FSIS Implements Modernized Chemical Residue Quantitative Method

FSIS has developed an innovative method for beef muscle samples that uses modern chemistry instrumentation for quantifying chemical residues.

On October 1, 2023, the FSIS laboratory system intends to implement a new quantitative method for veterinary drug residue analysis in bovine muscle samples entitled “Quantitation of Animal Drug Residues by High-Resolution, Accurate-Mass Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (HRAM LC-MS)” (CLG-MRQ1). The method benefits include the ability to:

• Quantitate multiple veterinary drug residue amounts simultaneously in a single analysis with high mass accuracy.

• Quantitate several veterinary drugs that were previously difficult to measure.

• Archive several single analyte or specific drug class quantitation methods that use older technology.

• Archive traditional residue bioassay for several analytes.

• Align detection limits with established drug residue tolerances.

• Decrease time to result for presumptive positive residues.

In addition to this change, FSIS has recently updated three methods to the new Chemical Laboratory Guidebook format: Quantitation of Salt (CLG-SLT); Quantitation of Fat (CLG-FAT); and Screening, Quantitation, and Confirmation of Beta-Agonists by UHPLC-MS-MS (CLG-AGON1). By reformatting these methods, FSIS aims to improve accessibility and provide clarity for users. These methods now have flow charts to show the basic steps of analysis from sample receipt to results reporting.

The new and updated methods are to be posted no later than September 30, 2023, to the Chemical Laboratory Guidebook page of the FSIS website. Please direct questions regarding specific elements of any method to askFSIS.

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

On September 20, 2023, FSIS will update 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 (NRTE) comminuted poultry products at the location linked above.

FSIS to Post Updated Datasets on Import Refusals

On September 15, 2023, FSIS updated the publicly posted dataset on import refusals for products that the agency regulates. Federal law requires every commercial shipment of imported meat, poultry, and egg products to be reinspected prior to product entering U.S. commerce. FSIS reinspects each shipment to verify labeling, proper certification, general condition, and any signs of tampering and to identify product adulterated by transportation damage. FSIS also performs additional activities on a random and/or for-cause basis, such as physical product examination and laboratory sampling for pathogens and chemical residues.

Any product that does not meet FSIS requirements is refused entry, and the importer has up to 45 days (30 days for egg products) to have the product destroyed for use as human food, re-exported/returned to the country of origin, converted to animal food, or brought into compliance with FSIS requirements, if applicable (e.g., relabeled, remarked, or issued a replacement certificate).

The current Import Refusals dataset is updated around the 15th of each month and the archived Import Refusals dataset is updated around the 15th of the first month of each quarter. The datasets contain each shipment with product that was refused entry. To access these datasets or view more information about them, please visit the Import and Export Data page.

Export Requirements Update

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

• Canada

• French Polynesia (Tahiti)

• Solomon Islands

• Kiribati

• Myanmar

• Japan

• United Kingdom

• Philippines

• Benin

• Tunisia

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