FSIS Updates for Small Plants - August 5, 2026

FSIS Updates for Small Plants - August 5, 2026

Information for small and very small establishments

New Method to Appeal Noncompliance Records

FSIS has created a new web form to accept noncompliance appeals to make it easier for small and very small establishments to appeal FSIS noncompliance decisions outside of the Public Health Information System (PHIS). This supports the USDA's Small Processors Action Plan. Establishment personnel can now submit appeals through a simple web form and FSIS will direct the appeals to the appropriate officials for response.

The new appeals web form can be accessed from the list of important links on the FSIS Appealing Inspection Decisions web page.

Submitters must log in to the new appeal web form through USDA eAuthentication so FSIS can confirm the identity of the submitter. The submitter selects the applicable regulated establishment, then enters the noncompliance number being appealed, reason for appeal, and contact information. Upon submission, the submitter will receive a confirmation email of the appeal and FSIS will route the appeal to the appropriate FSIS official for consideration and response.

FSIS to Host Webinar for PHIS Egg Product Exporters

FSIS invites egg products exporters to a webinar demonstrating how to apply for export certification using PHIS. This demo will walk participants step-by-step through the process. Egg products exporters will be able to use the test environment and then start processing egg products exports in PHIS in real time in September.

This webinar will take place on August 13, at 1:00 p.m. ET, and will be recorded and posted for later viewing.

• Join the webinar for PHIS Egg Product Exporters on August 13 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET

For questions about this webinar, email [email protected]. 

FSIS Recording Available: Webinar on PHIS Export 9060 Process

FSIS hosted a webinar on the new modernized PHIS export 9060 process on July 16. The session walked exporters and trade groups through the updated export application, which was made available in the PHIS Industry Test Environment (ITE) on July 27. The new process will start in September 2026, and you are all encouraged to explore PHIS ITE to ensure you're familiar. An online demo from the webinar has also been made available to help refresh your memory and guide you through the new export application.

FSIS will make additional resources available, including updated PHIS help tutorials and user guides, announced through the usual channels. For questions about the PHIS modernization changes, email [email protected].

The National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) Releases a New (2026-2030) Strategic Plan

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in cooperation with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the new NARMS Strategic Plan 2026-2030. For 30 years, NARMS has provided stakeholders, partners, the scientific community, and the public with critical data and insights that drive coordinated action against antimicrobial resistance in the United States. The strategic plan focuses on strengthening surveillance, expanding collaboration, and innovation. Antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to public health and FSIS' continued collaboration with FDA and CDC reflects a commitment to meet this threat with greater coordination, stronger partnerships, and enhanced data sharing tools.

Drs. Brashears and Ransom Visit IAFP

On July 27, FSIS had a significant presence at the International Association for Food Protection's (IAFP) annual meeting in New Orleans. Agency staff showcased their work from the past year across a broad range of subjects. Their podium and poster presentations explored innovation, genomics, laboratory and sampling methods, and data gathering on food safety.

Under Secretary Dr. Mindy Brashears reviewed regulatory updates on Product of USA implementation, line speed modernization and Small Plant Action Plan progress. She outlined FSIS' next steps for Listeria, including the new environmental sampling pilot, and plans for trend analysis and expansion of laboratory capacity. 

Additionally, Dr. Brashears discussed the Salmonella Science, Action, Faster Response and Effective Control (SAFE) plan. "Salmonella is different from Escherichia coli and behaves differently among various establishments and processes." said Dr. Brashears, "Each company has to understand their own process." FSIS is working to develop strong, transparent science that shifts testing to Salmonella quantification, focusing on highly pathogenic serotypes and validation methods. Brashears also highlighted 13-week moving window pilot and a biomapping and validation pilot to supplement faster identification and response. 

Dr. Ransom shared how FSIS is using data to advance food safety tools. He shared FSIS' focus on three pillars - strong people, smart systems, and safe food. FSIS has improved alignment of program areas to the mission by reorganizing and pushing resources to the frontlines, where the work is focused. Dr. Ransom also shared how modern tools will help FSIS make stronger and more reliable decisions. These pillars ultimately support assurances that America's protein supply is safe. 

Their participation underscored FSIS' commitment to transparency, science-based decision making, and collaboration with stakeholders to protect public health and ensure a safe food supply.

Dr. Ransom Visited Milwaukee

On July 9, FSIS Administrator Dr. Justin Ransom addressed attendees at the American Association of Meat Processors 87th American Convention of Meat Processors and Suppliers' Exhibition in Milwaukee, Wis. Dr. Ransom spoke about supporting and strengthening small processors through the Department's Small Processors Action Plan, announced in June by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.

Dr. Ransom highlighted economic opportunities available to small processors, including $20 million in overtime fee reductions and $60 million through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program. Improvements such as a modernized appeals process, rewriting policies in plain language, and rethinking how the agency uses its resources reinforces FSIS' commitment to food safety and the success of small processors. The recent announcement of the SPUR program further demonstrates USDA's commitment in supporting stronger and stable market opportunities for small and midsize beef processing establishments.

