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 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.
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Oct 24, 2019)
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).
- Supplemental Information (Nov 1, 2019)
- Comments on Petition (Oct 14, 2019)
- Comments on Petition (Oct 30, 2019)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Sep 11, 2019)
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.
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Aug 30, 2019)
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).
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Sep 18, 2019)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Aug 19, 2019)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (July 29, 2019)
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.
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Mar 8, 2019)
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.
- Comments on Petition (Nov 2, 2018)
- Comments on Petition (Nov 2, 2018)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Aug 9, 2018)
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.
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (June 22, 2018)
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
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (June 7, 2018)
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.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Nov 25, 2019)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (June 7, 2018)
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.
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (May 3, 2018)
- Document in Support of Petition (Apr 30, 2018)
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
- Comment on Petition (Apr 2- Apr 12, 2018)
- Request to Extend Comment Period (Apr 10, 2018)
- Comment on Petition (Apr 10, 2018)
- Letter from National Cattlemen's Beef Association in Opposition to the Petition (Apr 10, 2018)
- Comment on Petition (Apr 9, 2018)
- Comment on Petition (Apr 9, 2018)
- Letter from Animal Legal Defense Fund in Opposition to the Petition (Apr 9, 2018)
- Letter from Organization for Competitive Markets in Support of the Petition (Apr 9, 2018)
- Letter from Independent Cattlemen's Association of Texas in Support of the Petition (Apr 9, 2018)
- Letter from Jones County Cattlemen’s Association in Support of the Petition (Apr 9, 2018)
- Letter from National Farmers Union in Support of Petition (Apr 9, 2018)
- Letter in Opposition to the Petition (April 6, 2018)
- Comments in Support of Petition (Apr 2, 2018)
- Comments in Support of Petition (Mar 30, 2018)
- Comments in Support of Petition (Mar 28, 2018)
- Comments in Support of Petition (Apr 2, 2018)
- Comments on Petition (Apr 2, 2018)
- Comments on Petition (Mar 20 - Mar 31, 2018)
- Comments on Petition (Mar 21, 2018)
- Comments on Petition (Mar 20, 2018)
- Comments on Petition (Mar 19, 2018)
- Comments on Petition (Mar 17, 2018)
- Comments on Petition (Mar 16, 2018)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Mar 8, 2018)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Mar 5, 2018)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Feb 20, 2018)
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).
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Dec 8, 2017)
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.
- FSIS Response to Petition (Mar 14, 2018)
- Comment with 230,000 Signatures In Support of Petition, more additional File 2 and File 3 (Mar 13, 2018)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Feb 21, 2018)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Feb 13, 2018)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Jan 10, 2018)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Jan 9, 2018)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Jan 3, 2018)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Dec 27, 2017)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Nov 30, 2017)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Nov 15, 2017)
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.
- Comments on this petition may be submitted through regulations.gov. The regulations.gov identification number is FSIS-2017-0045.
- FSIS Response to Petition (Jan 29, 2018)
- Comment Submitted by NAACP Washington Bureau (Dec 19, 2017)
- Letter from Interfaith Worker Justice in Opposition to the Petition (Dec 12, 2017)
- Letter from United Food and Commercial Workers in Opposition to the Petition (Dec 12, 2017)
- Letter from Two Members of Congress in Opposition to the Petition (Nov 16, 2017)
- In Defense of Animals Letter in Opposition to the Petition (October 30, 2017)
- SPLC Letter in Opposition to the Petition (October 13, 2017)
- Oxfam Letter in Opposition to the Petition (October 12, 2017)
- United Food & Commercial Workers International Workers Union’s Comment in Opposition to the Petition (October 10, 2017)
- Food and Water Watch's Comments in Opposition to the Petition (Oct 5, 2017)
- Comment in Opposition to the Petition (Sep 20, 2017)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Sep 8, 2017)
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).
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Nov 30, 2017)
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."
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Nov 4, 2019)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Aug 8, 2017)
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.
