FSIS Updates for Small Plants - September 9, 2026

FSIS Updates for Small Plants - September 9, 2026

Information for small and very small establishments

Executive Orders Direct FSIS to Expand State Inspection Programs and Support Small Processors

On September 4, President Donald J. Trump signed two Executive Orders supporting America's ranchers. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins also announced additional actions under the department's Ranchers First Initiative. These actions are geared at rebuilding the American cattle herd and strengthening our domestic beef supply, while upholding the highest standards of food safety.

Read more about how USDA is putting ranchers first.

View the executive orders:

• Supporting American Ranchers
• Promoting Fair Competition in Livestock Markets and Expanding Market Access for American Meat Producers

These actions build on the Small Processors Action Plan and the Ranchers First Initiative to keep processing capacity and jobs in the communities where livestock is raised.

USDA Launches Program to Strengthen Independent Beef Processors and Support Ranchers

As announced in the August 7 Constituent Update, the USDA is accepting applications for the Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers (SPUR) program.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is administering SPUR at the national office level under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act, using FSIS data to identify eligible establishments and payment amounts. Beef processing establishments can apply if they are operating at the time of application and inspected federally by FSIS, through the Talmadge-Aiken Cooperative Inspection Program, or through the Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) Program. University- and state-owned entities, entities with a foreign primary shareholder, and the four largest beef processing entities are not eligible.

As outlined in the August 14 Constituent Update, payments are based on 2025 processing throughput at a rate of $53.05 per head and will be issued in two rounds. All eligible establishments that apply and have slaughtered 50 percent of the 2025 numbers will receive a first payment of 50 percent of their eligible amount. The remaining 50 percent will be issued once the establishment processes 60 percent of its 2025 throughput between January 1 and December 31, 2026. FSIS will notify FSA when an establishment reaches that threshold, so no additional application or action is needed to receive the second payment.

SPUR funding comes with a payback condition. Establishments that cease business operations as beef processors or sell their establishment within two years of receiving funds may be required to return the money.

Potentially eligible establishments will receive partially pre-filled applications to the email address on file with FSIS. The application deadline has been extended to Sept. 30. To apply, complete and sign the application and email it to [email protected] by this date. Establishments that do not already have a Unique Entity ID should obtain one immediately from SAM.gov. SPUR payments are considered taxable income.

Reminders and Updates:

• SPUR eligibility is limited to active beef slaughter facilities under federal inspection, including establishments under the Talmadge-Aiken Cooperative Inspection Program as well as those under the CIS Program.
• SPUR applications are being sent directly to the primary contact on the FSIS Public Health Information System (PHIS) listserv.
• Establishments that first became operational in or after February 2025 or during 2026 may be eligible for proration. Eligible establishments will receive a new application no later than Friday, September 11.
• Assuming there are no issues with the application, payments are expected to be issued within 30 days of receipt, using the bank account information you have on file with SAM.gov.
• To avoid processing delays, please ensure that your SAM.gov registration exactly matches the establishment name on file with FSIS.
• As a reminder, your first payment will be 50 percent of the payment rate multiplied by your eligible head. Once your 2026 slaughter number reaches 60 percent of the eligible head listed on your application, FSIS will notify FSA to issue your second payment.
• For more details, view the August 11 webinar recording.

If you have questions about SPUR, please email [email protected]. If you have received your application and have questions regarding the application itself, please email [email protected]. To learn more, please visit https://fsa.usda.gov/spur.

FSIS Extends Overtime and Holiday Inspection Fee Reductions

As part of its ongoing commitment to support small and very small establishments, FSIS is extending temporary overtime and holiday inspection fee reductions for eligible small and very small establishments to fiscal year 2027, until available funds are expended. Eligible small establishments receive a 30 percent reduction, and eligible very small establishments receive a 75 percent reduction. Details are in the Federal Register notice.

Overtime use often looks different for smaller operators than it does for larger establishments. You may need inspection outside regular hours only periodically, to meet seasonal demand, cover staffing gaps, or keep up with a production schedule. The reduction applies to that occasional use as well.

To apply, complete FSIS Form 5200-16, Overtime/Holiday Rate Reduction Form, and submit it to the frontline supervisor assigned to your establishment or email it to your District Office, "Attention Grant Curator." Qualifying establishments receive a partial refund for overtime and holiday fees paid since October 5, 2025, as a lump sum or as a credit toward future fees. FSIS processes complete submissions in the order received while funds remain, so submit as soon as possible.

