Constituent Update - January 20, 2023

FSIS is amending its regulations to expand generic label approvalto certain categories of meat, poultry, and egg product labeling products starting March 19, 2023. FSIS is also announcing the availability of the revised FSIS Guideline for Label Approval for the types of labels that must be submitted to FSIS for approval. The final rule, which published on January 18, 2023, also responds to comments received on the September 2020 proposal.

This final rule will expand generic approval to the labels of products that are only intended for foreign commerce, even if such labels deviate from U.S. labeling requirements, labels of products that receive voluntary FSIS inspection, labels with “geographic landmarks,” labels with “negative” claims that identify the absence of certain ingredients or types of ingredients, and labels with “organic” claims in the ingredients statement. FSIS will continue to require prior approval of labels that display “organic” claims outside the ingredients statement, including those certifying a total product as organic. FSIS will no longer evaluate generically approved labels that establishments voluntarily submit for FSIS review.

A downloadable version of the revised FSIS Guideline for Label Approval is available to view and print. FSIS invites interested persons to submit comments on the revised FSIS Guideline for Label Approval on or before February 17, 2023, as described in the Federal Register notice.

FSIS Posts Individual Category Status and Aggregate Results for Poultry Carcasses, Chicken Parts, and Comminuted Poultry Tested for Salmonella

Today, 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 agency 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.

Available for Public Comment

FSIS seeks public comments on proposed rules and notices, which are viewable on the FSIS Federal Register & Rulemaking webpage. FSIS is currently seeking comments on the following:

Until January 23: Use of a Non-Destructive Surface Sampling Device to Sample Domestic Beef Manufacturing Trimmings and Bench Trim
Until February 17: Prior Label Approval System: Expansion of Generic Label Approval

Policy Update

FSIS notices and directives on public health and regulatory issues are available on the FSIS Policy webpage. The following policy update was recently issued:

FSIS Directive 7221.1 - Prior Labeling Approval - Revision 3

Export Requirements Update

The Library of Export Requirements has been updated for products for the following: