Small Plant Help Desk

Find answers to common questions from small and very small plant owners and operators across the country

Regulatory Compliance

Use this as your first resource in maintaining compliance with FSIS policies. Review compliance, labeling, and new technology guides and resources, as well as HIKE and IKE information.

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Education and Training Materials

Summary of Federal Inspection Requirements for Meat Products (April 2016; PDF Only) | Korean

Developing a Recall Plan: Guidelines for Meeting 9 CFR §418 | PDF (Apr 30, 2013)

The Counter-Top Food Safety Training Program 
Bi-lingual lesson plans, in English and Spanish, designed for instructing Spanish-speaking line employees in food safety basics and suggested Good Manufacturing Practices.

Flooding: A Checklist for Small and Very Small Meat, Poultry and Egg Processing Plants | PDF (Sep 22, 2008) | Korean
FSIS provides a list of steps to take in the event of flooding.

Avian Influenza Training 
Provides the inplant inspection team with the information and resources needed to recognize clinical signs and gross lesions that could be suggestive of Avian Influenza.

Meat, Poultry and Processed Egg Products Inspection Videos 
A collection of streaming video and audio resources for meat, poultry and processed egg product inspection.

Regulatory Education Web Seminars 
View the various regulatory education video sessions provided to promote a uniform understanding of the regulations.

Small Plant News 
Small Plant News is a monthly publication to inform and educate small and very small plant owners and operators on FSIS news. It fosters plants' ability to produce the safest food by providing essential tips that encourage highest sanitation standards, paperwork compliance and cost-saving measures.

Workshops for Small Plants 
Download materials from past workshops for small and very small plants. You can also watch our Upcoming Meetings page for news of upcoming workshops.

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Executive Orders, Small Business Protection Laws & Policies on Regulatory Decisions

Access the summary of laws and executive orders governing the rulemaking process and small business protection laws and resources to help in understanding FSIS' non-retaliation policy, FSIS policies on regulatory decisions, Agency contact list, and how to use the Small Business Administration's Office of the National Ombudsman.

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FSIS Strategic Implementation Plan for Strengthening Small and Very Small Plant Outreach - 2006-2007 (PDF Only)

The FSIS Administrator charged an ad hoc task force to develop the Agency's response to the needs of small and very small plant owners and operators.

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HACCP Directories

Meat, Poultry and Egg Product Inspection Directory
Access the listing of establishments, regulated by USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, that produce meat, poultry, and/or egg products

Rural Development State Contact Information 
Access detailed information about Rural Development programs and applications for financial assistance.

State HACCP Contacts & Coordinators 
HACCP Contacts and Coordinators provide technical advice, assistance, resources and conduct activities to support HACCP implementation in small and very small plants.

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HACCP Resources

Antimicrobial Spray Treatments for Red Meat Carcasses Processed in Very Small Meat Establishments 
Pennsylvania State University has developed a DVD and an intervention booklet for small and very small meat and poultry plants with funding from a USDA-CSREES grant. This information describes an effective antimicrobial intervention for red meat carcasses processed in very small meat plants.

Developing a Food Defense Plan for Meat and Poultry Slaughter and Processing Plants (Jan 2007; PDF Only)
Developed in consultation with very small, small, and large meat and poultry processors, this guide provides an easy, practical, and achievable three-step method for creating a food defense plan. By completing pages 13 -16 of this guide, you will have a plan specific for your operation.

Federal Grant of Inspection Guide 
Provides requirements for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs) and outlines the step-by-step process applicants can follow to obtain a grant of inspection.

• Slides: Applying for a Federal Grant of Inspection | PDF

Food Safety Information for Small and Very Small Plants - Brochure* | PDF
FSIS offers a variety of resources to assist small and very small plants with their HACCP programs. (Please use the PDF version for orders by surface mail or fax.)
* Includes online order form.

Resources and Information 
Learn about training programs and resources developed to support the educational information needs of industry and foodservice professionals.

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