On July 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 (NRTE) comminuted poultry products at the location linked above.
FSIS to Post Updated Datasets on Import Refusals and Import Volume
On July 17, 2023, FSIS will update the publicly posted datasets on import refusals and country-level import volume for products that the agency regulates. Federal law requires every commercial shipment of imported meat, poultry, and egg products to be reinspected prior to product entering U.S. commerce. FSIS reinspects each shipment to verify labeling, proper certification, general condition, and any signs of tampering and to identify product adulterated by transportation damage. FSIS also performs additional activities on a random and/or for-cause basis, such as physical product examination and laboratory sampling for pathogens and chemical residues.
Any product that does not meet FSIS requirements is refused entry, and the importer has up to 45 days (30 days for egg products) to have the product destroyed for use as human food, re-exported/returned to the foreign country, converted to animal food, or brought into compliance with FSIS requirements, if applicable (e.g., relabeled, remarked, or issued a replacement certificate).
The current Import Refusals dataset is updated around the 15th of each month and the archived Import Refusals dataset is updated around the 15th of the first month of each quarter. The datasets contain each shipment with product that was refused entry.
Both the current and archived Import Volume datasets are updated around the 15th of the first month of each quarter. These data represent the volume of imported meat, poultry, and egg products presented for reinspection to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) at port of entry.
To access these datasets or view more information about them, please visit the Import and Export Data page.
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 July 27:Salmonellain Not-Ready-To-Eat Breaded Stuffed Chicken Products
* Until August 29: Notice of Request To Revise an Approved Information Collection: Accreditation of Laboratories, Transactions and Exemptions
* Until September 11:Notice of Request for a New Information Collection: Qualitative Research on Food Safety Behaviors Among Parents and Caregivers Who Prepare Meals for Minors or Older Adults. In Depth Interview Research
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 34-23 - FSIS Outreach, Recruitment, and Non-Monetary Award Items
Export Requirements Update
The Library of Export Requirements has been updated for products for the following:
* Azerbaijan
* Taiwan
* Canada
* Mexico
* Mauritius
* Tunisia
* Namibia
* Benin
* New Zealand
Complete information can be found at theFSIS Import & Export Library.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service