If you have questions about how the fee reduction applies to your operation, contact your District Office or submit a question through askFSIS.

FSIS Joins Flower Hill Institute Roundtable on Becoming USDA or CIS Inspected

On August 12, FSIS Deputy Administrator for Field Operations Robert Bane joined the Flower Hill Institute, a Meat and Poultry Processing Technical Assistance provider, for an online roundtable, "Passing Inspection: What it Takes to Be USDA or CIS Inspected." The session topic came directly from participant feedback following previous Flower Hill roundtables and drew small and very small meat and poultry processors from across the country, including operators exploring federal inspection for the first time.

Bane was joined by two processors who recently completed the journey themselves: Danielle Carrillo of Clark's Custom Meat Company in St. Joseph, Mo., which operates under the CIS Program, and Mark Siderius, chairman of Glacier Processing Cooperative in Columbia Falls, Mont., a producer-owned cooperative that transitioned its plant to full federal inspection. The panel walked through what happens after an application for inspection is submitted, common pitfalls that slow applications down, and how to approach noncompliance records constructively. Bane also covered what changed under the Small Processors Action Plan, and the resources available at every step, from District Office Grant Curators to the Small Plant Help Desk and the Applying for USDA FSIS Inspection guideline.

A recording of the roundtable is available on the Flower Hill Institute's YouTube channel. If you are considering federal or CIS inspection and have questions, reach out through askFSIS or contact the Small Plant Help Desk by emailing [email protected] or calling 1-877-FSIS-HELP (1-877-374-7435).

Additional Resources:

• Applying for USDA FSIS Inspection guideline (FSIS-GD-2025-0005), on the FSIS website under FSIS Guidelines.
• Apply for Grant of Inspection webpage, which includes Form 5200-2, sample applications, and the full resource list.
• Small Plant Help Desk: 1-877-FSIS-HELP (1-877-374-7435), webform, or [email protected]
• askFSIS Q&A Portal for technical and regulatory questions.
• HACCP guidance webpage, the Guidebook for the Preparation of HACCP Plans, and university-affiliated State HACCP Coordinators who provide free one-on-one HACCP assistance.
• OFO directory with District Office Grant Curators, who walk applicants through the process directly.
• For tribal producers and Tribal Nation operations: the USDA Office of Tribal Relations: 202-205-2249 or [email protected].
• FSIS newsletters: the weekly Constituent Update and the monthly FSIS Updates for Small Plants newsletter. Subscribe at the FSIS website or by emailing [email protected].
• Small Processors Action Plan information.

FSIS Announces Leadership Changes

FSIS is announcing leadership changes that continue positioning the agency to effectively deliver on its food safety mission and support its strategic framework of strong people, smart systems and safe food.

Mr. Jeremy "Todd" Reed has been named deputy administrator for Science and Policy in the Office of the Administrator (OA). Reed brings decades of experience and expertise to this position and has served in several leadership positions within FSIS. Mr. Reed has been serving as FSIS' chief operating officer since 2018.

Dr. Gabrial Eddings has been named assistant administrator for the Office of Public Health Science (OPHS). Dr. Eddings has served in several leadership positions within FSIS, most recently served as acting executive associate for regulatory operations within FSIS' Office of Field Operations.

Dr. Glenn Tillman has been named deputy assistant administrator for OPHS. Dr. Tillman has over 25 years of experience with FSIS serving in multiple roles, within OPHS, including a branch chief for the Microbiology Characterization Branch.

Additional leadership changes were made in OA, OPHS and the Office of Public Affairs and Training (OPAT). Ms. Karen Hunter will be acting as chief operating officer in OA. Within OPHS, Ms. Kimberly Nguyen will serve as acting executive associate for laboratory services. Ms. Atiya Khan will be acting as assistant administrator of OPAT.

You can find these updates and information about FSIS leadership on the FSIS website.

FSIS to Host Webinar on the Modernized PHIS Domestic Inspection for Industry

FSIS invites industry stakeholders to a webinar to demonstrate the changes to Noncompliance Records, Appeals, and Memoranda of Interview in PHIS' modernized domestic inspection module. This webinar will demonstrate how to access and respond to these record types in PHIS from the industry user's perspective.

The webinar will take place on September 17, at 1:00 pm EST, it will be recorded and posted for later viewing. For questions about this webinar, please email [email protected]. 

• Join the webinar on the Modernized PHIS Domestic Inspection on September 17, at 1:00 p.m. ET | Meeting ID: 295 680 563 003 032 | Passcode: PN3sV3oi

Additional Regulatory and Program Updates

The continued changes within FSIS 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

An updated list of substances that may be used in the production of meat, poultry, and egg products is available in FSIS Directive 7120.1, Revision 62, issued on Aug. 20.

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.

Sampling & Testing

FSIS announced an expansion of monitoring for chemical residues associated with veterinary drugs used to treat and prevent New World Screwworm in livestock species. Screening will be expanded for specific analytes from newly approved or authorized drugs on ovine, caprine, and porcine muscle and kidney. This testing builds on extended testing on bovine muscle and kidney announced on July 17. The updated methods will be posted to the Chemistry Laboratory Guidebook page of the FSIS website no later than September 1, 2026. Please direct questions regarding specific elements of any method to the USDA website via askFSIS.

Exports

Beginning September 3, the European Union (EU) will only accept products of animal origin from countries that meet Article 118 of Regulation (EU) 2019/6. FSIS has revised the EU Export Library page with the updated FSIS Letterhead Certificates for commercial shipments of beef, pork, poultry, and egg products exported for entry into the EU. Exporters must begin using these updated certificates, effective immediately. A transition period will be in place from August 21 through September 3. During this time, the EU will continue to accept previous versions of export certificates, provided they were certified by an FSIS veterinarian on or before September 3, 2026. Any certificates for commercial beef, pork, poultry, or egg products certified after that date must use the updated version.

On August 14, Morocco began accepting pork casings products from U.S. establishments. Any establishment interested in exporting pork casings products to Morocco must submit FSIS Form 9080-3 application through PHIS.

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].

Items for your to-do list:

• If you export to the EU, visit the export library and download an updated FSIS Letterhead Certificate. Current FSIS Letterhead Certificates will state "Certificate Edition (09/2026)" at the bottom.
• If you are interested in exporting pork casings products, submit FSIS Form 9080-3 application through PHIS.
• If you're an egg products exporter and need a list of countries accepting digital export certificates, visit the "Country Rollout Schedule" header on the PHIS Components Page.
• If you're a small or mid-sized beef processor meeting eligibility requirements for the SPUR program, please visit https://fsa.usda.gov/spur or email [email protected] for details. View the August 11 webinar recording for more details.
• 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.

PHIS Update: FSIS to Deploy Modernized Modules on September 18, 2026

FSIS will deploy a modernized version of the PHIS Export Module and the PHIS Domestic Inspection Module on the evening of Sept. 18. These updates will make significant improvements to the following industry activities:

• Creating and submitting export applications
• Viewing and responding to noncompliance records and memoranda of interview
• Appealing noncompliance decisions

You can find recorded demonstrations of the new features and other resources on the PHIS page of the FSIS website. You can also get a preview of the new module in the PHIS ITE. You can also see the PHIS Industry Help for video tutorials and other helpful information about how to submit exports through PHIS. You can get help with any of these topics by emailing [email protected].

Visit PHIS Help for Industry for additional resources.

Knowledge Article

askFSIS Public Q&A: If a company wants to know where its label is in the label evaluation and approval process who should it contact?

FSIS is actively working to decrease the labeling turnaround time that peaked earlier this year by committing resources and improving efficiency to bring the turnaround time back to pre-2025 timeframes. We have already decreased the time by 10 working days, and we expect to be back to normal within the next two months.

If the label was submitted online, via the Labeling Submission and Approval System (LSAS), the company can view the status from their Dashboard in LSAS. If the label is mailed or express-mailed directly to the Labeling and Program Delivery Staff (LPDS), the company should contact the Distribution Unit at (301) 504-0878. However, please wait a reasonable amount of time before calling to account for transit. If a label is sent via a label courier firm, you should contact the courier firm to obtain the status of the label.

To avoid delays, LPDS recommends using the online web submission process. LPDS strongly encourages applicants to register for a Level 2 eAuthentication account to submit their label request electronically through LSAS, rather than using paper applications. Learn more about LSAS.

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

Visit askFSIS for more answers to common questions.

Last Updated: Sep 09, 2026