[Title 9 CFR ]
[Code of Federal Regulations (annual edition) - January 1, 2024 Edition]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



[[Page i]]

          

          Title 9

Animals and Animal Products


________________________

Part 200 to End

                         Revised as of January 1, 2024

          Containing a codification of documents of general 
          applicability and future effect

          As of January 1, 2024
                    Published by the Office of the Federal Register 
                    National Archives and Records Administration as a 
                    Special Edition of the Federal Register

[[Page ii]]

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                            Table of Contents



                                                                    Page
  Explanation.................................................       v

  Title 9:
          Chapter II--Agricultural Marketing Service (Fair 
          Trade Practices Program), Department of Agriculture        3
          Chapter III--Food Safety and Inspection Service, 
          Department of Agriculture                                 87
  Finding Aids:
      Table of CFR Titles and Chapters........................     697
      Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR......     717
      List of CFR Sections Affected...........................     727

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                     ----------------------------

                     Cite this Code: CFR
                     To cite the regulations in 
                       this volume use title, 
                       part and section number. 
                       Thus, 9 CFR 201.1 refers 
                       to title 9, part 201, 
                       section 1.

                     ----------------------------

[[Page v]]



                               EXPLANATION

    The Code of Federal Regulations is a codification of the general and 
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parts covering specific regulatory areas.
    Each volume of the Code is revised at least once each calendar year 
and issued on a quarterly basis approximately as follows:

Title 1 through Title 16.................................as of January 1
Title 17 through Title 27..................................as of April 1
Title 28 through Title 41...................................as of July 1
Title 42 through Title 50................................as of October 1

    The appropriate revision date is printed on the cover of each 
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LEGAL STATUS

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HOW TO USE THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS

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[[Page vi]]

Many agencies have begun publishing numerous OMB control numbers as 
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[[Page vii]]

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    Oliver A. Potts,
    Director,
    Office of the Federal Register
    January 1, 2024







[[Page ix]]



                               THIS TITLE

    Title 9--Animals and Animal Products is composed of two volumes. The 
first volume contains Chapter I--Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service, Department of Agriculture (parts 1-199). The second volume 
contains Chapter II--Agricultural Marketing Service (Fair Trade 
Practices Program), Department of Agriculture and Chapter III--Food 
Safety and Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture (part 200-end). 
The contents of these volumes represent all current regulations codified 
under this title of the CFR as of January 1, 2024.

    For this volume, Stephen J. Frattini was Chief Editor. The Code of 
Federal Regulations publication program is under the direction of John 
Hyrum Martinez.

[[Page 1]]



                  TITLE 9--ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS




                  (This book contains part 200 to end)

  --------------------------------------------------------------------

  Editorial Note: Other regulations issued by the Department of 
Agriculture appear in title 7, title 36, chapter II, and title 41, 
chapter 4.
                                                                    Part

chapter ii--Agricultural Marketing Service (Fair Trade 
  Practices Program), Department of Agriculture.............         201

chapter iii--Food Safety and Inspection Service, Department 
  of Agriculture............................................         301

[[Page 3]]



    CHAPTER II--AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (FAIR TRADE PRACTICES 
                   PROGRAM), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE




  --------------------------------------------------------------------
Part                                                                Page
200

[Reserved]

201             Administering the Packers and Stockyards Act           5
202             Rules of practice governing proceedings 
                    under the Packers and Stockyards Act....          41
203             Statements of general policy under the 
                    Packers and Stockyards Act..............          60
204

[Reserved]

205             Clear title--protection for purchasers of 
                    farm products...........................          71
206             Swine contract library......................          81
207-299

[Reserved]

[[Page 5]]

                           PART 200 [RESERVED]



PART 201_ADMINISTERING THE PACKERS AND STOCKYARDS ACT--Table of Contents



                          Subpart A_Definitions

Sec.
201.1 Meaning of words.
201.2 Terms defined.

                        Subpart B_Administration

201.3 Applicability of regulations in this part.
201.4 Authority.

                Subpart C_Applicability of Industry Rules

201.5 Bylaws, rules and regulations, and requirements of exchanges, 
          associations, or other organizations; applicability, 
          establishment.

                         Subpart D_Registration

201.10 Requirements and procedures.
201.11 Suspended registrants; officers, agents, and employees.

                Subpart E_Schedules of Rates and Charges

201.17 Requirements for filing tariffs.

                            Subpart F_Bonding

201.27 Underwriter; equivalent in lieu of bonds; standard forms.
201.28 Duplicates of bonds or equivalents to be filed with Regional 
          Directors.

            Subpart G_Market Agency, Dealer, and Packer Bonds

201.29 Market agencies, packers and dealers required to file and 
          maintain bonds.
201.30 Amount of market agency, dealer and packer bonds.
201.31 Conditions in market agency, dealer and packer bonds.
201.32 Trustee in market agency, dealer and packer bonds.
201.33 Persons damaged may maintain suit; filing and notification of 
          claims; time limitations; legal expenses.
201.34 Termination of market agency, dealer and packer bonds.

                       Subpart H_Proceeds of Sale

201.39 Payment to be made to consignor or shipper by market agencies; 
          exceptions.
201.42 Custodial accounts for trust funds.

                     Subpart I_Accounts and Records

201.43 Payment and accounting for livestock and live poultry.
201.44 Market agencies to render prompt accounting for purchases on 
          order.
201.45 Market agencies to make records available for inspection by 
          owners, consignors, and purchasers.
201.49 Requirements regarding scale tickets evidencing weighing of 
          livestock, live poultry, and feed.

                        Subpart J_Trade Practices

201.53 Persons subject to the Act not to circulate misleading reports 
          about market conditions or prices.
201.55 Purchases, sales, acquisitions, payments and settlements to be 
          made on actual weights.
201.56 Market agencies selling on commission; purchases from 
          consignment.
201.61 Market agencies selling or purchasing livestock on commission; 
          relationships with dealers.
201.67 Packers not to own or finance selling agencies.
201.69 Furnishing information to competitor buyers.
201.70 Restriction or limitation of competition between packers and 
          dealers prohibited.

                           Subpart K_Services

201.71 Scales and or Electronic Evaluation Devices or Systems; accurate 
          weights and measures, repairs, adjustments or replacements 
          after inspection.
201.72 Scales; testing of.
201.73 Scale operators to be qualified.
201.73-1 Instructions for weighing livestock.
201.76 Reweighing.
201.81 Suspended registrants.
201.82 Care and promptness in weighing and handling livestock and live 
          poultry.

                     Subpart L_Inspection of Brands

201.86 Brand inspection: Application for authorization, registration and 
          filing of schedules, reciprocal arrangements, and maintenance 
          of identity of consignments.

                            Subpart M_General

201.94 Information as to business; furnishing of by packers, swine 
          contractors, live poultry dealers, stockyard owners, market 
          agencies, and dealers.
201.95 Inspection of business records and facilities.
201.96 Unauthorized disclosure of business information prohibited.
201.97 Annual reports.

[[Page 6]]

201.98 Packers and dealers not to charge, demand, or collect commission, 
          yardage, or other service charges.
201.99 Purchase of livestock by packers on a carcass grade, carcass 
          weight, or carcass grade and weight basis.

               Subpart N_Packers and Live Poultry Dealers

201.100 Records to be furnished poultry growers and sellers.
201.108-1 Instructions for weighing live poultry or feed.
201.200 Sale of livestock on credit.
201.211 Undue or unreasonable preferences or advantages.
201.213-201.214 [Reserved]
201.215 Suspension of delivery of birds.
201.216 Additional capital investments criteria.
201.217 Reasonable period of time to remedy a breach of contract.
201.218 Arbitration.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 181-229c.



                          Subpart A_Definitions



Sec.  201.1  Meaning of words.

    Words used in this part in the singular form shall be deemed to 
import the plural, and vice versa, as the case may demand.

[19 FR 4524, July 22, 1954]



Sec.  201.2  Terms defined.

    The definitions of terms contained in the Act shall apply to such 
terms when used in the Regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 
9 CFR part 201; Rules of Practice Governing Proceedings under the 
Packers and Stockyards Act, 9 CFR part 202; and Statements of General 
Policy under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 9 CFR part 203. In 
addition, the following terms used in these parts shall be construed to 
mean:
    (a) Act means the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, as amended and 
supplemented (7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.).
    (b) Department means the United States Department of Agriculture.
    (c) Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture of the United 
States, or any officer or employee of the Department authorized to act 
for the Secretary.
    (d) Administration or agency means the Agricultural Marketing 
Service.
    (e) Administrator or agency head means the Administrator of the 
Administration or any person authorized to act for the Administrator.
    (f) Regional Director means the Regional Director of the Packers and 
Stockyards Division (PSD) for a given region or any person authorized to 
act for the Regional Director.
    (g) Person means individuals, partnerships, corporations, and 
associations.
    (h) Registrant means any person registered pursuant to the 
provisions of the Act and the regulations in this part.
    (i) Stockyard means a livestock market which has received notice 
under section 302(b) of the Act that it has been determined by the 
Secretary to come within the definition of ``stockyard'' under section 
302(a) of the Act.
    (j) Schedule means a tariff of rates and charges filed by stockyard 
owners and market agencies.
    (k) Custom Feedlot means any facility which is used in its entirety 
or in part for the purpose of feeding livestock for the accounts of 
others, but does not include feeding incidental to the sale or 
transportation of livestock.
    (l) Packers and Stockyards Division (PSD) means the Packers and 
Stockyards Division of the Fair Trade Practices Program (FTPP), 
Agricultural Marketing Service.
    (m) Principal part of performance means the raising of, and caring 
for livestock or poultry, when used in connection with a livestock or 
poultry production contract.
    (n) Additional capital investment means a combined amount of $12,500 
or more per structure paid by a poultry grower or swine production 
contract grower over the life of the poultry growing arrangement or 
swine production contract beyond the initial investment for facilities 
used to grow, raise and care for poultry or swine. Such term includes 
the total cost of upgrades to the structure, upgrades of equipment 
located in and around each structure, goods and professional services 
that are directly attributable to the additional capital investment. The

[[Page 7]]

term does not include costs of maintenance or repair.

[46 FR 50510, Oct. 14, 1981, as amended at 76 FR 76888, Dec. 9, 2011; 80 
FR 6430, Feb. 5, 2015; 84 FR 45647, Aug. 30, 2019; 88 FR 62695, Sept. 
13, 2023]

    Effective Date Note: 88 FR 83290, Nov. 28, 2023, Sec.  201.2 was 
revised, effective Feb. 12, 2024. For the convenience of the user, the 
revised text is set forth as follows:



Sec.  201.2  Terms defined.

    The definitions of terms contained in the Act shall apply to such 
terms when used in Administering the Packers and Stockyards Act, 9 CFR 
part 201; Rules of Practice Governing Proceedings Under the Packers and 
Stockyards Act, 9 CFR part 202; and Statements of General Policy Under 
the Packers and Stockyards Act, 9 CFR part 203. In addition, the 
following terms used in these parts shall be construed to mean:
    Act means the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, as amended and 
supplemented (7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.).
    Additional capital investment means a combined amount of $12,500 or 
more per structure paid by a poultry grower or swine production contract 
grower over the life of the poultry growing arrangement or swine 
production contract beyond the initial investment for facilities used to 
grow, raise, and care for poultry or swine. Such term includes the total 
cost of upgrades to the structure, upgrades of equipment located in and 
around each structure, and goods and professional services that are 
directly attributable to the additional capital investment. The term 
does not include costs of maintenance or repair.
    Administrator or agency head means the Administrator of the 
Agricultural Marketing Service or any person authorized to act for the 
Administrator.
    Agency means the Agricultural Marketing Service of the United States 
Department of Agriculture.
    Breeder facility identifier means the identification that a live 
poultry dealer permanently assigns to distinguish among breeder 
facilities supplying eggs for the poultry placed at the poultry grower's 
facility.
    Breeder flock age means the age in weeks of the egg-laying flock 
that is the source of poultry placed at the poultry grower's facility.
    Broiler means any chicken raised for meat production.
    Broiler grower means a poultry grower engaged in the production of 
broilers.
    Broiler growing arrangement means a poultry growing arrangement 
pertaining to the production of broilers.
    Commerce means commerce between any State, Territory, or possession, 
or the District of Columbia, and any place outside thereof; or between 
points within the same State, Territory, or possession, or the District 
of Columbia, but through any place outside thereof; or within any 
Territory or possession, or the District of Columbia.
    Complex means a group of local facilities under the common 
management of a live poultry dealer. A complex may include, but not be 
limited to, one or more hatcheries, feed mills, slaughtering facilities, 
or poultry processing facilities.
    Custom feedlot means any facility which is used in its entirety or 
in part for the purpose of feeding livestock for the accounts of others, 
but does not include feeding incidental to the sale or transportation of 
livestock.
    Department means the United States Department of Agriculture.
    Gross payments are the total compensation a poultry grower receives 
from the live poultry dealer, including, but not limited to, base 
payments, new housing allowances, energy allowances, square footage 
payments, extended lay-out time payments, equipment allowances, bonus 
payments, additional capital investment payments, poultry litter 
payments, etc., before deductions or assignments are made.
    Grower variable costs means those costs related to poultry 
production that may be borne by the poultry grower, which may include, 
but are not limited to, utilities, fuel, water, labor, repairs and 
maintenance, and liability insurance.
    Housing specifications means a description of--or a document 
relating to--a list of equipment, products, systems, and other technical 
poultry housing components required by a live poultry dealer for the 
production of live poultry.
    Inputs means the various contributions to be made by the live 
poultry dealer and the poultry grower as agreed upon by both under a 
poultry growing arrangement. Such inputs may include, but are not 
limited to, animals, feed, veterinary services, medicines, labor, 
utilities, and fuel.
    Letter of intent means a document that expresses a preliminary 
commitment from a live poultry dealer to engage in a business 
relationship with a prospective poultry grower and that includes the 
chief terms of the agreement.
    Live poultry dealer means any person engaged in the business of 
obtaining live poultry by purchase or under a poultry growing 
arrangement for the purpose of either slaughtering it or selling it for 
slaughter by another, if poultry is obtained by such person in commerce, 
or if poultry obtained by such person is sold or shipped in commerce, or 
if poultry products from poultry obtained by such person are sold or 
shipped in commerce.
    Live Poultry Dealer Disclosure Document means the complete set of 
disclosures and

[[Page 8]]

statements that the live poultry dealer must provide to the poultry 
grower.
    Minimum number of placements means the least number of flocks of 
poultry the live poultry dealer will deliver to the grower for growout 
annually under the terms of the poultry growing arrangement.
    Minimum stocking density means the ratio that reflects the minimum 
weight of poultry per facility square foot the live poultry dealer 
intends to harvest from the grower following each growout.
    Number of placements means the number of flocks of poultry the live 
poultry dealer will deliver to the grower for growout during each year 
of the poultry growing arrangement period.
    Original capital investment means the initial financial investment 
for facilities used to grow, raise, and care for poultry or swine.
    Packers and Stockyards Division (PSD) means the Packers and 
Stockyards Division of the Fair Trade Practices Program (FTPP), 
Agricultural Marketing Service.
    Person means individuals, partnerships, corporations, and 
associations.
    Placement means delivery of a poultry flock to the poultry grower 
for growout in accordance with the terms of a poultry growing 
arrangement.
    Poultry grower means any person engaged in the business of raising 
and caring for live poultry for slaughter by another, whether the 
poultry is owned by such person or by another, but not an employee of 
the owner of such poultry.
    Poultry grower ranking system means a system where the contract 
between the live poultry dealer and the poultry grower provides for 
payment to the poultry grower based upon a grouping, ranking, or 
comparison of poultry growers delivering poultry during a specified 
period.
    Poultry growing arrangement means any growout contract, marketing 
agreement, or other arrangement under which a poultry grower raises and 
cares for live poultry for delivery, in accord with another's 
instructions, for slaughter.
    Poultry growout means the process of raising and caring for poultry 
in anticipation of slaughter.
    Poultry growout period means the period of time between placement of 
poultry at a grower's facility and the harvest or delivery of such 
animals for slaughter, during which the feeding and care of such poultry 
are under the control of the grower.
    Principal part of performance means the raising of and caring for 
livestock or poultry, when used in connection with a livestock or 
poultry production contract.
    Prospective broiler grower means a person or entity with whom the 
live poultry dealer is considering entering into a broiler growing 
arrangement.
    Prospective poultry grower means a person or entity with whom the 
live poultry dealer is considering entering into a poultry growing 
arrangement.
    Regional director means the regional director of the Packers and 
Stockyards Division (PSD) for a given region or any person authorized to 
act for the regional director.
    Registrant means any person registered pursuant to the provisions of 
the Act and the regulations in this part.
    Schedule means a tariff of rates and charges filed by stockyard 
owners and market agencies.
    Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States, 
or any officer or employee of the Department authorized to act for the 
Secretary.
    Stocking density means the ratio that reflects the number of birds 
in a placement, expressed as the number of poultry per facility square 
foot.
    Stockyard means a livestock market which has received notice under 
section 302(b) of the Act that it has been determined by the Secretary 
to come within the definition of ``stockyard'' under section 302(a) of 
the Act.



                        Subpart B_Administration



Sec.  201.3  Applicability of regulations in this part.

    The regulations in this part, when governing or affecting contracts, 
shall apply to any poultry growing arrangement, swine production 
contract, or any other livestock or poultry contract entered into, 
amended, altered, modified, renewed or extended after February 7, 2012.

[76 FR 76889, Dec. 9, 2011, as amended at 80 FR 6430, Feb. 5, 2015]



Sec.  201.4  Authority.

    The Administrator shall perform such duties as the Secretary may 
require in enforcing the provisions of the act and the regulations in 
this part.

[19 FR 4524, July 22, 1954. Redesignated at 76 FR 76889, Dec. 9, 2011]



                Subpart C_Applicability of Industry Rules



Sec.  201.5  Bylaws, rules and regulations, and requirements of exchanges,
associations, or other organizations; applicability, establishment.

    (a) The regulations in this part shall not prevent the legitimate 
application or enforcement of any valid bylaw, rule

[[Page 9]]

or regulation, or requirement of any exchange, association, or other 
organization, or any other valid law, rule or regulation, or requirement 
to which any packer, stockyard owner, market agency, or dealer shall be 
subject which is not inconsistent or in conflict with the act and the 
regulations in this part.
    (b) Market agencies selling livestock on commission shall not, in 
carrying out the statutory duty imposed upon them by section 307 of 
title III of the act, permit dealers, packers, or others representing 
interests which conflict with those of consignors, to participate, 
directly or indirectly, in determination of the need for, or in the 
establishment of, regulations governing, or practices relating to, the 
responsibilities, duties, or obligations of such market agencies to 
their consignors.

(7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.)

[19 FR 4524, July 22, 1954, as amended at 44 FR 45361, Aug. 2, 1979. 
Redesignated at 76 FR 76889, Dec. 9, 2011]



                         Subpart D_Registration



Sec.  201.10  Requirements and procedures.

    (a) Every person operating or desiring to operate as a market agency 
or dealer as defined in section 301 of the Act (7 U.S.C. 201) must apply 
for registration. To apply, such persons must file a properly executed 
application for registration on a form furnished by the Agency. Each 
applicant must file an application for registration with the regional 
office for the region where the applicant has his or her primary place 
of business, and file and maintain a bond as required in Sec. Sec.  
201.27 through 201.34 (9 CFR 201.27 through 201.34).
    (b) If, upon review of an application, the Administrator has reason 
to believe the applicant is unfit to engage in the activity for which 
application has been made, a proceeding shall be instituted promptly 
affording the applicant the opportunity for a full hearing, in 
accordance with the Department's Rule of Practice Governing Formal 
Adjudicatory Proceedings (7 CFR Subpart H), to show cause why the 
application for registration should not be denied. If after the hearing 
the application is denied, as soon as the issue(s) that formed the basis 
of the denial have been remedied, the applicant may file a new 
application for registration.
    (c) Any person regularly employed on salary, or other comparable 
method of compensation, by a packer to buy livestock for such packer is 
subject to the regulation requirements of this section. Such person must 
be registered as a dealer to purchase livestock for slaughter on behalf 
of the packer.
    (d) Every person clearing or desiring to clear the buying operations 
of other registrants must apply for registration as a market agency 
providing clearing services by filing a properly executed application on 
a form furnished by the Agency, and file and maintain a bond as required 
in Sec. Sec.  201.27 through 201.34.
    (e) If an application for registration is granted, a market agency 
or dealer receives an acceptance letter from the Agency that issues the 
registration number and the effective date of the registration. Each 
registration issued in accordance with this section will not expire, 
provided that the registrant timely files its annual report with the 
Agency as required in section 201.97. Failure of a registrant to file an 
annual report by the date required in section 201.97 will result in the 
issuance of a default notice. Thirty days after receipt of the default 
notice, the registration will expire if the Agency does not receive an 
annual report from the registrant. A registrant who fails to renew its 
registration in a timely manner, and continues to operate, will be 
engaged in business subject to the Act without a valid registration in 
violation of section 303 of the Act (7 U.S.C. 203).
    (f) Registrations that expire during a period of suspension imposed 
as a result of an order or injunction may be renewed, but the renewal 
will not be effective until the specified suspension period terminates.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

(7 U.S.C. 203, 204, 207, 217a, 222 and 228)

[49 FR 33003, Aug. 20, 1984, as amended at 54 FR 37094, Sept. 7, 1989; 
56 FR 2127, Jan. 22, 1991; 68 FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003; 75 FR 6300, Feb. 
9, 2010]

[[Page 10]]



Sec.  201.11  Suspended registrants; officers, agents, and employees.

    Any person whose registration has been suspended, or any person who 
was responsible for or participated in the violation on which the order 
of suspension was based, may not register in his own name or in any 
other manner within the period during which the order of suspension is 
in effect, and no partnership or corporation in which any such person 
has a substantial financial interest or exercises management 
responsibility or control may be registered during such period.

(7 U.S.C. 203, 204, 207, 217a and 228)

[49 FR 33003, Aug. 20, 1984]



                Subpart E_Schedules of Rates and Charges



Sec.  201.17  Requirements for filing tariffs.

    (a) Schedules of rate changes for stockyard services. Each stockyard 
owner and market agency operating at a posted stockyard shall file with 
the Regional Director for the region in which they operate a signed copy 
of all schedules of rates and charges, supplements and amendments 
thereto. The schedules, supplements and amendments must be conspicuously 
posted for public inspection at the stockyard, and filed with the 
Regional Director, at least 10 days before their effective dates, except 
as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section. Each schedule, 
supplement and amendment shall set forth its effective date, a 
description of the stockyard services rendered, the stockyard at which 
it applies, the name and address of the stockyard owner or market 
agency, the kind of livestock covered by it, and any rules or 
regulations which affect any rate or charge contained therein. Each 
schedule of rates and charges filed shall be designated by successive 
numbers. Each supplement and amendment to such schedule shall be 
numbered and shall designate the number of the schedule which it 
supplements or amends.
    (b) Feed charges. When the schedule in effect provides for feed 
charges to be based on an average cost plus a specified margin, the 10-
day filing and notice provision contained in section 306(c) of the Act 
is waived. A schedule of the current feed charges based on average feed 
cost and showing the effective date shall be conspicuously posted at the 
stockyard at all times. Changes in feed charges may become effective 2 
days after the change is posted at the stockyard.
    (c) Professional veterinary services. The 10-day filing and notice 
provision contained in section 306(a) of the Act is waived for a 
schedule of charges for professional veterinary services. A schedule of 
charges for professional veterinary services rendered by a veterinarian 
at a posted stockyard shall be conspicuously posted at the stockyard at 
all times. The schedule of charges and any supplement or amendment 
thereto may become effective 2 days after the schedule, supplement, or 
amendment is posted at the stockyard.
    (d) Joint schedules. If the same schedule is to be observed by more 
than one market agency operating at any one stockyard, one schedule will 
suffice for such market agencies. The names and business addresses of 
those market agencies adhering to such schedule must appear on the 
schedule.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

(7 U.S.C. 203, 204, 207, 217a, 222 and 228)

[49 FR 33003, Aug. 20, 1984, as amended at 68 FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003; 
88 FR 62695, Sept. 13, 2023]



                            Subpart F_Bonding



Sec.  201.27  Underwriter; equivalent in lieu of bonds; standard forms.

    (a) The surety on bonds maintained under the regulations in this 
part shall be a surety company which is currently approved by the United 
States Treasury Department for bonds executed to the United States; and 
which has not failed or refused to satisfy its legal obligations under 
bonds issued under said regulations.
    (b) Any packer, market agency, or dealer required to maintain a 
surety bond under these regulations may elect to maintain, in whole or 
partial substitution for such surety bond, a bond equivalent as provided 
below. The total amount of any such surety bond, equivalent, or 
combination thereof, must be

[[Page 11]]

the total amount of the surety bond otherwise required under these 
regulations. Any such bond equivalent must be in the form of:
    (1) A trust fund agreement governing funds actually deposited or 
invested in fully negotiable obligations of the United States or 
Federally-insured deposits or accounts in the name of and readily 
convertible to currency by a trustee as provided in Sec.  201.32, or
    (2) A trust agreement governing funds which may be drawn by a 
trustee as provided in Sec.  201.32, under one or more irrevocable, 
transferrable, standby letters of credit, issued by a Federally-insured 
bank or institution and physically received and retained by such 
trustee.
    (c) The provisions of Sec. Sec.  201.27 through 201.34 shall be 
applicable to the trust fund agreements, trust agreements and letters of 
credit authorized in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (d) Bonds, trust fund agreements, letters of credit and trust 
agreements shall be filed on forms approved by the Administrator.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

[56 FR 2128, Jan. 22, 1991, as amended at 61 FR 36279, July 10, 1996; 62 
FR 11759, Mar. 13, 1997; 68 FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003]



Sec.  201.28  Duplicates of bonds or equivalents to be filed with
Regional Directors.

    Fully executed duplicates of bonds, trust fund agreements, and trust 
agreements maintained under the regulations in this part, and fully 
executed duplicates of all endorsements, amendments, riders, indemnity 
agreements, and other attachments thereto, and photographically 
reproduced copies of any letter of credit or amendment thereto, shall be 
filed with the Regional Director for the region in which the registrant, 
packer, or person applying for registration resides, or in the case of a 
corporation, where the corporation has its home office: Provided, that 
if such registrant, packer, or person does not engage in business in 
such area, the foregoing documents shall be filed with the Regional 
Director for the region in which the place of business of the registrant 
or packer or person is located.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

[56 FR 2128, Jan. 22, 1991, as amended at 68 FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003; 88 
FR 62696, Sept. 13, 2023]



            Subpart G_Market Agency, Dealer, and Packer Bonds



Sec.  201.29  Market agencies, packers and dealers required to file 
and maintain bonds.

    (a) Every market agency, packer, and dealer, except as provided in 
paragraph (d) of this section, and except packer buyers registered as 
dealers to purchase livestock for slaughter only, shall execute and 
maintain a reasonable bond on forms approved by the Administrator 
containing the appropriate condition clauses, as set forth in Sec.  
201.31 of the regulations, applicable to the activity or activities in 
which the person or persons propose to engage, to secure the performance 
of obligations incurred by such market agency, packer, or dealer. No 
market agency, packer, or dealer required to maintain a bond shall 
conduct his operations unless there is on file and in effect a bond 
complying with the regulations in this part.
    (b) Every market agency buying on a commission basis and every 
dealer buying for his own account or for the accounts of others shall 
file and maintain a bond. If a registrant operates as both a market 
agency buying on a commission basis and as a dealer, only one bond to 
cover both buying operations need be filed. Any person operating as a 
market agency selling on a commission basis and as a market agency 
buying on a commission basis or as a dealer shall file and maintain 
separate bonds to cover his selling and buying operations.
    (c) Each market agency and dealer whose buying operations are 
cleared by another market agency shall be named as clearee in the bond 
filed and maintained by the market agency registered to provide clearing 
services. Each market agency selling livestock on a commission basis 
shall file and maintain its own bond.

[[Page 12]]

    (d) Every packer purchasing livestock, directly or through an 
affiliate or employee or a wholly-owned subsidiary, except those packers 
whose annual purchases do not exceed $500,000, shall file and maintain a 
reasonable bond. In the event a packer maintains a wholly-owned 
subsidiary or affiliate to conduct its livestock buying, the wholly-
owned subsidiary or affiliate shall be registered as a packer buyer for 
its parent packer firm, and the required bond shall be maintained by the 
parent packer firm.

(7 U.S.C. 204, 228(a))

[48 FR 8806, Mar. 2, 1983]



Sec.  201.30  Amount of market agency, dealer and packer bonds.

    (a) Market agency selling livestock on commission. To compute the 
required amount of bond coverage, divide the dollar value of livestock 
sold during the preceding business year, or the substantial part of that 
business year, in which the market agency did business, by the actual 
number of days on which livestock was sold. The divisor (the number of 
days on which livestock was sold) shall not exceed 130. The amount of 
bond coverage must be the next multiple of $5,000 above the amount so 
determined. When the computation exceeds $50,000, the amount of bond 
coverage need not exceed $50,000 plus 10 percent of the excess over 
$50,000, raised to the next $5,000 multiple. In no case shall the amount 
of bond coverage for a market agency selling on commission be less than 
$10,000 or such higher amount as required to comply with any State law.
    (b) Market agency buying on commission or dealer. The amount of bond 
coverage must be based on the average amount of livestock purchased by 
the dealer or market agency during a period equivalent to 2 business 
days. To compute the required amount of bond coverage, divide the total 
dollar value of livestock purchased during the preceding business year, 
or substantial part of that business year, in which the dealer or market 
agency or both did business, by one-half the number of days on which 
business was conducted. The number of days in any business year, for 
purposes of this regulation, shall not exceed 260. Therefore, the 
divisor (one-half the number of days on which business was conducted) 
shall not exceed 130. The amount of the bond coverage must be the next 
multiple of $5,000 above the amount so determined. When the computation 
exceeds $75,000, the amount of bond coverage need not exceed $75,000 
plus 10 percent of the excess over $75,000, raised to the next $5,000 
multiple. In no case shall the amount of bond coverage be less than 
$10,000 or such higher amount as required to comply with any State law.
    (c) Market agency acting as clearing agency. The amount of bond 
coverage must be based on the average amount of livestock purchased by 
all persons for whom the market agency served as a clearor during a 
period equivalent to 2 business days. To compute the required amount of 
bond coverage, divide the total dollar value of livestock purchased by 
all persons for whom the market agency served as a clearor during the 
preceding business year, or substantial part of that business year, in 
which the market agency acting as clearing agency did business, by one-
half the number of days on which business was conducted. The number of 
days in any business year, for purposes of this regulation, shall not 
exceed 260. Therefore, the divisor (one-half the number of days on which 
business was conducted) shall not exceed 130. The amount of bond 
coverage must be the next multiple of $5,000 above the amount so 
determined. When the computation exceeds $75,000, the amount of bond 
coverage need not exceed $75,000 plus 10 percent of the excess over 
$75,000, raised to the next $5,000 multiple. In no case shall the amount 
of bond coverage be less than $10,000 or such higher amount as required 
to comply with any State law.
    (d) Packer. The amount of bond coverage must be based on the average 
amount of livestock purchased by the packer during a period equivalent 
to 2 business days. To compute the required amount of bond coverage, 
divide the total dollar value of livestock purchased during the 
preceding business year, or substantial part of that business year, in 
which the packer did business, by one-half the number of days on which 
business was conducted. The

[[Page 13]]

number of days in any business year, for purposes of this regulation, 
shall not exceed 260. Therefore, the divisor (one-half the number of 
days on which business was conducted) shall not exceed 130. The amount 
of the bond coverage must be the next multiple of $5,000 above the 
amount so determined. In no case shall the amount of bond coverage for a 
packer be less than $10,000.
    (e) If a person applying for registration as a market agency or 
dealer has been engaged in the business of handling livestock before the 
date of the application, the value of the livestock handled, if 
representative of future operations, must be used in computing the 
required amount of bond coverage. If the applicant for registration is a 
successor in business to a registrant formerly subject to these 
regulations, the amount of bond coverage of the applicant must be at 
least that amount required of the prior registrant, unless otherwise 
determined by the Administrator. If a packer becomes subject to these 
regulations, the value of livestock purchased, if representative of 
future operations, must be used in computing the required amount of bond 
coverage. If a packer is a successor in business to a packer formerly 
subject to these regulations, the amount of bond coverage of the 
successor must be at least that amount required of the prior packer, 
unless otherwise determined by the Administrator.
    (f) Whenever the Administrator has reason to believe that a bond is 
inadequate to secure the performance of the obligations of the market 
agency, dealer or packer covered thereby, the Administrator shall notify 
such person to adjust the bond to meet the requirements the 
Administrator determines to be reasonable.

(7 U.S.C. 204, 228(a))

[48 FR 8806, Mar. 2, 1983]



Sec.  201.31  Conditions in market agency, dealer and packer bonds.

    Each market agency, dealer and packer bond shall contain conditions 
applicable to the activity or activities in which the person or persons 
named as principal or clearees in the bond propose to engage, which 
conditions shall be as follows or in terms to provide equivalent 
protection:
    (a) Condition Clause No. 1: When the principal sells livestock for 
the accounts of others. If the said principal shall pay when due to the 
person or persons entitled thereto the gross amount, less lawful 
charges, for which all livestock is sold for the accounts of others by 
said principal.
    (b) Condition Clause No. 2: When the principal buys livestock for 
his own account or for the accounts of others. If the said principal 
shall pay when due to the person or persons entitled thereto the 
purchase price of all livestock purchased by said principal for his own 
account or for the accounts of others, and if the said principal shall 
safely keep and properly disburse all funds, if any, which come into his 
hands for the purpose of paying for livestock purchased for the accounts 
of others.
    (c) Condition Clause No. 3: When the principal clears other 
registrants buying livestock and thus is responsible for the obligations 
of such other registrants. If the said principal, acting as a clearing 
agency responsible for the financial obligations of other registrants 
engaged in buying livestock, viz: (Insert here the names of such other 
registrants as they appear in the application for registration), or if 
such other registrants, shall (1) pay when due to the person or persons 
entitled thereto the purchase price of all livestock purchased by such 
other registrants for their own account or for the accounts of others; 
and (2) safely keep and properly disburse all funds coming into the 
hands of such principal or such other registrants for the purpose of 
paying for livestock purchased for the accounts of others.
    (d) Condition Clause No. 4: When the principal buys livestock for 
his own account as a packer. If the said principal shall pay when due to 
the person or persons entitled thereto the purchase price of all 
livestock purchased by said principal for his own account.

[47 FR 32695, July 29, 1982]



Sec.  201.32  Trustee in market agency, dealer and packer bonds.

    Bonds may be in favor of a trustee who shall be a financially 
responsible, disinterested person satisfactory to the

[[Page 14]]

Administrator. State officials, secretaries or other officers of 
livestock exchanges or of similar trade associations, attorneys at law, 
banks and trust companies, or their officers, are deemed suitable 
trustees. If a trustee is not designated in the bond and action is taken 
to recover damages for breach of any condition thereof, the 
Administrator shall designate a person to act as trustee. In those 
States in which a State official is required by statute to act or has 
agreed to act as trustee, such official shall be designated by the 
Administrator as trustee when a designation by the Administrator becomes 
necessary.

[41 FR 53774, Dec. 9, 1976]



Sec.  201.33  Persons damaged may maintain suit; filing and notification
of claims; time limitations; legal expenses.

    Each bond and each bond equivalent filed pursuant to the regulations 
in this part shall contain provisions that:
    (a) Any person damaged by failure of the principal to comply with 
any condition clause of the bond or bond equivalent may maintain suit to 
recover on the bond or bond equivalent even though such person is not a 
party named in the bond or bond equivalent;
    (b) Any claim for recovery on the bond or bond equivalent must be 
filed in writing with either the surety, if any, or the trustee, if any, 
or the Administrator, and whichever of these parties receives such a 
claim shall notify the other such party or parties at the earliest 
practical date;
    (c) The Administrator is authorized to designate a trustee pursuant 
to Sec.  201.32;
    (d) The surety on the bond, or the trustee on the bond equivalent, 
as the case may be, shall not be liable to pay any claim if it is not 
filed in writing within 60 days from the date of the transaction on 
which the claim is based or if suit thereon is commenced less than 120 
days or more than 547 days from the date of the transaction on which the 
claim is based;
    (e) The proceeds of the bond or bond equivalent, as the case may be, 
shall not be used to pay fees, salaries, or expenses for legal 
representation of the surety or the principal.

[56 FR 2128, Jan. 22, 1991]



Sec.  201.34  Termination of market agency, dealer and packer bonds.

    (a) Each bond shall contain a provision requiring that, prior to 
terminating such bond, at least 30 days notice in writing shall be given 
to the Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, by the party 
terminating the bond. Such provision may state that in the event the 
surety named therein writes a replacement bond for the same principal, 
the 30-day notice requirement may be waived and the bond will be 
terminated as of the effective date of the replacement bond.
    (b) Each bond filed by a market agency who clears other registrants 
who are named in the bond shall contain a provision requiring that, 
prior to terminating the bond coverage of any clearee named therein, at 
least 30 days notice in writing shall be given to the Administrator, 
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, DC 20250, by the surety. Such written notice shall be in the 
form of a rider or endorsement to be attached to the bond of the 
clearing agency.
    (c) Each trust fund agreement and trust agreement shall contain a 
provision requiring that, prior to terminating such agreement, at least 
30 days notice in writing shall be given to the Administrator, 
Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, DC 20250, by the party terminating the agreement. Such 
provision shall state that in the event the principal named therein 
files an acceptable bond or bond equivalent to replace the agreement, 
the 30-day notice requirement may be waived and the agreement will be 
terminated as of the effective date of the replacement bond or bond 
equivalent.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

[47 FR 32695, July 29, 1982, as amended at 54 FR 26349, June 23, 1989; 
61 FR 36279, July 10, 1996; 68 FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003; 84 FR 45647, 
Aug. 30, 2019]

[[Page 15]]



                       Subpart H_Proceeds of Sale



Sec.  201.39  Payment to be made to consignor or shipper by market
agencies; exceptions.

    (a) No market agency shall, except as provided in paragraph (b) of 
this section, pay the net proceeds or any part thereof, arising from the 
sale of livestock consigned to it for sale, to any person other than the 
consignor or shipper of such livestock except upon an order from the 
Secretary or a court of competent jurisdiction, unless (1) such market 
agency has reason to believe that such person is the owner of the 
livestock, (2) such person holds a valid, unsatisfied mortgage or lien 
upon the particular livestock, or (3) such person holds a written order 
authorizing such payment executed by the owner at the time of or 
immediately following the consignment of such livestock: Provided, That 
this paragraph shall not apply to deductions made from sales proceeds 
for the purpose of financing promotion and research activities, 
including educational activities, relating to livestock, meat, and other 
products covered by the Act, carried out by producer-sponsored 
organizations.
    (b) The net proceeds arising from the sale of livestock, the 
ownership of which has been questioned by a market agency duly 
authorized to inspect brands, marks, and other identifying 
characteristics of livestock may be paid in accordance with the 
directions of such brand inspection agency if the laws of the State from 
which such livestock originated or was shipped to market make provision 
for payment of the proceeds in the manner directed by the brand 
inspection agency and if the market agency to which the livestock was 
consigned, and the consignor or consignors concerned, are unable to 
establish the ownership of the livestock within a reasonable period of 
time, not to exceed 60 days after sale.

(7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.)

[19 FR 4528, July 22, 1954, as amended at 28 FR 7218, July 13, 1963; 44 
FR 45361, Aug. 2, 1979]



Sec.  201.42  Custodial accounts for trust funds.

    (a) Payments for livestock are trust funds. Each payment that a 
livestock buyer makes to a market agency selling on commission is a 
trust fund. Funds deposited in custodial accounts are also trust funds.
    (b) Custodial accounts for shippers' proceeds. Every market agency 
engaged in selling livestock on a commission or agency basis shall 
establish and maintain a separate bank account designated as ``Custodial 
Account for Shippers' Proceeds,'' or some similar identifying 
designation, to disclose that the depositor is acting as a fiduciary and 
that the funds in the account are trust funds.
    (c) Deposits in custodial accounts. The market agency shall deposit 
in its custodial account before the close of the next business day (the 
next day on which banks are customarily open for business whether or not 
the market agency does business on that day) after livestock is sold (1) 
the proceeds from the sale of livestock that have been collected, and 
(2) an amount equal to the proceeds receivable from the sale of 
livestock that are due from (i) the market agency, (ii) any owner, 
officer, or employee of the market agency, and (iii) any buyer to whom 
the market agency has extended credit. The market agency shall 
thereafter deposit in the custodial account all proceeds collected until 
the account has been reimbursed in full, and shall, before the close of 
the seventh day following the sale of livestock, deposit an amount equal 
to all the remaining proceeds receivable whether or not the proceeds 
have been collected by the market agency.
    (d) Withdrawals from custodial accounts. The custodial account for 
shippers' proceeds shall be drawn on only for payment of (1) the net 
proceeds to the consignor or shipper, or to any person that the market 
agency knows is entitled to payment, (2) to pay lawful charges against 
the consignment of livestock which the market agency shall, in its 
capacity as agent, be required to pay, and (3) to obtain any sums due 
the market agency as compensation for its services.

[[Page 16]]

    (e) Accounts and records. Each market agency shall keep such 
accounts and records as will disclose at all times the handling of funds 
in such custodial accounts for shippers' proceeds. Accounts and records 
must at all times disclose the name of the consignors and the amount due 
and payable to each from funds in the custodial account for shippers' 
proceeds.
    (f) Insured banks. Such custodial accounts for shippers' proceeds 
must be established and maintained in banks whose deposits are insured 
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
    (g) Certificates of deposit and/or savings accounts. Funds in a 
custodial account for shippers' proceeds may be maintained in an 
interest-bearing savings account and/or invested in one or more 
certificates of deposit, to the extent that such deposit or investment 
does not impair the ability of the market agency to meet its obligations 
to its consignors. The savings account must be properly designated as a 
part of the custodial account of the market agency in its fiduciary 
capacity as trustee of the custodial funds and maintained in the same 
bank as the custodial account. The certificates of deposit, as property 
of the custodial account, must be issued by the bank in which the 
custodial account is kept and must be made payable to the market agency 
in its fiduciary capacity as trustee of the custodial funds.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

[47 FR 32696, July 29, 1982, as amended at 54 FR 26349, June 23, 1989; 
68 FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003; 88 FR 62696, Sept. 13, 2023]



                     Subpart I_Accounts and Records



Sec.  201.43  Payment and accounting for livestock and live poultry.

    (a) Market agencies to make prompt accounting and transmittal of net 
proceeds. Each market agency shall, before the close of the next 
business day following the sale of any livestock consigned to it for 
sale, transmit or deliver to the consignor or shipper of the livestock, 
or the duly authorized agent, in the absence of any knowledge that any 
other person, or persons, has any interest in the livestock, the net 
proceeds received from the sale and a true written account of such sale, 
showing the number, weight, and price of each kind of animal sold, the 
date of sale, the commission, yardage, and other lawful charges, and 
such other facts as may be necessary to complete the account and show 
fully the true nature of the transaction.
    (b) Prompt payment for livestock and live poultry--terms and 
conditions. (1) No packer, market agency, or dealer shall purchase 
livestock for which payment is made by a draft which is not a check, 
unless the seller expressly agrees in writing before the transaction 
that payment may be made by such a draft. (In cases of packers whose 
average annual purchases exceed $500,000, and market agencies and 
dealers acting as agents for such packers, see also Sec.  201.200).
    (2)(i) No packer, market agency, or dealer purchasing livestock for 
cash and not on credit, whether for slaughter or not for slaughter, 
shall mail a check in payment for the livestock unless the check is 
placed in an envelope with proper first class postage prepaid and 
properly addressed to the seller or such person as he may direct, in a 
post office, letter box, or other receptacle regularly used for the 
deposit of mail for delivery, from which such envelope is scheduled to 
be collected (A) before the close of the next business day following the 
purchase of livestock and transfer of possession thereof, or (B) in the 
case of a purchase on a ``carcass'' or ``grade and yield'' basis, before 
the close of the first business day following determination of the 
purchase price.
    (ii) No packer, market agency, or dealer purchasing livestock for 
slaughter, shall mail a check in payment for the livestock unless (A) 
the check is made available for actual delivery and the seller or his 
duly authorized representative is not present to receive payment, at the 
point of transfer of possession of such livestock, on or before the 
close of the next business day following the purchase of the livestock 
and transfer of possession thereof, or, in the case of a purchase on a 
``carcass'' or ``grade and yield'' basis, on or before the close of the 
first business day following determination of the purchase price; or 
unless (B) the seller expressly agrees in writing before the

[[Page 17]]

transaction that payment may be made by such mailing of a check.
    (3) Any agreement referred to in paragraph (b) (1) or (2) of this 
section shall be disclosed in the records of any market agency or dealer 
selling such livestock, and in the records of the packer, market agency, 
or dealer purchasing such livestock, and retained by such person for 
such time as is required by any law, or by written notice served on such 
person by the Administrator, but not less than two calendar years from 
the date of expiration thereof.
    (4) No packer, live poultry dealer, market agency, or livestock 
dealer shall as a condition to its purchase of livestock or poultry, 
impose, demand, compel or dictate the terms or manner of payment, or 
attempt to obtain a payment agreement from a seller through any threat 
of retaliation or other form of intimidation.
    (c) Purchaser to promptly reimburse agents. Each packer, market 
agency, or dealer who utilizes or employs an agent to purchase livestock 
for him, shall, in transactions where such agent uses his own funds to 
pay for livestock purchased on order, transmit or deliver to such agent 
the full amount of the purchase price before the close of the next 
business day following receipt of notification of the payment of such 
purchase price, unless otherwise expressly agreed between the parties 
before the purchase of the livestock. Any such agreement shall be 
disclosed in the records of the principal and in the records of any 
market agency or dealer acting as such agent.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

(7 U.S.C. 228, 7 U.S.C. 222, and 15 U.S.C. 46)

[49 FR 6083, Feb. 17, 1984, as amended at 49 FR 8235, Mar. 6, 1984; 54 
FR 16355, Apr. 24, 1989; 68 FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003]



Sec.  201.44  Market agencies to render prompt accounting for purchases
on order.

    Each market agency shall, promptly following the purchase of 
livestock on a commission or agency basis, transmit or deliver to the 
person for whose account such purchase was made, or the duly authorized 
agent, a true written account of the purchase showing the number, 
weight, and price of each kind of animal purchased, the names of the 
persons from whom purchased, the date of purchase, the commission and 
other lawful charges, and such other facts as may be necessary to 
complete the account and show fully the true nature of the transaction.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

(7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.)

[44 FR 45360, Aug. 2, 1979, as amended at 54 FR 26349, June 23, 1989; 68 
FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003]



Sec.  201.45  Market agencies to make records available for inspection by
owners, consignors, and purchasers.

    Each market agency engaged in the business of selling or buying 
livestock on a commission or agency basis shall, on request from an 
owner, consignor, or purchaser, make available copies of bills covering 
charges paid by such market agency for and on behalf of the owner, 
consignor, or purchaser which were deducted from the gross proceeds of 
the sale of livestock or added to the purchase price thereof when 
accounting for the sale or purchase.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

(7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.; Pub. L. 96-511, 94 Stat. 2812 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et 
seq.))

[19 FR 4528, July 22, 1954, as amended at 44 FR 45361, Aug. 2, 1979; 47 
FR 746, Jan. 7, 1982; 54 FR 26349, June 23, 1989; 68 FR 75388, Dec. 31, 
2003]



Sec.  201.49  Requirements regarding scale tickets evidencing weighing of
livestock, live poultry, and feed.

    (a) When livestock, poultry or feed is weighed for the purpose of 
purchase, sale, acquisition, or settlement, a scale ticket must be 
issued which must be serially numbered and used in numerical sequence. 
Sufficient copies must be executed and provided to all parties to the 
transaction. Unused and partially executed scale tickets must not be 
left exposed or accessible to other parties and, except in feed mills, 
must be kept under lock when the weigher is not at the scale. In 
instances where the weight values are automatically recorded directly on 
the account of purchase, account of sale, or other basic

[[Page 18]]

transaction record, this record may serve in place of a scale ticket.
    (b) Livestock. When livestock is weighed for the purpose of purchase 
or sale, or when livestock is purchased on a carcass weight or carcass 
grade and weight basis, the live or hot carcass weights must be recorded 
using a scale equipped with a printing device, and such printed weights 
must be retained as part of the person or firm's business records to 
substantiate settlement on each transaction. In instances where the 
weight values are automatically recorded directly on the account of 
purchase, account of sale, or other basic transaction record, this 
record may serve in place of a scale ticket. Scale tickets or other 
basic transaction records issued under this section must show:
    (1) The name and location of the agency performing the weighing 
service;
    (2) The date of the weighing;
    (3) The name of the buyer and seller or consignor, or a designation 
by which they may be readily identified;
    (4) The number of head;
    (5) Kind of livestock;
    (6) Actual weight of each draft of livestock; and
    (7) The name, initials, or identification number of the person who 
weighed the livestock, or if required by State law, the signature of the 
weigher, except for an automated weighing system where a weigher is not 
stationed at the scale.
    (c) Poultry. When live poultry is weighed for the purpose of 
purchase, sale, acquisition, or settlement by a live poultry dealer, the 
scale ticket or other basic transaction record must show:
    (1) The name of the agency performing the weighing service;
    (2) The name of the live poultry dealer;
    (3) The name and address of the grower or seller, and purchaser, or 
a designation by which they may be readily identified;
    (4) The name, initials, or identification number of the person who 
weighed the poultry, or if required by State law, the signature of the 
weigher;
    (5) The city and state in which the scale is located, and, if more 
than one scale is used to obtain the weight of poultry within the same 
facility, the identity of the scale;
    (6) The zero balance for both the gross weight and tare weight;
    (7) The date and time zero balance was determined;
    (8) The gross weight, tare weight, and net weight;
    (9) The date and time gross weight and tare weight are determined;
    (10) The number of poultry weighed;
    (11) The weather conditions;
    (12) Whether the driver was on or off the truck at the time of 
weighing, if applicable; and
    (13) The license number or other identification numbers on the truck 
and trailer, if weighed together, or trailer if only the trailer is 
weighed; provided, that when live poultry is weighed on a scale other 
than a vehicle scale, the scale ticket or other basic transaction record 
need not show the information specified in paragraphs (c)(11) and 
(c)(12) of this section.
    (d) Feed. Whenever feed is weighed and the weight of the feed is a 
factor in determining payment or settlement to a livestock producer or 
poultry grower, the scale ticket or other basic transaction record must 
show:
    (1) The name of the agency performing the weighing service, or the 
name and location of the firm responsible for supplying the feed;
    (2) The name and address of the livestock producer or poultry 
grower, or a designation by which they may be readily identified;
    (3) The name, initials or identification number of the person who 
weighed the feed, or if required by State law, the signature of the 
weigher;
    (4) The city and state in which the scale is located, and, if a 
facility has more than one scale on which feed is weighed, the identity 
of the scale;
    (5) The zero balance; provided that when using a vehicle scale to 
weigh feed for more than one producer or grower on the same multi-
compartment truck, the preceding producer's or grower's gross weight can 
be used for the next producer's or grower's tare weight without printing 
a zero balance, and repeated until the unit is full;
    (6) The date and time zero balance was determined;

[[Page 19]]

    (7) The gross weight, tare weight, and net weight of each lot 
assigned to an individual producer or grower, if applicable;
    (8) The date and time gross weight and, if applicable, tare weight, 
are determined;
    (9) The identification of each lot assigned to an individual 
producer or grower by vehicle or trailer compartment number and seal 
number, if applicable;
    (10) Whether the driver was on or off the truck at the time of 
weighing, if applicable; and
    (11) The license number or other identification numbers on the truck 
and trailer, if weighed together, or trailer if only the trailer is 
weighed, if applicable.

[78 FR 51663, Aug. 21, 2013]



                        Subpart J_Trade Practices



Sec.  201.53  Persons subject to the Act not to circulate misleading
reports about market conditions or prices.

    No packer, swine contractor, live poultry dealer, stockyard owner, 
market agency, or dealer shall knowingly make, issue, or circulate any 
false or misleading reports, records, or representation concerning the 
market conditions or the prices or sale of any livestock, meat, or live 
poultry.

[73 FR 62440, Oct. 21, 2008]



Sec.  201.55  Purchases, sales, acquisitions, payments and settlements
to be made on actual weights.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, whenever 
livestock or live poultry is bought, sold, acquired, paid, or settled on 
a weight basis, or whenever the weight of feed is a factor in 
determining payment or settlement to a livestock grower or poultry 
grower by a stockyard owner, market agency, dealer, packer, or live 
poultry dealer when livestock or poultry is produced under a growing 
arrangement, payment or settlement shall be on the basis of the actual 
weight of the livestock, live poultry, and/or feed shown on the scale 
ticket. If the actual weight used is not obtained on the date and at the 
place of transfer of possession, this information shall be disclosed 
with the date and location of the weighing on the accountings, bills, or 
statements issued. Any adjustment to the actual weight shall be fully 
and accurately explained on the accountings, bills, or statements 
issued, and records shall be maintained to support such adjustment.
    (b) Whenever the weight of feed is a factor in determining payment 
or settlement to such livestock grower or poultry grower when the 
livestock or poultry is produced under a livestock or poultry growing 
arrangement, any feed that is picked up from or returned by a livestock 
grower or poultry grower must be weighed or its weight must be 
reasonably determined. When feed is picked up or returned and not 
weighed, the stockyard owner, market agency, dealer, packer, or live 
poultry dealer must document that the method used reasonably determines 
weight and is mutually acceptable to it and the livestock grower or 
poultry grower. The stockyard owner, market agency, dealer, packer, or 
live poultry dealer must document and account for the picked up or 
returned feed weight.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

[65 FR 17762, Apr. 5, 2000]



Sec.  201.56  Market agencies selling on commission; purchases from
consignment.

    (a) Livestock to be sold openly at highest available bid. Every 
market agency engaged in the business of selling livestock on a 
commission or agency basis shall sell the livestock consigned to it 
openly, at the highest available bid, and in such a manner as to best 
promote the interest of each consignor.
    (b) Purchases from consignment. No market agency engaged in the 
business of selling livestock on a commission basis shall purchase 
livestock from consignments, and no such market agency shall permit its 
owners, officers, agents, employees or any firm in which such market 
agency or its owners, officers, agents, or employees have an ownership 
or financial interest to purchase livestock consigned to such market 
agency, without first offering the livestock for sale in an open and 
competitive manner to other available buyers, and then only at a price 
higher

[[Page 20]]

than the highest available bid on such livestock.
    (c) Key employees not to purchase livestock out of consignments. No 
market agency engaged in selling livestock on commission shall permit 
its auctioneers, weighmasters, or salesmen to purchase livestock out of 
consignment for any purpose for their own account, either directly or 
indirectly.
    (d) Purchase from consignments; disclosure required. When a market 
agency purchases consigned livestock or sells consigned livestock to any 
owner, officer, agent, employee, or any business in which such market 
agency, owner, officer, agent, or employee has an ownership or financial 
interest, the market agency shall disclose on the account of sale the 
name of the buyer and the nature of the relationship existing between 
the market agency and the buyer.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

(7 U.S.C. 228, 7 U.S.C. 222, and 15 U.S.C. 46)

[49 FR 6084, Feb. 17, 1984, as amended at 49 FR 13003, Apr. 2, 1984; 58 
FR 52886, Oct. 13, 1993; 68 FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003]



Sec.  201.61  Market agencies selling or purchasing livestock on 
commission; relationships with dealers.

    (a) Market agencies selling on commission. No market agency selling 
consigned livestock shall enter into any agreement, relationship or 
association with dealers or other buyers which has a tendency to lessen 
the loyalty of the market agency to its consignors or impair the quality 
of the market agency's selling services. No market agency selling 
livestock on commission shall provide clearing services for any 
independent dealer who purchases livestock from consignment to such 
market agency without disclosing, on the account of sale to the 
consignor, the name of the buyer and the nature of the financial 
relationship between the buyer and the market agency.
    (b) Market agencies buying on commission. No market agency 
purchasing livestock on commission shall enter into any agreement, 
relationship, or association with dealers or others which will impair 
the quality of the buying services furnished to its principals. No 
market agency purchasing livestock on commission shall, in filling 
orders, purchase livestock from a dealer whose operations it clears or 
finances without disclosing the relationship between the market agency 
and dealer to its principals on the accountings furnished to the 
principals.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

(7 U.S.C. 228, 7 U.S.C. 222, and 15 U.S.C. 46)

[49 FR 6085, Feb. 17, 1984, as amended at 60 FR 42779, Aug. 17, 1995; 68 
FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003]



Sec.  201.67  Packers not to own or finance selling agencies.

    No packer subject to the Act shall have an ownership interest in, 
finance, or participate in the management or operation of a market 
agency selling livestock on a commission basis, nor shall such a market 
agency permit a packer to have an ownership interest in, finance, or 
participate in the management or operation of such market agency.

(7 U.S.C. 228, 228b, 222, 15 U.S.C. 46)

[49 FR 32844, Aug. 17, 1984]



Sec.  201.69  Furnishing information to competitor buyers.

    No packer, dealer, or market agency, in connection with transactions 
subject to the provisions of the act, shall, in person, or through 
employed buyers, for the purpose of restricting or limiting competition, 
manipulating livestock prices, or controlling the movement of livestock, 
prior to, or during the conduct of, his buying operations: (a) Furnish 
competitor packers, dealers, market agencies, or their buyers or 
representatives, similarly engaged in buying livestock, with information 
concerning his proposed buying operations, such as the species, classes, 
volume of livestock to be purchased, or prices to be paid; or (b) 
furnish any other buying information to competitor buyers.

[19 FR 4531, July 22, 1954, as amended at 24 FR 3183, Apr. 24, 1959]

[[Page 21]]



Sec.  201.70  Restriction or limitation of competition between packers
and dealers prohibited.

    Each packer and dealer engaged in purchasing livestock, in person or 
through employed buyers, shall conduct his buying operations in 
competition with, and independently of, other packers and dealers 
similarly engaged.

[24 FR 3183, Apr. 24, 1959]



                           Subpart K_Services



Sec.  201.71  Scales and or Electronic Evaluation Devices or Systems;
accurate weights and measures, repairs, adjustments or replacements
after inspection.

    (a) All scales used by stockyard owners, swine contractors, market 
agencies, dealers, packers, and live poultry dealers to weigh livestock, 
livestock carcasses, live poultry, or feed for the purposes of purchase, 
sale, acquisition, payment, or settlement shall be installed, 
maintained, and operated to ensure accurate weights. All electronic 
evaluation devices or systems for measuring the composition or quality 
constituents of live animals, livestock and poultry carcasses, and 
individual cuts of meat or a combination thereof for the purpose of 
determining value shall be installed, maintained, and operated to ensure 
accuracy. Such scales or electronic evaluation devices or systems shall 
meet applicable requirements contained in the General Code, Scales Code, 
Weights Code, and Electronic Livestock, Meat, and Poultry Evaluation 
Systems and/or Devices Code of the NIST Handbook 44. The 2013 edition of 
the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 44, 
``Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for 
Weighing and Measuring Devices'' is hereby incorporated by reference and 
was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. These materials are incorporated as 
they exist on the date of approval and a notice of any change in these 
materials will be published in the Federal Register. All approved 
material is available for inspection at USDA, AMS, Packers and 
Stockyards Division, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, 
telephone 202-720-7051, and is for sale by the National Conference of 
Weights and Measures (NCWM), 1135 M Street, Suite 110, Lincoln, 
Nebraska, 68508. Information on this material may be obtained from NCWM 
by calling 402-434-4880, by emailing [email protected], or on the Internet 
at http://www.nist.gov/owm. It is also available for inspection at the 
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For more 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-
6030 or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    (b) All scales used by stockyard owners, swine contractors, market 
agencies, dealers, packers, and live poultry dealers to weigh livestock, 
livestock carcasses, live poultry, or feed for the purpose of purchase, 
sale, acquisition, payment, or settlement of livestock or live poultry 
and all scales used for the purchase, sale acquisition, payment, or 
settlement of livestock on a carcass weight basis shall be equipped with 
a printing device which shall record weight values on a scale ticket or 
other document.
    (c) All vehicle scales used to weigh livestock, live poultry, or 
feed for purposes of purchase, sale, acquisition, payment, or settlement 
of livestock or live poultry shall be of sufficient length and capacity 
to weigh the entire vehicle as a unit: Provided, That a trailer may be 
uncoupled from the tractor and weighed as a single unit.
    (d) No scales shall be operated or used by any stockyard owners, 
swine contractors, market agencies, dealers, packers, or live poultry 
dealers to weigh livestock, livestock carcasses, live poultry, or feed 
for the purposes of purchase, sale, acquisition, payment, or settlement 
of livestock, livestock carcasses or live poultry unless it has been 
found upon test and inspection, as specified in Sec.  201.72, to be in a 
condition to give accurate weight. If a scale is inspected or tested and 
adjustments or replacements are made to a scale, it shall not be used 
until it has been inspected and tested and determined to

[[Page 22]]

meet all accuracy requirements specified in the regulations in this 
section.

[65 FR 17763, Apr. 5, 2000, as amended at 69 FR 18803, Apr. 9, 2004; 74 
FR 53640, Oct. 20, 2009; 79 FR 23893, Apr. 29, 2014; 79 FR 32859, June 
9, 2014; 84 FR 45647, Aug. 30, 2019]



Sec.  201.72  Scales; testing of.

    (a) As a stockyard owner, swine contractor, market agency, dealer, 
packer, or live poultry dealer who weighs livestock, live poultry, or 
feed for purposes of purchase, sale, acquisition, payment, or settlement 
of livestock or live poultry, or who weighs livestock carcasses for the 
purpose of purchase on a carcass weight basis, or who furnishes scales 
for such purposes, you must have your scales tested by competent persons 
at least twice during each calendar year. You must complete the first of 
the two scale tests between January 1 and June 30 of the calendar year. 
The remaining scale test must be completed between July 1 and December 
31 of the calendar year. You must have a minimum period of 120 days 
between these two tests. More frequent testing will be required in cases 
where the scale does not maintain accuracy between tests. Except that if 
scales are used on a limited seasonal basis (during any continuous 8-
month period) for purposes of purchase, sale, acquisition, payment or 
settlement, the stockyard owner, swine contractor, market agency, 
dealer, live poultry dealer, or packer using such scales may use the 
scales within a 8-month period following each test.
    (b) As a stockyard owner, swine contractor, market agency, dealer, 
packer, or live poultry dealer who weighs livestock, livestock 
carcasses, live poultry, or feed for purposes of purchase, sale, 
acquisition, payment, or settlement of livestock, livestock carcasses or 
live poultry, you must furnish reports of tests and inspections on forms 
approved by the Administrator. You must retain one copy of the test and 
inspection report for yourself, and file a second copy with the PSD 
regional office for the geographical region where the scale is located.
    (c) When scales used for weighing livestock, livestock carcasses, 
live poultry, or feed are tested and inspected by a State agency, 
municipality, or other governmental subdivision, the forms used by such 
agency for reporting such scale tests and inspections may be accepted in 
lieu of the forms approved for this same purpose by the Administrator if 
the forms contain substantially the same information.

[76 FR 3487, Jan. 20, 2011; 76 FR 50881, Aug. 17, 2011; 88 FR 62696, 
Sept. 13, 2023]



Sec.  201.73  Scale operators to be qualified.

    Stockyard owners, market agencies, dealers, packers, and live 
poultry dealers shall employ qualified persons to operate scales for 
weighing livestock, livestock carcasses, live poultry, or feed for the 
purposes of purchase, sale, acquisition, payment, or settlement of 
livestock, livestock carcasses, or live poultry, and they shall require 
such employees to operate the scales in accordance with the regulations 
in this part.

[65 FR 17763, Apr. 5, 2000]



Sec.  201.73-1  Instructions for weighing livestock.

    Stockyard operators, market agencies, dealers, and packers who 
operate scales on which livestock is weighed in purchase or sales 
transactions are responsible for the accurate weighing of such 
livestock. They shall supply copies of the instructions in this section 
to all persons who perform weighing operations for them and direct such 
person to familiarize themselves with the instructions and to comply 
with them at all times. This section shall also apply to any additional 
weighers who are employed at any time. Weighers must acknowledge their 
receipt of these instructions and agree to comply with them, by signing 
in duplicate, Form PSD 4000 provided by the Packers and Stockyards 
Division. One copy of the form is to be filed with a regional office of 
the Packers and Stockyards Division and the other retained by the agency 
employing the weighers.
    (a) Balancing the empty scale. (1) The empty scale shall be balanced 
each day before weighing begins, and maintained in correct balance which 
weighing operations continue. The zero balance shall be verified at 
intervals of not

[[Page 23]]

more than 15 drafts or 15 minutes, whichever is completed first. In 
addition, the zero balance of the scale shall be verified whenever a 
weigher resumes weighing duties after an absence from the scale and also 
whenever a load exceeding half the scale capacity or 10,000 pounds 
(whichever is less) has been weighed and is followed by a load of less 
than 1,000 pounds, verification to occur before the weighing of the load 
of less than 1,000 pounds.
    (2) The time at which the empty scale is balanced or its zero 
balance verified shall be recorded on scale tickets or other permanent 
records. Balance tickets must be filed with other scale tickets issued 
on that date.
    (3) Before balancing the empty scale, the weigher shall assure 
himself that the scale gates are closed and that no persons or animals 
are on the scale platform or in contact with the stock rack, gates, or 
platform. If the scale is balanced with persons on the scale platform, 
the zero balance shall be verified whenever there is a change in such 
persons. When the scale is properly balanced and ready for weighing, the 
weigher shall so indicate by an appropriate signal.
    (4) Weighbeam scales shall be balanced by first seating each poise 
securely in its zero notch and then moving the balance ball to such 
position that a correct zero balance is obtained. A scale equipped with 
a balance indicator is correctly balanced when the pointer comes to rest 
at zero. A scale not equipped with a balance indicator is correctly 
balanced if the weighbeam, when released at the top or bottom of the 
trig loop, swings freely in the trig loop in such manner that it will 
come to rest at the center of the trig loop.
    (5) Dial scales shall be balanced by releasing all drop weights and 
operating the balance ball or other balancing device to obtain a correct 
zero balance. The indicator must visually indicate zero on the dial and 
the ticket printer must record a correct zero balance.
    (6) Electronic digital scales should be properly warmed up before 
use. In most cases, it is advisable to leave the electric power on 
continuously. The zero load balance shall be verified by recording the 
zero balance on a scale ticket. The main indicating element and the 
remote visual weight display shall indicate zero when the balance is 
verified. The proper procedure for balancing this type of scale will 
vary according to the manufacturer. Refer to the operator's manual for 
specific instructions.
    (b) Weighing the load. (1) Before weighing a draft of livestock, the 
weigher shall assure himself that the entire draft is on the scale 
platform with the gates closed and that no persons or animals off the 
scale are in contact with the platform, gates, or stock rack.
    (i) On a weighbeam scale with a balance indicator, the weight of a 
draft shall be determined by seating the poises at such positions that 
the pointer will come to rest within the central target area or within 
\1/4\ (0.25) inch of the zero mark.
    (ii) On a weighbeam scale without a balance indicator, the weight 
shall be determined by seating the poises at such positions that the 
weighbeam, when released from the top or bottom of the trig loop, will 
swing freely and come to rest at the approximate center of the trig 
loop.
    (iii) On a dial scale, the weight is indicated automatically when 
the indicator moves around the dial face and comes to rest.
    (iv) On an electronic digital scale, the weight of a draft is 
indicated automatically when the weight value indicated stabilized.
    (2) The correct weight of a livestock draft is the value in pounds 
indicated when a correct load balance is obtained. The weigher should 
always concentrate his attention upon the beam tip, balance indicator or 
dial indicator while weighing and not concern himself with reading the 
visible weight indications until correct load balance is obtained. On 
electronic digital scales, the weigher should concentrate on the pulsing 
or flickering of weight values to assure that the unit indicates a 
stable weight before activating the print button.
    (c) Recording the weight. (1) The weight of each draft shall be 
recorded immediately after the load balance is obtained and before any 
poises are moved or the load is removed from the

[[Page 24]]

scale platform. The weigher shall make certain that the printed weight 
record agrees with the weight value visually indicated when correct load 
balance is obtained. He shall also assure himself that the printed 
weight value is distinct and legible.
    (2) The weight printing device on a scale shall be operated only to 
produce a printed or impressed record of the weight value while the 
livestock load is on the scale and correctly balanced. If the weight 
value is not printed clearly and correctly, the ticket shall be marked 
void and a new one printed before the livestock is removed from the 
scale.
    (d) Scale tickets. (1) Scale tickets used to record the weight 
values of livestock in purchase or sales transactions shall be used, at 
any given scale, in the order of their consecutive serial numbers unless 
otherwise marked to show the order of their use. All tickets shall show 
the date of the weighing and the name or initials of the weigher 
performing the weighing service.
    (2) No scale tickets shall be destroyed or otherwise disposed of 
because they are soiled, damaged, incorrectly executed, or voided. They 
shall be preserved and filed to comprise a complete serial number 
sequence.
    (3) No scale ticket shall be used to record the weight of a 
livestock draft for ``catch-weight,'' inventory, transportation charge 
or other nonsale purposes unless the ticket is clearly marked to show 
why the weight was determined.
    (4) When weight values are recorded by means of automatic recording 
equipment directly on the accounts of sale or other basic records, such 
record may serve in lieu of a scale ticket.
    (e) Weigher's responsibilities. (1) The primary responsibility of a 
weigher is to determine and accurately record the weight of livestock 
drafts without prejudice or favor to any person or agency and without 
regard for livestock ownership, price, condition, fill, shrink, or other 
considerations. A weigher shall not permit the representations or 
attitudes of any persons or agencies to influence his judgment or action 
in performing his duties.
    (2) Unused scale tickets, or those which are partially executed but 
without a printed weight value, shall not be left exposed or accessible 
to unauthorized personnel. All such tickets shall be kept under lock 
when the weigher is not at his duty station.
    (3) Accurate weighing and correct weight recording require that a 
weigher shall not permit his operations to be hurried to the extent that 
inaccurate weights or incorrect weight records may result. Each draft of 
livestock must be weighed accurately to the nearest minimum weight value 
that can be indicated or recorded. Manual operations connected with 
balancing, weighing, and recording shall be performed with the care 
necessary to prevent damage to the accurately machined and adjusted 
parts of weighbeams, poises, and printing devices.
    (4) Livestock owners, buyers, or others having legitimate interest 
in a livestock draft must be permitted to observe the balancing, 
weighing, and recording procedures, and a weigher shall not deny them 
that right or withhold from them any information pertaining to the 
weight of that draft. He shall check the zero balance of the scale or 
reweigh a draft of livestock when requested by such parties.
    (f) Sensitivity control. (1) A scale must be sensitive in response 
to platform loading if it is to yield accurate weights. It, therefore, 
is the duty of a weigher to assure himself that interferences, weighbeam 
friction, or other factors do not impair sensitivity. He should satisfy 
himself, at least twice each day, that the scale is sufficiently 
sensitive, and if the following requirements are not met, he should 
report the facts to his superior or employer immediately.
    (2) A weighbeam scale with a balance indicator is sufficiently 
sensitive if, when the scale is balanced with the pointer at the center 
of the target, movement of the fractional poise one graduation will 
change the indicator rest point \1/4\ inch (0.25) or the width of the 
central target area, whichever is greater.
    (3) A weighbeam scale without a balance indicator is sufficiently 
sensitive if, when the scale is balanced with the weighbeam at the 
center of the trig loop, movement of the fractional poise

[[Page 25]]

two graduations will cause the weighbeam to come to rest at the bottom 
of the trig loop.
    (4) Adjustable damping devices are incorporated in balance 
indicators and in dial scales to absorb the effects of load impact and 
assist in bringing the indicator to rest. The weigher should be familiar 
with the location and adjustment of these damping devices and should 
keep them adjusted so that the pointer will oscillate freely through at 
least one complete cycle of movement before coming to rest at its 
original position.
    (5) Friction at weighbeam bearings may reduce the sensitivity of the 
scale, cause sluggish weighbeam action and affect weighing accuracy. A 
weigher should inspect the weighbeam assembly daily to make certain that 
there is clearance between the weighbeam and the pivot bearings.
    (6) Interferences or binding of the scale platform, stock rack, 
gates or other ``live'' parts of the scale are common causes of weighing 
inaccuracy. A weigher should satisfy himself, at the beginning of each 
weighing period, that all such ``live'' parts have sufficient clearance 
to prevent interferences.
    (g) General precautions. (1) The poises of weighbeam scales are 
carefully adjusted and sealed to a definite weight at the factory and 
any change in that weight seriously affects weighing accuracy. A 
weigher, therefore, should be certain that poise parts do not become 
broken, loose or lost and that no material is added to a poise. 
Balancing or weighing shall not be performed while a scale ticket is in 
the slot of a weighbeam poise.
    (2) Stops are provided on scale weighbeams to prevent movement of 
poises back of the zero graduation when balancing or weighing. When the 
stops become worn or broken and allow a poise to be set behind the zero 
position, this condition should be reported and corrected without delay.
    (3) Foreign objects or loose material in the form of nuts, bolts, 
washers or other material on any part of the weighbeam assembly, 
including the counter-balance hanger or counter-balance weights, are 
potential sources of weighing error. Loose balancing material must be 
enclosed in the shot cup of the counter-balance hanger, and counter-
balance weights must not be of the slotted type which can readily be 
removed.
    (4) Whenever for any reason a weigher has reason to believe that a 
scale is not functioning properly or not yielding correct weight values, 
he shall discontinue weighing, report the facts to the parties 
responsible for scale maintenance, and request inspection, test, or 
repair of the scale.
    (5) When a scale has been adjusted, modified, or repaired in any 
manner which may affect the accuracy of weighing or weight recording, 
the weigher shall not use the scale until it has been tested and 
inspected and found to be accurate.
    (6) Count-off men, gate men, or others assigned to open or close 
scale gates or to drive livestock on or off the scale, shall perform 
those functions as directed by the weigher's signals or spoken 
instructions. They shall prevent persons or animals off the scale from 
being in contact with any part of the scale platform, stock rack, or 
gates while the scale is being balanced or used for weighing. They shall 
not open gates or remove livestock from the scale until directed by the 
weigher.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

(7 U.S.C. 222 and 228 and 15 U.S.C. 46)

[39 FR 40277, Nov. 15, 1974, as amended at 49 FR 39516, Oct. 9, 1984; 61 
FR 36282, July 10, 1996; 68 FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003; 88 FR 62696, Sept. 
13, 2023]



Sec.  201.76  Reweighing.

    Stockyard owners, market agencies, dealers, packers, swine 
contractors and live poultry dealers must reweigh livestock, livestock 
carcasses, and live poultry or feed on request of any authorized 
representative of the Secretary.

[78 FR 51664, Aug. 21, 2013]



Sec.  201.81  Suspended registrants.

    No stockyard owner, packer, market agency, or dealer shall employ 
any person who has been suspended as a registrant to perform activities 
in connection with livestock transactions subject to the jurisdiction of 
the Secretary under the Act during the period of such

[[Page 26]]

suspension: Provided, That the provisions of this section shall not be 
construed to prohibit the employment of any person who has been 
suspended as a registrant until such time as the person demonstrates 
solvency or obtains the bond required under the Act and regulations. No 
such person shall be employed, however, until after the expiration of 
any specified period of suspension contained in the order of suspension.

(7 U.S.C. 222 and 228 and 15 U.S.C. 46)

[49 FR 37374, Sept. 24, 1984]



Sec.  201.82  Care and promptness in weighing and handling livestock
and live poultry.

    (a) Each stockyard owner, market agency, dealer, packer, swine 
contractor and live poultry dealer must exercise reasonable care and 
promptness with respect to loading, transporting, holding, yarding, 
feeding, watering, weighing, or otherwise handling livestock, or live 
poultry to prevent waste of feed, shrinkage, injury, death or other 
avoidable loss.
    (b) Whenever live poultry is obtained under a poultry growing 
arrangement and the weight of the live poultry is a factor in 
calculating payment to the grower, the poultry must be transported 
promptly after loading. The process of obtaining the gross weight must 
commence immediately upon arrival at the processing plant, holding yard, 
or other scale normally used for such purpose. The process of obtaining 
the gross weight which may include, but is not limited to, fueling, 
uncoupling the trailer, changing the road tractor to a yard tractor or 
weighing the trailer only, must be conducted without delay; 
specifically, the time period between arrival and completion of the 
process of obtaining the gross weight must not exceed thirty (30) 
minutes.
    (c) Live poultry dealers must not place poultry from multiple 
growers on a single live poultry transport trailer or other live poultry 
transport equipment, creating what is commonly referred to as a ``split 
load.''

[78 FR 51664, Aug. 21, 2013]



                     Subpart L_Inspection of Brands



Sec.  201.86  Brand inspection: Application for authorization, 
registration and filing of schedules, reciprocal arrangements, and
maintenance of identity of consignments.

    (a) Application for authorization. Any department or agency or duly-
organized livestock association of any State in which branding or 
marking of livestock as a means of establishing ownership prevails by 
custom or statute, which desires to obtain an authorization to charge 
and collect a fee for the inspection of brands, marks, and other 
identifying characteristics of livestock, as provided in section 317 of 
the Act, shall file with the Administrator an application in writing for 
such authorization. In case two or more applications for authorization 
to collect a fee for the inspection of brands, marks, and other 
identifying characteristics of livestock are received from the same 
State, a hearing will be held to determine which applicant is best 
qualified.
    (b) Registration and filing of schedules. Upon the issuance of an 
authorization to an agency or an association, said agency or association 
shall register as a market agency in accordance with the provisions of 
Sec.  201.10, except that no bond need be filed or maintained, and shall 
file a schedule of its rates and charges for performing the service in 
the manner and form prescribed by Sec.  201.17.
    (c) Reciprocal arrangements. Any authorized agency or association 
may make arrangements with an association or associations in the same or 
in another State, where branding or marking livestock prevails by custom 
or statute, to perform inspection service at stockyards on such terms 
and conditions as may be approved by the Administrator: Provided, That 
such arrangements will tend to further the purpose of the Act and will 
not result in duplication of charges or services.
    (d) Maintenance of identity of consignments. All persons having 
custody at the stockyard of livestock subject to inspection shall 
preserve the identity of the consignment until inspection has been 
completed by the authorized inspection agency. Agencies authorized

[[Page 27]]

to conduct such inspection shall perform the work as soon after receipt 
of the livestock as practicable and as rapidly as is reasonably possible 
in order to prevent delay in marketing, shrinkage in weight, or other 
avoidable losses.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

(7 U.S.C. 203, 204, 207, 217a, 222 and 228)

[49 FR 33005, Aug. 20, 1984, as amended at 68 FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003]



                            Subpart M_General



Sec.  201.94  Information as to business; furnishing of by packers,
swine contractors, live poultry dealers, stockyard owners, market 
agencies,and dealers.

    Each packer, swine contractor, live poultry dealer, stockyard owner, 
market agency, and dealer, upon proper request, shall give to the 
Secretary or his duly authorized representatives in writing or 
otherwise, and under oath or affirmation if requested by such 
representatives, any information concerning the business of the packer, 
swine contractor, live poultry dealer, stockyard owner, market agency, 
or dealer which may be required in order to carry out the provisions of 
the Act and regulations in this part within such reasonable time as may 
be specified in the request for such information.

[73 FR 62440, Oct. 21, 2008]



Sec.  201.95  Inspection of business records and facilities.

    Each stockyard owner, market agency, dealer, packer, swine 
contractor, and live poultry dealer, upon proper request, shall permit 
authorized representatives of the Secretary to enter its place of 
business during normal business hours and to examine records pertaining 
to its business subject to the Act, to make copies thereof and to 
inspect the facilities of such persons subject to the Act. Reasonable 
accommodations shall be made available to authorized representatives of 
the Secretary by the stockyard owner, market agency, dealer, packer, 
swine contractor, or live poultry dealer for such examination of records 
and inspection of facilities.

[73 FR 62440, Oct. 21, 2008]



Sec.  201.96  Unauthorized disclosure of business information prohibited.

    No agent or employee of the United States shall, without the consent 
of the stockyard owner, market agency, dealer, packer, swine contractor, 
or live poultry dealer concerned, divulge or make known in any manner, 
any facts or information regarding the business of such person acquired 
through any examination or inspection of the business or records of the 
stockyard owner, market agency, dealer, packer, swine contractor, or 
live poultry dealer, or through any information given by the stockyard 
owner, market agency, dealer, packer, swine contractor, or live poultry 
dealer pursuant to the Act and regulations, except to such other agents 
or employees of the United States as may be required to have such 
knowledge in the regular course of their official duties or except 
insofar as they may be directed by the Administrator or by a court of 
competent jurisdiction, or except as they may be otherwise required by 
law.

[73 FR 62440, Oct. 21, 2008]



Sec.  201.97  Annual reports.

    Every packer, live poultry dealer, stockyard owner, market agency, 
and dealer (except a packer buyer registered to purchase livestock for 
slaughter only) shall file annually with the Administration a report on 
prescribed forms not later than April 15 following the calendar year end 
or, if the records are kept on a fiscal year basis, not later than 90 
days after the close of his fiscal year. The Administrator on good cause 
shown, or on his own motion, may grant a reasonable extension of the 
filing date or may waive the filing of such reports in particular cases.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under Control Number 
0580-0015)

[54 FR 16356, Apr. 24, 1989, as amended at 68 FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003]

[[Page 28]]



Sec.  201.98  Packers and dealers not to charge, demand, or collect 
commission, yardage, or other service charges.

    No packer or dealer shall, in connection with the purchase of 
livestock in commerce, charge, demand, or collect from the seller of the 
livestock any compensation in the form of commission, yardage, or other 
service charge unless the charge is for services mandated by law or 
statute and is not inconsistent with the provisions of the Act.

[61 FR 36282, July 10, 1996]



Sec.  201.99  Purchase of livestock by packers on a carcass grade, 
carcass weight, or carcass grade and weight basis.

    (a) Each packer purchasing livestock on a carcass grade, carcass 
weight, or carcass grade and weight basis shall, prior to such purchase, 
make known to the seller, or to his duly authorized agent, the details 
of the purchase contract. Such details shall include, when applicable, 
expected date and place of slaughter, carcass price, condemnation terms, 
description of the carcass trim, grading to be used, accounting, and any 
special conditions.
    (b) Each packer purchasing livestock on a carcass grade, carcass 
weight, or carcass grade and weight basis, shall maintain the identity 
of each seller's livestock and the carcasses therefrom and shall, after 
determination of the amount of the purchase price, transmit or deliver 
to the seller, or his duly authorized agent, a true written account of 
such purchase showing the number, weight, and price of the carcasses of 
each grade (identifying the grade) and of the ungraded carcasses, an 
explanation of any condemnations, and any other information affecting 
final accounting. Packers purchasing livestock on such a basis shall 
maintain sufficient records to substantiate the settlement of each 
transaction.
    (c) When livestock are purchased by a packer on a carcass weight or 
carcass grade and weight basis, purchase and settlement therefor shall 
be on the basis of carcass price. This paragraph does not apply to 
purchases of livestock by a packer on a guaranteed yield basis.
    (d) Settlement and final payment for livestock purchased by a packer 
on a carcass weight or carcass grade and weight basis shall be on actual 
hot weights. The hooks, rollers, gambrels or other similar equipment 
used at a packing establishment in connection with the weighing of 
carcasses of the same species of livestock shall be uniform in weight. 
The tare shall include only the weight of such equipment.
    (e) Settlement and final payment for livestock purchased by a packer 
on a USDA carcass grade shall be on an official (final--not preliminary) 
grade. If settlement and final payment are based upon any grades other 
than official USDA grades, such other grades shall be set forth in 
detailed written specifications which shall be made available to the 
seller or his duly authorized agent. For purposes of settlement and 
final payment for livestock purchased on a grade or grade and weight 
basis, carcasses shall be final graded before the close of the second 
business day following the day the livestock are slaughtered.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

(Pub. L. 96-511, 94 Stat. 2812 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.); 7 U.S.C. 222 
and 228 and 15 U.S.C. 46)

[33 FR 2762, Feb. 9, 1968, as amended at 33 FR 5401, Apr. 5, 1968; 49 FR 
37375, Sept. 24, 1984; 54 FR 37094, Sept. 7, 1989; 68 FR 75388, Dec. 31, 
2003]



               Subpart N_Packers and Live Poultry Dealers



Sec.  201.100  Records to be furnished poultry growers and sellers.

    (a) Poultry growing arrangement; timing of disclosure. As a live 
poultry dealer who offers a poultry growing arrangement to a poultry 
grower, you must provide the poultry grower with a true written copy of 
the offered poultry growing arrangement on the date you provide the 
poultry grower with poultry house specifications.
    (b) Right to discuss the terms of poultry growing arrangement offer. 
As a live poultry dealer, notwithstanding any confidentiality provision 
in the poultry growing arrangement, you must allow poultry growers to 
discuss the terms of

[[Page 29]]

a poultry growing arrangement offer with:
    (1) A Federal or State agency;
    (2) The grower's financial advisor or lender;
    (3) The grower's legal advisor;
    (4) An accounting services representative hired by the grower;
    (5) Other growers for the same live poultry dealer; or
    (6) A member of the grower's immediate family or a business 
associate. A business associate is a person not employed by the grower, 
but with whom the grower has a valid business reason for consulting with 
when entering into or operating under a poultry growing arrangement.
    (c) Contracts; contents. Each live poultry dealer that enters into a 
poultry growing arrangement with a poultry grower shall furnish the 
grower with a true written copy of the poultry growing arrangement, 
which shall clearly specify:
    (1) The duration of the contract and conditions for the termination 
of the contract by each of the parties;
    (2) All terms relating to the payment to be made to the poultry 
grower, including among others, where applicable, the following:
    (i) The party liable for condemnations, including those resulting 
from plant errors;
    (ii) The method for figuring feed conversion ratios;
    (iii) The formula or method used to convert condemnations to live 
weight;
    (iv) The per unit charges for feed and other inputs furnished by 
each party; and
    (v) The factors to be used when grouping or ranking poultry growers; 
and
    (3) Whether a performance improvement plan exists for that grower, 
and if so specify any performance improvement plan guidelines, including 
the following:
    (i) The factors considered when placing a poultry grower on a 
performance improvement plan;
    (ii) The guidance and support provided to a poultry grower while on 
a performance improvement plan; and
    (iii) The factors considered to determine if and when a poultry 
grower is removed from the performance improvement plan and placed back 
in good standing, or when the poultry growing arrangement will be 
terminated.
    (d) Settlement sheets; contents; supporting documents. Each live 
poultry dealer, who acquires poultry pursuant to a contract with a 
poultry grower, shall prepare a true and accurate settlement sheet 
(final accounting) and furnish a copy thereof to the poultry grower at 
the time of settlement. The settlement sheet shall contain all 
information necessary to compute the payment due the poultry grower. For 
all such arrangements in which the weight of birds affects payment, the 
settlement sheet shall show, among other things, the number of live 
birds marketed, the total weight and the average weight of the birds, 
and the payment per pound.
    (e) Condemnation and grading certificates. Each live poultry dealer, 
who acquires poultry pursuant to a contract with a poultry grower which 
provides that official U.S. Department of Agriculture condemnations or 
grades, or both, are a consideration affecting payment to the grower, 
shall obtain an official U.S. Department of Agriculture condemnation or 
grading certificate, or both, for the poultry and furnish a copy thereof 
to the poultry grower prior to or at the time of settlement.
    (f) Grouping or ranking sheets. Where the contract between the live 
poultry dealer and the poultry grower provides for payment to the 
poultry grower based upon a grouping or ranking of poultry growers 
delivering poultry during a specified period, the live poultry dealer 
shall furnish the poultry grower, at the time of settlement, a copy of a 
grouping or ranking sheet which shows the grower's precise position in 
the grouping or ranking sheet for that period. The grouping or ranking 
sheet need not show the names of other growers, but shall show the 
actual figures upon which the grouping or ranking is based for each 
grower grouped or ranked during the specified period.
    (g) Live poultry purchases. Each live poultry dealer who purchases 
live poultry shall prepare and deliver a purchase invoice to the seller 
at time of settlement. The purchase invoice shall contain all 
information necessary to

[[Page 30]]

compute payment due the seller. When U.S. Department of Agriculture 
condemnations or U.S. Department of Agriculture grades, or both, of 
poultry purchased affect final payment, copies of official U.S. 
Department of Agriculture condemnation certificates or grading 
certificates, or both, shall be furnished to the seller at or prior to 
the time of settlement.
    (h) Written termination notice; furnishing, contents. (1) A live 
poultry dealer that ends a poultry growing arrangement with a poultry 
grower due to a termination, non-renewal, or expiration and subsequent 
non-replacement of a poultry growing arrangement shall provide the 
poultry grower with a written termination notice at least 90 days prior 
to the termination of the poultry growing arrangement. Written notice 
issued to a poultry grower by a live poultry dealer regarding 
termination shall contain the following:
    (i) The reason(s) for termination;
    (ii) When the termination is effective; and
    (iii) Appeal rights, if any, that a poultry grower may have with the 
live poultry dealer.
    (2) A live poultry dealer's poultry growing arrangement with a 
poultry grower shall also provide the poultry grower with the 
opportunity to terminate its poultry growing arrangement in writing at 
least 90 days prior to the termination of the poultry growing 
arrangement.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

[54 FR 16356, Apr. 24, 1989; 54 FR 18713, May 2, 1989, as amended at 68 
FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003; 74 FR 63277, Dec. 3, 2009]

    Effective Date Note: At 88 FR 83291, Nov. 28, 2023, Sec.  201.100 
was amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (b), effective Feb. 12, 2024. 
For the convenience of the user, the revised text is set forth as 
follows:



Sec.  201.100  Records to be furnished poultry growers and sellers.

    (a) Poultry growing arrangement; timing of disclosure. A live 
poultry dealer who offers a poultry growing arrangement to a poultry 
grower must provide the poultry grower with a true written copy of the 
offered poultry growing arrangement on the date the dealer provides the 
poultry grower with poultry housing specifications.
    (b) Right to discuss the terms of poultry growing arrangement offer. 
A live poultry dealer, notwithstanding any confidentiality provision in 
the poultry growing arrangement, may not prohibit a poultry grower or 
prospective poultry grower from discussing the terms of a poultry 
growing arrangement offer or, if applicable, the accompanying Live 
Poultry Dealer Disclosure Document described in Sec.  201.102 (b) 
through (d) of this part with any of the following:
    (1) A Federal or State agency.
    (2) The grower's financial advisor or lender.
    (3) The grower's legal advisor.
    (4) An accounting services representative hired by the grower.
    (5) Other growers for the same live poultry dealer.
    (6) A member of the grower's immediate family or a business 
associate. A business associate is a person not employed by the grower, 
but with whom the grower has a valid business reason for consulting with 
when entering into or operating under a poultry growing arrangement.

                                * * * * *



Sec.  201.102  Disclosures for broiler production.

    (a) Obligation to furnish information and documents. In addition to 
the requirements of Sec.  201.100 of this part, a live poultry dealer 
engaged in the production of broilers must provide the documents 
described in this section to the prospective or current broiler grower.
    (1) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, when a live 
poultry dealer seeks to renew, revise, or replace an existing broiler 
growing arrangement, or to establish a new broiler growing arrangement 
that does not contemplate modifications to the existing housing 
specifications, the live poultry dealer must provide the following 
documents at least 14 calendar days before the live poultry dealer 
executes the broiler growing arrangement (provided that the grower may 
waive up to 7 calendar days of that time period):
    (i) A true, written copy of the renewed, revised, replacement, or 
new broiler growing arrangement.
    (ii) The Live Poultry Dealer Disclosure Document, as described in 
paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section.
    (2) When a live poultry dealer seeks to enter a broiler growing 
arrangement with a broiler grower or prospective broiler grower that 
will require an

[[Page 31]]

original capital investment, the live poultry dealer must provide the 
following to the broiler grower or prospective broiler grower 
simultaneously with the housing specifications:
    (i) A copy of the broiler growing arrangement that is affiliated 
with the current housing specifications.
    (ii) The Live Poultry Dealer Disclosure Document, as described in 
paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section.
    (iii) A letter of intent that can be relied upon to obtain financing 
for the original capital investment.
    (3) When a live poultry dealer seeks to offer or impose 
modifications to existing housing specifications that could reasonably 
require a broiler grower or prospective broiler grower to make an 
additional capital investment, the live poultry dealer must provide the 
following to the broiler grower or prospective broiler grower 
simultaneously with the modified housing specifications:
    (i) A copy of the broiler growing arrangement that is affiliated 
with the modified housing specifications.
    (ii) The Live Poultry Dealer Disclosure Document, as described in 
paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section.
    (iii) A letter of intent that can be relied upon to obtain financing 
for the additional capital investment.
    (b) Prominent Disclosures. The Live Poultry Dealer Disclosure 
Document must include a cover page followed by the disclosures as 
required in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section. The order, form, and 
content of the cover page shall be and include:
    (1) The title ``LIVE POULTRY DEALER DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT'' in capital 
letters and bold type.
    (2) The live poultry dealer's name, type of business organization, 
principal business address, telephone number, email address, and, if 
applicable, primary internet website address.
    (3) The length of the term of the broiler growing arrangement.
    (4) The following statement: ``The income from your poultry farm may 
be significantly affected by the number of flocks the poultry company 
places on your farm each year, the density or number of birds placed 
with each flock, and the target weight at which poultry is caught. The 
poultry company may have full discretion and control over these and 
other factors. Please carefully review the information in this 
document.''
    (5) The following minimums established under the terms of the 
broiler growing arrangement:
    (i) The minimum number of placements on the broiler grower's farm 
annually.
    (ii) The minimum stocking density for each flock to be placed on the 
broiler grower's farm.
    (6) The applicable of the following two statements:
    (i) ``This disclosure document summarizes certain provisions of your 
broiler growing arrangement and other information. You have the right to 
read this disclosure document and all accompanying documents carefully. 
At least 14 calendar days before the live poultry dealer executes the 
broiler growing arrangement (provided that the grower may waive up to 7 
calendar days of that time period), the poultry company is required to 
provide you with: (1) this disclosure document, and (2) a copy of the 
broiler growing arrangement.'' or
    (ii) ``This disclosure document summarizes certain provisions of 
your broiler growing arrangement and other information. You have the 
right to read this disclosure document and all accompanying documents 
carefully. The live poultry dealer is required to provide this 
disclosure document to you simultaneously with (a) a copy of the broiler 
growing arrangement, (b) any new or modified housing specifications that 
would require you to make an original or additional capital investment, 
and (c) a letter of intent.''
    (7) The following statement: ``Even if the broiler growing 
arrangement contains a confidentiality provision, by law you still 
retain the right to discuss the terms of the broiler growing arrangement 
and the Live Poultry Dealer Disclosure Document with a Federal or State 
agency, your financial advisor or lender, your legal advisor, your 
accounting services representative, other growers for the same live 
poultry dealer, and your immediate family or business associates. A 
business associate is a person not employed by you but with whom you 
have a valid business reason

[[Page 32]]

for consulting when entering into or operating under a broiler growing 
arrangement.''
    (8) The following statement in bold type: ``Note that USDA has not 
verified the information contained in this document. If this disclosure 
by the live poultry dealer contains any false or misleading statement or 
a material omission, a violation of Federal and/or State law may have 
occurred.''
    (c) Required disclosures following the cover page. The live poultry 
dealer shall disclose, in the Live Poultry Dealer Disclosure Document 
following the cover page, the following information:
    (1) A summary of litigation over the prior 5 years between the live 
poultry dealer and any broiler grower, including the nature of the 
litigation, its location, the initiating party, a brief description of 
the controversy, and any resolution.
    (2) A summary of all bankruptcy filings in the prior 5 years by the 
live poultry dealer and any parent, subsidiary, or related entity of the 
live poultry dealer.
    (3) A statement that describes the live poultry dealer's policies 
and procedures regarding the potential sale of the broiler grower's 
facility or assignment of the broiler growing arrangement to another 
party, including the circumstances under which the live poultry dealer 
will offer the successive buyer a broiler growing arrangement.
    (4) A statement describing the live poultry dealer's policies and 
procedures, as well as any appeal rights arising from the following 
events described in paragraphs (c)(4)(i) through (c)(4)(vi) of this 
section. If no policy or procedure exists, the live poultry dealer will 
acknowledge ``no policy exists'' relating to the items in paragraphs 
(c)(4)(i) through (c)(4)(vi) of this section.
    (i) Increased lay-out time.
    (ii) Sick, diseased, and high early-mortality flocks.
    (iii) Natural disasters, weather events, or other events adversely 
affecting the physical infrastructure of the local complex or the grower 
facility.
    (iv) Other events potentially resulting in massive depopulation of 
flocks, affecting grower payments.
    (v) Feed outages, including outage times.
    (vi) Grower complaints relating to feed quality, formulation, or 
suitability.
    (5) A table showing the average annual broiler grower turnover rates 
for the previous calendar year and the average of the 5 previous 
calendar years at a company level and at a local complex level.
    (d) Financial Disclosures. The live poultry dealer must include in 
the Live Poultry Dealer Disclosure Document the following information:
    (1) Tables showing average annual gross payments to broiler growers 
at the local complex for each of the 5 previous years. The tables must 
express average payments in U.S. dollars per farm facility square foot. 
The tables must be organized to present the following elements:
    (i) Year.
    (ii) Housing specification tier (lowest to highest).
    (iii) Distribution of payments, specifically either--
    (A) Quintile (lowest to highest), for a local complex comprising 10 
or more growers, or
    (B) Mean and one standard deviation from the mean, for a local 
complex comprising 9 or fewer growers.
    (2) If poultry housing specifications for broiler growers under 
contract with the complex are modified such that an additional capital 
investment may be required, or if the 5-year averages provided under 
paragraph (d)(1) of this section do not accurately represent projected 
grower gross annual payments under the terms of the applicable broiler 
growing arrangement for any reason, the live poultry dealer must provide 
the following information:
    (i) Tables providing projections of average annual gross payments to 
broiler growers under contract with the complex with the same housing 
specifications for the term of the broiler growing arrangement at five 
quintile levels or by mean and standard deviation expressed as dollars 
per farm facility square foot.

[[Page 33]]

    (ii) An explanation of why the annual gross payment averages for the 
previous 5 years, as provided under paragraph (d)(1) of this section, do 
not provide an accurate representation of projected future payments, 
including the basic assumptions underlying the projections provided 
under paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section.
    (3) A summary of information the live poultry dealer collects or 
maintains relating to grower variable costs inherent in broiler 
production.
    (4) Current contact information for the State university extension 
service office or the county farm advisor's office that can provide 
relevant information about broiler grower costs and broiler farm 
financial management in the broiler grower's geographic area.
    (e) Small Live Poultry Dealer Financial Disclosures. A live poultry 
dealer engaged in the production of broilers is exempt from the 
requirements in paragraph (a)(1) of this section if the live poultry 
dealer, together with all companies controlled by or under common 
control with the live poultry dealer, slaughters fewer than 2 million 
live pounds of broilers weekly (104 million pounds annually).
    (f) Governance and Certification. (1) The live poultry dealer 
engaged in the production of broilers must establish, maintain, and 
enforce a governance framework that is reasonably designed to:
    (i) Audit the accuracy and completeness of the disclosures required 
under paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section.
    (ii) Ensure compliance with all obligations under the Packers and 
Stockyards Act and regulations thereunder.
    (2) The principal executive officer or officers, or persons 
performing similar functions, must certify in the Live Poultry Dealer 
Disclosure Document that the live poultry dealer has established, 
maintains, and enforces the governance framework and that, based on the 
officer's knowledge, the Live Poultry Dealer Disclosure Document does 
not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 
material fact which would render it misleading.
    (g) Receipt by Growers. (1) The Live Poultry Dealer Disclosure 
Document must include a broiler grower's signature page that contains 
the following statement: ``If the live poultry dealer does not deliver 
this disclosure document within the timeframe specified herein, or if 
this disclosure document contains any false or misleading statement or a 
material omission (including any discrepancy with other oral or written 
statements made in connection with the broiler growing arrangement), a 
violation of Federal and State law may have occurred. Violations of 
Federal and State laws may be determined to be unfair, unjustly 
discriminatory, or deceptive and unlawful under the Packers and 
Stockyards Act, as amended. You may file a complaint at 
farmerfairness.gov or call 1-833-DIAL-PSD (1-833-342-5773) if you 
suspect a violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act or any other 
Federal law governing fair and competitive marketing, including contract 
growing, of livestock and poultry. Additional information on rights and 
responsibilities under the Packers and Stockyards Act may be found at 
www.ams.usda.gov.''
    (2) The live poultry dealer must obtain the broiler grower's or 
prospective broiler grower's dated signature on the broiler grower's 
signature page in paragraph (g)(1) of this section as evidence of 
receipt or obtain alternative documentation to evidence delivery and 
that best efforts were used to obtain grower receipt. The live poultry 
dealer must provide a copy of the dated signature page or alternative 
documentation to the broiler grower or prospective broiler grower and 
must retain a copy of the dated signature page or alternative 
documentation in the dealer's records for 3 years following expiration, 
termination, or non-renewal of the broiler growing arrangement.
    (3) Information in the Live Poultry Dealer Disclosure Document must 
be presented in a clear, concise, and understandable manner for growers. 
Live poultry dealers may refer to Form PSD 6100 for further instructions 
on the presentation of information and certain calculations.
    (4) The live poultry dealer must make reasonable efforts to ensure 
that

[[Page 34]]

growers are aware of their right to request translation assistance, and 
to assist the grower in translating the Disclosure Document at least 14 
calendar days before the live poultry dealer executes the broiler 
growing arrangement that does not contemplate modifications to the 
existing housing specifications (provided that the grower may waive up 
to 7 calendar days of that time period) or where modifications to the 
existing housing specifications are contemplated when the live poultry 
dealer provides the grower with the Disclosure Document. Reasonable 
efforts include but are not limited to providing current contact 
information for professional translation service providers, trade 
associations with translator resources, relevant community groups, or 
any other person or organization that provides translation services in 
the broiler grower's geographic area. A live poultry dealer may not 
restrict a broiler grower or prospective broiler grower from discussing 
or sharing the Disclosure Document for purposes of translation with a 
person or organization that provides language translation services.
    (h) Contract terms. A live poultry dealer engaged in the production 
of broilers must specify in the true written copy of the broiler growing 
arrangement the following:
    (1) The minimum number of placements of poultry at the broiler 
grower's facility annually.
    (2) The minimum stocking density for each flock placed with the 
broiler grower under the broiler growing arrangement.

[88 FR 83292, Nov. 28, 2023]

    Effective Date Note: At 88 FR 83292, Nov. 28, 2023, Sec.  201.102 
was added, effective Feb. 12, 2024.



Sec.  201.104  Disclosures for broiler grower ranking system payments.

    (a) Poultry grower ranking system records. If a live poultry dealer 
engaged in the production of broilers uses a poultry grower ranking 
system to calculate broiler grower payments, the live poultry dealer 
must produce records in accordance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of this 
section. The live poultry dealer must maintain these records for 5 
years.
    (b) Placement Disclosure. Within 24 hours of flock delivery to a 
broiler grower's facility, the live poultry dealer must provide all the 
following information to the broiler grower regarding the placement:
    (1) The stocking density of the placement.
    (2) Names and all ratios of breeds of the poultry delivered.
    (3) If the live poultry dealer has determined the sex of the birds, 
all ratios of male and female poultry delivered.
    (4) The breeder facility identifier.
    (5) The breeder flock age.
    (6) Information regarding any known health impairments of the 
breeder flock or of the poultry delivered.
    (7) Adjustments, if any, that the live poultry dealer may make to 
the calculation of the grower's pay based on the inputs in paragraphs 
(b)(1) through (b)(6) of this section.
    (c) Poultry grower ranking system settlement documents. In addition 
to the requirements of Sec.  201.100 of this part, a live poultry dealer 
must provide disclosures to all broiler growers on the grouping or 
ranking sheets as described in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this 
section. The disclosures need not show the names of other growers.
    (1) Live poultry dealers must disclose the housing specification for 
each broiler grower grouped or ranked during the specified period.
    (2) Live poultry dealers must disclose all the following information 
to each broiler grower participant ranked under a poultry grower ranking 
system:
    (i) The stocking density for each placement in the ranking.
    (ii) The names and all ratios of breeds of the poultry for each 
placement in the ranking.
    (iii) If the live poultry dealer has determined the sex of the 
birds, all ratios of male and female poultry for each placement in the 
ranking.
    (iv) All breeder facility identifiers for each placement in the 
ranking.
    (v) The breeder flock age(s) for each placement in the ranking.
    (vi) The number of feed disruptions each ranked broiler grower 
endured during the growout period where the

[[Page 35]]

grower was completely out of feed for 12 hours or more.

[88 FR 83294, Nov. 28, 2023]

    Effective Date Note: At 88 FR 83294, Nov. 28, 2023, Sec.  201.105 
was added, effective Feb. 12, 2024.



Sec.  201.108-1  Instructions for weighing live poultry or feed.

    Live poultry dealers who operate scales on which live poultry or 
feed is weighed for purposes of purchase, sale, acquisition, or 
settlement are responsible for the accurate weighing of such poultry or 
feed. They shall supply copies of the instructions in this section to 
all persons who perform weighing operations for them and direct such 
persons to familiarize themselves with the instructions and to comply 
with them at all times. This section shall also apply to any additional 
weighers who are employed at any time. Weighers must acknowledge their 
receipt of these instructions and agree to comply with them by signing 
in duplicate, a form provided by the Packers and Stockyards Division, 
Agricultural Marketing Service. One copy of this form is to be filed 
with a regional office of the Packers and Stockyards Division, 
Agricultural Marketing Service and the other copy retained by the Agency 
employing the weighers. The following instructions shall be applicable 
to the weighing of live poultry on all scales, except that paragraph 
(c)(1) of this section is only applicable to the weighing of live 
poultry on vehicle scales.
    (a) Balancing the empty scale. (1) The scale must be maintained in 
zero balance at all times. The empty scale must be balanced each day 
before weighing begins and thereafter the scale must be balanced; and 
the zero balance, the time and date the empty scale was balanced must be 
mechanically printed on the scale ticket or other basic transaction 
record before any poultry or feed is weighed. In addition, the zero 
balance of the scale must be verified whenever a weigher resumes 
weighing duties after an absence from the scale.
    (2) Before balancing the empty scale, the weigher shall notify 
parties outside the scale house of his/her intention and shall be 
assured that no persons or vehicles are in contact with the platform. 
When the empty scale is balanced and ready for weighing, the weigher 
shall so indicate by appropriate signal.
    (3) Weighbeam scales shall be balanced by first seating each poise 
securely in its zero notch and then moving the balance ball to such 
position that a correct zero balance is obtained. A scale equipped with 
a balance indicator is correctly balanced when the indicator comes to 
rest in the center of the target area. A scale not equipped with a 
balance indicator is correctly balanced if the weighbeam, when released 
at the top or bottom of the trig loop, swings freely in the trig loop in 
such manner that it will come to rest at the center of the trig loop.
    (4) Dial scales shall be balanced by releasing all drop weights and 
operating the balance ball or other balancing device to obtain a correct 
zero balance. The indicator must visibly indicate zero on the dial 
reading face and the ticket printer must record a correct zero balance. 
``Balance tickets'' shall be filed with other scale tickets issued on 
that date.
    (5) Electronic digital scales should be properly warmed up before 
use. In most cases it is advisable to leave the electric power on 
continuously. The zero balance shall be verified by recording the zero 
balance on a scale ticket. The main indicating element and the remote 
visual weight display shall indicate zero when the balance is verified. 
The proper procedure for balancing this type of scale will vary 
according to the manufacturer. Refer to the operator's manual for 
specific instructions.
    (6) A balance ball or other balancing device shall be operated only 
when balancing the empty scale and shall not be operated at any time or 
for any other purpose.
    (b) Sensitivity control. (1) A scale must be sensitive in response 
to platform loading if it is to yield accurate weights. It, therefore, 
is the duty of a weigher to assure himself that interferences, weighbeam 
friction, or other factors do not impair sensitivity. He shall satisfy 
himself, at least twice each day, that the scale is sufficiently 
sensitive, and, if the following requirements are not met, he must 
report the facts to his superior or employer immediately.

[[Page 36]]

    (2) A weighbeam scale with a balance indicator is sufficiently 
sensitive if, when the scale is balanced with the indicator at the 
center of the target, movement of the fractional poise one graduation 
will change the indicator rest point (\1/4\) inch (0.25) or the width of 
the central target area, whichever is greater.
    (3) A weighbeam scale without a balance indicator is sufficiently 
sensitive if, when the scale is balanced with the weighbeam at the 
center of the trig loop, movement of the fractional poise two 
graduations will cause the weighbeam to come to rest at the bottom of 
the trig loop.
    (4) Adjustable damping devices are incorporated in balance 
indicators and in dial scales to absorb the effects of load impact and 
to bring the indicator to rest. The weigher must be familiar with the 
location and adjustment of these damping devices and keep them so 
adjusted that when the indicator is displaced from a position of rest, 
it will oscillate freely through at least one complete cycle of movement 
before coming to rest at its original position.
    (5) Friction at weighbeam bearings may reduce the sensitiveness of 
the scale, cause sluggish weighbeam action and affect weighing accuracy. 
A weigher must inspect the weighbeam assembly daily to make certain that 
there is clearance between the weighbeam and the pivot bearings.
    (6) Interferences or binding of the scale platform, or other 
``live'' parts of the scale, are common causes of weighing inaccuracy. A 
weigher shall satisfy himself, at the beginning of each weighing period, 
that all such ``live'' parts have sufficient clearance to prevent 
interference.
    (c) Weighing the load. (1) Vehicle scales used to weigh live poultry 
shall be of sufficient length and capacity to weigh an entire vehicle as 
a unit; provided, that a trailer may be uncoupled from a tractor and 
weighed as a single unit. Before weighing a vehicle, either coupled or 
uncoupled, the weigher shall be assured that the entire vehicle is on 
the scale platform and that no persons are on the scale platform.
    (i) On a weighbeam scale with a balance indicator the weight of a 
vehicle shall be determined by moving the poises to such positions that 
the indicator will come to rest within the central target area.
    (ii) On a weighbeam scale without a balance indicator the weight 
shall be determined by moving the poises to such positions that the 
weighbeam, when released from the top or bottom of the trig loop, will 
swing freely in the trig loop and come to rest at the approximate center 
of the trig loop.
    (iii) On a dial scale the weight of a vehicle is indicated 
automatically when the indicator revolves around the dial face and comes 
to rest.
    (iv) On an electronic digital scale the weight of a vehicle is 
indicated automatically when the weight value indicated is stable.
    (v) A feed hopper attached to an electronic digital scale must be 
empty of feed and the electronic digital scale must be balanced at zero 
prior to first weighment for each grower or per truckload, whichever is 
applicable. The date and time that the empty hopper scale is balanced 
with proof of the zero balance must be mechanically printed on the scale 
ticket or other permanent record that must be attached to the grower's 
copy of the scale ticket.
    (vi) An onboard weighing system must be level and locked in position 
and zero balanced prior to weighing. The date and time the onboard scale 
is balanced with proof of the zero balance must be mechanically printed 
on the scale ticket or other permanent record that must be attached to 
the grower's copy of the scale ticket. When more than one grower's feed 
is weighed, the preceding grower's gross weight can be used for the next 
grower's tare weight, and can be repeated until the unit is full.
    (2) The correct weight is the value in pounds indicated by a 
weighbeam, dial or digital scale when a stable load balance is obtained. 
In any case, the weigher should concentrate on the beam tip, balance 
indicator, dial or digital indicator while weighing and not be concerned 
with reading the visible weight indications until a stable load balance 
is obtained. On electronic digital scales, the weigher should 
concentrate on the pulsing or flickering of weight values to assure that 
the unit

[[Page 37]]

indicates a stable weight before activating the print button.
    (d) Recording the weight. (1) The gross or tare weight shall be 
recorded immediately after the load balance is obtained and before any 
poises are moved or load removed from the scale platform. The weigher 
shall make certain that the printed weight record agrees with the weight 
value visibly indicated on the weighbeam, dial or digital indicator when 
correct load balance is obtained. The weigher shall also assure that the 
printed weight value is sufficiently distinct and legible.
    (2) The weight printing device on a scale shall be operated only to 
produce a printed or impressed record of the weight while the load is on 
the scale and correctly balanced. If the weight is not printed clearly 
and correctly, the ticket shall be marked void and a new one printed 
before the load is removed from the scale.
    (3) When returned feed from a contract poultry grower is picked up 
and weighed on an onboard weighing system, the weight of the feed must 
be recorded and a ticket printed. That weight must be used as the tare 
weight when feed from another contract poultry grower is picked up on 
the same load. The procedure must be followed each time another grower's 
feed is added to the load.
    (e) Weigher's responsibilities. (1) The primary responsibility of a 
weigher is to determine and record the true weight of live poultry 
without prejudice or favor to any person or agency and without regard 
for poultry ownership, price, condition, shrink, or other 
considerations. A weigher shall not permit the representations or 
attitudes of any persons or agencies to influence their judgment or 
action in performing his/her duties.
    (2) Accurate weighing and weight recording require that a weigher 
shall not permit operations to be hurried to the extent that inaccurate 
weights or incorrect weight records may result. The gross, tare and net 
weights must be determined accurately to the nearest minimum graduation. 
Manual operations connected with balancing, weighing, and recording 
shall be performed with the care necessary to prevent damage to the 
accurately machined and adjusted parts of weighbeams, poises, and 
printing devices. Rough handling of these parts shall be avoided.
    (3) Poultry growers, live poultry dealers, sellers, or others having 
legitimate interest in a load of poultry are entitled to observe the 
balancing, weighing, and recording procedures. A weigher shall not deny 
such persons that right or withhold from them any information pertaining 
to the weight. The weigher shall check the zero balance of the scale or 
reweigh a load of poultry when requested by such parties or duly 
authorized representatives of the administrator.
    (f) General precautions. (1) The poises of weighbeam scales are 
carefully adjusted and sealed to a definite weight at the factory and 
any change in that weight seriously affects weighing accuracy. A 
weigher, therefore, shall observe if poise parts are broken, loose or 
lost or if material is added to a poise and shall report any such 
condition to his/her superior or employer. Balancing or weighing shall 
not be performed while a scale ticket is in the slot of a weighbeam 
poise.
    (2) Stops are provided on scale weighbeams to prevent movement of 
poises back of the zero graduation when balancing or weighing. When the 
stops become worn or broken and allow a poise to be set behind the zero 
position, this condition must be reported by the weigher to their 
superior or employer and corrected without delay.
    (3) Motion detection circuits are a part of electronic scales. They 
are designed to prevent the printing of weight values if the load has 
not stabilized within prescribed limits. The weighmaster's duty is to 
print the actual weight of the load within these limits. This requires 
printing the actual weight of the load, not one of the other weights 
that may be within the motion detection limits.
    (4) Foreign objects or loose material in the form of nuts, bolts, 
washers, or other material on any part of the weighbeam assembly, 
including the counter-balance hanger or counter-balance weights, are 
potential sources of weighing error. Loose balancing material must be 
enclosed in the shot cup of the counter-balance hanger and

[[Page 38]]

counter-balance weights must not be of the slotted type which can 
readily be removed.
    (5) Whenever, for any reason, a weigher has reason to believe that a 
scale is not functioning properly or not yielding correct weight values, 
the weigher shall discontinue weighing, report the facts to the parties 
responsible for scale maintenance and request inspection, test or repair 
of the scale.
    (6) When a scale has been adjusted, modified, or repaired in any 
manner which can affect the accuracy of weighing or weight recording, 
the weigher shall not use the scale until it has been tested and 
inspected and found to be accurate.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

[37 FR 4955, Mar. 8, 1972, as amended at 61 FR 36282, July 10, 1996; 68 
FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003; 78 FR 51664, Aug. 21, 2013; 84 FR 45647, Aug. 
30, 2019; 84 FR 56678, Oct. 23, 2019; 88 FR 62696, Sept. 13, 2023]



Sec.  201.200  Sale of livestock on credit.

    (a) No packer whose average annual purchases of livestock exceed 
$500,000 shall purchase livestock on credit, and no dealer or market 
agency acting as an agent for such a packer shall purchase livestock on 
credit, unless: (1) Before purchasing such livestock the packer obtains 
from the seller a written acknowledgment as follows:

    On this date I am entering into a written agreement for the sale of 
livestock on credit to ________________, a packer, and I understand that 
in doing so I will have no rights under the trust provisions of section 
206 of the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, as amended (7 U.S.C. 196, 
Pub. L. 94-410), with respect to any such credit sale. The written 
agreement for such selling on credit

Covers a single sale.
Provides that it will remain in effect until (date).
Provides that it will remain in effect until canceled in writing by 
either party.
(Omit the provisions not applicable.)
Date____________________________________________________________________
Signature_______________________________________________________________

    (2) Such packer retains such acknowledgment, together with all other 
documents, if any, setting forth the terms of such credit sales on which 
the purchaser and seller have agreed, and such dealer or market agency 
retains a copy thereof, in his records for such time as is required by 
any law, or by written notice served on such person by the 
Administrator, but not less than two calendar years from the date of 
expiration of the written agreement referred to in such acknowledgment; 
and
    (3) Such seller receives a copy of such acknowledgment.
    (b) No dealer whose average annual purchases of livestock exceed 
$100,000 shall purchase livestock on credit unless:
    (1) Before purchasing livestock on credit, the dealer obtains from 
the seller a written acknowledgement that includes the information 
described in this paragraph (b)(1).
    (i) The following statement:
    On this date I am entering into a written agreement for the sale of 
livestock on credit to ___, a dealer, and I understand that in doing so 
I will have no rights under the trust provisions of section 318 of the 
Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, as amended (7 U.S.C. 217b), with 
respect to any such credit sale.
    (ii) A statement about whether the credit sales agreement covers a 
single sale; covers multiple sales and remains in effect through a 
certain date and states the date; or remains in effect until canceled in 
writing by either party.
    (iii) The date the seller signed the agreement.
    (iv) The seller's signature.
    (2) The dealer retains the written acknowledgment, together with all 
other documents, if any, setting forth the terms of credit sales on 
which the purchaser and seller have agreed, and the dealer retains a 
copy thereof, in their records for such time as is required by any law, 
or by written notice served on the dealer by the Administrator, but not 
less than two calendar years from the date of expiration of the written 
agreement referred to in the acknowledgment.
    (3) The dealer provides a copy of the acknowledgment to the seller.
    (c) Purchasing livestock for which payment is to be made by a draft 
which is not a check shall constitute purchasing such livestock on 
credit within the meaning of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. 
(See also Sec.  201.43(b)(1).)
    (d) The provisions of this section shall not be construed to permit 
any

[[Page 39]]

transaction prohibited by Sec.  201.61(a) relating to financing by 
market agencies selling on a commission basis.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

[42 FR 49929, Sept. 8, 1977, as amended at 49 FR 39516, Oct. 9, 1984; 54 
FR 37094, Sept. 7, 1989; 68 FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003; 88 FR 41022, June 
23, 2023]



Sec.  201.211  Undue or unreasonable preferences or advantages.

    The Secretary will consider the following criteria, and may consider 
additional criteria, when determining whether a packer, swine 
contractor, or live poultry dealer has made or given any undue or 
unreasonable preference or advantage to any particular person or 
locality in any respect in violation of section 202(b) of the Act. The 
criteria include whether the preference or advantage under 
consideration:
    (a) Cannot be justified on the basis of a cost savings related to 
dealing with different producers, sellers, or growers;
    (b) Cannot be justified on the basis of meeting a competitor's 
prices;
    (c) Cannot be justified on the basis of meeting other terms offered 
by a competitor; and
    (d) Cannot be justified as a reasonable business decision.

[85 FR 79802, Dec. 11, 2020]



Sec. Sec.  201.213-201.214  [Reserved]



Sec.  201.215  Suspension of delivery of birds.

    The Secretary may consider various criteria when determining whether 
or not reasonable notice has been given by a live poultry dealer to a 
poultry grower for suspension of delivery of birds. These criteria 
include, but are not limited to:
    (a) Whether the written notice adequately states the reason for the 
suspension of delivery, the length of the suspension of delivery, and 
the anticipated date the delivery of birds will resume; and
    (b) Whether a catastrophic or natural disaster, or other emergency, 
such as an unforeseen bankruptcy, has occurred that has prevented a live 
poultry dealer from providing reasonable notice.

[76 FR 76889, Dec. 9, 2011, as amended at 80 FR 6430, Feb. 5, 2015]



Sec.  201.216  Additional capital investments criteria.

    The Secretary may consider various criteria in determining whether a 
requirement that a poultry grower or swine production contract grower 
make additional capital investments over the life of a production 
contract or growing arrangement constitutes a violation of the Act. 
These criteria include, but are not limited to:
    (a) Whether a packer, swine contractor or live poultry dealer failed 
to give a poultry grower or swine production contract grower discretion 
to decide against the additional capital investment requirement;
    (b) Whether the additional capital investment is the result of 
coercion, retaliation or threats of coercion or retaliation by the 
packer, swine contractor or live poultry dealer;
    (c) Whether the packer, swine contractor or live poultry dealer 
intends or does substantially reduce or end operations at the slaughter 
plant or processing facility or intends or does substantially reduce or 
end production operations within 12 months of requiring the additional 
capital investment, absent the occurrence of a catastrophic or natural 
disaster, or other emergency, such as unforeseen bankruptcy;
    (d) Whether the packer, swine contractor, or live poultry dealer 
required some poultry growers or swine production contract growers to 
make additional capital investments, but did not require other similarly 
situated poultry growers or swine production contract growers to make 
the same additional capital investments;
    (e) The age and number of recent upgrades to, or capital investments 
in, the poultry grower's or swine production contract grower's 
operations;
    (f) Whether the cost of the required additional capital investments 
can reasonably be expected to be recouped by the poultry grower or swine 
production contract grower;
    (g) Whether a reasonable time period to implement the required 
additional capital investments is provided to the

[[Page 40]]

poultry grower or swine production contract grower; and
    (h) Whether equipment changes are required with respect to equipment 
previously approved and accepted by the packer, swine contractor, or 
live poultry dealer, if existing equipment is functioning as it was 
intended to function unless the packer, swine contractor, or live 
poultry dealer provides adequate compensation incentives to the poultry 
grower or swine production contract grower.

[76 FR 76889, Dec. 9, 2011]



Sec.  201.217  Reasonable period of time to remedy a breach of contract.

    The Secretary may consider various criteria when determining whether 
a packer, swine contractor or live poultry dealer has provided a poultry 
grower or swine production contract grower a reasonable period of time 
to remedy a breach of contract that could lead to contract termination. 
These criteria do not limit a packer, swine contractor or live poultry 
dealer's rights under a contract or agreement where food safety or 
animal welfare is concerned. These criteria, include, but are not 
limited to:
    (a) Whether the packer, swine contractor or live poultry dealer 
provided written notice of the breach of contract to the poultry grower 
or swine production contract grower upon initial discovery of that 
breach of contract if the packer, swine contractor or live poultry 
dealer intends to take an adverse action, including termination of a 
contract, against the poultry grower or swine production contract grower 
based on that breach of contract by the poultry grower or swine 
production contract grower;
    (b) Whether the notice in paragraph (a) of this section includes the 
following:
    (1) A description of the act or omission believed to constitute a 
breach of contract, including identification of the section of the 
contract believed to have been breached;
    (2) The date of the breach;
    (3) The means by which the poultry grower or swine production 
contract grower can satisfactorily remedy the breach, if possible, based 
on the nature of the breach; and
    (4) A date that provides a reasonable time, based on the nature of 
the breach, by which the breach must be remedied.
    (c) Whether the packer, swine contractor or live poultry dealer took 
into account the poultry grower's or swine production contract grower's 
ongoing responsibilities related to the raising and handling of the 
poultry or swine under their care when establishing the date by which a 
breach should be remedied; and
    (d) Whether the poultry grower or swine production contract grower 
was afforded adequate time from the date of the notice of the alleged 
breach to rebut the allegation of a breach.

[76 FR 76889, Dec. 9, 2011]



Sec.  201.218  Arbitration.

    (a) In any livestock or poultry production contract that requires 
the use of arbitration the following language must appear on the 
signature page of the contract in bold conspicuous print: ``Right to 
Decline Arbitration. A poultry grower, livestock producer or swine 
production contract grower has the right to decline to be bound by the 
arbitration provisions set forth in this agreement. A poultry grower, 
livestock producer or swine production contract grower shall indicate 
whether or not it desires to be bound by the arbitration provisions by 
signing one of the following statements; failure to choose an option 
will be treated as if the poultry grower, livestock producer or swine 
production contract grower declined to be bound by the arbitration 
provisions set forth in this Agreement:
    I decline to be bound by the arbitration provisions set forth in 
this Agreement __________________________
    I accept the arbitration provisions as set forth in this 
Agreement________________________''
    (b) The Secretary may consider various criteria when determining 
whether the arbitration process provided in a production contract 
provides a meaningful opportunity for the poultry grower, livestock 
producer, or swine production contract grower to participate fully in 
the arbitration process. These criteria include, but are not limited to:

[[Page 41]]

    (1) Whether the contract discloses sufficient information in bold, 
conspicuous print describing all the costs of arbitration to be paid by 
the poultry grower, swine production contract grower, or livestock 
producer, and the arbitration process and any limitations on legal 
rights and remedies in such a manner as to allow the poultry grower, 
livestock producer or swine contract production grower to make an 
informed decision on whether to elect arbitration for dispute 
resolution;
    (2) Whether provisions in the entire arbitration process governing 
the costs and time limits are reasonable;
    (3) Whether the poultry grower, livestock producer, or swine 
production contract grower is provided access to and opportunity to 
engage in reasonable discovery of information held by the packer, swine 
contractor or live poultry dealer;
    (4) Whether arbitration is required to be used to resolve only 
disputes relevant to the contractual obligations of the parties; and
    (5) Whether a reasoned, written opinion based on applicable law, 
legal principles and precedent for the award is required to be provided 
to the parties.

[76 FR 76889, Dec. 9, 2011]



PART 202_RULES OF PRACTICE GOVERNING PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE PACKERS
AND STOCKYARDS ACT--Table of Contents



            Rules of Practice Applicable to Rate Proceedings

Sec.
202.1 Applicability of other rules.
202.2 Definitions.
202.3 Institution of proceedings.
202.4 Answer and reply.
202.5 Hearing.
202.6 Taking no position on the merits.
202.7 Modification or vacation of final order.

         Rules of Practice Applicable to Reparation Proceedings

202.101 Rule 1: Meaning of words.
202.102 Rule 2: Definitions.
202.103 Rule 3: Beginning a reparation proceeding.
202.104 Rule 4: Agency action.
202.105 Rule 5: Filing; time for filing; service.
202.106 Rule 6: Answer.
202.107 Rule 7: Reply.
202.108 Rule 8: Docketing of proceeding.
202.109 Rule 9: Depositions.
202.110 Rule 10: Prehearing conference.
202.111 Rule 11: Hearing, oral or written.
202.112 Rule 12: Oral hearing.
202.113 Rule 13: Written hearing.
202.114 Rule 14: Post-hearing procedure.
202.115 Rule 15: Submission for final consideration.
202.116 Rule 16: Issuance of order.
202.117 Rule 17: Petition to reopen a hearing; to rehear or reargue a 
          proceeding; to reconsider an order; or to set aside a default 
          order.
202.118 Rule 18: Presiding officer.
202.119 Rule 19: Fees of witnesses.
202.120 Rule 20: Official notice.
202.121 Rule 21: Intervention.
202.122 Rule 22: Ex parte communications.
202.123 Rule 23: Action by Secretary.

          Rules of Practice Applicable to All Other Proceedings

202.200 Scope and applicability of rules of practice.
202.210 Stipulations.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 228(a); 7 CFR 2.22 and 2.81.

    Source: 43 FR 30510, July 14, 1978, unless otherwise noted.

            Rules of Practice Applicable to Rate Proceedings

    Source: Sections 202.1 through 202.7 appear at 53 FR 51236, Dec. 21, 
1988, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  202.1  Applicability of other rules.

    The Rules of Practice Governing Formal Adjudicatory Proceedings 
Instituted by the Secretary Under Various Statutes, 7 CFR part 1, 
subpart H, are applicable to all rate proceedings under Sections 304, 
305, 306, 307 and 310 of the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, as 
amended, 7 U.S.C. 205, 206, 207, 208 and 211, except insofar as those 
Rules are in conflict with any provision herein.



Sec.  202.2  Definitions.

    As used in these rules:
    (a) Rate proceeding means a proceeding involving the determination 
and prescription of any rate or charge made or proposed to be made for 
any stockyard service furnished at a stockyard by a stockyard owner or 
market agency, or a proceeding involving any rule, regulation or 
practice affecting any such rate or charge; and

[[Page 42]]

    (b) Administrator means the Administrator of the Agricultural 
Marketing Service (AMS), or any officer or employee of AMS to whom 
authority has heretofore been delegated, or to whom authority may 
hereafter be delegated, to act for the Administrator.

[43 FR 30510, July 14, 1978, as amended at 84 FR 45647, Aug. 30, 2019; 
84 FR 56678, Oct. 23, 2019; 88 FR 62696, Sept. 13, 2023]



Sec.  202.3  Institution of proceedings.

    (a) Informal complaint. Any interested person desiring to complain 
of the lawfulness of any rate or charge made or proposed to be made for 
any stockyard service furnished at a stockyard by a stockyard owner or 
market agency, or rule, regulation or practice affecting any such rate 
or charge, may file an informal complaint with the Administrator.
    (b) Investigation. If there appears to be any reasonable ground for 
doing so, the Administrator will investigate the matter complained of. 
If the Administrator reasonably believes that there are not sufficient 
facts to form the basis for further proceeding, the matter may be 
dropped. If it is dropped, the person filing the informal complaint will 
be informed.
    (c) Status of person filing. A person filing an informal complaint 
will be a party to a rate proceeding if the Administrator files such 
person's informal complaint as a formal complaint, or if the Judge 
permits such person to intervene upon written application.
    (d) Formal complaint. A rate proceeding may be instituted only upon 
filing of a formal complaint by the Administrator. A formal complaint 
may be filed on the initiative of the Administrator, or on the basis of 
an informal complaint, or by filing the informal complaint as a formal 
complaint. A formal complaint filed by the Administrator, or a summary 
thereof, will be published in the Federal Register, together with notice 
of the time by which, and the place where, any interested person may 
file a written request to be heard.



Sec.  202.4  Answer and reply.

    Respondent is not required to file an answer. If an answer is filed, 
complainant is not required to file a reply.



Sec.  202.5  Hearing.

    The hearing will be oral unless all parties waive oral hearing. It 
will be written if not oral. Notice of the date, time and place of oral 
hearing, or of the date and place for filing of written submissions in a 
written hearing, will be served on the Administrator and the respondent, 
and on such other persons as have requested in writing to be heard.



Sec.  202.6  Taking no position on the merits.

    The proceeding may be instituted by filing of the informal complaint 
as a formal complaint, and the Administrator may take no position on the 
merits of the case.



Sec.  202.7  Modification or vacation of final order.

    (a) Informal petition. Any interested person may file an informal 
petition to modify or vacate a final order at any time. Any such 
petition must be filed with the Administrator, be based on matters 
arising after the issuance of the final order, and set forth such 
matters, and the reasons or conditions relied on, with such 
particularity as is practicable. Any such informal petition will be 
handled as otherwise provided for an informal complaint.
    (b) Formal motion. A final order may be modified or vacated at any 
time only upon filing of a formal motion by the Administrator. Such a 
motion may be filed on the initiative of the Administrator, on the basis 
of an informal petition, or by filing of an informal petition as a 
formal motion.
    (c) Publication. If the modification or vacation sought would 
involve an increase of a rate or charge lawfully prescribed by the 
Secretary, or involve a rate or charge in addition to what is specified 
in the final order, or involve a regulation or practice so affecting 
such a rate or charge, the formal motion, or a summary thereof, will be 
published in the Federal Register, together with notice of the place, 
and the time by which, any interested person may file a written request 
to be heard.
    (d) Proceedings. Proceedings upon such a formal motion will be as 
otherwise provided for a formal complaint.

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         Rules of Practice Applicable to Reparation Proceedings



Sec.  202.101  Rule 1: Meaning of words.

    In these rules, words in the singular form shall be deemed to import 
the plural, and vice versa, as the case may demand.



Sec.  202.102  Rule 2: Definitions.

    Terms defined in the Act shall mean the same in these rules as in 
the Act. In addition, and except as may be provided otherwise in these 
rules:
    Act means the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, and legislation 
supplementary thereto and amendatory thereof, 7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.;
    Agency means those divisions and offices of the Agricultural 
Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department which are charged with 
administration of the Act;
    Agency Head means the Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service 
(AMS) of the Department, or any officer or employee of the Agency to 
whom authority is lawfully delegated to act for the Administrator;
    Complainant means the party who files a complaint and claims 
reparation, or on whose behalf a complaint is filed and reparation is 
claimed, in a reparation proceeding;
    Department means the United States Department of Agriculture;
    Docketing of a reparation proceeding means transmittal of papers to 
the Hearing Clerk and assignment of a docket number as provided in Rule 
8, Sec.  202.108, of these rules;
    Hearing means that part of a reparation proceeding which involves 
the submission of evidence for the record and means either an oral or a 
written hearing;
    Hearing Clerk means the Hearing Clerk of the Department (see 7 CFR 
2.25(a)(3));
    Judicial Officer means the official of the Department delegated 
authority by the Secretary, pursuant to the Act of April 4, 1940 (7 
U.S.C. 450c-450g) and Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953, to perform the 
function involved (see 7 CFR 2.35);
    Mail means to deposit an item in the United States mail with postage 
affixed and addressed as necessary to cause it to be delivered to the 
address shown by ordinary mail, or by certified or registered mail if 
specified.
    Presiding Officer means any attorney who is employed in the Office 
of the General Counsel of the Department and is assigned so to act in a 
reparation proceeding;
    Re-mail means to mail by ordinary mail to an address an item that 
has been returned after being sent to the same address by certified or 
registered mail.
    Reparation proceeding or Proceeding means a proceeding under the Act 
before the Secretary, in which an order for the payment of money is 
claimed and in which the Secretary is not a party of record;
    Report means the report to the Judicial Officer of the presiding 
officer's recommended findings of fact and conclusions with respect to 
all material issues of fact, law or discretion, as well as the reasons 
or basis therefor, and order, in a reparation proceeding.
    Respondent means the party against whom a complaint is filed and 
reparation is claimed, in a reparation proceeding;
    Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States, 
or any officer or employee of the Department to whom authority is 
lawfully delegated to act for the Secretary;

[43 FR 30510, July 14, 1978, as amended at 46 FR 60414, Dec. 10, 1981; 
55 FR 41183, Oct. 10, 1990; 60 FR 8465, Feb. 14, 1995; 84 FR 45647, Aug. 
30, 2019]



Sec.  202.103  Rule 3: Beginning a reparation proceeding.

    (a) Filing. A reparation proceeding is begun by filing a complaint. 
Any interested person (including any agency of a state or territory 
having jurisdiction over persons subject to the Act in such state or 
territory) desiring to complain of anything done or omitted to be done 
by any stockyard owner, market agency, or dealer in violation of 
sections 304, 305, 306, or 307, or of an order of the Secretary made 
under title III, of the Act, may file a complaint to begin a reparation 
proceeding.
    (b) Form. The complaint must be in writing, state the facts of the 
matter complained of, identify each person complained against 
(respondent), and

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identify each person who complains against such respondent and claims 
reparation from such respondent. It may be on a printed form supplied by 
the Agency, or may be a formal document, or may be a letter, mailgram, 
or telegram. It may be typewritten or handwritten. If it is not on a 
printed form supplied by the Agency, the Agency Head may, prior to 
docketing of the proceeding, recommend to the complainant that an 
amended complaint be filed on such a printed form.
    (c) Contents and attachments. So far as practicable, the complaint 
should include the following items as applicable:
    (1) Date and place where the alleged violation occurred;
    (2) Quantity and quality of the livestock involved;
    (3) Whether a sale is involved and, if so, the date, sale price, and 
amount actually paid and received;
    (4) Whether a consignment is involved and, if so the date, reported 
proceeds, gross, net;
    (5) Amount of reparation claimed, and method of computation;
    (6) Name and address of each partner or member, if a partnership or 
joint venture is involved;
    (7) Name and address of each person involved, including any agent 
representing the complainant or the respondent in the transaction 
involved;
    (8) Other material facts, including terms of contract; and
    (9) True copies of all available papers relating to the transaction 
complained about, including shipping documents, letters, telegrams, 
invoices, manifests, accounts of sales, and special contracts or 
agreements, and checks and drafts. If it appears that any such item has 
been omitted from the complaint, the Agency Head may, prior to docketing 
of the proceeding, recommend to the complainant that such item be 
supplied by written amendment to the complaint.
    (d) Where to file. The complaint should be transmitted or delivered 
to any regional office of the Packers and Stockyards Division (PSD), or 
to the PSD headquarters in Washington, DC, or delivered to any full time 
PSD employee.
    (e) Time for filing. The complaint must be received by the 
Department within 90 days after accrual of the cause of action alleged 
in it. If a complaint is transmitted or delivered to an office of the 
Department, it shall be deemed to be received by the Department when it 
reaches such office. If a complaint is delivered to a full-time PSD 
employee, it shall be deemed to be received by the Department when it is 
received by such employee.
    (f) Amendment. The complaint may be amended at any time prior to the 
close of an oral hearing or the filing of the last evidence in a written 
hearing, except that:
    (1) An amendment cannot add a respondent if it is filed more than 90 
days after accrual of the cause of action against such respondent;
    (2) An amendment cannot state a new and different cause of action if 
it is filed more than 90 days after accrual of such new and different 
cause of action; and
    (3) After the first amendment, or after the filing of an answer by 
the respondent, an amendment may not be filed without the written 
consent of the respondent, or leave of the presiding officer, or, prior 
to docketing of the proceeding, leave of the Agency Head. Any such 
amendment must be filed in writing and signed by the complainant or the 
attorney or representative of the complainant. If any such amendment is 
filed before the initial service of the complaint on the respondent, it 
shall be served on the respondent only if the complaint is served as 
provided in Rule 4(b), Sec.  202.104(b). If any such amendment is filed 
after such service, it shall be served on the respondent in any case.
    (g) Withdrawal. At any time, a complainant may withdraw a complaint 
filed by or on behalf of the same complainant, thus terminating the 
reparation proceeding on such complaint unless a counterclaim or another 
complaint is pending therein. If a complainant fails to cooperate with 
the Secretary in the disposition of the matter complained of, such 
complainant may be presumed to desire to withdraw the complaint filed by 
or on behalf of such complainant, after service on the parties of 
written notice of the facts of such failure and reasonable opportunity 
for such complainant to

[[Page 45]]

state whether such presumption is correct.

[43 FR 30510, July 14, 1978, as amended at 60 FR 8465, Feb. 14, 1995; 84 
FR 45647, Aug. 30, 2019]



Sec.  202.104  Rule 4: Agency action.

    (a) Informal disposition. If there appears to be any reasonable 
ground for doing so, the Agency Head shall investigate the matter 
complained of. If the Agency Head reasonably believes that there are not 
sufficient facts to form the basis for further proceeding, the matter 
may be dropped, without prejudice to subsequent court action on the same 
cause of action; if it is dropped, the person filing the complaint shall 
be informed. If the statements in the complaint, and information 
obtained in the investigation, seem to warrant such action, the Agency 
Head may make an effort to obtain the consent of the parties to an 
amicable or informal adjustment of the matter by communication with the 
parties or their attorneys or representatives. Such communication may be 
written or oral or both.
    (b) Service of complaint. If the matter is not disposed of as 
provided in paragraph (a), the complaint, together with any amendment 
which has been filed, shall be served on the respondent with a notice 
that an answer is required.
    (c) Service of report of investigation. A report prepared by the 
Agency, of its investigation of the matter complained of, and 
supplements to such a report, may be served on the parties and made a 
part of the record of the proceeding. Whether such a report or 
supplement shall be prepared, and whether it shall be served on the 
parties and made a part of the record, and its contents, shall be in the 
discretion of the Agency Head. The Judicial Officer shall consider 
information in such a report or supplement as part of the evidence in 
the proceeding, to the extent that such information is relevant and 
material to the proceeding. Any party may submit evidence in rebuttal of 
such information as is provided generally in these rules for the 
submission of evidence. Oral testimony, to the extent credible, shall be 
given greater weight as evidence than such information.



Sec.  202.105  Rule 5: Filing; time for filing; service.

    (a) Filing; number of copies. Prior to docketing of a proceeding 
under these rules, all documents and papers other than the initial 
complaint, filed in the proceeding, shall be filed with the Agency. 
After such docketing of a proceeding, all such documents and papers 
shall be filed with the hearing clerk, Provided, That all such documents 
and papers, except a petition for disqualification of a presiding 
officer, shall be filed with the presiding officer if the parties have 
been served with written notice to do so. Each such document or paper 
shall be filed in quadruplicate with an extra copy for each party in 
excess of two, except as otherwise provided in these rules. Any document 
or paper not filed in the required number of copies, except an initial 
complaint, may be returned to the party filing it.
    (b) Effective date of filing. Any document or paper other than an 
initial complaint, filed in a proceeding under these rules, shall be 
deemed to be filed at the time when it reaches the headquarters of the 
Department in Washington DC, or, if authorized to be filed with an 
officer or employee of the Department at any place outside the District 
of Columbia, it shall be deemed to be filed at the time when it reaches 
the office of such officer or employee.
    (c) Additional time for filing. The time for the filing of any 
document or paper other than an initial complaint, in a proceeding under 
these rules, may upon request be extended as reasonable, by the agency 
head prior to docketing of the proceeding, or by the presiding officer, 
or by the judicial officer; notice of any extension of time shall be 
served on all parties. After docketing of the proceeding, in all 
instances in which time permits, notice of a request for extension of 
time shall be given to parties other than the one filing such request, 
with opportunity to submit views concerning the request.
    (d) Computation of time. Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays 
shall be included in computing the time allowed for the filing of any 
document or paper: Provided, That, when such time

[[Page 46]]

expires on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, such time shall be 
extended to include the next following business day.
    (e) Who shall make service. Copies of all documents or papers 
required or authorized by the rules in this part to be filed with the 
Agency shall be served on the parties by the Agency, and copies of all 
documents or papers required or authorized by the rules in this part to 
be filed with the Hearing Clerk shall be served on the parties by the 
Hearing Clerk, unless any such document or paper is served by some other 
employee of the Department, or by a U.S. marshal or deputy marshal, or 
as otherwise provided herein, or as otherwise directed by the presiding 
officer or Judicial Officer.
    (f) Service on party. (1) Any complaint or other document initially 
served on a person to make that person a party respondent in a 
proceeding, a final order, or other document specifically ordered by the 
presiding officer or Judicial Officer to be served by certified or 
registered mail, shall be deemed to be received by any party to a 
proceeding on the date of delivery by certified or registered mail to 
the last known principal place of business of such party, last known 
principal place of business of the attorney or representative of record 
of such party, or last known residence of such party if an individual, 
provided that, if any such document or paper is sent by certified on 
registered mail but is returned marked by the postal service as 
unclaimed or refused, it shall be deemed to be received by such party on 
the date of remailing by ordinary mail to the same address.
    (2) Any document or paper, other than one specified in paragraph 
(f)(1) of this section or written questions for a deposition as provided 
in Sec.  202.109(c)(3), shall be deemed to be received by any party to a 
proceeding on the date of mailing by ordinary mail to the last known 
principal place of business of such party, last known principal place of 
business of the attorney or representative or record of such party, or 
last known residence of such party if an individual.
    (3) Any document or paper served other than by mail on any party to 
a proceeding shall be deemed to be received by such party on the date 
of:
    (i) Delivery to any responsible individual at, or leaving in a 
conspicuous place at, the last known principal place of business of such 
party, last known principal place of business of the attorney or 
representative of record of such party, or last known residence of such 
party if an individual, or
    (ii) Delivery to such party if an individual, to an officer or 
director of such party if a corporation, or to a member of such party if 
a partnership, at any location.
    (g) Service on another. Any subpoena or other document or paper 
served on any person other than a party to a proceeding shall be deemed 
to be received by such person on the date of:
    (1) Delivery by certified mail or registered mail to the last known 
principal place of business of such person, last known principal place 
of business of the attorney or representative of record of such person, 
or last known residence of such person if an individual;
    (2) Delivery other than by mail to any responsible individual at, or 
leaving in a conspicuous place at, any such location; or
    (3) Delivery to such party if an individual, to an officer or 
director of such party if a partnership, at any location.
    (h) Proof of service. Any of the following, in the possession of the 
Department, showing such service, shall be deemed to be accurate:
    (1) A certified or registered mail receipt returned by the postal 
service with a signature;
    (2) An official record of the postal service;
    (3) An entry on a docket record or a copy placed in a docket file by 
the Hearing Clerk of the Department or by an employee of the Hearing 
Clerk in the ordinary course of business;
    (4) A certificate of service, which need not be separate from and 
may be incorporated in the document or paper of which it certifies 
service, showing the method, place and date of service in writing and 
signed by an individual with personal knowledge thereof, Provided that 
such certificate must be verified by oath or declaration under

[[Page 47]]

penalty of perjury if the individual certifying service is not a party 
to the proceeding in which such document or paper is served, an attorney 
or representative of record for such a party, or an official or employee 
of the United States or of a State of political subdivision thereof.

[43 FR 30510, July 14, 1978, as amended at 55 FR 41183, Oct. 10, 1990; 
60 FR 8465, Feb. 14, 1995]



Sec.  202.106  Rule 6: Answer.

    (a) Filing and service. Within 20 days after service on a 
respondent, of a complaint or amendment of a complaint, such person 
shall file an answer in writing, signed by such person or by the 
attorney or representative of such person. If a respondent desires an 
oral hearing, a request for it should be included with the answer of 
such person. If any answer or amended answer is filed, it shall be 
served on the complainant.
    (b) Required contents. If a respondent desires to make a defense, 
the answer of such person shall contain a precise statement of the facts 
which constitute the grounds of defense, and shall specifically admit, 
deny, or explain each of the allegations of the complaint, except that, 
if the respondent is without knowledge, such answer shall state that. If 
a respondent does not desire to make a defense, the answer of such 
person shall contain an admission of all the allegations of the 
complaint, or an admission of liability to the complainant in the full 
amount claimed by the complainant as reparation, or both. An answer may 
be stricken for failure to comply with these requirements; notice of an 
order so striking an answer shall be served on the parties; within 20 
days after service on a respondent of such a notice, such person shall 
file an answer which complies with these requirements.
    (c) Setoff, counterclaim or cross-claim. The answer may assert a 
setoff, counterclaim, or cross-claim, or any combination thereof. No 
counterclaim or cross-claim shall be considered unless it is based on a 
violation for which the act authorizes reparation to be ordered to be 
paid, and filed within 90 days after accrual of the cause of action 
alleged therein: Provided, That a counterclaim not filed within such 
time limit may be considered if based on a transaction complained of in 
the complaint. Any cross-claim asserted against a co-respondent, based 
on a violation for which the act authorizes reparation to be ordered to 
be paid, and filed within 90 days after accrual of the cause of action 
alleged therein, shall be served on such person as a complaint; within 
20 days after such service, such person shall file an answer thereto in 
compliance with the above requirements for an answer to a complaint.
    (d) Failure to file. If a respondent fails to file an answer as 
required above, such persons shall be deemed to have admitted all the 
allegations of the complaint or cross-claim against such person, and to 
have consented to the issuance of a final order in the proceeding, based 
on all evidence in the record. For this purpose, the evidence in the 
record may include information contained in a report of investigation 
made a part of the record pursuant to rule 4(c), Sec.  202.104(c), and 
evidence received in a hearing, oral or written, held subsequent to the 
expiration of the time for filing such answer, but shall not be limited 
to such information and evidence. Such a respondent shall not be 
entitled to service provided in these rules, of any notice or document 
except the final order in the proceeding.



Sec.  202.107  Rule 7: Reply.

    (a) Filing and service. If the answer asserts a counterclaim or a 
setoff, the complainant may file a reply in writing within 20 days after 
service of the answer on such person. If any reply or amended reply is 
filed, it shall be served on the respondent.
    (b) Contents. The reply shall be confined strictly to the matters 
alleged in the counterclaim or setoff asserted in the answer. It shall 
contain a precise statement of the facts which constitute the grounds of 
defense to the counterclaim or setoff and shall specifically admit, 
deny, or explain each of the allegations of the answer constituting such 
counterclaim or setoff, except that, if the complainant is without 
knowledge, the reply shall state that.

[[Page 48]]

    (c) Failure to file. If no reply is filed, the allegations of the 
answer shall be regarded as denied.

[43 FR 30510, July 14, 1978, as amended at 55 FR 41184, Oct. 10, 1990]



Sec.  202.108  Rule 8: Docketing of proceeding.

    Promptly following receipt of the answer, or the reply (if the 
answer asserts a counterclaim or a setoff), or following the expiration 
of the period of time prescribed above for the filing of the answer or 
of the reply, the agency head shall transmit all of the papers which 
have been filed in the proceeding (including the investigation report if 
any has been served on the parties) to the hearing clerk, who shall 
assign a docket number to the proceeding. Thereafter the proceeding 
shall be referred to by such number. The hearing clerk shall promptly 
transmit all such papers to the Office of the General Counsel for 
assignment of a presiding officer.



Sec.  202.109  Rule 9: Depositions.

    (a) Application. Any party may file an application for an order for 
the taking of testimony by deposition, at any time after docketing of a 
proceeding and before the close of an oral hearing or the filing of such 
party's evidence in a written hearing therein. The application shall set 
forth: (1) The name and address of the proposed deponent; (2) the name 
and address of the person (referred to in this section as the 
``officer'') before whom the proposed examination is to be made; (3) the 
reasons why such deposition should be taken, which must show that it may 
be able to be used as set forth in paragraph (i) of this section; (4) 
whether the proposed examination is to be on interrogatories or oral; 
and (5) if oral, a suggested time and place where the proposed 
deposition is to be made and a suggested manner in which the proposed 
deposition is to be conducted (telephone, audio-visual 
telecommunication, or by personal attendance of the individuals who are 
expected to participate in the deposition). The application for an order 
for the taking of testimony by deposition shall be made in writing, 
unless it is made orally on the record at an oral hearing.
    (b) Response; service. If any such application is made orally on the 
record at an oral hearing, each party other than the applicant, present 
at such hearing, may respond to it orally. If any such application is in 
writing it shall be served on each party other than the applicant, and 
each such other party shall have not less than 20 days, from the date of 
service on such party of the application, to file a written response to 
it.
    (c) Written questions (interrogatories). (1) If the examination will 
be oral, parties who will not be present or represented at it may file 
written questions with the officer prior to the time of the examination.
    (2) The presiding officer may direct, or the parties may agree, that 
the deposition, if taken, shall be taken by means of written questions. 
If the presiding officer finds, upon the protest of a party to the 
proceeding, that such party has a principal place of business or 
residence more than 100 miles from the place of the examination and that 
it would constitute an undue hardship on such party to be present or 
represented at an oral examination at such place, the deposition, if 
taken, shall be taken by means of written questions. In any such case, 
the presiding officer shall state on the record at the oral hearing 
that, or shall serve the parties with notice that, the deposition, if 
taken, shall be taken by means of written questions.
    (3) If the examination is conducted by means of written questions, 
copies of the applicant's questions must be received by the other party 
to the proceeding and the officer at least 10 days prior to the date set 
for the examination unless otherwise agreed, and any cross questions of 
a party other than the applicant must be received by the applicant and 
the officer at any time prior to the time of the examination.
    (d) Order. (1) The presiding officer, if satisfied that good cause 
for taking the deposition is present, may order the taking of the 
deposition.
    (2) The order shall be served on the parties and shall include:
    (i) The name and address of the officer before whom the deposition 
is to be made;
    (ii) The name of the deponent;

[[Page 49]]

    (iii) Whether the deposition will be oral or on written questions;
    (iv) If the deposition is oral, the manner in which the deposition 
is to be conducted (telephone, audio-visual telecommunication, or 
personal attendance of those who are to participate in the deposition); 
and
    (v) The time, which shall not be less than 20 days after the 
issuance of the order, and place.
    (3) The officer, time, place, and manner of the deposition as stated 
in the presiding officer's order need not be the same as the officer, 
time, place, and manner suggested in the application.
    (4) The deposition shall be conducted in the manner (telephone, 
audio-visual telecommunication, or personal attendance of those who are 
to participate in the deposition) agreed to by the parties.
    (5) If the parties cannot agree on the manner in which the 
deposition is to be conducted:
    (i) The deposition shall be conducted by telephone unless the 
presiding officer determines that conducting the deposition by audio-
visual telecommunication:
    (A) Is necessary to prevent prejudice to a party;
    (B) Is necessary because of a disability of any individual expected 
to participate in the deposition; or
    (C) Would cost less than conducting the deposition by telephone.
    (ii) If the deposition is not conducted by telephone, the deposition 
shall be conducted by audio-visual telecommunication unless the 
presiding officer determines that conducting the deposition by personal 
attendance of any individual who is expected to participate in the 
deposition:
    (A) Is necessary to prevent prejudice to a party;
    (B) Is necessary because of a disability of any individual expected 
to participate in the deposition; or
    (C) Would cost less than conducting the deposition by telephone or 
audio-visual telecommunication.
    (e) Qualifications of officer. No deposition shall be made except 
before an officer authorized by the law of the United States or by the 
law of the place of the examination to administer oaths, or before an 
officer authorized by the Secretary to administer oaths, or before the 
presiding officer. No deposition shall be made before an officer who is 
a relative (within the third degree by blood or marriage), employee, 
attorney, or representative of any party (or an employee of an attorney 
or representative of any party), or who is financially interested in the 
result of the proceeding.
    (f) Procedure on examination. The deponent shall be examined under 
oath or affirmation, and the testimony of the deponent shall be recorded 
by the officer, or by some person under the direction and in the 
presence of the officer. If the examination is on interrogatories, they 
shall be propounded by the officer. If the examination is oral, the 
deponent shall be examined first by the party at whose instance the 
deposition is taken, or the representative of such party, and shall be 
subject to cross-examination by any other party or the representative 
thereof who is present at the examination; the officer shall propound 
any interrogatories filed with the officer by parties not present or 
represented at the examination.
    (g) Certification and filing by officer. The officer shall certify 
on the transcript or recording that the deponent was duly sworn by the 
officer and that the transcript or recording is a true record of the 
deponent's testimony, with such exceptions as the certificate shall 
specify. The officer shall then securely seal the transcript or 
recording, together with three copies of the transcript or recording, 
with an extra copy for each party in excess of two, in an envelope, and 
mail the same by registered or certified mail to the presiding officer.
    (h) Service; correction. After the transcript or recording is 
received by the presiding officer, it shall promptly be served on all 
parties. Any party, within 20 days after such service, may file a 
written motion proposing corrections to the transcript or recording. Any 
such motion shall be served on each party other than the one filing it, 
who shall have 10 days to file a written response to it. Any such 
response shall be served on each party other than the one filing it. 
Such documents, if filed,

[[Page 50]]

shall be a part of the record of the proceeding if any portion of the 
transcript or recording is made a part of the record. All portions of 
the transcript or recording which are not referred to in any such motion 
shall be presumed to be accurate except for obvious typographical 
errors.
    (i) Use. If a written hearing is held, a transcript or recording, of 
a deposition ordered and taken in accord with this section, may be made 
a part of the record as evidence by any party, by written motion filed 
with such party's evidence. If an oral hearing is held, except as 
otherwise provided in these rules, such a transcript or recording may be 
made a part of the record as evidence, on written motion filed by any 
party, or oral motion of any party made at the oral hearing, if no party 
objects after reasonable notice and opportunity to do so, or if the 
presiding officer finds that the evidence is otherwise admissible and:
    (1) That the witness is dead;
    (2) That the witness is unable to attend or testify for any good 
reason including age, sickness, infirmity, or imprisonment;
    (3) That the party offering the transcript or recording has tried 
without success to procure the attendance of the witness by subpoena; or
    (4) That such exceptional circumstances exist as to make it 
desirable, in the interests of justice and with due regard to the 
importance of presenting the testimony orally before the presiding 
officer, to allow the transcript or recording to be used.

If any portion of a transcript or recording of a deposition is made a 
part of the record as evidence on motion of any party, any other party 
may make a part of the record as evidence the remainder, or any other 
portion, of the transcript or recording.
    (j) Expenses. Fees and reimbursements payable to an officer taking a 
deposition, or other person recording the testimony in the deposition, 
shall be paid by the party at whose instance the deposition is taken.
    (k) Subpoenas. No subpoena can issue, to compel attendance, 
testimony, or production of documentary evidence, at an examination 
under this rule 9.
    (l) Agreement of parties. In any case, any transcript or recording 
of any deposition, or any part of such a transcript or recording, may be 
made a part of the record as evidence by agreement of the parties other 
than a party failing to file an answer as required in these rules.

[43 FR 30510, July 14, 1978, as amended at 55 FR 41184, Oct. 10, 1990; 
60 FR 8465, Feb. 14, 1995]



Sec.  202.110  Rule 10: Prehearing conference.

    (a) The presiding officer, at any time prior to the commencement of 
the hearing, may request the parties or their counsel to appear at a 
conference before the presiding officer to consider:
    (1) The simplification of issues;
    (2) The necessity of amendments to pleadings;
    (3) The possibility of obtaining stipulations of fact and of the 
authenticity, accuracy, and admissibility of documents, which will avoid 
unnecessary proof;
    (4) The limitation of the number of expert or other witnesses;
    (5) The negotiation, compromise, or settlement of issues;
    (6) The exchange of copies of proposed exhibits;
    (7) The identification of documents or matters of which official 
notice may be requested;
    (8) A schedule to be followed by the parties for completion of the 
actions decided at the conference; or
    (9) Such other matters as may expedite and aid in the disposition of 
the proceeding.

No transcript or recording of such a conference shall be made, but the 
presiding officer shall prepare and file for the record a written 
summary if any action is taken at the conference, which shall 
incorporate any written stipulations or agreements made by the parties 
at the conference or as a result of the conference.
    (b) Manner of the prehearing conference. (1) The prehearing 
conference shall be conducted by telephone or correspondence unless the 
presiding officer determines that conducting the prehearing conference 
by audio-visual telecommunication:

[[Page 51]]

    (i) Is necessary to prevent prejudice to a party;
    (ii) Is necessary because of a disability of any individual expected 
to participate in the prehearing conference; or
    (iii) Would cost less than conducting the prehearing conference by 
telephone or correspondence. If the presiding officer determines that a 
prehearing conference conducted by audio-visual telecommunication would 
measurably increase the United States Department of Agriculture's cost 
of conducting the prehearing conference, the prehearing conference shall 
be conducted by personal attendance of any individual who is expected to 
participate in the prehearing conference, by telephone, or by 
correspondence.
    (2) If the prehearing conference is not conducted by telephone or 
correspondence, the prehearing conference shall be conducted by audio-
visual telecommunication unless the presiding officer determines that 
conducting the prehearing conference by personal attendance of any 
individual who is expected to participate in the prehearing conference:
    (i) Is necessary to prevent prejudice to a party;
    (ii) Is necessary because of a disability of any individual expected 
to participate in the prehearing conference; or
    (iii) Would cost less than conducting the prehearing conference by 
audio-visual telecommunication.

[43 FR 30510, July 14, 1978, as amended at 60 FR 8466, Feb. 14, 1995]



Sec.  202.111  Rule 11: Hearing, oral or written.

    (a) When held. A hearing, oral or written, shall be held unless:
    (1) Each respondent admits or is deemed to admit sufficient 
allegations of the complaint to support the full amount claimed by the 
complainant as reparation;
    (2) Each respondent admits liability to the complainant in the full 
amount claimed by the complainant as reparation;
    (3) Before a hearing has been completed the parties agree in writing 
that the proceeding may be decided on the basis of the record as it 
stands at the time such agreement is filed; or
    (4) Before a hearing has been completed the parties settle their 
dispute or the complainant withdraws the complaint.
    (b) Whether oral or written. The hearing provided for in paragraph 
(a) of this section shall be oral if:
    (1) $10,000 or more is in controversy and any respondent files a 
written request for an oral hearing with such respondent's answer; or
    (2) $10,000 or more is in controversy and any complainant files a 
written request for an oral hearing on or before the 20th day after 
service on such complainant of notice that no respondent has filed a 
timely request for an oral hearing; or
    (3) Less than $10,000 is in controversy and the presiding officer 
determines, upon written request by any party thereto, that an oral 
hearing is necessary to establish the facts and circumstances giving 
rise to the controversy. The hearing shall be written if not oral.
    (c) Withdrawal of request. If $10,000 or more is in controversy and 
a party has timely filed a request for oral hearing, such party may 
withdraw such request at any time prior to completion of an oral 
hearing. If such a withdrawal leaves no pending request for oral hearing 
in the proceeding, and if the presiding officer has not decided that the 
hearing should be oral, each other party shall be served with notice of 
this and shall be given 20 days to request an oral hearing. If any party 
files a request for oral hearing in such time, the hearing shall be oral 
in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.
    (d) Presiding Officer's recommendation. The presiding officer may 
recommend voluntary withdrawal of a request for oral hearing, timely 
filed. Declining to make such withdrawal shall not affect the rights or 
interests of any party.
    (e) Representation. Any party may appear in an oral hearing, or file 
evidence in a written hearing, in person or by counsel or other 
representative. For unethical or contumacious conduct in or in 
connection with a proceeding, the presiding officer may preclude a 
person

[[Page 52]]

from further acting as attorney or representative for any party to the 
proceeding; any such order of the presiding officer shall be served on 
the parties; an appeal to the Judicial Officer may be taken from any 
such order immediately.

