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The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) intends to propose amendments to the Federal meat inspection regulations to create an optional new inspection system for beef slaughter establishments. The system is expected to help FSIS use its resources more efficiently while still providing a level of public health protection equivalent to the current inspection system. It would also remove unnecessary regulatory obstacles to innovation. Establishments that do not opt in would continue under their current inspection system. FSIS also intends to propose changes that would apply to all beef slaughter establishments, giving them more flexibility to design sampling plans that fit their operations and improve how they monitor process control.

Statement of Need:

The proposed action is necessary to make better use of the Agency’s resources and remove unnecessary regulatory obstacles to innovation.

Summary of the Legal Basis:

FSIS has been delegated the authority to exercise the functions of the Secretary (7 CFR 2.18, 2.53), as specified in the FMIA. This statute mandates that FSIS protect the public by verifying that meat products are safe, wholesome, unadulterated, and properly labeled and packaged. The Act also prohibits the distribution in commerce of any meat products that are adulterated or misbranded. The FMIA gives FSIS broad authority to promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out provisions of the Act (21 U.S.C. 621).

Alternatives:

FSIS may consider alternatives during the development of the proposed rule.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

The proposed regulations are expected to benefit beef slaughter establishments by removing unnecessary regulatory obstacles to innovation and allowing establishments more flexibility in how they configure their slaughter lines. The proposed changes are also expected to reduce establishments’ sampling costs. FSIS anticipates that the proposed actions would make better use of the Agency’s resources, which may reduce personnel and training costs. Establishments may incur increased labor and recordkeeping costs as a result of the proposed requirements.

Risks:

If FSIS does not move forward with this rulemaking, establishments may continue to face regulatory requirements that limit their ability to adjust line configurations or adopt new technologies. Without changes to the current regulations, establishments may also continue to incur higher sampling costs and have fewer options for tailoring their food safety procedures to their specific operations. In addition, FSIS may need to maintain higher staffing levels and continue investing in training for inspection procedures that could be streamlined. This could limit the Agency’s ability to use its resources more efficiently and respond to changing inspection needs across the industry.