Constituent Update - November 6, 2026

Constituent Update - November 6, 2026

FSIS Requests Input on STEC Testing Solutions

FSIS is seeking input from commercial vendors regarding innovative laboratory rapid screening methods and selective media for detecting and isolating Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) present in raw beef and other food products.

Vendors are invited to submit concise information about their STEC testing kits, media, and workflows-especially those capable of selecting, identifying, and isolating STEC strains independently of serogroup. Submissions should highlight technical capabilities, validation data, and operational requirements. FSIS is particularly interested in serogroup-independent solutions and methods compatible with meat-based microbiology testing.

FSIS continually seeks to modernize its pathogen testing methods and aims to adopt new technologies that advance food safety and improve laboratory testing accuracy and efficiency. Responses will help inform future regulatory decisions and laboratory methods to enhance public health outcomes. For more details, please refer to the official Requests for Information for STEC Detection and STEC Media. The requests close December 8, 2026, at 12:00pm ET.

FSIS Leadership Update

FSIS is pleased to welcome Dr. Langston Hull, who will serve as FSIS acting Chief Scientist for the next 120 days. He comes from USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), where he has worked for 15 years.

Dr. Hull has been with APHIS since 2011, and serves as scientific technical director for International Services and as the agency's scientific integrity officer. He is also vice chair and chair-elect of the APHIS Science Committee.

A native of south Louisiana, Dr. Hull earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a PhD in molecular microbiology and infectious diseases from Louisiana State University.

Stakeholder Engagement

ADMINISTRATOR DR. JUSTIN RANSOM SPEAKING AT THE MEAT IMPORT COUNCIL OF AMERICA'S 65TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND CONFERENCE IN SCOTTSDALE, AZ. PHOTO BY MEGHAN STEWARD OF MEGHAN STEWARD PHOTOGRAPHY.

Dr. Ransom highlighted the role reinspection plays as the final check before imported product enters U.S. commerce, and the value of a consistent, well-understood process for everyone involved. He also discussed improvements to the Public Health Information System, including electronic replacement certificates, and the agency's ongoing review of opportunities to make import reinspection more efficient while keeping public health protection the top priority. He closed by noting that the safety of the U.S. food supply is a shared commitment among the countries and suppliers that export to the United States.

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

On November 6, 2026, 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 FSIS Website. Additionally, FSIS will post 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 comminuted poultry products at the location linked above.

Upcoming Events

• November 17, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT: FSIS Midwestern Laboratory Open House. Registration is filling up quickly - register today!

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 November 6: Proposed Additions to the Laboratory Sampling Datasets. Email [email protected] and include "Product Name Addition" in the subject line.
• Until November 9: Notice of Request to Renew an Approved Information Collection: Mechanically Tenderized Beef Products.
• Until November 13: Proposed Updates to Import Datasets. Email [email protected] and include "Import Dataset Enhancements" in the subject line.

Policy Update

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

FSIS Notice 44-26: End of Fiscal Year 2026 Performance Management Instructions

FSIS Notice 45-26: Federal Benefits Open Season 2027 Plan Year

FSIS Directive 5620.1: Using askFSIS - Revision 3

Export Requirements Update

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

FSIS:

• Hong Kong
• Mexico

APHIS:

• Taiwan
• Japan

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

Complete information for APHIS products can be found at Export Restrictions on U.S. Animal Products for Human Consumption website. Select the countries listed above from the drop down menu for complete information.