[51 FR 42083, Nov. 21, 1986, as amended at 55 FR 41184, Oct. 10, 1990]



Sec.  202.112  Rule 12: Oral hearing.

    (a) Time, place, and manner. (1) If and when the proceeding has 
reached the stage where an oral hearing is to be held, the presiding 
officer shall set a time, place, and manner for oral hearing. The time 
shall be set based upon careful consideration to the convenience of the 
parties. The place shall be set in accordance with paragraph (a)(2) of 
this section and careful consideration to the convenience of the 
parties. The manner in which the hearing is to be conducted shall be 
determined in accordance with paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4) of this 
section.
    (2) The place shall be set in accordance with paragraphs (e) and (f) 
of section 407 of the Act, if applicable. In essence, under paragraphs 
(e) and (f) of section 407 of the Act, if the complainant and the 
respondent, or all of the parties, if there are more than two, have 
their principal places of business or residence within a single unit of 
local government, a single geographical area within a State, or a single 
State, the oral hearing is to be held as near as possible to such places 
of business or residence, depending on the availability of an 
appropriate location for conducting the hearing. If the parties have 
such places of business or residence distant from each other, then 
paragraphs (e) and (f) of section 407 of the Act are not applicable.
    (3) The oral hearing shall be conducted by audio-visual 
telecommunication unless the presiding officer determines that 
conducting the oral hearing by personal attendance of any individual who 
is expected to participate in the hearing:
    (i) Is necessary to prevent prejudice to a party;
    (ii) Is necessary because of a disability of any individual expected 
to participate in the hearing; or
    (iii) Would cost less than conducting the hearing by audio-visual 
telecommunication. If the presiding officer determines that a hearing 
conducted by audio-visual telecommunication would measurably increase 
the United States Department of Agriculture's cost of conducting the 
hearing, the hearing shall be conducted by personal attendance of any 
individual who is expected to participate in the hearing or by 
telephone.
    (4) The presiding officer may, in his or her sole discretion or in 
response to a motion by a party to the proceeding, conduct the hearing 
by telephone if the presiding officer finds that a hearing conducted by 
telephone:
    (i) Would provide a full and fair evidentiary hearing;
    (ii) Would not prejudice any party; and
    (iii) Would cost less than conducting the hearing by audio-visual 
telecommunication or personal attendance of any individual who is 
expected to participate in the hearing.
    (b) Notice. (1) A notice stating the time, place, and manner of oral 
hearing shall be served on each party prior to the time of the oral 
hearing. The notice shall state whether the oral hearing will be 
conducted by telephone, audio-visual telecommunication, or personal 
attendance of any individual expected to participate in the hearing. If 
any change is made in the time, place, or manner of the oral hearing, a 
notice of the change shall be served on each party prior to the time of 
the oral hearing as changed, unless the change is made during the course 
of an oral hearing and shown in the transcript or on the recording. Any 
party may waive such notice, in writing, or orally on the record at an 
oral hearing and shown in the transcript or on the recording.
    (2) If the presiding officer orders an oral hearing, any party may 
move that the hearing be conducted by telephone or personal attendance 
of any individual expected to attend the hearing rather than by audio-
visual telecommunication. Any motion that the hearing be conducted by 
telephone or personal attendance of any individual expected to attend 
the hearing must be accompanied by a memorandum in support of the motion 
stating the basis for

[[Page 53]]

the motion and the circumstances that require the hearing to be 
conducted other than by audio-visual telecommunication.
    (3) Within 10 days after the presiding officer issues a notice 
stating the manner in which the hearing is to be conducted, any party 
may move that the presiding officer reconsider the manner in which the 
hearing is to be conducted. Any motion for reconsideration must be 
accompanied by a memorandum in support of the motion stating the basis 
for the motion and the circumstances that require the hearing to be 
conducted other than in accordance with the presiding officer's notice.
    (c) Failure to appear. If any party to the proceeding, after being 
duly notified, fails to appear at the oral hearing in person or by 
counsel or other representative, such party shall be deemed to have 
waived the right to add any further evidence to the record in the 
proceeding, or to object to the admission of any evidence; if the 
parties who are present are all adverse to such party, they shall have 
an election to present evidence, in whole or in part, in the form of 
oral testimony before the presiding officer, affidavits, or depositions.
    (d) Order of proceeding. Complainant shall proceed first, if present 
at the commencement of the oral hearing.
    (e) Written statements of direct testimony. (1) Except as provided 
in paragraph (e)(2) of this section, each party must exchange with all 
other parties a written narrative verified statement of the oral direct 
testimony that the party will provide at any hearing to be conducted by 
telephone; the direct testimony of each employee or agent of the party 
that the party will call to provide oral direct testimony at any hearing 
to be conducted by telephone; and the direct testimony of each expert 
witness that the party will call to provide oral direct testimony at any 
hearing to be conducted by telephone. The written direct testimony of 
witnesses shall be exchanged by the parties at least 10 days prior to 
the hearing. The oral direct testimony provided by a witness at a 
hearing conducted by telephone will be limited to the presentation of 
the written direct testimony, unless the presiding officer finds that 
oral direct testimony which is supplemental to the written direct 
testimony would further the public interest and would not constitute 
surprise.
    (2) The parties shall not be required to exchange testimony in 
accordance with this paragraph if the hearing is scheduled to begin less 
than 20 days after the presiding officer's notice stating the time of 
the hearing.
    (f) Evidence--(1) In general. The testimony of witnesses at an oral 
hearing shall be on oath or affirmation and subject to cross-
examination. Any witness other than a party may be examined separately 
and apart from all other witnesses, in the discretion of the presiding 
officer. The presiding officer shall exclude evidence which is 
immaterial, irrelevant, or unduly repetitious, or which is not of the 
sort on which responsible persons are accustomed to rely, insofar as 
practicable.
    (2) Objections. If a party objects to the admission of any evidence 
or to the limitation of the scope of any examination or cross-
examination or to any other ruling of the presiding officer, such party 
shall state briefly the grounds of such objection, and the presiding 
officer shall rule on it. The transcript or recording shall include 
argument or debates on objections, except as ordered by the presiding 
officer, and shall include the ruling of the presiding officer. 
Objections not made before the presiding officer may not subsequently be 
relied on in the proceeding.
    (3) Offer of proof. Whenever evidence is excluded by the presiding 
officer, the party offering such evidence may make an offer of proof. 
The offer of proof shall consist of a brief statement, which shall be 
included in the transcript or recording, describing the evidence 
excluded. If the evidence consists of a brief oral statement, it shall 
be included in full in the transcript or recording. If the evidence 
consists of an exhibit, it shall be marked for identification and 
inserted in the record. In either such event, if the judicial officer 
decides that the presiding officer's ruling in excluding the evidence 
was erroneous and prejudicial, such evidence shall be considered a part 
of the record. If the taking of such evidence will consume a 
considerable length of time at the hearing, the presiding officer shall

[[Page 54]]

not allow the insertion of such evidence in full and, if the judicial 
officer decides that the presiding officer's ruling in excluding the 
evidence was erroneous and prejudicial, the hearing shall be reopened to 
permit the taking of such evidence.
    (4) Depositions and affidavits. Except as is otherwise provided in 
these rules, admission of the deposition of any witness shall be subject 
to the provisions of rule 9, Sec.  202.109, and affidavits, and 
statements under penalty of perjury as provided in 28 U.S.C. 1746, Pub. 
L. 94-550, may be admitted only if the evidence is otherwise admissible 
and no party objects.
    (5) Department records. A true copy of any written entry in any 
record of the Department, made by an officer or employee of the 
Department in the course of the official duty of such officer or 
employee, and relevant to the issues involved in the hearing, shall be 
admissible as prima facie evidence of the facts stated in the record of 
the Department, without the production of such officer or employee.
    (6) Exhibits. (i) For each exhibit offered by a party, copies in 
addition to the original shall be filed with the presiding officer for 
the use of all other parties to the proceeding, except where the 
presiding officer finds that the furnishing of copies is impracticable. 
The presiding officer shall tell the parties the number of copies 
required to be filed, make the proper distribution of the copies, and 
have this noted on the record.
    (ii) If the testimony of a witness refers to any document, the 
presiding officer shall determine whether it shall be produced at the 
hearing and made a part of the record as an exhibit, or whether it shall 
be incorporated in the record by reference.
    (iii) If relevant and material matter is embraced in a document 
containing irrelevant or immaterial matter, such irrelevant or 
immaterial matter shall be designated by the party offering the document 
in evidence, and shall be segregated and excluded, insofar as 
practicable.
    (g) Subpoenas--(1) Issuance. The attendance and testimony of 
witnesses and the production of documentary evidence, from any place in 
the United States, on behalf of any party to the proceeding, may be 
required by subpoena at any designated place for oral hearing. Subpoenas 
may be issued by the presiding officer, on a written application filed 
by a party, showing the grounds and necessity thereof, and, with respect 
to subpoenas for the production of documentary evidence, showing their 
competency, relevancy, and materiality and the necessity for their 
production. Subpoenas may be issued on the motion of the presiding 
officer.
    (2) Service; proof of service. A subpoena may be served by any 
natural person over the age of 18 years. The party at whose instance a 
subpoena is issued shall be responsible for serving it, however, at the 
request of such party the Secretary will attempt to serve it.
    (h) Oral argument. The presiding officer shall permit oral argument 
by the parties or their counsel who are present at an oral hearing, but 
may limit such argument to any extent that the presiding officer finds 
necessary for the expeditious or proper disposition of the case.
    (i) Transcript or recording. (1) Hearings to be conducted by 
telephone shall be recorded verbatim by electronic recording device. 
Hearings conducted by audio-visual telecommunication or the personal 
attendance of any individual who is expected to participate in the 
hearing shall be transcribed, unless the presiding officer finds that 
recording the hearing verbatim would expedite the proceeding and the 
presiding officer orders the hearing to be recorded verbatim. The 
presiding officer shall certify that to the best of his or her knowledge 
and belief any recording made pursuant to this paragraph with exhibits 
that were accepted into evidence is the record of the hearing.
    (2) If a hearing is recorded verbatim, a party requests the 
transcript of a hearing or part of a hearing, and the presiding officer 
determines that the disposition of the proceeding would be expedited by 
a transcript of the hearing or part of a hearing, the presiding officer 
shall order the verbatim transcription of the recording as requested by 
the party.

[[Page 55]]

    (3) Parties to the proceeding who desire copies of the transcript or 
recording of the oral hearing may make arrangements with the reporter, 
who will furnish and deliver such copies direct to such parties, upon 
receipt from such parties of payment for the transcript or recording, at 
the rate provided by the contract between the reporter and the 
Department for such reporting service.
    (j) Filing, and presiding officer's certificate, of the transcript 
or recording. As soon as practicable after the close of the oral 
hearing, the reporter shall transmit to the presiding officer the 
original transcript or recording of the testimony, and as many copies of 
the transcript or recording as may be required by paragraph (i) of this 
section for the PSD regional offices and as may be required for the PSD 
headquarters office in Washington. At the same time the reporter shall 
also transmit a copy of the transcript or recording to each party who 
shall have arranged and paid for it, as provided in paragraph (h) of 
this section. Upon receipt of the transcript or recording, the presiding 
officer shall attach to the original transcript or recording a 
certificate stating that, to the best of the presiding officer's 
knowledge and belief, the transcript or recording is a true, correct, 
and complete transcript or recording of the testimony given at the 
hearing and that the exhibits mentioned in it are all the exhibits 
received in evidence at the hearing, with such exceptions as the 
certificate shall specify. Such certificate shall be served on each 
party and a copy thereof shall be attached to each copy of the 
transcript or recording received by the presiding officer. In accordance 
with such certificate the presiding officer shall note, on the original 
transcript or recording, each correction detailed in such certificate by 
adding or crossing out (but without obscuring the texts as originally 
transcribed or recorded) at the appropriate places any words necessary 
to make the text conform to the correct meaning, as certified by the 
presiding officer. The presiding officer shall send the copies of the 
transcript or recording to the hearing clerk who shall send them to PSD 
headquarters.
    (k) Keeping of copies of the transcript or recording. During the 
period in which the proceeding has an active status in the Department, a 
copy of the transcript or recording shall be kept at the PSD regional 
office most convenient to the respondent; however, if there are two or 
more respondents and they are located in different regions, such copy of 
the transcript or recording shall be kept at the PSD regional office 
nearest to the place where the hearing was held. In addition, a copy of 
the transcript or recording shall be kept at the PSD regional office 
most convenient to the complainant. Any such copy shall be available for 
examination during official hours of business at the regional office, 
but shall remain the property of the Department and shall not be removed 
from such office.

[43 FR 30510, July 14, 1978, as amended at 55 FR 41184, Oct. 10, 1990; 
60 FR 8466, Feb. 14, 1995; 84 FR 45647, Aug. 30, 2019]



Sec.  202.113  Rule 13: Written hearing.

    (a) Evidence. As used in this section, the term ``evidence'' shall 
mean depositions, affidavits, or statements under penalty of perjury as 
provided in 28 U.S.C. 1746, Pub. L. 94-550, of persons having knowledge 
of the facts, or documents properly identified by such deposition, 
affidavit, or statement, or otherwise authenticated in such a manner 
that they would be admissible in evidence at an oral hearing, except as 
provided hereinafter. Testimony on deposition, to the extent credible, 
shall be given greater weight as evidence, than such affidavits or 
statements. In a case in which a party, entitled to oral hearing as 
provided in rule 11, Sec.  202.111, withdraws such party's request for 
oral hearing on condition that only depositions be used if a written 
hearing is held, only depositions, and documents properly identified 
therein, shall be made a part of the record as evidence by the parties 
if a written hearing is held.
    (b) Verification. Any facts must be verified, by oath or affirmation 
before a person legally authorized to administer oaths or before a 
person designated by the Secretary for the purpose (except in the case 
of a statement under penalty of perjury as provided in

[[Page 56]]

28 U.S.C. 1746, Pub. L. 94-550), by a person who states, in the 
deposition, affidavit, or statement, that such person has actual 
knowledge of the facts. Except under unusual circumstances, which shall 
be set forth in the deposition, affidavit, or statement, any such person 
shall be one who would appear as a witness if an oral hearing were held.
    (c) Complainant's evidence. The complainant shall be served with 
notice of an opportunity to file evidence. Within 20 days after such 
service, the complainant may file evidence. What the complainant files 
in response to that notice shall be served promptly on the respondent.
    (d) Respondent's evidence. After expiration of the time for the 
filing of complainant's evidence, the respondent shall be served with 
notice of an opportunity to file evidence. Within 20 days after such 
service, the respondent may file evidence. What the respondent files in 
response to that notice shall be served promptly on the complainant.
    (e) Complainant's rebuttal. If the respondent files anything 
pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section, the complainant shall be 
served with notice of an opportunity to file evidence in rebuttal of 
what the respondent has filed. Within 20 days after such service, the 
complainant may file such evidence, which shall be confined strictly to 
rebuttal of what the respondent has filed. What the complainant files in 
response to that notice shall be served promptly on the respondent.
    (f) Failure to file. Failure to file any evidence authorized under 
this section, within the time prescribed, shall constitute a waiver of 
the right to file such evidence.
    (g) Extension of time for depositions. If any party timely files an 
application for an order for the taking of testimony by deposition 
pursuant to rule 9, Sec.  202.109, time for the filing of such party's 
evidence shall be extended as reasonable, to permit consideration of the 
application, and taking of depositions if ordered.
    (h) Investigation report. No provision of this rule 13 shall change 
the status of an investigation report served on the parties and made a 
part of the record pursuant to rule 4, Sec.  202.104.

[43 FR 30510, July 14, 1978, as amended at 55 FR 41184, Oct. 10, 1990]



Sec.  202.114  Rule 14: Post-hearing procedure.

    (a) Oral hearing. Any party present or represented at an oral 
hearing, desiring to file any written argument or brief, proposed 
findings of fact, conclusions, and order, or statement of objections to 
rulings made by the presiding officer, must so inform the presiding 
officer at the oral hearing; upon being so informed, the presiding 
officer shall set a reasonable time for the filing of such documents, 
and state it on the record at the oral hearing.
    (b) Written hearing. After filing of the last evidence in a written 
hearing, notice shall be served on each party that such party may file, 
within 20 days after such service on such party, written argument of 
brief, proposed findings or fact, conclusions, and order.
    (c) Service; delay in preparation of report. If any such document is 
filed by any party, it shall be served on all other parties. The report 
shall not be prepared before expiration of such time for filing.

[43 FR 30510, July 14, 1978, as amended at 55 FR 41184, Oct. 10, 1990]



Sec.  202.115  Rule 15: Submission for final consideration.

    (a) Report. The presiding officer, with the assistance and 
collaboration of such employees of the Department as may be assigned for 
the purpose, shall prepare a report. The report shall be prepared on the 
basis of the evidence in the record, including the investigation report 
if one is prepared by the agency head and served on the parties, and any 
allegations admitted or deemed to be admitted, and any stipulations. The 
report shall be prepared in the form of a final order for signature by 
the judicial officer, and shall be filed with the hearing clerk. The 
report shall not be served on the parties unless and until it is signed 
by the judicial officer.
    (b) Record. At the same time as the report is filed with the hearing 
clerk, the record shall also be filed with the hearing clerk. The record 
shall include: Pleadings; motions and requests filed

[[Page 57]]

and rulings thereon; the investigation report if one is prepared by the 
agency head and served on the parties; the transcript or recording of an 
oral hearing, and exhibits received, if an oral hearing was held; 
evidence filed by the parties if a written hearing was held; documents 
filed in connection with pre-hearing conferences; any proposed findings 
of fact, conclusions and orders, statements of objections, and briefs; 
any stipulations; and proof of service.
    (c) Submission to judicial officer. Unless the hearing clerk 
reasonably believes that the record is not complete and in proper order, 
the record and the report shall be submitted to the judicial officer for 
decision.
    (d) Oral argument. There shall be no right to oral argument other 
than that provided in rule 12(h), Sec.  202.112(h).

[43 FR 30510, July 14, 1978, as amended at 60 FR 8467, Feb. 14, 1995]



Sec.  202.116  Rule 16: Issuance of order.

    (a) As soon as practicable after the receipt of the record and 
report from the hearing clerk, the judicial officer, on the basis of and 
after due consideration of the record, shall issue an order in the 
proceeding, which shall be served on the parties.
    (b) If the judicial officer deems it advisable to do so, the order 
may be made a tentative order. In such event, a presiding officer shall 
be assigned and the tentative order shall be served on each party, and 
each party shall have 20 days in which to file written exceptions to it, 
and arguments or briefs in support of such exceptions. If no party 
timely files exceptions, the tentative order shall automatically become 
the final order in the proceeding, and notice of such fact shall be 
served on the parties. If any party timely files such exceptions, they 
shall be handled in the same manner as a petition filed under rule 17, 
Sec.  202.117.



Sec.  202.117  Rule 17: Petition to reopen a hearing; to rehear or
reargue a proceeding; to reconsider an order; or to set aside a default
order.

    (a) Filing of petition--(1) To reopen a hearing. Any party may file 
a petition to reopen a hearing to take further evidence, at any time 
prior to the issuance of the final order, or prior to a tentative order 
becoming final. Such a petition must state the nature and purpose of the 
evidence to be offered, show that it is not merely cumulative, and state 
a good reason why it was not offered at the hearing if oral, or filed in 
the hearing if written.
    (2) To rehear or reargue a proceeding or reconsider an order. Any 
party may file a petition to rehear or reargue a proceeding or 
reconsider an order of the judicial officer, at any time within 20 days 
after service on such party of such order. Such a petition must specify 
the matters claimed to have been erroneously decided, and the basis for 
the petitioner's claim that such matters were erroneously decided.
    (3) To set aside a default order. Any respondent against whom an 
order is issued by the judicial officer, upon failure to file an answer 
as required, may file a petition to set aside such order, at any time 
within 20 days after service on such respondent of such order. Such a 
petition must state a good reason why an answer was not filed as 
required.
    (b) Brief or memorandum of law. If such a petitioner wishes to file 
a brief or memorandum of law in support of such a petition, it must be 
filed with such petition.
    (c) Procedure. A presiding officer shall be assigned upon the filing 
of any such petition, or upon notice to the hearing clerk (which may be 
written or oral, or by telephone) that any party intends to file any 
such petition. The party filing any such petition shall be referred to 
as the complainant or respondent, depending on the original designation 
of such party in the proceeding; such party shall have the burden of 
establishing that such petition should be granted. If a petition to 
reopen is timely filed, the order shall not be issued pending decision 
whether to grant or deny the petition. If a petition to rehear or 
reargue or reconsider, or to set aside a default order, is timely filed, 
operation of the order shall be stayed automatically pending decision 
whether to grant or deny it; if such a petition is not timely filed, 
operation of the order shall not be stayed unless the Judicial Officer 
shall determine otherwise.

[[Page 58]]

    (d) Service; answer. No such petition shall be granted unless it, 
with the brief or memorandum of law in support of it, if any, is first 
served on each party to the proceeding other than the one filing it. 
Each such other party, within 20 days after such service on such party, 
may file an answer to such petition. If any such party wishes to file a 
brief or memorandum of law in support of such an answer, it must be 
filed with such answer. Any such answer, with the brief or memorandum of 
law in support of it, if any, shall be served on each party to the 
proceeding other than the one filing it. Any such petition may be denied 
without such service.
    (e) Submission for decision; service of order. The presiding officer 
shall prepare a recommendation with respect to the petition, and submit 
it to the judicial officer for decision. Such a recommendation shall be 
prepared in the form of a final order for signature by the judicial 
officer. It shall not be served on the parties unless and until it is 
signed by the judicial officer. The order of the judicial officer shall 
be served on the parties.
    (f) Practice upon decision. If the judicial officer decides to 
reopen a hearing, or to rehear or permit reargument of a proceeding, or 
to set aside a default order, a presiding officer shall be assigned and 
the rules of practice shall be followed thereafter as applicable.



Sec.  202.118  Rule 18: Presiding officer.

    (a) Powers. Subject to review as provided elsewhere in these rules, 
the presiding officer assigned to any proceeding shall have power to:
    (1) Set the time, place, and manner of a prehearing conference and 
an oral hearing, adjourn the oral hearing from time to time, and change 
the time, place, and manner of oral hearing;
    (2) Administer oaths and affirmations;
    (3) Issue subpoenas requiring the attendance and testimony of 
witnesses and the production of documentary evidence at an oral hearing;
    (4) Summon and examine witnesses and receive evidence at an oral 
hearing;
    (5) Take or order the taking of depositions;
    (6) Admit or exclude evidence;
    (7) Hear oral argument on facts or law;
    (8) Require each party to provide all other parties and the 
presiding officer with a copy of any exhibit that the party intends to 
introduce into evidence prior to any oral hearing to be conducted by 
telephone or audio-visual telecommunication;
    (9) Require each party to provide all other parties with a copy of 
any document that the party intends to use to examine a deponent prior 
to any deposition to be conducted by telephone or audio-visual 
telecommunication;
    (10) Require that any hearing to be conducted by telephone or audio-
visual telecommunication be conducted at locations at which the parties 
and the presiding officer are able to transmit and receive documents 
during the hearing;
    (11) Require that any deposition to be conducted by telephone or 
audio-visual telecommunication be conducted at locations at which the 
parties are able to transmit and receive documents during the 
deposition; and
    (12) Do all acts and take all measures necessary for the maintenance 
of order and the efficient conduct of the proceeding, including the 
exclusion of contumacious counsel or other persons.
    (b) Motions and requests. The presiding officer is authorized to 
rule on all motions and requests filed in the proceeding prior to 
submission of the presiding officer's report to the judicial officer, 
Provided, That a presiding officer is not authorized to dismiss a 
complaint. Submission or certification of any question to the judicial 
officer, prior to submission of the report, shall be in the discretion 
of the presiding officer.
    (c) Reassignment. For any good reason, including absence, illness, 
resignation, death, or inability to act, of the attorney assigned to act 
as a presiding officer in any proceeding under these rules, the powers 
and duties of such attorney in the proceeding may be assigned to any 
other attorney who is employed in the Office of the General Counsel of 
the Department, without abatement of the proceeding.
    (d) Disqualification. No person shall be assigned to act as a 
presiding officer in

[[Page 59]]

any proceeding who (1) has any material pecuniary interest in any matter 
or business involved in the proceeding; (2) is related within the third 
degree by blood or marriage to any party to the proceeding; or (3) has 
any conflict of interest which might impair such person's objectivity in 
the proceeding. A person assigned to act as a presiding officer shall 
ask to be replaced, in any proceeding in which such person believes that 
reason exists for disqualification of such person.
    (e) Procedure on petition for disqualification. Any party may file a 
petition for disqualification of the presiding officer, which shall set 
forth with particularity the grounds of alleged disqualification. Any 
such petition shall be filed with the hearing clerk, who shall 
immediately transmit it to the judicial officer and inform the presiding 
officer. The record of the proceeding also shall immediately be 
transmitted to the judicial officer. After such investigation or hearing 
as the judicial officer deems necessary, the judicial officer shall 
either deny the petition or direct that another presiding officer be 
assigned to the proceeding. The petition, and notice of the order of the 
judicial officer, shall be made a part of the record and served on the 
parties; if any record is made on such a petition, it shall be a part of 
the record of the proceeding.

[43 FR 30510, July 14, 1978, as amended at 60 FR 8467, Feb. 14, 1995]



Sec.  202.119  Rule 19: Fees of witnesses.

    Witnesses subpoenaed before the presiding officer, and witnesses 
whose depositions are taken, shall be entitled to the same fees and 
mileage as are paid for like services in the courts of the United 
States. Fees and mileage shall be paid by the party at whose instance 
the witness appears or the deposition is taken.



Sec.  202.120  Rule 20: Official notice.

    Official notice shall be taken of such matters as are judicially 
noticed by the courts of the United States and of any other matter of 
technical or scientific fact of established character: Provided, That 
the parties shall be given notice of matters so noticed, and shall be 
given adequate opportunity to show that such facts are erroneously 
noticed.



Sec.  202.121  Rule 21: Intervention.

    At any time after docketing of a proceeding and before commencement 
of a hearing, oral or written, therein, the presiding officer may, upon 
petition, and for good cause shown, permit any person to intervene 
therein. The petition shall state with preciseness and particularity: 
(a) The petitioner's relationship to the matters involved in the 
proceeding; (b) the nature of the material the petitioner intends to 
present in evidence; (c) the nature of the argument the petitioner 
intends to make; and (d) the reasons why the petitioner should be 
allowed to intervene. Any such petition, and notice of the order 
thereon, shall be served on the parties and made a part of the record in 
the proceeding.



Sec.  202.122  Rule 22: Ex parte communications.

    (a) At no stage of the proceeding between its docketing and the 
issuance of the final decision shall the presiding officer or judicial 
officer discuss ex parte the merits of the proceeding with any party, or 
attorney or representative of a party: Provided, That procedural matters 
shall not be included within this limitation; and Provided further, That 
the presiding officer or judicial officer may discuss the merits of the 
case with such a person if all parties to the proceeding or their 
attorneys or representatives have been served with notice and an 
opportunity to participate. A memorandum of any such discussion shall be 
included in the record.
    (b) No party, or attorney or representative of a party, or other 
person not an employee of the Department, shall make or knowingly cause 
to be made to the presiding officer or judicial officer an ex parte 
communication relevant to the merits of the proceeding.
    (c) If the presiding officer or judicial officer receives an ex 
parte communication in violation of this section, the one who receives 
the communication shall place in the public record of the proceeding:

[[Page 60]]

    (1) Such communication if written, or a memorandum stating the 
substance of such communication if oral; and
    (2) A copy of any written response or a memorandum stating the 
substance of any oral response thereto.
    (d) Copies of all such items placed or included in the record, as 
provided in this section, shall be served on all parties.
    (e) For purposes of this section ``ex parte communication'' means an 
oral or written communication not on the public record with respect to 
which reasonable prior notice to all parties is not given, but it shall 
not include a request for a status report on any matter or the 
proceeding.



Sec.  202.123  Rule 23: Action by Secretary.

    The Secretary may act in the place and stead of a presiding officer 
or the judicial officer in any proceeding hereunder, or any matter in 
connection therewith.

          Rules of Practice Applicable to All Other Proceedings

    Source: Sections 202.200 and 202.210 were added at 72 FR 19109, Apr. 
17, 2007, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  202.200  Scope and applicability of rules of practice.

    The Uniform Rules of Practice for the Department of Agriculture 
promulgated in Subpart H of Part 1, Subtitle A, Title 7, Code of Federal 
Regulations, are the Rules of Practice applicable to adjudicatory, 
administrative proceedings under the Packers and Stockyards Act, as 
amended (7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.). In addition, the Supplemental Rules of 
Practice set forth in this part shall be applicable to such proceedings.



Sec.  202.210  Stipulations.

    (a) The Administrator may enter into a stipulation with any person 
operating subject to the Packers and Stockyards Act, as amended (P&S 
Act), prior to issuing a complaint that seeks a civil penalty against 
that person.
    (1) The Administrator will give the person notice of an alleged 
violation of the P&S Act or regulations and provide an opportunity for a 
hearing;
    (2) The person has the option to expressly waive the opportunity for 
a hearing and agree to pay a specified civil penalty within a designated 
time;
    (3) The Administrator will agree to settle the matter by accepting 
payment of the specified civil penalty within a designated time;
    (4) If the person does not agree to the stipulation, or does not pay 
the penalty within the specified time, the Administrator may issue an 
administrative complaint citing the alleged violation; and
    (5) The civil penalty that the Administrator proposed in a 
stipulation agreement has no bearing on the civil penalty amount that 
may be sought in a formal administrative proceeding against the same 
person for the same alleged violation.
    (b) [Reserved]



PART 203_STATEMENTS OF GENERAL POLICY UNDER THE PACKERS AND STOCKYARDS
ACT--Table of Contents



Sec.
203.1 [Reserved]
203.2 Statement of general policy with respect to the giving by meat 
          packers of meat and other gifts to Government employees.
203.3 [Reserved]
203.4 Statement with respect to the disposition of records by packers, 
          live poultry dealers, stockyard owners, market agencies and 
          dealers.
203.5 Statement with respect to market agencies paying the expenses of 
          livestock buyers.
203.6 [Reserved]
203.7 Statement with respect to meat packer sales and purchase 
          contracts.
203.8-203.9 [Reserved]
203.10 Statement with respect to insolvency; definition of current 
          assets and current liabilities.
203.11 [Reserved]
203.12 Statement with respect to providing services and facilities at 
          stockyards on a reasonable and nondiscriminatory basis.
203.13 [Reserved]
203.14 Statement with respect to advertising allowances and other 
          merchandising payments and services.
203.15 Trust benefits under sections 206, 207, and 318 of the Packers 
          and Stockyards Act.

[[Page 61]]

203.16 Mailing of checks in payment for livestock purchased for 
          slaughter, for cash and not on credit.
203.17 Statement of general policy with respect to rates and charges at 
          posted stockyards.
203.18 Statement with respect to packers engaging in the business of 
          custom feeding livestock.
203.19 Statement with respect to packers engaging in the business of 
          livestock dealers or buying agencies.

    Authority: 7 CFR 2.22 and 2.81.



Sec.  203.1  [Reserved]



Sec.  203.2  Statement of general policy with respect to the giving by 
meat packers of meat and other gifts to Government employees.

    (a) In recent months, the Department has received information, 
confirmed by investigation, that a number of packers subject to the 
Packers and Stockyards Act have made gifts of meat to Government 
employees responsible for conducting service activities of the 
Department. Such gifts have the implications of fraud, even if not made 
specifically for the purpose of influencing these employees in the 
performance of their duties.
    (b) It is a violation of the Meat Inspection Act for any person, 
firm, or corporation to give to any employee of the Department 
performing duties under such act anything of value with intent to 
influence such employee in the discharge of his duties, or for such 
employee to receive from any person, firm, or corporation engaged in 
interstate or foreign commerce any gift given with any intent or purpose 
whatsoever (21 U.S.C. 90). Under the Federal meat grading regulations, 
the giving or attempting to give by a packer of anything of value to any 
employee of the Department authorized to perform any function under such 
regulations is a basis for the withdrawal of Federal meat grading 
service (7 CFR 53.13). The receiving by an employee of the Department of 
any gift from any person for whom grading, inspection, or other service 
work is performed is specifically prohibited by Departmental 
regulations.
    (c) Upon the basis of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, it is 
the view of the Department that it is an unfair and deceptive practice 
in violation of section 202(a) of the Packers and Stockyards Act (7 
U.S.C. 192(a)) for any person subject to the provisions of Title II of 
said Act to give or offer to give meat, money, or anything of value to 
any Government employee who performs inspection, grading, reporting, or 
regulatory duties directly relating to the purchase or sale of livestock 
or the preparation or distribution of meats, meat food products, 
livestock products in unmanufactured form, poultry or poultry products.

(Sec. 407, 42 Stat. 169; 7 U.S.C. 228; 9 CFR 201.3)

[26 FR 710, Jan. 25, 1961; 29 FR 4081, Mar. 28, 1964]



Sec.  203.3  [Reserved]



Sec.  203.4  Statement with respect to the disposition of records by
packers, live poultry dealers, stockyard owners, market agencies and 
dealers.

    (a) Records to be kept. Section 401 of the Packers and Stockyards 
Act (7 U.S.C. 221) provides, in part, that every packer, live poultry 
dealer, stockyard owner, market agency, and dealer shall keep such 
accounts, records, and memoranda as fully and correctly disclose all 
transactions involved in his business, including the true ownership of 
such business by stockholding or otherwise. In order to properly 
administer the P&S Act, it is necessary that records be retained for 
such periods of time as may be required to permit the Packers and 
Stockyards Division (PSD) a reasonable opportunity to examine such 
records. Section 401 of the Act does not, however, provide for the 
destruction or disposal of records. Therefore, the Department has 
formulated this policy statement to provide guidance as to the periods 
of time after which records may be disposed of or destroyed.
    (b) Records may be disposed of after two years except as otherwise 
provided. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, each 
packer, live poultry dealer, stockyard owner, market agency, and dealer 
may destroy or dispose of accounts, records, and memoranda which 
contain, explain, or modify transactions in its business subject to the 
Act after such accounts, records, and memoranda have been retained for

[[Page 62]]

a period of two full years; Provided, That the following records made or 
kept by a packer may be disposed of after one year: cutting tests; 
departmental transfers; buyers' estimates; drive sheets; scale tickets 
received from others; inventory and products in storage; receiving 
records; trial balances; departmental overhead or expense 
recapitulations; bank statements, reconciliations and deposit slips; 
production or sale tonnage reports (including recapitulations and 
summaries of routes, branches, plants, etc.); buying or selling pricing 
instructions and price lists; correspondence; telegrams; teletype 
communications and memoranda relating to matters other than contracts, 
agreements, purchase or sales invoices, or claims or credit memoranda; 
and Provided further, That microfilm copies of records may be 
substituted for and retained in lieu of the actual records.
    (c) Retention for longer periods may be required. The periods 
specified in paragraph (b) of this section shall be extended if the 
packer, live poultry dealer, stockyard owner, market agency, or dealer 
is notified in writing by the Administrator that specified records 
should be retained for a longer period pending the completion of any 
investigation or proceedings under the Act.
    (d) Unauthorized disposal of records. If it is found that any person 
subject to the Act has disposed of accounts, records, and memoranda 
which are necessary to fully and correctly disclose all transactions in 
its business prior to the periods specified in this statement, 
consideration will be given to the issuance of a complaint charging a 
violation of section 401 of the Act and seeking an appropriate order. 
The administrative proceeding initiated will be conducted in accordance 
with the Rules of Practice Governing Formal Adjudicatory Proceedings 
Instituted by the Secretary (7 CFR 1.130 et seq.).

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

(7 U.S.C. 228, 7 U.S.C. 222, and 15 U.S.C. 46)

[49 FR 6085, Feb. 17, 1984, as amended at 54 FR 16357, Apr. 24, 1989; 68 
FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003; 84 FR 45648, Aug. 30, 2019]



Sec.  203.5  Statement with respect to market agencies paying the 
expenses of livestock buyers.

    It has become a practice in certain areas of the country for market 
agencies, engaged in the business of selling consigned livestock on a 
commission basis, to pay certain of the business or personal expenses 
incurred by buyers attending livestock sales conducted by such market 
agencies, such as, expenses for meals, lodging, travel, entertainment 
and long distance telephone calls. Investigation by the Department, 
discloses that this practice tends to become a method of competition 
between similarly engaged market agencies and results in undue and 
unreasonable cost burdens on such market agencies and the livestock 
producers who sell their livestock through such market agencies.
    It is the view of the Department that it constitutes violations of 
the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, as amended (7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), 
for any market agency engaged in the business of selling consigned 
livestock on a commission basis, to pay, directly or indirectly, any 
personal or business expenses of livestock buyers attending sales 
conducted by such market agency. In the future, if any market agency 
engages in such practice, consideration will be given by the PSD to the 
issuance of a complaint charging the market agency with violation of the 
Act. In the formal administrative proceeding initiated by any such 
complaint, the Judicial Officer of the Department will determine, after 
full hearing, whether the market agency has violated the Act and should 
be ordered to cease and desist from continuing such violation, and 
whether the registration of such market agency should be suspended for a 
reasonable period of time.

(Secs. 407, 4, 42 Stat. 169, 72 Stat. 1750; 7 U.S.C. 228. Interprets or 
applies secs. 304, 307, 312, 42 Stat. 164, 165, 167; 7 U.S.C. 205, 208, 
213)

[29 FR 311, Jan. 14, 1964; 29 FR 3304, Mar. 12, 1964, as amended at 32 
FR 7700, May 26, 1967; 84 FR 45648, Aug. 30, 2019]

[[Page 63]]



Sec.  203.6  [Reserved]



Sec.  203.7  Statement with respect to meat packer sales and purchase
contracts.

    (a) The PSD receives numerous complaints concerning the failure or 
refusal of buyers to pay the full purchase price for, or to accept 
delivery of, their purchases of meat and meat food products and sellers 
failing to meet contractual specifications. Most such complaints arise 
out of disputes concerning condition, grade, weight, or shipping 
instructions.
    (b) It is believed that both seller and buyer should take the 
following points into consideration when selling and buying meat and 
meat food products:
    (1) Terms of shipment and time of arrival. Terms and conditions of 
shipment and delivery should be specified in the contract and both 
parties should understand fully all terms and conditions of the 
contract. Any deviation from normal practices, such as a guaranty by the 
shipper as to the date of arrival at destination, or a deviation from 
the normal meaning of terms, should also be fully understood and made a 
part of the contract.
    (2) Quality and condition. (i) A seller has the responsibility of 
making certain that the meat and meat food products shipped are in 
accordance with the terms of the contract specifications.
    (ii) When a buyer believes that the shipment does not meet the terms 
of the contract, he should immediately contact the seller or the 
seller's agent and advise him of the nature of the complaint. This 
affords the seller an opportunity to renegotiate the contract, to 
personally inspect the meat or meat food products, or to have an 
impartial party inspect or examine the meat or meat food products. 
Inspection and examination service of this type is available nationally 
through the USDA meat grading service and locally through various 
impartial persons or agencies.
    (iii) All terms of a transaction should be made clear in the 
contract, whether written or verbal. If there is any chance of 
misunderstanding, a written confirmation should be exchanged between the 
parties. In any case where a contract dispute cannot be settled between 
the parties and either party intends to file a complaint, such complaint 
should be brought to the attention of the nearest PSD regional office as 
soon as possible. However, a concerted effort on the part of both buyer 
and seller to negotiate clear and complete contracts will greatly reduce 
misunderstandings which can result in the filing of complaints with PSD.
    (c) If the PSD has reason to believe that any packer unjustifiably 
(1) has refused to pay the contractual price for meat or meat food 
products purchased, (2) has refused to accept a shipment of meat or meat 
food products, or (3) has failed to ship meat or meat food products in 
accordance with the terms of the contract specifications, consideration 
will be given to the issuance of a complaint charging the packer with 
violation of section 202 of the Act. In the formal administrative 
proceeding initiated by any such complaint, the Judicial Officer of the 
Department will determine, upon the basis of the record in the 
proceeding, whether the packer has violated the Act and should be 
ordered to cease and desist from continuing such violation.

(Secs. 407(a), 4, 42 Stat. 169, 72 Stat. 1750; 7 U.S.C. 228(a). 
Interprets or applies sec. 202, 42 Stat. 161 et seq., as amended; 7 
U.S.C. 192)

[30 FR 14966, Dec. 3, 1965, as amended at 32 FR 7701, May 26, 1967; 84 
FR 45648, Aug. 30, 2019; 84 FR 56678, Oct. 23, 2019]



Sec. Sec.  203.8-203.9  [Reserved]



Sec.  203.10  Statement with respect to insolvency; definition of current
assets and current liabilities.

    (a) Under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, as amended and 
supplemented (7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), the principal test of insolvency is 
to determine whether a person's current liabilities exceed his current 
assets. This current ratio test of insolvency under the Act has been 
reviewed and affirmed by a United States Court of Appeals. Bowman v. 
United States Department of Agriculture, 363 F. 2d 81 (5th Cir. 1966).
    (b) For the purposes of the administration of the Packers and 
Stockyards Act, 1921, the following terms shall be construed, 
respectively, to mean:
    (1) Current assets means cash and other assets or resources commonly

[[Page 64]]

identified as those which are reasonably expected to be realized in cash 
or sold or consumed during the normal operating cycle of the business, 
which is considered to be one year.
    (2) Current liabilities means obligations whose liquidation is 
reasonably expected to require the use of existing resources principally 
classifiable as current assets or the creation of other current 
liabilities during the one year operating cycle of the business.
    (c) The term current assets generally includes: (1) Cash in bank or 
on hand; (2) sums due a market agency from a custodial account for 
shippers' proceeds; (3) accounts receivable, if collectible; (4) notes 
receivable and portions of long-term notes receivable within one year 
from date of balance sheet, if collectable; (5) inventories of livestock 
acquired for purposes of resale or for purposes of market support; (6) 
feed inventories and other inventories which are intended to be sold or 
consumed in the normal operating cycle of the business; (7) accounts due 
from employees, if collectable; (8) accounts due from officers of a 
corporation, if collectable; (9) accounts due from affiliates and 
subsidiaries of corporations if the financial position of such 
subsidiaries and affiliates justifies such classification; (10) 
marketable securities representing cash available for current operations 
and not otherwise pledged as security; (11) accrued interest receivable; 
and (12) prepaid expenses.
    (d) The term current assets generally excludes: (1) Cash and claims 
to cash which are restricted as to withdrawal, such as custodial funds 
for shippers' proceeds and current proceeds receivable from the sale of 
livestock sold on a commission basis; (2) investments in securities 
(whether marketable or not) or advances which have been made for the 
purposes of control, affiliation, or other continuing business 
advantage; (3) receivables which are not expected to be collected within 
12 months; (4) cash surrender value of life insurance policies; (5) land 
and other natural resources; and (6) depreciable assets.
    (e) The term current liabilities generally includes: (1) Bank 
overdrafts (per books); (2) amounts due a custodial account for 
shippers' proceeds; (3) accounts payable within one year from date of 
balance sheet; (4) notes payable or portions thereof due and payable 
within one year from date of balance sheet; (5) accruals such as taxes, 
wages, social security, unemployment compensation, etc., due and payable 
as of the date of the balance sheet; and (6) all other liabilities whose 
regular and ordinary liquidation is expected to occur within one year.

(Sec. 407(a), 42 Stat. 169, 72 Stat. 1750; 7 U.S.C. 228(a). Interprets 
or applies secs. 202, 307, 312, 502, 505; 42 Stat. 161 et seq., as 
amended; 7 U.S.C. 192, 208, 213, 218a, 218d)

[32 FR 6901, May 5, 1967]



Sec.  203.11  [Reserved]



Sec.  203.12  Statement with respect to providing services and facilities
at stockyards on a reasonable and nondiscriminatory basis.

    (a) Section 304 of the Packers and Stockyards Act (7 U.S.C. 205) 
provides that: ``All stockyard services furnished pursuant to reasonable 
request made to a stockyard owner or market agency at such stockyard 
shall be reasonable and nondiscriminatory and stockyard services which 
are furnished shall not be refused on any basis that is unreasonable or 
unjustly discriminatory[hellip].''
    (b) Section 305 of the Act (7 U.S.C. 206) states that: ``All rates 
or charges made for any stockyard services furnished at a stockyard by a 
stockyard owner or market agency shall be just, reasonable, and 
nondiscriminatory[hellip].''
    (c) Section 307 (7 U.S.C. 208) provides that: ``It shall be the duty 
of every stockyard owner and market agency to establish, observe, and 
enforce just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory regulations and 
practices in respect to the furnishing of stockyard services[hellip].''
    (d) Section 312(a) (7 U.S.C. 213(a)) provides that: ``It shall be 
unlawful for any stockyard owner, market agency, or dealer to engage in 
or use any unfair, unjustly discriminatory, or deceptive practice or 
device in connection with determining whether persons should be 
authorized to operate at the

[[Page 65]]

stockyards, or with the receiving, marketing, buying, or selling on a 
commission basis or otherwise, feeding, watering, holding, delivery, 
shipment, weighing or handling, in commerce, of livestock.''
    (e) Section 301(b) (7 U.S.C. 201(b)) defines ``stockyard services'' 
as any ``services or facilities furnished at a stockyard in connection 
with the receiving, buying, or selling on a commission basis or 
otherwise, marketing, feeding, watering, holding, delivery, shipment, 
weighing, or handling, in commerce, of livestock.''
    (f) It is the view of the Department that it is a violation of 
sections 304, 307, and 312(a) of the Act for a stockyard owner or market 
agency to discriminate, in the furnishing of stockyard services or 
facilities or in establishing rules or regulations at the stockyard, 
because of race, religion, color, or national origin of those persons 
using the stockyard services or facilities. Such services and facilities 
include, but are not limited to, the restaurant, restrooms, drinking 
fountains, lounge accommodations, those furnished for the selling, 
weighing, or other handling of the livestock, and facilities for 
observing such services.
    (g) If the PSD has reason to believe that any stockyard owner or 
market agency has so discriminated in the furnishing of stockyard 
services or facilities, consideration will be given to the issuance of a 
complaint charging the stockyard or market agency with violations of the 
Act.

(Sec. 407(a), 42 Stat. 159, 72 Stat. 1750; 7 U.S.C. 228(a). Interprets 
or applies secs. 304, 307, 312, 42 Stat. 161 et seq., as amended, 7 
U.S.C. 205, 208, 213)

[33 FR 17621, Nov. 26, 1968, as amended at 84 FR 45648, Aug. 30, 2019]



Sec.  203.13  [Reserved]



Sec.  203.14  Statement with respect to advertising allowances and other
merchandising payments and services.

                             The Guidelines

    1. Who is a customer? (a) A customer is a person who buys for resale 
directly from the packer, or through the packer's agent or broker; and 
in addition, a customer is any buyer of the packer's product for resale 
who purchases from or through a wholesaler or other intermediate 
reseller.

    (Note: In determining whether a packer has fulfilled its obligations 
toward its customers, the PSD will recognize that there may be some 
exceptions to this general definition of ``customer.'' For example, the 
purchaser of distress merchandise would not be considered a ``customer'' 
simply on the basis of such purchase. Similarly, a retailer who 
purchases solely from other retailers or one who makes only sporadic 
purchases, or one who does not regularly sell the packer's product or 
who is a type of retail outlet not usually selling such products will 
not be considered a ``customer'' of the packer unless the packer has 
been put on notice that such retailer is selling its product.)

    (b) Competing customers are all businesses that compete in the 
resale of the packer's products of like grade and quality at the same 
functional level of distribution, regardless of whether they purchase 
direct from the packer or through some intermediary.

    Example: A packer sells directly to some independent retailers, 
sells to the headquarters of chains and of retailer-owned cooperatives, 
and also sells to wholesalers. The direct-buying independent retailers, 
the headquarters of chains and of retailer-owned cooperatives, and the 
wholesalers' independent retailer customers are customers of the packer. 
Individual retail outlets which are part of the chains or members of the 
retailer-owned cooperatives are not customers of the packer.

    2. Definition of services. Services are any kind of advertising or 
promotion of a packer's product, including but not limited to, 
cooperative advertising, handbills, window and floor displays, 
demonstrators and demonstrations, customer coupons, and point of 
purchase activity.
    3. Need for a plan. If a packer makes payments or furnishes 
services, it should do so under a plan that meets several requirements. 
If there are many competing customers to be considered, or if the plan 
is at all complex, the packer would be well advised to put its plan in 
writing. The requirements are:
    (a) Proportionally equal terms--The payments or services under the 
plan should be made available to all competing customers on 
proportionally equal terms. This means that payments or services should 
be made proportionately on some basis that is fair to all customers who 
compete in the resale of the packer's products. No single way to achieve 
the proper proportion is prescribed, and any method that treats 
competing customers on proportionally equal terms may be used. 
Generally, this can best be done by basing the payments made or the 
services furnished on the dollar volume or on the

[[Page 66]]

quantity of goods purchased during a specified period. Other methods 
which are fair to all competing customers are also acceptable.

    Example 1: A packer may properly offer to pay a specified part (say 
50 percent) of the cost of local advertising up to an amount equal to a 
set percentage (such as 5 percent) of the dollar volume of such 
purchases during a specified time.
    Example 2: A packer may properly place in reserve for each customer 
a specified amount of money for each unit purchased and use it to 
reimburse those customers for the cost of advertising and promoting the 
packer's product during a specified time.
    Example 3: A packer's plan should not provide an allowance on a 
basis that has rates graduated with the amount of goods purchased, as 
for instance, 1 percent of the first $1,000 purchases per month, 2 
percent on second $1,000 per month, and 3 percent on all over that.

    (b) Packer's duty to inform--The packer should take reasonable 
action, in good faith, to inform all its competing customers of the 
availability of its promotional program. Such notification should 
include all the relevant details of the offer in time to enable 
customers to make an informed judgment whether to participate. Where 
such one-step notification is impracticable, the packer may, in lieu 
thereof, maintain a continuing program of first notifying all competing 
customers of the types of promotions offered by the packer and a 
specific source for the customer to contact in order to receive full and 
timely notice of all relevant details of the packer's promotions. Such 
notice should also inform all competing customers that the packer offers 
advertising allowances and/or other promotional assistance that are 
usable in a practical business sense by all retailers regardless of 
size. When a customer indicates its desire to be put on the notification 
list, the packer should keep that customer advised of all promotions 
available in its area as long as the customer so desires. The packer may 
make the required notification by any means it chooses; but in order to 
show later that it gave notice to a certain customer, it is in a better 
position to do so if it was given in writing or a record was prepared at 
the time of notification showing date, person notified, and contents of 
notification.
    If more direct methods of notification are impracticable, a packer 
may employ one or more of the following methods, the sufficiency of 
which will depend upon the complexity of its own distribution system. 
Different packers may find that different notification methods are most 
effective for them:
    (1) The packer may enter into contracts with its wholesaler, 
distributors or other third parties which conform to the requirements of 
item 5, infra.
    (2) The packer may place appropriate announcements on product 
containers or inside thereof with conspicuous notice of such enclosure 
on the outside.
    (3) The packer may publish notice of the availability and essential 
features of a promotional plan in a publication of general distribution 
in the trade.

    Example 1: A packer has a wholesaler-oriented plan directed to 
wholesalers distributing its products to retailing customers. It should 
notify all the competing wholesalers distributing its products of the 
availability of this plan, but the packer is not required to notify 
retailing customers.
    Example 2: A packer who sells on a direct basis to some retailers in 
an area, and to other retailers in the area through wholesalers, has a 
plan for the promotion of its products at the retail level. If the 
packer directly notifies not only all competing direct purchasing 
retailers but also all competing retailers purchasing through the 
wholesalers as to the availability, terms and conditions of the plan, 
the packer is not required to notify its wholesalers.
    Example 3: A packer regularly engages in promotional programs and 
the competing customers include large direct purchasing retailers and 
smaller customers who purchase through wholesalers. The packer may 
encourage, but not coerce, the retailer purchasing through a wholesaler 
to designate a wholesaler as its agent for receiving notice of, 
collecting, and using promotional allowances for the customer. If a 
wholesaler or other intermediary by written agreement with a retailer is 
actually authorized to collect promotional payments from suppliers, the 
packer may assume that notice of and payment under a promotional plan to 
such wholesaler or intermediary constitutes notice and payment to the 
retailer.
    (A packer should not rely on a written agreement authorizing an 
intermediary to receive notice of and/or payment under a promotional 
plan for a retailer if the packer knows, or should know, that the 
retailer was coerced into signing the agreement. In addition, a packer 
should assume that an intermediary is not authorized to receive notice 
of and/or payment under a promotional plan for a retailer unless there 
is a written authorization signed by such retailer.)

    (c) Availability to all competing customers--The plan should be such 
that all types of competing customers may participate. It should not be 
tailored to favor or discriminate against a particular customer or class 
of customers but should, in its terms, be usable in a practical business 
sense by all competing customers. This may require offering all such 
customers more than one way to participate in the plan or offering 
alternative terms and conditions to customers for whom the basic plan is 
not usable

[[Page 67]]

and suitable. The packer should not, either expressly or by the way the 
plan operates, eliminate some competing customers, although it may offer 
alternative plans designed for different customer classes. If it offers 
alternative plans, all of the plans offered should provide the same 
proportionate equality and the packer should inform competing customers 
of the various alternative plans.
    When a packer, in good faith, offers a basic plan, including 
alternatives, which is reasonably fair and nondiscriminatory and 
refrains from taking any steps which would prevent any customer, or 
class of customers, from participating in its program, it shall be 
deemed to have satisfied its obligation to make its plan functionally 
available to all customers, and the failure of any customer or customers 
to participate in the program shall not be deemed to place the packer in 
violation of the provisions of the Packers and Stockyards Act.

    Example 1: A packer offers a plan of short term store displays of 
varying sizes, including some which are suitable for each of its 
competing customers and at the same time are small enough so that each 
customer may make use of the promotion in a practical business sense. 
The plan also calls for uniform, reasonable certification of performance 
by the retailer. Because they are reluctant to process a reasonable 
amount of paperwork, some small retailers do not participate. This fact 
is not deemed to place a packer in violation of Item 3(c) and it is 
under no obligation to provide additional alternatives.
    Example 2: A packer offers a plan for cooperative advertising on 
radio, television, or in newspapers of general circulation. \1\ Because 
the purchases of some of its customers are too small, this offer is not 
``functionally available'' to them. The packer should offer them 
alternative(s) on proportionally equal terms that are usable by them and 
suitable for their business.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ In order to avoid the tailoring of promotional programs that 
discriminate against particular customers or class of customers, the 
packer in offering to pay allowances for newspaper advertising should 
offer to pay the same percentage of the cost of newspaper advertising 
for all competing customers in a newspaper of the customer's choice, or 
at least in those newspapers that meet the requirements for second class 
mail privileges.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d) Need to understand terms--In informing customers of the details 
of a plan, the packer should provide them sufficient information to give 
a clear understanding of the exact terms of the offer, including all 
alternatives, and the conditions upon which payment will be made or 
services furnished.
    (e) Checking customer's use of payments--The packer should take 
reasonable precautions to see that services it is paying for are 
furnished and also that it is not overpaying for them. Moreover, the 
customer should expend the allowance solely for the purpose for which it 
was given. If the packer knows or should know that what it pays or 
furnishes is not being properly used by some customers, the improper 
payments or services should be discontinued. \2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ The granting of allowances or payments that have little or no 
relationship to cost or approximate cost of the service provided by the 
retailer may be considered a violation of section 202 of the Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A packer who, in good faith, takes reasonable and prudent measures 
to verify the performance of its competing customers will be deemed to 
have satisfied its obligations under the Act. Also, a packer who, in 
good faith, concludes a promotional agreement with wholesalers or other 
intermediaries and who otherwise conforms to the standards of Item 5 
shall be deemed to have satisfied this obligation. If a packer has taken 
such steps, the fact that a particular customer has retained an 
allowance in excess of the cost, or approximate cost if the actual cost 
is not known, of services performed by the customer shall not alone be 
deemed to place a packer in violation of the Act.
    (When customers may have different but closely related costs in 
furnishing services that are difficult to determine such as the cost for 
distributing coupons from a bulletin board or using a window banner, the 
packer may furnish to each customer the same payment if it has a 
reasonable relationship to the cost of providing the service or is not 
grossly in excess thereof.)
    4. Competing customers. The packer is required to provide in its 
plan only for those customers who compete with each other in the resale 
of the packer's products of like grade and quality. Therefore a packer 
should make available to all competing wholesalers any plan providing 
promotional payments or services to wholesalers, and similarly should 
make available to all competing retailers any plan providing promotional 
payments or services to retailers. With these requirements met, a packer 
can limit the area of its promotion. However, this section is not 
intended to deal with the question of a packer's liability for use of an 
area promotion where the effect may be to injure the packer's 
competition.
    5. Wholesaler or third party performance of packer's obligations. A 
packer may, in good faith, enter into written agreements with 
intermediaries, such as wholesalers, distributors or other third 
parties, including promoters of tripartite promotional plans, which 
provide that such intermediaries will

[[Page 68]]

perform all or part of the packer's obligations under this part. 
However, the interposition of intermediaries between the packer and its 
customers does not relieve the packer of its ultimate responsibility of 
compliance with the provisions of the Packers and Stockyards Act. The 
packer, in order to demonstrate its good faith effort to discharge its 
obligations under this part, should include in any such agreement 
provisions that the intermediary will:
    (1) Give notice to the packer's customers in conformity with the 
standards set forth in items 3(b) and (d), supra;
    (2) Check customer performance in conformity with the standards set 
forth in item 3(e), supra;
    (3) Implement the plan in a manner which will insure its functional 
availability to the packer's customers in conformity with the standards 
set forth in item 3(c), supra (This must be done whether the plan is one 
devised by the packer itself or by the intermediary for use by the 
packer's customers.); and
    (4) Provide certification in writing and at reasonable intervals 
that the packer's customers have been and are being treated in 
conformity with the agreement.
    A packer who negotiates such agreements with its wholesalers, 
distributors or third party promoters will be considered by the 
Administration to have justified its ``good faith'' obligations under 
this section only if it accompanies such agreements with the following 
supplementary measures: At regular intervals the packer takes 
affirmative steps to verify that its customers are receiving the 
proportionally equal treatment to which they are entitled by making spot 
checks designed to reach a representative cross section of its 
customers. Whenever such spot checks indicate that the agreements are 
not being implemented in such a way that its customers are receiving 
such proportionally equal treatment, the packer takes immediate steps to 
expand or to supplement such agreements in a manner reasonably designed 
to eliminate the repetition or continuation of any such discriminations 
in the future.
    Intermediaries, subject to the Packers and Stockyards Act, 
administering promotional assistance programs on behalf of a packer may 
be in violation of the provisions of the Packers and Stockyards Act, if 
they have agreed to perform the packer's obligations under the Act with 
respect to a program which they have represented to be usable and 
suitable for all the packer's competing customers if it should later 
develop that the program was not offered to all or, if offered, was not 
usable or suitable, or was otherwise administered in a discriminatory 
manner.
    6. Customer's liability. A customer, subject to the Packers and 
Stockyards Act, who knows, or should know, that it is receiving payments 
or services which are not available on proportionally equal terms to its 
competitors engaged in the resale of the same packer's products may be 
in violation of the provisions of the Act. Also, customers (subject to 
the Packers and Stockyards Act) that make unauthorized deductions from 
purchase invoices for alleged advertising or other promotional 
allowances may be proceeded against under the provisions of the Act.

    Example: A customer subject to the Act should not induce or receive 
an allowance in excess of that offered in the packer's advertising plan 
by billing the packer at ``vendor rates'' or for any other amount in 
excess of that authorized in the packer's promotion program.

    7. Meeting competition. A packer charged with discrimination under 
the provisions of the Packers and Stockyards Act may defend its actions 
by showing that the payments were made or the services were furnished in 
good faith to meet equally high payments made by a competing packer to 
the particular customer, or to meet equivalent services furnished by a 
competing packer to the particular customer. This defense, however, is 
subject to important limitations. For instance, it is insufficient to 
defend solely on the basis that competition in a particular market is 
very keen, requiring that special allowances be given to some customers 
if a packer is ``to be competitive.''
    8. Cost justification. It is no defense to a charge of unlawful 
discrimination in the payment of an allowance or the furnishing of a 
service for a packer to show that such payment or service could be 
justified through savings in the cost of manufacture, sale, or delivery.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

[58 FR 52886, Oct. 13, 1993; 58 FR 58902, Nov. 4, 1993, as amended at 68 
FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003; 84 FR 56678, Oct. 23, 2019]



Sec.  203.15  Trust benefits under sections 206, 207, and 318 of the
Packers and Stockyards Act.

    (a) Within the times specified under sections 206(b), 207(d), and 
318(b) of the Act, any livestock seller, live poultry seller or grower, 
to preserve their interest in the statutory trust, must give written 
notice to the appropriate packer, live poultry dealer, or livestock 
dealer and file such notice with the Secretary within the prescribed 
time by letter, fax, email, or other electronic transmission. The 
written notice should provide:
    (1) Notification to preserve trust benefits;

[[Page 69]]

    (2) Identification of packer, live poultry dealer, or livestock 
dealer;
    (3) Identification of seller or poultry grower;
    (4) Date of the transaction;
    (5) Date of seller's or poultry grower's receipt of notice that 
payment instrument has been dishonored (if applicable); and
    (6) Amount of money due; and to make certain that a copy of such 
letter, fax, email, or other electronic transmission is filed with a PSD 
regional office or with the PSD headquarters office within the 
prescribed time.
    (b) While the information in paragraphs (a)(1) through (6) of this 
section is desirable, any written notice which informs the packer, live 
poultry dealer, or livestock dealer, and the Secretary that the packer, 
live poultry dealer, or livestock dealer has failed to pay is sufficient 
to meet the statutory requirement in paragraph (a) of this section if it 
is given within the prescribed time.
    (c) For purposes of administering statutory trusts under the Act, a 
cash sale means a sale in which the seller does not expressly extend 
credit to the buyer.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0581-0308)

[88 FR 41022, June 23, 2023]



Sec.  203.16  Mailing of checks in payment for livestock purchased for
slaughter, for cash and not on credit.

    (a) The Department recognizes that one who sells livestock to a 
packer, market agency, or dealer, who is purchasing for slaughter, may 
not intend to be present at the point of transfer of possession of the 
livestock, to receive payment, at the time a check in payment for such 
livestock may be delivered by the purchaser, and may not wish to 
authorize a representative to receive such a check; or for other reasons 
such a seller may prefer that such a purchaser make payment by mailing a 
check within the time limit as prescribed in section 409(a) of the Act. 
In cases when the seller does not intend to be present, he may use the 
following form of notification to the purchaser:

    I do not intend to be present at the point of transfer of possession 
of livestock sold by me to (name of packer, market agency, or dealer) 
for the purpose of receiving a check in payment for such livestock.
    I hereby direct (name of packer, market agency, or dealer) to make 
payment for livestock purchased from me, by mailing a check for the full 
amount of the purchase price before the close of the next business day 
following the purchase of livestock and transfer of possession thereof 
or, in the case of a purchase on a ``carcass'' or ``grade and yield'' 
basis, not later than the close of the first business day following 
determination of the purchase price.
    This does not constitute an extension of credit to (name of packer, 
market agency or dealer). This is subject to cancellation by me at any 
time, and if not cancelled by (date), it shall terminate on that date.


If the seller, for reasons other than not being present to receive 
payment, prefers to have the packer, market agency, or dealer make 
payment by mailing a check within the time limit as provided in section 
409(a), he may use the above form but should not include the statement 
in the first sentence that he does not intend to be present.
    (b) The Department believes that such an agreement would not 
constitute an extension of credit within the meaning of section 206 of 
the Act because it would not give the purchaser any more time to issue a 
check than is provided in section 409(a).

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

(Sec. 401, 42 Stat. 168 (7 U.S.C 221); sec. 407, 42 Stat. 169 (7 U.S.C. 
228); sec. 409, as added by sec. 7, 90 Stat. 1250 (7 U.S.C. 228b); 7 CFR 
2.17, 2.54; 42 FR 35625; Pub. L. 96-511, 94 Stat. 2812 (44 U.S.C. 3501 
et seq.); 7 U.S.C. 222 and 228 and 15 U.S.C. 46)

[42 FR 49929, Sept. 28, 1977, as amended at 49 FR 39516, Oct. 9, 1984; 
68 FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003; 84 FR 45648, Aug. 30, 2019]



Sec.  203.17  Statement of general policy with respect to rates and 
charges at posted stockyards.

    (a) Requests have been received from stockyard operators, market 
agencies, and livestock producers urging a reduction of rate regulation 
at posted stockyards. Their requests are based on the belief that 
competition among markets will set a level of rates and charges fair to 
both the market operator and to the livestock producer. PSD will accept 
for

[[Page 70]]

filing tariffs containing any level of charges after 10 days' notice to 
the public and to the Secretary as required by the Act.
    (b) PSD will not investigate the level of rates and charges 
established by stockyard owners and market agencies for reasonableness 
except upon receipt of a valid complaint or under compelling 
circumstances warranting such an investigation. Stockyard owners and 
market agencies will have substantial flexibility in setting their own 
rates and charges.
    (c) Complaints filed about the reasonableness of rates and charges 
will be investigated to determine the validity of such complaints and 
appropriate action taken if warranted.
    (d) PSD will continue to insure that the schedules of rates and 
charges filed with the Department are applied uniformly and in a 
nondiscriminatory manner.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

(7 U.S.C. 203, 204, 207, 217a, 222 and 228)

[49 FR 33004, Aug. 20, 1984, as amended at 68 FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003; 
84 FR 45648, Aug. 30, 2019]



Sec.  203.18  Statement with respect to packers engaging in the business
of custom feeding livestock.

    (a) In its administration of the Packers and Stockyards Act, the 
Department has sought to promote and maintain open and fair competition 
in the livestock and packing industries, and to prevent unfair or 
anticompetitive practices when they are found to exist. It is the 
opinion of the Department that the ownership or operation of custom 
feedlots by packers presents problems which may under some circumstances 
result in violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act.
    (b) Packers contemplating entering into such arrangements with 
custom feedlots are encouraged to consult with the Administration prior 
to the commencement of such activities. Custom feedlots are not only 
places of production, but are also important marketing centers, and in 
connection with the operation of a custom feedlot, it is customary for 
the feedlot operator to assume responsibility for marketing fed 
livestock for the accounts of feedlot customers. When a custom feedlot 
is owned or operated by a packer, and when such packer purchases fed 
livestock from the feedlot, this method of operation potentially gives 
rise to a conflict of interest. In such situations, the packer's 
interest in the fed livestock as a buyer is in conflict with its 
obligations to feedlot customers to market their livestock to the 
customer's best advantage. Under these circumstances, the packer should 
take appropriate measures to eliminate any conflict of interest. At a 
minimum, such measures should insure:
    (1) That feedlot customers are fully advised of the common ties 
between the feedlot and the packer, and of their rights and options with 
respect to the marketing of their livestock;
    (2) That all feedlot customers are treated equally by the packer/
custom feedlot in connection with the marketing of fed livestock; and
    (3) That marketing decisions rest solely with the feedlot customer 
unless otherwise expressly agreed.
    (c) Packer ownership or operation of custom feedlots may also give 
rise to competitive problems in some situations. Packers contemplating 
or engaging in the business of operating a custom feedlot should 
carefully review their operations to assure that no restriction of 
competition exists or is likely to occur.
    (d) The Department does not consider the existence of packer/custom 
feedlot relationships, by itself, to constitute a violation of the Act. 
In the event it appears that a packer/custom feedlot arrangement gives 
rise to a violation of the Act, an investigation will be made on a case-
by-case basis, and, where warranted, appropriate action will be taken.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

(7 U.S.C. 203, 204, 207, 217a, 222 and 228)

[49 FR 33004, Aug. 20, 1984, as amended at 68 FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003; 
84 FR 45648, Aug. 30, 2019]

[[Page 71]]



Sec.  203.19  Statement with respect to packers engaging in the business
of livestock dealers or buying agencies.

    (a) In its administration of the Packers and Stockyards Act, the 
Department has sought to prevent conflicts of interest and to maintain 
open and fair competition in the livestock and meat packing industries. 
The ownership or operation of livestock dealers or buying agencies by 
packers, under some circumstances, may result in violations of the 
Packers and Stockyards Act.
    (b) Traditionally, livestock dealers and buying agencies purchase 
livestock for resale or to fill orders for farmers, ranchers, producers, 
other livestock firms and packers. When a livestock dealer or buying 
agency is owned or operated by a packer, and when such packer is also 
buying livestock for its own operational requirements, there is a 
potential conflict of interest. Furthermore, the purchase and sale of 
livestock by meat packers may result in control of markets and prices 
which could adversely affect both livestock producers, competing 
packers, and consumers.
    (c) Arrangements between packers and dealers or buying agencies 
which do not normally create a conflict of interest or result in a 
restraint of competition include:
    (1) Operations utilizing different species or classes of livestock;
    (2) Operations where the business activities are widely separated 
geographically; and
    (3) Operations where tie-in purchases or sales are not involved. 
Packers contemplating engaging in the business of a livestock dealer or 
a buying agency are encouraged to consult with the PSD prior to the 
commencement of such activities.
    (d) In the event a packer/dealer or a packer/buying agency 
arrangement appears to give rise to a violation of the Act, an 
investigation will be made on a case-by-case basis and, where warranted, 
appropriate action will be taken.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0015)

(7 U.S.C. 228, 228b, 222, 15 U.S.C. 46)

[49 FR 32845, Aug. 17, 1984; 54 FR 26349, June 23, 1989, as amended at 
68 FR 75388, Dec. 31, 2003; 84 FR 45648, Aug. 30, 2019]

                           PART 204 [RESERVED]



PART 205_CLEAR TITLE_PROTECTION FOR PURCHASERS OF FARM PRODUCTS-
-Table of Contents



                               Definitions

Sec.
205.1 Definitions.

                               Regulations

205.101 Certification--request and processing.
205.102 Name of person subjecting a farm product to a security interest, 
          on EFS and master list--format.
205.103 EFS--minimum information.
205.104 Registration of buyer, commission merchant, or selling agent--
          minimum information.
205.105 Master list and portion thereof distributed to registrants--
          format.
205.106 Farm products.
205.107 Crop year.

                          Interpretive Opinions

205.201 System operator.
205.202 ``Effective financing statement'' or EFS.
205.203 Place of filing EFS.
205.204 Filing ``notice'' of EFS.
205.205 Fees.
205.206 Farm products.
205.207 ``Amount'' and ``County or parish''.
205.208 Distribution of portions of master list--registration--
          information to non-registrants on request.
205.209 Amendment or continuation of EFS.
205.210 Effect of EFS outside State in which filed.
205.211 Applicability of court decisions under the UCC.
205.212 ``Buyer in ordinary course of business'' and ``security 
          interest.''
205.213 Obligations subject--``person indebted''--``debtor.''
205.214 Litigation as to whether a system is operating in compliance 
          with the Section.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1631; 7 CFR 2.22 and 2.81.

[[Page 72]]


    Source: 51 FR 29451, Aug. 18, 1986, unless otherwise noted.

                               Definitions



Sec.  205.1  Definitions.

    Terms defined in section 1324 of the Food Security Act of 1985, Pub. 
L. 99-198, 99 Stat. 1535, 7 U.S.C. 1631, shall mean the same in this 
part as therein. In addition, except as otherwise specified, as used in 
this part:
    Approved Unique Identifier means a combination of numbers selected 
by the Secretary of State using a selection system or method approved by 
the Secretary of Agriculture.
    EFS means effective financing statement as defined in subsection 
(c)(4);
    Master list means the accumulation of data in paper, electronic, or 
other form, described in subsection (c)(2)(C);
    Portion means portion of the master list distributed to registrants 
under subsection (c)(2)(E);
    Registrant means any buyer of farm products, commission merchant, or 
selling agent, as referred-to in the Section, registered with a system 
under subsection (c)(2)(D);
    The Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture of the United 
States;
    The Section means section 1324 of the above-cited Act, and 
``subsection'' means a subsection of that Section;
    System means central filing system as defined in subsection (c)(2);
    System operator means Secretary of State or other person designated 
by a State to operate a system;
    UCC or Uniform Commercial Code means the Uniform Commercial Code 
prepared under the joint sponsorship of the American Law Institute and 
the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, and in 
effect in most States of the United States at the time of enactment of 
Pub. L. 99-198.

[51 FR 29451, Aug. 18, 1986, as amended at 71 FR 56342, Sept. 27, 2006; 
72 FR 25948, May 8, 2007]

                               Regulations



Sec.  205.101  Certification--request and processing.

    (a) To obtain certification of a system, a written request for 
certification must be filed together with such documents as show that 
the system complies with the Section. If such material is voluminous, a 
summary, table of contents, and index must accompany it as necessary to 
facilitate review.
    (b) The request must:
    (1) Include an introductory explanation of how the system will 
operate;
    (2) Identify the information which will be required to be supplied 
on an EFS;
    (3) Identify where an EFS, amendment thereto, or continuation 
thereof, will be filed and, if elsewhere than with the system operator, 
explain how and in what form the system operator will receive 
information needed to compile and update the master list;
    (4) Explain the method for recording the date and hour of filing of 
an EFS, amendment thereto, or continuation thereof;
    (5) Explain how the master list will be compiled, including the 
method and form of storage and arrangement of information, explain the 
method and form of retrieval of information from the master list, the 
method and form of distribution of portions of the master list to 
registrants as required by subsection (c)(2)(E), and the method and form 
of furnishing of information orally with written confirmation as 
required by subsection (c)(2)(F) (details of computer hardware and 
software need not be furnished but the results it will produce must be 
explained);
    (6) Explain how the list of registrants will be compiled, including 
identification of where and how they will register, what information 
they must supply in connection with registration, and the method and 
form of storage and retrieval of such information (details of computer 
hardware and software need not be furnished but the results it will 
produce must be explained);
    (7) Show how frequently portions of the master list will be 
distributed regularly to registrants;
    (8) Show the farm products according to which the master list will 
be organized;
    (9) Show how the system will interpret the term ``crop year'' and 
how it will classify as to crop year an EFS not showing crop year;

[[Page 73]]

    (10) Show what fee will be charged and explain how the costs of the 
system will be covered if not by such fee and the general revenue of the 
State;
    (11) If a unique identifier will be used in the system, explain how 
the unique identifier will be selected and how it will be used by the 
system, including, but not limited to, how lists will be organized, and 
how searches may be performed, using the unique identifier.
    (12) Include copies of:
    (i) All State legislation or other legal authority under which the 
system is created and operated, and the system operator is designated;
    (ii) All regulations, rules, and requirements issued under such 
legislation or other legal authority and governing operation of the 
system, designation of the system operator, and use of the system by 
members of the public; and
    (iii) All printed and electronic forms required to be used in 
connection with the system.
    (c) Any such request and attachments must be filed in triplicate 
(one copy for public inspection, as second copy for use in AMS, and a 
third copy for use in the Office of the General Counsel, USDA). All 
three copies must be received in the headquarters of the Packers and 
Stockyards Division, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), USDA, 
Washington, DC 20250.
    (d) A refusal to certify such a system, if any, will be explained in 
writing. Reconsideration of such a refusal must be requested in writing 
with specification of errors believed to have been made.
    (e) To make changes to an existing certified central filing system, 
including changes necessitated or made possible by amendments to the 
Section, a written request to amend the existing certified central 
filing system must be filed together with such documents as are 
necessary to show that the system complies with the Section. The request 
must contain relevant new information consistent with the requirements 
specified elsewhere in this section.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0016)

[51 FR 29451, Aug. 18, 1986, as amended at 61 FR 54728, Oct. 22, 1996; 
71 FR 56342, Sept. 27, 2006; 84 FR 45648, Aug. 30, 2019]



Sec.  205.102  Name of person subjecting a farm product to a security
interest, on EFS and master list--format.

    On an EFS, and on a master list, the name of the person subjecting a 
farm product to a security interest must appear as follows:
    (a) In the case of a natural person, the surname (last name or 
family name) must appear first;
    (b) In the case of a corporation or other entity not a natural 
person, the name must appear beginning with the first word or character 
not an article or punctuation mark.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0016)

[51 FR 29451, Aug. 18, 1986, as amended at 71 FR 56342, Sept. 27, 2006]



Sec.  205.103  EFS--minimum information.

    (a) The minimum information necessary on an EFS is as follows:
    (1) Crop year unless every crop of the farm product in question, for 
the duration of the EFS, is to be subject to the particular security 
interest;
    (2) Farm product name (see Sec. Sec.  205.106, 205.206);
    (3) Each county or parish in the same State where the farm product 
is produced or located;
    (4) Name and address of each person subjecting the farm product to 
the security interest, whether or not a debtor (see Sec.  205.102);
    (5) Social security number or other approved unique identifier or, 
if other than a natural person, IRS taxpayer identification number or 
other approved unique identifier of each such person;
    (6) Further details of the farm product subject to the security 
interest if needed to distinguish it from other such product owned by 
the same person or persons but not subject to the particular security 
interest (see Sec.  205.207); and
    (7) Secured party name and address.
    (b) A requirement of additional information on an EFS is 
discretionary with the State.
    (c) Whether to permit one EFS to reflect multiple products, or 
products in

[[Page 74]]

multiple counties, is discretionary with the State.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0016)

[51 FR 29451, Aug. 18, 1986, as amended at 71 FR 56342, Sept. 27, 2006]



Sec.  205.104  Registration of buyer, commission merchant, or selling
agent--minimum information.

    (a) The minimum information necessary on a registration of a buyer, 
commission merchant, or selling agent is as follows:
    (1) Buyer, commission merchant, or selling agent name and address;
    (2) Farm product or products (see Sec. Sec.  205.106, 205.206) in 
which registrant is interested; and
    (3) If registrant is interested only in such product or products 
produced or located in a certain county or parish, or certain counties 
or parishes, in the same State, the name of each such county or parish.
    (b) A registrant, if not registered for any specified county or 
parish, or counties or parishes, must be deemed to have registered for 
all counties and parishes shown on the master list.
    (c) A requirement of additional information on a registration form 
is discretionary with the State.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0016)

[51 FR 29451, Aug. 18, 1986, as amended at 71 FR 56342, Sept. 27, 2006]



Sec.  205.105  Master list and portion thereof distributed to 
registrants--format.

    (a) The master list must contain all the information on all the 
EFS's filed in the system, so arranged that it is possible to deliver to 
any registrant all such information relating to any product, produced or 
located in any county or parish (or all counties or parishes), for any 
crop year, covered by the system. The system must be able to deliver all 
such information to any registrant, either in alphabetical order by the 
word appearing first in the name of each person subjecting a product to 
a security interest (see Sec.  205.102), in numerical order by social 
security number or approved unique identifier (or, if other than a 
natural person, IRS taxpayer identification number or approved unique 
identifier) of each such person, or in both alphabetical and numerical 
orders, as requested by the registrant.
    (b) Section (c)(2)(E) requires the portion to be distributed in 
``written or printed form.'' This means recording on paper by any 
technology in a form that can be read by humans without special 
equipment. The system may, however, honor requests from registrants to 
substitute recordings on any medium by any technology including, but not 
limited to, electronic recording on tapes or discs in machine-readable 
form, and on photographic recording on microfiche. It also includes, if 
requested by registrants, electronic transmissions whereby registrants 
can print their own paper copies.
    (c) After distribution of a portion of a master list, there can be 
supplementary distribution of a portion showing only changes from the 
previous one. However, if this is done, cumulative supplements must be 
distributed often enough that readers can find all the information given 
to them for any one crop year in no more than three distributions.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0016)

[51 FR 29451, Aug. 18, 1986, as amended at 61 FR 54728, Oct. 22, 1996; 
71 FR 56343, Sept. 27, 2006]



Sec.  205.106  Farm products.

    The farm products, according to which the master list must be 
organized as required by subsection (c)(2), and which must be identified 
on an EFS as required by subsection (c)(4)(C)(iv), must be specific 
commodities, species of livestock, and specific products of crops or 
livestock. The Section does not permit miscellaneous categories.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0016)

[51 FR 29451, Aug. 18, 1986, as amended at 71 FR 56343, Sept. 27, 2006]



Sec.  205.107  Crop year.

    (a) The crop year, according to which subsection (c)(2)(C)(ii)(IV) 
requires the master list to be arranged ``within each such product,'' 
must be:

[[Page 75]]

    (1) For a crop grown in soil, the calendar year in which it is 
harvested or to be harvested;
    (2) For animals, the calendar year in which they are born or 
acquired;
    (3) For poultry or eggs, the calendar year in which they are sold or 
to be sold.
    (b) An EFS or notice thereof which does not show crop year (the 
Section does not require it to do so) must be regarded as applicable to 
the crop or product in question for every year for which subsection 
(c)(4)(E) makes the EFS effective.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0016)

[51 FR 29451, Aug. 18, 1986, as amended at 71 FR 56343, Sept. 27, 2006]

                          Interpretive opinions



Sec.  205.201  System operator.

    The system operator can be the Secretary of State of a State, or any 
designee of the State pursuant to its laws. Note that the provision in 
subsection (c)(2) for a system refers to operation by the Secretary of 
State of a State, but the definition in (c)(11) of ``Secretary of 
State'' includes ``designee of the State.''



Sec.  205.202  ``Effective financing statement'' or EFS.

    (a) An EFS under subsection (c)(4) need not be the same as a 
financing statement or security agreement under the Uniform Commercial 
Code (or equivalent document under future successor State law), but can 
be an entirely separate document meeting the definition in (c)(4). Note 
that (c)(4) contains a comprehensive definition of the term which does 
not include any requirement that the EFS be the instrument by which a 
security interest is created or perfected. Note also the House Committee 
Report on Pub. L. 99-198, No. 99-271, Part 1, September 13, 1985, at 
page 110: ``[T]he bill would not preempt basic state-law rules on the 
creation, perfection, or priority of security interests.''
    (b) An EFS may be filed electronically provided a State allows 
electronic filing of financing statements without the signature of the 
debtor under applicable State law under provisions of the Uniform 
Commercial Code or may be a paper document. An electronically filed EFS 
need not be a paper document and need not be signed. If an original or 
reproduced paper document of an EFS is filed with the State, it must be 
signed, authorized, or otherwise authenticated by the debtor and be 
filed by the secured party.
    (c) Countermeasures against mishandling after filing, such as a 
requirement that a copy be date stamped and returned to the secured 
party, are discretionary with the State. If a State chooses to adopt 
such countermeasures, it is responsible for establishing procedures for 
recording the date and time when an EFS is received, and for meeting all 
legal requirements associated with filing and distributing information 
about security interests as required by Sec.  205.101.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0016)

[51 FR 29451, Aug. 18, 1986, as amended at 61 FR 54728, Oct. 22, 1996; 
71 FR 56343, Sept. 27, 2006]



Sec.  205.203  Place of filing EFS.

    The place of filing an EFS is wherever State law requires, which 
need not be with the system operator so long as the system operator 
receives the information needed for the master list, including the 
information required in subsection (c)(4)(C). Note that the requirements 
in subsection (c)(4) for an EFS include the requirement that it be 
``filed with the Secretary of State,'' but the definition in (c)(11) of 
``Secretary of State'' includes ''designee of the State,'' and the 
requirements in (c)(2) for a system refer in (A) to filing with the 
system operator of ``effective financing statements or notice of such 
financing statements.'' (emphasis added)

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0016)

[51 FR 29451, Aug. 18, 1986, as amended at 71 FR 56343, Sept. 27, 2006]



Sec.  205.204  Filing ``notice'' of EFS.

    (a) If an EFS is filed somewhere other than with the system 
operator, and if notice of it is filed with the system operator, such 
notice could be

[[Page 76]]

electronic filing, telephoned information, or any other form of notice 
which gives the system operator the information needed for the master 
list. Such notice need not be signed. Note that the Section does not 
contain any requirement for such notice except the one in subsection 
(c)(4)(B) that an EFS must be filed somewhere pursuant to State law as 
discussed above.
    (b) Countermeasures against falsifications, errors or omissions in 
such notices or in the handling of them by the system operator, such as 
requirements that the notices be on paper and signed, with copies date-
stamped and returned to the persons filing them, however advisable they 
might be from other standpoints, are discretionary with the State and 
not required by the Section.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0016)

[51 FR 29451, Aug. 18, 1986, as amended at 71 FR 56343, Sept. 27, 2006]



Sec.  205.205  Fees.

    The Section provides at subsection (c)(4)(G) for a fee for filing an 
EFS. The fee can be set in any manner provided by the law of the State 
in which such EFS is filed. The basis for this is that (c)(4)(G) 
provides for the fee to be set by the ``Secretary of State'' but (c)(11) 
defines the latter term to include ``designee of the State.'' The fee 
structure is discretionary with the State.

[51 FR 29451, Aug. 18, 1986, as amended at 71 FR 56343, Sept. 27, 2006]



Sec.  205.206  Farm products.

    (a) The master list must be organized by farm product as required by 
subsection (c)(2) and the farm product must be identified on an EFS as 
required by subsection (c)(4)(C)(iv). The following is a list of such 
farm products.

Rice, rye, wheat, other food grains (system must specify by name)
Barley, corn, hay, oats, sorghum grain, other feed crops (system must 
specify by name)
Cotton
Tobacco
Flaxseed, peanuts, soybeans, sunflower seeds, other oil crops (system 
must specify by name)
Dry beans, dry peas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, taro, other vegetables 
(system must specify by name)
Artichokes, asparagus, beans lima, beans snap, beets, Brussels sprouts, 
broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, corn sweet, cucumbers, 
eggplant, escarole, garlic, lettuce, onions, peas green, peppers, 
spinach, tomatoes, other truck crops (system must specify by name)
Melons (system must specify by name)
Grapefruit, lemons, limes, oranges, tangelos, tangerines, other citrus 
fruits (system must specify by name)
Apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, cherries, coffee, dates, figs, 
grapes (& raisins), nectarines, olives, papayas, peaches, pears, 
persimmons, pineapples, plums (& prunes), pomegranates, other noncitrus 
fruits (system must specify by name)
Berries (system must specify by name)
Tree nuts (system must specify by name)
Bees wax, honey, maple syrup, sugar beets, sugar cane, other sugar crops 
(system must specify by name)
Grass seeds, legume seeds, other seed crops (system must specify by 
name)
Hops, mint, popcorn, other miscellaneous crops (system must specify by 
name)
Greenhouse & nursery products produced on farms (system must specify by 
name)
Mushrooms, trees, other forest products (system must specify by name)
Chickens, ducks, eggs, geese, turkeys, other poultry or poultry products 
(system must specify by name)
Cattle & calves, goats, horses, hogs, mules, sheep & lambs, other 
livestock (system must specify by name)
Milk, other dairy products produced on farms (system must specify by 
name)
Wool, mohair, other miscellaneous livestock products produced on farms 
(system must specify by name)
Fish, shellfish
Other farm products (system must specify by name).

    (b) Note the definition of the term ``farm product'' at subsection 
(c)(5), and the Conference Report on Pub. L. 99-198, No. 99-447, 
December 17, 1985, at page 486.
    (c) A State may establish a system for specified products and not 
for all. A State establishing a system for specified products and not 
for all will be deemed to be ``a State that has established a central 
filing system'' as to the specified products, and will be

[[Page 77]]

deemed not to be such a State as to other products.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0016)

[51 FR 29451, Aug. 18, 1986, as amended at 71 FR 56343, Sept. 27, 2006]



Sec.  205.207  ``Amount'' and ``County or parish''.

    (a) The ``amount'' of farm products and ``county or parish,'' on an 
EFS and on the master list under subsection (c)(4)(C)(iv) and 
(2)(C)(iii), need not be shown on every EFS and master list entry.
    (b) Any EFS and master list entry will identify a product. If they 
do not show an amount, this constitutes a representation that all of 
such product owned by the person in question is subject to the security 
interest in question.
    (c) Any EFS and master list entry will identify each county or 
parish in the same State where the product is produced or located. If 
they do not show any further identification of the location of the 
product, this constitutes a representation that all such product 
produced in each such county or parish, owned by such person, is subject 
to the security interest.
    (d) The need to supply additional information arises only where some 
of that product owned by that person is subject to the security interest 
and some is not.
    (e) The additional information about amount must be sufficient to 
enable a reader of the information to identify what product owned by 
that person is subject, as distinguished from what of the same product 
owned by the same person is not subject. The precision needed, in the 
description of the amount, would vary from case to case.
    (f) The basis for this is the purpose of the entire exercise, to 
make information available as necessary to enable an identification of 
what product is subject to a security interest as distinguished from 
what is not.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0016)

[51 FR 29451, Aug. 18, 1986, as amended at 71 FR 56343, Sept. 27, 2006]



Sec.  205.208  Distribution of portions of master list--registration-
-information to non-registrants on request.

    (a) The provisions in the Section regarding registration of ``buyers 
of farm products, commission merchants, and selling agents,'' 
``regular'' distribution of ``portions'' of the master list, furnishing 
of ``oral confirmation * * * on request,'' and the effect of all this, 
that is, subsections (c)(2) (D), (E) and (F), (e) (2) and (3), and 
(g)(2) (C) and (D), must be read together.
    (b) The Section does not require such persons to register. Not 
registering with a particular system operator has the effect, under 
subsections (e)(2) and (g)(2)(C), of making such persons, whether they 
are inside or outside the State covered by that system, subject to 
security interests shown on that system's master list whether or not 
such persons know about them, so that such persons for their own 
protection will need to query the system operator about any seller 
``engaged in farming operations,'' of a farm product produced in the 
State covered by that system, with whom they deal.
    (c) The effect of registration by such persons with a particular 
system is to get them on the list for regular distribution of portions 
of that system's master list, the portions to be determined by the 
registration. They are subject only to security interests shown on the 
portions which they receive, and are not subject to such interests as 
are shown on the master list but not shown on portions which they 
receive. Also, if a particular security interest is shown on the master 
list, but has been placed on it since the last regular distribution of 
portions of that list to registrants, registrants would not be subject 
to that security interest. These conclusions are based on the provisions 
in subsections (e)(3)(A) and (g)(2)(D)(i) that such persons are subject 
to a security interest only if they receive ``written notice * * * that 
specifies both the seller and the farm product.''
    (d) A question arises as to the length of time for which a 
registration is effective, and whether a registrant, wishing to change 
registration as to county or product, can amend an existing registration 
or must file a new one. This is

[[Page 78]]

discretionary with the State since the Section is silent about it.
    (e) A question arises whether persons can register to receive only 
portions of the list for products in which they do not deal, and thus 
not be subject to security interests in products in which they deal 
because they are registrants but do not receive written notice of them. 
For example, can cattle dealers register to receive portions of the 
master list only for oranges, and thus take cattle free and clear of 
security interests shown on the master list, but as to which they do not 
receive written notice because they have not registered to receive the 
portion for cattle? Registrants will be deemed to be registered only as 
to those portions of the master list for which they register, and will 
be deemed to have failed to register as to those portions for which they 
do not register.
    (f) The Section requires ``regular'' distribution, to registrants, 
of portions of the master list as amended from time to time by the 
filing of EFS's and amendments to EFS's. The requirement that the 
distribution be ``regular'' necessarily refers to an interval specified 
in advance. The interval may vary according to product and region. The 
frequency of such distribution must be a consideration in review for 
certification since distribution must be timely to serve its purpose. 
While subsection (c)(2)(E) (providing that distribution be made 
``regularly as prescribed by the State'') gives each State discretion to 
choose the interval between distributions, whatever interval a State 
chooses will inevitably make possible some transactions in which 
security interests are filed in the system but registrants are not 
subject to them.
    (g) Legislative history of the Section shows that buyers, commission 
merchants, and selling agents are not intended to be liable for errors 
or other inaccuracies generated by the system. See Nov. 22, 1985 Cong. 
Rec., Senate, pg. S16300, and Dec. 18, 1985 Cong. Rec., House, pg. 
H12523.
    (h) In furnishing to non-registrants ``oral confirmation within 24 
hours of any [EFS] on request followed by written confirmation,'' by a 
system operator pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(F), any failure in use of 
a telephone caused by a ``busy signal'' could not be the basis of 
liability of the system operator. The basis for this is that subsection 
(c)(2)(F) does not mention telephones. Also, while it mentions 
furnishing information orally, it does not contain any provision as to 
how queries are to be received, that is, orally, in writing, or 
otherwise.
    (i) Of course it is to be expected that telephones would be used in 
most cases, but use of them is not required by the legislation and is 
discretionary with the State.
    (j) In the matter of receiving queries and giving oral replies to 
them, subsection (c)(2)(F) will be complied with if a system operator 
maintains an office and staff where a query can be received on business 
days and during business hours such as are regular in the State, and 
where an oral reply will be available on the regular business day 
following the day on which the query is received, at or before the time 
of day when it was received.
    (k) Written confirmation is required, by subsection (c)(2)(F), to be 
given to any non-registered buyer, commission merchant, or selling 
agent.
    (l) Such a written confirmation pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(F) 
does not alter the liability of the non-registrant querying the system 
and receiving information about a security interest recorded in it. The 
basis of this, as above, is that non-registrants are subject to security 
interests recorded in a system whether or not they know about them, and 
must query the system for their own protection.
    (m) The Section does not specify when or how the written 
confirmation must be furnished, but provides only that it must follow 
the oral information. Thus the time and method of furnishing written 
confirmation is discretionary with the State.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0016)

[51 FR 29451, Aug. 18, 1986, as amended at 71 FR 56343, Sept. 27, 2006]



Sec.  205.209  Amendment or continuation of EFS.

    (a) The ``material change,'' required by subsection (c)(4)(D) to be 
reflected

[[Page 79]]

in an amendment to an EFS and master list entry, is whatever change 
would render the master list entry no longer informative as to what is 
subject to the security interest in question. That will vary from case 
to case. The basis for this is the purpose for which the information is 
supplied, that is, to make information available, to a buyer, commission 
merchant, or selling agent who proposes to enter into a transaction in a 
product, whether it is subject to a security interest. The requirement 
to amend arises when the information already made available no longer 
serves the purpose and other information is needed in order to do so.
    (b) Where an owner of a product makes a change, such as planting a 
different crop or purchasing different animals from what was 
represented, without informing the secured party, so that the master 
list entry is rendered not informative, but the EFS and master list are 
not amended through no fault of the secured party, the Section is silent 
as to the consequences. However, see the legislative history cited in 
Sec.  205.208(f).
    (c) The amendment must be filed in the same manner as the original 
filing. Note the requirement of subsection (c)(4)(D). The amendment may 
be filed electronically provided a State allows electronic filing of 
financing statements without the signature of the debtor under 
applicable State law under provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code. An 
electronically filed amendment need not be signed. However, if an 
original or reproduced paper document is filed, the amendment must be 
signed, authorized, or otherwise authenticated by the debtor, and be 
filed by the secured party.
    (d) An effective financing statement remains effective for a period 
of 5 years from the date of filing and may be continued in increments of 
5-year periods beyond the initial 5-year filing period by refiling an 
effective financing statement or by filing a continuation statement 
within 6 months before expiration of the effective financing statement. 
A continuation statement may be filed electronically or as a paper 
document, and need not be signed, authorized, or otherwise authenticated 
by the debtor.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0016)

[51 FR 29451, Aug. 18, 1986, as amended at 61 FR 54728, Oct. 22, 1996; 
63 FR 66721, Dec. 3, 1998; 71 FR 56343, Sept. 27, 2006]



Sec.  205.210  Effect of EFS outside State in which filed.

    (a) A question arises whether, if an EFS is filed in one State, a 
notice of it can be filed in another State and shown on the master list 
for the second State. There is nothing in the Section to prevent this, 
but it would serve no purpose.
    (b) The Section provides only for filing an EFS, covering a given 
product, in the system for the State in which it is produced or located. 
Upon such filing in such system, subsections (e)(2) and (g)(2)(C) make 
buyers, commission merchants and selling agents not registered with that 
system subject to the security interest in that product whether or not 
they know about it, even if they are outside that State. Subsections 
(e)(3) and (g)(2)(D) make persons registered with that system subject if 
they receive written notice of it even if they are outside that State. 
All of these provisions apply only where an EFS is filed in the system 
for the State in which the product is produced or located. They do not 
apply to a filing in another system.
    (c) What constitutes ``receipt'' of notice is determined by the law 
of the State in which the intended recipient of notice resides. This is 
based on subsection (f) which follows provisions for notice to buyers, 
and (g)(3) which follows provisions for notice to commission merchants 
and selling agents. Each of those provisions uses the word ``buyer'' but 
it means ``intended recipient of notice.''

[51 FR 29451, Aug. 18, 1986, as amended at 71 FR 56343, Sept. 27, 2006]



Sec.  205.211  Applicability of court decisions under the UCC.

    (a) Court decisions under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), about 
the scope of the ``farm products'' exception in Section 9-307(1) 
thereof, and

[[Page 80]]

interpreting the terms therein, particularly ``person engaged in farming 
operations'' which is not defined in the Section, are applicable to an 
extent in interpreting the Section. The basis of this is the legislative 
intent of the Section to pre-empt State laws reflecting that ``farm 
products'' exception, as shown in the House Committee Report on Pub. L. 
99-198, No. 99-271, Part 1, September 13, 1985, at pages 108 et seq.
    (b) That UCC Section 9-307(1) reads as follows:

    (1) A buyer in ordinary course of business (subsection (9) of 
Section 1-201) other than a person buying farm products from a person 
engaged in farming operations takes free of a security interest created 
by his seller even though the security interest is perfected and even 
though the buyer knows of its existence. (emphasis added)



Sec.  205.212  ``Buyer in ordinary course of business'' and
``security interest.''

    The terms ``buyer in ordinary course of business'' and ``security 
interest'' are defined in subsections (c) (1) and (7). There are 
differences between those definitions and the UCC definitions of the 
same terms. In interpreting those differences, the following would be 
pertinent:
    (a) The legislative intent discussed above in Sec.  205.211, to pre-
empt State laws reflecting the ``farm products'' exception; and
    (b) The legislative intent shown in subsections (a) and (b) that 
certain persons take free and clear of certain interests of a ``secured 
lender'' ``when the seller fails to repay the lender,'' unless such 
persons have information about such interests made available to them as 
provided in the Section.



Sec.  205.213  Obligations subject--``person indebted''--``debtor.''

    (a) A debt need not exist at the time of filing of an EFS. The basis 
for this is that subsection (c)(4) does not require the EFS, and 
subsection (c)(2)(C) does not require the master list, to show any 
amount of debt.
    (b) The Section does not provide for the transaction in which one 
person subjects a product to a security interest for another's debt. 
However the terms ``person indebted'' and ``debtor'' in the Section 
refer to the person who owns a product and subjects it to a security 
interest, whether or not that person owes a debt to the secured party. 
The basis for this is the purpose for which the information is supplied. 
Any buyer of a farm product, commission merchant, or selling agent 
querying a master list or system operator about a prospective seller of 
a farm product is interested in whether that seller has subjected that 
product to a security interest, not in whether the debt is owed by that 
seller or by another.
    (c) Security interests existing prior to establishment of a system 
can be filed in such a system and reflected in the master list if 
documents are in existence or are created which meet the requirements of 
subsection (c)(4) besides filing, if such documents are filed wherever 
State law requires, and if the system operator receives the information 
about them needed for the master list.
    (d) A system can be in compliance with the Section, although it 
reflects security interests not supported by EFS's as defined in the 
legislation, and although it reflects security interests on items other 
than farm products. However, subsections (e) (2) and (3), and (g)(2) (C) 
and (D), will apply only as to entries reflecting farm products and 
supported by EFS's as defined in the Section, and it must be possible to 
distinguish the entries to which these provisions apply from the other 
entries.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0580-0016)

[51 FR 29451, Aug. 18, 1986, as amended at 71 FR 56343, Sept. 27, 2006]



Sec.  205.214  Litigation as to whether a system is operating in 
compliance with the Section.

    (a) The requirements for a system in subsection (c) are written as 
the definition of the term ``central filing system,'' so that failure of 
a system to meet any such requirement, either at the time of its 
establishment or later, will mean that it is not a ``central filing 
system'' as defined.
    (b) The issue whether a system, after certification, is operating in 
compliance, thus whether it is a ``central filing system'' as defined, 
could be litigated and ruled on in a case involving only private 
parties, such as a lender

[[Page 81]]

and a buyer of a farm product. The only immediate effect of a finding in 
such a case, that a system is not a ``central filing system'' as 
defined, would be that the rights of the secured party in the case would 
be as if the State had no system. However, others would be in doubt as 
to whether they could safely rely on the same system.



PART 206_SWINE CONTRACT LIBRARY--Table of Contents



Sec.
206.1 Definitions.
206.2 Swine contract library.
206.3 Monthly report.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 198-198b; 7 U.S.C. 222.

    Source: 75 FR 16642, Apr. 2, 2010, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  206.1  Definitions.

    The definitions in this section apply to the regulations in this 
part. The definitions in this section do not apply to other regulations 
issued under the Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act) or to the P&S Act 
as a whole.
    Accrual account. (Synonymous with the term ``ledger,'' as defined in 
this section.) An account held by a packer on behalf of a producer that 
accrues a running positive or negative balance as a result of a pricing 
determination included in a contract that establishes a minimum and/or 
maximum level of base price paid. Credits and/or debits for amounts 
beyond these minimum and/or maximum levels are entered into the account. 
Further, the contract specifies how the balance in the account affects 
producer and packer rights and obligations under the contract.
    Base price. The price paid for swine before the application of any 
premiums or discounts, expressed in dollars per unit.
    Boar. A sexually-intact male swine.
    Ceiling price. The maximum market price that will be paid for swine. 
Adjustments may be made to the base price if the market price rises 
above this price.
    Contract. Any agreement, whether written or verbal, between a packer 
and a producer for the purchase of swine for slaughter, except a 
negotiated purchase (as defined in this section).
    Contract type. The classification of contracts or risk management 
agreements for the purchase of swine committed to a packer, by the 
determination of the base price and the presence or absence of an 
accrual account or ledger (as defined in this section). The contract 
type categories are:
    (1) Swine or pork market formula purchases with a ledger,
    (2) Swine or pork market formula purchases without a ledger,
    (3) Other market formula purchases with a ledger,
    (4) Other market formula purchases without a ledger,
    (5) Other purchase arrangements with a ledger, and
    (6) Other purchase arrangements without a ledger.
    Floor price. The minimum market price that will be paid for swine. 
Adjustments may be made to the base price if the market price falls 
below this price.
    Formula price. A price determined by a mathematical formula under 
which the price established for a specified market serves as the basis 
for the formula.
    Ledger. (Synonymous with ``accrual account,'' as defined in this 
section.) An account held by a packer on behalf of a producer that 
accrues a running positive or negative balance as a result of a pricing 
determination included in a contract that establishes a minimum and/or 
maximum level of base price paid. Credits and/or debits for amounts 
beyond these minimum and/or maximum levels are entered into the account. 
Further, the contract specifies how the balance in the account affects 
producer and packer rights and obligations under the contract.
    Negotiated purchase. A purchase, commonly known as a ``cash'' or 
``spot market'' purchase, of swine by a packer from a producer under 
which:
    (1) The buyer-seller interaction that results in the transaction and 
the agreement on actual base price occur on the same day; and
    (2) The swine are scheduled for delivery to the packer not later 
than 14 days after the date on which the swine are committed to the 
packer.

[[Page 82]]

    Noncarcass merit premium or discount. An increase or decrease in the 
price for the purchase of swine made available by an individual packer 
or packing plant, based on any factor other than the characteristics of 
the carcass, if the actual amount of the premium or discount is known 
before the purchase and delivery of the swine.
    Other market formula purchase. A purchase of swine by a packer in 
which the pricing determination is a formula price based on any market 
other than the markets for swine, pork, or a pork product. This includes 
a formula purchase where the price formula is based on one or more 
futures or options contracts.
    Other purchase arrangement. A purchase of swine by a packer that is 
not a negotiated purchase, swine or pork market formula purchase, or 
other market formula purchase, and does not involve packer-owned swine. 
This contract type includes long term contract agreements, fixed price 
contracts, cost of production formulas, and formula purchases with a 
floor, window or ceiling price.
    Packer. Any person engaged in the business of buying swine in 
commerce for purposes of slaughter, of manufacturing or preparing meats 
or meat food products from swine for sale or shipment in commerce, or of 
marketing meats or meat food products from swine in an unmanufactured 
form, acting as a wholesale broker, dealer, or distributor in commerce. 
The regulations in this part apply only to a packer that meets the 
conditions in either paragraph (1) or (2) of this definition:
    (1) A packer purchasing at least 100,000 swine per year and 
slaughtering swine at one or more federally inspected processing plants 
that meet either of the following conditions:
    (i) A swine processing plant that slaughtered an average of at least 
100,000 head of swine per year during the immediately preceding 5 
calendar years, with the average based on those periods in which the 
plant slaughtered swine; or
    (ii) A swine processing plant that did not slaughter swine during 
the immediately preceding 5 calendar years that has the capacity to 
slaughter at least 100,000 swine per year, based on plant capacity 
information.
    (2) Any packer purchasing an average of at least 200,000 sows, 
boars, or any combination thereof, per year and slaughtering at least 
200,000 sows, boars, or any combination thereof at one or more federally 
inspected processing plants during the immediately preceding 5 calendar 
years, with the average based on those periods in which the plant 
slaughtered swine.
    Producer. Any person engaged, either directly or through an 
intermediary, in the business of selling swine to a packer for slaughter 
(including the sale of swine from a packer to another packer).
    Sow. An adult female swine that has produced one or more litters.
    Swine. A porcine animal raised to be a feeder pig, raised for 
seedstock, or raised for slaughter.
    Swine or pork market formula purchase. A purchase of swine by a 
packer in which the pricing mechanism is a formula price based on a 
market for swine, pork, or pork product, other than any formula purchase 
with a floor, window or ceiling price, or a futures or option contract 
for swine, pork, or a pork product.
    Window price. The range of market prices that will be paid for 
swine. Adjustments may be made to the base price if the market prices 
fall outside this range. The window price contains both the floor and 
ceiling prices.



Sec.  206.2  Swine contract library.

    (a) Do I need to provide swine contract information? Each packer, as 
defined in Sec.  206.1, must provide information for each swine 
processing plant that it operates or at which it has swine slaughtered 
that has the slaughtering capacity, alone or in combination with other 
plants, specified in the definition of packer in Sec.  206.1.
    (b) What existing or available contracts do I need to provide and 
when are they due? Each packer must send, to the Packers and Stockyards 
Division (PSD), an example of each contract it currently has with a 
producer or producers or that is currently available at each plant that 
it operates or at which it has swine slaughtered that meets the

[[Page 83]]

definition of packer in Sec.  206.1. This initial submission of example 
contracts is due to PSD on the first business day of the month following 
the determination that the plant has the slaughtering capacity, alone or 
in combination with other plants, specified in the definition of packer 
in Sec.  206.1.
    (c) What available contracts do I need to provide and when are they 
due? After the initial submission, each packer must send PSD an example 
of each new contract it makes available to a producer or producers 
within 1 business day of the contract being made available at each plant 
that it operates or at which it has swine slaughtered that meets the 
definition of packer in Sec.  206.1.
    (d) What criteria do I use to select example contracts? For purposes 
of distinguishing among contracts to determine which contracts may be 
represented by a single example, contracts will be considered to be the 
same if they are identical with respect to all of the following four 
example-contract criteria:
    (1) Base price or determination of base price;
    (2) Application of a ledger or accrual account (including the terms 
and conditions of the ledger or accrual account provision);
    (3) Carcass merit premium and discount schedules (including the 
determination of the lean percent or other merits of the carcass that 
are used to determine the amount of the premiums and discounts and how 
those premiums and discounts are applied); and
    (4) Use and amount of noncarcass merit premiums and discounts.
    (e) Where and how do I send my contracts? Each packer may submit the 
example contracts, notifications required by this section, and Form PSD 
342, Contract Submission Cover Sheet, by either of the following two 
methods:
    (1) Electronic report. Example contracts and notifications required 
by this section may be submitted by electronic means. Electronic 
submission may be by any form of electronic transmission that has been 
determined to be acceptable to the Administrator. To obtain current 
options for acceptable methods to submit example contracts 
electronically, contact PSD through the Internet on the AMS website 
(https://www.ams.usda.gov) or at USDA, AMS, Suite 317, 210 Walnut 
Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.
    (2) Printed report. Each packer that chooses to submit printed 
example contracts and notifications must deliver the printed contracts 
and notifications to USDA, AMS, Suite 317, 210 Walnut Street, Des 
Moines, Iowa 50309.
    (f) What information from the swine contract library will be made 
available to the public? PSD will summarize the information it has 
received on contract terms, including, but not limited to, base price 
determination and the schedules of premiums or discounts. PSD will make 
the information available by region and contract type, as defined in 
Sec.  206.1, for public release 1 month after the initial submission of 
contracts. Geographic regions will be defined in such a manner to 
provide as much information as possible while maintaining 
confidentiality in accordance with section 251 of the Agricultural 
Marketing Act (7 U.S.C. 1636).
    (g) How can I review information from the swine contract library? 
The information will be available on the Internet on the AMS website 
(https://www.ams.usda.gov) and at USDA, AMS, Suite 317, 210 Walnut 
Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. The information will be updated as PSD 
receives information from packers.
    (h) What do I need to do when a previously submitted example 
contract is no longer a valid example due to contract changes, 
expiration, or withdrawal? Each packer must submit a new example 
contract when contract changes result in changes to any of the four 
example-contract criteria specified in paragraph (d) of this section and 
notify PSD if the new example contract replaces the previously submitted 
example contract. Each packer must notify AMS when an example contract 
no longer represents any existing or available contract (expired or 
withdrawn). Each packer must submit these example contracts and 
notifications within 1 business day of the change, expiration, or 
withdrawal.

[75 FR 16642, Apr. 2, 2010, as amended at 84 FR 45649, Aug. 30, 2019; 88 
FR 62696, Sept. 13, 2023]



Sec.  206.3  Monthly report.

    (a) Do I need to provide monthly reports? Each packer, as defined in 
Sec.  206.1,

[[Page 84]]

must provide information for each swine processing plant that it 
operates or at which it has swine slaughtered that has the slaughtering 
capacity, alone or in combination with other plants, specified in the 
definition of packer.
    (b) When is the monthly report due? Each packer must send a separate 
monthly report for each plant that has the slaughtering capacity, alone 
or in combination with other plants specified in the definition of 
packer in Sec.  206.1. Each packer must deliver the report to the AMS 
Regional Office in Des Moines, Iowa, by the close of business on the 
15th of each month, beginning at least 45 days after the initial 
submission of example contracts. If the 15th day of a month falls on a 
Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, the monthly report is due no later 
than the close of the next business day following the 15th.
    (c) What information do I need to provide in the monthly report? The 
monthly report that each packer files must be reported on Form PSD 341, 
which will be available on the Internet on the AMS website (https://
www.ams.usda.gov) and at USDA, AMS, Suite 317, 210 Walnut Street, Des 
Moines, Iowa 50309. In the monthly report, each packer must provide the 
following information:
    (1) Number of swine to be delivered under existing contracts. 
Existing contracts are contracts the packer currently is using for the 
purchase of swine for slaughter at each plant. Each packer must provide 
monthly estimates of the number of swine committed to be delivered under 
all of its existing contracts (even if those contracts are not currently 
available for renewal or to additional producers) in each contract type 
as defined in Sec.  206.1.
    (2) Available contracts. Available contracts are the contracts the 
packer is currently making available to producers, or is making 
available for renewal to currently contracted producers, for the 
purchase of swine for slaughter at each plant. On the monthly report, a 
packer will indicate each contract type, as defined in Sec.  206.1, that 
the packer is currently making available.
    (3) Estimates of committed swine. Each packer must provide an 
estimate of the total number of swine committed under existing contracts 
for delivery to each plant for slaughter within each of the following 12 
calendar months beginning with the 1st of the month immediately 
following the due date of the report. The estimate of total swine 
committed will be reported by contract type as defined in Sec.  206.1.
    (4) Expansion clauses. Any conditions or circumstances specified by 
clauses in any existing contracts that could result in an increase in 
the estimates specified in paragraph (c)(3) of this section. Each packer 
will identify the expansion clauses in the monthly report by listing a 
code for the following conditions:
    (i) Clauses that allow for a range of the number of swine to be 
delivered.
    (ii) Clauses that require a greater number of swine to be delivered 
as the contract continues.
    (iii) Other clauses that provide for expansion in the numbers of 
swine to be delivered.
    (5) Maximum estimates of swine. The packer's estimate of the maximum 
total number of swine that potentially could be delivered to each plant 
within each of the following 12 calendar months, if any or all of the 
types of expansion clauses identified in accordance with the requirement 
in paragraph (c)(4) of this section are executed. The estimate of 
maximum potential deliveries must be reported for all existing contracts 
by contract type as defined in Sec.  206.1.
    (d) What if a contract does not specify the number of swine 
committed? To meet the requirements of paragraphs (c)(3) and (c)(5) of 
this section, the packer must estimate expected and potential deliveries 
based on the best information available to the packer. Such information 
might include, for example, the producer's current and projected swine 
inventories and planned production.
    (e) When do I change previously reported estimates? Regardless of 
any estimates for a given future month that may have been previously 
reported, current estimates of deliveries reported as required by 
paragraphs (c)(3) and (c)(5) of this section must be based on the most 
accurate information

[[Page 85]]

available at the time each report is prepared.
    (f) Where and how do I send my monthly report? Each packer must 
submit monthly reports required by this section by either of the 
following two methods:
    (1) Electronic report. Information reported under this section may 
be reported by electronic means, to the maximum extent practicable. 
Electronic submission may be by any form of electronic transmission that 
has been determined to be acceptable to the Administrator. To obtain 
current options for acceptable methods to submit information 
electronically, contact PSD through the Internet on the AMS website 
(https://www.ams.usda.gov) or at USDA, AMS, Suite 317, 210 Walnut 
Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.
    (2) Printed report. Each packer may deliver its printed monthly 
report to USDA, AMS, Suite 317, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, Iowa 
50309.
    (g) What information from monthly reports will be made available to 
the public and when and how will the information be made available to 
the public? (1) Availability. PSD will provide a monthly report of 
estimated deliveries by contract types as reported by packers in 
accordance with this section, for public release on the first business 
day of each month. The monthly reports will be available on the Internet 
on the AMS website (https://www.ams.usda.gov) and at USDA, AMS, Suite 
317, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.
    (2) Regions. Information in the report will be aggregated and 
reported by geographic regions. Geographic regions will be defined in 
such a manner to provide as much information as possible while 
maintaining confidentiality in accordance with section 251 of the 
Agricultural Marketing Act (7 U.S.C. 1636) and may be modified from time 
to time.
    (3) Reported information. The monthly report will provide the 
following information:
    (i) The existing contract types for each geographic region.
    (ii) The contract types currently being made available to additional 
producers or available for renewal to currently contracted producers in 
each geographic region.
    (iii) The sum of packers' reported estimates of the total number of 
swine committed by contract for delivery during the next 6 and 12 months 
beginning with the month the report is published. The report will 
indicate the number of swine committed by geographic reporting region 
and by contract type.
    (iv) The types of conditions or circumstances as reported by packers 
that could result in expansion in the numbers of swine to be delivered 
under the terms of expansion clauses in the contracts at any time during 
the following 12 calendar months.
    (v) The sum of packers' reported estimates of the maximum total 
number of swine that potentially could be delivered during each of the 
next 6 and 12 months if all expansion clauses in current contracts are 
executed. The report will indicate the sum of estimated maximum 
potential deliveries by geographic reporting region and by contract 
type.
    (h) Where and how do I file a waiver request? The waiver request 
must be submitted in writing and include a statement that the packer 
does not procure swine using marketing agreements. The packer must send 
the waiver request to the PSD Regional Office in Des Moines, Iowa. If 
the waiver request is approved, PSD will inform the packer in writing 
that it has been granted a waiver for 12 months following the date of 
receipt of the waiver request unless the status of the packer changes 
during that year. The packer will be notified to submit the information 
required in this part if it begins using marketing agreements during the 
waiver period or if PSD determines that the packer utilizes marketing 
agreements.

[75 FR 16642, Apr. 2, 2010, as amended at 84 FR 45649, Aug. 30, 2019; 88 
FR 62696, Sept. 13, 2023]

                        PARTS 207	299 [RESERVED]

[[Page 87]]



     CHAPTER III--FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF 
                               AGRICULTURE




  --------------------------------------------------------------------


  Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to chapter III appear at 69 FR 
18803, Apr. 9 2004.

 SUBCHAPTER A--AGENCY ORGANIZATION AND TERMINOLOGY; MANDATORY MEAT AND 
 POULTRY PRODUCTS INSPECTION AND VOLUNTARY INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION
Part                                                                Page
300             Agency mission and organization.............          91
301             Terminology; adulteration and misbranding 
                    standards...............................          93
302             Application of inspection and other 
                    requirements............................          99
303             Exemptions..................................          99
304             Application for inspection; grant of 
                    inspection..............................         108
305             Official numbers; inauguration of 
                    inspection; withdrawal of inspection; 
                    reports of violation....................         109
306             Assignment and authorities of program 
                    employees...............................         110
307             Facilities for inspection...................         111
308

[Reserved]

309             Ante-mortem inspection......................         116
310             Post-mortem inspection......................         124
311             Disposal of diseased or otherwise 
                    adulterated carcasses and parts.........         145
312             Official marks, devices and certificates....         154
313             Humane slaughter of livestock...............         158
314             Handling and disposal of condemned or other 
                    inedible products at official 
                    establishments..........................         164
315             Rendering or other disposal of carcasses and 
                    parts passed for cooking................         167
316             Marking products and their containers.......         168
317             Labeling, marking devices, and containers...         174
318             Entry into official establishments; 
                    reinspection and preparation of products         246
319             Definitions and standards of identity or 
                    composition.............................         265
320             Records, registration, and reports..........         284
321             Cooperation with States and territories.....         287
322             Exports.....................................         288

[[Page 88]]

325             Transportation..............................         289
327             Imported products...........................         300
329             Detention; seizure and condemnation; 
                    criminal offenses.......................         317
331             Special provisions for designated States and 
                    Territories; and for designation of 
                    establishments which endanger public 
                    health and for such designated 
                    establishments..........................         319
332             Selected establishments; cooperative program 
                    for interstate shipment of carcasses, 
                    parts of carcasses, meat, and meat food 
                    products................................         324
335             Rules of practice governing proceedings 
                    under the Federal Meat Inspection Act...         329
350             Special services relating to meat and other 
                    products................................         329
351             Certification of technical animal fats for 
                    export..................................         332
352             Exotic animals and horses; voluntary 
                    inspection..............................         339
354             Voluntary inspection of rabbits and edible 
                    products thereof........................         347
362             Voluntary poultry inspection regulations....         371
381             Poultry products inspection regulations.....         375
                       SUBCHAPTERS B-C [RESERVED]
    SUBCHAPTER D--FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE ADMINISTRATIVE 
                               PROVISIONS
390             Freedom of information and public 
                    information.............................         541
391             Fees and charges for inspection services and 
                    laboratory accreditation................         543
392             Petitions for rulemaking....................         545
SUBCHAPTER E--REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE FEDERAL MEAT INSPECTION 
     ACT, THE POULTRY PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT, AND THE EGG PRODUCTS 
                             INSPECTION ACT
412             Label Approval..............................         548
416             Sanitation..................................         549
417             Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point 
                    (HACCP) Systems.........................         554
418             Recalls.....................................         558
424             Preparation and processing operations.......         558
430             Requirements for specific classes of product         584
431             Thermally processed, commercially sterile 
                    products................................         587
439             Accreditation of non-Federal laboratories 
                    for analytical testing of meat, poultry, 
                    and egg products........................         613
441             Consumer protection standards: Raw products.         618
442             Quantity of contents labeling and procedures 
                    and requirements for accurate weights...         620

[[Page 89]]

500             Rules of practice...........................         622
SUBCHAPTER F--MANDATORY INSPECTION OF FISH OF THE ORDER SILURIFORMES AND 
                          PRODUCTS OF SUCH FISH
530             General Requirements; Definitions...........         625
531             Definitions.................................         625
532             Requirements for Inspection.................         629
533             Separation of Establishment; Facilities for 
                    Inspection; Facilities for Program 
                    Employees; Other Required Facilities....         631
534             Pre-Harvest Standards and Transportation to 
                    Processing Establishment................         632
537             Sanitation Requirements and Hazard Analysis 
                    and Critical Control Points Systems; 
                    Notification Regarding Adulterated or 
                    Misbranded Products.....................         633
539             Mandatory Dispositions; Performance 
                    Standards Respecting Physical, Chemical, 
                    or Biological Contaminants..............         633
540             Handling and Disposal of Condemned and Other 
                    Inedible Materials......................         634
541             Marks, Marking and Labeling Of Products and 
                    Containers..............................         635
544             Food Ingredients Permitted..................         637
548             Preparation of Products.....................         637
549

[Reserved]

550             Records Required to be Kept.................         638
552             Exports.....................................         639
555             Transportation of Fish Products in Commerce.         639
557             Importation.................................         642
559             Detention, Seizure, Condemnation............         647
560             State-Federal, Federal-State Cooperative 
                    Agreements; State Designations..........         648
561             Rules of Practice...........................         648
                       SUBCHAPTERS G-H [RESERVED]
                  SUBCHAPTER I--EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION
590             Inspection of eggs and egg products (Egg 
                    Products Inspection Act)................         650
591             Sanitation requirements and hazard analysis 
                    and critical control point systems......         682
592             Voluntary inspection of egg products........         683
593-599

[Reserved]

[[Page 91]]



  SUBCHAPTER A_AGENCY ORGANIZATION AND TERMINOLOGY; MANDATORY MEAT AND 
 POULTRY PRODUCTS INSPECTION AND VOLUNTARY INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION





PART 300_AGENCY MISSION AND ORGANIZATION--Table of Contents



Sec.
300.1 Purpose.
300.2 FSIS responsibilities.
300.3 FSIS organization.
300.4 Organizational terminology; personnel.
300.6 Access to establishments and other places of business.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 451-470, 601-695, 1031-1056; 7 U.S.C. 138-138i, 
450, 1621-1627, 1901-1906; 7 CFR 2.7, 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 63 FR 72354, Dec. 31, 1998, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  300.1  Purpose.

    This part describes the duties and organization of the Food Safety 
and Inspection Service (FSIS), an agency of the United States Department 
of Agriculture (USDA). It also includes rules on the access of 
government employees to regulated places of business.

[63 FR 72354, Dec. 31, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 253, Jan. 5, 2004]



Sec.  300.2  FSIS responsibilities.

    (a) Delegations of authority. The Secretary of Agriculture and Under 
Secretary for Food Safety have delegated to the Administrator of the 
Food Safety and Inspection Service the responsibility for exercising the 
functions of the Secretary of Agriculture under various statutes (see 7 
CFR 2.7, 2.18, and 2.53).
    (b) Implementing regulations. This chapter of title 9 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations (9 CFR chapter III) includes, in addition to 
administrative rules, rules and regulations that implement provisions of 
the following statutes:
    (1) The Federal Meat Inspection Act, as amended (FMIA) (21 U.S.C. 
601 et seq.), except provisions pertaining to the inspection and 
certification of the condition of animals for export, and related 
legislation;
    (2) The Poultry Products Inspection Act, as amended (PPIA) (21 
U.S.C. 451 et seq.);
    (3) The Egg Products Inspection Act, as amended (EPIA) (21 U.S.C. 
1031 et seq.), except for the shell egg surveillance program, voluntary 
laboratory analyses of egg products, and the voluntary grading program;
    (4) The Humane Slaughter Act (7 U.S.C. 1901-1906);
    (5) The Talmadge-Aiken Act (7 U.S.C. 450), with respect to 
cooperation with States in the administration of the Federal Meat 
Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act;
    (6) The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended (7 U.S.C. 
1621-1627), relating to voluntary inspection of poultry and edible 
products thereof; voluntary inspection and certification of technical 
animal fat; certified products for dogs, cats, and other carnivora; 
voluntary inspection of rabbits and edible products thereof; and 
voluntary inspection and certification of edible meat and other 
products; and
    (7) The National Laboratory Accreditation Program (7 U.S.C. 138-
138i) with respect to laboratories accredited only for pesticide residue 
analysis in meat and poultry products.

[63 FR 72354, Dec. 31, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 253, Jan. 5, 2004]



Sec.  300.3  FSIS organization.

    (a) General. The organization of FSIS reflects the Agency's primary 
regulatory responsibilities: implementation of the FMIA, including fish 
of the order Siluriformes, the PPIA, and the EPIA. FSIS implements the 
inspection provisions of the FMIA, the PPIA, and the EPIA through its 
field structure.
    (b) Headquarters. FSIS has eight principal components or offices, 
each of which is under the direction of a Deputy Administrator. The 
Deputy Administrators, along with their staffs, and the Administrator, 
along with the Office of the Administrator and three

[[Page 92]]

staff offices that report to the Administrator, are located at U.S. 
Department of Agriculture headquarters in Washington, DC.
    (1) Program Offices. FSIS's headquarters offices are the Office of 
Public Health and Science, which provides scientific analysis, advice, 
data, and recommendations on matters involving public health and 
science; the Office of Management, which provides centralized 
administrative and support services; the Office of Policy and Program 
Development, which develops and articulates the Agency's policies 
regarding food safety and other consumer protections; the Office of 
Field Operations, which manages regulatory oversight and inspection (see 
paragraph (c) of this section); the Office of Food Security and 
Emergency Preparedness, which works to prevent or, if necessary, 
coordinate a response to an intentional attack on the food supply; the 
Office of Program Evaluation, Enforcement, and Review, which acts to 
ensure that Agency programs are functioning in an efficient and 
effective manner; the Office of Public Affairs, Education, and Outreach, 
which is responsible for facilitating communications between FSIS and 
Congress, the Agency's constituents, and the media; and the Office of 
International Affairs, which is responsible for recommending and 
developing international policy activities.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (c) Field. FSIS's field structure consists of eighteen district 
offices and a technical center.
    (1) District offices. Each district office, under the direction of a 
District Manager, manages a farm-to-table food safety program of 
regulatory oversight and inspection in a district consisting of a State 
or several States and territories.
    The locations of the district offices and the districts' geographic 
boundaries are as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alameda, CA........................  California.
Boulder, CO........................  Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New
Salem, OR (satellite office).......   Mexico, Utah, Alaska, American
                                      Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho,
                                      Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon,
                                      and Washington.
Minneapolis, MN....................  Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota,
                                      South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Des Moines, IA.....................  Iowa and Nebraska.
Lawrence, KS.......................  Kansas and Missouri.
Springdale, AR.....................  Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.
Dallas, TX.........................  Texas.
Madison, WI........................  Michigan and Wisconsin.
Chicago, IL........................  Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana.
Pickering, OH, (satellite office)..
Philadelphia, PA...................  Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Albany, NY.........................  Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts,
                                      New Hampshire, New York, Rhode
                                      Island, and Vermont.
Beltsville, MD.....................  Delaware, District of Columbia,
                                      Maryland, Virginia, and West
                                      Virginia.
Raleigh, NC........................  North Carolina, South Carolina, and
                                      Kentucky.
Atlanta, GA........................  Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and
                                      the Virgin Islands.
Jackson, MS........................  Alabama, Mississippi, and
                                      Tennessee.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Technical Service Center. The Technical Service Center, which is 
located in Omaha, Nebraska, provides technical guidance, review, and 
training on the interpretation and application of regulatory 
requirements.

[63 FR 72354, Dec. 31, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 253, Jan. 5, 2004; 80 
FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015]



Sec.  300.4  Organizational terminology; personnel.

    (a) Unless otherwise specifically provided or required in the 
context of a particular part of the regulations:
    Administrator means the Administrator of the Food Safety and 
Inspection Service or any other officer or employee of the Department to 
whom authority has been or may in the future be delegated to act in his 
or her stead.
    Circuit Supervisor means the official of the Inspection Service who 
is assigned responsibility for supervising the conduct of inspection at 
a specific group of official establishments.
    Inspection program, inspection service, or program means the 
organizational unit within the Department with responsibility for 
carrying out the FMIA, the PPIA, and the EPIA.

[[Page 93]]

    Inspection program employee, inspection service employee, or program 
employee means an inspector or other government employee who is 
authorized to conduct any inspection or perform any other duty in 
connection with the inspection program, inspection service, or program.
    Inspection service supervisor or Inspection program supervisor means 
an inspection program or service employee or program employee who is 
delegated authority to exercise supervision over one or more phases of 
the inspection program.
    Inspector means an inspector of the inspection program, inspection 
service, and program. (``Inspector'' includes an employee or official of 
the Federal government or the government of a State or territory or the 
District of Columbia who is authorized by the Administrator to inspect 
meat and meat products or poultry and poultry products under the 
authority of the FMIA or the PPIA, respectively, under an agreement 
entered into between the Administrator and the appropriate State or 
other agency.)
    Inspector in charge or IIC means an inspection program employee, 
inspection service employee, or program employee who has primary 
responsibility for inspection program functions at a particular official 
establishment.
    Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States or 
his or her delegate.
    (b) FSIS has replaced the regional office and import field office 
structure referenced in some parts of subchapter A of this chapter. 
Authority previously delegated to Regional Directors now is delegated to 
district managers; authority previously delegated to area supervisors 
and import supervisors now is delegated to inspection program 
supervisors in the successor district offices.

[69 FR 253, Jan. 5, 2004]



Sec.  300.6  Access to establishments and other places of business.

    (a) General. Upon presentation of credentials--
    (1) Persons subject to provisions of the FMIA or the PPIA must 
afford representatives of the Secretary access to establishments that 
slaughter or otherwise prepare livestock products or process poultry 
products and to other places of business subject to regulation 
thereunder; and
    (2) Persons subject to provisions of the EPIA must afford 
representatives of the Secretary access as specified in part 590 of this 
chapter.
    (b) Meat and poultry establishments and related industries. (1) At 
all times, by day or night, whether the establishment is being operated 
or not, inspection program employees must have access to the premises 
and to every part of an establishment that slaughters livestock or 
otherwise prepares meat products or slaughters poultry or otherwise 
processes poultry products that are subject to inspection for the 
purpose of conducting an inspection or performing any other inspection 
program duty. The numbered official badge of an inspection program 
employee is sufficient identification to entitle him or her to 
admittance to all parts of such an establishment and its premises.
    (2) At all ordinary business hours, upon presentation of credentials 
by a representative of the Secretary, any person (including any firm or 
corporation or other business unit) subject to recordkeeping 
requirements under section 202 of the FMIA or section 11(b) of the PPIA 
must permit such representative to enter his or her place of business to 
examine the facilities and inventory and to examine and copy the records 
specified in Sec.  320.1 and Sec.  381.175, respectively, of this 
chapter and, upon payment of the fair market value therefor, take 
reasonable samples of the inventory.

[63 FR 72354, Dec. 31, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 254, Jan. 5, 2004]



PART 301_TERMINOLOGY; ADULTERATION AND MISBRANDING STANDARDS-
-Table of Contents



Sec.
301.1 General.
301.2 Definitions.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 138-138i, 450, 1901-1906; 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 
CFR 2.7, 2.18, 2.53.



Sec.  301.1  General.

    For purposes of this chapter and unless otherwise specifically 
provided by

[[Page 94]]

regulation or required in the context of particular regulations:
    (a) Terms have the meanings set forth in this part;
    (b) The singular form also imports the plural, and the masculine 
form also imports the feminine and vice versa.

[69 FR 254, Jan. 5, 2004]



Sec.  301.2  Definitions.

    As used in this subchapter, unless otherwise required by the 
context, the following terms shall be construed, respectively, to mean:
    The Act. The Federal Meat Inspection Act, as amended, (34 Stat. 
1260, as amended, 81 Stat. 584, 84 Stat. 438, 92 Stat. 1069, 21 U.S.C., 
sec. 601 et seq.).
    Adulterated. This term applies to any carcass, part thereof, meat or 
meat food product under one or more of the following circumstances:
    (1) If it bears or contains any such poisonous or deleterious 
substance which may render it injurious to health; but in case the 
substance is not an added substance, such article shall not be 
considered adulterated under this clause if the quantity of such 
substance in or on such article does not ordinarily render it injurious 
to health;
    (2)(i) If it bears or contains (by reason of administration of any 
substance to the live animal or otherwise) any added poisonous or added 
deleterious substance (other than one which is:
    (A) A pesticide chemical in or on a raw agricultural commodity;
    (B) A food additive; or
    (C) A color additive which may, in the judgment of the 
Administrator, make such article unfit for human food;
    (ii) If it is, in whole or in part, a raw agricultural commodity and 
such commodity bears or contains a pesticide chemical which is unsafe 
within the meaning of section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act;
    (iii) If it bears or contains any food additive which is unsafe 
within the meaning of section 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act;
    (iv) If it bears or contains any color additive which is unsafe 
within the meaning of section 706 of the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act: Provided, That an article which is not deemed adulterated 
under paragraphs (aa)(2) (ii), (iii), or (iv) of this section shall 
nevertheless be deemed adulterated if use of the pesticide chemical food 
additive, or color additive in or on such article is prohibited by the 
regulations in this subchapter in official establishments;
    (3) If it consists in whole or in part of any filthy, putrid, or 
decomposed substance or is for any other reason unsound, unhealthful, 
unwholesome, or otherwise unfit for human food;
    (4) If it has been prepared, packed, or held under unsanitary 
conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with filth, or 
whereby it may have been rendered injurious to health;
    (5) If it is, in whole or in part, the product of an animal which 
has died otherwise than by slaughter;
    (6) If its container is composed, in whole or in part, of any 
poisonous or deleterious substance which may render the contents 
injurious to health;
    (7) If it has been intentionally subjected to radiation, unless the 
use of the radiation was in conformity with a regulation or exemption in 
effect pursuant to section 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic 
Act;
    (8) If any valuable constituent has been in whole or in part omitted 
or abstracted therefrom; or if any substance has been substituted, 
wholly or in part therefor; or if damage or inferiority has been 
concealed in any manner; or if any substance has been added thereto or 
mixed or packed therewith so as to increase its bulk or weight, or 
reduce its quality or strength, or make it appear better or of greater 
value than it is; or,
    (9) If it is margarine containing animal fat and any of the raw 
material used therein consisted in whole or in part of any filthy, 
putrid, or decomposed substance, or is otherwise adulterated.
    Anesthesia. Loss of sensation or feeling.
    Animal food. Any article intended for use as food for dogs, cats, or 
other animals derived wholly, or in part, from the carcass or parts or 
products of the carcass of any livestock, except that the term animal 
food as used herein does not include:
    (1) Processed dry animal food or

[[Page 95]]

    (2) Livestock or poultry feeds manufactured from processed livestock 
byproducts (such as meatmeal tankage, meat and bonemeal, bloodmeal, and 
feed grade animal fat).
    Animal food manufacturer. Any person engaged in the business of 
manufacturing or processing animal food.
    Artificial coloring. A coloring containing any dye or pigment, which 
dye or pigment was manufactured by a process of synthesis or other 
similar artifice, or a coloring which was manufactured by extracting a 
natural dye or natural pigment from a plant or other material in which 
such dye or pigment was naturally produced.
    Artificial flavoring. A flavoring containing any sapid or aromatic 
constituent, which constituent was manufactured by a process of 
synthesis or other similar artifice.
    Biological residue. Any substance, including metabolites, remaining 
in livestock at time of slaughter or in any of its tissues after 
slaughter as the result of treatment or exposure of the livestock to a 
pesticide, organic or inorganic compound, hormone, hormone-like 
substance, growth promoter, antibiotic, anthelmintic, tranquilizer, or 
other therapeutic or prophylactic agent.
    Capable of use as human food. This term applies to any carcass, or 
part or product of a carcass, of any livestock, unless it is denatured 
or otherwise identified as required by the applicable provisions of 
Sec. Sec.  314.3, 314.10, 325.11, and 325.13 of this subchapter to deter 
its use as a human food, or it is naturally inedible by humans; e.g., 
hoofs or horns in their natural state.
    Captive bolt. A stunning instrument which when activated drives a 
bolt out of a barrel for a limited distance.
    Carbon dioxide. A gaseous form of the chemical formula 
CO2.
    Carbon dioxide concentration. Ratio of carbon dioxide gas and 
atmospheric air.
    Carcass. All parts, including viscera, of any slaughtered livestock.
    Chemical preservative. Any chemical that, when added to a meat or 
meat food product, tends to prevent or retard deterioration thereof, but 
does not include common salt, sugars, vinegars, spices, or oils 
extracted from spices or substances added to meat and meat food products 
by exposure to wood smoke.
    Other definitions, if any, that are applicable only for purposes of 
a specific part of the regulations in this subchapter, are set forth in 
such part.
    Commerce. Commerce between any State, any Territory, or the District 
of Columbia, and any place outside thereof; or within any Territory not 
organized with a legislative body, or the District of Columbia.
    Consciousness. Responsiveness of the brain to the impressions made 
by the senses.
    Cutting up. Any division of any carcass or part thereof, except that 
the trimming of carcasses or parts thereof to remove surface 
contaminants is not considered as cutting up.
    Dead livestock. The body (cadaver) of livestock which has died 
otherwise than by slaughter.
    Dying, diseased, or disabled livestock. Livestock which has or 
displays symptoms of having any of the following:
    (1) Central nervous system disorder;
    (2) Abnormal temperature (high or low);
    (3) Difficult breathing;
    (4) Abnormal swellings;
    (5) Lack of muscular coordination;
    (6) Inability to walk normally or stand;
    (7) Any of the conditions for which livestock is required to be 
condemned on ante-mortem inspection in accordance with the regulations 
in part 309 of this subchapter.
    Edible. Intended for use as human food.
    Experimental animal. Any animal used in any research investigation 
involving the feeding or other administration of, or subjection to, an 
experimental biological product, drug, or chemical or any 
nonexperimental biological product, drug, or chemical used in a manner 
for which it was not intended.
    Exposure time. The period of time an animal is exposed to an 
anesthesia-producing carbon dioxide concentration.
    Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The Act so entitled, approved 
June 25, 1938 (52 Stat. 1040), and Acts amendatory thereof or 
supplementary thereto.

[[Page 96]]

    Firm. Any partnership, association, or other unincorporated business 
organization.
    Further processing. Smoking, cooking, canning, curing, refining, or 
rendering in an official establishment of product previously prepared in 
official establishments.
    Immediate container. The receptacle or other covering in which any 
product is directly contained or wholly or partially enclosed.
    Inedible. Adulterated, uninspected, or not intended for use as human 
food.
    Inhumane slaughter or handling in connection with slaughter. 
Slaughter or handling in connection with slaughter not in accordance 
with the Act of August 27, 1958 (72 Stat. 862; 7 U.S.C. 1901 through 
1906, as amended by the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1978, 92 
Stat. 1069) and part 313 of this subchapter.
    ``Inspected and passed'' or ``U.S. Inspected and Passed'' or ``U.S. 
Inspected and Passed by Department of Agriculture'' (or any authorized 
abbreviation thereof). This term means that the product so identified 
has been inspected and passed under the regulations in this subchapter, 
and at the time it was inspected, passed, and identified, it was found 
to be not adulterated.
    Label. A display of written, printed, or graphic matter upon the 
immediate container (not including package liners) of any article.
    Labeling. All labels and other written, printed, or graphic matter:
    (1) Upon any article or any of its containers or wrappers, or
    (2) Accompanying such article.
    Livestock. Cattle, sheep, swine, goat, horse, mule, or other equine.
    Meat. (1) The part of the muscle of any cattle, sheep, swine, or 
goats which is skeletal or which is found in the tongue, diaphragm, 
heart, or esophagus, with or without the accompanying and overlying fat, 
and the portions of bone (in bone-in product such as T-bone or 
porterhouse steak), skin, sinew, nerve, and blood vessels which normally 
accompany the muscle tissue and that are not separated from it in the 
process of dressing. As applied to products of equines, this term has a 
comparable meaning.
    (i) Meat does not include the muscle found in the lips, snout, or 
ears.
    (ii) Meat may not include significant portions of bone, including 
hard bone and related components, such as bone marrow, or any amount of 
brain, trigeminal ganglia, spinal cord, or dorsal root ganglia (DRG).
    (2) [Reserved]
    Meat broker. Any person engaged in the business of buying or selling 
carcasses, parts of carcasses, meat or meat food products of livestock 
on commission, or otherwise negotiating purchases or sales of such 
articles other than for his/her own account or as an employee of another 
person.
    Meat byproduct. Any part capable of use as human food, other than 
meat, which has been derived from one or more cattle, sheep, swine, or 
goats. This term, as applied to products of equines, shall have a 
meaning comparable to that provided in this paragraph with respect to 
cattle, sheep, swine, and goats.
    Meat food product. Any article capable of use as human food which is 
made wholly or in part from any meat or other portion of the carcass of 
any cattle, sheep, swine, or goats, except those exempted from 
definition as a meat food product by the Administrator in specific cases 
or by the regulations in part 317 of this subchapter, upon a 
determination that they contain meat or other portions of such carcasses 
only in a relatively small proportion or historically have not been 
considered by consumers as products of the meat food industry, and 
provided that they comply with any requirements that are imposed in such 
cases or regulations as conditions of such exemptions to assure that the 
meat or other portions of such carcasses contained in such articles are 
not adulterated and that such articles are not represented as meat food 
products. This term, as applied to food products of equines, shall have 
a meaning comparable to that provided in this paragraph with respect to 
cattle, sheep, swine, and goats.
    Misbranded. This term applies to any carcass, part thereof, meat or 
meat food product under one or more of the following circumstances:
    (1) If its labeling is false or misleading in any particular;

[[Page 97]]

    (2) If it is offered for sale under the name of another food;
    (3) If it is an imitation of another food, unless its label bears, 
in type of uniform size and prominence, the word ``imitation'' and 
immediately thereafter, the name of the food imitated;
    (4) If its container is so made, formed, or filled as to be 
misleading;
    (5) If in a package or other container unless it bears a label 
showing:
    (i) The name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or 
distributor; and
    (ii) An accurate statement of the quantity of the contents in terms 
of weight, measure, or numerical count; except as otherwise provided in 
part 317 of this subchapter with respect to the quantity of contents;
    (6) If any word, statement, or other information required by or 
under authority of the Act to appear on the label or other labeling is 
not prominently placed thereon with such conspicuousness (as compared 
with other words, statements, designs, or devices, in the labeling) and 
in such terms as to render it likely to be read and understood by the 
ordinary individual under customary conditions of purchase and use;
    (7) If it purports to be or is represented as a food for which a 
definition and standard of identity or composition has been prescribed 
by the regulations in part 319 of this subchapter unless:
    (i) It conforms to such definition and standard, and
    (ii) Its label bears the name of the food specified in the 
definition and standard and, insofar as may be required by such 
regulations, the common names of optional ingredients (other than 
spices, flavoring, and coloring) present in such food;
    (8) If it purports to be or is represented as a food for which a 
standard or standards of fill of container have been prescribed by the 
regulations in part 319 of this subchapter, and it falls below the 
standard of fill of container applicable thereto, unless its label 
bears, in such manner and form as such regulations specify, a statement 
that it falls below such standard;
    (9) If it is not subject to the provisions of paragraph (vv)(7)(ii) 
of this section unless its label bears:
    (i) The common or usual name of the food, if any there be, and
    (ii) In case it is fabricated from two or more ingredients, the 
common or usual name of each such ingredient, except as otherwise 
provided in part 317 of this subchapter;
    (10) If it purports to be or is represented for special dietary 
uses, unless its label bears such information concerning its vitamin, 
mineral, and other dietary properties as is required by the regulations 
in part 317 of this subchapter.
    (11) If it bears or contains any artificial flavoring, artificial 
coloring, or chemical preservative, unless it bears a label stating that 
fact; except as otherwise provided by the regulations in part 317 of 
this subchapter; or
    (12) If it fails to bear, directly thereon or on its containers, 
when required by the regulations in part 316 or 317 of this subchapter, 
the inspection legend and, unrestricted by any of the foregoing, such 
other information as the Administrator may require in such regulations 
to assure that it will not have false or misleading labeling and that 
the public will be informed of the manner of handling required to 
maintain the article in a wholesome condition.
    Nonfood compound. Any substance proposed for use in official 
establishments, the intended use of which will not result, directly or 
indirectly, in the substance becoming a component or otherwise affecting 
the characteristics of meat food and meat products, excluding labeling 
and packaging materials as covered in part 317 of the subchapter.
    Official certificate. Any certificate prescribed by the regulations 
in this subchapter for issuance by an inspector or other person 
performing official functions under the Act.
    Official device. Any device prescribed by the regulations in part 
312 of this subchapter for use in applying any official mark.
    Official establishment. Any slaughtering, cutting, boning, meat 
canning, curing, smoking, salting, packing, rendering, or similar 
establishment at

[[Page 98]]

which inspection is maintained under the regulations in this subchapter.
    Official import inspection establishment. This term means any 
establishment, other than an official establishment as defined in 
paragraph (zz) of this section, where inspections are authorized to be 
conducted as prescribed in Sec.  327.6 of this subchapter.
    Official inspection legend. Any symbol prescribed by the regulations 
in this subchapter showing that an article was inspected and passed in 
accordance with the Act.
    Official mark. The official inspection legend or any other symbol 
prescribed by the regulations in this subchapter to identify the status 
of any article or animal under the Act.
    Packaging material. Any cloth, paper, plastic, metal, or other 
material used to form a container, wrapper, label, or cover for meat 
products.
    Person. Any individual, firm, or corporation.
    Pesticide chemical, food additive, color additive, raw agricultural 
commodity. These terms shall have the same meanings for purposes of the 
Act and the regulations in this subchapter as under the Federal Food, 
Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
    Prepared. Slaughtered, canned, salted, rendered, boned, cut up, or 
otherwise manufactured or processed.
    Process authority. A person or organization with expert knowledge in 
meat production process control and relevant regulations. This 
definition does not apply to part 431 of this chapter.
    Process schedule. A written description of processing procedures, 
consisting of any number of specific, sequential operations directly 
under the control of the establishment employed in the manufacture of a 
specific product, including the control, monitoring, verification, 
validation, and corrective action activities associated with production. 
This definition does not apply to part 431 of this chapter.
    Product. Any carcass, meat, meat byproduct, or meat food product, 
capable of use as human food.
    Ready-to-cook (RTC) pork product. Any slaughtered pork product 
sufficiently free from bile, hair, scurf, dirt, hooves, toe nails, 
claws, bruises, edema, scabs, skin lesions, icterus, foreign material, 
and odor, which is suitable for cooking without need of further 
processing.
    Renderer. Any person engaged in the business of rendering carcasses 
or parts or products of the carcasses of any livestock except rendering 
conducted under inspection or exemption under Title I of the Act.
    Shipping container. The outside container (box, bag, barrel, crate, 
or other receptacle or covering) containing or wholly or partly 
enclosing any product packed in one or more immediate containers.
    State. Any State of the United States or the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico.
    Supervision. The controls, as prescribed in instructions to Program 
employees, to be exercised by them over particular operations to insure 
that such operations are conducted in compliance with the Act and the 
regulations in this subchapter.
    Surgical anesthesia. A state of unconsciousness measured in 
conformity with accepted surgical practices.
    Territory. Guam, the Virgin Islands of the United States, American 
Samoa, and any other territory or possession of the United States, 
excluding the Canal Zone.
    U.S. Condemned. This term means that the livestock so identified has 
been inspected and found to be in a dying condition, or to be affected 
with any other condition or disease that would require condemnation of 
its carcass.
    U.S. Inspected and Condemned (or any authorized abbreviation 
thereof). This term means that the carcass, viscera, other part of 
carcass, or other product so identified has been inspected, found to be 
adulterated, and condemned under the regulations in this subchapter.
    U.S. Passed for Cooking. This term means that the meat or meat 
byproduct so identified has been inspected and passed on condition that 
it be cooked or rendered as prescribed by the regulations in part 315 of 
this chapter.
    U.S. Passed for Refrigeration. This term means that the meat or meat 
byproduct so identified has been inspected and passed on condition that 
it be refrigerated or otherwise handled as

[[Page 99]]

prescribed by the regulations in part 311 of this subchapter.
    U.S. Retained. This term means that the carcass, viscera, other part 
of carcass, or other product, or article so identified is held for 
further examination by an inspector to determine its disposal.
    U.S. Suspect. This term means that the livestock so identified is 
suspected of being affected with a disease or condition which may 
require its condemnation, in whole or in part, when slaughtered, and is 
subject to further examination by an inspector to determine its 
disposal.
    United States. The States, the District of Columbia, and the 
Territories of the United States.

[35 FR 15554, Oct. 3, 1970]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
301.2, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



PART 302_APPLICATION OF INSPECTION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS-
-Table of Contents



Sec.
302.1 Establishments requiring inspection.
302.2 Application of requirements in designated States or Territories; 
          and to designated plants endangering public health.
302.3 Livestock and products entering official establishments.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.17, 2.55.



Sec.  302.1  Establishments requiring inspection.

    (a) Inspection under the regulations in this subchapter is required 
at:
    (1) Every establishment, except as provided in Sec.  303.1 (a) and 
(b), or (c) of this subchapter, in which any livestock are slaughtered 
for transportation or sale as articles of commerce, or in which any 
products of, or derived from, carcasses of livestock are, wholly or in 
part, prepared for transportation or sale as articles of commerce, which 
are intended for use as human food;
    (2) Every establishment, except as provided in Sec.  303.1 (a) and 
(b), or (d) of this subchapter, within any State or organized Territory 
which is designated pursuant to paragraph 301(c) of the Act, at which 
any livestock are slaughtered or any products of any livestock are 
prepared, for use as human food solely for distribution within such 
jurisdiction; and
    (3) Every establishment, except as provided in Sec.  303.1 (a) and 
(b) of this subchapter, that is designated by the Administrator pursuant 
to paragraph 301(c) of the Act as one producing adulterated products 
which would clearly endanger the public health.

[35 FR 15556, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 36 FR 12002, June 24, 1971]



Sec.  302.2  Application of requirements in designated States or 
Territories; and to designated plants endangering public health.

    Special provisions with respect to establishments and their 
operations and transactions by any persons in designated States and 
Territories and with respect to establishments designated as producing 
adulterated products which clearly endanger public health, and the 
operators thereof, in any State or Territory appear in part 331 of this 
subchapter, and apply to such establishments, operations and 
transactions in lieu of the regulations elsewhere in this subchapter 
except insofar as such regulations are made applicable by the provisions 
in part 331 of this subchapter.

[35 FR 15556, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 51 FR 29909, Aug. 21, 1986]



Sec.  302.3  Livestock and products entering official establishments.

    All livestock and all products entering any official establishment 
and all products prepared, in whole or in part, therein, shall be 
inspected, handled, stored, prepared, packaged, marked, and labeled as 
required by the regulations in this subchapter.

[35 FR 15556, Oct. 3, 1970]



PART 303_EXEMPTIONS--Table of Contents



Sec.
303.1 Exemptions.
303.2 Experimentation: Intensity of inspection coverage.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53.

[[Page 100]]



Sec.  303.1  Exemptions.

    (a) The requirements of the Act and the regulations in this 
subchapter for inspection of the preparation of products do not apply 
to:
    (1) The slaughtering by any individual of livestock of his own 
raising, and the preparation by him and transportation in commerce of 
the carcasses, parts thereof, meat and meat food products of such 
livestock exclusively for use by him and members of his household and 
his nonpaying guests and employees;
    (2) The custom slaughter by any person of cattle, sheep, swine, or 
goats delivered by the owner thereof for such slaughter, and the 
preparation by such slaughterer and transportation in commerce of the 
carcasses, parts thereof, meat and meat food products of such livestock, 
exclusively for use, in the household of such owner, by him and members 
of his household and his nonpaying guests and employees; nor to the 
custom preparation by any person of carcasses, parts thereof, meat or 
meat food products derived from the slaughter by any individual of 
cattle, sheep, swine, or goats of his own raising or from game animals, 
delivered by the owner thereof for such custom preparation, and 
transportation in commerce of such custom prepared articles, exclusively 
for use in the household of such owner, by him and members of his 
household and his nonpaying guests and employees: Provided, That the 
following requirements are met by such custom operator;
    (i) Establishments that conduct custom operations must be maintained 
and operated in accordance with the provisions of Sec. Sec.  416.1 
through 416.6, except for: Sec.  416.2(g)(2) through (6) of this 
chapter, regarding water reuse and any provisions of part 416 of this 
chapter relating to inspection or supervision of specified activities or 
other action by a Program employee. If custom operations are conducted 
in an official establishment, however, all of the provisions of part 416 
of this chapter of shall apply to those operations.
    (ii) If the custom operator prepares or handles any products for 
sale, they are kept separate and apart from the custom prepared products 
at all times while the latter are in his custody;
    (iii) The custom prepared products are plainly marked ``Not for 
Sale'' as provided in Sec.  316.16 of this subchapter, immediately after 
being prepared and are kept so identified until delivered to the owner; 
and
    (iv) If exempted custom slaughtering or other preparation of 
products is conducted in an official establishment, all facilities and 
equipment in the official establishment used for such custom operations 
shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before they are used for 
preparing any products for sale.
    (b)(1) The exempted custom prepared products shall be prepared and 
handled in accordance with the provisions of Sec. Sec.  318.5, 318.6, 
381.300 through 318.311 of this subchapter and Sec.  424.21 of 
subchapter E, and shall not be adulterated as defined in paragraph 1(m) 
of the Act. The provisions of Sec. Sec.  318.5, 318.6, and 318.300 
through 318.311 related to inspection or supervision of specified 
activities or other action by an inspection program employee and the 
provisions of Sec.  318.6(b)(9) and (10) shall not apply to the 
preparation and handling of such exempted products.
    (2) The exempted custom prepared products shall comply with the 
requirements of Sec. Sec.  316.16 and 317.16 of this subchapter.
    (3) The custom operators claiming exemption under paragraph (a)(2) 
of this section shall keep records, in addition to records otherwise 
required by part 320 of this subchapter, showing the numbers and kinds 
of livestock slaughtered on a custom basis, the quantities and types of 
products prepared on a custom basis, and the names and addresses of the 
owners of the livestock and products.
    (4) Articles capable of use as human food, resulting from the 
exempted custom slaughter or other preparation of products shall be 
promptly denatured or otherwise identified in accordance with Sec.  
325.13 of this subchapter and not removed from the establishment where 
the custom operations are conducted until so identified, unless they are 
delivered to the owner of the articles for use in accordance with 
paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
    (c) It has been determined that it is impracticable to provide 
inspection of

[[Page 101]]

the preparation of products at establishments in any unorganized 
Territory at which livestock are slaughtered or their products are 
prepared for distribution solely within such jurisdiction and that 
exempting such establishments from requirements of the Act for such 
inspections under the conditions stated in this section will otherwise 
facilitate enforcement of the Act. Therefore, such inspection 
requirements of the Act and of the regulations in this subchapter shall 
not apply at such establishments if they are operated in accordance with 
the regulations in part 416, Sec. Sec.  416.1 through 416.5 of this 
chapter. However, the Administrator may refuse, withdraw, or modify any 
exemption under this paragraph when he determines in any specific case 
in accordance with the applicable rules of practice that such action is 
necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Act.
    (d)(1) The requirements of the Act and the regulations in this 
subchapter for inspection of the preparation of products do not apply to 
operations of types traditionally and usually conducted at retail stores 
and restaurants, when conducted at any retail store or restaurant or 
similar retail-type establishment for sale in normal retail quantities 
or service of such articles to consumers at such establishments.
    (2) For purposes of paragraph (d)(1) of this section:
    (i) Operations of types traditionally and usually conducted at 
retail stores and restaurants are the following:
    (a) Cutting up, slicing, and trimming carcasses, halves, quarters, 
or wholesale cuts into retail cuts such as steaks, chops, and roasts, 
and freezing such cuts;
    (b) Grinding and freezing products made from meat;
    (c) Curing, cooking, smoking, rendering or refining of livestock 
fat, or other preparation of products, except slaughtering or the retort 
processing of canned products;
    (d) Breaking bulk shipments of products;
    (e) Wrapping or rewrapping products.
    (ii) Any quantity or product purchased by a consumer from a 
particular retail supplier shall be deemed to be a normal retail 
quantity if the quantity so purchased does not in the aggregate exceed 
one-half carcass. The following amounts of product will be accepted as 
representing one-half carcass of the species identified:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               One-half
                                                                carcass
                                                                pounds
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cattle......................................................         300
Calves......................................................        37.5
Sheep.......................................................        27.5
Swine.......................................................         100
Goats.......................................................          25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iii) A retail store is any place of business where:
    (a) The sales of product are made to consumers only;
    (b) At least 75 percent, in terms of dollar value, of total sales of 
product represents sales to household consumers and the total dollar 
value of sales of product to consumers other than household consumers 
does not exceed the dollar limitation per calendar year set by the 
Administrator. This dollar limitation is a figure which will 
automatically be adjusted during the first quarter of each calendar 
year, upward or downward, whenever the Consumer Price Index, published 
by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, indicates a 
change in the price of this same volume of product which exceeds $500. 
Notice of the adjusted dollar limitation will be published in the 
Federal Register. \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The dollar limitation currently in effect may be obtained by 
contacting Director, Slaughter Inspection Standards and Procedures 
Division, Technical Services, Food and Safety Inspection Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250 (202) 447-3219.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) Only federally or State inspected and passed product is handled 
or used in the preparation of any product, except that product resulting 
from the custom slaughter or custom preparation of product may be 
handled or used in accordance with paragraph (a)(2) and (b) of this 
section but not for sale;
    (d) No sale of product is made in excess of a normal retail quantity 
as defined in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section;
    (e) The preparation of products for sale to household consumers is 
limited to traditional and usual operations as

[[Page 102]]

defined in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section; and
    (f) The preparation of products for sale to other than household 
consumers is limited to traditional and usual operations as defined in 
paragraph (d)(2)(i) (a), (b), (d), and (e) of this section. (A retail 
store at which custom slaughtering or preparation of products is 
conducted is not thereby disqualified from exemption as a retail store 
under this paragraph (d).)
    (iv) Restaurants. (a) A restaurant is any establishment where:
    (1) Product is prepared only for sale or service in meals or as 
entrees directly to individual consumers at such establishments;
    (2) Only federally or State inspected and passed product or such 
product prepared at a retail store exempted under paragraph (d)(2)(iii) 
of this section is handled or used in the preparation of any product;
    (3) No sale of product is made in excess of a normal retail quantity 
as defined in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section; and
    (4) The preparation of product is limited to traditional and usual 
operations as defined in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section.
    (b) The definition of a restaurant includes a caterer which delivers 
or serves product in meals, or as entrees, only to individual consumers 
and otherwise meets the requirements of this paragraph.
    (c) For purposes of this paragraph, operations conducted at a 
restaurant central kitchen facility shall be considered as being 
conducted at a restaurant if the restaurant central kitchen prepares 
meat or meat food products that are ready to eat when they leave such 
facility (i.e., no further cooking or other preparation is needed, 
except that they may be reheated prior to serving if chilled during 
transportation), transported directly to a receiving restaurant by its 
own employees, without intervening transfer or storage, maintained in a 
safe, unadulterated condition during transportation, and served in meals 
or as entrees only to customers at restaurants, or through vending 
machines, owned or operated by the same person that owns or operates 
such facility, and which otherwise meets the requirements of this 
paragraph: Provided, That the requirements of Sec. Sec.  320.1 through 
320.4 of this subchapter apply to such facility. Provided further, That 
the exempted facility may be subject to inspection requirements under 
the Act for as long as the Administrator deems necessary, if the 
Administrator determines that the sanitary conditions or practices of 
the facility or the processing procedures or methods at the facility are 
such that any of its meat or meat food products are rendered 
adulterated. When the Administrator has made such determination and 
subjected a restaurant central kitchen facility to such inspection 
requirements, the operator of such facility shall be afforded an 
opportunity to dispute the Administrator's determination in a hearing 
pursuant to rules of practice which will be adopted for this proceeding.
    (v) Similar retail-type establishment: Any establishment which is a 
combination retail store and restaurant; any delicatessen which meets 
the requirements for a retail store or restaurant as prescribed in 
paragraphs (d)(2) (iii) or (iv) of this section; or other establishment 
as determined by the Administrator in specific cases.
    (vi) Consumer: Any household consumer, hotel, restaurant, or similar 
institution as determined by the Administrator in specific cases.
    (3) Whenever any complaint is received by the Administrator from any 
person alleging that any retail store claiming exemption under this 
paragraph (d), in any designated State or organized Territory that is 
identified under section 205 of the Act (as one that does not have or is 
not exercising adequate authority with respect to recordkeeping 
requirements) has been operated in violation of the conditions 
prescribed in this section for exemption, and the Administrator, upon 
investigation of the complaint, has reason to believe that any such 
violation has occurred, he shall so notify the operator of the retail 
store and afford him reasonable opportunity to present his views 
informally with respect to the matter. Thereafter, if the Administrator 
still has reason to believe that such a violation has occurred, and that

[[Page 103]]

a requirement that the operator keep records concerning the operations 
of the retail store would effectuate the purposes of the Act, the 
Administrator shall order the operator to maintain complete, accurate, 
and legible records of total monthly purchases and of total monthly 
sales of meat, meat byproducts, and meat food products, in terms of 
dollar values of the products involved. Such records shall separately 
show total sales to household consumers and total sales to other 
consumers and shall be maintained for the period prescribed in Sec.  
320.3 of this subchapter. If the operator maintains copies of bills of 
lading, receiving and shipping invoices, warehouse receipts, or similar 
documents which give the information required herein, additional records 
are not required by this subparagraph.
    (e)(1) The requirements of the Act and the regulations in this 
subchapter for inspection of the preparation of products do not apply to 
meat pizzas containing meat food product ingredients which were 
prepared, inspected, and passed in a cured or cooked form as ready-to-
eat (i.e., no further cooking or other preparation is needed) in 
compliance with the requirements of the Act and these regulations; and 
the meat pizzas are to be served in public or private nonprofit 
institutions, provided that the meat pizzas are ready-to-eat (i.e., no 
further cooking or other preparation is needed, except that they may be 
reheated prior to serving if chilled during transportation), transported 
directly to the receiving institution by employees of the preparing 
firm, receiving institution, or a food service management company 
contracted to conduct food service at the public or private nonprofit 
institution, without intervening transfer or storage.
    (2) The definitions at Chapter 1, 1-102, except 1-102(z) and the 
provisions of Chapters 2 through 8, except sections 2-102(a) and (b), 2-
302(d), 2-403(a), 2-403(c), 2-404, 2-405, 2-407, 2-502 through 2-506, 2-
508, 2-509, 4-105, 4-201(c), 4-208, 5-101(a), 5-103, 5-104, 5-202(c), 5-
203, and 6-105, part IV, of the Food and Drug Administration's Food 
Service Sanitation Manual (1976 Recommendations), DHEW Publication No. 
(FDA) 78-2081, which is incorporated by reference, shall apply to the 
facilities and operations of businesses claiming this exemption. (These 
materials are incorporated as they exist on the date of approval. This 
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal 
Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies 
may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It is also available for 
inspection at the FSIS Hearing Clerk, room 3171, South Building, Food 
Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, DC 20250, or at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    (3) Facilities and operations of businesses claiming this exemption 
shall also conform to the following requirements:
    (i) Manual cleaning and sanitizing. (A) For manual washing, rinsing 
and sanitizing of utensils and equipment, a sink with not fewer than 
three compartments shall be provided and used. Sink compartments shall 
be large enough to permit the accommodation of the equipment and 
utensils, and each compartment of the sink shall be supplied with hot 
and cold potable running water. Fixed equipment and utensils and 
equipment too large to be cleaned in sink compartments shall be washed 
manually or cleaned through pressure spray methods.
    (B) Drain boards or easily movable dish tables of adequate size 
shall be provided for proper handling of soiled utensils prior to 
washing and for cleaned utensils following sanitizing and shall be 
located so as not to interfere with the proper use of the dishwashing 
facilities.
    (C) Equipment and utensils shall be preflushed or prescraped and, 
when necessary, presoaked to remove gross food particles and soil.
    (D) Except for fixed equipment and utensils too large to be cleaned 
in sink compartments, manual washing, rinsing and sanitizing shall be 
conducted in the following sequence:

[[Page 104]]

    (1) Sinks shall be cleaned prior to use.
    (2) Equipment and utensils shall be thoroughly washed in the first 
compartment with a hot detergent solution that is kept clean.
    (3) Equipment and utensils shall be rinsed free of detergent and 
abrasives with clean water in the second compartment.
    (4) Equipment and utensils shall be sanitized in the third 
compartment according to one of the methods prescribed in paragraph 
(e)(3)(i)(E) (1) through (4) of this section.
    (E) The food-contact surfaces of all equipment and utensils shall be 
sanitized by:
    (1) Immersion for at least \1/2\ minute in clean, hot water at a 
temperature of at least 170 [deg]F; or
    (2) Immersion for at least 1 minute in a clean solution containing 
at least 50 parts per million of available chlorine as a hypochlorite 
and at a temperature of at least 75 [deg]F; or
    (3) Immersion for at least 1 minute in a clean solution containing 
at least 12.5 parts per million of available iodine and having a pH not 
higher than 5.0 and at a temperature of at least 75 [deg]F; or
    (4) Immersion in a clean solution containing any other chemical 
sanitizing agent allowed under 21 CFR 178.1010 that will provide the 
equivalent bactericidal effect of a solution containing at least 50 
parts per million of available chlorine as a hypochlorite at a 
temperature of at least 75 [deg]F for 1 minute; or
    (5) Treatment with steam free from materials or additives other than 
those specified in 21 CFR 173.310 in the case of equipment too large to 
sanitize by immersion, but in which steam can be confined; or
    (6) Rinsing, spraying, or swabbing with a chemical sanitizing 
solution of at least twice the strength required for that particular 
sanitizing solution under paragraph (e)(3)(i)(E)(4) of this section in 
the case of equipment too large to sanitize by immersion.
    (F) When hot water is used for sanitizing, the following facilities 
shall be provided and used:
    (1) An integral heating device or fixture installed in, on, or under 
the sanitizing compartment of the sink capable of maintaining the water 
at a temperature of at least 170 [deg]F; and
    (2) A numerically scaled indicating thermometer, accurate to 3 [deg]F, convenient to the sink for frequent checks of 
water temperature; and
    (3) Dish baskets of such size and design to permit complete 
immersion of the tableware, kitchenware, and equipment in the hot water.
    (G) When chemicals are used for sanitization, they shall not have 
concentrations higher than the maximum permitted under 21 CFR 178.1010 
and a test kit or other device that accurately measures the parts per 
million concentration of the solution shall be provided and used.
    (ii) Mechanical cleaning and sanitizing. (A) Cleaning and sanitizing 
may be done by spray-type or immersion dishwashing machines or by any 
other type of machine or device if it is demonstrated that it thoroughly 
cleans and sanitizes equipment and utensils. These machines and devices 
shall be properly installed and maintained in good repair.
    Machines and devices shall be operated in accordance with 
manufacturers' instructions, and utensils and equipment placed in the 
machine shall be exposed to all dishwashing cycles. Automatic detergent 
dispensers, wetting agent dispensers, and liquid sanitizer injectors, if 
any, shall be properly installed and maintained.
    (B) The pressure of final rinse water supplied to spray-type 
dishwashing machines shall not be less than 15 nor more than 25 pounds 
per square inch measured in the water line immediately adjacent to the 
final rinse control valve. A \1/4\-inch IPS valve shall be provided 
immediately up stream from the final rinse control valve to permit 
checking the flow pressure of the final rinse water.
    (C) Machine or water line mounted numerically scaled indicating 
thermometers, accurate to 3 [deg]F, shall be 
provided to indicate the temperature of the water in each tank of the 
machine and the temperature of the final rinse water as it enters the 
manifold.
    (D) Rinse water tanks shall be protected by baffles, curtains, or 
other effective means to minimize the entry of

[[Page 105]]

wash water into the rinse water. Conveyors in dishwashing machines shall 
be accurately timed to assure proper exposure times in wash and rinse 
cycles in accordance with manufacturers' specifications attached to the 
machines.
    (E) Drain boards shall be provided and be of adequate size for the 
proper handling of soiled utensils prior to washing and of cleaned 
utensils following sanitization and shall be so located and constructed 
as not to interfere with the proper use of the dishwashing facilities. 
This does not preclude the use of easily movable dish tables for the 
storage of soiled utensils or the use of easily movable dishtables for 
the storage of clean utensils following sanitization.
    (F) Equipment and utensils shall be flushed or scraped and, when 
necessary, soaked to remove gross food particles and soil prior to being 
washed in a dishwashing machine unless a prewashcycle is a part of the 
dishwashing machine operation. Equipment and utensils shall be placed in 
racks, trays, or baskets, or on conveyors, in a way that food-contact 
surfaces are exposed to the unobstructed application of detergent wash 
and clean rinse waters and that permits free draining.
    (G) Machines (single-tank, stationary-rack, door-type machines and 
spray-type glass washers) using chemicals for sanitization may be used: 
Provided, That,
    (1) The temperature of the wash water shall not be less than 120 
[deg]F.
    (2) The wash water shall be kept clean.
    (3) Chemicals added for sanitization purposes shall be automatically 
dispensed.
    (4) Utensils and equipment shall be exposed to the final chemical 
sanitizing rinse in accordance with manufacturers' specifications for 
time and concentration.
    (5) The chemical sanitizing rinse water temperature shall be not 
less than 75 [deg]F nor less than the temperature specified by the 
machine's manufacturer.
    (6) Chemical sanitizers used shall meet the requirements of 21 CFR 
178.1010.
    (7) A test kit or other device that accurately measures the parts 
per million concentration of the solution shall be available and used.
    (H) Machines using hot water for sanitizing may be used provided 
that wash water and pumped rinse water shall be kept clean and water 
shall be maintained at not less than the following temperatures:

    (1) Single-tank, stationary-rack, dual-temperature machine:

Wash temperature..............................................150 [deg]F
Final rinse temperature.......................................180 [deg]F

    (2) Single-tank, stationary-rack, single-temperature machine:

Wash temperature..............................................165 [deg]F
Final rinse temperature.......................................165 [deg]F

    (3) Single-tank, conveyor machine:

Wash temperature..............................................160 [deg]F
Final rinse temperature.......................................180 [deg]F

    (4) Multitank, conveyor machine:

Wash temperature..............................................150 [deg]F
Pumped rinse temperature......................................160 [deg]F
Final rinse temperature.......................................180 [deg]F

    (5) Single-tank, pot, pan, and utensil washer (either stationary or 
moving-rack):
Wash temperature..............................................140 [deg]F
Final rinse temperature.......................................180 [deg]F

    (I) All dishwashing machines shall be thoroughly cleaned at least 
once a day or more often when necessary to maintain them in a 
satisfactory operating condition.
    (iii) Steam. Steam used in contact with food or food-contact 
surfaces shall be free from any materials or additives other than those 
specified in 21 CFR 173.310.
    (4) For purposes of this paragraph, the term ``private nonprofit 
institution'' means ``a corporation, and any community chest, fund, or 
foundation, organized and operated exclusively for religious, 
charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or 
educational purposes, or to foster national or international amateur 
sports competition (but only if no part of its activities involve the 
provision of athletic facilities or equipment), or for the prevention of 
cruelty to children or animals, no part of the net earnings of

[[Page 106]]

which inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual, no 
substantial part of the activities of which is carrying on propaganda, 
or otherwise attempting, to influence legislation, and which does not 
participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or 
distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in 
opposition to) any candidate for public office.''
    (5) The Administrator may withdraw or modify the exemption set forth 
in Sec.  303.1(e)(1) for a particular establishment when he or she 
determines that such action is necessary to ensure food safety and 
public health. Before such action is taken, the owner or operator of the 
particular establishment shall be notified, in writing, of the reasons 
for the proposed action and shall be given an opportunity to respond, in 
writing, to the Administrator within 20 days after notification of the 
proposed action. The written notification shall be served on the owner 
or operator of the establishment in the manner prescribed in section 
1.147(b) of the Department's Uniform Rules of Practice (7 CFR 1.147(b)). 
In those instances where there is conflict of any material fact, the 
owner or operator of the establishment, upon request, shall be afforded 
an opportunity for a hearing with respect to the disputed fact, in 
accordance with rules of practice which shall be adopted for the 
proceeding. However, such withdrawal or modification shall become 
effective pending final determination in the proceeding when the 
Administrator determines that an imminent threat to food safety or 
public health exists, and that such action is, therefore, necessary to 
protect the public health, interest or safety. Such withdrawal or 
modification shall be effective upon oral or written notification, 
whichever is earlier, to the owner or operator of the particular 
establishment as promptly as circumstances permit. In the event of oral 
notification, written confirmation shall be given to the owner or 
operator of the establishment as promptly as circumstances permit. This 
withdrawal or modification shall continue in effect ending the 
completion of the proceeding and any judicial review thereof, unless 
otherwise ordered by the Administrator.
    (f) The adulteration and misbranding provisions of the Act and the 
regulations in this subchapter, other than the requirement of the 
official inspection legend, apply to articles which are exempted from 
inspection or not required to be inspected under this section.
    (g) The Administrator may extend the requirements of titles I and IV 
of the Act to any establishment in any State or organized Territory at 
which products are prepared for distribution solely within such 
jurisdiction, if he determines in accordance with the provisions of 
paragraph 301(c)(1) of the Act that it is producing adulterated products 
which would clearly endanger the public health.
    (h) The Administrator may in specific classes of cases waive for 
limited periods any provisions of the regulations in this subchapter in 
order to permit appropriate and necessary action in the event of a 
public health emergency or to permit experimentation so that new 
procedures, equipment, and/or processing techniques may be tested to 
facilitate definite improvements: Provided, That such waivers of the 
provisions of such regulations are not in conflict with the purposes or 
provisions of the Act.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0583-0015)

[35 FR 15558, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 36 FR 12002, 12004, June 24, 
1971; 45 FR 27922, Apr. 25, 1980; 46 FR 46288, Sept. 18, 1981; 47 FR 
746, Jan. 7, 1982; 51 FR 29909, Aug. 21, 1986; 52 FR 10032, Mar. 30, 
1987; 52 FR 48091, Dec. 18, 1987; 53 FR 24679, June 30, 1988; 57 FR 
34182, Aug. 3, 1992; 64 FR 56415, Oct. 20, 1999; 76 FR 82078, Dec. 30, 
2011; 83 FR 25307, May 31, 2018]



Sec.  303.2  Experimentation: Intensity of inspection coverage.

    (a) Pursuant to the Processed Products Inspection Improvement Act of 
1986, Title IV of the Futures Trading Act of 1986 (Pub. L. 99-641), in 
establishments preparing products at which inspection under the Act and 
regulations is required, the frequency with which and the manner in 
which meat food products made from livestock previously slaughtered in 
official establishments are examined and inspected by Program employees 
is to be based

[[Page 107]]

on considerations relevant to effective regulation of meat food products 
and protection of the health and welfare of consumers. In order to test 
procedures for use in making such determinations and, in particular, for 
determining whether and, is so, to what extent the intensity of 
inspection coverage exceeds that which should be considered necessary 
pursuant to section 6 of the Act, as amended by section 403(a) of the 
Futures Trading Act of 1986, the Administrator is initiating 
experimentation of a new system of inspection for reviewing the 
performance of establishments and for designing the supervision and 
other conditions and methods of inspection coverage. For the period of 
such experimentation, the Administrator shall identify establishments 
for review, and the frequency and the manner of inspection by Program 
employees shall be determined on the basis of the results of those 
reviews and be otherwise in accordance with this section.
    (b) The determinations referred to in paragraph (a) of this section 
shall be made by the program and shall reflect evaluations of the 
performance and the characteristics and such establishments.
    (1) In assessing the performance of an establishment, the following 
factors are appropriate for consideration:
    (i) The history of compliance with applicable regulatory 
requirements by the person conducting operations at such establishment 
or by anyone responsibly connected with the business conducting 
operations at such establishment, as ``responsibly connected'' is 
defined in section 401(g) of the Act,
    (ii) The competence of the person conducting operations at such 
establishment, as indicated by:
    (A) Knowledge of appropriate manufacturing practices and applicable 
regulatory requirements,
    (B) Demonstrated ability to apply such knowledge in a timely and 
consistent manner, and
    (C) Commitment to correcting deficiencies noted by Program employees 
and otherwise assuring compliance with applicable regulatory 
requirements, and
    (iii) The procedures used in such establishment to control the 
production process, environment, and resulting product in order to 
assure and monitor compliance with the requirements of the Act and the 
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
    (2) In assessing the characteristics of an establishment, the 
following factors are appropriate for consideration:
    (i) The complexity of the processing operation(s) conducted at such 
establishment,
    (ii) The frequency with which each such operation is conducted at 
such establishment,
    (iii) The volume of product resulting from each such operation at 
such establishment,
    (iv) Whether and to what extent slaughter operations also are 
conducted at such establishment,
    (v) What, if any, food products not regulated under this Act or the 
Poultry Products Inspection Act also are prepared at such establishment, 
and
    (vi) The size of such establishment.
    (c)(1) For the period of experimentation described in paragraph (a) 
of this section, the frequency of inspection by Program employees of 
operations other than slaughter may be reduced in an establishment in 
which the procedures referred to therein are being tested if and only if 
the evaluation of the performance of such establishment described in 
paragraph (b)(1) indicates that there are:
    (i) No instances, documented in records compiled no earlier than 10 
years before, of substantial and recent noncompliance with applicable 
regulatory requirements (taking into account both the nature and 
frequency of any such noncompliance), and
    (ii) The competence and control procedures needed to assure and 
monitor compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
    (2)(i) The frequency of Federal inspection and other conditions and 
methods of inspection coverage in any establishment in which the 
frequency of Federal inspection is reduced shall be based on:

[[Page 108]]

    (A) The evaluation of the characteristics of such establishment 
described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ These evaluations will be based upon guidelines developed by 
FSIS and the complexity categorization in FSIS Directive 1030.2 
(Documentation of Processing and Combination Assignments, 4/22/85). The 
guidelines and Directive will be available for public inspection and 
copying in the Policy Office, Room 3168, South Agriculture Building, 
14th Street and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (B) The significance of potential public health consequences of 
noncompliance, and
    (C) The availability of Program employees.
    (ii) To the extent that such frequency of inspection or other 
conditions and methods of inspection coverage are identified as 
conflicting with provisions of the regulations in this subchapter, the 
Administrator will waive such provisions for the period of 
experimentation, in accordance with Sec.  303.1(g) of this subchapter.

[52 FR 10032, Mar. 30, 1987 and 52 FR 48091, Dec. 18, 1987]



PART 304_APPLICATION FOR INSPECTION; GRANT OF INSPECTION--Table of Contents



Sec.
304.1 Application for inspection.
304.2 Information to be furnished; grant or refusal of inspection.
304.3 Conditions for receiving inspection.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53.



Sec.  304.1  Application for inspection.

    (a) Before the inspection is granted, each person conducting 
operations at an establishment subject to the Act, whether tenant, 
subsidiary, or landlord, shall make application therefor to the 
Administrator as provided for in this part.
    (b) Every application under this section shall be made on an 
official form furnished by the Program, available from any Regional 
Director identified in Sec.  301.2(kkk) of this subchapter, and shall be 
completed to include all information requested. Trade names of the 
applicant for labeling purposes, shall be inserted in the appropriate 
blank in the application. Each applicant for inspection will be held 
responsible for compliance with the Act and the regulations in this 
subchapter if inspection is granted. Preparation of product and other 
operations at the establishment for which inspection is granted may be 
conducted only by the applicant named in the application.
    (c) In cases of change of ownership or location, a new application 
shall be made.

[40 FR 2575, Jan. 14, 1975, as amended at 53 FR 49848, Dec. 12, 1988]



Sec.  304.2  Information to be furnished; grant or refusal of inspection.

    (a) FSIS shall give notice in writing to each applicant granted 
inspection and shall specify in the notice the establishment, including 
the limits of the establishment's premises, to which the grant pertains.
    (b) The Administrator is authorized to grant inspection upon his 
determination that the applicant and the establishment are eligible 
therefor and to refuse to grant inspection at any establishment if he 
determines that it does not meet the requirements of this part or the 
regulations in parts 305, 307, and part 416, Sec. Sec.  416.1 through 
416.6 of this chapter or that the applicant has not received approval of 
labeling and containers to be used at the establishment as required by 
the regulations in parts 316 and 317. Any application for inspection may 
be refused in accordance with the rules of practice in part 500 of this 
chapter.
    (c)(1) Any applicant for inspection at an establishment where the 
operations thereof may result in any discharge into the navigable waters 
in the United States is required by subsection 21(b) of the Federal 
Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (84 Stat. 91), to provide the 
Administrator with a certification as prescribed in said subsection that 
there is reasonable assurance that such activity will be conducted in a 
manner which will not violate the applicable water quality standards. No 
grant of inspection can be issued after April 3, 1970 (the date of 
enactment of the Water Quality Improvement Act), unless such 
certification has been obtained, or is waived because of failure

[[Page 109]]

or refusal of the State, interstate agency or the Secretary of the 
Interior to act on a request for certification within a reasonable 
period (which shall not exceed 1 year after receipt of such request).
    (2) However, certification is not initially required in connection 
with an application for inspection granted after April 3, 1970, for 
facilities existing or under construction on April 3, 1970, although 
certification for such facilities is required to be obtained within the 
3-year period immediately following April 3, 1970. Failure to obtain 
such certification and meet the other requirements of subsection 21(b) 
prior to April 3, 1973, will result in the termination of inspection at 
such facilities on that date.

Further, any application for inspection pending on April 3, 1970, and 
granted within 1 year thereafter shall not require certification for 1 
year following the grant of inspection but such grant of inspection 
shall terminate at the end of 1 year after its issuance unless prior 
thereto such certification has been obtained and the other requirements 
of subsection 21(b) are met.

[35 FR 15558, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 41 FR 4889, Feb. 3, 1976; 44 
FR 68813, Nov. 30, 1979; 62 FR 45024, Aug. 25, 1997; 64 FR 56415, Oct. 
20, 1999; 64 FR 66545, Nov. 29, 1999; 65 FR 2284, Jan. 14, 2000]



Sec.  304.3  Conditions for receiving inspection.

    (a) Before being granted Federal inspection, an official 
establishment or an official import inspection establishment must have 
developed written Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures, as required 
by part 416 of this chapter, and written recall procedures as required 
by part 418 of this chapter.
    (b) Before being granted Federal inspection, an establishment shall 
have conducted a hazard analysis and developed and validated a HACCP 
plan, as required by Sec. Sec.  417.2 and 417.4 of this chapter. A 
conditional grant of inspection shall be issued for a period not to 
exceed 90 days, during which period the establishment must validate its 
HACCP plan.
    (c) Before producing new product for distribution in commerce, an 
establishment shall have conducted a hazard analysis and developed a 
HACCP plan applicable to that product in accordance with Sec.  417.2 of 
this chapter. During a period not to exceed 90 days after the date the 
new product is produced for distribution in commerce, the establishment 
shall validate its HACCP plan, in accordance with Sec.  417.4 of this 
chapter.

[61 FR 38864, July 25, 1996, as amended at 77 FR 26936, May 8, 2012; 79 
FR 56232, Sept. 19, 2014]



PART 305_OFFICIAL NUMBERS; INAUGURATION OF INSPECTION; WITHDRAWAL OF
INSPECTION; REPORTS OF VIOLATION--Table of Contents



Sec.
305.1 Official numbers; subsidiaries and tenants.
305.2 Separation of official establishments.
305.3 Sanitation and adequate facilities.
305.4 Inauguration of inspection.
305.6 Reports of violations.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.17, 2.55.

    Source: 35 FR 15559, Oct. 3, 1970, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  305.1  Official numbers; subsidiaries and tenants.

    (a) An official number shall be assigned to each establishment 
granted inspection. Such number shall be used to identify all inspected 
and passed products prepared in the establishment. More than one number 
shall not be assigned to an establishment.
    (b) Two or more official establishments under the same ownership or 
control may be granted the same official number, provided a serial 
letter is added in each case to identify each establishment and the 
products thereof.
    (c) When inspection has been granted to any applicant at an 
establishment, it shall not be granted to any other person at the same 
establishment. However, persons operating as separate entities in the 
same building or structure may operate separate establishments therein 
only under their own grant of inspection. All such persons operating 
separate establishments in the same building or structure shall be 
responsible for compliance with the Act and regulations in their own 
establishments, which shall include common

[[Page 110]]

areas, e.g., hallways, stairways, and elevators.

[35 FR 15559, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 40 FR 2576, Jan. 14, 1975]



Sec.  305.2  Separation of official establishments.

    (a) Each official establishment shall be separate and distinct from 
any unofficial establishment except a poultry products processing 
establishment operated under Federal inspection under the Poultry 
Products Inspection Act or under State inspection.
    (b) The slaughter or other preparation of products of horses, mules, 
or other equines required to be conducted under inspection pursuant to 
the regulations in this subchapter shall be done in establishments 
separate from any establishment in which cattle, sheep, swine, or goats 
are slaughtered or their products are prepared.
    (c) Inspection shall not be inaugurated in any building, any part of 
which is used as living quarters, unless the part for which inspection 
is requested is separated from such quarters by floors, walls, and 
ceilings of solid concrete, brick, wood, or similar material, and the 
floors, walls, and ceilings are without openings that directly or 
indirectly communicate with any part of the building used as living 
quarters.



Sec.  305.3  Sanitation and adequate facilities.

    Inspection shall not be inaugurated if an establishment is not in a 
sanitary condition nor unless the establishment agrees to maintain a 
sanitary condition and provides adequate facilities for conducting such 
inspection.



Sec.  305.4  Inauguration of inspection.

    When inspection is granted, the circuit supervisor shall, at or 
prior to the inauguration of inspection, inform the operator of the 
establishment of the requirements of the regulations in this subchapter. 
If the establishment, at the time inspection is inaugurated, contains 
any product which has not theretofore been inspected, passed, and marked 
in compliance with the regulations in this subchapter, the identity of 
the same shall be maintained, and it shall not be distributed in 
commerce, or otherwise subject to the requirements of such regulations, 
or dealt with as inspected and passed under the regulations. The 
establishment shall adopt and enforce all necessary measures and shall 
comply with all such directions as the circuit supervisor may prescribe, 
for carrying out the purposes of this section.



Sec.  305.6  Reports of violations.

    Program employees shall report, in a manner prescribed by the 
Administrator, all violations of the Act or regulations in this 
subchapter of which they have information.



PART 306_ASSIGNMENT AND AUTHORITIES OF PROGRAM EMPLOYEES-
-Table of Contents



Sec.
306.1 Designation of circuit supervisor and assistants.
306.2 Program employees to have access to establishments.
306.3 Badge as identification of inspectors.
306.4 Assignment of Program employees where members of family employed; 
          soliciting employment; procuring product from official 
          establishments.
306.5 Appeals.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.7, 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 35 FR 15559, Oct. 3, 1970, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  306.1  Designation of circuit supervisor and assistants.

    [See Sec. Sec.  300.3 and 300.4 of this chapter regarding FSIS' 
organization and inspection program supervisors.]

[69 FR 254, Jan. 5, 2004]



Sec.  306.2  Program employees to have access to establishments.

    [See Sec.  300.6 of this chapter regarding access to establishments 
and other places of business.]

[69 FR 254, Jan. 5, 2004]



Sec.  306.3  Badge as identification of inspectors.

    Each inspector will be furnished with a numbered official badge, 
which he shall not allow to leave his possession,

[[Page 111]]

and which he shall wear in such manner and at such times as the 
Administrator may prescribe.

[35 FR 15559, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 69 FR 254, Jan. 5, 2004]



Sec.  306.4  Assignment of Program employees where members of family
employed; soliciting employment; procuring product from official
establishments.

    (a) Except as specifically authorized by the Administrator, no 
Program employee shall be detailed for duty at an establishment where 
any member of his family is employed by the operator of the 
establishment, or any tenant or subsidiary of such operator nor shall 
any circuit supervisor or other employee acting in a supervisory 
capacity be continued on duty at a circuit where any member of his 
family is so employed at any establishment under his jurisdiction. 
Program employees are forbidden to solicit, for any person, employment 
at any official establishment, or by any officer, manager, or employee 
thereof.
    (b) Program employees shall not procure product from any official 
establishment or any other establishment if its operations or products 
are inspected or regulated under the Poultry Products Inspection Act or 
the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended, or any other law 
administered by the Department unless the store or outlet from which the 
purchase is made is open to the general public and the price paid by 
such employee is the same as the price paid by the general public. 
Program employees must pay, and obtain receipts for money paid to such 
establishments for all such product and keep such receipts subject to 
inspection by supervisory employees or other authorized Department 
employees.



Sec.  306.5  Appeals.

    Any appeal from a decision of any Program employee shall be made to 
his/her immediate supervisor having jurisdiction over the subject matter 
of the appeal, except as otherwise provided in the applicable rules of 
practice.

[48 FR 11418, Mar. 18, 1983, as amended at 60 FR 67454, Dec. 29, 1995]



PART 307_FACILITIES FOR INSPECTION--Table of Contents



Sec.
307.1 Facilities for Program employees.
307.2 Other facilities and conditions to be provided by the 
          establishment.
307.3 Inspectors to furnish and maintain implements in a sanitary 
          condition.
307.4 Schedule of operations.
307.5 Overtime and holiday inspection service.
307.6 Basis of billing for overtime and holiday services.
307.7 Safety requirements for electrical stimulating (EST) equipment.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 394, 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.17, 2.55.

    Source: 35 FR 15560, Oct. 3, 1970, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  307.1  Facilities for Program employees.

    Office space, including necessary furnishings, light, heat, and 
janitor service, shall be provided by official establishments, rent 
free, for the exclusive use for official purposes of the inspector and 
other Program employees assigned thereto. The space set aside for this 
purpose shall meet with approval of the circuit supervisor and shall be 
conveniently located, properly ventilated and provided with lockers 
suitable for the protection and storage of Program supplies and with 
facilities suitable for Program employees to change clothing if such 
clothes changing facilities are deemed necessary by the circuit 
supervisor. At the discretion of the Administrator, small plants 
requiring the services of less than one full time inspector need not 
furnish facilities for Program employees as prescribed in this section, 
where adequate facilities exist in a nearby convenient location. Laundry 
service for inspectors' outer work clothing shall be provided by each 
establishment.



Sec.  307.2  Other facilities and conditions to be provided by the
establishment.

    When required by the circuit supervisor, the following facilities 
and conditions, and such others as may be found to be essential to 
efficient conduct of inspection and maintenance of sanitary conditions, 
shall be provided by each official establishment:

[[Page 112]]

    (a) Satisfactory pens, equipment, and assistants for conducting 
ante-mortem inspection and for separating, marking and holding apart 
from passed livestock those marked ``U.S. suspect'' and those marked 
``U.S. condemned'' (pens, alleys, and runways shall be paved, drained, 
and supplied with adequate hose connections for cleanup purposes);
    (b) Sufficient light to be adequate for proper conduct of 
inspection;
    (c) Racks, receptacles, or other suitable devices for retaining such 
parts as the head, tongue, tail, thymus gland, and viscera, and all 
parts and blood to be used in the preparation of meat food products or 
medical products, until after the post-mortem examination is completed, 
in order that they may be identified in case of condemnation of the 
carcass; equipment, trucks, and receptacles for the handling of viscera 
of slaughtered animals so as to prevent contact with the floor; and 
trucks, racks, marked receptacles, tables, and other necessary equipment 
for the separate and sanitary handling of carcasses or parts passed for 
cooking;
    (d) Tables, benches, and other equipment on which inspection is to 
be performed, of such design, material, and construction as to enable 
Program employees to conduct their inspection in a ready, efficient and 
clean manner;
    (e) Watertight metal trucks or receptacles for holding and handling 
diseased carcasses and parts, so constructed as to be readily cleaned; 
such trucks or receptacles to be marked in a conspicuous manner with the 
phrase ``U.S. condemned'' in letters not less than 2 inches high, and, 
when required by the circuit supervisor, to be equipped with facilities 
for locking or sealing;
    (f) Adequate arrangements, including liquid soap and cleansers, for 
cleansing and disinfecting hands, for sterilizing all implements used in 
dressing diseased carcasses, floors, and such other articles and places 
as may be contaminated by diseased carcasses or otherwise;
    (g) In establishments in which slaughtering is done, rooms, 
compartments, or specially prepared open places, to be known as ``final 
inspection places,'' at which the final inspection of retained carcasses 
may be conducted (competent assistants for handling retained carcasses 
and parts shall be provided by the establishment; final inspection 
places shall be adequate in size and their rail arrangement and other 
equipment shall be sufficient to prevent carcasses and parts passed for 
food or cooking, from being contaminated by contact with condemned 
carcasses or parts; they shall be equipped with hot water, lavatory, 
sterilizer, tables, and other equipment required for ready, efficient, 
and sanitary conduct of the inspection; the floors shall be of such 
construction as to facilitate the maintenance of sanitary conditions and 
shall have proper drainage connections, and when the final inspection 
place is part of a larger floor, it shall be separated from the rest of 
the floor by a curb, railing, or otherwise);
    (h) Retention rooms, cages, or other compartments, and receptacles 
in which carcasses and product may be held for further inspection (these 
shall be in such number and in such locations as the needs of the 
inspection in the establishment may require; they shall be equipped for 
secure locking or sealing and shall be held under locks or official 
seals furnished by the Department; the keys of such locks shall not 
leave the custody of Program employees. Every such room, compartment, or 
receptacle shall be marked conspicuously with the phrase ``U.S. 
retained'' in letters not less than 2 inches high; rooms or compartments 
for these purposes shall be secure and susceptible of being kept clean, 
including a sanitary disposal of the floor liquids; establishment 
employees shall not enter any retention rooms or compartments or open 
any retention receptacles unless authorized by Program employees);
    (i) Adequate facilities, including denaturing materials, for the 
proper disposal of condemned articles in accordance with the regulations 
in this subchapter (tanks or other rendering equipment which, under the 
regulations in this subchapter, must be sealed, shall be properly 
equipped for sealing as specified by the regulations in part 314 of this 
subchapter or by the circuit supervisor in specific cases);

[[Page 113]]

    (j) Docks and receiving rooms, to be designated by the operator of 
the official establishment, with the circuit supervisor, for the receipt 
and inspection of all products as provided in Sec.  318.3 of this 
subchapter.
    (k) Suitable lockers in which brands bearing the official inspection 
legend and other official devices (excluding labels) and official 
certificates shall be kept when not in use (all such lockers shall be 
equipped for sealing or locking with locks or seals to be supplied by 
the Department; the keys of such locks shall not leave the custody of 
Program employees);
    (l) Sanitary facilities and accommodations as prescribed by Sec.  
416.2(c), (d), (e), (f), and (h) of this chapter.
    (m) In addition to any facilities required to accomplish sanitary 
dressing procedures, the following inspection station facilities for 
cattle and swine slaughter lines described in Sec.  310.1(b) of this 
subchapter are required:
    (1) An inspection station consisting of 5 feet of unobstructed line 
space for each head or carcass inspector and, for viscera table kills, 8 
feet for each viscera inspector on the inspector's side of the table.
    (2) A minimum of 50 foot candles of shadow-free lighting at the 
inspection surfaces of the head, viscera, and carcass.
    (3) A handwash lavatory (other than one which is hand operated), 
furnished with soap, towels, and hot and cold water, and located 
adjacent to the inspector's work area. In addition, for each head and 
viscera inspector on cattle slaughter lines, and each head inspector on 
swine slaughter lines, a sterilizer located adjacent to the inspector's 
work area.
    (4) For mechanized operations, a line control switch located 
adjacent to each inspection station.
    (5) Facilities to position tally sheets or other recording devices, 
such as digital counters, and facilities to contain condemned brands.
    (6) For swine slaughter lines requiring three or more inspectors, 
and for those one- and two-inspector configurations where the 
establishment installs a mirror: At the carcass inspection station one 
glass or plastic, distortion-free mirror, at least 5 feet x 5 feet, 
mounted far enough away from the vertical axis of the moving line to 
allow the carcass to be turned, but not over 3 feet away, and so mounted 
that any inspector standing at the carcass inspection station can 
readily view the back of the carcass.

[35 FR 15560, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 47 FR 33676, Aug. 4, 1982; 50 
FR 19902, May 13, 1985; 64 FR 56415, Oct. 20, 1999]



Sec.  307.3  Inspectors to furnish and maintain implements in a sanitary
condition.

    Inspectors shall furnish their own work clothing and implements, 
such as flashlights and triers, for conducting inspection and shall 
maintain their implements in sanitary condition as prescribed by Sec.  
416.3(a) of this chapter.

[64 FR 56415, Oct. 20, 1999]



Sec.  307.4  Schedule of operations.

    (a) No operations requiring inspection shall be conducted except 
under the supervision of a Program employee. All slaughtering of animals 
and preparation of products shall be done with reasonable speed, 
considering the official establishment's facilities.
    (b) A shift is a regularly scheduled operating period, exclusive of 
mealtime. One lunch period is the only official authorized interruption 
in the inspector's tour of duty once it begins. Lunch periods may be 30 
minutes, 45 minutes, or in any case may not exceed one hour in duration. 
Once established, the lunch period must remain relatively constant as to 
time and duration. Lunch periods for inspectors shall not, except as 
provided herein, occur prior to 4 hours after the beginning of scheduled 
operations nor later than 5 hours after operations begin. In plants 
where a company rest break of not less than 30 minutes is regularly 
observed, approximately midpoint between start of work and the lunch 
period, and the inspector is allowed this time to meet his personal 
needs, the lunch period may be scheduled as long as 5\1/2\ hours after 
the beginning of scheduled operations.
    (c) Official establishments, importers, and exporters shall be 
provided inspection service, without charge, up to 8 consecutive hours 
per shift during the

[[Page 114]]

basic workweek subject to the provisions of Sec.  307.5: Provided, That 
any additional shifts meet requirements as determined by the 
Administrator or his designee. The basic workweek shall consist of 5 
consecutive 8-hour days within the administrative workweek Sunday 
through Saturday, except that, when possible, the Department shall 
schedule the basic workweek so as to consist of 5 consecutive 8-hour 
days Monday through Friday. The 8-hour day excludes the lunch period but 
shall include activities deemed necessary by the Agency to fully carry 
out an inspection program, including the time for FSIS inspection 
program personnel to put on required gear and to walk to a work station; 
to prepare the work station; to return from a work station and remove 
required gear; to sharpen knives, if necessary; and to conduct duties 
scheduled by FSIS, including administrative duties. The Department may 
depart from the basic workweek in those cases where maintaining such a 
schedule would seriously handicap the Department in carrying out its 
function. These provisions are applicable to all official establishments 
except in certain cases as provided in Sec.  318.4(h) of this 
subchapter.
    (d)(1) Each official establishment shall submit a work schedule to 
the area supervisor for approval. In consideration of whether the 
approval of an establishment work schedule shall be given, the area 
supervisor shall take into account the efficient and effective use of 
inspection personnel. The work schedule must specify daily clock hours 
of operation and lunch periods for all departments of the establishment 
requiring inspection.
    (2) Establishments shall maintain consistent work schedules. Any 
request by an establishment for a change in its work schedule involving 
an addition or elimination of shifts shall be submitted to the area 
supervisor at least 2 weeks in advance of the proposed change. Frequent 
requests for change shall not be approved: Provided, however, minor 
deviations from a daily operating schedule may be approved by the 
inspector in charge, if such request is received on the day preceding 
the day of change.
    (3) Request for inspection service outside an approved work schedule 
shall be made as early in the day as possible for overtime work to be 
performed within that same workday; or made prior to the end of the 
day's operation when such a request will result in overtime service at 
the start of the following day: Provided, That an inspector may be 
recalled to his assignment after completion of his daily tour of duty 
under the provisions of Sec.  307.6(b).

[40 FR 45799, Oct. 3, 1975, as amended at 40 FR 50719, Oct. 31, 1975; 41 
FR 15401, Apr. 13, 1976; 48 FR 6893, Feb. 16, 1983; 51 FR 32304, Sept. 
11, 1986; 76 FR 33980, June 10, 2011; 77 FR 59294, Sept. 27, 2012]



Sec.  307.5  Overtime and holiday inspection service.

    (a) The management of an official establishment, an importer, or an 
exporter shall reimburse the Program, at the rate specified in Sec.  
391.3, for the cost of the inspection service furnished on any holiday 
as specified in paragraph (b) of this section; or for more than 8 hours 
on any day, or more than 40 hours in any administrative workweek Sunday 
through Saturday.
    (b) Holidays for Federal employees shall be New Year's Day, January 
1; Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., the third Monday in January; 
Washington's Birthday, the third Monday in February; Memorial Day, the 
last Monday in May; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, the first 
Monday in September; Columbus Day, the second Monday in October; 
Veterans' Day, November 11; Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in 
November; Christmas Day, December 25. When any of the above-listed 
holidays falls outside the basic workweek, the nearest workday within 
that week shall become a holiday.

[40 FR 45800, Oct. 3, 1975, as amended at 43 FR 51754, Nov. 7, 1978; 50 
FR 724, Jan. 7, 1985; 50 FR 51513, Dec. 18, 1985; 52 FR 4, Jan. 2, 1987; 
53 FR 13397, Apr. 22, 1988; 54 FR 6389, Feb. 10, 1989]



Sec.  307.6  Basis of billing for overtime and holiday services.

    (a) Each recipient of overtime or holiday inspection service, or 
both, shall be billed as provided for in Sec.  307.5(a) and at the rates 
specified in Sec.  391.3, in increments of quarter hours. For billing 
purposes, 8 or more minutes shall be

[[Page 115]]

considered a full quarter hour. Billing will be for each quarter hour of 
service rendered by each Program employee.
    (b) Official establishments, importers, or exporters requesting and 
receiving the services of a Program employee after he has completed his 
day's assignment and left the premises, or called back to duty during 
any overtime or holiday period, shall be billed for a minimum of 2 hours 
overtime or holiday inspection service at the established rate.
    (c) Bills are payable upon receipt and become delinquent 30 days 
from the date of the bill. Overtime or holiday inspection will not be 
performed for anyone having a delinquent account.

[40 FR 45800, Oct. 3, 1975, as amended at 54 FR 6389, Feb. 10, 1989]



Sec.  307.7  Safety requirements for electrical stimulating (EST)
equipment.

    (a) General. Electrical stimulating (EST) equipment is equipment 
that provides electric shock treatment to carcasses for the purpose of 
accelerating rigor mortis of facilitating blood removal. These 
provisions do not apply to electrical equipment used to stun and/or 
slaughter animals or to facilitate hide removal. Electrical stimulating 
equipment consists of two separate pieces--the control system and the 
applicator. The EST control system contains the circuitry to generate 
pulsed DC or AC voltage for stimulation and is separate from the 
equipment used to apply the voltage to the carcass. The voltage is 
applied by inserting a probe that penetrates the carcass or is inserted 
in the rectum, placing a clamp in the nose, a carcass rub-bar, a 
conveyor with energized surfaces traveling with the carcass, or any 
other acceptable method.
    (b) Safety requirements--(1) Circuits, grounding. Either a bonded 
grounding conductor shall lead from each section of the carcass rail 
within the stimulating enclosure to the service ground, or the secondary 
voltage (stimulating circuit) shall be insulated from the service 
ground. If the stimulating section of the carcass rail and carcass drive 
mechanisms are insulated from the service ground then the stimulating 
rail or the return path shall be electrically bonded to the transformer 
secondary to isolate the stimulation voltage.
    (2) Enclosure. Electrical stimulation shall occur in an area that 
will prevent persons from contacting an energized surface. If the area 
is surrounded by physical barriers, the enclosure shall be either 
electrically grounded or it shall be made of materials that do not 
conduct electricity. The interior of the stimulating area shall be 
visible from the start switch so the operator can be assured that there 
is no person, equipment or material present that should not be there 
prior to starting the stimulating sequence. If light or sound beam 
sensors form the enclosure, the stimulating equipment shall be 
automatically shut off when the sensor signals are broken.
    (3) Mandatory Warning Devices and Signals. The following warning 
devices or signals shall be installed at each opening to the stimulating 
area through which a person would normally enter:
    (i) A red light that flashes distinctly during the operating cycle 
of the stimulating equipment.
    (ii) An ANSI Z53.1-Color Code sign reading (a) ``Danger Electrical 
Hazard'' for stimulating voltage below 50 or (b) ``Danger High Voltage'' 
for stimulating voltage above 50.
    (iii) An emergency stop button.
    (4) Optional Warning Device--Horn or Bell. If a warning horn or bell 
is installed, the signal shall be audible above background noises in the 
vicinity, and it shall sound for at least 1 second before each manual 
stimulation or before the carcass chain is started in an automatic 
system.
    (c) Operation--(1) Training. Only persons who have received safety 
instruction by the equipment manufacturer or designee may operate 
electrical stimulating equipment.
    (2) Cleaning and Maintenance. To prevent an electrical shock to 
personnel, the electricity supplied to the stimulating surfaces shall be 
locked-off when cleaning, mechanical inspection, maintenance or testing 
are performed.
    (3) Water. To prevent an electrical shock, personnel shall not spray 
streams of water on energized carcasses or on energized stimulating 
surfaces.

[[Page 116]]

    (d) Special provisions for manually operated equipment. (1) 
Stimulating probes or clamps shall be stored in a sanitary container 
which is insulated with a material approved by the Administrator. \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ A list of approved insulation materials is available upon 
request from the Facilities, Equipment and Sanitation Division, 
Technical Services, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department 
of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) The electric wires attached to a clamp or probe shall not allow 
for contact between the probe or clamp and an electrical ground and 
shall not extend outside the enclosure.

[53 FR 46432, Nov. 17, 1988, as amended at 64 FR 56415, Oct. 20, 1999]

                           PART 308 [RESERVED]



PART 309_ANTE-MORTEM INSPECTION--Table of Contents



Sec.
309.1 Ante-mortem inspection on premises of official establishments.
309.2 Livestock suspected of being diseased or affected with certain 
          conditions; identifying suspects; disposition on post-mortem 
          inspection or otherwise.
309.3 Dead, dying, disabled, or diseased and similar livestock.
309.4 Livestock showing symptoms of certain metabolic, toxic, nervous, 
          or circulatory disturbances, nutritional imbalances, or 
          infectious or parasitic diseases.
309.5 Swine; disposal because of hog cholera.
309.6 Epithelioma of the eye.
309.7 Livestock affected with anthrax; cleaning and disinfection of 
          infected livestock pens and driveways.
309.8 Cattle affected with anasarca and generalized edema.
309.9 Swine erysipelas.
309.10 Onset of parturition.
309.11 Vaccine livestock.
309.12 Emergency slaughter; inspection prior to.
309.13 Disposition of condemned livestock.
309.14 Brucellosis-reactor goats.
309.15 Vesicular diseases.
309.16 Livestock suspected of having biological residues.
309.17 Livestock used for research.
309.18 Official marks and devices for purposes of ante-mortem 
          inspection.
309.19 Market hog segregation under the new swine slaughter inspection 
          system.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 35 FR 15563, Oct. 3, 1970, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  309.1  Ante-mortem inspection on premises of official establishments.

    (a) All livestock offered for slaughter in an official establishment 
shall be examined and inspected on the day of and before slaughter 
unless, because of unusual circumstances, prior arrangements acceptable 
to the Administrator have been made in specific cases by the circuit 
supervisor for such examination and inspection to be made on a different 
day before slaughter.
    (b) Such ante-mortem inspection shall be made on the premises of the 
establishment at which the livestock are offered for slaughter before 
the livestock shall be allowed to enter into any department of the 
establishment where they are to be slaughtered or dressed or in which 
edible products are handled. When the holding pens of an official 
establishment are located in a public stockyard and are reserved for the 
exclusive use of the establishment, such pens shall be regarded as part 
of the premises of that establishment and the operator of the 
establishment shall be responsible for compliance with all requirements 
of the regulations in this subchapter with respect to such pens.

[35 FR 15563, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 81 FR 46577, July 18, 2016]



Sec.  309.2  Livestock suspected of being diseased or affected with 
certain conditions; identifying suspects; disposition on post-mortem
inspection or otherwise.

    (a) Any livestock which, on ante-mortem inspection, do not clearly 
show, but are suspected of being affected with any disease or condition 
that, under part 311 of this subchapter, may cause condemnation of the 
carcass on post-mortem inspection, and any livestock which show, on 
ante-mortem inspection, any disease or condition that, under part 311 of 
this subchapter would cause condemnation of only part of the carcass on 
post-mortem inspection, shall be so handled as to retain its identity as 
a suspect until it is given final post-mortem inspection, when the 
carcass shall be marked and disposed of as provided in parts 310 and

[[Page 117]]

311 of this subchapter, or until it is disposed of as otherwise provided 
in this part.
    (b) All seriously crippled animals and non-ambulatory disabled 
livestock shall be identified as U.S. Suspects and disposed of as 
provided in Sec.  311.1 of this subchapter unless they are required to 
be classed as condemned under Sec.  309.3. Non-ambulatory disabled 
livestock are livestock that cannot rise from a recumbent position or 
that cannot walk, including, but not limited to, those with broken 
appendages, severed tendons or ligaments, nerve paralysis, fractured 
vertebral column, or metabolic conditions.
    (c) Livestock which have reacted to a test for leptospirosis, or 
anaplasmosis, but which show no symptoms of the disease, shall be 
identified as U.S. Suspects and disposed of as provided in Sec.  311.10 
of this subchapter.
    (d) Livestock which are known to have reacted to the tuberculin test 
shall be identified as U.S. Suspects and disposed of as provided in 
Sec.  311.2 of this subchapter, except that livestock bearing an 
official ``USDA Reactor'' or similar State reactor tag shall not be 
tagged as U.S. Suspects.
    (e) Any cattle found on ante-mortem inspection to be affected with 
epithelioma of the eye or of the orbital region to a lesser extent than 
as described in Sec.  309.6 shall be identified as a U.S. Suspect and 
disposed of as provided in Sec.  311.12 of this subchapter.
    (f) Cattle found on ante-mortem inspection to be affected with 
anasarca to a lesser extent than as described in Sec.  309.8 shall be 
identified as U.S. Suspects and disposed of as provided in Sec.  311.8 
of this subchapter or paragraph (g) of this section.
    (g) Any livestock suspected of being affected with anasarca may be 
set apart and held for treatment under Program or other responsible 
official supervision approved by the area supervisor. If at the 
expiration of the treatment period the livestock upon examination is 
found to be free from disease, it may be released for any purpose. 
Otherwise, it shall be identified as U.S. Suspect and disposed of as 
provided in Sec.  311.8 of this subchapter or condemned and disposed of 
as provided in Sec.  309.8, whichever is appropriate.
    (h) All hogs suspected on ante-mortem inspection of being affected 
with swine erysipelas shall be identified as U.S. Suspects and disposed 
of as provided in Sec.  311.5 of this subchapter or paragraph (i) of 
this section.
    (i) A hog suspected of being affected with swine erysipelas may be 
set apart and held for treatment under Program or other responsible 
official supervision approved by the area supervisor. If at the 
expiration of the treatment period the animal upon examination is found 
to be free from disease, it may be released for any purpose. Otherwise, 
it shall be identified as U.S. Suspect and disposed of as provided in 
Sec.  311.5 of this subchapter, or condemned and disposed of as provided 
in Sec.  309.13, whichever is appropriate.
    (j) Any livestock which is affected with vesicular exanthema or 
vesicular stomatitis, but which has recovered to the extent that the 
lesions are in process of healing, the temperature is within normal 
range, and the livestock shows a return to normal appetite and activity, 
shall be identified as U.S. Suspect and disposed of as provided in Sec.  
311.32 of this subchapter, except that if desired, such livestock may be 
set apart and held under supervision of a Program employee or other 
official designated by the area supervisor for treatment. If the 
livestock is set aside for treatment, the U.S. Suspect identification 
device will be removed by a Program employee, following such treatment, 
if the livestock is found to be free from any such disease. Such 
livestock found to be free from any such disease may be released for 
slaughter or for purposes other than slaughter, provided that in the 
latter instance, the operator of the official establishment or the owner 
of the animal shall first obtain permission from the local, State, or 
Federal livestock sanitary official having jurisdiction over the 
movement of such livestock.
    (k) Livestock which are offered for ante-mortem inspection under 
this part, and which are regarded by the inspector as immature, shall be 
identified as U.S. Suspects and, if slaughtered, the disposition of 
their carcasses shall be determined by the post-mortem findings in 
connection with the ante-mortem conditions. If not

[[Page 118]]

slaughtered as suspects, such livestock shall be held under supervision 
of a Program employee or other official designated by the area 
supervisor, and after sufficient development may be released for 
slaughter or may be released for any other purpose, provided they have 
not been exposed to any infectious or contagious disease. If such 
exposure occurs, permission should be obtained from the nearest 
Veterinary Services unit of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service prior to release of such livestock.
    (l) Livestock previously condemned for listeriosis, if released for 
slaughter under Sec.  309.13(b) shall be identified as a U.S. Suspect in 
accordance with Sec.  309.13(c).
    (m) Each animal required by this part to be treated as a U.S. 
Suspect shall be identified as such by or under the supervision of a 
Program employee with an official device in accordance with Sec.  
309.18. No such device shall be removed except by a Program employee.
    (n) Each animal identified as a U.S. Suspect on ante-mortem 
inspection shall be set apart and shall be slaughtered separately from 
other livestock at that establishment unless disposed of as otherwise 
provided in this part.
    (o) Each animal identified as a U.S. Suspect on ante-mortem 
inspection, when presented for slaughter shall be accompanied with a 
form MP 402-2 on which the inspector at the establishment shall record 
the U.S. Suspect identification number and any other identifying tag 
numbers present and a brief description of the animal and of the disease 
or condition for which the animal was classed as a suspect, including 
its temperature when the temperature of such animal might have a bearing 
on the disposition of the carcass on post-mortem inspection.
    (p) When any animal identified as a U.S. Suspect is released for any 
purpose or reason, as provided in this part, the official identification 
device shall be removed only by a Program employee and he shall report 
his action to the area supervisor. When a suspect is to be released 
under the provisions of this part for a purpose other than slaughter, 
the operator of the official establishment or the owner of the animal 
shall first obtain permission for the removal of such animal from the 
local, State or Federal livestock sanitary official having jurisdiction.

[35 FR 15563, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 38 FR 29214, Oct. 23, 1973; 39 
FR 36000, Oct. 17, 1974; 69 FR 1873, Jan. 12, 2004]



Sec.  309.3  Dead, dying, disabled, or diseased and similar livestock.

    (a) Livestock found to be dead or in a dying condition on the 
premises of an official establishment shall be identified as U.S. 
Condemned and disposed of in accordance with Sec.  309.13.
    (b) Livestock plainly showing on ante-mortem inspection any disease 
or condition that, under part 311 of this subchapter, would cause 
condemnation of their carcasses on post-mortem inspection shall be 
identified as U.S. Condemned and disposed of in accordance with Sec.  
309.13.
    (c) Any swine having a temperature of 106 [deg]F. or higher and any 
cattle, sheep, goats, horses, mules, or other equines having a 
temperature of 105 [deg]F. or higher shall be identified as U.S. 
Condemned. In case of doubt as to the cause of the high temperature, or 
when for other reasons a Program employee deems such action warranted, 
any such livestock may be held for a reasonable time under the 
supervision of a Program employee for further observation and taking of 
temperature before final disposition of such livestock is determined. 
Any livestock so held shall be reinspected on the day it is slaughtered. 
If, upon such reinspection, or when not held for further observation and 
taking of temperature, then on the original inspection, the animal has a 
temperature of 106 [deg]F. or higher in the case of swine, or 105 
[deg]F. or higher in the case of other livestock, it shall be condemned 
and disposed of in accordance with Sec.  309.13.
    (d) Any livestock found in a comatose or semicomatose condition or 
affected with any condition not otherwise covered in this part, which 
would preclude release of the animal for slaughter for human food, shall 
be identified ``U.S. Condemned'' and disposed of in accordance with 
Sec.  309.13, except that such animal may be set apart and held for 
further observation or

[[Page 119]]

treatment under supervision of a Program employee or other official 
designated by the area supervisor and for final disposition in 
accordance with this part.
    (e) Establishment personnel must notify FSIS inspection personnel 
when cattle become non-ambulatory disabled after passing ante-mortem 
inspection. Non-ambulatory disabled cattle that are offered for 
slaughter must be condemned and promptly disposed of in accordance with 
Sec.  309.13.

[35 FR 15563, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 69 FR 1873, Jan. 12, 2004; 72 
FR 38729, July 13, 2007; 74 FR 11466, Mar. 18, 2009; 81 FR 46577, July 
18, 2016]



Sec.  309.4  Livestock showing symptoms of certain metabolic, toxic,
nervous, or circulatory disturbances, nutritional imbalances, or 
infectious or parasitic diseases.

    (a) All livestock showing, on ante-mortem inspection, symptoms of 
anaplasmosis, ketosis, leptospirosis, listeriosis, parturient paresis, 
pseudorabies, rabies, scrapie, tetanus, grass tetany, transport tetany, 
strangles, purpura hemorrhagica, azoturia, infectious equine 
encephalomyelitis, toxic encephalomyelitis (forage poisoning), dourine, 
acute influenza, generalized osteoporosis, glanders (farcy), acute 
inflammatory lameness or extensive fistula shall be identified as U.S. 
Condemned and disposed of in accordance with Sec.  309.13.
    (b) If any equine is suspected on ante-mortem inspection of being 
infected with glanders or dourine, the nearest Veterinary Services unit 
of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service shall be so informed 
by a Program employee. Tests shall be performed by said unit to 
determine whether the animal is, in fact, infected with such disease. If 
it is found on such tests to be infected, the animal shall be disposed 
of in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section. Otherwise, the 
animal shall be identified as a U.S. Suspect and disposed of as provided 
in Sec.  311.10 of this subchapter.

[35 FR 15563, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 38 FR 29214, Oct. 23, 1973]



Sec.  309.5  Swine; disposal because of hog cholera.

    (a) All swine found by an inspector to be affected with hog cholera 
shall be identified as U.S. Condemned and disposed of in accordance with 
Sec.  309.13. Immediate notification shall be given by the inspector to 
the official in the Veterinary Services unit of the Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service who has responsibility for the control of 
swine diseases in the State where the swine are located.
    (b) All swine, even though not themselves identified as U.S. 
Suspects, which are of lots in which one or more animals have been 
condemned or identified as U.S. Suspect for hog cholera, shall, as far 
as possible, be slaughtered separately and apart from all other 
livestock passed on ante-mortem inspection.

[40 FR 27225, June 27, 1975]



Sec.  309.6  Epithelioma of the eye.

    Any animal found on ante-mortem inspection to be affected with 
epithelioma of the eye and the orbital region in which the eye has been 
destroyed or obscured by neoplastic tissue and which shows extensive 
infection, suppuration, and necrosis, usually accompanied with foul 
odor, or any animal affected with epithelioma of the eye or of the 
orbital region which, regardless of extent, is accompanied with cachexia 
shall be identified as U.S. Condemned and disposed of in accordance with 
Sec.  309.13.



Sec.  309.7  Livestock affected with anthrax; cleaning and disinfection
of infected livestock pens and driveways.

    (a) Any livestock found on ante-mortem inspection to be affected 
with anthrax shall be identified as U.S. Condemned and disposed of in 
accordance with Sec.  309.13.
    (b) No other livestock of a lot in which anthrax is found on ante-
mortem inspection shall be slaughtered and presented for post-mortem 
inspection until it has been determined by a careful ante-mortem 
inspection that no anthrax infected livestock remains in the lot.
    (c) Apparently healthy livestock (other than hogs) from a lot in 
which

[[Page 120]]

anthrax is detected, and any apparently healthy livestock which have 
been treated with anthrax biologicals which do not contain living 
anthrax organisms, may be slaughtered and presented for post-mortem 
inspection if they have been held not less than 21 days following the 
last treatment or the last death of any livestock in the lot. 
Alternatively, if desired, all apparently healthy livestock of the lot 
may be segregated and held for treatment by a State licensed 
veterinarian under supervision of a Program employee or other official 
designated by the area supervisor. No anthrax vaccine (live organisms) 
shall be used on the premises of an official establishment.
    (d) Livestock which have been injected with anthrax vaccines (live 
organisms) within 6 weeks, and those bearing evidence of reaction to 
such treatment, such as inflammation, tumefaction, or edema at the site 
of the injection, shall be condemned on ante-mortem inspection, or such 
animals may be held under supervision of a Program employee or other 
official designated by the area supervisor until the expiration of the 
6-week period and the disappearance of any evidence of reaction to the 
treatment.
    (e) When livestock are found on ante-mortem inspection to be 
affected with anthrax, all exposed livestock pens and driveways of the 
official establishment shall be cleaned and disinfected by promptly and 
thoroughly removing and burning all straw, litter, and manure. This 
shall be followed immediately by a thorough disinfection of the exposed 
premises by soaking the ground, fences, gates, and all exposed material 
with a 5 percent solution of sodium hydroxide or commercial lye prepared 
as outlined in Sec.  310.9(e)(1) of this subchapter, or other 
disinfectant that may be approved in specific cases by the Administrator 
specifically for this purpose.



Sec.  309.8  Cattle affected with anasarca and generalized edema.

    All cattle found on ante-mortem inspection to be affected with 
anasarca in advanced stages and characterized by an extensive and 
generalized edema shall be identified as U.S. Condemned and disposed of 
in accordance with Sec.  309.13.



Sec.  309.9  Swine erysipelas.

    All hogs plainly showing on ante-mortem inspection that they are 
affected with acute swine erysipelas shall be identified as U.S. 
Condemned and disposed of in accordance with Sec.  309.13.



Sec.  309.10  Onset of parturition.

    Any livestock showing signs of the onset of parturition shall be 
withheld from slaughter until after parturition and passage of the 
placenta. Slaughter or other disposition may then be permitted if the 
animal is otherwise acceptable.



Sec.  309.11  Vaccine livestock.

    Vaccine livestock with unhealed lesions of vaccinia, accompanied 
with fever, which have not been exposed to any other infectious or 
contagious disease, are not required to be slaughtered and may be 
released for removal from the premises.



Sec.  309.12  Emergency slaughter; inspection prior to.

    In all cases of emergency slaughter, except as provided in Sec.  
311.27 of this subchapter, the animals shall be inspected immediately 
before slaughter, whether theretofore inspected or not. When the 
necessity for emergency slaughter exists, the establishment shall notify 
the inspector in charge so that such inspection may be made.



Sec.  309.13  Disposition of condemned livestock.

    (a) Except as otherwise provided in this part, livestock identified 
as U.S. Condemned shall be killed by the official establishment, if not 
already dead. Such animals shall not be taken into the official 
establishment to be slaughtered or dressed; nor shall they be conveyed 
into any department of the establishment used for edible products; but 
they shall be disposed of in the manner provided for condemned carcasses 
in part 314 of this subchapter. The official U.S. Condemned tag shall 
not be removed from, but shall remain on the carcass until it goes into 
the tank, or is otherwise disposed of as prescribed in part 314 of this 
subchapter,

[[Page 121]]

at which time such tag may be removed by a Program employee only. The 
number of such tag shall be reported to the veterinary medical officer 
by the inspector who affixed it, and also by the inspector who 
supervised the tanking of the carcass.
    (b) Any livestock condemned on account of ketosis, swine erysipelas, 
vesicular diseases, grass tetany, transport tetany, parturient paresis, 
anasarca, anaplasmosis, leptospirosis, listeriosis, or inflammatory 
condition including pneumonia, enteritis, and peritonitis may be set 
apart and held for treatment under supervision of a Program employee or 
official designated by the area supervisor. The U.S. Condemned 
identification tag will be removed by a Program employee following 
treatment under such supervision if the animal is found to be free from 
any such disease.
    (c) Livestock previously affected with listeriosis, including those 
released for slaughter after treatment under paragraph (b) of this 
section, shall be identified as U.S. Suspect.
    (d) When livestock under the provisions of this section is to be 
released for a purpose other than slaughter, the operator of the 
official establishment or the owner of the livestock shall first obtain 
permission for the movement of such livestock from the local, State, or 
Federal livestock sanitary official having jurisdiction.

[35 FR 15563, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 72 FR 38729, July 13, 2007; 81 
FR 46577, July 18, 2016]



Sec.  309.14  Brucellosis-reactor goats.

    Goats which have reacted to a test for brucellosis shall not be 
slaughtered in an official establishment.



Sec.  309.15  Vesicular diseases.

    (a) Immediate notification shall be given by the inspector to the 
local, State, and Federal livestock sanitary officials having 
jurisdiction when any livestock is found to be affected with a vesicular 
disease.
    (b) No livestock under quarantine by State or Federal livestock 
sanitary officials on account of a vesicular disease will be given ante-
mortem inspection. If no quarantine is invoked, or if quarantine is 
invoked and later removed, upon ante-mortem inspection, any animal found 
to be affected with vesicular exanthema or vesicular stomatitis in the 
acute stages, as evidenced by acute and active lesions or an elevated 
temperature, shall be identified as U.S. Condemned and disposed of in 
accordance with Sec.  309.13.



Sec.  309.16  Livestock suspected of having biological residues.

    (a) Except as provided by paragraph (d) of this section, livestock 
suspected of having been treated with or exposed to any substance that 
may impart a biological residue which would make the edible tissues 
unfit for human food or otherwise adulterated shall be handled in 
compliance with the provisions of this paragraph. They shall be 
identified at official establishments as ``U.S. Condemned.'' These 
livestock may be held under the custody of a Program employee, or other 
official designated by the Administrator, until metabolic processes have 
reduced the residue sufficiently to make the tissues fit for human food 
and otherwise not adulterated. When the required time has elapsed, the 
livestock, if returned for slaughter, must be re-examined on ante-mortem 
inspection. To aid in determining the amount of residue present in the 
tissues, officials of the Program may permit the slaughter of any such 
livestock for the purpose of collecting tissues for analysis for the 
residue. Such analysis may include the use of inplant screening 
procedures designed to detect the presence of antimicrobial residues in 
any species of livestock.
    (b) All carcasses and edible organs and other parts thereof, in 
which are found any biological residues which render such articles 
adulterated, shall be marked as ``U.S. Condemned'' and disposed of in 
accordance with Sec.  314.1 or Sec.  314.3 of this chapter.
    (c) [Reserved]
    (d) Calves shall not be presented for ante-mortem inspection in an 
official establishment except under the provisions of this paragraph.
    (1) Definitions. For purposes of this paragraph, the following 
definitions shall apply:
    (i) Calf. A calf up to 3 weeks of age or up to 150 pounds.

[[Page 122]]

    (ii) Certified calf. A calf that the producer and all other 
subsequent custodians of the calf certify in writing has not been 
treated with any animal drug while in his or her custody or has been 
treated with one or more drugs in accordance with FDA approved label 
directions while in his or her custody and has been withheld from 
slaughter for the period(s) of time specified by those label directions.
    (iii) Healthy calf. A calf that an inspector determines shows no 
visual signs of disease or treatment of disease at ante-mortem 
inspection.
    (iv) Producer. The owner of the calf at the time of its birth.
    (v) Sick calf. A calf that an inspector on ante-mortem inspection 
determines has either signs of treatment or signs of disease.
    (vi) Veterinary medical officer. An inspector of the Program that 
has obtained a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree which is recognized 
by the Program.
    (2) General requirements. (i) The identity of the producer of each 
calf presented for ante-mortem inspection shall be made available by the 
official establishment to the inspection prior to the animal being 
presented for ante-mortem inspection.
    (ii) The inspector shall segregate the calves presented for ante-
mortem inspection at the establishment and identify each calf as one of 
the following: (a) Certified, (B) noncertified, or (C) previous residue 
condemnation.
    (3) Certified group. (i) For a calf to be considered certified, the 
producer and all other subsequent custodians of the calf must certify in 
writing that while the calf was in his or her custody, the calf was not 
treated with animal drugs or was treated with one or more drugs in 
accordance with FDA approved label directions and was withheld from 
slaughter for the period(s) of time specified by those label directions. 
All prior certifications must be presented with the animal at the time 
of slaughter. The certifications shall contain a list of the calves with 
accompanying identification numbers, as required by paragraph (d)(3)(ii) 
of this section, followed by the following language:

    I hereby certify that, while in my custody, from ________ to 
________ (time period of custody), the above-listed calf or calves have 
not been treated with drugs, or have been treated with one or more drugs 
in accordance with FDA approved label directions and have been withheld 
from slaughter for the period(s) of time specified by those label 
directions. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all 
information contained herein is true, that the information may be relied 
upon at the official establishment, and that I understand that any 
willful falsification of this certification is a felony and may result 
in a fine of up to $250,000 for an individual or up to $500,000 for an 
organization, or imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both (21 
U.S.C. 677, 18 U.S.C. 1001 and 3571).

Executed on_____________________________________________________________
 (date of certification)

________________________________________________________________________
(signature of certifier)

________________________________________________________________________
(typed or printed name and address of certifier)

________________________________________________________________________
(business of certifier)

    (ii) Each calf must be identified by use of backtag, eartag, or 
other type of secure identification which displays a number which shall 
be recorded on all written certifications.
    (iii) The inspector shall have segregated for veterinary medical 
officer examination any certified calf which he or she determines to 
show any sign of disease or which is not identified individually. Such 
animal will be tagged as ``U.S. Suspect'' and its carcass will be 
retained on post-mortem inspection and handled in accordance with Sec.  
310.21 (c) and (d).
    (iv) The inspector shall handle the remaining carcasses of healthy 
animals in accordance with Sec.  310.21(c) and (d).
    (4) Noncertified group. On ante-mortem inspection, the inspector 
shall have segregated for veterinary medical officer examination any 
calf which he or she determines to show any sign of disease. Such animal 
will be tagged as ``U.S. Suspect'' and its carcass will be retained on 
post-mortem inspection and handled in accordance with Sec.  310.21(c). 
The inspector shall handle the remaining carcasses of healthy animals in 
accordance with Sec.  310.21(c).
    (5) Calves from producers with previous residue condemnation. On 
ante-mortem inspection, the inspector shall have segregated for 
veterinary medical officer examination any calf which he or

[[Page 123]]

she determines to show any sign of disease. Such animal will be tagged 
as ``U.S. Suspect'' and its carcass will be retained on post-mortem 
inspection and handled in accordance with Sec.  310.21(e). The inspector 
shall handle the remaining carcasses of healthy animals in accordance 
with Sec.  310.21(e).
    (e) The name of each and all person(s) who sold or consigned each 
swine to the establishment shall be made available by the establishment 
to any Program employee or other authorized employee of the United 
States Department of Agriculture upon that employee's request and 
presentation of his or her official credentials. Swine identification, 
by means approved by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
USDA, under part 71 of this title, must be maintained throughout post-
mortem inspection, in accordance with Sec.  310.23(a) of this 
subchapter.

(Recordkeeping requirements approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget under control number 0583-0053)

[36 FR 24928, Dec. 24, 1971, as amended at 44 FR 45606, Aug. 3, 1979; 44 
FR 59499, Oct. 16, 1979; 47 FR 746, Jan. 7, 1982; 47 FR 41336, Sept. 20, 
1982; 50 FR 32164, Aug. 9, 1985; 50 FR 53127, Dec. 30, 1985; 52 FR 2104, 
Jan. 20, 1987; 53 FR 40387, Oct. 14, 1988; 55 FR 7474, Mar. 2, 1990]



Sec.  309.17  Livestock used for research.

    (a) No livestock used in any research investigation involving an 
experimental biological product, drug, or chemical shall be eligible for 
slaughter at an official establishment unless:
    (1) The operator of such establishment, the sponsor of the 
investigation, or the investigator has submitted to the Program, or the 
Veterinary Services unit of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service of the Department of Agriculture or to the Environmental 
Protection Agency or to the Food and Drug Administration of the 
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, data or a summary 
evaluation of the data which demonstrates that the use of such 
biological product, drug, or chemical will not result in the products of 
such livestock being adulterated, and a Program employee has approved 
such slaughter;
    (2) Written approval by the Deputy Administrator, Meat and Poultry 
Inspection Field Operations is furnished the area supervisor prior to 
the time of slaughter;
    (3) In the case of an animal administered any unlicensed, 
experimental veterinary biologic product regulated under the Virus-Serum 
Toxin Act (21 U.S.C. 151 et seq.), the product was prepared and 
distributed in compliance with Part 103 of the regulations issued under 
said Act (part 103 of this title), and used in accordance with the 
labeling approved under said regulations;
    (4) In the case of an animal administered any investigational drug 
regulated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended (21 
U.S.C. 301 et seq.), the drug was prepared and distributed in compliance 
with the applicable provisions of part 135 of the regulations issued 
under said Act (21 CFR part 135), and used in accordance with the 
labeling approved under said regulations;
    (5) In the case of an animal subjected to any experimental economic 
poison under section 2(a) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and 
Rodenticide Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 135 et seq.), the product was 
prepared and distributed in accordance with Sec.  362.17 of the 
regulations issued under said Act (7 CFR 362.17), and used in accordance 
with the labeling approved under said regulations.
    (6) In the case of an animal administered or subjected to any 
substance that is a food additive or pesticide chemical under the 
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, supra, there has been compliance 
with all tolerance limitations established by said Act and the 
regulations promulgated thereunder (21 CFR 1.1 et seq.), and all other 
restrictions and requirements imposed by said Act and said regulations 
will be complied with at the time of slaughter.
    (b) The inspector in charge may deny or withdraw the approval for 
slaughter of any livestock subject to the provision of this section when 
he deems it necessary to assure that all products prepared at the 
official establishment are free from adulteration.



Sec.  309.18  Official marks and devices for purposes of ante-mortem
inspection.

    (a) All livestock required by this part to be identified as U.S. 
Suspects shall

[[Page 124]]

be tagged with a serially numbered metal ear tag bearing the term ``U.S. 
Suspect,'' except as provided in Sec.  309.2(d) and except that cattle 
affected with epithelioma of the eye, antinomycosis, or actinobacillosis 
to such an extent that the lesions would be readily detected on post-
mortem inspection, need not be individually tagged on ante-mortem 
inspection with the U.S. Suspect tag, provided that such cattle are 
segregated and otherwise handled as U.S. Suspects.
    (b) In addition, identification of U.S. Suspect swine must include 
the use of tattoos specified by the inspector to maintain the identity 
of the animals through the dehairing equipment when such equipment is 
used.
    (c) All livestock required by this part to be identified as U.S. 
Condemned shall be tagged with a serially numbered metal ear tag bearing 
the term ``U.S. Condemned.''
    (d) The devices described in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this 
section shall be the official devices for identification of livestock 
required to be identified as U.S. Suspect or U.S. Condemned as provided 
in this part.



Sec.  309.19  Market hog segregation under the new swine slaughter 
inspection system.

    (a) The establishment must conduct market hog sorting activities 
before the animals are presented for ante-mortem inspection. Market hogs 
exhibiting signs of moribundity, central nervous system disorders, or 
pyrexia must be disposed of according to paragraph (c) of this section.
    (b) The establishment must develop, implement, and maintain written 
procedures to ensure that market hogs exhibiting signs of moribundity, 
central nervous system disorders, or pyrexia do not enter the official 
establishment to be slaughtered. The establishment must incorporate 
these procedures into its HACCP plan, or sanitation SOPs, or other 
prerequisite programs.
    (c) The establishment must identify livestock that establishment 
employees have sorted and removed from slaughter with a unique tag, 
tattoo, or similar device. The establishment must develop, implement, 
and maintain written procedures to ensure that the animals sorted and 
removed from slaughter do not enter the human food supply and are 
disposed of according to 9 CFR part 314.
    (d) The establishment must maintain records to document the number 
of animals disposed of per day because they were removed from slaughter 
by establishment sorters before ante-mortem inspection by FSIS 
inspectors and the reasons that the animals were removed. These records 
are subject to review and evaluation by FSIS personnel.
    (e) The establishment must immediately notify FSIS inspectors if the 
establishment has reason to believe that market hogs may have a 
notifiable animal disease. Notifiable animal diseases are designated by 
World Animal Health Organization.

[84 FR 52345, Oct. 1, 2019]



PART 310_POST-MORTEM INSPECTION--Table of Contents



Sec.
310.1 Extent and time of post-mortem inspection; post-mortem inspection 
          staffing standards.
310.2 Identification of carcass with certain severed parts thereof and 
          with animal from which derived.
310.3 Carcasses and parts in certain instances to be retained.
310.4 Identification of carcasses and parts; tagging.
310.5 Condemned carcasses and parts to be so marked; tanking; 
          separation.
310.6 Carcasses and parts passed for cooking; marking.
310.7 Removal of spermatic cords, pizzles and preputial diverticuli.
310.8 Passing and marking of carcasses and parts.
310.9 Anthrax; carcasses not to be eviscerated; disposition of affected 
          carcasses; hides, hoofs, horns, hair, viscera and contents, 
          and fat; handling of blood and scalding vat water; general 
          cleanup and disinfection.
310.10 Carcasses with skin or hide on; cleaning before evisceration; 
          removal of larvae of Hypodermae, external parasites and other 
          pathological skin conditions.
310.11 [Reserved]
310.12 Sternum to be split; abdominal and thoracic viscera to be 
          removed.
310.13 Inflating carcasses or parts thereof; transferring caul or other 
          fat.
310.14 Handling of bruised parts.
310.15 Disposition of thyroid glands and laryngeal muscle tissue.
310.16 Disposition of lungs.

[[Page 125]]

310.17 Inspection of mammary glands.
310.18 Contamination of carcasses, organs, or other parts.
310.19 Inspection of kidneys.
310.20 Saving of blood from livestock as an edible product.
310.21 Carcasses suspected of containing sulfa and antibiotic residues; 
          sampling frequency; disposition of affected carcasses and 
          parts.
310.22 Specified risk materials from cattle and their handling and 
          disposition.
310.23 Identification of carcasses and parts of swine.
310.24 [Reserved]
310.25 Contamination with microorganisms; process control verification 
          criteria and testing; pathogen reduction standards.
310.26 Establishment responsibilities under the new swine slaughter 
          inspection system.
310.27 Attestation requirements.
310.28 Severability.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 35 FR 15567, Oct. 3, 1970, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  310.1  Extent and time of post-mortem inspection; post-mortem 
inspection staffing standards.

    (a) A careful post-mortem examination and inspection shall be made 
of the carcasses and parts thereof of all livestock slaughtered at 
official establishments. Such inspection and examination shall be made 
at the time of slaughter unless, because of unusual circumstances, prior 
arrangements acceptable to the Administrator have been made in specific 
cases by the circuit supervisor for making such inspection and 
examination at a later time.
    (b)(1) The staffing standards on the basis of the number of 
carcasses to be inspected per hour are outlined in the following tables. 
Standards for multiple inspector lines are based on inspectors rotating 
through the different types of inspection stations during each shift to 
equalize the workload. The inspector in charge shall have the authority 
to require the establishment to reduce slaughter line speeds where, in 
his judgment, the inspection procedure cannot be adequately performed at 
the current line speed because of particular deficiencies in carcass 
preparation and presentation by the plant at the higher speed, or 
because the health condition of the particular animals indicates a need 
for more extensive inspection.
    (2) Cattle inspection. For all cattle staffing standards, an ``a'' 
in the ``Number of Inspectors by Stations'' column means that one 
inspector performs the entire inspection procedure and a ``b'' means 
that one inspector performs the head and lower carcass inspection and a 
second inspector performs the viscera and upper carcass inspection. \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The ``Maximum Slaughter Rates'' figures listed in paragraph 
(b)(2)(i) of this section for one (a) and two (b) inspector kills are 
overstated because the time required to walk from one inspection station 
to another is not included. To determine the proper adjusted maximum 
slaughter line speed, paragraph (b)(2)(i)(A) of this section for one 
inspector kills or paragraph (b)(2)(i)(B) of this section for two 
inspector kills must be used along with their accompanying rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (i) Inspection Using the Viscera Truck.

                           Steers and Heifers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Number of inspectors by
                                                         stations
    Maximum slaughter rates (head per hour)     ------------------------
                                                  Head  Viscera  Carcass
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 to 27........................................      a       a        a
28 to 56.......................................      b       b        b
57 to 84.......................................      1       1        1
85 to 86.......................................      1       2        1
87 to 143......................................      2       2        1
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Cows and Bulls
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Number of inspectors by
                                                         stations
    Maximum slaughter rates (head per hour)     ------------------------
                                                  Head  Viscera  Carcass
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 to 27........................................      a       a        a
28 to 55.......................................      b       b        b
56 to 77.......................................      1       1        1
78 to 81.......................................      1       2        1
82 to 134......................................      2       2        1
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (A) Rules for determining adjusted maximum slaughter rates for 
single-inspector kills considering walking distance according to the 
table in this subdivision: Determine the distances the inspector 
actually walks between the points shown in columns 2 through 14 of the 
following table. For each column, determine the deduction figure 
opposite the appropriate number of feet in column 1. Compute the total 
of the deduction figures for columns 2

[[Page 126]]

through 14. The adjusted maximum rate is the maximum rate in paragraph 
(b)(2)(i) of this section minus total of the deduction figures. If the 
resultant number is not a whole number, it must be rounded off to the 
next lowest whole number.

[[Page 127]]



                                                                            One-Inspector Cattle Kill--Viscera Truck
                                        [Table of deductions from maximum slaughter rates for each 2 feet between points (in tenths of cattle per hour)]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            2 Head rack     3 Viscera    4 Low rail    5 Head rack    6 Carcass     7 Tags--      8 Viscera     9 Viscera    10 Low rail  11 Head rack  12 Washbasin  13 Head rack   14 Viscera
           and high rail  and low rail    and head     and carcass     \2\ and     brands and        and        and high      and high     and closest    and high         and       and tags--
1 Number ------------------------------     rack           \2\        washbasin     low rail      washbasin       rail          rail        washbasin     rail \1\      washbasin      brands
 of feet                               ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------      \1\     -------------
 between   Strs.   Cows   Strs.   Cows                                                                                                                               --------------
 points    Hfrs.   Bulls  Hfrs.  Bulls  Strs.   Cows  Strs.   Cows  Strs.   Cows  Strs.   Cows  Strs.   Cows  Strs.   Cows  Strs.   Cows  Strs.   Cows  Strs.   Cows  Strs.   Cows  Strs.   Cows
                                        Hfrs.  Bulls  Hfrs.  Bulls  Hfrs.  Bulls  Hfrs.  Bulls  Hfrs.  Bulls  Hfrs.  Bulls  Hfrs.  Bulls  Hfrs.  Bulls  Hfrs.  Bulls  Hfrs.  Bulls  Hfrs.  Bulls
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1        0       0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0
     3        0       0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0    0.1      0
     5        0       0    0.1      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0    0.1    0.1    0.1      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0    0.2    0.1
     7        0       0    0.1    0.1    0.1    0.1      0      0      0      0    0.1    0.1    0.1    0.2    0.2    0.2    0.1    0.1      0      0      0      0      0      0    0.3    0.3
     9        0       0    0.2    0.1    0.1    0.1      0      0      0      0    0.1    0.1    0.1    0.3    0.3    0.3    0.1    0.1      0      0    0.1    0.1    0.1    0.1    0.4    0.4
    11      0.1     0.1    0.2    0.2    0.2    0.2      0      0      0      0    0.1    0.2    0.2    0.4    0.4    0.4    0.2    0.2      0      0    0.1    0.1    0.1    0.1    0.5    0.6
    13      0.1     0.1    0.3    0.2    0.2    0.2      0      0      0      0    0.2    0.2    0.2    0.5    0.5    0.5    0.2    0.2      0      0    0.1    0.1    0.1    0.1    0.6    0.7
    15      0.1     0.1    0.4    0.3    0.3    0.3      0      0      0      0    0.2    0.3    0.3    0.5    0.6    0.6    0.3    0.3      0      0    0.2    0.2    0.2    0.2    0.7    0.9
    17      0.1     0.1    0.4    0.3    0.3    0.3      0      0      0      0    0.3    0.3    0.3    0.6    0.7    0.7    0.3    0.3      0    0.1    0.2    0.2    0.2    0.2    0.9    1.0
    19      0.1     0.1    0.5    0.4    0.4    0.4      0      0      0      0    0.3    0.4    0.4    0.7    0.8    0.8    0.4    0.4      0    0.1    0.2    0.2    0.2    0.2    1.0    1.1
    21      0.2     0.2    0.5    0.4    0.4    0.4      0      0      0      0    0.3    0.4    0.4    0.8    0.9    0.8    0.4    0.4      0    0.1    0.3    0.2    0.3    0.2    1.1    1.3
    23      0.2     0.2    0.6    0.5    0.5    0.5      0      0      0      0    0.4    0.5    0.5    0.9    1.0    0.9    0.5    0.5      0    0.1    0.3    0.3    0.3    0.3    1.2    1.4
    25      0.2     0.2    0.7    0.5    0.5    0.5      0      0      0      0    0.4    0.5    0.5    1.0    1.1    1.0    0.5    0.5      0    0.1    0.3    0.3    0.3    0.3    1.3    1.5
    27      0.2     0.2    0.7    0.5    0.6    0.5      0      0      0      0    0.4    0.5    0.6    1.1    1.2    1.1    0.6    0.6      0    0.1    0.3    0.3    0.3    0.3    1.4    1.7
    29      0.2     0.2    0.8    0.6    0.6    0.6      0      0      0      0    0.5    0.6    0.6    1.2    1.3    1.2    0.6    0.6      0    0.1    0.4    0.3    0.4    0.3    1.5    1.8
    31      0.3     0.2    0.8    0.6    0.7    0.6      0      0      0      0    0.5    0.6    0.7    1.3    1.3    1.4    0.7    0.7      0    0.1    0.4    0.4    0.4    0.4    1.6    1.9
    33      0.3     0.3    0.9    0.7    0.7    0.7      0      0      0      0    0.6    0.7    0.7    1.3    1.4    1.4    0.7    0.7      0    0.1    0.4    0.4    0.4    0.4    1.7    2.1
    35      0.3     0.3    1.0    0.7    0.8    0.7      0      0      0      0    0.6    0.7    0.8    1.4    1.5    1.5    0.8    0.8      0    0.2    0.5    0.4    0.5    0.4    1.8    2.2
    37      0.3     0.3    1.0    0.8    0.8    0.8      0      0      0      0    0.6    0.8    0.8    1.5    1.6    1.6   .0.8    0.8      0    0.2    0.5    0.5    0.5    0.5    1.9    2.3
    39      0.3     0.3    1.1    0.8    0.9    0.8      0      0      0      0    0.7    0.8    0.9    1.6    1.7    1.7    0.9    0.9      0    0.2    0.5    0.5    0.5    0.5    2.0    2.4
    41      0.4     0.3    1.1    0.9    0.9    0.9      0    0.1      0    0.1    0.7    0.9    0.9    1.7    1.7    1.8    0.9    0.9      0    0.2    0.6    0.5    0.6    0.5    2.1    2.6
    43      0.4     0.4    1.2    0.9    1.0    0.9      0    0.1      0    0.1    0.7    0.9    1.0    1.8    1.8    1.9    1.0    1.0    0.1    0.2    0.6    0.5    0.6    0.5    2.2    2.7
    45      0.4     0.4    1.2    0.9    1.0    0.9      0    0.1      0    0.1    0.8    0.9    1.0    1.8    1.9    2.0    1.0    1.0    0.1    0.2    0.6    0.6    0.6    0.6    2.3    2.8
    47      0.4     0.4    1.3    1.0    1.1    1.0      0    0.1      0    0.1    0.8    1.0    1.1    1.9    2.0    2.1    1.1    1.1    0.1    0.2    0.6    0.6    0.6    0.6    2.4    2.9
    49      0.4     0.4    1.4    1.0    1.1    1.0      0    0.1      0    0.1    0.8    1.0    1.1    2.0    2.1    2.2    1.1    1.1    0.1    0.2    0.7    0.6    0.7    0.6    2.5    3.1
    51      0.5     0.5    1.4    1.1    1.2    1.1      0    0.1      0    0.1    0.9    1.1    1.2    2.1    2.2    2.2    1.2    1.2    0.1    0.3    0.7    0.7    0.7    0.7    2.6    3.2
    53      0.5     0.5    1.5    1.1    1.2    1.1      0    0.1      0    0.1    0.9    1.1    1.2    2.2    2.3    2.3    1.2    1.2    0.1    0.3    0.7    0.7    0.7    0.7    2.7    3.3
    55      0.5     0.5    1.5    1.2    1.2    1.2      0    0.1      0    0.1    1.0    1.2    1.2    2.3    2.3    2.4    1.3    1.3    0.1    0.3    0.8    0.7    0.8    0.7    2.8    3.4
    57      0.5     0.5    1.6    1.2    1.3    1.2      0    0.1      0    0.1    1.0    1.2    1.3    2.3    2.4    2.5    1.3    1.3    0.1    0.3    0.8    0.7    0.8    0.7    2.9    3.5
    59      0.5     0.5    1.6    1.3    1.3    1.3      0    0.1      0    0.1    1.0    1.3    1.3    2.4    2.5    2.6    1.4    1.4    0.1    0.3    0.8    0.8    0.8    0.8    3.0    3.6
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The washbasin referred to here is the one the inspector uses while enroute from the head rack to high rail inspection.
\2\ This refers to the carcass in the bleeding area.


[[Page 128]]

    (B) Rules for determining adjusted maximum slaughter rates for two-
inspector kills considering walking distance according to the table in 
this subdivision: Determine the distances the inspectors actually walk 
between the points shown in columns 2 through 9 of the following table. 
Column 9 is used only if the condemned brands and tags the viscera 
inspector uses are kept at a location other than at the washbasin-
sterilizer. For each column, determine the deduction figure opposite the 
appropriate number of feet in column 1. Compute the total of the 
deduction figures for columns 2 through 9. Divide this total by 2. The 
adjusted maximum rate is the maximum rate in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this 
section minus the number calculated above. If the resultant number is 
not a whole number, it must be rounded off to the next lowest whole 
number.

[[Page 129]]



                                                        Two-Inspector Cattle Kill--Viscera Truck
                    [Table of deductions from maximum slaughter rates for each 2 feet between points (in tenths of cattle per hour)]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Heads and low rail inspection                                              Viscera and high rail inspection
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1             2                 3                 4                 5                 6                 7                 8               9 \1\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Head rack and     Head rack and     Washbasin and     Head rack and      Viscera and    Viscera and high    High rail and      Viscera and
 Number       washbasin       carcasses \2\       low rail          low rail         brands tags          rail            washbasin         washbasin
 of feet ------------------------------------------------------------------------    (washbasin)   -----------------------------------------------------
 between                                                                         ------------------
 points    Strs.     Cows    Strs.     Cows    Strs.     Cows    Strs.     Cows    Strs.     Cows    Strs.     Cows    Strs.     Cows    Strs.     Cows
           Hfrs.    Bulls    Hfrs.    Bulls    Hfrs.    Bulls    Hfrs.    Bulls    Hfrs.    Bulls    Hfrs.    Bulls    Hfrs.    Bulls    Hfrs.    Bulls
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       1        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        0
       3      0.1        0      0.1        0      0.1        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        0      0.1      0.2
       5      0.1      0.1      0.1      0.1      0.1      0.1      0.8      0.7      0.4      0.5      0.5      0.5      0.1      0.2      0.2      0.3
       7      0.1      0.2      0.1      0.1      0.1      0.1      1.5      1.4      0.7      0.9      1.0      0.9      0.3      0.3      0.3      0.4
       9      0.2      0.2      0.1      0.2      0.1      0.2      2.2      2.0      1.1      1.3      1.5      1.3      0.4      0.5      0.4      0.5
      11      0.2      0.3      0.1      0.2      0.2      0.2      2.8      2.7      1.4      1.7      1.9      1.8      0.5      0.6      0.4      0.6
      13      0.2      0.4      0.1      0.3      0.2      0.2      3.5      3.3      1.7      2.1      2.4      2.2      0.6      0.7      0.5      0.8
      15      0.3      0.4      0.1      0.3      0.2      0.3      4.1      3.9      2.0      2.5      2.9      2.6      0.7      0.9      0.6      0.9
      17      0.3      0.5      0.1      0.4      0.2      0.3      4.8      4.5      2.4      2.9      3.3      3.0      0.8      1.0      0.7      1.0
      19      0.3      0.6      0.2      0.4      0.3      0.4      5.4      5.1      2.7      3.3      3.7      3.4      0.9      1.2      0.7      1.2
      21      0.3      0.6      0.2      0.4      0.3      0.4      6.0      5.7      3.0      3.7      4.2      3.7      1.0      1.3      0.8      1.3
      23      0.4      0.7      0.2      0.5      0.3      0.5      6.6      6.3      3.3      4.0      4.6      4.1      1.2      1.4      0.9      1.4
      25      0.4      0.7      0.2      0.5      0.3      0.5      7.2      6.8      3.6      4.4      5.0      4.5      1.3      1.6      1.0      1.6
      27      0.4      0.8      0.2      0.6      0.4      0.5      7.8      7.4      3.9      4.7      5.4      4.9      1.4      1.7      1.0      1.7
      29      0.5      0.9      0.2      0.6      0.4      0.6      8.3      7.9      4.2      5.1      5.8      5.2      1.5      1.8      1.1      1.8
      31      0.5      0.9      0.2      0.7      0.4      0.6      8.9      8.5      4.5      5.4      6.2      5.6      1.6      2.0      1.2      2.0
      33      0.5      1.0      0.2      0.7      0.4      0.7      9.4      9.0      4.8      5.8      6.5      5.9      1.7      2.1      1.3      2.1
      35      0.6      1.1      0.3      0.8      0.5      0.7     10.0      9.5      5.0      6.1      6.9      6.3      1.8      2.2      1.3      2.3
      37      0.6      1.1      0.3      0.8      0.5      0.7     10.5     10.0      5.3      6.4      7.3      6.6      1.9      2.4      1.4      2.4
      39      0.6      1.2      0.3      0.9      0.5      0.8     11.0     10.5      5.6      6.8      7.6      6.9      2.0      2.5      1.5      2.5
      41      0.7      1.2      0.3      0.9      0.6      0.8     11.5     11.0      5.9      7.1      8.0      7.2      2.1      2.6      1.5      2.6
      43      0.7      1.3      0.3      0.9      0.6      0.9     12.0     11.4      6.1      7.4      8.3      7.6      2.2      2.8      1.6      2.8
      45      0.7      1.4      0.3      1.0      0.6      0.9     12.5     11.9      6.4      7.7      8.7      7.9      2.4      2.9      1.7      2.9
      47      0.8      1.4      0.3      1.0      0.6      1.0     13.0     12.4      6.7      8.0      9.0      8.2      2.5      3.0      1.8      3.0
      49      0.8      1.5      0.3      1.1      0.7      1.0     13.4     12.8      6.9      8.3      9.4      8.5      2.6      3.2      1.8      3.1
      51      0.8      1.6      0.3      1.1      0.7      1.0     13.9     13.3      7.2      8.6      9.7      8.8      2.7      3.3      1.9      3.3
      53      0.9      1.6      0.4      1.2      0.7      1.1     14.4     13.7      7.4      8.9     10.0      9.1      2.8      3.4      2.0      3.4
      55      0.9      1.7      0.4      1.2      0.7      1.1     14.8     14.1      7.7      9.2     10.3      9.4      2.9      3.5      2.0      3.5
      57      0.9      1.7      0.4      1.3      0.8      1.2     15.2     14.6      7.9      9.5     10.6      9.7      3.0      3.7      2.1      3.6
      59      0.9      1.8      0.4      1.3      0.8      1.2     15.7     15.0      8.2      9.7     10.9      9.9      3.1      3.8      2.2     3.8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ This column to be used only if brands and tags are not located at the washbasin.
\2\ This refers to the carcasses in the bleeding area.


[[Page 130]]

    (ii) Inspection Using Viscera Table, Tongue-In Presentation of 
Heads.

                           Steers and Heifers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Number of inspectors by
                                                         stations
    Maximum slaughter rates (head per hour)     ------------------------
                                                  Head  Viscera  Carcass
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 to 32........................................      a       a        a
33 to 58.......................................      b       b        b
59 to 84.......................................      1       1        1
85 to 86.......................................      1       2        1
87 to 143......................................      2       2        1
144 to 171.....................................      3       2        1
172 to 198.....................................      3       3        1
199 to 226.....................................      3       3        2
227 to 253.....................................      4       3        2
254 to 280.....................................      4       4        2
281 to 306.....................................      5       4        2
307 to 333.....................................      5       5        2
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Cows and Bulls
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Number of inspectors by
                                                         stations
    Maximum slaughter rates (head per hour)     ------------------------
                                                  Head  Viscera  Carcass
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 to 29........................................      a       a        a
30 to 56.......................................      b       b        b
57 to 77.......................................      1       1        1
78 to 81.......................................      1       2        1
82 to 134......................................      2       2        1
135 to 159.....................................      2       3        1
160 to 187.....................................      3       3        1
188 to 213.....................................      3       4        1
214 to 234.....................................      3       4        2
235 to 264.....................................      4       4        2
265 to 289.....................................      5       4        2
290 to 314.....................................      5       5        2
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iii) Inspection Using Viscera Table, Tongue-Out Presentation of 
Heads.

                           Steers and Heifers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Number of inspectors by
                                                         stations
    Maximum slaughter rates (head per hour)     ------------------------
                                                  Head  Viscera  Carcass
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 to 32........................................      a       a        a
33 to 58.......................................      b       b        b
59 to 86.......................................      1       1        1
87 to 103......................................      1       2        1
104 to 156.....................................      2       2        1
157 to 186.....................................      2       3        1
187 to 216.....................................      3       3        1
217 to 246.....................................      3       3        2
247 to 275.....................................      3       4        2
276 to 304.....................................      4       4        2
305 to 333.....................................      4       5        2
334 to 362.....................................      5       5        2
363 to 390.....................................      5       6        2
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Cows and Bulls
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Number of inspectors by
                                                         stations
    Maximum slaughter rates (head per hour)     ------------------------
                                                  Head  Viscera  Carcass
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 to 29........................................      a       a        a
30 to 56.......................................      b       b        b
57 to 79.......................................      1       1        1
80 to 98.......................................      1       2        1
99 to 147......................................      2       2        1
148 to 174.....................................      2       3        1
175 to 205.....................................      3       3        1
206 to 233.....................................      3       4        1
234 to 256.....................................      3       4        2
257 to 288.....................................      4       4        2
289 to 316.....................................      5       4        2
317 to 343.....................................      5       5        2
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) Swine inspection. There are two systems of post-mortem 
inspection: The New Swine Slaughter Inspection System (NSIS), which may 
be used for market hogs, and the traditional inspection system, which 
may be used for all swine.
    (i) The NSIS may be used for market hogs if the official 
establishment requests to use it and meets or agrees to meet the 
requirements in 9 CFR 309.19 and Sec.  310.26. The Administrator may 
permit establishments that slaughter classes of swine other than market 
hogs to use NSIS under a waiver from the provisions in 9 CFR 309.19 and 
Sec.  310.26 as provided by 9 CFR 303.1(h). The Administrator also may 
permit establishments that slaughter both market hogs and other classes 
of swine to slaughter the market hogs under NSIS and slaughter the other 
classes of swine under traditional inspection.
    (ii) Traditional inspection shall be used for swine when NSIS is not 
used. The following inspection staffing standards are applicable to 
swine slaughter configurations operating under traditional inspection 
when NSIS is not used. The inspection standards for all slaughter lines 
are based upon the observation rather than palpation, at the viscera 
inspection station, of the spleen, liver, heart, lungs, and mediastinal 
lymph nodes. In addition, for one- and two-inspector lines under 
traditional inspection, the standards are based upon the distance walked 
(in feet) by the inspector between work stations; and for three or more 
inspector slaughter lines, upon the use of a mirror, as described in

[[Page 131]]

Sec.  307.2(m)(6) of this chapter, at the carcass inspection station. 
Although not required in a one- or two-inspector slaughter 
configuration, except in certain cases as determined by the inspection 
service, if a mirror is used, it must comply with the requirements of 
Sec.  307.2(m)(6).

                    Table 1 to Paragraph (b)(3)--One Inspector--Staffing Standards for Swine
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Maximum inspection rates (head per hour)
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Market hogs (heads attached or       Sows and boars (heads
        Distance walked \1\ in feet is--                     detached)                       detached)
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Without mirror    With mirror   Without mirror    With mirror
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0 to 5..........................................             140             150             131             143
6 to 10.........................................             134             144             126             137
11 to 15........................................             129             137             122             132
16 to 20........................................             124             132             117             127
21 to 35........................................             120             127             113             122
26 to 30........................................             116             122             110             118
31 to 35........................................             112             118             106             114
36 to 40........................................             108             114             103             110
41 to 45........................................             105             110             100             106
46 to 50........................................             101             107              97             103
51 to 55........................................              98             103              94             100
56 to 60........................................              96             100              91              97
61 to 65........................................              93              97              89              94
66 to 70........................................              90              95              87              92
71 to 75........................................              88              92              85              89
76 to 80........................................              86              89              82              87
81 to 85........................................              84              87              80              85
86 to 90........................................              82              85              79              83
91 to 95........................................              80              83              77              81
96 to 100.......................................              78              81              75              79
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Distance walked is the total distance that the inspector will have to walk between work stations during one
  inspection cycle (e.g., between viscera, carcass, head, and wash-basin).


                 Table 2 to Paragraph (b)(3)--Two Inspectors--Staffing Standards for Market Hogs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Maximum inspection rates (head per hour with
                                                                            heads attached or detached)
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                                                                                Line configuration
         Distance walked \1\ in feet by inspector B is--         -----------------------------------------------
                                                                    Carcass,\2\     Viscera,\2\      Head,\2\
                                                                   head viscera    head carcass       viscera
                                                                        \3\             \3\         carcass \3\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Without Mirror
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0 to 5..........................................................         151-253         151-271         151-296
6 to 10.........................................................         151-239         151-255         151-277
11 to 15........................................................         151-226         151-240         151-260
16 to 20........................................................         151-214         151-227         151-244
21 to 25........................................................         151-204         151-215         151-231
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   With Mirror
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0 to 5..........................................................         151-253         151-303         151-318
6 to 10.........................................................         151-239         151-283         151-304
11 to 15........................................................         151-226         151-265         151-289
16 to 20........................................................         151-214         151-249         151-270
21 to 25........................................................         151-204         151-235         151-254
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Distance walked is the total distance that Inspector B will have to walk between work stations during one
  inspection cycle (e.g., between viscera, carcass, and washbasin).
\2\Inspector A.
\3\Inspector B.
Note 1 to Table 2 to paragraph (b)(3): In multiple-inspector plants, the inspectors must rotate between all
  inspection positions during each shift to equalize the workload.


[[Page 132]]


               Table 3 to Paragraph (b)(3)--Two Inspectors--Staffing Standards for Sows and Boars
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Maximum inspection rates (head per hour)
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Line Configuration
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
 Distance walked \1\ in feet by inspector B is--    Carcass,\2\     Viscera,\2\      Head,\2\        Head,\2\
                                                       head            head           viscera         viscera
                                                    viscera,\3\     carcass,\3\     carcass,\3\     carcass,\3\
                                                  heads detached  heads detached  heads detached  heads attached
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Without Mirror
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0 to 5..........................................         144-248         144-254         144-267         144-267
6 to 10.........................................         144-235         144-240         144-253         144-253
11 to 15........................................         144-222         144-227         144-239         144-239
16 to 20........................................         144-211         144-215         144-226         144-226
21 to 25........................................         144-201         144-205         144-214         144-214
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   With Mirror
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0 to 5..........................................         144-248         144-292         144-305         144-292
6 to 10.........................................         144-235         144-273         144-291         144-280
11 to 15........................................         144-222         144-256         144-272         144-268
16 to 20........................................         144-211         144-241         144-255         144-255
21 to 25........................................         144-201         144-228         144-240         144-240
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Distance walked is the total distance that Inspector B will have to walk between work stations during one
  inspection cycle (e.g., between viscera, carcass, and washbasin).
\2\Inspector A.
\3\Inspector B.
Note 1 to table 3 to Paragraph (b)(3): In multiple-inspector plants, the inspectors must rotate between all
  inspection positions during each shift to equalize the workload.


               Table 4 to paragraph (b)(3)--Three Inspectors or More--Staffing Standards for Swine
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Number of inspectors by station
  Maximum inspection rates (head per hour with   ---------------------------------------------------------------
                 heads attached)                       Head           Viscera         Carcass          Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Market hogs:
319 to 506......................................               1               1               1               3
507 to 540......................................               1               2               1               4
541 to 859......................................               2               2               1               5
860 to 1,022....................................               2               3               1               6
1,023 to 1,106..................................               3               3               1               7
Sows and boars:
306 to 439......................................               1               1               1               3
306 to 462 \1\..................................               1               1               1               3
440 to 475......................................               2               1               1               4
476 to 752......................................               2               2               1               5
753 to 895......................................               3               2               1               6
896 to 964......................................               3               3               1               7
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\This rate applies if the heads of sows and boars are detached from the carcasses at the time of inspection.
Note 1 to table 4 to paragraph (b)(3): In multiple-inspector plants, the inspectors must rotate between all
  inspection positions during each shift to equalize the workload.


[35 FR 15567, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 47 FR 33676, Aug. 4, 1982; 50 
FR 19903, May 13, 1985; 84 FR 52346, Oct. 1, 2019]



Sec.  310.2  Identification of carcass with certain severed parts thereof
and with animal from which derived.

    (a) The head, tail, tongue, thymus gland, and all viscera of each 
slaughtered animal, and all blood and other parts of such animal to be 
used in the preparation of meat food products or medical products, shall 
be handled in such a manner as to identify them with the rest of the 
carcass and as being derived from the particular animal involved, until 
the post-mortem examination of the carcass and parts thereof has been 
completed. Such handling shall include the retention of ear tags, 
backtags, implants, and other identifying devices affixed to the animal, 
in such a way to relate them to the carcass until the post-mortem 
examination has been completed.
    (b) The official State-Federal Department backtag on any carcass 
shall:

[[Page 133]]

    (1)(i) Be removed from the hide of the animal by an establishment 
employee and placed in a clear plastic bag. The bag containing the tag 
shall be affixed to the corresponding carcass.
    (ii) The bag containing the tag shall be removed from the carcass by 
an establishment employee and presented with the viscera to the Program 
inspector at the point where such inspector conducts the viscera 
inspection.
    (2)(i) Brucellosis and tuberculosis ear tags, herd identification 
ear tags, sales tags, ear bangles, and similar identification devices 
shall be removed from the animal's hide or ear by an establishment 
employee and shall be placed in a clear plastic bag and affixed to the 
corresponding carcass.
    (ii) The bag containing the tag shall be removed from the carcass by 
an establishment employee and presented with the viscera to the Program 
inspector at the point where such inspector conducts the viscera 
inspection.
    (3) In cases where both types of devices described in paragraphs 
(b)(1) and (2) of this section are present on the same animal, both 
types may be placed in the same plastic bag or in two separate bags.
    (4) The circuit supervisor may allow the use of any alternate method 
proposed by the operator of an official establishment for handling the 
type of devices described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section if such 
alternate method would provide a ready means of identifying a specific 
carcass with the corresponding devices by a Program inspector during the 
post-mortem inspection.
    (5) Disposition and use of identifying devices.
    (i) The official State-Federal Department backtags will be collected 
by a Program inspector and used to obtain traceback information 
necessary for proper disposition of the animal or carcass and otherwise 
handled according to instructions issued to the inspectors.
    (ii) The devices described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section shall 
be collected by the Program inspector when required to obtain traceback 
information necessary for proper disposition of the animal or carcass 
and for controlling the slaughter of reactor animals. Devices not 
collected for these purposes shall be discarded after the post-mortem 
examination is complete.
    (6) Plastic bags used by the establishment for collecting 
identifying devices will be furnished by the Department.

[35 FR 15567, Oct. 3, 1970; 36 FR 12004, June 24, 1971]



Sec.  310.3  Carcasses and parts in certain instances to be retained.

    Each carcass, including all detached organs and other parts, in 
which any lesion or other condition is found that might render the meat 
or any part unfit for food purposes, or otherwise adulterated, and which 
for that reason would require a subsequent inspection, shall be retained 
by the Program employee at the time of inspection. The identity of every 
such retained carcass, detached organ, or other part shall be maintained 
until the final inspection has been completed. Retained carcasses shall 
not be washed or trimmed unless authorized by the Program employee.



Sec.  310.4  Identification of carcasses and parts; tagging.

    Such devices and methods as may be approved by the Administrator may 
be used for the temporary identification of retained carcasses, organs, 
and other parts. In all cases, the identification shall be further 
established by affixing ``U.S. Retained'' tags as soon as practicable 
and before final inspection. These tags shall not be removed except by a 
Program employee.



Sec.  310.5  Condemned carcasses and parts to be so marked; tanking;
separation.

    Each carcass or part which is found on final inspection to be 
unsound, unhealthful, unwholesome, or otherwise adulterated shall be 
conspicuously marked, on the surface tissues thereof, by a Program 
employee at the time of inspection, as ``U.S. Inspected and Condemned.'' 
Condemned detached organs and other parts of such character that they 
cannot be so marked shall be placed immediately in trucks or receptacles 
which shall be kept plainly marked ``U.S. Condemned,'' in letters

[[Page 134]]

not less than 2 inches high. All condemned carcasses and parts shall 
remain in the custody of a Program employee and shall be disposed of as 
required in the regulations in part 314 of this subchapter at or before 
the close of the day on which they are condemned.



Sec.  310.6  Carcasses and parts passed for cooking; marking.

    Carcasses and parts passed for cooking shall be marked conspicuously 
on the surface tissues thereof by a Program employee at the time of 
inspection, ``U.S. Passed for Cooking.'' All such carcasses and parts 
shall be cooked in accordance with part 315 of this subchapter, and 
until so cooked shall remain in the custody of a Program employee.



Sec.  310.7  Removal of spermatic cords, pizzles and preputial
diverticuli.

    Spermatic cords and pizzles shall be removed from all carcasses. 
Preputial diverticuli shall be removed from hog carcasses.



Sec.  310.8  Passing and marking of carcasses and parts.

    Carcasses and parts found to be sound, healthful, wholesome, and 
otherwise not adulterated shall be passed and marked as provided in part 
316 of this subchapter. In all cases where carcasses showing localized 
lesions are passed for food or for cooking and ``U.S. Retained'' tags 
are attached to the carcasses, the affected tissues shall be removed and 
condemned before the tags are removed. ``U.S. Retained'' tags shall be 
removed only by a Program employee.



Sec.  310.9  Anthrax; carcasses not to be eviscerated; disposition
of affected carcasses; hides, hoofs, horns, hair, viscera and contents,
and fat; handling of blood and scalding vat water; general cleanup and 
disinfection.

    (a) Carcasses found before evisceration to be affected with anthrax 
shall not be eviscerated but shall be retained, condemned, and 
immediately tanked or otherwise disposed of as provided in part 314 of 
this subchapter.
    (b) All carcasses and all parts, including hides, hoofs, horns, 
hair, viscera and contents, blood, and fat of any livestock found to be 
affected with anthrax shall be condemned and immediately disposed of as 
provided in part 314 of this subchapter, except that the blood may be 
handled through the usual blood cooking and drying equipment.
    (c) Any part of any carcass that is contaminated with anthrax-
infected material through contact with soiled instruments or otherwise 
shall be immediately condemned and disposed of as provided in part 314 
of this subchapter.
    (d) The scalding vat water through which hog carcasses affected with 
anthrax have passed shall be immediately drained into the sewer and all 
parts of the scalding vat shall be cleaned and disinfected as provided 
in paragraph (e) of this section.
    (e)(1) That portion of the slaughtering department, including the 
bleeding area, scalding vat, gambrelling bench, floors, walls, posts, 
platforms, saws, cleavers, knives, and hooks, as well as employees' 
boots and aprons, contaminated through contact with anthrax-infected 
material, shall, except as provided in paragraph (e)(2) of this section 
be cleaned immediately and disinfected with one of the following 
disinfectants or other disinfectant \1\ approved specifically for this 
purpose by the Administrator:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ A list of disinfectants approved for this purpose is available 
upon request to the Scientific Services, Meat and Poultry Inspection, 
Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, DC 20250.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (i) A 5 percent solution of sodium hydroxide or commercial lye 
containing at least 94 percent of sodium hydroxide. The solution shall 
be freshly prepared immediately before use by dissolving 2\1/2\ pounds 
of sodium hydroxide or lye in 5\1/2\ gallons of hot water and shall be 
applied as near scalding hot as possible to be most effective. (Owing to 
the extremely caustic nature of sodium hydroxide solution, precautionary 
measures such as the wearing of rubber gloves and boots to protect the 
hands and feet, and goggles to protect the eyes, should be taken by 
those engaged in the disinfection process. It is also advisable to have 
an acid solution,

[[Page 135]]

such as vinegar, in readiness in case any of the sodium hydroxide 
solution should come in contact with any part of the body.)
    (ii) A solution of sodium hypochlorite containing approximately one-
half of 1 percent (5,000 parts per million) of available chlorine. The 
solution shall be freshly prepared.
    (iii) When a disinfectant solution has been applied to equipment 
which will afterwards contact product, the equipment shall be rinsed 
with clean water before such contact.
    (2) In case anthrax infection is found in the hog slaughtering 
department, an immediate preliminary disinfection shall be made from the 
head-dropper's station to the point where the disease is detected and 
the affected carcasses shall be cut down from the rail and removed from 
the room. Upon completion of the slaughtering of the lot of hogs of 
which the anthrax-infected animals were a part, slaughtering operations 
shall cease, and a thorough cleanup and disinfection shall be made, as 
provided in paragraph (e)(1) of this section. If the slaughter of the 
lot has not been completed by the close of the day on which anthrax was 
detected, the cleanup and disinfection shall not be deferred beyond the 
close of that day.
    (3) The first and indispensable precautionary step for persons who 
have handled anthrax material is thorough cleansing of the hands and 
arms with liquid soap and running hot water. It is important that this 
step be taken immediately after exposure, before vegetative anthrax 
organisms have had time to form spores. In the cleansing, a brush or 
other appropriate appliance shall be used to insure the removal of all 
contaminating material from under and about the fingernails. This 
process of cleansing is most effective when performed in repeated cycles 
of lathering and rinsing rather than in spending the same amount of time 
in scrubbing with a single lathering. After the hands have been cleansed 
thoroughly and rinsed free of soap, they may, if desired, be immersed 
for about 1 minute in a 1:1,000 solution of bichloride of mercury, 
followed by thorough rinsing in clean running water. Supplies of 
bichloride of mercury for the purpose must be held in the custody of the 
veterinary medical officer. (As a precautionary measure, all persons 
exposed to anthrax infection should report promptly any suspicious 
condition (sore or carbuncle) or symptom to a physician, in order that 
anti-anthrax serum or other treatment may be administered as indicated.)

[35 FR 15567, Oct. 3, 1970; 36 FR 11903, June 23, 1971]



Sec.  310.10  Carcasses with skin or hide on; cleaning before evisceration;
removal of larvae of Hypodermae, external parasites and other pathological
skin conditions.

    When a carcass is to be dressed with the skin or hide left on, the 
skin or hide shall be thoroughly washed and cleaned before any incision 
is made for the purpose of removing any part thereof or evisceration, 
except that where calves are slaughtered by the kosher method, the heads 
shall be removed from the carcasses, before washing of the carcasses. 
The skin shall be removed at the time of post-mortem inspection from any 
calf carcass infested with the larvae of the ``oxwarble'' fly (Hypoderma 
lineata and Hypoderma bovis), or external parasites, or affected with 
other pathological skin conditions.



Sec.  310.11  [Reserved]



Sec.  310.12  Sternum to be split; abdominal and thoracic viscera to
be removed.

    The sternum of each carcass shall be split and the abdominal and 
thoracic viscera shall be removed at the time of slaughter in order to 
allow proper inspection.



Sec.  310.13  Inflating carcasses or parts thereof; transferring caul
or other fat.

    (a) Establishments that slaughter livestock and prepare livestock 
carcasses and parts may inflate carcasses or parts of carcasses with air 
if they develop, implement, and maintain controls to ensure that the air 
inflation procedure does not cause insanitary conditions or adulterate 
product. Establishments shall incorporate these controls into their 
HACCP plans or Sanitation SOPs or other prerequisite programs.

[[Page 136]]

    (b)(1) Transferring the caul or other fat from a fat to a lean 
carcass is prohibited.
    (2) Injecting compressed air into the skulls of cattle in 
conjunction with a captive bolt stunner to hold the animal still for 
dressing operations is prohibited.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0583-0015)

[54 FR 36756, Sept. 5, 1989, as amended at 55 FR 29565, July 20, 1990; 
69 FR 1891, Jan. 12, 2004; 75 FR 69577, Nov. 15, 2010]



Sec.  310.14  Handling of bruised parts.

    When only a portion of a carcass is to be condemned on account of 
slight bruises, either the bruised portion shall be removed immediately 
and disposed of in accordance with part 314 of this subchapter, or the 
carcass shall be promptly placed in a retaining room and kept until 
chilled and the bruised portion shall then be removed and disposed of as 
provided in part 314 of this subchapter.



Sec.  310.15  Disposition of thyroid glands and laryngeal muscle tissue.

    (a) Livestock thyroid glands and laryngeal muscle tissue shall not 
be used for human food.
    (b) Livestock thyroid glands and laryngeal muscle tissue may be 
distributed to pharmaceutical manufacturers for pharmaceutical use in 
accordance with Sec.  314.9 or Sec.  325.19(c) of this subchapter, if 
they are labeled in accordance with Sec.  316.13(f) of this subchapter. 
Otherwise, they shall be disposed of at the official establishment in 
accordance with Sec.  314.1 or Sec.  314.3 of this subchapter.

[53 FR 45890, Nov. 15, 1988]



Sec.  310.16  Disposition of lungs.

    (a) Livestock lungs shall not be saved for use as human food.
    (b) Lungs found to be affected with disease or pathology and lungs 
found to be adulterated with chemical or biological residue shall be 
condemned and identified as ``U.S. Inspected and Condemned.'' Condemned 
lungs may not be saved for pet food or other nonhuman food purposes. 
They shall be maintained under inspectional control and disposed of in 
accordance with Sec. Sec.  314.1 and 314.3 of this subchapter.
    (c) Lungs not condemned under paragraph (b) of this section may be 
used in the preparation of pet food or for other nonhuman food purposes 
at the official establishment, provided they are handled in the manner 
prescribed in Sec.  318.12 of this subchapter, or they may be 
distributed from the establishment in commerce, or otherwise, in 
accordance with the conditions prescribed in Sec.  325.8 of this 
subchapter for nonhuman food purposes or they may be so distributed to 
pharmaceutical manufacturers for pharmaceutical use in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  314.9 and 325.19(b) of this subchapter, if they are labeled 
as ``Inedible [SPECIES] Lungs--for Pharmaceutical Use Only.'' Otherwise, 
they shall be disposed of at the official establishment, in accordance 
with Sec. Sec.  314.1 and 314.3 of this subchapter.

[36 FR 11639, June 17, 1971]



Sec.  310.17  Inspection of mammary glands.

    (a) Lactating mammary glands and diseased mammary glands of cattle, 
sheep, swine, and goats shall be removed without opening the milk ducts 
or sinuses. If pus or other objectionable material is permitted to come 
in contact with the carcass, the parts of the carcass thus contaminated 
shall be removed and condemned.
    (b) Nonlactating cow udders may be saved for food purposes provided 
suitable facilities for handling and inspecting them are provided. 
Examination of udders by palpation shall be done by a Program employee. 
When necessary, in the judgment of the Program employee for adequate 
inspection, the official establishment employees shall incise udders in 
sections no greater than 2 inches in thickness. All udders showing 
disease lesions shall be condemned by a Program employee. Each udder 
shall be properly identified with its respective carcass and kept 
separate and apart from other udders until its disposal has been 
accomplished in accordance with the provisions of part 311 of this 
subchapter.
    (c) Lactating mammary glands of cattle, sheep, swine, and goats 
shall not be saved for edible purposes.

[[Page 137]]

    (d) The udders from cows officially designated as ``Brucellosis 
reactors'' or as ``Mastitis elimination cows'' shall be condemned.



Sec.  310.18  Contamination of carcasses, organs, or other parts.

    (a) Carcasses, organs, and other parts shall be handled in a 
sanitary manner to prevent contamination with fecal material, urine, 
bile, hair, dirt, or foreign matter; however, if contamination occurs, 
it shall be promptly removed in a manner satisfactory to the inspector.
    (b) Brains, cheek meat, and head trimmings from animals stunned by 
lead, sponge iron, or frangible bullets shall not be saved for use as 
human food but shall be handled as described in Sec.  314.1 or Sec.  
314.3 of this subchapter.
    (c) Official swine slaughter establishments must develop, implement, 
and maintain written procedures to prevent contamination of carcasses 
and parts by enteric pathogens, and visible fecal material, ingesta, and 
milk contamination throughout the entire slaughter and dressing 
operation. Establishments must incorporate these procedures into their 
HACCP plans, or sanitation SOPs, or other prerequisite programs. These 
procedures must include sampling and analysis for microbial organisms in 
accordance with the sampling location and frequency requirements in 
paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section to monitor their ability to 
maintain process control.
    (1) Sampling locations. Official swine slaughter establishments, 
except for very low-volume establishments, must collect and analyze 
carcass samples for microbial organisms at the pre-evisceration and 
post-chill points in the process. Establishments that slaughter more 
than one type of livestock must test the type of livestock slaughtered 
in the greatest number. Establishments that bone their products before 
chilling (i.e., hot-boned products) must collect and analyze samples at 
the pre-evisceration point in the process and after the final wash 
instead of at post-chill. Very low-volume establishments must collect 
and analyze samples for microbial organisms at the post-chill point in 
the process. All swine establishments must sponge or excise tissue from 
the ham, belly, and jowl areas.
    (i) Very low-volume establishments annually slaughter no more than 
20,000 swine, or a combination of swine and other livestock not 
exceeding 6,000 cattle and 20,000 total of all livestock.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (2) Sampling frequency. Establishments, except for very low-volume 
establishments as defined in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section, must 
collect and analyze samples at a frequency proportional to the 
establishment's volume of production at the following rates:
    (i) Establishments, except for very low-volume establishments as 
defined in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section, must collect and analyze 
samples at a frequency of once per 1,000 carcasses, but a minimum of 
once during each week of operation.
    (ii) Very low-volume establishments as defined in paragraph 
(c)(1)(i) of this section must collect and analyze samples at least once 
during each week of operation starting June 1 of every year. If, after 
consecutively collecting 13 weekly samples, very low-volume 
establishments can demonstrate that they are effectively maintaining 
process control, they may modify their sampling plans.
    (iii) Establishments must maintain accurate records of all test 
results and retain these records as provided in paragraph (d) of this 
section.
    (d) Official swine slaughter establishments must maintain daily 
records sufficient to document the implementation and monitoring of the 
procedures required under this section. Records required by this section 
may be maintained on computers if the establishment implements 
appropriate controls to ensure the integrity of the electronic data. 
Records required by this section must be maintained for at least one 
year and must be accessible to FSIS.

[35 FR 15567, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 84 FR 52348, Oct. 1, 2019]



Sec.  310.19  Inspection of kidneys.

    An employee of the establishment shall open the kidney capsule and 
expose the kidneys of all livestock at the time of slaughter for the 
purpose of examination by a Program employee.

[[Page 138]]



Sec.  310.20  Saving of blood from livestock as an edible product.

    Blood may be saved for edible purposes at official establishments 
provided it is derived from livestock, the carcasses of which are 
inspected and passed, and the blood is collected and handled in a manner 
so as not to render it adulterated under the Federal Meat Inspection Act 
and regulations issued pursuant thereto. The defibrination of blood 
intended for human food purposes shall not be done with the hands. 
Anticoagulants may be used in accordance with 21 CFR chapter I, 
subchapter A and subchapter B, or by regulation in 9 CFR chapter III, 
subchapter A or subchapter E.

[86 FR 33088, June 24, 2021]



Sec.  310.21  Carcasses suspected of containing sulfa and antibiotic 
residues; sampling frequency; disposition of affected carcasses and parts.

    (a) Calf carcasses from animals suspected of containing biological 
residues under Sec.  309.16(d) of this subchapter shall, on post-mortem 
inspection, be handled in accordance with the provisions of this 
section.
    (b) For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall 
apply:
    (1) Calf. A calf up to 3 weeks of age or up to 150 pounds.
    (2) Certified calf. A calf that the producer and all other 
subsequent custodians of the calf certify in writing has not been 
treated with any animal drug while in his or her custody or has been 
treated with one or more drugs in accordance with FDA approved label 
directions while in his or her custody and has been withheld from 
slaughter for the period(s) of time specified by those label directions.
    (3) Healthy carcass. A carcass that an inspector determines shows no 
lesions of disease or signs of disease treatment at post-mortem 
inspection
    (4) Producer. The owner of the calf at the time of its birth.
    (5) Sick calf carcass. A calf carcass that an inspector on post-
mortem inspection determines has either signs of disease treatment or 
lesions of disease or was from an animal identified as sick on ante-
mortem.
    (6) Sign of treatment. Sign of treatment of a disease is indicated 
by leakage around jugular veins, subcutaneous, intramuscular or 
intraperitoneal injection lesions, or discoloration from particles or 
oral treatment in any part of the digestive tract.
    (7) Veterinary medical officer. An inspector of the Program that has 
obtained a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree which is recognized by 
the Program.
    (c) Selection of carcasses for testing. The inspector shall perform 
a swab bioassay test \1\ on:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The procedures for performing the swab bioassay test are set 
forth in one of two self-instructional guides: ``Performing the CAST'' 
or ``Fast Antimicrobial Screen Test.'' These guides are available for 
review in the office of the FSIS Docket Clerk, Room 4352 South, Food 
Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, DC 20250.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) Any carcass from a calf tagged as ``U.S. Suspect'' at the time 
of ante-mortem inspection, except that calves whose carcasses are 
condemned for pathology shall not be tested for drug residues.
    (2) Any carcass which he/she finds has either lesions of disease 
which is not condemned because of these lesions or a sign of treatment 
of disease at the time of post-mortem inspection,
    (3) Any carcass of a calf from a producer whose calf or calves have 
previously been condemned for residues as prescribed in paragraph (e) of 
this section, and
    (4) Carcasses from healthy-appearing certified and noncertified 
calves, as determined by the veterinary medical officer during ante-
mortem inspection, will be selected for testing as set forth below:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Sampling Rate (percent of
                                            estimated day's slaughter)
              Testing level              -------------------------------
                                             Certified     Noncertified
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................................             100             100
B.......................................              50              50
C.......................................              20              30
(Start) D...............................               5              10
E.......................................               2               5
F.......................................               1               2
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d) Testing of carcasses:
    (1) The inspector shall test all carcasses as prescribed in 
paragraph (c) of this section.

[[Page 139]]

    (2) Upon initiation of this program at an establishment, the 
inspector shall begin the testing rate for carcasses from healthy-
appearing certified and noncertified calves at Level D as prescribed in 
paragraph (c)(4) of this section. The inspector shall increase the 
testing rate to the next higher level the following business day when 
three carcasses in 100 or less consecutively tested show a positive test 
result for a drug residue. The inspector shall decrease it to the next 
lower level when no more than two calves show a positive test result for 
a drug residue in either 500 calves consecutively tested or all calves 
tested over a 60 working day period.
    (3) Test results shall be determined by the veterinary medical 
officer.
    (4) The establishment may designate one or more of its employees to 
aid the inspector in performing the swab bioassay test under the 
supervision of the veterinary medical officer who shall interpret the 
results, maintain animal identification with the test unit, and ensure 
integrity of the testing program.
    (5) All carcasses and parts thereof from calves selected for testing 
shall be retained until all test results are complete.
    (6) The veterinary medical officer shall condemn all carcasses and 
parts thereof for which there are positive test results and release for 
human consumption all carcasses and parts thereof for which there are 
negative test results.
    (7) If there is a positive test result, subsequent calves from the 
producer of the calf shall be tested in accordance with paragraph (e) of 
this section. These test results will not be included in computations to 
determine an establishment's compliance record.
    (8) The veterinary medical officer may reduce inspection line rates 
when, in his/her judgment, the prescribed testing cannot be adequately 
performed within the time available because the establishment's 
compliance history dictates a need for extensive testing.
    (e) Calves from producers with a previous residue condemnation. The 
inspector shall perform a swab bioassay test on all carcasses of all 
calves in the group. The veterinary medical officer shall determine the 
test results and shall condemn any carcass and parts thereof for which 
there is a positive test result and pass for human consumption any such 
carcass and parts thereof for which there is a negative test result. All 
subsequent calves from the same producer which has previously sold or 
delivered to official establishments any carcass that was condemned 
because of drug residues must be tested according to this paragraph 
until five consecutive animals test completely free of animal drug 
residues.
    (f) If the owner or operator of an official establishment disagrees 
with the veterinary medical officer's disposition of carcasses and parts 
thereof, the owner or operator may appeal as provided in section 306.5 
of this chapter.

[50 FR 32164, Aug. 9, 1985, as amended at 52 FR 2104, Jan. 20, 1987; 55 
FR 7475, Mar. 2, 1990; 60 FR 66483, Dec. 22, 1995]



Sec.  310.22  Specified risk materials from cattle and their handling
and disposition.

    (a) The following materials from cattle are specified risk 
materials, except when they are from cattle from a country that can 
demonstrate that its bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) risk status 
can reasonable be expected to provide the same level of protection from 
human exposure to the BSE agent as prohibiting specified risk materials 
for use as human food does in the United States:
    (1) The brain, skull, eyes, trigeminal ganglia, spinal cord, 
vertebral column (excluding the vertebrae of the tail, the transverse 
processes of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, and the wings of the 
sacrum), and dorsal root ganglia from cattle 30 months of age and older 
and
    (2) The distal ileum of the small intestine and the tonsils from all 
cattle.
    (b) Specified risk materials are inedible and prohibited for use as 
human food.
    (c) Specified risk materials must be removed from the carcasses of 
cattle, segregated from edible materials, and disposed of in accordance 
with Sec.  314.1 or Sec.  314.3 of this subchapter. The spinal cord from 
cattle 30 months of age and

[[Page 140]]

older must be removed from the carcass at the establishment where the 
animal was slaughtered.
    (d) Requirements for use of the small intestine for human food. (1) 
The small intestine from all cattle may be used for human food if:
    (i) It is derived from cattle that were inspected and passed in an 
official establishment in the United States or in a certified foreign 
establishment in a country eligible to export meat and meat products to 
the United States under 9 CFR 327.2(b) and it is otherwise eligible for 
importation under 9 CFR 327.1(b), and
    (ii) The distal ileum is removed by a procedure that removes at 
least 80 inches of the uncoiled and trimmed small intestine as measured 
from the ceco-colic junction and progressing proximally towards the 
jejunum or by a procedure that the establishment demonstrates is 
effective in ensuring complete removal of the distal ileum.
    (iii) If the conditions in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) or (ii) of this 
section are not met, the entire small intestine must be removed from the 
carcass, segregated from edible materials, and disposed of in accordance 
with Sec. Sec.  314.1 or 314.3 of this subchapter.
    (2) The requirements in paragraph (d)(1) of this section do not 
apply to materials from cattle from countries that can demonstrate that 
their BSE risk status can reasonably be expected to provide the same 
level of protection from human exposure to the BSE agent as prohibiting 
specified risk materials for use as human food does in the United 
States.
    (e) Procedures for the removal, segregation, and disposition of 
specified risk materials. (1) Establishments that slaughter cattle and 
establishments that process the carcasses or parts of cattle must 
develop, implement, and maintain written procedures for the removal, 
segregation, and disposition of specified risk materials. These 
procedures must address potential contamination of edible materials with 
specified risk materials before, during, and after entry into the 
establishment. Establishments must incorporate their procedures for the 
removal, segregation, and disposition of specified risk materials into 
their HACCP plans or Sanitation SOPs or other prerequisite programs.
    (2) Establishments that slaughter cattle and establishments that 
process the carcasses or parts of cattle must take appropriate 
corrective action when either the establishment or FSIS determines that 
the establishment's procedures for the removal, segregation, and 
disposition of specified risk materials, or the implementation or 
maintenance of these procedures, have failed to ensure that specified 
risk materials are adequately and effectively removed from the carcasses 
of cattle, segregated from edible materials, and disposed of in 
accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
    (3) Establishments that slaughter cattle and establishments that 
process the carcasses or parts of cattle must routinely evaluate the 
effectiveness of their procedures for the removal, segregation, and 
disposition of specified risk materials in preventing the use of these 
materials for human food and must revise the procedures as necessary 
whenever any changes occur that could affect the removal, segregation, 
and disposition of specified risk materials.
    (4) Recordkeeping requirements. (i) Establishments that slaughter 
cattle and establishments that process the carcasses or parts of cattle 
must maintain daily records sufficient to document the implementation 
and monitoring of the procedures for the removal, segregation, and 
disposition of the materials listed in paragraph (a) of this section, 
and any corrective actions taken.
    (ii) Records required by this section may be maintained on computers 
provided that the establishment implements appropriate controls to 
ensure the integrity of the electronic data.
    (iii) Records required by this section must be retained for at least 
one year and must be accessible to FSIS. All such records must be 
maintained at the official establishment for 48 hours following 
completion, after which they may be maintained off-site provided such 
records can be made available to FSIS within 24 hours of request.
    (f) Sanitation of equipment used to cut through specified risk 
materials. (1) If an establishment that slaughters cattle, or that 
processes the carcasses or parts

[[Page 141]]

from cattle, does not segregate the carcasses and parts from cattle 30 
months of age and older from the carcasses and parts from cattle younger 
than 30 months during processing operations it must:
    (i) Use dedicated equipment to cut through specified risk materials; 
or
    (ii) Clean and sanitize equipment used to cut through specified risk 
materials before the equipment is used on carcasses or parts from cattle 
younger than 30 months of age.
    (2) If an establishments that slaughters cattle, or that process the 
carcasses or parts from cattle, segregates the carcasses and parts of 
cattle 30 months of age and older from cattle younger than 30 months of 
age during processing operations, and processes the carcasses or parts 
from the cattle younger than 30 months first, it may use routine 
operational sanitation procedures on equipment used to cut through 
specified risk materials.
    (g) Slaughter establishments may ship beef carcasses or parts that 
contain vertebral columns from cattle 30 months of age and older to 
another federally-inspected establishment for further processing if the 
establishment shipping these materials:
    (1) Maintains control of the carcasses or parts while they are in 
transit or ensures that the carcasses or parts move under FSIS control;
    (2) Ensures that the carcasses or parts are accompanied by 
documentation that clearly states that the carcasses or parts contain 
vertebral columns from cattle that were 30 months of age and older at 
the time of slaughter;
    (3) Maintains records that identify the official establishment that 
received the carcasses or parts;
    (4) Maintains records that verify that the official establishment 
that received the carcasses or parts removed the portions of the 
vertebral column designated as specified risk materials in paragraph 
(a)(1) of this section and disposed of them in accordance with Sec.  
314.1 or Sec.  314.3 of this subchapter.
    (h) The materials listed in paragraph (a)(1) of this section will be 
deemed to be from cattle 30 months of age and older unless the 
establishment can demonstrate through documentation that the materials 
are from an animal that was younger than 30 months of age at the time of 
slaughter.

[72 FR 38729, July 13, 2007, as amended at 84 FR 65268, Nov. 27, 2019]



Sec.  310.23  Identification of carcasses and parts of swine.

    (a) The identification of the carcasses and parts of swine 
identified in accordance with part 71 of this title shall be made 
available to the inspector upon the inspector's request throughout post-
mortem inspection.
    (b) If the establishment fails to provide required swine 
identification, the inspector shall order the retention of swine 
caracasses at the establishment until the completion of tests to confirm 
that the carcasses are not adulterated.

[53 FR 40387, Oct. 14, 1988]



Sec.  310.24  [Reserved]



Sec.  310.25  Contamination with microorganisms; process control
verification criteria and testing; pathogen reduction standards.

    (a) Criteria for verifying process control; E. coli testing. (1) 
Each official establishment that slaughters livestock must test for 
Escherichia coli Biotype 1 (E.coli) Establishments that slaughter more 
than one type of livestock or both livestock and poultry, shall test the 
type of livestock or poultry slaughtered in the greatest number. The 
establishment shall:
    (i) Collect samples in accordance with the sampling techniques, 
methodology, and frequency requirements in paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section;
    (ii) Obtain analytic results in accordance with paragraph (a)(3) of 
this section; and
    (iii) Maintain records of such analytic results in accordance with 
paragraph (a)(4) of this section.
    (2) Sampling requirements.
    (i) Written procedures. Each establishment shall prepare written 
specimen collection procedures which shall identify employees designated 
to collect samples, and shall address location(s) of sampling, how 
sampling randomness is achieved, and handling of the sample

[[Page 142]]

to ensure sample integrity. The written procedure shall be made 
available to FSIS upon request.
    (ii) Sample collection. The establishment must collect samples from 
all chilled livestock carcasses, except those boned before chilling 
(hot-boned), which must be sampled after the final wash. Samples must be 
collected in the following manner;
    (A) For cattle, establishments must sponge or excise tissue from the 
flank, brisket and rump, except for hide-on calves, in which case 
establishments must take samples by sponging from inside the flank, 
inside the brisket, and inside the rump.
    (B) For sheep, goat, horse, mule, or other equine carcasses, 
establishments must sponge from the flank, brisket and rump, except for 
hide-on carcasses, in which case establishments must take samples by 
sponging from inside the flank, inside the brisket, and inside the rump.
    (iii) Sampling frequency. Slaughter establishments, except very low 
volume establishments as defined in paragraph (a)(2)(v) of this section, 
must take samples at a frequency proportional to the volume of 
production at the following rates:
    (A) Cattle, sheep, goats, horses, mules, and other equines: 1 test 
per 300 carcasses, but, a minimum of one sample during each week of 
operation.
    (iv) Sampling frequency alternatives. An establishment operating 
under a validated HACCP plan in accordance with Sec.  417.2(b) of this 
chapter may substitute an alternative frequency for the frequency of 
sampling required under paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section if,
    (A) The alternative is an integral part of the establishment's 
verification procedures for its HACCP plan and,
    (B) FSIS does not determine, and notify the establishment in 
writing, that the alternative frequency is inadequate to verify the 
effectiveness of the establishment's processing controls.
    (v) Sampling in very low volume establishments. (A) Very low volume 
establishments annually slaughter no more than 6,000 cattle, 6,000 
sheep, 6,000 goats, 6,000 horses, mules or other equines, or a 
combination of livestock not exceeding 6,000 cattle and 20,000 total of 
all livestock. Very low volume establishments that collect samples by 
sponging shall collect at least one sample per week, starting the first 
full week of operation after June 1 of each year, and continue sampling 
at a minimum of once each week the establishment operates until June 1 
of the following year or until 13 samples have been collected, whichever 
comes first. Very low volume establishments collecting samples by 
excising tissue from carcasses shall collect one sample per week, 
starting the first full week of operation after June 1 of each year, and 
continue sampling at a minimum of once each week the establishment 
operates until one series of 13 tests meets the criteria set forth in 
paragraph (a)(5)(i) of this section.
    (B) Upon the establishment's meeting requirements of paragraph 
(a)(2)(v)(A) of this section, weekly sampling and testing is optional, 
unless changes are made in establishment facilities, equipment, 
personnel or procedures that may affect the adequacy of existing process 
control measures, as determined by the establishment or FSIS. FSIS 
determinations that changes have been made requiring resumption of 
weekly testing shall be provided to the establishment in writing.
    (3) Analysis of samples. Laboratories may use any quantitative 
method for analysis of E. coli that is approved as an AOAC Official 
Method of the AOAC International (formerly the Association of Official 
Analytical Chemists) \2\ or approved and published by a scientific body 
and based on the results of a collaborative trial conducted in 
accordance with an internationally recognized protocol on collaborative 
trials and compared against the three tube Most Probable Number (MPN) 
method and agreeing with the 95 percent upper and lower confidence limit 
of the appropriate MPN index.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ A copy of the current edition/revision of the ``Official Methods 
of AOAC International,'' 16th edition, 3rd revision, 1997, is on file 
with the Director, Office of the Federal Register, and may be purchased 
from the Association of Official Analytical Chemists International, 
Inc., 481 North Frederick Ave., Suite 500, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2417.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) Recording of test results. The establishment shall maintain 
accurate records of all test results, in terms of

[[Page 143]]

CFU/cm\2\ of surface area sponged or excised. Results shall be recorded 
onto a process control chart or table showing at least the most recent 
13 test results, by type of livestock slaughtered. Records shall be 
retained at the establishment for a period of 12 months and shall be 
made available to FSIS upon request.
    (5) Criteria for evaluation of test results. (i) An establishment 
excising samples from carcasses is operating within the criteria when 
the most recent E. coli test result does not exceed the upper limit (M), 
and the number of samples, if any, testing positive at levels above (m) 
is three or fewer out of the most recent 13 samples (n) taken, as 
follows:

                         Table 1 to paragraph (a)(5)--Evaluation of E. Coli Test Results
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Lower limit of   Upper limit of
      Type of livestock         marginal range   marginal range   Number of sample   Maximum number permitted in
                                     (m)              (M)            tested (n)          marginal range (c)
Cattle.......................  Negative \a\...  100 CFU/cm \2\.                 13                             3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Negative is defined by the sensitivity of the method used in the baseline study with a limit of sensitivity
  of at least 5 cfu/cm\2\ carcass surface area.

    (ii) Establishments sponging carcasses shall evaluate E. coli test 
results using statistical process control techniques.
    (6) Failure to meet criteria. Test results that do not meet the 
criteria described in paragraph (a)(5) of this section are an indication 
that the establishment may not be maintaining process controls 
sufficient to prevent fecal contamination. FSIS shall take further 
action as appropriate to ensure that all applicable provisions of the 
law are being met.
    (7) Failure to test and record. Inspection shall be suspended in 
accordance with rules of practice that will be adopted for such 
proceedings upon a finding by FSIS that one or more provisions of 
paragraphs (a) (1)-(4) of this section have not been complied with and 
written notice of same has been provided to the establishment.
    (b) Pathogen reduction performance standard; Salmonella--(1) Raw 
meat product performance standards for Salmonella. An establishment's 
raw meat products, when sampled and tested by FSIS for Salmonella, as 
set forth in this section, may not test positive for Salmonella at a 
rate exceeding the applicable national pathogen reduction performance 
standard, as provided in Table 1 to this paragraph:

      Table 1 to paragraph (b)(1)--Salmonella Performance Standards
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Performance
                                       Standard                 Maximum
                                       (percent    Number of   number of
          Class of product             positive     samples    positives
                                         for      tested (n)  to achieve
                                     Salmonella)               Standard
                                         \a\                      (c)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steers/heifers.....................         1.0%          82           1
Cows/bulls.........................         2.7%          58           2
Ground beef........................         7.5%          53          5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Performance Standards are FSIS's calculation of the national
  prevalence of Salmonella on the indicated raw product based on data
  developed by FSIS in its nationwide microbiological data collection
  programs and surveys. Copies of Reports on FSIS's Nationwide
  Microbiological Data Collection Programs and Nationwide
  Microbiological Surveys used in determining the prevalence of
  Salmonella on raw products are available in the FSIS Docket Room.

    (2) Enforcement. FSIS will sample and test raw meat products in an 
individual establishment on an unannounced basis to determine prevalence 
of Salmonella in such products to determine compliance with the 
standard. The frequency and timing of such testing will be based on the 
establishment's previous test results and other information concerning 
the establishment's performance. In an establishment producing more than 
one class of product subject to the pathogen reduction standard, FSIS 
may sample any or all such classes of products. \3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ A copy of FSIS's ``Sample Collection Guidelines and Procedure 
for Isolation and Identification of Salmonella from Meat and Poultry 
Products'' is available for inspection in the FSIS Docket Room.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) Noncompliance and establishment response. When FSIS determines 
that

[[Page 144]]

an establishment has not met the performance standard:
    (i) The establishment shall take immediate action to meet the 
standard.
    (ii) If the establishment fails to meet the standard on the next 
series of compliance tests for that product, the establishment shall 
reassess its HACCP plan for that product and take appropriate corrective 
actions.
    (iii) Failure by the establishment to act in accordance with 
paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section, or failure to meet the standard on 
the third consecutive series of FSIS-conducted tests for that product, 
constitutes failure to maintain sanitary conditions and failure to 
maintain an adequate HACCP plan, in accordance with part 417 of this 
chapter, for that product, and will cause FSIS to suspend inspection 
services. Such suspension will remain in effect until the establishment 
submits to the FSIS Administrator or his/her designee satisfactory 
written assurances detailing the action taken to correct the HACCP 
system and, as appropriate, other measures taken by the establishment to 
reduce the prevalence of pathogens.

[61 FR 38864, July 25, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 26217, May 13, 1997; 63 
FR 1735, Jan. 12, 1998; 64 FR 66553, Nov. 29, 1999; 84 FR 52348, Oct. 1, 
2019]



Sec.  310.26  Establishment responsibilities under the new swine slaughter
inspection system.

    (a) Facilities. The establishment must comply with the facilities 
requirements in 9 CFR part 307. The establishment must provide a mirror 
at the carcass inspection station in accordance with 9 CFR 307.2(m)(6).
    (b) Carcass sorting and disposition. The establishment must conduct 
carcass sorting activities and identify any condemnable conditions or 
defects before carcasses are presented to online inspectors. 
Establishment sorters must incise mandibular lymph nodes and palpate the 
viscera to detect the presence of animal diseases as part of their 
sorting activities. The establishment must develop, implement, and 
maintain written procedures to ensure that market hog carcasses 
adulterated with septicemia, toxemia, pyemia, or cysticercosis are 
properly removed before the point of post-mortem inspection of 
carcasses. The establishment must incorporate these procedures into its 
HACCP plan, or sanitation SOPs, or other prerequisite program. These 
procedures must cover the establishment sorting activities required 
under this section.
    (c) Line speed limits. The line speed limits in Sec.  310.1 do not 
apply to the establishment, provided it is able to maintain effective 
process control and prevent contamination of carcasses and parts by 
enteric pathogens and visible fecal material, ingesta, and milk. 
Establishments operating under the NSIS must reduce their line speed as 
directed by the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC). The IIC is authorized to 
direct an establishment to operate at a reduced line speed when in their 
judgment a carcass-by-carcass inspection cannot be adequately performed 
within the time available due to the manner in which the carcasses are 
presented to the online inspector, the health conditions of a particular 
herd, or factors that may indicate a loss of process control.
    (d) Records. (1) The establishment must maintain records to document 
that the products resulting from its slaughter operation meet the 
definition of Ready-to-cook pork product in Sec.  301.2. These records 
are subject to review and evaluation by FSIS personnel.
    (2) The establishment must maintain records to document the number 
of carcasses disposed of per day by establishment sorters before FSIS 
post-mortem inspection and the reasons that the carcasses were disposed 
of. These records are subject to review and evaluation by FSIS 
personnel.

[84 FR 52348, Oct. 1, 2019]



Sec.  310.27  Attestation requirements.

    Each establishment that participates in the NSIS must submit on an 
annual basis an attestation to the management member of the local FSIS 
circuit safety committee stating that it maintains a program to monitor 
and document any work-related conditions of establishment workers, and 
that the program includes the following elements:

[[Page 145]]

    (a) Policies to encourage early reporting of symptoms of injuries 
and illnesses, and assurance that it has no policies or programs in 
place that would discourage the reporting of injuries and illnesses.
    (b) Notification to employees of the nature and early symptoms of 
occupational illnesses and injuries, in a manner and language that 
workers can understand, including by posting in a conspicuous place or 
places where notices to employees are customarily posted, a copy of the 
FSIS/OSHA poster encouraging reporting and describing reportable signs 
and symptoms.
    (c) Monitoring, on a regular and routine basis, injury and illness 
logs, as well as nurse or medical office logs, workers' compensation 
data, and any other injury or illness information available.

[84 FR 52349, Oct. 1, 2019]



Sec.  310.28  Severability.

    Should a court of competent jurisdiction hold any provision of Sec.  
310.27 to be invalid, such action will not affect any other provision of 
9 CFR part 309 or this part.

[84 FR 52349, Oct. 1, 2019]



PART 311_DISPOSAL OF DISEASED OR OTHERWISE ADULTERATED CARCASSES AND PARTS-
-Table of Contents



Sec.
311.1 Disposal of diseased or otherwise adulterated carcasses and parts; 
          general.
311.2 Tuberculosis.
311.3 Hog cholera.
311.5 Swine erysipelas.
311.6 Diamond-skin disease.
311.7 Arthritis.
311.8 Cattle carcasses affected with anasarca or generalized edema.
311.9 Actinomycosis and actinobacillosis.
311.10 Anaplasmosis, anthrax, babesiosis, bacillary hemoglobinuria in 
          cattle, blackleg, bluetongue, hemorrhagic septicemia, 
          icterohematuria in sheep, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, 
          leptospirosis, malignant epizootic catarrh, strangles, purpura 
          hemorrhagica, azoturia, infectious equine encephalomyelitis, 
          toxic encephalomyelitis (forage poisoning), infectious anemia 
          (swamp fever), dourine, acute influenza, generalized 
          osteoporosis, glanders (farcy), acute inflammatory lameness, 
          extensive fistula, and unhealed vaccine lesions.
311.11 Neoplasms.
311.12 Epithelioma of the eye.
311.13 Pigmentary conditions; melanosis, xanthosis, ochronosis, etc.
311.14 Abrasions, bruises, abscesses, pus, etc.
311.15 Brucellosis.
311.16 Carcasses so infected that consumption of the meat may cause food 
          poisoning.
311.17 Necrobacillosis, pyemia, and septicemia.
311.18 Caseous lymphadenitis.
311.19 Icterus.
311.20 Sexual odor of swine.
311.21 Mange or scab.
311.22 Hogs affected with urticaria, tinea tonsurans, demodex 
          follicurlorum, or erythema.
311.23 Tapeworm cysts (cysticercus bovis) in cattle.
311.24 Hogs affected with tapeworm cysts.
311.25 Parasites not transmissible to man; tapeworm cysts in sheep; 
          hydatid cysts; flukes; gid bladder-worms.
311.26 Emaciation.
311.27 Injured animals slaughtered at unusual hours.
311.28 Carcasses of young calves, pigs, kids, lambs, and foals.
311.29 Unborn and stillborn animals.
311.30 Livestock suffocated and hogs scalded alive.
311.31 Livers affected with carotenosis; livers designated as 
          ``telangiectatic,'' ``sawdust,'' or ``spotted.''
311.32 Vesicular diseases.
311.33 Listeriosis.
311.34 Anemia.
311.35 Muscular inflammation, degeneration, or infiltration.
311.36 Coccidioidal granuloma.
311.37 Odors, foreign and urine.
311.38 Meat and meat byproducts from livestock which have been exposed 
          to radiation.
311.39 Biological residues.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.17, 2.55.

    Source: 35 FR 15569, Oct. 3, 1970, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  311.1  Disposal of diseased or otherwise adulterated carcasses and
parts; general.

    (a) The carcasses or parts of carcasses of all animals slaughtered 
at an official establishment and found at the time of slaughter or at 
any subsequent inspection to be affected with any of the diseases or 
conditions named in this part shall be disposed of according to the 
section pertaining to the disease

[[Page 146]]

or condition: Provided, That no product shall be passed for human food 
under any such section unless it is found to be otherwise not 
adulterated. Products passed for cooking or refrigeration under this 
part must be so handled at the official establishment where they are 
initially prepared unless they are moved to another official 
establishment for such handling or in the case of products passed for 
refrigeration are moved for such refrigeration to a freezing facility 
approved by the Administrator in specific cases: Provided, That when so 
moved the products are shipped in containers sealed in accordance with 
Sec.  318.10(c) of this subchapter or in a sealed means of conveyance as 
provided in Sec.  325.7 of this subchapter. Owning to the fact that it 
is impracticable to formulate rules covering every case and to designate 
at just what stage a disease process or a condition results in 
adulteration of a product, the decision as to the disposal of all 
carcasses, organs, or other parts not specifically covered in this part 
shall be left to the veterinary medical officer. The veterinary medical 
officer shall exercise his judgment regarding the disposition of all 
carcasses or parts of carcasses under this part in a manner which will 
insure that only wholesome, unadulterated product is passed for human 
food.
    (b) In cases of doubt as to a condition, a disease, or the cause of 
a condition, or to confirm a diagnosis, representative specimens of the 
affected tissues, properly prepared and packaged, shall be sent for 
examination to one of the laboratories of the Biological Control Section 
of the Program.



Sec.  311.2  Tuberculosis.

    The following principles shall apply to the disposition of carcasses 
of livestock based on the difference in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis 
in swine, cattle, sheep, goats, and equines.
    (a) Carcasses condemned. The entire carcass of swine, cattle, sheep, 
goats, and equines shall be condemned if any of the following conditions 
occur:
    (1) When the lesions of tuberculosis are generalized (tuberculosis 
is considered to be generalized when the lesions are distributed in a 
manner made possible only by entry of the bacilli into the systemic 
circulation);
    (2) When on ante mortem inspection the animal is observed to have a 
fever found to be associated with an active tuberculosis lesion on post 
mortem inspection;
    (3) When there is an associated cachexia;
    (4) When a tuberculosis lesion is found in any muscle or 
intermuscular tissue, or bone, or joint, or abdominal organ (excluding 
the gastrointestinal tract) or in any lymph node as a result of draining 
a muscle, bone, joint, or abdominal organ (excluding the 
gastrointestinal tract);
    (5) When the lesions are extensive in tissues of either the thoracic 
or the abdominal cavity;
    (6) When the lesions are multiple, acute, and actively progressive; 
or
    (7) When the character or extent of the lesions otherwise is not 
indicative of a localized condition.
    (b) Organs or other parts condemned. An organ or other part of a 
swine, cattle, sheep, goat, or equine carcass affected by localized 
tuberculosis shall be condemned when it contains lesions of tuberculosis 
or when the corresponding lymph node contains lesions of tuberculosis.
    (c) Carcasses of cattle passed without restriction for human food. 
Carcasses of cattle may be passed without restriction for human food 
only when the carcass of an animal not identified as a reactor to a 
tuberculin test administered by an Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service, State, or accredited veterinarian \1\ is found free of 
tuberculosis lesions during postmortem inspection.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Such testing is conducted in the tuberculosis eradication 
program of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d) Portions of carcasses and carcasses of cattle passed for 
cooking. (1) When a cattle carcass reveals a tuberculosis lesion or 
lesions not so severe or so numerous as the lesions described in 
paragraph (a) of this section, the unaffected portion of the carcass may 
be passed for cooking in accordance with part 315 of this chapter; if 
the character and extent of the lesions indicate a localized condition, 
and if the lesions

[[Page 147]]

are calcified or encapsulated, and provided the affected organ or other 
part is condemned.
    (2) When the carcass of a cattle identified as a reactor to a 
tuberculin test administered by an Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service, State or accredited veterinarian is found free of lesions of 
tuberculosis, the carcass may be passed for cooking in accordance with 
part 315 of this chapter.
    (e) Portions of carcasses and carcasses of swine passed without 
restriction for human food. Swine carcasses found free of tuberculosis 
lesions during post mortem inspection may be passed for human food 
without restriction. When tuberculosis lesions in any swine carcass are 
localized and confined to one primary seat of infection, such as the 
cervical lymph nodes, the mesenteric lymph nodes, or the mediastinal 
lymph nodes, the unaffected portion of the carcass may be passed for 
human food without restriction after the affected organ or other part is 
condemned.
    (f) Portions of carcasses of swine passed for cooking. When the 
carcass of any swine reveals lesions more severe or more numerous than 
those described in paragraph (e) of this section, but not so severe or 
so numerous as the lesions described in paragraph (a) of this section, 
the unaffected portions of such carcass may be passed for cooking in 
accordance with part 315 of this chapter; if the character and extent of 
the lesions indicate a localized condition, and if the lesions are 
calcified or encapsulated, and provided the affected organ or other part 
is condemned.
    (g) Carcasses of sheep, goats, and equines passed without 
restriction for human food. Carcasses of sheep, goats, and equines may 
be passed without restriction for human food only if found free of 
tuberculosis lesions during post mortem inspection.
    (h) Portions of carcasses of sheep, goats, and equines passed for 
cooking. If a carcass of any sheep, goat, or equine reveals a 
tuberculosis lesion or lesions that are not so severe or so numerous as 
the lesions described in paragraph (a) of this section, the unaffected 
portion of the carcass may be passed for cooking in accordance with part 
315 of this chapter; if the character and extent of the lesions indicate 
a localized condition, and if the lesions are calcified or encapsulated, 
and provided the affected organ or other part is condemned.

[37 FR 2661, Feb. 4, 1972; 38 FR 29214, Oct. 23, 1973]



Sec.  311.3  Hog cholera.

    (a) The carcasses of all hogs affected with hog cholera shall be 
condemned.
    (b) Inconclusive but suspicious symptoms of hog cholera observed 
during the ante-mortem inspection of a U.S. suspect shall be duly 
considered in connection with post-mortem findings and when the carcass 
of such a suspect shows lesions in the kidneys and the lymph nodes which 
resemble lesions of hog cholera, they shall be regarded as those of hog 
cholera and the carcass shall be condemned.
    (c) When lesions resembling those of hog cholera occur in kidneys 
and lymph nodes of carcasses of hogs which appeared normal on ante-
mortem inspection, further inspection of such carcasses shall be made 
for corroborative lesions. If on such further inspection, characteristic 
lesions of hog cholera are found in some organ or tissue in addition to 
those in the kidneys or in the lymph nodes or in both, then all lesions 
shall be regarded as those of hog cholera and the carcass shall be 
condemned. Immediate notification shall be given by the inspector to the 
official in the Veterinary Services unit of the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service who has responsibility for control of swine diseases 
in the State where the swine are located.

[35 FR 15569, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 40 FR 27225, June 27, 1975]



Sec.  311.5  Swine erysipelas.

    Carcasses affected with swine erysipelas which is acute or 
generalized, or which show systemic change, shall be condemned.



Sec.  311.6  Diamond-skin disease.

    Carcasses of hogs affected with diamond-skin disease when localized 
and not associated with systemic change may be passed for human food 
after removal and condemnation of the affected parts, provided such 
carcasses are otherwise healthy.

[[Page 148]]



Sec.  311.7  Arthritis.

    (a) Carcasses affected with arthritis which is localized and not 
associated with systemic change may be passed for human food after 
removal and condemnation of all affected parts. Affected joints with 
corresponding lymph nodes shall be removed and condemned. In order to 
avoid contamination of the meat which is passed, a joint capsule shall 
not be opened until after the affected joint is removed.
    (b) Carcasses affected with arthritis shall be condemned when there 
is evidence of systemic involvement.



Sec.  311.8  Cattle carcasses affected with anasarca or generalized edema.

    (a) Carcasses of cattle found on post-mortem inspection to be 
affected with anasarca in advanced stages and characterized by an 
extensive or well-marked generalized edema shall be condemned.
    (b) Carcasses of cattle, including their detached organs and other 
parts, found on post-mortem inspection to be affected with anasarca to a 
lesser extent than as described in paragraph (a) of this section may be 
passed for human food after removal and condemnation of the affected 
tissues, provided the lesion is localized.



Sec.  311.9  Actinomycosis and actinobacillosis.

    (a) The definition of generalization as outlined for tuberculosis in 
Sec.  311.2(a) shall apply for actinomycosis and actinobacillosis, and 
carcasses of livestock with generalized lesions of either such disease 
shall be condemned.
    (b) Carcasses of livestock in a well-nourished condition showing 
uncomplicated localized lesions of actinomycosis or actinobacillosis may 
be passed for human food after the infected organs or other infected 
parts have been removed and condemned, except as provided in paragraphs 
(c) and (d) of this section.
    (c) Heads affected with actinomycosis or actinobacillosis, including 
the tongue, shall be condemned, except that when the disease of the jaw 
is slight, strictly localized, and without suppuration, fistulous 
tracts, or lymph node involvement, the tongue, if free from disease, may 
be passed, or, when the disease is slight and confined to the lymph 
nodes, the head including the tongue, may be passed for human food after 
the affected nodes have been removed and condemned.
    (d) When the disease is slight and confined to the tongue, with or 
without involvement of the corresponding lymph nodes, the head may be 
passed for human food after removal and condemnation of the tongue and 
corresponding lymph nodes.



Sec.  311.10  Anaplasmosis, anthrax, babesiosis, bacillary hemoglobinuria
in cattle, blackleg, bluetongue, hemorrhagic septicemia, icterohematuria
in sheep, 
          infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, leptospirosis, malignant 
          epizootic catarrh, strangles, purpura hemorrhagica, azoturia, 
          infectious equine encephalomyelitis, toxic encephalomyelitis 
          (forage poisoning), infectious anemia (swamp fever), dourine, 
          acute influenza, generalized osteoporosis, glanders (farcy), 
          acute inflammatory lameness, extensive fistula, and unhealed 
          vaccine lesions.