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Sep 1, 2017)
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.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Jun 7, 2019)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (May 17, 2017)
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.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition
- Related Document (Mar 2, 2017)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Jan 5, 2017)
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.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Jul 15, 2019)
- Document in Support of Petition (Feb 23, 2017)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Dec 7, 2016)
- Document in Support of Petition (Dec 1, 2016)
Petition Submitted by American Veal Association (Jul 14, 2016)
Petition requesting that FSIS publish a regulation to define veal.
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Jul 21, 2016)
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.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition
- Document in Support of Petition (Feb 24, 2016)
- Document in Support of Petition (Mar 22, 2016)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Dec 21, 2015)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Nov 30, 2015)
Petition Submitted by Import Export Associates Inc. for CKF Foods
Petition requesting that FSIS review its procedures for reinspection of imported chitterlings.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Jun 25, 2019)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (May 23, 2016)
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.
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Aug 4, 2014)
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.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Aug 3, 2015)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Dec 3, 2014)
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.
- Letter in Support of Petition (Sep 30, 2016)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Aug 17, 2016)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (May 26, 2016)
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.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Jul 23, 2014)
- Document in Support of Petition - Feature Pricing
- Document in Support of Petition - Average Slaughter Age for Chicken
- Document in Support of Petition - U.S. Young Chicken Performance
- Document in Support of Petition (Nov 11, 2013)
- Document in Support of Petition - Comparison Chart
- Supplemental Information (Dec 16, 2013)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Nov 25, 2013)
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.
- Document in Support of Petition (Nov 19, 2013)
- Document in Support of Petition (Nov 18, 2013)
- Document in Support of Petition (Nov 15, 2013)
- Safe Jobs - Every Worker's Right
- Related Document (Oct 2, 2013)
- Document in Support of Petition
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Sep 20, 2013)
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
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (May 29, 2019)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Sep 20, 2013)
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.
- Document in Support of Petition (Aug 23, 2016)
- Document in Support of Petition (May 14, 2015)
- Document in Support of Petition (Jan 2, 2014)
- Related Document (Aug 2, 2013)
- FSIS Response to Petition (Jun 5, 2013)
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.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Feb 3, 2016)
- Petition Cover Letter (May 22, 2013)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Oct 13, 2011)
- FSIS Response to Petition (Aug 27, 2009)
- Petition Information (Nov 28, 2001)
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.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Jun 21, 2019)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Apr 15, 2013)
- Addendum (May 6, 2013)
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.
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Jun 28, 2012)
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. .
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Jan 10, 2013)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Jun 18, 2012)
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).
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Oct 19, 2012)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Apr 18, 2012)
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.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Jun 28, 2013)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (May 1, 2012)
- Related Document (Feb 1, 2012)
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. .
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Aug 7, 2015)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Jan 17, 2012)
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, .
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Sep 9, 2016)
- Petitioner Request Summary
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Feb 13, 2012)
Petition Submitted by Maple Leaf Farms (Dec 20, 2012)
Petition submitted requesting that FSIS revise the standard of identity for Chicken Cordon Bleu.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Mar 15, 2015)
- Addendums (Jun 6, 2014)
- FSIS Response to Petition (Mar 7, 2013)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Jan 29, 2013)
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.
- FSIS Response Acknowledgng Receipt of Petition (Dec 23, 2011)
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.
- Supporting Document
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Nov 6, 2013)
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.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Jun 26, 2013)
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.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Sep 9, 2016)
- Addendum
- Addendum #2
- Related Document
- Comments on Petition
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
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Feb 7, 2018)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Mar 25, 2015)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Feb 27, 2015)
- Transmittal Letter (Oct 1, 2014)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Oct 14, 2014)
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.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Jul 31, 2014)
- Letters in Support of Petition
- Related Document (Nov 21, 2013)
- Related Document (Oct 21, 2013)
- Related Document (May 16, 2013)
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.
- Supplement - Requisite Scientific Parameters for Establishing the Equivalence of Alternative Methods of Pasteurization, National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Food
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (May 27, 2016)
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.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Jul 11, 2011)
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
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Jun 17, 2014)
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.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Aug 30, 2013)
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).
