Constituent Update - January 30, 2026

Constituent Update - January 30, 2026

FSIS to Extend Comment Period on Public Meeting: Exploring Practical Strategies to Reduce Salmonella in Poultry Products

FSIS is extending the comment period by 30 days for the Public Meeting: Exploring Practical Strategies to Reduce Salmonella in Poultry Products. The public meeting was held on January 14, 2026, to discuss practical strategies for reducing Salmonella illnesses attributed to poultry products. The comment period will now end on March 4, 2026. A few industry groups requested the extension to provide stakeholders with additional time to prepare their comments.

Comments may be submitted online via the federal eRulemaking portal, available at https://www.regulations.gov; by mail sent to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mailstop 3758, Washington, DC 20250-3700, or by hand or courier delivery to 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Jamie L. Whitten Building, Room 350-E, Washington, DC 20250-3700. All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must include the agency name and docket number FSIS-2025-0179.

FSIS Delivers on Commitments: Progress and a Strong Path Forward

FSIS has made great progress over the past six months, delivering on commitments to its workforce and strengthening the foundation for effective food safety. With renewed leadership, targeted investments, and a clear mission focus, the agency is well positioned for continued progress in 2026 and beyond.

A Clear Vision for Food Safety

Central to this momentum is the return of Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Mindy Brashears, who brings a clear message: food safety is a shared responsibility that starts with science, depends on data, and succeeds through people. Her vision emphasizes outcomes over compliance. The goal is reducing illness and protecting public health through strong process control, validated systems, and prevention.

This approach aligns with Secretary Rollins' 5-Point Plan, which calls for strong, science-based food safety; fairness and consistency in oversight; transparency for consumers; and a resilient food system that works for producers, processors, and American families.

Strengthened Leadership and Structure

Translating this vision into action requires the right organizational structure. As a result, FSIS has made several changes to strengthen its executive leadership teams. These changes provide dedicated senior leadership of both science and policy and field functions. This structure enhances collaboration across programs and promotes stronger communication across all areas of the agency. More details are available in the January 9 and the January 16 Constituent Updates.

Deputy Administrator of Field Operations Robert Bane has outlined priorities that support both the workforce and mission effectiveness. His focus areas include improving inspector training with structured on-the-job programs, ensuring staffing models support public health protection, and exploring new technologies to aid inspection personnel.

Modern Tools and Stronger Infrastructure

These leadership priorities are also reflected in FSIS operations. FSIS opened a new Midwest Laboratory, dedicating resources to streamlining testing methods and strengthening scientific capability to support public health outcomes. The agency also continues its efforts to modernize the Public Health Information System, improving system capabilities and user interfaces.

Looking Ahead

Together, these endeavors point toward a clear path forward in a simple framework: strong people, smart systems, safe food. Tackling Salmonella and other pathogens remains a priority, and the agency will approach these challenges with science as its guide and data as its compass.

Food safety is not static. It evolves with science, technology, and emerging risks. FSIS is committed to listening, adapting, and continuously improving. The agency's accomplishments over the past six months demonstrate what is possible when leadership responds to workforce needs and keeps the mission in focus.

Collaborative Efforts for a Safer Food Supply: FSIS at IPPE

Earlier this week, FSIS participated in the International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Ga., engaging with industry leaders in one of the world's largest gatherings for the meat, poultry, and egg products industries.

FSIS had an information booth at the expo where agency representatives engaged with attendees, discussing topics such as inspection, regulatory requirements, and compliance. Top agency leaders also had the chance to meet directly with key industry stakeholder groups.

From Left: FSIS Administrator Justin Ransom, Enforcement Investigation and Analysis Officer John Jeffers, OFO Resource Management Specialist Sidney Harris, OFO Resource Management Specialist Davi-anne Phillip, and Under Secretary Brashears. Photo by Special Assistant Michael Starnes.

During the Meat Institute's educational sessions, Dr. Ransom provided updates, focusing on the strategic direction of FSIS to enhance food safety through strong workforce initiatives, smart systems, and innovative technologies. He also highlighted the importance of tailored engagement and support for small and very small establishments.

Dr. Brashears also participated in the Meat Institute's Board session, specifically a fireside chat with former Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue to reflect on past achievements and discuss future goals for FSIS and the broader food safety community. Dr. Brashears emphasized the role of innovative technologies and data-driven approaches in enhancing meat safety and encouraged continuous dialogue with FSIS to ensure compliance and public health protection.

Later on, Dr. Brashears met with the United Egg Association Further Processors Division to discuss the unique challenges faced by egg processors and the importance of tailored support and technical assistance to help further food safety compliance and maintain high standards within the egg sector.

The next day, Dr. Brashears addressed the Poultry Industry Food Safety Council, focusing on enhancing food safety standards through collaboration. Salmonella remains a top priority and Dr. Brashears underscored the need for science-based, validated solutions, stressing that effective food safety solutions must be practical and scalable.

Finally, Deputy Secretary Vaden joined Dr. Brashears in a meeting with the National Chicken Council (NCC). In her address to the NCC Board of Directors, Dr. Brashears detailed ongoing priorities, including efforts to balance line speed flexibility with strong food safety outcomes and the importance of accurate labeling standards to build consumer trust. She also highlighted the need for collaboration across federal and state food safety partners to enhance data sharing and align oversight. Following Dr. Brashears, Deputy Secretary Vaden addressed the Board, reinforcing the Administration's and agency's aligned vision for bolstering food safety through collaboration, science-based decision making, and strong regulatory partnerships. With the Technical & Regulatory Division, Dr. Brashears discussed the latest regulatory updates and technical advancements, focusing on how these developments impact the poultry industry and the importance of continuous improvement to meet safety standards.

Ongoing dialogue and collaboration are essential components of FSIS' long-term strategy to enhance food safety and public health. By engaging in events like IPPE, FSIS continues to foster relationships, improve communication, and ensure the agency remains responsive to the evolving needs of its stakeholders.

Upcoming Events

• Feb. 19-20: Agricultural Outlook Forum

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 Directive 7120.1: Safe and Suitable Ingredients

FSIS Directive 4831.2: Requesting Badge Encasements as Mementos

FSIS Directive 1020.4: Delegation of Authority for Disciplinary and Adverse Actions

FSIS Notice 09-26: 2026 Mileage Reimbursement Rates

Export Requirements Update

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

• Japan
• China
• North Macedonia
• Azerbaijan
• Hong Kong
• Mexico
• European Union
• Canada
• South Africa

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