    (a) Carcasses of livestock affected with or showing lesions of any 
of the following named diseases or conditions shall be condemned:
    (1) Anthrax.
    (2) Blackleg.
    (3) Unhealed vaccine lesions (vaccinia).
    (4) Strangles.
    (5) Purpura hemorrhagica.
    (6) Azoturia.
    (7) Infectious equine encephalomye-litis.
    (8) Toxic encephalomyelitis (forage poisoning).
    (9) Infectious anemia (swamp fever).
    (10) Dourine.
    (11) Acute influenza.
    (12) Generalized osteoporosis.
    (13) Glanders (farcy).
    (14) Acute inflammatory lameness.
    (15) Extensive fistula.
    (b) Carcasses of livestock affected with or showing lesions of any 
of the following named diseases or conditions shall be condemned, except 
when recovery has occurred to the extent that only localized lesions 
persist, in which case the carcass may be passed for

[[Page 149]]

human food after removal and condemnation of the affected organs or 
other parts:
    (1) Anaplasmosis.
    (2) Bacillary hemoglobinuria in cattle.
    (3) Babesiosis (piroplasmosis).
    (4) Bluetongue.
    (5) Hemorrhagic septicemia.
    (6) Icterohematuria in sheep.
    (7) Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis.
    (8) Leptospirosis.
    (9) Malignant epizootic catarrh.

[35 FR 15569, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 36 FR 12004, June 24, 1971]



Sec.  311.11  Neoplasms.

    (a) An individual organ or other part of a carcass affected with a 
neoplasm shall be condemned. If there is evidence of metastasis or that 
the general condition of the animal has been adversely affected by the 
size, position, or nature of the neoplasm, the entire carcass shall be 
condemned.
    (b) Carcasses affected with malignant lymphoma shall be condemned.



Sec.  311.12  Epithelioma of the eye.

    (a) Carcasses of animals affected with epithelioma of the eye, or 
the orbital region shall be condemned in their entirety if one of the 
following three conditions exists:
    (1) The affection has involved the osseous structures of the head 
with extensive infection, suppuration, and necrosis;
    (2) There is metastasis from the eye, or the orbital region, to any 
lymph node including the parotid lymph node, internal organs, muscles, 
skeleton, or other structures, regardless of the extent of the primary 
tumor; or
    (3) The affection, regardless of extent, is associated with cachexia 
or evidence of absorption or secondary changes.
    (b) Carcasses of animals affected with epithelioma of the eye, or 
the orbital region, to a lesser extent than as described in paragraph 
(a) of this section may be passed for human food after removal and 
condemnation of the head, including the tongue, provided the carcass is 
otherwise normal.



Sec.  311.13  Pigmentary conditions; melanosis, xanthosis, ochronosis, etc.

    (a) Except as provided in Sec.  311.19, carcasses of livestock 
showing generalized pigmentary deposits shall be condemned.
    (b) The affected parts of carcasses showing localized pigmentary 
deposits of such character as to be unwholesome or otherwise adulterated 
shall be removed and condemned.



Sec.  311.14  Abrasions, bruises, abscesses, pus, etc.

    All slight, well-limited abrasions on the tongue and inner surface 
of the lips and mouth, when without lymph node involvement, shall be 
carefully excised, leaving only sound, normal tissue, which may be 
passed for human food. Any organ or other part of a carcass which is 
badly bruised or which is affected by an abscess, or a suppurating sore 
shall be condemned; and when the lesions are of such character or extent 
as to affect the whole carcass, the whole carcass shall be condemned. 
Portions of carcasses which are contaminated by pus or other diseased 
material shall be condemned.



Sec.  311.15  Brucellosis.

    Carcasses affected with localized lesions of brucellosis may be 
passed for human food after the affected parts are removed and 
condemned.



Sec.  311.16  Carcasses so infected that consumption of the meat may 
cause food poisoning.

    (a) All carcasses of animals so infected that consumption of the 
products thereof may give rise to food poisoning shall be condemned. 
This includes all carcasses showing signs of:
    (1) Acute inflammation of the lungs, pleura, pericardium, 
peritoneum, or meninges.
    (2) Septicemia or pyemia, whether puerperal, traumatic, or without 
any evident cause.
    (3) Gangrenous or severe hemorrhagic enteritis or gastritis.
    (4) Acute diffuse metritis or mammitis.
    (5) Phlebitis of the umbilical veins.
    (6) Septic or purulent traumatic pericarditis.

[[Page 150]]

    (7) Any acute inflammation, abscess, or suppurating sore, if 
associated with acute nephritis, fatty and degenerated liver, swollen 
soft spleen, marked pulmonary hyperemia, general swelling of lymph 
nodes, diffuse redness of the skin, cachexia, icteric discoloration of 
the carcass or similar condition, either singly or in combination.
    (8) Salmonellosis.
    (b) Implements contaminated by contact with carcasses affected with 
any of the disease conditions mentioned in this section shall be 
thoroughly cleaned and sanitized as prescribed in part 308 of this 
subchapter. The equipment used in the dressing of such carcasses, such 
as viscera trucks or inspection tables, shall be sanitized with hot 
water having a minimum temperature of 180 [deg]F. Carcasses or parts of 
carcasses contaminated by contact with such diseased carcasses shall be 
condemned unless all contaminated tissues are removed within 2 hours.



Sec.  311.17  Necrobacillosis, pyemia, and septicemia.

    From the standpoint of meat inspection, necrobacillosis may be 
regarded as a local infection at the beginning, and carcasses in which 
the lesions are localized may be passed for human food if in a good 
state of nutrition, after those portions affected with necrotic lesions 
are removed and condemned. However, when emaciation, cloudy swelling of 
the parenchymatous tissue of organs or enlargement of the lymph nodes is 
associated with the infection, it is evident that the disease has 
progressed beyond the condition of localization to a state of toxemia, 
and the entire carcass shall therefore be condemned as both unwholesome 
and noxious. Pyemia or septicemia may intervene as a complication of the 
local necrosis, and when present the carcass shall be condemned in 
accordance with Sec.  311.16.



Sec.  311.18  Caseous lymphadenitis.

    (a) A thin carcass showing well-marked lesions in the viscera and 
the skeletal lymph nodes, or a thin carcass showing extensive lesions in 
any part shall be condemned.
    (b) A thin carcass showing well-marked lesions in the viscera with 
only slight lesions elsewhere or showing well-marked lesions in the 
skeletal lymph nodes with only slight lesions elsewhere may be passed 
for cooking.
    (c) A thin carcass showing only slight lesions in the skeletal lymph 
nodes and in the viscera may be passed for human food without 
restriction.
    (d) A well-nourished carcass showing well-marked lesions in the 
viscera and with only slight lesions elsewhere or showing well-marked 
lesions confined to the skeletal lymph nodes with only slight lesions 
elsewhere may be passed for human food without restriction.
    (e) A well-nourished carcass showing well-marked lesions in the 
viscera and the skeletal lymph nodes may be passed for cooking; but 
where the lesions in a well-nourished carcass are both numerous and 
extensive, it shall be condemned.
    (f) All affected organs and nodes of carcasses passed for human food 
without restriction or passed for cooking shall be removed and 
condemned.
    (g) As used in this section, the term ``thin'' does not apply to a 
carcass which is anemic or emaciated; and the term ``lesions'' refers to 
lesions of caseous lymphadenitis.



Sec.  311.19  Icterus.

    Carcasses showing any degree of icterus shall be condemned. Yellow 
fat conditions caused by nutritional factors or characteristic of 
certain breeds of livestock and yellow fat sometimes seen in sheep shall 
not be confused with icterus. Such carcasses should be passed for human 
food, if otherwise normal.



Sec.  311.20  Sexual odor of swine.

    (a) Carcasses of swine which give off a pronounced sexual odor shall 
be condemned.
    (b) The meat of swine carcasses which give off a sexual odor less 
than pronounced may be passed for use in comminuted cooked meat food 
product or for rendering. Otherwise it shall be condemned.



Sec.  311.21  Mange or scab.

    Carcasses of livestock affected with mange or scab in advanced 
stages,

[[Page 151]]

showing cachexia or extensive inflammation of the flesh, shall be 
condemned. When the disease is slight, the carcass may be passed after 
removal of the affected portion.



Sec.  311.22  Hogs affected with urticaria, tinea tonsurans, demodex 
follicurlorum, or erythema.

    Carcasses of hogs affected with urticaria (nettle rash), tinea 
tonsurans, demodex folliculorum, or erythema may be passed for human 
food after detaching and condemning the affected skin, if the carcass is 
otherwise not adulterated.



Sec.  311.23  Tapeworm cysts (cysticercus bovis) in cattle.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, carcasses 
of cattle affected with lesions of cysticercus bovis shall be disposed 
of as follows:
    (1) Carcasses of cattle displaying lesions of cysticercus bovis 
shall be condemned if the infestation is extensive or if the musculature 
is edematous or discolored. Carcasses shall be considered extensively 
infested if in addition to finding lesions in at least two of the usual 
inspection sites, namely the heart, diaphragm and its pillars, muscles 
of mastication, esophagus, tongue, and musculature exposed during normal 
dressing operations, they are found in at least two of the sites exposed 
by (i) an incision made into each round exposing the musculature in 
cross section, and (ii) a transverse incision into each forelimb 
commencing 2 or 3 inches above the point of the olecranon and extending 
to the humerus.
    (2) Carcasses of cattle showing one or more tapeworm lesions of 
cysticercus bovis but not so extensive as indicated in paragraph (a)(1) 
of this section, as determined by a careful examination, including 
examination of, but not limited to, the heart, diaphragm and its 
pillars, muscles of mastication, esophagus, tongue, and musculature 
exposed during normal dressing operations, may be passed for human food 
after removal and condemnation of the lesions with surrounding tissues: 
Provided, That the carcasses, appropriately identified by retained tags, 
are held in cold storage under positive control of a USDA Food Inspector 
at a temperature not higher than 15 [deg]F. continuously for a period of 
not less than 10 days, or in the case of boned meat derived from such 
carcasses, the meat, when in boxes, tierces, or other containers, 
appropriately identified by retained tags, is held under positive 
control of a Program Inspector at a temperature of not higher than 15 
[deg]F. continuously for a period of not less than 20 days. As an 
alternative to retention in cold storage as provided in this 
subparagraph, such carcasses and meat may be heated throughout to a 
temperature of at least 140 [deg]F. under positive control of a Program 
Inspector.
    (b) Edible viscera and offal shall be disposed of in the same manner 
as the rest of the carcass from which they were derived unless any 
lesion of cysticercus bovis is found in these byproducts, in which case 
they shall be condemned.

[36 FR 4591, Mar. 10, 1971]



Sec.  311.24  Hogs affected with tapeworm cysts.

    Carcasses of hogs affected with tapeworm cysts (Cysticercus 
cellulosae) may be passed for cooking, unless the infestation is 
excessive, in which case the carcass shall be condemned.



Sec.  311.25  Parasites not transmissible to man; tapeworm cysts in sheep;
hydatid cysts; flukes; gid bladder-worms.

    (a) In the disposal of carcasses, edible organs, and other parts of 
carcasses showing evidence of infestation with parasites not 
transmissible to man, the following general rules shall govern except as 
otherwise provided in this section: If the lesions are localized in such 
manner and are of such character that the parasites and the lesions 
caused by them can be completely removed, the nonaffected portion of the 
carcass, organ, or other part of the carcass may be passed for human 
food after the removal and condemnation of the affected portions. If an 
organ or other part of a carcass shows numerous lesions caused by 
parasites, or if the character of the infestation is such that complete 
extirpation of the parasitic infestation or invasion renders the part in 
any way unfit for human

[[Page 152]]

food, the affected part shall be condemned. If parasites are found to be 
distributed in a carcass in such a manner or to be of such character 
that their removal and the removal of the lesions caused by them is 
impracticable, no part of the carcass shall be passed for human food. If 
the infestation is excessive, the carcass shall be condemned. If the 
infestation is moderate, the carcass may be passed for cooking, but in 
case such carcass is not cooked as required by part 315 of this 
subchapter, it shall be condemned.
    (b) In the case of sheep carcasses affected with tapeworm cysts 
(Cysticercus ovis, so-called sheep measles, not transmissible to man), 
such carcasses may be passed for human food after the removal and 
condemnation of the affected portions: Provided, however, That if, upon 
the final inspection of sheep carcasses retained on account of measles, 
the total number of cysts found embedded in muscular tissue, or in 
immediate relation with muscular tissue, excluding the heart, exceeds 
five, the entire carcass shall be condemned, or such carcass shall be 
heated throughout to a temperature of at least 140 [deg]F. After removal 
and condemnation of all affected portions.
    (c) Carcasses found infested with gid bladder-worms (Coenurus 
cerebralis, Multiceps multiceps) may be passed for human food after 
condemnation of the affected organ (brain or spinal cord).
    (d) Organs or other parts of carcasses infested with hydatid cysts 
(echinococus) shall be condemned.
    (e) Livers infested with flukes or fringed tapeworms shall be 
condemned.



Sec.  311.26  Emaciation.

    Carcasses of livestock too emaciated to produce wholesome meat, and 
carcasses which show a serous infiltration of muscle tissues, or a 
serous or mucoid degeneration of the fatty tissue, shall be condemned. A 
gelatinous change of the fat of the heart and kidneys of well-nourished 
carcasses and mere leanness shall not be classed as emaciation.

[35 FR 15569, Oct. 3, 1970; 36 FR 11903, June 23, 1971]



Sec.  311.27  Injured animals slaughtered at unusual hours.

    When it is necessary for humane reasons to slaughter an injured 
animal at night or on Sunday or a holiday when the inspector cannot be 
obtained, the carcass and all parts of all livestock except for cattle 
shall be kept for inspection, with the head and all viscera except the 
stomach, bladder, and intestines held by the natural attachments. If all 
parts are not so kept for inspection, the carcass shall be condemned. 
If, on inspection of a carcass slaughtered in the absence of an 
inspector, any lesion or other evidence is found indicating that the 
animal was sick or diseased, or affected with any other condition 
requiring condemnation of the animal on ante-mortem inspection, or if 
there is lacking evidence of the condition which rendered emergency 
slaughter necessary, the carcass shall be condemned. The parts and 
carcasses of cattle slaughtered in the absence of an inspector shall not 
be used for human food.

[35 FR 15569, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 69 FR 1874, Jan. 12, 2004]



Sec.  311.28  Carcasses of young calves, pigs, kids, lambs, and foals.

    Carcasses of young calves, pigs, kids, lambs, and foals are 
unwholesome and shall be condemned if (a) the meat has the appearance of 
being water-soaked, is loose, flabby, tears easily, and can be 
perforated with the fingers; or (b) its color is grayish-red; or (c) 
good muscular development as a whole is lacking, especially noticeable 
on the upper shank of the leg, where small amounts of serous infiltrates 
or small edematous patches are sometimes present between the muscles; or 
(d) the tissue which later develops as the fat capsule of the kidneys is 
edematous, dirty yellow, or grayish-red, tough, and intermixed with 
islands of fat.



Sec.  311.29  Unborn and stillborn animals.

    All unborn and stillborn animals shall be condemned and no hide or 
skin thereof shall be removed from the carcass within a room in which 
edible products are handled.

[[Page 153]]



Sec.  311.30  Livestock suffocated and hogs scalded alive.

    All livestock which have been suffocated in any way and hogs which 
have entered the scalding vat alive shall be condemned.



Sec.  311.31  Livers affected with carotenosis; livers designated as
``telangiectatic,'' ``sawdust,'' or ``spotted.''

    (a) Livers affected with carotenosis shall be condemned.
    (b) Cattle livers and calf livers showing the conditions sometimes 
designated as ``telangiectatic,'' ``sawdust,'' or ``spotted'' shall be 
disposed of as follows:
    (1) When any or all of the conditions are slight in the organ, the 
whole organ shall be passed for human food without restriction.
    (2) When any or all of the conditions are more severe than slight 
and involve less than one-half of the organ, while in the remainder of 
the organ the conditions are slight or nonexistent, the remainder shall 
be passed for human food without restriction and the other portion shall 
be condemned.
    (3) When any or all of the conditions are more severe than slight 
and involve one-half or more of the organ, the whole organ shall be 
condemned.
    (4) The divisions of an organ into two parts as contemplated in this 
paragraph for disposition, shall be accomplished by one cut through the 
organ. This, of course, does not prohibit incisions which are necessary 
for inspection.
    (c) ``Telangiectatic,'' ``sawdust,'' or ``spotted'' livers and parts 
of livers which are condemned for human food may be shipped from an 
official establishment for purposes other than human food in accordance 
with Sec.  314.10 of this subchapter.



Sec.  311.32  Vesicular diseases.

    (a) Any carcass affected with vesicular disease shall be condemned 
if the condition is acute and if the extent of the condition is such 
that it affects the entire carcass or there is evidence of absorption or 
secondary change.
    (b) Any carcass affected with vesicular disease to a lesser extent 
than as described in paragraph (a) of this section may be passed for 
human food after removal and condemnation of the affected parts, if the 
carcass is otherwise healthy.



Sec.  311.33  Listeriosis.

    Carcasses of livestock identified as U.S. Suspects because of a 
history of listeriosis shall be passed for human food after condemnation 
of the head if the carcass is otherwise normal.



Sec.  311.34  Anemia.

    Carcasses of livestock too anemic to produce wholesome meat shall be 
condemned.



Sec.  311.35  Muscular inflammation, degeneration, or infiltration.

    (a) If muscular lesions are found to be distributed in such a manner 
or to be of such character that removal is impractical, the carcass 
shall be condemned.
    (b) If muscular lesions are found to be distributed in such a manner 
or to be of such character that removal is practical, the following 
rules shall govern the disposal of the carcasses, edible organs, and 
other parts of carcasses showing such muscular lesions. If the lesions 
are localized in such a manner and are of such a character that the 
affected tissues can be removed, the nonaffected parts of the carcass 
may be passed for human food after the removal and condemnation of the 
affected portion. If a part of the carcass shows numerous lesions, or if 
the character of the lesion is such that complete extirpation is 
difficult and uncertainly accomplished, or if the lesion renders the 
part in any way unfit for human food, the part shall be condemned.
    (c) If the lesions are slight or of such character as to be 
insignificant from a standpoint of wholesomeness, the carcass or parts 
may be passed for use in the manufacture of comminuted cooked product, 
after removal and condemnation of the visibly affected portions.



Sec.  311.36  Coccidioidal granuloma.

    (a) Carcasses which are affected with generalized coccidioidal 
granuloma or which show systemic changes because of such disease shall 
be condemned.

[[Page 154]]

    (b) Carcasses affected with localized lesions of this disease may be 
passed for human food after the affected parts are removed and 
condemned.



Sec.  311.37  Odors, foreign and urine.

    (a) Carcasses which give off a pronounced odor of medicinal, 
chemical, or other foreign substance shall be condemned.
    (b) Carcasses which give off a pronounced urine odor shall be 
condemned.
    (c) Carcasses, organs, or parts affected by odor to a lesser degree 
than as described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section and in which 
the odor can be removed by trimming or chilling may be passed for human 
food, after removal of affected parts or dissipation of the condition.



Sec.  311.38  Meat and meat byproducts from livestock which have been
exposed to radiation.

    Meat and meat byproducts from livestock which have been administered 
radioactive material shall be condemned unless the use of the radiation 
was in conformity with a regulation or exemption in effect pursuant to 
section 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.



Sec.  311.39  Biological residues.

    Carcasses, organs, or other parts of carcasses of livestock shall be 
condemned if it is determined that they are adulterated because of the 
presence of any biological residues.



PART 312_OFFICIAL MARKS, DEVICES AND CERTIFICATES--Table of Contents



Sec.
312.1 General.
312.2 Official marks and devices to identify inspected and passed 
          products of cattle, sheep, swine, or goats.
312.3 Official marks and devices to identify inspected and passed equine 
          products.
312.4 Official ante-mortem inspection marks and devices.
312.5 Official seals for transportation of products.
312.6 Official marks and devices in connection with post-mortem 
          inspection and identification of adulterated products and 
          insanitary equipment and facilities.
312.7 [Reserved]
312.8 Export inspection marks.
312.9 Official detention marks and devices.
312.10 Official mark for maintaining the identity and integrity of 
          samples.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.17, 2.55.

    Source: 35 FR 15573, Oct. 3, 1970, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  312.1  General.

    The marks, devices, and certificates prescribed or referenced in 
this part shall be official marks, devices, and certificates for 
purposes of the Act, and shall be used in accordance with the provisions 
of this part and the regulations cited therein.



Sec.  312.2  Official marks and devices to identify inspected and passed 
products of cattle, sheep, swine, or goats.

    (a) The official inspection legend required by part 316 of this 
subchapter to be applied to inspected and passed carcasses and parts of 
carcasses of cattle, sheep, swine and goats, meat food products in 
animal casings, and other products as approved by the Administrator, 
shall be in the appropriate form as hereinafter specified: \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The number ``38'' is given as an example only. The establishment 
number of the official establishment where the product is prepared shall 
be used in lieu thereof.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.000

    For application to sheep carcasses, the loins and ribs of pork, beef 
tails, and the smaller varieties of sausage and meat food products in 
animal casings.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.001


[[Page 155]]


    For application to calf and goat carcasses and on the larger 
varieties of sausage and meat food products in animal casings.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.002

    For application to beef and hog carcasses primal parts and cuts 
therefrom, beef livers, beef tongues, beef hearts, and smoked meats not 
in casings.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.003

    For application to burlap, muslin, cheesecloth, heavy paper, or 
other acceptable material that encloses carcasses or parts of carcasses.
    (b)(1) The official inspection legend required by part 317 of this 
subchapter to be shown on all labels for inspected and passed products 
of cattle, sheep, swine, and goats shall be in the following form \1\ 
except that it need not be of the size illustrated, provided that it is 
a sufficient size and of such color as to be conspicuously displayed and 
readily legible and the same proportions of letter size and boldness are 
maintained as illustrated:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.004

    (2) This official mark shall be applied by mechanical means and 
shall not be applied by a hand stamp.
    (3) The official inspection legend described in paragraph (b)(1) of 
this section may also be used for purposes of part 316 of this 
subchapter on shipping containers, band labels, artificial casings, and 
other articles with the approval of the Administrator.
    (c) Any brand, stamp, label, or other device approved by the 
Administrator and bearing any official mark prescribed in paragraphs (a) 
or (b) of this section shall be an official device for purposes of the 
Act.

[35 FR 15573, Oct. 3, 1970; 36 FR 12002, June 24, 1971]



Sec.  312.3  Official marks and devices to identify inspected and passed
equine products.

    (a) The official inspection legend required by Sec.  316.12 or Sec.  
317.2 of this subchapter to identify inspected and passed horse 
carcasses and parts of carcasses, or horse meat food products shall be 
in the appropriate form as hereinafter specified: \1\

[[Page 156]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.005

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.055

    (b) The official inspection legend required by Sec.  316.12 or Sec.  
317.2 of this subchapter to identify inspected and passed mule and other 
(nonhorse) equine carcasses and parts of carcasses, or equine meat food 
products shall be in whichever of the following form, is appropriate: 
\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The number ``38'' is given as an example only. The establishment 
number of the official establishment where the product is prepared shall 
be used in lieu thereof.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.006

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.007

    (c) Any brand, stamp, label, or other device approved by the 
Administrator and bearing any official mark prescribed in paragraphs (a) 
or (b) of this section shall be an official device for purposes of the 
Act.



Sec.  312.4  Official ante-mortem inspection marks and devices.

    The official marks and devices used in connection with ante-mortem 
inspection are those prescribed in Sec.  309.18 of this subchapter.

[[Page 157]]



Sec.  312.5  Official seals for transportation of products.

    The official mark for use in sealing railroad cars or other means of 
conveyance as prescribed in part 325 of this subchapter shall be the 
inscription and a serial number as hereinafter shown \2\ and any seal 
approved by the Administrator for applying such mark shall be an 
official device for purposes of the Act. This seal shall be attached to 
the means of conveyance only by a Program employee and he shall also 
affix thereto a ``Warning Tag'' (Form MP-408-3).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ The number ``2135202'' is given as an example only. The serial 
number of the specific seal will be shown in lieu thereof.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.008


[35 FR 15573, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 39 FR 36000, Oct. 7, 1974; 51 
FR 37707, Oct. 24, 1986]



Sec.  312.6  Official marks and devices in connection with post-mortem
inspection and identification of adulterated products and insanitary
equipment and facilities.

    (a) The official marks required by parts 310 and 416 of this chapter 
for use in post-mortem inspection and identification of adulterated 
products and insanitary equipment and facilities are:
    (1) The tag (Form MP-427) which is used to retain carcasses and 
parts of carcasses in the slaughter department; it is black and white, 
and bears the legend ``U.S. Retained.''
    (2) The ``U.S. Retained'' mark which is applied to products and 
articles as prescribed in part 310 of this subchapter by means of a 
paper tag (Form MP-35) bearing the legend ``U.S. Retained.''
    (3) The ``U.S. Rejected'' mark which is used to identify insanitary 
buildings, rooms, or equipment as prescribed in part 416, section 6, of 
this chapter and is applied by means of a paper tag (Form MP-35) bearing 
the legend ``U.S. Rejected.''
    (4) The ``U.S. Passed for Cooking'' mark is applied on products 
passed for cooking as prescribed in part 310 of this subchapter by means 
of a brand and is in the following form:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.009

    (5) The ``U.S. Inspected and Condemned'' mark shall be applied to 
products condemned as prescribed in part 310 by means of a brand and is 
in the following form:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.010

    (b) The ``U.S. Retained'' and ``U.S. Rejected'' tags, and all other 
brands, stamps, labels, and other devices approved by the Administrator 
and bearing any official mark prescribed in paragraph (a) of this 
section, shall be official devices for purposes of the Act.

[35 FR 15573, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 38 FR 29214, Oct. 23, 1973; 39 
FR 36000; Oct. 7, 1974; 43 FR 29268, July 7, 1978; 64 FR 36415, Oct. 20, 
1999; 65 FR 2284, Jan. 14, 2000]

[[Page 158]]



Sec.  312.7  [Reserved]



Sec.  312.8  Export inspection marks.

    The export inspection mark required in Sec.  322.1 of this chapter 
must be either a mark that contains a unique identifier that links the 
consignment to the export certificate or an official mark with the 
following form:\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The number ``1234567'' is given as an example only. The number 
on the mark will correspond to the printed number on the export 
certificate.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR29JN16.015


[81 FR 42233, June 29, 2016]



Sec.  312.9  Official detention marks and devices.

    The official mark for articles and livestock detained under part 329 
of this subchapter shall be the designation ``U.S. Detained'' and the 
official device for applying such mark shall be the official ``U.S. 
Detained'' tag (FSIS Form 8400-2) as prescribed in Sec.  329.2 of this 
subchapter.

[55 FR 47842, Nov. 16, 1990]



Sec.  312.10  Official mark for maintaining the identity and integrity 
of samples.

    The official mark for use in sealing containers of samples submitted 
under any requirements in this subchapter and section 202 of the Federal 
Meat Inspection Act shall bear the designation ``Sample Seal'' 
accompanied by the official USDA logo as shown below. Any seal approved 
by the Administrator for applying such mark shall be deemed an official 
device for purposes of the Act. Such device shall be supplied to 
inspectors, compliance officers, and other designated Agency officials 
by the United States Department of Agriculture.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.011


[52 FR 41958, Nov. 2, 1987]



PART 313_HUMANE SLAUGHTER OF LIVESTOCK--Table of Contents



Sec.
313.1 Livestock pens, driveways and ramps.
313.2 Handling of livestock.
313.5 Chemical; carbon dioxide
313.15 Mechanical; captive bolt.
313.16 Mechanical; gunshot.
313.30 Electrical; stunning or slaughtering with electric current.
313.50 Tagging of equipment, alleyways, pens or compartments to prevent 
          inhumane slaughter or handling in connection with slaughter.
313.90 [Reserved]

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1901-1906; 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.17, 2.55.

    Source: 44 FR 68813, Nov. 30, 1979, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  313.1  Livestock pens, driveways and ramps.

    (a) Livestock pens, driveways and ramps shall be maintained in good 
repair. They shall be free from sharp or protruding objects which may, 
in the opinion of the inspector, cause injury or pain to the animals. 
Loose boards, splintered or broken planking, and unnecessary openings 
where the head, feet, or legs of an animal may be injured shall be 
repaired.
    (b) Floors of livestock pens, ramps, and driveways shall be 
constructed and maintained so as to provide good footing for livestock. 
Slip resistant or waffled floor surfaces, cleated ramps and the use of 
sand, as appropriate, during winter months are examples of acceptable 
construction and maintenance.
    (c) U.S. Suspects (as defined in Sec.  301.2(xxx)) and dying, 
diseased, and disabled livestock (as defined in Sec.  301.2(y)) shall be 
provided with a covered pen sufficient, in the opinion of the inspector, 
to protect them from the

[[Page 159]]

adverse climatic conditions of the locale while awaiting disposition by 
the inspector.
    (d) Livestock pens and driveways shall be so arranged that sharp 
corners and direction reversal of driven animals are minimized.

[44 FR 68813, Nov. 30, 1979, as amended at 53 FR 49848, Dec. 12, 1988]



Sec.  313.2  Handling of livestock.

    (a) Driving of livestock from the unloading ramps to the holding 
pens and from the holding pens to the stunning area shall be done with a 
minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals. Livestock shall not 
be forced to move faster than a normal walking speed.
    (b) Electric prods, canvas slappers, or other implements employed to 
drive animals shall be used as little as possible in order to minimize 
excitement and injury. Any use of such implements which, in the opinion 
of the inspector, is excessive, is prohibited. Electrical prods attached 
to AC house current shall be reduced by a transformer to the lowest 
effective voltage not to exceed 50 volts AC.
    (c) Pipes, sharp or pointed objects, and other items which, in the 
opinion of the inspector, would cause injury or unnecessary pain to the 
animal shall not be used to drive livestock.
    (d) Disabled livestock and other animals unable to move.
    (1) Disabled animals and other animals unable to move shall be 
separated from normal ambulatory animals and placed in the covered pen 
provided for in Sec.  313.1(c).
    (2) The dragging of disabled animals and other animals unable to 
move, while conscious, is prohibited. Stunned animals may, however, be 
dragged.
    (3) Disabled animals and other animals unable to move may be moved, 
while conscious, on equipment suitable for such purposes; e.g., stone 
boats.
    (e) Animals shall have access to water in all holding pens and, if 
held longer than 24 hours, access to feed. There shall be sufficient 
room in the holding pen for animals held overnight to lie down.
    (f) Stunning methods approved in Sec.  313.30 shall be effectively 
applied to animals prior to their being shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, 
or cut.



Sec.  313.5  Chemical; carbon dioxide.

    The slaughtering of sheep, calves and swine with the use of carbon 
dioxide gas and the handling in connection therewith, in compliance with 
the provisions contained in this section, are hereby designated and 
approved as humane methods of slaughtering and handling of such animals 
under the Act.
    (a) Administration of gas, required effect; handling. (1) The carbon 
dioxide gas shall be administered in a chamber in accordance with this 
section so as to produce surgical anesthesia in the animals before they 
are shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animals shall be 
exposed to the carbon dioxide gas in a way that will accomplish the 
anesthesia quickly and calmly, with a minimum of excitement and 
discomfort to the animals. In swine, carbon dioxide may be administered 
to induce death in the animals before they are shackled, hoisted, 
thrown, cast, or cut.
    (2) The driving or conveying of the animals to the carbon dioxide 
chamber shall be done with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to the 
animals. Delivery of calm animals to the anesthesia chamber is essential 
since the induction, or early phase, of anesthesia is less violent with 
docile animals. Among other things this requires that, in driving 
animals to the anesthesia chamber, electrical equipment be used as 
little as possible and with the lowest effective voltage.
    (3) On emerging from the carbon dioxide tunnel, the animals shall be 
in a state of surgical anesthesia and shall remain in this condition 
throughout shackling, sticking, and bleeding, except for swine in which 
death has been induced by the administration of carbon dioxide. Asphyxia 
or death from any cause shall not be produced in animals before 
bleeding, except for swine in which death has been induced by the 
administration of carbon dioxide.
    (b) Facilities and procedures--(1) General requirements for gas 
chambers and auxiliary equipment; operator. (i) The carbon dioxide gas 
shall be administered in a tunnel which is designed to permit the 
effective exposure of the animal. Two types of tunnels, based on

[[Page 160]]

the same principle, are in common use for carbon dioxide anesthesia. 
They are the ``U'' type tunnel and the ``Straight Line'' type tunnel, 
and are based on the principle that carbon dioxide gas has a higher 
specific gravity than air. The tunnels are open at both ends for entry 
and exit of animals and have a depressed central section. Anesthetizing, 
or, in the case of swine, death-inducing, carbon dioxide concentrations 
are maintained in the central sections of the tunnels. Effective 
anaesthetization is produced in these central sections. Animals are 
driven from holding pens through pathways constructed of large-diameter 
pipe or smooth metal and onto continuous conveyor devices that move the 
animals through the tunnels. The animals are either compartmentalized on 
the conveyors by mechanical impellers synchronized with the conveyor or 
they are otherwise prevented from crowding. While impellers are used to 
compartmentalize the animals, mechanically or manually operated gates 
are used to move the animals onto the conveyors. Surgically 
anaesthetized animals, or killed swine, are moved out of the tunnels by 
the same continuous conveyors that moved them into and through the 
carbon dioxide gas.
    (ii) Flow of animals into and through the carbon dioxide chamber is 
dependent on one operator. The operation or stoppage of the conveyor is 
entirely dependent upon this operator. It is necessary that he be 
skilled, attentive, and aware of his responsibility. Overdosages and 
death of animals can be brought about by carelessness of this 
individual.
    (2) Special requirements for gas chamber and auxiliary equipment. 
The ability of anesthetizing equipment to perform with maximum 
efficiency is dependent on its proper design and efficient mechanical 
operation. Pathways, compartments, gas chambers, and all other equipment 
used must be designed to accommodate properly the species of animals 
being anesthetized. They shall be free from pain-producing restraining 
devices. Injury of animals must be prevented by the elimination of sharp 
projections or exposed wheels or gears. There shall be no unnecessary 
holes, spaces or openings where feet or legs of animals may be injured. 
Impellers or other devices designed to mechanically move or drive 
animals or otherwise keep them in motion or compartmentalized shall be 
constructed of flexible or well padded rigid material. Power activated 
gates designed for constant flow of animals to anesthetizing equipment 
shall be so fabricated that they will not cause injury. All equipment 
involved in anesthetizing animals shall be maintained in good repair.
    (3) Gas. Maintenance of a uniform carbon dioxide concentration and 
distribution in the anesthesia chamber is a vital aspect of producing 
surgical anesthesia. This may be assured by reasonably accurate 
instruments which sample and analyze carbon dioxide gas concentration 
within the chamber throughout anesthetizing operations. Gas 
concentration shall be maintained uniform so that the degree of 
anesthesia in exposed animals will be constant. Carbon dioxide gas 
supplied to anesthesia chambers may be from controlled reduction of 
solid carbon dioxide or from a controlled liquid source. In either case 
the carbon dioxide shall be supplied at a rate sufficient to anesthetize 
adequately and uniformly the number of animals passing through the 
chamber. Sampling of gas for analysis shall be made from a 
representative place or places within the chamber and on a continuing 
basis. Gas concentrations and exposure time shall be graphically 
recorded throughout each day's operation. Neither carbon dioxide nor 
atmospheric air used in the anesthesia chambers shall contain noxious or 
irritating gases. Each day before equipment is used for anesthetizing 
animals, proper care shall be taken to mix adequately the gas and air 
within the chamber. All gas producing and control equipment shall be 
maintained in good repair and all indicators, instruments, and measuring 
devices must be available for inspection by Program inspectors during 
anesthetizing operations and at other times. An exhaust system must be 
provided so that, in case of equipment failure, non-uniform carbon 
dioxide concentrations in the

[[Page 161]]

gas tunnel or contamination of the ambient air of the establishment will 
be prevented.

[44 FR 68813, Nov. 30, 1979, as amended at 59 FR 21640, Apr. 26, 1994]



Sec.  313.15  Mechanical; captive bolt.

    The slaughtering of sheep, swine, goats, calves, cattle, horses, 
mules, and other equines by using captive bolt stunners and the handling 
in connection therewith, in compliance with the provisions contained in 
this section, are hereby designated and approved as humane methods of 
slaughtering and handling of such animals under the Act.
    (a) Application of stunners, required effect; handling. (1) The 
captive bolt stunners shall be applied to the livestock in accordance 
with this section so as to produce immediate unconsciousness in the 
animals before they are shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The 
animals shall be stunned in such a manner that they will be rendered 
unconscious with a minimum of excitement and discomfort.
    (2) The driving of the animals to the stunning area shall be done 
with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals. Delivery of 
calm animals to the stunning areas is essential since accurate placement 
of stunning equipment is difficult on nervous or injured animals. Among 
other things, this requires that, in driving animals to the stunning 
areas, electrical equipment be used as little as possible and with the 
lowest effective voltage.
    (3) Immediately after the stunning blow is delivered the animals 
shall be in a state of complete unconsciousness and remain in this 
condition throughout shackling, sticking and bleeding.
    (b) Facilities and procedures--(1) General requirements for stunning 
facilities; operator. (i) Acceptable captive bolt stunning instruments 
may be either skull penetrating or nonpenetrating. The latter type is 
also described as a concussion or mushroom type stunner. Penetrating 
instruments on detonation deliver bolts of varying diameters and lengths 
through the skull and into the brain. Unconsciousness is produced 
immediately by physical brain destruction and a combination of changes 
in intracranial pressure and acceleration concussion. Nonpenetrating or 
mushroom stunners on detonation deliver a bolt with a flattened circular 
head against the external surface of the animal's head over the brain. 
Diameter of the striking surface of the stunner may vary as conditions 
require. Unconsciousness is produced immediately by a combination of 
acceleration concussion and changes in intracranial pressures. A 
combination instrument utilizing both penetrating and nonpenetrating 
principles is acceptable. Energizing of instruments may be accomplished 
by detonation of measured charges of gunpowder or accurately controlled 
compressed air. Captive bolts shall be of such size and design that, 
when properly positioned and activated, immediate unconsciousness is 
produced.
    (ii) To assure uniform unconsciousness with every blow, compressed 
air devices must be equipped to deliver the necessary constant air 
pressure and must have accurate, constantly operating air pressure 
gauges. Gauges must be easily read and conveniently located for use by 
the stunning operator and the inspector. For purposes of protecting 
employees, inspectors, and others, it is desirable that any stunning 
device be equipped with safety features to prevent injuries from 
accidental discharge. Stunning instruments must be maintained in good 
repair.
    (iii) The stunning area shall be so designed and constructed as to 
limit the free movements of animals sufficiently to allow the operator 
to locate the stunning blow with a high degree of accuracy. All chutes, 
alleys, gates and restraining mechanisms between and including holding 
pens and stunning areas shall be free from pain-producing features such 
as exposed bolt ends, loose boards, splintered or broken planking, and 
protruding sharp metal of any kind. There shall be no unnecessary holes 
or other openings where feet or legs of animals may be injured. Overhead 
drop gates shall be suitably covered on the bottom edge to prevent 
injury on contact with animals. Roughened or cleated cement shall be 
used as flooring in chutes leading to stunning areas to reduce falls of 
animals. Chutes, alleys, and stunning areas

[[Page 162]]

shall be so designed that they will comfortably accommodate the kinds of 
animals to be stunned.
    (iv) The stunning operation is an exacting procedure and requires a 
well-trained and experienced operator. He must be able to accurately 
place the stunning instrument to produce immediate unconsciousness. He 
must use the correct detonating charge with regard to kind, breed, size, 
age, and sex of the animal to produce the desired results.
    (2) Special requirements and prohibitions. (i) Choice of instrument 
and force required to produce immediate unconsciousness varies, 
depending on kind, breed, size, age, and sex of the animal. Young swine, 
lambs, and calves usually require less stunning force than mature 
animals of the same kind. Bulls, rams, and boars usually require skull 
penetration to produce immediate unconsciousness. Charges suitable for 
smaller kinds of livestock such as swine or for young animals are not 
acceptably interchanged for use on larger kinds or older livestock, 
respectively.
    (ii) Captive bolt stunners that deliberately inject compressed air 
into the cranium at the end of the penetration cycle shall not be used 
to stun cattle.

[44 FR 68813, Nov. 30, 1979, as amended at 69 FR 1891, Jan. 12, 2004]



Sec.  313.16  Mechanical; gunshot.

    The slaughtering of cattle, calves, sheep, swine, goats, horses, 
mules, and other equines by shooting with firearms and the handling in 
connection therewith, in compliance with the provisions contained in 
this section, are hereby designated and approved as humane methods of 
slaughtering and handling of such animals under the Act.
    (a) Utilization of firearms, required effect; handling. (1) The 
firearms shall be employed in the delivery of a bullet or projectile 
into the animal in accordance with this section so as to produce 
immediate unconsciousness in the animal by a single shot before it is 
shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animal shall be shot in 
such a manner that they will be rendered unconscious with a minimum of 
excitement and discomfort.
    (2) The driving of the animals to the shooting areas shall be done 
with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals. Delivery of 
calm animals to the shooting area is essential since accurate placement 
of the bullet is difficult in case of nervous or injured animals. Among 
other things, this requires that, in driving animals to the shooting 
areas, electrical equipment be used as little as possible and with the 
lowest effective voltage.
    (3) Immediately after the firearm is discharged and the projectile 
is delivered, the animal shall be in a state of complete unconsciousness 
and remain in this condition throughout shackling, sticking and 
bleeding.
    (b) Facilities and procedure--(1) General requirements for shooting 
facilities; operator. (i) On discharge, acceptable firearms dispatch 
free projectiles or bullets of varying sizes and diameters through the 
skull and into the brain. Unconsciousness is produced immediately by a 
combination of physical brain destruction and changes in intracranial 
pressure. Caliber of firearms shall be such that when properly aimed and 
discharged, the projectile produces immediate unconsciousness.
    (ii) To assure uniform unconsciousness of the animal with every 
discharge where small-bore firearms are employed, it is necessary to use 
one of the following type projectiles: Hollow pointed bullets; frangible 
iron plastic composition bullets; or powdered iron missiles. When 
powdered iron missiles are used, the firearms shall be in close 
proximity with the skull of the animal when fired. Firearms must be 
maintained in good repair. For purposes of protecting employees, 
inspectors and others, it is desirable that all firearms be equipped 
with safety devices to prevent injuries from accidental discharge. 
Aiming and discharging of firearms should be directed away from 
operating areas.
    (iii) The provisions contained in Sec.  313.15(b)(1)(iii) with 
respect to the stunning area also apply to the shooting area.
    (iv) The shooting operation is an exacting procedure and requires a 
well-trained and experienced operator. He must be able to accurately 
direct the projectile to produce immediate unconsciousness. He must use 
the correct caliber firearm, powder charge and

[[Page 163]]

type of ammunition to produce the desired results.
    (2) Special requirements. Choice of firearms and ammunition with 
respect to caliber and choice of powder charge required to produce 
immediate unconsciousness of the animal may vary depending on age and 
sex of the animal. In the case of bulls, rams, and boars, small bore 
firearms may be used provided they are able to produce immediate 
unconsciousness of the animals. Small bore firearms are usually 
effective for stunning other cattle, sheep, swine, and goats, and 
calves, horses, and mules.



Sec.  313.30  Electrical; stunning or slaughtering with electric current.

    The slaughtering of swine, sheep, calves, cattle, and goats with the 
use of electric current and the handling in connection therewith, in 
compliance with the provisions contained in this section, are hereby 
designated and approved as humane methods of slaughtering and handling 
of such animals under the Act.
    (a) Administration of electric current, required effect; handling. 
(1) The electric current shall be administered so as to produce, at a 
minimum, surgical anesthesia, i.e., a state where the animal feels no 
painful sensation. The animals shall be either stunned or killed before 
they are shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. They shall be exposed 
to the electric current in a way that will accomplish the desired result 
quickly and effectively, with a minimum of excitement and discomfort.
    (2) The driving or conveying of the animals to the place of 
application of electric current shall be done with a minimum of 
excitement and discomfort to the animals. Delivery of calm animals to 
the place of application is essential to ensure rapid and effective 
insensibility. Among other things, this requires that, in driving 
animals to the place of application, electrical equipment be used as 
little as possible and with the lowest effective voltage.
    (3) The quality and location of the electrical shock shall be such 
as to produce immediate insensibility to pain in the exposed animal.
    (4) The stunned animal shall remain in a state of surgical 
anesthesia through shackling, sticking, and bleeding.
    (b) Facilities and procedures; operator--(1) General requirements 
for operator. It is necessary that the operator of electric current 
application equipment be skilled, attentive, and aware of his or her 
responsibility.
    (2) Special requirements for electric current application equipment. 
The ability of electric current equipment to perform with maximum 
efficiency is dependent on its proper design and efficient mechanical 
operation. Pathways, compartments, current applicators, and all other 
equipment used must be designed to properly accommodate the species of 
animals being anesthetized. Animals shall be free from pain-producing 
restraining devices. Injury of animals must be prevented by the 
elimination of sharp projections or exposed wheels or gears. There shall 
be no unnecessary holes, spaces or openings where feet or legs of 
animals may be injured. Impellers or other devices designed to 
mechanically move or drive animals or otherwise keep them in motion or 
compartmentalized shall be constructed of flexible or padded material. 
Power activated gates designed for constant flow of animals shall be so 
fabricated that they will not cause injury. All equipment used to apply 
and control the electrical current shall be maintained in good repair, 
and all indicators, instruments, and measuring devices shall be 
available for inspection by Program inspectors during the operation and 
at other times.
    (3) Electric current. Each animal shall be given a sufficient 
application of electric current to ensure surgical anesthesia throughout 
the bleeding operation. Suitable timing, voltage and current control 
devices shall be used to ensure that each animal receives the necessary 
electrical charge to produce immediate unconsciousness. The current 
shall be applied so as to avoid the production of hemorrhages or other 
tissue changes which could interfere with inspection procedures.

[44 FR 68813, Nov. 30, 1979, as amended at 50 FR 25202, June 18, 1985]

[[Page 164]]



Sec.  313.50  Tagging of equipment, alleyways, pens, or compartments
to prevent inhumane slaughter or handling in connection with slaughter.

    When an inspector observes an incident of inhumane slaughter or 
handling in connection with slaughter, he/she shall inform the 
establishment operator of the incident and request that the operator 
take the necessary steps to prevent a recurrence. If the establishment 
operator fails to take such action or fails to promptly provide the 
inspector with satisfactory assurances that such action will be taken, 
the inspector shall follow the procedures specified in paragraph (a), 
(b), or (c) of this section, as appropriate.
    (a) If the cause of inhumane treatment is the result of facility 
deficiencies, disrepair, or equipment breakdown, the inspector shall 
attach a ``U.S. Rejected'' tag thereto. No equipment, alleyway, pen or 
compartment so tagged shall be used until made acceptable to the 
inspector. The tag shall not be removed by anyone other than an 
inspector. All livestock slaughtered prior to such tagging may be 
dressed, processed, or prepared under inspection.
    (b) If the cause of inhumane treatment is the result of 
establishment employee actions in the handling or moving of livestock, 
the inspector shall attach a ``U.S. Rejected'' tag to the alleyways 
leading to the stunning area. After the tagging of the alleyway, no more 
livestock shall be moved to the stunning area until the inspector 
receives satisfactory assurances from the establishment operator that 
there will not be a recurrence. The tag shall not be removed by anyone 
other than an inspector. All livestock slaughtered prior to the tagging 
may be dressed, processed, or prepared under inspection.
    (c) If the cause of inhumane treatment is the result of improper 
stunning, the inspector shall attach a ``U.S. Rejected'' tag to the 
stunning area. Stunning procedures shall not be resumed until the 
inspector receives satisfactory assurances from the establishment 
operator that there will not be a recurrence. The tag shall not be 
removed by anyone other than an inspector. All livestock slaughtered 
prior to such tagging may be dressed, processed, or prepared under 
inspection.



Sec.  313.90  [Reserved]



PART 314_HANDLING AND DISPOSAL OF CONDEMNED OR OTHER INEDIBLE PRODUCTS
AT OFFICIAL ESTABLISHMENTS--Table of Contents



Sec.
314.1 Disposition of condemned products at official establishments 
          having tanking facilities; sealing of tanks.
314.2 Tanking and other facilities for inedible products to be separate 
          from edible product facilities.
314.3 Disposition of condemned products at official establishments 
          having no tanking facilities.
314.4 Suppression of odors in preparing inedible products.
314.5 Inedible rendered fats prepared at official establishments.
314.6 Inedible fats from outside official establishments.
314.7 Carcasses of livestock condemned on ante-mortem inspection not to 
          pass through edible product areas.
314.8 Dead animal carcasses.
314.9 Specimens for educational, research, and other nonfood purposes; 
          permits for, required.
314.10 Livers condemned because of parasitic infestation and for other 
          causes; conditions for disposal for purposes other than human 
          food.
314.11 Handling of certain condemned products for purposes other than 
          human food.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.17, 2.55.

    Source: 35 FR 15575, Oct. 3, 1970, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  314.1  Disposition of condemned products at official establishments
having tanking facilities; sealing of tanks.

    (a) Carcasses, parts of carcasses, and other products condemned at 
official establishments having facilities for tanking shall, except as 
provided in paragraph (c) of this section or elsewhere in this part, be 
disposed of by tanking as follows:
    (1) The lower opening of the tank shall first be sealed securely by 
a Program employee, except when permanently connected with a blow line; 
then the condemned products shall be placed in the tank in his presence, 
after which the upper opening shall also be sealed

[[Page 165]]

securely by such employee, who shall then see that the contents of the 
tank are subjected to sufficient heating for sufficient time to 
effectively destroy the contents for human food purposes.
    (2) The use of equipment such as crushers or hashers for pretanking 
preparation of condemned products in the inedible products department 
has been found to give inedible character and appearance to the 
material. Accordingly, if condemned products are so crushed or hashed, 
conveying systems, rendering tanks, and other equipment used in the 
further handling of crushed or hashed material need not be locked or 
sealed during the tanking operations. If the rendering tanks or other 
equipment contain condemned material not so crushed or hashed, the 
equipment shall be sealed as prescribed in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section. If the crushed or hashed material is not rendered in the 
establishment where produced, it shall be denatured as provided for in 
Sec.  314.3 before leaving such establishment.
    (b) The seals of tanks shall be broken only by a Program employee 
and only after the contents of the tanks have been treated as provided 
in paragraph (a) of this section. The rendered fat derived from 
condemned material shall be held until a Program employee shall have had 
an opportunity to determine whether it conforms with the requirements of 
this section. Samples shall be taken by Program employees as often as is 
necessary to determine whether the rendered fat is effectually 
denatured.
    (c) Carcasses of animals condemned under Sec.  309.3 of this 
subchapter may be disposed of as provided in Sec.  314.3, in lieu of 
tanking, with the approval of the inspector.



Sec.  314.2  Tanking and other facilities for inedible products to be
separate from edible product facilities.

    All tanks and equipment used for rendering, otherwise preparing, or 
storing inedible products must be in rooms or compartments separate from 
those used for preparing or storing edible products. There may be a 
connection between rooms or compartments containing inedible products 
and those containing edible products as long as it does not cause the 
adulteration of edible product or create insanitary conditions.

[64 FR 56416, Oct. 20, 1999]



Sec.  314.3  Disposition of condemned products at official establishments
having no tanking facilities.

    (a) Carcasses, parts of carcasses, and other products condemned at 
an official establishment which has no facilities for tanking shall, 
except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section or elsewhere in this 
part, be destroyed in the presence of an inspector by incineration, or 
denatured with crude carbolic acid, or cresylic disinfectant, or a 
formula consisting of one part FD&C No. 3 green coloring, 40 parts 
water, 40 parts liquid detergent, and 40 parts oil of citronella or any 
other proprietary material approved by the Administrator in specific 
cases. When such product is to be denatured, it shall be freely slashed 
before the denaturing agent is applied, except that, in the case of dead 
animals that have not been dressed, the denaturant may be applied by 
injection. The denaturant must be deposited in all portions of the 
carcass or product to the extent necessary to preclude its use for food 
purposes.
    (b) All carcasses and parts condemned on account of anthrax, as 
identified in Sec.  310.9(b) of this subchapter, at official 
establishments which are not equipped with tanking facilities shall be 
disposed of by (1) complete incineration, or (2) by thorough denaturing 
with crude carbolic acid, or cresylic disinfectant, and then disposed of 
in accordance with the requirements of the particular State or municipal 
authorities, who shall be notified immediately by the area supervisor.



Sec.  314.4  Suppression of odors in preparing inedible products.

    Tanks, fertilizer driers, and other equipment used in the 
preparation of inedible product must be operated in a manner that will 
suppress odors incident to such preparation which could adulterate 
edible product or create insanitary conditions.

[64 FR 56416, Oct. 20, 1999]

[[Page 166]]



Sec.  314.5  Inedible rendered fats prepared at official establishments.

    Except as provided in Sec.  325.11(b) of this subchapter, rendered 
animal fat derived from condemned or other inedible materials at 
official establishments shall be denatured to effectually distinguish it 
from an edible product, either with low grade offal during the rendering 
or by adding to, and mixing thoroughly with, such fat, denaturing oil, 
No. 2 fuel oil, or brucine dissolved in a mixture of alcohol and pine 
oil or oil of rosemary, and may be shipped in commerce in accordance 
with Sec.  325.11(c) of this subchapter.

[35 FR 15575, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 53 FR 24679, June 30, 1988]



Sec.  314.6  Inedible fats from outside official establishments.

    Except as provided in Sec.  325.11(b) of this subchapter, inedible 
fats from outside the premises of any official establishment shall not 
be received into an official establishment except into the tank room 
provided for inedible products, and then only when they have been 
denatured in accordance with Sec.  314.5 and are marked in accordance 
with Sec.  316.15 of this subchapter, and when their receipt into the 
tank room produces no insanitary condition on the premises; nor shall 
such fats be received in such volume as interferes with prompt disposal 
of condemned or other inedible material produced at the establishment. 
When received, they shall not enter any room or compartment used for 
edible products.

[35 FR 15575, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 53 FR 24679, June 30, 1988]



Sec.  314.7  Carcasses of livestock condemned on ante-mortem inspection
not to pass through edible product areas.

    Carcasses of livestock which have been condemned on ante-mortem 
inspection shall not be taken through rooms or compartments in which an 
edible product is prepared, handled, or stored.



Sec.  314.8  Dead animal carcasses.

    (a) With the exception of dead livestock which have died en route 
and are received with livestock for slaughter at an official 
establishment, no dead animal or part of the carcass of any livestock 
that died otherwise than by slaughter may be brought on the premises of 
an official establishment unless advance permission therefore is 
obtained from the circuit supervisor.
    (b) Under no circumstances shall the carcasses of any animal which 
has died otherwise than by slaughter, or any part thereof, be brought 
into any room or compartment in which any edible product is prepared, 
handled, or stored.



Sec.  314.9  Specimens for educational, research, and other nonfood
purposes; permits for, required.

    (a) Specimens of condemned or other inedible materials, including 
embryos and specimens of animal parasites, may be released for 
educational, research, or other nonfood purposes under permit issued by 
the inspector in charge: Provided, That the person desiring such 
specimens makes a written application to the inspector in charge for 
such permit on Form MP-403-10 and arranges with and receives permission 
from the official establishment to obtain the specimens. Permits shall 
be issued for a period not longer than 1 year. The permit may be revoked 
by the inspector in charge if the specimens are not used as stated in 
the application, or if the collection or handling of the specimens 
interferes with inspection or the maintenance of sanitary conditions in 
the establishment.
    (b) The specimens referred to in paragraph (a) of this section shall 
be collected and handled only at such time and place and in such manner 
as not to interfere with the inspection or to cause any objectionable 
condition and shall be identified as inedible when they leave the 
establishment.

[35 FR 15575, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 38 FR 18665, July 13, 1973; 39 
FR 36000, Oct. 7, 1974]



Sec.  314.10  Livers condemned because of parasitic infestation and for
other causes; conditions for disposal for purposes other than human food.

    (a) Livers condemned on account of hydatid cysts shall be disposed 
of by tanking pursuant to the provisions of Sec.  314.1 of this 
subchapter if condemned at official establishments having facilities for 
tanking; otherwise they shall

[[Page 167]]

be destroyed pursuant to the provisions of Sec.  314.3 of this 
subchapter.
    (b) Livers condemned because of parasites other than hydatid cysts; 
and livers condemned because of telangiectasis, angioma, ``sawdust'' 
condition, cirrhosis, carotenosis, or other nonmalignant change, benign 
abscesses, or contamination, when these conditions are not associated 
with infectious diseases in the carcasses, may be shipped from an 
official establishment only for purposes other than human food, and only 
if all tissue affected with abscesses is removed and destroyed within 
the establishment, and all livers are processed and denatured, with any 
agent prescribed in Sec.  325.13(a)(1) or (2) or (5), and in accordance 
with Sec.  325.13(a)(6) of this subchapter. This provision for movement 
from an official establishment is made solely under the Federal Meat 
Inspection Act and is not intended to relieve or modify any other 
applicable requirements under any other law regarding the movement of 
such articles, for purposes other than use as human food.
    (c) Livers condemned because of conditions described in paragraph 
(b) of this section shall be in containers plainly marked ``inedible''.

[41 FR 23701, June 11, 1976]



Sec.  314.11  Handling of certain condemned products for purposes other
than human food.

    Condemned carcasses of animals affected with one or more of the 
following conditions may be shipped from an official establishment only 
for purposes other than human food and only if permission therefor is 
obtained from the circuit supervisor: Anasarca, Ocular Squamous Cell 
Carcinoma (after removal of neoplastic tissue), emaciation, eosinophilic 
myositis, immaturity, nonseptic bruises and injuries, and 
sarcosporidiosis. This provision also applies to unborn calves and to 
products such as paunches and udders when they have not been handled as 
required under this subchapter for products for human food purposes; 
provided, such articles have not been condemned for other pathological 
reasons. Such permission will be granted only if all parts to be so used 
will be promptly handled, freely slashed and adequately identified as 
required by Sec.  325.13(a)(2) of this subchapter. The slashing, 
identification and packing of the product shall be accomplished in an 
inedible product area under the supervision of an inspector. Facilities 
must be adequate so that the carcasses or parts saved under these 
provisions are not contaminated with pus, manure, septic, or toxic 
materials, or similar substances. The operation must not result in 
unsanitary conditions within the establishment.

[35 FR 15575, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 36 FR 11639, June 17, 1971; 36 
FR 11903, June 23, 1971]



PART 315_RENDERING OR OTHER DISPOSAL OF CARCASSES AND PARTS PASSED FOR
COOKING--Table of Contents



Sec.
315.1 Carcasses and parts passed for cooking; rendering into lard or 
          tallow.
315.2 Carcasses and parts passed for cooking; utilization for food 
          purposes after cooking.
315.3 Disposal of products passed for cooking if not handled according 
          to this part.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.17, 2.55.



Sec.  315.1  Carcasses and parts passed for cooking; rendering into
lard or tallow.

    Carcasses and parts passed for cooking may be rendered into lard in 
accordance with Sec.  319.702 of this subchapter or rendered into 
tallow, provided such rendering is done in the following manner:
    (a) When closed rendering equipment is used, the lower opening, 
except when permanently connected with a blowline, shall first be sealed 
securely by a Program employee; then the carcasses or parts shall be 
placed in such equipment in his presence, after which the upper opening 
shall be securely sealed by such employee. When the product passed for 
cooking in the tank does not consist of a carcass or whole primal part, 
the requirements for sealing shall be at the discretion of the circuit 
supervisor. Such carcasses and parts shall be cooked for a time 
sufficient to render them effectually into lard or tallow, provided all 
parts of the products are heated to a temperature

[[Page 168]]

not lower than 170 [deg]F. for a period of not less than 30 minutes.
    (b) At establishments not equipped with closed rendering equipment 
for rendering carcasses and parts passed for cooking into lard and 
tallow, such carcasses or parts may be rendered in open kettles under 
the direct supervision of a Program employee. Such rendering shall be 
done during regular hours of work and in compliance with the 
requirements as to temperature and time specified in paragraph (a) of 
this section.

[35 FR 15577, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 43 FR 25420, June 13, 1978]



Sec.  315.2  Carcasses and parts passed for cooking; utilization for 
food purposes after cooking.

    Carcasses and parts passed for cooking may be used for the 
preparation of meat food products, provided all such carcasses or parts 
are heated to a temperature not lower than 170 [deg]F. for a period of 
not less than 30 minutes either before being used in or during the 
preparation of the finished product.

[37 FR 2661, Feb. 4, 1972]



Sec.  315.3  Disposal of products passed for cooking if not handled
according to this part.

    Products passed for cooking if not handled and processed in 
accordance with the provisions of this part, shall be disposed of in 
accordance with Sec.  314.1 or Sec.  314.3 of this subchapter.

[35 FR 15577, Oct. 3, 1970. Redesignated at 37 FR 2661, Feb. 4, 1972]



PART 316_MARKING PRODUCTS AND THEIR CONTAINERS--Table of Contents



Sec.
316.1 Authorization required to make devices bearing official marks.
316.2 Approval required for official marks.
316.3 Use of official marks prohibited except under supervision of 
          Program employee; removal of official marks, when required.
316.4 Marking devices; to be furnished by official establishments; 
          control of.
316.5 Branding ink; to be furnished by official establishments; approval 
          by Program; color.
316.6 Products not to be removed from official establishments unless 
          marked in accordance with the regulations.
316.7 Marking devices not to be false or misleading; style and size of 
          lettering; approval required.
316.8 Unmarked inspected products; moved between official 
          establishments; moved in commerce.
316.9 Products to be marked with official marks.
316.10 Marking of meat food products with official inspection legend and 
          ingredient statement.
316.11 Special markings for certain meat food products.
316.12 Marking of equine carcasses and parts thereof.
316.13 Marking of outside containers.
316.14 Marking tank cars and tank trucks used in transportation of 
          edible products.
316.15 Marking outside containers of inedible grease, etc.
316.16 Custom prepared products to be marked ``Not for Sale.''

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.55.

    Source: 35 FR 15577, Oct. 3, 1970, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  316.1  Authorization required to make devices bearing official marks.

    No brand manufacturer, printer or other person shall cast, print, 
lithograph, or otherwise make or cause to be made any device containing 
any official mark or simulation thereof without prior written authority 
therefor from the Administrator as provided for in part 317 of this 
subchapter.



Sec.  316.2  Approval required for official marks.

    No device containing any official mark shall be made or caused to be 
made for use on any product until it has been approved by the 
Administrator as provided for in part 317 of this subchapter.



Sec.  316.3  Use of official marks prohibited except under supervision of
Program employee; removal of official marks, when required.

    (a) No person shall affix or place, or cause to be affixed or 
placed, the official inspection legend or any other official mark, or 
any abbreviation or simulation of any official mark, to or on any 
product, or container thereof, except under the supervision of a Program 
employee, or as authorized by part 317 of this subchapter in connection 
with the manufacture of containers.

[[Page 169]]

    (b) No person shall fill, or cause to be filled, in whole or in 
part, with any product, any container bearing or intended to bear any 
official mark, or any abbreviation or simulation of any official mark, 
except under the supervision of a Program employee.
    (c) Product bearing any official mark shall not be canned, cooked, 
cured, smoked, salted, packed, rendered, or otherwise prepared by any 
person for commercial purposes unless:
    (1) Such preparation is performed at an official establishment; or
    (2) Such preparation is conducted under State or other governmental 
inspection and the prepared product is marked to show that fact; or
    (3) The official marks are removed, defaced, or otherwise destroyed 
before or during such preparation; or
    (4) The preparation of the product consists solely of cutting up 
operations at any establishment exempted from inspection under paragraph 
301(c)(2) of the Act or equal provisions of a law of a State or 
organized Territory or at any establishment in an unorganized Territory 
exempted under paragraph 23(b) of the Act.



Sec.  316.4  Marking devices; to be furnished by official establishments;
control of.

    (a) The operator of each official establishment or official import 
inspection establishment shall furnish such ink brands, burning brands, 
and any other device for marking products with official marks as the 
Administrator may determine is necessary for marking products at such 
establishment. The official inspection legend on such a device shall be 
as prescribed in part 312 of this subchapter.
    (b) All official devices for marking products with the official 
inspection legend, or other official inspection marks, including self-
locking seals, shall be used only under supervision of a Program 
employee, and, when not in use for marking shall be kept locked in 
properly equipped locks or compartments, the keys of which shall not 
leave the possession of a Program employee, or the locker or compartment 
shall be sealed with an official seal of the Department as prescribed in 
part 312 of this subchapter.

[35 FR 15577, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 36 FR 12004, June 24, 1971; 46 
FR 38072, July 24, 1981]



Sec.  316.5  Branding ink; to be furnished by official establishments;
approval by Program; color.

    (a) The operator of each official establishment shall furnish all 
ink for marking products with the official marks at such establishment. 
Such ink must be made with harmless ingredients that are approved for 
the purpose by the Administrator. Samples of inks shall be submitted to 
the Program laboratory from time to time as may be deemed necessary by 
the inspector in charge.
    (b) Only ink approved for the purpose shall be used to apply ink 
brands bearing official marks to carcasses of cattle, sheep, swine, or 
goats and fresh meat cuts derived therefrom. Any ink containing F.D. & 
C. Violet No. 1 shall not be considered an approved ink within the 
meaning of this paragraph.
    (c) Green ink shall not be used to apply marks to carcasses of 
cattle, sheep, swine, or goats or fresh meat cuts derived therefrom.
    (d) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, 
branding ink of any color, approved for the purpose by the Administrator 
in specific cases, may be used to apply ink brands, bearing official 
marks, to processed meat cuts derived from cattle, sheep, swine, or 
goats.
    (e) Only green ink approved for the purpose shall be used to apply 
ink brands bearing official marks to carcasses and parts of carcasses 
and meat cuts derived from horses, mules, and other equines.
    (f) Ink used must assure legibility and permanence of the markings 
and the color of ink shall provide acceptable contrast with the color of 
the product to which it is applied.

[35 FR 15577, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 38 FR 9088, Apr. 10, 1973]



Sec.  316.6  Products not to be removed from official establishments 
unless marked in accordance with the regulations.

    No person shall remove or cause to be removed from an official 
establishment

[[Page 170]]

any products which the regulations in this subchapter require to be 
marked in any way unless they are clearly and legibly marked in 
compliance with such regulations.



Sec.  316.7  Marking devices not to be false or misleading; style and
size of lettering; approval required.

    No brand or other marking device shall be false or misleading. The 
letters and figures thereon shall be of such style and type as will make 
a clear and legible impression. All markings to be applied to products 
in an official establishment shall be approved prior to use by the 
Administrator as provided for in Sec.  317.3 of this subchapter, except 
that official markings prescribed by the Federal meat grading 
regulations (7 CFR 53.19) need not be submitted to the Administrator for 
approval.



Sec.  316.8  Unmarked inspected products; moved between official 
establishments; moved in commerce.

    (a) Unmarked products which have been inspected and passed but do 
not bear the official inspection legend may be transported in compliance 
with part 325 of this subchapter from one official establishment to 
another official establishment, for further processing, in a railroad 
car, truck, or other closed container, if the railroad car, truck, or 
container is sealed with an official seal of the Department (as 
prescribed in part 312 of this subchapter) bearing the official 
inspection legend.
    (b) Products which have been inspected and passed but do not bear 
the official inspection legend may be removed from an official 
establishment in closed containers bearing the official inspection 
legend and all other information required by this part and part 317 of 
this subchapter: Provided, That upon removal from such closed container 
the product may not be further transported in commerce unless such 
removal is made under the supervision of a Program employee and such 
product is reinspected by a Program employee and packed under his 
supervision in containers bearing the official inspection legend and all 
other information required by this part and part 317 of this subchapter: 
And provided further, That unmarked product shall not be brought into an 
official establishment in an open container.



Sec.  316.9  Products to be marked with official marks.

    (a) Each carcass that has been inspected and passed in an official 
establishment must be marked at the time of inspection with the official 
inspection legend containing the number of the official establishment, 
if the carcass is to be shipped into commerce from the establishment 
without further processing.
    (b) A passed and inspected carcass that is to be further processed 
in the slaughtering establishment need not be marked with the official 
inspection legend at the time of inspection.
    (c) Except as provided otherwise in Sec.  316.8, each primal part of 
a carcass and each liver, beef tongue, and beef heart which has been 
inspected and passed shall be marked with the official inspection legend 
containing the number of the official establishment before it leaves the 
establishment in which it is first inspected and passed, and each such 
inspected and passed product shall be marked with the official 
inspection legend containing the number of the official establishment 
where it was last prepared. Additional official marks of inspection may 
be applied to products as desired to meet local conditions. Primal parts 
are the wholesale cuts of carcasses as customarily distributed to 
retailers. The round, flank, loin, rib, plate, brisket, chuck, and shank 
are primal parts of beef carcasses. Veal, mutton, and goat primal parts 
are the leg; flank, loin, rack, breast, and shoulder. The ham, belly, 
loin, shoulder, and jowl are pork primal parts. Equine primal parts are 
the round, flank, loin, rib, plate, brisket, chuck, and shank.
    (d) Beef livers shall be marked with the official inspection legend 
containing the number of the official establishment, at which the cattle 
involved were slaughtered, on the convex surface of the thickest portion 
of the organ.
    (e) Inspected and passed parts of carcasses which are not marked 
with the official inspection legend under this section shall not enter 
any official establishment or be sold, transported, or

[[Page 171]]

offered for sale or transportation, in commerce, except as provided in 
Sec.  316.8.

[35 FR 15577, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 36 FR 23720, Dec. 14, 1971; 84 
FR 9698, Mar. 18, 2019]



Sec.  316.10  Marking of meat food products with official inspection 
legend and ingredient statement.

    (a) Inspected and passed sausages and other products in casings or 
in link form, of the ordinary ``ring'' variety or larger shall be marked 
with the official inspection legend and list of ingredients in 
accordance with part 317 of this subchapter. The official marks required 
by this section shall be branded near each end of the sausage or similar 
product prepared in casings when the product is of a size larger than 
that customarily sold at retail intact.
    (b) Inspected and passed sausage and other products, in casings or 
in link form, of the smaller varieties, shall bear one or more official 
inspection legends and one or more lists of ingredients in accordance 
with part 317 of this subchapter on each kilogram (2.205 lbs.) of 
product, except where such products leave the official establishment 
completely enclosed in properly labeled immediate containers having a 
capacity of 5 kilograms (11.025 lbs.) or less and containing a single 
kind of product: Provided, That such products in properly labeled closed 
containers exceeding 5 kilograms (11.025 lbs.) capacity, when shipped to 
another official establishment for further processing or to a 
governmental agency, need only have the official inspection legend and 
list of ingredients shown twice throughout the contents of the 
container. When such products are shipped to another official 
establishment for further processing, the inspector in charge at the 
point of origin shall identify the shipment to the inspector in charge 
at destination by means of Form MP 408-1.
    (c) The list of ingredients may be applied by stamping, printing, 
using paper bands, tags, or tissue strips, or other means approved by 
the Administrator in specific cases.
    (d) All cured products shall be marked with the list of ingredients 
in accordance with part 317 of this subchapter.

[35 FR 15577, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 37 FR 16863, Aug. 22, 1972; 38 
FR 4385, Feb. 14, 1973; 39 FR 36000, Oct. 7, 1974; 44 FR 67088, Nov. 23, 
1979]



Sec.  316.11  Special markings for certain meat food products.

    (a) Meat food products prepared in casing or link form (whether or 
not thereafter subdivided), other than sausage, which possess the 
characteristics of or resemble sausage, shall bear on each link or piece 
the word ``imitation'' prominently displayed: Provided, That the 
following need not be so marked if they bear on each link or piece the 
name of the product in accordance with Sec.  317.2 of this subchapter: 
Such products as coppa, capocollo, lachschinken, bacon, pork loins, pork 
shoulder butts, and similar cuts of meat which are prepared without 
added substance other than curing materials or condiments; meat rolls, 
bockwurst, and similar products which do not contain cereal or 
vegetables; headcheese, souse, sulze, scrapple, blood pudding, and liver 
pudding; and other products such as loaves, chili con carne, and meat 
and cheese products when prepared with sufficient cheese to give 
definite characteristics to the finished products: And provided further, 
That imitation sausage packed in properly labeled containers having a 
capacity of 3 pounds or less and of a kind usually sold at retail 
intact, need not bear the word ``imitation'' on each link or piece if no 
other marking or labeling is applied directly to the product.
    (b) When cereal, vegetable starch, starchy vegetable flour, soy 
flour, soy protein concentrate, isolated soy protein, dried milk, nonfat 
dry milk, or calcium reduced dried skim milk is added to sausage in 
casing or in link form within the limits prescribed in part 319 of this 
subchapter, the products shall be marked with the name of each added 
ingredient, as for example ``cereal added,'' ``potato flour added,'' 
``cereal and potato flour added,'' ``soy flour added,'' ``isolated soy 
protein added,'' ``nonfat dry milk added,'' ``calcium reduced dried skim 
milk added,'' or ``cereal and nonfat dry milk added,'' as the case may 
be.

[[Page 172]]

    (c)(1) When product is placed in a casing to which artificial 
coloring is thereafter applied, as permitted in part 318 of this 
subchapter, the product shall be legibly and conspicuously marked by 
stamping or printing on the casing the words ``artificially colored.''
    (2) If a casing is removed from product at an official establishment 
and there is evidence of artificial coloring on the surface of the 
product, the product from which the casing has been removed shall be 
marked by stamping directly thereon the words ``artificially colored.''
    (3) The casing containing product need not be marked to show that it 
is colored if it is colored prior to its use as a covering for the 
product, and the coloring is of a kind and so applied as not to be 
transferable to the product and not to be misleading or deceptive in any 
respect.
    (d) When an approved artificial smoke flavoring or an approved smoke 
flavoring is added to the formula of any meat food product as permitted 
in part 318 of this subchapter, the product shall be legibly and 
conspicuously marked with the words ``Artificial Smoke Flavoring Added'' 
or ``Smoke Flavoring Added,'' whichever may be applicable.
    (e) Subject to the provisions in paragraph (a) of this section, in 
the case of sausage of the smaller varieties, the markings prescribed in 
this section may be limited to links bearing the official inspection 
legend, and such markings shall not be required if the sausages are 
packed in properly labeled containers having a capacity of 3 pounds or 
less and of a kind usually sold at retail intact. Further, all markings 
otherwise required by this section (except those required by paragraph 
(a) of this section) may be omitted from the casings of sausage and 
other meat food products when these products are to be processed in 
sealed metal containers properly labeled in accordance with the 
requirements in part 317 of this subchapter.
    (f) When an approved antioxidant is added to any meat food product 
as permitted in parts 318 and 319 of this subchapter, the products shall 
be legibly and conspicuously marked in an approved manner identifying 
the specific antioxidant used by its common name or approved 
abbreviation and the purpose for which it is added, such as, ``BHA, BHT, 
and Propylgallate added to help protect flavor.''
    (g) Sausage of the dry varieties treated with potassium sorbate or 
propylparaben (propyl p-hydroxybenzoate) as permitted by part 318 of 
this subchapter shall be marked as prescribed in Sec.  317.8(b)(28) of 
this subchapter).



Sec.  316.12  Marking of equine carcasses and parts thereof.

    (a) All inspected and passed equine carcasses and parts thereof 
prepared at any establishment shall be conspicuously marked at the time 
of inspection with the official inspection legend as prescribed in Sec.  
312.3 of this subchapter and with other information prescribed for 
marking products in this part.
    (b) All equine carcasses and meat and other parts thereof shall be 
marked to show the kinds of animals from which they were derived, before 
the products are sold, transported, offered for sale or transportation, 
or received for transportation in commerce.



Sec.  316.13  Marking of outside containers.

    (a) Except as otherwise provided in part 325 of this subchapter, 
when any inspected and passed product for domestic commerce is moved 
from an official establishment, the outside container shall bear an 
official inspection legend as prescribed in part 312 of this subchapter.
    (b) When any product prepared in an official establishment for 
domestic commerce has been inspected and passed and is enclosed in a 
cloth or other wrapping, such wrapping shall bear the official 
inspection legend and official establishment number applied by the 
approved 2\1/2\-inch rubber brand in the form prescribed in part 312 of 
this subchapter: Provided, That the rubber brand may be omitted if the 
official inspection legend and official establishment number on the 
product itself are clearly legible through the wrapping or the wrapping 
is labeled in accordance with part 317 of this subchapter: Provided 
further, That plain unprinted wrappings, such as stockinettes, 
cheesecloth, paper, and

[[Page 173]]

crinkled paper bags, for properly marked products, which are used solely 
to protect the product against soiling or excessive drying during 
transportation or storage, need not bear the official inspection legend.
    (c) The outside containers of products for export shall be marked in 
compliance with part 322 of this subchapter as well as this part.
    (d) Slack barrels used as outside containers of products shall have 
a cloth or paper top covering bearing the official inspection legend 
containing the official establishment number. At the time of removal of 
the covering, the official inspection legend shall be destroyed.
    (e) The outside containers of any product which has been inspected 
and passed for cooking, pork which has been refrigerated as provided in 
Sec.  318.10(c) of this subchapter, and beef which has been inspected 
and passed for refrigeration shall bear the markings and tag prescribed 
in Sec.  325.7(b) of this subchapter.
    (f) The outside containers of glands and organs which are not used 
for human food purposes, such as those described in Sec.  325.19 of this 
subchapter, shall be plainly marked with the phrase ``For pharmaceutical 
purposes,'' ``For organotherapeutic purposes'' or ``For technical 
purposes,'' as appropriate, with no reference to inspection, and need 
not bear other markings otherwise required under the regulations in this 
subchapter.
    (g) Stencils, box dies, labels, and brands may be used on shipping 
containers of properly labeled products and on such immediate 
containers, of properly marked products, as tierces, barrels, drums, 
boxes, crates, and large-size fiber-board containers, without approval 
as provided for in Sec.  317.3 of this subchapter: Provided, That the 
stencils, box dies, labels, and brands are not false or misleading and 
are approved by the inspector in charge. The official inspection legend 
for use with such markings shall be approved by the Administrator as 
provided for in part 317 of this subchapter.
    (h) The outside containers of livers prepared as described in Sec.  
314.10(b), shall be marked as prescribed in Sec.  314.10(c) of this 
subchapter.
    (i) The outside containers of any equine product shall be marked to 
show the kinds of animals from which derived, when the products are 
sold, transported, offered for sale or transported, or received for 
transportation in commerce.

[35 FR 15577, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 43 FR 29268, July 7, 1978]



Sec.  316.14  Marking tank cars and tank trucks used in transportation
of edible products.

    Each tank car and each tank truck carrying inspected and passed 
product from an official establishment shall bear a label containing the 
name of the product in accordance with Sec.  317.2 of this subchapter, 
the official inspection legend containing the number of the official 
establishment and the words ``date of loading,'' followed by a suitable 
space in which the date the tank car or tank truck is loaded shall be 
inserted. The label shall be located conspicuously and shall be printed 
on material of such character and so affixed as to preclude detachment 
or effacement upon exposure to the weather. Before the car or truck is 
removed from the place where it is unloaded, the carrier shall remove or 
obliterate such label.

[53 FR 28634, July 29, 1988]



Sec.  316.15  Marking outside containers of inedible grease, etc.

    (a) Outside containers of inedible grease, inedible tallow, or other 
inedible animal fat, or mixture of any such articles, resulting from 
operations at any official establishment shall be marked conspicuously 
with the word ``inedible'' prior to removal from the point of filling. 
Containers, such as tierces, barrels, and half barrels shall have both 
ends painted white with durable paint, if necessary, to provide a 
contrasting background, and the word ``inedible'' shall be marked 
thereon in letters not less than 2 inches high, while on tank cars and 
tank trucks the letters shall be not less than 4 inches high.
    (b) Inspected rendered animal fat which is intended not to be used 
for

[[Page 174]]

human food may also be marked ``inedible'' if handled as provided in 
paragraph (a) of this section and part 314 of this subchapter.



Sec.  316.16  Custom prepared products to be marked ``Not for Sale.''

    Carcasses and parts therefrom that are prepared on a custom basis 
under Sec.  303.1(a)(2) of this subchapter shall be marked at the time 
of preparation with the term ``Not for Sale'' in letters at least three-
eighths inch in height, except that such products need not be so marked 
if in immediate containers properly labeled in accordance with the 
regulations in Sec.  317.16 of this subchapter. Ink used for marking 
such products must comply with the requirements of Sec.  316.5.

[35 FR 15577, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 38 FR 29214, Oct. 23, 1973]



PART 317_LABELING, MARKING DEVICES, AND CONTAINERS--Table of Contents



                            Subpart A_General

Sec.
317.1 Labels required; supervision by Program employee.
317.2 Labels: definition; required features.
317.3 Approval of abbreviations of marks of inspection; preparation of 
          marking devices bearing inspection legend without advance 
          approval prohibited; exception.
317.4-317.5 [Reserved]
317.6 Approved labels to be used only on products to which they are 
          applicable.
317.7 Products for foreign commerce; printing labels in foreign language 
          permissible; other deviations.
317.8 False or misleading labeling or practices generally; specific 
          prohibitions and requirements for labels and containers.
317.9 Labeling of equine products.
317.10 Reuse of official inspection marks; reuse of containers bearing 
          official marks, labels, etc.
317.11 Labeling, filling of containers, handling of labeled products to 
          be only in compliance with regulations.
317.12 Relabeling products; requirements.
317.13 Storage and distribution of labels and containers bearing 
          official marks.
317.14-317.15 [Reserved]
317.16 Labeling and containers of custom prepared products.
317.17 Interpretation and statement of labeling policy for cured 
          products; special labeling requirements concerning nitrate and 
          nitrite.
317.18-317.23 [Reserved]
317.24 Packaging materials.

                      Subpart B_Nutrition Labeling

317.300 Nutrition labeling of meat and meat food products.
317.301 Required nutrition labeling of ground or chopped meat products.
317.302 Location of nutrition information.
317.303-317.307 [Reserved]
317.308 Labeling of meat or meat food products with number of servings.
317.309 Nutrition label content.
317.310-317.311 [Reserved]
317.312 Reference amounts customarily consumed per eating occasion.
317.313 Nutrient content claims; general principles.
317.314-317.343 [Reserved]
317.344 Identification of major cuts of meat products.
317.345 Nutrition labeling of single-ingredient, raw meat products that 
          are not ground or chopped products described in Sec.  317.301.
317.346-317.353 [Reserved]
317.354 Nutrient content claims for ``good source,'' ``high,'' and 
          ``more''.
317.355 [Reserved]
317.356 Nutrient content claims for ``light'' or ``lite''.
317.357-317.359 [Reserved]
317.360 Nutrient content claims for calorie content.
317.361 Nutrient content claims for the sodium content.
317.362 Nutrient content claims for fat, fatty acids, and cholesterol 
          content.
317.363 Nutrient content claims for ``healthy''.
317.364-317.368 [Reserved]
317.369 Labeling applications for nutrient content claims.
317.370-317.379 [Reserved]
317.380 Label statements relating to usefulness in reducing or 
          maintaining body weight.
317.381-317.399 [Reserved]
317.400 Exemption from nutrition labeling.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 35 FR 15580, Oct. 3, 1970, unless otherwise noted.



                            Subpart A_General



Sec.  317.1  Labels required; supervision by Program employee.

    (a) When, in an official establishment, any inspected and passed 
product is placed in any receptacle or covering constituting an 
immediate container, there shall be affixed to such container a label as 
described in Sec.  317.2

[[Page 175]]

except that the following do not have to bear such a label.
    (1) Wrappings of dressed carcasses and primal parts in an 
unprocessed state, bearing the official inspection legend, if such 
wrappings are intended solely to protect the product against soiling or 
excessive drying during transportation or storage, and the wrappings 
bear no information except company brand names, trade marks, or code 
numbers which do not include any information required by Sec.  317.2;
    (2) Uncolored transparent coverings, such as cellophane, which bear 
no written, printed, or graphic matter and which enclose any unpackaged 
or packaged product bearing all markings required by part 316 of this 
subchapter which are clearly legible through such coverings;
    (3) Animal and transparent artificial casings bearing only the 
markings required by part 316 of this subchapter;
    (4) Stockinettes used as ``operative devices'', such as those 
applied to cured meats in preparation for smoking, whether or not such 
stockinettes are removed following completion of the operations for 
which they were applied;
    (5) Containers such as boil-in bags, trays of frozen dinners, and 
pie pans which bear no information except company brand names, 
trademarks, code numbers, directions for preparation and serving 
suggestions, and which are enclosed in a consumer size container that 
bears a label as described in Sec.  317.2;
    (6) Containers of products passed for cooking or refrigeration and 
moved from an official establishment under Sec.  311.1 of this 
subchapter.
    (b) Folders and similar coverings made of paper or similar 
materials, whether or not they completely enclose the product and which 
bear any written, printed, or graphic matter, shall bear all features 
required on a label for an immediate container.
    (c) No covering or other container which bears or is to bear a label 
shall be filled, in whole or in part, except with product which has been 
inspected and passed in compliance with the regulations in this 
subchapter, which is not adulterated and which is strictly in accordance 
with the statements on the label. No such container shall be filled, in 
whole or in part, and no label shall be affixed thereto, except under 
supervision of a Program employee.



Sec.  317.2  Labels: definition; required features.

    (a) A label within the meaning of this part shall mean a display of 
any printing, lithographing, embossing, stickers, seals, or other 
written, printed, or graphic matter upon the immediate container (not 
including package liners) of any product.
    (b) Any word, statement, or other information required by this part 
to appear on the label must be prominently placed thereon with such 
conspicuousness (as compared with other words, statements, designs, or 
devices, in the labeling) and in such terms as to render it likely to be 
read and understood by the ordinary individual under customary 
conditions of purchase and use. In order to meet this requirement, such 
information must appear on the principal display panel except as 
otherwise permitted in this part. Except as provided in Sec.  317.7, all 
words, statements, and other information required by or under authority 
of the Act to appear on the label or labeling shall appear thereon in 
the English language: Provided, however, That in the case of products 
distributed solely in Puerto Rico, Spanish may be substituted for 
English for all printed matter except the USDA inspection legend.
    (c) Labels of all products shall show the following information on 
the principal display panel (except as otherwise permitted in this 
part), in accordance with the requirements of this part or, if 
applicable, part 319 of this subchapter:
    (1) The name of the product, which in the case of a product which 
purports to be or is represented as a product for which a definition and 
standard of identity or composition is prescribed in part 319 of this 
subchapter, shall be the name of the food specified in the standard, and 
in the case of any other product shall be the common or usual name of 
the food, if any there be, and if there is none, a truthful descriptive 
designation, as prescribed in paragraph (e) of this section;

[[Page 176]]

    (2) If the product is fabricated from two or more ingredients, the 
word ``ingredients'' followed by a list of the ingredients as prescribed 
in paragraph (f) of this section;
    (3) The name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or 
distributor for whom the product is prepared, as prescribed in paragraph 
(g) of this section;
    (4) An accurate statement of the net quantity of contents, as 
prescribed in paragraph (h) of this section;
    (5) An official inspection legend and, except as otherwise provided 
in paragraph (i) of this section, the number of the official 
establishment, in the form required by part 312 of this subchapter;
    (6) Any other information required by the regulations in this part 
or part 319 of this subchapter.
    (d) The principal display panel shall be the part of a label that is 
most likely to be displayed, presented, shown, or examined under 
customary conditions of display for sale. Where packages bear alternate 
principal display panels, information required to be placed on the 
principal display panel shall be duplicated on each principal display 
panel. The principal display panel shall be large enough to accommodate 
all the mandatory label information required to be placed thereon by 
this part and part 319 of this subchapter with clarity and 
conspicuousness and without obscuring of such information by designs or 
vignettes or crowding. In determining the area of the principal display 
panel, exclude tops, bottoms, flanges at tops and bottoms of cans, and 
shoulders and necks of bottles or jars. The principal display panel 
shall be:
    (1) In the case of a rectangular package, one entire side, the area 
of which is at least the product of the height times the width of that 
side.
    (2) In the case of a cylindrical or nearly cylindrical container:
    (i) An area that is 40 percent of the product of the height of the 
container times the circumference of the container, or
    (ii) A panel, the width of which is one-third of the circumference 
and the height of which is as high as the container: Provided, however, 
That if there is immediately to the right or left of such principal 
display panel, a panel which has a width not greater than 20 percent of 
the circumference and a height as high as the container, and which is 
reserved for information prescribed in paragraphs (c) (2), (3), and (5), 
such panel shall be known as the ``20 percent panel'' and such 
information may be shown on that panel in lieu of showing it on the 
principal display panel.
    (3) In the case of a container of any other shape, 40 percent of the 
total surface of the container.
    (e)(1) Any descriptive designation used as a product name for a 
product which has no common or usual name shall clearly and completely 
identify the product. Product which has been prepared by salting, 
smoking, drying, cooking, chopping, or otherwise shall be so described 
on the label unless the name of the product implies, or the manner of 
packaging shows that the product was subjected to such preparation. The 
unqualified terms ``meat,'' ``meat byproduct,'' ``meat food product,'' 
and terms common to the meat industry but not common to consumers such 
as ``picnic,'' ``butt,'' ``cala,'' ``square,'' ``loaf,'' ``spread,'' 
``delight,'' ``roll,'' ``plate,'' ``luncheon,'' and ``daisy'' shall not 
be used as names of a product unless accompanied with terms descriptive 
of the product or with a list of ingredients, as deemed necessary in any 
specific case by the Administrator in order to assure that the label 
will not be false or misleading.
    (2) The product name for a raw meat product that contains added 
solution and does not meet a standard of identity in 9 CFR part 319 must 
contain a descriptive designation that includes:
    (i) The percentage of added solution (total weight of the solution 
ingredients divided by the weight of the raw meat without solution or 
any other added ingredients multiplied by 100). The percentage of added 
solution must appear as a number (such as, 15, 20, 30) and the percent 
symbol (%). The percentage of added solution may be declared by the 
words ``containing'' or ``contains'' (such as, ``contains 15% added 
solution of water and salt,'' or ``containing 15% added solution of 
water and teriyaki sauce'').

[[Page 177]]

    (ii) The common or usual name of all individual ingredients or 
multi-ingredient components in the solution listed in descending order 
of predominance by weight.
    (iii) When the descriptive designation includes all ingredients in 
the solution, a separate ingredients statement is not required on the 
label. When the descriptive designation includes multi-ingredient 
components and the ingredients of the component are not declared in the 
descriptive designation, all ingredients in the product must be declared 
in a separate ingredients statement on the label as required in Sec.  
317.2(c)(2) and (f).
    (iv) The product name and the descriptive designation must be 
printed in a single easy-to-read type style and color and must appear on 
a single-color contrasting background. The print may appear in upper and 
lower case letters, with the lower case letters not smaller than one-
third (\1/3\) the size of the largest letter.
    (v) The word ``enhanced'' cannot be used in the product name.
    (3) Product name and required validated cooking instructions for 
needle- or blade-tenderized beef products.
    (i) Unless the product is destined to be fully cooked or to receive 
another full lethality treatment at an official establishment, the 
product name for a raw or partially cooked beef product that has been 
mechanically tenderized, whether by needle or by blade, must contain the 
term ``mechanically tenderized,'' ``needle tenderized,'' or ``blade 
tenderized,'' as a descriptive designation and an accurate description 
of the beef component.
    (ii) The product name must appear in a single easy-to-read type 
style and color and on a single-color contrasting background. The print 
may appear in upper and lower case letters, with the lower case letters 
not smaller than \1/3\ the size of the largest letter.
    (iii) The labels on raw or partially cooked needle- or blade-
tenderized beef products destined for household consumers, hotels, 
restaurants, or similar institutions must contain validated cooking 
instructions, including the cooking method, that inform consumers that 
these products need to be cooked to a specified minimum internal 
temperature, whether the product needs to be held for a specified time 
at that temperature or higher before consumption to ensure that 
potential pathogens are destroyed throughout the product, and a 
statement that the internal temperature should be measured by a 
thermometer. These validated cooking instructions may appear anywhere on 
the label.
    (f)(1) The list of ingredients shall show the common or usual names 
of the ingredients arranged in the descending order of predominance, 
except as otherwise provided in this paragraph.
    (i) The terms spice, natural flavor, natural flavoring, flavor and 
flavoring may be used in the following manner:
    (A) The term ``spice'' means any aromatic vegetable substance in the 
whole, broken, or ground form, with the exceptions of onions, garlic and 
celery, whose primary function in food is seasoning rather than 
nutritional and from which no portion of any volatile oil or other 
flavoring principle has been removed. Spices include the spices listed 
in 21 CFR 182.10, and 184.
    (B) The term ``natural flavor,'' ``natural flavoring,'' ``flavor'' 
or ``flavoring'' means the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or 
extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product or roasting, 
heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents 
derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable 
juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or any other edible 
portion of a plant, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or 
fermentation products thereof, whose primary function in food is 
flavoring rather than nutritional. Natural flavors include the natural 
essence or extractives obtained from plants listed in 21 CFR 182.10, 
182.20, 182.40, 182.50 and 184, and the substances listed in 21 CFR 
172.510. The term natural flavor, natural flavoring, flavor or flavoring 
may also be used to designate spices, powered onion, powdered garlic, 
and powdered celery.
    (ii) The term ``corn syrup'' may be used to designate either corn 
syrup or corn syrup solids.
    (iii) The term ``animal and vegetable fats'' or ``vegetable and 
animal fats''

[[Page 178]]

may be used to designate the ingredients of mixtures of such edible fats 
in product designated ``compound'' or ``shortening.'' ``Animal fats'' as 
used herein means fat derived from inspected and passed cattle, sheep, 
swine, or goats.
    (iv) When a product is coated with pork fat, gelatin, or other 
approved substance and a specific declaration of such coating appears 
contiguous to the name of the product, the ingredient statement need not 
make reference to the ingredients of such coating.
    (v) When two meat ingredients comprise at least 70 percent of the 
meat and meat byproduct ingredients of a formula and when neither of the 
two meat ingredients is less than 30 percent by weight of the total meat 
and meat byproducts used, such meat ingredients may be interchanged in 
the formula without a change being made in the ingredients statement on 
labeling materials: Provided, That the word ``and'' in lieu of a comma 
shall be shown between the declaration of such meat ingredients in the 
statement of ingredients.
    (vi)(A) Product ingredients which are present in individual amounts 
of 2 percent or less by weight may be listed in the ingredients 
statement in other than descending order of predominance: Provided, That 
such ingredients are listed by their common or usual names at the end of 
the ingredients statement and preceded by a quantifying statement, such 
as ``Contains __________ percent of __________ ,'' ``Less than 
__________percent of __________ .'' The percentage of the ingredient(s) 
shall be filled in with a threshold level of 2 percent, 1.5 percent, 1.0 
percent, or 0.5 percent, as appropriate. No ingredient to which the 
quantifying statement applies may be present in an amount greater than 
the stated threshold. Such a quantifying statement may also be utilized 
when an ingredients statement contains a listing of ingredients by 
individual components. Each component listing may utilize the required 
quantifying statement at the end of each component ingredients listing.
    (B) Such ingredients may be adjusted in the product formulation 
without a change being made in the ingredients statement on the 
labeling, provided that the adjusted amount complies with part 319 of 
this subchapter and with Sec.  424.21 of subchapter E, and does not 
exceed the amount shown in the quantifying statement. Any such 
adjustments to the formulation shall be provided to the inspector-in-
charge.
    (2) On containers of frozen dinners, entrees, pizzas, and similar 
consumer packaged products in cartons the ingredient statement may be 
placed on the front riser panel: Provided, That the words ``see 
ingredients'' followed immediately by an arrow is placed on the 
principal display panel immediately above the location of such statement 
without intervening print or designs.
    (3) The ingredient statement may be placed on the 20 percent panel 
adjacent to the principal display panel and reserved for required 
information, in the case of a cylindrical or nearly cylindrical 
container.
    (4) The ingredients statement may be placed on the information 
panel, except as otherwise permitted in this subchapter.
    (g)(1) The name or trade name of the person that prepared the 
product may appear as the name of the manufacturer or packer without 
qualification on the label. Otherwise the name of the distributor of the 
product shall be shown with a phrase such as ``Prepared for * * *''. The 
place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor shall be 
shown on the label by city, State, and postal ZIP code when such 
business is listed in a telephone or city directory, and if not listed 
in such directory, then the place of business shall be shown by street 
address, city, State, and postal ZIP code.
    (2) The name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or 
distributor may be shown:
    (i) On the principal display panel, or
    (ii) On the 20 percent panel adjacent to the principal display panel 
and reserved for required information, in the case of a cylindrical or 
nearly cylindrical container, or
    (iii) On the front riser panel of frozen food cartons, or
    (iv) On the information panel.

[[Page 179]]

    (h)(1) The statement of net quantity of contents shall appear on the 
principal display panel of all containers to be sold at retail intact, 
in conspicuous and easily legible boldface print or type in distinct 
contrast to other matter on the container, and shall be declared in 
accordance with the provisions of this paragraph.
    (2) The statement as it is shown on a label shall not be false or 
misleading and shall express an accurate statement of the quantity of 
contents of the container. Reasonable variations caused by loss or gain 
of moisture during the course of good distribution practices or by 
unavoidable deviations in good manufacturing practices will be 
recognized. Variations from stated quantity of contents shall be as 
provided in Sec.  317.19. The statement shall not include any term 
qualifying a unit of weight, measure, or count such as ``jumbo quart,'' 
``full gallon,'' ``giant quart,'' ``when packed,'' ``minimum,'' or words 
of similar importance.
    (3) The statement shall be placed on the principal display panel 
within the bottom 30 percent of the area of the panel in lines generally 
parallel to the base: Provided, That on packages having a principal 
display panel of 5 square inches or less, the requirement for placement 
within the bottom 30 percent of the area of the label panel shall not 
apply when the statement meets the other requirements of this paragraph 
(h). In any case, the statement may appear in more than one line. The 
terms ``net weight'' or ``net wt.'' shall be used when stating the net 
quantity of contents in terms of weight, and the term ``net contents'' 
or ``content'' when stating the net quantity of contents in terms of 
fluid measure.
    (4) Except as provided in Sec.  317.7, the statement shall be 
expressed in terms of avoirdupois weight or liquid measure. Where no 
general consumer usage to the contrary exists, the statement shall be in 
terms of liquid measure, if the product is liquid, or in terms of weight 
if the product is solid, semisolid viscous or a mixture of solid and 
liquid. For example, a declaration of \3/4\-pound avoirdupois weight 
shall be expressed as ``Net Wt. 12 oz.'' except as provided for in 
paragraph (h)(5) of this section for random weight packages; a 
declaration of 1 \1/2\ pounds avoirdupois weight shall be expressed as 
``Net Wt. 24 oz.,'' ``Net Wt. 1 lb. 8 oz.,'' ``Net Wt. 1\1/2\ lb.,'' or 
``Net Wt. 1.5 lbs.''.
    (5) On packages containing 1 pound or 1 pint and less than 4 pounds 
or 1 gallon, the statement shall be expressed in ounces or in pounds, 
with any remainder in terms of ounces or common or decimal fraction of 
the pound, or in the case of liquid measure, in the largest whole units 
with any remainder in terms of fluid ounces or common or decimal 
fractions of the pint or quart, except that on random weight packages 
the statement shall be expressed in terms of pounds and decimal 
fractions of the pound, for packages over 1 pound, and for packages 
which do not exceed 1 pound the statement may be in decimal fractions of 
the pound in lieu of ounces. Paragraph (h)(9) of this section permits 
certain exceptions from the provisions of this paragraph for margarine 
packages, random weight consumer size packages, and packages of less 
than \1/2\ ounce net weight. Pargraph (h)(12) of this section permits 
certain exceptions from the provision of this paragraph for multi-unit 
packages.
    (6) The statement shall be in letters and numerals in type size 
established in relationship to the area of the principal display panel 
of the package and shall be uniform of all packages of substantially the 
same size by complying with the following type specifications:
    (i) Not less than one-sixteenth inch in height on packages, the 
principal display panel of which has an area of 5 square inches or less;
    (ii) Not less than one-eighth inch in height on packages, the 
principal display panel of which has an area of more than 5 but not more 
than 25 square inches;
    (iii) Not less than three-sixteenths inch in height on packages, the 
principal display panel of which has an area of more than 25 but not 
more than 100 square inches;
    (iv) Not less than one-quarter inch in height on packages, the 
principal display panel of which has an area of more than 100 but not 
more than 400 square inches.

[[Page 180]]

    (v) Not less than one-half inch in height on packages, the principal 
display panel of which has an area of more than 400 square inches.
    (7) The ratio of height to width of letters and numerals shall not 
exceed a differential of 3 units to 1 unit (no more than 3 times as high 
as it is wide). Heights pertain to upper case or capital letters. When 
upper and lower case or all lower case letters are used, it is the lower 
case letter ``o'' or its equivalent that shall meet the minimum 
standards. When fractions are used, each component numeral shall meet 
one-half the height standards.
    (8) The statement shall appear as a distinct item on the principal 
display panel and shall be separated by a space at least equal to the 
height of the lettering used in the statement from other printed label 
information appearing above or below the statement and by a space at 
least equal to twice the width of the letter ``N'' of the style of type 
used in the quantity of contents statement from other printed label 
information appearing to the left or right of the statement. It shall 
not include any term qualifying a unit of weight, measure, or count such 
as, ``jumbo quart,'' ``full gallon,'' ``giant quart,'' ``when packed,'' 
``Minimum'' or words of similar import.
    (9) The following exemptions from the requirements contained in this 
paragraph (h) are hereby established:
    (i) Individually wrapped, random weight consumer size packages 
shipped in bulk containers (as specified in paragraph (h)(11) of this 
section) and meat products that are subject to shrinkage through 
moisture loss during good distribution practices and are designated as 
gray area type of products as defined under Sec.  317.19 need not bear a 
net weight statement when shipped from an official establishment, 
provided that a net weight shipping statement which meets the 
requirements of paragraph (h)(2) of this section is applied to their 
shipping container prior to shipping it from the official establishment. 
Net weight statements so applied to the shipping container are exempt 
from the type size and placement requirements of this paragraph, if an 
accurate statement of net weight is shown conspicuously on the principal 
display panel of the shipping container. The net weight also shall be 
applied directly to random weight consumer size packages prior to retail 
display and sale. The net weight statement on random weight consumer 
size packages for retail sale shall be exempt from the type size and 
placement requirements of this paragraph, if an accurate statement of 
net weight is shown conspicuously on the principal display panel of the 
package.
    (ii) Individually wrapped and labeled packages of less than \1/2\ 
ounce net weight and random weight consumer size packages shall be 
exempt from the requirements of this paragraph if they are in a shipping 
container and the statement of net quantity of contents on the shipping 
container meets the requirements of paragraph (h)(2) of this section;
    (iii) Individually wrapped and labeled packages of less than \1/2\ 
ounce net weight bearing labels declaring net weight, price per pound, 
and total price, shall be exempt from the type size and placement 
requirements of this paragraph, if an accurate statement of net weight 
is shown conspicuously on the principal display panel of the package.
    (iv) Margarine in 1 pound rectangular packages (except packages 
containing whipped or soft margarine or packages that contain more than 
four sticks) is exempt from the requirements of paragraph (h)(3) of this 
section regarding the placement of the statement of the net quantity of 
contents within the bottom 30 percent of the principal display panel and 
that the statement be expressed both in ounces and in pounds, if the 
statement appears as ``1 pound'' or ``one pound'' in a conspicuous 
manner on the principal display panel.
    (v) Sliced shingle packed bacon in rectangular packages is exempt 
from the requirements of paragraph (h)(3) of this section regarding the 
placement of the statement of the net quantity of contents within the 
bottom 30 percent of the principal display panel if the statement 
appears in a conspicuous manner on the principal display panel.
    (10) Labels for containers which bear any representation as to the 
number of servings contained therein shall bear,

[[Page 181]]

contiguous to such representation, and in the same size type as is used 
for such representation, a statement of the net quantity of each such 
serving.
    (11) As used in this section, a ``random weight consumer size 
package'' is one which is one of a lot, shipment or delivery of packages 
of the same product with varying weights and with no fixed weight 
pattern.
    (12) On a multiunit retail package, a statement of the net quantity 
of contents shall appear on the outside of the package and shall include 
the number of individual units, the quantity of each individual unit, 
and in parentheses, the total net quantity of contents of the multiunit 
package in terms of avoirdupois or fluid ounces. For the purposes of 
this section, ``multiunit retail package'' means a package containing 
two or more individually packaged units of the identical commodity and 
in the same quantity, with the individual packages intended to be sold 
as part of the multiunit retail package but capable of being 
individually sold in full compliance with all requirements of the 
regulations in this part. Open multiunit retail packages that do not 
obscure the number of units and the labeling thereon are not subject to 
this paragraph if the labeling of each individual unit complies with the 
requirements of paragraphs (h) (2), (3), (6), and (8) of this section.
    (i) The official establishment number of the official establishment 
in which the product was processed under inspection shall be placed as 
follows:
    (1) Within the official inspection legend in the form required by 
part 312 of this subchapter; or
    (2) Outside the official inspection legend elsewhere on the exterior 
of the container or its labeling, e.g., the lid of a can, if shown in a 
prominent and legible manner in a size sufficient to insure easy 
visibility and recognition and accompanied by the prefix ``EST''; or
    (3) Off the exterior of the container, e.g., on a metal clip used to 
close casings or bags, or on the back of a paper label of a canned 
product, or on other packaging or labeling material in the container, 
e.g., on aluminum pans and trays placed within containers, when a 
statement of its location is printed contiguous to the official 
inspection legend, such as ``EST. No. on Metal Clip'' or ``Est. No. on 
Pan'', if shown in a prominent and legible manner in a size sufficient 
to insure easy visibility and recognition; or
    (4) On an insert label placed under a transparent covering if 
clearly visible and legible and accompanied by the prefix ``EST''.
    (j) Labels of any product within any of the following paragraphs 
shall show the information required by such paragraph for such product:
    (1) A label for product which is an imitation of another food shall 
bear the word ``imitation'' immediately preceding the name of the food 
imitated and in the same size and style of lettering as in that name and 
immediately thereafter the word ``ingredients:'' and the names of the 
ingredients arranged in the order of their predominance.
    (2) If a product purports to be or is represented for any special 
dietary use by man, its label shall bear a statement concerning its 
vitamin, mineral, and other dietary properties upon which the claim for 
such use is based in whole or in part and shall be in conformity with 
regulations (21 CFR part 125) established pursuant to sections 403, and 
701 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 343, 371).
    (3) When an artificial smoke flavoring or a smoke flavoring is added 
as an ingredient in the formula of a meat food product, as permitted in 
part 318 of this subchapter, there shall appear on the label, in 
prominent letters and contiguous to the name of the product, a statement 
such as ``Artificial Smoke Flavoring Added'' or ``Smoke Flavoring 
Added,'' as may be applicable, and the ingredient statement shall 
identify any artificial smoke flavoring or smoke flavoring so added as 
an ingredient in the formula of the meat food product.
    (4) When any other artificial flavoring is permitted under part 318 
of this subchapter to be added to a product, the ingredient statement 
shall identify it as ``Artificial Flavoring.''
    (5) When artificial coloring is added to edible fats as permitted 
under part 318 of this subchapter such substance shall be declared on 
the label in a prominent manner and contiguous to

[[Page 182]]

the name of the product by the words ``Artificially colored'' or 
``Artificial coloring added'' or ``With added artificial coloring.'' 
When natural coloring such as annatto is added to edible fats as 
permitted under part 318 of this subchapter, such substance shall be 
declared on the label in the same manner by a phrase such as ``Colored 
with annatto.''
    (6) When product is placed in a casing to which artificial coloring 
is applied as permitted under part 318 of this subchapter, there shall 
appear on the label, in a prominent manner and contiguous to the name of 
the product, the words, ``Artificially colored.''
    (7) If a casing is removed from product at an official establishment 
and there is evidence of artificial coloring on the surface of the 
product, there shall appear on the label, in a prominent manner and 
contiguous to the name of product, the words ``Artificially colored.''
    (8) When a casing is colored prior to its use as a covering for 
product and the color is not transferred to the product enclosed in the 
casing, no reference to color need appear on the label but no such 
casing may be used if it is misleading or deceptive with respect to 
color, quality, or kind of product, or otherwise.
    (9) Product which bears or contains any other artificial coloring, 
as permitted under part 318 of this subchapter, shall bear a label 
stating that fact on the immediate container or if there is none, on the 
product.
    (10) When an antioxidant is added to product as permitted under part 
318 of this subchapter, there shall appear on the label in prominent 
letters and contiguous to the name of the product, a statement 
identifying the officially approved specific antioxidant by its common 
name or abbreviation thereof and the purpose for which it is added, such 
as, ``BHA, BHT, and Propylgallate added to help protect flavor.''
    (11) Containers of meat packed in borax or other preservative for 
export to a foreign country which permits the use of such preservative 
shall, at the time of packing, be marked ``for export,'' followed on the 
next line by the words ``packed in preservative,'' or such equivalent 
statement as may be approved for this purpose by the Administrator and 
directly beneath this there shall appear the word ``establishment'' or 
abbreviation thereof, followed by the number of the establishment at 
which the product is packed. The complete statement shall be applied in 
a conspicuous location and in letters not less than 1 inch in height.
    (12) Containers of other product packed in, bearing, or containing 
any chemical preservative shall bear a label stating that fact.
    (13)(i) On the label of any ``Mechanically Separated (Species)'' 
described in Sec.  319.5(a) of this subchapter, the name of such product 
shall be followed immediately by the phrase ``for processing'' unless 
such product has a protein content of not less than 14 percent and a fat 
content of not more than 30 percent.
    (ii) When any ``Mechanically Separated (Species)'' described in 
Sec.  319.5 of this subchapter is used as an ingredient in the 
preparation of a meat food product and such ``Mechanically Separated 
(Species)'' contributes 20 mg or more of calcium to a serving of such 
meat food product, the label of such meat food product shall state the 
calcium content of such meat food product, determined and expressed as 
the percentage of the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (U.S. RDA) in a 
serving in accordance with 21 CFR 101.9(b)(1), (c)(7) (i) and (iv), and 
(e), as part of any nutrition information included on such label, or if 
such meat food product does not bear nutrition labeling information, as 
part of a prominent statement in immediate conjunction with the list of 
ingredients, as follows: ``A ______ serving contains ____% of the U.S. 
RDA of calcium'', with the blanks to be filled in, respectively, with 
the quantity of such product that constitutes a serving and the amount 
of calcium provided by such serving: Provided, That, calcium content 
need not be stated where (a) the percent of the U.S. RDA of calcium to 
be declared would not differ from the percent of the U.S. RDA that would 
be declared if the meat food product contained only hand deboned 
ingredients or (b) the calcium content of a serving of the meat food 
product would be 20 percent of the U.S. RDA or more

[[Page 183]]

if the meat food product contained only hand deboned ingredients.
    (k) Packaged products which require special handling to maintain 
their wholesome condition shall have prominently displayed on the 
principal display panel of the label the statement: ``Keep 
Refrigerated,'' ``Keep Frozen,'' ``Perishable Keep Under 
Refrigeration,'' or such similar statement as the Administrator may 
approve in specific cases. Products that are distributed frozen during 
distribution and thawed prior to or during display for sale at retail 
shall bear the statement on the shipping container: ``Keep Frozen.'' The 
consumer-size containers for such products shall bear the statement 
``Previously Handled Frozen for Your Protection, Refreeze or Keep 
Refrigerated.'' For all perishable canned products the statement shall 
be shown in upper case letters one-fourth inch in height for containers 
having a net weight of 3 pounds or less, and for containers having a net 
weight over 3 pounds, the statement shall be in upper case letters at 
least one-half inch in height.
    (l) Safe handling instructions shall be provided for: All meat and 
meat products of cattle, swine, sheep, goat, horse, other equine that do 
not meet the requirements contained in Sec.  318.17, or that have not 
undergone other processing that would render them ready-to-eat; and all 
comminuted meat patties not heat processed in a manner that conforms to 
the time and temperature combinations in the Table for Permitted Heat-
Processing Temperature/Time Combinations For Fully-Cooked Patties in 
Sec.  318.23, except as exempted under paragraph (l)(4) of this section.
    (1)(i) Safe handling instructions shall accompany every meat or meat 
product, specified in this paragraph (l) destined for household 
consumers, hotels, restaurants, or similar institutions and shall appear 
on the label. The information shall be in lettering no smaller than one-
sixteenth of an inch in size and shall be prominently placed with such 
conspicuousness (as compared with other words, statements, designs or 
devices in the labeling) as to render it likely to be read and 
understood by the ordinary individual under customary conditions of 
purchase and use.
    (ii) The safe handling information shall be presented on the label 
under the heading ``Safe Handling Instructions'' which shall be set in 
type size larger than the print size of the rationale statement and 
handling statements as discussed in paragraphs (l)(2) and (l)(3) of this 
section. The safe handling information shall be set off by a border and 
shall be one color type printed on a single color contrasting background 
whenever practical.
    (2) The labels of the meat and meat products specified in this 
paragraph (l) shall include the following rationale statement as part of 
the safe handling instructions, ``This product was prepared from 
inspected and passed meat and/or poultry. Some food products may contain 
bacteria that could cause illness if the product is mishandled or cooked 
improperly. For your protection, follow these safe handling 
instructions.'' This statement shall be placed immediately after the 
heading and before the safe handling statements.
    (3) Meat and meat products, specified in this paragraph (l), shall 
bear the labeling statements:
    (i) Keep refrigerated or frozen. Thaw in refrigerator or microwave. 
(Any portion of this statement that is in conflict with the product's 
specific handling instructions, may be omitted, e.g., instructions to 
cook without thawing.) (A graphic illustration of a refrigerator shall 
be displayed next to the statement.);
    (ii) Keep raw meat and poultry separate from other foods. Wash 
working surfaces (including cutting boards), utensils, and hands after 
touching raw meat or poultry. (A graphic illustration of soapy hands 
under a faucet shall be displayed next to the statement.);
    (iii) Cook thoroughly. (A graphic illustration of a skillet shall be 
displayed next to the statement.); and
    (iv) Keep hot foods hot. Refrigerate leftovers immediately or 
discard. (A graphic illustration of a thermometer shall be displayed 
next to the statement.)

[[Page 184]]

    (4) Meat or meat products intended for further processing at another 
official establishment are exempt from the requirements prescribed in 
paragraphs (l)(1) through (l)(3) of this section.
    (m)(1) The information panel is that part of a label that is the 
first surface to the right of the principal display panel as observed by 
an individual facing the principal display panel, with the following 
exceptions:
    (i) If the first surface to the right of the principal display panel 
is too small to accommodate the required information or is otherwise 
unusable label space, e.g., folded flaps, tear strips, opening flaps, 
heat-sealed flaps, the next panel to the right of this part of the label 
may be used.
    (ii) If the package has one or more alternate principal display 
panels, the information panel is to the right of any principal display 
panel.
    (iii) If the top of the container is the principal display panel and 
the package has no alternate principal display panel, the information 
panel is any panel adjacent to the principal display panel.
    (2) (i) Except as otherwise permitted in this part, all information 
required to appear on the principal display panel or permitted to appear 
on the information panel shall appear on the same panel unless there is 
insufficient space. In determining the sufficiency of the available 
space, except as otherwise prescribed in this part, any vignettes, 
designs, and any other nonmandatory information shall not be considered. 
If there is insufficient space for all required information to appear on 
a single panel, it may be divided between the principal display panel 
and the information panel, provided that the information required by any 
given provision of this part, such as the ingredients statement, is not 
divided and appears on the same panel.
    (ii) All information appearing on the information panel pursuant to 
this section shall appear in one place without intervening material, 
such as designs or vignettes.

[35 FR 15580, Oct. 3, 1970]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
317.2, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  317.3  Approval of abbreviations of marks of inspection; 
preparation of marking devices bearing inspection legend without advance
approval prohibited; exception.

    (a) The Administrator may approve and authorize the use of 
abbreviations of marks of inspection under the regulations in this 
subchapter. Such abbreviations shall have the same force and effect as 
the respective marks for which they are authorized abbreviations.
    (b) Except for the purposes of preparing and submitting a sample or 
samples of the same to the Administrator for approval, no brand 
manufacturer, printer, or other person shall cast, print, lithograph, or 
otherwise make any marking device containing any official mark or 
simulation thereof, or any label bearing any such mark or simulation, 
without the written authority therefor of the Administrator. However, 
when any such sample label, or other marking device, is approved by the 
Administrator, additional supplies of the approved label, or marking 
device, may be made for use in accordance with the regulations in this 
subchapter, without further approval by the Administrator. The 
provisions of this paragraph apply only to labels, or other marking 
devices, bearing or containing an official inspection legend shown in 
Sec.  312.2(b), Sec.  312.3(a) (only the legend appropriate for horse 
meat food products) or Sec.  312.3(b) (only the legend appropriate for 
other (nonhorse) equine meat food products), or any abbreviations, copy 
or representation thereof.
    (c) No brand manufacturer or other person shall cast or otherwise 
make, without an official certificate issued in quadruplicate by a 
Program employee, a brand or other marking device containing an official 
inspection legend, or simulation thereof, shown in Sec.  312.2(a), Sec.  
312.3(a) (only the legend appropriate for horse carcasses and parts of 
horse carcasses), Sec.  312.3(b) (only the legend appropriate for other 
equine (nonhorse) carcasses and parts of other (nonhorse) equine 
carcasses) or Sec.  312.7(a).
    (1) The certificate is a Food Safety and Inspection Service form for 
signature by a Program employee and the

[[Page 185]]

official establishment ordering the brand or other marking device, 
bearing a certificate serial number and a letterhead and the seal of the 
United States Department of Agriculture. The certificate authorizes the 
making of only the brands or other marking devices of the type and 
quantity listed on the certificate.
    (2) After signing the certificate, the Program employee and the 
establishment shall each keep a copy, and the remaining two copies shall 
be given to the brand or other marking device manufacturer.
    (3) The manufacturer of the brands or other marking devices shall 
engrave or otherwise mark each brand or other marking device with a 
permanent identifying serial number unique to it. The manufacturer shall 
list on each of the two copies of the certificate given to the 
manufacturer the number of each brand or other marking device authorized 
by the certificate. The manufacturer shall retain one copy of the 
certificate for the manufacturer's records and return the remaining copy 
with the brands or other marking devices to the Program employee whose 
name and address are given on the certificate as the recipient.
    (4) In order that all such brands or other marking devices bear 
identifying numbers, within one year after June 24, 1985, an 
establishment shall either replace each such brand or other marking 
device which does not bear an identifying number, or, under the 
direction of the inspector-in-charge, mark such brand or other marking 
device with a permanent identifying number.

(Recordkeeping requirements approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget under control number 0583-0015)

[35 FR 15580, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 50 FR 21422, May 24, 1985]



Sec. Sec.  317.4-317.5  [Reserved]



Sec.  317.6  Approved labels to be used only on products to which they
are applicable.

    Labels shall be used only on products for which they are approved, 
and only if they have been approved for such products in accordance with 
Sec.  317.3: Provided, That existing stocks of labels approved prior to 
the effective date of this section and the quantity of which has been 
identified to the circuit supervisor as being in storage on said date at 
the official establishment or other identified warehouse for the account 
of the operator of the official establishment may be used until such 
stocks are exhausted, but not later than 1 year after the effective date 
of this section unless such labels conform to all the requirements of 
this part and part 319 of this subchapter. The Administrator may upon 
the show of good cause grant individual extension of time as he deems 
necessary.



Sec.  317.7  Products for foreign commerce; printing labels in foreign 
language permissible; other deviations.

    Labels to be affixed to packages of products for foreign commerce 
may be printed in a foreign language and may show the statement of the 
quantity of contents in accordance with the usage of the country to 
which exported and other deviations from the form of labeling required 
under this part may be approved for such product by the Administrator in 
specific cases: Provided,
    (a) That the proposed labeling accords to the specifications of the 
foreign purchaser,
    (b) That it is not in conflict with the laws of the country to which 
the product is intended for export, and
    (c) That the outside container is labeled to show that it is 
intended for export; but if such product is sold or offered for sale in 
domestic commerce, all the requirements of this subchapter apply. The 
inspection legend and the establishment number shall in all cases appear 
in English but in addition, may appear literally translated in a foreign 
language.



Sec.  317.8  False or misleading labeling or practices generally; 
specific prohibitions and requirements for labels and containers.

    (a) No product or any of its wrappers, packaging, or other 
containers shall bear any false or misleading marking, label, or other 
labeling and no statement, word, picture, design, or device which 
conveys any false impression or gives any false indication of origin or 
quality or is otherwise false or misleading shall appear in any marking 
or other labeling. No product shall be

[[Page 186]]

wholly or partly enclosed in any wrapper, packaging, or other container 
that is so made, formed, or filled as to be misleading.
    (b) The labels and containers of product shall comply with the 
following provisions, as applicable:
    (1) Terms having geographical significance with reference to a 
locality other than that in which the product is prepared may appear on 
the label only when qualified by the word ``style,'' ``type,'' or 
``brand,'' as the case may be, in the same size and style of lettering 
as in the geographical term, and accompanied with a prominent qualifying 
statement identifying the country, State, Territory, or locality in 
which the product is prepared, using terms appropriate to effect the 
qualification. When the word ``style'' or ``type'' is used, there must 
be a recognized style or type of product identified with and peculiar to 
the area represented by the geographical term and the product must 
possess the characteristics of such style or type, and the word 
``brand'' shall not be used in such a way as to be false or misleading: 
Provided, That a geographical term which has come into general usage as 
a trade name and which has been approved by the Administrator as being a 
generic term may be used without the qualifications provided for in this 
paragraph. The terms ``frankfurter,'' ``vienna,'' ``bologna,'' ``lebanon 
bologna,'' ``braunschweiger,'' ``thuringer,'' ``genoa,'' ``leona,'' 
``berliner,'' ``holstein,'' ``goteborg,'' ``milan,'' ``polish,'' 
``italian,'' and their modifications, as applied to sausages, the terms 
``brunswick'' and ``irish'' as applied to stews and the term ``boston'' 
as applied to pork shoulder butts need not be accompanied with the word 
``style,'' ``type,'' or ``brand,'' or a statement identifying the 
locality in which the product is prepared.
    (2) Such terms as ``farm'' or ``country'' shall not be used on 
labels in connection with products unless such products are actually 
prepared on the farm or in the country: Provided, That if the product is 
prepared in the same way as on the farm or in the country these terms, 
if qualified by the word ``style'' in the same size and style of 
lettering, may be used: Provided further, That the term ``farm'' may be 
used as part of a brand designation when qualified by the word ``brand'' 
in the same size and style of lettering, and followed with a statement 
identifying the locality in which the product is prepared: And Provided 
further, That the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to 
products prepared in accordance with Sec.  319.106 of this subchapter. 
Sausage containing cereal shall not be labeled ``farm style'' or 
``country style,'' and lard not rendered in an open kettle shall not be 
designated as ``farm style'' or ``country style.''
    (3) The requirement that the label shall contain the name and place 
of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor shall not 
relieve any establishment from the requirement that its label shall not 
be misleading in any particular.
    (4) The term ``spring lamb'' or ``genuine spring lamb'' is 
applicable only to carcasses of new-crop lambs slaughtered during the 
period beginning in March and terminating not beyond the close of the 
week containing the first Monday in October.
    (5)(i) Coverings shall not be of such color, design, or kind as to 
be misleading with respect to color, quality, or kind of product to 
which they are applied. For example, transparent or semitransparent 
coverings for such articles as sliced bacon or fresh (uncooked) meat and 
meat food products shall not bear lines or other designs of red or other 
color which give a false impression of leanness of the product. 
Transparent or semitransparent wrappers, casings, or coverings for use 
in packaging cured, cured and smoked, or cured and cooked sausage 
products, and sliced ready-to-eat meat food products may be color tinted 
or bear red designs on 50 percent of such wrapper or covering: Provided, 
That the transparent or semitransparent portion of the principal display 
panel is free of color tinting and red designs: And provided further, 
That the principal display panel provides at least 20 percent 
unobstructed clear space, consolidated in one area so that the true 
nature and color of the product is visible to the consumer.

[[Page 187]]

    (ii) Packages for sliced bacon that have a transparent opening shall 
be designed to expose, for viewing, the cut surface of a representative 
slice. Packages for sliced bacon which meet the following specifications 
will be accepted as meeting the requirements of this subparagraph 
provided the enclosed bacon is positioned so that the cut surface of the 
representative slice can be visually examined:
    (a) For shingle-packed sliced bacon, the transparent window shall be 
designed to reveal at least 70 percent of the length (longest dimension) 
of the representative slice, and this window shall be at least 1\1/2\ 
inches wide. The transparent window shall be located not more than five-
eighths inch from the top or bottom edge of a 1-pound or smaller package 
and not more than three-fourths inch from either the top or bottom edge 
of a package larger than 1 pound.
    (b) For stack-packed sliced bacon, the transparent window shall be 
designed to reveal at least 70 percent of the length (longest dimension) 
of the representative slice and be at least 1\1/2\ inches wide.
    (6) The word ``fresh'' shall not be used on labels to designate 
product which contains any sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite, potassium 
nitrate, or potassium nitrite, or which has been salted for 
preservation.
    (7)(i) No ingredient shall be designated on the label as a spice, 
flavoring, or coloring unless it is a spice, flavoring, or coloring, as 
the case may be. An ingredient that is both a spice and a coloring, or 
both a flavoring and a coloring, shall be designated as ``spice and 
coloring'', or ``flavoring and coloring'', as the case may be, unless 
such ingredient is designated by its common or usual name.
    (ii) Any ingredient not designated in Sec.  317.2(f)(1)(i) of this 
part whose function is flavoring, either in whole or in part, must be 
designated by its common or usual name. Those ingredients which are of 
livestock and poultry origin must be designated by names that include 
the species and livestock and poultry tissues from which the ingredients 
are derived.
    (8) As used on labels of product, the term ``gelatin'' shall mean 
(i) the jelly prepared in official establishments by cooking pork skins, 
tendons, or connective tissue from inspected and passed product, and 
(ii) dry commercial gelatin or the jelly resulting from its use.
    (9) Product (other than canned product) labeled with the term 
``loaf'' as part of its name:
    (i) If distributed from the official establishment in consumer size 
containers may be in any shape;
    (ii) If distributed in a container of a size larger than that sold 
intact at retail the product shall be prepared in rectangular form, or 
as in paragraph (b)(9)(iii) of this section;
    (iii) If labeled as an ``Old Fashioned Loaf'' shall be prepared in a 
traditional form, such as rectangular with rounded top or circular with 
flat bottom and rounded top.
    (10) The term ``baked'' shall apply only to product which has been 
cooked by the direct action of dry heat and for a sufficient time to 
permit the product to assume the characteristics of a baked article, 
such as the formation of a brown crust on the surface, rendering out of 
surface fat, and the caramelization of the sugar if applied. Baked 
loaves shall be heated to a temperature of at least 160 [deg]F. and 
baked pork cuts shall be heated to an internal temperature of at least 
170 [deg]F.
    (11) When products such as loaves are browned by dipping in hot 
edible oil or by a flame, the label shall state such fact, e.g., by the 
words ``Browned in Hot Cottonseed Oil'' or ``Browned by a Flame,'' as 
the case may be, appearing as part of the product name.
    (12) The term ``meat'' and the names of particular kinds of meat, 
such as beef, veal, mutton, lamb, and pork, shall not be used in such 
manner as to be false or misleading.
    (13) The word ``ham,'' without any prefix indicating the species of 
animal from which derived, shall be used in labeling only in connection 
with the hind legs of swine. Ham shanks as such or ham shank meat as 
such or the trimmings accruing in the trimming and shaping of hams shall 
not be labeled ``ham'' or ``ham meat'' without qualification. When used 
in connection with a chopped product the term ``ham'' or ``ham meat'' 
shall not include the skin.

[[Page 188]]

    (14) The terms ``shankless'' and ``hockless'' shall apply only to 
hams and pork shoulders from which the shank or hock has been completely 
removed, thus eliminating the entire tibia and fibula, or radius and 
ulna, respectively, together with the overlying muscle, skin, and other 
tissue.
    (15) Such terms as ``meat extract'' or ``extract of beef'' without 
qualification shall not be used on labels in connection with products 
prepared from organs or other parts of the carcass, other than fresh 
meat. Extracts prepared from any parts of the carcass other than fresh 
meat may be properly labeled as extracts with the true name of the parts 
from which prepared. In the case of extract in fluid form, the word 
``fluid'' shall also appear on the label, as, for example, ``fluid 
extract of beef.''
    (16) [Reserved]
    (17) When any product is enclosed in a container along with a 
packing substance such as brine, vinegar, or agar jelly, a declaration 
of the packing substance shall be printed prominently on the label as 
part of the name of the product, as for example, ``frankfurts packed in 
brine,'' ``lamb tongue packed in vinegar,'' or ``beef tongue packed in 
agar jelly,'' as the case may be. The packing substance shall not be 
used in such a manner as will result in the container being so filled as 
to be misleading.
    (18) ``Leaf lard'' is lard prepared from fresh leaf fat.
    (19) When lard or hardened lard is mixed with rendered pork fat or 
hardened rendered pork fat, the mixture shall be designated as 
``rendered pork fat'' or ``hardened rendered pork fat,'' as the case may 
be.
    (20) Oil, stearin, or stock obtained from beef or mutton fats 
rendered at a temperature above 170 [deg]F. shall not be designated as 
``oleo oil,'' ``oleo stearin,'' or ``oleo stock,'' respectively.
    (21) When not more than 20 percent of beef fat, mutton fat, oleo 
stearin, vegetable stearin, or hardened vegetable fat is mixed with lard 
or with rendered pork fat, there shall appear on the label, contiguous 
to and in the same size and style of lettering as the name of the 
product, the words ``beef fat added,'' ``mutton fat added,'' ``oleo 
stearin added,'' ``vegetable stearin added,'' or ``hardened vegetable 
fat added,'' as the case may be. If more than 20 percent is added, the 
product name shall refer to the particular animal fat or fats used, such 
as, ``Lard and Beef Fat.'' The designation ``vegetable fat'' is 
applicable to vegetable oil, vegetable stearin, or a combination of such 
oil and stearin, whereas the designations ``vegetable oil'' and 
``vegetable stearin'' shall be applicable only to the oil and the 
stearin respectively, when used in meat food products.
    (22) Cooked, cured, or pickled pigs feet, pigs knuckles, and similar 
products, shall be labeled to show that the bones remain in the product, 
if such is the case. The designation ``semi-boneless'' shall not be used 
if less than 50 percent of the total weight of bones has been removed.
    (23) When monoglycerides, diglycerides, and/or polyglycerol esters 
of fatty acids are added to rendered animal fat or a combination of such 
fat and vegetable fat, there shall appear on the label in a prominent 
manner and contiguous to the name of the product a statement such as 
``With Monoglycerides and Diglycerides Added,'' or ``With Diglycerides 
and Monoglycerides,'' or ``With Polyglycerol Esters of Fatty Acids'' as 
the case may be.
    (24) Section 407 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act 
contains provisions with respect to colored margarine or colored 
oleomargarine (21 U.S.C. 347) which are set forth herein as footnote. 
\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ ``Sec. 407(a) Colored oleomargarine or colored margarine which 
is sold in the same State or Territory in which it is produced shall be 
subject in the same manner and to the same extent to the provisions of 
this Act as if it had been introduced in interstate commerce.
    (b) No person shall sell, or offer for sale, colored oleomargarine 
or colored margarine unless--
    (1) Such oleomargarine or margarine is packaged,
    (2) The net weight of the contents of any package sold in a retail 
establishment is one pound or less,
    (3) There appears on the label of the package (A) The word 
`oleomargarine' or `margarine' in type or lettering at least as large as 
any other type or lettering on such label, and (B) A full and accurate 
statement of all the ingredients contained in such oleomargarine, or 
margarine, and
    (4) Each part of the contents of the package is contained in a 
wrapper which bears the word `oleomargarine' or `margarine' in type or 
lettering not smaller than 20-point type.
    The requirements of this subsection shall be in addition to and not 
in lieu of any of the other requirements of this Act.
    (c) No person shall possess in a form ready for serving colored 
oleomargarine or colored margarine at a public eating place unless a 
notice that oleomargarine or margarine is served is displayed 
prominently and conspicuously in such place and in such manner as to 
render it likely to be read and understood by the ordinary individual 
being served in such eating place or is printed or is otherwise set 
forth on the menu in type or lettering not smaller than that normally 
used to designate the serving of other food items. No person shall serve 
colored oleomargarine or colored margarine at a public eating place, 
whether or not any charge is made therefor, unless (1) each separate 
serving bears or is accompanied by labeling identifying it as 
oleomargarine or margarine, or (2) each separate serving thereof is 
triangular in shape.
    (d) Colored oleomargarine or colored margarine when served with 
meals at a public eating place shall at the time of such service be 
exempt from the labeling requirements of section 343 of this Act (except 
subsection (a) and (f) of section 343 of this title) if it complies with 
the requirements of subsection (b) of this section.
    (e) For the purpose of this section colored oleomargarine or colored 
margarine is oleomargarine or margarine having a tint or shade 
containing more than one and six tenths degrees of yellow or of yellow 
and red collectively, but with an excess of yellow over red, measured in 
terms of Lovibond tintometer scale or its equivalent'' (21 U.S.C. 347).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 189]]

    (25) When approved proteolytic enzymes as permitted in part 318 of 
this subchapter are used on steaks or other raw meat cuts, there shall 
appear on the label, in a prominent manner, contiguous to the product 
name, the statement, ``Tenderized with [approved enzyme],'' to indicate 
the use of such enzymes. Any other approved substance which may be used 
in the solution shall also be included in the statement.
    When approved inorganic chlorides as permitted in part 318 of this 
subchapter are used on steaks or other raw meat cuts there shall appear 
on the label in a prominent manner, contiguous to the product name, the 
statement, ``Tenderized with (names of approved inorganic chloride(s))'' 
to indicate the use of such inorganic chlorides. Any other approved 
substance which may be in the solution shall also be included in the 
statement.
    (26) When dimethylpolysiloxan is added as an antifoaming agent to 
rendered fats, its presence shall be declared on the label contiguous to 
the name of the product. Such declaration shall read 
``Dimethylpolysiloxan Added.''
    (27) When pizzas are formulated with crust containing calcium 
propionate or sodium propionate, there shall appear on the label 
contiguous to the name of the product the statement ``________ added to 
retard spoilage of crust'' preceded by the name of the preservative.
    (28) Sausage of the dry varieties treated with potassium sorbate or 
propylparaben (propyl p-hydroxybenzoate) as permitted by part 318 of 
this subchapter, shall be marked or labeled with a statement disclosing 
such treatment and the purpose thereof, such as ``dipped in a potassium 
sorbate solution to retard mold growth.''
    (29) Meat of goats shall be identified as goat meat or chevon.
    (30) The term ``Chitterlings'' shall apply to the large intestines 
of swine, or young bovine animals when preceded with the word ``Calf'' 
or ``Veal.'' Meat food products that contain chitterlings or calf or 
veal chitterlings, in accordance with Sec.  318.6(b)(8) of this 
subchapter shall be identified with product names that refer to such 
ingredients, as for instance, ``Chitterling Loaf,'' ``Chitterling Pie,'' 
or ``Calf Chitterlings and Gravy,'' and shall be packed in containers 
having a capacity of 3 pounds or less and of a kind usually sold at 
retail intact and bearing such other information as is required by this 
part.
    (31) Products that contain blood from livestock as permitted by part 
318 of this subchapter shall be labeled with a name that includes the 
term ``blood,'' and the specific kind of blood shall be declared in the 
ingredient statement, e.g., ``Swine blood,'' in the manner required by 
this part.
    (32) A calendar date may be shown on labeling when declared in 
accordance

[[Page 190]]

with the provisions of this subparagraph:
    (i) The calendar date shall express the month of the year and the 
day of the month for all products and also the year in the case of 
products hermetically sealed in metal or glass containers, dried or 
frozen products, or any other products that the Administrator finds 
should be labeled with the year because the distribution and marketing 
practices with respect to such products may cause a label without a year 
identification to be misleading.
    (ii) Immediately adjacent to the calendar date there must be a 
phrase explaining the meaning of the date, in terms of ``packing'' date, 
``sell by'' date, or ``use before'' date, with or without a further 
qualifying phrase, e.g., ``For Maximum Freshness'' or ``For Best 
Quality.''
    (33) [Reserved]
    (34) The terms ``All,'' ``Pure,'' ``100%,'' and terms of similar 
connotation shall not be used on labels for products to identify 
ingredient content, unless the product is prepared solely from a single 
ingredient.
    (35) When agar-agar is used in canned jellied meat food products, as 
permitted in part 318 of this subchapter, there shall appear on the 
label in a prominent manner, contiguous to the product name, a statement 
to indicate the use of agar-agar.
    (36) When sodium alginate, calcium carbonate, and lactic acid and 
calcium carbonate (or glucono delta-lactone) are used together in a dry 
binding matrix in restructured, formed meat food products, as permitted 
in part 318 of this subchapter, there shall appear on the label 
contiguous to the product name, a statement to indicate the use of 
sodium alginate, calcium carbonate and lactic acid and calcium carbonate 
(or glucono delta-lactone).
    (37) The labels of sausages encased in natural casings made from 
meat or poultry viscera shall identify the type of meat or poultry from 
which the casings were derived, if the casings are from a different type 
of meat or poultry than the encased meat or poultry. The identity of the 
casing, if required, may be placed on the principal display panel or in 
the ingredient statement. Establishments producing, manufacturing, or 
using natural sausage casings are to maintain records documenting the 
meat or poultry source in accordance with part 320 of this chapter.
    (38) The labels of sausages encased in regenerated collagen casings 
shall disclose this fact on the product label. The fact that the sausage 
is encased in collagen may be placed on the principal display panel or 
in the ingredient statement.
    (39) When transglutaminase enzyme is used to bind pieces of meat to 
form a cut of meat, or to reform a piece of meat from a multiple cuts, 
there shall appear on the label, as part of the product name, a 
statement that indicates that the product has been ``formed'' or 
``reformed,'' in addition to other preparation steps, e.g., ``Formed 
Beef Tenderloin'' or ``Reformed and Shaped Beef Tenderloin.''
    (40) A country of origin statement on the label of any meat 
``covered commodity'' as defined in 7 CFR Part 65, Subpart A, that is to 
be sold by a ``retailer,'' as defined in 7 CFR 65.240, must comply with 
the requirements in 7 CFR 65.300 and 65.400.

[35 FR 15580, Oct. 3, 1970]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
317.8, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  317.9  Labeling of equine products.

    The immediate containers of any equine products shall be labeled to 
show the kinds of animals from which derived when the products are sold, 
transported, offered for sale or transportation or received for 
transportation in commerce.



Sec.  317.10  Reuse of official inspection marks; reuse of containers 
bearing official marks, labels, etc.

    (a) No official inspection legend or other official mark which has 
been previously used shall be used again for the identification of any 
product, except as provided for in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (b) All stencils, marks, labels, or other labeling on previously 
used containers, whether relating to any product or otherwise, shall be 
removed or

[[Page 191]]

obliterated before such containers are used for any product, unless such 
labeling correctly indicates the product to be packed therein and such 
containers are refilled under the supervision of a Program employee.



Sec.  317.11  Labeling, filling of containers, handling of labeled products
to be only in compliance with regulations.

    (a) No person shall in any official establishment apply or affix, or 
cause to be applied or affixed, any label to any product prepared or 
received in such establishment, or to any container thereof, or fill any 
container at such an establishment, except in compliance with the 
regulations in this subchapter.
    (b) No covering or other container shall be filled, in whole or in 
part, at any official establishment with any product unless it has been 
inspected and passed in compliance with the regulations in this 
subchapter, is not adulterated, and is strictly in accordance with the 
statements on the label, and such filling is done under the supervision 
of a Program employee.
    (c) No person shall remove, or cause to be removed from an official 
establishment any product bearing a label unless such label is in 
compliance with the regulations in this subchapter, or any product not 
bearing a label required by such regulations.



Sec.  317.12  Relabeling products; requirements.

    When it is claimed by an official establishment that any of its 
products which bore labels bearing official marks has been transported 
to a location other than an official establishment, and it is desired to 
relabel the product because the labels have become mutilated or 
otherwise damaged, a request for relabeling the product shall be sent to 
the Administrator, accompanied with a statement of the reasons therefor. 
Labeling material intended for relabeling inspected and passed product 
shall not be transported from an official establishment until permission 
has been received from the Administrator. The relabeling of inspected 
and passed product with labels bearing any official marks shall be done 
under the supervision of a Program inspector. The official establishment 
shall reimburse the Program, in accordance with the regulations of the 
Department, for any cost involved in supervising the relabeling of such 
product.



Sec.  317.13  Storage and distribution of labels and containers bearing
official marks.

    Labels, wrappers, and containers bearing any official marks, with or 
without the establishment number, may be transported from one official 
establishment to any other official establishment provided such 
shipments are made with the prior authorization of the inspector in 
charge at point of origin, who will notify the inspector in charge at 
destination concerning the date of shipment, quantity, and type of 
labeling material involved. No such material shall be used at the 
establishment to which it is shipped unless such use conforms with the 
requirements of this subchapter.



Sec. Sec.  317.14-317.15  [Reserved]



Sec.  317.16  Labeling and containers of custom prepared products.

    Products that are custom prepared under Sec.  303.1(a)(2) of this 
subchapter must be packaged immediately after preparation and must be 
labeled (in lieu of information otherwise required by this part 317) 
with the words ``Not For Sale'' in lettering not less than three-eighth 
inch in height. Such exempted custom prepared products or their 
containers may bear additional labeling provided such labeling is not 
false or misleading.

[37 FR 4071, Feb. 26, 1972]



Sec.  317.17  Interpretation and statement of labeling policy for cured
products; special labeling requirements concerning nitrate and nitrite.

    (a) With respect to sections 1(n) (7), (9), and (12) of the Act and 
Sec.  317.2, any substance mixed with another substance to cure a 
product must be identified in the ingredients statement on the label of 
such product. For example, curing mixtures composed of such ingredients 
as water, salt, sugar, sodium phosphate, sodium nitrate, and sodium

[[Page 192]]

nitrite or other permitted substances which are added to any product, 
must be identified on the label of the product by listing each such 
ingredient in accordance with the provisions of Sec.  317.2.
    (b) Any product, such as bacon and pepperoni, which is required to 
be labeled by a common or usual name or descriptive name in accordance 
with Sec.  317.2(c)(1) and to which nitrate or nitrite is permitted or 
required to be added may be prepared without nitrate or nitrite and 
labeled with such common or usual name or descriptive name when 
immediately preceded with the term ``Uncured'' as part of the product 
name in the same size and style of lettering as the product name, 
provided that the product is found by the Administrator to be similar in 
size, flavor, consistency, and general appearance to such product as 
commonly prepared with nitrate or nitrite, or both.
    (c)(1) Products described in paragraph (b) of this section or Sec.  
319.2 of this subchapter, which contain no nitrate or nitrite shall bear 
the statement ``No Nitrate or Nitrite Added.'' This statement shall be 
adjacent to the product name in lettering of easily readable style and 
at least one-half the size of the product name.
    (2) Products described in paragraph (b) of this section and Sec.  
319.2 of this subchapter shall bear, adjacent to the product name in 
lettering of easily readable style and at least one-half the size of the 
product name, the statement ``Not Preserved--Keep Refrigerated Below 40 
[deg]F. At All Times'' unless they have been thermally processed to 
Fo 3 or more; they have been fermented or pickled to pH of 
4.6 or less; or they have been dried to a water activity of 0.92 or 
less.
    (3) Products described in paragraph (b) of this section and Sec.  
319.2 of this subchapter shall not be subject to the labeling 
requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section if they contain 
an amount of salt sufficient to achieve a brine concentration of 10 
percent or more.

[37 FR 16863, Aug. 22, 1972, as amended at 44 FR 48961, Aug. 21, 1979]



Sec. Sec.  317.18-317.23  [Reserved]



Sec.  317.24  Packaging materials.

    (a) Edible products may not be packaged in a container which is 
composed in whole or in part of any poisonous or deleterious substances 
which may render the contents adulterated or injurious to health. All 
packaging materials must be safe for their intended use within the 
meaning of section 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as 
amended (FFDCA).
    (b) Packaging materials entering the official establishment must be 
accompanied or covered by a guaranty, or statement of assurance, from 
the packaging supplier under whose brand name and firm name the material 
is marketed to the official establishment. The guaranty shall state that 
the material's intended use complies with the FFDCA and all applicable 
food additive regulations. The guaranty must identify the material, 
e.g., by the distinguishing brand name or code designation appearing on 
the packaging material shipping container; must specify the applicable 
conditions of use, including temperature limits and any other pertinent 
limits specified under the FFDCA and food additive regulations; and must 
be signed by an authorized official of the supplying firm. The guaranty 
may be limited to a specific shipment of an article, in which case it 
may be part of or attached to the invoice covering such shipment, or it 
may be general and continuing, in which case, in its application to any 
article or other shipment of an article, it shall be considered to have 
been given at the date such article was shipped by the person who gives 
the guaranty. Guaranties consistent with the Food and Drug 
Administration's regulations regarding such guaranties (21 CFR 7.12 and 
7.13) will be acceptable. The management of the establishment must 
maintain a file containing guaranties for all food contact packaging 
materials in the establishment. The file shall be made available to 
Program inspectors or other Department officials upon request. While in 
the official establishment, the identity of all packaging materials must 
be traceable to the applicable guaranty.

[[Page 193]]

    (c) The guaranty by the packaging supplier will be accepted by 
Program inspectors to establish that the use of material complies with 
the FFDCA and all applicable food additive regulations.
    (d) The Department will monitor the use of packaging material in 
official establishments to assure that the requirements of paragraph (a) 
of this section are met, and may question the basis for any guaranty 
described under paragraph (b) of this section. Official establishments 
and packaging suppliers providing written guaranties to those official 
establishments will be permitted an opportunity to provide information 
tm designated Department officials as needed to verify the basis for any 
such guaranty. The required information will include, but is not limited 
to, manufacturing firm's name, trade name or code designation for the 
material, complete chemical composition, and use. Selection of a 
material for review does not in itself affect a material's 
acceptability. Materials may continue to be used during the review 
period. However, if information requested from the supplier is not 
provided within the time indicated in the request--a minimum of 30 
days--any applicable guaranty shall cease to be effective, and approval 
to continue using the specified packaging material in official 
establishments may be denied. The Administrator may extend this time 
where reasonable grounds for extension are shown, as, for example, where 
data must be obtained from suppliers.
    (e) The Administrator may disapprove for use in official 
establishments packaging materials whose use cannot be confirmed as 
complying with FFDCA and applicable food additive regulations. Before 
approval to use a packaging material is finally denied by the 
Administrator, the affected official establishment and the supplier of 
the material shall be given notice and the opportunity to present their 
views to the Administrator. If the official establishment and the 
supplier do not accept the Administrator's determination, a hearing in 
accordance with applicable rules of practice will be held to resolve 
such dispute. Approval to use the materials pending the outcome of the 
presentation of views or hearing shall be denied if the Administrator 
determines that such use may present an imminent hazard to public 
health.
    (f) Periodically, the Administrator will issue to inspectors a 
listing, by distinguishing brand name or code designation, of packaging 
materials that have been reviewed and that fail to meet the requirements 
of paragraph (a) of this section. Listed materials will not be permitted 
for use in official establishments. If a subsequent review of any 
material indicates that it meets the requirements of paragraph (a), the 
material will be deleted from the listing.
    (g) Nothing in this section shall affect the authority of Program 
inspectors to refuse a specific material if he/she determines the 
material may render products adulterated or injurious to health.

[49 FR 2235, Jan. 19, 1984. Redesignated at 55 FR 49833, Nov. 30, 1990]



                      Subpart B_Nutrition Labeling

    Source: 58 FR 664, Jan. 6, 1993, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  317.300  Nutrition labeling of meat and meat food products.

    (a) Nutrition labeling must be provided for all meat and meat food 
products intended for human consumption and offered for sale, except 
single-ingredient, raw meat products that are not ground or chopped meat 
products described in Sec.  317.301 and are not major cuts of single-
ingredient, raw meat products identified in Sec.  317.344, unless the 
product is exempted under Sec.  317.400 . Nutrition labeling must be 
provided for the major cuts of single-ingredient, raw meat products 
identified in Sec.  317.344, either in accordance with the provisions of 
Sec.  317.309 for nutrition labels, or in accordance with the provisions 
of Sec.  317.345 for point-of-purchase materials, except as exempted 
under Sec.  317.400. For all other products for which nutrition labeling 
is required, including ground or chopped meat products described in 
Sec.  317.301, nutrition labeling must be provided in accordance with 
the provisions of Sec.  317.309, except as exempted under Sec.  317.400.

[[Page 194]]

    (b) Nutrition labeling may be provided for single-ingredient, raw 
meat products that are not ground or chopped meat products described in 
Sec.  317.301 and that are not major cuts of single-ingredient, raw meat 
products identified in Sec.  317.344, either in accordance with the 
provisions of Sec.  317.309 for nutrition labels, or in accordance with 
the provisions of Sec.  317.345 for point-of-purchase materials.

[75 FR 82164, Dec. 29, 2010]



Sec.  317.301  Required nutrition labeling of ground or chopped meat
products.

    (a) Nutrition labels must be provided for all ground or chopped 
products (livestock species) and hamburger with or without added 
seasonings (including, but not limited to, ground beef, ground beef 
patties, ground sirloin, ground pork, and ground lamb) that are intended 
for human consumption and offered for sale, in accordance with the 
provisions of Sec.  317.309, except as exempted under Sec.  317.400.
    (b) [Reserved]

[75 FR 82165, Dec. 29, 2010]



Sec.  317.302  Location of nutrition information.

    (a) Nutrition information on a label of a packaged meat or meat food 
product shall appear on the label's principal display panel or on the 
information panel, except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this 
section.
    (b) Nutrition information for gift packs may be shown at a location 
other than on the product label, provided that the labels for these 
products bear no nutrition claim. In lieu of on the product label, 
nutrition information may be provided by alternate means such as product 
label inserts.
    (c) Meat or meat food products in packages that have a total surface 
area available to bear labeling greater than 40 square inches but whose 
principal display panel and information panel do not provide sufficient 
space to accommodate all required information may use any alternate 
panel that can be readily seen by consumers for the nutrition 
information. In determining the sufficiency of available space for the 
nutrition information, the space needed for vignettes, designs, and 
other nonmandatory label information on the principal display panel may 
be considered.

[58 FR 664, Jan. 6, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 40213, Aug. 8, 1994; 60 FR 
176, Jan. 3, 1995]



Sec. Sec.  317.303-317.307  [Reserved]



Sec.  317.308  Labeling of meat or meat food products with number
of servings.

    The label of any package of a meat or meat food product that bears a 
representation as to the number of servings contained in such package 
shall meet the requirements of Sec.  317.2(h)(10).

[58 FR 664, Jan. 6, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 176, Jan. 3, 1995]



Sec.  317.309  Nutrition label content.