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Aug 22, 2014)
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.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Nov 25, 2019)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Jul 26, 2016)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Jun 18, 2016)
- Documents in Support of Petition (Feb 3, 2016)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Jun 8, 2016)
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.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Feb 22, 2019)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Jun 4, 2016)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Apr 28, 2016)
- Letters in Support of Petition (Apr 2016)
- Letters in Support of Petition (Feb-Mar 2016)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Jan 22, 2016)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Jan 17, 2015)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Oct 9, 2014)
- Letters in Support of Petition (Jun-Sep 2014)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Aug 4, 2014)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Aug 4, 2014)
- Letters in Support of Petition (May 17 - July 20, 2014)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Jun 7, 2014)
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.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Nov 25, 2019)
- Letters in Support of Petition (Apr 28, 2015)
- Cover Letter (Dec 17, 2013)
- Petition Submitted by Animal Welfare Institute (Dec 17, 2013)
- Letters in Support of Petition (Apr 4, 2016)
- Letters in Support of Petition (Jun 2015)
- Letters in Support of Petition (Jul 2015)
- Letters in Support of Petition (Mar - Jul 2014)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Mar 19, 2014)
- Letter in Support of Petition - Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (Dec 20, 2013)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Dec 23, 2013)
- Comment Submitted by Eugenia Mixon (Jan 9, 2014)
- Comments
- Copy of a petition submitted through Change.org
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.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Feb 21, 2017)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Nov 25, 2013)
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.
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Sep 24, 2015)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Dec 23, 2015)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Sep 9, 2015)
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.
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Sep 16, 2019)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Nov 1, 2016)
- Letters in Support of Petition (Aug 2016)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Jan 2016)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Various dates)
- Letters in Support of Petition (Jul, 2015)
- FSIS Response Acknowledging Receipt of Petition (Jun 9, 2014)
- Note: Attachments to the petition are available for viewing by the public in the FSIS docket room (Petition #14-02).
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.
- Amendment to Petition
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Mar 13, 2013)
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.
- Letter in Support of Petition (Mar 12, 2014)
- Letter in Support of Petition (Jan 28, 2014)
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Mar 13, 2013)
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).
- FSIS Final Response to Petition (Sep 16, 2011)
- (Nov 30, 2010)
- Supplemental Statement (Sep 2, 2010)
- Supplemental Statement (May 7, 2010)
- FSIS Progress Response to Petitioner (Apr 8, 2010)
- Petitioner response to FSIS (Feb 22, 2010)
- FSIS Response to Petition (Jan 27, 2010)
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.
- Letter to President Obama (Mar 4, 2009)
- Final Rule: Determining Net Weight Compliance for Meat and Poultry Products (Sep 9, 2008) | PDF
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.
- FSIS Response to Petition (Jun 6, 2011)
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.
- Docket No. 03-025F | PDF
Final Rule: Specified Risk Materials, Non-Ambulatory Disabled Cattle- 2005 Harvard Risk Assessment of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Update (Oct 2005)
- Impact Analysis Report (2.13MB)
- Summary Statistics of BSE SRM Model: Inputs and Outputs of the Regulatory Impact Analysis
- Final Report: Survey of Meat and Poultry Processing-Only Plants (3.98MB)
- Final Report: Survey of Meat and Poultry Slaughter and Processing Plants (6.19MB)
- Docket No. 03-025IFA
- SRM Guidance Material
- List of Commenters
- View Comments
- Docket No. 03-025IF
Petition Submitted by Compassion Over Killing (Dec 30, 2010)
Petition submitted to FSIS to take regulatory action to revise the labeling requirements for eggs.
- FSIS Response to Petition (Jan 5, 2011)
- Petitioner Email to FSIS (Mar 20, 2013)
Petition for the Issuance of a Rule Regarding Natural Label Claims
- Original Petition Received:
- Cover Letter - Petition for the Issuance of a Rule Regarding Natural Label Claims
- Petition for the Issuance of a Rule Regarding Natural Label Claims
- Revised Version of Petition: