The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has released its key accomplishments for 2023, emphasizing efforts to safeguard public health and strengthen the food supply chain. Under Secretary for Food Safety Emilio Esteban stated that FSIS remains dedicated to advancing initiatives aimed at protecting the American public, particularly by empowering small establishments in producing safe food and meeting consumer expectations on labeling claims.
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is dedicated to safeguarding public health by enhancing consumer awareness of food safety practices through a range of outreach efforts. Addressing over 11,740 inquiries through the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline and providing self-service food safety resources accessed by more than 7.9 million consumers, FSIS ensures that vital information reaches households nationwide. The AskFSIS platform, responding to nearly 36,000 consumer questions, and FSIS Q&As viewed over 341,000 times on the AskUSDA website further reinforce the agency’s commitment to educating the public. Through strategic partnerships with media outlets, FSIS disseminates essential food safety information, reaching approximately 27 million consumers. Additionally, collaborations with national food delivery services extend outreach efforts, distributing over 165,000 meal delivery boxes across 29 states during the Thanksgiving season. By releasing findings from a 5-year observational study on behaviors impacting food safety during meal preparation, FSIS refines consumer messaging on safe food handling practices. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the USDA is driving transformative changes in America’s food system, prioritizing resilient local and regional food production, equitable market access for producers, and ensuring safe, healthy, and nutritious food for all communities. These efforts are complemented by investments in rural infrastructure, clean energy capabilities, and a commitment to fostering equity and representation within the Department’s workforce
Meeting Consumer Expectations on Labeling Claims
FSIS published the results of a nationwide consumer survey that revealed that the current “Product of USA” claim is misleading to most consumers. The results of the consumer survey informed a new proposed rule with requirements for the use of the voluntary Product of USA claim on FSIS-regulated products.
In addition, FSIS is strengthening the substantiation of animal-raising claims by partnering with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service to conduct a sampling project to identify if antibiotic residues are present in cattle destined for the “raised without antibiotics” market. FSIS is also reviewing and updating its guidance documents regarding animal-raising and environmental claims.
FSIS reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening tribal sovereignty and self-sufficiency by collaborating with Tribal nations to incorporate culturally appropriate food safety information and launching initiatives such as the Bison Pilot Project. This project aims to promote equity and remove barriers to USDA services for Indian Country while ensuring food safety standards are met.
FSIS also addressed consumer concerns regarding labeling claims by publishing the results of a nationwide survey on the “Product of USA” claim and proposing new requirements for its use. Additionally, FSIS strengthened the substantiation of animal-raising claims and developed a strategy to target Salmonella in poultry products, with a regulatory proposal expected in early 2024.
Furthermore, FSIS safeguarded food safety across all federally inspected establishments by conducting inspections and safety procedures, including antemortem and post-mortem inspections of livestock and poultry carcasses. The agency also engaged in strategic outreach and education activities to raise consumer awareness of food safety practices.
These accomplishments reflect FSIS’s ongoing commitment to protecting public health and ensuring the safety of the nation’s food supply.