    (a) All nutrient and food component quantities shall be declared in 
relation to a serving as defined in this section.
    (b)(1) The term ``serving'' or ``serving size'' means an amount of 
food customarily consumed per eating occasion by persons 4 years of age 
or older, which is expressed in a common household measure that is 
appropriate to the product. When the product is specially formulated or 
processed for use by infants or by toddlers, a serving or serving size 
means an amount of food customarily consumed per eating occasion by 
infants up to 12 months of age or by children 1 through 3 years of age, 
respectively.
    (2) Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(8), (b)(12), and (b)(14) of 
this section and for products that are intended for weight control and 
are available only through a weight-control or weight-maintenance 
program, serving size declared on a product label shall be determined 
from the ``Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed Per Eating Occasion--
General Food Supply'' (Reference Amount(s)) that appear in Sec.  
317.312(b) using the procedures described in this paragraph (b). For 
products that are both intended for weight control and available only 
through a weight-control program, a manufacturer may determine the 
serving size that is consistent with the meal plan of the program. Such 
products must bear a statement, ``for sale only through the

[[Page 195]]

______ program'' (fill in the blank with the name of the appropriate 
weight-control program, e.g., Smith's Weight Control), on the principal 
display panel. However, the Reference Amounts in Sec.  317.312(b) shall 
be used for purposes of evaluating whether weight-control products that 
are available only through a weight-control program qualify for 
nutrition claims.
    (3) The declaration of nutrient and food component content shall be 
on the basis of the product ``as packaged'' for all products, except 
that single-ingredient, raw products that are not ground or chopped meat 
products described in Sec.  317.301 may be declared on the basis of the 
product ``as consumed''. For single-ingredient, raw products that are 
not ground or chopped meat products described in Sec.  317.301, if data 
are based on the product `as consumed,' the data must be presented in 
accordance with Sec.  317.345(d). In addition to the required 
declaration on the basis of ``as packaged'' for products other than 
single-ingredient, raw products that are not ground or chopped meat 
products described in Sec.  317.301, the declaration may also be made on 
the basis of ``as consumed,'' provided that preparation and cooking 
instructions are clearly stated.
    (4) For products in discrete units (e.g., hot dogs, and individually 
packaged products within a multi-serving package), and for products 
which consist of two or more foods packaged and presented to be consumed 
together where the ingredient represented as the main ingredient is in 
discrete units (e.g., beef fritters and barbecue sauce), the serving 
size shall be declared as follows:
    (i) If a unit weighs 50 percent or less of the Reference Amount, the 
serving size shall be the number of whole units that most closely 
approximates the Reference Amount for the product category.
    (ii) If a unit weighs more than 50 percent but less than 67 percent 
of the Reference Amount, the manufacturer may declare one unit or two 
units as the serving size.
    (iii) If a unit weighs 67 percent or more but less than 200 percent 
of the Reference Amount, the serving size shall be one unit.
    (iv) If a unit weighs 200 percent or more of the Reference Amount, 
the manufacturer may declare one unit as the serving size if the whole 
unit can reasonably be consumed at a single eating occasion.
    (v) For products that have Reference Amounts of 100 grams (or 
milliliter) or larger and are individual units within a multi-serving 
package, if a unit contains more than 150 percent but less than 200 
percent of the Reference Amount, the manufacturer may decide whether to 
declare the individual unit as 1 or 2 servings.
    (vi) For products which consist of two or more foods packaged and 
presented to be consumed together where the ingredient represented as 
the main ingredient is in discrete units (e.g., beef fritters and 
barbecue sauce), the serving size may be the number of discrete units 
represented as the main ingredient plus proportioned minor ingredients 
used to make the Reference Amount for the combined product as determined 
in Sec.  317.312(c).
    (vii) For packages containing several individual single-serving 
containers, each of which is labeled with all required information 
including nutrition labeling as specified in this section (i.e., are 
labeled appropriately for individual sale as single-serving containers), 
the serving size shall be 1 unit.
    (5) For products in large discrete units that are usually divided 
for consumption (e.g., pizza), for unprepared products where the entire 
contents of the package is used to prepare large discrete units that are 
usually divided for consumption (e.g. pizza kit), and for products which 
consist of two or more foods packaged and presented to be consumed 
together where the ingredient represented as the main ingredient is a 
large discrete unit usually divided for consumption, the serving size 
shall be the fractional slice of the ready-to-eat product (e.g., \1/8\ 
quiche, \1/4\ pizza) that most closely approximates the Reference Amount 
for the product category. The serving size may be the fraction of the 
package used to make the Reference Amount for the unprepared product 
determined in Sec.  317.312(d) or the fraction of the large discrete

[[Page 196]]

unit represented as the main ingredient plus proportioned minor 
ingredients used to make the Reference Amount of the combined product 
determined in Sec.  317.312(c). In expressing the fractional slice, 
manufacturers shall use \1/2\, \1/3\, \1/4\, \1/5\, \1/6\, or smaller 
fractions that can be generated by further division by 2 or 3.
    (6) For nondiscrete bulk products (e.g., whole roast beef, marinated 
beef tenderloin, large can of chili), and for products which consist of 
two or more foods packaged and presented to be consumed together where 
the ingredient represented as the main ingredient is a bulk product 
(e.g., roast beef and gravy), the serving size shall be the amount in 
household measure that most closely approximates the Reference Amount 
for the product category and may be the amount of the bulk product 
represented as the main ingredient plus proportioned minor ingredients 
used to make the Reference Amount for the combined product determined in 
Sec.  317.312(c).
    (7) For labeling purposes, the term ``common household measure'' or 
``common household unit'' means cup, tablespoon, teaspoon, piece, slice, 
fraction (e.g., \1/4\ pizza), ounce (oz), or other common household 
equipment used to package food products (e.g., jar or tray). In 
expressing serving size in household measures, except as specified in 
paragraphs (b)(7)(iv), (v), and (vi) of this section, the following 
rules shall be used:
    (i) Cups, tablespoons, or teaspoons shall be used wherever possible 
and appropriate. Cups shall be expressed in \1/4\- or \1/3\-cup 
increments, tablespoons in whole number of tablespoons for quantities 
less than \1/4\ cup but greater than or equal to 2 tablespoons (tbsp), 
1, 1\1/3\, 1\1/2\, or 1 \2/3\ tbsp for quantities less than 2 tbsp but 
greater than or equal to 1 tbsp, and teaspoons in whole number of 
teaspoons for quantities less than 1 tbsp but greater than or equal to 1 
teaspoon (tsp), and in \1/4\-tsp increments for quantities less than 1 
tsp.
    (ii) If cups, tablespoons or teaspoons are not applicable, units 
such as piece, slice, tray, jar, and fraction shall be used.
    (iii) If cups, tablespoons and teaspoons, or units such as piece, 
slice, tray, jar, or fraction are not applicable, ounces may be used. 
Ounce measurements shall be expressed in 0.5-ounce increments most 
closely approximating the Reference Amount with rounding indicated by 
the use of the term ``about'' (e.g., about 2.5 ounces).
    (iv) A description of the individual container or package shall be 
used for single-serving containers and for individually packaged 
products within multi-serving containers (e.g., can, box, package, meal, 
or dinner). A description of the individual unit shall be used for other 
products in discrete units (e.g., chop, slice, link, or patty).
    (v) For unprepared products where the entire contents of the package 
is used to prepare large discrete units that are usually divided for 
consumption (e.g., pizza kit), the fraction or portion of the package 
may be used.
    (vi) For products that consist of two or more distinct ingredients 
or components packaged and presented to be consumed together (e.g., ham 
with a glaze packet), the nutrition information may be declared for each 
component or as a composite. The serving size may be provided in 
accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (b)(4), (b)(5), and (b)(6) 
of this section.
    (vii) For nutrition labeling purposes, a teaspoon means 5 
milliliters (mL), a tablespoon means 15 mL, a cup means 240 mL, and 1 oz 
in weight means 28 grams (g).
    (viii) When a serving size, determined from the Reference Amount in 
Sec.  317.312(b) and the procedures described in this section, falls 
exactly half way between two serving sizes (e.g., 2.5 tbsp), 
manufacturers shall round the serving size up to the next incremental 
size.
    (8) A product that is packaged and sold individually and that 
contains less than 200 percent of the applicable Reference Amount shall 
be considered to be a single-serving container, and the entire content 
of the product shall be labeled as one serving, except for products that 
have Reference Amounts of 100 g (or mL) or larger, manufacturers may 
decide whether a package that contains more than 150 percent but less 
than 200 percent of the Reference Amount is 1 or 2 servings. Packages

[[Page 197]]

sold individually that contain 200 percent or more of the applicable 
Reference Amount may be labeled as a single-serving if the entire 
content of the package can reasonably be consumed at a single-eating 
occasion.
    (9) A label statement regarding a serving shall be the serving size 
expressed in common household measures as set forth in paragraphs (b)(2) 
through (b)(8) of this section and shall be followed by the equivalent 
metric quantity in parenthesis (fluids in milliliters and all other 
foods in grams), except for single-serving containers.
    (i) For a single-serving container, the parenthetical metric 
quantity, which will be presented as part of the net weight statement on 
the principal display panel, is not required except where nutrition 
information is required on a drained weight basis according to paragraph 
(b)(11) of this section. However, if a manufacturer voluntarily provides 
the metric quantity on products that can be sold as single-servings, 
then the numerical value provided as part of the serving size 
declaration must be identical to the metric quantity declaration 
provided as part of the net quantity of contents statement.
    (ii) The gram or milliliter quantity equivalent to the household 
measure should be rounded to the nearest whole number except for 
quantities that are less than 5 g (mL). The gram (mL) quantity between 2 
and 5 g (mL) should be rounded to the nearest 0.5 g (mL) and the g (mL) 
quantity less than 2 g (mL) should be expressed in 0.1-g (mL) 
increments.
    (iii) In addition, serving size may be declared in ounce, in 
parenthesis, following the metric measure separated by a slash where 
other common household measures are used as the primary unit for serving 
size, e.g., 1 slice (28 g/1 oz) for sliced bologna. The ounce quantity 
equivalent to the metric quantity should be expressed in 0.1-oz 
increments.
    (iv) If a manufacturer elects to use abbreviations for units, the 
following abbreviations shall be used: tbsp for tablespoon, tsp for 
teaspoon, g for gram, mL for milliliter, and oz for ounce.
    (10) Determination of the number of servings per container shall be 
based on the serving size of the product determined by following the 
procedures described in this section.
    (i) The number of servings shall be rounded to the nearest whole 
number except for the number of servings between 2 and 5 servings and 
random weight products. The number of servings between 2 and 5 servings 
shall be rounded to the nearest 0.5 serving. Rounding should be 
indicated by the use of the term ``about'' (e.g., about 2 servings; 
about 3.5 servings).
    (ii) When the serving size is required to be expressed on a drained 
solids basis and the number of servings varies because of a natural 
variation in unit size (e.g., pickled pigs feet), the manufacturer may 
state the typical number of servings per container (e.g., usually 5 
servings).
    (iii) For random weight products, a manufacturer may declare 
``varied'' for the number of servings per container provided the 
nutrition information is based on the Reference Amount expressed in 
ounces. The manufacturer may provide the typical number of servings in 
parenthesis following the ``varied'' statement (e.g., varied 
(approximately 8 servings per pound)).
    (iv) For packages containing several individual single-serving 
containers, each of which is labeled with all required information 
including nutrition labeling as specified in this section (i.e., are 
labeled appropriately for individual sale as single-serving containers), 
the number of servings shall be the number of individual packages within 
the total package.
    (v) For packages containing several individually packaged multi-
serving units, the number of servings shall be determined by multiplying 
the number of individual multi-serving units in the total package by the 
number of servings in each individual unit. The declaration of the 
number of servings per container need not be included in nutrition 
labeling of single-ingredient, raw meat products that are not ground or 
chopped meat products described in Sec.  317.301, including those that 
have been previously frozen.
    (11) The declaration of nutrient and food component content shall be 
on the

[[Page 198]]

basis of product as packaged or purchased with the exception of single-
ingredient, raw products that are not ground or chopped meat products 
described in Sec.  317.301 and products that are packed or canned in 
water, brine, or oil but whose liquid packing medium is not customarily 
consumed. Declaration of the nutrient and food component content of 
products that are packed in liquid which is not customarily consumed 
shall be based on the drained solids.
    (12) The serving size for meal-type products and main-dish products 
as defined in Sec.  317.313(l) and Sec.  317.313(m) in single-serving 
containers will be the entire edible content of the package. Serving 
size for meal-type products and main-dish products in multi-serve 
containers will be based on the reference amount applicable to the 
product in Sec.  317.312(b) if the product is listed in Sec.  
317.312(b). Serving size for meal-type products and main-dish products 
in multi-serve containers that are not listed in Sec.  317.312(b) will 
be based on the reference amount according to Sec.  317.312(c), (d), and 
(e).
    (13) Another column of figures may be used to declare the nutrient 
and food component information in the same format as required by Sec.  
317.309(e),
    (i) Per 100 grams, 100 milliliters, or 1 ounce of the product as 
packaged or purchased.
    (ii) Per one unit if the serving size of a product in discrete units 
in a multi-serving container is more than one unit.
    (14) If a product consists of assortments of meat or meat food 
products (e.g., variety packs) in the same package, nutrient content 
shall be expressed on the entire package contents or on each individual 
product.
    (15) If a product is commonly combined with other ingredients or is 
cooked or otherwise prepared before eating, and directions for such 
combination or preparations are provided, another column of figures may 
be used to declare the nutrient contents on the basis of the product as 
consumed for the product alone (e.g., a cream soup mix may be labeled 
with one set of Daily Values for the dry mix (per serving), and another 
set for the serving of the final soup when prepared (e.g., per serving 
of cream soup mix and 1 cup of vitamin D fortified whole milk)): 
Provided, That the type and quantity of the other ingredients to be 
added to the product by the user and the specific method of cooking and 
other preparation shall be specified prominently on the label.
    (c) The declaration of nutrition information on the label or in 
labeling of a meat or meat food product shall contain information about 
the level of the following nutrients, except for those nutrients whose 
inclusion, and the declaration of amounts, is voluntary as set forth in 
this paragraph. No nutrients or food components other than those listed 
in this paragraph as either mandatory or voluntary may be included 
within the nutrition label. Except as provided for in paragraph (f) or 
(g) of this section, nutrient information shall be presented using the 
nutrient names specified and in the following order in the formats 
specified in paragraph (d) or (e) of this section.
    (1) ``Calories, total,'' ``Total calories,'' or ``Calories'': A 
statement of the caloric content per serving, expressed to the nearest 
5-calorie increment up to and including 50 calories, and 10-calorie 
increment above 50 calories, except that amounts less than 5 calories 
may be expressed as zero. Energy content per serving may also be 
expressed in kilojoule units, added in parenthesis immediately following 
the statement of the caloric content.
    (i) Caloric content may be calculated by the following methods. 
Where either specific or general food factors are used, the factors 
shall be applied to the actual amount (i.e., before rounding) of food 
components (e.g., fat, carbohydrate, protein, or ingredients with 
specific food factors) present per serving.
    (A) Using specific Atwater factors (i.e., the Atwater method) given 
in Table 13, page 25, ``Energy Value of Foods--Basis and Derivation,'' 
by A. L. Merrill and B. K. Watt, United States Department of Agriculture 
(USDA), Agriculture Handbook No. 74 (Slightly revised February 1973), 
which is incorporated by reference. Table 13 of the ``Energy Value of 
Foods--Basis and Derivation,'' Agriculture Handbook No. 74 is 
incorporated as it exists on the

[[Page 199]]

date of approval. This incorporation by reference was approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 
1 CFR part 51. It is available for inspection at the office of the FSIS 
Docket Clerk, Room 3171, South Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, 
SW., Washington, DC, or at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Copies 
of the incorporation by reference are available from the Product 
Assessment Division, Regulatory Programs, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 329, West End Court 
Building, Washington, DC 20250-3700;
    (B) Using the general factors of 4, 4, and 9 calories per gram for 
protein, total carbohydrate, and total fat, respectively, as described 
in USDA's Agriculture Handbook No. 74 (Slightly revised February 1973), 
pages 9-11, which is incorporated by reference. Pages 9-11, Agriculture 
Handbook No. 74 is incorporated as it exists on the date of approval. 
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 
(The availability of this incorporation by reference is given in 
paragraph (c)(1)(i)(A) of this section.);
    (C) Using the general factors of 4, 4, and 9 calories per gram for 
protein, total carbohydrate less the amount of insoluble dietary fiber, 
and total fat, respectively, as described in USDA's Agriculture Handbook 
No. 74 (Slightly revised February 1973), pages 9-11, which is 
incorporated by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51. (The availability of this incorporation by reference is given 
in paragraph (c)(1)(i)(A) of this section.); or
    (D) Using data for specific food factors for particular foods or 
ingredients approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and 
provided in parts 172 or 184 of 21 CFR, or by other means, as 
appropriate.
    (ii) ``Calories from fat'': A statement of the caloric content 
derived from total fat as defined in paragraph (c)(2) of this section 
per serving, expressed to the nearest 5-calorie increment, up to and 
including 50 calories, and the nearest 10-calorie increment above 50 
calories, except that label declaration of ``calories from fat'' is not 
required on products that contain less than 0.5 gram of fat per serving 
and amounts less than 5 calories may be expressed as zero. This 
statement shall be declared as provided in paragraph (d)(5) of this 
section.
    (iii) ``Calories from saturated fat'' or ``Calories from saturated'' 
(VOLUNTARY): A statement of the caloric content derived from saturated 
fat as defined in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section per serving may be 
declared voluntarily, expressed to the nearest 5-calorie increment, up 
to and including 50 calories, and the nearest 10-calorie increment above 
50 calories, except that amounts less than 5 calories may be expressed 
as zero. This statement shall be indented under the statement of 
calories from fat as provided in paragraph (d)(5) of this section.
    (2) ``Fat, total'' or ``Total fat'': A statement of the number of 
grams of total fat per serving defined as total lipid fatty acids and 
expressed as triglycerides. Amounts shall be expressed to the nearest 
0.5 (\1/2\)-gram increment below 5 grams and to the nearest gram 
increment above 5 grams. If the serving contains less than 0.5 gram, the 
content shall be expressed as zero.
    (i) ``Saturated fat'' or ``Saturated'': A statement of the number of 
grams of saturated fat per serving defined as the sum of all fatty acids 
containing no double bonds, except that label declaration of saturated 
fat content information is not required for products that contain less 
than 0.5 gram of total fat per serving if no claims are made about fat 
or cholesterol content, and if ``calories from saturated fat'' is not 
declared. Saturated fat content shall be indented and expressed as grams 
per serving to the nearest 0.5 (\1/2\)-gram increment below 5 grams and 
to the nearest gram increment above 5 grams. If the serving contains 
less than 0.5 gram, the content shall be expressed as zero.
    (A) ``Stearic Acid'' (VOLUNTARY): A statement of the number of grams 
of stearic acid per serving may be declared voluntarily, except that 
when a

[[Page 200]]

claim is made about stearic acid, label declaration shall be required. 
Stearic acid content shall be indented under saturated fat and expressed 
to the nearest 0.5 (\1/2\)-gram increment below 5 grams and the nearest 
gram increment above 5 grams. If the serving contains less than 0.5 
gram, the content shall be expressed as zero.
    (B) [Reserved]
    (ii) ``Polyunsaturated fat'' or ``Polyunsaturated'' (VOLUNTARY): A 
statement of the number of grams of polyunsaturated fat per serving 
defined as cis,cis-methylene-interrupted polyunsaturated fatty acids may 
be declared voluntarily, except that when monounsaturated fat is 
declared, or when a claim about fatty acids or cholesterol is made on 
the label or in labeling of a product other than one that meets the 
criteria in Sec.  317.362(b)(1) for a claim for ``fat free,'' label 
declaration of polyunsaturated fat is required. Polyunsaturated fat 
content shall be indented and expressed as grams per serving to the 
nearest 0.5 (\1/2\)-gram increment below 5 grams and to the nearest gram 
increment above 5 grams. If the serving contains less than 0.5 gram, the 
content shall be expressed as zero.
    (iii) ``Monounsaturated fat'' or ``Monounsaturated'' (VOLUNTARY): A 
statement of the number of grams of monounsaturated fat per serving 
defined as cis-monounsaturated fatty acids may be declared voluntarily, 
except that when polyunsaturated fat is declared, or when a claim about 
fatty acids or cholesterol is made on the label or in labeling of a 
product other than one that meets the criteria in Sec.  317.362(b)(1) 
for a claim for ``fat free,'' label declaration of monounsaturated fat 
is required. Monounsaturated fat content shall be indented and expressed 
as grams per serving to the nearest 0.5 (\1/2\)-gram increment below 5 
grams and to the nearest gram increment above 5 grams. If the serving 
contains less than 0.5 gram, the content shall be expressed as zero.
    (3) ``Cholesterol'': A statement of the cholesterol content per 
serving expressed in milligrams to the nearest 5-milligram increment, 
except that label declaration of cholesterol information is not required 
for products that contain less than 2 milligrams of cholesterol per 
serving and make no claim about fat, fatty acids, or cholesterol 
content, or such products may state the cholesterol content as zero. If 
the product contains 2 to 5 milligrams of cholesterol per serving, the 
content may be stated as ``less than 5 milligrams.''
    (4) ``Sodium'': A statement of the number of milligrams of sodium 
per serving expressed as zero when the serving contains less than 5 
milligrams of sodium, to the nearest 5-milligram increment when the 
serving contains 5 to 140 milligrams of sodium, and to the nearest 10-
milligram increment when the serving contains greater than 140 
milligrams.
    (5) ``Potassium'' (VOLUNTARY): A statement of the number of 
milligrams of potassium per serving may be declared voluntarily, except 
that when a claim is made about potassium content, label declaration 
shall be required. Potassium content shall be expressed as zero when the 
serving contains less than 5 milligrams of potassium, to the nearest 5-
milligram increment when the serving contains 5 to 140 milligrams of 
potassium, and to the nearest 10-milligram increment when the serving 
contains greater than 140 milligrams.
    (6) ``Carbohydrate, total'' or ``Total carbohydrate'': A statement 
of the number of grams of total carbohydrate per serving expressed to 
the nearest gram, except that if a serving contains less than 1 gram, 
the statement ``Contains less than 1 gram'' or ``less than 1 gram'' may 
be used as an alternative, or, if the serving contains less than 0.5 
gram, the content may be expressed as zero. Total carbohydrate content 
shall be calculated by subtraction of the sum of the crude protein, 
total fat, moisture, and ash from the total weight of the product. This 
calculation method is described in USDA's Agriculture Handbook No. 74 
(Slightly revised February 1973), pages 2 and 3, which is incorporated 
by reference. Pages 2 and 3, Agriculture Handbook No. 74 is incorporated 
as it exists on the date of approval. This incorporation by reference 
was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (The availability of this 
incorporation by

[[Page 201]]

reference is given in paragraph (c)(1)(i)(A) of this section.)
    (i) ``Dietary fiber'': A statement of the number of grams of total 
dietary fiber per serving, indented and expressed to the nearest gram, 
except that if a serving contains less than 1 gram, declaration of 
dietary fiber is not required, or, alternatively, the statement 
``Contains less than 1 gram'' or ``less than 1 gram'' may be used, and 
if the serving contains less than 0.5 gram, the content may be expressed 
as zero.
    (A) ``Soluble fiber'' (VOLUNTARY): A statement of the number of 
grams of soluble dietary fiber per serving may be declared voluntarily 
except when a claim is made on the label or in labeling about soluble 
fiber, label declaration shall be required. Soluble fiber content shall 
be indented under dietary fiber and expressed to the nearest gram, 
except that if a serving contains less than 1 gram, the statement 
``Contains less than 1 gram'' or ``less than 1 gram'' may be used as an 
alternative, and if the serving contains less than 0.5 gram, the content 
may be expressed as zero.
    (B) ``Insoluble fiber'' (VOLUNTARY): A statement of the number of 
grams of insoluble dietary fiber per serving may be declared voluntarily 
except when a claim is made on the label or in labeling about insoluble 
fiber, label declaration shall be required. Insoluble fiber content 
shall be indented under dietary fiber and expressed to the nearest gram, 
except that if a serving contains less than 1 gram, the statement 
``Contains less than 1 gram'' or ``less than 1 gram'' may be used as an 
alternative, and if the serving contains less than 0.5 gram, the content 
may be expressed as zero.
    (ii) ``Sugars'': A statement of the number of grams of sugars per 
serving, except that label declaration of sugars content is not required 
for products that contain less than 1 gram of sugars per serving if no 
claims are made about sweeteners, sugars, or sugar alcohol content. 
Sugars shall be defined as the sum of all free mono- and disaccharides 
(such as glucose, fructose, lactose, and sucrose). Sugars content shall 
be indented and expressed to the nearest gram, except that if a serving 
contains less than 1 gram, the statement ``Contains less than 1 gram'' 
or ``less than 1 gram'' may be used as an alternative, and if the 
serving contains less than 0.5 gram, the content may be expressed as 
zero.
    (iii) ``Sugar alcohol'' (VOLUNTARY): A statement of the number of 
grams of sugar alcohols per serving may be declared voluntarily on the 
label, except that when a claim is made on the label or in labeling 
about sugar alcohol or sugars when sugar alcohols are present in the 
product, sugar alcohol content shall be declared. For nutrition labeling 
purposes, sugar alcohols are defined as the sum of saccharide 
derivatives in which a hydroxyl group replaces a ketone or aldehyde 
group and whose use in the food is listed by FDA (e.g., mannitol or 
xylitol) or is generally recognized as safe (e.g., sorbitol). In lieu of 
the term ``sugar alcohol,'' the name of the specific sugar alcohol 
(e.g., ``xylitol'') present in the product may be used in the nutrition 
label, provided that only one sugar alcohol is present in the product. 
Sugar alcohol content shall be indented and expressed to the nearest 
gram, except that if a serving contains less than 1 gram, the statement 
``Contains less then 1 gram'' or ``less than 1 gram'' may be used as an 
alternative, and if the serving contains less than 0.5 gram, the content 
may be expressed as zero.
    (iv) ``Other carbohydrate'' (VOLUNTARY): A statement of the number 
of grams of other carbohydrate per serving may be declared voluntarily. 
Other carbohydrate shall be defined as the difference between total 
carbohydrate and the sum of dietary fiber, sugars, and sugar alcohol, 
except that if sugar alcohol is not declared (even if present), it shall 
be defined as the difference between total carbohydrate and the sum of 
dietary fiber and sugars. Other carbohydrate content shall be indented 
and expressed to the nearest gram, except that if a serving contains 
less than 1 gram, the statement ``Contains less than 1 gram'' or ``less 
than 1 gram'' may be used as an alternative, and if the serving contains 
less than 0.5 gram, the content may be expressed as zero.
    (7) ``Protein'': A statement of the number of grams of protein per 
serving

[[Page 202]]

expressed to the nearest gram, except that if a serving contains less 
than 1 gram, the statement ``Contains less than 1 gram'' or ``less than 
1 gram'' may be used as an alternative, and if the serving contains less 
than 0.5 gram, the content may be expressed as zero. When the protein in 
products represented or purported to be for adults and children 4 or 
more years of age has a protein quality value that is a protein 
digestibility-corrected amino acid score of less than 20 expressed as a 
percent, or when the protein in a product represented or purported to be 
for children greater than 1 but less than 4 years of age has a protein 
quality value that is a protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score 
of less than 40 expressed as a percent, either of the following shall be 
placed adjacent to the declaration of protein content by weight: The 
statement ``not a significant source of protein,'' or a listing aligned 
under the column headed ``Percent Daily Value'' of the corrected amount 
of protein per serving, as determined in paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of this 
section, calculated as a percentage of the Daily Reference Value (DRV) 
or Reference Daily Intake (RDI), as appropriate, for protein and 
expressed as percent of Daily Value. When the protein quality in a 
product as measured by the Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) is less than 
40 percent of the reference standard (casein) for a product represented 
or purported to be for infants, the statement ``not a significant source 
of protein'' shall be placed adjacent to the declaration of protein 
content. Protein content may be calculated on the basis of the factor of 
6.25 times the nitrogen content of the food as determined by appropriate 
methods of analysis in accordance with Sec.  317.309(h), except when the 
procedure for a specific food requires another factor.
    (i) A statement of the corrected amount of protein per serving, as 
determined in paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of this section, calculated as a 
percentage of the RDI or DRV for protein, as appropriate, and expressed 
as percent of Daily Value, may be placed on the label, except that such 
a statement shall be given if a protein claim is made for the product, 
or if the product is represented or purported to be for infants or 
children under 4 years of age. When such a declaration is provided, it 
shall be placed on the label adjacent to the statement of grams of 
protein and aligned under the column headed ``Percent Daily Value,'' and 
expressed to the nearest whole percent. However, the percentage of the 
RDI for protein shall not be declared if the product is represented or 
purported to be for infants and the protein quality value is less than 
40 percent of the reference standard.
    (ii) The corrected amount of protein (grams) per serving for 
products represented or purported to be for adults and children 1 or 
more years of age is equal to the actual amount of protein (grams) per 
serving multiplied by the amino acid score corrected for protein 
digestibility. If the corrected score is above 1.00, then it shall be 
set at 1.00. The protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score shall 
be determined by methods given in sections 5.4.1, 7.2.1, and 8 in 
``Protein Quality Evaluation, Report of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert 
Consultation on Protein Quality Evaluation,'' Rome, 1990, which is 
incorporated by reference. Sections 5.4.1, 7.2.1, and 8 of the ``Report 
of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Protein Quality 
Evaluation,'' as published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of 
the United Nations/World Health Organization, is incorporated as it 
exists on the date of approval. This incorporation by reference was 
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. It is available for inspection at the 
office of the FSIS Docket Clerk, Room 3171, South Building, 14th and 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC, or at the National Archives 
and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://
www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html. Copies of the incorporation by reference are 
available from the Product Assessment Division, Regulatory Programs, 
Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 
329, West End Court Building, Washington, DC 20250-3700. For products 
represented or purported

[[Page 203]]

to be for infants, the corrected amount of protein (grams) per serving 
is equal to the actual amount of protein (grams) per serving multiplied 
by the relative protein quality value. The relative protein quality 
value shall be determined by dividing the subject product's protein PER 
value by the PER value for casein. If the relative protein value is 
above 1.00, it shall be set at 1.00.
    (iii) For the purpose of labeling with a percent of the DRV or RDI, 
a value of 50 grams of protein shall be the DRV for adults and children 
4 or more years of age, and the RDI for protein for children less than 4 
years of age, infants, pregnant women, and lactating women shall be 16 
grams, 14 grams, 60 grams, and 65 grams, respectively.
    (8) Vitamins and minerals: A statement of the amount per serving of 
the vitamins and minerals as described in this paragraph, calculated as 
a percent of the RDI and expressed as percent of Daily Value.
    (i) For purposes of declaration of percent of Daily Value as 
provided for in paragraphs (d) through (g) of this section, products 
represented or purported to be for use by infants, children less than 4 
years of age, pregnant women, or lactating women shall use the RDI's 
that are specified for the intended group. For products represented or 
purported to be for use by both infants and children under 4 years of 
age, the percent of Daily Value shall be presented by separate 
declarations according to paragraph (e) of this section based on the RDI 
values for infants from birth to 12 months of age and for children under 
4 years of age. Similarly, the percent of Daily Value based on both the 
RDI values for pregnant women and for lactating women shall be declared 
separately on products represented or purported to be for use by both 
pregnant and lactating women. When such dual declaration is used on any 
label, it shall be included in all labeling, and equal prominence shall 
be given to both values in all such labeling. All other products shall 
use the RDI for adults and children 4 or more years of age.
    (ii) The declaration of vitamins and minerals as a percent of the 
RDI shall include vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron, in that 
order, and shall include any of the other vitamins and minerals listed 
in paragraph (c)(8)(iv) of this section when they are added, or when a 
claim is made about them. Other vitamins and minerals need not be 
declared if neither the nutrient nor the component is otherwise referred 
to on the label or in labeling or advertising and the vitamins and 
minerals are:
    (A) Required or permitted in a standardized food (e.g., thiamin, 
riboflavin, and niacin in enriched flour) and that standardized food is 
included as an ingredient (i.e., component) in another product; or
    (B) Included in a product solely for technological purposes and 
declared only in the ingredients statement. The declaration may also 
include any of the other vitamins and minerals listed in paragraph 
(c)(8)(iv) of this section when they are naturally occurring in the 
food. The additional vitamins and minerals shall be listed in the order 
established in paragraph (c)(8)(iv) of this section.
    (iii) The percentages for vitamins and minerals shall be expressed 
to the nearest 2-percent increment up to and including the 10-percent 
level, the nearest 5-percent increment above 10 percent and up to and 
including the 50-percent level, and the nearest 10-percent increment 
above the 50-percent level. Amounts of vitamins and minerals present at 
less than 2 percent of the RDI are not required to be declared in 
nutrition labeling but may be declared by a zero or by the use of an 
asterisk (or other symbol) that refers to another asterisk (or symbol) 
that is placed at the bottom of the table and that is followed by the 
statement ``Contains less than 2 percent of the Daily Value of this 
(these) nutrient (nutrients).'' Alternatively, if vitamin A, vitamin C, 
calcium, or iron is present in amounts less than 2 percent of the RDI, 
label declaration of the nutrient(s) is not required if the statement 
``Not a significant source of ______ (listing the vitamins or minerals 
omitted)'' is placed at the bottom of the table of nutrient values.

[[Page 204]]

    (iv) The following RDI's and nomenclature are established for the 
following vitamins and minerals which are essential in human nutrition:

Vitamin A, 5,000 International Units
Vitamin C, 60 milligrams
Calcium, 1.0 gram
Iron, 18 milligrams
Vitamin D, 400 International Units
Vitamin E, 30 International Units
Thiamin, 1.5 milligrams
Riboflavin, 1.7 milligrams
Niacin, 20 milligrams
Vitamin B6, 2.0 milligrams
Folate, 0.4 milligram
Vitamin B12, 6 micrograms
Biotin, 0.3 milligram
Pantothenic acid, 10 milligrams
Phosphorus, 1.0 gram
Iodine, 150 micrograms
Magnesium, 400 milligrams
Zinc, 15 milligrams
Copper, 2.0 milligrams

    (v) The following synonyms may be added in parenthesis immediately 
following the name of the nutrient or dietary component:

Vitamin C--Ascorbic acid
Thiamin--Vitamin B1
Riboflavin--Vitamin B2
Folate--Folacin
Calories--Energy

    (vi) A statement of the percent of vitamin A that is present as 
beta-carotene may be declared voluntarily. When the vitamins and 
minerals are listed in a single column, the statement shall be indented 
under the information on vitamin A. When vitamins and minerals are 
arrayed horizontally, the statement of percent shall be presented in 
parenthesis following the declaration of vitamin A and the percent of 
Daily Value of vitamin A in the product (e.g., ``Percent Daily Value: 
Vitamin A 50 (90 percent as beta-carotene)''). When declared, the 
percentages shall be expressed in the same increments as are provided 
for vitamins and minerals in paragraph (c)(8)(iii) of this section.
    (9) For the purpose of labeling with a percent of the DRV, the 
following DRV's are established for the following food components based 
on the reference caloric intake of 2,000 calories:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Food component                 Unit of measurement      DRV
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fat...................................  grams (g)...............      65
Saturated fatty acids.................  do......................      20
Cholesterol...........................  milligrams (mg).........     300
Total carbohydrate....................  grams (g)...............     300
Fiber.................................  do......................      25
Sodium................................  milligrams (mg).........   2,400
Potassium.............................  do......................   3,500
Protein...............................  grams (g)...............      50
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d)(1) Nutrient information specified in paragraph (c) of this 
section shall be presented on products in the following format, except 
on products on which dual columns of nutrition information are declared 
as provided for in paragraph (e) of this section, on those products on 
which the simplified format is permitted to be used as provided for in 
paragraph (f) of this section, on products for infants and children less 
than 4 years of age as provided for in Sec.  317.400(c), and on products 
in packages that have a total surface area available to bear labeling of 
40 or less square inches as provided for in paragraph (g) of this 
section.
    (i) The nutrition information shall be set off in a box by use of 
hairlines and shall be all black or one color type, printed on a white 
or other neutral contrasting background whenever practical.
    (ii) All information within the nutrition label shall utilize:
    (A) A single easy-to-read type style,
    (B) Upper and lower case letters,
    (C) At least one point leading (i.e., space between two lines of 
text) except that at least four points leading shall be utilized for the 
information required by paragraphs (d)(7) and (d)(8) of this section, 
and
    (D) Letters should never touch.
    (iii) Information required in paragraphs (d)(3), (d)(5), (d)(7), and 
(d)(8) of this section shall be in type size no smaller than 8 point. 
Except for the heading ``Nutrition Facts,'' the information required in 
paragraphs (d)(4), (d)(6), and (d)(9) of this section and all other 
information contained within the nutrition label shall be in type size 
no smaller than 6 point. When provided, the information described in 
paragraph (d)(10) of this section shall also be in type no smaller than 
6 point.
    (iv) The headings required by paragraphs (d)(2), (d)(4), and (d)(6) 
of this section (i.e., ``Nutrition Facts,'' ``Amount per Serving,'' and 
``% Daily Value*''), the names of all nutrients

[[Page 205]]

that are not indented according to requirements of paragraph (c) of this 
section (i.e., Calories, Total fat, Cholesterol, Sodium, Potassium, 
Total carbohydrate, and Protein), and the percentage amounts required by 
paragraph (d)(7)(ii) of this section shall be highlighted by bold or 
extra bold type or other highlighting (reverse printing is not permitted 
as a form of highlighting) that prominently distinguishes it from other 
information. No other information shall be highlighted.
    (v) A hairline rule that is centered between the lines of text shall 
separate ``Amount Per Serving'' from the calorie statements required in 
paragraph (d)(5) of this section and shall separate each nutrient and 
its corresponding percent of Daily Value required in paragraphs 
(d)(7)(i) and (d)(7)(ii) of this section from the nutrient and percent 
of Daily Value above and below it.
    (2) The information shall be presented under the identifying heading 
of ``Nutrition Facts'' which shall be set in a type size larger than all 
other print size in the nutrition label and, except for labels presented 
according to the format provided for in paragraph (d)(11) of this 
section, unless impractical, shall be set the full width of the 
information provided under paragraph (d)(7) of this section.
    (3) Information on serving size shall immediately follow the 
heading. Such information shall include:
    (i) ``Serving Size'': A statement of the serving size as specified 
in paragraph (b)(9) of this section.
    (ii) ``Servings Per Container'': The number of servings per 
container, except that this statement is not required on single-serving 
containers as defined in paragraph (b)(8) of this section or on single-
ingredient, raw meat products that are not ground or chopped meat 
products described in Sec.  317.301.
    (4) A subheading ``Amount Per Serving'' shall be separated from 
serving size information by a bar.
    (5) Information on calories shall immediately follow the heading 
``Amount Per Serving'' and shall be declared in one line, leaving 
sufficient space between the declaration of ``Calories'' and ``Calories 
from fat'' to allow clear differentiation, or, if ``Calories from 
saturated fat'' is declared, in a column with total ``Calories'' at the 
top, followed by ``Calories from fat'' (indented), and ``Calories from 
saturated fat'' (indented).
    (6) The column heading ``% Daily Value,'' followed by an asterisk 
(e.g., ``% Daily Value*''), shall be separated from information on 
calories by a bar. The position of this column heading shall allow for a 
list of nutrient names and amounts as described in paragraph (d)(7) of 
this section to be to the left of, and below, this column heading. The 
column headings ``Percent Daily Value,'' ``Percent DV,'' or ``% DV'' may 
be substituted for ``% Daily Value.''
    (7) Except as provided for in paragraph (g) of this section, and 
except as permitted by Sec.  317.400(d)(2), nutrient information for 
both mandatory and any voluntary nutrients listed in paragraph (c) of 
this section that are to be declared in the nutrition label, except 
vitamins and minerals, shall be declared as follows:
    (i) The name of each nutrient, as specified in paragraph (c) of this 
section, shall be given in a column and followed immediately by the 
quantitative amount by weight for that nutrient appended with a ``g'' 
for grams or ``mg'' for milligrams.
    (ii) A listing of the percent of the DRV as established in 
paragraphs (c)(7)(iii) and (c)(9) of this section shall be given in a 
column aligned under the heading ``% Daily Value'' established in 
paragraph (d)(6) of this section with the percent expressed to the 
nearest whole percent for each nutrient declared in the column described 
in paragraph (d)(7)(i) of this section for which a DRV has been 
established, except that the percent for protein may be omitted as 
provided in paragraph (c)(7) of this section. The percent shall be 
calculated by dividing either the amount declared on the label for each 
nutrient or the actual amount of each nutrient (i.e., before rounding) 
by the DRV for the nutrient, except that the percent for protein shall 
be calculated as specified in paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of this section. The 
numerical value shall be followed by the symbol for percent (i.e., %).
    (8) Nutrient information for vitamins and minerals shall be 
separated from

[[Page 206]]

information on other nutrients by a bar and shall be arrayed 
horizontally (e.g., Vitamin A 4%, Vitamin C 2%, Calcium 15%, Iron 4%) or 
may be listed in two columns, except that when more than four vitamins 
and minerals are declared, they may be declared vertically with 
percentages listed under the column headed ``% Daily Value.''
    (9) A footnote, preceded by an asterisk, shall be placed beneath the 
list of vitamins and minerals and shall be separated from that list by a 
hairline.
    (i) The footnote shall state: Percent Daily Values are based on a 
2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending 
on your calorie needs.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Calories:                  2,000                    2,500
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total fat............................  Less than..............  65 g...................  80 g
Saturated fat........................  Less than..............  20 g...................  25 g
Cholesterol..........................  Less than..............  300 mg.................  300 mg
Sodium...............................  Less than..............  2,400 mg...............  2,400 mg
Total carbohydrate...................  .......................  300 g..................  375 g
Dietary fiber........................  .......................  25 g...................  30 g
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) If the percent of Daily Value is given for protein in the 
Percent of Daily Value column as provided in paragraph (d)(7)(ii) of 
this section, protein shall be listed under dietary fiber, and a value 
of 50 g shall be inserted on the same line in the column headed 
``2,000'' and value of 65 g in the column headed ``2,500.''
    (iii) If potassium is declared in the column described in paragraph 
(d)(7)(i) of this section, potassium shall be listed under sodium and 
the DRV established in paragraph (c)(9) of this section shall be 
inserted on the same line in the numeric columns.
    (iv) The abbreviations established in paragraph (g)(2) of this 
section may be used within the footnote.
    (10) Caloric conversion information on a per-gram basis for fat, 
carbohydrate, and protein may be presented beneath the information 
required in paragraph (d)(9), separated from that information by a 
hairline. This information may be presented horizontally (i.e., 
``Calories per gram: Fat 9, Carbohydrate 4, Protein 4'') or vertically 
in columns.
    (11)(i) If the space beneath the information on vitamins and 
minerals is not adequate to accommodate the information required in 
paragraph (d)(9) of this section, the information required in paragraph 
(d)(9) may be moved to the right of the column required in paragraph 
(d)(7)(ii) of this section and set off by a line that distinguishes it 
and sets it apart from the percent of Daily Value information. The 
caloric conversion information provided for in paragraph (d)(10) of this 
section may be presented beneath either side or along the full length of 
the nutrition label.
    (ii) If the space beneath the mandatory declaration of iron is not 
adequate to accommodate any remaining vitamins and minerals to be 
declared or the information required in paragraph (d)(9) of this 
section, the remaining information may be moved to the right and set off 
by a line that distinguishes it and sets it apart from the percent of 
Daily Value information given to the left. The caloric conversion 
information provided for in paragraph (d)(10) of this section may be 
presented beneath either side or along the full length of the nutrition 
label.
    (iii) If there is not sufficient continuous vertical space (i.e., 
approximately 3 inches) to accommodate the required components of the 
nutrition label up to and including the mandatory declaration of iron, 
the nutrition label may be presented in a tabular display in which the 
footnote required by paragraph (d)(9) of the section is given to the far 
right of the label, and additional vitamins and minerals beyond the four 
that are required (i.e., vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron) are 
arrayed horizontally following declarations of the required vitamins and 
minerals.
    (12) The following sample label illustrates the provisions of 
paragraph (d) of this section:

[[Page 207]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.013

    (13)(i) Nutrition labeling on the outer label of packages of meat or 
meat food products that contain two or more products in the same 
packages (e.g., variety packs) or of packages that are used 
interchangeably for the same type of food (e.g., meat salad containers) 
may use an aggregate display.
    (ii) Aggregate displays shall comply with format requirements of 
paragraph

[[Page 208]]

(d) of this section to the maximum extent possible, except that the 
identity of each food shall be specified to the right of the ``Nutrition 
Facts'' title, and both the quantitative amount by weight (i.e., g/mg 
amounts) and the percent Daily Value for each nutrient shall be listed 
in separate columns under the name of each food.
    (14) When nutrition labeling appears in a second language, the 
nutrition information may be presented in a separate nutrition label for 
each language or in one nutrition label with the information in the 
second language following that in English. Numeric characters that are 
identical in both languages need not be repeated (e.g., ``Protein/
Proteinas 2 g''). All required information must be included in both 
languages.
    (e) Nutrition information may be presented for two or more forms of 
the same product (e.g., both ``raw'' and ``cooked'') or for common 
combinations of foods as provided for in paragraph (b) of this section, 
or for different units (e.g., per 100 grams) as provided for in 
paragraph (b) of this section, or for two or more groups for which RDI's 
are established (e.g., both infants and children less than 4 years of 
age) as provided for in paragraph (c)(8)(i) of this section. When such 
dual labeling is provided, equal prominence shall be given to both sets 
of values. Information shall be presented in a format consistent with 
paragraph (d) of this section, except that:
    (1) Following the subheading of ``Amount Per Serving,'' there shall 
be two or more column headings accurately describing the forms of the 
same product (e.g., ``raw'' and ``roasted''), the combinations of foods, 
the units, or the RDI groups that are being declared. The column 
representing the product as packaged and according to the label serving 
size based on the Reference Amount in Sec.  317.312(b) shall be to the 
left of the numeric columns.
    (2) When the dual labeling is presented for two or more forms of the 
same product, for combinations of foods, or for different units, total 
calories and calories from fat (and calories from saturated fat, when 
declared) shall be listed in a column and indented as specified in 
paragraph (d)(5) of this section with quantitative amounts declared in 
columns aligned under the column headings set forth in paragraph (e)(1) 
of this section.
    (3) Quantitative information by weight required in paragraph 
(d)(7)(i) of this section shall be specified for the form of the product 
as packaged, but may be on the basis of 'as consumed' for single-
ingredient, raw meat products that are not ground or chopped meat 
products described in Sec.  317.301, and according to the label serving 
size based on the Reference Amount in Sec.  317.312(b).
    (i) Quantitative information by weight may be included for other 
forms of the product represented by the additional column(s) either 
immediately adjacent to the required quantitative information by weight 
for the product as packaged, but may be on the basis of 'as consumed' 
for single-ingredient, raw meat products that are not ground or chopped 
meat products described in Sec.  317.301, and according to the label 
serving size based on the Reference Amount in Sec.  317.312(b) or as a 
footnote.
    (A) If such additional quantitative information is given immediately 
adjacent to the required quantitative information, it shall be declared 
for all nutrients listed and placed immediately following and 
differentiated from the required quantitative information (e.g., 
separated by a comma). Such information shall not be put in a separate 
column.
    (B) If such additional quantitative information is given in a 
footnote, it shall be declared in the same order as the nutrients are 
listed in the nutrition label. The additional quantitative information 
may state the total nutrient content of the product identified in the 
second column or the nutrient amounts added to the product as packaged, 
but may be on the basis of 'as consumed' for single-ingredient, raw meat 
products that are not ground or chopped meat products described in Sec.  
317.301, for only those nutrients that are present in different amounts 
than the amounts declared in the required quantitative information. The 
footnote shall clearly identify which amounts are declared. Any 
subcomponents declared shall be listed parenthetically after principal 
components (e.g., \1/2\ cup

[[Page 209]]

skim milk contributes an additional 40 calories, 65 mg sodium, 6 g total 
carbohydrate (6 g sugars), and 4 g protein).
    (ii) Total fat and its quantitative amount by weight shall be 
followed by an asterisk (or other symbol) (e.g., ``Total fat (2 g)*'') 
referring to another asterisk (or symbol) at the bottom of the nutrition 
label identifying the form(s) of the product for which quantitative 
information is presented.
    (4) Information required in paragraphs (d)(7)(ii) and (d)(8) of this 
section shall be presented under the subheading ``% DAILY VALUE'' and in 
columns directly under the column headings set forth in paragraph (e)(1) 
of this section.
    (5) The following sample label illustrates the provisions of 
paragraph (e) of this section:

[[Page 210]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.014

    (f)(1) Nutrition information may be presented in a simplified format 
as set forth herein when any required nutrients, other than the core 
nutrients

[[Page 211]]

(i.e., calories, total fat, sodium, total carbohydrate, and protein), 
are present in insignificant amounts. An insignificant amount shall be 
defined as that amount that may be rounded to zero in nutrition 
labeling, except that for total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, sugars and 
protein, it shall be an amount less than 1 gram.
    (2) The simplified format shall include information on the following 
nutrients:
    (i) Total calories, total fat, total carbohydrate, sodium, and 
protein;
    (ii) Any of the following that are present in more than 
insignificant amounts: Calories from fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, 
dietary fiber, sugars, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron; and
    (iii) Any vitamins and minerals listed in paragraph (c)(8)(iv) of 
this section when they are added in fortified or fabricated foods.
    (3) Other nutrients that are naturally present in the product in 
more than insignificant amounts may be voluntarily declared as part of 
the simplified format.
    (4) Any required nutrient, other than a core nutrient, that is 
present in an insignificant amount may be omitted from the tabular 
listing, provided that the following statement is included at the bottom 
of the nutrition label, ``Not a significant source of ________.'' The 
blank shall be filled in with the appropriate nutrient or food 
component. Alternatively, amounts of vitamins and minerals present in 
insignificant amounts may be declared by the use of an asterisk (or 
symbol) that is placed at the bottom of the table of nutrient values and 
that is followed by the statement ``Contains less than 2 percent of the 
Daily Value of this (these) nutrient (nutrients).''
    (5) Except as provided for in paragraph (g) of this section and in 
Sec.  317.400(c) and (d), nutrient information declared in the 
simplified format shall be presented in the same manner as specified in 
paragraphs (d) or (e) of this section, except that the footnote required 
in paragraph (d)(9) of this section is not required. When the footnote 
is omitted, an asterisk shall be placed at the bottom of the label 
followed by the statement ``Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 
calorie diet'' and, if the term ``Daily Value'' is not spelled out in 
the heading, a statement that ``DV'' represents ``Daily Value.''
    (g) Foods in packages that have a total surface area available to 
bear labeling of 40 or less square inches may modify the requirements of 
paragraphs (c) through (f) of this section and Sec.  317.302(a) by one 
or more of the following means:
    (1)(i) Presenting the required nutrition information in a tabular or 
linear (i.e., string) fashion, rather than in vertical columns if the 
product has a total surface area available to bear labeling of less than 
12 square inches, or if the product has a total surface area available 
to bear labeling of 40 or less square inches and the package shape or 
size cannot accommodate a standard vertical column or tabular display on 
any label panel. Nutrition information may be given in a linear fashion 
only if the package shape or size will not accommodate a tabular 
display.
    (ii) When nutrition information is given in a linear display, the 
nutrition information shall be set off in a box by the use of a 
hairline. The percent Daily Value is separated from the quantitative 
amount declaration by the use of parenthesis, and all nutrients, both 
principal components and subcomponents, are treated similarly. Bolding 
is required only on the title ``Nutrition Facts'' and is allowed for 
nutrient names for ``Calories,'' ``Total fat,'' ``Cholesterol,'' 
``Sodium,'' ``Total carbohydrate,'' and ``Protein.''
    (2) Using any of the following abbreviations:

Serving size--Serv size
Servings per container--Servings
Calories from fat--Fat cal
Calories from saturated fat--Sat fat cal
Saturated fat--Sat fat
Monounsaturated fat--Monounsat fat
Polyunsaturated fat--Polyunsat fat
Cholesterol--Cholest
Total carbohydrate--Total carb
Dietary fiber--Fiber
Soluble fiber--Sol fiber
Insoluble fiber--Insol fiber
Sugar alcohol--Sugar alc
Other carbohydrate--Other carb

    (3) Omitting the footnote required in paragraph (d)(9) of this 
section and placing another asterisk at the bottom of the label followed 
by the statement

[[Page 212]]

``Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet'' and, if the 
term ``Daily Value'' is not spelled out in the heading, a statement that 
``DV'' represents ``Daily Value.''
    (4) Presenting the required nutrition information on any other label 
panel.
    (h) Compliance with this section shall be determined as follows:
    (1) A production lot is a set of food production consumer units that 
are from one production shift. Alternatively, a collection of consumer 
units of the same size, type, and style produced under conditions as 
nearly uniform as possible, designated by a common container code or 
marking, constitutes a production lot.
    (2) The sample for nutrient analysis shall consist of a composite of 
a minimum of six consumer units, each from a production lot. 
Alternatively, the sample for nutrient analysis shall consist of a 
composite of a minimum of six consumer units, each randomly chosen to be 
representative of a production lot. In each case, the units may be 
individually analyzed and the results of the analyses averaged, or the 
units would be composited and the composite analyzed. In both cases, the 
results, whether an average or a single result from a composite, will be 
considered by the Agency to be the nutrient content of a composite. All 
analyses shall be performed by appropriate methods and procedures used 
by the Department for each nutrient in accordance with the ``Chemistry 
Laboratory Guidebook,'' or, if no USDA method is available and 
appropriate for the nutrient, by appropriate methods for the nutrient in 
accordance with the 1990 edition of the ``Official Methods of Analysis'' 
of the AOAC International, formerly Association of Official Analytical 
Chemists, 15th ed., which is incorporated by reference, unless a 
particular method of analysis is specified in Sec.  317.309(c), or, if 
no USDA, AOAC, or specified method is available and appropriate, by 
other reliable and appropriate analytical procedures as so determined by 
the Agency. The ``Official Methods of Analysis'' is incorporated as it 
exists on the date of approval. This incorporation by reference was 
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be purchased from the AOAC 
International, 2200 Wilson Blvd., suite 400, Arlington, VA 22201. It is 
also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    (3) Two classes of nutrients are defined for purposes of compliance:
    (i) Class I. Added nutrients in fortified or fabricated foods; and
    (ii) Class II. Naturally occurring (indigenous) nutrients. If any 
ingredient which contains a naturally occurring (indigenous) nutrient is 
added to a food, the total amount of such nutrient in the final food 
product is subject to Class II requirements unless the same nutrient is 
also added, which would make the total amount of such nutrient subject 
to Class I requirements.
    (4) A product with a label declaration of a vitamin, mineral, 
protein, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, other carbohydrate, 
polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fat, or potassium shall be deemed to 
be misbranded under section 1(n) of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 
U.S.C. 601(n)(1)) unless it meets the following requirements:
    (i) Class I vitamin, mineral, protein, dietary fiber, or potassium. 
The nutrient content of the composite is at least equal to the value for 
that nutrient declared on the label.
    (ii) Class II vitamin, mineral, protein, total carbohydrate, dietary 
fiber, other carbohydrate, polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fat, or 
potassium. The nutrient content of the composite is at least equal to 80 
percent of the value for that nutrient declared on the label; Provided, 
That no regulatory action will be based on a determination of a nutrient 
value which falls below this level by an amount less than the 
variability generally recognized for the analytical method used in that 
product at the level involved, and inherent nutrient variation in a 
product.
    (5) A product with a label declaration of calories, sugars, total 
fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, or sodium shall be deemed to be 
misbranded under section

[[Page 213]]

1(n) of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601(n)(1)) if the 
nutrient content of the composite is greater than 20 percent in excess 
of the value for that nutrient declared on the label; Provided, That no 
regulatory action will be based on a determination of a nutrient value 
which falls above this level by an amount less than the variability 
generally recognized for the analytical method used in that product at 
the level involved, and inherent nutrient variation in a product.
    (6) The amount of a vitamin, mineral, protein, total carbohydrate, 
dietary fiber, other carbohydrate, polyunsaturated or monounsaturated 
fat, or potassium may vary over labeled amounts within good 
manufacturing practice. The amount of calories, sugars, total fat, 
saturated fat, cholesterol, or sodium may vary under labeled amounts 
within good manufacturing practice.
    (7) Compliance will be based on the metric measure specified in the 
label statement of serving size.
    (8) The management of the establishment must maintain records to 
support the validity of nutrient declarations contained on product 
labels. Such records shall be made available to the inspector or any 
duly authorized representative of the Agency upon request.
    (9) The compliance provisions set forth in paragraph (h) (1) through 
(8) of this section shall not apply to single-ingredient, raw meat 
products that are not ground or chopped meat products described in Sec.  
317.301, including those that have been previously frozen, when 
nutrition labeling is based on the most current representative data base 
values contained in USDA's National Nutrient Data Bank or its released 
form, the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference as 
provided in Sec.  317.345(e) and (f).

(Paperwork requirements were approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget under control number 0583-0088)

[58 FR 664, Jan. 6, 1993; 58 FR 43788, Aug. 18, 1993; 58 FR 47627, Sept. 
10, 1993; 59 FR 45194, Sept. 1, 1994; 60 FR 176, Jan. 3, 1995; 69 FR 
58801, Oct. 1, 2004; 75 FR 82165, Dec. 29, 2010]



Sec. Sec.  317.310-317.311  [Reserved]



Sec.  317.312  Reference amounts customarily consumed per eating occasion.

    (a) The general principles followed in arriving at the reference 
amounts customarily consumed per eating occasion (Reference Amount(s)), 
as set forth in paragraph (b) of this section, are:
    (1) The Reference Amounts are calculated for persons 4 years of age 
or older to reflect the amount of food customarily consumed per eating 
occasion by persons in this population group. These Reference Amounts 
are based on data set forth in appropriate national food consumption 
surveys.
    (2) The Reference Amounts are calculated for an infant or child 
under 4 years of age to reflect the amount of food customarily consumed 
per eating occasion by infants up to 12 months of age or by children 1 
through 3 years of age, respectively. These Reference Amounts are based 
on data set forth in appropriate national food consumption surveys. Such 
Reference Amounts are to be used only when the product is specially 
formulated or processed for use by an infant or by a child under 4 years 
of age.
    (3) An appropriate national food consumption survey includes a large 
sample size representative of the demographic and socioeconomic 
characteristics of the relevant population group and must be based on 
consumption data under actual conditions of use.
    (4) To determine the amount of food customarily consumed per eating 
occasion, the mean, median, and mode of the consumed amount per eating 
occasion were considered.
    (5) When survey data were insufficient, FSIS took various other 
sources of information on serving sizes of food into consideration. 
These other sources of information included:
    (i) Serving sizes used in dietary guidance recommendations or 
recommended by other authoritative systems or organizations;
    (ii) Serving sizes recommended in comments;
    (iii) Serving sizes used by manufacturers and grocers; and
    (iv) Serving sizes used by other countries.

[[Page 214]]

    (6) Because they reflect the amount customarily consumed, the 
Reference Amount and, in turn, the serving size declared on the product 
label are based on only the edible portion of food, and not bone, seed, 
shell, or other inedible components.
    (7) The Reference Amount is based on the major intended use of the 
product (e.g., a mixed dish measurable with a cup as a main dish and not 
as a side dish).
    (8) The Reference Amounts for products that are consumed as an 
ingredient of other products, but that may also be consumed in the form 
in which they are purchased (e.g., ground beef), are based on use in the 
form purchased.
    (9) FSIS sought to ensure that foods that have similar dietary 
usage, product characteristics, and customarily consumed amounts have a 
uniform Reference Amount.
    (b) The following Product Categories and Reference Amounts shall be 
used as the basis for determining serving sizes for specific products:

  Table 1--Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed per Eating Occasion--
                    Infant and Toddler Foods \1 2 3\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Reference
                      Product category                          amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Infant & Toddler Foods:
  Dinner Dry Mix............................................        15 g
  Dinner, ready-to-serve, strained type.....................        60 g
  Dinner, soups, ready-to-serve junior type.................       110 g
  Dinner, stew or soup ready-to-serve toddlers..............       170 g
  Plain meats and meat sticks, ready-to-serve...............        55 g
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ These values represent the amount of food customarily consumed per
  eating occasion and were primarily derived from the 1977-1978 and the
  1987-1988 Nationwide Food Consumption Surveys conducted by the U.S.
  Department of Agriculture.
\2\ Unless otherwise noted in the Reference Amount column, the Reference
  Amounts are for the ready-to-serve or almost ready-to-serve form of
  the product (i.e., heat and serve). If not listed separately, the
  Reference Amount for the unprepared form (e.g., dehydrated cereal) is
  the amount required to make one Reference Amount of the prepared form.
\3\ Manufacturers are required to convert the Reference Amount to the
  label serving size in a household measure most appropriate to their
  specific product using the procedures established by regulation.


  Table 2--Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed Per Eating Occasion--
                     General Food Supply \1 2 3 4 5\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Reference amount    Reference amount
        Product category        ----------------------------------------
                                    Ready-to-serve       Ready-to-cook
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Egg mixtures, (western style     110 g                n/a.
 omelet, souffle, egg foo young.
Lard, margarine, shortening....  1 tbsp               n/a.
Salad and potato toppers; e.g.,  7 g                  n/a.
 bacon bits.
Bacon (bacon, beef breakfast     15 g                 54 g = bacon. 30 g
 strips, pork breakfast strips,                        = breakfast
 pork rinds).                                          strips.
Dried; e.g., jerky, dried beef,  30 g                 n/a.
 Parma ham sausage products
 with a moisture/protein ratio
 of less than 2:1; e.g.,
 pepperoni.
Snacks; e.g., meat snack food    30 g                 n/a.
 sticks.
Luncheon meat, bologna,          55 g                 n/a.
 Canadian style bacon, pork
 pattie crumbles, beef pattie
 crumbles, blood pudding,
 luncheon loaf, old fashioned
 loaf, berlinger, bangers,
 minced luncheon roll,
 thuringer, liver sausage,
 mortadella, uncured sausage
 (franks), ham and cheese loaf,
 P&P loaf, scrapple souse, head
 cheese, pizza loaf, olive
 loaf, pate, deviled ham,
 sandwich spread, teawurst,
 cervelet, Lebanon bologna,
 potted meat food product, taco
 fillings, meat pie fillings.
Linked meat sausage products,    55 g                 n/a. 75 g =
 Vienna sausage, frankfurters,                         uncooked sausage.
 pork sausage, imitation
 frankfurters, bratwurst,
 kielbasa, Polish sausage,
 summer sausage, mettwurst,
 smoked country sausage, smoked
 sausage, smoked or pickled
 meat, pickled pigs feet.
Entrees without sauce, cuts of   85 g                 114 g.
 meat including marinated,
 tenderized, injected cuts of
 meat, beef patty, corn dog,
 croquettes, fritters, cured
 ham, dry cured ham, dry cured
 cappicola, corned beef,
 pastrami, country ham, pork
 shoulder picnic, meatballs,
 pureed adult foods.
Canned meats, canned beef,       55 g                 n/a.
 canned pork. \4\.
Entrees with sauce, barbecued    140 g                n/a.
 meats in sauce.
Mixed dishes NOT measurable      140 g (plus 55 g     n/a.
 with a cup; \5\ e.g., burrito,   for products with
 egg roll, enchilada, pizza,      sauce toppings)
 pizza roll, quiche, all types
 of sandwiches, cracker and
 meat lunch type packages,
 gyro, stromboli, burger on a
 bun, frank on a bun, calzone,
 taco, pockets stuffed with
 meat, foldovers, stuffed
 vegetables with meat, shish
 kabobs, empanada.
Mixed dishes measurable with a   1 cup                n/a.
 cup; e.g., meat casserole,
 macaroni and cheese with meat,
 pot pie, spaghetti with sauce,
 meat chili, chili with beans,
 meat hash, creamed chipped
 beef, beef ravioli in sauce,
 beef stroganoff, Brunswick
 stew, goulash, meat stew,
 ragout, meat lasagna, meat
 filled pasta.
Salads--pasta or potato, potato  140 g                n/a.
 salad with bacon, macaroni and
 meat salad.
Salads--all other meat, salads,  100 g                n/a.
 ham salad.
Soups--all varieties...........  245 g                n/a.

[[Page 215]]

 
Major main entree type sauce;    125 g                n/a.
 e.g., spaghetti sauce with
 meat, spaghetti sauce with
 meatballs.
Minor main entree sauce; e.g.,   \1/4\ cup            n/a.
 pizza sauce with meat, gravy.
Seasoning mixes dry, bases,
 extracts, dried broths and
 stock/juice, freeze dry trail
 mix products with meat..
As reconstituted:
  Amount to make one Reference
   Amount of the final dish;
   e.g.,
    Gravy......................  \1/4\ cup            n/a.
    Major main entree type       125 g                n/a.
     sauce.
    Soup.......................  245 g                n/a.
    Entree measurable with a     1 cup                n/a.
     cup.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ These values represent the amount of food customarily consumed per
  eating occasion and were primarily derived from the 1977-78 and the
  1987-88 Nationwide Food Consumption Surveys conducted by the U.S.
  Department of Agriculture.
\2\ Manufacturers are required to convert the Reference Amounts to the
  label serving size in a household measure most appropriate to their
  specific product using the procedures established by regulation.
\3\ Examples listed under Product Category are not all inclusive or
  exclusive. Examples are provided to assist manufacturers in
  identifying appropriate product Reference Amount.
\4\ If packed or canned in liquid, the Reference Amount is for the
  drained solids, except for products in which both the solids and
  liquids are customarily consumed.
\5\ Pizza sauce is part of the pizza and is not considered to be sauce
  topping.

    (c) For products that have no Reference Amount listed in paragraph 
(b) of this section for the unprepared or the prepared form of the 
product and that consist of two or more foods packaged and presented to 
be consumed together (e.g., lunch meat with cheese and crackers), the 
Reference Amount for the combined product shall be determined using the 
following rules:
    (1) For bulk products, the Reference Amount for the combined product 
shall be the Reference Amount, as established in paragraph (b) of this 
section, for the ingredient that is represented as the main ingredient 
plus proportioned amounts of all minor ingredients.
    (2) For products where the ingredient represented as the main 
ingredient is one or more discrete units, the Reference Amount for the 
combined product shall be either the number of small discrete units or 
the fraction of the large discrete unit that is represented as the main 
ingredient that is closest to the Reference Amount for that ingredient 
as established in paragraph (b) of this section plus proportioned 
amounts of all minor ingredients.
    (3) If the Reference Amounts are in compatible units, they shall be 
summed (e.g., ingredients in equal volumes such as tablespoons). If the 
Reference Amounts are in incompatible units, the weights of the 
appropriate volumes should be used (e.g., grams of one ingredient plus 
gram weight of tablespoons of a second ingredient).
    (d) If a product requires further preparation, e.g., cooking or the 
addition of water or other ingredients, and if paragraph (b) of this 
section provides a Reference Amount for the product in the prepared 
form, then the Reference Amount for the unprepared product shall be 
determined using the following rules:
    (1) Except as provided for in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, the 
Reference Amount for the unprepared product shall be the amount of the 
unprepared product required to make the Reference Amount for the 
prepared product as established in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (2) For products where the entire contents of the package is used to 
prepare one large discrete unit usually divided for consumption, the 
Reference Amount for the unprepared product shall be the amount of the 
unprepared product required to make the fraction of the large discrete 
unit closest to the Reference Amount for the prepared product as 
established in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (e) The Reference Amount for an imitation or substitute product or 
altered product as defined in Sec.  317.313(d), such as a ``low 
calorie'' version, shall be the

[[Page 216]]

same as for the product for which it is offered as a substitute.
    (f) The Reference Amounts set forth in paragraphs (b) through (e) of 
this section shall be used in determining whether a product meets the 
criteria for nutritional claims. If the serving size declared on the 
product label differs from the Reference Amount, and the product meets 
the criteria for the claim only on the basis of the Reference Amount, 
the claim shall be followed by a statement that sets forth the basis on 
which the claim is made. That statement shall include the Reference 
Amount as it appears in paragraph (b) of this section followed, in 
parentheses, by the amount in common household measure if the Reference 
Amount is expressed in measures other than common household measures.
    (g) The Administrator, on his or her own initiative or on behalf of 
any interested person who has submitted a labeling application, may 
issue a proposal to establish or amend a Product Category or Reference 
Amount identified in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (1) Labeling applications and supporting documentation to be filed 
under this section shall be submitted in quadruplicate, except that the 
supporting documentation may be submitted on a computer disc copy. If 
any part of the material submitted is in a foreign language, it shall be 
accompanied by an accurate and complete English translation. The 
labeling application shall state the applicant's post office address.
    (2) Pertinent information will be considered as part of an 
application on the basis of specific reference to such information 
submitted to and retained in the files of the Food Safety and Inspection 
Service. However, any reference to unpublished information furnished by 
a person other than the applicant will not be considered unless use of 
such information is authorized (with the understanding that such 
information may in whole or part be subject to release to the public) in 
a written statement signed by the person who submitted it. Any reference 
to published information should be accompanied by reprints or 
photostatic copies of such references.
    (3) The availability for public disclosure of labeling applications, 
along with supporting documentation, submitted to the Agency under this 
section will be governed by the rules specified in subchapter D, title 
9.
    (4) Data accompanying the labeling application, such as food 
consumption data, shall be submitted on separate sheets, suitably 
identified. If such data has already been submitted with an earlier 
labeling application from the applicant, the present labeling 
application must provide the data.
    (5) The labeling application must be signed by the applicant or by 
his or her attorney or agent, or (if a corporation) by an authorized 
official.
    (6) The labeling application shall include a statement signed by the 
person responsible for the labeling application, that to the best of his 
or her knowledge, it is a representative and balanced submission that 
includes unfavorable information, as well as favorable information, 
known to him or her pertinent to the evaluation of the labeling 
application.
    (7) Labeling applications for a new Reference Amount and/or Product 
Category shall be accompanied by the following data which shall be 
submitted in the following form to the Director, Food Labeling Division, 
Regulatory Programs, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 
20250:

________________________________________________________________________
(Date)

    The undersigned, ____________ submits this labeling application 
pursuant to 9 CFR 317.312 with respect to Reference Amount and/or 
Product Category.
    Attached hereto, in quadruplicate, or on a computer disc copy, and 
constituting a part of this labeling application, are the following:
    (i) A statement of the objective of the labeling application;
    (ii) A description of the product;
    (iii) A complete sample product label including nutrition label, 
using the format established by regulation;
    (iv) A description of the form in which the product will be 
marketed;
    (v) The intended dietary uses of the product with the major use 
identified (e.g., ham as a luncheon meat);
    (vi) If the intended use is primarily as an ingredient in other 
foods, list of foods or food categories in which the product will be 
used as an ingredient with information on the prioritization of the use;

[[Page 217]]

    (vii) The population group for which the product will be offered for 
use (e.g., infants, children under 4 years of age);
    (viii) The names of the most closely-related products (or in the 
case of foods for special dietary use and imitation or substitute foods, 
the names of the products for which they are offered as substitutes);
    (ix) The suggested Reference Amount (the amount of edible portion of 
food as consumed, excluding bone, skin or other inedible components) for 
the population group for which the product is intended with full 
description of the methodology and procedures that were used to 
determine the suggested Reference Amount. In determining the Reference 
Amount, general principles and factors in paragraph (a) of this section 
should be followed.
    (x) The suggested Reference Amount shall be expressed in metric 
units. Reference Amounts for foods shall be expressed in grams except 
when common household units such as cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons are 
more appropriate or are more likely to promote uniformity in serving 
sizes declared on product labels. For example, common household measures 
would be more appropriate if products within the same category differ 
substantially in density such as mixed dishes measurable with a cup.
    (A) In expressing the Reference Amount in grams, the following 
general rules shall be followed:
    (1) For quantities greater than 10 grams, the quantity shall be 
expressed in nearest 5 grams increment.
    (2) For quantities less than 10 grams, exact gram weights shall be 
used.
    (B) [Reserved]
    (xi) A labeling application for a new subcategory of food with its 
own Reference Amount shall include the following additional information:
    (A) Data that demonstrate that the new subcategory of food will be 
consumed in amounts that differ enough from the Reference Amount for the 
parent category to warrant a separate Reference Amount. Data must 
include sample size, and the mean, standard deviation, median, and modal 
consumed amount per eating occasion for the product identified in the 
labeling application and for other products in the category. All data 
must be derived from the same survey data.
    (B) Documentation supporting the difference in dietary usage and 
product characteristics that affect the consumption size that 
distinguishes the product identified in the labeling application from 
the rest of the products in the category.
    (xii) In conducting research to collect or process food consumption 
data in support of the labeling application, the following general 
guidelines should be followed.
    (A) Sampled population selected should be representative of the 
demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the target population 
group for which the food is intended.
    (B) Sample size (i.e., number of eaters) should be large enough to 
give reliable estimates for customarily consumed amounts.
    (C) The study protocol should identify potential biases and describe 
how potential biases are controlled for or, if not possible to control, 
how they affect interpretation of results.
    (D) The methodology used to collect or process data including study 
design, sampling procedures, materials used (e.g., questionnaire, 
interviewer's manual), procedures used to collect or process data, 
methods or procedures used to control for unbiased estimates, and 
procedures used to correct for nonresponse, should be fully documented.
    (xiii) A statement concerning the feasibility of convening 
associations, corporations, consumers, and other interested parties to 
engage in negotiated rulemaking to develop a proposed rule.

 Yours very truly,

 Applicant______________________________________________________________

 By_____________________________________________________________________
 (Indicate authority)

    (8) Upon receipt of the labeling application and supporting 
documentation, the applicant shall be notified, in writing, of the date 
on which the labeling application was received. Such notice shall inform 
the applicant that the labeling application is undergoing Agency review 
and that the applicant shall subsequently be notified of the Agency's 
decision to consider for further review or deny the labeling 
application.
    (9) Upon review of the labeling application and supporting 
documentation, the Agency shall notify the applicant, in writing, that 
the labeling application is either being considered for further review 
or that it has been summarily denied by the Administrator.
    (10) If the labeling application is summarily denied by the 
Administrator, the written notification shall state the reasons 
therefor, including why the Agency has determined that the proposed 
Reference Amount and/or Product Category is false or misleading. The 
notification letter shall inform the applicant that the applicant may 
submit a written statement by way of answer to the notification, and 
that the applicant shall have the right to request a hearing with 
respect to

[[Page 218]]

the merits or validity of the Administrator's decision to deny the use 
of the proposed Reference Amount and/or Product Category.
    (i) If the applicant fails to accept the determination of the 
Administrator and files an answer and requests a hearing, and the 
Administrator, after review of the answer, determines the initial 
determination to be correct, the Administrator shall file with the 
Hearing Clerk of the Department the notification, answer, and the 
request for a hearing, which shall constitute the complaint and answer 
in the proceeding, which shall thereafter be conducted in accordance 
with the Department's Uniform Rules of Practice.
    (ii) The hearing shall be conducted before an administrative law 
judge with the opportunity for appeal to the Department's Judicial 
Officer, who shall make the final determination for the Secretary. Any 
such determination by the Secretary shall be conclusive unless, within 
30 days after receipt of notice of such final determination, the 
applicant appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit 
in which the applicant has its principal place of business or to the 
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
    (11) If the labeling application is not summarily denied by the 
Administrator, the Administrator shall publish in the Federal Register a 
proposed rule to amend the regulations to authorize the use of the 
Reference Amount and/or Product Category. The proposal shall also 
summarize the labeling application, including where the supporting 
documentation can be reviewed. The Administrator's proposed rule shall 
seek comment from consumers, the industry, consumer and industry groups, 
and other interested persons on the labeling application and the use of 
the proposed Reference Amount and/or Product Category. After public 
comment has been received and reviewed by the Agency, the Administrator 
shall make a determination on whether the proposed Reference Amount and/
or Product Category shall be approved for use on the labeling of meat 
food products.
    (i) If the Reference Amount and/or Product Category is denied by the 
Administrator, the Agency shall notify the applicant, in writing, of the 
basis for the denial, including the reason why the Reference Amount and/
or Product Category on the labeling was determined by the Agency to be 
false or misleading. The notification letter shall also inform the 
applicant that the applicant may submit a written statement by way of 
answer to the notification, and that the applicant shall have the right 
to request a hearing with respect to the merits or validity of the 
Administrator's decision to deny the use of the proposed Reference 
Amount and/or Product Category.
    (A) If the applicant fails to accept the determination of the 
Administrator and files an answer and requests a hearing, and the 
Administrator, after review of an answer, determines the initial 
determination to be correct, the Administrator shall file with the 
Hearing Clerk of the Department the notification, answer, and the 
request for a hearing, which shall constitute the complaint and answer 
in the proceeding, which shall thereafter be conducted in accordance 
with the Department's Uniform Rules of Practice.
    (B) The hearing shall be conducted before an administrative law 
judge with the opportunity for appeal to the Department's Judicial 
Officer, who shall make the final determination for the Secretary. Any 
such determination by the Secretary shall be conclusive unless, within 
30 days after receipt of the notice of such final determination, the 
applicant appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit 
in which the applicant has its principal place of business or to the 
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
    (ii) If the Reference Amount and/or Product Category is approved, 
the Agency shall notify the applicant, in writing, and shall also 
publish in the Federal Register a final rule amending the regulations to 
authorize the

[[Page 219]]

use of the Reference Amount and/or Product Category.

(Paperwork requirements were approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget under control number 0583-0088)

[58 FR 664, Jan. 6, 1993; 58 FR 43788, Aug. 18, 1993, as amended at 58 
FR 47627, Sept. 10, 1993; 59 FR 45196, Sept. 1, 1994; 60 FR 186, Jan. 3, 
1995]



Sec.  317.313  Nutrient content claims; general principles.

    (a) This section applies to meat or meat food products that are 
intended for human consumption and that are offered for sale.
    (b) A claim which, expressly or by implication, characterizes the 
level of a nutrient (nutrient content claim) of the type required in 
nutrition labeling pursuant to Sec.  317.309, may not be made on a label 
or in labeling of that product unless the claim is made in accordance 
with the applicable provisions in this subpart.
    (1) An expressed nutrient content claim is any direct statement 
about the level (or range) of a nutrient in the product, e.g., ``low 
sodium'' or ``contains 100 calories.''
    (2) An implied nutrient content claim is any claim that:
    (i) Describes the product or an ingredient therein in a manner that 
suggests that a nutrient is absent or present in a certain amount (e.g., 
``high in oat bran''); or
    (ii) Suggests that the product, because of its nutrient content, may 
be useful in maintaining healthy dietary practices and is made in 
association with an explicit claim or statement about a nutrient (e.g., 
``healthy, contains 3 grams (g) of fat'').
    (3) Except for claims regarding vitamins and minerals described in 
paragraph (q)(3) of this section, no nutrient content claims may be made 
on products intended specifically for use by infants and children less 
than 2 years of age unless the claim is specifically provided for in 
subpart B of this part.
    (4) Reasonable variations in the spelling of the terms defined in 
applicable provisions in this subpart and their synonyms are permitted 
provided these variations are not misleading (e.g., ``hi'' or ``lo'').
    (c) Information that is required or permitted by Sec.  317.309 to be 
declared in nutrition labeling, and that appears as part of the 
nutrition label, is not a nutrient content claim and is not subject to 
the requirements of this section. If such information is declared 
elsewhere on the label or in labeling, it is a nutrient content claim 
and is subject to the requirements for nutrient content claims.
    (d) A ``substitute'' product is one that may be used interchangeably 
with another product that it resembles, i.e., that it is 
organoleptically, physically, and functionally (including shelf life) 
similar to, and that it is not nutritionally inferior to unless it is 
labeled as an ``imitation.''
    (1) If there is a difference in performance characteristics that 
materially limits the use of the product, the product may still be 
considered a substitute if the label includes a disclaimer adjacent to 
the most prominent claim as defined in paragraph (j)(2)(iii) of this 
section, informing the consumer of such difference (e.g., ``not 
recommended for frying'').
    (2) This disclaimer shall be in easily legible print or type and in 
a size no less than that required by Sec.  317.2(h) for the net quantity 
of contents statement, except where the size of the claim is less than 
two times the required size of the net quantity of contents statement, 
in which case the disclaimer statement shall be no less than one-half 
the size of the claim but no smaller than \1/16\-inch minimum height, 
except as permitted by Sec.  317.400(d)(2).
    (e)(1) Because the use of a ``free'' or ``low'' claim before the 
name of a product implies that the product differs from other products 
of the same type by virtue of its having a lower amount of the nutrient, 
only products that have been specially processed, altered, formulated, 
or reformulated so as to lower the amount of the nutrient in the 
product, remove the nutrient from the product, or not include the 
nutrient in the product, may bear such a claim (e.g., ``low sodium beef 
noodle soup'').
    (2) Any claim for the absence of a nutrient in a product, or that a 
product is low in a nutrient when the product has not been specially 
processed, altered,

[[Page 220]]

formulated, or reformulated to qualify for that claim shall indicate 
that the product inherently meets the criteria and shall clearly refer 
to all products of that type and not merely to the particular brand to 
which the labeling attaches (e.g., ``lard, a sodium free food'').
    (f) A nutrient content claim shall be in type size and style no 
larger than two times that of the statement of identity and shall not be 
unduly prominent in type style compared to the statement of identity.
    (g) Labeling information required in Sec. Sec.  317.313, 317.354, 
317.356, 317.360, 317.361, 317.362, and 317.380, whose type size is not 
otherwise specified, is required to be in letters and/or numbers no less 
than \1/16\ inch in height, except as permitted by Sec.  317.400(d)(2).
    (h) [Reserved]
    (i) Except as provided in Sec.  317.309 or in paragraph (q)(3) of 
this section, the label or labeling of a product may contain a statement 
about the amount or percentage of a nutrient if:
    (1) The use of the statement on the product implicitly characterizes 
the level of the nutrient in the product and is consistent with a 
definition for a claim, as provided in subpart B of this part, for the 
nutrient that the label addresses. Such a claim might be, ``less than 10 
g of fat per serving;''
    (2) The use of the statement on the product implicitly characterizes 
the level of the nutrient in the product and is not consistent with such 
a definition, but the label carries a disclaimer adjacent to the 
statement that the product is not ``low'' in or a ``good source'' of the 
nutrient, such as ``only 200 milligrams (mg) sodium per serving, not a 
low sodium product.'' The disclaimer must be in easily legible print or 
type and in a size no less than required by Sec.  317.2(h) for the net 
quantity of contents, except where the size of the claim is less than 
two times the required size of the net quantity of contents statement, 
in which case the disclaimer statement shall be no less than one-half 
the size of the claim but no smaller than \1/16\-inch minimum height, 
except as permitted by Sec.  317.400(d)(2);
    (3) The statement does not in any way implicitly characterize the 
level of the nutrient in the product and it is not false or misleading 
in any respect (e.g., ``100 calories'' or ``5 grams of fat''), in which 
case no disclaimer is required.
    (4) ``Percent fat free'' claims are not authorized by this 
paragraph. Such claims shall comply with Sec.  317.362(b)(6).
    (j) A product may bear a statement that compares the level of a 
nutrient in the product with the level of a nutrient in a reference 
product. These statements shall be known as ``relative claims'' and 
include ``light,'' ``reduced,'' ``less'' (or ``fewer''), and ``more'' 
claims.
    (1) To bear a relative claim about the level of a nutrient, the 
amount of that nutrient in the product must be compared to an amount of 
nutrient in an appropriate reference product as specified in this 
paragraph (j).
    (i)(A) For ``less'' (or ``fewer'') and ``more'' claims, the 
reference product may be a dissimilar product within a product category 
that can generally be substituted for one another in the diet or a 
similar product.
    (B) For ``light,'' ``reduced,'' and ``added'' claims, the reference 
product shall be a similar product, and
    (ii)(A) For ``light'' claims, the reference product shall be 
representative of the type of product that includes the product that 
bears the claim. The nutrient value for the reference product shall be 
representative of a broad base of products of that type; e.g., a value 
in a representative, valid data base; an average value determined from 
the top three national (or regional) brands, a market basket norm; or, 
where its nutrient value is representative of the product type, a market 
leader. Firms using such a reference nutrient value as a basis for a 
claim, are required to provide specific information upon which the 
nutrient value was derived, on request, to consumers and appropriate 
regulatory officials.
    (B) For relative claims other than ``light,'' including ``less'' and 
``more'' claims, the reference product may be the same as that provided 
for ``light'' in paragraph (j)(1)(ii)(A) of this section or it may be 
the manufacturer's regular product, or that of another manufacturer, 
that has been offered for sale to the public on a regular basis for a

[[Page 221]]

substantial period of time in the same geographic area by the same 
business entity or by one entitled to use its trade name, provided the 
name of the competitor is not used on the labeling of the product. The 
nutrient values used to determine the claim when comparing a single 
manufacturer's product to the labeled product shall be either the values 
declared in nutrition labeling or the actual nutrient values, provided 
that the resulting labeling is internally consistent (i.e., that the 
values stated in the nutrition information, the nutrient values in the 
accompanying information, and the declaration of the percentage of 
nutrient by which the product has been modified are consistent and will 
not cause consumer confusion when compared), and that the actual 
modification is at least equal to the percentage specified in the 
definition of the claim.
    (2) For products bearing relative claims:
    (i) The label or labeling must state the identity of the reference 
product and the percent (or fraction) of the amount of the nutrient in 
the reference product by which the nutrient has been modified, (e.g., 
``50 percent less fat than `reference product' '' or ``\1/3\ fewer 
calories than `reference product' ''); and
    (ii) This information shall be immediately adjacent to the most 
prominent claim in easily legible boldface print or type, in distinct 
contrast to other printed or graphic matter, that is no less than that 
required by Sec.  317.2(h) for net quantity of contents, except where 
the size of the claim is less than two times the required size of the 
net quantity of contents statement, in which case the referral statement 
shall be no less than one-half the size of the claim, but no smaller 
than \1/16\-inch minimum height, except as permitted by Sec.  
317.400(d)(2).
    (iii) The determination of which use of the claim is in the most 
prominent location on the label or labeling will be made based on the 
following factors, considered in order:
    (A) A claim on the principal display panel adjacent to the statement 
of identity;
    (B) A claim elsewhere on the principal display panel;
    (C) A claim on the information panel; or
    (D) A claim elsewhere on the label or labeling.
    (iv) The label or labeling must also bear:
    (A) Clear and concise quantitative information comparing the amount 
of the subject nutrient in the product per labeled serving size with 
that in the reference product; and
    (B) This statement shall appear adjacent to the most prominent claim 
or to the nutrition information.
    (3) A relative claim for decreased levels of a nutrient may not be 
made on the label or in labeling of a product if the nutrient content of 
the reference product meets the requirement for a ``low'' claim for that 
nutrient.
    (k) The term ``modified'' may be used in the statement of identity 
of a product that bears a relative claim that complies with the 
requirements of this part, followed immediately by the name of the 
nutrient whose content has been altered (e.g., ``modified fat `product' 
''). This statement of identity must be immediately followed by the 
comparative statement such as ``contains 35 percent less fat than 
`reference product' '' The label or labeling must also bear the 
information required by paragraph (j)(2) of this section in the manner 
prescribed.
    (l) For purposes of making a claim, a ``meal-type'' product will be 
defined as a product that:
    (1) Makes a major contribution to the diet by:
    (i) Weighing at least 10 ounces per labeled serving; and
    (ii) Containing not less than three 40 gram portions of food, or 
combinations of foods, from two or more of the following four food 
groups, except as noted in paragraph (l)(1)(ii)(E) of this section:
    (A) Bread, cereal, rice, and pasta;
    (B) Fruits and vegetables;
    (C) Milk, yogurt, and cheese;
    (D) Meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts; except that:
    (E) These foods will not be sauces (except for foods in the four 
food groups in paragraph (l)(1)(ii)(A) through (D) of this section, that 
are in

[[Page 222]]

the sauces), gravies, condiments, relishes, pickles, olives, jams, 
jellies, syrups, breadings, or garnishes; and
    (2) Is represented as, or is in the form commonly understood to be, 
a breakfast, lunch, dinner, meal, or entre. Such representations may be 
made by statements, photographs, or vignettes.
    (m) For purposes of making a claim, a main-dish product will be 
defined as a food that:
    (1) Makes a major contribution to the meal by:
    (i) Weighing at least 6 ounces per labeled serving; and
    (ii) Containing not less than 40 grams of food, or combinations of 
foods, from two or more of the following four food groups, except as 
noted in paragraph (m)(1)(ii)(E) of this section.
    (A) Bread, cereal, rice, and pasta;
    (B) Fruits and vegetables;
    (C) Milk, yogurt, and cheese;
    (D) Meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts; except that:
    (E) These foods will not be sauces (except for foods in the four 
food groups in paragraph (m)(l)(ii)(A) through (D) of this section, that 
are in the sauces), gravies, condiments, relishes, pickles, olives, 
jams, jellies, syrups, breadings, or garnishes; and
    (3) Is represented as, or is in a form commonly understood to be, a 
main dish (e.g., not a beverage or dessert). Such representations may be 
made by statements, photographs, or vignettes.
    (n) Nutrition labeling in accordance with Sec.  317.309, shall be 
provided for any food for which a nutrient content claim is made.
    (o) Compliance with requirements for nutrient content claims shall 
be in accordance with Sec.  317.309(h).
    (p)(1) Unless otherwise specified, the reference amount customarily 
consumed set forth in Sec.  317.312(b) through (e) shall be used in 
determining whether a product meets the criteria for a nutrient content 
claim. If the serving size declared on the product label differs from 
the reference amount customarily consumed, and the amount of the 
nutrient contained in the labeled serving does not meet the maximum or 
minimum amount criterion in the definition for the descriptor for that 
nutrient, the claim shall be followed by the criteria for the claim as 
required by Sec.  317.312(f) (e.g., ``very low sodium, 35 mg or less per 
55 grams'').
    (2) The criteria for the claim shall be immediately adjacent to the 
most prominent claim in easily legible print or type and in a size that 
is no less than that required by Sec.  317.2(h) for net quantity of 
contents, except where the size of the claim is less than two times the 
required size of the net quantity of contents statement, in which case 
the criteria statement shall be no less than one-half the size of the 
claim but no smaller than \1/16\-inch minimum height, except as 
permitted by Sec.  317.400(d)(2).
    (q) The following exemptions apply:
    (1) Nutrient content claims that have not been defined by regulation 
and that appear as part of a brand name that was in use prior to 
November 27, 1991, may continue to be used as part of that brand name, 
provided they are not false or misleading under section 1(n) of the Act 
(21 U.S.C. 601(n)(1)).
    (2) [Reserved]
    (3) A statement that describes the percentage of a vitamin or 
mineral in the food, including foods intended specifically for use by 
infants and children less than 2 years of age, in relation to a 
Reference Daily Intake (RDI) as defined in Sec.  317.309 may be made on 
the label or in the labeling of a food without a regulation authorizing 
such a claim for a specific vitamin or mineral.
    (4) The requirements of this section do not apply to infant formulas 
and medical foods, as described in 21 CFR 101.13(q)(4).
    (5) [Reserved]
    (6) Nutrient content claims that were part of the name of a product 
that was subject to a standard of identity as of November 27, 1991, are 
not subject to the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section whether 
or not they meet the definition of the descriptive term.
    (7) Implied nutrient content claims may be used as part of a brand 
name, provided that the use of the claim has been authorized by FSIS. 
Labeling applications requesting approval of such a claim may be 
submitted pursuant to Sec.  317.369.

[58 FR 664, Jan. 6, 1993; 58 FR 43788, Aug. 18, 1993, as amended at 58 
FR 47627, Sept. 10, 1993; 59 FR 40213, Aug. 8, 1994; 59 FR 45196, Sept. 
1, 1994; 60 FR 187, Jan. 3, 1995; 69 FR 58801, Oct. 1, 2004]

[[Page 223]]



Sec. Sec.  317.314-317.343  [Reserved]



Sec.  317.344  Identification of major cuts of meat products.

    The major cuts of single-ingredient, raw meat products are: Beef 
chuck blade roast, beef loin top loin steak, beef rib roast large end, 
beef round eye round steak, beef round top round steak, beef round tip 
roast, beef chuck arm pot roast, beef loin sirloin steak, beef round 
bottom round steak, beef brisket (whole, flat half, or point half), beef 
rib steak small end, beef loin tenderloin steak, pork loin chop, pork 
loin country style ribs, pork loin top loin chop boneless, pork loin rib 
chop, pork spareribs, pork loin tenderloin, pork loin sirloin roast, 
pork shoulder blade steak, pork loin top roast boneless, lamb shank, 
lamb shoulder arm chop, lamb shoulder blade chop, lamb rib roast, lamb 
loin chop, lamb leg (whole, sirloin half, or shank half), veal shoulder 
arm steak, veal shoulder blade steak, veal rib roast, veal loin chop, 
and veal cutlets.

[58 FR 664, Jan. 6, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 45196, Sept. 1, 1994; 75 
FR 82165, Dec. 29, 2010]



Sec.  317.345  Nutrition labeling of single-ingredient, raw meat 
products that are not ground or chopped products described in Sec.  317.301.

    (a)(1) Nutrition information on the major cuts of single-ingredient, 
raw meat products identified in Sec.  317.344, including those that have 
been previously frozen, is required, either on their label or at their 
point-of-purchase, unless exempted under Sec.  317.400. If nutrition 
information is presented on the label, it must be provided in accordance 
with Sec.  317.309. If nutrition information is presented at the point-
of-purchase, it must be provided in accordance with the provisions of 
this section.
    (2) Nutrition information on single-ingredient, raw meat products 
that are not ground or chopped meat products described in Sec.  317.301 
and are not major cuts of single-ingredient, raw meat products 
identified in Sec.  317.344, including those that have been previously 
frozen, may be provided at their point-of-purchase in accordance with 
the provisions of this section or on their label, in accordance with the 
provisions of Sec.  317.309.
    (3) A retailer may provide nutrition information at the point-of-
purchase by various methods, such as by posting a sign or by making the 
information readily available in brochures, notebooks, or leaflet form 
in close proximity to the food. The nutrition labeling information may 
also be supplemented by a video, live demonstration, or other media. If 
a nutrition claim is made on point-of-purchase materials, all of the 
format and content requirements of Sec.  317.309 apply. However, if only 
nutrition information--and not a nutrition claim--is supplied on point-
of-purchase materials, the requirements of Sec.  317.309 apply, 
provided, however:
    (i) The listing of percent of Daily Value for the nutrients (except 
vitamins and minerals specified in Sec.  317.309(c)(8)) and footnote 
required by Sec.  317.309(d)(9) may be omitted; and
    (ii) The point-of-purchase materials are not subject to any of the 
format requirements.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) For the point-of-purchase materials, the declaration of 
nutrition information may be presented in a simplified format as 
specified in Sec.  317.309(f).
    (d) The nutrition label data for products covered in paragraphs 
(a)(1) and (a)(2) must be based on either the raw or cooked edible 
portions of meat cuts with external cover fat at trim levels reflecting 
current marketing practices. If data are based on cooked portions, the 
methods used to cook the products must be specified and for products 
covered in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) must be those which do not add 
nutrients from other ingredients such as flour, breading, and salt. 
Additional nutritional data may be presented on an optional basis for 
the raw or cooked edible portions of the separable lean of meat cuts.
    (e) Nutrient data that are the most current representative data base 
values contained in USDA's National Nutrient Data Bank or its released 
form, the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, may be 
used for nutrition labeling of single-ingredient, raw meat products, 
including those that have been previously frozen. These

[[Page 224]]

data may be composite data that reflect different quality grades of beef 
or other variables affecting nutrient content. Alternatively, data that 
reflect specific grades or other variables may be used, except that if 
data are used on labels attached to a product which is labeled as to 
grade of meat or other variables, the data must represent the product in 
the package when such data are contained in the representative data 
base. When data are used on labels attached to a product, the data must 
represent the edible meat tissues present in the package.
    (f) If the nutrition information is provided in accordance with 
paragraph (e) of this section, a nutrition label or labeling will not be 
subject to the Agency compliance review under Sec.  317.309(h), unless a 
nutrition claim is made on the basis of the representative data base 
values.
    (g) Retailers may use data bases that they believe reflect the 
nutrient content of single-ingredient, raw meat products, including 
those that have been previously frozen; however, such labeling shall be 
subject to the compliance procedures of paragraph (e) of this section 
and the requirements specified in this subpart for the mandatory 
nutrition labeling program.

[58 FR 664, Jan. 6, 1993, as amended at 58 FR 47627, Sept. 10, 1993; 60 
FR 189, Jan. 3, 1995; 75 FR 82165, Dec. 29, 2010]



Sec. Sec.  317.346-317.353  [Reserved]



Sec.  317.354  Nutrient content claims for ``good source,'' 
``high,'' and ``more.''

    (a) General requirements. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of 
this section, a claim about the level of a nutrient in a product in 
relation to the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) or Daily Reference Value 
(DRV) established for that nutrient (excluding total carbohydrate) in 
Sec.  317.309(c), may only be made on the label or in labeling of the 
product if:
    (1) The claim uses one of the terms defined in this section in 
accordance with the definition for that term;
    (2) The claim is made in accordance with the general requirements 
for nutrient content claims in Sec.  317.313; and
    (3) The product for which the claim is made is labeled in accordance 
with Sec.  317.309.
    (b) ``High'' claims. (1) The terms ``high,'' ``rich in,'' or 
``excellent source of'' may be used on the label or in labeling of 
products, except meal-type products as defined in Sec.  317.313(l), and 
main-dish products as defined in Sec.  317.313(m) provided that the 
product contains 20 percent or more of the RDI or the DRV per reference 
amount customarily consumed.
    (2) The terms defined in paragraph (b)(1) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  317.313(l), and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  317.313(m) 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains a food that meets the definition of 
``high'' in paragraph (b)(1) of this section; and
    (ii) The label or labeling clearly identifies the food that is the 
subject of the claim (e.g., ``the serving of broccoli in this meal is 
high in vitamin C'').
    (c) ``Good Source'' claims. (1) The terms ``good source,'' 
``contains,'' or ``provides'' may be used on the label or in labeling of 
products, except meal-type products as described in Sec.  317.313(l), 
and main-dish products as defined in Sec.  317.313(m) provided that the 
product contains 10 to 19 percent of the RDI or the DRV per reference 
amount customarily consumed.
    (2) The terms defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  317.313(l), and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  317.313(m) 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains a food that meets the definition of ``good 
source'' in paragraph (c)(1) of this section; and
    (ii) The label or labeling clearly identifies the food that is the 
subject of the claim (e.g., ``the serving of sweet potatoes in this meal 
is a good source of fiber'').
    (d) Fiber claims. (1) If a nutrient content claim is made with 
respect to the level of dietary fiber, i.e., that the product is high in 
fiber, a good source of fiber, or that the product contains ``more'' 
fiber, and the product is not ``low'' in total fat as defined in Sec.  
317.362(b)(2) or, in the case of a meal-type product or a main-dish 
product, is

[[Page 225]]

not ``low'' in total fat as defined in Sec.  317.362(b)(3), then the 
labeling shall disclose the level of total fat per labeled serving size 
(e.g., ``contains 12 grams (g) of fat per serving''); and
    (2) The disclosure shall appear in immediate proximity to such claim 
and be in a type size no less than one-half the size of the claim.
    (e) ``More'' claims. (1) A relative claim using the terms ``more'' 
and ``added'' may be used on the label or in labeling to describe the 
level of protein, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, or potassium in a 
product, except meal-type products as defined in Sec.  317.313(l), and 
main-dish products as defined in Sec.  317.313(m) provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 10 percent more of the RDI or the 
DRV for protein, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, or potassium 
(expressed as a percent of the Daily Value) per reference amount 
customarily consumed than an appropriate reference product as described 
in Sec.  317.313(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  317.313(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the nutrient is greater relative to the RDI or DRV are 
declared in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., 
``contains 10 percent more of the Daily Value for fiber than `reference 
product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of the nutrient in 
the product per labeled serving size with that of the reference product 
that it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to 
the nutrition information (e.g., ``fiber content of `reference product' 
is 1 g per serving; `this product' contains 4 g per serving'').
    (2) A relative claim using the terms ``more'' and ``added'' may be 
used on the label or in labeling to describe the level of protein, 
vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, or potassium in meal-type products as 
defined in Sec.  317.313(l), and main-dish products as defined in Sec.  
317.313(m) provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 10 percent more of the RDI or the 
DRV for protein, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, or potassium 
(expressed as a percent of the Daily Value) per 100 g of product than an 
appropriate reference product as described in Sec.  317.313(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  317.313(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the nutrient is greater relative to the RDI or DRV are 
declared in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., 
``contains 10 percent more of the Daily Value for fiber per 3 ounces 
(oz) than does `reference product' ''), and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of the nutrient in 
the meal-type product or a main-dish product per specified weight with 
that of the reference product that it replaces is declared adjacent to 
the most prominent claim or to the nutrition information (e.g., ``fiber 
content of `reference product' is 2 g per 3 oz; `this product' contains 
5 g per 3 oz'').

[60 FR 189, Jan. 3, 1995, as amended at 69 FR 58802, Oct. 1, 2004]



Sec.  317.355  [Reserved]



Sec.  317.356  Nutrient content claims for ``light'' or ``lite.''

    (a) General requirements. A claim using the terms ``light'' or 
``lite'' to describe a product may only be made on the label or in 
labeling of the product if:
    (1) The claim uses one of the terms defined in this section in 
accordance with the definition for that term;
    (2) The claim is made in accordance with the general requirements 
for nutrient content claims in Sec.  317.313; and
    (3) The product for which the claim is made is labeled in accordance 
with Sec.  317.309.
    (b) ``Light'' claims. The terms ``light'' or ``lite'' may be used on 
the label or in labeling of products, except meal-type products as 
defined in Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish products as defined in Sec.  
317.313(m), without further qualification, provided that:
    (1) If the product derives 50 percent or more of its calories from 
fat, its fat content is reduced by 50 percent or more per reference 
amount customarily consumed compared to an appropriate reference product 
as described in Sec.  317.313(j)(1); or

[[Page 226]]

    (2) If the product derives less than 50 percent of its calories from 
fat:
    (i) The number of calories is reduced by at least one-third (33\1/3\ 
percent) per reference amount customarily consumed compared to an 
appropriate reference product as described in Sec.  317.313(j)(1); or
    (ii) Its fat content is reduced by 50 percent or more per reference 
amount customarily consumed compared to the appropriate reference 
product as described in Sec.  317.313(j)(1); and
    (3) As required in Sec.  317.313(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (i) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the calories and the fat were reduced are declared in 
immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``\1/3\ 
fewer calories and 50 percent less fat than the market leader''); and
    (ii) Quantitative information comparing the level of calories and 
fat content in the product per labeled serving size with that of the 
reference product that it replaces is declared adjacent to the most 
prominent claim or to the nutrition information (e.g., ``lite `this 
product'--200 calories, 4 grams (g) fat; regular `reference product'--
300 calories, 8 g fat per serving''); and
    (iii) If the labeled product contains less than 40 calories or less 
than 3 g fat per reference amount customarily consumed, the percentage 
reduction for that nutrient need not be declared.
    (4) A ``light'' claim may not be made on a product for which the 
reference product meets the definition of ``low fat'' and ``low 
calorie.''
    (c)(1)(i) A product for which the reference product contains 40 
calories or less and 3 g fat or less per reference amount customarily 
consumed may use the terms ``light'' or ``lite'' without further 
qualification if it is reduced by 50 percent or more in sodium content 
compared to the reference product; and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  317.313(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the sodium was reduced are declared in immediate 
proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``50 percent less 
sodium than the market leader''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of sodium per 
labeled serving size with that of the reference product it replaces is 
declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the nutrition 
information (e.g., ``lite `this product'--500 milligrams (mg) sodium per 
serving; regular `reference product'--1,000 mg sodium per serving'').
    (2)(i) A product for which the reference product contains more than 
40 calories or more than 3 g fat per reference amount customarily 
consumed may use the terms ``light in sodium'' or ``lite in sodium'' if 
it is reduced by 50 percent or more in sodium content compared to the 
reference product, provided that ``light'' or ``lite'' is presented in 
immediate proximity with ``in sodium'' and the entire term is presented 
in uniform type size, style, color, and prominence; and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  317.313(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the sodium was reduced are declared in immediate 
proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``50 percent less 
sodium than the market leader''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of sodium per 
labeled serving size with that of the reference product it replaces is 
declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the nutrition 
information (e.g., or ``lite `this product'--170 mg sodium per serving; 
regular `reference product'--350 mg per serving'').
    (3) Except for meal-type products as defined in Sec.  317.313(l) and 
main-dish products as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), a ``light in sodium'' 
claim may not be made on a product for which the reference product meets 
the definition of ``low in sodium.''
    (d)(1) The terms ``light'' or ``lite'' may be used on the label or 
in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in Sec.  317.313(l) and 
main-dish product as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), provided that:
    (i) The product meets the definition of:
    (A) ``Low in calories'' as defined in Sec.  317.360(b)(3); or
    (B) ``Low in fat'' as defined in Sec.  317.362(b)(3); and

[[Page 227]]

    (ii)(A) A statement appears on the principal display panel that 
explains whether ``light'' is used to mean ``low fat,'' ``low 
calories,'' or both (e.g., ``Light Delight, a low fat meal''); and
    (B) The accompanying statement is no less than one-half the type 
size of the ``light'' or ``lite'' claim.
    (2)(i) The terms ``light in sodium'' or ``lite in sodium'' may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), 
provided that the product meets the definition of ``low in sodium'' as 
defined in Sec.  317.361(b)(5)(i); and
    (ii) ``Light'' or ``lite'' and ``in sodium'' are presented in 
uniform type size, style, color, and prominence.
    (3) The term ``light'' or ``lite'' may be used in the brand name of 
a product to describe the sodium content, provided that:
    (i) The product is reduced by 50 percent or more in sodium content 
compared to the reference product;
    (ii) A statement specifically stating that the product is ``light in 
sodium'' or ``lite in sodium'' appears:
    (A) Contiguous to the brand name; and
    (B) In uniform type size, style, color, and prominence as the 
product name; and
    (iii) As required in Sec.  317.313(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the sodium was reduced are declared in immediate 
proximity to the most prominent such claim; and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of sodium per 
labeled serving size with that of the reference product it replaces is 
declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the nutrition 
information.
    (e) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this 
section, the terms ``light'' or ``lite'' may not be used to refer to a 
product that is not reduced in fat by 50 percent, or, if applicable, in 
calories by \1/3\ or, when properly qualified, in sodium by 50 percent 
unless:
    (1) It describes some physical or organoleptic attribute of the 
product such as texture or color and the information (e.g., ``light in 
color'' or ``light in texture'') so stated, clearly conveys the nature 
of the product; and
    (2) The attribute (e.g., ``color'' or ``texture'') is in the same 
style, color, and at least one-half the type size as the word ``light'' 
and in immediate proximity thereto.
    (f) If a manufacturer can demonstrate that the word ``light'' has 
been associated, through common use, with a particular product to 
reflect a physical or organoleptic attribute to the point where it has 
become part of the statement of identity, such use of the term ``light'' 
shall not be considered a nutrient content claim subject to the 
requirements in this part.
    (g) The term ``lightly salted'' may be used on a product to which 
has been added 50 percent less sodium than is normally added to the 
reference product as described in Sec.  317.313(j)(1)(i)(B) and 
(j)(1)(ii)(B), provided that if the product is not ``low in sodium'' as 
defined in Sec.  317.361(b)(4), the statement ``not a low sodium food,'' 
shall appear adjacent to the nutrition information and the information 
required to accompany a relative claim shall appear on the label or 
labeling as specified in Sec.  317.313(j)(2).

[60 FR 189, Jan. 3, 1995, as amended at 69 FR 58802, Oct. 1, 2004]



Sec. Sec.  317.357-317.359  [Reserved]



Sec.  317.360  Nutrient content claims for calorie content.

    (a) General requirements. A claim about the calorie or sugar content 
of a product may only be made on the label or in labeling of the product 
if:
    (1) The claim uses one of the terms defined in this section in 
accordance with the definition for that term;
    (2) The claim is made in accordance with the general requirements 
for nutrient content claims in Sec.  317.313; and
    (3) The product for which the claim is made is labeled in accordance 
with Sec.  317.309.
    (b) Calorie content claims. (1) The terms ``calorie free,'' ``free 
of calories,'' ``no calories,'' ``zero calories,'' ``without calories,'' 
``trivial source of calories,'' ``negligible source of calories,'' or 
``dietarily insignificant source of

[[Page 228]]

calories'' may be used on the label or in labeling of products, provided 
that:
    (i) The product contains less than 5 calories per reference amount 
customarily consumed and per labeled serving size; and
    (ii) If the product meets this condition without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
the caloric content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.
    (2) The terms ``low calorie,'' ``few calories,'' ``contains a small 
amount of calories,'' ``low source of calories,'' or ``low in calories'' 
may be used on the label or in labeling of products, except meal-type 
products as defined in Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish products as 
defined in Sec.  317.313(m), provided that:
    (i)(A) The product has a reference amount customarily consumed 
greater than 30 grams (g) or greater than 2 tablespoons (tbsp) and does 
not provide more than 40 calories per reference amount customarily 
consumed; or
    (B) The product has a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g 
or less or 2 tbsp or less and does not provide more than 40 calories per 
reference amount customarily consumed and per 50 g (for dehydrated 
products that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with 
water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in 
Sec.  317.309(f)(1), of all nutrients per reference amount customarily 
consumed, the per-50-g criterion refers to the ``as prepared'' form).
    (ii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
the caloric content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.
    (3) The terms defined in paragraph (b)(2) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains 120 calories or less per 100 g of product; 
and
    (ii) If the product meets this condition without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
the calorie content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which it attaches.
    (4) The terms ``reduced calorie,'' ``reduced in calories,'' 
``calorie reduced,'' ``fewer calories,'' ``lower calorie,'' or ``lower 
in calories'' may be used on the label or in labeling of products, 
except meal-type products as defined in Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish 
products as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 25 percent fewer calories per 
reference amount customarily consumed than an appropriate reference 
product as described in Sec.  317.313(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  317.313(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the calories differ between the two products are declared 
in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., lower 
calorie `product'--``33\1/3\ percent fewer calories than our regular 
`product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of calories in the 
product per labeled serving size with that of the reference product that 
it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the 
nutrition information (e.g., ``calorie content has been reduced from 150 
to 100 calories per serving'').
    (iii) Claims described in paragraph (b)(4) of this section may not 
be made on the label or in labeling of products if the reference product 
meets the definition for ``low calorie.''
    (5) The terms defined in paragraph (b)(4) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 25 percent fewer calories per 100 
g of product than an appropriate reference product as described in Sec.  
317.313(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  317.313(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction)

[[Page 229]]

that the calories differ between the two products are declared in 
immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``calorie 
reduced `product', 25% less calories per ounce (oz) (or 3 oz) than our 
regular `product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of calories in the 
product per specified weight with that of the reference product that it 
replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the 
nutrition information (e.g., ``calorie content has been reduced from 110 
calories per 3 oz to 80 calories per 3 oz'').
    (iii) Claims described in paragraph (b)(5) of this section may not 
be made on the label or in labeling of products if the reference product 
meets the definition for ``low calorie.''
    (c) Sugar content claims. (1) Terms such as ``sugar free,'' ``free 
of sugar,'' ``no sugar,'' ``zero sugar,'' ``without sugar,'' 
``sugarless,'' ``trivial source of sugar,'' ``negligible source of 
sugar,'' or ``dietarily insignificant source of sugar'' may reasonably 
be expected to be regarded by consumers as terms that represent that the 
product contains no sugars or sweeteners, e.g., ``sugar free,'' or ``no 
sugar,'' as indicating a product which is low in calories or 
significantly reduced in calories. Consequently, except as provided in 
paragraph (c)(2) of this section, a product may not be labeled with such 
terms unless:
    (i) The product contains less than 0.5 g of sugars, as defined in 
Sec.  317.309(c)(6)(ii), per reference amount customarily consumed and 
per labeled serving size or, in the case of a meal-type product or a 
main-dish product, less than 0.5 g of sugars per labeled serving size;
    (ii) The product contains no ingredient that is a sugar or that is 
generally understood by consumers to contain sugars unless the listing 
of the ingredient in the ingredients statement is followed by an 
asterisk that refers to the statement below the list of ingredients, 
which states: ``Adds a trivial amount of sugar,'' ``adds a negligible 
amount of sugar,'' or ``adds a dietarily insignificant amount of 
sugar;'' and
    (iii)(A) It is labeled ``low calorie'' or ``reduced calorie'' or 
bears a relative claim of special dietary usefulness labeled in 
compliance with paragraphs (b)(2), (b)(3), (b)(4), or (b)(5) of this 
section; or
    (B) Such term is immediately accompanied, each time it is used, by 
either the statement ``not a reduced calorie product,'' ``not a low 
calorie product,'' or ``not for weight control.''
    (2) The terms ``no added sugar,'' ``without added sugar,'' or ``no 
sugar added'' may be used only if:
    (i) No amount of sugars, as defined in Sec.  317.309(c)(6)(ii), or 
any other ingredient that contains sugars that functionally substitute 
for added sugars is added during processing or packaging;
    (ii) The product does not contain an ingredient containing added 
sugars such as jam, jelly, or concentrated fruit juice;
    (iii) The sugars content has not been increased above the amount 
present in the ingredients by some means such as the use of enzymes, 
except where the intended functional effect of the process is not to 
increase the sugars content of a product, and a functionally 
insignificant increase in sugars results;
    (iv) The product that it resembles and for which it substitutes 
normally contains added sugars; and
    (v) The product bears a statement that the product is not ``low 
calorie'' or ``calorie reduced'' (unless the product meets the 
requirements for a ``low'' or ``reduced calorie'' product) and that 
directs consumers' attention to the nutrition panel for further 
information on sugar and calorie content.
    (3) Paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall not apply to a factual 
statement that a product, including products intended specifically for 
infants and children less than 2 years of age, is unsweetened or 
contains no added sweeteners in the case of a product that contains 
apparent substantial inherent sugar content, e.g., juices.
    (4) The terms ``reduced sugar,'' ``reduced in sugar,'' ``sugar 
reduced,'' ``less sugar,'' ``lower sugar,'' or ``lower in sugar'' may be 
used on the label or in labeling of products, except meal-type products 
as defined in Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish products as defined in 
Sec.  317.313(m), provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 25 percent less sugars per 
reference amount customarily consumed than an

[[Page 230]]

appropriate reference product as described in Sec.  317.313(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  317.313(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the sugars differ between the two products are declared 
in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``this 
product contains 25 percent less sugar than our regular product''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of the sugar in the 
product per labeled serving size with that of the reference product that 
it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the 
nutrition information (e.g., ``sugar content has been lowered from 8 g 
to 6 g per serving'').
    (5) The terms defined in paragraph (c)(4) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 25 percent less sugars per 100 g 
of product than an appropriate reference product as described in Sec.  
317.313(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  317.313(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the sugars differ between the two products are declared 
in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``reduced 
sugar `product'--25% less sugar than our regular `product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of the nutrient in 
the product per specified weight with that of the reference product that 
it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the 
nutrition information (e.g., ``sugar content has been reduced from 17 g 
per 3 oz to 13 g per 3 oz'').

[60 FR 191, Jan. 3, 1995, as amended at 69 FR 58802, Oct. 1, 2004]



Sec.  317.361  Nutrient content claims for the sodium content.

    (a) General requirements. A claim about the level of sodium in a 
product may only be made on the label or in labeling of the product if:
    (1) The claim uses one of the terms defined in this section in 
accordance with the definition for that term;
    (2) The claim is made in accordance with the general requirements 
for nutrient content claims in Sec.  317.313; and
    (3) The product for which the claim is made is labeled in accordance 
with Sec.  317.309.
    (b) Sodium content claims. (1) The terms ``sodium free,'' ``free of 
sodium,'' ``no sodium,'' ``zero sodium,'' ``without sodium,'' ``trivial 
source of sodium,'' ``negligible source of sodium,'' or ``dietarily 
insignificant source of sodium'' may be used on the label or in labeling 
of products, provided that:
    (i) The product contains less than 5 milligrams (mg) of sodium per 
reference amount customarily consumed and per labeled serving size or, 
in the case of a meal-type product or a main-dish product, less than 5 
mg of sodium per labeled serving size;
    (ii) The product contains no ingredient that is sodium chloride or 
is generally understood by consumers to contain sodium unless the 
listing of the ingredient in the ingredients statement is followed by an 
asterisk that refers to the statement below the list of ingredients, 
which states: ``Adds a trivial amount of sodium,'' ``adds a negligible 
amount of sodium'' or ``adds a dietarily insignificant amount of 
sodium''; and
    (iii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
the sodium content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.
    (2) The terms ``very low sodium'' or ``very low in sodium'' may be 
used on the label or in labeling of products, except meal-type products 
as defined in Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish products as defined in 
Sec.  317.313(m), provided that:
    (i)(A) The product has a reference amount customarily consumed 
greater than 30 grams (g) or greater than 2 tablespoons (tbsp) and 
contains 35 mg or less sodium per reference amount customarily consumed; 
or
    (B) The product has a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g 
or less or 2 tbsp or less and contains 35 mg or less sodium per 
reference

[[Page 231]]

amount customarily consumed and per 50 g (for dehydrated products that 
must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent 
containing an insignificant amount, as defined in Sec.  317.309(f)(1), 
of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per-50-g 
criterion refers to the ``as prepared'' form); and
    (ii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
the sodium content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.
    (3) The terms defined in paragraph (b)(2) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains 35 mg or less of sodium per 100 g of 
product; and
    (ii) If the product meets this condition without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
the sodium content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.
    (4) The terms ``low sodium,'' ``low in sodium,'' ``little sodium,'' 
``contains a small amount of sodium,'' or ``low source of sodium'' may 
be used on the label and in labeling of products, except meal-type 
products as defined in Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish products as 
defined in Sec.  317.313(m), provided that:
    (i)(A) The product has a reference amount customarily consumed 
greater than 30 g or greater than 2 tbsp and contains 140 mg or less 
sodium per reference amount customarily consumed; or
    (B) The product has a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g 
or less or 2 tbsp or less and contains 140 mg or less sodium per 
reference amount customarily consumed and per 50 g (for dehydrated 
products that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with 
water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in 
Sec.  317.309(f)(1), of all nutrients per reference amount customarily 
consumed, the per-50-g criterion refers to the ``as prepared'' form); 
and
    (ii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
the sodium content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.
    (5) The terms defined in paragraph (b)(4) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains 140 mg or less sodium per 100 g of product; 
and
    (ii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
the sodium content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.
    (6) The terms ``reduced sodium,'' ``reduced in sodium,'' ``sodium 
reduced,'' ``less sodium,'' ``lower sodium,'' or ``lower in sodium'' may 
be used on the label or in labeling of products, except meal-type 
products as defined in Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish products as 
defined in Sec.  317.313(m), provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 25 percent less sodium per 
reference amount customarily consumed than an appropriate reference 
product as described in Sec.  317.313(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  317.313(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the sodium differs between the two products are declared 
in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``reduced 
sodium `product', 50 percent less sodium than regular `product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of sodium in the 
product per labeled serving size with that of the reference product that 
it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the 
nutrition information (e.g., ``sodium content has been lowered from 300 
to 150 mg per serving'').

[[Page 232]]

    (iii) Claims described in paragraph (b)(6) of this section may not 
be made on the label or in labeling of a product if the nutrient content 
of the reference product meets the definition for ``low sodium.''
    (7) The terms defined in paragraph (b)(6) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 25 percent less sodium per 100 g 
of product than an appropriate reference product as described in Sec.  
317.313(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  317.313(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the sodium differs between the two products are declared 
in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``reduced 
sodium `product'--30% less sodium per 3 oz than our `regular product' 
''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of sodium in the 
product per specified weight with that of the reference product that it 
replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the 
nutrition information (e.g., ``sodium content has been reduced from 220 
mg per 3 oz to 150 mg per 3 oz'').
    (iii) Claims described in paragraph (b)(7) of this section may not 
be made on the label or in labeling of products if the nutrient content 
of the reference product meets the definition for ``low sodium.''
    (c) The term ``salt'' is not synonymous with ``sodium.'' Salt refers 
to sodium chloride. However, references to salt content such as 
``unsalted,'' ``no salt,'' ``no salt added'' are potentially misleading.
    (1) The term ``salt free'' may be used on the label or in labeling 
of products only if the product is ``sodium free'' as defined in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
    (2) The terms ``unsalted,'' ``without added salt,'' and ``no salt 
added'' may be used on the label or in labeling of products only if:
    (i) No salt is added during processing;
    (ii) The product that it resembles and for which it substitutes is 
normally processed with salt; and
    (iii) If the product is not sodium free, the statement, ``not a 
sodium free product'' or ``not for control of sodium in the diet'' 
appears adjacent to the nutrition information of the product bearing the 
claim.
    (3) Paragraph (c)(2) of this section shall not apply to a factual 
statement that a product intended specifically for infants and children 
less than 2 years of age is unsalted, provided such statement refers to 
the taste of the product and is not false or otherwise misleading.

[60 FR 192, Jan. 3, 1995, as amended at 69 FR 58802, Oct. 1, 2004]



Sec.  317.362  Nutrient content claims for fat, fatty acids, and
cholesterol content.

    (a) General requirements. A claim about the level of fat, fatty 
acid, and cholesterol in a product may only be made on the label or in 
labeling of products if:
    (1) The claim uses one of the terms defined in this section in 
accordance with the definition for that term;
    (2) The claim is made in accordance with the general requirements 
for nutrient content claims in Sec.  317.313; and
    (3) The product for which the claim is made is labeled in accordance 
with Sec.  317.309.
    (b) Fat content claims. (1) The terms ``fat free,'' ``free of fat,'' 
``no fat,'' ``zero fat,'' ``without fat,'' ``nonfat,'' ``trivial source 
of fat,'' ``negligible source of fat,'' or ``dietarily insignificant 
source of fat'' may be used on the label or in labeling of products, 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains less than 0.5 gram (g) of fat per reference 
amount customarily consumed and per labeled serving size or, in the case 
of a meal-type product or a main-dish product, less than 0.5 g of fat 
per labeled serving size;
    (ii) The product contains no added ingredient that is a fat or is 
generally understood by consumers to contain fat unless the listing of 
the ingredient in the ingredients statement is followed by an asterisk 
that refers to the statement below the list of ingredients,

[[Page 233]]

which states: ``Adds a trivial amount of fat,'' ``adds a negligible 
amount of fat,'' or ``adds a dietarily insignificant amount of fat''; 
and
    (iii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
the fat content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of its 
type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches.
    (2) The terms ``low fat,'' ``low in fat,'' ``contains a small amount 
of fat,'' ``low source of fat,'' or ``little fat'' may be used on the 
label and in labeling of products, except meal-type products as defined 
in Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish products as defined in Sec.  
317.313(m), provided that:
    (i)(A) The product has a reference amount customarily consumed 
greater than 30 g or greater than 2 tablespoons (tbsp) and contains 3 g 
or less of fat per reference amount customarily consumed; or
    (B) The product has a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g 
or less or 2 tbsp or less and contains 3 g or less of fat per reference 
amount customarily consumed and per 50 g (for dehydrated products that 
must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent 
containing an insignificant amount, as defined in Sec.  317.309(f)(1), 
of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per-50-g 
criterion refers to the ``as prepared'' form).
    (ii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
the fat content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of its 
type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches.
    (3) The terms defined in paragraph (b)(2) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains 3 g or less of total fat per 100 g of 
product and not more than 30 percent of calories from fat; and
    (ii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
the fat content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of its 
type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches.
    (4) The terms ``reduced fat,'' ``reduced in fat,'' ``fat reduced,'' 
``less fat,'' ``lower fat,'' or ``lower in fat'' may be used on the 
label or in labeling of products, except meal-type products as defined 
in Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish products as defined in Sec.  
317.313(m), provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 25 percent less fat per reference 
amount customarily consumed than an appropriate reference product as 
described in Sec.  317.313(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  317.313(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the fat differs between the two products are declared in 
immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``reduced 
fat--50 percent less fat than our regular `product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of fat in the 
product per labeled serving size with that of the reference product that 
it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the 
nutrition information (e.g., ``fat content has been reduced from 8 g to 
4 g per serving'').
    (iii) Claims described in paragraph (b)(4) of this section may not 
be made on the label or in labeling of a product if the nutrient content 
of the reference product meets the definition for ``low fat.''
    (5) The terms defined in paragraph (b)(4) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 25 percent less fat per 100 g of 
product than an appropriate reference product as described in Sec.  
317.313(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  317.313(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the fat differs between the two products are declared in 
immediate

[[Page 234]]

proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``reduced fat 
`product', 33 percent less fat per 3 oz than our regular `product' ''); 
and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of fat in the 
product per specified weight with that of the reference product that it 
replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent such claim or to the 
nutrition information (e.g., ``fat content has been reduced from 8 g per 
3 oz to 5 g per 3 oz'').
    (iii) Claims described in paragraph (b)(5) of this section may not 
be made on the label or in labeling of a product if the nutrient content 
of the reference product meets the definition for ``low fat.''
    (6) The term ``______ percent fat free'' may be used on the label or 
in labeling of products, provided that:
    (i) The product meets the criteria for ``low fat'' in paragraph 
(b)(2) or (b)(3) of this section;
    (ii) The percent declared and the words ``fat free'' are in uniform 
type size; and
    (iii) A ``100 percent fat free'' claim may be made only on products 
that meet the criteria for ``fat free'' in paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section, that contain less than 0.5 g of fat per 100 g, and that contain 
no added fat.
    (iv) A synonym for ``______ percent fat free'' is ``______ percent 
lean.''
    (c) Fatty acid content claims. (1) The terms ``saturated fat free,'' 
``free of saturated fat,'' ``no saturated fat,'' ``zero saturated fat,'' 
``without saturated fat,'' ``trivial source of saturated fat,'' 
``negligible source of saturated fat,'' or ``dietarily insignificant 
source of saturated fat'' may be used on the label or in labeling of 
products, provided that:
    (i) The product contains less than 0.5 g of saturated fat and less 
than 0.5 g trans fatty acids per reference amount customarily consumed 
and per labeled serving size or, in the case of a meal-type product or a 
main-dish product, less than 0.5 g of saturated fat and less than 0.5 g 
trans fatty acids per labeled serving size;
    (ii) The product contains no ingredient that is generally understood 
by consumers to contain saturated fat unless the listing of the 
ingredient in the ingredients statement is followed by an asterisk that 
refers to the statement below the list of ingredients, which states: 
``Adds a trivial amount of saturated fat,'' ``adds a negligible amount 
of saturated fat,'' or ``adds a dietarily insignificant amount of 
saturated fat;'' and
    (iii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
saturated fat content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.
    (2) The terms ``low in saturated fat,'' ``low saturated fat,'' 
``contains a small amount of saturated fat,'' ``low source of saturated 
fat,'' or ``a little saturated fat'' may be used on the label or in 
labeling of products, except meal-type products as defined in Sec.  
317.313(l) and main-dish products as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains 1 g or less of saturated fat per reference 
amount customarily consumed and not more than 15 percent of calories 
from saturated fat; and
    (ii) If the product meets these conditions without benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
saturated fat content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.
    (3) The terms defined in paragraph (c)(2) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains 1 g or less of saturated fat per 100 g and 
less than 10 percent calories from saturated fat; and
    (ii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
saturated fat content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.
    (4) The terms ``reduced saturated fat,'' ``reduced in saturated 
fat,'' ``saturated fat reduced,'' ``less saturated fat,'' ``lower 
saturated fat,'' or

[[Page 235]]

``lower in saturated fat'' may be used on the label or in labeling of 
products, except meal-type products as defined in Sec.  317.313(l) and 
main-dish products as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 25 percent less saturated fat per 
reference amount customarily consumed than an appropriate reference 
product as described in Sec.  317.313(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  317.313(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the saturated fat differs between the two products are 
declared in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., 
``reduced saturated fat `product', contains 50 percent less saturated 
fat than the national average for `product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of saturated fat in 
the product per labeled serving size with that of the reference product 
that it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to 
the nutrition information (e.g., ``saturated fat reduced from 3 g to 1.5 
g per serving'').
    (iii) Claims described in paragraph (c)(4) of this section may not 
be made on the label or in labeling of a product if the nutrient content 
of the reference product meets the definition for ``low saturated fat.''
    (5) The terms defined in paragraph (c)(4) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 25 percent less saturated fat per 
100 g of product than an appropriate reference product as described in 
Sec.  317.313(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  317.313(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the saturated fat differs between the two products are 
declared in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., 
``reduced saturated fat `product','' ``50 percent less saturated fat 
than our regular `product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of saturated fat in 
the product per specified weight with that of the reference product that 
it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the 
nutrition information (e.g., ``saturated fat content has been reduced 
from 2.5 g per 3 oz to 1.5 g per 3 oz'').
    (iii) Claims described in paragraph (c)(5) of this section may not 
be made on the label or in labeling of a product if the nutrient content 
of the reference product meets the definition for ``low saturated fat.''
    (d) Cholesterol content claims. (1) The terms ``cholesterol free,'' 
``free of cholesterol,'' ``zero cholesterol,'' ``without cholesterol,'' 
``no cholesterol,'' ``trivial source of cholesterol,'' ``negligible 
source of cholesterol,'' or ``dietarily insignificant source of 
cholesterol'' may be used on the label or in labeling of products, 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains less than 2 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol 
per reference amount customarily consumed and per labeled serving size 
or, in the case of a meal-type product as defined in Sec.  317.313(l) 
and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), less than 2 mg of 
cholesterol per labeled serving size;
    (ii) The product contains no ingredient that is generally understood 
by consumers to contain cholesterol, unless the listing of the 
ingredient in the ingredients statement is followed by an asterisk that 
refers to the statement below the list of ingredients, which states: 
``Adds a trivial amount of cholesterol,'' ``adds a negligible amount of 
cholesterol,'' or ``adds a dietarily insignificant amount of 
cholesterol'';
    (iii) The product contains 2 g or less of saturated fat per 
reference amount customarily consumed or, in the case of a meal-type 
product as defined in Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish product as defined 
in Sec.  317.313(m), 2 g or less of saturated fat per labeled serving 
size; and
    (iv) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
cholesterol content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which it attaches; or
    (v) If the product meets these conditions only as a result of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation, the 
amount of cholesterol

[[Page 236]]

is reduced by 25 percent or more from the reference product it replaces 
as described in Sec.  317.313(j)(1) and for which it substitutes as 
described in Sec.  317.313(d) that has a significant (e.g., 5 percent or 
more of a national or regional market) market share. As required in 
Sec.  317.313(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the cholesterol was reduced are declared in immediate 
proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``cholesterol free 
`product', contains 100 percent less cholesterol than `reference 
product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of cholesterol in 
the product per labeled serving size with that of the reference product 
that it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to 
the nutrition information (e.g., ``contains no cholesterol compared with 
30 mg in one serving of `reference product' '').
    (2) The terms ``low in cholesterol,'' ``low cholesterol,'' 
``contains a small amount of cholesterol,'' ``low source of 
cholesterol,'' or ``little cholesterol'' may be used on the label or in 
labeling of products, except meal-type products as defined in Sec.  
317.313(l) and main-dish products as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), 
provided that:
    (i)(A) If the product has a reference amount customarily consumed 
greater than 30 g or greater than 2 tbsp:
    (1) The product contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol per reference 
amount customarily consumed; and
    (2) The product contains 2 g or less of saturated fat per reference 
amount customarily consumed; or
    (B) If the product has a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 
g or less or 2 tbsp or less:
    (1) The product contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol per reference 
amount customarily consumed and per 50 g (for dehydrated products that 
must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent 
containing an insignificant amount, as defined in Sec.  317.309(f)(1), 
of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per-50-g 
criterion refers to the ``as prepared'' form); and
    (2) The product contains 2 g or less of saturated fat per reference 
amount customarily consumed.
    (ii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
cholesterol content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches; or
    (iii) If the product contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol only as a 
result of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation, 
the amount of cholesterol is reduced by 25 percent or more from the 
reference product it replaces as described in Sec.  317.313(j)(1) and 
for which it substitutes as described in Sec.  317.313(d) that has a 
significant (e.g., 5 percent or more of a national or regional market) 
market share. As required in Sec.  317.313(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the cholesterol has been reduced are declared in 
immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``low 
cholesterol `product', contains 85 percent less cholesterol than our 
regular `product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of cholesterol in 
the product per labeled serving size with that of the reference product 
that it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to 
the nutrition information (e.g., ``cholesterol lowered from 30 mg to 5 
mg per serving'').
    (3) The terms defined in paragraph (d)(2) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol per 100 g of 
product;
    (ii) The product contains 2 g or less of saturated fat per 100 g of 
product; and
    (iii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
cholesterol content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.

[[Page 237]]

    (4) The terms ``reduced cholesterol,'' ``reduced in cholesterol,'' 
``cholesterol reduced,'' ``less cholesterol,'' ``lower cholesterol,'' or 
``lower in cholesterol'' may be used on the label or in labeling of 
products or products that substitute for those products as specified in 
Sec.  317.313(d), excluding meal-type products as defined in Sec.  
317.313(l) and main-dish products as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product has been specifically formulated, altered, or 
processed to reduce its cholesterol by 25 percent or more from the 
reference product it replaces as described in Sec.  317.313(j)(1) and 
for which it substitutes as described in Sec.  317.313(d) that has a 
significant (e.g., 5 percent or more of a national or regional market) 
market share;
    (ii) The product contains 2 g or less of saturated fat per reference 
amount customarily consumed; and
    (iii) As required in Sec.  317.313(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the cholesterol has been reduced are declared in 
immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``25 percent 
less cholesterol than `reference product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of cholesterol in 
the product per labeled serving size with that of the reference product 
that it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to 
the nutrition information (e.g., ``cholesterol lowered from 55 mg to 30 
mg per serving'').
    (iv) Claims described in paragraph (d)(4) of this section may not be 
made on the label or in labeling of a product if the nutrient content of 
the reference product meets the definition for ``low cholesterol.''
    (5) The terms defined in paragraph (d)(4) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product has been specifically formulated, altered, or 
processed to reduce its cholesterol by 25 percent or more from the 
reference product it replaces as described in Sec.  317.313(j)(1) and 
for which it substitutes as described in Sec.  317.313(d) that has a 
significant (e.g., 5 percent or more of a national or regional market) 
market share;
    (ii) The product contains 2 g or less of saturated fat per 100 g of 
product; and
    (iii) As required in Sec.  317.313(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the cholesterol has been reduced are declared in 
immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``25% less 
cholesterol than `reference product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of cholesterol in 
the product per specified weight with that of the reference product that 
it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the 
nutrition information (e.g., ``cholesterol content has been reduced from 
35 mg per 3 oz to 25 mg per 3 oz).
    (iv) Claims described in paragraph (d)(5) of this section may not be 
made on the label or in labeling of a product if the nutrient content of 
the reference product meets the definition for ``low cholesterol.''
    (e) ``Lean'' and ``Extra Lean'' claims. (1) The term ``lean'' may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a product, provided that the product 
contains less than 10 g of fat, 4.5 g or less of saturated fat, and less 
than 95 mg of cholesterol per 100 g of product and per reference amount 
customarily consumed for individual foods, and per 100 g of product and 
per labeled serving size for meal-type products as defined in Sec.  
317.313(l) and main-dish products as defined in Sec.  317.313(m).
    (2) The term ``extra lean'' may be used on the label or in labeling 
of a product, provided that the product contains less than 5 g of fat, 
less than 2 g of saturated fat, and less than 95 mg of cholesterol per 
100 g of product and per reference amount customarily consumed for 
individual foods, and per 100 g of product and per labeled serving size 
for meal-type products as defined in Sec.  317.313(l) and main-dish 
products as defined in Sec.  317.313(m).
    (f) A statement of the lean percentage may be used on the label or 
in labeling of ground or chopped meat products described in Sec.  
317.301 when the product does not meet the criteria for

[[Page 238]]

``low fat,'' defined in Sec.  317.362(b)(2), provided that a statement 
of the fat percentage is contiguous to and in lettering of the same 
color, size, type, and on the same color background, as the statement of 
the lean percentage.

[60 FR 193, Jan. 3, 1995, as amended at 69 FR 58802, Oct. 1, 2004; 75 FR 
82165, Dec. 29, 2010]



Sec.  317.363  Nutrient content claims for ``healthy.''

    (a) The term ``healthy,'' or any other derivative of the term 
``health,'' may be used on the labeling of any meat or meat food 
product, provided that the product is labeled in accordance with Sec.  
317.309 and Sec.  317.313.
    (b)(1) The product shall meet the requirements for ``low fat'' and 
``low saturated fat,'' as defined in Sec.  317.362, except that single-
ingredient, raw products may meet the total fat and saturated fat 
criteria for ``extra lean'' in Sec.  317.362.
    (2) The product shall not contain more than 60 milligrams (mg) of 
cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed, per labeled 
serving size, and, only for foods with reference amounts customarily 
consumed of 30 grams (g) or less or 2 tablespoons (tbsp) or less, per 50 
g, and, for dehydrated products that must be reconstituted with water or 
a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in Sec.  
317.309(f)(1), of all nutrients, the per-50-g criterion refers to the 
prepared form, except that:
    (i) A main-dish product, as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), and a meal-
type product, as defined in Sec.  317.313(l), and including meal-type 
products that weigh more than 12 ounces (oz) per serving (container), 
shall not contain more than 90 mg of cholesterol per labeled serving 
size; and
    (ii) Single-ingredient, raw products may meet the cholesterol 
criterion for ``extra lean''in Sec.  317.362.
    (3) The product shall not contain more than 480 mg of sodium per 
reference amount customarily consumed, per labeled serving size, and, 
only for foods with reference amounts customarily consumed of 30 g or 
less or 2 tbsp or less, per 50 g, and, for dehydrated products that must 
be reconstituted with water or a diluent containing an insignificant 
amount, as defined in Sec.  317.309(f)(1), of all nutrients, the per-50-
g criterion refers to the prepared form, except that:
    (i) A main-dish product, as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), and a meal-
type product, as defined in Sec.  317.313(l), and including meal-type 
products that weigh more than 12 oz per serving (container), shall not 
contain more than 600 mg of sodium per labeled serving size;\1\ and
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ This regulation previously provided that, after January 1, 2006, 
individual meat products bearing the claim ``healthy'' (or any 
derivative of the term ``health'') must contain no more than 360 mg of 
sodium and that meal-type products bearing the claim ``healthy'' (or any 
other derivative of the term ``health'') must contain no more than 600 
mg of sodium. Implementation of these sodium level requirements for 
products bearing the claim ``healthy'' (or any derivative of the term 
``health'') has been deferred indefinitely due to technological barriers 
and consumer preferences.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) The requirements of this paragraph (b)(3) do not apply to 
single-ingredient, raw products.
    (4) The product shall contain 10 percent or more of the Reference 
Daily Intake or Daily Reference Value as defined in Sec.  317.309 for 
vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium, protein, or fiber per reference 
amount customarily consumed prior to any nutrient addition, except that:
    (i) A main-dish product, as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), and 
including main-dish products that weigh less than 10 oz per serving 
(container), shall meet the level for two of the nutrients per labeled 
serving size; and
    (ii) A meal-type product, as defined in Sec.  317.313(l), shall meet 
the level for three of the nutrients per labeled serving size.

[59 FR 24228, May 10, 1994, as amended at 60 FR 196, Jan. 3, 1995; 63 FR 
7281, Feb. 13, 1998; 64 FR 72492, Dec. 28, 1999; 68 FR 463, Jan. 6, 
2003; 69 FR 58802, Oct. 1, 2004; 71 FR 1686, Jan. 11, 2006]



Sec. Sec.  317.364-317.368  [Reserved]



Sec.  317.369  Labeling applications for nutrient content claims.

    (a) This section pertains to labeling applications for claims, 
express or implied, that characterize the level of any nutrient required 
to be on the label or in labeling of product by this subpart.

[[Page 239]]

    (b) Labeling applications included in this section are:
    (1) Labeling applications for a new (heretofore unauthorized) 
nutrient content claim,
    (2) Labeling applications for a synonymous term (i.e., one that is 
consistent with a term defined by regulation) for characterizing the 
level of a nutrient, and
    (3) Labeling applications for the use of an implied claim in a brand 
name.
    (c) Labeling applications and supporting documentation to be filed 
under this section shall be submitted in quadruplicate, except that the 
supporting documentation may be submitted on a computer disc copy. If 
any part of the material submitted is in a foreign language, it shall be 
accompanied by an accurate and complete English translation. The 
labeling application shall state the applicant's post office address.
    (d) Pertinent information will be considered as part of an 
application on the basis of specific reference to such information 
submitted to and retained in the files of the Food Safety and Inspection 
Service. However, any reference to unpublished information furnished by 
a person other than the applicant will not be considered unless use of 
such information is authorized (with the understanding that such 
information may in whole or part be subject to release to the public) in 
a written statement signed by the person who submitted it. Any reference 
to published information should be accompanied by reprints or 
photostatic copies of such references.
    (e) If nonclinical laboratory studies accompany a labeling 
application, the applicant shall include, with respect to each 
nonclinical study included with the application, either a statement that 
the study has been, or will be, conducted in compliance with the good 
laboratory practice regulations as set forth in part 58 of chapter 1, 
title 21, or, if any such study was not conducted in compliance with 
such regulations, a brief statement of the reason for the noncompliance.
    (f) If clinical investigations accompany a labeling application, the 
applicant shall include, with respect to each clinical investigation 
included with the application, either a statement that the investigation 
was conducted in compliance with the requirements for institutional 
review set forth in part 56 of chapter 1, title 21, or was not subject 
to such requirements in accordance with Sec.  56.194 or Sec.  56.105, 
and that it was conducted in compliance with the requirements for 
informed consents set forth in part 50 of chapter 1, title 21.
    (g) The availability for public disclosure of labeling applications, 
along with supporting documentation, submitted to the Agency under this 
section will be governed by the rules specified in subchapter D, title 
9.
    (h) The data specified under this section to accompany a labeling 
application shall be submitted on separate sheets, suitably identified. 
If such data has already been submitted with an earlier labeling 
application from the applicant, the present labeling application must 
provide the data.
    (i) The labeling application must be signed by the applicant or by 
his or her attorney or agent, or (if a corporation) by an authorized 
official.
    (j) The labeling application shall include a statement signed by the 
person responsible for the labeling application, that to the best of his 
or her knowledge, it is a representative and balanced submission that 
includes unfavorable information, as well as favorable information, 
known to him or her pertinent to the evaluation of the labeling 
application.
    (k)(1) Labeling applications for a new nutrient content claim shall 
be accompanied by the following data which shall be submitted in the 
following form to the Director, Food Labeling Division, Regulatory 
Programs, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250.

________________________________________________________________________
(Date)

    The undersigned, __________, submits this labeling application 
pursuant to 9 CFR 317.369 with respect to (statement of the claim and 
its proposed use).
    Attached hereto, in quadruplicate, or on a computer disc copy, and 
constituting a part of this labeling application, are the following:
    (i) A statement identifying the nutrient content claim and the 
nutrient that the term is intended to characterize with respect to the 
level of such nutrient. The statement

[[Page 240]]

shall address why the use of the term as proposed will not be 
misleading. The statement shall provide examples of the nutrient content 
claim as it will be used on labels or labeling, as well as the types of 
products on which the claim will be used. The statement shall also 
specify the level at which the nutrient must be present or what other 
conditions concerning the product must be met for the appropriate use of 
the term in labels or labeling, as well as any factors that would make 
the use of the term inappropriate.
    (ii) A detailed explanation supported by any necessary data of why 
use of the food component characterized by the claim is of importance in 
human nutrition by virtue of its presence or absence at the levels that 
such claim would describe. This explanation shall also state what 
nutritional benefit to the public will derive from use of the claim as 
proposed and why such benefit is not available through the use of 
existing terms defined by regulation. If the claim is intended for a 
specific group within the population, the analysis shall specifically 
address nutritional needs of such group, and scientific data sufficient 
for such purpose, and data and information to the extent necessary to 
demonstrate that consumers can be expected to understand the meaning of 
the term under the proposed conditions of use.
    (iii) Analytical data that demonstrates the amount of the nutrient 
that is present in the products for which the claim is intended. The 
assays should be performed on representative samples in accordance with 
317.309(h). If no USDA or AOAC methods are available, the applicant 
shall submit the assay method used, and data establishing the validity 
of the method for assaying the nutrient in the particular food. The 
validation data shall include a statistical analysis of the analytical 
and product variability.
    (iv) A detailed analysis of the potential effect of the use of the 
proposed claim on food consumption, and any corresponding changes in 
nutrient intake. The analysis shall specifically address the intake of 
nutrients that have beneficial and negative consequences in the total 
diet. If the claim is intended for a specific group within the 
population, the analysis shall specifically address the dietary 
practices of such group, and shall include data sufficient to 
demonstrate that the dietary analysis is representative of such group.

 Yours very truly,

 Applicant______________________________________________________________

 By_____________________________________________________________________
 (Indicate authority)

    (2) Upon receipt of the labeling application and supporting 
documentation, the applicant shall be notified, in writing, of the date 
on which the labeling application was received. Such notice shall inform 
the applicant that the labeling application is undergoing Agency review 
and that the applicant shall subsequently be notified of the Agency's 
decision to consider for further review or deny the labeling 
application.
    (3) Upon review of the labeling application and supporting 
documentation, the Agency shall notify the applicant, in writing, that 
the labeling application is either being considered for further review 
or that it has been summarily denied by the Administrator.
    (4) If the labeling application is summarily denied by the 
Administrator, the written notification shall state the reasons 
therefor, including why the Agency has determined that the proposed 
nutrient content claim is false or misleading. The notification letter 
shall inform the applicant that the applicant may submit a written 
statement by way of answer to the notification, and that the applicant 
shall have the right to request a hearing with respect to the merits or 
validity of the Administrator's decision to deny the use of the proposed 
nutrient content claim.
    (i) If the applicant fails to accept the determination of the 
Administrator and files an answer and requests a hearing, and the 
Administrator, after review of the answer, determines the initial 
determination to be correct, the Administrator shall file with the 
Hearing Clerk of the Department the notification, answer, and the 
request for a hearing, which shall constitute the complaint and answer 
in the proceeding, which shall thereafter be conducted in accordance 
with the Department's Uniform Rules of Practice.
    (ii) The hearing shall be conducted before an administrative law 
judge with the opportunity for appeal to the Department's Judicial 
Officer, who shall make the final determination for the Secretary. Any 
such determination by the Secretary shall be conclusive unless, within 
30 days after receipt of notice of such final determination, the 
applicant appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit 
in which the applicant has its principal place of business or to the 
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

[[Page 241]]

    (5) If the labeling application is not summarily denied by the 
Administrator, the Administrator shall publish in the Federal Register a 
proposed rule to amend the regulations to authorize the use of the 
nutrient content claim. The proposal shall also summarize the labeling 
application, including where the supporting documentation can be 
reviewed. The Administrator's proposed rule shall seek comment from 
consumers, the industry, consumer and industry groups, and other 
interested persons on the labeling application and the use of the 
proposed nutrient content claim. After public comment has been received 
and reviewed by the Agency, the Administrator shall make a determination 
on whether the proposed nutrient content claim shall be approved for use 
on the labeling of meat and meat food products.
    (i) If the claim is denied by the Administrator, the Agency shall 
notify the applicant, in writing, of the basis for the denial, including 
the reason why the claim on the labeling was determined by the Agency to 
be false or misleading. The notification letter shall also inform the 
applicant that the applicant may submit a written statement by way of 
answer to the notification, and that the applicant shall have the right 
to request a hearing with respect to the merits or validity of the 
Administrator's decision to deny the use of the proposed nutrient 
content claim.
    (A) If the applicant fails to accept the determination of the 
Administrator and files an answer and requests a hearing, and the 
Administrator, after review of the answer, determines the initial 
determination to be correct, the Administrator shall file with the 
Hearing Clerk of the Department the notification, answer, and the 
request for a hearing, which shall constitute the complaint and answer 
in the proceeding, which shall thereafter be conducted in accordance 
with the Department's Uniform Rules of Practice.
    (B) The hearing shall be conducted before an administrative law 
judge with the opportunity for appeal to the Department's Judicial 
Officer, who shall make final determination for the Secretary. Any such 
determination by the Secretary shall be conclusive unless, within 30 
days after receipt of the notice of such final determination, the 
applicant appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit 
in which the applicant has its principal place of business or to the 
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
    (ii) If the claim is approved, the Agency shall notify the 
applicant, in writing, and shall also publish in the Federal Register a 
final rule amending the regulations to authorize the use of the claim.
    (l)(1) Labeling applications for a synonymous term shall be 
accompanied by the following data which shall be submitted in the 
following form to the Director, Food Labeling Division, Regulatory 
Programs, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250:

________________________________________________________________________
(Date)

    The undersigned, ____________ submits this labeling application 
pursuant to 9 CFR 317.369 with respect to (statement of the synonymous 
term and its proposed use in a nutrient content claim that is consistent 
with an existing term that has been defined under subpart B of part 
317).
    Attached hereto, in quadruplicate, or on a computer disc copy, and 
constituting a part of this labeling application, are the following:
    (i) A statement identifying the synonymous term, the existing term 
defined by a regulation with which the synonymous term is claimed to be 
consistent, and the nutrient that the term is intended to characterize 
the level of. The statement shall address why the use of the synonymous 
term as proposed will not be misleading. The statement shall provide 
examples of the nutrient content claim as it will be used on labels or 
labeling, as well as the types of products on which the claim will be 
used. The statement shall also specify whether any limitations not 
applicable to the use of the defined term are intended to apply to the 
use of the synonymous term.
    (ii) A detailed explanation supported by any necessary data of why 
use of the proposed term is requested, including whether the existing 
defined term is inadequate for the purpose of effectively characterizing 
the level of a nutrient. This explanation shall also state what 
nutritional benefit to the public will derive from use of the claim as 
proposed, and why such benefit is not available through the use of 
existing terms defined by regulation. If the claim is intended for a 
specific group within the population,

[[Page 242]]

the analysis shall specifically address nutritional needs of such group, 
scientific data sufficient for such purpose, and data and information to 
the extent necessary to demonstrate that consumers can be expected to 
understand the meaning of the term under the proposed conditions of use.

 Yours very truly,

 Applicant______________________________________________________________

 By_____________________________________________________________________
 (Indicate authority)

    (2) Upon receipt of the labeling application and supporting 
documentation, the applicant shall be notified, in writing, of the date 
on which the labeling application was received. Such notice shall inform 
the applicant that the labeling application is undergoing Agency review 
and that the applicant shall subsequently be notified of the Agency's 
decision to consider for further review or deny the labeling 
application.
    (3) Upon review of the labeling application and supporting 
documentation, the Agency shall notify the applicant, in writing, that 
the labeling application is either being considered for further review 
or that it has been summarily denied by the Administrator.
    (4) If the labeling application is summarily denied by the 
Administrator, the written notification shall state the reasons 
therefor, including why the Agency has determined that the proposed 
synonymous term is false or misleading. The notification letter shall 
inform the applicant that the applicant may submit a written statement 
by way of answer to the notification, and that the applicant shall have 
the right to request a hearing with respect to the merits or validity of 
the Administrator's decision to deny the use of the proposed synonymous 
term.
    (i) If the applicant fails to accept the determination of the 
Administrator and files an answer and requests a hearing, and the 
Administrator, after review of the answer, determines the initial 
determination to be correct, the Administrator shall file with the 
Hearing Clerk of the Department the notification, answer, and the 
request for a hearing, which shall constitute the complaint and answer 
in the proceeding, which shall thereafter be conducted in accordance 
with the Department's Uniform Rules of Practice.
    (ii) The hearing shall be conducted before an administrative law 
judge with the opportunity for appeal to the Department's Judicial 
Officer, who shall make the final determination for the Secretary. Any 
such determination by the Secretary shall be conclusive unless, within 
30 days after receipt of notice of such final determination, the 
applicant appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit 
in which the applicant has its principal place of business or to the 
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
    (5) If the claim is approved, the Agency shall notify the applicant, 
in writing, and shall publish in the Federal Register a notice informing 
the public that the synonymous term has been approved for use.
    (m)(1) Labeling applications for the use of an implied nutrient 
content claim in a brand name shall be accompanied by the following data 
which shall be submitted in the following form to the Director, Food 
Labeling Division, Regulatory Programs, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, Washington, DC 20250:

________________________________________________________________________
(Date)

    The undersigned, ____________ submits this labeling application 
pursuant to 9 CFR 317.369 with respect to (statement of the implied 
nutrient content claim and its proposed use in a brand name).
    Attached hereto, in quadruplicate, or on a computer disc copy, and 
constituting a part of this labeling application, are the following:
    (i) A statement identifying the implied nutrient content claim, the 
nutrient the claim is intended to characterize, the corresponding term 
for characterizing the level of such nutrient as defined by a 
regulation, and the brand name of which the implied claim is intended to 
be a part. The statement shall address why the use of the brand-name as 
proposed will not be misleading. The statement shall provide examples of 
the types of products on which the brand name will appear. It shall also 
include data showing that the actual level of the nutrient in the food 
would qualify the label of the product to bear the corresponding term 
defined by regulation. Assay methods used to determine the level of a 
nutrient shall meet the requirements stated under labeling application 
format in paragraph (k)(1)(iii) of this section.

[[Page 243]]

    (ii) A detailed explanation supported by any necessary data of why 
use of the proposed brand name is requested. This explanation shall also 
state what nutritional benefit to the public will derive from use of the 
brand name as proposed. If the branded product is intended for a 
specific group within the population, the analysis shall specifically 
address nutritional needs of such group and scientific data sufficient 
for such purpose.

 Yours very truly,

 Applicant______________________________________________________________

 By_____________________________________________________________________

    (2) Upon receipt of the labeling application and supporting 
documentation, the applicant shall be notified, in writing, of the date 
on which the labeling application was received. Such notice shall inform 
the applicant that the labeling application is undergoing Agency review 
and that the applicant shall subsequently be notified of the Agency's 
decision to consider for further review or deny the labeling 
application.
    (3) Upon review of the labeling application and supporting 
documentation, the Agency shall notify the applicant, in writing, that 
the labeling application is either being considered for further review 
or that it has been summarily denied by the Administrator.
    (4) If the labeling application is summarily denied by the 
Administrator, the written notification shall state the reasons 
therefor, including why the Agency has determined that the proposed 
implied nutrient content claim is false or misleading. The notification 
letter shall inform the applicant that the applicant may submit a 
written statement by way of answer to the notification, and that the 
applicant shall have the right to request a hearing with respect to the 
merits or validity of the Administrator's decision to deny the use of 
the proposed implied nutrient content claim.
    (i) If the applicant fails to accept the determination of the 
Administrator and files an answer and requests a hearing, and the 
Administrator, after review of the answer, determines the initial 
determination to be correct, the Administrator shall file with the 
Hearing Clerk of the Department the notification, answer, and the 
request for a hearing, which shall constitute the complaint and answer 
in the proceeding, which shall thereafter be conducted in accordance 
with the Department's Uniform Rules of Practice.
    (ii) The hearing shall be conducted before an administrative law 
judge with the opportunity for appeal to the Department's Judicial 
Officer, who shall make the final determination for the Secretary. Any 
such determination by the Secretary shall be conclusive unless, within 
30 days after receipt of notice of such final determination, the 
applicant appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit 
in which the applicant has its principal place of business or to the 
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
    (5) If the labeling application is not summarily denied by the 
Administrator, the Administrator shall publish a notice of the labeling 
application in the Federal Register seeking comment on the use of the 
implied nutrient content claim. The notice shall also summarize the 
labeling application, including where the supporting documentation can 
be reviewed. The Administrator's notice shall seek comment from 
consumers, the industry, consumer and industry groups, and other 
interested persons on the labeling application and the use of the 
implied nutrient content claim. After public comment has been received 
and reviewed by the Agency, the Administrator shall make a determination 
on whether the implied nutrient content claim shall be approved for use 
on the labeling of meat food products.
    (i) If the claim is denied by the Administrator, the Agency shall 
notify the applicant, in writing, of the basis for the denial, including 
the reason why the claim on the labeling was determined by the Agency to 
be false or misleading. The notification letter shall also inform the 
applicant that the applicant may submit a written statement by way of 
answer to the notification, and that the applicant shall have the right 
to request a hearing with respect to the merits or validity of the 
Administrator's decision to deny the use of the proposed implied 
nutrient content claim.
    (A) If the applicant fails to accept the determination of the 
Administrator and files an answer and requests a hearing, and the 
Administrator, after

[[Page 244]]

review of the answer, determines the initial determination to be 
correct, the Administrator shall file with the Hearing Clerk of the 
Department the notification, answer, and the request for a hearing, 
which shall thereafter be conducted in accordance with the Department's 
Uniform Rules of Practice.
    (B) The hearing shall be conducted before an administrative law 
judge with the opportunity for appeal to the Department's Judicial 
Officer, who shall make the final determination for the Secretary. Any 
such determination by the Secretary shall be conclusive unless, within 
30 days after receipt of the notice of such final determination, the 
applicant appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit 
in which the applicant has its principal place of business or to the 
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
    (ii) If the claim is approved, the Agency shall notify the 
applicant, in writing, and shall also publish in the Federal Register a 
notice informing the public that the implied nutrient content claim has 
been approved for use.

(Paperwork requirements were approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget under control number 0583-0088)

[58 FR 664, Jan. 6, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 45196, Sept. 1, 1994; 60 
FR 196, Jan. 3, 1995]



Sec. Sec.  317.370-317.379  [Reserved]



Sec.  317.380  Label statements relating to usefulness in reducing or
maintaining body weight.

    (a) General requirements. Any product that purports to be or is 
represented for special dietary use because of usefulness in reducing 
body weight shall bear:
    (1) Nutrition labeling in conformity with Sec.  317.309 of this 
subpart, unless exempt under that section, and
    (2) A conspicuous statement of the basis upon which the product 
claims to be of special dietary usefulness.
    (b) Nonnutritive ingredients. (1) Any product subject to paragraph 
(a) of this section that achieves its special dietary usefulness by use 
of a nonnutritive ingredient (i.e., one not utilized in normal 
metabolism) shall bear on its label a statement that it contains a 
nonnutritive ingredient and the percentage by weight of the nonnutritive 
ingredient.
    (2) A special dietary product may contain a nonnutritive sweetener 
or other ingredient only if the ingredient is safe for use in the 
product under the applicable law and regulations of this chapter. Any 
product that achieves its special dietary usefulness in reducing or 
maintaining body weight through the use of a nonnutritive sweetener 
shall bear on its label the statement required by paragraph (b)(1) of 
this section, but need not state the percentage by weight of the 
nonnutritive sweetener. If a nutritive sweetener(s) as well as 
nonnutritive sweetener(s) is added, the statement shall indicate the 
presence of both types of sweetener; e.g., ``Sweetened with nutritive 
sweetener(s) and nonnutritive sweetener(s).''
    (c) ``Low calorie'' foods. A product purporting to be ``low 
calorie'' must comply with the criteria set forth for such foods in 
Sec.  317.360.
    (d) ``Reduced calorie'' foods and other comparative claims. A 
product purporting to be ``reduced calorie'' or otherwise containing 
fewer calories than a reference food must comply with the criteria set 
forth for such foods in Sec.  317.360(b) (4) and (5).
    (e) ``Label terms suggesting usefulness as low calorie or reduced 
calorie foods''. (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (e)(2) and (e)(3) 
of this section, a product may be labeled with terms such as ``diet,'' 
``dietetic,'' ``artificially sweetened,'' or ``sweetened with 
nonnutritive sweetener'' only if the claim is not false or misleading, 
and the product is labeled ``low calorie'' or ``reduced calorie'' or 
bears another comparative calorie claim in compliance with the 
applicable provisions in this subpart.
    (2) Paragraph (e)(1) of this section shall not apply to any use of 
such terms that is specifically authorized by regulation governing a 
particular food, or, unless otherwise restricted by regulation, to any 
use of the term ``diet'' that clearly shows that the product is offered 
solely for a dietary use other than regulating body weight, e.g., ``for 
low sodium diets.''
    (3) Paragraph (e)(1) of this section shall not apply to any use of 
such

[[Page 245]]

terms on a formulated meal replacement or other product that is 
represented to be of special dietary use as a whole meal, pending the 
issuance of a regulation governing the use of such terms on foods.
    (f) ``Sugar free'' and ``no added sugar''. Criteria for the use of 
the terms ``sugar free'' and ``no added sugar'' are provided for in 
Sec.  317.360(c).

[58 FR 664, Jan. 6, 1993; 58 FR 43788, Aug. 18, 1993, as amended at 58 
FR 47627, Sept. 10, 1993; 58 FR 66075, Dec. 17, 1993; 60 FR 196, Jan. 3, 
1995]



Sec. Sec.  317.381-317.399  [Reserved]



Sec.  317.400  Exemption from nutrition labeling.

    (a) The following meat or meat food products are exempt from 
nutrition labeling:
    (1) Food products produced by small businesses, other than the major 
cuts of single-ingredient, raw meat products identified in Sec.  317.344 
produced by small businesses, provided that the labels for these 
products bear no nutrition claims or nutrition information, and ground 
or chopped products described in Sec.  317.301 produced by small 
businesses that bear a statement of the lean percentage and fat 
percentage on the label or in labeling in accordance with Sec.  
317.362(f), provided that labels or labeling for these products bear no 
other nutrition claims or nutrition information,
    (i) A food product, for the purposes of the small business 
exemption, is defined as a formulation, not including distinct flavors 
which do not significantly alter the nutritional profile, sold in any 
size package in commerce.
    (ii) For purposes of this paragraph, a small business is any single-
plant facility, including a single retail store, or multi-plant company/
firm, including a multi-retail store operation, that employs 500 or 
fewer people and produces no more than the following amounts of pounds 
of the product qualifying the firm for exemption from this subpart:
    (A) During the first year of implementation of nutrition labeling, 
from July 1994 to July 1995, 250,000 pounds or less,
    (B) During the second year of implementation of nutrition labeling, 
from July 1995 to July 1996, 175,000 pounds or less, and
    (C) During the third year of implementation and subsequent years 
thereafter, 100,000 pounds or less.
    (iii) For purposes of this paragraph, calculation of the amount of 
pounds shall be based on the most recent 2-year average of business 
activity. Where firms have been in business less than 2 years or where 
products have been produced for less than 2 years, reasonable estimates 
must indicate that the annual pounds produced will not exceed the 
amounts specified.
    (2) Products intended for further processing, provided that the 
labels for these products bear no nutrition claim or nutrition 
information,
    (3) Products that are not for sale to consumers, provided that the 
labels for these products bear no nutrition claims or nutrition 
information,
    (4) Products in small packages that are individually wrapped 
packages of less than \1/2\ ounce net weight, provided that the labels 
for these products bear no nutrition claims or nutrition information,
    (5) Products custom slaughtered or prepared,
    (6) Products intended for export, and
    (7) The following products prepared and served or sold at retail 
provided that the labels or the labeling of these products bear no 
nutrition claims or nutrition information:
    (i) Ready-to-eat products that are packaged or portioned at a retail 
store or similar retail-type establishment, provided, however, that this 
exemption does not apply to ready-to-eat ground or chopped meat products 
described in Sec.  317.301 that are packaged or portioned at a retail 
establishment, unless the establishment qualifies for an exemption under 
(a)(1);
    (ii) Multi-ingredient products (e.g., sausage) processed at a retail 
store or similar retail-type establishment, provided, however, that this 
exemption does not apply to multi-ingredient ground or chopped meat 
products described in Sec.  317.301 that are processed at a retail 
establishment, unless the establishment qualifies for an exemption under 
(a)(1); and

[[Page 246]]

    (iii) Products that are ground or chopped at an individual 
customer's request.
    (b) Restaurant menus generally do not constitute labeling or fall 
within the scope of these regulations.
    (c)(1) Foods represented to be specifically for infants and children 
less than 2 years of age shall bear nutrition labeling as provided in 
paragraph (c)(2) of this section, except such labeling shall not include 
calories from fat, calories from saturated fat, saturated fat, stearic 
acid, polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and cholesterol.
    (2) Foods represented or purported to be specifically for infants 
and children less than 4 years of age shall bear nutrition labeling 
except that:
    (i) Such labeling shall not include declarations of percent of Daily 
Value for total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, potassium, 
total carbohydrate, and dietary fiber;
    (ii) Nutrient names and quantitative amounts by weight shall be 
presented in two separate columns;
    (iii) The heading ``Percent Daily Value'' required in Sec.  
317.309(d)(6) shall be placed immediately below the quantitative 
information by weight for protein;
    (iv) The percent of the Daily Value for protein, vitamins, and 
minerals shall be listed immediately below the heading ``Percent Daily 
Value''; and
    (v) Such labeling shall not include the footnote specified in Sec.  
317.309(d)(9).
    (d)(1) Products in packages that have a total surface area available 
to bear labeling of less than 12 square inches are exempt from nutrition 
labeling, provided that the labeling for these products bear no 
nutrition claims or other nutrition information, except that this 
exemption does not apply to the major cuts of single-ingredient, raw 
meat products identified in Sec.  317.344. The manufacturer, packer, or 
distributor shall provide, on the label of packages that qualify for and 
use this exemption, an address or telephone number that a consumer can 
use to obtain the required nutrition information (e.g., ``For nutrition 
information call 1-800-123-4567'').
    (2) When such products bear nutrition labeling, either voluntarily 
or because nutrition claims or other nutrition information is provided, 
all required information shall be in a type size no smaller than 6 point 
or all upper case type of \1/16\-inch minimum height, except that 
individual serving-size packages of meat products that have a total area 
available to bear labeling of 3 square inches or less may provide all 
required information in a type size no smaller than \1/32\-inch minimum 
height.

[58 FR 664, Jan. 6, 1993, as amended at 58 FR 47627, Sept. 10, 1993; 59 
FR 45196, Sept. 1, 1994; 60 FR 196, Jan. 3, 1995; 75 FR 82165, Dec. 29, 
2010]



PART 318_ENTRY INTO OFFICIAL ESTABLISHMENTS; REINSPECTION AND PREPARATION
OF PRODUCTS--Table of Contents



                            Subpart A_General

Sec.
318.1 Products and other articles entering official establishments.
318.2 Reinspection, retention, and disposal of meat and poultry products 
          at official establishments.
318.3 Designation of places of receipt of products and other articles 
          for reinspection.
318.4 Preparation of products to be officially supervised; 
          responsibilities of official establishments; plant operated 
          quality control.
318.5 Requirements concerning procedures.
318.6 Requirements concerning ingredients and other articles used in 
          preparation of products.
318.8 Preservatives and other substances permitted in product for export 
          only; handling; such product not to be used for domestic food 
          purposes.
318.9 Samples of products, water, dyes, chemicals, etc., to be taken for 
          examination.
318.10 [Reserved]
318.11 [Reserved]
318.12 Manufacture of uninspected, inedible products at official 
          establishments.
318.13 Mixtures containing product but not amendable to the Act.
318.14 Adulteration of product by polluted water; procedure for 
          handling.
318.15 Tagging chemicals, preservatives, cereals, spices, etc., ``U.S. 
          retained.''
318.16 Pesticide chemicals and other residues in products.
318.17 Requirements for the production of cooked beef, roast beef, and 
          cooked corned beef products.
318.18 Handling of certain material for mechanical processing.

[[Page 247]]

318.19 Compliance procedure for cured pork products.
318.20 Use of animal drugs.
318.21 [Reserved]
318.22 Determination of added water in cooked sausages.
318.23 Heat-processing and stabilization requirements for uncured meat 
          patties.
318.24 Product prepared using advanced meat/bone separation machinery; 
          process control.

Subparts B-G [Reserved]

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1633, 1901-1906; 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.18, 
2.53.



                            Subpart A_General

    Source: 35 FR 15586, Oct. 3, 1970, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  318.1  Products and other articles entering official establishments.

    (a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this 
section or Sec.  318.12, no product shall be brought into an official 
establishment unless it has been prepared only in an official 
establishment and previously inspected and passed by a Program employee, 
and is identified by an official inspection legend as so inspected and 
passed. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this subparagraph, 
product imported in accordance with part 327 of this subchapter and not 
prepared in the United States outside an official establishment, may 
enter any official establishment subject in other respects to the same 
restrictions as apply to domestic product. Products received in an 
official establishment during the Program employees absence shall be 
identified and maintained in a manner acceptable to such employee. 
Product entering any official establishment shall not be used or 
prepared thereat until it has been reinspected in accordance with Sec.  
318.2. Any product originally prepared at any official establishment may 
not be returned into any part of such establishment, except the 
receiving area approved under Sec.  318.3, until it has been reinspected 
by the inspector.
    (b) No slaughtered poultry or poultry product shall be brought into 
an official establishment unless it has been (1) previously inspected 
and passed and is identified as such in accordance with the requirements 
of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.) and the 
regulations thereunder, and has not been prepared other than in an 
establishment inspected under said Act, or (2) has been inspected and 
passed and is identified as such in accordance with the requirements of 
a State law.
    (c) Every article for use as an ingredient in the preparation of 
meat food products, when entering any official establishment and at all 
times while it is in such establishment, shall bear a label showing the 
name of the article, the amount or percentage therein of any substances 
restricted by this part or part 317 of this subchapter, and a list of 
ingredients in the article if composed of two or more ingredients: 
Provided, That in the case of articles received in tank car lots, only 
one such label shall be used to identify each lot. In addition, the 
label must show the name and address of the shipper.
    (d) To ensure the safe use of preparations used in hog scalding 
water or in the denuding of tripe, the label or labeling on containers 
of such preparations shall bear adequate directions to ensure use in 
compliance with any limitations prescribed in 21 CFR Chapter I, 
Subchapter A or Subchapter B, or 9 CFR Chapter III, Subchapter A or 
Subchapter E.
    (e) Dyes, chemicals, or other substances the use of which is 
restricted to certain products may be brought into or kept in an 
official establishment only if such products are prepared thereat. No 
prohibited dye, chemical, preservative, or other substance shall be 
brought into or kept in an official establishment.
    (f) [Reserved]
    (g) Glands and organs, such as cotyledons, ovaries, prostate glands, 
tonsils, spinal cords, and detached lymphatic, pineal, pituitary, 
parathyroid, suprarenal, pancreatic and thyroid glands, used in 
preparing pharmaceutical, organotherapeutic, or technical products and 
which are not used as human food (whether or not prepared at official 
establishments) may be brought into and stored in edible product 
departments of inspected establishments if packaged in suitable

[[Page 248]]

containers so that the presence of such glands and organ will in no way 
interfere with the maintenance of sanitary conditions or constitute an 
interference with inspection. Glands or organs which are regarded as 
human food products, such as livers, testicles, and thymus glands, may 
be brought into official establishments for pharmaceutical, 
organotherapeutic or technical purposes, only if U.S. inspected and 
passed and so identified. Lungs and lung lobes derived from livestock 
slaughtered in any establishment may not be brought into any official 
establishment except as provided in Sec.  318.12(a).
    (h)(1) Carcasses of game animals, and carcasses derived from the 
slaughter by any person of livestock of his own raising in accordance 
with the exemption provisions of paragraph 23(a) of the Act, and parts 
of such carcasses, may be brought into an official establishment for 
preparation, packaging, and storing in accordance with the provisions of 
Sec.  303.1(a)(2) of this subchapter.
    (2) Meat, meat byproducts, and meat food products bearing official 
marks showing that they were inspected and passed under State inspection 
in any State not designated in Sec.  331.2 of this subchapter may be 
received by official establishments for storage and distribution solely 
in intrastate commerce. The presence of such State inspected products 
must not create any unsanitary condition or otherwise result in 
adulteration of any products at the official establishment or interfere 
with the conduct of inspection under this subchapter. In addition, such 
State inspected products must be stored separately and apart from the 
federally inspected products in the official establishment.
    (i) The operator of the official establishment shall furnish such 
information as is necessary to determine the origin of any product or 
other article entering the official establishment. Such information 
shall include, but is not limited to, the name and address of the seller 
or supplier, transportation company, agent, or broker involved in the 
sale or delivery of the product or article in question.
    (j) Any product or any poultry or poultry product or other article 
that is brought into an official establishment contrary to any provision 
of this section may be required by the Administrator to be removed 
immediately from such establishment by the operator thereof, and failure 
to comply with such requirement shall be deemed a violation of this 
regulation. If any slaughtered poultry or poultry products or other 
articles are received at an official establishment and are suspected of 
being adulterated or misbranded under the Poultry Products Inspection 
Act or the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or applicable State 
laws, the appropriate governmental authorities will be notified.