Latest Regulatory and Program Updates

The change within FSIS continues at a lightning pace but are well-thought-out and designed to help our small and very small processors succeed. We have made strides to streamline inspection, improve available resources, enhanced metals and residue testing, and more. Read on to learn how FSIS is making strides while keeping our valuable smaller processor's needs in mind.

Policy

On July 20, FSIS updated post-mortem inspection requirements for swine slaughter establishments. After publishing the final rule Visual Post-Mortem Inspection in Swine Slaughter Establishments on May 21, mandatory mandibular lymph node incision and palpation of viscera lymph nodes ended for swine. FSIS Directives 6100.2 and 6600.1 were issued to remove the instructions for lymph node incision and palpation by IPP and establishment sorters, respectively.

The comment period for the updated Food Safety Guideline for egg products closed on July 6. Comment reviews are underway for this guideline and on the advanced notice of proposed rulemaking on establishment size definitions, NPIS Line Speed and NSIS Line Speed proposals. We value your perspectives on these rulemaking efforts.

Resources & Support

On June 30, Secretary Rollins announced the SPUR program to provide temporary support for eligible beef processing establishments. The program will be administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Entities eligible to receive funding under SPUR must be beef processing establishments under federal inspection, the Talmadge-Aiken Cooperative Inspection Program, or the Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program. Establishments must be U.S. owned and not nationally dominant in beef processing (nor owned by an entity that is). FSIS will share any additional details put out by FSA about this program in a future Updates for Small Plants newsletter.

Temporary overtime and holiday inspection fee reductions remain available during FY 2026. We recognize that overtime use often looks different for smaller operators than it does for larger establishments. You may find periodic opportunities for overtime to accommodate seasonal demand, staffing needs, or production schedules. If you have questions about how the fee reduction applies to your operation, contact your district office team or reach out through askFSIS.

Sampling & Testing

On July 20, FSIS implemented a new, streamlined trace metals analysis to detect mercury and 18 other metals, including metals of public health concern. FSIS also provided guidance on extending trace metals analysis to include multi-ingredient processed products containing meat or poultry sampled as part of the Allergen Verification Sampling Program. This testing does not require inspection program personnel (IPP) to collect additional product beyond what is required under FSIS Directive 7000.6 and does not require that product is held until results are available. Test results will be posted in LIMS and IPP will share results during the weekly meeting with establishment management.

Beginning September 1, FSIS will increase routine residue surveillance at livestock slaughter establishments in targeted geographic regions, as announced in FSIS Notice 30-26. Establishments are required to retain carcasses and associated parts pending test results, unless FSIS condemns the carcass or the establishment elects to discard it voluntarily. On July 17, FSIS had announced that it was updating the methods used to analyze samples of FSIS-regulated products for certain animal drug and pesticide residues. Residue screening for fluralaner and propoxur are now included in the agency's mutiresidue screening methods for bovine muscle and kidney samples. FSIS is validating a method to screen cypermethrin. These insecticides can be found in products used to prevent or treat New World screwworm infestations in livestock. Any questions about the methods used to analyze samples can be submitted through askFSIS.

FSIS announced a new pilot project for raw poultry establishments to measure Salmonella levels throughout slaughter or processing operations. On July 10, FSIS gave additional guidance for raw poultry establishments wishing to participate in the pilot project. Establishments can choose to perform biomapping or implement one or more critical control points validated under their hazard analysis and critical control point plan to prevent, reduce, or eliminate Salmonella. Establishments may request a regulatory waiver for the frequency of sampling. A biomapping program may support a waiver request for reduced sampling at pre- and post-chill locations and all biomapping data points must include Salmonella enumeration.

Exports

FSIS Announces A New Inactive Meat, Poultry, and Egg Product Inspection Directory
FSIS created a new Inactive Meat, Poultry and Egg Product Inspection Directory to help support U.S. export verification activities that may occur after an establishment becomes inactive. This directory is a complementary public reference of establishments that went inactive within the past three years. FSIS anticipates that this will reduce unnecessary export shipment delays when eligible product is in commerce, despite the establishment becoming inactive. The Inactive MPI Directory is available on the MPI webpage under the heading: "Inactive Establishment MPI Data File and Reference."

Pseudorabies Response Update
On April 30, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service had confirmed pseudorabies in a small, commercial swine herd, causing animal health restrictions. On July 17, FSIS announced these restrictions have been lifted for:

• Mexico
• Colombia
• Chile
• Korea

Some countries may still require attestations to be included in the export certificate, which can be found in the Export Library. With the United States regaining its disease-free status in commercial swine, there is no need for industry to provide additional documentation for inspection program personnel to be able to sign the export certificate. However, industry should continue to maintain required records per 9 CFR 320, in case there is a request from a foreign government to provide supporting documentation.

Workforce

We welcomed Bryan Norrington back to FSIS as assistant administrator for the Office of International Coordination. Norrington previously served as director of the Office of International Research Engagement and Cooperation at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) managing ARS' international engagement portfolio, including oversight of USDA's biological control laboratories and international research collaborations. Norrington's experience will bolster FSIS' international activities and enhance the agency's food safety mission.

