Constituent Update - June 26, 2026

Constituent Update - June 26, 2026

FSIS Announces New Pilot Project for Raw Poultry Establishments

On January 14, 2026, FSIS held a public meeting to discuss practical strategies for reducing Salmonella illnesses attributed to poultry products. As a result of this meeting, FSIS is announcing a new pilot project for raw poultry establishments to measure Salmonella levels throughout slaughter or processing operations. This pilot will be open to chicken and turkey slaughter or processing establishments subject to one or more of the current poultry Salmonella performance standards (carcass, parts, and comminuted) that incorporates either Salmonella biomapping into their food safety system, or a validated Critical Control Point (CCP) to control Salmonella into their Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan.

In participating establishments, FSIS plans to evaluate a shortened Salmonella performance standard moving window from 52 weeks to a variable moving window starting at 13 weeks (with a 52-week maximum). In addition, FSIS will consider waiver requests under the Salmonella Initiative Program for alternative sampling frequency under the carcass microbial testing frequency regulation (9 CFR 381.65(g)(2)(i)). If waivers are implemented, FSIS may use the information gained during the pilot to evaluate potential regulatory changes at a future date.

As a requirement of the biomapping pilot project, interested establishments should submit to FSIS a biomapping sampling plan, including specific sites throughout the establishment to sample and test for Salmonella (including enumeration). Once establishments have been approved for the pilot, establishments' biomapping data collection will be routinely verified by IPP. Should establishments opt to implement a CCP to control Salmonella in their HACCP plans, they should submit to FSIS information on the validated intervention to be used. Establishments already conducting biomapping or that have already implemented a validated CCP are also eligible to participate. Approved pilot projects will be listed on the Pilot Projects: Salmonella Control Strategies page of the FSIS website.

FSIS Leadership Led Industry Through a Regulatory Journey

On June 24, FSIS Under Secretary Dr. Mindy Brashears and Administrator Dr. Justin Ransom visited the 2026 American Meat Science Association Reciprocal Meat Conference in Amarillo, Texas. During the first part of the conference, attendees engaged in a 90-minute workshop on validation, recordkeeping and documentation coordinated by West Texas A&M University.

Participants then sat down to hear Dr. Brashears' opening remarks. She discussed how FSIS has partnered with the Agricultural Research Service to build the data needed to move toward more risk-based approaches for pathogens, such as Salmonella and Listeria. Dr. Brashears emphasized the importance of small and very small processes on rural communities, local economies, and America's food supply. Each attendee received a Small Plant Glossy, outlining Secretary Rollins' Small Processors Action Plan as part of FSIS' commitment to improving customer service while maintaining the highest food safety standards. Dr. Brashears said, "this is not about changing our standards, it's about improving how we serve," making it easier for small and very small establishments to meet regulatory requirements.

Dr. Ransom discussed FSIS' food safety strategy - strong people, smart systems and safe food. By investing in the workforce, FSIS will maintain employees that are equipped to support FSIS' public health mission. He also discussed proposals for exploring emerging technology to bolster food safety with tools that can support oversight decisions.

Small and very small establishment operators were then led through the theme for June's FSIS Small Plant Session - "Welcome to Your Regulatory Journey". Subject matter experts walked through the path of obtaining a Grant of Inspection, exploring financing and grant options, mastering compliance and navigating the unexpected, such as recalls and enforcement actions. Establishment operators used this opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns, and talk through real challenges - continuing the journey of how the agency serves the small and very small plants that are vital to our nation.

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 July 6: Availability of Revised Food Safety Guideline for Egg Products

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 28-26 - Instructions for Using FedEx.com to Ship Domestic Laboratory Samples

Export Requirements Update

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

FSIS:

• Canada
• China
• South Africa

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.