[35 FR 15586, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 36 FR 11639, June 17, 1971; 38 
FR 5152, Feb. 26, 1973; 48 FR 6091, Feb. 10, 1983; 49 FR 32055, Aug. 10, 
1984; 64 FR 72174, Dec. 23, 1999]



Sec.  318.2  Reinspection, retention, and disposal of meat and poultry
products at official establishments.

    (a) All products and all slaughtered poultry and poultry products 
brought into any official establishment shall be identified by the 
operator of the official establishment at the time of receipt at the 
official establishment and shall be subject to reinspection by a Program 
employee at the official establishment in such manner and at such times 
as may be deemed necessary to assure compliance with the regulations in 
this subchapter.
    (b) All products, whether fresh, cured, or otherwise prepared, even 
though previously inspected and passed, shall be reinspected by Program 
employees as often as they may deem necessary in order to ascertain that 
they are not adulterated or misbranded at the time they enter or leave 
official establishments and that the requirements of the regulations in 
this subchapter are complied with.
    (c) Reinspection may be accomplished through use of statistically 
sound sampling plans that assure a high level of confidence. The circuit 
supervisor shall designate the type of plan and the program employee 
shall select the specific plan to be used in

[[Page 249]]

accordance with instructions issued by the Administrator. \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Further information concerning sampling plans which have been 
adopted for specific products may be obtained from the Circuit 
Supervisors of Program circuits. These sampling plans are developed for 
individual products by the Washington staff and will be distributed for 
field use as they are developed. The type of plan applicable depends on 
factors such as whether the product is in containers, stage of 
preparation, and procedures followed by the establishment operator. The 
specific plan applicable depends on the kind of product involved, such 
as liver, oxtails, etc.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d) A U.S. retained tag shall be placed by a Program employee at the 
time of reinspection at any official establishment on all products which 
are suspected on such reinspection of being adulterated or misbranded, 
and such products shall be held for further inspection. Such tags shall 
be removed only by authorized Program employees. When further inspection 
is made, if the product is found to be adulterated, all official 
inspection legends or other official marks for which the product is 
found to be ineligible under the regulations in this subchapter, shall 
be removed or defaced and the product will be subject to condemnation 
and disposal in accordance with part 314 of this subchapter, except that 
a determination regarding adulteration may be deferred if a product has 
become soiled or unclean by falling on the floor or in any other 
accidental way or if the product is affected with any other condition 
which the inspector deems capable of correction, in which case the 
product shall be cleaned (including trimming if necessary) or otherwise 
handled in a manner approved by the inspector to assure that it will not 
be adulterated or misbranded and shall then be presented for 
reinspection and disposal in accordance with this section. If upon final 
inspection, the product is found to be neither adulterated nor 
misbranded, the inspector shall remove the U.S. retained tag. If a 
product is found upon reinspection to be misbranded, it shall be held 
under a U.S. retained tag, or a U.S. detention tag as provided in part 
329 of this subchapter, pending correction of the misbranding or 
issuance of an order under section 7 of the Act to withhold from use the 
labeling or container of the product, or the institution of a judicial 
seizure action under section 403 of Act or other appropriate action. The 
inspector shall make a complete record of each transaction under this 
paragraph and shall report his action to the area supervisor.

[35 FR 15586, Oct. 3, 1970; 36 FR 11903, June 23, 1971]



Sec.  318.3  Designation of places of receipt of products and other
articles for reinspection.

    Every official establishment shall designate, with the approval of 
the circuit supervisor, a dock or place at which products and other 
articles subject to reinspection under Sec.  318.2 shall be received, 
and such products and articles shall be received only at such dock or 
place.



Sec.  318.4  Preparation of products to be officially supervised;
responsibilities of official establishments; plant operated quality
control.

    (a) All processes used in curing, pickling, rendering, canning, or 
otherwise preparing any product in official establishments shall be 
supervised by Program employees unless such preparation is conducted as 
a custom operation exempted from inspection under Sec.  303.1(a)(2) of 
this subchapter in any official establishment or consists of operations 
that are exempted from inspection under Sec.  303.1(d) of this 
subchapter and are conducted in a retail store in an establishment 
subject to inspection only because the State or Territory in which the 
establishment is located is designated under paragraph 301(c) of the 
Act. No fixtures or appliances, such as tables, trucks, trays, tanks, 
vats, machines, implements, cans, or containers of any kind, shall be 
used unless they are of such materials and construction as will not 
contaminate or otherwise adulterate the product and are clean and 
sanitary. All steps in the preparation of edible products shall be 
conducted carefully and with strict cleanliness in rooms or compartments 
separate from those used for inedible products.
    (b) It shall be the responsibility of the operator of every official 
establishment to comply with the Act and the

[[Page 250]]

regulations in this subchapter. In order to carry out this 
responsibility effectively, the operator of the establishment shall 
institute appropriate measures to assure the maintenance of the 
establishment and the preparation, marking, labeling, packaging and 
other handling of its products strictly in accordance with the sanitary 
and other requirements of this subchapter. The effectiveness of such 
measures will be subject to review by the Department.
    (c) Applying for Total Plant Quality Control. Any owner or operator 
of an official establishment preparing meat food product who has a total 
plant quality control system or plan for controlling such product, after 
ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection, through all stages of 
preparation, may request the Administrator to evaluate it to determine 
whether or not that system is adequate to result in product being in 
compliance with the requirements of the Act and therefore qualify as a 
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Total Plant Quality Control 
Establishment. Such a request shall, as a minimum, include:
    (1) A letter to the Administrator from the establishment owner of 
operator stating the company's basis and purpose for seeking an approved 
quality control system and willingness to adhere to the requirements of 
the system as approved by the Department; that all the establishment's 
data, analyses, and information generated by its quality control system 
will be maintained to enable the Department to monitor compliance and 
available to Department personnel; that plant quality control personnel 
will have authority to halt production or shipping of product in cases 
where the submitted quality control system requires it; and that the 
owner or operator (or his/her designee) will be available for 
consultation at any time Department personnel consider it necessary.
    (2) In the case of an establishment having one or more full-time 
persons whose primary duties are related to the quality control system, 
an organizational chart showing that such people ultimately report to an 
establishment official whose quality control responsibilities are 
independent of or not predominantly production responsibilities. In the 
case of an establishment which does not have full-time quality control 
personnel, information indicating the nature of the duties and 
responsibilities of the person who will be responsible for the quality 
control system.
    (3) A list identifying those parts and sections of the Federal meat 
inspection regulations which are applicable to the operations of the 
establishment applying for approval of a quality control system. This 
list shall also identify which part of the quality control system will 
serve to maintain compliance with the applicable regulations.
    (4) Detailed information concerning the manner in which the system 
will function. Such information should include, but not necessarily be 
limited to, questions of raw material control, the critical check or 
control points, the nature and frequency of tests to be made, the nature 
of charts and other records that will be used, the length of time such 
charts and records will be maintained in the custody of the official 
establishment, the nature of deficiencies the quality control system is 
designed to identify and control, the parameters or limits which will be 
used, and the points at which corrective action will occur and the 
nature of such corrective action--ranging from least to most severe: 
Provided, That, subsequent to approval of the total plant quality 
control system by the Administrator, the official establishment may 
produce a new product for test marketing provided labeling for the 
product has been approved by the Administrator, the inspector in charge 
has determined that the procedures for preparing the product will assure 
that all Federal requirements are met, and the production for test 
marketing does not exceed 6 months. Such new product shall not be 
produced at that establishment after the 6-month period unless approval 
of the quality control system for that product has been received from 
the Administrator.
    (d) [Reserved]
    (e) Evaluation and Approval of Total Plant Quality Control. (1) The 
Administrator shall evaluate the material presented in accordance with 
the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section. If it is determined by 
the Administrator,

[[Page 251]]

on the basis of the evaluation, that the total quality control system 
will result in finished products controlled in this manner being in full 
compliance with the requirements of the Act and regulations thereunder, 
the total quality control system will be approved and plans will be made 
for implementation under departmental supervision.
    (2) In any situation where the system is found by the Administrator 
to be unacceptable, formal notification shall be given to the applicant 
of the basis for the denial. The applicant will be afforded an 
opportunity to modify the system in accordance with the notification. 
The applicant shall also be afforded an opportunity to submit a written 
statement in response to this notification of denial and a right to 
request a hearing with respect to the merits or validity of the denial. 
If the applicant requests a hearing and the Administrator, after review 
of the answer, determines the initial determination to be correct, he 
shall file with the Hearing Clerk of the Department the notification, 
answer and the request for hearing, which shall constitute the complaint 
and answer in the proceeding, which shall thereafter be conducted in 
accordance with Rules of Practice which shall be adopted for this 
proceeding.
    (3) The establishment owner or operator shall be responsible for the 
effective operation of the approved total plant quality control system 
to assure compliance with the requirements of the Act and regulations 
thereunder. The Secretary shall continue to provide the Federal 
inspection necessary to carry out his responsibilities under the Act.
    (f) Labeling Logo. Owners and operators of official establishments 
having a total plant quality control system approved under the 
provisions of paragraph (c) of this section may only use, as a part of 
any label, the following logo.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.015

    (g) Termination of Total Plant Quality Control. (1) The approval of 
a total plant quality control system may be terminated at any time by 
the owner or operator of the official establishment upon written notice 
to the Administrator.
    (2) The approval of a total plant quality control system may be 
terminated upon the establishment's receipt of a written notice from the 
Administrator under the following conditions:
    (i) If adulterated or misbranded meat food product is found by the 
Administrator to have been prepared for or distributed in commerce by 
the subject establishment. In such case, opportunity will be provided to 
the establishment owner or operator to present views to the 
Administrator within 30 days of the date of terminating the approval. In 
those instances where there is conflict of facts, a hearing, under 
applicable Rules of Practice, will be provided to the establishment 
owner or operator to resolve the conflict. The Administrator's 
termination of approval shall remain in effect pending the final 
determination of the proceeding.
    (ii) If the establishment fails to comply with the quality control 
system or program to which it has agreed after being notified by letter 
from the Administrator or his designee. Prior to such termination, 
opportunity will be provided to the establishment owner or operator to 
present views to the Administrator within 30 days of the date of the 
letter. In those instances where

[[Page 252]]

there is a conflict of facts, a hearing, under applicable Rules of 
Practice, will be provided to the establishment owner or operator to 
resolve the conflict. The Administrator's termination of quality control 
approval shall remain in effect pending the final determination of the 
proceeding.
    (3) If approval of the total establishment quality control system 
has been terminated in accordance with the provisions of this section, 
an application and request for approval of the same or a modified total 
establishment quality control system will not be evaluated by the 
Administrator for at least 6 months from the termination date.
    (h)(1) Operating Schedule Under Total Plant Quality Control. An 
official establishment with an approved total plant quality control 
system may request approval for an operating schedule of up to 12 
consecutive hours per shift. Permission will be granted provided that:
    (i) The official establishment has satisfactorily operated under a 
total plant quality control system for at least 1 year.
    (ii) All products prepared and packaged, or processed after the end 
of 8 hours of inspection shall only be a continuation of the processing 
monitored by the inspector and being conducted during the last hour of 
inspection.
    (iii) All immediate containers of products prepared and packaged 
shall bear code marks that are unique to any period of production beyond 
the 8 hours of inspection. The form of such code marks will remain 
constant from day to day, and a facsimile of the code marks and their 
meaning shall be provided to the inspector.
    (2) Application. Applications shall be submitted to the Regional 
Director and shall specify how the conditions in Sec.  318.4(h)(1) have 
been or will be met.
    (3) Monitoring by Inspectors. In order to verify that an 
establishment is preparing and shipping product in accordance with the 
approved total plant quality control system and the Act and regulations 
after the 8 hours of inspection, the official establishment may be 
provided overtime inspection services at the discretion of the circuit 
supervisor and charged for such services.

(Reporting requirements were approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget under control number 0583-0015)

[35 FR 15586, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 36 FR 12003, June 24, 1971; 45 
FR 54322, Aug. 15, 1980; 51 FR 32304, Sept. 11, 1986; 62 FR 45024, Aug. 
25, 1997; 62 FR 54759, Oct. 22, 1997; 65 FR 34389, May 30, 2000; 78 FR 
66837, Nov. 7, 2013]



Sec.  318.5  Requirements concerning procedures.

    (a)(1) Care shall be taken to assure that product is not adulterated 
when placed in freezers. If there is doubt as to the soundness of any 
frozen product, the inspector will require the defrosting and 
reinspection of a sufficient quantity thereof to determine its actual 
condition.
    (2) Frozen product may be defrosted in water or pickle in a manner 
and with the use of facilities which are acceptable to the inspector. 
Before such product is defrosted, a careful examination shall be made to 
determine its condition. If necessary, this examination shall include 
defrosting of representative samples by means other than in water or 
pickle.
    (b) Product, such as pork tenderloins, brains, sweetbreads, stew, or 
chop suey, shall not be packed in hermetically sealed metal or glass 
containers, unless subsequently heat processed or otherwise treated to 
preserve the product in a manner approved by the Administrator in 
specific cases.
    (c) Care shall be taken to remove bones and parts of bones from 
product which is intended for chopping.
    (d) Heads for use in the preparation of meat food products shall be 
split and the bodies of the teeth, the turbinated and ethmoid bones, ear 
tubes, and horn butts removed, and the heads then thoroughly cleaned.
    (e) Kidneys for use in the preparation of meat food products shall 
first be freely sectioned and then thoroughly soaked and washed. All 
detached kidneys, including beef kidneys with detached kidney fat, shall 
be inspected before being used in or shipped from the official 
establishment.
    (f) Cattle paunches and hog stomachs for use in the preparation of 
meat food products shall be thoroughly cleaned

[[Page 253]]

on all surfaces and parts immediately after being emptied of their 
contents, which shall follow promptly their removal from the carcasses.
    (g) Clotted blood shall be removed from hog hearts before they are 
shipped from the official establishment or used in the preparation of 
meat food products.
    (h) Beef rounds, beef bungs, beef middles, beef bladders, calf 
rounds, hog bungs, hog middles, and hog stomachs which are to be used as 
containers of any meat food product shall be presented for inspection, 
turned with the fat surface exposed.
    (i) Portions of casings which show infection with Oesophagostomum or 
other nodule-producing parasite, and weasands infected with the larvae 
of Hypoderma lineatum, shall be rejected, except that when the 
infestation is slight and the nodules and larvae are removed, the casing 
or weasand may be passed.

[35 FR 15586, Oct. 3, 1970; 36 FR 11903, June 23, 1971]



Sec.  318.6  Requirements concerning ingredients and other articles 
used in preparation of products.

    (a) All ingredients and other articles used in the preparation of 
any product shall be clean, sound, healthful, wholesome, and otherwise 
such as will not result in the product being adulterated. Official 
establishments shall furnish inspectors accurate information on all 
procedures involved in product preparation including product composition 
and any changes in such procedures essential for inspectional control of 
the product.
    (b)(1) The only animal casings that may be used as containers of 
product are those from sheep, swine, or goats. Casings from cattle may 
be used as containers of products. However, if casings from cattle are 
derived from the small intestine, the small intestine must comply with 
the requirements in 9 CFR 310.22(d). Establishments that use casings 
derived from the small intestine of cattle as containers for products 
must demonstrate, through documentation, that the small intestine from 
which the casing was derived complies with the requirements in 9 CFR 
310.22(d).
    (2) Casings for products shall be carefully inspected by Program 
employees. Only those casings which have been carefully washed and 
thoroughly flushed with clean water immediately before stuffing and are 
suitable for containers, are clean, and are passed on such inspection 
shall be used, except that preflushed animal casings packed in salt or 
salt and glycerine solution or other approved medium may be used without 
additional flushing provided they are found to be clean and otherwise 
acceptable and are thoroughly rinsed before use.
    (3) Hog and sheep casings intended for use as containers of product 
may be treated by soaking in or applying thereto sound, fresh pineapple 
juice or papain or bromelin or pancreatic extract to permit the enzymes 
contained in these substances to act on the casings to make them less 
resistant. The casings shall be handled in a clean and sanitary manner 
throughout and the treatment shall be followed by washing and flushing 
the casings with water sufficiently to effectively remove the substance 
used and terminate the enzymatic action.
    (4) On account of the invariable presence of bone splinters, 
detached spinal cords shall not be used in the preparation of edible 
product other than for rendering where they constitute a suitable raw 
material. Detached spinal cords from cattle 30 months of age and older 
shall not be used as raw materials for edible rendering.
    (5) Testicles if handled as an edible product may be shipped from 
the official establishment as such, but they shall not be used as an 
ingredient of a meat food product.
    (6) Tonsils shall be removed and shall not be used as ingredients of 
meat food products.
    (7) Blood from livestock prepared in accordance with Sec.  310.20 of 
this subchapter may be used as an ingredient of a meat food product for 
which a standard is prescribed in part 319 of this subchapter, if 
permitted by such standard, and may be used in any meat food product for 
which no such standard is prescribed in part 319 of this subchapter if 
it is a common and usual ingredient of such product.

[[Page 254]]

    (8) Intestines shall not be used as ingredients in any meat food 
product for which a standard is prescribed in part 319 of this 
subchapter and shall not be used in other products unless the products 
are labeled in accordance with Sec.  317.8(b)(3) of this subchapter. 
When small intestine from cattle is used in a meat food product or for 
edible rendering, it must comply with the requirements in 9 CFR 
310.22(d).
    (9) Poultry products and egg products (other than shell eggs) which 
are intended for use as ingredients of meat food products shall be 
considered acceptable for such use only when identified as having been 
inspected and passed for wholesomeness by the Department under the 
regulations in 7 CFR part 59 or 9 CFR part 362 or 381 and when found to 
be sound and otherwise acceptable when presented for use. Poultry 
products and egg products (other than shell eggs) which have not been so 
inspected and passed for wholesomeness shall not be used in the 
preparation of such meat food products.
    (10) Dry milk products which are intended for use as ingredients of 
meat food products shall be considered acceptable for such use only when 
produced in a plant approved by the Department under the regulations in 
7 CFR part 58, and when found to be sound and otherwise acceptable when 
presented for use. Dry milk products prepared in a plant not so approved 
shall not be used in the preparation of such meat food products.
    (11) [Reserved]
    (12) Ingredients for use in any product may not bear or contain any 
pesticide chemical or other residues in excess of level permitted in 
Sec.  318.16.
    (13) Use of ``Mechanically Separated (Kind of Poultry),'' as defined 
in Sec.  381.173 of this chapter, in the preparation of meat food 
products shall accord with Sec.  381.174 and all other applicable 
provisions of this subchapter.

[35 FR 15586, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 38 FR 14368, June 1, 1973; 38 
FR 29214, Oct. 23, 1973; 39 FR 1973, Jan. 16, 1974; 41 FR 23702, June 
11, 1976; 49 FR 19623, May 9, 1984; 50 FR 6, Jan. 2, 1985; 60 FR 55982, 
Nov. 3, 1995; 69 FR 1874, Jan. 12, 2004; 70 FR 53050, Sept. 7, 2005; 72 
FR 38730, July 13, 2007]



Sec.  318.8  Preservatives and other substances permitted in product
for export only; handling; such product not to be used for domestic 
food purposes.

    (a) Preservatives and other substances not permitted in domestic 
product under the regulations in this subchapter may be used in the 
preparation and packing of product intended for export provided the 
product (1) accords to the specifications or directions of the foreign 
purchaser; (2) is not in conflict with the laws of the country to which 
it is intended for export; and (3) is labeled on the outside container 
to show that it is intended for export, and is otherwise labeled as 
required by this subchapter for such export product.
    (b) The preparation and packing of export product as provided for in 
paragraph (a) of this section shall be done in a manner acceptable to 
the inspector in charge so that the identity of the export product is 
maintained conclusively and the preparation of domestic product is 
adequately protected. The preservatives and other substances not 
permitted in domestic product shall be stored in a room or compartment 
separate from areas used to store other supplies and shall be held under 
Program lock. Use of the preservatives or other substances shall be 
under the direct supervision of a Program employee.
    (c) The packing of all articles under paragraph (a) of this section 
shall be conducted under the direct supervision of a Program employee.
    (d) No article prepared or packed for export under paragraph (a) of 
this section shall be sold or offered for sale for domestic use or 
consumption, but unless exported shall be destroyed for food purposes 
under the direct supervision of a Program employee.
    (e) The contents of the container of any article prepared or packed 
for export under paragraph (a) of this section shall not be removed, in 
whole or in part, from such container prior to exportation, except under 
the supervision of a Program employee. If such contents are removed 
prior to exportation, then the article shall be either repacked, in 
accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this

[[Page 255]]

section, or destroyed for food purposes under the direct supervision of 
a Program employee.
    (f) Permission must be obtained from the Administrator before meats 
packed in borax are shipped from one official establishment to another 
or to an unofficial establishment for storage, except such meat prepared 
for the account of Federal agencies.
    (g) At all times, the identity of meat to which borax has been added 
shall be effectively maintained. In no case shall such meat, nor any 
trimmings or fat derived from such meat, whether unwashed or washed, or 
otherwise treated, be diverted to domestic use.
    (h) Salt used for bulking meat previously packed in borax may not 
again be used in an edible products department other than in connection 
with the packing of meat in borax. Only metal equipment should be used 
for handling such meat. Particularly effective cleansing will be 
required if wooden equipment such as trucks, washing vats, etc., is 
used. Boxes from which boraxed meat has been removed may be used for 
repacking meat in borax, but their use as containers for other meat will 
be dependent upon the effective removal of all traces of borax.
    (i) The following instructions pertain to export cured pork packed 
in borax for the account of Federal agencies. The meat may be packed in 
borax in a room in which there is borax-free meat, provided proper care 
is taken to see that the borax-free meat is not affected by the borax. 
Under the same condition, meat packed in borax may be received, 
unpacked, defrosted, soaked, washed, smoked, and repacked in a room 
where there is other meat. However, meat originally packed in borax 
shall at all times be subject to the restrictions of meat so packed, 
even though repacked without borax. After packing or repacking, borax 
packed meat may be stored in a room with meat not packed in borax, 
provided a reasonable degree of separation is maintained between the two 
classes of product.

[35 FR 15586, Oct. 3, 1970; 36 FR 11903, June 23, 1971, as amended at 38 
FR 29214, Oct. 23, 1973]



Sec.  318.9  Samples of products, water, dyes, chemicals, etc., to be 
taken for examination.

    Samples of products, water, dyes, chemicals, preservatives, spices, 
or other articles in any official establishment shall be taken, without 
cost to the Program, for examination, as often as may be deemed 
necessary for the efficient conduct of the inspection.



Sec.  318.10  [Reserved]



Sec.  318.11  [Reserved]



Sec.  318.12  Manufacture of uninspected, inedible products at official
establishments.

    (a) Official establishments may manufacture pet food or similar 
uninspected, inedible products in areas where edible products also are 
produced, provided that the manufacture of uninspected, inedible 
products does not:
    (1) Adulterate edible products;
    (2) Create insanitary conditions in the official establishment 
whereby edible products may be adulterated; or
    (3) Prevent or interfere with inspection or other program tasks 
performed by FSIS personnel in the official establishment.
    (b) Pet food and similar uninspected, inedible products must be 
distinguished from edible products so as to avoid their distribution as 
human food. Pet food or similar uninspected, inedible products must be 
labeled or otherwise identified in accordance with Sec.  325.11(d) of 
this subchapter.

[84 FR 40227, Aug. 14, 2019]



Sec.  318.13  Mixtures containing product but not amendable to the Act.

    Mixtures containing product but not classed as a meat food product 
under the Act shall not bear the inspection legend or any abbreviation 
or representation thereof unless manufactured under the food inspection 
service provided for in part 350 of subchapter B of this chapter. When 
such mixtures are manufactured in any part of an official establishment, 
the sanitation of that part of the establishment shall be supervised by 
Program employees, and the manufacture of such mixtures shall

[[Page 256]]

not cause any deviation from the requirement of Sec.  318.1.

[35 FR 15586, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 38 FR 29215, Oct. 23, 1973]



Sec.  318.14  Adulteration of product by polluted water; procedure
for handling.

    (a) In the event there is polluted water (including but not limited 
to flood water) in an official establishment, all products and 
ingredients for use in the preparation of such products that have been 
rendered adulterated by the water shall be condemned.
    (b) After the polluted water has receded from an official 
establishment, all walls, ceilings, posts, and floors of the rooms and 
compartments involved, including the equipment therein, shall, under the 
supervision of an inspector, be cleaned thoroughly by the official 
establishment personnel. An adequate supply of hot water under pressure 
is essential to make such cleaning effective. After cleaning, a solution 
of sodium hypochlorite containing approximately one-half of 1 percent 
available chlorine (5,000 p/m) or other equivalent disinfectant approved 
by the Administrator \1\ shall be applied to the surface of the rooms 
and equipment and rinsed with potable water before use.
    (c) Hermetically sealed containers of product which have been 
contaminated by polluted water shall be examined promptly by the 
official establishment under supervision of an inspector and rehandled 
as follows:
    (1) Separate and condemn all product in damaged or extensively 
rusted containers.
    (2) Remove paper labels and wash the remaining containers in warm 
soapy water, using a brush where necessary to remove rust or other 
foreign material. Disinfect these containers by either of the following 
methods:
    (i) Immerse in a solution of sodium hypochlorite containing not less 
than 100 p/m of available chlorine or other equivalent disinfectant 
approved by the Administrator, \1\ rinse in potable water, and dry 
thoroughly; or
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ A list of approved disinfectants is available upon request to 
Scientific Services, Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 
20250.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) Immerse in 212 [deg]F. water, bring temperature of the water 
back to 212 [deg]F. and maintain the temperature at 212 [deg]F. for 5 
minutes, then remove containers from water and cool them to 95 [deg]F. 
and dry thoroughly.
    (3) After handling as described in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, 
the containers may be relacquered, if necessary, and then relabeled with 
approved labels applicable to the product therein.
    (4) The identity of the canned product shall be maintained 
throughout all stages of the rehandling operations to insure correct 
labeling of the containers.

[35 FR 15586, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 38 FR 34455, Dec. 14, 1973]



Sec.  318.15  Tagging chemicals, preservatives, cereals, spices, etc.,
``U.S. retained.''

    When any chemical, preservative, cereal, spice, or other substance 
is intended for use in an official establishment, it shall be examined 
by a Program employee and if found to be unfit or otherwise unacceptable 
for the use intended, or if final decision regarding acceptance is 
deferred pending laboratory or other examination, the employee shall 
attach a ``U.S. retained'' tag to the substance or container thereof. 
The substance so tagged shall be kept separate from other substances as 
the circuit supervisor may require and shall not be used until the tag 
is removed, and such removal shall be made only by a Program employee 
after a finding that the substance can be accepted, or, in the case of 
an unacceptable substance, when it is removed from the establishment.



Sec.  318.16  Pesticide chemicals and other residues in products.

    (a) Nonmeat ingredients. Residues of pesticide chemicals, food 
additives and color additives or other substances in or on ingredients 
(other than meat, meat byproducts, and meat food products) used in the 
formulation of products shall not exceed the levels permitted under the 
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and such nonmeat

[[Page 257]]

ingredients must otherwise be in compliance with the requirements under 
that Act.
    (b) Products, and meat, meat byproduct, or other meat food product 
ingredients. Products, and products used as ingredients of products, 
shall not bear or contain any pesticide chemical, food additives, or 
color additive residue in excess of the level permitted under the 
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the regulations in this 
subchapter, or any other substance that is prohibited by such 
regulations or that otherwise makes the products adulterated.
    (c) Standards and procedures. Instructions specifying the standards 
and procedures for determining when ingredients of finished products are 
in compliance with this section shall be issued to the inspectors by the 
Administrator. Copies of such instructions will be made available to 
interested persons upon request made to the Administrator.



Sec.  318.17  Requirements for the production of cooked beef, roast beef,
and cooked corned beef products.

    (a) Cooked beef, roast beef, and cooked corned beef products must be 
produced using processes ensuring that the products meet the following 
performance standards:
    (1) Lethality. A 6.5-log10 reduction of Salmonella or an 
alternative lethality that achieves an equivalent probability that no 
viable Salmonella organisms remain in the finished product, as well as 
the reduction of other pathogens and their toxins or toxic metabolites 
necessary to prevent adulteration, must be demonstrated to be achieved 
throughout the product. The lethality process must include a cooking 
step. Controlled intermediate step(s) applied to raw product may form 
part of the basis for the equivalency.
    (2) Stabilization. There can be no multiplication of toxigenic 
microorganisms such as Clostridium botulinum, and no more than 1-
log10 multiplication of Clostridium perfringens within the 
product.
    (b) For each product produced using a process other than one 
conducted in accordance with the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control 
Point (HACCP) system requirements in part 417 of this chapter, an 
establishment must develop and have on file and available to FSIS, a 
process schedule, as defined in Sec.  301.2 of this chapter. Each 
process schedule must be approved in writing by a process authority for 
safety and efficacy in meeting the performance standards established for 
the product in question. A process authority must have access to the 
establishment in order to evaluate and approve the safety and efficacy 
of each process schedule.
    (c) Under the auspices of a processing authority, an establishment 
must validate new or altered process schedules by scientifically 
supportable means, such as information gleaned from the literature or by 
challenge studies conducted outside the plant.

[64 FR 744, Jan. 6, 1999]



Sec.  318.18  Handling of certain material for mechanical processing.

    Material to be processed into ``Mechanically Separated (Species)'' 
shall be so processed within 1 hour from the time it is cut or separated 
from carcasses or parts of carcasses, except that such product may be 
held for no more than 72 hours at 40 [deg]F. (4 [deg]C.) or less, or 
held indefinitely at 0 [deg]F. (-18 [deg]C.) or less. ``Mechanically 
Separated (Species)'' shall, directly after being processed, be used as 
an ingredient in a meat food product except that it may be held prior to 
such use for no more than 72 hours at 40 [deg]F. (4 [deg]C.) or less or 
indefinitely at 0 [deg]F. (-18 [deg]C.) or less.

[43 FR 26423, June 20, 1978, as amended at 47 FR 28256, June 29, 1982]



Sec.  318.19  Compliance procedure for cured pork products.

    (a) Definitions. For the purposes of this section:
    (1) A product is that cured pork article which is contained within 
one Group as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this section and which 
purports to meet the criteria for a single product designated under the 
heading ``Product Name and Qualifying Statements'' in the chart in Sec.  
319.104 or the chart in Sec.  319.105.
    (2) A Product Group or a Group means one of the following:


[[Page 258]]


    Group I, consisting of cured pork products which have been cooked 
while imperviously encased. Any product which fits into the Group will 
be placed in this Group regardless of any other considerations.
    Group II, consisting of cured pork products which have been water 
cooked. Any product which does not fit into Group I but does fit into 
Group II will be placed into Group II regardless of any other 
considerations.
    Group III, consisting of boneless smokehouse heated cured pork 
products. Any boneless product that does not fit into Group I or Group 
II shall be placed in Group III.
    Group IV, consisting of bone-in or semi-boneless smokehouse heated 
cured pork products. Any product that is not completely boneless or 
still contains all the bone which is traditional for bone-in product, 
and does not fit into Group I, Group II, or Group III shall be placed in 
this Group.

    (3) A lot is that product from one production shift.
    (4) A production rate is frequency of production, expressed in days 
per week.
    (5) Protein fat free percentage, protein fat free content, PFF 
percentage, PFF content or PFF of a product means the meat protein 
(indigenous to the raw, unprocessed pork cut) content expressed as a 
percent of the non-fat portion of the finished product.
    (b) Normal Compliance Procedures. The Department shall collect 
samples of cured pork products and analyze them for their PFF content. 
Analyses shall be conducted in accordance with the ``Official Methods of 
Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists Sec. Sec.  
950.46, and 928.08 (Chapter 39). \1\ The ``Official Methods of Analysis 
of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists,'' 15th edition, 
1990, is incorporated by reference with the approval of the Director of 
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. Each analytical result shall be recorded and evaluated to determine 
whether future sampling of product Groups within an official 
establishment shall be periodic or daily under the provisions of 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, and if the affected lot and subsequent 
production of like product shall be U.S. retained, or administratively 
detained, as appropriate, as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this 
section. \2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ A copy of the ``Official Methods of Analysis of the Association 
of Official Analytical Chemists,'' 15th edition, 1990, is on file with 
the Director, Office of the Federal Register, and may be purchased from 
the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Inc., 2200 Wilson 
Boulevard, Suite 400, Arlington, Virginia 22201.
    \2\ Rules for Rounding:
    1. Laboratory results for percent meat protein and fat will be 
reported to the second decimal place (hundredths).
    2. PFF and Sample Values for charting purposes will be calculated 
from the reported laboratory results to the second decimal place. 
Rounding of calculations to reach two decimal places will be done by the 
following rule:
    All values of five-thousandths (0.005) or more will be rounded up to 
the next highest hundredth. All values of less than five-thousandths 
(0.005) will be dropped.
    3. For compliance with the Absolute Minimum PFF requirements, the 
PFF will be rounded to the first decimal place (tenths). Rounding of 
calculations to reach one decimal place will be done by the following 
rule:
    All PFF values of five-hundredths (0.05) or more will be rounded up 
to the next highest tenth. All PFF values of less than five-hundredths 
(0.05) will be dropped.
    4. For product disposition (pass-fail of a minimum PFF standard for 
retained product) the average PFF calculation will be rounded to the 
first decimal place. Individual PFF Values will be calculated to the 
nearest hundredth as in (2) above. The average, however, will be rounded 
to the nearest tenth as in (3) above.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) Criteria to determine sampling frequency of Product Groups. For 
each official plant preparing cured pork products, Product Groups shall 
be sampled periodically or daily. Analytical results shall be evaluated 
and the sampling frequency determined as follows:
    (i) Determine the difference between the individual PFF analysis and 
the applicable minimum PFF percentage requirement of Sec.  319.104 or 
Sec.  319.105. The resulting figure shall be negative when the 
individual sample result is less than the applicable minimum PFF 
percentage requirement and shall be positive when the individual sample 
result is greater than the applicable minimum PFF percentage 
requirement.
    (ii) Divide the resulting number by the standard deviation assigned 
to the Product Group represented by the sample to find the Standardized 
Difference. The standard deviation assigned to Groups I and II is 0.75 
and to Groups III and IV is 0.91.

[[Page 259]]

    (iii) Add 0.25 to the Standardized Difference to find the Adjusted 
Standardized Difference.
    (iv) Use the lesser of 1.90 and the Adjusted Standardized Difference 
as the Sample Value.
    (v) Cumulatively total Sample Values to determine the Group Value. 
The first Sample Value in a Group shall be the Group Value, and each 
succeeding Group Value shall be determined by adding the most recent 
Sample Value to the existing Group Value; provided, however, that in no 
event shall the Group Value exceed 1.00. When calculation of a Group 
Value results in a figure greater than 1.00, the Group Value shall be 
1.00 and all previous Sample Values shall be ignored in determining 
future Group Values.
    (vi) The frequency of sampling of a Group shall be periodic when the 
Group Value is greater than -1.40 (e.g., -1.39, -1.14, 0, 0.50, etc.) 
and shall be daily when the Group Value is -1.40 or less (e.g., -1.40, -
1.45, -1.50, etc.); provided, however, that once daily sampling has been 
initiated, it shall continue until the Group Value is 0.00 or greater, 
and each of the last seven Sample Values is -1.65 or greater (e.g., -
1.63, -1.50, etc.), and there is no other product within the affected 
Group being U.S. retained as produced, under provisions of paragraph 
(b)(2) or (c).
    (2) Criteria for U.S. retention or administrative detention of cured 
pork products for further analysis. Cured prok products shall be U.S. 
retained, or administratively detained, as appropriate, when prescribed 
by paragraphs (b)(2) (i) or (ii) of this section as follows:
    (i) Absolute Minimum PFF Requirement. In the event that an analysis 
of an individual sample indicates a PFF content below the applicable 
minimum requirement of Sec.  319.104 or Sec.  319.105 by 2.3 or more 
percentage points for a Group I or II product, or 2.7 or more percentage 
points for a Group III or IV product, the lot from which the sample was 
collected shall be U.S. retained if in an official establishment and 
shall be subject to administrative detention if not in an official 
establishment unless returned to an official establishment and there 
U.S. retained. Any subsequently produced lots of like product and any 
lots of like product for which production dates cannot be established 
shall be U.S. retained or subject to administrative detention. Such 
administratively detained product shall be handled in accordance with 
part 329 of this subchapter, or shall be returned to an official 
establishment and subjected to the provisions of paragraph (c)(1) (i) or 
(ii) of this section, or shall be relabeled in compliance with the 
applicable standard, under the supervision of a program employee, at the 
expense of the product owner. Disposition of such U.S. retained product 
shall be in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
    (ii) Product Value requirement. The Department shall maintain, for 
each product prepared in an official establishment, a Product Value. 
Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, calculation of 
the Product Value and its use to determine if a product shall be U.S. 
retained shall be as follows:
    (A) Determine the difference between the individual PFF analysis and 
applicable minimum PFF percentage requirement of Sec.  319.104 and Sec.  
319.105. The resulting figure shall be negative when the individual 
sample result is less than the applicable minimum PFF percentage 
requirement and shall be positive when the individual sample result is 
greater than the applicable minimum PFF percentage requirement.
    (B) Divide the difference determined in paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(A) of 
this section by the standard deviation assigned to the product's Group 
in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section to find the standardized 
difference.
    (C) Use the lesser of 1.65 and the standardized difference as the 
Sample Value.
    (D) Cumulatively total Sample Values to determine the Product Value. 
The first Sample Value of a product shall be the Product Value, and each 
succeeding Product Value shall be determined by adding the most recent 
Sample Value to the existing Product Value; provided, however, that in 
no event shall the Product Value exceed 1.15. When calculation of a 
Product Value results in a figure greater than 1.15, the Product Value 
shall be 1.15, and all previous Sample Values shall be

[[Page 260]]

ignored in determining future Product Values.
    (E) Provided daily group sampling is in effect pursuant to the 
provisions of paragraph (b)(1) of this section, and provided further the 
Product Value is -1.65 or less (e.g., -1.66), the affected lot (if 
within the official establishment) and all subsequent lots of like 
product prepared by and still within the official establishment shall be 
U.S. retained and further evaluated under paragraph (c) of this section. 
Except for release of individual lot pursuant to paragraph (c)(1), 
subsequently produced lots of like product shall continue to be U.S. 
retained until discontinued pursuant to paragraph (c)(2) of this 
section.
    (c) Compliance procedure during product retention. When a product 
lot is U.S. retained under the provisions of paragraph (b)(2) of this 
section, the Department shall collect three randomly selected samples 
from each such lot and analyze them individually for PFF content. The 
PFF content of the three samples shall be evaluated to determine 
disposition of the lot as provided in paragraph (c)(1) of this section 
and the action to be taken on subsequently produced lots of like product 
as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section. \3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ If the processor does not wish to have the product evaluated in 
this manner, alternate sampling plans may be used provided such plans 
have been formulated by the processor and approved by the Administrator 
prior to evaluation by the three-sample criteria, and provided the 
analyses specified in such plans are performed at the expense of the 
processor.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) A product lot which is U.S. retained under the provisions of 
paragraph (b)(2) of this section may be released for entry into commerce 
provided one of the following conditions is met:
    (i) The average PFF content of the three samples randomly selected 
from the lot is equal to or greater than the applicable minimum PFF 
percentage required by Sec.  319.104 or Sec.  319.105. Further 
processing to remove moisture for the purpose of meeting this provision 
is permissible. In lieu of further analysis to determine the effects of 
such processing, each 0.37 percent weight reduction due to moisture loss 
resulting from the processing may be considered the equivalent of a 0.1 
percent PFF gain.
    (ii) The lot of the product is relabeled to conform to the 
provisions of Sec.  319.104 or Sec.  319.105, under the supervision of a 
program employee.
    (iii) The lot is one that has been prepared subsequent to 
preparation of the lot which, under the provisions of paragraph (c)(2) 
of this section, resulted in discontinuance of U.S. retention of new 
lots of like product. Such lot may be released for entry into commerce 
prior to receipt of analytical results for which sampling has been 
conducted. Upon receipt of such results, they shall be subjected to the 
provisions of paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (c)(2) of this section.
    (2) The PFF content of three randomly selected samples from each 
U.S. retained lot shall be used to maintain the Product Value described 
in paragraph (c)(2)(ii). The manner and effect of such maintenance shall 
be as follows: (i) Find the average PFF content of the three samples.
    (ii) Determine the difference between that average and the 
applicable minimum PFF percentage requirement of Sec.  319.104 or Sec.  
319.105. The resulting figure shall be negative when the average of the 
sample results is less than the applicable minimum PFF percentage 
requirement and shall be positive when the average of the sample results 
is greater than the applicable minimum PFF requirements.
    (iii) Divide the resulting figure by the standard deviation assigned 
to the product's Group in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, to find 
the standardized difference.
    (iv) Use the lesser of 1.30 and the standardized difference as the 
Sample Value.
    (v) Add the first Sample Value thus calculated to the latest Product 
Value calculated under the provisions of paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this 
section to find the new Product Value. To find each succeeding Product 
Value, add the most recent Sample Value to the existing Product Value; 
provided, however, that in no event shall the Product Value exceed 1.15. 
When the addition of a Sample Value to an existing Product Value results 
in a figure greater than

[[Page 261]]

1.15, the Product Value shall be 1.15 and all previous Sample Values 
shall be ignored in determining future Product Values.
    (vi) New lots of like product shall continue to be retained pending 
disposition in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this section until, 
after 5 days of production, the Product Value is 0.00 or greater, and 
the PFF content of no individual sample from a U.S. retained lot is less 
than the Absolute Minimum PFF requirement specified in paragraph 
(b)(2)(i) of this section. Should an individual sample fail to meet its 
Absolute Minimum PFF requirement, the 5-day count shall begin anew.
    (vii) When U.S. retention of new lots is discontinued under the 
above provisions, maintenance of the Product Value shall revert to the 
provisions of paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section.
    (3) For purposes of this section, the plant owner or operator shall 
have the option of temporarily removing a product from its Product 
Group, provided product lots are being U.S. retained, as produced, and 
provided further that the average production rate of the product, over 
the 8-week period preceding the week in which the first U.S. retained 
lot was prepared, is not greater than 20 percent of the production rate 
of its Group. When a product is thus removed from its Group, analytical 
results of product samples shall not cause daily sampling of the Group. 
When pursuant to paragraph (c)(2)(vi) of this section, new lots of the 
product are no longer being U.S. retained, the product shall again be 
considered with its Group.
    (d) Adulterated and misbranded products. Products not meeting 
specified PFF requirements, determined according to procedures set forth 
in this section, may be deemed adulterated under section 1(m)(8) of the 
Act (21 U.S.C. 601(m)(8)) and misbranded under section 1(n) of the Act 
(21 U.S.C. 601(n)).
    (e) Quality control. Cured pork products bearing on their labeling 
the statement ``X% of Weight is Added Ingredients'' shall be prepared 
only under a quality control system or program in accordance with Sec.  
318.4 of this subchapter. With respect to any other cured pork product, 
official establishments may institute quality control procedures under 
Sec.  318.4 of this subchapter. Cured pork products produced in such 
establishments may be exempt from the requirements of this section, 
provided in plant quality control procedures are shown to attain the 
same or higher degree of compliance as the procedures set forth in this 
section; provided, however, that all cured pork products produced shall 
be subject to the applicable Absolute Minimum PFF content requirement, 
regardless of any quality control procedures in effect.

[49 FR 14877, Apr. 13, 1984; 49 FR 33434, Aug. 23, 1984, as amended at 
59 FR 33642, June 30, 1994; 60 FR 10304, Feb. 24, 1995; 62 FR 45025, 
Aug. 25, 1997]



Sec.  318.20  Use of animal drugs.

    Animal drug residues are permitted in meat and meat food products if 
such residues are from drugs which have been approved by the Food and 
Drug Administration and any such drug residues are within tolerance 
levels approved by the Food and Drug Administration, unless otherwise 
determined by the Administrator and listed herein.

[50 FR 32165, Aug. 9, 1985]



Sec.  318.21  [Reserved]



Sec.  318.22  Determination of added water in cooked sausages.

    (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply.
    (1) Cooked sausage. Cooked sausage is any product described in Sec.  
319.140 and Sec. Sec.  319.180-319.182 of this chapter.
    (2) Group 1 Protein-Contributing Ingredients. Ingredients of 
livestock or poultry origin from muscle tissue which is skeletal or 
which is found in the edible organs, with or without the accompanying 
and overlying fat, and the portions of bone, skin, sinew, nerve, and 
blood vessels which normally accompany the muscle tissue and which are 
not separated from it in the process of dressing; meat byproducts; 
mechanically separated (species); and poultry products; except those 
ingredients processed by hydrolysis, extraction, concentrating or 
drying.
    (3) Group 2 Protein-Contributing Ingredients. Ingredients from Gorup 
1 protein-contributing ingredients processed by hydrolysis, extraction, 
concentrating, or drying, or any other ingredient which contributes 
protein.

[[Page 262]]

    (b) The amount of added water in cooked sausage is calculated by:
    (1) Determining by laboratory analysis the total percentage of water 
contained in the cooked sausage; and
    (2) Determining by laboratory analysis the total percentage of 
protein contained in the cooked sausage; and
    (3) Calculating the percentage of protein in the cooked sausage 
contributed by the Group 2 protein-contributing ingredients; and
    (4) Subtracting one pecent from the total percentage of protein 
calculated in (b)(3)); and
    (5) Subtracting the remaining percentage of protein calculated in 
(b)(3) from the total protein content determined in (b)(2); and
    (6) Calculating the percentage of indigenous water in the cooked 
sausage by multiplying the percentage of protein determined in (b)(5) by 
4, (This amount is the percentage of water attributable to Group 1 
protein-contributing ingredients and one percent of Group 2 protein-
contributing ingredients in a cooked sausage.); and
    (7) Subtracting the percentage of water calculated in (b)(6) from 
the total percentage of water determined in (b)(1). (This amount is the 
percentage of added water in a cooked sausage.) \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The equation for the narrative description of the calculation 
for added water is as follows: AW = TW-(TP-(P-1.0))4, Where AW = Added 
Water, TW-Total Water Determined by Laboratory Analysis, TP = Total 
Protein Determined by Laboratory Analysis, P = Protein Contributed by 
Group 2 Protein-Contributing Ingredients, 1.0 = Percent Allowance for 
Group 2 Protein-Contributing Ingredients, 4 = Moisture-Protein Ratio for 
Cooked Sausage.

[55 FR 7299, Mar. 1, 1990]



Sec.  318.23  Heat-processing and stabilization requirements for
uncured meat patties.

    (a) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following 
definitions shall apply:
    (1) Patty. A shaped and formed, comminuted, flattened cake of meat 
food product.
    (2) Comminuted. A processing term describing the reduction in size 
of pieces of meat, including chopping, flaking, grinding, or mincing, 
but not including chunking or sectioning.
    (3) Partially-cooked patties. Meat patties that have been heat 
processed for less time or using lower internal temperatures than are 
prescribed by paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
    (4) Char-marked patties. Meat patties that have been marked by a 
heat source and that have been heat processed for less time or using 
lower internal temperatures than are prescribed by paragraph (b)(1) of 
this section.
    (b) Heat-processing procedures for fully-cooked patties. (1) 
Official establishments which manufacture fully-cooked patties shall use 
one of the following heat-processing procedures:

Permitted Heat-Processing Temperature/Time Combinations for Fully-Cooked
                                 Patties
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum internal temperature at the center of each  Minimum holding time
                  patty (Degrees)                      after required
--------------------------------------------------- internal temperature
                                                      is reached (Time)
                                                   ---------------------
           Fahrenheit              Or centigrade                   Or
                                                     Minutes    seconds
------------------------------------------------------------------------
151............................  66.1.............        .68         41
152............................  66.7.............        .54         32
153............................  67.2.............        .43         26
154............................  67.8.............        .34         20
155............................  68.3.............        .27         16
156............................  68.9.............        .22         13
157 (and up)...................  69.4 (and up)....        .17         10
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) The official establishment shall measure the holding time and 
temperature of at least one fully-cooked patty from each production line 
each hour of production to assure control of the heat process. The 
temperature measuring device shall be accurate within 1 degree F.
    (3) Requirements for handling heating deviations. (i) If for any 
reason a heating deviation has occurred, the official establishment 
shall investigate and identify the cause; take steps to assure that the 
deviation will not recur; and place on file in the official 
establishment, available to any duly authorized FSIS program employee, a 
report of the investigation, the cause of the deviation, and the steps 
taken to prevent recurrence.

[[Page 263]]

    (ii) In addition, in the case of a heating deviation, the official 
establishment may reprocess the affected product, using one of the 
methods in paragraph (b)(1) in this section; use the affected product as 
an ingredient in another product processed to one of the temperature and 
time combinations in paragraph (b)(1) in this section, provided this 
does not violate the final product's standard of composition, upset the 
order of predominance of ingredients, or perceptibly affect the normal 
product characteristics; or relabel the affected product as a partially-
cooked patty product, if it meets the stabilization requirements in 
paragraph (c) of this section.
    (c) Stabilization. (1) Fully cooked, partially cooked, and char-
marked meat patties must be produced using processes ensuring no 
multiplication of toxigenic microorganisms such as Clostridium 
botulinum, and no more than a 1 log10 multiplication of 
Clostridium perfringens, within the product.
    (2) For each meat patty product produced using a stabilization 
process other than one conducted in accordance with the Hazard Analysis 
and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system requirements in part 417 of 
this chapter, an establishment must develop and have on file, available 
to FSIS, a process schedule, as defined in Sec.  301.2 of this chapter. 
Each process schedule must be approved in writing by a process authority 
for safety and efficacy in meeting the performance standards established 
for the product in question. A process authority must have access to an 
establishment in order to evaluate and approve the safety and efficacy 
of each process schedule.
    (3) Under the auspices of a processing authority, an establishment 
must validate new or altered process schedules by scientifically 
supportable means, such as information gleaned from the literature or by 
challenge studies conducted outside the plant.
    (4) Partially cooked patties must bear the labeling statement 
``Partially cooked: For Safety Cook Until Well Done (Internal Meat 
Temperature 160 degrees F.).'' The labeling statement must be adjacent 
to the product name, and prominently placed with such conspicuousness 
(as compared with other words, statements, designs or devices in the 
labeling) as to render it likely to be read and understood by the 
ordinary individual under customary conditions of purchase and use.
    (5) Char-marked patties must bear the labeling statement ``Uncooked, 
Char-marked: For Safety, Cook Until Well Done (Internal Meat Temperature 
160 degrees F.).'' The labeling statement shall be adjacent to the 
product name, at least one-half the size of the largest letter in the 
product name, and prominently placed with such conspicuousness (as 
compared with other words, statements, designs or devices in the 
labeling) as to render it likely to be read and understood by the 
ordinary individual under customary conditions of purchase and use.

[64 FR 744, Jan. 6, 1999]



Sec.  318.24  Product prepared using advanced meat/bone separation
machinery; process control.

    (a) General. Meat, as defined in Sec.  301.2 of this subchapter, may 
be derived by mechanically separating skeletal muscle tissue from the 
bones of livestock, other than skulls or vertebral column bones of 
cattle 30 months of age and older as provided in Sec.  310.22 of this 
subchapter, using advances in mechanical meat/bone separation machinery 
(i.e., AMR systems) that, in accordance with this section, recover 
meat--
    (1) Without significant incorporation of bone solids or bone marrow 
as measured by the presence of calcium and iron in excess of the 
requirements in this section, and
    (2) Without the presence of any brain, trigeminal ganglia, spinal 
cord, or dorsal root ganglia (DRG).
    (b) Process control. As a prerequisite to labeling or using product 
as meat derived by the mechanical separation of skeletal muscle tissue 
from livestock bones, the operator of an establishment must develop, 
implement, and maintain procedures that ensure that the establishment's 
production process is in control.
    (1) The production process is not in control if the skulls entering 
the AMR system contain any brain or trigeminal ganglia tissue, if the 
vertebral column bones entering the AMR system contain any spinal cord, 
if the recovered

[[Page 264]]

product fails otherwise under any provision of paragraph (c)(1), if the 
product is not properly labeled under the provisions of paragraph 
(c)(2), or if the spent bone materials are not properly handled under 
the provisions of paragraph (c)(3) of this section.
    (2) The establishment must document its production process controls 
in writing. The program must be designed to ensure the on-going 
effectiveness of the process controls. If the establishment processes 
cattle, the program must be in its HACCP plan, its Sanitation SOP, or 
other prerequisite program. The program shall describe the on-going 
verification activities that will be performed, including the 
observation of the bones entering the AMR system for brain, trigeminal 
ganglia, and spinal cord; the testing of the product exiting the AMR 
system for bone solids, bone marrow, spinal cord, and DRG as prescribed 
in paragraph (c)(1) of this section; the use of the product and spent 
bone materials exiting the AMR system; and the frequency with which 
these activities will be performed.
    (3) The establishment shall maintain records on a daily basis 
sufficient to document the implementation and verification of its 
production process.
    (4) The establishment shall make available to inspection program 
personnel the documentation described in paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of 
this section and any other data generated using these procedures.
    (c) Noncomplying product. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of 
this section, product that is recovered using advanced meat/bone 
separation machinery is not meat under any one or more of the following 
circumstances:
    (i) Bone solids. The product's calcium content, measured by 
individual samples and rounded to the nearest 10th, is more than 130.0 
mg per 100 g.
    (ii) Bone marrow. The product's added iron content, measured by 
duplicate analyses on individual samples and rounded to the nearest 
10th, is more than 3.5 mg per 100 g. \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The excessive iron (ExcFe) measurement for an analyzed sample is 
equal to the obtained iron (Fe) result expressed in mg/100 g measured 
and rounded to the nearest 100th or more for that sample, minus the 
product of three factors: (1) The iron to protein ratio (IPR) factor 
associated with corresponding hand-deboned product; (2) the obtained 
protein (P) result (%) for that sample; and (3) a constant factor of 
1.10. In formula, this can be written as: ExcFe = mFe - IPR x Protein x 
1.10, where ExcFe represents the excess iron, expressed in units of mg/
100 g; mFe represents the measured level of iron (Fe, mg/100 g), IPR is 
the iron to protein ratio for the appropriate hand-deboned product, and 
``Protein'' is the measured level of protein rounded to the nearest 
100th and expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the sample. 
In lieu of data demonstrating otherwise, the values of IPR to be used in 
the above formula are as follows: For beef products the value of IPR is 
equal to 0.104, except for any combination of bones that include any 
beef neckbone product, for which the value of 0.138 is to be used; for 
pork product, the IPR value is 0.052. Other IPR values can be used 
provided that the operator of an establishment has verified and 
documented the ratio of iron content to protein content in the skeletal 
muscle tissue attached to bones prior to their entering the AMR system, 
based on analyses of hand-deboned samples, and the documented value is 
to be substituted for the IPR value (as applicable) in the above formula 
with respect to product that the establishment mechanically separates 
from those bones.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iii) Brain or trigeminal ganglia. Skulls that enter the AMR system 
have tissues of brain or trigeminal ganglia.
    (iv) Spinal cord. Vertebral column bones that enter the AMR system 
have tissues of spinal cord, or the product that exits the AMR system 
contains spinal cord.
    (v) DRG. The product that exits the AMR system contains DRG.
    (2) If product that may not be labeled or used as ``meat'' under 
this section meets the requirements of Sec.  319.5 of this subchapter, 
it may bear the name ``Mechanically Separated (Species)'' except as 
follows:
    (i) If skulls or vertebral column bones of cattle younger than 30 
months of age that enter the AMR system have tissues of brain, 
trigeminal ganglia, or spinal cord, the product that exits the AMR 
system shall not be used as an ingredient of a meat food product.
    (ii) If product that exits the AMR system contains spinal cord or 
DRG from bones of cattle younger than 30 months of age, it shall not be 
used as an ingredient of a meat food product.
    (iii) If product derived from any bones of cattle of any age does 
not

[[Page 265]]

comply with (c)(1)(i) or (ii), it may bear a common or usual name that 
is not false or misleading, except that the product may not bear the 
name ``Mechanically Separated (Beef).''
    (3) Spent skulls or vertebral column bone materials from cattle 
younger than 30 months of age that exit the AMR system shall not be used 
as an ingredient of a meat food product.

[69 FR 1884, Jan. 12, 2004]

Subparts B-G [Reserved]



PART 319_DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS OF IDENTITY OR COMPOSITION-
-Table of Contents



                            Subpart A_General

Sec.
319.1 Labeling and preparation of standardized products.
319.2 Products and nitrates and nitrites.
319.5 Mechanically Separated (Species).
319.6 Limitations with respect to use of Mechanically Separated 
          (Species).
319.10 Requirements for substitute standardized meat food products named 
          by use of an expressed nutrient content claim and a 
          standardized term.

                       Subpart B_Raw Meat Products

319.15 Miscellaneous beef products.
319.29 Miscellaneous pork products.

                         Subpart C_Cooked Meats

319.80 Barbecued meats.
319.81 Roast beef parboiled and steam roasted.

               Subpart D_Cured Meats, Unsmoked and Smoked

319.100 Corned beef.
319.101 Corned beef brisket.
319.102 Corned beef round and other corned beef cuts.
319.103 Cured beef tongue.
319.104 Cured pork products.
319.105 ``Ham patties,'' ``Chopped ham,'' ``Pressed ham,'' ``Spiced 
          ham,'' and similar products.
319.106 ``Country Ham,'' ``Country Style Ham,'' ``Dry Cured Ham,'' 
          ``Country Pork Shoulder,'' ``Country Style Pork Shoulder,'' 
          and ``Dry Cured Pork Shoulder.''
319.107 Bacon.

               Subpart E_Sausage Generally: Fresh Sausage

319.140 Sausage.
319.141 Fresh pork sausage.
319.142 Fresh beef sausage.
319.143 Breakfast sausage.
319.144 Whole hog sausage.
319.145 Italian sausage products.

                   Subpart F_Uncooked, Smoked Sausage

319.160 Smoked pork sausage.

                        Subpart G_Cooked Sausage

319.180 Frankfurter, frank, furter, hotdog, weiner, vienna, bologna, 
          garlic bologna, knockwurst, and similar products.
319.181 Cheesefurters and similar products.
319.182 Braunschweiger and liver sausage or liverwurst.

Subpart H [Reserved]

Subpart I--Semi-Dry Fermented Sausage [Reserved]

Subpart J--Dry Fermented Sausage [Reserved]

          Subpart K_Luncheon Meat, Loaves and Jellied Products

319.260 Luncheon meat.
319.261 Meat loaf.

       Subpart L_Meat Specialties, Puddings and Nonspecific Loaves

319.280 Scrapple.
319.281 Bockwurst.

       Subpart M_Canned, Frozen, or Dehydrated Meat Food Products

319.300 Chili con carne.
319.301 Chili con carne with beans.
319.302 Hash.
319.303 Corned beef hash.
319.304 Meat stews.
319.305 Tamales.
319.306 Spaghetti with meatballs and sauce, spaghetti with meat and 
          sauce, and similar products.
319.307 Spaghetti sauce with meat.
319.308 Tripe with milk.
319.309 Beans with frankfurters in sauce, sauerkraut with wieners and 
          juice, and similar products.
319.310 Lima beans with ham in sauce, beans with ham in sauce, beans 
          with bacon in sauce, and similar products.
319.311 Chow mein vegetables with meat, and chop suey vegetables with 
          meat.
319.312 Pork with barbecue sauce and beef with barbecue sauce.

[[Page 266]]

319.313 Beef with gravy and gravy with beef.

        Subpart N_Meat Food Entree Products, Pies, and Turnovers

319.500 Meat pies.

    Subpart O_Meat Snacks, Hors d'Oeuvres, Pizza, and Specialty Items

319.600 [Reserved]

                    Subpart P_Fats, Oils, Shortenings

319.700 Margarine or oleomargarine.
319.701 Mixed fat shortening.
319.702 Lard, leaf lard.
319.703 Rendered animal fat or mixture thereof.

       Subpart Q_Meat Soups, Soup Mixes, Broths, Stocks, Extracts

319.720 Meat extract.
319.721 Fluid extract of meat.

                 Subpart R_Meat Salads and Meat Spreads

319.760 Deviled ham, deviled tongue, and similar products.
319.761 Potted meat food product and deviled meat food product.
319.762 Ham spread, tongue spread, and similar products.

Subpart S--Meat Baby Foods [Reserved]

Subpart T--Dietetic Meat Foods [Reserved]

                         Subpart U_Miscellaneous

319.880 Breaded products.
319.881 Liver meat food products.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1633, 1901-1906; 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.18, 
2.53.

    Source: 35 FR 15597, Oct. 3, 1970, unless otherwise noted.



                            Subpart A_General



Sec.  319.1  Labeling and preparation of standardized products.

    (a) Labels for products for which standards of identity or 
composition are prescribed in this part shall show the appropriate 
product name, an ingredient statement, and other label information in 
accordance with the special provisions, if any, in this part, and 
otherwise in accordance with the general labeling provisions in part 317 
of this subchapter, and such products shall be prepared in accordance 
with the special provisions, if any, in this part and otherwise in 
accordance with the general provisions in this subchapter. Any product 
for which there is a common or usual name must consist of ingredients 
and be prepared by the use of procedures common or usual to such 
products insofar as specific ingredients or procedures are not 
prescribed or prohibited by the provisions of this subchapter.
    (b) Any binder or antimicrobial agent that has been found to be safe 
and suitable by the Food and Drug Administration and the Food Safety and 
Inspection Service may be used in the production of meat products with 
standards of identity in this part, where the product standards and 
applicable Federal regulations already permit the use of these types of 
ingredients.

[35 FR 15597, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 68 FR 22578, Apr. 29, 2003]



Sec.  319.2  Products and nitrates and nitrites.

    Any product, such as frankfurters and corned beef, for which there 
is a standard in this part and to which nitrate or nitrite is permitted 
or required to be added, may be prepared without nitrate or nitrite and 
labeled with such standard name when immediately preceded with the term 
``Uncured'' in the same size and style of lettering as the rest of such 
standard name: Provided, That the product is found by the Administrator 
to be similar in size, flavor, consistency, and general appearance to 
such product as commonly prepared with nitrate and nitrite: And provided 
further, That labeling for such product complies with the provisions of 
Sec.  317.17(c) of this subchapter.

[44 FR 48961, Aug. 21, 1979]



Sec.  319.5  Mechanically Separated (Species).

    (a) Mechanically Separated (Species) is any finely comminuted 
product resulting from the mechanical separation and removal of most of 
the bone from attached skeletal muscle of livestock carcasses and parts 
of carcasses and meeting the other provisions of this paragraph. 
Examples of such product are ``Mechanically Separated Beef'',

[[Page 267]]

``Mechanically Separated Veal'', ``Mechanically Separated Pork'', and 
``Mechanically Separated Lamb''. At least 98 percent of the bone 
particles present in such product shall have a maximum size no greater 
than 0.5 millimeter in their greatest dimension and there shall be no 
bone particles larger than 0.85 millimeter in their greatest dimension. 
The product resulting from the separating process shall not have a 
calcium content exceeding 0.75 percent, as a measure of a bone solids 
content of not more than 3 percent, and shall have a minimum PER of 2.5 
(except as modified in paragraph (e)(1) of this section). Such product 
also shall have a protein content of not less than 14 percent and a fat 
content of not more than 30 percent, or it shall be deemed to be product 
for processing. Such product failing to meet the bone particle size, 
calcium, or PER requirements of this paragraph shall only be used in 
producing animal fats. Where such product meets the bone particle size, 
calcium, and PER requirements of this paragraph, it may also be used in 
the formulation of meat food products in accordance with Sec.  319.6.
    (b) Mechanically Separated (Beef) is inedible and prohibited for use 
as human food.
    (c)-(d) [Reserved]
    (e)(1) An essential amino acid content of at least 33 percent of the 
total amino acids presents in ``Mechanically Separated (Species)'' shall 
be accepted as evidence of compliance with the protein quality 
requirement set forth in paragraph (a) of this section. For purposes of 
this paragraph, essential amino acid content includes isoleucine, 
leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, and valine 
content, and the total amino acids present include isoleucine, leucine, 
lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, valine, tyrosine, 
arginine, histidine, alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, 
proline, serine, and hydroxyproline content.
    (2) Analytical methods used by establishments in verifying the fat, 
protein, and calcium content of product consisting of or containing 
Mechanically Separated (Species) shall be among those listed in 
``Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical 
Chemists (AOAC),'' 16th edition, 1995, Sec. Sec.  960.39, 976.21, 928.08 
(Chapter 39), and 940.33 (Chapter 45), which is incorporated by 
reference, or, if no AOAC method is available, in the ``Chemistry 
Laboratory Guidebook,'' U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, 
D.C., March 1986 edition, sections 6.011-6.013, Revised June 1987 (pages 
6-35 through 6-65), or by appropriate methods validated by scientific 
bodies in collaborative trials. The ``Official Methods of Analysis of 
the Association of Official Analytical Chemists,'' Chapter 39 and 
Chapter 45, subsection 45.2.06 (AOAC Official Method 940.33), 16th 
edition, 1995, are incorporated by reference with the approval of the 
Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 
1 CFR Part 51.

[47 FR 28256, June 29, 1982, as amended at 54 FR 40631, Oct. 3, 1989; 59 
FR 33642, June 30, 1994; 62 FR 45026, Aug. 25, 1997; 65 FR 34389, May 
30, 2000; 69 FR 1874, Jan. 12, 2004]



Sec.  319.6  Limitations with respect to use of Mechanically Separated
(Species).

    (a) Meat food products required to be prepared from one species 
shall not contain Mechanically Separated (Species) of any other species.
    (b) Mechanically Separated (Species) described in Sec.  319.5 that 
has a protein content of not less than 14 percent and a fat content of 
not more than 30 percent may constitute up to 20 percent of the 
livestock and poultry product portion of any meat food product except 
those listed in paragraph (d) of this section.
    (c) Mechanically Separated (Species) for processing described in 
Sec.  319.5 may constitute up to 20 percent of the livestock and poultry 
product portion of any meat food product that is subject to a definition 
and standard of identity or composition in part 319 which establishes a 
maximum limit on the fat content of such meat food product except those 
listed in paragraph (d) of this section.
    (d) Mechanically Separated (Species) and Mechanically Separated 
(Species) for processing described in Sec.  319.5 shall not be used in 
baby, junior, or toddler foods, ground beef, hamburger, fabricated 
steaks (Sec.  319.15 (a), (b), and (d)),

[[Page 268]]

barbecued meats (Sec.  319.80), roast beef-parboiled and steam roasted 
(Sec.  319.81), corned (cured) beef cuts (Sec. Sec.  319.100-319.103), 
certain cured pork products (Sec. Sec.  319.104 (a)-(e) and 319.106), 
tripe with milk (Sec.  319.308), lima beans with ham and similar 
products (Sec.  319.310), beef with gravy and gravy with beef (Sec.  
319.313), and meat pies (Sec.  319.500).

[47 FR 28257, June 29, 1982]



Sec.  319.10  Requirements for substitute standardized meat food 
products named by use of an expressed nutrient content claim and a 
standardized term.

    (a) Description. The meat food products prescribed by this general 
definition and standard of identity are those products that substitute, 
in accordance with Sec.  317.313(d), for a standardized product defined 
in this part and use the name of that standardized product in their 
statements of identity, but that do not comply with the established 
standard because of a compositional deviation that results from 
reduction of a constituent that is described by an expressed nutrient 
content claim that has been defined by regulation in part 317, subpart 
B, of this subchapter. The expressed nutrient content claim shall comply 
with the requirements of Sec.  317.313 of this subchapter and with the 
requirements of part 317, subpart B, of this subchapter which define the 
particular nutrient content claim that is used. The meat food product 
shall comply with the relevant standard in this part in all other 
respects, except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.
    (b) Performance characteristics. The performance characteristics, 
such as physical properties, functional properties, and shelf-life, of 
the meat food product shall be similar to those of the standardized meat 
food product produced under this part. If there is a significant 
difference in a performance characteristic that materially limits the 
use of the product compared to the use of the standardized product 
defined in this part, the label shall include a statement in accordance 
with Sec.  317.313(d)(1) and (2) of this subchapter that informs the 
consumer of such differences (e.g., if appropriate, ``not recommended 
for frozen storage'' or ``not suitable for roller grilling''). 
Deviations from the ingredient provisions of the standard must be the 
minimum necessary to qualify for the nutrient content claim, while 
maintaining similar performance characteristics.
    (c) Ingredients used in substitute products. (1) Ingredients used in 
the product shall be those ingredients provided for in the standard as 
defined in this part, except that safe and suitable ingredients 
permitted for use in meat food products as provided in a regulation 
permitting that use in this subchapter or in 9 CFR Chapter III, 
Subchapter E, or in 21 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter A or Subchapter B, may 
be used at the minimum level necessary to improve texture and prevent 
syneresis, so that the substitute product is not inferior in performance 
characteristics from the standardized product defined in this part for 
which it is a substitute.
    (2) An ingredient that is specifically required by the standard 
prescribed in this part shall not be replaced or exchanged with a 
similar ingredient from another source, for example, turnip chunks shall 
not replace potatoes in corned beef hash.
    (3) An ingredient that is specifically prohibited from use in any 
meat food product by this part shall not be added to the substitute meat 
food product under this section.
    (4) Unless otherwise specified in this part, a substitute meat food 
product must meet all other requirements of the applicable standards of 
identity or composition.
    (5) Water and fat-replacers (e.g., binders), in combination, may be 
added to replace fat in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
    (6) Textured vegetable protein may be used by itself or in 
combination with other binders and water as a fat replacer in accordance 
with paragraph (c) of this section.
    (d) Nomenclature. The name of a substitute meat food product that 
complies with all parts of this section is the appropriate expressed 
nutrient content claim and the applicable standardized term.
    (e) Label declaration. (1) Each of the ingredients used in the 
substitute meat food product shall be declared on the

[[Page 269]]

label as required by this section and part 317 of this subchapter.
    (2) Ingredients not provided for, and ingredients used in excess of 
those levels provided for, by the standard as defined in this part, 
shall be identified as such with an asterisk in the ingredients 
statement. The statement ``*Ingredients not in regular ________'' (the 
blank shall be filled in with the name of the traditional standardized 
product) or ``**Ingredients in excess of amounts permitted in regular 
________'' (the blank shall be filled in with the name of the 
traditional standardized product), or both, as appropriate, shall 
immediately follow the ingredients statement in the same type and size.

[70 FR 33818, June 10, 2005]



                       Subpart B_Raw Meat Products



Sec.  319.15  Miscellaneous beef products.

    (a) Chopped beef, ground beef. ``Chopped Beef'' or ``Ground Beef'' 
shall consist of chopped fresh and/or frozen beef with or without 
seasoning and without the addition of beef fat as such, shall not 
contain more than 30 percent fat, and shall not contain added water, 
phosphates, binders, or extenders. When beef cheek meat (trimmed beef 
cheeks) is used in the preparation of chopped or ground beef, the amount 
of such cheek meat shall be limited to 25 percent; and if in excess of 
natural proportions, its presence shall be declared on the label, in the 
ingredient statement required by Sec.  317.2 of this subchapter, if any, 
and otherwise contiguous to the name of the product.
    (b) Hamburger. ``Hamburger'' shall consist of chopped fresh and/or 
frozen beef with or without the addition of beef fat as such and/or 
seasoning, shall not contain more than 30 percent fat, and shall not 
contain added water, phosphates, binders, or extenders. Beef cheek meat 
(trimmed beef cheeks) may be used in the preparation of hamburger only 
in accordance with the conditions prescribed in paragraph (a) of this 
section.
    (c) Beef patties. ``Beef Patties'' shall consist of chopped fresh 
and/or frozen beef with or without the addition of beef fat as such and/
or seasonings. Binders or extenders, Mechanically Separated (Species) 
used in accordance with Sec.  319.6, and/or partially defatted beef 
fatty tissue may be used without added water or with added water only in 
amounts such that the product characteristics are essentially that of a 
meat pattie.
    (d) Fabricated steak. Fabricated beef steaks, veal steaks, beef and 
veal steaks, or veal and beef steaks, and similar products, such as 
those labeled ``Beef Steak, Chopped, Shaped, Frozen,'' ``Minute Steak, 
Formed, Wafer Sliced, Frozen,'' ``Veal Steaks, Beef Added, Chopped--
Molded--Cubed--Frozen, Hydrolyzed Plant Protein, and Flavoring'' shall 
be prepared by comminuting and forming the product from fresh and/or 
frozen meat, with or without added fat, of the species indicated on the 
label. Such products shall not contain more than 30 percent fat and 
shall not contain added water or extenders. Transglutaminase enzyme at 
levels of up to 65 ppm may be used as a binder. Beef cheek meat (trimmed 
beef cheeks) may be used in the preparation of fabricated beef steaks 
only in accordance with the conditions prescribed in paragraph (a) of 
this section.
    (e) Partially defatted beef fatty tissue. ``Partially Defatted Beef 
Fatty Tissue'' is a beef byproduct derived from the low temperature 
rendering (not exceeding 120 [deg]F.) of fresh beef fatty tissue. Such 
product shall have a pinkish color and a fresh odor and appearance.

[35 FR 15597, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 38 FR 29215, Oct. 23, 1973; 43 
FR 26424, June 20, 1978; 47 FR 10784, Mar. 12, 1982; 47 FR 28257, June 
29, 1982; 66 FR 54916, Oct. 31, 2001]



Sec.  319.29  Miscellaneous pork products.

    (a) Partially defatted pork fatty tissue. ``Partially Defatted Pork 
Fatty Tissue'' is a pork byproduct derived from the low temperature 
rendering (not exceeding 120 [deg]F.) of fresh pork fatty tissue, 
exclusive of skin. Such product shall have a pinkish color and a fresh 
odor and appearance.



                         Subpart C_Cooked Meats



Sec.  319.80  Barbecued meats.

    Barbecued meats, such as product labeled ``Beef Barbecue'' or 
``Barbecued Pork,'' shall be cooked by the direct

[[Page 270]]

action of dry heat resulting from the burning of hard wood or the hot 
coals therefrom for a sufficient period to assume the usual 
characteristics of a barbecued article, which include the formation of a 
brown crust on the surface and the rendering of surface fat. The product 
may be basted with a sauce during the cooking process. The weight of 
barbecued meat shall not exceed 70 percent of the weight of the fresh 
uncooked meat.



Sec.  319.81  Roast beef parboiled and steam roasted.

    ``Roast Beef Parboiled and Steam Roasted'' shall be prepared so that 
the weight of the finished product, excluding salt and flavoring 
material, shall not exceed 70 percent of the fresh beef weight. 
Transglutaminase enzyme at levels of up to 65 ppm may be used as a 
binder in such product. Beef cheek meat and beef head meat from which 
the overlying glandular and connective tissues have been removed, and 
beef heart meat, exclusive of the heart cap may be used individually or 
collectively to the extent of 5 percent of the meat ingredients in the 
preparation of canned product labeled ``Roast Beef Parboiled and Steam 
Roasted.'' When beef cheek meat, beef head meat, or beef heart meat is 
used in the preparation of this product, its presence shall be reflected 
in the statement of ingredients required by part 317 of this subchapter.

[35 FR 15597, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 38 FR 29215, Oct. 23, 1973; 66 
FR 54916, Oct. 31, 2001]



               Subpart D_Cured Meats, Unsmoked and Smoked



Sec.  319.100  Corned beef.

    ``Corned Beef'' shall be prepared from beef briskets, navels, clods, 
middle ribs, rounds, rumps, or similar cuts using one or a combination 
of the curing ingredients specified in a regulation permitting that use 
in this subchapter or 9 CFR chapter III, subchapter E, or in 21 CFR 
chapter I, subchapter A or subchapter B. Canned product labeled ``Corned 
Beef'' shall be prepared so that the weight of the finished product, 
excluding cure, salt, and flavoring material, shall not exceed 70 
percent of the fresh beef weight. Corned beef other than canned shall be 
cured in pieces weighing not less than 1 pound, and if cooked, its 
weight shall not exceed the weight of the fresh uncured beef. Beef cheek 
meat, beef head meat and beef heart meat may be used to the extent of 5 
percent of the meat ingredient in preparation of this product when 
trimmed as specified in Sec.  319.81. When beef cheek meat, beef head 
meat, or beef heart meat is used in preparation of this product, its 
presence shall be reflected in the statement of ingredients required by 
part 317 of this subchapter. The application of curing solution to beef 
cuts, other than briskets, which are intended for bulk corned beef shall 
not result in an increase in the weight of the finished cured product of 
more than 10 percent over the weight of the fresh uncured meat.

[35 FR 15597, Oct. 3, 1970; 36 FR 11903, June 23, 1971, as amended at 38 
FR 29215, Oct. 23, 1973; 64 FR 72174, Dec. 23, 1999]



Sec.  319.101  Corned beef brisket.

    In preparing ``Corned Beef Brisket,'' the application of curing 
solution to the beef brisket shall not result in an increase in the 
weight of the finished cured product of more than 20 percent over the 
weight of the fresh uncured brisket. If the product is cooked, the 
weight of the finished product shall not exceed the weight of the fresh 
uncured brisket.



Sec.  319.102  Corned beef round and other corned beef cuts.

    In preparing ``Corned Beef Round'' and other corned beef cuts, 
except ``Corned Beef Briskets,'' the curing solution shall be applied to 
pieces of beef weighing not less than one pound and such application 
shall not result in an increased weight of the cured beef product of 
more than 10 percent over the weight of the fresh uncured beef cut. If 
the product is cooked, the weight of the finished product shall not 
exceed the weight of the fresh uncured beef cut.



Sec.  319.103  Cured beef tongue.

    In preparing ``Cured Beef Tongue,'' the application of curing 
solution to the fresh beef tongue shall not result in

[[Page 271]]

an increase in the weight of the cured beef tongue of more than 10 
percent over the weight of the fresh uncured beef tongue.



Sec.  319.104  Cured pork products.

    (a) Cured pork products, including hams, shoulders, picnics, butts 
and loins, shall comply with the minimum meat Protein Fat Free (PFF) 
percentage requirements set forth in the following chart:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Minimum
                                       meat PFF      Product name and
     Type of cured pork product       percentage   qualifying statements
                                          \1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cooked ham, loin \2\................        20.5  (Common and usual).
                                            18.5  (Common and usual)
                                                   with natural juices.
                                            17.0  (Common and usual)
                                                   water added.
                                           <17.0  (Common and usual) and
                                                   water product--X% of
                                                   weight is added
                                                   ingredients. \3\
Cooked shoulder, butt, picnic \2\...        20.0  (Common and usual).
                                            18.0  (Common and usual)
                                                   with natural juices.
                                            16.5  (Common and usual)
                                                   water added.
                                           <16.5  (Common and usual) and
                                                   water product--X% of
                                                   weight is added
                                                   ingredients. \3\
Uncooked cured ham, loin............        18.0  Uncooked (common and
                                                   usual).
                                           <18.0  Uncooked (common and
                                                   usual) and water
                                                   product--X% of weight
                                                   is added ingredients.
                                                   \3\
Uncooked cured shoulder, butt,              17.5  Uncooked (common and
 picnic.                                           usual).
                                           <17.5  Uncooked (common and
                                                   usual) and water
                                                   product--X% of weight
                                                   is added ingredients.
                                                   \3\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The minimum meat PFF percentage shall be the minimum meat protein
  which is indigenous to the raw unprocessed pork expressed as a percent
  of the non-fat portion of the finished product; and compliance shall
  be determined under Sec.   318.19 of this subchapter for domestic
  cured pork product and Sec.   327.23 of this subchapter for imported
  cured pork product.
\2\ The term ``cooked'' is not appropriate for use on labels of cured
  pork products heated only for the purpose of destruction of possible
  live trichinae.
\3\ Processors may immediately follow this qualifying statement with a
  list of the ingredients in descending order of predominance rather
  than having the traditional ingredients statement. In any case, the
  maximum percent of added substances in the finished product on a total
  weight percentage basis would be inserted as the X value; e.g., Ham
  and Water Product--20% of Weight is Added Ingredients.

    (b) Cured pork products for which there is a qualifying statement 
required in paragraph (a) of this section shall bear that statement as 
part of the product name in lettering not less than \3/8\ inch in 
height, or in lettering not less than one-third the size of the largest 
letter in the product name if it is in the same color and style of print 
and on the same color background as the product name. However, the 
Administrator may approve smaller lettering for labeling of packages of 
1 pound or less, provided such lettering is at least one-third the size 
and of the same color and style as the product name.
    (c) Cured pork product prepared pursuant to this section shall be 
subject to the compliance procedures in Sec.  318.19 of this subchapter.
    (d) The binders provided for use in cured pork products in a 
regulation in this subchapter, in 9 CFR chapter III, subchapter E, or in 
21 CFR chapter I, subchapter A or subchapter B, may be used singly in 
those cured pork products labeled as ``Ham Water Added,'' ``Ham and 
Water Product-X% of Weight is Added Ingredients,'' and ``Ham with 
Natural Juices.'' In addition to the binders referred to in the 
preceding sentence, the following substances are permitted for use as 
binders and may be used singly in those cured pork products labeled as 
``Ham Water Added,'' ``Ham and Water Product-X% of Weight is Added 
Ingredients,'' and ``Ham with Natural Juices'': pork collagen at up to 
3.5% of the product formulation. Unless their use is provided for in a 
regulation in this subchapter, in 9 CFR chapter III, subchapter E, or in 
21 CFR chapter I, subchapter A or subchapter B, or in this paragraph, 
these binders are not permitted to be used in combination with another 
such binder listed for use in cured pork products. When any such 
substance is added to these products, the substance shall be declared in 
the ingredients statement by its common or usual name in order of 
predominance.

[49 FR 14879, Apr. 13, 1984, as amended at 50 FR 9792, Mar. 12, 1985; 53 
FR 5151, Feb. 22, 1988; 57 FR 42888, Sept. 17, 1992; 62 FR 45026, Aug. 
25, 1997; 63 FR 148, Jan. 5, 1998; 64 FR 27904, May 24, 1999; 65 FR 
34389, May 30, 2000; 66 FR 54916, Oct. 31, 2001]

[[Page 272]]



Sec.  319.105  ``Ham patties,'' ``Chopped ham,'' ``Pressed ham,''
``Spiced ham,'' and similar products.

    (a) Finely divided (chopped, ground, flaked, chipped) cured ham 
products such as ``Ham patties,'' ``Chopped ham,'' ``Pressed ham,'' and 
``Spiced ham'' shall comply with minimum meat Protein Fat Free (PFF) 
percentage requirements set forth in the following chart:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Minimum
                                      meat PFF       Product name and
    Type of cured pork product       percentage   qualifying statements
                                        \1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Ham Patties,'' ``Chopped Ham,''          19.5      (Common and usual).
 ``Pressed Ham,'' and ``Spiced
 Ham''............................
``Ham Patties,'' ``Chopped Ham,''          17.5  (Common and usual) with
 ``Pressed Ham,'' and ``Spiced                           natural juices.
 Ham''............................
``Ham Patties,'' ``Chopped Ham,''          16.0       (Common and usual)
 ``Pressed Ham,'' and ``Spiced                              water added.
 Ham''............................
``Ham Patties,'' ``Chopped Ham,''         <16.0   (Common and usual) and
 ``Pressed Ham,'' and ``Spiced                    water product--(x)% of
 Ham''............................                       weight is added
                                                       ingredients. \2\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The minimum meat PFF percentage shall be the minimum meat protein
  which is indigenous to the raw, unprocessed pork expressed as a
  percent of the nonfat portion of the finished product; and compliance
  shall be determined under section 318.19 of this subchapter.
\2\ Processors may immediately follow this qualifying statement with a
  list of the ingredients in descending order of predominance rather
  than having the traditional ingredients statement. In any case, the
  maximum percent of added substances in the finished product on a total
  weight percentage basis would be inserted as the X value; e.g., Ham
  and Water Product--20% of Weight is Added Ingredients.

    (b) Cured pork products prepared under this section except ``Ham 
patties'' may contain finely chopped ham shank meat to the extent of 25 
percent over that normally present in boneless ham. Mechanically 
Separated (Species) Product may be used in accordance with Sec.  319.6.
    (c) Cured pork product prepared pursuant to this section shall be 
subject to the compliance procedures in Sec.  318.19 of this subchapter, 
and those cured pork products prepared under this section for which 
there is a qualifying statement required shall comply with the 
requirements of Sec.  319.104(b) of this subchapter.
    (d) In addition to the other requirements of this section, ``Ham 
Patties'' may not contain more than 35 percent fat, by analysis.

[49 FR 14880, Apr. 13, 1984, as amended at 53 FR 5151, Feb. 22, 1988; 62 
FR 45026, Aug. 25, 1997; 65 FR 34389, May 30, 2000]



Sec.  319.106  ``Country Ham,'' ``Country Style Ham,'' ``Dry Cured Ham,''
``Country Pork Shoulder,'' ``Country Style Pork Shoulder,'' and 
``Dry Cured Pork Shoulder.''

    (a) ``Country Ham,'' ``Country Style Ham,'' or ``Dry Cured Ham,'' 
and ``Country Pork Shoulder,'' ``Country Style Pork Shoulder,'' or ``Dry 
Cured Pork Shoulder.'' are the uncooked, cured, dried, smoked or 
unsmoked meat food products made respectively from a single piece of 
meat conforming to the definition of ``ham,'' as specified in Sec.  
317.8(b)(13) of this subchapter, or from a single piece of meat from a 
pork shoulder. They are prepared in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this section by the dry application of salt (NaCl), or by the dry 
application of salt (NaCl) and one or more of the optional ingredients 
as specified in paragraph (d) of this section. They may not be injected 
with curing solutions nor placed in curing solutions.
    (b)(1) The entire exterior of the ham or pork shoulder shall be 
coated by the dry application of salt or by the dry application of salt 
combined with other ingredients as permitted in paragraph (d) of this 
section.
    (2) Additional salt, or salt mixed with other permitted ingredients, 
may be reapplied to the product as necessary to insure complete 
penetration.
    (3) When sodium or potassium nitrate, or sodium or potassium 
nitrite, or a combination thereof, is used, the application of salt 
shall be in sufficient quantity to insure that the finished product has 
an internal salt content of at least 4 percent.
    (4) When no sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium nitrite, 
potassium nitrite or a combination thereof is used, the application of 
salt shall be in sufficient quantity to insure that the finished product 
has a brine concentration of not less than 10 percent

[[Page 273]]

or a water activity of not more than 0.92.
    (5) [Reserved]
    (6) [Reserved]
    (7) The weight of the finished hams and pork shoulders covered in 
this section shall be at least 18 percent less than the fresh uncured 
weight of the article.
    (c) The optional ingredients for products covered in this section 
are:
    (1) Nutritive sweeteners, spices, seasonings and flavorings.
    (2) Sodium or potassium nitrate and sodium or potassium nitrite if 
used as prescribed in this section and in accordance with a regulation 
permitting that use in this subchapter or 9 CFR Chapter III, Subchapter 
E, or in 21 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter A or Subchapter B.

[42 FR 3299, Jan. 18, 1977, as amended at 64 FR 72174, Dec. 23, 1999; 83 
FR 25307, May 31, 2018]



Sec.  319.107  Bacon.

    The weight of cured pork bellies ready for slicing and labeling as 
``Bacon'' shall not exceed the weight of the fresh uncured pork bellies.

[49 FR 14880, Apr. 13, 1984]



               Subpart E_Sausage Generally: Fresh Sausage



Sec.  319.140  Sausage.

    Except as otherwise provided in this section, or under the Poultry 
Products Inspection Act with respect to products consisting partly of 
poultry, sausage is the coarse or finely comminuted meat food product 
prepared from one or more kinds of meat or meat and meat byproducts, 
containing various amounts of water as provided for elsewhere in this 
part, and usually seasoned with condimented proportions of condimental 
substances, and frequently cured. Certain sausage as provided for 
elsewhere in this part may contain binders and extenders as provided in 
a regulation permitting that use in this subchapter or in 9 CFR chapter 
III, subchapter E, or in 21 CFR chapter I, subchapter A or subchapter B. 
In addition to the binders and extenders referred to in the preceding 
sentence, the following two substances may also be used as binders in 
those sausages in which the use of such class of substances is 
permitted: pork collagen at up to 3.5% of the product formulation and 
transglutaminase enzyme at up to 65 ppm of the product formulation. 
Sausage may not contain phosphates except that phosphates listed in a 
regulation permitting that use in this subchapter or in 9 CFR chapter 
III, subchapter E, or in 21 CFR chapter I, subchapter A or subchapter B 
may be used in cooked sausage. To facilitate chopping or mixing or to 
dissolve the usual curing ingredients, water or ice may be used in the 
preparation of sausage which is not cooked in an amount not to exceed 3 
percent of the total ingredients in the formula. Cooked sausages such as 
Polish sausage, cotto salami, braunschweiger, liver sausage, and similar 
cooked sausage products may contain no more than 10 percent of added 
water in the finished product. Sausage may contain Mechanically 
Separated (Species) used in accordance with Sec.  319.6.

[55 FR 34683, Aug. 24, 1990, as amended at 64 FR 72175, Dec. 23, 1999; 
66 FR 54916, Oct. 31, 2001]



Sec.  319.141  Fresh pork sausage.

    ``Fresh Pork Sausage'' is sausage prepared with fresh pork or frozen 
pork or both, but not including pork byproducts, and may contain 
Mechanically Separated (Species) in accordance with Sec.  319.6, and may 
be seasoned with condimental substances as permitted under part 318 of 
this subchapter. The finished product shall not contain more than 50 
percent fat. To facilitate chopping or mixing, water or ice may be used 
in an amount not to exceed 3 percent of the total ingredients used.

[35 FR 15597, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 43 FR 26424, June 20, 1978; 47 
FR 28257, 28258, June 29, 1982]



Sec.  319.142  Fresh beef sausage.

    ``Fresh Beef Sausage'' is sausage prepared with fresh beef or frozen 
beef, or both, but not including beef byproducts, and may contain 
Mechanically Separated (Species) used in accordance with Sec.  319.6, 
and may be seasoned with condimental substances as permitted under part 
318 of this subchapter. The finished product shall not contain more

[[Page 274]]

than 30 percent fat. To facilitate chopping or mixing, water or ice may 
be used in an amount not to exceed 3 percent of the total ingredients 
used.

[35 FR 15597, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 43 FR 26424, June 20, 1978; 47 
FR 28257, June 29, 1982]



Sec.  319.143  Breakfast sausage.

    ``Breakfast sausage'' is sausage prepared with fresh and/or frozen 
meat; or fresh and/or frozen meat and meat byproducts, and may contain 
Mechanically Separated (Species) in accordance with Sec.  319.6, and may 
be seasoned with condimental substances as permitted in part 318 of this 
subchapter. The finished product shall not contain more than 50 percent 
fat. To facilitate chopping or mixing, water or ice may be used in an 
amount not to exceed 3 percent of the total ingredients used. Binders or 
extenders may be added as provided in Sec.  319.140 of this part.

[55 FR 34683, Aug. 24, 1990, as amended at 66 FR 54916, Oct. 31, 2001]



Sec.  319.144  Whole hog sausage.

    ``Whole Hog Sausage'' is sausage prepared with fresh and/or frozen 
meat from swine in such proportions as are normal to a single animal, 
and may include any Mechanically Separated (Species) produced from the 
animal and used in accordance with Sec.  319.6, and may be seasoned with 
condimental substances as permitted under part 318 of this subchapter. 
The finished product shall not contain more than 50 percent fat. To 
facilitate chopping or mixing, water or ice may be used in an amount not 
to exceed 3 percent of the total ingredients used.

[35 FR 15597, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 43 FR 26424, June 20, 1978; 47 
FR 28257, 28258, June 29, 1982]



Sec.  319.145  Italian sausage products.

    (a) Italian sausage products are cured or uncured sausages 
containing at least 85 percent meat, or combination of meat and fat, 
with the total fat content constituting not more than 35 percent of the 
finished product. Such products shall be prepared in accordance with the 
provisions of paragraph (a) (1), (2) or (3) of this section, and shall 
contain salt, pepper, and either fennel or anise, or a combination of 
fennel and anise. Such products may contain any or all of the optional 
ingredients listed in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (1) ``Italian Sausage'' shall be prepared with fresh or frozen pork, 
or pork and pork fat, and may contain Mechanically Separated (Species) 
in accordance with Sec.  319.6.
    (2) ``Italian Sausage with Beef,'' ``Italian Sausage with Veal,'' or 
``Italian Sausage with Beef and Veal,'' shall be prepared so that fresh 
or frozen pork constitutes the major portion of the meat content 
requirement of this paragraph. Mechanically Separated (Species) may be 
used in accordance with Sec.  319.6.
    (3) ``Italian Beef Sausage'' or ``Kosher Italian Beef Sausage'' 
shall be prepared with fresh or frozen beef or beef and beef fat. 
``Italian Veal Sausage'' or ``Kosher Italian Veal Sausage'' shall be 
prepared with fresh or frozen veal or veal and veal fat. Mechanically 
Separated (Species) may be used in accordance with Sec.  319.6.
    (4) Italian sausage products made in conformance with the provisions 
of paragraphs (a) (1), (2), and (3) of this section, and with paragraphs 
(b) and (c) of this section, may contain sodium nitrite or potassium 
nitrite in amounts not to exceed those allowed in a regulation 
permitting that use in this subchapter or in 9 CFR chapter III, 
subchapter E, or in 21 CFR chapter I, subchapter A or subchapter B, 
provided that such products are labeled with the word ``cured'' in the 
product name, such as ``Cured Italian Sausage.'' The word ``cured'' 
shall be displayed on the product label in the same size and style of 
lettering as other words in the product name.
    (b) Optional ingredients permitted in Italian sausage products 
include:
    (1) Spices (including paprika) and flavorings.
    (2) Water or ice to facilitate chopping or mixing, but not to exceed 
3 percent of the total weight of all ingredients including the water.
    (3) Red or green peppers, or both.
    (4) Dehydrated or fresh onions, garlic, and parsley.
    (5) Sugar, dextrose, corn syrup, corn syrup solids, and glucose 
syrup.
    (6) Monosodium glutamate and antioxidants in accordance with the 
chart

[[Page 275]]

of substances a regulation permitting that use in this subchapter or in 
9 CFR chapter III, subchapter E, or in 21 CFR chapter I, subchapter A or 
subchapter B.
    (c) If Italian sausage products are cooked or smoked, determination 
of compliance with the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this 
section shall be based on the uncooked or unsmoked product. The product 
before cooking or smoking shall contain no more than 3 percent water as 
specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. Product which is cooked 
shall be labeled with the word ``cooked'' in the product name, such as 
``Cooked Italian Sausage'' or ``Cooked Cured Italian Sausage.'' Product 
which is smoked shall be labeled with the word ``smoked'' in the product 
name, such as ``Smoked Italian Sausage'' or ``Smoked Cured Italian 
Sausage.'' The words ``cooked'' and ``smoked'' shall be displayed on the 
product label in the same size and style of lettering as other words in 
the product name.

[41 FR 2630, Jan. 19, 1976, as amended at 43 FR 26424, June 20, 1978; 47 
FR 28257, 28258, June 29, 1982; 49 FR 46533, Nov. 27, 1984; 64 FR 72175, 
Dec. 23, 1999; 83 FR 25307, May 31, 2018]



                   Subpart F_Uncooked, Smoked Sausage



Sec.  319.160  Smoked pork sausage.

    ``Smoked Pork Sausage'' is pork sausage that is smoked with hardwood 
or other approved nonresinous materials. It may be seasoned with 
condimental substances as permitted in part 318 of this subchapter. The 
finished product shall not contain more than 50 percent fat. To 
facilitate chopping or mixing, water, or ice may be used in an amount 
not to exceed 3 percent of the total ingredients used.

[35 FR 15597, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 47 FR 28258, June 29, 1982]



                        Subpart G_Cooked Sausage



Sec.  319.180  Frankfurter, frank, furter, hotdog, weiner, vienna,
bologna, garlic bologna, knockwurst, and similar products.

    (a) Frankfurter, frank, furter, hot-dog, wiener, vienna, bologna, 
garlic bologna, knockwurst and similar cooked sausages are comminuted, 
semisolid sausages prepared from one or more kinds of raw skeletal 
muscle meat or raw skeletal muscle meat and raw or cooked poultry meat, 
and seasoned and cured, using one or more of the curing agents in 
accordance with a regulation permitting that use in this subchapter or 
in 9 CFR chapter III, subchapter E, or in 21 CFR chapter I, subchapter A 
or subchapter B. They may or may not be smoked. The finished products 
shall not contain more than 30 percent fat. Water or ice, or both, may 
be used to facilitate chopping or mixing or to dissolve the curing 
ingredients but the sausage shall contain no more than 40 percent of a 
combination of fat and added water. These sausage products may contain 
only phosphates approved under part 318 of this chapter. Such products 
may contain raw or cooked poultry meat and/or Mechanically Separated 
(Kind of Poultry) without skin and without kidneys and sex glands used 
in accordance with Sec.  381.174, not in excess of 15 percent of the 
total ingredients, excluding water, in the sausage, and Mechanically 
Separated (Species) used in accordance with Sec.  319.6. Such poultry 
meat ingredients shall be designated in the ingredient statement on the 
label of such sausage in accordance with the provisions of Sec.  381.118 
of this chapter.
    (b) Frankfurter, frank, furter, hot-dog, wiener, vienna, bologna, 
garlic bologna, knockwurst and similar cooked sausages that are labeled 
with the phrase ``with byproducts'' or ``with variety meats'' in the 
product name are comminuted, semisolid sausages consisting of not less 
than 15 percent of one or more kinds of raw skeletal muscle meat with 
raw meat byproducts, or not less than 15 percent of one or more kinds of 
raw skeletal muscle meat with raw meat byproducts and raw or cooked 
poultry products; and seasoned and cured, using one or more of the 
curing ingredients in accordance with a regulation permitting that use 
in this subchapter or in 9 CFR chapter III, subchapter E, or in 21 CFR 
chapter I, subchapter A or subchapter B. They may or may not be smoked. 
Partially defatted pork fatty tissue or partially defatted beef fatty 
tissue, or a combination of both, may be used in an

[[Page 276]]

amount not exceeding 15 percent of the meat and meat byproducts or meat, 
meat byproducts, and poultry products ingredients. The finished products 
shall not contain more than 30 percent fat. Water or ice, or both, may 
be used to facilitate chopping or mixing to dissolve the curing and 
seasoning ingredients, the sausage shall contain no more than 40 percent 
of a combination of fat and added water. These sausage products may 
contain only phosphates approved under part 318 of this chapter. These 
sausage products may contain poultry products and/or Mechanically 
Separated (Kind of Poultry) used in accordance with Sec.  381.174, 
individually or in combination, not in excess of 15 percent of the total 
ingredients, excluding water, in the sausage, and may contain 
Mechanically Separated (Species) used in accordance with Sec.  319.6. 
Such poultry products shall not contain kidneys or sex glands. The 
amount of poultry skin present in the sausage must not exceed the 
natural proportion of skin present on the whole carcass of the kind of 
poultry used in the sausage, as specified in Sec.  381.117(d) of this 
chapter. The poultry products used in the sausage shall be designated in 
the ingredient statement on the label of such sausage in accordance with 
the provisions of Sec.  381.118 of this chapter. Meat byproducts used in 
the sausage shall be designated individually in the ingredient statement 
on the label for such sausage in accordance with Sec.  317.2 of this 
chapter.
    (c) A cooked sausage as defined in paragraph (a) of this section 
shall be labeled by its generic name, e.g., frankfurter, frank, furter, 
hotdog, wiener, vienna, bologna, garlic bologna, or knockwurst. When 
such sausage products are prepared with meat from a single species of 
cattle, sheep, swine, or goats they shall be labeled with the term 
designating the particular species in conjunction with the generic name, 
e.g., ``Beef Frankfurter,'' and when such sausage products are prepared 
in part with Mechanically Separated (Species) in accordance with Sec.  
319.6, they shall be labeled in accordance with Sec.  317.2(j)(13) of 
this subchapter.
    (d) A cooked sausage as defined in paragraph (b) of this section 
shall be labeled by its generic name, e.g., frankfurter, frank, furter, 
hotdog, wiener, vienna, bologna, garlic bologna, or knockwurst, in 
conjunction with the phrase ``with byproducts'' or ``with variety 
meats'' with such supplemental phrase shown in a prominent manner 
directly contiguous to the generic name and in the same color on an 
identical background.
    (e) Binders and extenders as provided in Sec.  319.140 of this part 
may be used in cooked sausage that otherwise comply with paragraph (a) 
or (b) of this section. When any such substance is added to these 
products, the substance shall be declared in the ingredients statement 
by its common or usual name in order of predominance.
    (f) Cooked sausages shall not be labeled with terms such as ``All 
Meat'' or ``All (Species),'' or otherwise to indicate they do not 
contain nonmeat ingredients or are prepared only from meat.
    (g) For the purposes of this section: Poultry meat means deboned 
chicken meat or turkey meat, or both, without skin or added fat; poultry 
products mean chicken or turkey, or chicken meat or turkey meat as 
defined in Sec.  381.118 of this chapter, or poultry byproducts as 
defined in Sec.  381.1 of this chapter; and meat byproducts (or variety 
meats), mean pork stomachs or snouts; beef, veal, lamb, or goat tripe; 
beef, veal, lamb, goat, or pork hearts, tongues, fat, lips, weasands, 
and spleens; and partially defatted pork fatty tissue, or partially 
defatted beef fatty tissue.

[38 FR 14742, June 5, 1973]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
319.180, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  319.181  Cheesefurters and similar products.

    ``Cheesefurters'' and similar products are products in casings which 
resemble frankfurters except that they contain sufficient cheese to give 
definite characteristics to the finished article. They may contain 
binders and extenders as provided in Sec.  424.21(c) of subchapter E. 
Limits on use as provided in Sec.  424.21 are intended to be exclusive 
of the cheese constituent. When any such substance

[[Page 277]]

is added to these products, the substance shall be designated in the 
ingredients statement by its common or usual name in order of 
predominance. These products shall contain no more than 40 percent of a 
combination of fat and added water, and no more than 30 percent fat and 
shall comply with the other provisions for cooked sausages that are in 
this subchapter.

[55 FR 34683, Aug. 24, 1990, as amended at 56 FR 41448, Aug. 21, 1991; 
76 FR 82078, Dec. 30, 2011]



Sec.  319.182  Braunschweiger and liver sausage or liverwurst.

    (a) ``Braunschweiger'' is a cooked sausage made from fresh, cured, 
and/or frozen pork, beef, and/or veal and at least 30 percent pork, 
beef, and/or veal livers computed on the weight of the fresh livers. It 
may also contain pork and/or beef fat. Mechanically Separated (Species) 
may be used in accordance with Sec.  319.6. Binders and extenders may be 
used as permitted in Sec.  319.140. The product may have a smoked taste 
characteristic, which may be imparted by use of smoked meats, smoke 
flavoring or smoking. If prepared from components of a single species, 
the product name may reflect the species, e.g., ``Beef Braunschweiger.'' 
Braunschweiger may also be labeled as any of the following: 
``Braunschweiger--A Liver Sausage,'' ``Braunschweiger--A Liverwurst,'' 
or ``Braunschweiger (Liver Sausage)'' or ``Braunschweiger 
(Liverwurst).''
    (b) ``Liver Sausage'' or ``Liverwurst'' is a cooked sausage made 
from fresh, cured, and/or frozen pork, beef, and/or veal and at least 30 
percent pork, beef, veal, sheep, and/or goat livers computed on the 
weight of the fresh livers. It may also contain pork and/or beef 
byproducts. Mechanically Separated (Species) may be used in accordance 
with Sec.  319.6. Binders and extenders maybe used as permitted in Sec.  
319.140. If prepared from components of a single species, the product 
name may reflect that species, e.g., ``Pork Liver Sausage.''

[47 FR 36108, Aug. 19, 1982]

Subpart H [Reserved]

Subpart I--Semi-Dry Fermented Sausage [Reserved]

Subpart J--Dry Fermented Sausage [Reserved]



          Subpart K_Luncheon Meat, Loaves and Jellied Products



Sec.  319.260  Luncheon meat.

    ``Luncheon Meat'' is a cured, cooked meat food product made from 
comminuted meat. Mechanically Separated (Species) may be used in 
accordance with Sec.  319.6. To facilitate chopping or mixing or to 
dissolve the usual curing ingredients, water or ice may be used in the 
preparation of luncheon meat in an amount not to exceed 3 percent of the 
total ingredients.

[35 FR 15597, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 43 FR 26425, June 20, 1978; 47 
FR 28257, June 29, 1982]



Sec.  319.261  Meat loaf.

    ``Meat Loaf'' is a cooked meat food product in loaf form made from 
comminuted meat. Mechanically Separated (Species) may be used in 
accordance with Sec.  319.6. To facilitate chopping or mixing, water or 
ice may be used in an amount not to exceed 3 percent of the total 
ingredients used.

[35 FR 15597, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 43 FR 26425, June 20, 1978; 47 
FR 28257, June 29, 1982]



       Subpart L_Meat Specialties, Puddings and Nonspecific Loaves



Sec.  319.280  Scrapple.

    ``Scrapple'' shall contain not less than 40 percent meat and/or meat 
byproducts computed on the basis of the fresh weight, exclusive of bone. 
Mechanically Separated (Species) may be used in accordance with Sec.  
319.6. The meal or flour used may be derived from grain and/or soybeans.

[35 FR 15597, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 43 FR 26425, June 20, 1978; 47 
FR 28257, June 29, 1982]



Sec.  319.281  Bockwurst.

    (a) Bockwurst is an uncured, comminuted meat food product which may 
or may not be cooked. It contains meat, milk or water or a combination 
thereof, eggs, vegetables, and any of

[[Page 278]]

the optional ingredients listed in paragraph (b) of this section; and is 
prepared in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (a)(1), (2), 
(3), and (4) of this section.
    (1) Meat shall constitute not less than 70 percent of the total 
weight of the product and shall consist of pork or a mixture of pork and 
veal, pork and beef, or pork, veal, and beef. Such meat shall be fresh 
or fresh frozen meat. Pork may be omitted when the specie or species of 
meat used in the product is identified in the product name (e.g., Veal 
Bockwurst, Beef Bockwurst, or Beef and Veal Bockwurst). Mechanically 
Separated (Species) may be used in accordance with Sec.  319.6.
    (2) The ``milk'' may be fresh whole milk, dried milk, nonfat dry 
milk, calcium reduced dried skim milk, enzyme (rennet) treated calcium 
reduced dried skim milk and calcium lactate, or any combination thereof.
    (3) ``Eggs'' refer to whole eggs that are fresh, frozen, or dried.
    (4) ``Vegetables'' refer to onions, chives, parsley, and leeks, 
alone or in any combination.
    (b) Bockwurst may contain one or more of the following optional 
ingredients:
    (1) Pork fat.
    (2) Celery, fresh or dehydrated.
    (3) Spices, flavorings.
    (4) Salt.
    (5) Egg whites, fresh, frozen, or dried.
    (6) Corn syrup solids, corn syrup, or glucose syrup with a maximum 
limit of 2 percent individually or collectively, calculated on a dry 
basis. The maximum quantities of such ingredients shall be computed on 
the basis of the total weight of the ingredients.
    (7) Autolyzed yeast extract, hydrolyzed plant protein, milk protein 
hydrolysate, and monosodium glutamate.
    (8) Sugars (sucrose and dextrose).
    (9) Binders and extenders may be added as provided in Sec.  
424.21(c) of subchapter E. When any such substance is added to 
bockwurst, the substance shall be designated in the ingredients 
statement by its common or usual name in order of predominance.
    (c) If bockwurst is cooked or partially cooked, the composition of 
the raw mix from which it is prepared shall be used in determining 
whether it meets the requirements of this section.

[40 FR 18542, Apr. 29, 1975, as amended at 41 FR 18089, Apr. 30, 1976; 
43 FR 26425, June 20, 1978; 45 FR 10318, Feb. 15, 1980; 47 FR 26374, 
June 18, 1982; 47 FR 28257, 28258, June 29, 1982; 55 FR 34683, Aug. 24, 
1990; 56 FR 41448, Aug. 21, 1991; 76 FR 82078, Dec. 30, 2011]



       Subpart M_Canned, Frozen, or Dehydrated Meat Food Products



Sec.  319.300  Chili con carne.

    ``Chili con carne'' shall contain not less than 40 percent of meat 
computed on the weight of the fresh meat. Mechanically Separated 
(Species) may be used in accordance with Sec.  319.6. Head meat, cheek 
meat, and heart meat exclusive of the heart cap may be used to the 
extent of 25 percent of the meat ingredients under specific declaration 
on the label. The mixture may contain binders and extenders as provided 
in Sec.  424.21(c) of subchapter E.

[55 FR 34684, Aug. 24, 1990, as amended at 76 FR 82078, Dec. 30, 2011]



Sec.  319.301  Chili con carne with beans.

    Chili con carne with beans shall contain not less than 25 percent of 
meat computed on the weight of the fresh meat. Mechanically Separated 
(Species) may be used in accordance with Sec.  319.6. Head meat, cheek 
meat, or heart meat exclusive of the heart cap may be used to the extent 
of 25 percent of the meat ingredients, and its presence shall be 
reflected in the statement of ingredients required by part 317 of this 
subchapter. The mixture may contain binders and extenders as provided in 
Sec.  424.21(c) of subchapter E.

[55 FR 34684, Aug. 24, 1990, as amended at 76 FR 82078, Dec. 30, 2011]



Sec.  319.302  Hash.

    ``Hash'' shall contain not less than 35 percent of meat computed on 
the weight of the cooked and trimmed meat. The weight of the cooked meat 
used in this calculation shall not exceed 70 percent of the weight of 
the uncooked fresh meat. Mechanically Separated (Species) may be used in 
accordance with Sec.  319.6.

[35 FR 15597, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 43 FR 26425, June 20, 1978; 47 
FR 28257, June 29, 1982]

[[Page 279]]



Sec.  319.303  Corned beef hash.

    (a) ``Corned Beef Hash'' is the semi-solid food product in the form 
of a compact mass which is prepared with beef, potatoes, curing agents, 
seasonings, and any of the optional ingredients listed in paragraph (b) 
of this section, in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (a) 
(1), (2), (3) and (4) of this section and the provisions of paragraph 
(c) of this section.
    (1) Either fresh beef, cured beef, or canned corned beef or a 
mixture of two or more of these ingredients, may be used, and the 
finished product shall contain not less than 35 percent of beef computed 
on the weight of the cooked and trimmed beef. The weight of the cooked 
meat used in this calculation shall not exceed 70 percent of the weight 
of the uncooked fresh meat.
    (2) ``Potatoes'' refers to fresh potatoes, dehydrated potatoes, 
cooked dehydrated potatoes, or a mixture of two or more of these 
ingredients.
    (3) The curing agents that may be used are salt, sodium nitrate, 
sodium nitrite, potassium nitrate, or potassium nitrite, or a 
combination of two or more of these ingredients. When sodium nitrate, or 
sodium nitrite, potassium nitrate, or potassium nitrite is used it shall 
be used in amounts not exceeding those specified in a regulation 
permitting that use in this subchapter or in 9 CFR Chapter III, 
Subchapter E, or in 21 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter A or Subchapter B.
    (4) The seasonings that may be used, singly or in combination, are 
salt, sugar (sucrose or dextrose), spice, and flavoring, including 
essential oils, oleoresins, and other spice extractives.
    (b) Corned beef hash may contain one or more of the following 
optional ingredients:
    (1) Beef cheek meat and beef head meat from which the overlying 
glandular and connective tissues have been removed, and beef heart meat, 
exclusive of the heart cap, may be used individually or collectively to 
the extent of 5 percent of the meat ingredients;
    (2) Onions, including fresh onions, dehydrated onions, or onion 
powder;
    (3) Garlic, including fresh garlic, dehydrated garlic, or garlic 
powder;
    (4) Water;
    (5) Beef broth or beef stock;
    (6) Monosodium glutamate;
    (7) Hydrolyzed plant protein;
    (8) Beef fat;
    (9) Mechanically Separated (Species) when derived from carcasses of 
cattle may be used in accordance with Sec.  319.6.
    (c) The finished product shall not contain more than 15 percent fat 
nor more than 72 percent moisture.
    (d)(1) When any ingredient specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section is used, the label shall bear the following applicable 
statement: ``Beef cheek meat constitutes 5 percent of the meat 
ingredient,'' or ``Beef head meat constitutes 5 percent of the meat 
ingredient,'' or ``Beef heart meat constitutes 5 percent of the meat 
ingredient.'' When two or more of the ingredients are used, the words 
``Constitutes 5 percent of meat ingredient'' need only appear once.
    (2) Whenever the words ``corned beef hash'' are featured on the 
label so conspicuously as to identify the contents, the statements 
prescribed in paragraph (d)(1) of this section shall immediately and 
conspicuously precede or follow such name without intervening written, 
printed, or other graphic matter.

[35 FR 15597, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 43 FR 26425, June 20, 1978; 47 
FR 28257, June 29, 1982; 64 FR 72175, Dec. 23, 1999]



Sec.  319.304  Meat stews.

    Meat stews such as ``Beef Stew'' or ``Lamb Stew'' shall contain not 
less than 25 percent of meat of the species named on the label, computed 
on the weight of the fresh meat. Mechanically Separated (Species) may be 
used in accordance with Sec.  319.6.

[35 FR 15597, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 43 FR 26425, June 20, 1978; 47 
FR 28257, June 29, 1982]



Sec.  319.305  Tamales.

    ``Tamales'' shall be prepared with at least 25 percent meat computed 
on the weight of the uncooked fresh meat in relation to all ingredients 
of the tamales. When tamales are packed in sauce or gravy, the name of 
the product shall include a prominent reference to the sauce or gravy; 
for example, ``Tamales With Sauce'' or ``Tamales With Gravy.'' Product 
labeled ``Tamales With Sauce'' or ``Tamales With Gravy'' shall contain 
not less

[[Page 280]]

than 20 percent meat, computed on the weight of the uncooked fresh meat 
in relation to the total ingredients making up the tamales and sauce or 
the tamales and gravy. Mechanically Separated (Species) may be used in 
accordance with Sec.  319.6.

[35 FR 15597, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 43 FR 26425, June 20, 1978; 47 
FR 28257, 28258, June 29, 1982]



Sec.  319.306  Spaghetti with meatballs and sauce, spaghetti with meat
and sauce, and similar products.

    ``Spaghetti with Meatballs and Sauce'' and ``Spaghetti with Meat and 
Sauce,'' and similar products shall contain not less than 12 percent of 
meat computed on the weight of the fresh meat. Mechanically Separated 
(Species) may be used in accordance with Sec.  319.6. The presence of 
the sauce or gravy constituent shall be declared prominently on the 
label as part of the name of the product. Meatballs may be prepared with 
farinaceous material and with other binders and extenders as provided in 
Sec.  424.21(c) of subchapter E.

[55 FR 34684, Aug. 24, 1990, as amended at 76 FR 82078, Dec. 30, 2011]



Sec.  319.307  Spaghetti sauce with meat.

    ``Spaghetti Sauce with Meat'' shall contain not less than 6 percent 
of meat computed on the weight of the fresh meat. Mechanically Separated 
(Species) may be used in accordance with Sec.  319.6.

[35 FR 15597, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 43 FR 26425, June 20, 1978; 47 
FR 28257, June 29, 1982]



Sec.  319.308  Tripe with milk.

    ``Tripe with Milk'' shall be prepared so that the finished canned 
article, exclusive of the cooked-out juices and milk, will contain at 
least 65 percent tripe. The product shall be prepared with not less than 
10 percent milk.



Sec.  319.309  Beans with frankfurters in sauce, sauerkraut with wieners
and juice, and similar products.

    ``Beans with Frankfurters in Sauce,'' ``Sauerkraut with Wieners and 
Juice,'' and similar products shall contain not less than 20 percent 
frankfurters or wieners computed on the weight of the smoked and cooked 
sausage prior to its inclusion with the beans or sauerkraut.



Sec.  319.310  Lima beans with ham in sauce, beans with ham in sauce,
beans with bacon in sauce, and similar products.

    ``Lima Beans with Ham in Sauce,'' ``Beans with Ham in Sauce,'' 
``Beans with Bacon in Sauce,'' and similar products shall contain not 
less than 12 percent ham or bacon computed on the weight of the smoked 
ham or bacon prior to its inclusion with the beans and sauce.



Sec.  319.311  Chow mein vegetables with meat, and chop suey vegetables
with meat.

    ``Chow Mein Vegetables with Meat'' and ``Chop Suey Vegetables with 
Meat'' shall contain not less than 12 percent meat computed on the 
weight of the uncooked fresh meat prior to its inclusion with the other 
ingredients. Mechanically Separated (Species) may be used in accordance 
with Sec.  319.6.

[35 FR 15597, Oct. 3, 1970; 36 FR 11903, June 23, 1971, as amended at 43 
FR 26425, June 20, 1978; 47 FR 28257, June 29, 1982]



Sec.  319.312  Pork with barbecue sauce and beef with barbecue sauce.

    ``Pork with Barbecue Sauce'' and ``Beef with Barbecue Sauce'' shall 
consist of not less than 50 percent cooked meat of the species specified 
on the label. Mechanically Separated (Pork) may be used in accordance 
with Sec.  319.6.

[69 FR 34916, June 23, 2004]



Sec.  319.313  Beef with gravy and gravy with beef.

    ``Beef with Gravy'' and ``Gravy with Beef'' shall not be made with 
beef which, in the aggregate for each lot contains more than 30 percent 
trimmable fat, that is, fat which can be removed by thorough, 
practicable trimming and sorting.



        Subpart N_Meat Food Entree Products, Pies, and Turnovers



Sec.  319.500  Meat pies.

    Meat pies such as ``Beef Pie,'' ``Veal Pie,'' and ``Pork Pie'' shall 
contain meat of the species specified on the

[[Page 281]]

label, in an amount not less than 25 percent of all ingredients 
including crust and shall be computed on the basis of the fresh uncooked 
meat.



    Subpart O_Meat Snacks, Hors d'Oeuvres, Pizza, and Specialty Items



Sec.  319.600  [Reserved]



                    Subpart P_Fats, Oils, Shortenings



Sec.  319.700  Margarine or oleomargarine. \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Insofar as the standard contains provisions relating to 
margarine or oleomargarine which does not contain any meat food 
products, such provisions merely reflect the applicable standard under 
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (a) Margarine or oleomargarine is the food in plastic form or liquid 
emulsion, containing not less than 80 percent fat determined by the 
method prescribed under Sec.  938.06 (Chapter 33) of the ``Indirect 
Methods'' in ``Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of 
Official Analytical Chemists'', 15th edition, 1990. \2\ The ``Official 
Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical 
Chemists,'' 15th edition, 1990, is incorporated by reference with the 
approval of the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. It is produced from one or more of the 
ingredients designated in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and one or 
more of the ingredients designated in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, 
to which may be added one or more of the optional ingredients designated 
in paragraph (b) of this section. Margarine or oleomargarine contains 
Vitamin A as provided for in paragraph (a)(3) of this section.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ A copy of the ``Official Methods of Analysis of the Association 
of Official Analytical Chemists,'' 15th edition, 1990, is on file with 
the Director, Office of the Federal Register, and may be purchased from 
the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Inc., 2200 Wilson 
Boulevard, Suite 400, Arlington, Virginia 22201.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) Edible fats and oils or mixtures of these, whose origin is 
vegetable or rendered animal fats from cattle, sheep, swine or goats.
    (2)(i) Water; milk; milk products including, but not limited to, the 
liquid, condensed, or dry form of whey, reduced lactose whey, reduced 
minerals whey, or whey protein concentrate, non-lactose-containing whey 
components, casein, or caseinate; or other suitable edible protein, 
including albumin, vegetable proteins, or soy protein isolate; or any 
mixture of two or more of the articles designated in this subparagraph, 
in amounts not greater than reasonably required to accomplish the 
desired effect.
    (ii) The articles designated in this subparagraph shall be 
pasteurized and then may be subjected to the action of harmless 
bacterial starters. One or more of the articles designated in this 
subparagraph is intimately mixed with the edible fat or oil ingredients, 
or both, to form a solidified or liquid emulsion.
    (3) Vitamin A in such quantity that the finished margarine or 
oleomargarine contains not less than 15,000 International Units (IU) of 
ViTamin A per pound or 33,000 IU per kilogram.
    (b)(1) Vitamin D in such quantity that the finished margarine or 
oleomargarine contains not less than 1,500 IU of Vitamin D per pound or 
3,300 IU per kilogram.
    (2) Salt (sodium chloride); or potassium chloride for dietary 
margarine or oleomargarine.
    (3) Nutritive carbohydrate sweeteners.
    (4) Emulsifiers identified in a regulation permitting that use in 
this subchapter or a regulation permitting that use in this subchapter 
or in 9 CFR Chapter III, Subchapter E, or in 21 CFR Chapter I, 
Subchapter A or Subchapter B, within these maximum amounts in percent by 
weight of the finished food: Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids 
esterified with any or all of the following acids: acetic, 
acetyltartaric, citric, lactic, tartaric, and their sodium and calcium 
salts, 0.5 percent; such mono- and diglycerides in combination with the 
sodium sulfoacetate derivatives thereof, 0.5 percent; polyglycerol 
esters of fatty acids, 0.5 percent; 1,2-propylene glycol esters of fatty 
acids, 2 percent; lecithin, 0.5 percent.

[[Page 282]]

    (5) Preservatives identified in a regulation permitting that use in 
this subchapter or in 9 CFR Chapter III, Subchapter E, or in 21 CFR 
Chapter I, Subchapter A or Subchapter B, within these maximum amounts in 
percent by weight of the finished food: Sorbic acid, benzoic acid and 
their sodium, potassium, and calcium salts, individually, 0.1 percent, 
or in combination, 0.2 percent, expressed as the acids; calcium disodium 
EDTA, 0.0075 percent; stearyl citrate, 0.15 percent; isopropyl citrate 
mixture, 0.02 percent.
    (6) Antioxidants identified in a regulation permitting that use in 
this subchapter or in 9 CFR Chapter III, Subchapter E, or in 21 CFR 
Chapter I, Subchapter A or Subchapter B, within these maximum amounts in 
percent by weight of the finished food: propyl, octyl and dodecyl 
gallates, BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), BHA (butylated 
hydroxyanisole), ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate, all individually 
or in combination, 0.02 percent. Instead of these antioxidants, TBHQ 
(tertiary butylhydroquinone), alone or in combination only with BHT and/
or BHA, with a maximum 0.02 percent by weight of the fat and oil 
content.
    (7) Coloring agents identified in a regulation permitting that use 
in this subchapter or in 9 CFR Chapter III, Subchapter E, or in 21 CFR 
Parts 73, 74, 81, or 82, in amounts sufficient for purpose.\3\ For the 
purpose of this subparagraph, provitamine A (beta-carotene) shall also 
be deemed to be a coloring agent.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Colored margarine or oleomargarine is also subject to the 
provisions of section 407 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 
as amended (21 U.S.C. 347), as reflected in Sec.  317.8(h)(24) of this 
subchapter.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (8) Flavoring substances in amounts sufficient for purpose.
    (9) Acidulants identified in a regulation permitting that use in 
this subchapter or in 9 CFR Chapter III, Subchapter E, or in 21 CFR 
Chapter I, Subchapter A or Subchapter B, in amounts sufficient for 
purpose: adipic acid; citric and lactic acids and their potassium and 
sodium salts; phosphoric acid; L-tartaric acid and its sodium and 
sodium-potassium salts; and hydrochloric acid.
    (10) Alkalizers identified in a regulation permitting that use in 
this subchapter or in 9 CFR Chapter III, Subchapter E, or in 21 CFR 
Chapter I, Subchapter A or Subchapter B, in amounts sufficient for 
purpose: potassium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, 
sodium carbonate, and sodium hydroxide.
    (11) For the purposes of this section, the term ``milk'' unqualified 
means milk from cows. If any milk other than cow's milk is used in whole 
or in part, the animal source shall be identified in conjunction with 
the word ``milk'' in the ingredient statement.

[48 FR 52697, Nov. 22, 1983, as amended at 50 FR 3739, Jan. 28, 1985; 54 
FR 40632, Oct. 3, 1989; 59 FR 33642, June 30, 1994; 64 FR 72175, Dec. 
23, 1999]



Sec.  319.701  Mixed fat shortening.

    Shortening prepared with a mixture of meat fats and vegetable oils 
may be identified either as ``Shortening Prepared with Meat Fats and 
Vegetable Oils'' or ``Shortening Prepared with Vegetable Oils and Meat 
Fats'' depending on the predominance of the fat and oils used, or the 
product may be labeled ``Shortening'' when accompanied by an ingredient 
statement with ingredients listed in descending order of predominance.



Sec.  319.702  Lard, leaf lard.

    (a) Lard is the fat rendered from clean and sound edible tissues 
from swine. The tissues may be fresh, frozen, cooked, or prepared by 
other processes approved by the Administrator in specific cases, upon 
his determination that the use of such processes will not result in the 
adulteration or misbranding of the lard. The tissues shall be reasonably 
free from blood, and shall not include stomachs, livers, spleens, 
kidneys, and brains, or settlings and skimmings. ``Leaf Lard'' is lard 
prepared from fresh leaf (abdominal) fat.
    (b) Lard (when properly labeled) may be hardened by the use of lard 
stearin or hydrogenated lard or both and may contain refined lard and 
deodorized lard, but the labels of such lard shall state such facts, as 
applicable.
    (c) Products labeled ``Lard'' or ``Leaf Lard'' must have the 
following identity

[[Page 283]]

and quality characteristics to insure good color, odor, and taste of 
finished product:

(1) Color................................  White when solid, Maximum 3.0
                                            red units in a 5\1/4\ inch
                                            cell on the Lovibond scale.
(2) Odor and taste.......................  Characteristic and free from
                                            foreign odors and flavors.
(3) Free fatty acid......................  Maximum 0.5 percent (as
                                            oleic) or 1.0 acid value, as
                                            milligrams KOH per gram of
                                            sample.
(4) Peroxide value.......................  Maximum 5.0 (as
                                            milliequivalents of peroxide
                                            per kilogram fat).
(5) Moisture and volatile matter.........  Maximum 0.2 percent.
(6) Insoluble impurities.................  By appearance of liquid, fat
                                            or maximum 0.05 percent.
 

    (d) Product found upon inspection not to have the characteristics 
specified in paragraph (c) of this section but found to be otherwise 
sound and in compliance with paragraph (a) of this section may be 
further processed for the purpose of achieving such characteristics.

[43 FR 25420, June 13, 1978]



Sec.  319.703  Rendered animal fat or mixture thereof.

    ``Rendered Animal Fat,'' or any mixture of fats containing edible 
rendered animal fat, shall contain no added water, except that ``Puff 
Pastry Shortening'' may contain not more than 10 percent of water.

[35 FR 15597, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 43 FR 25420, June 13, 1978]



       Subpart Q_Meat Soups, Soup Mixes, Broths, Stocks, Extracts



Sec.  319.720  Meat extract.

    Meat extract (e.g., ``Beef Extract'') shall contain not more than 25 
percent of moisture.



Sec.  319.721  Fluid extract of meat.

    Fluid extract of meat (e.g., ``Fluid Extract of Beef'') shall 
contain not more than 50 percent of moisture.



                 Subpart R_Meat Salads and Meat Spreads



Sec.  319.760  Deviled ham, deviled tongue, and similar products.

    (a) ``Deviled Ham'' is a semiplastic cured meat food product made 
from finely comminuted ham and containing condiments. Mechanically 
Separated (Species) may be used in accordance with Sec.  319.6. Deviled 
ham may contain added ham fat: Provided, That the total fat content 
shall not exceed 35 percent of the finished product. The moisture 
content of deviled ham shall not exceed that of the fresh unprocessed 
meat.
    (b) The moisture content of ``Deviled Tongue'' and similar products 
shall not exceed that of the fresh, unprocessed meat.

[35 FR 15597, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 43 FR 26425, June 20, 1978; 47 
FR 28257, June 29, 1982]



Sec.  319.761  Potted meat food product and deviled meat food product.

    ``Potted Meat Food Product'' and ``Deviled Meat Food Product'' shall 
not contain cereal, vegetable flour, nonfat dry milk, or similar 
substances. The amount of water added to potted meat food product and 
deviled meat food product shall be limited to that necessary to replace 
moisture lost during processing.



Sec.  319.762  Ham spread, tongue spread, and similar products.

    ``Ham Spread,'' ``Tongue Spread,'' and similar products shall 
contain not less than 50 percent of the meat ingredient named, computed 
on the weight of the fresh meat. Other meat and fat may be used to give 
the desired spreading consistency provided it does not detract from the 
character of the spreads named. Mechanically Separated (Species) may be 
used in accordance with Sec.  319.6.

[35 FR 15597, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 43 FR 26425, June 20, 1978; 47 
FR 28257, June 29, 1982]

Subpart S--Meat Baby Foods [Reserved]

Subpart T--Dietetic Meat Foods [Reserved]



                         Subpart U_Miscellaneous



Sec.  319.880  Breaded products.

    The amount of batter and breading used as a coating for breaded 
product shall not exceed 30 percent of the weight of the finished 
breaded product.

[[Page 284]]



Sec.  319.881  Liver meat food products.

    Meat food products characterized and labeled as liver products such 
as liver loaf, liver cheese, liver spread, liver mush, liver paste, and 
liver pudding shall contain not less than 30 percent of pork, beef, 
sheep, or goat livers computed on the fresh weight of the livers.

[36 FR 12004, June 24, 1971]



PART 320_RECORDS, REGISTRATION, AND REPORTS--Table of Contents



Sec.
320.1 Records required to be kept.
320.2 Place of maintenance of records.
320.3 Record retention period.
320.4 Access to and inspection of records, facilities and inventory; 
          copying and sampling.
320.5 Registration.
320.6 Information and reports required from official establishment 
          operators.
320.7 Reports by consignees of allegedly adulterated or misbranded 
          products; sale or transportation as violations.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 35 FR 15603, Oct. 3, 1970, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  320.1  Records required to be kept.

    (a) Every person (including every firm or corporation) within any of 
the classes specified in paragraph (a) (1), (2), or (3) of this section 
is required by the Act to keep records which will fully and correctly 
disclose all transactions involved in his or its business subject to the 
Act:
    (1) Any person that engages, for commerce, in the business of 
slaughtering any cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses, mules, or other 
equines, or preparing, freezing, packaging, or labeling any carcasses, 
or parts or products of carcasses, of any such animals, for use as human 
food or animal food;
    (2) Any person that engages in the business of buying or selling (as 
a meat broker, wholesaler, or otherwise), or transporting in commerce, 
or storing in or for commerce, or importing, any carcasses, or parts or 
products of carcasses, of any such animals;
    (3) Any person that engages in business, in or for commerce, as a 
renderer, or engages in the business of buying, selling, or transporting 
in commerce, or importing, any dead, dying, disabled, or diseased 
cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses, mules, or other equines, or parts 
of the carcasses of any such animals that died otherwise than by 
slaughter.
    (b) The required records are:
    (1) Records, such as bills of sale, invoices, bills of lading, and 
receiving and shipping papers, giving the following information with 
respect to each transaction in which any livestock or carcass, part 
thereof, meat or meat food product is purchased, sold, shipped, 
received, transported, or otherwise handled by said person in connection 
with any business subject to the Act:
    (i) The name or description of the livestock or article;
    (ii) The net weight of the livestock or article;
    (iii) The number of outside containers (if any);
    (iv) The name and address of the buyer of livestock or article sold 
by such person, and the name and address of the seller of livestock or 
articles purchased by such person;
    (v) The name and address of the consignee or receiver (if other than 
the buyer);
    (vi) The method of shipment;
    (vii) The date of shipment; and
    (viii) The name and address of the carrier.
    (ix) In the case of a person belonging to the class specified in 
paragraph (a)(1), and engaged, for commerce, in the business of 
slaughtering any swine for use as human or animal food, the name and 
address (including the city and state, or the township, county, and 
state) of each person from whom the person belonging to the class so 
specified purchased or otherwise obtained each swine, and the telephone 
number, if available, of the person from whom the swine were purchased 
or otherwise obtained, and all serial numbers and other approved means 
of identification appearing on all test swine selected at antemortem 
inspection by FSIS representatives for residue testing.
    (2) Shipper's certificates and permits required to be kept by 
shippers and carriers of articles under part 325 of this subchapter.

[[Page 285]]

    (3) A record of seal numbers required to be kept by consignees of 
inedible products shipped under unofficial seals under Sec.  325.11(b) 
or (e) of this subchapter, and a record of new consignees of inedible 
products diverted under Sec.  325.11(e) of this subchapter.
    (4)(i) In the case of raw ground beef products, official 
establishments and retail stores are required to keep records that fully 
disclose:
    (A) The establishment numbers of the establishments supplying the 
materials used to prepare each lot of raw ground beef product;
    (B) All supplier lot numbers and production dates;
    (C) The names of the supplied materials, including beef components 
and any materials carried over from one production lot to the next;
    (D) The date and time each lot of raw ground beef product is 
produced; and
    (E) The date and time when grinding equipment and other related 
food-contact surfaces are cleaned and sanitized.
    (ii) Official establishments and retail stores covered by this part 
that prepare ground beef products that are ground at an individual 
customer's request must keep records that comply with paragraph 
(b)(4)(i) of this section.
    (iii) For the purposes of this section of the regulations, a lot is 
the amount of ground raw beef produced during particular dates and 
times, following clean up and until the next clean up, during which the 
same source materials are used.
    (5) Guaranties provided by suppliers of packaging materials under 
Sec.  317.24.
    (6) Records of canning as required by part 431 of this chapter.
    (7) Records of nutrition labeling as required by subpart B, part 
317, of this subchapter.
    (8) Records as required in Sec.  318.23(b) and (c).
    (9) Records documenting the development, implementation, and 
maintenance of procedures for the control of the production process 
using advanced meat/bone separation machinery and meat recovery systems 
as required by Sec.  318.24 of this subchapter.
    (10) Records of labeling, product formulas, processing procedures, 
and any additional documentation needed to show that the labels are 
consistent with the Federal meat and poultry regulations and policies on 
labeling, as prescribed in Sec.  412.1 of this chapter.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0583-0015)

[35 FR 15603, Oct. 3, 1970]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
320.1, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  320.2  Place of maintenance of records.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, any person 
engaged in any business described in Sec.  320.1 and required by this 
part to keep records must maintain such records at the place where such 
business is conducted, except that if such person conducts such business 
at multiple locations, he may maintain such records at his headquarters' 
office. When not in actual use, all such records must be kept in a safe 
place at the prescribed location in accordance with good commercial 
practices.
    (b) Records required to kept under Sec.  320.1(b)(4) must be kept at 
the location where the raw beef was ground.

[80 FR 79250, Dec. 21, 2015]



Sec.  320.3  Record retention period.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, 
every record required to be maintained under this part must be retained 
for a period of 2 years after December 31 of the year in which the 
transaction to which the record relates has occurred and for such 
further period as the Administrator may require for purposes of any 
investigation or litigation under the Act, by written notice to the 
person required to keep such records under this part.
    (b) Records of canning as required in subpart G of part 318 of this 
chapter, must be retained as required in Sec.  318.307(e); except that 
records required by Sec.  318.302(b) and (c) must be retained as 
required by those sections.
    (c) Records required to be maintained under Sec.  320.1(b)(4) must 
be retained for one year.

[80 FR 79250, Dec. 21, 2015]

[[Page 286]]



Sec.  320.4  Access to and inspection of records, facilities and
inventory; copying and sampling.

    Representatives of the Secretary afforded access to a business 
specified in Sec.  320.1 of this part (see Sec.  300.6(b)(2) of this 
chapter) also must be afforded any necessary facilities (other than 
reproduction equipment) for the examination and copying of records and 
for the examination and sampling of inventory.

[69 FR 254, Jan. 5, 2004]



Sec.  320.5  Registration.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, every 
person that engages in business in or for commerce, as a meat broker, 
renderer, or animal food manufacturer, or engages in business in 
commerce as a wholesaler of any carcasses, or parts or products of the 
carcasses, or any livestock, whether intended for human food or other 
purposes, or engages in business as a public warehouseman storing any 
such articles in or for commerce, or engages in the business of buying, 
selling, or transporting in commerce, or importing, any dead, dying, 
disabled, or diseased livestock, or parts of the carcasses of any such 
livestock that died otherwise than by slaughter, shall register with the 
Administrator, giving such information as is required, including his 
name, and the address of each place of business at which, and all trade 
names under which he conducts such business, by filing with the 
Administrator, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, a form containing such information 
within 90 days after the effective date hereof or after such later date 
as he begins to engage in such business if not engaged therein upon said 
effective date. All information submitted shall be current and correct. 
The registration form shall be obtained from Evaluation and Enforcement 
Division, Office of Program Evaluation, Enforcement, and Review, Food 
Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, DC 20250, or by calling the District Office.
    (b) Whenever any change is made in the name of, or address of any 
place of business at which, or any trade name under which a registrant 
conducts his business, he shall report such change in writing to the 
Administrator within 15 days after making the change.
    (c) The registration requirements prescribed in this section shall 
not apply to persons conducting any of the businesses specified in this 
section only at an official establishment.

[35 FR 15603, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 57 FR 53982, Nov. 16, 1992; 69 
FR 254, Jan. 5, 2004]



Sec.  320.6  Information and reports required from official establishment
operators.

    (a) The operator of each official establishment shall furnish to 
Program employees accurate information as to all matters needed by them 
for making their daily reports of the amount of products prepared or 
handled in the departments of the establishment to which they are 
assigned and such reports concerning sanitation, mandatory 
microbiological testing, and other aspects of the operations of the 
establishment and the conduct of inspection, as may be required by the 
Administrator in special cases.
    (b) The operator of each official establishment shall report 
quarterly the number of pounds of meat and meat food product produced at 
that establishment. The report shall be made on a form furnished by the 
Administrator and shall be submitted to an inspector at the 
establishment. Each report shall cover a calendar quarter and shall be 
filed within 15 days after the end of each quarter.
    (c) The operator of each official establishment shall also make such 
other reports as the Administrator may from time to time require under 
the Act.

[35 FR 15603, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 45 FR 76968, Nov. 21, 1980; 61 
FR 38866, July 25, 1996]



Sec.  320.7  Reports by consignees of allegedly adulterated or misbranded
products; sale or transportation as violations.

    Whenever the consignee of any product which bears an official 
inspection legend refuses to accept delivery of such product on the 
grounds that it is adulterated or misbranded, the consignee shall notify 
the Inspector in Charge, Meat and Poultry Inspection

[[Page 287]]

Program, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, of the kind, quantity, source, and present location of the 
product and the respects in which it is alleged to be adulterated or 
misbranded, and it will be a violation of the Act for any person to sell 
or transport, or offer for sale or transportation, or receive for 
transportation, in commerce, any such product which is capable of use as 
human food and is adulterated or misbranded at the time of such sale, 
transportation, offer, or receipt: Provided, however, That any such 
allegedly adulterated or misbranded product may be transported to the 
official establishment from which it had been transported, in accordance 
with Sec.  325.10 of this subchapter.



PART 321_COOPERATION WITH STATES AND TERRITORIES--Table of Contents



Sec.
321.1 Assistance to State and Territorial programs.
321.2 Cooperation of States in Federal programs.
321.3 Cooperation of States for the interstate shipment of carcasses, 
          parts of carcasses, meat, and meat food products.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53.



Sec.  321.1  Assistance to State and Territorial programs.

    (a) The Administrator is authorized under paragraph (a) of section 
301 of the Act, when he determines it would effectuate the purposes of 
the Act, to cooperate with any State (including Puerto Rico) or any 
organized Territory in developing and administering the meat inspection 
program of such jurisdiction with a view to assuring that it imposes and 
enforces requirements at least equal to those under Titles I and IV of 
the Act, with respect to establishments at which products are prepared 
for use as human food solely for distribution within such jurisdiction, 
and with respect to the products of such establishments. Such 
cooperation is authorized if the jurisdiction has enacted a law imposing 
mandatory ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection, reinspection, and 
sanitation requirements at least equal to the Federal requirements with 
respect to all or certain classes of persons engaged in slaughtering 
livestock or otherwise preparing products solely for distribution within 
such jurisdiction.
    (b) The Administrator is also authorized under paragraph (a) of 
section 301 of the Act to cooperate with any State (including Puerto 
Rico) or any organized Territory in developing and administering 
programs under the laws of such jurisdiction containing authorities at 
least equal to those in Title II of the Act (relating to records; 
registration of specified classes of operators; dead, dying, disabled, 
or diseased livestock; and products not intended for human food), when 
he determines that such cooperation would effectuate the purposes of the 
Act.
    (c) Such cooperation may include advisory assistance, technical and 
laboratory assistance and training, and financial aid. The Federal 
contribution to any State (or Territory) may not exceed 50 percent of 
the estimated total cost of the cooperative State (or Territorial) 
program. A cooperative program under this section is called a State-
Federal program.

[35 FR 15604, Oct. 3, 1970]



Sec.  321.2  Cooperation of States in Federal programs.

    Under the ``Talmadge-Aiken Act'' of September 28, 1962 (7 U.S.C. 
450), the Administrator is authorized to utilize employees and 
facilities of any State in carrying out Federal functions under the 
Federal Meat Inspection Act. A cooperative program for this purpose is 
called a Federal-State program.

[35 FR 15604, Oct. 3, 1970]



Sec.  321.3  Cooperation of States for the interstate shipment of
carcasses, parts of carcasses, meat, and meat food products.

    (a) The Administrator is authorized under 21 U.S.C. 683(b) to 
coordinate with States that have meat inspection programs as provided in 
Sec.  321.1 of this part to select certain establishments operating 
under these programs to participate in a cooperative program to ship 
carcasses, parts of carcasses,

[[Page 288]]

meat, and meat food products in interstate commerce. A cooperative 
program for this purpose is called a ``cooperative interstate shipment 
program.''
    (b) Establishments selected to participate in a cooperative 
interstate shipment program described in this section must receive 
inspection services from designated State personnel that have been 
trained in the enforcement of the Act. If the designated personnel 
determine that the carcasses, parts of carcasses, meat, and meat food 
products prepared in establishments selected to participate in the 
cooperative interstate shipment program comply with all requirements 
under the Act, these items will bear an official Federal mark of 
inspection and may be shipped in interstate commerce. The Administrator 
will assign an FSIS ``selected establishment coordinator,'' who will be 
an FSIS employee, to each State that participates in a cooperative 
interstate shipment program to provide Federal oversight of the program 
and enforcement of the program's requirements. The Federal contribution 
for inspection services provided by States that enter into a cooperative 
interstate shipment program under this section will be at least 60 
percent of eligible State costs. Eligible State costs are those costs 
that a State has justified and FSIS has approved as necessary for the 
State to provide inspection services to selected establishments in the 
State.
    (c) Part 332 of this subchapter prescribes conditions under which 
States and establishments may participate in the cooperative interstate 
shipment program.
    (d) The Administrator will terminate a cooperative interstate 
shipment agreement with a State if the Administrator determines that the 
State is not conducting inspection at selected establishments in a 
manner that complies with the Act and the implementing regulations in 
this chapter.

[76 FR 24752, May 2, 2011]



PART 322_EXPORTS \1\--Table of Contents


---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Attention is directed to the requirements of part 325 of this 
subchapter, governing transportation, and to the requirements of Sec.  
318.8 of this subchapter that products prepared under that section for 
export be destroyed for food purposes before being sold or offered for 
sale for domestic use.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec.
322.1 Marking products for export.
322.2 Export certification.
322.3 Transferring products for export.
322.4 Clearance of vessels and transportation without certificate 
          prohibited; exceptions.
322.5 Uninspected tallow, stearin, oleo oil, etc., not to be exported 
          unless certified as prescribed.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.17, 2.55.

    Source: 35 FR 15604, Oct. 3, 1970, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  322.1  Marking products for export.

    (a) When authorized by inspection personnel, establishment personnel 
must mark the outside container of any inspected and passed product for 
export, the securely enclosed pallet within the consignment, or closed 
means of conveyance transporting the consignment, with a mark that 
contains a unique identifier that links the consignment to the export 
certificate or an official mark as described in Sec.  312.8 of this 
chapter. Ship stores, small quantities exclusively for the personal use 
of the consignee and not for sale or distribution, and shipments by and 
for the U.S. Armed Forces, are exempt from the requirements of this 
section.
    (b) When authorized by inspection personnel, establishments must 
mark each tank car of inspected and passed lard or similar edible 
product, and each door of each railroad car or other closed means of 
conveyance, containing inspected and passed loose product shipped 
directly to a foreign country, with an export inspection mark as shown 
in Sec.  312.8 of this subchapter.

[81 FR 42233, June 29, 2016]



Sec.  322.2  Export certification.

    (a) Exporters must apply for export certification of inspected and 
passed

[[Page 289]]

products shipped to any foreign country. Exporters may apply for an 
export certificate using a paper or electronic application. FSIS will 
assess exporters that submit an electronic application the charge in 
Sec.  350.7(e) of this chapter.
    (b) FSIS will issue only one certificate for each consignment, 
except in the case of error in the certificate or loss of the 
certificate originally issued. A request for a replacement certificate, 
except in the case of a lost certificate, must be accompanied by the 
original certificate. The new certificate will carry the following 
statement: ``Issued in replacement of ______'', with the numbers of the 
certificates that have been superseded.
    (c) FSIS will deliver a copy of the certificate to the exporter. The 
exporter may furnish the copy of the certificate to the consignee for 
purposes of affecting the entry of product into the foreign country of 
destination.
    (d) FSIS will retain a copy of the certificate.
    (e) Exporters may request inspection personnel to issue certificates 
for export consignments of product of official establishments not under 
their supervision, provided the consignments are first identified as 
having been ``U.S. inspected and passed,'' are found to be neither 
adulterated nor misbranded, and are marked as required by Sec.  322.1.

[81 FR 42234, June 29, 2016]



Sec.  322.3  Transferring products for export.

    When inspected and passed products for export are transferred from 
tank cars to other containers on vessels, such transfer shall be done in 
accordance with the provisions of part 350 of subchapter B of this 
chapter.



Sec.  322.4  Clearance of vessels and transportation without certificate
prohibited; exceptions.

    No clearance shall be given to any vessel having on board any 
product destined to any foreign country, and no person operating any 
vessel, and no railroad or other carrier, shall receive for 
transportation or transport from the United States to any foreign 
country, any products, unless and until an official export certificate 
covering the same has been issued and delivered as provided in this 
part; except in the case of inspected and passed ship stores and not 
more than 50 pounds of inspected and passed product for the exclusive 
personal use of the consignee and not for sale or distribution, and 
except for exempted product eligible for exportation under the 
provisions of the Act and the regulations in this subchapter and 
inedible product that is not capable of use as human food and is 
eligible for exportation under other provisions of said regulations.

[38 FR 18868, July 16, 1973]



Sec.  322.5  Uninspected tallow, stearin, oleo oil, etc., not to be
exported unless certified as prescribed.

    No tallow, stearin, oleo oil, or the rendered fat derived from the 
carcasses of livestock, that has not been inspected and passed, and so 
marked in compliance with the regulations in this subchapter shall be 
exported, unless the product has been denatured as required by Sec.  
314.5 or Sec.  325.13 of this subchapter or identified and marked as 
prescribed by Sec.  325.11 of this subchapter.

[35 FR 15604, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 47 FR 17274, Apr. 22, 1982]



PART 325_TRANSPORTATION--Table of Contents



Sec.
325.1 Transactions in commerce prohibited without official inspection 
          legend or certificate when required; exceptions; and vehicle 
          sanitation requirements.
325.2 Parcel post and ferries deemed carriers.
325.3 Product transported within the United States as part of export 
          movement.
325.4 [Reserved]
325.5 Unmarked inspected product transported under official seal between 
          official establishments for further processing; certificate.
325.6 Shipment of paunches between official establishments under 
          official seal; certificate.
325.7 Shipment of products requiring special supervision between 
          official establishments under official seal; certificate.
325.8 Transportation and other transactions concerning certain 
          undenatured lungs or lung lobes from official establishments 
          or in commerce; provisions and restrictions.
325.9 [Reserved]

[[Page 290]]

325.10 Handling of products which may have become adulterated or 
          misbranded; authorization and other requirements.
325.11 Inedible articles: denaturing and other means of identification; 
          exceptions.
325.12 [Reserved]
325.13 Denaturing procedures.
325.14 Certificates, retention by carrier.
325.15 Evidence of proper certification required on waybills; transfer 
          bills, etc., for shipment by connecting carrier; forms of 
          statement.
325.16 Official seals; forms, use, and breaking.
325.17 Loading or unloading products in sealed railroad cars, trucks, 
          etc., en route prohibited; exception.
325.18 Diverting of shipments, breaking of seals, and reloading by 
          carrier in emergency; reporting to Regional Director.
325.19 Provisions inapplicable to specimens for laboratory examination, 
          etc., or to naturally inedible articles.
325.20 Transportation and other transactions concerning dead, dying, 
          disabled, or diseased livestock, and parts of carcasses of 
          livestock that died otherwise than by slaughter.
325.21 Means of conveyance in which dead, dying, disabled, or diseased 
          livestock and parts of carcasses thereof shall be transported.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1633, 1901-1906; 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.18, 
2.53.

    Source: 35 FR 15605, Oct. 3, 1970, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  325.1  Transactions in commerce prohibited without official 
inspection legend or certificate when required; exceptions; and vehicle
sanitation requirements.

    (a) No person shall sell, transport, offer for sale or 
transportation, or receive for transportation, in commerce, any product 
which is capable of use as human food unless the product and its 
container, if any, bear the official inspection legend as required under 
parts 316 and 317 of this subchapter or such product is exempted from 
the requirement of inspection under part 303 of this subchapter.
    (b)(1) No carrier shall transport or receive for transportation in 
commerce (including transportation in the course of importation) and no 
person shall offer for transportation any carcass, part thereof, meat or 
meat food product until a certificate, if required for such 
transportation by this part, is made and furnished to the carrier in one 
of the forms prescribed in this part.
    (2) Product imported into the United States may be transported and 
offerred or received for transportation if such product is conveyed in 
railroad cars, trucks or other means of conveyance, prior to inspection, 
to an authorized place of inspection, as provided in Sec.  327.6 of this 
part.
    (c) No person, engaged in the business of buying, selling, freezing, 
storing, or transporting, in or for commerce, meat or meat food products 
capable of use as human food, or importing such articles, shall 
transport, offer for transportation, or receive for transportation in 
commerce or in any State designated under Sec.  331.2 of this 
subchapter, any such meat or meat food product which is capable of use 
as human food and is not wrapped, packaged, or otherwise enclosed to 
prevent adulteration by airborne contaminants, unless the railroad car, 
truck, or other means of conveyance in which the product is contained or 
transported is completely enclosed with tight fitting doors or other 
covers for all openings. In all cases, the means of conveyance shall be 
reasonably free of foreign matter (such as dust, dirt, rust, or other 
articles or residues), and free of chemical residues, so that product 
placed therein will not become adulterated. Any cleaning compound, lye, 
soda solution, or other chemical used in cleaning the means of 
conveyance must be thoroughly removed from the means of conveyance prior 
to its use. Such means of conveyance onto which product is loaded, being 
loaded, or intended to be loaded, shall be subject to inspection by an 
inspector at any official establishment. The decision whether or not to 
inspect a means of conveyance in a specific case, and the type and 
extent of such inspection shall be at the Program's discretion and shall 
be adequate to determine if product in such conveyance is, or when moved 
could become, adulterated. Circumstances of transport that can be 
reasonably anticipated shall be considered in making said determination. 
These include, but are not limited to, weather conditions, duration and 
distance of trip, nature of product covering, and effect of restowage at 
stops en route. Any means of

[[Page 291]]

conveyance found upon such inspection to be in such condition that 
product placed therein could become adulterated shall not be used until 
such condition which could cause adulteration is corrected. Product 
placed in any means of conveyance that is found by the inspector to be 
in such condition that the product may have become adulterated shall be 
removed from the means of conveyance and handled in accordance with 
Sec.  318.2(d) of this subchapter.

[35 FR 15605, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 41 FR 23700, June 11, 1976; 47 
FR 17274, Apr. 22, 1982; 56 FR 65180, Dec. 16, 1991]



Sec.  325.2  Parcel post and ferries deemed carriers.

    (a) For the purposes of this subchapter, the United States parcel 
post shall be deemed a carrier, and the provisions of this subchapter 
relating to transportation by carrier shall apply, so far as they may be 
applicable, to transportation by parcel post.
    (b) For the purposes of this subchapter, the operator of every ferry 
shall be deemed a carrier, and the provisions of this subchapter 
relating to transportation by carrier shall apply to transportation by 
ferry of any products loaded on a truck or other vehicle, or otherwise 
moved by such ferry.



Sec.  325.3  Product transported within the United States as part of
export movement.

    When any shipment of any product is offered to any carrier for 
transportation within the United States as a part of an export movement, 
the same certificate shall be required as if the shipment were destined 
to a point within the United States.



Sec.  325.4  [Reserved]



Sec.  325.5  Unmarked inspected product transported under official seal
between official establishments for further processing; certificate.

    (a) Any product which has been inspected and passed may be 
transported from one official establishment to another for further 
processing without each article being marked with the official 
inspection legend, if it is so transported in a railroad car, 
motortruck, or other means of conveyance which is sealed by a Program 
employee with an official seal of the Department prescribed in Sec.  
312.5(a) of this subchapter. Unless 25 percent or more of the contents 
of each car or other means of conveyance consists of product not marked 
with the inspection legend, transportation will not be permitted under 
this paragraph.
    (b) When articles are offered for transportation under paragraph (a) 
of this section, the initial carrier shall require, and the shipper 
shall make in duplicate and deliver to the carrier, one copy of a 
certificate in the following form: \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ For convenience in filing, it is requested that these 
certificates be made on paper 5\1/2\ x 8 inches in size.

                                   Date ________________________, 19____
Name of carrier_________________________________________________________
Establishment number of consignor_______________________________________
Point of shipment_______________________________________________________
Establishment number of consignee_______________________________________
Destination_____________________________________________________________
Car number and initials_________________________________________________
License number of other means of conveyance_____________________________

    I hereby certify that the following described product has been U.S. 
inspected and passed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and that it 
is not marked ``U.S. inspected and passed,'' but has been placed in the 
means of conveyance specified above under the supervision of an employee 
of the Meat and Poultry Inspection Programs of said Department, and the 
means of conveyance has been sealed by him with official U.S. Government 
seals Nos. ____ and ____.

                    Kind of product Amount and weight

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

                                                  (Signature of shipper)

                                                    (Address of shipper)


When paunches are offered for transportation under this paragraph, the 
initial carrier shall require, and the shipper shall make in duplicate 
and deliver to the carrier, one copy of a certificate in duplicate in 
the form set out in Sec.  325.5(b), appropriately modified. Certificates 
in this form or copies thereof need not be forwarded to any official or 
office of the Department, but the original of the certificate shall be 
retained by the carrier and a copy

[[Page 292]]

shall be retained by the shipper in accordance with part 320 of this 
subchapter. If the shipper is also the carrier, he shall nevertheless 
execute and retain the certificate in accordance with part 320 of this 
subchapter.
    (c) The signature of the shipper or his agent shall be written in 
full. This certificate may be stamped upon or incorporated in any form 
ordinarily used in the transportation of product. Certificates in this 
form or copies thereof need not be forwarded to any official or office 
of the Department. The original of the certificate required by this 
section shall be retained by the carrier and a copy shall be retained by 
the shipper in accordance with part 320 of this subchapter. If the 
shipper is also the carrier, he shall nevertheless execute and retain 
the certificate in accordance with part 320 of this subchapter.



Sec.  325.6  Shipment of paunches between official establishments under
official seal; certificate.

    Cattle and sheep paunches which have been made clean and from which 
the mucous membrane has not been removed may be transported from one 
official establishment to another official establishment for further 
processing, only under an official seal of the Department as prescribed 
in Sec.  312.5(a) of this subchapter.



Sec.  325.7  Shipment of products requiring special supervision between
official establishments under official seal; certificate.

    (a) Products passed for cooking, and beef that is to be refrigerated 
to destroy cysticerci, may be shipped loose from one official 
establishment to any other official establishment, for further handling 
in accordance with part 318 of this subchapter, in railroad cars, 
trucks, or other means of conveyance sealed with the official seal of 
the Department as prescribed in Sec.  325.16: Provided, That in the case 
of railroad cars, the receiving establishment has railroad facilities 
for unloading the products directly into the establishment.
    (b) When such restricted product is shipped from one official 
establishment to another official establishment in the same railroad car 
or other means of conveyance with other product, such restricted product 
shall be packed in individual closed containers as hereinafter provided. 
Containers shall be sealed by firmly applying a pressure sensitive tape 
around each container in two directions and stamping the intersection of 
the tape with the marking device described in Sec.  312.2(a) of this 
subchapter for use on burlap, muslin, etc. (2\1/2\-inch rubber brand). 
Such tape must possess the adhesive property to actually remove a 
portion of the container surface when the tape is removed. 
Alternatively, an inelastic, nonmetallic strap which will retain a 
legible imprint of the marking device (2\1/2\-inch rubber brand) may be 
used. The imprint of the marking device shall be placed partially on the 
strap and partially on the container. Such restricted product shall be 
marked ``U.S. passed for cooking'' or ``pork product ____ [deg]F. 
____days refrigeration'' or ``beef passed for refrigeration,'' as the 
case may be. In addition, a ``U.S. retained'' tag shall be securely 
affixed to each container of product passed for cooking and of beef 
passed for refrigeration. The means of conveyance shall not be sealed 
unless at least 25 percent of the other product in the vehicle is 
unmarked. For each consignment there shall be promptly issued and 
forwarded by the inspector to the inspector in charge at destination, a 
report on the form entitled ``Notice of Unmarked Meats Shipped in Sealed 
Cars,'' appropriately modified to show the character of the containers, 
and that the contents are restricted. A duplicate copy shall be retained 
in the program files.
    (c) When products are offered for transportation under this section, 
the initial carrier shall require and the shipper shall make in 
duplicate and deliver to the carrier one copy of a certificate in the 
form set out in Sec.  325.5(b). Certificates in this form or copies 
thereof need not be forwarded to any official or office of the 
Department, but the original of the certificate shall be retained by the 
carrier and a copy shall be retained by the shipper in accordance with 
part 320 of this subchapter. If the shipper is also the carrier, he 
shall nevertheless execute and

[[Page 293]]

retain the certificate in accordance with part 320 of this subchapter.

[35 FR 15605, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 39 FR 20187, June 7, 1974; 83 
FR 25307, May 31, 2018]



Sec.  325.8  Transportation and other transactions concerning certain
undenatured lungs or lung lobes from official establishments or in commerce;
provisions and restrictions.

