Constituent Update - May 1, 2026

Constituent Update - May 1, 2026

APHIS Confirms Pseudorabies in Swine Herds in Iowa

On April 30, 2026, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed a detection of antibodies to pseudorabies virus in a small commercial swine facility in Iowa. The APHIS announcement can be found at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-confirms-pseudorabies-swine-herds-iowa-texas.

This situation is best understood as an animal health and trade issue - not a food safety issue. Pigs are the primary hosts of pseudorabies. The U.S. previously eradicated pseudorabies from the commercial swine industry in 2004. However, the virus can still be found in some feral swine populations and there is occasional spillover of infection to outdoor herds where contact with feral swine is possible. Initial traceback from the Iowa herd indicates that affected boars came from an outdoor facility in Texas.

Pseudorabies can cause serious illness, particularly in young swine, leading to production losses for producers. There may be limited, short-term impacts on exports of U.S. swine and swine genetics, and certain swine products.

Pork that passes federal inspection remains safe to eat. Consumers can continue to purchase and eat pork with confidence. FSIS will continue to work closely with APHIS and industry partners to ensure that products in commerce meet all food safety requirements. FSIS will update the Export Library and APHIS will update the APHIS International Animal Product Export Regulations website as affected pork product certificates are identified.

For more information, please contact [email protected].

FSIS Issues Final Rule Removing Standard of Identity for Canned "Tripe with Milk"

On May 1, 2026, FSIS published a final rule removing the standard of identity for canned "Tripe with Milk" from 9 CFR 319.308. FSIS determined that the existing standard, which required the finished product to contain at least 65 percent tripe and no less than 10 percent milk, is unnecessary to protect the public. The Agency's general labeling requirements are sufficient to ensure these products are not misbranded.

The final rule provides establishments with greater flexibility to formulate canned tripe products with milk or other ingredients, provided labeling remains truthful and not misleading. This final rule is now on display on the Federal Register and will be published on May 4, 2026.

Stakeholder Engagement

On April 23, Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Mindy Brashears hosted federal, state, consumer and industry partners to discuss collaborative consumer education initiatives. Dr. Brashears outlined the agency's food safety priorities and described how USDA's work connects to the educators who bring those messages directly to consumers.

The Partnership for Food Safety Education (PFSE) unites government, industry, and consumer groups around a common goal: empowering food safety educators to prevent foodborne illness.

Dr. Brashears, who began her second term as Under Secretary on January 14, addressed the nation's most persistent food safety challenges. Salmonella, Listeria, and antimicrobial resistance top the agency's list. She stressed that effective solutions must be practical, data-driven, and designed to work for establishments of every size.

The meeting reinforced a point Dr. Brashears has made consistently since taking office: FSIS enforces food safety on the processing floor, but lasting reductions in foodborne illness also depend on what happens in the home. PFSE's educators carry science-based food safety practices into kitchens, classrooms, and communities across the country. That reach extends FSIS' mission well beyond the plant gate.

Under Secretary Brashears discussed updates during PFSE meeting. Photo by Public Affairs Specialist Meredith Carothers.

FSIS Announces Adjusted Dollar Limitations to Qualify for Retail Exemption

FSIS has published in the Federal Register the adjusted dollar limitations to qualify for retail exemption. The dollar limitations apply to the amount of meat and poultry that a retail store can sell to hotels, restaurants, and similar institutions without disqualifying itself for exemption from federal inspection requirements. In accordance with FSIS' regulations, for calendar year 2026, the value for the retail dollar limitation for meat and meat products (including Siluriformes) is $109,600; the value for the retail dollar limitation for poultry and poultry products is $76,100. The dollar limitations will be effective on May 28, 2026.

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

On May 1, 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.

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 18-26 - New GOVTA Accounting Code for Bison Inspection

Export Requirements Update

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

FSIS:

• European Union
• Hong Kong

APHIS:

• Taiwan
• Albania
• Japan
• Trinidad and Tobago
• St. Lucia
• Peru
• Ecuador
• Costa Rica
• Jamaica
• Colombia
• Barbados
• Brazil
• Argentina

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.