Constituent Update - December 5, 2025

Constituent Update - December 5, 2025

FSIS Announces Two Upcoming Webinars on the Voluntary "Product of USA" Labeling Claim

The uniform compliance date for the updated Voluntary "Product of USA" labeling claim is Jan. 1, 2026. To assist industry and state partners in understanding the new requirements, FSIS will host two informational webinars: one for industry stakeholders, the other for state government officials.

Visit the Voluntary "Product of USA" Labeling Claim Webinars 2025 event page on the FSIS website for event details. FSIS encourages all interested establishments, state inspection program officials, and trade associations to attend the appropriate session.

• Industry Stakeholder Webinar: Dec. 15, 2025, 1-2 p.m. ET
• State Government Official Webinar: Dec. 16, 2025, 1-2 p.m. ET

The webinars will cover updated guidance and offer an opportunity for stakeholders to ask questions. An updated guidance document will be available in the Federal Register and additional background information on the webinars will be posted to the FSIS events page next week. These materials will provide additional clarity on eligibility, documentation, and compliance expectations for establishments choosing to use the revised claim.

For questions about the voluntary "Product of USA" labeling claim or the upcoming webinars, stakeholders may contact the FSIS Labeling and Program Delivery Staff at [email protected].

FSIS Veterinary Scholarship Increased to $40K; Apply by Jan. 5

FSIS is once again offering the Adel A. Malak Scholarship program for enrolled veterinary students to train for careers at FSIS. The program is named after respected FSIS Public Health Veterinarian (PHV), Dr. Adel Malak, who rose from the ranks to become the Alameda Deputy District Manager and was instrumental in recruiting and mentoring many student veterinarians. Previously capped at $15,000 per year, the scholarship is now offering a maximum of $40,000 per student per year for up to 4 years in conjunction with Secretary Rollins' Rural Veterinary Action Plan. Participating students will gain hands-on experience in federally inspected establishments. In addition to tuition assistance, the program offers a negotiable work schedule, pays for hours worked, and guarantees a job with FSIS upon successful completion.

Eligible Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Students may apply for the program through USAJOBS until Jan. 5, 2026. Questions may be directed to [email protected].

Reminder: FSIS to Hold Public Meeting on Exploring Practical Strategies to Reduce Salmonella in Poultry Products - Jan. 14

As part of the ongoing reassessment of its Salmonella strategy, FSIS will host a hybrid public meeting on Jan. 14, 2026, to gather input on innovative, practical, and science-based strategies to further reduce Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry products. FSIS is seeking ideas from all stakeholders, including consumers, industry, and researchers on the use of data, performance standards, and policy options that support public health and work for establishments of all sizes.

FSIS Salmonella Public Meeting
January 14, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET
USDA Headquarters, South Building, Jefferson Auditorium 1
400 Independence Ave SW Washington, D.C. 20250

Please note: FSIS has changed the start time of the meeting from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and the end time from 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to accommodate logistical needs. FSIS intends to announce these changes in a forthcoming Federal Register notice.

RSVP to attend using the online registration form.

All attendees, whether attending in person or virtually, must register for the meeting by January 7, 2026. Attendees planning to share public comments during the meeting must register by January 5, 2026.

FSIS will provide time for stakeholders to ask questions. Due to anticipated high interest and limited time, FSIS will do its best to accommodate all who pre-register to speak. Speaking slots will be assigned in the order of registration and generally organized by topic area, and FSIS will notify speakers in advance of their approximate speaking time. Written comments may be submitted by Feb. 2, 2026. More details are available in the Federal Register notice. Additional details and reminders will be shared in future Constituent Update weekly newsletters.

Upcoming Events

• Dec. 15, 1 p.m.-2 p.m. ET: Webinar on Voluntary "Product of USA" Labeling Claim for Industry Stakeholders
• Dec. 16, 1 p.m.-2 p.m. ET: Webinar on Voluntary "Product of USA" Labeling Claim for State Government Officials
• Jan. 14, 12 p.m.-4:30 p.m. ET: Salmonella Public Meeting

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 Jan. 20: Notice of Request To Reinstate a Previously Approved Information Collection: Overtime and Holiday Inspection Fees for Small and Very Small Establishments

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 Notice 38-25 - FSIS Workplace Safety and Health Hazards FY26 Training - Completion Date Extension

Export Requirements Update

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

• China
• Japan
• European Union
• Mexico
• Canada
• Turkey

Complete information can be found at the FSIS Import & Export Library.