    (a) Lungs or lung lobes, other than those condemned under Sec.  
310.16(b) of this subchapter, that are prepared at any official 
establishment, may be sold, transported, offered for sale or 
transportation, or received for transportation from the establishment, 
in commerce or otherwise, without denaturing as prescribed in Sec.  
314.1 or Sec.  314.3 of this subchapter: Provided:
    (1) The lungs or lung lobes are sold, transported, or offered for 
sale or transportation to, or received for transportation by: An animal 
food manufacturer for use in manufacturing animal food; a zoo, mink 
farm, or other establishment for use as animal food without further 
processing; a warehouse in the United States for storage and subsequent 
movement to such a manufacturer or establishment in the United States, 
or from one warehouse to another for the account of and subsequent 
movement to such a manufacturer or establishment, or for export, for 
nonhuman food purposes.
    (2) The boxes or other containers used for shipping the undenatured 
lungs or lung lobes are closed with nylon filament tape, metallic on 
nonmetallic straps, round wire, or other similar materials that securely 
effect closure of such containers, and the containers are permanently 
identified in at least 2-inch (5 cm) high lettering with the statement 
``(Species) Lungs--Not Intended for Human Food.'' In lieu of securely 
closing the immediate container with any of the above materials, a 1-
inch (2.5 cm) wide bright orange band, imprinted around the length and 
width of the container may be used.
    (3) The name and place of business of the packer or distributor 
shall be shown on the immediate container of the product. In addition, 
the country of origin shall be shown on the immediate container of 
imported lungs or lung lobes.
    (b) Lungs or lung lobes, other than those condemned under a State 
law or regulation at least equal to Sec.  310.16(b) of this subchapter, 
that are prepared at any State inspected establishment may be sold, 
transported, offered for sale, or transportation or received for 
transportation from that establishment, in commerce, without denaturing 
as prescribed under section 201 of the Act, provided the State law or 
regulations permit such disposition and provided there is compliance 
with the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section.
    (c) Foreign establishments shall be eligible to export lungs or lung 
lobes, other than those condemned for reasons set forth in Sec.  
310.16(b) of this subchapter, to the United States from such foreign 
country under this section, only if such establishments are certified 
and approved for export of products to the United States under part 327 
of this subchapter, and such product complies with the applicable 
regulations for preventing the introduction into the United States of 
diseases (9 CFR 94), in addition to the requirements of paragraph (a) of 
this section.
    (d) All such lungs or lung lobes, if intended for animal food, are 
subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

[43 FR 43445, Sept. 26, 1978]



Sec.  325.9  [Reserved]



Sec.  325.10  Handling of products which may have become adulterated or
misbranded; authorization and other requirements.

    (a) When it is claimed that any inspected and passed product, marked 
with an inspection legend, has become adulterated or misbranded after it 
has been transported from an official establishment, such product may be 
transported in commerce to an official establishment after oral 
permission is obtained from the area supervisor of the area in which 
that offical establishment is located. The transportation of the product 
may be to the official establishment from which it had been transported 
or to another official establishment designated by the person

[[Page 294]]

desiring to handle the product. The transportation shall be authorized 
only for the purpose of officially determining if the product has become 
adulterated or misbranded and making the appropriate disposition. The 
area supervisor shall make a record of the authorization and such other 
information which will effectively identify the shipment and shall 
provide a copy of the record to the inspector at the establishment 
receiving the product. The shipper shall be furnished a copy of the 
authorization record upon request.
    (b) Upon the arrival of the shipment at the official establishment, 
a careful inspection shall be made of the product by a Program 
inspector, and if it is found that the article is not adulterated, the 
same may be received into the establishment; but if the article is found 
to be adulterated, it shall at once be stamped ``U.S. inspected and 
condemned'' and disposed of in accordance with part 314 of this 
subchapter, and if it is found to be misbranded, it shall be handled in 
accordance with Sec.  318.2(d) of this subchapter: Provided, That when a 
product is found to be affected with one of the correctable conditions 
specified in Sec.  318.2(d) of this subchapter, in respect to which 
rehandling is permitted, it may be transported from the official 
establishment to another official establishment for such rehandling as 
is necessary to assure that the product is not adulterated or misbranded 
when finally released. The transportation of such a product from an 
official establishment shall be done in a manner prescribed in each 
specific case by the Administrator.

[35 FR 15605, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 47 FR 17274, Apr. 22, 1982]



Sec.  325.11  Inedible articles: denaturing and other means of identification;
exceptions.

    (a) Except as provided in Sec.  325.8 and Sec.  325.10, no carcass, 
part of a carcass, rendered grease, tallow, or other fat derived from 
the carcasses of livestock, or other meat food product, that has not 
been inspected and passed at an official establishment under the 
provisions of this subchapter and is not exempted from such inspection, 
and no carcass, part of a carcass, fat or other meat food product that 
is adulterated or misbranded, shall be offered for transportation in 
commerce by any person unless it is handled in accordance with paragraph 
(b), (c), (d), or (e) of this section or is denatured or otherwise 
identified as prescribed in Sec.  325.13, Sec.  314.1, Sec.  314.3, 
Sec.  314.9, Sec.  314.10, or Sec.  314.11 of this subchapter.
    (b) Inedible rendered animal fats from official or other 
establishments in the United States having the physical characteristics 
of a meat food product fit for human food may be transported in commerce 
without denaturing, if the following conditions are met:
    (1) Such inedible rendered fat shall not be bought, sold, 
transported, or offered for sale or offered for transportation in 
commerce, or imported, except by rendering companies, dealers, brokers, 
or others who obtain a numbered permit for such activities from the 
Regional Director.
    (2) Such inedible rendered animal fat may be so distributed only if 
consigned to a domestic manufacturer of technical articles other than 
for human food or to an export terminal for exportation or storage for 
exportation as an inedible article, and provided, in the case of such 
fat consigned to a domestic manufacturer, the product is for use solely 
by the consignee for manufacturing purposes of nonhuman food articles 
and may not be further sold or shipped without first receiving approval 
of the Regional Director: And provided further, That such fat intended 
for export and stored at a terminal point prior to export will be 
subject to review by Program employees to assure that it is exported as 
inedible.
    (3) When transported in commerce, or imported, such inedible 
rendered fat shall be marked conspicuously with the words ``technical 
animal fat not intended for human food'' on the ends of the shipping 
containers, in letters not less than 2 inches high; in the case of 
shipping containers such as drums, tierces, barrels, and half barrels, 
and not less than 4 inches high in the case of tank cars and trucks. All 
shipping containers shall have both ends painted with a durable paint, 
if necessary, to provide a contrasting background for the required 
marking.
    (4) Such inedible rendered fat shall be transported only in sealed 
shipping

[[Page 295]]

containers bearing unofficial seals applied by the shipper, which shall 
include the identification number assigned by said Director for the 
permit holder. The number shall appear on the bill of lading or other 
transportation documents for the shipment. The consignees in the United 
States must retain the seals in their records as prescribed in part 320 
of this subchapter.
    (5) Any diversion or effort to divert inedible rendered fat contrary 
to the provisions of this paragraph (b) or other violation of the 
provisions of this section may result in the revocation of the permit 
for shipment of technical animal fat at the discretion of the 
Administrator.
    (c) Inedible rendered animal fat derived from condemned or other 
inedible materials at official or other establishments in the United 
States may be transported in commerce if mixed with low grade offal or 
other materials which render the fat readily distinguishable from an 
article of human food, and if the outside container bears the word 
``inedible.''
    (d)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (d)(2), (3), and (4) of this 
section, or in Sec. Sec.  314.10 and 314.11 of this subchapter, no 
animal food prepared, in whole or in part, from materials derived from 
the carcasses of livestock in an official establishment or elsewhere, 
shall be bought, sold, transported, offered for sale or transportation, 
or received for transportation, in commerce, or imported, unless:
    (i) It is properly identified as animal food;
    (ii) It is not represented as being a human food; and
    (iii) It has been denatured as prescribed in Sec.  325.13(a)(2) so 
as to be readily distinguishable from an article of human food.
    (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (d)(1) of this 
section, an animal food that consists of less than 5 percent of parts or 
products of the carcasses of livestock and that is not represented by 
labeling or appearance or otherwise as being a human food or as a 
product of the meat food industry need not be denatured in accordance 
with Sec.  325.13(a)(2).
    (3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (d)(1) of this 
section, animal food packed in hermetically sealed, retort processed, 
conventional retail-size containers, and retail-size packages of semi-
moist animal food need not be denatured in accordance with Sec.  
325.13(a)(2) if the name of the article clearly conveys the article's 
intended use for animal food and appeared on the label in a conspicuous 
manner.
    (i) Except as provided in paragraph (ii) of paragraph (d)(3), the 
name of the article must be stated on the label as ``Animal Food,'' 
``Pet Food,'' or ``(name of species) Food'' (e.g., ``Dog Food'' or ``Cat 
Food''). To be considered conspicuous, the name of the article, wherever 
it appears on the label, must be in letters at least twice as high, 
wide, and thick as the letters indicating the presence in the article of 
any ingredients derived from the carcasses of livestock.
    (ii) Notwithstanding the provisons of paragraph (i) of this 
paragraph (d)(3), the article's name may be stated on the label to show 
that it is or contains livestock-source material and that the article is 
for animals; e.g., ``Horsemeat for Pets'' or ``Beef Stew for Dogs'': 
Provided, That the entire name of the article is stated, wherever it 
appears on the label, as an individual, contiguous unit, whether stated 
on a single line or more than one line, and the letters denoting the 
article's intended use for animal food are at least as high, wide, and 
thick as the letters indicating the presence of material derived from 
any livestock carcass. However, when the label bears on its principal 
display panel a vignette which pictures, in clearly recognizable form 
and size, one or more animals of the species for which the article's 
name indicates the article is intended, the letters used to state the 
article's intended use shall be at least one-half as high, wide, and 
thick as the letters used in the article's name or other letters 
indicating the presence of material derived from any livestock carcass, 
but shall not be less than \1/8\ inches high. The letters used to state 
the article's intended use may be separated from the article's name by 
the vignette.
    (iii) Letters used to denote the intended use of the article must 
contrast as markedly with their background as the letters indicating the 
presence in

[[Page 296]]

the article of livestock carcass-source material contrast with their 
background.
    (4) The requirements of this part do not apply to livestock or 
poultry feeds manufactured from processed livestock byproducts (such as 
meat meal tankage, meat and bone meal, blood meal, and feed grade animal 
fat), or to processed dry animal food.
    (e) Except for inedible rendered animal fats and lungs or lung 
lobes, inedible products (including condemned products only if condemned 
for causes specified in Sec.  314.11 of this subchapter) which were 
prepared at any official establishment, or at any State inspected 
establishment in any State not listed in Sec.  331.2 of this subchapter, 
and which have the physical characteristics of a product fit for human 
food, may be transported from an official establishment or in commerce, 
without denaturing as required by this subchapter, if the following 
conditions are met:
    (1) The shipper must have obtained a numbered permit for such 
activity from the appropriate Regional Director, as identified in Sec.  
301.2 of this subchapter. Such permit may be obtained upon written 
application to the appropriate Regional Director and his determination 
that the proposed transportation would be authorized under this 
paragraph (e). The application shall state the name and address of the 
applicant, a description of the type of his business operations, and the 
purpose of making such application.
    (2) Such inedible products may be transported under this paragraph 
(e) only if consigned to a manufacturer in the United States of articles 
other than for human food and if the product is for use solely by the 
consignee for manufacturing articles not for human food. Such products 
may not be transported in commerce to any consignee other than the one 
to which they were originally shipped unless prior notice of the 
diversion is given to the appropriate Regional Director and a record 
identifying the new consignee is maintained by the shipper as required 
by Sec.  320.1 of this subchapter.
    (3) When transported from an official establishment or in commerce 
under this paragraph (e), the outside container of such inedible 
products shall be marked conspicuously with the words ``Inedible--Not 
Intended for Human Food'' in letters not less than 2 inches high, in the 
case of containers, such as cartons, drums, tierces, barrels, and half 
barrels, and not less than 4 inches high in the case of tank cars and 
trucks used to transport such products not in other containers.
    (4) Such inedible products shall be transported from an official 
establishment or in commerce under this paragraph (e) only in railroad 
cars, trucks, or containers which bear unofficial seals applied by the 
shipper, which shall include the identification number assigned to the 
permit holder and an individual seal serial number assigned by the 
shipper; and the product so transported shall be accompanied by an 
invoice or bill of lading specifying the permit holder's identification 
number. The consignee in the United States must retain a record of the 
identification and serial numbers shown on the seals in his records as 
prescribed in part 320 of this subchapter.
    (5) Any diversion, or effort to divert, undenatured, inedible 
product contrary to the provisions of this paragraph (e) or other 
violation of the provisions of this section may result in the revocation 
of the permit for shipment of inedible products under this paragraph 
(e), at the discretion of the Administrator.

[47 FR 17274, Apr. 22, 1982, as amended at 49 FR 47478, Dec. 5, 1984]



Sec.  325.12  [Reserved]



Sec.  325.13  Denaturing procedures.

    (a) Carcasses, parts thereof, meat and meat food products (other 
than rendered animal fats) that have been treated in accordance with the 
provisions of this paragraph shall be considered denatured for the 
purposes of the regulations in this part, except as otherwise provided 
in part 314 of this subchapter for articles condemned at official 
establishments.
    (1) The following agents are prescribed for denaturing carcasses, 
parts thereof, meat or meat food products which are affected with any 
condition that would result in their condemnation and disposal under 
part 314 of this subchapter if they were at an official establishment: 
Crude carbolic acid;

[[Page 297]]

cresylic disinfectant; a formula consisting of 1 part FD&C green No. 3 
coloring, 40 parts water, 40 parts liquid detergent, and 40 parts oil of 
citronella, or other proprietary substance approved by the Administrator 
in specific cases. \3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Information as to approval of any proprietary denaturing 
substance may be obtained from the Technical Services, Meat and Poultry 
Inspection, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(3), (4), and (5) of this 
section, the following agents are prescribed for denaturing other 
carcasses, parts thereof, meat and meat food products, for which 
denaturing is required by this part: FD&C green No. 3 coloring; FD&C 
blue No. 1 coloring; FD&C blue No. 2 coloring; finely powdered charcoal; 
or other proprietary substance approved by the Administrator in specific 
cases. \3\
    (3) Tripe may be denatured by dipping it in a 6 percent solution of 
tannic acid for 1 minute followed by immersion in a water bath, then 
immersing it for 1 minute in a solution of 0.022 percent FD&C yellow No. 
5 coloring;
    (4) Meat may be denatured by dipping it in a solution of 0.0625 
percent tannic acid, followed by immersion in a water bath, then dipping 
it in a solution of 0.0625 percent ferric acid; and
    (5) When meat, meat byproducts, or meat food products are in ground 
form, 4 percent by weight of coarsely ground hard bone, which shall be 
in pieces no smaller than the opening size specified for No. 5 mesh in 
the standards issued by the U.S. Bureau of Standards or 6 percent by 
weight of coarsely ground hard bone, which shall be in pieces no smaller 
than the opening size specified for No. 8 mesh in said Standards, 
uniformly incorporated with the product may be used in lieu of the 
agents prescribed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
    (6) Before the denaturing agents are applied to articles in pieces 
more than 4 inches in diameter, the pieces shall be freely slashed or 
sectioned. (If the articles are in pieces not more than 4 inches in 
diameter, slashing or sectioning will not be necessary.) The application 
of any of the denaturing agents listed in paragraph (a)(1) or (2) of 
this section to the outer surface of molds or blocks of boneless meat, 
meat byproducts, or meat food products shall not be adequate. The 
denaturing agent must be mixed intimately with all of the material to be 
denatured, and must be applied in such quantity and manner that it 
cannot easily and readily be removed by washing or soaking. A sufficient 
amount of the appropriate agent shall be used to give the material a 
distinctive color, odor, or taste so that such material cannot be 
confused with an article of human food.
    (7) Carcasses (other than viscera), parts thereof, cuts of meat, and 
unground pieces of meat darkened by charcoal or other black dyes shall 
be deemed to be denatured pursuant to this section only if they contain 
at least that degree of darkness depicted by diagram 1 of the Meat 
Denaturing Guide (MP Form 91). \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Copies of MP Form 91 may be obtained, without charge, by writing 
to the Administrative Operations Branch, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 123 East Grant Street, 
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403. Diagrams 2 and 3 of the Meat Denaturing 
Guide are for comparison purposes only. The Meat Denaturing Guide has 
been approved for incorporation by reference by the Director, Office of 
the Federal Register, and is on file at the Federal Register library.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Inedible rendered animal fats shall be denatured by thoroughly 
mixing therein denaturing oil, No. 2 fuel oil, brucine dissolved in a 
mixture of alcohol and pine oil or oil of rosemary, finely powdered 
charcoal, or any proprietary denaturing agent approved for the purpose 
by the Administrator in specific cases. The charcoal shall be used in no 
less quantity than 100 parts per million and shall be of such character 
that it will remain suspended indefinitely in the liquid fat. Sufficient 
of the chosen identifying agents shall be used to give the rendered fat 
so distinctive a color, odor, or taste that it cannot be confused with 
an article of human food.

[35 FR 15605, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 41 FR 22930, June 8, 1976; 44 
FR 67626, Nov. 27, 1979]

[[Page 298]]



Sec.  325.14  Certificates, retention by carrier.

    All original certificates delivered to a carrier in accordance with 
this part shall be filed separate and apart from all its other papers 
and records or identified in such a manner as to be readily checked by 
Department employees. Every certificate required to be maintained under 
this part shall be retained for a period of 2 years after December 31 of 
the year in which the transaction has occurred.



Sec.  325.15  Evidence of proper certification required on waybills;
transfer bills, etc., for shipment by connecting carrier; forms of statement.

    (a) All waybills, transfer bills, running slips, conductor's cards, 
or other papers accompanying a shipment, in the course of importation or 
otherwise in commerce, of any product shall have embodied therein, 
stamped thereon, or attached thereto a signed statement which shall be 
evidence to connecting carriers that the proper shipper's certificate, 
as required by Sec.  325.5, Sec.  325.6, or Sec.  325.7, is on file with 
the initial carrier. No connecting carrier shall receive for 
transportation or transport in the course of importation or otherwise in 
commerce any product unless the waybill, transfer bill, running slip, 
conductor's card, or other papers accompanying the same includes the 
signed statement in the following form:

________________________________________________________________________

(Name of transportation company)
U.S. inspected and passed, as evidenced by shipper's certificate on file 
with initial carrier.
(signed)________________________________________________________________
Agent

    (b) Signatures of agents to statements required under this section 
shall be written in full.

[47 FR 17276, Apr. 22, 1982]



Sec.  325.16  Official seals; forms, use, and breaking.

    (a) The official seals required by this part shall be those 
prescribed in Sec.  312.5(a) of this subchapter.
    (b) Except as provided in Sec.  325.18(b), official seal affixed 
under this part shall be affixed or broken only by Program employees, 
and no person other than a Program employee shall affix, detach, break, 
change, or tamper with any such seal in any way whatever. Commission of 
any such acts contrary to this regulation is a criminal offense.



Sec.  325.17  Loading or unloading products in sealed railroad cars,
trucks, etc., en route prohibited; exception.

    Unloading any product from an officially sealed railroad car, truck, 
or other means of conveyance containing any unmarked product or loading 
any product or any other commodity in the means of conveyance while en 
route from one official establishment to another official establishment 
is not permitted, except that product transported under Sec.  325.5 from 
one official establishment to another for further processing may be 
unloaded and stored in transit at any approved warehouse which is 
operated under the identification service provided under the regulations 
in part 350 of subchapter B of this chapter and which has railroad 
facilities or a receiving dock for unloading the product directly into 
such warehouse: Provided, That the product is stored in rooms which are 
of such size and type as will not result in adulteration or misbranding 
of the product: And provided further, That the product is transported to 
and from such warehouse, and under official seal as provided in Sec.  
325.5 and stored in such rooms at such warehouse.



Sec.  325.18  Diverting of shipments, breaking of seals, and reloading by
carrier in emergency; reporting to Regional Director.

    (a) Shipments of inspected and passed product that bear the 
inspection legend may be diverted from the original destination without 
a reinspection of the articles, provided the waybills, transfer bills, 
running slips, conductor's card, or other papers accompanying the 
shipments are marked, stamped, or have attached thereto signed 
statements in accordance with Sec.  325.15.
    (b) In case of wreck or similar extraordinary emergency, the 
Department seals on a railroad car or other means of conveyance 
containing any inspected and passed product may be broken by the 
carrier, and if necessary, the articles may be reloaded into another 
means of conveyance, or the

[[Page 299]]

shipment may be diverted from the original destination, without another 
shipper's certificate; but in all such cases the carrier shall 
immediately report the facts by telephone or telegraph to the Regional 
Director in the area in which the emergency occurs. Such report shall 
include the following information:
    (1) Nature of the emergency.
    (2) Place where seals were broken.
    (3) Original points of shipment and destination.
    (4) Number and initial of the original car or truck.
    (5) Number and initials of the car or truck into which the articles 
are reloaded.
    (6) New destination of the shipment.
    (7) Kind and amount of articles.

[35 FR 15605, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 42 FR 39087, Aug. 2, 1977]



Sec.  325.19  Provisions inapplicable to specimens for laboratory 
examination, etc., or to naturally inedible articles.

    The provisions of this part do not apply:
    (a) To specimens of product sent to or by the Department of 
Agriculture or divisions thereof in Washington, DC, or elsewhere, for 
laboratory examination, exhibition purposes, or other official use;
    (b) To material released for educational, research and other nonfood 
purposes, as prescribed in Sec.  314.9 of this subchapter;
    (c) To glands and organs for use in preparing pharmaceutical, 
organotherapeutic, or technical products and not used for human food, as 
described in Sec.  318.1(g) of this subchapter;
    (d) To material or specimens of product for laboratory examination, 
research, or other nonhuman food purposes, when authorized by the 
Administrator, and under conditions prescribed by him in specific cases; 
and
    (e) To articles that are naturally inedible by humans, such as 
hoofs, horns, and hides in their natural state.



Sec.  325.20  Transportation and other transactions concerning dead, 
dying, disabled, or diseased livestock, and parts of carcasses of 
livestock that died otherwise than by slaughter.

    No person engaged in the business of buying, selling, or 
transporting in commerce, or importing any dead, dying, disabled or 
diseased animals or parts of the carcasses of any animals that died 
otherwise than by slaughter shall:
    (a) Buy, sell, transport, or offer for sale or transportation, in 
commerce, or import any dead livestock if its hide or skin has been 
removed;
    (b) Sell, transport, offer for sale or transportation, or receive 
for transportation, in commerce, any dead, dying, disabled, or diseased 
livestock, or parts of the carcasses of any livestock that died 
otherwise than by slaughter, unless such livestock and parts are 
consigned and delivered, without avoidable delay, to establishments of 
animal food manufacturers, renderers, or collection stations that are 
registered as required by part 320 of this subchapter, or to official 
establishments that operate under Federal inspection, or to 
establishments that operate under a State or Territorial inspection 
system approved by the Secretary as one that imposes requirements at 
least equal to the Federal requirements for purposes of paragraph 301(c) 
of the Act; \4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ A list of such registrants, States, and amendments thereof, will 
be published in the Federal Register, and information concerning the 
registration status of particular animal food manufacturers, renderers, 
or collection stations, or the status of particular States or 
Territories may also be obtained from the Director, Administrative 
Management Staff, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) Buy in commerce or import any dead, dying, disabled, or diseased 
livestock or parts of the carcasses of any livestock that died otherwise 
than by slaughter, unless he is an animal food manufacturer or renderer 
and is registered as required by part 320 of this subchapter, or is the 
operator of an establishment inspected as required by paragraph (b) of 
this section and such livestock or parts of carcasses are to be 
delivered to establishments eligible to

[[Page 300]]

receive them under paragraph (b) of this section;
    (d) Unload en route to any establishment eligible to receive them 
under paragraph (b) of this section, any dead, dying, disabled, or 
diseased livestock or parts of the carcasses of any livestock that died 
otherwise than by slaughter, which are transported in commerce or 
imported by any such person: Provided, That any such dead, dying, 
disabled, or diseased livestock, or parts of carcasses may be unloaded 
from a means of conveyance en route where necessary in case of a wreck 
or otherwise extraordinary emergency, and may be reloaded into another 
means of conveyance; but in all such cases, the carrier shall 
immediately report the facts by telegraph or telephone to the Compliance 
Staff, Meat and Poultry Inspection Field Operations, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 
20250.
    (e) Load into any means of conveyance containing any dead, dying, 
disabled, or diseased livestock, or parts of the carcasses of any 
livestock that died otherwise than by slaughter, while in the course of 
importation or other transportation in commerce any livestock or parts 
of carcasses not within the foregoing description or any other products 
or other commodities.

[35 FR 15605, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 42 FR 42309, Aug. 23, 1977]



Sec.  325.21  Means of conveyance in which dead, dying, disabled, or
diseased livestock and parts of carcasses thereof shall be transported.

    All vehicles and other means of conveyance used by persons subject 
to Sec.  325.20 for transporting in commerce or importing, any dead, 
dying, disabled, and diseased livestock or parts of carcasses of 
livestock that died otherwise than by slaughter shall be leak-proof and 
so constructed and equipped as to permit thorough cleaning and 
sanitizing. The means of conveyance so used in conveying such livestock, 
or parts thereof, shall be cleaned and disinfected prior to use in the 
transportation of any product intended for use as human food. The 
cleaning procedure shall include the complete removal from the means of 
conveyance of any fluid, parts, or product of such dead, dying, 
disabled, or diseased livestock and the thorough application of a 
disinfectant to the interior surfaces of the cargo space. Substances 
permitted for such use are:
    (a) ``Liquified phenol'' (U.S.P. strength 87 percent phenol) in the 
proportion of at least 6 fluid ounces to 1 gallon of water.
    (b) ``Cresylic disinfectant'' in the proportion of not less than 4 
fluid ounces to 1 gallon of water; and such other disinfectants as are 
approved by the Administrator in specific cases. The use of ``cresylic 
disinfectant'' is permitted subject to the conditions prescribed in 
Sec.  71.10(b) of this title.



PART 327_IMPORTED PRODUCTS--Table of Contents



Sec.
327.1 Definitions; application of provisions.
327.2 Eligibility of foreign countries for importation of products into 
          the United States.
327.3 No product to be imported without compliance with applicable 
          regulations.
327.4 Foreign inspection certificate requirements.
327.5 Import inspection application.
327.6 Products for importation; program inspection, time, and place; 
          application for approval of facilities as official import 
          inspection establishment; refusal or withdrawal of approval; 
          official numbers.
327.7 Products for importation; movement prior to inspection; handling; 
          bond; assistance.
327.8 Import products; equipment and means of conveyance used in 
          handling to be maintained in sanitary condition.
327.9 Burlap wrapping for foreign meat.
327.10 Samples; inspection of consignments; refusal of entry; marking.
327.11 Receipts to importers for import product samples.
327.12 Foreign canned or packaged products bearing trade labels; 
          sampling and inspection.
327.13 Foreign products offered for importation; reporting of findings 
          to customs; handling of articles refused entry.
327.14 Marking of products and labeling of immediate containers thereof 
          for importation.
327.15 Outside containers of foreign products; marking and labeling; 
          application of official inspection legend.
327.16 Small importations for importer's own consumption; requirements.
327.17 Returned U.S. inspected and marked products.

[[Page 301]]

327.18 Products offered for entry and entered to be handled and 
          transported as domestic; exception.
327.19 Specimens for laboratory examination and similar purposes.
327.20 Importation of foreign inedible fats.
327.21 Inspection procedures for chilled fresh and frozen boneless 
          manufacturing meat.
327.22 [Reserved]
327.23 Compliance procedure for cured pork products offered for entry.
327.24 Appeals; how made.
327.25 Disposition procedures for product condemned or ordered destroyed 
          under import inspection.
327.26 Official import inspection marks and devices.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 35 FR 15610, Oct. 3, 1970, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  327.1  Definitions; application of provisions.

    (a) When used in this part, the following terms are defined to mean:
    (1) Import (imported). To bring within the territorial limits of the 
United States whether that arrival is accomplished by land, air, or 
water.
    (2) Offer(ed) for entry. The point at which the importer presents 
the imported product for reinspection.
    (3) Entry (entered). The point at which imported product offered for 
entry receives reinspection and is marked with the official mark of 
inspection, as required by Sec.  327.26.
    (b) The provisions of this part shall apply to products derived from 
cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses, mules, and other equines, if 
capable of use as human food. Compliance with the conditions for 
importation of products under this part does not excuse the need for 
compliance with applicable requirements under other laws, including the 
provisions in parts 94, 95, and 96 of chapter I of this title.

[35 FR 15610, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 36 FR 12004, June 24, 1971; 54 
FR 41048, Oct. 5, 1989; 79 FR 56232, Sept. 19, 2014]



Sec.  327.2  Eligibility of foreign countries for importation of products
into the United States.

    (a)(1) Whenever it shall be determined by the Administrator that the 
system of meat inspection maintained by any foreign country, with 
respect to establishments preparing products in such country for export 
to the United States, insures compliance of such establishments and 
their products with requirements equivalent to all the inspection, 
building construction standards, and all other provisions of the Act and 
the regulations in this subchapter which are applied to official 
establishments in the United States, and their products, and that 
reliance can be placed upon certificates required under this part from 
authorities of such foreign country, notice of that fact will be given 
in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section. Thereafter, products 
prepared in such establishments which are certified and approved in 
accordance with paragraph (a)(3) of this section, shall be eligible so 
far as this subchapter is concerned for importation into the United 
States from such foreign country after applicable requirements of this 
subchapter have been met.
    (2) The determination of acceptability of a foreign meat inspection 
system for purposes of this section shall be based on an evaluation of 
the foreign program in accordance with the following requirements and 
procedures:
    (i) The system shall have a program organized and administered by 
the national government of the foreign country. The system as 
implemented must provide standards equivalent to those of the Federal 
system of meat inspection in the United States with respect to:
    (A) Organizational structure and staffing, so as to insure uniform 
enforcement of the requisite laws and regulations in all establishments 
throughout the system at which products are prepared for export to the 
United States;
    (B) Ultimate control and supervision by the national government over 
the official activities of all employees or licensees of the system;
    (C) The assignment of competent, qualified inspectors;
    (D) Authority and responsibility of national inspection officials to 
enforce the requisite laws and regulations governing meat inspection and 
to certify or refuse to certify products intended for export;

[[Page 302]]

    (E) Adequate administrative and technical support;
    (F) The inspection, sanitation, quality, species verification, and 
residue standards applied to products produced in the United States.
    (G) Other requirements of adequate inspection service as required by 
the regulations in this subchapter.
    (ii) The legal authority for the system and the regulations 
thereunder shall impose requirements equivalent to those governing the 
system of meat inspection organized and maintained in the United States 
with respect to:
    (A) Ante-mortem inspection of animals for slaughter and inspection 
of methods of slaughtering and handling in connection with slaughtering 
which shall be performed by veterinarians or by other employees or 
licensees of the system under the direct supervision of the 
veterinarians;
    (B) Post-mortem inspection of carcasses and parts thereof at time of 
slaughter, performed by veterinarians or other employees or licensees of 
the system under the direct supervision of veterinarians;
    (C) Official controls by the national government over establishment 
construction, facilities, and equipment;
    (D) Direct and continuous official supervision of slaughtering and 
preparation of product, by the assignment of inspectors to 
establishments certified under paragraph (a)(3) of this section, to 
assure that adulterated or misbranded product is not prepared for export 
to the United States;
    (E) Complete separation of establishments certified under 
subparagraph (3) of this paragraph from establishments not certified and 
the maintenance of a single standard of inspection and sanitation 
throughout all certified establishments;
    (F) Requirements for sanitation at certified establishments and for 
sanitary handling of product;
    (G) Official controls over condemned material until destroyed or 
removed and thereafter excluded from the establishment;
    (H) A Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system, as 
set forth in part 417 of this chapter.
    (I) Other matters for which requirements are contained in the Act or 
regulations in this subchapter.
    (iii) Countries desiring to establish eligibility for importation of 
product into the United States may request a determination of 
eligibility by presenting copies of the laws and regulations on which 
the foreign meat inspection system is based and such other information 
as the Administrator may require with respect to matters enumerated in 
paragraphs (a)(2) (i) and (ii) of this section. Determination of 
eligibility is based on a study of the documents and other information 
presented and an initial review of the system in operation by a 
representative of the Department using the criteria listed in paragraphs 
(a)(2) (i) and (ii) of this section. Maintenance of eligibility of a 
country for importation of products into the United States depends on 
the results of periodic reviews of the foreign meat inspection system in 
operation by a representative of the Department, and the timely 
submission of such documents and other information related to the 
conduct of the foreign inspection system, including information required 
by paragraph (e) of section 20 of the Act, as the Administrator may find 
pertinent to and necessary for the determinations required by this 
section of the regulations.
    (iv) The foreign inspection system must maintain a program to assure 
that the requirements referred to in this section, equivalent to those 
of the Federal system of meat inspection in the United States, are being 
met. The program as implemented must provide for the following:
    (A) Periodic supervisory visits by a representative of the foreign 
inspection system to each establishment certified in accordance with 
paragraph (a)(3) of this section to ensure that requirements referred to 
in paragraphs (a)(2)(ii)(A) through (H) of this section are being met: 
Provided, That such visits are not required with respect to any 
establishment during a period when the establishment is not operating or 
is not engaged in producing products for exportation to the United 
States;
    (B) Written reports prepared by the representative of the foreign 
inspection

[[Page 303]]

system who has conducted a supervisory visit, documenting his or her 
findings with respect to the requirements referred to in (A) through (H) 
of paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section, copies of which shall be made 
available to the representative of the Department at the time of that 
representative's review upon request by that representative to a 
responsible foreign meat inspection official: Provided, That such 
reports are not required with respect to any establishment during a 
period when the establishment is not operating or is not engaged in 
producing products for exportation to the United States; and
    (C) Random sampling of internal organs and fat of carcasses at the 
point of slaughter and the testing of such organs and fat, for such 
residues having been identified by the exporting country's meat 
inspection authorities or by this Agency as potential contaminants, in 
accordance with sampling and analytical techniques approved by the 
Administrator: Provided, That such testing is required only on samples 
taken from carcasses from which meat or meat food products intended for 
importation into the United States are produced.
    (3) Only those establishments that are determined and certified to 
the Agency by a responsible official of the foreign meat inspection 
system as fully meeting the requirements of paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and 
(ii) of this section are eligible to have their products imported into 
the United States. Establishment eligibility is subject to review by the 
Agency (including observations of the establishments by Program 
representatives at times prearranged with the foreign meat inspection 
system officials). Foreign establishment certifications must be renewed 
annually. Notwithstanding certification by a foreign official, the 
Administrator may terminate the eligibility of any foreign establishment 
for the importation of its products into the United States if it does 
not comply with the requirements listed in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (ii) 
of this section, or if current establishment information cannot be 
obtained. The Administrator will provide reasonable notice to the 
foreign government of the proposed termination of any foreign 
establishment, unless a delay in terminating its eligibility could 
result in the importation of adulterated or misbranded product.
    (i) For a new establishment, or any establishment for which 
information from last year's electronic certification or paper 
certificate has changed, the certification or certificate must contain: 
The date; the foreign country; the foreign establishment's name, 
address, and foreign establishment number; the foreign official's title 
and signature (for paper certificates only); the type of operations 
conducted at the establishment (e.g., slaughter, processing, storage, 
exporting warehouse); and the establishment's eligibility status (e.g., 
new or relisted (if previously delisted)). Slaughter and processing 
establishment certifications must address the species and type of 
products produced at the establishment (e.g., the process category).
    (ii) If the establishment information provided on the preceding 
year's electronic foreign establishment certification or paper 
certificate, as required in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section, has not 
changed, the certification or certificate must contain: The date, the 
foreign country, the foreign establishment's name, and the foreign 
official's title and signature (for paper certificates only).
    (4) Meat and meat food products from foreign countries not deemed 
eligible in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section are not 
eligible for importation into the United States, except as provided by 
Sec.  327.16 or Sec.  327.17. Eligibility of any foreign country under 
this section may be withdrawn whenever the Administrator determines that 
the system of meat inspection maintained by such foreign country does 
not assure compliance with requirements equivalent to all the 
inspection, building construction standards, and other requirements of 
the Act and the regulations in this subchapter as applied to official 
establishments in the United States; or that reliance cannot be placed 
upon certificates required under this part from authorities of such 
foreign country; or that, for lack of current information concerning the 
system of meat inspection being maintained by such foreign country, such 
foreign country

[[Page 304]]

should be required to reestablish its eligibility.
    (b) A list of countries eligible to export specific process 
categories of meat and meat food products is maintained at http://
www.fsis.usda.gov/importlibrary. Meat and meat food products from listed 
countries must be accompanied by foreign inspection certificates of the 
country of origin, as required by Sec.  327.4, and are eligible under 
the regulations in this subchapter for entry into the United States 
after inspection and marking as required by the applicable provisions of 
this part. Fresh, chilled, or frozen or other product from countries in 
which rinderpest, foot-and-mouth disease or African swine fever exist, 
as provided in part 94 of this title, are ineligible for importation 
into the United States.

[35 FR 15610, Oct. 3, 1970]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
327.2, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  327.3  No product to be imported without compliance with 
applicable regulations.

    (a) No product offered for importation from any foreign country 
shall be admitted into the United States if it is adulterated or 
misbranded or does not comply with all the requirements of this 
subchapter that would apply to it if it were a domestic product.
    (b) No cooked or partially cooked meat or meat trimmings, either in 
separable pieces or molded into larger forms, shall be permitted entry 
except under the following conditions:
    (1) A complete procedure for preparing and handling the product in 
the foreign country and en route to the United States shall be submitted 
by the exporter or his authorized agent to the Administrator and 
determined by the Administrator to be adequate to assure that the 
product will not be adulterated or misbranded at the time of offer for 
entry.
    (2) A system acceptable to the Administrator (upon his determination 
that the system will provide a reliable indication of the kinds and 
numbers of microorganisms present) for the microbiological testing of 
the finished product shall be installed by the processor, the product is 
subjected to such testing, and the results thereof are furnished to the 
Administrator and are acceptable to him as showing that the product has 
been prepared and handled in a sanitary manner.
    (c) [Reserved]

[35 FR 15610, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 38 FR 29215, Oct. 23, 1973; 54 
FR 41048, Oct. 5, 1989; 56 FR 38335, Aug. 13, 1991; 57 FR 27906, June 
23, 1992]



Sec.  327.4  Foreign inspection certificate requirements.

    (a) Except as provided in Sec.  327.16, each consignment imported 
into the United States must have an electronic foreign inspection 
certification or a paper foreign inspection certificate issued by an 
official of the foreign government agency responsible for the inspection 
and certification of the product.
    (b) An official of the foreign government must certify that any 
product described on any official certificate was produced in accordance 
with the regulatory requirements in Sec.  327.2.
    (c) The electronic foreign inspection certification must be in 
English, be transmitted directly to FSIS before the product's arrival at 
the official import inspection establishment, and be available to import 
inspection personnel.
    (d) The paper foreign inspection certificate must accompany each 
consignment; be submitted to import inspection personnel at the official 
import inspection establishment; be in English; bear the official seal 
of the foreign government responsible for the inspection of the product, 
and the name, title, and signature of the official authorized to issue 
inspection certificates for products imported to the United States.
    (e) The electronic foreign inspection certification and paper 
foreign inspection certificate must contain:
    (1) The date;
    (2) The foreign country of export and the producing foreign 
establishment number;
    (3) The species used to produce the product and the source country 
and foreign establishment number, if the source materials originate from 
a country other than the exporting country;

[[Page 305]]

    (4) The product's description, including the process category, the 
product category, and the product group;
    (5) The name and address of the importer or consignee;
    (6) The name and address of the exporter or consignor;
    (7) The number of units (pieces or containers) and the shipping or 
identification mark on the units;
    (8) The net weight of each lot; and
    (9) Any additional information the Administrator requests to 
determine whether the product is eligible to be imported into the United 
States.

[79 FR 56233, Sept. 19, 2014]



Sec.  327.5  Import inspection application.

    (a) Applicants must submit an import inspection application, to 
apply for the inspection of any product offered for entry. Applicants 
may apply for inspection using a paper or electronic application form.
    (b) Import inspection applications for each consignment must be 
submitted (electronically or on paper) to FSIS in advance of the 
shipment's arrival at the official import establishment where the 
product will be reinspected, but no later than when the entry is filed 
with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
    (c) The provisions of this section do not apply to products that are 
exempted from inspection by Sec. Sec.  327.16 and 327.17.

[79 FR 56233, Sept. 19, 2014]



Sec.  327.6  Products for importation; program inspection, time and place;
application for approval of facilities as official import inspection
establishment; refusal or withdrawal of approval; official numbers.

    (a)(1) Except as provided in Sec. Sec.  327.16 and 327.17, all 
products offered for entry from any foreign country shall be reinspected 
by a Program inspector before they shall be allowed entry into the 
United States.
    (2) Every lot of product shall routinely be given visual inspection 
by a Program import inspector for appearance and condition, and checked 
for certification and label compliance.
    (3) The electronic inspection system shall be consulted for 
reinspection instructions. The electronic inspection system will assign 
reinspection levels and procedures based on established sampling plans 
and established product and plant history.
    (4) When the inspector deems it necessary, the inspector may sample 
and inspect lots not designated by the electronic inspection system.
    (b) All products, required by this part to be inspected, shall be 
inspected only at an official establishment or at an official import 
inspection establishment approved by the Administrator as provided in 
this section. Such approved official import inspection establishments 
will be listed in the Directory of Meat and Poultry Inspection Program 
Establishments, Circuits and Officials, published by the Food Safety and 
Inspection Service. The listing will categorize the kind or kinds of 
product \2\ which may be inspected at each official import inspection 
establishment, based on the adequacy of the facilities for making such 
inspections and handling such products in a sanitary manner.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ [Reserved]
    \2\ For example: Canned product, boneless meat, carcasses and cuts.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) Owners or operators of establishments, other than official 
establishments, who want to have import inspections made at their 
establishments, shall apply to the Administrator for approval of their 
establishments for such purpose. Application shall be made on a form 
furnished by the Program, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC, and shall include all 
information called for by that form.
    (d) Approval for Federal import inspection shall be in accordance 
with part 304 of this subchapter.
    (e) Owners or operators of official import inspection establishments 
must furnish adequate sanitary facilities and equipment for examination 
of such product. The requirements of Sec. Sec.  304.2, 307.1, 307.2(b), 
(d), (f), (h), (k), and (l), and part 416 of this chapter shall apply as 
conditions for approval of establishments as official import inspection 
establishments to the same extent and in the same manner as they apply 
with respect to official establishments.

[[Page 306]]

    (f) The Administrator is authorized to approve any establishment as 
an official import inspection establishment provided that an application 
has been filed and drawings have been submitted in accordance with the 
requirements of paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section and he determines 
that such establishment meets the requirements under paragraph (e) of 
this section. Any application for inspection under this section may be 
denied or refused in accordance with the rules of practice in part 500 
of this chapter.
    (g) Approval of an official import inspection establishment may be 
withdrawn in accordance with applicable rules of practice if it is 
determined that the sanitary conditions are such that the product is 
rendered adulterated, that such action is authorized by section 21(b) of 
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (84 Stat. 91), or 
that the requirements of paragraph (e) of this section were not complied 
with. Approval may also be withdrawn in accordance with section 401 of 
the Act and applicable rules of practice.
    (h) A special official number shall be assigned to each official 
import inspection establishment. Such number shall be used to identify 
all products inspected and passed for entry at the establishment.
    (i) A sampling inspection shall be made, as provided in paragraph 
(a) of this section, of foreign chilled fresh or frozen fresh meat, 
including defrosting if necessary to determine its condition. Inspection 
standards for foreign chilled fresh or frozen fresh meat shall be the 
same as those used for domestic chilled fresh or frozen fresh meat. (See 
Sec.  327.21)
    (j) Imported canned products are required to be sound, healthful, 
properly labeled, wholesome, and otherwise not adulterated at the time 
the products are offered for importation into the United States. 
Provided other requirements of this part are met, the determination of 
the acceptability of the product and the condition of the containers 
shall be based on the results of an examination of a statistical sample 
drawn from the consignment as provided in paragraph (a) of this section. 
If the inspector determines, on the basis of the sample examination, 
that the product does not meet the requirements of the Act and 
regulations thereunder, the consignment shall be refused entry. However, 
a consignment rejected for container defects but otherwise acceptable 
may be reoffered for inspection under the following conditions:
    (1) If the defective containers are not indicative of an unsafe and 
unstable product as determined by the Administrator;
    (2) If the number and kinds of container defects found in the 
original sample do not exceed the limits specified for this purpose in 
FSIS guidelines; and
    (3) If the defective containers in the consignment have been sorted 
out and exported or destroyed under the supervision of an inspector.
    (k) Program inspectors or Customs officers at border or seaboard 
ports shall report the sealing of cars, trucks, or other means of 
conveyance, and the sealing or identification of containers of foreign 
product on Form MP-410 to Program area supervisors at points where such 
product is to be inspected.
    (l) Representative samples of canned product designated by the 
Administrator in instructions to inspectors shall be incubated under 
supervision of such inspectors in accordance with Sec.  318.309 
(d)(1)(ii), (d)(1)(iii), (d)(1)(iv)(c), (d)(1)(v), (d)(1)(vii) and 
(d)(1)(viii) of this subchapter. The importers or his/her agent shall 
provide the necessary incubation facilities in accordance with Sec.  
318.309(d)(1)(i) of this subchapter.
    (m) Sampling plans and acceptance levels as prescribed in paragraphs 
(j) and (l) of this section may be obtained, upon request, from 
International Programs, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250.

[35 FR 15610, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 37 FR 21927, Oct. 17, 1972; 38 
FR 29215, Oct. 23, 1973; 49 FR 36818, Sept. 20, 1984; 51 FR 37707, Oct. 
24, 1986; 51 FR 45633, Dec. 19, 1986; 54 FR 274, Jan. 5, 1989; 54 FR 
41048, Oct. 5, 1989; 62 FR 45026, Aug. 25, 1997; 64 FR 56416, Oct. 20, 
1999; 64 FR 66545, Nov. 29, 1999; 65 FR 2284, Jan. 14, 2000; 79 FR 
56233, Sept. 19, 2014]

[[Page 307]]



Sec.  327.7  Products for importation; movement prior to inspection;
handling; bond; assistance.

    (a) No product required by this part to be inspected shall be moved, 
prior to inspection from any port, or, if arriving by water from the 
wharf where first unloaded, to any place other than the place designated 
by, or in accordance with, this part as the place where the same shall 
be inspected.
    (b) No product required by this part to be inspected shall be 
conveyed, prior to inspection, from any port, or, if arriving by water, 
from the wharf where first unloaded, in any manner other than in 
compliance with this part.
    (c) No product required by this part to be inspected shall be 
delivered to the consignee or his agent prior to inspection, unless the 
consignee shall furnish a bond, in form prescribed by the Secretary of 
the Treasury, conditioned that the product shall be returned, if 
demanded, to the collector of the port where the same is offered for 
clearance through the customs.
    (d) The consignee or his agent shall provide such assistance as 
Program inspectors may require for the handling and marking of product 
offered for entry.

[35 FR 15610, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 37 FR 21928, Oct. 17, 1972; 51 
FR 37707, Oct. 24, 1986; 56 FR 65180, Dec. 16, 1991]



Sec.  327.8  Import products; equipment and means of conveyance used in
handling to be maintained in sanitary condition.

    Compartments of steamships, sailing vessels, railroad cars, and 
other means of conveyance transporting any product to the United States, 
and all trucks, chutes, platforms, racks, tables, tools, utensils, and 
all other devices used in moving and handling any product offered for 
importation into the United States, shall be maintained in a sanitary 
condition.



Sec.  327.9  Burlap wrapping for foreign meat.

    Burlap shall not be used as a wrapping for foreign meat unless the 
meat is first wrapped with a good grade of paper or cloth of a kind 
which will prevent contamination with lint or other foreign material.



Sec.  327.10  Samples; inspection of consignments; refusal of entry;
marking.

    (a) Program inspectors may take, without cost to the United States, 
for laboratory examination, samples of any product which is subject to 
analysis, from each consignment offered for importation, except that 
such samples shall not be taken of any product offered for importation 
under Sec.  327.16.
    (b) Except for product offered for entry from Canada, the outside 
containers of all products offered for entry from any foreign country 
and accompanied with a foreign inspection certificate as required by 
this part, which, upon reinspection by import inspectors are found not 
to be adulterated or misbranded and are otherwise eligible for entry 
into the United States under this part, or the products themselves if 
not in containers, shall be marked with the official inspection legend 
prescribed in Sec.  327.26 of this part. Except for Canadian product, 
all other products so marked, in compliance with this part, shall be 
entered into the United States, insofar as such entry is regulated under 
the Act.
    (c) Product which is inspected and rejected shall be marked ``U.S. 
Refused Entry'' as shown in Sec.  327.26(c). Such marks shall be applied 
to the shipping container or the product itself if not in a container.
    (d) The inspection legend may be placed on containers of product 
before completion of official import inspection if the containers are 
being inspected by an import inspector who reports directly to an Import 
Field Office Supervisor; the product is not required to be held at the 
establishment pending the receipt of laboratory test results; and a 
written procedure for controlled stamping, submitted by the import 
establishment and approved by the Director, Import Inspection Division, 
is on file at the import inspection facility where the inspection is to 
be performed.
    (1) The written procedure for controlled pre-stamping should be in 
the form of a letter and shall include the following:
    (i) That stamping under this part will be limited to those lots of 
product which can be inspected on the day that

[[Page 308]]

certificates for the product are examined;
    (ii) That all product which has been pre-stamped will be stored in 
the facility where the import inspection will occur;
    (iii) That inspection marks applied under this part will be removed 
from any lot of product subsequently refused entry on the day the 
product is rejected; and
    (iv) That the establishment will maintain a daily stamping log 
containing the following information for each lot of product: the date 
of inspection, the country of origin, the foreign establishment number, 
the product name, the number of units, the shipping container marks, and 
the MP-410 number covering the product to be inspected. The daily 
stamping log must be retained by the establishment in accordance with 
the requirements of Sec.  320.3.
    (2) An official import establishment's controlled pre-stamping 
privilege may be cancelled orally or in writing by the inspector or 
other Agency employee who is supervising its enforcement whenever the 
employee finds that the official import establishment has failed to 
comply with the provisions of this part or any conditions imposed 
pursuant thereto. If the cancellation is oral, the decision or action 
and the reasons therefor will be confirmed in writing, as promptly as 
circumstances allow. Any person whose controlled pre-stamping privilege 
has been cancelled may appeal the decision or action in accordance with 
9 CFR 500.9. The appeal must state all of the facts and reasons upon 
which the person relies to show that the controlled pre-stamping 
privilege was wrongfully cancelled.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0583-0015)

[35 FR 15610, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 53 FR 17014, May 13, 1988; 54 
FR 41048, Oct. 5, 1989; 87 FR 63423, Oct. 19, 2022]



Sec.  327.11  Receipts to importers for import product samples.

    In order that importers may be assured that samples of foreign 
products collected for laboratory examination are to be used exclusively 
for that purpose, official receipts shall be issued and delivered to 
importers, or their agents, by inspectors for all samples of foreign 
products collected. The official receipt shall be prepared in duplicate, 
over the signature of the inspector who collects the samples, and shall 
show the name of the importer, country of origin, quantity and kind of 
product collected, date of collection, and that the sample was collected 
for laboratory examination. The duplicate copy of the receipt shall be 
retained by the inspectors as their office record.

[35 FR 15610, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 51 FR 37707, Oct. 24, 1986]



Sec.  327.12  Foreign canned or packaged products bearing trade labels;
sampling and inspection.

    (a) Samples of foreign canned or packaged products bearing on their 
immediate containers trade labels which have not been approved under 
Sec.  317.3 of this subchapter shall be collected and forwarded to the 
laboratory by the Program inspector for examination, and the products 
shall be held pending receipt of the report of the laboratory findings 
and the results of the examination of trade labels and the marks on 
shipping containers.
    (b) Foreign canned or packaged products bearing trade labels and 
other markings which have been approved under Sec.  317.3 of this 
subchapter shall be inspected for soundness and checked for net weight. 
Samples may be collected for laboratory examination, but the products 
may be released under customs' bond pending the report of laboratory 
findings.
    (c) Samples shall be taken from foreign canned products or packaged 
products as required by Sec.  327.6 (a) and (j) of this part.

[35 FR 15610, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 49 FR 36818, Sept. 20, 1984]



Sec.  327.13  Foreign products offered for importation; reporting of 
findings to customs; handling of articles refused entry.

    (a)(1) Program inspectors shall report their findings as to any 
product which has been inspected in accordance with this part, to the 
Director of Customs at the original port of entry where the same is 
offered for clearance through Customs inspection.

[[Page 309]]

    (2) When product has been identified as ``U.S. refused entry, '' the 
inspector shall request the Director of Customs to refuse admission to 
such product and to direct that it be exported by the owner or consignee 
within the time specified in this section, unless the owner or 
consignee, within the specified time, causes it to be destroyed by 
disposing of it under the supervision of a Program employee so that the 
product can no longer be used as human food, or by converting it to 
animal food uses, if permitted by the Food and Drug Administration. The 
owner or consignee of the refused entry product shall not transfer legal 
title to such product, except to a foreign consignee for direct and 
immediate exportation, or to an end user, e.g., an animal food 
manufacturer or a renderer, for destruction for human food purposes. 
``Refused entry'' product must be delivered to and used by the 
manufacturer or renderer within the 45-day time limit. Even if such 
title is illegally transferred, the subsequent purchaser will still be 
required to export the product or have it destroyed as specified in the 
notice under paragraph (a)(5) of this section.
    (3) No lot of product which has been refused entry may be subdivided 
during disposition pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of this section, except 
that removal and destruction of any damaged or otherwise unsound product 
from a lot destined for reexportation is permitted under supervision of 
USDA prior to exportation. Additionally, such refused entry lot may not 
be shipped for export from any port other than that through which the 
product came into the United States, without the expressed consent of 
the Administrator based on full information concerning the product's 
disposition, including the name of the vessel and the date of export. 
For the purposes of this paragraph, the term ``lot'' shall refer to that 
product indentified on MP Form 410 in the original request for 
inspection for importation pursuant to Sec.  327.5.
    (4) Product which has been refused entry solely because of 
misbranding, in lieu of exportation or destruction pursuant to paragraph 
(a)(2) of this section, may be brought into compliance with the 
requirements of this part, under supervision of an authorized 
representative of the Administrator.
    (5) The owner or consignee shall have 45 days after notice is given 
by FSIS to the Director of Customs at the original port of entry to take 
the action required in paragraph (a)(2) of this section for ``refused 
entry'' product. Extension beyond the 45-day period may be granted by 
the Administrator when extreme circumstances warrant it; e.g., a dock 
workers' strike or an unforeseeable vessel delay.
    (6) If the owner or consignee fails to take the required action 
within the time specified under paragraph (a)(5) of this section, the 
Department will take such action as may be necessary to effectuate its 
order to have the product destroyed for human food purposes. The 
Department shall seek court costs and fees, storage, and proper expense 
in the appropriate legal forum.
    (7) No product which has been refused entry and exported to another 
country pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of this section may be returned to 
the United States under any circumstance. Any such product so returned 
to the United States shall be subject to administrative detention in 
accordance with section 402 of the Act and seizure and condemnation in 
accordance with section 403 of the Act.
    (b) Upon the request of the Director of Customs at the port where a 
product is offered for clearance through the customs, the consignee of 
the product shall, at the consignee's own expense, immediately return to 
the Director any product which has been delivered to consignee under 
Sec.  327.7 and subsequently designated ``U.S. Refused Entry'' or found 
in any respect not to comply with the requirements in this part.
    (c) All charges for storage, cartage, and labor with respect to any 
product which was imported contrary to the Act shall be paid by the 
owner or consignee, and in default of such payment shall constitute a 
lien against such

[[Page 310]]

product and any other product thereafter imported by or for such owner 
or consignee.

[35 FR 15610, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 48 FR 15889, Apr. 13, 1983; 49 
FR 29568, July 23, 1984; 50 FR 19907, May 13, 1985; 53 FR 17015, May 13, 
1988; 54 FR 50735, Dec. 11, 1989]



Sec.  327.14  Marking of products and labeling of immediate containers
thereof for importation.

    (a) Product which is offered for importation, and which is 
susceptible of marking, shall, whether or not enclosed in an immediate 
container, bear the name of the country of origin, preceded by the words 
``product of''; the establishment number assigned by the foreign meat 
inspection system and certified to the Program; and such other markings 
as are necessary for compliance with part 316 of this subchapter. When 
such markings are imprints of stamps or brands made with branding ink, 
such ink shall be harmless and shall create permanent imprints. In case 
the name of the country of origin appears as part of an official mark of 
the national foreign government and such name is prominently and legibly 
displayed, the words ``product of'' may be omitted.
    (b) In addition to the marking of products required under paragraph 
(a) of this section, the immediate container of any product offered for 
importation:
    (1) Shall bear a label showing in accordance with Sec.  317.2 of 
this subchapter all information required by that section (except that 
the establishment number assigned by the foreign meat inspection system 
and certified to the Program and the official inspection mark of the 
foreign meat inspection system shall be shown instead of the official 
inspection legend of the United States) and in addition the name of the 
country of origin preceded by the words ``product of,'' immediately 
under the name or descriptive designation of the product as required by 
Sec.  317.2: Provided, That such establishment number may be omitted 
from a label lithographed directly on a can if said number is 
lithographed or embossed elsewhere on the can; and
    (2) Shall, if such immediate container is a sealed metal container, 
have the establishment number assigned by the foreign meat inspection 
authority and certified by the Program embossed or lithographed on the 
sealed metal container, and such establishment number shall not be 
covered or obscured by any label or other means.
    (c) All marks and other labeling for use on or with immediate 
containers, as well as private brands on carcasses or parts of 
carcasses, must be approved by the Food Safety and Inspection Service in 
accordance with part 412 of this chapter before products bearing such 
marks, labeling, or brands will be entered into the United States. The 
marks of inspection of foreign systems embossed on metal containers or 
branded on carcasses or parts thereof need not be submitted to the Food 
Safety and Inspection Service for approval, and such marks of inspection 
put on stencils, box dies, labels, and brands may be used on such 
immediate containers as tierces, barrels, drums, boxes, crates, and 
large-size fiberboard containers of foreign products without such marks 
of inspection being submitted for approval, provided the markings made 
by such articles are applicable to the product and are not false or 
misleading.

[35 FR 15610, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 51 FR 37707, Oct. 24, 1986; 60 
FR 67456, Dec. 29, 1995; 78 FR 66837, Nov. 7, 2013]



Sec.  327.15  Outside containers of foreign products; marking and labeling;
application of official inspection legend.

    (a) The outside container in which any immediate container of 
foreign product is shipped to the United States shall bear, in English, 
in a prominent and legible manner:
    (1) The name or descriptive designation of the product in accordance 
with Sec.  317.2 of this subchapter;
    (2) The name of the country of origin; and
    (3) The establishment number assigned by the foreign meat inspection 
system and certified to the Program.
    (b) All labeling used with an outside container of foreign product 
must be approved in accordance with part 317 of this subchapter.

[[Page 311]]

    (c) Except for product offered for entry from Canada, all outside 
containers of products which have been inspected and passed in 
accordance with this part shall be marked by a Program import inspector 
or under a Program import inspector's supervision with the official 
import meat inspection mark prescribed in Sec.  327.26.

[35 FR 15610, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 51 FR 37707, Oct. 24, 1986; 54 
FR 41048, Oct. 5, 1989]



Sec.  327.16  Small importations for importer's own consumption;
requirements.

    Any product in a quantity of 50 pounds or less which was purchased 
by the importer outside the United States for his/her own consumption, 
is eligible to be imported into the United States from any country 
without compliance with the provisions in other sections of this part 
but subject to applicable requirements under other laws, including the 
regulations in part 94 of this title. However, Program employees may 
inspect any product imported under this section to determine whether it 
is within the class eligible to be imported under this paragraph.

[54 FR 41048, Oct. 5, 1989]



Sec.  327.17  Returned U.S. inspected and marked products.

    U.S. inspected and passed and so marked products exported to and 
returned from foreign countries will be admitted into the United States 
without compliance with this part upon notification to and approval of 
the Deputy Administrator, International Programs, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 
20250, in specific cases.

[35 FR 15610, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 51 FR 37707, Oct. 24, 1986]



Sec.  327.18  Products offered for entry and entered to be handled and
transported as domestic; exception.

    (a) All products, after entry into the United States, shall be 
deemed and treated as domestic products and shall be subject to the 
applicable provisions of the Act and the regulations in this subchapter 
and the applicable requirements under the Federal Food, Drug and 
Cosmetic Act, except that products imported under Sec.  327.16 are 
required to comply only with the requirements of that Act and Sec.  
327.16 of this subchapter.
    (b) Products entered in accordance with this part may, subject to 
the provisions of part 318 of this subchapter, be taken into official 
establishments and be mixed with or added to any product in such 
establishments which has been inspected and passed therein.
    (c) Imported product which has been inspected, passed, and marked 
under this part may be transported in the course of importation or 
subsequently in commerce only upon compliance with part 325 of this 
subchapter.

[35 FR 15610, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 41 FR 18089, Apr. 30, 1976; 54 
FR 41049, Oct. 5, 1989]



Sec.  327.19  Specimens for laboratory examination and similar purposes.

    The provisions in this part do not apply to specimens of products 
for laboratory examination, research, or similar purposes when 
authorized importation by the Administrator under conditions specified 
by him in specific cases, including requirements of denaturing or other 
identification to deter their use for human food. Authorization will not 
be given for the importation of any products contrary to the provisions 
of part 94 of this chapter.



Sec.  327.20  Importation of foreign inedible fats.

    No inedible grease, inedible tallow, or other inedible rendered fat 
shall be imported into the United States unless it has been first 
denatured as prescribed in Sec.  327.25 of this part and the containers 
marked as prescribed by Sec.  316.15 of this subchapter or unless it is 
identified and handled as prescribed by Sec.  325.11 (b) or (c) of this 
subchapter.

[54 FR 41049, Oct. 5, 1989]



Sec.  327.21  Inspection procedures for chilled fresh and frozen boneless
manufacturing meat.

    (a) Definitions; sampling; standards. (1) Frozen boneless 
manufacturing meat is meat, frozen in the fresh state from cattle, 
sheep, swine, goats, horses, mules, or other equines that has all bone 
removed and is cut into pieces or trimmings, frozen into a compact block 
of any shape and suitable for

[[Page 312]]

slicing or chopping in the manufacturing of meat food products. As used 
in this section, the term ``frozen'' includes ``chilled fresh,'' and 
``lot'' means any amount of frozen boneless manufacturing meat of one 
species, similarly packaged, shipped from one establishment, and offered 
for import inspection under one or more foreign inspection certificates.
    (2) Imported frozen boneless manufacturing meat shall be sampled as 
required by Sec.  327.6(a) of this part, and the samples defrosted for 
inspection. The Program import inspector, or in the case of Canadian 
product subject to procedures described in Sec.  327.5(d)(1), the 
Canadian representative will select from a lot the appropriate number of 
cartons specified by the table of sampling plans. The total sample for 
inspection will consist of the necessary number of 12-pound units drawn 
from these cartons. The 12-pound units selected will be completely 
defrosted and examined.
    (b) Lots refused entry. Reinspection (including resampling) will be 
provided for any lot of frozen boneless manufacturing meat which was 
refused entry under this section on the basis of the original evaluation 
of the sample thereof, upon appeal from the inspector's initial 
decision.

[35 FR 15610, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 49 FR 36819, Sept. 20, 1984; 
51 FR 44901, Dec. 15, 1986; 54 FR 275, Jan. 5, 1989; 57 FR 27906, June 
23, 1992]



Sec.  327.22  [Reserved]



Sec.  327.23  Compliance procedure for cured pork products offered
for entry.

    (a) Definitions. For the purposes of this section:
    (1) A Product is that cured pork article which is contained within 
one Group as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this section and which 
purports to meet the criteria for a single product designated under the 
heading ``Product Name and Qualifying Statements'' in the chart in Sec.  
319.104 or Sec.  319.105 of this subchapter.
    (2) A Product Group or a Group means one of the following:
    (i) Group I, consisting of cured pork products which have been 
cooked while imperviously encased. Any product that fits into the Group 
shall be placed in this Group regardless of any other considerations.
    (ii) Group II, consisting of cured pork products which have been 
water cooked. Any product that does not fit into Group I but does fit 
into Group II shall be placed into Group II regardless of any other 
considerations.
    (iii) Group III, consisting of boneless, smokehouse heated cured 
pork products. Any boneless product that does not fit into Group I or II 
shall be placed in Group III.
    (iv) Group IV, consisting of bone-in or semi-boneless smokehouse 
heated cured pork products. Any product that is not completely boneless 
or still contains all the bone which is traditional for bone-in product 
and does not fit into Group I, II, or III shall be placed in this Group.
    (3) Protein Fat-Free Percentage, Protein Fat-Free Content, PFF 
Percentage, PFF Content or PFF of a product means the meat protein 
(indigenous to the raw, unprocessed pork cut) content expressed as a 
percent of the non-fat portion of the finished product.
    (4) A PFF Standardized Difference is the PFF of the sample minus the 
minimum PFF requirement, set forth in Sec.  319.104 and Sec.  319.105 of 
this subchapter, for the product being analyzed, divided by the 
Appropriate Standard Deviation for the product group.
    (5) The Absolute Minimum PFF Requirement is that no laboratory 
result of an individual sample for PFF content be below the applicable 
minimum requirement of Sec.  319.104 or Sec.  319.105 of this subchapter 
by 2.3 or more percentage points for a Group I or II product or 2.7 or 
more percentage points for a Group III or IV product.
    (6) A PFF Standardized Arithmetic Average of the Country's Products 
is the arithmetic average of PFF Standardized Differences from either 36 
or 100 consecutively sampled lots of product entering the United States 
from a given producing country.
    (7) A PFF Standardized Weighted Average of the Country's Products is 
an estimate of the average of the PFF Standardized Differences from 
either 36 or

[[Page 313]]

100 consecutively sampled lots, adjusted for the size of the lot, of 
different types of cured pork product entering the United States from a 
given producing country. A Standardized Weighted Average is computed by 
multiplying the PFF Standardized Difference calculated for each lot by 
the number of pounds of product in each lot, adding those results 
together, and dividing the sum by the total weight of product from all 
the lots making up the average.
    (8) The Appropriate Standard Deviation is based on within lot 
variability. That assigned to Groups I and II = 0.75 percent PFF and 
that assigned to Groups III and IV = 0.91 percent PFF.
    (9) A Lot is all product of one type from one establishment 
presented by an importer as the unit for inspection at the Port of 
Entry.
    (b) Normal monitoring procedures. Except for product imported from 
Canada, the Department shall collect sample(s) of cured pork product on 
a random basis from lots offered for entry at the Port of Entry and, 
after analyzing the sample for fat and indigenous protein content, 
calculate the PFF percentage. The product shall not be held pending 
laboratory results during the monitoring phase. The PFF percentage for 
each sample shall be considered along with the cumulative results of 
prior samples to assess the effectiveness of a country's overall 
compliance program and to determine the course of action for subsequent 
lots of product.
    (1) Factors determining whether a country's inspection system is 
functioning adequately:
    (i) The PFF percentage for each sample must not be below the minimum 
PFF requirement by 2.3 percentage points for cured pork products in 
Groups I and II or 2.7 percentage points for cured pork products in 
Groups III and IV.
    (ii) Both of the PFF Standardized Averages, Arithmetic and Weighted, 
for the last 100 consecutive lots of all cured pork products from the 
country must be equal to or greater than zero. The count for the 100 
consecutive lots starts with the lots arriving from that country after 
April 15, 1985.
    (iii) Both of the PFF Standardized Averages, Arithmetic and 
Weighted, for the last 36 consecutive lots of all cured pork products 
from the country must be above the lowest 5 percent of the Normal 
distribution. This minimum value is minus 0.28 (-0.28) for the 
Arithmetic Average and depends on the production volume for the Weighted 
Average.
    (2) Actions when calculations indicate that processing procedures in 
a country are out-of-compliance:
    (i) If the PFF level of a sample taken during normal monitoring 
procedures is found to be as low as the Absolute Minimum PFF 
Requirement, the country of origin shall be notified; the lot involved 
shall be retained if still available in an official establishment or 
subject to detention or other actions pursuant to the Act; and all 
subsequently presented lots of that cured pork product from the same 
foreign establishment shall be held under retention until the provisions 
of paragraph (c) are satisfied.
    (ii) If either of the PFF Standardized Averages, Arithmetic or 
Weighted, for the last 100 consecutive lots falls below zero or either 
of the PFF Standardized Averages for the last 36 consecutive lots falls 
below the upper 95 percent of the Normal distribution, all available 
cured pork product from the foreign country shall be subject to 
administrative retention and all subsequently presented lots of cured 
pork product from the foreign country shall be held under retention 
until the provisions of paragraph (c) are satisfied. The country of 
origin shall be notified, and shall be subject to other actions pursuant 
to the Act.
    (c) Retention. When lots of cured pork product are under retention 
they shall be refused entry and reexported in accordance with Sec.  
327.13 of this subchapter unless they can be released in accordance with 
the provisions of paragraph (c)(1), establishments may be returned to 
normal monitoring procedures in accordance with paragraph (c)(2), and 
countries may be returned to normal monitoring procedures in accordance 
with paragraph (c)(3).
    (1) If a lot is subject to retention procedures under this section, 
the Department shall collect five randomly selected sample units from 
each lot and determine the PFF of each sample

[[Page 314]]

unit. The lot may be released into commerce if:
    (i) The average PFF percentage of the five randomly selected sample 
units is equal to or greater than the applicable minimum PFF percentage 
required by Sec.  319.104 or Sec.  319.105 of this subchapter, or
    (ii) The product is relabeled under the supervision of a program 
employee so that it conforms to the provisions of Sec.  319.104 or Sec.  
319.105 of this subchapter.
    (2) If product from a foreign establishment is subject to retention 
procedures under this section, the foreign establishment may be returned 
to normal monitoring procedures when:
    (i) Ten consecutively presented lots of that cured pork product from 
that establishment have been sampled as provided in paragraph (c)(1) of 
this section and the average of each set of five sample units 
representing each lot have been found to be equal to or greater than the 
required minimum PFF percentage; and
    (ii) The PFF percentage of each sample unit (50 in all) is above the 
Absolute Minimum PFF Percentage.
    (3) If a country is subject to retention procedures under this 
section, the country shall be returned to normal monitoring procedures 
when:
    (i) Twenty-five consecutively presented lots of cured pork product 
have been sampled as required in paragraph (c)(1) of this section and 
the average of each set of five sample units representing each lot have 
been found to be equal to or greater than the required minimum PFF 
percentage; and
    (ii) The PFF percentage of each sample unit (125 in all) is above 
the Absolute Minimum PFF Percentage; and
    (iii) Both of the PFF Standardized Averages for 36 consecutive lots 
are in the required percentage of the Normal distribution; and
    (iv) Both of the PFF Standardized Averages for 100 consecutive lots 
are zero or higher.
    (4) The sample units collected under retention procedures as 
provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section will not be included in the 
PFF standardized averages for 36 and 100 consecutive lots.
    (d) Adulterated and Misbranded Products. Products not meeting 
specified PFF requirements, determined according to procedures set forth 
in this section, may be deemed adulterated under section 1(m)(8) of the 
Act (21 U.S.C. 601(m)(8)) and misbranded under section 1(n) of the Act 
(21 U.S.C. 601(n)).
    (e) Activities requiring additional inspectional supervision, such 
as relabeling, shall be at the importer's expense. In addition, if the 
importer wishes, he or she may have samples analyzed at an accredited 
laboratory.

[50 FR 9792, Mar. 12, 1985, as amended at 54 FR 41049, Oct. 5, 1989]



Sec.  327.24  Appeals; how made.

    Any appeal of a decision or action of any program employee will be 
made to his/her immediate supervisor having responsibility over the 
subject matter of the appeal in accordance with 9 CFR 500.9.

[87 FR 63423, Oct. 19, 2022]



Sec.  327.25  Disposition procedures for product condemned or ordered
destroyed under import inspection.

    (a) Carcasses, parts thereof, meat and meat food products (other 
than rendered animal fats) that have been treated in accordance with the 
provisions of this section shall be considered denatured for the 
purposes of the regulations in this part, except as otherwise provided 
in part 314 of this subchapter for articles condemned at official 
establishments or at official import inspection establishments.
    (1) The following agents are prescribed for denaturing carcasses, 
parts thereof, meat or meat food products which are affected with any 
condition that would result in their condemnation and disposal under 
part 314 of this subchapter if they were at an official establishment or 
at an official import inspection establishment: Crude carbolic acid; 
cresylic disinfectant; a formula consisting of 1 part FD&C green No. 3 
coloring, 40 parts water, 40 parts liquid detergent, and 40 parts oil of 
citronella, or other proprietary substance approved by the Administrator 
in specific cases. \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Information as to approval of any proprietary denaturing 
substance may be obtained from the Meat and Poultry Inspection Technical 
Services, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 315]]

    (2) Meat may be denatured by dipping it in a solution of 0.0625 
percent tannic acid, followed by immersion in a water bath, then dipping 
it in a solution of 0.0625 percent ferric acid; and except as provided 
in paragraphs (a) (3) and (5) of this section, the following agents are 
prescribed for denaturing other carcasses, parts thereof, meat and meat 
food products, for which denaturing is required by this part: FD&C green 
No. 3 coloring; FD&C blue No. 1 coloring; FD&C blue No. 2 coloring; 
finely powdered charcoal; or other proprietary substance approved by the 
Administrator in specific cases. \1\ Carcasses (other than viscera), 
parts thereof, cuts of meat, and unground pieces of meat darkened by 
charcoal or other black dyes shall be deemed to be denatured pursuant to 
this section only if they contain at least that degree of darkness 
depicted by diagram 1 of the Meat Denaturing Guide (MP Form 91). \2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Copies of MP Form 91 may be obtained, without charge, by writing 
to the Administrative Operations Branch, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 123 East Grant Street, 
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403. Diagrams 2 and 3 of the Meat Denaturing 
Guide are for comparison purposes only. The Meat Denaturing Guide has 
been approved for incorporation by reference by the Director, Office of 
the Federal Register, and is on file at the Federal Register Library.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) Tripe may be denatured by dipping it in a 6 percent solution of 
tannic acid for 1 minute followed by immersion in a water bath, then 
immersing it for 1 minute in a solution of 0.022 percent FD&C yellow No. 
5 coloring.
    (4) When meat, meat byproducts, or meat food products are in ground 
form, 4 percent by weight of coarsely ground hard done, which shall be 
in pieces no smaller than the opening size specified for No. 5 mesh in 
the standards issued by the U.S. Bureau of Standards or 6 percent by 
weight of coarsely ground hard bone, which shall be in pieces no smaller 
than the opening size specified for No. 8 mesh in said Standards, 
uniformly incorporated with the product, may be used in lieu of the 
agents prescribed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
    (5) Before the denaturing agents are applied to articles in pieces 
more than 4 inches in diameter, the pieces shall be freely slashed or 
sectioned. (If the articles are in pieces not more than 4 inches in 
diameter, slashing or sectioning will not be necessary.) The application 
of any of the denaturing agents listed in paragraph (a) (1) or (2) of 
this section to the outer surface of molds or blocks or boneless meat, 
meat by-products, or meat food products shall not be adequate. The 
denaturing agent must be mixed intimately with all the material to be 
denatured, and must be applied in such quantity and manner that it 
cannot easily and readily be removed by washing or soaking. A sufficient 
amount of the appropriate agent shall be used to give the material a 
distinctive color, odor, or taste so that such material cannot be 
confused with an article of human food.
    (b) Inedible rendered animal fats shall be denatured by thoroughly 
mixing therein denaturing oil, No. 2 fuel oil, brucine dissolved in a 
mixture of alcohol and pine oil or oil of rosemary, finely powdered 
charcoal, or any proprietary denaturing agent approved for the purpose 
by the Administrator in specific cases. The charcoal shall be used in no 
less quantity than 100 parts per million and shall be of such character 
that it will remain suspended indefinitely in the liquid fat. Sufficient 
of the chosen identifying agents shall be used to give the rendered fat 
so distinctive a color, odor, or taste that it cannot be confused with 
an article of human food.

[51 FR 37707, Oct. 24, 1986]



Sec.  327.26  Official import inspection marks and devices.

    (a) When import inspections are performed in official import 
inspection establishments, the official inspection legend to be applied 
to imported meat and meat food products shall be in the appropriate form 
\1\ as herein specified.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The number ``I-38'' is given as an example only. The 
establishment number of the official import inspection establishment 
where the imported product is inspected shall be used in lieu thereof.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 316]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.023

    For application to cattle, sheep, swine, and goat carcasses, primal 
parts, and cuts, not in containers.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.024

    For application to outside containers of meat and meat food products 
prepared from cattle, sheep, swine, and goats.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.025

    For application to horse carcasses, primal parts, and cuts, not in 
containers.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.026

    For application to outside containers of horsemeat food products.
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.027
    
    For application to mule and other (nonhorse) equine carcasses, 
primal parts, and cuts, not in containers.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.028

    For application to outside containers of equine meat food products.

[[Page 317]]

    (b) Except for product offered for entry from Canada, when import 
inspections are performed in official establishments the official 
inspection legend to be applied to meat and meat food products offered 
for entry shall be the appropriate form as specified in Sec. Sec.  312.2 
and 312.3 of this subchapter.
    (c) When products are refused entry into the United States, the 
official mark to be applied to the products refused entry shall be in 
the following form:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.029

    (d) Devices for applying ``United States Refused Entry'' marks shall 
be furnished to Program inspectors by the Department.
    (e) The ordering and manufacture of brands containing official 
inspection legends shall be in accordance with the provisions contained 
in Sec.  317.3(c) of the Federal meat inspection regulations.

[51 FR 37708, Oct. 24, 1986, as amended at 54 FR 41049, Oct. 5, 1989]



PART 329_DETENTION; SEIZURE AND CONDEMNATION; CRIMINAL OFFENSES-
-Table of Contents



Sec.
329.1 Article or livestock subject to administrative detention.
329.2 Method of detention; form of detention tag.
329.3 Notification of detention to the owner of the article or livestock 
          detained, or the owner's agent, and person having custody.
329.4 Notification of governmental authorities having jurisdiction over 
          article or livestock detained; form of written notification.
329.5 Movement of article or livestock detained; removal of official 
          marks.
329.6 Articles or livestock subject to judicial seizure and 
          condemnation.
329.7 Procedure for seizure, condemnation and disposition.
329.8 Authority for condemnation or seizure under other provisions of 
          law.
329.9 Criminal offenses.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.17, 2.55.

    Source: 35 FR 15617, Oct. 3, 1970, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  329.1  Article or livestock subject to administrative detention.

    Any carcass, part of a carcass, meat or meat food product of 
livestock, or article exempted from the definition of meat food product, 
or any dead, dying, disabled, or diseased livestock is subject to 
detention for a period not to exceed 20 days when found by any 
authorized representative of the Secretary upon any premises where it is 
held for the purposes of, or during or after distribution in, commerce 
or it is otherwise subject to Title I or II of the Act, and there is 
reason to believe that:
    (a) Any such article is adulterated or misbranded and is capable of 
use as human food; or
    (b) Any such article has not been inspected, in violation of the 
provisions of Title I of the Act, any other Federal law, or the laws of 
any State or Territory, or the District of Columbia; or
    (c) Any such article or livestock has been or is intended to be, 
distributed in violation of the provisions of Title I of the Act, any 
other Federal law, or the laws of any State or Territory, or the 
District of Columbia.



Sec.  329.2  Method of detention; form of detention tag.

    An authorized representative of the Secretary shall detain any 
article or livestock to be detained under this part, by affixing an 
official ``U.S. Detained'' tag (FSIS Form 8400-2) to such article or 
livestock.

[55 FR 47842, Nov. 16, 1990]



Sec.  329.3  Notification of detention to the owner of the article or 
livestock detained, or the owner's agent, and person having custody.

    (a) When any article or livestock is detained under this part, an 
authorized representative of the Secretary shall:
    (1) Orally notify the immediate custodian of the article or 
livestock detained, and
    (2) Promptly furnish a copy of a completed ``Notice of Detention'' 
(FSIS

[[Page 318]]

Form 8080-1) to the immediate custodian of the detained article or 
livestock.
    (b) If the owner of the detained article or livestock, or the 
owner's agent, is not the immediate custodian at the time of detention 
and if the owner, or owner's agent, can be ascertained and notified, an 
authorized representative of the Secretary shall furnish a copy of the 
completed ``Notice of Detention'' to the owner or the owner's agent. 
Such copy shall be served, as soon as possible, by delivering the 
notification to the owner, or the owner's agent, or by certifying and 
mailing the notification to the owner, or the owner's agent, at his or 
her last known residence or principal office or place of business.

[55 FR 47842, Nov. 16, 1990]



Sec.  329.4  Notification of governmental authorities having jurisdiction
over article or livestock detained; form of written notification.

    Within 48 hours after the detention of any livestock or article 
pursuant to this part, an authorized representative of the Secretary 
shall give oral or written notification of such detention to any Federal 
authorities not connected with the Program, and any State or other 
governmental authorities, having jurisdiction over such livestock or 
article. In the event notification is given orally, it shall be 
confirmed in writing, as promptly as circumstances permit.



Sec.  329.5  Movement of article or livestock detained; removal of 
official marks.

    (a) No article or livestock detained in accordance with the 
provisions in this part shall be moved by any person from the place at 
which it is located when so detained, until released by an authorized 
representative of the Secretary: Provided, That any such article or 
livestock may be moved from the place at which it is located when so 
detained, for refrigeration, freezing, or storage purposes if such 
movement has been approved by an authorized representative of the 
Secretary: And provided further, That the article or livestock so moved 
will be detained by an authorized representative of the Secretary after 
such movement until such time as the detention is terminated.
    (b) Upon terminating the detention of such article or livestock, an 
authorized representative of the Secretary shall:
    (1) Orally notify the immediate custodian of the released article or 
livestock, and
    (2) Furnish copies of a completed ``Notice of Termination of 
Detention'' (FSIS Form 8400-1) to the persons notified when the article 
or livestock was detained. The notice shall be served by either 
delivering the notice to such persons or by certifying and mailing the 
notice to such persons at their last known residences or principal 
offices or places of business.
    (c) All official marks may be required by such representative to be 
removed from such article or livestock before it is released unless it 
appears to the satisfaction of the representative that the article or 
livestock is eligible to retain such marks.

[35 FR 15617, Oct. 3, 1970, as amended at 36 FR 12004, June 24, 1971; 39 
FR 36000, Oct. 7, 1974; 55 FR 47842, Nov. 16, 1990]



Sec.  329.6  Articles or livestock subject to judicial seizure and 
condemnation.

    Any carcass, part of a carcass, meat or meat food product, or any 
dead, dying, disabled, or diseased livestock, that is being transported 
in commerce or is otherwise subject to Title I or II of the Act, or is 
held for sale in the United States after such transportation, is subject 
to seizure and condemnation, in a judicial proceeding pursuant to 
section 403 of the Act if such article or livestock:
    (a) Is or has been prepared, sold, transported, or otherwise 
distributed or offered or received for distribution in violation of the 
Act, or
    (b) Is capable of use as human food and is adulterated or 
misbranded, or
    (c) In any other way is in violation of the Act.



Sec.  329.7  Procedure for seizure, condemnation, and disposition.

    Any article or livestock subject to seizure and condemnation under 
this part shall be liable to be proceeded against and seized and 
condemned, and disposed of, at any time, on an appropriate pleading in 
any United States district court, or other proper court

[[Page 319]]

specified in section 404 of the Act, within the jurisdiction of which 
the article or livestock is found.



Sec.  329.8  Authority for condemnation or seizure under other
provisions of law.

    The provisions of this part relating to seizure, condemnation and 
disposition of articles or livestock do not derogate from authority for 
condemnation or seizure conferred by other provisions of the Act, or 
other laws.



Sec.  329.9  Criminal offenses.

    The Act contains criminal provisions with respect to numerous 
offenses specified in the Act, including but not limited to bribery of 
Program employees, receipt of gifts by Program employees, and forcible 
assaults on, or other interference with, Program employees while engaged 
in, or on account of, the performance of their official duties under the 
Act.



 PART 331_SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR DESIGNATED STATES AND TERRITORIES;
 AND FOR DESIGNATION OF ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH ENDANGER PUBLIC HEALTH AND 
 FOR SUCH DESIGNATED ESTABLISHMENTS--Table of Contents



Sec.
331.1 Definition of ``State.''
331.2 Designation of States under paragraph 301(c) of the Act.
331.3 States designated under paragraph 301(c) of the Act; application 
          of regulations.
331.4 Control and disposal of non-federally-inspected products in States 
          designated under paragraph 301(c) of the Act.
331.5 Criteria and procedure for designating establishments with 
          operations which would clearly endanger the public health; 
          disposition of products; application of regulations.
331.6 Designation of States under section 205 of the Act; application of 
          sections of the Act and the regulations.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 35 FR 19667, Dec. 29, 1970, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  331.1  Definition of ``State''.

    For purposes of this part, the term ``State'' means any State 
(including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico) or organized Territory.



Sec.  331.2  Designation of States under paragraph 301(c) of the Act.

    Each of the following States has been designated, under paragraph 
301(c) of the Act, as a State in which the provisions of Titles I and IV 
of the Act shall apply to operations and transactions wholly within such 
State. The Federal provisions apply, effective on the dates shown below:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Effective date of
                   State                       application of Federal
                                                     provisions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alaska....................................  July 31, 1999.
Arkansas..................................  June 1, 1981.
California................................  Apr. 1, 1976.
Colorado..................................  July 1, 1975.
Connecticut...............................  Oct. 1, 1975.
Florida...................................  Dec. 2, 1997.
Guam......................................  Jan. 21, 1972.
Hawaii....................................  Nov. 1, 1995.
Idaho.....................................  July 1, 1981.
Kentucky..................................  Jan. 14, 1972.
Maryland..................................  Mar. 31, 1991
Massachusetts.............................  Jan. 12, 1976.
Michigan..................................  Oct. 3, 1981.
Nebraska..................................  Oct. 1, 1971.
Nevada....................................  July 1, 1973.
New Hampshire.............................  Aug. 6, 1978.
New Jersey................................  July 1, 1975.
New Mexico................................  Aug. 13, 2007.
New York..................................  July 16, 1975.
Northern Mariana Islands..................  Oct. 29, 1979.
Oregon....................................  July 1, 1972.
Pennsylvania..............................  July 17, 1972.
Puerto Rico...............................  June 18, 1971.
Rhode Island..............................  Oct. 1, 1981.
Tennessee.................................  Oct. 1, 1975.
Virgin Islands of the U.S.................  Nov. 27, 1971.
Washington................................  June 1, 1973.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[35 FR 19667, Dec. 29, 1970]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
331.2, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  331.3  States designated under paragraph 301(c) of the Act;
application of regulations.

    The provisions of the regulations in this subchapter apply to 
operations and transactions wholly within each State designated in Sec.  
331.2 under paragraph 301(c) of the Act, except as otherwise provided in 
this section. (The provisions of the regulations apply in all respects 
to operations and transactions in or for commerce.)
    (a) Each establishment located in such a designated State shall be 
granted inspection required under

[[Page 320]]

Sec.  302.1(a)(2) of this subchapter only if it is found, upon a 
combined evaluation of its premises, facilities, and operating 
procedures, to be capable of producing products that are not adulterated 
or misbranded.
    (b) Section 305.2 of this subchapter will apply to establishments 
required to have inspection under Sec.  302.1(a)(2) of this subchapter, 
except that existing interconnections between official and unofficial 
establishments will be permitted if it is determined in specific cases 
that the interconnections are such that transfer of inedible product 
into the official establishment would be difficult or unusual, and any 
such transfers are strictly prohibited, except as permitted under other 
provisions of this subchapter. It is essential that separation of 
facilities be maintained to the extent necessary to assure that inedible 
product does not enter the official establishment contrary to the 
regulations in this subchapter.
    (c) Sections 416.2(c), (d), (e), (f), and (h) of this chapter shall 
apply to such establishments.
    (d) Section 314.2 of this subchapter shall apply to such 
establishments, except that a separate room or compartment need not be 
provided for inedible products if they can be handled so that they do 
not create insanitary conditions in any room or compartment used for 
edible products or otherwise render any edible products adulterated and 
do not interfere with the conduct of inspection. For example, 
intestines, paunch contents, feet, and hides might be accumulated on the 
kill floor in clean, watertight drums with close fitting covers if there 
is sufficient space to store them out of the way until the close of the 
day's operation.
    (e) Sections 316.7, 317.3, and 412.1 of this chapter apply to such 
establishments, except as provided in this paragraph (e).
    (1) The operator of each such establishment will, prior to the 
inauguration of inspection, identify all labeling and marking devices in 
use, or proposed for use, (upon the date of inauguration of inspection) 
to the Front Line Supervisor of the circuit in which the establishment 
is located. Temporary approval, pending formal approval under Sec. Sec.  
316.7, 317.3, and 412.1 of this chapter, will be granted by the Front 
Line Supervisor for labeling and marking devices that he determines are 
neither false nor misleading, provided the official inspection legend 
bearing the official establishment number is applied to the principal 
display panel of each label, either by a mechanical printing device or a 
self-destructive pressure sensitive sticker, and provided the label 
shows the true product name, an accurate ingredient statement, the name 
and address of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor, and any other 
features required by section 1(n) of the Act.
    (2) The circuit supervisor will forward one copy of each item of 
labeling and a description of each marking device for which he has 
granted temporary approval to the Washington, DC, office of the Labeling 
and Packaging Staff and will retain one copy in a temporary approval 
file for the establishment.
    (3) The operator of the official establishment shall promptly 
forward a copy of each item of labeling and a description of each 
marking device for which temporary approval has been granted by the 
Front Line Supervisor (showing any modifications required by the Front 
Line Supervisor) to the FSIS Labeling and Program Delivery Staff, 
accompanied by the formula and details of preparation and packaging for 
each product. Within 90 days after inauguration of inspection, all 
labeling material and marking devices temporarily approved by the Front 
Line Supervisor must receive approval as required by Sec. Sec.  316.7, 
317.3, and 412.1 of this chapter, or their use must be discontinued.
    (4) The circuit supervisor will also review all shipping containers 
to insure that they do not have any false or misleading labeling and are 
otherwise not misbranded. Modifications of unacceptable information on 
labeling material by the use of self-destructive pressure sensitive tape 
or by blocking out with an ink stamp will be authorized on a temporary 
basis to permit the maximum allowable use of all labeling materials on 
hand. All unacceptable labeling material which is not modified to comply 
with the requirements of this subchapter must be destroyed or removed 
from the official establishment.

[[Page 321]]

    (f) Sections 320.1, 320.2, 320.3, 320.4, 320.5, 325.20, and 325.21 
apply to operations and transactions not in or for commerce in a State 
designated under paragraph 301(c) only if the State is also designated 
under section 205 of the Act and if such provisions are applicable as 
shown in Sec.  331.6.
    (g) Section 321.1(a) of this subchapter will not apply to States 
designated under paragraph 301(c) of the Act.
    (h) Parts 322 and 327 and Sec.  325.3 of this subchapter relating to 
exports and imports do not apply to operations and transactions solely 
in or for intrastate commerce.
    (i) Part 325 of this subchapter will apply to establishments 
required to have inspection under Sec.  302.1(a)(2) of this subchapter 
and to operations and transactions solely in or for intrastate commerce, 
except as provided in paragraphs (h) and (j) of this section.
    (j) Sections 325.4, 325.15, and 325.1(b) of this subchapter will not 
apply to require a certificate, or evidence thereof, for the 
distribution solely within any designated State of products that are 
U.S. inspected and passed and so marked.

[35 FR 19667, Dec. 29, 1970, as amended at 36 FR 12004, June 24, 1971; 
41 FR 18089, Apr. 30, 1976; 62 FR 45026, Aug. 25, 1997; 64 FR 56416, 
Oct. 20, 1999; 78 FR 66837, Nov. 7, 2013]



Sec.  331.4  Control and disposal of non-federally-inspected products
in States designated under paragraph 301(c) of the Act.

    Upon the effective date of designation of a State under paragraph 
301(c) of the Act, no products can be prepared within the State unless 
they are prepared under inspection pursuant to the regulations in this 
subchapter or are exempted from the requirement of inspection under 
Sec.  303.1 of this subchapter, and no unexempted products which were 
prepared without any inspection can lawfully be distributed within the 
State. For a period of 90 days from the effective date of such 
designation, products which were prepared and inspected and passed under 
the supervision of a responsible State or local inspection agency can be 
distributed solely within the State, provided they are not adulterated 
or misbranded, except that the official inspection legend is not 
required. Within the 90-day period, products that have been inspected by 
the State or local inspection agency may be further prepared and 
otherwise handled in official establishments required to have inspection 
under Sec.  302.1(a)(2) of this subchapter or at establishments exempted 
from the requirements of such inspection under Sec.  303.1 of this 
subchapter, and may be distributed as provided in this section but 
otherwise shall be handled in accordance with Sec.  305.4 of this 
subchapter. Such products shall not bear any [Federal] official 
inspection legends. After said 90-day period, only federally inspected 
and passed products may be distributed within the designated State, 
except as provided in Sec.  303.1 of this subchapter.



Sec.  331.5  Criteria and procedure for designating establishments with 
operations which would clearly endanger the public health; disposition 
of products; application of regulations.

    (a) An establishment preparing products solely for distribution 
within any State shall be designated as one producing adulterated 
products which would clearly endanger the public health, if:
    (1) Any meat or meat food product prepared at the establishment is 
adulterated in any of the following respects:
    (i) It bears or contains a pesticide chemical, food additive, or 
color additive, that is ``unsafe'' within the meaning of sections 408, 
409, or 706 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or was 
intentionally subjected to radiation in a manner not permitted under 
section 409 of said Act; or if it bears or contains any other added 
poisonous or added deleterious substance which may render it injurious 
to health or make it unfit for human food; or
    (ii) It consists in whole or in part of any filthy, putrid, or 
decomposed substance or is for any other reason unsound, unhealthful, or 
unwholesome or otherwise unfit for human food (for example, it was 
prepared from meat or other ingredients exhibiting spoilage 
characteristics; or it is, or was prepared from, a carcass affected with 
a disease transmissible to humans and its condemnation would be required

[[Page 322]]

under part 309 or 310 of the Federal Meat Inspection regulations (9 CFR 
parts 309, 310) at federally inspected establishments; or
    (iii) It has been prepared, packed or held under insanitary 
conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with filth or may 
have been rendered injurious to health (for example if insects or vermin 
are not effectively controlled at the establishments, or insanitary 
water is used in preparing meat or meat food products for human food); 
or
    (iv) It is, in whole or in part, the product of an animal that died 
otherwise than by slaughter; or
    (v) Its container is composed, in whole or in part, of any poisonous 
or deleterious substance which may render the contents injurious to 
health; and
    (2) Such adulterated articles are intended to be or are distributed 
from the establishment while capable of use as human food.
    (b) When any such establishment is identified by a Program Inspector 
as one producing adulterated product, which would clearly endanger 
public health under the criteria in paragraph (a) of this section, the 
following procedure will be followed:
    (1) The Program Inspector will informally advise the operator of the 
establishment concerning the deficiencies found by him and report his 
findings to the appropriate Regional Director for the Program. When it 
is determined by the Regional Director that any establishment preparing 
products solely for distribution within any State is producing 
adulterated products for distribution within such State which would 
clearly endanger the public health, written notification thereof will be 
issued to the appropriate State officials, including the Governor of the 
State and the appropriate Advisory Committee, for effective action under 
State or local law to prevent such endangering of the public health. 
Such written notification shall clearly specify the deficiencies deemed 
to result in the production of adulterated products and shall specify a 
reasonable time for such action under State or local law.
    (2) If effective action is not taken under State or local law within 
the specified time, written notification shall be issued by the Regional 
Director to the operator of the establishment, specifying the 
deficiencies involved and allowing him ten days to present his views or 
make the necessary corrections, and notifying him that failure to 
correct such deficiencies may result in designation of the establishment 
and operator thereof as subject to the provisions of titles I and IV of 
the Act as though engaged in commerce.
    (3) Thereafter the Program Inspector shall survey the establishment 
and designate it if he determines, in consultation with the Regional 
Director, that it is producing adulterated products, which would clearly 
endanger the public health, and formal notice of such designation will 
be issued to the operator of the establishment by the Regional Director.
    (c) Products on hand at the time of designation of an establishment 
under this section are subject to detention, seizure and condemnation in 
accordance with part 329 of this subchapter: Provided, That products 
that have been federally inspected and so identified and that have not 
been further prepared at any nonfederally inspected establishment may be 
released for distribution if the products appear to be not adulterated 
or misbranded at the time of such release.
    (d) No establishment designated under this section can lawfully 
prepare any products unless it first obtains inspection or qualifies for 
exemption under Sec.  303.1 of this subchapter. All of the provisions of 
the regulations shall apply to establishments designated under this 
section, except that the exceptions provided for in Sec.  331.3 of this 
part shall apply to such establishments.

[35 FR 19667, Dec. 29, 1970, as amended at 83 FR 25308, May 31, 2018]



Sec.  331.6  Designation of States under section 205 of the Act;
application of sections of the Act and the regulations.

    Each of the following States has been designated, effective on the 
date shown below, under section 205 of the Act, as a State in which the 
provisions of the sections of the Act and regulations

[[Page 323]]

specified below shall apply to operators engaged, other than in or for 
commerce, in the kinds of business indicated below:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                              Effective date of
 Sections of act and regulations          Classes of operators                 State             designation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Act, section 202; Sec.  Sec.       Persons engaged (not in or for      Alaska..............  July 31, 1999.
 320.1, 320.2, 320.3, and 320.4.    commerce) in (1) the business of   Arkansas............  Mar. 29, 1982.
                                    slaughtering any livestock or      California..........  Apr. 1, 1976.
                                    preparing, freezing, packaging or  Colorado............  July 1, 1975.
                                    labeling any livestock carcasses   Connecticut.........  Oct. 1, 1975.
                                    or parts or products thereof, for  Guam................  Nov. 19, 1976.
                                    use as human food or animal food;  Idaho...............  Mar. 29, 1982.
                                    (2) the business of buying or      Kentucky............  Apr. 18, 1973.
                                    selling (as a meat broker,         Maryland............  Mar. 31, 1991.
                                    wholesaler, or otherwise),         Massachusetts.......  Jan. 12, 1976.
                                    transporting or storing any        Michigan............  Mar. 29, 1982.
                                    livestock carcasses or parts or    Nebraska............  Jan. 31, 1975.
                                    products thereof; or (3) business
                                    as a renderer, or in the business
                                    of buying, selling, or
                                    transporting any dead, dying,
                                    disabled, or diseased livestock
                                    or parts of carcasses of any
                                    livestock that died otherwise
                                    than by slaughter.
                                   ..................................  Nevada..............  Jan. 31, 1975.
                                                                       New Hampshire.......  Oct. 29, 1979.
                                                                       New Jersey..........  July 1, 1975.
                                                                       New York............  July 16, 1975.
                                                                       Northern Mariana      Oct. 29, 1979.
                                                                        Islands.
                                                                       Oregon..............  Jan. 31, 1975.
                                                                       Pennsylvania........  May 2, 1974.
                                                                       Puerto Rico.........  Nov. 19, 1976.
                                                                       Rhode Island........  Mar. 29, 1982.
                                                                       Tennessee...........  Oct. 1, 1975.
                                                                       Virgin Islands......  Nov. 19, 1976.
                                                                       Washington..........  Jan. 31, 1975.
Act, 203; Sec.   320.5...........  Persons engaged (not in or for      Alaska..............  July 31, 1999.
                                    commerce) in business as a meat    Arkansas............  Mar. 29, 1982.
                                    broker; renderer; animal food      California..........  Apr. 1, 1976.
                                    manufacturer; wholesaler or        Colorado............  July 1, 1975.
                                    public warehouseman of livestock   Connecticut.........  Oct. 1, 1973.
                                    carcasses, or parts or products    Guam................  Nov. 19, 1976.
                                    thereof; or buying, selling, or    Idaho...............  Mar. 29, 1982.
                                    transporting any dead, dying,      Kentucky............  Apr. 18, 1976.
                                    disabled, or diseased livestock,   Maryland............  Mar. 31, 1991.
                                    or parts of carcasses of any such  Massachusetts.......  Jan. 12, 1975.
                                    livestock that dies otherwise
                                    than by slaughter.
                                                                       Michigan............  Mar. 29, 1982.
                                                                       Nebraska............  Jan. 31, 1975.
                                                                       Nevada..............  Jan. 31, 1975.
                                                                       New Hampshire.......  Oct. 29, 1979.
                                                                       New Jersey..........  July 1, 1975.
                                                                       New York............  July 16, 1973.
                                                                       Northern Mariana      Oct. 29, 1979.
                                                                        Islands.
                                                                       Oregon..............  Jan. 31, 1974.
                                                                       Pennsylvania........  May 2, 1975.
                                                                       Puerto Rico.........  Nov. 19, 1976.
                                                                       Rhode Island........  Mar. 29, 1982.
                                                                       Tennessee...........  Oct. 1, 1975.
                                                                       Virgin Islands......  Nov. 19, 1976.
                                                                       Washington..........  Jan. 31, 1975.
Act, 204; Sec.  Sec.   325.20 and  Persons engaged (not in or for      Alaska..............  July 31, 1999.
 325.21.                            commerce) in the business of       Arkansas............  Mar. 29, 1982.
                                    buying, selling or transporting    Connecticut.........  Oct. 1, 1975.
                                    any dead, dying, disabled or       Guam................  Nov. 19, 1976.
                                    diseased animals, or parts of      Idaho...............  Mar. 29, 1982.
                                    carcasses of any animals that      Kentucky............  Apr. 18, 1973.
                                    died otherwise than by slaughter.  Maryland............  Mar. 31, 1991.
                                                                       Massachusetts.......  Jan. 12, 1976.
                                                                       Michigan............  Mar. 29, 1982.
                                                                       Nevada..............  Jan. 31, 1975.
                                                                       New Hampshire.......  Oct. 29, 1979.
                                                                       New Jersey..........  July 1, 1975.
                                                                       New York............  July 16, 1975.
                                                                       Northern Mariana      Oct. 29, 1979.
                                                                        Islands.
                                                                       Oregon..............  Jan. 31, 1975.
                                                                       Pennsylvania........  May 2, 1974.
                                                                       Puerto Rico.........  Nov. 19, 1976.
                                                                       Rhode Island........  Mar. 29, 1982.
                                                                       Virgin Islands......  Nov. 19, 1976.

[[Page 324]]

 
                                                                       Washington..........  Jan. 31, 1975.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[35 FR 19667, Dec. 29, 1970]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
331.6, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



PART 332_SELECTED ESTABLISHMENTS; COOPERATIVE PROGRAM FOR INTERSTATE 
SHIPMENT OF CARCASSES, PARTS OF CARCASSES, MEAT, AND MEAT FOOD PRODUCTS-
-Table of Contents



Sec.
332.1 Definitions.
332.2 Purpose.
332.3 Requirements for establishments; ineligible establishments.
332.4 State request for cooperative agreement.
332.5 Establishment selection; official number for selected 
          establishments.
332.6 Commencement of a cooperative interstate shipment program; 
          inspection by designated personnel and official mark.
332.7 Federal oversight of a cooperative interstate shipment program.
332.8 Quarterly reports.
332.9 Enforcement authority.
332.10 Deselection of ineligible establishments.
332.11 Transition to official establishment.
332.12 Transition grants.
332.13 Separation of operations.
332.14 Voluntary withdrawal.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 76 FR 24753, May 2, 2011, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  332.1  Definitions.

    Cooperative interstate shipment program. A cooperative meat 
inspection program described in Sec.  321.3 of this subchapter.
    Cooperative State meat inspection program. A cooperative State-
Federal meat inspection program described in Sec.  321.1 of this 
subchapter.
    Designated personnel. State inspection personnel that have been 
trained in the enforcement of the Act and any additional State program 
requirements in order to provide inspection services to selected 
establishments.
    Interstate commerce. ``Interstate commerce'' has the same meaning as 
``commerce'' under Sec.  301.2 of this subchapter.
    Selected establishment. An establishment operating under a State 
cooperative meat inspection program that has been selected by the 
Administrator, in coordination with the State where the establishment is 
located, to participate in a cooperative interstate shipment program.



Sec.  332.2  Purpose.

    This part prescribes the conditions under which States that 
administer cooperative State meat inspection programs and establishments 
that operate under such programs may participate in a cooperative 
interstate shipment program.



Sec.  332.3  Requirements for establishments; ineligible establishments.

    (a) An establishment that operates under a cooperative State meat 
inspection program may apply to participate in a cooperative interstate 
shipment program under this part if:
    (1) The establishment employs on average no more than 25 employees 
based on the standards described in paragraph (b) of this section, or
    (2) The establishment employed more than 25 employees but fewer than 
35 employees as of June 18, 2008. If selected to participate in a 
cooperative interstate shipment program, an establishment under this 
paragraph must employ on average no more than 25 employees as of July 1, 
2014, or it must transition to become an official establishment as 
provided in Sec.  332.11 of this part.
    (b) An establishment that has 25 or fewer employees based on the 
following standards is considered to have 25 or fewer employees on 
average for purposes of this part.

[[Page 325]]

    (1) All individuals, both supervisory and non-supervisory, employed 
by the establishment on a full-time, part-time, or temporary basis whose 
duties involve handling the meat or meat food products prepared by the 
establishment are counted when calculating the total number of 
employees.
    (2) All individuals employed by the establishment from a temporary 
employee agency, professional employee organization, or leasing concern 
whose duties involve handling the meat or meat food products prepared by 
the establishment are counted when calculating the total number of 
employees.
    (3) The average number of employees is calculated for each of the 
pay periods for the preceding 12 calendar months.
    (4) Part-time and temporary employees are counted the same as full-
time employees.
    (5) If the establishment has not been in business for 12 months, the 
average number of employees is calculated for each of the pay periods in 
which the establishment has been in business.
    (6) Volunteers who receive no compensation are not considered 
employees unless their duties involve handling the meat or meat food 
products prepared by the establishment.
    (7) The total number of employees can never exceed 35 individuals at 
any given time, regardless of the average number of employees.
    (c) The following establishments are ineligible to participate in a 
cooperative interstate shipment program:
    (1) Establishments that employ more than 25 employees on average 
(except as provided under paragraph (a)(2) of this section);
    (2) Establishments operating under a Federal-State program as 
provided in Sec.  321.2 of this subchapter as of June 18, 2008;
    (3) Official establishments;
    (4) Establishments that were official establishments as of June 18, 
2008, but that were re-organized on a later date by the person that 
controlled the establishment as of June 18, 2008;
    (5) Establishments operating under a cooperative State meat 
inspection that employed more than 35 employees as of June 18, 2008, 
that were reorganized on a later date by the person that controlled the 
establishment as of June 18, 2008;
    (6) Establishments that are the subject of a transition under Sec.  
332.11 of this part;
    (7) Establishments that are in violation of the Act;
    (8) Establishments located in States without a cooperative State 
meat inspection program; and
    (9) Establishments located in a State whose agreement for a 
cooperative interstate shipment program was terminated by the 
Administrator as provided in Sec.  321.3(d) of this subchapter.
    (d) An establishment that meets the conditions in paragraph (a) of 
this section and that is not an ineligible establishment under paragraph 
(c) of this section may apply for selection into a cooperative 
interstate shipment program through the State in which the establishment 
is located.

[76 FR 24753, May 2, 2011; 76 FR 81360, Dec. 28, 2011]



Sec.  332.4  State request for cooperative agreement.

    (a) State participation in a cooperative interstate shipment program 
under this part is limited to States that have implemented cooperative 
State meat inspection programs.
    (b) To request an agreement for a cooperative interstate shipment 
program under this part, a State must submit a written request to the 
Administrator through the FSIS District Office for the FSIS District in 
which the State is located. In the request the State must:
    (1) Identify establishments in the State that have requested to be 
selected for the program that the State recommends for initial selection 
into the program, if any;
    (2) Demonstrate that the State is able to provide the necessary 
inspection services to selected establishments in the State and conduct 
any related activities that would be required under a cooperative 
interstate shipment program established under this part; and
    (3) Agree that, if the State enters into an agreement with FSIS for 
a cooperative interstate shipment program, the State will:

[[Page 326]]

    (i) Provide FSIS with access to the results of all laboratory 
analyses conducted on product samples from selected establishments in 
the State;
    (ii) Notify the selected establishment coordinator for the State of 
the results of any laboratory analyses that indicate that a product 
prepared in a selected establishment may be adulterated or may otherwise 
present a food safety concern; and
    (iii) When necessary, cooperate with FSIS to transition selected 
establishments in the State that have been deselected from a cooperative 
interstate shipment program to become official establishments.
    (c) If the Administrator determines that a State that has submitted 
a request to participate in a cooperative interstate shipment program 
qualifies to enter into a cooperative agreement for such a program, the 
Administrator and the State will sign a cooperative agreement that sets 
forth the terms and conditions under which each party will cooperate to 
provide inspection services to selected establishments located in the 
State.
    (d) After the Administrator and a State have signed an agreement for 
a cooperative interstate shipment program as provided in paragraph (c) 
of this section, the Administrator will:
    (1) Appoint an FSIS employee as the FSIS selected establishment 
coordinator for the State and
    (2) Coordinate with the State to select establishments to 
participate in the program as provided in Sec.  332.5(b) of this part.



Sec.  332.5  Establishment selection; official number for selected
establishments.

    (a) An establishment operating under a cooperative State meat 
inspection program will qualify for selection into a cooperative 
interstate shipment program if the establishment:
    (1) Has submitted a request to the State to be selected for the 
program;
    (2) Has the appropriate number of employees under Sec.  332.3(a) of 
this part;
    (3) Is not ineligible to participate in a cooperative interstate 
shipment program under Sec.  332.3(c) of this part;
    (4) Is in compliance with all requirements under the cooperative 
State meat inspection program; and
    (5) Is in compliance with all requirements under the Act and the 
implementing regulations in this chapter.
    (b) To participate in a cooperative interstate shipment program, an 
establishment that meets the conditions in paragraph (a) of this section 
must be selected by the Administrator, in coordination with the State 
where the establishment is located.
    (c) If an establishment is selected to participate in a cooperative 
interstate shipment program as provided in paragraph (b) of this 
section, the State is to assign the establishment an official number 
that reflects the establishment's participation in the cooperative 
interstate shipment program and advise the FSIS selected establishment 
coordinator for the State of the official number assigned to each 
selected establishment in the State. The official number assigned to 
every selected establishment must contain a suffix, e.g., ``SE,'' that 
identifies the establishment as a selected establishment and that 
identifies the State, e.g., ``SETX,'' for ``selected establishment 
Texas.''
    (d) Failure of the State to comply with paragraph (c) of this 
section will disqualify the State from participation in the cooperative 
interstate shipment program.



Sec.  332.6  Commencement of a cooperative interstate shipment program;
inspection by designated personnel and official mark.

    (a) A cooperative interstate shipment program will commence when the 
Administrator, in coordination with the State, has selected 
establishments in the State to participate in the program.
    (b) Inspection services for selected establishments participating in 
a cooperative interstate shipment program must be provided by designated 
personnel, who will be under the direct supervision of a State employee.
    (c) Carcasses, parts of carcasses, meat, and meat food products 
prepared in a selected establishment and inspected and passed by 
designated State personnel must bear an official Federal mark, stamp, 
tag, or label of inspection in the appropriate form prescribed in

[[Page 327]]

part 312 of this subchapter that includes the information specified in 
Sec.  332.5(c) of this part.
    (d) Carcasses, parts of carcasses, meat, and meat food products 
prepared in a selected establishment that comply with the conditions in 
paragraph (c) of this section may be distributed in interstate commerce.



Sec.  332.7  Federal oversight of a cooperative interstate shipment
program.

    (a) The FSIS selected establishment coordinator for a State that has 
entered into an agreement for a cooperative interstate shipment program 
will visit each selected establishment in the State on a regular basis 
to verify that the establishment is operating in a manner that is 
consistent with the Act and the implementing regulations in this 
chapter. The frequency with which the SEC will visit selected 
establishments under the SEC's jurisdiction will be based on factors 
that include, but are not limited to, the complexity of the operations 
conducted at the selected establishment, the establishment's schedule of 
operations, and the establishment's performance under the cooperative 
interstate shipment program. If necessary, the selected establishment 
coordinator, in consultation with the District Manager that covers the 
State, may designate qualified FSIS personnel to visit a selected 
establishment on behalf of the selected establishment coordinator.
    (b) The selected establishment coordinator, in coordination with the 
State, will verify that selected establishments in the State are 
receiving the necessary inspection services from designated personnel, 
and that these establishments are eligible, and remain eligible, to 
participate in a cooperative interstate shipment program. The selected 
establishment coordinator's verification activities may include:
    (1) Verifying that each selected establishment employs, and 
continues to employ, 25 or fewer employees, on average, as required 
under Sec.  332.3(a) of this part, unless the establishment is 
transitioning to become an official establishment;
    (2) Verifying that the designated personnel are providing inspection 
services to selected establishments in a manner that complies with the 
Act and the implementing regulations in this chapter;
    (3) Verifying that that the State staffing levels for each selected 
establishments are appropriate to carry out the required inspection 
activities; and
    (4) Assessing each selected establishment's compliance with the Act 
and implementing regulations under this chapter.
    (c) If the selected establishment coordinator determines that 
designated personnel are providing inspection services to selected 
establishments in the State in a manner that is inconsistent with the 
Act and the implementing regulations in this chapter, the Administrator 
will provide an opportunity for the State to develop and implement a 
corrective action plan to address inspection deficiencies identified by 
the selected establishment coordinator. If the State fails to develop a 
corrective action plan, or the selected establishment coordinator for 
the State determines that the corrective action plan is inadequate, the 
Administrator will terminate the agreement for the cooperative 
interstate shipment program as provided in Sec.  321.3(d) of this 
chapter.



Sec.  332.8  Quarterly reports.

    (a) The selected establishment coordinator will prepare a report on 
a quarterly basis that describes the status of each selected 
establishment under his or her jurisdiction.
    (b) The quarterly report required in paragraph (a) of this section 
will:
    (1) Include the selected establishment coordinator's assessment of 
the performance of the designated personnel in conducting inspection 
activities at selected establishments and
    (2) Identify those selected establishments that the selected 
establishment coordinator has verified are in compliance with the Act 
and implementing regulations in this chapter, those that have been 
deselected under Sec.  332.10 of this part, and those that are 
transitioning to become official establishments under Sec.  332.11 of 
this part.
    (c) The selected establishment coordinator is to submit the 
quarterly report to the Administrator through the District Manager for 
the State where

[[Page 328]]

the selected establishments identified in the report are located.



Sec.  332.9  Enforcement authority.

    (a) To facilitate oversight and enforcement of this part, selected 
establishments operating under a cooperative interstate shipment program 
must, upon request, give the FSIS selected establishment coordinator or 
other FSIS officials access to all establishment records required under 
the Act and the implementing regulations in this chapter. The 
Administrator may deselect any selected establishment that refuses to 
comply with this paragraph.
    (b) Selected establishment coordinators may initiate any appropriate 
enforcement action provided for in part 500 of this chapter if they 
determine that a selected establishment under their jurisdiction is 
operating in a manner that is inconsistent with the Act and the 
implementing regulations in this chapter. Selected establishments 
participating in a cooperative interstate shipment program are subject 
to the notification and appeal procedures set out in part 500 of this 
chapter.
    (c) If inspection at a selected establishment is suspended for any 
of the reasons specified in Sec.  500.3 or Sec.  500.4 of this chapter, 
FSIS will:
    (1) Provide an opportunity for the establishment to implement 
corrective actions and remain in the cooperative interstate shipment 
program, or
    (2) Move to deselect the establishment as provided in Sec.  332.10 
of this part.
    (d) The decision to deselect a selected establishment under a 
suspension will be made on a case-by-case basis. In making this 
decision, FSIS, in consultation with the State where the selected 
establishment is located, will consider, among other factors:
    (1) The non-compliance that led to the suspension;
    (2) The selected establishment's compliance history; and
    (3) The corrective actions proposed by the selected establishment.



Sec.  332.10  Deselection of ineligible establishments.

    (a) The Administrator will deselect a selected establishment that 
becomes ineligible to participate in a cooperative interstate shipment 
program for any reason listed under Sec.  332.3(c) of this part.
    (b) An establishment that has been deselected must transition to 
become an official establishment as provided in Sec.  332.11 of this 
part.



Sec.  332.11  Transition to official establishment.

    (a) If an establishment is deselected from a cooperative interstate 
shipment program as provided in Sec.  332.10 of this part, FSIS, in 
coordination with the State where the establishment is located, will 
develop and implement a plan to transition the establishment to become 
an official establishment. Except that an establishment that was 
deselected from a cooperative interstate shipment program because it is 
located in a State whose agreement for such a program was terminated may 
either transition to become an official establishment or transition to 
become a State-inspected establishment under the cooperative State meat 
inspection program.
    (b) An establishment that has been deselected from a cooperative 
interstate shipment program and successfully transitioned to become an 
official establishment may withdraw from the Federal inspection program 
and resume operations under the cooperative State meat inspection 
program after operating as an official establishment in full compliance 
with the Act for a year.



Sec.  332.12  Transition grants.

    (a) Transition grants are funds that a State participating in a 
cooperative interstate shipment program under this part may apply for to 
reimburse selected establishments in the State for the cost to train one 
individual in the seven HACCP principles for meat or poultry processing 
as required under Sec.  417.7 of this chapter and associated training in 
the development of sanitation standard operating procedures required 
under part 416 of this chapter.
    (b) A State participating in a cooperative interstate shipment 
program that receives a transition grant must use grant funds to 
reimburse the training costs of one employee per each selected

[[Page 329]]

establishment in the State. Any other use of such funds is prohibited.



Sec.  332.13  Separation of operations.

    A selected establishment may conduct operations under the 
cooperative State meat inspection program if the establishment 
implements and maintains written procedures for complete physical 
separation of product and process for each operation by time or space.



Sec.  332.14  Voluntary withdrawal.

    A selected establishment that is in full compliance with the 
requirements in this part may voluntarily end its participation in a 
cooperative interstate shipment program and operate under the 
cooperative State meat inspection program. Establishments that 
voluntarily end their participation in the cooperative may re-apply for 
the program after operating under the cooperative State meat inspection 
program for one year.



PART 335_RULES OF PRACTICE GOVERNING PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE FEDERAL MEAT
INSPECTION ACT--Table of Contents



    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.17, 2.55.

    Source: 42 FR 10960, Feb. 25, 1977, unless otherwise noted. 
Redesignated at 64 FR 66545, Nov. 29, 1999.



                      Subpart A_Criminal Violations

    Authority: Sec. 406, Pub. L. 99-641, 100 Stat. 3571; 21 U.S.C. 606 
note.



Sec.  335.40  Opportunity for presentation of views before report of
criminal violations.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(1) through (5) of this 
section, before any violation of the Federal Meat Inspection Act is 
reported to the Department of Justice by the Secretary for criminal 
prosecution the Secretary must give reasonable notice to the suspected 
violator that the Secretary intends to report the violation for 
prosecution and give the suspected violator an opportunity to present 
the violator's views to the Secretary with respect to such proceeding.
    (1) Notice and opportunity need not be provided if the Secretary has 
any reason to believe that providing such notice and opportunity could 
result in the alteration or destruction of evidence, or where disclosure 
could result in injury to persons or property.
    (2) Notice and opportunity need not be provided if the Secretary has 
any reason to believe that providing such notice and opportunity could 
result in flight of a suspected violator to avoid prosecution.
    (3) Notice and opportunity need not be provided if the Secretary has 
any reason to believe that providing such notice and opportunity could 
result in compromising special investigative techniques, such as 
undercover or other covert operations.
    (4) Notice and opportunity need not be provided when the impending 
criminal referral involves suspicion of bribery and related offenses, or 
clandestine slaughtering and/or processing operations.
    (5) Notice and opportunity need not be provided when the impending 
referral is part of an investigation involving non-Act violations, and 
the Act and non-Act violations are jointly referred for prosecution.
    (b) A notice of opportunity to present views will be sent by 
registered or certified mail, summarize the violations that constitute 
the basis of the contemplated prosecution, and describe the procedures 
for presentation of views. Any information given by a respondent, orally 
or in writing, shall become part of the Department's official record 
concerning the matter. The Department is under no obligation to disclose 
evidence to the suspected violator.

[52 FR 13828, Apr. 27, 1987]



PART 350_SPECIAL SERVICES RELATING TO MEAT AND OTHER PRODUCTS-
-Table of Contents



Sec.
350.1 Meaning of words.
350.2 Definitions.
350.3 Types and availability of service.
350.4 [Reserved]
350.5 Application for service.

[[Page 330]]

350.6 Denial or withdrawal of service.
350.7 Fees and charges.
350.8 Scope and applicability of rules of practice.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622, 1624; 7 CFR 2.17, 2.55.

    Source: 23 FR 9982, Dec. 23, 1958, unless otherwise noted. 
Redesignated at 30 FR 4195, Mar. 31, 1965, and further redesignated at 
35 FR 15554, Oct. 3, 1970.



Sec.  350.1  Meaning of words.

    Words used in this part in the singular form shall be deemed to 
import the plural, and vice versa, as the case may demand.



Sec.  350.2  Definitions.

    For the purposes of the regulations in this part, unless the context 
otherwise requires, the following terms shall be construed, 
respectively, to mean:
    (a) Department. The United States Department of Agriculture.
    (b) Service. The Food Safety and Inspection Service of the 
Department.
    (c) Administrator. The Administrator of the Service or any officer 
or employee of the Department to whom authority has heretofore been 
delegated, or to whom authority may hereafter be delegated, to act in 
his stead.
    (d) [Reserved]
    (e) Inspector. Any officer or employee of the Department authorized 
to perform any duties under the regulations in this part.
    (f) Person. Any individual, corporation, company, association, firm, 
partnership, society, or joint stock company, or other organized group 
of any of the foregoing.
    (g) Federally inspected and passed. Inspected and passed under the 
Meat Inspection Act, as amended (21 U.S.C. 71 et seq.) or under the 
provisions in paragraphs 306 (b) and (c) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 
U.S.C. 1306 (b) and (c)).
    (h) Official establishment. An establishment operated under Federal 
meat inspection pursuant to the Meat Inspection Act, as amended (21 
U.S.C. 71 et seq.).
    (i) Food article. Any article of human food derived wholly or in 
part from meat, meat byproducts, or meat food products, which is not 
subject to the Federal meat inspection laws, and animal casings, for 
which the mark of Federal meat inspection is requested: Provided, That 
such articles and casings are derived from federally inspected and 
passed carcasses.
    (j) [Reserved]
    (k) Secretary. The Secretary of Agriculture of the United States, or 
any officer or employee of the Department to whom authority has 
heretofore been delegated, or may hereafter be delegated, to act in his 
stead in connection with the function involved.

[23 FR 9982, Dec. 23, 1958, as amended at 25 FR 9642, Oct. 7, 1960; 30 
FR 258, Jan. 9, 1965. Redesignated and amended at 30 FR 4195, Mar. 31, 
1965; 32 FR 6021, Apr. 15, 1967; 32 FR 13115, Sept. 15, 1967. Further 
redesignated at 35 FR 15554, Oct. 3, 1970, and amended at 43 FR 11147, 
Mar. 17, 1978; 54 FR 1329, Jan. 13, 1989]



Sec.  350.3  Types and availability of service.

    Upon application in accordance with Sec.  350.5 the following types 
of service may be furnished under the regulations in this part:
    (a) Identification service. (1) Meat or other product that is 
federally inspected and passed at an official establishment, or upon 
importation, under the meat inspection laws, is officially marked to 
identify it as federally inspected and passed. In order to facilitate 
the division of such meat or other product into smaller portions or its 
combination into larger units and still maintain its identity as product 
which has been federally inspected and passed and so marked, inspectors 
may supervise the handling of the product and mark such portions or 
units with the marks of Federal inspection when they determine that the 
identity has been maintained.
    (2) At the time service is furnished product must be sound, 
wholesome and fit for human food. The service will be available only on 
premises other than those of an official establishment. The sanitation 
of the plant or area where service is furnished must comply with 
applicable provisions of part 416, Sec. Sec.  416.1 through 416.6 of 
this chapter.
    (3) The mark of inspection shall be applied only under the immediate 
supervision of an inspector.
    (4) The service will be available for products moved in tank cars 
and tank trucks from an official establishment

[[Page 331]]

or from a location operating under this service only if such tank cars 
or tank trucks bear a label before leaving such official establishment 
or such other location, in accordance with 9 CFR Sec. Sec.  316.14 and 
317.2.
    (b) Certification service. At the request of a purchaser, supplier, 
exporter, or others, inspectors may make certification regarding 
livestock products for human food purposes (including casings), to be 
exported, as meeting conditions or standards that are not imposed or are 
in addition to those imposed by the regulations in parts 301 through 331 
of this chapter and the laws under which such regulations were issued.
    (c) Food inspection service. An inspection and certification service 
for wholesomeness relating to the manufacture of a food article may be 
furnished upon application. All applicable provisions of this chapter 
shall apply to the preparation, labeling and certification of the food 
article prepared under this food inspection service.
    (d) [Reserved]

[25 FR 9642, Oct. 7, 1960, as amended at 30 FR 258, Jan. 9, 1965. 
Redesignated at 30 FR 4195, Mar. 31, 1965, and amended at 30 FR 8675, 
July 9, 1965. Further redesignated at 35 FR 15554, Oct. 3, 1970, and 
amended at 38 FR 29215, Oct. 23, 1973; 53 FR 28634, July 29, 1988; 54 FR 
1329, Jan. 13, 1989; 64 FR 56416, Oct. 20, 1999; 65 FR 2284, Jan. 14, 
2000]



Sec.  350.4  [Reserved]



Sec.  350.5  Application for service.

    Any person who desires to receive service under the regulations in 
this part for meat or other product eligible therefor under such 
regulations may make application for service to the Administrator, upon 
an application form which will be furnished by the Administrator upon 
request.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0583-0036)

[23 FR 9982, Dec. 23, 1958. Redesignated at 30 FR 4195, Mar. 31, 1965, 
and at 35 FR 15554, Oct. 3, 1970, and amended at 47 FR 746, Jan. 7, 
1982]



Sec.  350.6  Denial or withdrawal of service.

    (a) If any person has applied for service for meat or other product 
not eligible therefor under the regulations in this part, or has failed 
to make proper application for service or to pay fees and charges due 
for service furnished or to be furnished to him under the regulations in 
this part, or if the service cannot be furnished to any person applying 
therefor because of lack of available inspectors or other administrative 
reasons, the service may be denied to such person by the Administrator 
until the condition justifying such denial is corrected.
    (b) Service under the regulations in this part may also be denied to 
any person by the Secretary for such period as he may deem proper, if it 
is determined, after opportunity for hearing before a proper official in 
the Department, that such person has been responsible for any willful 
misrepresentation to the Department concerning any meat or other product 
for which service has been requested under the regulations, in this 
part, or that such person has been responsible for the use without 
authority, or the imitation, of any marks or certificates of Federal 
meat inspection on or with respect to any meat or other product, or has 
otherwise been responsible for any fraudulent or deceptive practice with 
respect to such service, or that such person has interfered with or 
obstructed any inspector in the performance of his duties under the 
regulations in this part, or attempted to do so. When the Administrator 
determines that the public interest so requires, he may deny or withdraw 
service provided for in this part, without a hearing, pending final 
determination of the matter. The applicant or recipient of service 
involved shall be notified of the Administrator's decision to deny or 
suspend service and the reasons therefor, in writing, in the manner 
prescribed in Sec.  1.147(b) of the rules of practice (7 CFR 1.147(b)), 
or orally. The Administrator's decision to deny or suspend the service 
shall be effective upon such oral or written notification, whichever is 
earlier, to the applicant or recipient of service. If such notification 
is oral, the Administrator shall confirm such decision and the reasons 
therefor, in writing, as promptly as circumstances permit, and such 
written confirmation shall be served upon the applicant or recipient of 
service, in the manner prescribed in

[[Page 332]]

Sec.  1.147(b) of the rules of practice (7 CFR 1.147(b)). In other cases 
prior to the institution of proceedings for denial of service under this 
paragraph, the facts or conduct which may warrant such action shall be 
called to the attention of the person involved, in writing, and he shall 
be given an opportunity to demonstrate or achieve compliance with all 
applicable requirements.

[23 FR 9982, Dec. 23, 1958; 25 FR 9642, Oct. 7, 1960. Redesignated at 30 
FR 4195, Mar. 31, 1965, and 35 FR 15554, Oct. 3, 1970, and amended at 43 
FR 11147, Mar. 17, 1978]



Sec.  350.7  Fees and charges.

    (a) Fees and charges for service under the regulations in this part 
shall be paid by the applicant for the service in accordance with this 
section, and, if required by the Administrator, the fees and charges 
shall be paid in advance.
    (b) The fees and charges provided for in this section shall be paid 
by check, draft, or money order payable to the Treasurer of the United 
States and shall be remitted promptly to the Administrator upon 
furnishing to the applicant of a statement as to the amount due.
    (c) The fees to be charged and collected for service under the 
regulations in this part shall be at the rates specified in Sec. Sec.  
391.2, 391.3, and 391.4 respectively for base time; for overtime 
including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays; and for certain laboratory 
services which are not covered under the base time, overtime, and/or 
holiday costs. Such fees shall cover the costs of the service and shall 
be charged for the time required to render such services. Where 
appropriate, this time will include, but will not be limited to, the 
time required for travel of the inspector or inspectors in connection 
therewith during the regularly scheduled administrative workweek.
    (d) Charges may also be made to cover the cost of travel and other 
expenses incurred by the Service in connection with the furnishing of 
the service.
    (e) Exporters that submit electronic export certificate applications 
will be charged a fee per application submitted.
    (f) For each calendar year, FSIS will calculate the electronic 
export certificate application fee, using the following formula: Labor 
Costs (Technical Support Cost + Export Library Maintenance Cost) + 
Information Technology Costs (On-going operations Cost + Maintenance 
Cost + eAuthentication Cost), divided by the number of export 
applications.
    (g) FSIS will publish notice of the electronic export certificate 
application fee annually in the Federal Register.

[23 FR 9982, Dec. 23, 1958, as amended at 53 FR 13397, Apr. 22, 1988; 54 
FR 6389, Feb. 10, 1989; 81 FR 42234, June 29, 2016]



Sec.  350.8  Scope and applicability of rules of practice.

    The rules of practice of the Department of Agriculture in subpart H 
of part I, subtitle A, title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations, are 
the rules of practice applicable to adjudicatory, administrative 
proceedings under the regulations in this part (9 CFR part 350).

[43 FR 11147, Mar. 17, 1978]



PART 351_CERTIFICATION OF TECHNICAL ANIMAL FATS FOR EXPORT-
-Table of Contents



                               Definitions

Sec.
351.1 Meaning of words.
351.2 Terms defined.

                     Scope of Certification Service

351.3 Kind of service.

       Procedure for Obtaining Service: Administration of Program

351.4 Application for certification service.
351.5 Conditions of eligibility for certification service; review of 
          applications.
351.6 Official number.
351.7 Administration of certification service program.

                                  Fees

351.8 Charges for surveys of plants.
351.9 Charges for examinations.

                        Facilities and Operations

351.10 Facilities.
351.11 Identification and separation of technical animal fats for 
          certification and materials for use therein; removal of 
          wrappers, etc.; cleaning of equipment.
351.12 Circuit supervisor to be informed when plant operates.

[[Page 333]]

351.13 Inspectors to have access to certified plants at all times.
351.14 Processes to be supervised; extent of examinations.
351.15 Reports of violations.

    Transportation and Exportation of Certified Technical Animal Fat

351.16 Certificate required for shipments of technical animal fat.
351.17 Identification required.

                              Prohibitions

351.18 Official identifications; unauthorized use.

                           Remedies; Penalties

351.19 Refusal of certification for specific lots.
351.20 Withdrawal of service from certified plants.

                                 Appeals

351.21 Certification of certain animal fat for export.

                           Records and Reports

351.22 Certified plants to maintain records and make reports; access to 
          records.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622, 1624; 7 CFR 2.17 (g) and (i), 2.55.

    Source: 40 FR 58627, Dec. 18, 1975, unless otherwise noted.

                               Definitions



Sec.  351.1  Meaning of words.

    Words used in this part in the singular form shall be deemed to 
import the plural, and vice versa, as the case may demand.



Sec.  351.2  Terms defined.

    When used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
    (a) Department means the United States Department of Agriculture.
    (b) Program means the Meat and Poultry Inspection Program of the 
Food Safety and Inspection Service of the Department.
    (c) Administrator means the Administrator of the Food Safety and 
Inspection Service of the Department, or any officer or employee of the 
Department to whom authority has heretofore been delegated or may 
hereafter be delegated to act in his stead.
    (d) Circuit supervisor means an employee of the Program assigned to 
supervise and perform official work in a circuit. Such employee is 
assigned by and reports directly to the Administrator or person 
designated by him.
    (e) Inspector means an employee of the Program or a cooperating 
State.
    (f) Circuit means one or more inspected plants assigned to a circuit 
supervisor.
    (g) Recognized State means any State not designated in Sec.  331.2 
of this chapter.
    (h) Cooperating State means any State cooperating under Sec.  351.7 
in administration of the regulations in this part.
    (i) Inspection means ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection by 
Program inspectors or inspectors of a Meat Inspection Service of a 
recognized State.
    (j) Animals means cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses, mules and 
other equines.
    (k) Technical animal fat means animal fat eligible for exportation, 
or storage for exportation, in accordance with Sec.  325.11 of this 
chapter.
    (l) Certified technical animal fat means technical animal fat 
certified for export or storage for export under the regulations in this 
part.
    (m) Tallow means technical animal fat with a minimum titre of 40 
[deg]C.
    (n) Certified plant means any plant or storage facility preparing or 
storing certified technical animal fat for export, or for transfer to 
another certified plant or storage facility for ultimate export, and at 
which certification service is provided under the regulations in this 
part.
    (o) Inspected and Passed means inspected and passed under the 
Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) or the meat 
inspection laws of a recognized State.

                     Scope of Certification Service



Sec.  351.3  Kind of service.

    (a) Certification, in the form set forth in paragraph (b), is 
available under the regulations in this part for specific lots of 
technical animal fat for export, if the fat was rendered from materials 
derived from carcasses, or parts of carcasses, that had been inspected 
and passed and came from animals that did not die otherwise than by 
slaughter under inspection. The certification will be made by a Program 
employee when he determines, upon the

[[Page 334]]

basis of examinations made by him or other inspectors, as provided in 
Sec.  351.14, and information obtained by him or them from the exporter 
or other sources, as provided in the regulations in this part, that the 
technical animal fat is eligible for certification under this section 
and therefore the statements to be certified are correct. The service 
will be available upon a voluntary fee basis in accordance with said 
regulations.
    (b)(1) The form of Certificate for Export of Technical Animal Fats 
is as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.030

    (2) Certified technical animal fat may be described on the 
certificate as ``technical animal fat''; or if it is tallow, it may be 
described on the certificate as ``Tallow'' and the description may 
include the statement ``titre not less than 40 [deg]C.''

       Procedure for Obtaining Service: Administration of Program



Sec.  351.4  Application for certification service.

    Application for certification service under the regulations in this 
part may be made to the Administrator by the operator of any rendering 
plant or storage facility at which technical animal fat is prepared or 
stored for export. In case of a change of ownership or change of 
location, a new application shall be made. Applications shall be made on 
forms \1\ available from the Administrator and provide all information 
called for thereon relating to the identity of the applicant and the 
plant, and the nature of the plant operations, and a certification of 
specified facts and an agreement to comply with specified requirements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Copy filed as part of the original document.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
0583-0036)

[40 FR 58627, Dec. 18, 1975, as amended at 47 FR 746, Jan. 7, 1982]



Sec.  351.5  Conditions of eligibility for certification service;
review of applications.

    (a) To be eligible for certification service under the regulations 
in this

[[Page 335]]

part, the operator of a rendering plant must demonstrate that:
    (1) He operates a rendering plant which will receive materials 
derived from inspected and passed carcasses, or parts of carcasses, of 
animals that did not die otherwise than by slaughter under inspection, 
(i.e., not ``dead animals''); and such source materials will be rendered 
at the plant into technical animal fat eligible for export, or storage 
for export, in accordance with the regulations in this part;
    (2) The source materials and the rendered technical animal fat 
described in paragraph (a)(1) will be identified and kept separated at 
all times from other products; and
    (3) He will comply with the applicable regulations in this part.
    (b) To be eligible for certification service under the regulations 
in this part, the operator of a storage facility must demonstrate that:
    (1) He operates a storage facility that will receive for storage 
certified technical animal fat shipped directly from a certified 
rendering plant for storage for export and he will keep such shipments 
identified and separated from other products that are not certified, and 
he will receive such fat only if it is accompanied by MP Form 85, as 
required by Sec.  351.17.
    (2) He will comply with the applicable regulations in this part.
    (c) Each applicant for certification service must file with the 
Administrator, with the application for service, a written description 
of the procedures to be used for receiving, identifying, processing, 
storing, and otherwise handling technical animal fat, and materials for 
use in the preparation thereof, at the plant or storage facility 
involved, and for shipping technical animal fat from the plant or 
facility and storing and exporting such technical animal fat, and a 
written description of the shipping, receiving, and inventory records 
maintained for technical animal fat.
    (d) The Administrator will determine, on the basis of all 
information available to him, whether the arrangements at the plant or 
storage facility are such as will assure that certifications of 
technical animal fat will be correct, and, if so, will grant the 
application for certification service. An applicant will be given an 
opportunity to present his views prior to refusal of the service.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0583-0036)

[40 FR 58627, Dec. 18, 1975, as amended at 41 FR 12637, Mar. 26, 1976; 
47 FR 746, Jan. 7, 1982]



Sec.  351.6  Official number.

    The Administrator will assign a certified technical animal fat plant 
number to each plant granted service. Such number shall be preceded by 
the letter ``C'' and be used to identify all certified technical animal 
fat prepared or stored by the plant.



Sec.  351.7  Administration of certification service program.

    (a) The regulations in this part shall be administered by the 
circuit supervisor for the jurisdiction in which is located the 
certified plant or plants for which application for certification 
service is made, and such assistants as may be necessary will be 
assigned by the Administrator.
    (b) The Administrator may enter into a cooperative agreement with 
any recognized State for the conduct by State employees of any surveys, 
examinations, and other activities involved in the administration of the 
regulations in this part. However, certifications under these 
regulations may be issued only by Program employees, as provided in 
Sec.  351.3.

                                  Fees



Sec.  351.8  Charges for surveys of plants.

    Applicants for the certification service shall pay the Department 
for salary costs at the rates specified in Sec. Sec.  391.2 and 391.3 
respectively for base time, and for overtime, travel, and per diem 
allowances at rates currently allowed by the Federal Travel Regulations, 
and other expenses incidental to the initial survey of the rendering 
plants or storage facilities for which certification service is 
requested.

[54 FR 6389, Feb. 10, 1989]

[[Page 336]]



Sec.  351.9  Charges for examinations.

    (a) The fees to be charged and collected by the Administrator for 
examination shall be at the rates specified in Sec. Sec.  391.2, 391.3, 
and 391.4 respectively for base time; for overtime including Saturdays, 
Sundays, and holidays, as provided for in Sec.  351.14; and for certain 
laboratory services which are not covered under the base time, overtime, 
and/or holiday costs and which are required to determine the eligibility 
of any technical animal fat for certification under the regulations in 
this Part. Such fees shall be charged for the time required to render 
such service, including, but not limited to, the time required for the 
travel of the inspector or inspectors in connection therewith.
    (b) Charges may also be made to cover the actual cost of travel and 
per diem allowance at rates currently allowed by the General Services 
Administration, and other expenses incurred by the Department in 
connection with such examinations and laboratory service.

[40 FR 58627, Dec. 18, 1975, as amended at 53 FR 13397, Apr. 22, 1988; 
54 FR 6389, Feb. 10, 1989]

                        Facilities and Operations



Sec.  351.10  Facilities.

    (a) Facilities for the preparation, identification, and storage of 
the technical animal fat to be certified shall be furnished and 
maintained by the certified plant in accordance with this section.
    (b) The operator of the certified plant shall provide at the plant, 
rooms, compartments, and equipment needed to maintain the identity of 
certified technical animal fats and materials used in their preparation, 
and separation of such articles from other products. Such rooms, 
compartments, and equipment shall be conspicuously marked with the 
phrase ``Certified Technical Animal Fat'' whenever they contain these 
fats.



Sec.  351.11  Identification and separation of technical animal fats
for certification and materials for use therein; removal of wrappers,
etc.; cleaning of equipment.

    (a) All technical animal fat to be offered for certification under 
this part and materials to be used in the preparation of such fat, and 
all certified technical animal fat, shall be identified and kept 
separate from other products from the time of receipt at a certified 
plant and throughout processing or handling at such plant. All wrappers 
and packaging shall be removed from the source materials to the fullest 
extent practicable before the materials are rendered at the plant.
    (b) If a plant's operations are within the provisions of Sec.  
351.14(b)(3), all equipment shall be cleaned before it is used for 
receiving, preparation, or storage of certified technical animal fats or 
material to be used in preparation of such fats. Such cleaning shall be 
done in such manner as to prevent contamination of such certified fats 
or source material with materials that are unacceptable under Sec.  
351.3.



Sec.  351.12  Circuit supervisor to be informed when plant operates.

    The operator of each certified plant shall inform the circuit 
supervisor, in advance, when the plant's work schedule will include 
preparing technical animal fats for certification and identify the 
approximate days and hours when operations will begin and end.



Sec.  351.13  Inspectors to have access to certified plants at all times.

    For the purpose of administering the regulations in this part, 
inspectors shall have access at all times by day or night to every part 
of a certified plant.



Sec.  351.14  Processes to be supervised; extent of examinations.

    (a) All processes used in the preparation of certified technical 
animal fats at any certified plant shall be subject to supervision by an 
inspector. Certified plants shall not prepare any technical animal fat 
for certification under the regulations in this part, except in 
accordance with such regulations.
    (b) Supervision, ranging from full-time coverage of an entire 
process to one or more reviews per month, to determine a plant's 
compliance with the regulations in this part will be maintained. A 
circuit supervisor may increase the frequency of reviews whenever he 
deems necessary to assure the

[[Page 337]]

validity of certifications under the regulations in this part. Usual 
coverage of individual rendering plants will be as follows:
    (1) Coverage shall be at least once a month if the plant 
consistently handles only raw materials acceptable under Sec.  351.3 for 
the preparation of certified technical animal fat and the plant 
operator, in writing, certifies that he is maintaining this procedure.
    (2) Coverage shall be at least once a week if the plant consistently 
handles some raw materials that are acceptable, and some that are 
unacceptable, under Sec.  351.3, for the preparation of certified 
technical animal fat, uses separate equipment for processing, and uses 
separate rooms, compartments, and equipment for receiving and storing 
the respective types of raw materials and technical animal fats, and the 
plant operator, in writing, certifies that he is maintaining this 
complete physical separation procedure.
    (3) Coverage shall be fulltime during receiving of raw materials and 
their preparation into certified technical animal fat, if the plant 
handles some raw materials that are acceptable, and some that are 
unacceptable, under Sec.  351.3, for the preparation of certified 
technical animal fat, and uses the same rooms, compartments, and 
equipment, with only time separation between receiving, processing, and 
storing the respective types of raw materials and technical animal fats.



Sec.  351.15  Reports of violations.

    Inspectors shall report to the circuit supervisor any apparent 
violations of the regulations in this part or the Federal Meat 
Inspection Act or regulations thereunder (subchapter A of this chapter) 
which occur at certified plants, or elsewhere, within their knowledge. 
The circuit supervisor shall report such actions to the Administrator 
through appropriate channels.

    Transportation and Exportation of Certified Technical Animal Fat



Sec.  351.16  Certificate required for shipments of technical animal fat.

    No certified plant shall export any certified technical animal fat 
unless the shipment is accompanied by a certificate issued under Sec.  
351.3.



Sec.  351.17  Identification required.

    Certified technical animal fats being exported directly from a 
certified plant or transferred between certified plants for storage for 
export are subject to the requirements of Sec.  325.11 of this chapter. 
In addition, such shipments between certified plants shall be 
accompanied by MP Form 85 (Declaration to Accompany Technical Animal 
Fats Between Certified Technical Animal Fat Plants) \2\ prepared by the 
operator of the certified plant from which shipment is made, certifying 
that the product has been obtained by rendering raw materials derived 
from federally or State inspected and passed carcasses, or parts of 
carcasses. Technical animal fat described on MP Form 85 as tallow must 
meet the definition of ``Tallow'' in Sec.  351.2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Copy filed as part of the original document.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                              Prohibitions



Sec.  351.18  Official identifications; unauthorized use.

    (a) The form of certification set forth in Sec.  351.3 and the term 
``Certified Technical Animal Fat'' are official identifications for 
purposes of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended, and 
shall not be falsely made, issued, altered, forged, or counterfeited, or 
used for purpose of misrepresentation or deception.
    (b) No container which bears or is to bear any designation as 
certified technical animal fat shall be filled in whole or in part, 
except with technical animal fats which have been certified and 
identified in compliance with this part.

                           Remedies; Penalties



Sec.  351.19  Refusal of certification for specific lots.

    If an inspector has reason to believe that a lot of technical animal 
fat is ineligible for certification under Sec.  351.3, or any materials 
to be used in a lot of technical animal fat would make the technical 
animal fat ineligible for such certification, certification of the lot

[[Page 338]]

shall be withheld pending final determination by the circuit supervisor. 
The operator of the plant shall be afforded an opportunity to 
demonstrate the eligibility of the lot for certification before the 
final determination is made.



Sec.  351.20  Withdrawal of service from certified plants.

    (a) After opportunity for hearing has been accorded the operator of 
a certified plant, the certification service, provided for in this part, 
may be withdrawn from such plant in accordance with the applicable rules 
of practice, if it is determined that:
    (1) The operator, or his employee or agent:
    (i) Has made any willful misrepresentation or engaged in any 
fraudulent or deceptive practice in connection with the service;
    (ii) Has interfered with or obstructed any Program employee or other 
inspector in the performance of his duties, under the regulations in 
this part, by intimidation, threats, or other improper means; or
    (iii) Has violated section 203(h) of the Agricultural Marketing Act 
of 1946, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1622(h)), or any regulation in this part; 
or
    (2) Facilities or procedures at the certified plant do not conform 
to the arrangements approved by the Administrator under Sec.  351.5.
    (b) Pending final determination of the matter, the Administrator may 
summarily suspend the certification service at any certified plant when 
he has reason to believe that there is cause for withdrawal of the 
service under paragraph (a). The operator of the certified plant shall 
be notified of the Administrator's decision to suspend summarily the 
certification service at such plant and the reasons therefor, in 
writing, in the manner prescribed in Sec.  1.147(b) of the rules of 
practice (7 CFR 1.147(b)), or orally. The Administrator's decision to 
suspend summarily the certification service shall be effective upon such 
oral or written notification, whichever is earlier, to the operator of 
the certified plant. If such notification is oral, the Administrator 
shall confirm such decision, and the reasons therefor, in writing, as 
promptly as circumstances permit, and such written confirmation shall be 
served upon the operator of the certified plant, in the manner 
prescribed in Sec.  1.147(b) of the rules of practice (7 CFR 1.147(b)).
    (c) The rules of practice of the Department of Agriculture in 
subpart H of part I, subtitle A, title 7 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations, are the rules of practice applicable to adjudicatory, 
administrative proceedings under the regulations in this part (9 CFR 
part 351).

[40 FR 58627, Dec. 18, 1975, as amended at 43 FR 11148, Mar. 17, 1978]

                                 Appeals



Sec.  351.21  Certification of certain animal fat for export.

    Any person receiving inspection service may, if dissatisfied with 
any decision of an inspector relating to any inspection, file an appeal 
from such decision or action in accordance with 9 CFR 500.9.

[87 FR 63423, Oct. 19, 2022]

                           Records and Reports



Sec.  351.22  Certified plants to maintain records and make reports;
access to records.

    (a) Each day a certified plant prepares, receives, or ships 
certified technical animal fat or receives material for use in such 
product, the operator of the plant shall prepare records identifying the 
kinds and quantities of such materials and technical animal fats 
received, the number of pounds of certified technical animal fat 
prepared or shipped, and an up-to-date inventory of certified technical 
animal fats in storage. The operator of each certified plant shall 
include in the records required by this section all MP Forms 85 which he 
receives with shipments of certified technical animal fat from any other 
certified plant. These records shall be maintained by the operator of 
each certified plant and made available to an inspector, upon request, 
for examination and copying, for a period of 1 year after the date of 
the transaction involved.
    (b) The operator of each certified plant shall provide such relevant 
information as any inspector may request to enable him to determine 
whether

[[Page 339]]

any technical animal fats are eligible for certification and whether the 
plant is eligible for certification service under the regulations in 
this part.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0583-0036)

[40 FR 58627, Dec. 18, 1975, as amended at 47 FR 746, Jan. 7, 1982]



PART 352_EXOTIC ANIMALS AND HORSES; VOLUNTARY INSPECTION-
-Table of Contents



                        Subpart A_Exotic Animals

Sec.
352.1 Definitions.
352.2 Type of service available.
352.3 Application by official exotic animal establishment for inspection 
          service.
352.4 Application for ante-mortem inspection service in the field.
352.5 Fees and charges.
352.6 Denial or withrawal of inspection service.
352.7 Marking and labeling of inspected products.
352.8 Time of inspection in the field and in an official exotic animal 
          establishment.
352.9 Report of inspection work.
352.10 Ante-mortem inspection.
352.11 Post-mortem inspection.
352.12 Disposal of diseased or otherwise adulterated carcasses and 
          parts.
352.13 Handling and disposal of condemned or other inedible exotic 
          animal products at official exotic animal establishments.
352.14 Entry into official establishments; reinspection and preparation 
          of products.
352.15 Records, registration and reports.
352.16 Exports.
352.17 Transportation.
352.18 Cooperation of States in Federal programs.

                            Subpart B_Horses

352.19 Ante-mortem inspection and applicable requirements.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622, 1624; 7 CFR 2.17 (g) and (i), 2.55.

    Source: 50 FR 41847, Oct. 16, 1985, unless otherwise noted.



                        Subpart A_Exotic Animals



Sec.  352.1  Definitions.

    The definitions in Sec.  301.2, not otherwise defined in this part, 
are incorporated into this part. In addition to those definitions, the 
following definitions will be applicable to the regulations in this 
part.
    (a) Act means the applicable provisions of the Agricultural 
Marketing Act of 1946, as amended (60 Stat. 1087, as amended; 7 U.S.C. 
1621 et seq.).
    (b) Acceptable means suitable for the purpose intended and 
acceptable to the Food Safety and Inspection Service.
    (c) Antelope means any of various ruminant deerlike mammals (family 
Bovidae) chiefly of Africa and southwest Asia that have a slender lean 
build and usually horns directed upward and backward.
    (d) Applicant means any interested party who requests any inspection 
service.
    (e) Bison (Bison bison), commonly known as the American bison or 
buffalo, is a species of the genus Bison native to North America. Bison 
includes catalo or cattalo.
    (f) Buffalo refers to a subtribe Bubalina of the tribe Bovini within 
the subfamily Bovinae that includes the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) 
and Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer).
    (g) Catalo or Cattalo means any hybrid animal with bison (Bison 
bison) appearance resulting from direct crossbreeding of bison (Bison 
bison) and cattle (Bos taurus).
    (h) Condition means any condition, including, but not limited to, 
the state of preservation, cleanliness, or soundness of any product or 
the processing, handling, or packaging which may affect such product.
    (i) Condition and wholesomeness means the condition of any product, 
its healthfulness and fitness for human food.
    (j) Deer refers to the any farm-raised species of the family 
Cervidae.
    (k) Exotic animal means any reindeer, elk, deer, antelope, water 
buffalo, bison, buffalo, or yak.
    (l) Elk (Cervus canadensis) refers to one of the largest species 
within the family Cervidae. It is native to North America and in high 
mountains of Central Asia.
    (m) Exotic animal inspection service means the personnel who are 
engaged in the administration, application, and direction of exotic 
animal inspection programs and services pursuant to the regulations in 
this part.
    (n) Exotic animal producer means any interested party that engages 
in the

[[Page 340]]

raising and/or marketing of an exotic animal for commercial purposes.
    (o) Field ante-mortem inspection means the ante-mortem inspection of 
an exotic animal away from the official exotic animal establishment's 
premises.
    (p) Field designated area means any designated area on the 
applicant's premises, approved by the Regional Director, where field 
ante-mortem inspection is to be performed.
    (q) Identify means to apply official identification to products or 
containers.
    (r) Inspection means any inspection by an inspector to determine, in 
accordance with regulations in this part, (1) the condition and 
wholesomeness of an exotic animal, or (2) the condition and 
wholesomeness of edible product of an exotic animal at any state of the 
preparation or packaging in the official plant where inspected and 
certified, or (3) the condition and wholesomeness of any previously 
inspected and certified product of an exotic animal if such product has 
not lost its identity as an inspected and certified product.
    (s) Interested party means any person financially interested in a 
transaction involving any inspection.
    (t) Official exotic animal establishment means any slaughtering, 
cutting, boning, curing, smoking, salting, packing, rendering, or 
similar establishment at which inspection is maintained under the 
regulations in this part.
    (u) Official device means a stamping appliance, branding device, 
stencil printed label, or any other mechanically or manually operated 
tool that is approved by the Administrator for the purpose of applying 
any official mark or other identification to any product or packaging 
material.
    (v) Official identification means any symbol, stamp, label or seal 
indicating that the product has been officially inspected and/or 
indicating the condition of the product approved and authorized by the 
Administrator to be affixed to any product, or affixed to or printed on 
the packaging material of any product.
    (w) Program means the Voluntary Exotic Animal Inspection Program of 
the Food Safety and Inspection Service.
    (x) Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), commonly referred to as caribou, 
is a species within the family Cervidae with circumpolar distribution, 
native to Arctic, sub-Arctic, tundra, boreal, and mountainous regions of 
northern Europe, Siberia, and North America.
    (y) Transport vehicle means any vehicle used to transport an exotic 
animal.
    (z) Veterinarian means an authorized veterinarian of the Program 
employed by the Department or any cooperating State who is authorized by 
the Secretary to do any work or perform any duty in connection with the 
Program.
    (aa) Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), commonly known as the domestic 
water buffalo or Asian water buffalo, is a large bovid originating in 
the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and China.
    (bb) Yak (Bos grunniens) means a long-haired bovid animal originally 
found throughout the Himalaya region of southern Central Asia and the 
Tibetan Plateau.

[54 FR 1330, Jan. 13, 1989, as amended at 86 FR 37218, July 15, 2021]



Sec.  352.2  Type of service available.

    Upon application, in accordance with Sec. Sec.  352.3, 352.4, and 
352.5, the following type of service may be furnished under the 
regulations in this part:
    (a) Voluntary Inspection Service. An inspection and certification 
service for wholesomeness relating to the slaughter and processing of 
exotic animals and the processing of exotic animal products. All 
provisions of this part shall apply to the slaughter of exotic animals, 
and the preparation, labeling, and certification of the exotic animal 
meat and exotic animal products processed under this exotic animal 
inspection service.
    (b) Only exotic animals which have had ante-mortem inspection as 
described under this part and which are processed in official exotic 
animal establishments in accordance with this part may be marked 
inspected and passed.
    (c) Exotic animals, exotic animal meat and meat food products shall 
be handled in an official exotic animal establishment to ensure 
separation and identity of the exotic animal or exotic animal meat and 
meat food products until they are shipped from the official

[[Page 341]]

exotic animal establishment to prevent commingling with other species.

[54 FR 1330, Jan. 13, 1989]



Sec.  352.3  Application by official exotic animal establishment for 
inspection services.

    (a) Any person desiring to process an exotic animal, exotic animal 
carcasses, exotic animal meat and meat food products in an establishment 
under exotic animal inspection service must receive approval of such 
establishment and facilities as an official exotic animal establishment 
prior to the rendition of such service. An application for inspection 
service to be rendered in an official exotic animal establishment shall 
be approved in accordance with the provisions contained in Sec. Sec.  
304.1 and 304.2 of subchapter A of this chapter.
    (b) Initial survey. When an application has been filed for exotic 
animal inspection service, the Regional Director or designee, shall 
examine the establishment, premises, and facilities.

[54 FR 1331, Jan. 13, 1989]



Sec.  352.4  Application for ante-mortem inspection service in the field.

    Any exotic animal producer desiring field ante-mortem exotic animal 
inspection service must receive approval of the field ante-mortem 
designated area from the Regional Director or designee prior to the 
rendition of such service. An application seeking approval of the 
designated area for ante-mortem inspection shall be obtained from the 
Regional Director, and completed and submitted to the Regional Director.
    (a) An initial application for field ante-mortem exotic animal 
inspection service shall be made by an official exotic animal 
establishment to the Regional Director. Subsequent requests shall be 
made by the official exotic animal establishment on behalf of an exotic 
animal producer to the Regional Director in one of the following 
manners: (1) telephone, (2) telegraph, (3) mail, or (4) in person as 
determined by the Regional Director.
    (b) Upon receipt of the completed application, the Regional Director 
or designee shall examine the field ante-mortem designated area and 
facilities for approval of the designated area.
    (c) All fees involved for the approval of the designated area, 
including but not limited to any travel, per diem costs, and time 
required to perform such approval services, shall be paid directly by 
the applicant to the Regional Director.

[54 FR 1331, Jan. 13, 1989]



Sec.  352.5  Fees and charges.

    (a) Fees and charges for service under the regulations in this part 
shall be paid by the applicant for the service in accordance with this 
section.
    (b) The fees and charges provided for in this section shall be paid 
by check, draft, or money order payable to the ``Treasurer of the United 
States'' and shall be remitted promptly to the Regional Director upon 
furnishing to the applicant a statement as to the amount due.
    (c) The fees to be charged and collected for service under the 
regulations in this part shall be at the rates specified in Sec. Sec.  
391.2, 391.3, and 391.4 respectively for base time; for overtime 
including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays; and for certain laboratory 
services which are not covered under the base time, overtime, and/or 
holiday costs. Such fees shall cover the costs of the service and shall 
be charged for the time required to render such service, including, but 
not limited to, the time required for the travel of the inspector or 
inspectors in connection therewith during the regularly scheduled 
administrative workweek.
    (d) Charges may also be made to cover other expenses incurred by the 
Service in connection with the furnishing of the service.
    (e) Fees and charges for any inspection pursuant to a cooperative 
agreement with any State shall be paid in accordance with the terms of 
such cooperative agreement.

[50 FR 41847, Oct. 16, 1988, as amended at 53 FR 13398, Apr. 22, 1988; 
54 FR 6390, Feb. 10, 1989]



Sec.  352.6  Denial or withdrawal of inspection service.

    (a) For miscellaneous reasons. An application or a request for 
service may

[[Page 342]]

be rejected, or the benefits of the service may be otherwise denied to, 
or withdrawn from, any person, without a hearing by the appropriate 
Regional Director: (1) for administrative reasons such as the 
nonavailability of personnel to perform the service; (2) for the failure 
of payment for service; (3) in case the application or request relates 
to exotic animals or exotic animal products which are not eligible for 
service under this part; (4) for failure to maintain the designated area 
or the plant in a state of repair approved by the Service; (5) for the 
use of operating procedures which are not in accordance with the 
regulations of this part; (6) for alterations of buildings, facilities, 
or equipment which cannot be approved under the regulations in this 
part. Notice of such rejection, denial, or withdrawal, and the reasons 
therefore, shall promptly be given to the person involved. The applicant 
or recipient shall be notified of such decision to reject an application 
or request for service or to deny or withdraw the benefits of the 
service, and the reasons therefor, in writing in the manner prescribed 
in Sec.  1.147(b) of the rules of practice (7 CFR 1.147(b)), or orally. 
Such decision shall be effective upon such oral or written notification, 
whichever is earlier, to the applicant or recipient. If such 
notification is oral, the person making such decision shall confirm such 
decision, and the reasons therefor, in writing, as promptly as 
circumstances permit, and such written confirmation shall be served upon 
the applicant or recipient in the manner prescribed in Sec.  1.147(b) of 
the rules of practice (7 CFR 1.147(b)).
    (b) For disciplinary reasons--Basis for denial or withdrawal. An 
application or request for service may be denied, or the benefits of the 
service may be withdrawn from, any person or entity who, or whose 
officer, employee or agent in the scope of his employment or agency: (1) 
Has willfully made any misrepresentation or has committed any other 
fraudulent or deceptive practice in connection with any application or 
request for service under this part; (2) has given or attempted to give, 
as a loan or for any other purpose, any money, favor or other thing of 
value, to any employee or agent of the Department or a cooperating State 
authorized to perform any function under this part; (3) has interfered 
with or obstructed, or attempted to interfere with or to obstruct, any 
employee or agent of the Department or cooperating State in the 
performance of his or her duties under this part by intimidation, 
threats, assaults, abuse, or any other improper means; (4) has knowingly 
represented that any exotic animal carcass, or exotic animal product, 
has been officially inspected and passed by an authorized inspector 
under this part, when it had not, in fact, been so inspected; (5) has 
been convicted of more than one misdemeanor under any law based upon the 
acquiring, handling, or distributing of adulterated, mislabeled, or 
deceptively packaged good, or fraud in connection with transactions in 
food, or any felony; Provided, an application or a request for service 
made in the name of a person or entity otherwise eligible for service 
under the regulations may be denied, or the benefits of the service may 
be withdrawn, from such a person or entity in case the service is or 
would be performed at a location operated by a person or entity, from 
whom the benefits of the service are currently being denied or have been 
withdrawn under this part; or by a person or entity having an officer, 
director, partner, manager or substantial investor from whom the 
benefits of service under this part are currently being denied or have 
been withdrawn under this part, and who has any authority with respect 
to the location where service is or would be performed; or in case the 
service is or would be performed with respect to any exotic animal or 
exotic animal product in which any person or entity, from whom the 
benefits of service are currently being denied or have been withdrawn 
under this part, has contract or other financial interest.
    (c) Procedure. (1) An application or request for service may be 
denied or benefits of the service may be withdrawn by the Secretary, as 
provided by paragraph (b) of this section, after notice and opportunity 
for hearing before a designated official of the Department. The 
Administrator may suspend service under this paragraph without hearing, 
pending final determination of the

[[Page 343]]

matter, when he determines that the public health, interest or safety so 
requires. The applicant or recipient shall be notified of the 
Administrator's decision to suspend service, and the reasons therefor, 
in writing or orally. The Administrator's decision to suspend service 
under this part shall be effective upon such an oral or written 
notification, whichever is earlier, to the applicant or recipient. If 
such notification is oral, the Administrator shall confirm such 
decision, and the reasons therefor, in writing, as promptly as 
circumstances permit, and such written confirmation shall be served upon 
the applicant or recipient in the manner prescribed in 1.147(b) of 
Departmental rules of practice (7 CFR 1.147(b)).
    (2) The written notification specified in paragraph (c) of this 
section, which shall constitute the complaint in the proceeding, shall 
briefly set forth the reason for the denial or withdrawal of service, 
including allegations of fact which constitute a basis for the action. 
After the complaint is served upon the respondent, as provided in Sec.  
1.147(b) of Departmental rules of practice (7 CFR 1.147(b)), the 
proceeding shall thereafter be conducted in accordance with rules of 
practice which shall be adopted for the proceeding.

