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FSIS posted a new Beef Intended Use infographic for retailers handling raw beef, on the FSIS Retail Guidance webpage. FSIS compliance investigators will use this infographic during retail outreach and education efforts. The infographic has been translated into multiple languages, which are available on the webpage.
As announced in previous Constituent Updates, starting November 4, 2024, all FSIS meat and poultry product export certificates for products exported to Mexico will be generated, issued and officially maintained in FSIS’ Public Health Information System (PHIS). This change excludes certificates for casings and egg products. The Mexico PHIS Industry Test Environment (ITE) is currently available for testing.
Industry is strongly encouraged to use the ITE to test application submittals for export to Mexico. Testing instructions for industry are available on the FSIS website, PHIS Components page, under Information for Industry.
On September 20, 2024, FSIS updated 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 posted 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.
PHIS Q&A
Question: I am not receiving communication from the lab when USDA is pulling samples. How can I receive emails when the sample is received at the lab and another with the results?
Answer: Your name and email may need to be added to the establishment profile contacts page with the responsibility of the “Lab Sample Result Contact”. Your inspector can add you to the profile.
Visit PHIS Help for Industry for additional resources.
FSIS Held Roundtable Meetings for Small and Very Small Plants in California; Next Roundtable in Ohio on October 22, 2024
FSIS held roundtables in California in Pomona on August 20 and in Fresno on August 22, 2024, with remarks from FSIS Administrator Paul Kiecker, Agricultural Marketing Service, Rural Development, and FSIS offices about policy and labeling. Approximately 85 people in-person and virtually had an opportunity to ask questions and receive relevant updates at the roundtables. We hope small and very small plants will be able to join us at the next roundtable in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, on October 22, 2024.
Knowledge Article
askFSIS Public Q&A: The use and labeling of ingredients of public health concern - misbranding
Yes, FSIS regulations require all ingredients to be listed by common or usual name in the ingredients statement (refer to 9 CFR 317.2(f)(1), 381.118(a)(1), and 590.411(c)(1)). A meat, poultry, or egg product is misbranded if it fails to list all ingredients by common or usual name in descending order of predominance. FSIS is concerned that there have been a sustained number of product recalls due to the non-declaration of ingredients of public health concern. In many of the recall situations, the establishment changed ingredient suppliers and did not notice that an ingredient was added to the formulation. Consequently, the label was not modified to reflect the new ingredient. The agency has long maintained the need for adequate in-plant ingredient controls and appropriate labeling of all ingredients by common or usual name. Food allergens are of particular health concern; however, the agency is equally concerned about all foods or food ingredients that may cause adverse health effects in sensitive individuals, i.e., "ingredients of public health concern."
Questions? Please submit them through askFSIS by filling out the web form on the FSIS website.
Visit AskUSDA.gov and include “askFSIS” in your search terms for more knowledge articles on this and other topics.
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