We are continuing to hire and onboard mission-critical positions. As announced in the February 13, Constituent Update, FSIS established a new Consumer Safety Inspector (CSI) Training Leader (TL) position within the Office of Field Operations. The first wave of CSI TLs has been selected and are onboarding within the nine districts. Thirty CSI TLs have completed their classroom-based instruction and are at the outset of providing structured, field-based mentoring and on-the-job training of inspection program personnel. This new position supports the creation of a stronger inspection workforce by promoting consistent application of policy among inspection program personnel. We anticipate that our CSI TLs will also enhance FSIS' reliability and clarity that you depend on.

Items for your to-do list:

• If you export pork, familiarize yourself with which countries still require attestations. Make sure you keep required records per 9 CFR 320.
• If you're a small or mid-sized beef processor meeting eligibility requirements for the SPUR program, be on the lookout for additional updates in the Constituent Update or Updates for Small Plants newsletters.
• If you use (or would like to start using) overtime or holiday inspection services, contact your local FSIS District Office or askFSIS to learn more about available fee reductions.
• Plan ahead on labeling: take advantage of the extended deadline to ensure compliance with retained water labeling requirements by Jan. 1, 2027.
• Submit your draft retained water protocol and associated data through askFSIS to solicit feedback from the FSIS Office of Policy and Program Development. On askFSIS, navigate to "Policy Questions," "Ask a Policy Question," and complete the webform and attach related documents.

Continue using askFSIS and the Small Plant Help Desk when questions arise and monitor the weekly Constituent Update newsletter for future opportunities to provide feedback on policy and regulatory issues. Don't want to dig through your email to re-read these newsletters? Bookmark the Updates for Small Plants page on the News & Announcements section of the FSIS website.

Knowledge Article

askFSIS Public Q&A: How do IPP verify whether a single ingredient or a multi-ingredient listing in FSIS Directive 7120.1, Safe and Suitable Ingredients Used in the Production of Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products, is approved for use in official establishments under FSIS jurisdiction?

IPP are to verify that food ingredients in a single ingredient listing or a multi-ingredient mixture listing, including processing aids, are used in accordance with the intended use, stated amounts, and labeling requirements. For example, if an establishment is using an antimicrobial that contains three ingredients, IPP are to compare the mixture to the approved multi-ingredient listing. IPP are not to compare each ingredient in a mixture to three separate listings in the table, as approval is based on support for either the single ingredient or combined mixture of several ingredients functioning as a whole.

Ingredients listed in FSIS Directive 7120.1, Safe and Suitable Ingredients Table, and 9 CFR 424.21(c) have been determined to be safe and suitable for use in the production of meat, poultry, and egg products. Approval is granted in two types of listings:

• Single Ingredient: The ingredient is individually reviewed and approved for its specific intended purpose of use; or
• Multi-ingredient Mixture: A mixture consists of multiple ingredients evaluated together to demonstrate that the combination is safe and suitable for its intended use. The multi-ingredient mixture appears as a single entry in the Safe and Suitable Ingredients Table, with all ingredients listed in the "Substance" column of the table as shown below.

Example of a multi-ingredient mixture listing:

CATEGORY	SUBSTANCE	INTENDED USE OF PRODUCT	AMOUNT	REFERENCE	LABELING REQUIREMENTS
Antimicrobials	An aqueous mixture of peroxyacetic acid (PAA), hydrogen peroxide (HP), acetic acid, 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP), and optionally, sulfuric acid	Water, brine, or ice used for washing, rinsing, or cooling whole, or cut red meat, including carcasses, parts, trim, organs	Not to exceed 1800 ppm PAA, 675 ppm HP, and 51.4 ppm HEDP	FCN 1810	None under the accepted conditions of use (A)(F)

Combining multiple approved substances in FSIS Directive 7120.1 or 9 CFR 424.21(c) into a new formulation may not result in an approved or suitable substance for use in FSIS-inspected products. Combining approved substances may cause unintended changes in efficacy, as the data and parameters used to support each substance individually may not be sufficient to support the combined use of those substances.

When applicable, FSIS Directive 7120.1 specifies that certain listings are intended for use in combination. For example, several denuding agents are approved and listed individually as single ingredients but may also be used in combination as noted in the "Category" column of the Safe and Suitable Ingredients table, as shown below.

Example of an ingredient listed for use in combination:

CATEGORY	SUBSTANCE	INTENDED USE OF PRODUCT	AMOUNT	REFERENCE	LABELING REQUIREMENTS
Denuding agents (may be used in combination; must be removed from tripe by rinsing with potable water)	Calcium carbonate	Denuding agent for washing tripe	Sufficient for purpose	Acceptability determination	None under the accepted conditions of use (A)

A specific mix of ingredients (i.e., a complete formulation) with supporting documentation must be reviewed and approved as a mixture and listed as such in the table. Even if each ingredient is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), the mixture still needs to be evaluated by FSIS to ensure the combined use is suitable in meat, poultry, and egg products.

If you have any questions about the information in this Knowledge Article or any other questions about this topic, you can submit them to the FSIS Policy Experts at askFSIS and filling out the web form to submit your question.

Visit askFSIS for more answers to common questions.

Last Updated: Aug 05, 2026