As announced on June 14, 2023, FSIS is implementing a multi-step effort aimed at strengthening the substantiation of animal-raising claims.
FSIS has received several petitions, comments, and letters from a wide range of stakeholders asking the agency to reevaluate its oversight of animal-raising claims, specifically, how they are substantiated. In addition, the veracity of negative antibiotics claims (e.g., raised without antibiotics or no antibiotics ever) has come into question.
FSIS, in partnership with USDAs Agricultural Research Service (ARS), will be conducting a sampling project to assess antibiotic residues in cattle destined for the raised without antibiotics market. The results of this project will help inform whether FSIS should require that laboratory testing results be submitted for the raised without antibiotics claim or start a new verification sampling program.
FSIS will also be issuing a revised industry guideline to recommend companies strengthen the documentation they submit to the agency to substantiate animal-raising claims. The agency plans to strongly encourage use of third-party certification to verify these claims.
Together these actions will be used to guide potential rulemaking on animal-raising claims. USDA looks forward to continued engagement with stakeholders as we work to ensure these claims meet consumer expectations.
FSIS to Post Individual Category Status and Aggregate Results for Poultry Carcasses, Chicken Parts, and Comminuted Poultry Tested for Salmonella
On June 20, 2023, FSIS will update the individual establishment Salmonella performance standard category information for raw poultry carcasses, raw chicken parts, and comminuted poultry products on the Salmonella Verification Testing Program Monthly Posting page on the FSIS website. Additionally, FSIS will post the aggregate sampling results showing the number of establishments in categories 1, 2, or 3 for establishments producing young poultry carcasses, raw chicken parts, or not ready-to-eat comminuted poultry products at the location linked above.
Reminder: Upcoming NACMPI Meeting
The National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) will convene a virtual meeting next week, on June 21-22, 2023, from 10-4 p.m. ET.
Further details and registration for the virtual, public meeting are available on the FSIS website. At the meeting, NACMPI will review and discuss how FSIS can enhance outreach efforts to best promote equity and bring economic opportunity to underserved communities and individuals, while strengthening the food supply chain and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. FSIS is seeking input on the topic regarding prospective applicants for FSIS inspection and existing small and very small establishments currently receiving FSIS inspection.
The purpose of NACMPI is to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on state and federal meat and poultry inspection programs, food safety, and other matters that fall within the scope of the Federal Meat Inspection Act, and the Poultry Products Inspection Act. Additional information may be found in the April 25, 2023 Federal Register Notice.
Upcoming Events
* June 21-22, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. ET: 2023 NACMPI Public Meeting
Available for Public Comment
FSIS seeks public comments on proposed rules and notices, which are viewable on the FSISFederal Register & Rulemaking webpage. FSIS is currently seeking comments on the following:
* Until June 23:Notice of Request To Renew an Approved Information Collection: Modernization of Poultry Slaughter Inspection
* Until July 5:Availability of FSIS Ready-To-Eat Fermented, Salt-Cured, and Dried Products Guideline
* Until July 11: Notice of Request for a New Information Collection: Consumer Labeling Research: Focus Groups
* Until July 27:Salmonellain Not-Ready-To-Eat Breaded Stuffed Chicken Products
Policy Update
FSIS notices and directives on public health and regulatory issues are available on theFSIS Policy webpage. The following policy update was recently issued:
FSIS Notice 25-23 - Instructions for Training on the Ready-To-Eat Fermented, Salt-Cured, and Dried Products Guideline
Export Requirements Update
The Library of Export Requirements has been updated for products for the following:
* Canada
* Taiwan
* Singapore
* European Union
Complete information can be found at theFSIS Import & Export Library.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service