms (Nov 3, 2011) - This petition has been withdrawn by the submitter.
Petition submitted by Applegate Farms requesting that FSIS include natural curing systems, such as vegetables and fruit juices, to the list of approved curing agents.

Petition Submitted by Professional Research Organization, Inc. 
Petition submitted by the Professional Research Organization requesting that FSIS establish new uses of high pressure processing (HPP) as a post-processing and packaging intervention to eliminate Trichinella spiralis, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella spp. in ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products.

Petition Submitted by Gourmet Boutique, LLC (Jun 22, 2011)
Petition submitted by Gourmet Boutique requesting that FSIS issue a rule regarding the use of the term "grilled" for poultry products.

Petition Submitted by Real Halal 
Petition submitted requesting that FSIS initiate rulemaking to require that the labels of meat and poultry products identified as Halal or Zabiha Halal explicitly state whether the source animals were hand slaughtered or mechanically slaughtered.

Petition Submitted by Center for Science in the Public Interest  (Oct 1, 2014) 
Petition for an Interpretive Rule Declaring Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella Heidelberg, Salmonella Hadar, Salmonella Newport, and Salmonella Typhimurium in Meat and Poultry to be Adulterants

Petition Submitted by Center for Science in the Public Interest (May 25, 2011)
Petition submitted by Center for Science in the Public Interest requesting that FSIS issue an interpretive rule declaring antibiotic-resistant strains of Salmonella to be adulterants per the FMIA and PPIA.

Petition Submitted by North American Meat Processors Association (May 2, 2011)
Petition submitted by North American Meat Processors Association requesting that FSIS define the term "pasteurization" as it applies to meat and poultry products, and allow the use of the term "pasteurized" on consumer labels.

Petition Submitted by Tyson Foods Inc. (Mar 18, 2011)
Petition submitted by Tyson Foods Inc. requesting that FSIS rescind its approval of labels containing Perdue Farm's process verified program claims.

Petition Submitted by Food and Water Watch (Jun 6, 2014)
Citizen's Petition to Revoke Equivalency Determinations for the Canadian High Line Speed Inspection System; the Canadian HACCP-based Slaughter Inspection Program for Swine; the Australian Export Meat Inspection System; and the New Zealand Alternative Post-Mortem Meat Inspection Procedure

Petition Submitted by Food and Water Watch (Jan 19, 2011)
Petition submitted to request that FSIS initiate rulemaking to remove the Peoples Republic of China from the list of countries eligible to import poultry products into the United States.

Petition Submitted on Behalf of Food and Water Watch (Jan 28, 2008)
Petition submitted requesting that FSIS remove Canada as a Country Eligible to Export Meat and Poultry Products Under 9 C.F.R. §§ 327.2 (b) and 381.196 (b).

Petition Submitted by Animal Welfare Institute (May 26, 2016)
Petition requesting that FSIS revise the regulations to prohibit behavior that has the potential to cause birds to die other than by slaughter.

Petition Submitted by Animal Welfare Institute (Jan 2016)
Petition requesting that FSIS amend the poultry products labeling regulations to define “free range” and to amend the process for approving “free range” labeling claims.

Petition Submitted by Animal Welfare Institute (May 2014)
Petition submitted to amend labeling regulations under the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to require third-party certification for the approval of animal welfare and environmental stewardship claims.

Petition Submitted by Animal Welfare Institute (Dec 17, 2013)
Petition submitted requesting that FSIS use its authority under the PPIA to promulgate regulations for the humane handling of poultry.

Petition Submitted by Animal Welfare Institute (May 2013)
Petition submitted by the Animal Welfare Institute to request that FSIS amend the humane handling regulations to require that all slaughter establishments adopt a systematic approach to animal welfare.

Petition Submitted by Animal Welfare Institute (Aug 31, 2010)
Petition submitted by the Animal Welfare Institute to request that FSIS take certain actions to improve enforcement of the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act (HMSA).

Petition Submitted by The Conference for Food Protection (Jun 17, 2010)
Petition submitted to encourage FSIS to promulgate regulations requiring that packers and processors of mechanically tenderized beef cuts label these products to identify that they have been pinned, bladed, or otherwise mechanically manipulated in a way that tenderizes the meat by penetrating the intact muscle.

Petition Submitted by Kemin Foods Technology's Inc. (Apr 23, 2010)
Petition submitted to FSIS to allow liquid sodium benzoate, sodium propionate, benzoic acid and propionic acid as antimicrobial agents in meat and poultry products.

Petition Submitted by Kraft Foods Global, Inc. (Jan 19, 2007)
Petition submitted to FSIS for rulemaking to allow sodium benzoate and sodium propionate as antimicrobial agents in meat and poultry products.

Petition Submitted on Behalf of Farm Sanctuary, Animal Legal Defense Fund, Compassion Over Killing, Farm Forward, Mercy for Animals, and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Sep 1, 2015)
The petition is requesting that FSIS amend provisions in 9 CFR part 500 as they related to the humane handling of livestock.

Petition Submitted by Farm Sanctuary (Jun 3, 2014)
Petition requests that FSIS amend the ante-mortem inspection regulations to ban the slaughter of non-ambulatory disabled pigs.

Petition Submitted by Farm Sanctuary (Mar 15, 2010)
Petition submitted to FSIS to amend 9 CFR §309.3(e) to prohibit the slaughter of non-ambulatory pigs, sheep, goats, and other livestock and to require that such animals be humanely euthanized.

Petition Submitted by the Humane Society of the United States (Nov 2, 2009)
The petition requests that the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service repeal a provision in section 309.13(b) of the Code of Federal Regulations that allows veal calves who are unable to rise from a recumbent position because they are thought to be "tired or cold" to be "set apart and held" for treatment and potential slaughter for human consumption.

Petition Submitted by Marler Clark LLP, PS Outbreak, Inc. (Oct 5, 2009)
Citizens petition submitted to FSIS for an interpretive rule declaring all Enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) Shiga Toxin-producing serotypes of Escherichia coli ( E. coli), including non-O157 serotypes, to be adulterants within the meaning of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA).

Petition Submitted by the California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association (Mar 4, 2009)
The petition requests that FSIS rescind the final rule that eliminates the wet tare method for determining the net weight of meat and poultry products.

Petition Submitted by the Truthful Labeling Coalition (Jul 27, 2007)
Petition submitted by the Truthful Labeling Coalition requesting that FSIS take action to prevent the marketing of misbranded fresh poultry products.

Petition Submitted by the American Meat Institute (Jul 8, 2005)
Citizens petition to recognize the use of e-beam on carcasses as a processing aid.

Petition Submitted by the American Meat Institute, the National Meat Association, and the National Milk Producers Federation 
Petition submitted to FSIS to amend the ante-mortem inspection regulations to prohibit cattle that become non-ambulatory after passing antemortem inspection from being offered for slaughter.

Petition Submitted by Compassion Over Killing (Dec 30, 2010)
Petition submitted to FSIS to take regulatory action to revise the labeling requirements for eggs.

Petition for the Issuance of a Rule Regarding Natural Label Claims

  • Petitions

    A listing of petitions for rulemaking and policy change submitted to FSIS.

 

Last Modified Jan 21, 2020