Constituent Update - December 12, 2025

Constituent Update - December 12, 2025

FSIS Issues Updated Guidance on the Voluntary "Product of USA" Labeling Claim

FSIS has issued updated labeling guidance to support industry implementation of the voluntary "Product of USA" labeling standard that will be effective Jan. 1, 2026. The updated Directive 7221.1: Prior Labeling Approval for FSIS in plant personnel is also available.

The updated guidance provides additional clarity on eligibility, documentation, and compliance expectations for establishments choosing to use the revised claim, which may be applied only to FSIS regulated products derived from animals that were born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the United States. The guidance reflects stakeholder feedback received on the guideline and is intended to help establishments prepare ahead of the uniform compliance date of January 1, 2026.

To assist industry and state partners in understanding the new requirements, FSIS will host two informational webinars: one on Dec. 15 for industry stakeholders, the other on Dec. 16 for state government officials. The Voluntary "Product of USA" Labeling Claim Webinars 2025 event page also includes a pre-recorded overview presentation.

FSIS encourages all interested establishments, state inspection program officials, and trade associations to attend the appropriate session. For questions about the voluntary "Product of USA" labeling claim or the upcoming webinars, stakeholders may contact the FSIS Labeling and Program Delivery Staff at [email protected].

Salmonella Categorization Postings

In November, FSIS discovered that more than 4,000 samples collected between June and July 2025 had not been transferred from FSIS' laboratory information system into the Public Health Information System (PHIS). Of those, approximately 1,100 samples were from routine poultry sampling projects. As a result, this omission affected the accuracy of Salmonella sample counts and categorization for multiple establishments. Because of this, inaccurate data was reflected in PHIS reports and in the Salmonella Verification Testing Program Monthly Postings published in August and September.

Specifically, Salmonella 'moving windows' with category end dates between June 14, 2025, and October 25, 2025, were impacted. Categorization results for moving windows prior to June 14, 2025, and after October 25, 2025, remain accurate.

FSIS is actively working to correct inaccuracies in PHIS tables and to recalculate all affected category values. As part of that process, the August and September postings have been temporarily removed from the FSIS website. Once recalculations are complete, corrected versions will be published along with the October, November, and December reports.

The January report will be posted as scheduled, and all revised and delayed reports will be published once recalculations are complete. FSIS will issue a Constituent Update to notify stakeholders when the revised postings are available and when corrections to the affected moving windows in PHIS reports are finalized.

Upcoming Events

• Dec. 15, 1-2 p.m. ET: Industry Stakeholder Webinar on Product of USA Labeling Claim
• Dec 16, 1-2 p.m. ET: State Government Official Webinar on Product of USA Labeling Claim
• 14, 12 p.m.-4:30 p.m. ET: Salmonella Public Meeting

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 Jan. 20: Notice of Request To Reinstate a Previously Approved Information Collection: Overtime and Holiday Inspection Fees for Small and Very Small Establishments
• Until Feb. 2: Exploring Practical Strategies to Reduce Salmonella in Poultry 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-GD-2025-0006: FSIS Guideline for Label Approval
• FSIS Directive 7221.1: Prior Labeling Approval - Revision 4
• FSIS Notice 39-25: Fiscal Year 2026 Continuing Education Program for Public Health Veterinarians and Veterinary Medical Officers
• FSIS Notice 40-25: Fiscal Year 2026 Pay Periods and Official Payday Dates

Export Requirements Update

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

• China
• North Macedonia
• San Marino
• Taiwan
• Mexico
• Japan
• Korea
• Canada

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