USDA FSIS Constituent Update: USDA Ensures Food Safety During COVID-19 Outbreak

You are subscribed to Constituent Update for USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. A new or updated issue is now available.

USDA Ensures Food Safety During COVID-19 Outbreak

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is ensuring the safety and timely delivery of the U.S. food supply while protecting the health of USDA employees during this COVID-19 National Emergency. USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Mindy Brashears and USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach issued a statement to stakeholders reassuring them that APHIS, AMS, and FSIS are rising to meet the challenges associated with COVID-19.

Major Revision of FSIS Export Library for China

As a result of the recently signed Economic and Trade Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of The People’s Republic of China, FSIS initiated a comprehensive review and update of the FSIS Export Library entry for China to align with the applicable commitments in the agreement, make it more user friendly, and correct outdated and unclear requirements.

FSIS Extends Comment Period on Salmonella Petition

FSIS is extending the comment period for a petition submitted by Marler Clark LLP, which has requested that FSIS issue an interpretive rule to declare 31 Salmonella serotypes as adulterants in raw meat and poultry products.

Fiscal Year 2019 National Residue Program Results Now Available

FSIS is announcing the availability of the U.S. National Residue Program (NRP) for Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products testing results (“Red Book”) for fiscal year (FY) 2019.

FSIS to Allow Implied Nutrient Content Claim "Healthy" on Regulated Product Labels

On March 19, 2020, FSIS announced in a Federal Register notice that it will allow establishments to use the implied nutrient content claim “healthy” on their labels which: (1) are not low in total fat, but have a fat profile makeup of predominantly mono and polyunsaturated fats; or (2) contain at least 10 percent of the daily value (DV) per reference amount customarily consumed (RACC) of potassium or vitamin D.

Tips for Faster Label Approval Process

Labels are currently taking about 12-14 business days to evaluate.