FSIS Updates for Small Plants – April 1, 2026

FSIS Updates for Small Plants - April 1, 2026

AskFSIS Live Pilot

Instead of hosting a typical all-establishment town hall, FSIS will be piloting an all-day virtual office hours event called "askFSIS Live" in May. By hosting virtual office hours and live chat options, FSIS aims to increase audience reach to plants that have not been able to join the all-establishment calls or travel to in-person agency events. An official date and more details will be shared in next month's Updates for Small Plants newsletter.

Urgent questions? Reach out through askFSIS or contact the Small Plant Helpdesk by submitting a request, emailing [email protected] or calling 1-877-FSIS-HELP (1-877-374-7435).

Save the Date: FSIS Small Plant Sessions

In addition to the virtual AskFSIS Live pilot, FSIS is launching a series of small plant engagement sessions to be held alongside industry events many establishments already plan to attend. These sessions will be in-person only and are designed to provide one-on-one engagement with FSIS and other USDA experts. Our first Local Small Plant Session will take place on April 10th at the Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors (WAMP) convention. Attendance at this event is limited to WAMP attendees. While attendance at local sessions will be limited, the National Small Plant Sessions will be open to all interested small plants. More information will be shared in future Updates for Small Plants newsletters.

Upcoming National Small Plant Sessions:

• June 2026: Canyon, Texas | Reciprocal Meat Conference; Meat Processors Convention
• July 2026: Milwaukee, Wisc. | American Association of Meat Processors Convention

Latest Regulatory and Program Updates

In case you missed it, FSIS has announced several updates over the last month. Notably, FSIS issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) seeking input on establishment size definitions. The agency initiated this action to hear directly from small and very small establishments. Do current size categories accurately reflect today's operating reality? Where are changes needed? FSIS strongly encourages all small and very small establishments to submit comments by May 26, 2026. Your input will directly inform whether and how the agency updates its approach to establishment size-based policies, resources, and requirements.

FSIS also announced a reduction in overtime and holiday inspection fees for FY 2026 (applied retroactively to Oct. 5, 2025) and extended the compliance date for retained water labeling requirements to Jan. 1, 2027. Additional updates include new tools and resources, such as a new applied programming interface, or "API," for the safe and suitable ingredients list, a centralized "Product of USA" webpage, as well as new data reports on foodborne illness and outbreak investigations. Key digital system updates include a new askFSIS web address and an updated display of animal health restriction information in the FSIS Export Library.

These updates reflect ongoing efforts to reduce burden, improve access to information, and strengthen our food safety system.

What is actionable?

• Tell us how plant size impacts your business. Submit comments on the establishment size ANPR by May 26, 2026.
• Review overtime and holiday inspection charges paid since Oct. 5, 2025, to understand how the FY 2026 fee reductions may apply.
• Plan ahead on labeling; take advantage of this extended deadline to ensure compliance with retained water labeling requirements by Jan. 1, 2027.
• The AskUSDA web address will be retired on April 6, 2026. Update your web bookmarks and start using the askFSIS web address now to avoid disruptions:

⛔https://ask.usda.gov

✅https://ask.fsis.usda.gov

PHIS Q&A

How can I practice submitting export applications in PHIS?

Industry can use the Industry Test Environment to test application submittals for exports. FSIS has provided testing instructions for industry on the FSIS website PHIS Components page, under Information for Industry. Please note that an electronic identification account that includes identity verification steps is required for all persons who will access PHIS, for both the test environment and the live production environment.

Visit PHIS Help for Industry for additional resources.

Knowledge Article

askFSIS Public Q&A: Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot or search responses to support HACCP systems

How can an establishment use an Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot or search responses to support HACCP systems (9 CFR 417.5(a)(1))?

AI chatbots or search responses may help establishments identify potential scientific support; however, under the regulations, establishments are required to review the actual scientific support (e.g., peer-reviewed scientific or technical information such as journal articles, published processing guidelines, or challenge or inoculated pack studies), evaluate that support, and maintain the actual scientific support on file.

FSIS recommends, in its HACCP Systems Validation Guideline, that the scientific support identifies the following to meet Element 1 of validation and provide support for decisions in the hazard analysis (9 CFR 417.5(a)(1)):

• The product studied (including formulation and intrinsic factors)

• The hazard (biological, physical, or chemical),

• The expected level of hazard reduction or prevention to be achieved,

• All critical operational parameters or conditions necessary,

• The processing steps that will achieve the specified reduction or prevention, and

• How these processing steps can be monitored.

AI chatbot or search responses aggregate information from other sources and do not identify all of the information needed to comply with 9 CFR 417.5(a)(1). In addition, AI responses may include mistakes, obsolete information, or generate misleading information. In addition, the development of a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan must be completed by an individual that meets the HACCP training requirements in 9 CFR 417.7. AI chatbots and search engines do not meet the requirements in 9 CFR 417.7; therefore, these resources cannot be used to meet the requirements of 9 CFR 417.7.

Questions? Please submit them through askFSIS by filling out the web form on the FSIS website.

Visit askFSIS.gov for more knowledge articles.