On Oct. 26, 2016, FSIS published a determination in the Federal Register announcing its intent to hold livestock owners, transporters, haulers and other persons not employed by an official establishment responsible for acts they commit involving the inhumane handling of livestock in connection with slaughter, while on the premises of an official establishment. FSIS stated that it would begin taking actions based on this determination on Jan. 24, 2017, unless it received comments that demonstrated a need to revise this date. FSIS also stated that it would publish a Federal Register document affirming the implementation date.

FSIS has received numerous, substantive comments on this determination which it continues to examine. FSIS will thus delay implementation of this determination. Once FSIS has completed review of the comments, it will publish a Notice in the Federal Register responding to the issues raised in the comments explaining the determination and any clarifications or revisions made in response to the comments and announcing the implementation date.

FSIS has launched enhanced messaging to importers/brokers who apply for import reinspection electronically using the FSIS Partner Government Agency (PGA) Message Set. Known as “event messaging,” this automated communication between FSIS’ Public Health Information System (PHIS) and applicants (importer/broker) via U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) delivers timely status updates on the applicant’s shipment.

For example, the messaging indicates if the applicant’s shipment has been released (“may proceed/released”), is being held for sampling (“lab results pending”), has not presented to FSIS for reinspection (“failure to present”), all or part of the shipment has failed reinspection (“refused” or “partial release and refused”) or a refused shipment has been brought into compliance (“refusal satisfied”).

The FSIS PGA Message Set allows importers/brokers to electronically provide required FSIS data when filing for entry in ACE. Approximately 57 Customs Brokers are filing FSIS import application data electronically and approximately 40% of import applications were filed through ACE in the fourth quarter of CY 2016. More information about the FSIS PGA Message Set can be found at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/98c45f3c-8a5b-47d7-9907-2fdc7352547f/Data_Samples_Guidelines_PGA_Message_Set.pdf?MOD=AJPERES.

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

Complete information can be found at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/international-affairs/exporting-products.

FSIS notices and directives on public health and regulatory issues are available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/regulations. The following policy updates were recently issued:
•Notice 02-17 - 2017 Mileage Reimbursement Rates - Correction
•Notice 03-17 - Applying the USDA Export Stamp to Pallet or Conveyance
•Docket No. FSIS-2016-0033 - Notice of Request for a New Information Collection: State Meat and Poultry Inspection Programs

Find food safety information for at-risk individuals, along with tips and resources to keep consumers and other interested groups informed of the latest agency news and events. Follow FSIS on Twitter at www.twitter.com/USDAFoodSafety.

For information regarding recalls, please contact the Congressional and Public Affairs Staff at (202) 720-9113. You can also receive e-mail notifications when public health alerts and recalls are issued by registering at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/subscribe.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/newsroom/meetings/newsletters/constituent-updates/archive/2017/ConstUpdate010617