[50 FR 41847, Oct. 16, 1985, as amended at 54 FR 1331, Jan. 13, 1989]



Sec.  352.7  Marking and labeling of inspected products.

    Wording and form of inspection mark. This wording shall be contained 
within a triangle in the form and arrangement shown in this section. The 
establishment number of the official establishment shall be included in 
the triangle unless it appears elsewhere on the packaging material. 
Ordering and manufacture of the triangle brand shall be in accordance 
with the provisions in 9 CFR 317.3(c) of the Federal meat inspection 
regulations. The Administrator may approve the use of abbreviations of 
such inspection mark, and such approved abbreviations shall have the 
same force and effect as the inspection mark. The inspection mark or 
approved abbreviation shall be applied, under the supervision of the 
inspector, to the inspected and passed edible product, packaging 
material, immediate container or shipping container. When the inspection 
mark or approved abbreviation is used on packaging material, immediate 
container or shipping container, it shall be printed on such material or 
container or on a label to be affixed to the packaging material or 
container. The name and address of the packer or distributor of such 
product shall be printed on the packaging material or label. The 
inspection marks may be stenciled on the container, and when the 
inspection mark is so stenciled, the name and address of the packer or 
distributor may be applied by the use of a stencil or rubber stamp. The 
name and address of the packer or distributor, if prominently shown 
elsewhere on the packaging material or container, may be omitted from 
insert labels which bear an official identification if the applicable 
establishment number is shown. All labels intended for use on inspected 
and passed exotic animal products must be approved in accordance with 
Part 412 of this chapter.
    (a) The inspection mark to be applied to inspected and passed 
carcasses and parts of carcasses of an exotic animal, and products as 
therefrom approved by the Administrator, shall be in the form and 
arrangement as indicated in the example below. \1\ The establishment 
number of the official establishment shall be set forth if it does not 
appear on the packaging material or container.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The number ``38'' is given as an example only. The establishment 
number of the official exotic animal establishment where the product is 
prepared shall be used in lieu thereof.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) For application to exotic animal carcasses, primal parts and 
cuts therefrom, exotic animal livers, exotic animal tongues, and exotic 
animal hearts.

[[Page 344]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.031

    (2) For application to exotic animal calf carcasses.
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.032
    
    (3) For application to exotic animal tails.
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.033
    
    (4) For application to burlap, muslin, cheesecloth, heavy paper, or 
other acceptable material that encloses carcasses or parts of carcasses.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.034

    (b) The official inspection mark to be shown on all labels. \1\ (1) 
For inspected and passed products of an exotic animal shall be in the 
following form, except that it need not be of the size illustrated, 
provided that it is a sufficient size and of such color as to be 
conspicuously displayed and readily legible and the same proportions of 
letter size and boldness are maintained as illustrated:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The number ``38'' is given as an example only. The establishment 
number of the official exotic animal establishment where the product is 
prepared shall be used in lieu thereof.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.035

    (2) This official mark shall be applied by mechanical means and 
shall not be applied by a hand stamp.

[[Page 345]]

    (3) The official inspection legend described in paragraph (b)(1) of 
this section shall also be used on shipping containers, bond labels, 
artificial casings, and other articles with the approval of the 
Administrator.
    (c) Any brand, stamp, label or other device approved by the 
Administrator and bearing any official mark prescribed in paragraph (a) 
or (b) of this section shall be an official device for purposes of the 
Act.

[50 FR 41847, Oct. 16, 1985, as amended at 54 FR 1331, Jan. 13, 1989; 88 
FR 2811, Jan. 18, 2023]



Sec.  352.8  Time of inspection in the field and in an official exotic
animal establishment.

    The official exotic animal establishment on behalf of the applicant 
shall notify the Regional Director or designee, in advance, of the hours 
when such inspection is desired. Inspection personnel shall have access 
at all times to every part of any field ante-mortem inspection area and/
or official exotic animal establishment to which they are assigned.

[54 FR 1332, Jan. 13, 1989]



Sec.  352.9  Report of inspection work.

    Reports of the work of inspection carried on within the field ante-
mortem inspection area of an exotic animal producer's premises and/or 
official exotic animal establishment shall be forwarded to the 
Administrator by the ante-mortem inspector. The applicant for such 
inspection shall furnish to the Administrator such information as may be 
required on forms provided by the Administrator.

[54 FR 1333, Jan. 13, 1989]



Sec.  352.10  Ante-mortem inspection.

    An ante-mortem inspection of an exotic animal shall, where and to 
the extent considered necessary by the Administrator and under such 
instructions as he may issue from time to time, be made on the day of 
slaughter of an exotic animal, in one of the following listed ways or as 
determined by the Administrator. Humane handling of an exotic animal 
during ante-mortem inspection shall be in accordance with the provisions 
contained in 9 CFR 313.2. Immediately after the animal is stunned or 
killed, it shall be shackled, hoisted, stuck and bled.
    (a) To be performed on an exotic animal in the field in a designated 
area of an exotic animal producer's premises.
    (1) Reindeer, elk, deer, antelope, bison and water buffalo are 
eligible for field ante-mortem inspection. The field ante-mortem 
designated area must be approved by the Regional Director or designee 
prior to rendition of the service.
    (2) Any person who desires to receive field ante-mortem inspection 
must provide:
    (i) Notification from an official exotic animal establishment to the 
Regional Director or designee.
    (ii) A field ante-mortem designated area.
    (iii) A stunning/slaughtering area which is in a condition that 
minimizes the possibility of soiling the animal when stunned/slaughtered 
and bled as determined by the inspector.
    (iv) A transport vehicle that is as sanitary as practicable as 
determined by the inspector.
    (3) The ante-mortem inspector shall determine the acceptableness and 
safety of performing field ante-mortem inspection. If, in the opinion of 
the ante-mortem inspector, an unsafe circumstance exists at the time of 
field ante-mortem inspection, the service shall be denied.
    (4) An exotic animal that, in the ante-mortem inspector's opinion, 
does not pass ante-mortem inspection must be withheld from slaughter.
    (5) Stunning to render the animal unconscious shall be in accordance 
with 9 CFR 313.15 or 313.16.
    (6) All stunned/slaughtered and bled exotic animals shall be tagged 
with a ``U.S. Suspect'' tag in an ear by the ante-mortem inspector or 
designee prior to loading on the transport vehicle.
    (7) The transport of intact exotic animal carcasses to an official 
exotic animal establishment for post-mortem inspection shall be as 
expedient as possible, and must be within the same day as field 
slaughter.
    (8) Ante-mortem cards (Form MP 402-2) shall be filled out by the 
ante-

[[Page 346]]

mortem inspector. One copy is to be retained by the ante-mortem 
inspector. The other copy shall accompany the transport vehicle to the 
official exotic animal establishment and shall be delivered to the post-
mortem veterinarian.
    (9) The ante-mortem inspector shall supervise all phases of field 
ante-mortem inspection.
    (b) To be performed on exotic animals that are inside of the 
transport vehicle at an official exotic animal establishment.
    (1) Reindeer, elk, deer, antelope, bison, and water buffalo are 
eligible for transport vehicle inspection.
    (2) The ante-mortem inspector shall remain outside the transport 
vehicle while performing ante-mortem inspection.
    (3) The person requesting transport vehicle inspection must provide 
a transport vehicle that is as sanitary as practicable and that would 
safely and thoroughly permit the inspection of an exotic animal from 
outside of the transport vehicle as determined by the inspector.
    (4) The ante-mortem inspector shall determine the adequacy and 
safety of performing ante-mortem inspection. If, in the ante-mortem 
inspector's opinion, the transport vehicle is not adequate or safe to 
perform ante-mortem inspection, the service shall be denied.
    (c) To be performed in pens at official exotic animal 
establishments. The inspection shall be conducted in accordance with the 
provisions contained in 9 CFR part 309.

[54 FR 1333, Jan. 13, 1989]



Sec.  352.11  Post-mortem inspection.

    (a) Post-mortem inspection of reindeer, elk, deer, antelope, bison 
and water buffalo shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions 
contained in 9 CFR part 310 or as determined by the Administrator.
    (b) The post-mortem examination of field ante-mortem-inspected 
exotic animals must occur in the shortest length of time practicable and 
on the day that field ante-mortem inspection is performed to minimize 
the changes in the carcass which can affect the post-mortem examination, 
disposition and wholesomeness of the carcass and its parts.
    (c) The post-mortem veterinarian shall inspect and make the 
disposition of all incoming ``U.S. Suspect'' tagged exotic animals.

[54 FR 1333, Jan. 13, 1989]



Sec.  352.12  Disposal of diseased or otherwise adulterated carcasses
and parts.

    This shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions contained 
in 9 CFR part 311.



Sec.  352.13  Handling and disposal of condemned or other inedible exotic
animal products at official exotic animal establishments.

    This shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions contained 
in 9 CFR part 314.



Sec.  352.14  Entry into official establishments; reinspection and 
preparation of products.

    This shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions contained 
in 9 CFR 318.1, 318.2, and 318.3.



Sec.  352.15  Records, registration, and reports.

    This shall be conducted or maintained in accordance with the 
provisions contained in 9 CFR 320.1 through 320.7.



Sec.  352.16  Exports.

    This shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions contained 
in 9 CFR 322.1 through 322.5.



Sec.  352.17  Transportation.

    This shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions contained 
in Sec. Sec.  325.1 through 325.21.



Sec.  352.18  Cooperation of States in Federal programs.

    Under the ``Talmadge-Aiken Act'' of September 28, 1962 (7 U.S.C. 
450), the Administrator is authorized to utilize employees and 
facilities of States in carrying out Federal functions.

[[Page 347]]



                            Subpart B_Horses



Sec.  352.19  Ante-mortem inspection and applicable requirements.

    Notwithstanding part 309 of this subchapter, an official 
establishment that wishes to slaughter horses can apply for voluntary 
ante-mortem inspection according to Sec.  352.3. Such establishments 
shall pay the applicable base time, overtime, and holiday rates for 
ante-mortem inspection in accordance with Sec.  352.5. Such ante-mortem 
inspection shall be made in pens on the premises of the establishment at 
which the horses are offered for slaughter in accordance with Sec.  
309.1(b), and such establishments also shall comply with all applicable 
provisions of Sec. Sec.  352.8 and 352.9. If the establishment complies 
with all these requirements for ante-mortem inspection, FSIS will 
conduct ante-mortem inspection at that establishment in accordance with 
Sec.  352.10, and all other provisions in part 309 of this subchapter 
that pertain to horses will apply. FSIS may deny or withdraw ante-mortem 
inspection services at official establishments that slaughter horses for 
any applicable reason under Sec.  352.6. Official marks and devices to 
identify inspected and passed horse carcasses and parts of carcasses, or 
horse meat food products shall be those in Sec.  312.3 of this 
subchapter.

[71 FR 6341, Feb. 8, 2006]



PART 354_VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF RABBITS AND EDIBLE PRODUCTS THEREOF-
-Table of Contents



                                 General

Sec.
354.1 Definitions.
354.2 Designation of official certificates, memoranda, marks, other 
          identifications, and devices for purposes of the Agricultural 
          Marketing Act.

                             Administration

354.3 Administration.

                            Basis of Service

354.10 Inspection service.
354.12 Eligibility.
354.13 Supervision.
354.14 Authority to waive provisions of Sec.  354.12.

                         Performance of Services

354.20 Licensed or authorized inspectors.
354.21 Suspension of license; revocation.
354.22 Surrender of license.
354.23 Identification.
354.24 Financial interest of inspectors.
354.25 Political activity.
354.26 Schedule of operation of official plants.

                   Application for Inspection Service

354.30 Who may obtain inspection service.
354.31 How application for service may be made; conditions of resident 
          service.
354.32 Filing of application.
354.33 Authority of applicant.
354.34 Application for inspection service in official plants; approval.
354.35 Rejection of application.
354.36 Withdrawal of application.
354.38 Suspension of plant approval.

                               Violations

354.45 Denial of service.
354.46 Misrepresentation; deceptive or fraudulent acts or practices.
354.47 Use of facsimile forms.
354.48 Willful violation of the regulations.
354.49 Interfering with an inspector or employee of Service.
354.51 Miscellaneous.

                      Other Applicable Regulations

354.53 Other applicable regulations.

                    Identifying and Marking Products

354.60 Approval of official identification.
354.62 Inspection mark with respect to product.
354.63 Marking inspected products.
354.64 Form of official identification.
354.65 Form of inspection mark.

                  Supervision of Marking and Packaging

354.70 Evidence of label approval.
354.71 Affixing of official identification.
354.72 Packaging.
354.73 Retention labels.
354.74 Prerequisites to inspection.
354.75 Accessibility of products.
354.76 Time of inspection in an official plant.

                                 Reports

354.90 Report of inspection work.
354.91 Information to be furnished to inspectors.
354.92 Reports of violations.

                            Fees and Charges

354.100 Payment of fees and charges.
354.101 On a fee basis.
354.105 Fees for additional copies of inspection certificates.
354.106 Travel expenses and other charges.

[[Page 348]]

354.107 Continuous inspection performed on a resident basis.
354.109 Fees or charges for inspection service performed under 
          cooperative agreement.
354.110 Disposition of fees for inspection made under cooperative 
          agreement.

             Inspection Procedures; Ante-Mortem Inspections

354.120 Manner of handling products in an official plant.
354.121 Ante-mortem inspection.
354.122 Condemnation on ante-mortem inspection.
354.123 Segregation of suspects on ante-mortem inspection.
354.124 Quarantine of diseased rabbits.

                         Post-Mortem Inspection

354.125 Evisceration.
354.126 Carcasses held for further examination.
354.127 Condemnation and treatment of carcasses.
354.128 Certification of carcasses.

           Disposition of Diseased Rabbit Carcasses and Parts

354.129 General.
354.130 Diseases or conditions evident which require condemnation.
354.131 Decomposition.
354.132 Disposal of condemned carcasses and parts.

                      Reinspection and Ingredients

354.133 Reinspection of edible products; ingredients.

                                 Appeals

354.134 Appeal inspections; how made.

                         Inspection Certificates

354.140 Forms of inspection certificates.
354.141 Issuance and disposition of rabbits inspection certificates.
354.142 Food product inspection certificates; issuance and disposition.
354.143 Export certificates; issuance and disposition.
354.144 Advance information.

       Basis of Acceptability of Other Official Inspection Systems

354.160 General.
354.161 Requirements as to manner of inspection.
354.162 Determining compliance with Sec.  354.161.

                          Sanitary Requirements

                                 general

354.210 Minimum standards for sanitation, facilities, and operating 
          procedures in official plants.

                     Buildings and Plant Facilities

354.220 Buildings.
354.221 Rooms and compartments.
354.222 Floors, walls, ceilings, etc.
354.223 Drainage and plumbing.
354.224 Water supply.
354.225 Lavatory accommodations.
354.226 Lighting and ventilation.

                         Equipment and Utensils

354.230 Equipment and utensils.
354.231 Accessibility.
354.232 Restrictions on use.

Maintenance of Sanitary Conditions and Precautions Against Contamination 
                               of Products

354.240 General.
354.241 Cleaning of rooms and compartments.
354.242 Cleaning of equipment and utensils.
354.243 Operations and procedures.
354.244 Temperatures and cooling and freezing procedures.
354.245 Vermin.
254.246 Exclusion of diseased persons.
354.247 Table showing types of materials.
354.248 Scope and applicability of rules of practice.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622, 1624; 7 CFR 2.17 (g) and (i), 2.55.

    Source: 41 FR 23702, June 11, 1976, unless otherwise noted.

                                 General



Sec.  354.1  Definitions.

    Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall 
have the following meaning:
    (a) Act means the applicable provisions of the Agricultural 
Marketing Act of 1946 (60 Stat. 1087; 7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) or any 
other act of Congress conferring like authority.
    (b) Acceptable means suitable for the purpose intended and 
acceptable to the Service.
    (c) Administrator means the Administrator of the Food Safety and 
Inspection Service of the Department or any other officer or employee of 
the Department to whom there has heretofore been delegated, or to whom 
there may

[[Page 349]]

hereafter be delegated the authority to act in his stead.
    (d) Applicant means any interested party who requests any inspection 
service.
    (e) Area supervisor means any employee of the Department in charge 
of rabbit inspection service in a designated geographical area.
    (f) Carcass means any rabbit carcass.
    (g) Circuit supervisor or technical supervisor means the officer in 
charge of the rabbit inspection service in a circuit consisting of a 
group of stations within an area.
    (h) Class means any subdivision of a product based on essential 
physical characteristics that differentiate between major groups of the 
same kind.
    (i) Condition means any condition, including, but not being limited 
to, the state of preservation, cleanliness, or soundness, of any product 
or the processing, handling, or packaging which may affect such product.
    (j) Condition and wholesomeness means the condition of any product, 
its healthfulness and fitness for human food.
    (k) Department means the United States Department of Agriculture.
    (l) Edible product means any product derived from ready-to-cook 
domestic rabbits.
    (m) Giblets means the liver from which the bile sac has been removed 
and the heart from which the pericardial sac has been removed.
    (n) Holiday or legal holiday shall mean the legal public holidays 
specified by the Congress in paragraph (a) of section 6103, Title 5, of 
the United States Code.
    (o) Identify means to apply official identification to products or 
to containers thereof.
    (p) Inspected and certified or certified means, with respect to any 
product, that it has undergone an inspection and was found, at the time 
of such inspection, to be sound, wholesome, and fit for human food.
    (q) Inspection, inspection service, or inspection of products for 
condition and wholesomeness means any inspection by an inspector to 
determine, in accordance with the regulations in this part, (1) the 
condition and wholesomeness of rabbits, or (2) the condition and 
wholesomeness of any edible product at any state of the preparation or 
packaging thereof in the official plant where inspected and certified, 
or (3) the condition and wholesomeness of any previously inspected and 
certified product if such product has not lost its identity as an 
inspected and certified product.
    (r) Inspection certificate means a statement, either written or 
printed, issued by an inspector, pursuant to the regulations in this 
part, relative to the condition and wholesomeness of products.
    (s) Inspector means any person who is licensed by the Secretary to 
investigate and certify, in accordance with the regulations in this 
part, the condition and wholesomeness of products. An inspector is an 
employee of the Department or of a State; he may be a graduate 
veterinarian or a layman.
    (t) Interested party means any person financially interested in a 
transaction involving any inspection.
    (u) National supervisor means (1) the officer in charge of the 
rabbit inspection service of the Food Safety and Inspection Service, and 
(2) other officers or employees of the Department designated by the 
officer in charge of the rabbit inspection service of the Food Safety 
and Inspection Service.
    (v) Official plant means one or more buildings or parts thereof, 
comprising a single plant in which the facilities and methods of 
operation therein have been approved by the Administrator as suitable 
and adequate for operation under inspection service and in which 
inspection is carried on in accordance with the regulations in this 
part.
    (w) Person means any individual, partnership, association, business 
trust, corporation, or any organized group of persons, whether 
incorporated or not.
    (x) Potable water means water that has been approved by the State 
health authority as safe for drinking and suitable for food processing.
    (y) Product means ready-to-cook cooked rabbits, or edible products 
derived therefrom.
    (z) Rabbit means any domesticated rabbit, whether live or dead.
    (aa) Rabbit inspection service means the personnel who are engaged 
in the

[[Page 350]]

administration, application, and direction of rabbit inspection programs 
and services pursuant to the regulations in this part.
    (bb) Ready-to-cook domestic rabbit means any rabbit which has been 
slaughtered for human food, from which the head, blood, skin, feet, and 
inedible viscera have been removed, that is ready to cook without need 
of further processing. Ready-to-cook rabbit also means any cut-up or 
disjointed portion of rabbit or any edible part thereof, as described in 
this paragraph.
    (cc) Regulations means the provisions of this entire part as may be 
in effect at the time inspection is performed.
    (dd) Secretary means the Secretary of the Department, or any other 
officer or employee of the Department to whom there has heretofore been 
delegated, or to whom there may hereafter be delegated, the authority to 
act in his stead.
    (ee) Service means the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the 
Department.
    (ff) Station supervisor means any authorized individual who is 
designated to supervise rabbit inspection service in a large official 
plant or in a group of several small plants.



Sec.  354.2  Designation of official certificates, memoranda, marks,
other identifications, and devices for purposes of the Agricultural 
Marketing Act.

    Subsection 203(h) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as 
amended by Pub. L. 272, 84th Congress, provides criminal penalties for 
various specified offenses relating to official certificates, memoranda, 
marks or other identifications, and devices for making such marks or 
identifications, issued or authorized under section 203 of said Act, and 
certain misrepresentations concerning the inspection of agricultural 
products under said section. For the purposes of said subsection and the 
provisions in this part, the terms listed in this section shall have the 
respective meanings specified:
    (a) Official certificate means any form of certification, either 
written or printed, used under this part to certify with respect to the 
inspection or class or condition of products.
    (b) Official memorandum means any initial record of findings made by 
an authorized person in the process of inspecting or sampling, pursuant 
to this part, any processing or plant operation report made by an 
authorized person in connection with inspecting or sampling under this 
part, and any report made by an authorized person of services performed 
pursuant to this part.
    (c) Official mark means the inspection mark, and any other mark, or 
any variations in such marks, approved by the Administrator and 
authorized to be affixed to any product, or affixed to or printed on the 
packaging material of any product, stating that the product was 
inspected, or indicating the condition of the product, or for the 
purpose of maintaining the identity of products inspected under this 
part, including, but not limited to, that set forth in Sec.  354.65.
    (d) Official identification means any symbol, stamp, label, or seal 
indicating that the product has been officially inspected and/or 
indicating the class or condition of the product approved by the 
Administrator and authorized to be affixed to any product, or affixed to 
or printed on the packaging material of any product.
    (e) Official device means a stamping appliance, branding device, 
stencil, printed label, or any other mechanically or manually operated 
tool that is approved by the Administrator for the purpose of applying 
any official mark or other identification to any product or the 
packaging material thereof.

                             Administration



Sec.  354.3  Administration.

    The Administrator shall perform, for and under the supervision of 
the Secretary, such duties as are prescribed in the regulations in this 
part and as the Secretary may require in the administration of the 
regulations in this part. The Administrator is authorized to waive for 
limited periods any particular provisions of the regulations to permit 
experimentation so that new procedures, equipment, and processing 
techniques may be tested to facilitate definite improvements and, at the 
same time, to assure full compliance

[[Page 351]]

with the spirit and intent of the regulations. The Food Safety and 
Inspection Service and its officers and employees shall not be liable in 
damages through acts of commission or omission in the administration of 
this part.

                            Basis of Service



Sec.  354.10  Inspection service.

    Any inspection service in accordance with the regulations in this 
part shall be for condition and wholesomeness.



Sec.  354.12  Eligibility.

    (a) Only rabbits which are processed in official plants in 
accordance with the regulations in this part may be inspected.
    (b) All rabbits that are eviscerated in an official plant where 
inspection service is maintained shall be inspected for condition and 
wholesomeness and no dressed rabbits or uninspected products shall be 
brought into such official plant.



Sec.  354.13  Supervision.

    All inspection service shall be subject to supervision at all times 
by the station supervisor, circuit supervisor, area supervisor, and 
national supervisor. Such service shall be rendered where the facilities 
and conditions are satisfactory for the conduct of the service and the 
requisite inspectors are available.



Sec.  354.14  Authority to waive provisions of Sec.  354.12.

    The Administrator is authorized to waive the provisions of Sec.  
354.12 which pertain to the entry of uninspected edible products into 
official plants in specific instances where rabbits are to be brought 
into compliance with a law under the provisions of a court order. Such 
rabbits shall be handled in an official plant in accordance with such 
procedures as the Administrator may prescribe to insure proper 
segregation and identity of the rabbits or rabbit products until they 
are shipped from the official plant.

                         Performance of Services



Sec.  354.20  Licensed or authorized inspectors.

    (a) Any person who is a Federal or State employee or the employee of 
a local jurisdiction possessing proper qualifications as determined by 
an examination for competency, and who is to perform inspection service 
under this part may be licensed or otherwise authorized by the Secretary 
as an inspector.
    (b) All licenses issued by the Secretary shall be countersigned by 
the officer in charge of the rabbit inspection service of the Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service or any other designated officer of such 
Service.



Sec.  354.21  Suspension of license; revocation.

    Pending final action by the Secretary, any person authorized to 
countersign a license to perform inspection service may, whenever he 
deems such action necessary to assure that any inspection service is 
properly performed, suspend any license to perform inspection service 
issued pursuant to this part, by giving notice of such suspension to the 
respective licensee, accompanied by a statement of the reasons therefor. 
Within 7 days after the receipt of the aforesaid notice and statement of 
reasons, the licensee may file an appeal in writing, with the Secretary, 
supported by any argument or evidence that he may wish to offer as to 
why his license should not be further suspended or revoked. After the 
expiration of the aforesaid 7-day period and consideration of such 
argument and evidence, the Secretary will take such action as he deems 
appropriate with respect to such suspension or revocation. When no 
appeal is filed within the prescribed 7 days, the license to perform 
inspection service is revoked.



Sec.  354.22  Surrender of license.

    Each license which is suspended, or revoked, or has expired shall 
promptly be surrendered by the licensee to his immediate superior. Upon 
termination of the services of a licensed inspector, the licensee shall 
promptly surrender his license to his immediate superior.

[[Page 352]]



Sec.  354.23  Identification.

    Each inspector shall have in his possession at all times, and 
present upon request while on duty, the means of identification 
furnished by the Department to such person.



Sec.  354.24  Financial interest of inspectors.

    No inspector shall render service on any product in which he is 
financially interested.



Sec.  354.25  Political activity.

    All inspectors are forbidden, during the period of their respective 
appointments or licenses, to take an active part in political management 
or in political campaigns. Political activity in city, county, State, or 
national elections, whether primary or regular, or in behalf of any 
party or candidate, or any measure to be voted upon, is prohibited. This 
applies to all appointees, including, but not being limited to, 
temporary and cooperative employees and employees on leave of absence 
with or without pay. Willful violation of Sec. Sec.  354.20 to 354.25 
will constitute grounds for dismissal in the case of appointees and 
revocation of licenses in the case of licensees.



Sec.  354.26  Schedule of operation of official plants.

    Inspection operating schedules for services performed pursuant to 
Sec.  354.107 shall be requested in writing and be approved by the 
Administrator. Normal operating schedules for a full week consist of a 
continuous 8-hour period per day (excluding not to exceed 1 hour for 
lunch), 5 consecutive days per week, within the period of Monday through 
Saturday, for each shift required. Less than 8-hour schedules may be 
requested and will be approved if an inspector is available. Sundays may 
not be approved in any tour of duty. Clock hours of daily operations 
need not be specified in the request, although as a condition of 
continued approval, the hours of operation shall be reasonably uniform 
from day to day. Inspectors are to be notified by management 1 day in 
advance of any change in the hours inspection service is requested.

                   Application for Inspection Service



Sec.  354.30  Who may obtain inspection service.

    An application for inspection service may be made by any interested 
person, including, but not being limited to, the United States, any 
State, county, municipality, or common carrier, and any authorized agent 
of the foregoing.



Sec.  354.31  How application for service may be made; conditions of
resident service.

    (a) On a fee basis. An application for any inspection service on a 
fee basis may be made in any office of inspection or with any inspector 
at or nearest the place where the service is desired. Such application 
may be made orally (in person or by telephone), in writing, or by 
telegraph. If the application for inspection service is made orally, the 
office of inspection or the inspector with whom the application is made, 
or the Administrator, may require that the application be confirmed in 
writing.
    (b) On a resident inspection basis. An application for resident 
inspection service must be made in writing on forms approved by the 
Administrator and filed with the Administrator. Such forms may be 
obtained at the national, area, or State inspection office. In making 
application, the applicant agrees to comply with the terms and 
conditions of the regulations (including, but not being limited to, such 
instructions governing inspection of products as may be issued from time 
to time by the Administrator). No member of or delegate to Congress or 
Resident Commissioner shall be admitted to any benefit that may arise 
from such service unless derived through service rendered a corporation 
for its general benefit.



Sec.  354.32  Filing of application.

    An application for inspection service shall be regarded as filed 
only when made pursuant to the regulations in this part.



Sec.  354.33  Authority of applicant.

    Proof of the authority of any person applying for inspection service 
may be

[[Page 353]]

required at the discretion of the Administrator.



Sec.  354.34  Application for inspection service in official plants;
approval.

    Any person desiring to process and pack products in a plant under 
inspection service must receive approval of such plant and facilities as 
an official plant prior to the rendition of such service. An application 
for inspection service to be rendered in an official plant shall be 
approved according to the following procedure:
    (a) Initial survey. When application has been filed for inspection 
service as aforesaid, the area supervisor, or his assistant, shall 
examine the plant, premises, and facilities and shall specify any 
additional facilities required for the service. Appeals with respect to 
any such specification may be made to the national supervisor.
    (b) Drawings and specifications to be furnished in advance of 
construction or alterations.
    (1) Four copies of drawings or blueprints showing the features 
specified herein shall be submitted to the Administrator. The drawings 
or blueprints shall be legible, made with sharp, clear lines, and 
properly drawn to scale, and shall consist of floor plans and a plot 
plan.
    (2) The plot plan shall show such features as the limits of the 
plant's premises, locations in outline of buildings on the premises, one 
point of the compass, and roadways and railroads serving the plant.
    (3) The floor plan shall show all space to be included in the 
official plant. If rooms or compartments shown on the drawings or 
blueprints are not to be included as part of the official plant, this 
shall be clearly indicated thereon.
    (4) The sheets of paper on which drawings or blueprints are made 
shall not exceed a size 34 x 44. The drawings 
other than of the plot plan shall be made to a scale of \1/8\ 
per foot, except that additional plans for some areas showing detail may 
be drawn to a scale of \1/4\ per foot. The plot plan may be 
drawn to a scale of not less than \1/32\ per foot. The 
drawings shall indicate the scale used and shall also indicate the floor 
shown (e.g., basement, first, or second).
    (c) Features required to be shown on floor plan. The following 
features shall be shown on the floor plan:
    (1) The principal pieces of equipment drawn to scale in the proper 
locations.
    (2) The name of the firm and the address of the plant by street and 
street number, or by other means properly identifying the location of 
the plant.
    (3) One point of the compass.
    (4) The doors and openings for passageways, designating those which 
are self-closing or permanently closed.
    (5) All floor drain openings and gutter drains.
    (6) Lavatories in toilet and processing rooms (lavatories which are 
other than hand-operated shall be so designated on the drawings or 
blueprints).
    (7) All steam and hot and cold water outlets for cleanup purposes.
    (8) Ice-making and storage facilities.
    (9) The point at which live rabbits are hung on the conveyor line, 
the point at which the ready-to-cook rabbits are removed, and any 
intermediate transfer points.
    (10) The routes of the edible and inedible products.
    (11) The location of fresh air inlets, exhaust fans, and hoods.
    (d) Specifications. Specifications covering the following items 
shall accompany the drawings:
    (1) Height of ceilings.
    (2) Type of ceilings--open or closed.
    (3) Finish of ceilings; for example--cement plaster, metal, marine 
plywood, cement, asbestos board, etc.
    (4) Finish of walls; for example--cement plaster, glazed tile, glaze 
brick, glass blocks, etc.
    (5) Screens--indicate whether all outside openings are screened or 
provided with other suitable devices against entrance of flies or other 
insects.
    (6) Finish of floors--concrete, brick, mastic material, etc.
    (7) Drainage--indicate the amount of slope of floors to the drains 
in processing rooms, coolers, toilets, and refuse rooms, and give 
description of trapping and venting of drainage lines and of floor drain 
openings. Indicate size of drainage lines and whether house drainage 
lines and toilet soil lines are separate to a point outside of 
buildings.

[[Page 354]]

    (8) Heating--indicate type.
    (9) Water supply--indicate whether public or private water supply, 
or both, and specify in terms of gallons of water available per minute 
for the processing needs of the plant. Also indicate whether or not a 
nonpotable water supply is used for any purpose in the plant and, if so, 
specify such uses.
    (10) Hot water facilities--specify facilities such as boilers, 
storage tanks, mixing valves, etc., and indicate the size and number of 
boilers and storage tanks.
    (11) Specify number of men and number of women who will use each 
toilet room.
    (12) Sewage disposal--indicate whether city sewer, cesspool, 
sedimentation tank, etc.
    (13) Approximate rate of production--indicate hourly rate of 
slaughter and evisceration for rabbits.
    (e) Rooms and compartments which must be included in the official 
plant. The official plant shall include employees' toilet and dressing 
rooms, office space for the inspectors, storerooms for supplies, refuse 
rooms, and rooms, compartments, or passageways where rabbits or any 
ingredients to be used in the preparation of products under inspection 
will be handled or kept. It also may include other rooms or compartments 
located in the buildings comprising the official plant.
    (f) Changes in drawings or blueprints. When changes are proposed in 
areas for which drawings or blueprints have been previously approved, 
one of the following types of revised drawings or blueprints shall be 
submitted for review and consideration.
    (1) A completely revised sheet or sheets showing proposed 
alterations or additions, or
    (2) Approved pasters of the proposed changes which may be affixed to 
the affected areas on the previously approved drawings or blueprints in 
a manner not obscuring essential data. Paster drawings and blueprints 
shall be prepared to the same scale and presented on a background 
similar to that of the originally approved drawing or blueprint.
    (g) Final survey and plant approval. Prior to the inauguration of 
the inspection service, a final survey of the plant and premises shall 
be made by the area supervisor or his assistant to determine if the 
plant is constructed and facilities are installed in accordance with the 
approved drawings and the regulations in this part. The plant may be 
approved by the Administrator only when these requirements have been 
met, except that conditional approval for a specified limited time may 
be granted only under emergency conditions of restricted availability of 
facilities and construction materials, provided practices suitable to 
the Administrator are employed to effect adequate sanitary conditions in 
the plant.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0583-0036)

[41 FR 23702, June 11, 1976, as amended at 47 FR 746, Jan. 7, 1982]



Sec.  354.35  Rejection of application.

    Any application for inspection service may be rejected by the 
Administrator:
    (a) Whenever the applicant fails to meet the requirements of the 
regulations prescribing the conditions under which the service is made 
available;
    (b) Whenever the product is owned by or located on the premises of a 
person currently denied the benefits of the Act;
    (c) Where any individual holding office or a responsible position 
with or having a substantial financial interest or share in the 
applicant is currently denied the benefits of the Act or was responsible 
in whole or in part for the current denial of the benefits of the Act to 
any person;
    (d) Where the Administrator determines that the application is an 
attempt on the part of a person currently denied the benefits of the Act 
to obtain inspection service;
    (e) Whenever the applicant, after an initial survey has been made in 
accordance with Sec.  354.34(a), fails to bring the plant, facilities, 
and operating procedures into compliance with the regulations within a 
reasonable period of time; or
    (f) Notwithstanding any prior approval whenever, before inauguration 
of service, the applicant fails to fulfill commitments concerning the 
inauguration of the service. Each such applicant shall be promptly 
notified by

[[Page 355]]

registered mail of the reasons for the rejection. A written petition for 
reconsideration of such rejection may be filed by the applicant with the 
Administrator if postmarked or delivered within 10 days after the 
receipt of notice of the rejection. Such petition shall state 
specifically the errors alleged to have been made by the Administrator 
in rejecting the application. Within 20 days following the receipt of 
such a petition for reconsideration, the Administrator shall approve the 
application or notify the applicant by registered mail of the reasons 
for the rejection thereof.



Sec.  354.36  Withdrawal of application.

    Any application for inspection service may be withdrawn by the 
applicant at any time before the service is performed upon payment, by 
the applicant, of all expenses incurred by the Service in connection 
with such application.



Sec.  354.38  Suspension of plant approval.

    (a) Any plant approval given pursuant to the regulations in this 
part may be suspended by the Administrator for:
    (1) Failure to maintain plant and equipment in a satisfactory state 
of repair;
    (2) The use of operating procedures which are not in accordance with 
the regulations in this part; or
    (3) Alterations of buildings, facilities, or equipment which cannot 
be approved in accordance with the regulations in this part.
    (b) During such period of suspension, inspection service shall not 
be rendered. However, the other provisions of the regulations pertaining 
to providing service on a resident basis will remain in effect unless 
such service is terminated in accordance with the provisions of this 
part. If the plant facilities or methods of operation are not brought 
into compliance within a reasonable period of time, to be specified by 
the Administrator, the service shall be terminated. Upon termination of 
inspection service in an official plant pursuant to the regulations in 
this part, the plant approval shall also become terminated, and all 
labels, seals, tags or packaging material bearing official 
identification shall, under the supervision of a person designated by 
the Service, either be destroyed, or the official identification 
completely obliterated, or sealed in a manner acceptable to the Service.

                               Violations



Sec.  354.45  Denial of service.

    (a) The acts or practices set forth in Sec. Sec.  354.46 through 
354.51 or the causing thereof may be deemed sufficient cause, for the 
debarment, by the Secretary, of any person, including any agents, 
officers, subsidiaries, or affiliates of such person, from any or all 
benefits of the Act for a specified period after notice and opportunity 
for hearing has been afforded.
    (b) Whenever the Administrator has reason to believe that any person 
or his employee, agent, or representative has flagrantly or repeatedly 
committed any of the acts or practices specified in Sec. Sec.  354.46 to 
354.51, he may, without hearing, direct that the benefits of the Act be 
denied such person, including any agents, officers, subsidiaries, or 
affiliates of such person, pending investigation and hearing, and shall 
give notice thereof to any such person in the manner prescribed in Sec.  
1.147(b) of the rules of practice (7 CFR 1.147(b)). The Administrator's 
decision to deny the benefits of the Act to any such person, including 
any agents, officers, subsidiaries, or affiliates of such person, shall 
be effective upon service of such notice. A written petition for 
reconsideration of such interim denial may be filed with the 
Administrator by any person so denied the benefits of the Act within 10 
days after notice of the interim denial. Such petition shall state 
specifically the errors alleged to have been made by the Administrator 
in denying the benefits of the Act pending investigation and hearing. 
Within 20 days following the receipt of such petition for 
reconsideration, the Administrator shall reinstate the benefits of the 
Act or notify the petitioner of the reasons for continued interim 
denial.

[41 FR 23702, June 11, 1976, as amended at 43 FR 11148, Mar. 17, 1978]

[[Page 356]]



Sec.  354.46  Misrepresentation; deceptive or fraudulent acts or practices.

    Any willful misrepresentation or any deceptive or fraudulent act or 
practice made or committed by any person in connection with:
    (a) The making or filing of any application for any inspection 
service;
    (b) The making of the product accessible for inspection;
    (c) The making, issuing, or using, or attempting to issue or use any 
inspection certificate, symbol, stamp, label, seal or identification, 
authorized pursuant to the regulations in this part;
    (d) The use of the terms ``U.S. Inspected'' or ``Government 
Inspected'', or any term of similar import in the labeling or 
advertising of any product.



Sec.  354.47  Use of facsimile forms.

    Using or attempting to use a form which simulates, in whole or in 
part, any certificate, symbol, stamp, label, seal or identification 
authorized to be issued or used under the regulations in this part.



Sec.  354.48  Willful violation of the regulations.

    Any willful violation of the regulations in this part or the Act.



Sec.  354.49  Interfering with an inspector or employee of Service.

    Any interference with or obstruction or any attempted interference 
or obstruction of or assault upon any inspector or employee of the 
Service in the performance of his duties. The giving or offering 
directly or indirectly of any money, loan, gift, or anything of value to 
an employee of the Service or the making or offering of any contribution 
to or in any way supplementing the salary, compensation, or expenses of 
an employee of the Service, or the offering or entering into a private 
contract or agreement with an employee of the Service for any services 
to be rendered while employed by the Service.



Sec.  354.51  Miscellaneous.

    The existence of any of the conditions set forth in Sec.  354.35 
constituting a basis for the rejection of an application for inspection 
service.

                      Other Applicable Regulations



Sec.  354.53  Other applicable regulations.

    Compliance with the regulations in this part shall not excuse 
failure to comply with any other Federal or any State or municipal 
applicable laws or regulations.

                    Identifying and Marking Products



Sec.  354.60  Approval of official identification.

    All labels intended for use on inspected and passed rabbit products 
which bear any official identification must be approved in accordance 
with part 412 of this chapter.

[88 FR 2811, Jan. 18, 2023]



Sec.  354.62  Inspection mark with respect to product.

    The Administrator is authorized to prescribe and approve the form of 
the inspection mark that may be used.



Sec.  354.63  Marking inspected products.

    (a) Wording and form of inspection mark. Except as otherwise 
authorized, the inspection mark permitted to be used with respect to 
inspected and certified edible products shall include wording as 
follows: ``Inspected for Wholesomeness by U.S. Department of 
Agriculture.'' This wording shall be contained within a circle in the 
form and arrangement shown in Sec.  354.65. The appropriate plant number 
of the official plant shall be included in the circle unless it appears 
elsewhere on the packaging material. The Administrator may approve the 
use of abbreviations of such inspection mark, and such approved 
abbreviations shall have the same force and effect as the inspection 
mark. The inspection mark or approved abbreviation thereof, as the case 
may be, may be applied to the inspected and certified edible product or 
to the packaging material of such product. When the inspection mark, or 
the approved abbreviation thereof, is used on packaging material, it 
shall be printed on such material or on a label to be affixed to the 
packaging material and the name of the packer or distributor of such 
product shall be printed on the packaging material or label, as the case 
may be, except that on

[[Page 357]]

shipping containers and containers for institutional packs, the 
inspection marks may be stenciled on the container and, when the 
inspection mark is so stenciled, the name and address of the packer or 
distributor may be applied by the use of a stencil or a rubber stamp. 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the name and address of the packer or 
distributor, if appropriately shown elsewhere on the packaging material, 
may be omitted from insert labels which bear an official identification 
if the applicable plant number is shown.
    (b) Wording on labels. Each trade label to be approved for use 
pursuant to Sec. Sec.  354.60 to 354.64 with respect to any inspected 
and certified edible product shall bear the true name of the edible 
product, the name and address of the packer or distributor thereof, and 
in prominent letters and figures of uniform size, the inspection mark, 
as aforesaid, and the label shall also bear, in such manner as may be 
prescribed or approved by the Administrator, the plant number, if any, 
of the official plant in which such product was inspected and certified. 
The class of the rabbits shall be shown on the label. The appropriate 
designation ``young'', ``mature'', or ``old'' may be used as a prefix to 
the word ``rabbit'' in lieu of the class name.
    (c) Labels in foreign languages. Any trade label to be affixed to a 
container of any edible products for foreign commerce may be printed in 
a foreign language. However, the inspection mark shall appear on the 
label in English, but, in addition, may be literally translated into 
such foreign language. Each such trade label which is to be printed in a 
foreign language must be approved pursuant to Sec. Sec.  354.60 to 
354.64.
    (d) Unauthorized use or disposition of approved labels. (1) Labels 
approved for use pursuant to Sec. Sec.  354.60 to 354.64 shall be used 
only for the purpose for which approved and shall not otherwise be 
disposed of from the plant for which approved except with written 
approval of the Administrator. Any unauthorized use or disposition of 
approved labels or labels bearing official identification may result in 
cancellation of the approval and denial of the use of labels bearing 
official identification or denial of the benefits of the Act pursuant to 
the provisions of Sec.  354.60.
    (2) The use of simulations or imitations of any official 
identification by any person is prohibited.
    (e) Rescindment of approved labels. Once a year, or more often if 
requested, each applicant shall submit to the Administrator a list in 
triplicate of approved labels that have become obsolete, accompanied 
with a statement that such approvals are no longer desired. The 
approvals shall be identified by the date of approval and the name of 
product or other designation showing the class of material.



Sec.  354.64  Form of official identification.

    The form prescribed in Sec.  354.65 is subject to the requirements 
of Sec. Sec.  354.60 to 354.64, Identifying and Marking Products.



Sec.  354.65  Form of inspection mark.

    The inspection mark approved for use on inspected and certified 
edible products shall be contained within a circle and include the 
following wording: ``Inspected for Wholesomeness by U.S. Department of 
Agriculture.'' The form and arrangement of such wording shall be as 
indicated in the example below. The plant number of the official plant 
shall be set forth if it does not appear on the packaging material.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.056


[[Page 358]]



                  Supervision of Marking and Packaging



Sec.  354.70  Evidence of label approval.

    No inspector shall authorize the use of official identification for 
any inspected product unless he has on file evidence that such official 
identification or packaging material bearing such official 
identification has been approved in accordance with the provisions of 
Sec. Sec.  354.60 to 354.64.



Sec.  354.71  Affixing of official identification.

    (a) No official identification or any abbreviation, copy, or 
representation thereof may be affixed to or placed on or caused to be 
affixed to or placed on any product or container thereof except by an 
inspector or under the supervision of an inspector. All such products 
shall have been inspected and certified. The inspector shall have 
supervision over the use and handling of all material bearing any 
official identification.
    (b) Each container of inspected and certified products to be shipped 
from one official plant to another official plant for further processing 
shall be marked for identification and shall show the following 
information:
    (1) The name of the inspected and certified products in the 
container;
    (2) The name and address of the packer or distributor of such 
products;
    (3) The net weight of the container;
    (4) The inspection mark permitted to be used pursuant to the 
regulations in this part unless the containers are sealed or otherwise 
identified in such manner as may be approved by the Administrator; and
    (5) The plant number of the official plant where the products were 
packed.



Sec.  354.72  Packaging.

    No container which bears or may bear any official identification or 
any abbreviation or copy or representation thereof may be filled in 
whole or in part except with edible products which were inspected and 
certified and are, at the time of such filing, sound, wholesome, and fit 
for human food. All such filling of containers shall be under the 
supervision of an inspector.



Sec.  354.73  Retention labels.

    An inspector may use such labels, devices, and methods as may be 
approved by the Administrator for the identification of:
    (a) Products which are held for further examination, and
    (b) All equipment and utensils which are to be held for proper 
cleaning.



Sec.  354.74  Prerequisites to inspection.

    Inspection of products shall be rendered pursuant to the regulations 
in this part and under such conditions and in accordance with such 
methods as may be prescribed or approved by the Administrator.



Sec.  354.75  Accessibility of products.

    Each product for which inspection service is requested shall be so 
arranged so as to permit adequate determination of its class, quantity, 
and condition as the circumstances may warrant.



Sec.  354.76  Time of inspection in an official plant.

    The inspector who is to perform the inspection in an official plant 
shall be informed, in advance, by the applicant of the hours when such 
inspection is desired. Inspectors shall have access at all times to 
every part of any official plant to which they are assigned.

                                 Reports



Sec.  354.90  Report of inspection work.

    Reports of the work of inspection carried on within official plants 
shall be forwarded to the Administrator by the inspector in such manner 
as may be specified by the Administrator.



Sec.  354.91  Information to be furnished to inspectors.

    When inspection service is performed within an official plant, the 
applicant for such inspection shall furnish to the inspector rendering 
such service such information as may be required for the purposes of 
Sec. Sec.  354.90 to 354.92.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0583-0036)

[41 FR 23702, June 11, 1976, as amended at 47 FR 746, Jan. 7, 1982]

[[Page 359]]



Sec.  354.92  Reports of violation.

    Each inspector shall report, in the manner prescribed by the 
Administrator, all violations of and noncompliance with the Act and the 
regulations in this part of which he has knowledge.

                            Fees and Charges



Sec.  354.100  Payment of fees and charges.

    (a) Fees and charges for any inspection shall be paid by the 
applicant for the service in accordance with the applicable provisions 
of Sec. Sec.  354.100 to 354.110, both inclusive. If so required by the 
inspector, such fees and charges shall be paid in advance.
    (b) Fees and charges for any inspection service shall, unless 
otherwise required pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section, be paid by 
check, draft, or money order payable to the Food Safety and Inspection 
Service and remitted promptly to the Service.
    (c) Fees and charges for any inspection pursuant to a cooperative 
agreement with any State or person shall be paid in accordance with the 
terms of such cooperative agreement.



Sec.  354.101  On a fee basis.

    (a) Unless otherwise provided in this part, the fees to be charged 
and collected for any service performed, in accordance with this part, 
on a fee basis shall be based on the applicable rates specified in this 
section.
    (b) The charges for inspection service will be based on the time 
required to perform such services. The hourly rates shall be as 
specified in Sec. Sec.  391.2 and 391.3 respectively for base time and 
for overtime or holiday work.
    (c) Charges for certain laboratory analysis or laboratory 
examination of rabbits under this part related to inspection service 
shall be at the rate specified in Sec.  391.4 for that part which is not 
covered under the base time, overtime, and/or holiday costs.

[41 FR 23702, June 11, 1976, as amended at 53 FR 13398, Apr. 22, 1988; 
54 FR 6390, Feb. 10, 1989]



Sec.  354.105  Fees for additional copies of inspection certificates.

    Additional copies, other than those provided for in Sec. Sec.  
354.141, 354.142, and 354.143, of any inspection certificates may be 
supplied to any interested party upon payment of a fee of $2.00 for each 
set of five or fewer copies.



Sec.  354.106  Travel expenses and other charges.

    Charges are to be made to cover the cost of travel and other 
expenses incurred by the Service in connection with rendering inspection 
service. Such charges shall include the costs of transportation, per 
diem, and any other expenses.



Sec.  354.107  Continuous inspection performed on a resident basis.

    The charges for inspection of rabbits and products thereof shall be 
those provided for in Sec.  354.101(b) and specified by hourly rates in 
Sec. Sec.  391.2 and 391.3 when the inspection service is performed on a 
continuous year-round resident basis and the services of an inspector or 
inspectors are required 4 or more hours per day. When the services of an 
inspector are required on an intermittent basis, the charges shall be 
those provided for in Sec.  354.101(b) and specified by hourly rates in 
Sec. Sec.  391.2 and 391.3 plus the travel expense and other charges 
provided for in Sec.  354.106.

[54 FR 6390, Feb. 10, 1989]



Sec.  354.109  Fees or charges for inspection service performed under
cooperative agreement.

    Fees or charges to be made to an applicant for any inspection 
service which differ from those listed in Sec. Sec.  354.100 through 
354.107 shall be provided for by a cooperative agreement.



Sec.  354.110  Disposition of fees for inspection made under cooperative 
agreement.

    Fees for inspection under a cooperative agreement with any State or 
person shall be disposed of in accordance with the terms of such 
agreement. Such portion of the fees collected under a cooperative 
agreement as may be due the United States shall be remitted to the 
Service.

[[Page 360]]

             Inspection Procedures; Ante-Mortem Inspections



Sec.  354.120  Manner of handling products in an official plant.

    Unless otherwise specified in the regulations in this part or by the 
Administrator, products which are to be further processed under 
inspection in an official plant shall be prepared and handled in such 
official plant under the supervision of an inspector.



Sec.  354.121  Ante-mortem inspection.

    An ante-mortem inspection of rabbits shall, where and to the extent 
considered necessary by the Administrator and under such instructions as 
he may issue from time to time, be made of rabbits on the day of 
slaughter in any official plant processing rabbits under inspection 
pursuant to the regulations in this part.



Sec.  354.122  Condemnation on ante-mortem inspection.

    Rabbits found in a dying condition on premises of an official plant 
shall be immediately destroyed and, together with any rabbits found dead 
on such premises, shall be disposed of in accordance with Sec.  354.132. 
Rabbits plainly showing, on ante-mortem inspection, any disease or 
condition, that under Sec. Sec.  354.129 to 354.131, inclusive, would 
cause condemnation of their carcasses on post-mortem inspection, shall 
be condemned. Rabbits which, on ante-mortem inspection, are condemned 
shall not be dressed, nor shall they be conveyed into any department of 
the plant where rabbit products are prepared or held. Rabbits which have 
been condemned on ante-mortem inspection and have been killed shall, 
under the supervision of an inspector of the Inspection Service, receive 
treatment as provided in Sec.  354.132.



Sec.  354.123  Segregation of suspects on ante-mortem inspection.

    All rabbits which, on ante-mortem inspection, do not plainly show, 
but are suspected of being affected with any disease or condition that 
under Sec. Sec.  354.129 to 354.131, inclusive, may cause condemnation 
in whole or in part on post-mortem inspection, shall be segregated from 
the other rabbits and held for separate slaughter, evisceration, and 
post-mortem inspection. The inspector shall be notified when such 
segregated lots are presented for post-mortem inspection and inspection 
of such rabbits shall be conducted separately. Such procedure for the 
correlation of ante-mortem and post-mortem findings by the inspector, as 
may be prescribed or approved by the Administrator, shall be carried 
out.



Sec.  354.124  Quarantine of diseased rabbits.

    If live rabbits, which are affected by any contagious disease which 
is transmissible to man, are brought into an official establishment, 
such rabbits shall be segregated. The slaughtering of such rabbits shall 
be deferred and they shall be dealt with in one of the following ways:
    (a) If it is determined by a veterinary inspector that further 
handling of the rabbits will not create a health hazard, the lot shall 
be subject to ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection pursuant to the 
regulations in this part.
    (b) If it is determined by a veterinary inspector that further 
handling of the rabbits will not create a health hazard, such rabbits 
may be released for treatment under the control of an appropriate State 
or Federal agency. If the circumstances are such that release for 
treatment is impracticable, a careful rabbit-by-rabbit ante-mortem 
inspection shall be made, and all rabbits found to be, or which are 
suspected of being, affected with the contagious disease transmissible 
to man shall be condemned.

                         Post-Mortem Inspection



Sec.  354.125  Evisceration.

    No viscera or any part thereof shall be removed from any rabbits 
which are to be processed under inspection in any official plant, except 
at the time of evisceration and inspection. Each carcass to be 
eviscerated shall be opened so as to expose the organs and the body 
cavity for proper examination by the inspector and shall be prepared 
immediately after inspection as ready-to-cook rabbit.

[[Page 361]]



Sec.  354.126  Carcasses held for further examination.

    Each carcass, including all parts thereof, in which there is any 
lesion of disease or other condition, which might render such carcass or 
any part thereof unfit for human food, and with respect to which a final 
decision cannot be made on first examination by the inspector, shall be 
held for further examination. The identity of each such carcass, 
including all parts thereof, shall be maintained until a final 
examination has been completed.



Sec.  354.127  Condemnation and treatment of carcasses.

    Each carcass, or any part thereof, which is found to be unsound, 
unwholesome, or otherwise unfit for human food shall be condemned by the 
inspector and shall receive such treatment, under the supervision of the 
inspector, as will prevent its use for human food and preclude 
dissemination of disease through consumption by animals.



Sec.  354.128  Certification of carcasses.

    Each carcass and all parts and organs thereof which are found by the 
inspector to be sound, wholesome, and fit for human food shall be 
certified as provided in this part.

           Disposition of Diseased Rabbit Carcasses and Parts



Sec.  354.129  General.

    The carcasses or parts of carcasses of all rabbits inspected at an 
official establishment and found at the time of post-mortem inspection, 
or at any subsequent inspection, to be affected with any of the diseases 
or conditions named in other sections in this part, shall be disposed of 
in accordance with the section pertaining to the disease or condition. 
Owing to the fact that it is impracticable to formulate rules for each 
specific disease or condition and to designate at just what stage a 
disease process results in an unwholesome product, the decision as to 
the disposal of all carcasses, parts, or organs not specifically covered 
by the regulations, or by instructions of the Administrator issued 
pursuant thereto, shall be left to the inspector in charge, and if the 
inspector in charge is in doubt concerning the disposition to be made, 
specimens from such carcasses shall be forwarded to the laboratory for 
diagnosis.



Sec.  354.130  Diseases or conditions evident which require condemnation.

    (a) Carcasses of rabbits affected with or showing lesions of any of 
the following named diseases or conditions shall be condemned: 
Tularemia, anthrax, hemorrhagic septicemia, pyemia, septicemia, 
leukemia, acute enteritis, peritonitis, sarcomatosis, metritis, 
necrobacillosis (Smorl's Disease), tuberculosis, emaciation, 
streptobacillary pseudotuberculosis, and advanced stages of snuffles. 
Rabbits from pathological laboratories shall be condemned.
    (b) Any organ or part of a rabbit carcass affected with a tumor 
shall be condemned and when there is evidence that the general condition 
of the rabbit has been affected by the size, position, or nature of the 
tumor, the whole carcass shall be condemned. In cases of malignant 
neoplasms involving any internal organ to a marked extent, or affecting 
the muscles, skeleton, or body lymph glands, even primarily, the whole 
carcass shall be condemned.
    (c) Carcasses of rabbits showing any disease such as generalized 
melanosis, pseudoleukemia, and the like, which systemically affect the 
rabbit, shall be condemned.
    (d) Any organ or part of a carcass which is badly bruised or which 
is affected by an abscess, or a suppurating sore, shall be condemned. 
Parts or carcasses which are contaminated by pus shall be condemned.
    (e) Carcasses of rabbits contaminated by volatile oils, paints, 
poisons, gases, or other substances which affect the wholesomeness of 
the carcass shall be condemned.
    (f) All carcasses of rabbits so infected that consumption of the 
meat or meat food products thereof may give rise to meat poisoning shall 
be condemned. This includes all carcasses showing signs of any of the 
following diseases: Acute inflammation of the lungs, pleura, 
pericardium, peritoneum or meninges; septicemia or pyemia, whether 
traumatic, or without evident

[[Page 362]]

cause; gangrenous or severe hemorrhagic enteritis or gastritis; 
polyarthritis and acute nephritis. Immediately after the slaughter of 
any rabbit so infected, the infected premises and implements used shall 
be thoroughly sanitized. The part or parts of any carcass coming into 
contact with the carcass or any part of the carcass of any rabbit 
covered by this section other than those affected with acute 
inflammation of the lungs, pleura, pericardium, peritoneum or meninges, 
shall be condemned.
    (g) Carcasses showing any degree of icterus with a parenchymatous 
degeneration of organs, the result of infection or intoxication, and 
those which, as a result of a pathological condition, show an intense 
yellow or greenish-yellow discoloration without evidence of infection or 
intoxication shall be condemned.
    (h) Carcasses of rabbits affected with mange or scab in advanced 
stages, or showing emaciation or extension of the inflammation to the 
flesh, shall be condemned. When the diseased condition is slight, the 
carcass may be passed for food after removal and condemnation of the 
affected parts.
    (i) In the disposal of carcasses and parts of carcasses showing 
evidence of infestation with parasites not transmissible to man, the 
following general rules shall govern: If the lesions are localized in 
such manner and are of such character that the parasites and the lesions 
caused by them may be radically removed, the non-affected portion of the 
carcass, or part of the carcass, may be certified for food after the 
removal and condemnation of the affected portions. Where a part of a 
carcass shows numerous lesions caused by parasites, or the character of 
the infestation is such that complete extirpation of the parasites and 
lesions is difficult and uncertainly accomplished, or if the parasitic 
infestation or invasion renders the organ or part in any way unfit for 
food, the affected organ or part shall be condemned. Where parasites are 
found to be distributed in a carcass in such a manner or to be of such a 
character that their removal and the removal of the lesions caused by 
them are impracticable, no part of the carcass shall be certified for 
food and the entire carcass shall be condemned. Carcasses infested with 
a hydatid cyst or cysts (Echinococcus granulosis), transmissible to dogs 
and from dogs to man, shall in all cases be condemned regardless of the 
degree of infestation.
    (j) Carcasses of rabbits showing such degree of emaciation or anemic 
condition as would render the meat unwholesome, and carcasses which show 
a slimy degeneration of the fat or a serious infiltration of the muscles 
shall be condemned.



Sec.  354.131  Decomposition.

    Carcasses of rabbits deleteriously affected by post-mortem changes 
shall be disposed of as follows:
    (a) Carcasses which have reached a state of putrefaction or stinking 
fermentation shall be condemned.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Carcasses affected by types of post-mortem change which are 
superficial in nature may be certified for food after removal and 
condemnation of affected parts.



Sec.  354.132  Disposal of condemned carcasses and parts.

    All condemned carcasses, or parts of carcasses, shall be disposed of 
by one of the following methods, under the supervision of an inspector 
of the Inspection Service: (Facilities and materials for carrying out 
the requirements in this section shall be furnished by the official 
establishment.)
    (a) Steam treatment (which shall be accomplished by processing the 
condemned product in a pressure tank under at least 40 pounds of steam 
pressure) or thorough cooking in a kettle or vat for a sufficient time 
to effectively destroy the product for human food purposes and preclude 
dissemination of disease through consumption by animals. Tanks and 
equipment used for this purpose or for rendering or preparing inedible 
products shall be in rooms or compartments separate from those used for 
the preparation of edible products. There shall be no direct connection, 
by means of pipes or otherwise, between tanks containing inedible 
products and those containing edible products.
    (b) Incineration or complete destruction by burning.

[[Page 363]]

    (c) Chemical denaturing, which shall be accomplished by the liberal 
application to all carcasses and parts thereof, of:
    (1) Crude carbolic acid,
    (2) Kerosene, fuel oil, or used crank case oil,
    (3) Any phenolic disinfectant conforming to commercial standards CS 
70-41 or CS 71-41 which shall be used in at least 2 percent emulsion or 
solution, or
    (4) Any other substance that the Administrator approves which will 
decharacterize the carcasses or parts to the extent necessary to 
accomplish the purposes of this section.

                      Reinspection and Ingredients



Sec.  354.133  Reinspection of edible products; ingredients.

    (a) Any inspected and certified edible product may be brought into 
an official plant only if the container of such product is marked for 
identification in the manner prescribed in Sec.  354.71(b) and the 
product is reinspected by an inspector at the time it is brought into 
such plant. Upon reinspection, if any such product or portion thereof is 
found to be unsound, unwholesome, or otherwise unfit for human food, 
such product, or portion thereof, shall be condemned and shall receive 
treatment as provided in Sec.  354.127.
    (b) Any product which is prepared under inspection in an official 
plant shall be inspected in such plant as often as the inspector deems 
it necessary in order to ascertain whether such product is sound, 
wholesome, and fit for human food at the time such product leaves such 
plant. Upon any such inspection, if any such product or portion thereof 
is found to be unsound, unwholesome, or otherwise unfit for human food, 
such product or portion thereof shall be condemned and shall receive 
treatment as provided in Sec.  354.127.
    (c) All substances and ingredients used in the manufacture or 
preparation of any edible product shall be clean, sound, wholesome, and 
fit for human food. Liquid and frozen egg products used in the 
preparation of any edible product shall have been prepared under 
continuous inspection of the Department.

                                 Appeals



Sec.  354.134  Appeal inspections; how made.

    Any person receiving inspection service may, if dissatisfied with 
any decision of an inspector relating to any inspection, file an appeal 
from such decision or action in accordance with 9 CFR 500.9.

[87 FR 63423, Oct. 19, 2022]

                         Inspection Certificates



Sec.  354.140  Forms of inspection certificates.

    Each inspection certificate issued pursuant to the regulations in 
this part shall be approved by the Administrator as to form, and:
    (a) Each rabbit inspection certificate shall show the class or 
classes of rabbits, the quantity of product contained in the respective 
lot, and all pertinent information concerning the condition and 
wholesomeness thereof;
    (b) Each food product inspection certificate shall show the names of 
the edible products covered by such certificate, the quantity of each 
such product, such shipping marks as are necessary to identify such 
products, and all pertinent information concerning the condition and 
wholesomeness thereof;
    (c) Each export certificate shall show the respective names of the 
exporter and the consignee, the destination, the shipping marks, the 
numbers of the export stamps attached to the edible products to be 
exported and covered by the certificate, and the names of such products 
and the total net weight thereof.



Sec.  354.141  Issuance and disposition of rabbits inspection certificates.

    (a) Upon the request of an interested party, any inspector is 
authorized to issue a rabbit inspection certificate with respect to any 
lot of rabbits inspected by him. Each certificate shall be signed by the 
inspector who made the inspection covered by the certificate, and if 
more than one inspector participated in the inspection of the lot

[[Page 364]]

of rabbits, each such inspector shall sign the certificate with respect 
to such lot.
    (b) The original and a copy of each inspection certificate, issued 
pursuant to Sec. Sec.  354.140 to 354.144, and not to exceed two 
additional copies thereof if requested by the applicant prior to 
issuance, shall, immediately upon issuance, be delivered or mailed to 
the applicant or person designated by him. One copy shall be filed in 
the office of the area supervisor serving the area in which the 
inspection was performed, and the remaining copies shall be disposed of 
in such manner as the Administrator may approve. Additional copies of 
any such certificate may be furnished to any interested party as 
provided in Sec.  354.105.



Sec.  354.142  Food product inspection certificates; issuance and
disposition.

    (a) Upon the request of an interested party, any inspector is 
authorized to issue a food product inspection certificate with respect 
to any inspected and certified edible product after suitable examination 
of the product has been made by the inspector.
    (b) The original of each food product inspection certificate, and 
not to exceed two copies thereof, if requested, shall, immediately upon 
issuance, be delivered or mailed to the applicant or person designated 
by him. Another copy shall be filed in the office of the regional 
supervisor serving the area in which such certificate was issued, and 
one copy shall be forwarded to the Administrator. The last named two 
copies shall be retained until otherwise ordered by the Administrator.



Sec.  354.143  Export certificates; issuance and disposition.

    (a) Upon the request of an exporter, any inspector is authorized to 
issue an export certificate with respect to the shipment to any foreign 
country of any inspected and certified edible product after suitable 
examination of the product has been made by the inspector.
    (b) Each export certificate shall be issued in quintuplicate; the 
original shall be delivered to the exporter who requested such 
certificate, and the duplicate copy shall be delivered to the agent of 
the railroad or other carrier transporting such products from the United 
States. The triplicate copy of such export certificate shall be 
forwarded to the Administrator; the quadruplicate copy shall be filed in 
the office of the regional supervisor serving the area in which such 
export certificate was issued, and the memorandum copy shall be retained 
by the inspector for filing. The last named three copies shall be 
retained until otherwise ordered by the Administrator.



Sec.  354.144  Advance information.

    Upon the request of an applicant, all or part of the contents of any 
inspection certificate issued to such applicant may be telephoned or 
telegraphed to him, or to any person designated by him, at his expense.

       Basis of Acceptability of Other Official Inspection Systems



Sec.  354.160  General.

    Any rabbit inspection system may be deemed to be acceptable to the 
Administrator which:
    (a) Is conducted under the authority of laws, ordinances, or similar 
enactments of the State, county, city, or other political subdivision in 
which is located the official plant at which the ready-to-cook rabbits 
are prepared and
    (b) Imposes at least the requirements set forth in Sec.  354.161: 
Provided, That no such inspection shall be deemed acceptable to the 
Administrator with respect to any official plant in which ready-to-cook 
rabbits are prepared if he finds at any time that such requirements are 
not adequately enforced.



Sec.  354.161  Requirements as to manner of inspection.

    (a) The inspection shall be conducted by an inspector who is a 
qualified veterinarian or under the supervision of a qualified 
veterinarian. All such inspectors shall be employed by the State, 
county, city, or other political subdivision in which the official plant 
is located.
    (b) The inspection shall include post-mortem examination of each 
rabbit carcass during the evisceration operation.
    (c) All carcasses which show evidence of disease or any other 
condition which

[[Page 365]]

may render them unwholesome or unfit for food shall be condemned and 
shall be destroyed for food purposes under the supervision of an 
inspector. Each carcass and part thereof which has been inspected and 
passed or containers of carcasses or parts thereof shall bear the 
identifying inspection symbol of the official inspection system and the 
marking devices or labels shall be in the custody of the inspector at 
all times.



Sec.  354.162  Determining compliance with Sec.  354.161.

    A qualified veterinary supervisor of the rabbit inspection service 
shall investigate the manner of operation of the inspection system to 
determine the adequacy of the post-mortem examination and the compliance 
with the requirements contained in Sec. Sec.  354.160 to 354.162 prior 
to approving the official plant for the inspection of ready-to-cook 
rabbits. This supervisor, as well as any official graders who may be 
stationed in the official plant, shall periodically observe the 
inspection operations in the official plant to determine that the 
requirements of Sec. Sec.  354.160 to 354.162 are being met.

                          Sanitary Requirements

                                 General



Sec.  354.210  Minimum standards for sanitation, facilities, and 
operating procedures in official plants.

    The provisions of Sec. Sec.  354.210 to 354.247 shall apply with 
respect to inspection service in all official plants. The table set 
forth in Sec.  354.247 indicates some of the types of material which may 
be used in the construction of equipment, utensils, and facilities for 
use in the plant.

                     Buildings and Plant Facilities



Sec.  354.220  Buildings.

    The buildings shall be of sound construction and kept in good 
repair, and shall be of such construction as to prevent the entrance or 
harboring of vermin.
    (a) Outside openings. (1) The doors, windows, skylights, and other 
outside openings of the plant, except receiving rooms and live rabbit 
holding rooms, shall be protected by properly fitted screens or other 
suitable devices against the entrance of flies and other insects.
    (2) Outside doors, except in receiving rooms and live rabbit holding 
rooms, shall be self-closing and so hung that not over \1/4\-inch 
clearance remains when closed. Screen doors shall open toward the 
outside of the building.



Sec.  354.221  Rooms and compartments.

    Rooms and compartments used for edible products shall be separate 
and distinct from inedible products departments and from rooms where 
rabbits are slaughtered and skinned. Separate rooms shall be provided 
when required for conducting processing operations in a sanitary manner, 
and all rooms shall be of sufficient size to permit the installation of 
the necessary equipment for processing operations and the conduct of 
such operations in a sanitary manner.
    (a) Rooms for separate operation. The official plant should have 
separate rooms for each of the following operations depending upon the 
various types of operations conducted, but, in no case, shall the 
receiving or holding of live rabbits or killing operations be permitted 
in rooms in which eviscerating operations are performed:
    (1) The receiving and feeding of live rabbits.
    (2) Killing and skinning operations.
    (3) Eviscerating, chilling, and packing operations for ready-to-cook 
rabbits.
    (4) Inedible products departments.
    (5) Refuse room.
    (b) Rooms for holding carcasses for further inspection. Rooms and 
compartments in which carcasses or parts thereof are held for further 
inspection shall be in such number and such location as the needs of the 
inspection in the plant may require. They shall be equipped with locks 
and keys and the keys shall not leave the custody of the inspector in 
charge of the plant. All such rooms and compartments shall be marked 
conspicuously with the word ``retained'' in letters not less than 2 
inches high.
    (c) Coolers and freezers. Coolers and freezers of adequate size and 
capacity shall be provided to reduce the internal

[[Page 366]]

temperature of ready-to-cook rabbits prepared and otherwise handled in 
the plant to 36 [deg]F. within 24 hours unless other cooling facilities 
are available.
    (d) Refuse rooms. Refuse rooms shall be entirely separate from other 
rooms in the plant, and shall have tight fitting doors and be properly 
ventilated.
    (e) Storage and supply rooms. The storage and supply rooms shall be 
in good repair, kept dry, and maintained in a sanitary condition.
    (f) Boiler room. The boiler room shall be a separate room, if 
necessary, to prevent its being a source of dirt and objectionable odors 
entering any room where ready-to-cook rabbits are prepared, processed, 
handled, and stored.
    (g) Inspector's office. Furnished office space, including, but not 
being limited to, light, heat, and janitor service shall be provided 
rent free in the official plant for the exclusive use for official 
purposes of the inspector and the Administration. The room or rooms set 
apart for this purpose must meet with the approval of the regional 
supervisor and be conveniently located, properly ventilated, and 
provided with lockers or cabinets suitable for the protection and 
storage of supplies and with facilities suitable for inspectors to 
change clothing.
    (h) Toilet rooms. Toilet rooms opening directly into rooms where 
rabbit products are exposed shall have self-closing doors and shall be 
ventilated to the outside of the building.



Sec.  354.222  Floors, walls, ceilings, etc.

    (a) Floors. All floors in rooms where exposed products are prepared 
or handled shall be constructed of or finished with materials impervious 
to moisture, so they can be readily and thoroughly cleaned. The floors 
in killing, ice cooling, ice packing, eviscerating, cooking, boning, and 
cannery rooms shall be graded for complete runoff with no standing 
water.
    (b) Walls, posts, partitions, doors. All walls, posts, partitions, 
and doors in rooms where exposed products are prepared or handled shall 
be smooth and constructed of materials impervious to moisture to a 
height of 6 feet above the floor to enable thorough cleaning. All 
surfaces above this height must be smooth and finished with moisture-
resistant material.
    (c) Ceilings. Ceilings must be moisture-resistant in rooms where 
exposed products are prepared or handled, and finished and sealed to 
prevent collection of dirt or dust that might sift through flooring 
above or fall from collecting surfaces on equipment or exposed product.



Sec.  354.223  Drainage and plumbing.

    There shall be an efficient drainage and plumbing system for the 
plant and premises.
    (a) Drains and gutters. All drains and gutters shall be properly 
installed with approved traps and vents. The drainage and plumbing 
system must permit the quick runoff of all water from plant buildings, 
and surface water around the plant and on the premises, and all such 
water shall be disposed of in such a manner as to prevent a nuisance or 
health hazard.
    (b) Sewage and plant wastes. (1) The sewerage system shall have 
adequate slope and capacity to remove readily all waste from the various 
processing operations and to minimize, and if possible to prevent, 
stoppage and surcharging of the system.
    (2) Grease traps which are connected with the sewerage system shall 
be suitably located but not near any edible products department or in 
any area where products are unloaded from or loaded into vehicles. To 
facilitate cleaning, such traps shall have inclined bottoms and be 
provided with suitable covers.
    (3) Toilet soil lines shall be separate from house drainage lines to 
a point outside the buildings unless they are positively trapped to 
prevent backing up. Drainage from toilet bowls and urinals shall not be 
discharged into a grease catch basin.
    (4) All floor drains shall be equipped with traps, constructed so as 
to minimize clogging, and the plumbing shall be so installed as to 
prevent sewerage from backing up and from flooding the floor.
    (5) Floor drainage lines should be of metal and at least 4 inches in 
diameter and open into main drains of at least 6 inches in diameter and 
shall be properly vented to outside air.

[[Page 367]]

    (6) Where refrigerators are equipped with drains, such drains should 
be properly trapped and should discharge through an air gap into the 
sewer system. All new installations, and all replacements, or 
refrigerators equipped with drains shall meet these requirements.



Sec.  354.224  Water supply.

    The water supply shall be ample, clean, and potable with adequate 
facilities for its distribution in the plant and its protection against 
contamination and pollution.
    (a) Hot water at a temperature not less than 180 [deg]F. shall be 
available for sanitation purposes.
    (b) Hose connections with steam and water mixing valves or hot water 
hose connections shall be provided at convenient locations throughout 
the plant for cleaning purposes.
    (c) The refuse rooms shall be provided with adequate facilities for 
washing refuse cans and other equipment in the rooms; the rooms, cans, 
and equipment shall be cleaned after each day's use.



Sec.  354.225  Lavatory accommodations.

    Modern lavatory accommodations and properly located facilities for 
cleaning utensils and hands shall be provided.
    (a) Adequate lavatory and toilet accommodations, including, but not 
being limited to, running hot water and cold water, soap, and towels, 
shall be provided. Such accommodations shall be in or near toilet and 
locker rooms and also at such other places in the plant as may be 
essential to the cleanliness of all personnel handling products.
    (b) Sufficient metal containers shall be provided for used towels 
and other wastes.
    (c) An adequate number of hand washing facilities serving areas 
where dressed rabbits and edible products are prepared shall be operated 
by other than hand-operated controls, or shall be of a continuous flow 
type which provides an adequate flow of water for washing hands.
    (d) Durable signs shall be posted conspicuously in each toilet room 
and locker room directing employees to wash their hands before returning 
to work.
    (e) Toilet facilities shall be provided according to the following 
formula:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Toilet
                     Persons of same sex                         bowls
                                                                required
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 to 15, inclusive...........................................          1
16 to 35, inclusive..........................................          2
36 to 55, inclusive..........................................      \1\ 3
56 to 80, inclusive..........................................      \1\ 4
For each additional 30 persons in excess of 80...............      \1\ 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Urinals may be substituted for toilet bowls but only to the extent
  of \1/3\ of the total number of bowls stated.



Sec.  354.226  Lighting and ventilation.

    There shall be ample light, either natural or artificial or both, of 
good quality and well distributed, and sufficient ventilation for all 
rooms and compartments to insure sanitary conditions.
    (a) All rooms in which rabbits are killed, eviscerated, or otherwise 
processed shall have at least 30 foot candles of light intensity on all 
working surfaces except that at the inspection stations such light 
intensity shall be of 50 foot candles. In all other rooms, there shall 
be provided at least 5 foot candles of light intensity when measured at 
distance of 30 inches from the floor.
    (b) All rooms shall be adequately ventilated to eliminate 
objectionable odors and minimize moisture condensation.

                         Equipment and Utensils



Sec.  354.230  Equipment and utensils.

    Equipment and utensils used for the preparation, processing, or 
other handling of any product in the plant shall be suitable for the 
purpose intended and shall be of such material and construction as will 
facilitate their thorough cleaning and insure cleanliness in the 
preparation and handling of products.
    (a) Live rabbit holding pens shall be so constructed as to allow 
satisfactory ante-mortem examination and to permit proper cleaning.
    (b) Metal refuse containers shall be provided, and such containers 
shall be kept covered.
    (c) Insofar as it is practical, equipment and utensils shall be made 
of metal or other impervious material.

[[Page 368]]

Trucks and receptacles used for handling inedible products shall be of 
similar construction and shall be conspicuously and distinctly marked 
and shall not be used for handling any edible products.
    (d) Chilling vats or tanks used for chilling ready-to-cook rabbits 
shall be made of metal or other hard-surfaced impervious material.
    (e) Where grading bins are used for ready-to-cook rabbits, they 
shall be of sufficient number and capacity to handle the grading 
adequately without the use of makeshift bins and all ready-to-cook 
rabbits shall be kept off the floor. Grading bins may be made of metal 
or enameled wood and shall be constructed and maintained in such a 
manner as to allow easy and thorough cleaning. All replacements of such 
bins shall, however, be of metal.
    (f) Except as otherwise provided herein, all equipment and utensils 
used in the killing, skinning, eviscerating, chilling, and packing rooms 
shall be of metal or other impervious material and constructed so as to 
permit proper and complete cleaning.
    (g) Conveyors: (1) Conveyors used in the preparation of ready-to-
cook rabbits shall be of metal or other acceptable material and of such 
construction as to permit thorough and ready cleaning and easy 
identification of viscera with its carcass.
    (2) Overhead conveyors shall be so constructed and maintained that 
they do not allow grease, oil, or dirt to accumulate on the drop chain 
or shackle, which shall be of noncorrosive metal.
    (3) Nonmetallic belt-type conveyors used in moving edible products 
shall be of water-proof composition.
    (h) Inspection, eviscerating, and cutting tables shall be made of 
metal and have coved corners and be so constructed and placed to permit 
thorough cleaning.
    (i) In plants where no conveyors are used, each carcass shall be 
eviscerated in an individual metal tray of seamless construction.
    (j) Water spray washing equipment shall be used for washing 
carcasses inside and out.
    (k) Watertight metal receptacles shall be used for entrails and 
other waste resulting from preparation of ready-to-cook rabbits.
    (l) Watertight trucks and receptacles for holding or handling 
diseased carcasses and diseased parts of carcasses shall be so 
constructed as to be readily and thoroughly cleaned; such trucks and 
receptacles shall be marked in a conspicuous manner with the word 
``condemned'' in letters not less than 2 inches high and, when required 
by the inspector in charge, shall be equipped with facilities for 
locking and sealing.
    (m) Freezing rooms should be adequately equipped to freeze ready-to-
cook rabbits solid in less than 48 hours. Ready-to-cook rabbits should 
be frozen at temperatures of -10 [deg]F. to -40 [deg]F. and should be 
stored at 0 [deg]F. or below, with the temperature maintained as 
constant as possible. Freezing room should be equipped with floor racks 
or pallets and fans to insure air circulation.
    (n) Cooling racks should be made of metal and be readily accessible 
for thorough washing and cleaning. All replacements of cooling racks 
shall be made of metal.
    (o) Trucks and receptacles in which carcasses or parts thereof are 
held for further inspection shall be in such number and such location as 
the needs of the inspection in the plant may require. They shall be 
equipped for locking by means of lock and key and the key shall not 
leave the custody of the inspector in charge of the plant. Such trucks 
and receptacles shall be marked conspicuously with the word ``retained'' 
in letters not less than 2 inches high.



Sec.  354.231  Accessibility.

    All equipment shall be so placed as to be readily accessible for all 
processing and cleaning operations.



Sec.  354.232  Restrictions on use.

    Equipment and utensils used in the official plant shall not be used 
outside the official plant except under such conditions as may be 
prescribed or approved by the national supervisor, and equipment used in 
the preparation of any article (including, but not being limited to, 
animal food) from inedible material shall not be used outside of

[[Page 369]]

the inedible products department except under such conditions as may be 
prescribed or approved by the national supervisor.

Maintenance of Sanitary Conditions and Precautions Against Contamination 
                               of Products



Sec.  354.240  General.

    The premises shall be kept free from refuse, waste materials, and 
all other sources of objectionable odors and conditions.



Sec.  354.241  Cleaning of rooms and compartments.

    Rooms, compartments, or other parts of the official plant shall be 
kept clean and in sanitary condition.
    (a) All blood, offal, rabbits or parts of rabbits too severely 
damaged to be salvaged and all discarded containers and other materials 
shall be completely disposed of daily.
    (b) All windows, doors, and light fixtures in the official plant 
shall be kept clean.
    (c) All docks and rooms shall be kept clean and free from debris and 
unused equipment and utensils.
    (d) Live rabbit receiving docks and receiving rooms shall be of such 
construction as readily to permit their thorough cleaning, and such 
docks and rooms should be kept clean at all times.
    (e) Floors in live rabbit holding rooms shall be cleaned with such 
regularity as may be necessary to maintain them in a sanitary condition.
    (f) The killing and skinning room shall be kept clean and free from 
offensive odors at all times.
    (g) The walls, floors, and all equipment and utensils used in the 
killing and skinning room shall be thoroughly washed and cleaned after 
each day's operation.
    (h) The floor in the killing and skinning rooms shall be cleaned 
frequently during killing and skinning operations and be kept reasonably 
free from accumulated blood, offal, water, and dirt.
    (i) All equipment in the toilet room and locker room, as well as the 
room itself, shall be kept clean, sanitary, and in good repair.
    (j) Cooler and freezer rooms shall be free from objectionable odors 
of any kind and shall be maintained in a sanitary condition (including, 
but not being limited to, the prevention of drippings from refrigerating 
coils onto products).



Sec.  354.242  Cleaning of equipment and utensils.

    Equipment and utensils used for preparing or otherwise handling any 
product shall be kept clean and in a sanitary condition and in good 
repair.
    (a) Pens shall be cleaned regularly and the manure removed from the 
plant daily.
    (b) All equipment and utensils used in the killing and skinning 
rooms shall be thoroughly washed and cleaned after each day's operation. 
The eviscerating, chilling, and packing room and equipment and utensils 
used therein shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
    (c) Graders' and packers' gloves and grading bins shall be washed 
daily and used only for grading or packing, as the case may be.
    (d) All crates or pens used for transporting live rabbits to the 
plant shall be cleaned regularly.
    (e) Chilling vats or tanks, if practicable, shall be emptied after 
each use. They shall be thoroughly cleaned once daily and, after each 
cleaning operation, they shall be sanitized with such compounds or by 
such methods as may be approved or prescribed by the Administrator.
    (f) When synchronized overhead conveyors and tray conveyors are 
used, the trays shall be completely washed and sanitized after being 
automatically emptied of inedible viscera.
    (g) When a conveyor tray operation is used, each carcass shall be 
eviscerated in an individual metal tray of seamless construction, and 
such trays shall be completely washed and sanitized after each use.
    (h) Tables, shelves, bins, trays, pans, knives, and all other tools 
and equipment used in the preparation of ready-to-cook rabbits shall be 
kept clean and sanitary at all times. Cleaned equipment and utensils 
shall be drained on racks and shall not be nested.

[[Page 370]]

    (i) Drums, cans, tanks, vats, and other receptacles used to hold or 
transport ready-to-cook rabbits shall be kept in a clean and sanitary 
condition.



Sec.  354.243  Operations and procedures.

    Operations and procedures involving the preparation, storing, or 
handling of any product shall be strictly in accord with clean and 
sanitary methods.
    (a) There shall be no handling or storing of materials which create 
an objectionable condition in rooms, compartments, or other places in 
the plant where any product is prepared, stored, or otherwise handled.
    (b) Blood from the killing operation shall be confined to a 
relatively small area and kept from being splashed about the room.
    (c) In the final washing, the carcass shall be passed through a 
system of sprays providing an abundant supply of fresh clean water.
    (d) The floors in the eviscerating room shall be kept clean and 
reasonably dry during eviscerating operations and free of all refuse.
    (e) Conveyors shall be operated at such speeds as will permit a 
sanitary eviscerating operation and will permit adequate inspection for 
condition and wholesomeness.
    (f) Mechanized packaging equipment shall be maintained in good 
sanitary condition.
    (g) All offal resulting from the eviscerating operation shall be 
removed as often as necessary to prevent the development of a nuisance.
    (h) Paper and other material used for lining containers in which 
products are packaged shall be of such kinds as do not tear readily 
during use, but remain intact when moistened by the product. Wooden 
containers to be used for packaging ready-to-cook rabbits shall be fully 
lined except when the individual carcasses to be packaged therein are 
fully wrapped.
    (i) Protective coverings shall be used for the product in the plant 
and as it is distributed from the plant, as will afford adequate 
protection for the product against contamination by any foreign 
substance (including, but not being limited to, dust, dirt, and 
insects), considering the means intended to be employed in transporting 
the product from the plant.
    (j) Refuse may be moved directly to loading docks only for prompt 
removal.
    (k) Cleanliness and hygiene of personnel: (1) All employees coming 
in contact with exposed edible products or edible products handling 
equipment shall wear clean garments and should wear caps or hair nets, 
and shall keep their hands clean at all times while thus engaged.
    (2) Hands of employees handling edible products or edible products 
handling equipment shall be free of infected cuts, boils, and open sores 
at all times while thus engaged.
    (3) Every person, after each use of toilet or change of garments, 
shall wash his hands thoroughly before returning to duties that require 
the handling of edible products or containers therefor or edible 
products handling equipment.
    (4) Neither smoking nor chewing of tobacco shall be permitted in any 
room where exposed edible products are prepared, processed, or otherwise 
handled.



Sec.  354.244  Temperatures and cooling and freezing procedures.

    Temperatures and procedures which are necessary for cooling and 
freezing of rabbits in accordance with sound commercial practice shall 
be maintained in the coolers and freezers, and chilling temperatures and 
procedures shall also be in accordance with sound commercial practice.
    (a) Cooling. Immediately after evisceration and washing of the 
carcass, it shall be placed in a cooling tank containing running cold 
tap water to remove the animal heat from the carcass. Carcasses shall 
not be allowed to remain in the cooling tank for longer than 1 hour.
    (b) Air chilling. Immediately after the initial water chilling, the 
carcasses shall be placed in cooling racks and thereupon placed in a 
refrigerated cooler with moderate air movements and a temperature which 
will reduce the internal temperature of the carcasses to from 36 [deg]F. 
to 40 [deg]F., both inclusive, within 24 hours.
    (c) Freezing. (1) When ready-to-cook rabbits are packaged in bulk or 
shipping containers, the carcasses should

[[Page 371]]

be individually wrapped or packaged in water-vapor resistant cartons or 
the containers should be lined with heavy water-vapor resistant paper so 
as to assure adequate overlapping of the lining to completely surround 
the carcasses and to permit unsealed closure or sealing in such a manner 
that water-vapor loss from the product is considerably retarded or 
prevented. The rabbit carcasses should receive an initial rapid freezing 
under such packaging, temperature, air circulation, and stacking 
conditions which will result in freezing the carcasses solid in less 
than 48 hours.
    (2) Frozen ready-to-cook rabbits shall be held under conditions 
which will maintain the product in a solidly frozen state with 
temperature maintained as constant as possible.
    (d) Refrigeration. Immediately after packaging, all ready-to-cook 
rabbits, other than those which are shipped from the plant in a 
refrigerated carrier, should be moved into the freezer, except that a 
period not exceeding 72 hours will be permitted for transportation and 
temporary holding before placing in the freezer provided such rabbits 
are held at not above 36 [deg]F.



Sec.  354.245  Vermin.

    Every practicable precaution shall be taken to exclude flies, rats, 
mice, and other vermin from the official plant. Dogs, cats, and other 
pets shall be excluded from rooms where edible products are processed, 
handled, or stored.



Sec.  354.246  Exclusion of diseased persons.

    No person affected with any communicable disease (including, but not 
being limited to, tuberculosis) in a transmissible stage shall be 
permitted in any room or compartment where exposed or unpacked edible 
products are prepared, processed, or otherwise handled.



Sec.  354.247  Table showing types of materials.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              Stainless
               Equipment, utensils, and facilities                  Iron      steel and   Aluminum   Galvanized
                                                                             monel metal                iron
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Holding pens....................................................         A             A         A             A
Overhead conveyors..............................................         A             A         A             A
Conveyor track..................................................         A             A  ........             A
Shackles........................................................  ........             A  ........             A
Shackle chain...................................................         A             A  ........             A
Eviscerating pans...............................................  ........             A         A             A
Inspection table................................................  ........             A         A             A
Inside and outside washer.......................................  ........             A         A             A
Cooling tanks and racks.........................................  ........             A         A             A
Utensils for handling edible products...........................  ........             A         A             A
Framework (of equipment)........................................         A
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key: A--Acceptable.



Sec.  354.248  Scope and applicability of rules of practice.

    The rules of practice of the Department of Agriculture in subpart H 
of part I, subtitle A, title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations, are 
the rules of practice applicable to adjudicatory, administrative 
proceedings under the regulations in this part (9 CFR part 354).

[43 FR 11148, Mar. 17, 1978]



PART 362_VOLUNTARY POULTRY INSPECTION REGULATIONS--Table of Contents



Sec.
362.1 Definitions.
362.2 Types and availability of service.
362.3 Application for service.
362.4 Denial or withdrawal of service.
362.5 Fees and charges.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622; 7 CFR 2.18 (g) and (i) and 2.53.

    Source: 41 FR 23715, June 11, 1976, unless otherwise noted.

[[Page 372]]



Sec.  362.1  Definitions.

    The definitions in Sec.  381.1 are incorporated in this part except 
for the definitions excluded in Sec.  362.2(a). In addition to those 
definitions, the following definitions will be applicable to the 
regulations in this part.
    (a) Act. ``Act'' means the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as 
amended (60 Stat. 1087, as amended; 7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.).
    (b) Inspector. ``Inspector'' means any officer or employee of the 
Department authorized to perform any duties under the regulations in 
this part.
    (c) Person. ``Person'' means any individual, corporation, company, 
association, firm, partnership, society, or joint stock company, or 
other organized business unit.
    (d) Poultry. ``Poultry'' means any migratory water fowl or game 
bird, whether dead or alive.
    (e) Poultry Product. ``Poultry product'' means any poultry carcass 
or part thereof; or any human food product which is made wholly or in 
part from the carcass of any domesticated bird (as defined in Sec.  
381.1(b) of this chapter) and is excepted from the inspection 
requirements of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 451 et 
seq.).

[66 FR 22905, May 7, 2001]



Sec.  362.2  Types and availability of service.

    Upon application, in accordance with Sec.  362.3, the following 
types of service may be furnished under the regulations in this part:
    (a) Inspection service. An inspection and certification service for 
wholesomeness relating to the slaughter and processing of poultry and 
the processing of poultry products. All provisions of Part 381, Part 
412, and Sec. Sec.  416.1 through 416.6 of this chapter shall apply to 
the slaughter of poultry, and the preparation, labeling, and 
certification of the poultry and poultry products processed under this 
poultry inspection service except for the following provisions: the 
definitions of ``Act,'' ``animal food manufacturer,'' ``Inspection 
Service,'' ``inspector,'' ``Inspector in Charge,'' ``poultry,'' 
``poultry product,'' ``poultry food product,'' ``poultry products 
broker,'' ``renderer,'' and ``U.S. Refused Entry'' in Sec. Sec.  381.1 
b), 381.3 (a), 381.6, 381.10, 381.13 through 381.17, 381.21, 381.29, 
381.39 through 381.42, 381.175(a)(2) and (3), 381.179, 381.185 through 
381.187, 381.192, and 381.195 through 381.225.
    (b) Export certification service. At the request of any person 
intending to export any slaughtered poultry or poultry product, 
inspectors may make certification regarding products for human food 
purposes, to be exported, as meeting conditions or standards that are 
not imposed or are in addition to those imposed by the regulations in 
this chapter and the laws under which such regulations were issued.
    (c) Identification Service. (1) Poultry or other product that is 
federally inspected and passed at an official establishment, or upon 
importation, under the Poultry Products Inspection Act, is officially 
marked to identify it as federally inspected and passed. In order to 
facilitate the division of such poultry or other product into smaller 
portions or its combination into larger units and still maintain its 
identify as product which has been federally inspected and passed and so 
marked, inspectors may supervise the handling and weighing of the 
product and mark such portions and units with the official mark of 
inspection when they determine that identify has been maintained.
    (2) At the time service is furnished, product must be sound, 
wholesome, and fit for human food. The service will be available only on 
premises other than those of an official establishment. The sanitation 
of the place or area where service is furnished must comply with 
provisions of Sec. Sec.  416.1 through 416.6 of this chapter.
    (3) The mark of inspection shall be applied only under the immediate 
supervision of an inspector.
    (4) This service does not cover further cutting and processing of 
products. These activities must take place at an official establishment.
    (5) The registration and recordkeeping requirements enumerated in 
Part 381, subpart Q, of this chapter shall apply to persons requesting 
voluntary identification service under this paragraph (c).

[66 FR 22905, May 7, 2001, as amended at 88 FR 2811, Jan. 18, 2023]

[[Page 373]]



Sec.  362.3  Application for service.

    Any person who desires to receive service under the regulations in 
this part for poultry or other product eligible therefor under such 
regulations may make application for service to the Administrator, upon 
an application form which will be furnished by the Administrator upon 
request to the Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 
20250. The application must include all the information called for by 
that form. In case of change of name, ownership, management, or 
location, a new application shall be made.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0583-0036)

[41 FR 23715, June 11, 1976, as amended at 47 FR 746, Jan. 7, 1982]



Sec.  362.4  Denial or withdrawal of service.

    (a) For disciplinary reasons--(1) Bases for denial or withdrawal. An 
application or request for service may be rejected, or the benefits of 
the service may be otherwise denied to, or withdrawn from, any person 
who, or whose employee or agent in the scope of his employment or 
agency, (i) has willfully made any misrepresentation or has committed 
any other fraudulent or deceptive practice in connection with any 
application or request for service under the regulations in this 
chapter; (ii) has given or attempted to give, as a loan or for any other 
purpose, any money, favor, or other thing of value, to any employee of 
the Department authorized to perform any function under the regulations 
in this chapter; (iii) has interfered with or obstructed, or attempted 
to interfere with or to obstruct, any employee of the Department in the 
performance of his duties under the regulations in this chapter by 
intimidation, threats, assaults, abuse, or any other improper means; 
(iv) has knowingly falsely made, issued, altered, forged, or 
counterfeited any official certificate, memorandum, mark, or other 
identification, or device for making any such mark or identification 
authorized or issued under this chapter; (v) has knowingly uttered, 
published, or used as true any such falsely made, issued, altered, 
forged, or counterfeited certificate, memorandum, mark, identification, 
or device; (vi) has knowingly obtained or retained possession of any 
such falsely made, issued, altered, forged, or counterfeited 
certificate, memorandum, mark, identification, or device, or of any 
carcass or poultry or product bearing any such falsely made, issued, 
altered, forged or counterfeited certificate, memorandum, mark, or 
identification; (vii) has knowingly represented that any carcass, 
poultry, or product has been officially inspected and passed (by an 
authorized inspector) under this chapter, when it had not in fact been 
so inspected; (viii) has, within the previous ten years, been convicted 
of any felony or more than one misdemeanor under any law based upon the 
acquiring, handling, or distributing of adulterated, mislabeled, or 
deceptively packaged food, or fraud in connection with transactions in 
food, or any felony indicating a lack of the integrity needed for the 
conduct of operations affecting the public health; (ix) has in any 
manner not specified in this paragraph violated subsection 203(h) of the 
Act:
    Provided, That paragraph (a)(1)(vi) of this section shall not be 
deemed to be violated if the person in possession of any item mentioned 
therein notifies the inspector without delay that he has possession of 
such item and, in the case of an official device, surrenders it to the 
inspector, and, in the case of any other item, surrenders it to the 
inspector or destroys it or brings it into compliance with the 
regulations by obliterating or removing the violative features under 
supervision of the inspector; And provided further, That an application 
or a request for service may be rejected, or the benefits of the service 
may be otherwise denied to, or withdrawn from any person who operates an 
establishment for which he has made application for service if, with the 
knowledge of such operator, any other person conducting any operations 
in such establishment has committed any of the offenses specified in 
paragraphs (a)(1) (i) through (ix) of this section after such 
application was made. Moreover, an application or a request for service 
made in the name of a

[[Page 374]]

person otherwise eligible for service under the regulations may be 
rejected, or the benefits of the service may be otherwise denied to, or 
withdrawn from, such a person (a) in case the service is or would be 
performed at an establishment operated (1) by a corporation, 
partnership, or other person from whom the benefits of the service are 
currently being withheld under this chapter, or (2) by a corporation, 
partnership, or other person having an officer, director, partner, or 
substantial investor from whom the benefits of service under this 
chapter are currently being withheld and who has any authority with 
respect to the establishment where service is or would be performed, or 
(b) in case the service is or would be performed with respect to any 
poultry or product in which any corporation, partnership, or other 
person within (a)(1) of this section has a contract or other financial 
interest.
    (2) Procedure. An application or request for service may be 
rejected, or benefits of the service may be otherwise denied to or 
withdrawn by the Secretary, as provided by this paragraph, after notice 
and opportunity for hearing before a proper official of the Department. 
The Administrator may reject an application or request for service or 
deny or withdraw service under this paragraph without hearing, pending 
final determination of the matter, when he determines that the public 
interest so requires. The operator or applicant of such plant shall be 
notified of the Administrator's decision to reject the application or 
request for service or to deny or withdraw such service, and the reasons 
therefor, in writing, in the manner prescribed in Sec.  1.147(b) of the 
rules of practice (7 CFR 1.147(b)), or orally. The Administrator's 
decision to reject an application or request for service or to deny or 
withdraw the benefits of service under the Act shall be effective upon 
such oral or written notification, whichever is earlier, to the operator 
or applicant of such plant. If such notification is oral, the 
Administrator shall confirm such decision, and the reasons therefor, in 
writing, as promptly as circumstances permit, and such written 
confirmation shall be served upon the operator or applicant of such 
plant in the manner prescribed in Sec.  1.147(b) of the rules of 
practice (7 CFR 1.147(b)).
    (b) For correctable cause--(1) Basis for denial or withdrawal. An 
application or request for service may be rejected, or the benefits of 
the service may be otherwise denied to, or withdrawn from, any person 
whose establishment does not meet the requirements as to premises, 
facilities, and equipment, and the operation thereof, prescribed in the 
regulations to prevent the distribution of adulterated poultry or 
poultry products, or who has not received approval of labeling and 
containers to be used at the establishment as required by the 
regulations.
    (2) Procedure. An application or request for service may be 
rejected, or benefits of the service may be otherwise denied to or 
withdrawn by the Secretary, as provided by this paragraph, after notice 
and opportunity for hearing before a proper official of the Department. 
The Administrator may reject an application or request for service or 
deny or withdraw service under this paragraph without hearing, pending 
final determination of the matter, when he determines that the public 
interest so requires. The operator or applicant of such plant shall be 
notified of the Administrator's decision to reject the application or 
request for service or to deny or withdraw such service, and the reasons 
therefor, in writing, in the manner prescribed in Sec.  1.147(b) of the 
rules of practice (7 CFR 1.147(b)), or orally. The Administrator's 
decision to reject an application or request for service or to deny or 
withdraw the benefits of service under the Act shall be effective upon 
such oral or written notification, whichever is earlier, to the operator 
or applicant of such plant. If such notification is oral, the 
Administrator shall confirm such decision, and the reasons therefor, in 
writing, as promptly as circumstances permit, and such written 
confirmation shall be served upon the operator or applicant of such 
plant in the manner prescribed in Sec.  1.147(b) of the rules of 
practice (7 CFR 1.147(b)).
    (c) For miscellaneous reasons. An application or a request for 
service may be rejected, or the benefits of the service may be otherwise 
denied to, or withdrawn from, any person, without a

[[Page 375]]

hearing, by the official in charge of the appropriate regional office, 
with the concurrence of the Regional Director (1) for administrative 
reasons such as the nonavailability of personnel to perform the service; 
(2) for the failure to pay for service; (3) in case the application or 
request relates to birds or products which are not eligible for service 
under this part 362; or (4) in case the person is a partnership, 
corporation, or other person from whom the benefits of the service are 
currently being withheld under paragraph (a) of this section. Notice of 
such rejection, denial, or withdrawal, and the reasons therefor, shall 
promptly be given to the person involved. The operator or applicant of 
such plant shall be notified of such decisions to reject an application 
or request for service or to deny or withdraw the benefits of the 
service, and the reasons therefor, in writing, in the manner prescribed 
in Sec.  1.147(b) of the rules of practice (7 CFR 1.147(b)), or orally. 
Such decision shall be effective upon such oral or written notification, 
whichever is earlier, to the operator or applicant of such plant. If 
such notification is oral, the person making such decision shall confirm 
such decision, and the reasons therefor, in writing, as promptly as 
circumstances permit, and such written confirmation shall be served upon 
the operator or applicant of such plant in the manner prescribed in 
Sec.  1.147(b) of the rules of practice (7 CFR 1.147(b)).
    (d) Scope and applicability of rules of practice. The rules of 
practice of the Department of Agriculture in subpart H of part I, 
subtitle A, title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations, are the rules of 
practice applicable to adjudicatory, administrative proceedings under 
the regulations in this part (9 CFR part 362).

[41 FR 23715, June 11, 1976, as amended at 43 FR 11148, Mar. 17, 1978]



Sec.  362.5  Fees and charges.

    (a) Fees and charges for service under the regulations in this part 
shall be paid by the applicant for the service in accordance with this 
section, and, if required by the Administrator, the fees and charges 
shall be paid in advance.
    (b) The fees and charges provided for in this section shall be paid 
by check, draft, or money order payable to the Treasurer of the United 
States and shall be remitted promptly to the Administrator upon 
furnishing to the applicant a statement as to the amount due.
    (c) The fees to be charged and collected for service under the 
regulations in this part shall be at the rates specified in Sec. Sec.  
391.2, 391.3, and 391.4 respectively for base time; for overtime 
including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays; and for certain laboratory 
services which are not covered under the base time, overtime, and/or 
holiday costs. Such fees shall cover the costs of the services and shall 
be charged for the time required to render such service, including, but 
not limited to, the time required for the travel of the inspector or 
inspectors in connection therewith during the regularly scheduled 
administrative workweek.
    (d) Charges may also be made to cover the cost of travel and other 
expenses incurred by the Service in connection with the furnishing of 
the service.
    (e) Exporters that submit electronic export certificate applications 
will be charged a fee per application submitted.
    (f) For each calendar year, FSIS will calculate the electronic 
export certificate application fee, using the following formula: Labor 
Costs (Technical Support Cost + Export Library Maintenance Cost) + 
Information Technology Costs (On-going operations Cost + Maintenance 
Cost + eAuthentication Cost), divided by the number of export 
applications.
    (g) FSIS will publish notice of the electronic export certificate 
application fee annually in the Federal Register.

[41 FR 23715, June 11, 1976, as amended at 53 FR 13398, Apr. 22, 1988; 
54 FR 6390, Feb. 10, 1989; 81 FR 42234, June 29, 2016]



PART 381_POULTRY PRODUCTS INSPECTION REGULATIONS--Table of Contents



                          Subpart A_Definitions

Sec.
381.1 Definitions.

[[Page 376]]

     Subpart B_Administration; Application of Inspection and Other 
                              Requirements

381.3 Administration.
381.4 Inspection in accordance with methods prescribed or approved.
381.5 Publications.
381.6 Establishments requiring inspection.
381.7 Coverage of all poultry and poultry products processed in official 
          establishments.

                          Subpart C_Exemptions

381.10 Exemptions for specified operations.
381.11 Exemptions based on religious dietary laws.
381.12 Effect of religious dietary laws exemptions on other persons.
381.13 Suspension or termination of exemptions.
381.14 Inspection concerning purportedly exempted operations.
381.15 Exemption from definition of ``poultry product'' of certain human 
          food products containing poultry.

  Subpart D_Application for Inspection; Grant or Refusal of Inspection

381.16 How application shall be made.
381.17 Filing of application.
381.18 Authority of applicant.
381.20 Survey and grant of inspection.
381.21 Refusal of inspection.
381.22 Conditions for receiving inspection.

 Subpart E_Inauguration of Inspection; Official Establishment Numbers; 
   Separation of Establishments and Other Requirements; Withdrawal of 
                               Inspection

381.25 Official establishment numbers.
381.26 Separation of establishments.
381.27 Inauguration of service; notification concerning regulations; 
          status of uninspected poultry products.
381.28 Report of violations.

   Subpart F_Assignment and Authorities of Program Employees; Appeals

381.30-381.31 [Reserved]
381.32 Access to establishments.
381.33 Identification.
381.34 Financial interest of inspectors.
381.35 Appeal inspections; how made.

   Subpart G_Facilities for Inspection; Overtime and Holiday Service; 
                         Billing Establishments

381.36 Facilities required.
381.37 Schedule of operations.
381.38 Overtime and holiday inspection service.
381.39 Basis of billing for overtime and holiday services.

            Subpart H_Attestation on Work-Related Conditions

381.45 Attestation requirements.
381.46 Severability.

                     Subpart I_Operating Procedures

381.65 Operations and procedures, generally.
381.66 Temperatures and chilling and freezing procedures.
381.67 Young chicken and squab slaughter inspection rate maximums under 
          traditional inspection procedure.
381.68 Maximum inspection rates--New turkey inspection system.
381.69 Maximum line speed rates under the New Poultry Inspection System.

                    Subpart J_Ante Mortem Inspection

381.70 Ante mortem inspection; when required; extent.
381.71 Condemnation on ante mortem inspection.
381.72 Segregation of suspects on ante mortem inspection.
381.73 Quarantine of diseased poultry.
381.74 Poultry suspected of having biological residues.
381.75 Poultry used for research.

  Subpart K_Post Mortem Inspection; Disposition of Carcasses and Parts

381.76 Post-mortem inspection under Traditional Inspection, the 
          Streamlined Inspection System (SIS), the New Line Speed (NELS) 
          Inspection System, the New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS), 
          the New Turkey Inspection System (NTI), and Ratite Inspection.
381.77 Carcasses held for further examination.
381.78 Condemnation of carcasses and parts: separation of poultry 
          suspected of containing biological residues.
381.79 Passing of carcasses and parts.
381.80 General; biological residues.
381.81 Tuberculosis.
381.82 [Reserved]
381.83 Septicemia or toxemia.
381.84 Airsacculitis.
381.85 Special diseases.
381.86 Inflammatory processes.
381.87 Tumors.
381.88 Parasites.
381.89 Bruises.
381.90 Cadavers.
381.91 Contamination.
381.92 Overscald.
381.93 Decomposition.
381.94 Contamination with microorganisms; process control verification 
          criteria and

[[Page 377]]

          testing; pathogen reduction standards for establishments that 
          slaughter ratites.

Subpart L_Handling and Disposal of Condemned or Other Inedible Products 
                       at Official Establishments

381.95 Disposal of condemned poultry products.

Subpart M_Official Marks, Devices and Certificates; Export Certificates; 
                        Certification Procedures

381.96 Wording and form of the official inspection legend.
381.97 [Reserved]
381.98 Official seal.
381.99 Official retention and rejection tags.
381.100 Official detention tag.
381.101 Official U.S. Condemned mark.
381.102 [Reserved]
381.103 Official poultry condemnation certificates; issuance and form.
381.104 Export inspection marks.
381.105 Marking products for export.
381.106 Export certification.
381.107 Special procedures as to certification of poultry products for 
          export to certain countries.
381.108 Official poultry inspection certificates; issuance and 
          disposition.
381.109 Form of official poultry inspection certificate.
381.110 Erasures or alterations made on certificates.
381.111 Data to be entered in proper spaces.
381.112 Official mark for maintaining the identity and integrity of 
          samples.

                    Subpart N_Labeling and Containers

381.115 Containers of inspected and passed poultry products required to 
          be labeled.
381.116 Wording on labels of immediate containers.
381.117 Name of product and other labeling.
381.118 Ingredients statement.
381.119 Declaration of artificial flavoring or coloring.
381.120 Antioxidants; chemical preservatives; and other additives.
381.121 Quantity of contents.
381.121a-381.121e [Reserved]
381.122 Identification of manufacturer, packer or distributor.
381.123 Official inspection mark; official establishment number.
381.124 Dietary food claims.
381.125 Special handling label requirements.
381.126 Date of packing and date of processing; contents of cans.
381.127 Wording on labels of shipping containers.
381.128 Labels in foreign languages.
381.129 False or misleading labeling or containers.
381.130 False or misleading labeling or containers; orders to withhold 
          from use.
381.131 Preparation of labeling or other devices bearing official 
          inspection marks without advance approval prohibited; 
          exceptions.
381.132-381.133 [Reserved]
381.134 Requirement of formulas.
381.136 Affixing of official identification.
381.137 Evidence of labeling and devices approval.
381.138 Unauthorized use or disposition of approved labeling or devices.
381.139 Removal of official identifications.
381.140 Relabeling poultry products.
381.141-381.143 [Reserved]
381.144 Packaging materials.

  Subpart O_Entry of Articles Into Official Establishments; Processing 
       Inspection and Other Reinspections; Processing Requirements

381.146 Sampling at official establishments.
381.148 Processing and handling requirements for frozen poultry 
          products.
381.150 Requirements for the production of fully cooked poultry products 
          and partially cooked poultry breakfast strips.
381.151 Adulteration of product by polluted water; procedure for 
          handling.
381.152 Manufacture of uninspected, inedible products at official 
          establishments.
381.153 [Reserved]

     Subpart P_Definitions and Standards of Identity or Composition

381.155 General.
381.156 Poultry meat content standards for certain poultry products.
381.157 Canned boned poultry and baby or geriatric food.
381.158 Poultry dinners (frozen) and pies.
381.159 Poultry rolls.
381.160 (Kind) burgers; (Kind) patties.
381.161 ``(Kind) A La Kiev.''
381.162 ``(Kind) steak or fillet.''
381.163 ``(Kind) baked'' or ``(Kind) roasted.''
381.164 ``(Kind) barbecued.''
381.165 ``(Kind) barbecued prepared with moist heat.''
381.166 Breaded products.
381.167 Other poultry dishes and specialty items.
381.168 Maximum percent of skin in certain poultry products.
381.169 [Reserved]
381.170 Standards for kinds and classes, and for cuts of raw poultry.
381.171 Definition and standard for ``Turkey Ham.''
381.172 Requirements for substitute standardized poultry products named 
          by use of an expressed nutrient content claim and a 
          standardized term.

[[Page 378]]

381.173 Mechanically Separated (Kind of Poultry).
381.174 Limitations with respect to use of Mechanically Separated (Kind 
          of Poultry).

              Subpart Q_Records, Registration, and Reports

381.175 Records required to be kept.
381.176 Place of maintenance of records.
381.177 Record retention period.
381.178 Access to and inspection of records, facilities and inventory; 
          copying and sampling.
381.179 Registration.
381.180 Information and reports required from official establishment 
          operators.
381.181 Reports by consignees of allegedly adulterated or misbranded 
          products; sale or transportation as violations.
381.182 Reports of inspection work.

  Subpart R_Cooperation With States and Territories; Certification of 
   State and Territorial Programs as at Least Equal to Federal Program

381.185 Assistance to State and Territorial programs.
381.186 Cooperation of States and other jurisdictions in Federal 
          programs.
381.187 Cooperation of States for the interstate shipment of poultry 
          products.

  Subpart S_Transportation; Exportation; or Sale of Poultry or Poultry 
                                Products

381.189 Provisions inapplicable to specimens for laboratory examination, 
          etc., or to naturally inedible articles.
381.190 Transactions in slaughtered poultry and other poultry products 
          restricted; vehicle sanitation requirements.
381.191 Distribution of inspected products to small lot buyers.
381.192 Penalties inapplicable to carriers.
381.193 Poultry carcasses, etc., not intended for human food.
381.194 Transportation and other transactions concerning dead, dying, 
          disabled, or diseased poultry, and parts of carcasses of 
          poultry that died otherwise than by slaughter.

                   Subpart T_Imported Poultry Products

381.195 Definitions; requirements for importation into the United 
          States.
381.196 Eligibility of foreign countries for importation of poultry 
          products into the United States.
381.197 Foreign inspection certificate requirements.
381.198 Import inspection application.
381.199 Inspection of poultry products offered for entry.
381.200 Poultry products offered for entry, retention in customs 
          custody; delivery under bond; movement prior to inspection; 
          handling; facilities and assistance.
381.201 Means of conveyance and equipment used in handling poultry 
          products offered for entry to be maintained in sanitary 
          condition.
381.202 Poultry products offered for entry; reporting of findings to 
          customs; handling of articles refused entry; appeals, how 
          made; denaturing procedures.
381.203 Products offered for entry; charges for storage, cartage, and 
          labor with respect to products which are refused entry.
381.204 Marking of poultry products offered for entry; official import 
          inspection marks and devices.
381.205 Labeling of immediate containers of poultry products offered for 
          entry.
381.206 Labeling of shipping containers of poultry products offered for 
          entry.
381.207 Small importations for consignee's personal use, display, or 
          laboratory analysis.
381.208 Poultry products offered for entry and entered to be handled and 
          transported as domestic; entry into official establishments; 
          transportation.
381.209 Returned United States inspected and marked poultry products: 
          exemption.

    Subpart U_Detention; Seizure and Condemnation; Criminal Offenses

381.210 Poultry and other articles subject to administrative detention.
381.211 Method of detention; form of detention tag.
381.212 Notification of detention to the owner of the poultry or other 
          article, or the owner's agent, and person having custody.
381.213 Notification of governmental authorities having jurisdiction 
          over article detained; form of written notification.
381.214 Movement of poultry or other article detained; removal of 
          official marks.
381.215 Poultry or other articles subject to judicial seizure and 
          condemnation.
381.216 Procedure for judicial seizure, condemnation, and disposition.
381.217 Authority for condemnation or seizure under other provisions of 
          law.
381.218 Criminal offenses.

  Subpart V_Special Provisions for Designated States and Territories; 
 Criteria and Procedure for Designating Establishments With Operations 
 Which Would Clearly Endanger the Public Health; Disposition of Poultry 
                            Products Therein

381.220 Definition of ``State''.
381.221 Designation of States under paragraph 5(c) of the Act.

[[Page 379]]

381.222 States designated under paragraph 5(c) of the Act; application 
          of regulations.
381.223 Control and disposition of nonfederally inspected poultry 
          products in States designated under paragraph 5(c) of the Act.
381.224 Designation of States under section 11 of the Act; application 
          of sections of the Act and the regulations.
381.225 Criteria and procedure for designating establishments with 
          operations which would clearly endanger the public health; 
          disposition of poultry products therein.

Subpart X [Reserved]

                      Subpart Y_Nutrition Labeling

381.400 Nutrition labeling of poultry products.
381.401 Required nutrition labeling of ground or chopped poultry 
          products.
381.402 Location of nutrition information.
381.403-381.407 [Reserved]
381.408 Labeling of poultry products with number of servings.
381.409 Nutrition label content.
381.410-381.411 [Reserved]
381.412 Reference amounts customarily consumed per eating occasion.
381.413 Nutrient content claims; general principles.
381.414-381.443 [Reserved]
381.444 Identification of major cuts of poultry products.
381.445 Nutrition labeling of single-ingredient, raw poultry products 
          that are not ground or chopped products described in Sec.  
          381.401.
381.446-381.453 [Reserved]
381.454 Nutrient content claims for ``good source,'' ``high,'' and 
          ``more''.
381.455 [Reserved]
381.456 Nutrient content claims for ``light'' or ``lite''.
381.457-381.459 [Reserved]
381.460 Nutrient content claims for calorie content.
381.461 Nutrient content claims for the sodium content.
381.462 Nutrient content claims for fat, fatty acids, and cholesterol 
          content.
381.463 Nutrient content claims for ``healthy.''
381.464-381.468 [Reserved]
381.469 Labeling applications for nutrient content claims.
381.470-381.479 [Reserved]
381.480 Label statements relating to usefulness in reducing or 
          maintaining body weight.
381.481-381.499 [Reserved]
381.500 Exemption from nutrition labeling.

 Subpart Z_Selected Establishments; Cooperative Program for Interstate 
                      Shipment of Poultry Products

381.511 Definitions.
381.512 Purpose.
381.513 Requirements for establishments; ineligible establishments.
381.514 State request for cooperative agreement.
381.515 Establishment selection; official number for selected 
          establishments.
381.516 Commencement of a cooperative interstate shipment program; 
          inspection by designated personnel and official mark.
381.517 Federal oversight of a cooperative interstate shipment program.
381.518 Quarterly reports.
381.519 Enforcement authority.
381.520 Deselection of ineligible establishments.
381.521 Transition to official establishment.
381.522 Transition grants.
381.523 Separation of operations.
381.524 Voluntary withdrawal.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 138f, 1633; 21 U.S.C. 451-472; 7 CFR 2.7, 2.18, 
2.53.

    Source: 37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, unless otherwise noted.



                          Subpart A_Definitions



Sec.  381.1  Definitions.

    (a) For the purposes of the regulations in this part, unless 
otherwise required by the context, the singular form shall also import 
the plural and the masculine form shall also import the feminine, and 
vice versa.
    (b) For the purposes of such regulations, unless otherwise required 
by the context, the following terms shall be construed, respectively, to 
mean:
    Acceptable. ``Acceptable'' means suitable for the purpose intended 
and acceptable to the Administrator.
    Act. ``Act'' means the Poultry Products Inspection Act (71 Stat. 
441, as amended by the Wholesome Poultry Products Act, 82 Stat. 791; 21 
U.S.C. 451 et seq.).
    Adulterated. ``Adulterated'' applies to any poultry product under 
one or more of the following circumstances:
    (i) If it bears or contains any poisonous or deleterious substance 
which may render it injurious to health; but in case the substance is 
not an added substance, such article shall not be

[[Page 380]]

considered adulterated under this clause if the quantity of such 
substance in or on such article does not ordinarily render it injurious 
to health;
    (ii)(a) If it bears or contains (by reason of administration of any 
substance to the live poultry or otherwise) any added poisonous or added 
deleterious substance (other than one which is a pesticide chemical in 
or on a raw agricultural commodity; a food additive; or a color 
additive) which may, in the judgment of the Administrator, make such 
article unfit for human food;
    (b) If it is, in whole or part, a raw agricultural commodity and 
such commodity bears or contains a pesticide chemical which is unsafe 
within the meaning of section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act;
    (c) If it bears or contains any food additive which is unsafe within 
the meaning of section 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act;
    (d) If it bears or contains any color additive which is unsafe 
within the meaning of section 706 of the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act:

Provided, That an article which is not otherwise deemed adulterated 
under paragraphs (b)(4)(ii) (b), (c), or (d) of this section shall 
nevertheless be deemed adulterated if use of the pesticide chemical, 
food additive, or color additive in or on such article is prohibited by 
the regulations in this part in official establishments;
    (iii) If it consists in whole or in part of any filthy, putrid, or 
decomposed substance or is for any other reason unsound, unhealthful, 
unwholesome, or otherwise unfit for human food;
    (iv) If it has been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary 
conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with filth, or 
whereby it may have been rendered injurious to health;
    (v) If it is, in whole or in part, the product of any poultry which 
has died otherwise than by slaughter;
    (vi) If its container is composed, in whole or in part, of any 
poisonous or deleterious substance which may render the contents 
injurious to health;
    (vii) If it has been intentionally subjected to radiation, unless 
the use of the radiation was in conformity with a regulation or 
exemption in effect pursuant to section 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, 
and Cosmetic Act; or
    (viii) If any valuable constituent has been in whole or in part 
omitted or abstracted therefrom; or if any substance has been 
substituted, wholly or in part therefor; or if damage or inferiority has 
been concealed in any manner; or if any substance has been added thereto 
or mixed or packed therewith so as to increase its bulk or weight, or 
reduce its quality or strength, or make it appear better or of greater 
value than it is.
    Animal food. Any article intended for use as food for dogs, cats, or 
other animals, derived wholly, or in part, from carcasses or parts or 
products of the carcass of poultry, except that the term animal food as 
used herein does not include (i) processed dry animal food or (ii) 
livestock or poultry feeds manufactured from processed poultry 
byproducts (such as poultry byproduct meal, hydrolyzed poultry feathers, 
and hydrolyzed poultry byproducts aggregate).
    Animal food manufacturer. ``Animal Food Manufacturer'' means any 
person engaged in the business of manufacturing or processing animal 
food.
    Applicant. ``Applicant'' means any person who requests inspection 
service, exemption, or other authorization under the regulations.
    Biological residue. ``Biological Residue'' means any substance, 
including metabolites, remaining in poultry at the time of slaughter or 
in any of its tissues after slaughter, as the result of treatment or 
exposure of the live poultry to a pesticide, organic compound, metallic 
or other inorganic compound, hormone, hormone-like substance, growth 
promoter, antibiotic, anthelmintic, tranquilizer, or other agent that 
leaves a residue.
    Capable of use as human food. The term ``capable of use as human 
food'' applies to any carcass, or part or product of a carcass of any 
poultry, unless it is denatured or otherwise identified as required by 
the regulations, or it is naturally inedible by humans.
    Carcass. This term means all parts, including viscera, of any 
slaughtered poultry.

[[Page 381]]

    Commerce. ``Commerce'' means commerce between any State, any 
territory, or the District of Columbia, and any place outside thereof; 
or within any territory not organized with a legislative body, or the 
District of Columbia.
    Consumer package. ``Consumer package'' means any container in which 
a poultry product is enclosed for the purpose of display and sale to 
household consumers.
    Container. The term ``container'' includes any box, can, tin, cloth, 
plastic, or any other receptacle, wrapper, or cover.
    Edible. This term means that an article is intended for use as human 
food.
    Egg Products Inspection Act. ``Egg Products Inspection Act'' means 
the Act so entitled, approved December 29, 1970 (84 Stat. 1620, 21 
U.S.C. 1031 et seq.).
    Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. ``Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act'' means the Act so entitled, approved June 25, 1938 (52 
Stat. 1040), and acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto (21 
U.S.C. 301 et seq.).
    Federal Meat Inspection Act. ``Federal Meat Inspection Act'' means 
the Act so entitled, approved March 4, 1907, 34 Stat. 1260, as amended 
by the Wholesome Meat Act, 81 Stat. 584 (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).
    Free from protruding pinfeathers. ``Free from protruding 
pinfeathers'' means that the carcass is free from protruding pinfeathers 
which are visible to an inspector during an examination of the carcass 
at normal operating speeds. However, a carcass may be considered as 
being free from protruding pinfeathers if it has a generally clean 
appearance (especially on the breast), and if not more than an 
occasional protruding pinfeather is in evidence during a more careful 
examination of the carcass.
    Giblets. ``Giblets'' means the liver from which the bile sac has 
been removed, the heart from which the pericardial sac has been removed, 
and the gizzard from which the lining and contents have been removed: 
Provided, That each such organ has been properly trimmed and washed.
    Immediate container. ``Immediate container'' includes any consumer 
package; or any other container in which poultry products, not consumer 
packaged, are packed.
    Inedible. This term means any carcass or any part of a carcass that 
is either naturally inedible by humans or is rendered unfit for human 
food by reason of adulteration or denaturing.
    Inspected for wholesomeness. This term means that the poultry 
product so identified has been inspected and was found at the time of 
such inspection to be not adulterated.
    Inspection. ``Inspection'' means any inspection required by the 
regulations to determine whether any poultry or poultry products comply 
with the requirements of the Act and the regulations.
    Label. This term applies to any display of written, printed, or 
graphic matter upon any article or the immediate container (not 
including package liners) of any article.
    Labeling. This term applies to all labels and other written, 
printed, or graphic matter (i) upon any article or any of its containers 
or wrappers, or (ii) accompanying such article.
    Misbranded. This term applies to any poultry product under one or 
more of the following circumstances:
    (i) If its labeling is false or misleading in any particular;
    (ii) If it is offered for sale under the name of another food;
    (iii) If it is an imitation of another food, unless its label bears, 
in type of uniform size and prominence, the word ``imitation'' and 
immediately thereafter, the name of the food imitated;
    (iv) If its container is so made, formed, or filled as to be 
misleading;
    (v) If in a package or other container, unless it bears a label 
showing:
    (a) The name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or 
distributor; and
    (b) An accurate statement of the quantity of the contents in terms 
of weight, measure, or numerical count; except as otherwise provided in 
Sec.  381.121(a) with respect to the quantity of contents;
    (vi) If any word, statement, or other information required by or 
under authority of the Act to appear on the label or other labeling is 
not prominently placed thereon with such conspicuousness (as compared 
with other

[[Page 382]]

words, statements, designs, or devices, in the labeling) and in such 
terms as to render it likely to be read and understood by the ordinary 
individual under customary conditions of purchase and use;
    (vii) If it purports to be or is represented as a food for which a 
definition and standard of identity or composition is prescribed by the 
regulations in subpart P of this part unless:
    (a) It conforms to such definition and standard, and
    (b) Its label bears the name of the food specified in the definition 
and standard, and insofar as may be required by such regulations, the 
common names of optional ingredients (other than spices, flavoring, and 
coloring) present in such food.
    (viii) If it purports to be or is represented as a food for which a 
standard or standards of fill of container have been prescribed by 
regulations of the Secretary, \2\ and falls below the standard of fill 
of container applicable thereto, unless its label bears, in such manner 
and form as such regulations specify, a statement that it falls below 
such standard;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ No such standards are currently in effect. However, Sec.  
381.129 prohibits the use of false or misleading containers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ix) If it is not subject to the provisions of paragraph (b)(vii) of 
this section, unless its label bears:
    (a) The common or usual name of the food, if any there be, and
    (b) In case it is fabricated from two or more ingredients, the 
common or usual name of each ingredient, except as otherwise provided in 
Sec.  381.118(c);
    (x) If it purports to be or is represented for special dietary uses, 
unless the label bears such information concerning its vitamin, mineral, 
and other dietary properties as is required by Sec.  381.124;
    (xi) If it bears or contains any artificial flavoring, artificial 
coloring, or chemical preservative, unless it bears a label stating that 
fact; except as otherwise provided in Sec.  381.119, or
    (xii) If it fails to bear, directly thereon or on its containers, 
when required by Sec.  381.123, the official inspection legend and the 
official establishment number of the establishment where the product was 
processed; and unrestricted by any of the foregoing; such other 
information as the Administrator may require in the regulations to 
assure that it will not have false or misleading labeling and that the 
public will be informed of the manner of handling required to maintain 
the article in a wholesome condition.
    Nonfood compounds. Any substance proposed for use in official 
establishments, the intended use of which will not result, directly or 
indirectly, in the substance becoming a component or otherwise affecting 
the characteristics of poultry or poultry products, excluding labeling 
and packaging materials as covered in subpart N of this part.
    Official certificate. This term means any certificate prescribed in 
subpart M of this part relating to poultry or poultry products.
    Official device. This term means any label or other device 
prescribed in subpart M of this part for use in applying any official 
mark.
    Official establishment. ``Official establishment'' means any 
establishment as determined by the Administrator at which inspection of 
the slaughter of poultry, or the processing of poultry products, is 
maintained pursuant to the regulations.
    Official import inspection establishment. This term means any 
establishment, other than an official establishment as defined in this 
definition where inspections are authorized to be conducted as 
prescribed in Sec.  381.199.
    Official inspection legend. This term means the official inspection 
mark prescribed in Sec.  381.96 or the official poultry identification 
mark prescribed in Sec.  381.97, showing that an article was inspected 
for wholesomeness and passed in accordance with the Act.
    Official mark. This term means any symbol prescribed in subpart M of 
this part to identify the status of any article or poultry under the 
Act.
    Packaging material. Any cloth, paper, plastic, metal, or other 
material used to form a container, wrapper, label, or cover for poultry 
products.
    Pesticide chemical, food additive, color additive, raw agricultural 
commodity. These terms shall have the same meanings for the purposes of 
the Act and the

[[Page 383]]

regulations as under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
    Poultry. ``Poultry'' means any domesticated bird (chickens, turkeys, 
ducks, geese, guineas, ratites, or squabs, also termed young pigeons 
from one to about thirty days of age), whether live or dead.
    Poultry product. (i) This term means any poultry carcass or part 
thereof; or any product which is made wholly or in part from any poultry 
carcass or part thereof, excepting those exempted from definition as a 
poultry product in Sec.  381.15. Except where the context requires 
otherwise (e.g., in paragraph (b)(42) of this section), this term is 
limited to articles capable of use as human food.
    (ii) Poultry food product. This term means any product capable of 
use as human food which is made in part from any poultry carcass or part 
thereof, excepting those exempted from definition as a poultry product 
in Sec.  381.15.
    Poultry products broker. ``Poultry products broker'' means any 
person engaged in the business of buying or selling poultry products on 
commission, or otherwise negotiating purchases or sales of such articles 
other than for his own account or as an employee of another person.
    Process. Process used as a verb means to conduct any operation or 
combination of operations, whereby poultry is slaughtered, eviscerated, 
canned, salted, stuffed, rendered, boned, cut up, or otherwise 
manufactured or processed. The term ``process'' does not refer to 
freezing of poultry products, except when freezing is incidental to 
operations otherwise classed as ``processing'' under this paragraph.
    Process authority. A person or organization with expert knowledge in 
poultry production process control and relevant regulations.
    Process schedule. A written description of processing procedures, 
consisting of any number of specific, distinct, and ordered operations 
directly under control of the establishment employed in the manufacture 
of a specific product, including the control, monitoring, verification, 
validation, and corrective action activities associated with production.
    Ready-to-cook poultry. ``Ready-to-cook poultry'' means any 
slaughtered poultry free from protruding pinfeathers and vestigial 
feathers (hair or down), from which the head, feet, crop, oil gland, 
trachea, esophagus, entrails, and lungs have been removed, and from 
which the mature reproductive organs and kidneys may have been removed, 
and with or without the giblets, and which is suitable for cooking 
without need of further processing. Ready-to-cook poultry also means any 
cut-up or disjointed portion of poultry or other parts of poultry, such 
as reproductive organs, head, or feet that are suitable for cooking 
without need of further processing.
    Regulations. ``Regulations'' means the provisions of this entire 
part.
    Renderer. ``Renderer'' means any person engaged in the business of 
rendering carcasses, or parts or products of the carcasses, of poultry, 
except rendering conducted under inspection or exemption pursuant to the 
regulations.
    Shipping container. ``Shipping container'' means any container used 
or intended for use in packaging the product packed in an immediate 
container.
    Slaughter. ``Slaughter'' means the act of killing poultry for human 
food.
    State. Except as otherwise provided in Sec.  381.220 ``State'' means 
any State of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
    Supervision. This term means the controls, as prescribed in 
instructions to Inspection Service employees, to be exercised by them 
over particular operations to insure that such operations are conducted 
in compliance with the Act and the regulations in this part.
    Territory. The term ``territory'' means Guam, the Virgin Islands of 
the United States, American Samoa, and any other territory or possession 
of the United States, excluding the Canal Zone.
    United States. This term means the States, the District of Columbia, 
and the territories of the United States.
    U.S. Condemned. This term means that the poultry carcass, or part or 
product of a poultry carcass, so identified was inspected and found to 
be adulterated and is condemned.
    U.S. Detained. This term is applicable to poultry, poultry products, 
and other

[[Page 384]]

articles which are held in official custody in accordance with section 
19 of the Act and Sec.  381.210, pending disposal as provided in said 
section 19.
    U.S. Refused Entry. This term means that the slaughtered poultry or 
other poultry product so identified was presented for inspection for 
entry into the United States and was found not to comply with the 
requirements of the Act.
    U.S. Rejected. This term means that the equipment or facility so 
identified is prohibited from being used in the processing of any 
poultry or poultry product until such equipment or facility is found by 
an inspector to be sanitary and otherwise eligible for use under the 
regulations.
    U.S. Retained. This term means that the poultry or carcass, or part 
or product of a carcass, of poultry so identified is held at an official 
establishment by the inspection service for further determination as to 
its disposal.
    (c) For the purposes of the standard for cooked, smoked sausage 
(Sec.  319.180 of this chapter), the term ``poultry byproduct'' means 
the skin, fat, gizzard, heart, or liver, or any combination thereof, of 
any poultry.

[37 FR 9706; May 16, 1972, as amended at 39 FR 4568, Feb. 5, 1974; 40 FR 
42338, Sept. 12, 1975; 48 FR 6091, Feb. 10, 1983; 49 FR 2236, Jan. 19, 
1984; 49 FR 3643, Jan. 30, 1984; 49 FR 47478, Dec. 5, 1984; 51 FR 37709, 
Oct. 24, 1986; 64 FR 745, Jan. 6, 1999; 64 FR 56416, Oct. 20, 1999; 66 
FR 1770, Jan. 9, 2001; 66 FR 22905, May 7, 2001; 67 FR 13258, Mar. 22, 
2002; 69 FR 255, Jan. 5, 2004; 79 FR 56233, Sept. 19, 2014]



     Subpart B_Administration; Application of Inspection and Other 
                              Requirements



Sec.  381.3  Administration.

    (a) [Reserved]
    (b) The Administrator may in specific classes of cases waive for 
limited periods any provisions of the regulations in order to permit 
appropriate and necessary action in the event of a public health 
emergency or to permit experimentation so that new procedures, 
equipment, and processing techniques may be tested to facilitate 
definite improvements: Provided, That such waivers of the provisions of 
the regulations are not in conflict with the purposes or provisions of 
the Act.
    (c) Pursuant to section 6 of the Act, the Administrator believes 
that, in establishments processing poultry products at which inspection 
under the Act and regulations is required, the frequency with which and 
the manner in which poultry products made from poultry previously 
slaughtered and eviscerated in official establishments are reinspected 
by Inspection Service employees should be based on considerations 
relevant to effective regulation of poultry products and protection of 
the health and welfare of consumers. In order to test procedures for use 
in making such determinations and, in particular, for determining 
whether and, if so, to what extent the intensity of inspection coverage 
exceeds that which should be deemed necessary pursuant to section 6 of 
the Act, the Administrator is initiating experimentation of a new system 
of inspection for reviewing the performance of establishments and for 
designing the supervision and other conditions and methods of inspection 
coverage. For the period of such experimentation, the Administrator 
shall identify establishments for review, and the frequency and the 
manner of inspection by Inspection Service employees shall be determined 
on the basis of the results of those reviews and be otherwise in 
accordance with this section.
    (d) The determinations referred to in paragraph (c) of this section 
shall be made by the Inspection Service and shall reflect evaluations of 
the performance and the characteristics of such establishments.
    (1) In assessing the performance of an establishment, the following 
factors are appropriate for consideration:
    (i) The history of compliance with applicable regulatory 
requirements by the person operating such establishment or by anyone 
responsibly connected with the business operating such establishment, as 
``responsibly connected'' is defined in section 18(a) of the Act,
    (ii) The competence of the person operating such establishment, as 
indicated by:

[[Page 385]]

    (A) Knowledge of appropriate manufacturing practices and applicable 
regulatory requirements,
    (B) Demonstrated ability to apply such knowledge in a timely and 
consistent manner, and
    (C) Commitment to correcting deficiencies noted by Inspection 
Service employees and otherwise assuring compliance with applicable 
regulatory requirements, and
    (iii) The procedures used in such establishment to control the 
production process, environment, and resulting product in order to 
assure and monitor compliance with the requirements of the Act and the 
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
    (2) In assessing the characteristics of an establishment, the 
following factors are appropriate for consideration:
    (i) The complexity of the processing operation(s) conducted at such 
establishment,
    (ii) The frequency with which each such operation is conducted at 
such establishment,
    (iii) The volume of product resulting from each such operation at 
such establishment,
    (iv) Whether and to what extent slaughter and evisceration 
operations also are conducted at such establishment,
    (v) What, if any, food products not regulated under this Act or the 
Federal Meat Inspection Act also are processed at such establishment, 
and
    (vi) The size of such establishment.
    (e)(1) For the period of experimentation described in paragraph (c) 
of this section, the frequency of inspection by Inspection Service 
employees of operations other than slaughter and evisceration may be 
reduced in an establishment in which the procedures referred to therein 
are being tested if and only if the evaluation of the performance of 
such establishment described in paragraph (d)(1) indicates that there 
are:
    (i) No instances, documented in records compiled no earlier than 10 
years before, of substantial and recent noncompliance with applicable 
regulatory requirements (taking into account both the nature and 
frequency of any such noncompliance), and
    (ii) The competence and control procedures needed to assure and 
monitor compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
    (2)(i) The frequency of Federal inspection and other conditions and 
methods of inspection coverage in any establishment in which the 
frequency of Federal inspection is reduced shall be based on:
    (A) The evaluation of the characteristics of such establishment 
described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ These evaluations will be based upon guidelines developed by 
FSIS and the complexity categorization in FSIS Directive 1030.2 
(Documentation of Processing and Combination Assignments, 4/22/85). The 
guidelines and Directive will be available for public inspection and 
copying in the Policy Office, Room 3168, South Agriculture Building, 
14th Street and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (B) The significance of potential public health consequences of 
noncompliance, and
    (C) The availability of Inspection Service employees.
    (ii) To the extent that frequency of inspection or other conditions 
and methods of inspection coverage are identified as conflicting with 
provisions of the regulations in this part, the Administrator will waive 
such provisions for the period of experimentation, in accordance with 
paragraph (b) of this section.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 52 FR 10033, Mar. 30, 1987; 69 
FR 255, Jan. 5, 2004]



Sec.  381.4  Inspection in accordance with methods prescribed or approved.

    Inspection of poultry products shall be rendered pursuant to the 
regulations and under such conditions and in accordance with such 
methods as may be prescribed or approved by the Administrator.



Sec.  381.5  Publications.

    Publications under the Act and the regulations shall be made in the 
Federal Register and in such other media as the Administrator may 
designate.



Sec.  381.6  Establishments requiring inspection.

    Inspection under the regulations is required at:

[[Page 386]]

    (a) Every establishment, except as provided in Sec.  381.10 (a) and 
(b) or Sec.  381.11, in which any poultry is slaughtered for 
transportation or sale in commerce, or in which any poultry products are 
wholly or in part, processed for transportation or sale in commerce, as 
articles intended for use as human food;
    (b) Every establishment, except as provided in Sec.  381.10 (a) and 
(b), (c), or (d), or Sec.  381.11, within any State or organized 
territory which is designated in Sec.  381.221 pursuant to section 5(c) 
of the Act, at which any poultry is slaughtered or any poultry products 
are processed, for use as human food solely for distribution within such 
jurisdiction; and
    (c) Except as provided in Sec.  381.10 (a) and (b), or (c), or Sec.  
381.11, every establishment designated by the Administrator pursuant to 
section 5(c) of the Act as one producing adulterated poultry products 
which would clearly endanger the public health.



Sec.  381.7  Coverage of all poultry and poultry products processed in
official establishments.

    All poultry and poultry products processed in an official 
establishment shall be inspected, handled, processed, marked, and 
labeled as required by the regulations.



                          Subpart C_Exemptions



Sec.  381.10  Exemptions for specified operations.

    (a) The requirements of the Act and the regulations for inspection 
of the processing of poultry and poultry products shall not apply to:
    (1) Any retail dealer with respect to poultry products sold in 
commerce directly to consumers in an individual retail store, if the 
only processing operation performed by such retail dealer is the cutting 
up of poultry products on the premises where such sales to consumers are 
made: Provided, That such operation is conducted under such sanitary 
standards, practices, and procedures as result in the preparation of 
poultry products that are not adulterated: And provided further, That 
the poultry products sold in commerce are derived from poultry inspected 
and passed under the Act and such poultry products are not adulterated 
or misbranded at the time of sale (except that the official inspection 
legend shall not be used). (For the purposes of this subparagraph, a 
retail dealer is any person who sells poultry products directly to 
consumers as defined in paragraph (d)(2)(vi) of this section and whose 
sales of poultry products to household consumers constitute, in terms of 
dollar value, at least 75 percent of his total sales of poultry 
products.)
    (2) The slaughter of poultry, and the processing of poultry 
products, by any person in any territory not organized with a 
legislative body, solely for distribution within such territory: 
Provided, That such poultry is sound and healthy and is slaughtered 
under such sanitary standards, practices, and procedures as result in 
the preparation of poultry products that are not adulterated: And 
provided further, That the poultry products are not adulterated or 
misbranded when so distributed (except that the official inspection 
legend shall not be used).
    (3) The slaughtering by any person of poultry of his own raising, 
and the processing by him and transportation in commerce of the poultry 
products exclusively for use by him and members of his household and his 
nonpaying guests and employees: Provided, That in lieu of complying with 
all the adulteration and misbranding provisions of the Act, such poultry 
is healthy and is slaughtered and processed under such sanitary 
standards, practices, and procedures as result in the preparation of 
poultry products that are sound, clean, and fit for human food, and the 
shipping containers of such poultry products bear the producer's name 
and address and the statement ``Exempted--P.L. 90-492.''
    (4) The custom slaughter by any person of poultry delivered by the 
owner thereof for such slaughter, and the processing by such slaughterer 
and transportation in commerce of the poultry products exclusively for 
use, in the household of such owner, by him and members of his household 
and his nonpaying guests and the employees: Provided, That such custom 
slaughterer

[[Page 387]]

does not engage in the business of buying or selling any poultry 
products capable of use as human food: And provided further, That in 
lieu of complying with all the adulteration and misbranding provisions 
of the Act, such poultry is healthy and is slaughtered and processed 
under such sanitary standards, practices, and procedures as result in 
the preparation of poultry products that are sound, clean and fit for 
human food, and the shipping containers of such poultry products bear 
the owner's name and address and the statement ``Exempted--P.L. 90-
492.''
    (5) The slaughtering of sound and healthy poultry and processing of 
poultry products therefrom in any State or territory or the District of 
Columbia by any poultry producer on his own premises with respect to 
poultry raised on his premises, and the distribution by any person 
solely within such jurisdiction of the poultry products derived from 
such operations: Provided, That (i) in lieu of complying with all the 
adulteration provisions of the Act, such poultry is slaughtered and 
otherwise processed and handled under such sanitary standards, 
practices, and procedures as result in the preparation of poultry 
products that are sound, clean, and fit for human food when so 
distributed; (ii) such poultry products when so distributed, bear (in 
lieu of labeling that would otherwise be required) the producer's name 
and address and the statement ``Exempted--P.L. 90-492'' and such poultry 
products are not otherwise misbranded; (iii) such producer and 
distributor do not engage in the current calendar year in the business 
of buying or selling any poultry or poultry products other than as 
specified in this paragraph (a) (5) or (6) of this section; and (iv) 
neither such producer or distributor slaughters or processes the 
products of more poultry than allowed by paragraph (b) of this section.
    (6) The slaughtering of sound and healthy poultry or the processing 
of poultry products of such poultry in any State or territory or the 
District of Columbia by any poultry producer or other person for 
distribution by him solely within such jurisdiction directly to 
household consumers, restaurants, hotels, and boardinghouses, for use in 
their own dining rooms, or in the preparation of meals for sales direct 
to consumers: Provided, That (i) in lieu of complying with all the 
adulteration provisions of the Act, such poultry is slaughtered and 
otherwise processed and handled under such sanitary standards, 
practices, and procedures as result in the preparation of poultry 
products that are sound, clean, and fit for human food when distributed 
by such processor; (ii) such poultry products when so distributed bear 
(in lieu of labeling that would otherwise be required) the processor's 
name and address and the statement ``Exempted--P.L. 90-492'' and such 
poultry products are not otherwise misbranded; (iii) such processor does 
not engage in the current calendar year in the business of buying or 
selling any poultry or poultry products other than as specified in this 
paragraph (a) (6) or (5) of this section; and (iv) such processor does 
not exceed the volume limitation prescribed in paragraph (b) of this 
section.
    (7) The operations and products of small enterprises (including 
poultry producers) not exempted under paragraphs (a) (1) through (6) of 
this section that are engaged in any State or territory or the District 
of Columbia in slaughtering and/or cutting up poultry for distribution 
as carcasses or parts thereof solely for distribution within such 
jurisdiction; Provided, That (i) such poultry is sound and healthy when 
slaughtered and is slaughtered and/or cut up and handled under such 
sanitary standards, practices and procedures as result in the 
preparation of poultry products that are not adulterated when so 
distributed; and (ii) when so distributed, such poultry products are not 
misbranded (except that the official inspection legend shall not be 
used).
    (b) No person qualifies for any exemption specified in paragraph 
(a)(5), (6), or (7) of this section if, in the current calendar year, 
such person:
    (1) Slaughters or processes the products of more than 20,000 
poultry, or
    (2) Slaughters or processes poultry products at a facility used for 
slaughtering or processing poultry products by any other person, except 
when the Administrator grants such exemption after determining, upon 
review of a

[[Page 388]]

person's application, that such an exemption will not impair 
effectuating the purposes of the Act.
    (c) The provisions of the Act and the regulations do not apply to 
any poultry producer with respect to poultry, of his own raising on his 
own farm, which he slaughters if:
    (1) Such producer slaughters not more than 1,000 poultry during the 
calendar year for which this exemption is being determined;
    (2) Such poultry producer does not engage in buying or selling 
poultry products other than those produced from poultry raised on his 
own farm; and
    (3) None of such poultry moves in ``commerce'' (as defined in Sec.  
381.1).
    (d)(1) The requirements of the Act and the regulations for 
inspection of the processing of poultry and poultry products do not 
apply to operations of types traditionally and usually conducted at 
retail stores and restaurants, when conducted at any retail store or 
restaurant or similar-retail-type establishment for sale in normal 
retail quantities or service of such articles to consumers at such 
establishments.
    (2) For the purposes of paragraph (d)(1) of this section:
    (i) Operations of types traditionally and usually conducted at 
retail stores and restaurants include any processing of poultry products 
except canning of poultry products and except slaughtering of poultry 
unless such slaughtering is conducted at a retail store with respect to 
live poultry purchased by the consumer at the retail store and processed 
by the retail store operator in accordance with the consumer's 
instructions.
    (ii) A normal retail quantity is any quantity of a poultry product 
purchased by a household consumer from a retail supplier that in the 
aggregate does not exceed 75 pounds. A normal retail quantity sold by a 
retail supplier to other than a household consumer is any quantity that 
in the aggregate does not exceed 150 pounds.
    (iii) A retail store is any place of business where:
    (a) The sales of poultry products are made to consumers only;
    (b) At least 75 percent, in terms of dollar value, of total sales of 
product represents sales to household consumers and the total dollar 
value of sales of product to consumers other than household consumers 
does not exceed the dollar limitation per calendar year set by the 
Administrator. This dollar limitation is a figure which will 
automatically be adjusted during the first quarter of each calendar 
year, upward or downward, whenever the Consumer Price Index, published 
by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, indicates a 
change in the price of this same volume of product which exceeds $500. 
Notice of the adjusted dollar limitation will be published in the 
Federal Register. \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The dollar limitation currently in effect may be obtained by 
contacting Director, Slaughter Inspection Standards and Procedures 
Division, Technical Services, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250 (202) 447-3219.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) Only federally or State inspected and passed, or exempted (or, 
as provided in Sec.  381.223, State or local agency inspected and passed 
or exempted) poultry products are handled or used in the preparation of 
any poultry products;
    (d) No sale of poultry products is made in excess of a normal retail 
quantity as defined in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section; and
    (e) The processing of poultry products for sale is limited to 
traditional and usual operations as defined in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of 
this section.
    (iv) Restaurants. (a) A restaurant is any establishment where:
    (1) Poultry products are processed only for sale or service in meals 
or as entrees directly to individual consumers at such establishments;
    (2) Only federally inspected and passed, or exempted (or, as 
provided in Sec.  381.223, State or local agency inspected and passed or 
exempted) poultry products are handled or used in the preparation of any 
poultry products;
    (3) No sale of poultry products is made in excess of a normal retail 
quantity as defined in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section; and
    (4) The processing of poultry products is limited to traditional and 
usual operations as defined in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section.

[[Page 389]]

    (b) The definition of a restaurant includes a caterer which delivers 
or serves product in meals, or as entrees, only to individual consumers 
and otherwise meets the requirements of this paragraph.
    (c) For purposes of this paragraph, operations conducted as a 
restaurant central kitchen facility shall be considered as being 
conducted at a restaurant if the restaurant central kitchen prepares 
poultry products that are ready to eat when they leave such facility 
(i.e., no further cooking or other preparation is needed, except that 
they may be reheated prior to serving if chilled during transportation), 
transported directly to a receiving restaurant by its own employees, 
without intervening transfer or storage, maintained in a safe, 
unadulterated condition during transportation, and served in meals or as 
entrees only to customers at restaurants, or through vending machines, 
owned or operated by the same person that owns or operates such 
facility, and which otherwise meets the requirement of this paragraph: 
Provided, That the requirements of Sec. Sec.  381.175 through 381.178 of 
this subchapter apply to such facility. Provided further, That the 
exempted facility may be subject to inspection requirements under the 
Act for as long as the Administrator deems necessary if the 
Administrator determines that the sanitary conditions or practices of 
the facility or the processing procedures or methods at the facility are 
such that any of its poultry products are rendered adulterated. When the 
Administrator has made such determination and subjected a restaurant 
central kitchen facility to such inspection requirements, the operator 
of such facility shall be afforded an opportunity to dispute the 
Administrator's determination in a hearing pursuant to rules of practice 
which will be adopted for this proceeding.
    (v) A similar retail-type establishment is any establishment which 
is a combination retail store and restaurant; any delicatessen which 
meets the requirements for a retail store or restaurant as prescribed in 
paragraph (d)(2) (iii) or (iv) of this section; or other establishment 
as determined by the Administrator in specific cases.
    (vi) A consumer is any household consumer, hotel, or restaurant, or 
similar institution as determined by the Administrator in specific 
cases.
    (3) Whenever any complaint is received by the Administrator from any 
person alleging that any retail establishment or restaurant claiming 
exemption under this paragraph (d) in any designated State or organized 
territory listed in Sec.  381.221 that is also identified in Sec.  
381.224 as a jurisdiction that does not have or is not exercising 
adequate authority with respect to recordkeeping requirements, has been 
operated in violation of the conditions prescribed in this paragraph (d) 
for such exemption, and the Administrator, upon investigation of the 
complaint, has reason to believe that any such violation has occurred, 
he shall so notify the operator of the retail establishment or 
restaurant and afford him reasonable opportunity to present his views 
informally with respect to the matter. Thereafter, if the Administrator 
determines that such a violation has occurred, and that a requirement 
that the operator keep records concerning the operations of the retail 
establishment or restaurant would effectuate the purposes of the Act, 
the Administrator shall order the operator to maintain complete, 
accurate, and legible records of his total monthly purchases and of his 
total monthly sales of poultry and poultry products. Such records shall 
separately show total sales to household consumers and total sales to 
other consumers, and shall be maintained for the period prescribed in 
Sec.  381.177. If the operator maintains copies of bills of lading, 
receiving and shipping invoices, warehouse receipts, or similar 
documents which give the information required herein, additional records 
are not required by this subparagraph.
    (4) The adulteration and misbranding provisions of the Act and the 
regulations other than the requirement of the official inspection 
legend, apply to articles which are exempted from inspection under this 
paragraph (d).
    (e)(1) The requirements of the Act and the regulations in this 
subchapter for inspection of the preparation of products do not apply to 
poultry pizzas containing poultry product ingredients

[[Page 390]]

which were prepared, inspected, and passed in a cured or cooked form as 
ready-to-eat (i.e., no further cooking or other preparation is needed) 
in compliance with the requirements of the Act and these regulations; 
and the poultry pizzas are to be served in public or private nonprofit 
institutions, provided that the poultry pizzas are ready to eat (i.e., 
no further cooking or other preparation is needed, except that they may 
be reheated prior to serving if chilled during transportation), 
transported directly to the receiving institution by employees of the 
preparing firm, receiving institution, or a food service management 
company contracted to conduct food service at the public or private 
nonprofit institution, without intervening transfer or storage.
    (2) The definitions at Chapter 1, 1-102, except 1-102(z) and the 
provisions of Chapters 2 through 8, except sections 2-102 (a) and (b), 
2-302(d), 2-403(a), 2-403(c), 2-404, 2-405, 2-407, 2-502 through 2-506, 
2-508, 2-509, 4-105, 4-201(c), 4-208, 5-101(a), 5-103, 5-104, 5-202(c), 
5-203, and 6-105, Part IV, of the Food and Drug Administration's Food 
Service Sanitation Manual (1976 Recommendations), DHEW Publication No. 
(FDA) 78-2081, which is incorporated by reference, shall apply to the 
facilities and operations of businesses claiming this exemption. (These 
materials are incorporated as they exist on the date of approval. This 
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal 
Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies 
may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It is also available for 
inspection at the FSIS Hearing Clerk, room 3171, South Building, Food 
Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, DC 20250 or at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    (3) Facilities and operations of businesses claiming this exemption 
shall also conform to the following requirements:
    (i) Manual cleaning and sanitizing. (A) For manual washing, rinsing 
and sanitizing of utensils and equipment, a sink with not fewer than 
three compartments shall be provided and used. Sink compartments shall 
be large enough to permit the accommodation of the equipment and 
utensils, and each compartment of the sink shall be supplied with hot 
and cold potable running water. Fixed equipment and utensils and 
equipment too large to be cleaned in sink compartments shall be washed 
manually or cleaned through pressure spray methods.
    (B) Drain boards or easily movable dish tables of adequate size 
shall be provided for proper handling of soiled utensils prior to 
washing and for cleaned utensils following sanitizing and shall be 
located so as not to interfere with the proper use of the dishwashing 
facilities.
    (C) Equipment and utensils shall be preflushed or prescraped and, 
when necessary, presoaked to remove gross food particles and soil.
    (D) Except for fixed equipment and utensils too large to be cleaned 
in sink compartments, manual washing, rinsing and sanitizing shall be 
conducted in the following sequence:
    (1) Sinks shall be cleaned prior to use.
    (2) Equipment and utensils shall be thoroughly washed in the first 
compartment with a hot detergent solution that is kept clean.
    (3) Equipment and utensils shall be rinsed free of detergent and 
abrasives with clean water in the second compartment.
    (4) Equipment and utensils shall be sanitized in the third 
compartment according to one of the methods prescribed in paragraph 
(e)(3)(i)(E) (1) through (4) of this section.
    (E) The food-contact surfaces of all equipment and utensils shall be 
sanitized by:
    (1) Immersion for at least \1/2\ minute in clean, hot water at a 
temperature of at least 170 [deg]F; or
    (2) Immersion for at least 1 minute in a clean solution containing 
at least 50 parts per million of available chlorine as a hypochlorite 
and at a temperature of at least 75 [deg]F; or

[[Page 391]]

    (3) Immersion for at least 1 minute in a clean solution containing 
at least 12.5 parts per million of available iodine and having a pH not 
higher than 5.0 and at a temperature of at least 75 [deg]F; or
    (4) Immersion in a clean solution containing any other chemical 
sanitizing agent allowed under 21 CFR 178.1010 that will provide the 
equivalent bactericidal effect of a solution containing at least 50 
parts per million of available chlorine as a hypochlorite at a 
temperature of at least 75 [deg]F for 1 minute; or
    (5) Treatment with steam free from materials or additives other than 
those specified in 21 CFR 173.310 in the case of equipment too large to 
sanitize by immersion, but in which steam can be confined; or
    (6) Rinsing, spraying, or swabbing with a chemical sanitizing 
solution of at least twice the strength required for that particular 
sanitizing solution under paragraph (e)(3)(i)(E)(4) of this section in 
the case of equipment too large to sanitize by immersion.
    (F) When hot water is used for sanitizing, the following facilities 
shall be provided and used:
    (1) An integral heating device or fixture installed in, on, or under 
the sanitizing compartment of the sink capable of maintaining the water 
at a temperature of at least 170 [deg]F; and
    (2) A numerically scaled indicating thermometer, accurate to 3 [deg]F, convenient to the sink for frequent checks of 
water temperature; and
    (3) Dish baskets of such size and design to permit complete 
immersion of the tableware, kitchenware, and equipment in the hot water.
    (G) When chemicals are used for sanitization, they shall not have 
concentrations higher than the maximum permitted under 21 CFR 178.1010 
and a test kit or other device that accurately measures the parts per 
million concentration of the solution shall be provided and used.
    (ii) Mechanical cleaning and sanitizing. (A) Cleaning and sanitizing 
may be done by spray-type or immersion dishwashing machines or by any 
other type of machine or device if it is demonstrated that it thoroughly 
cleans and sanitizes equipment and utensils. These machines and devices 
shall be properly installed and maintained in good repair. Machines and 
devices shall be operated in accordance with manufacturers' 
instructions, and utensils and equipment placed in the machine shall be 
exposed to all dishwashing cycles. Automatic detergent dispensers, 
wetting agent dispensers, and liquid sanitizer injectors, if any, shall 
be properly installed and maintained.
    (B) The pressure of final rinse water supplied to spray-type 
dishwashing machines shall not be less than 15 nor more than 25 pounds 
per square inch measured in the water line immediately adjacent to the 
final rinse control valve. A \1/4\-inch IPS valve shall be provided 
immediately upstream from the final rinse control valve to permit 
checking the flow pressure of the final rinse water.
    (C) Machine or water line mounted numerically scaled indicating 
thermometers, accurate to 3 [deg]F, shall be 
provided to indicate the temperature of the water in each tank of the 
machine and the temperature of the final rinse water as it enters the 
manifold.
    (D) Rinse water tanks shall be protected by baffles, curtains, or 
other effective means to minimize the entry of wash water into the rinse 
water. Conveyors in dishwashing machines shall be accurately timed to 
assure proper exposure times in wash and rinse cycles in accordance with 
manufacturers' specifications attached to the machines.
    (E) Drain boards shall be provided and be of adequate size for the 
proper handling of soiled utensils prior to washing and of cleaned 
utensils following sanitization and shall be so located and constructed 
as not to interfere with the proper use of the dishwashing facilities. 
This does not preclude the use of easily movable dish tables for the 
storage of soiled utensils or the use of easily movable dishtables for 
the storage of clean utensils following sanitization.
    (F) Equipment and utensils shall be flushed or scraped and, when 
necessary, soaked to remove gross food particles and soil prior to being 
washed in a dishwashing machine unless a prewashcycle is a part of the 
dishwashing machine operation. Equipment

[[Page 392]]

and utensils shall be placed in racks, trays, or baskets, or on 
conveyors, in a way that food-contact surfaces are exposed to the 
unobstructed application of detergent wash and clean rinse waters and 
that permits free draining.
    (G) Machines (single-tank, stationary-rack, door-type machines and 
spray-type glass washers) using chemicals for sanitization may be used: 
Provided, That,
    (1) The temperature of the wash water shall not be less than 120 
[deg]F.
    (2) The wash water shall be kept clean.
    (3) Chemicals added for sanitization purposes shall be automatically 
dispensed.
    (4) Utensils and equipment shall be exposed to the final chemical 
sanitizing rinse in accordance with manufacturers' specifications for 
time and concentration.
    (5) The chemical sanitizing rinse water temperature shall be not 
less than 75 [deg]F nor less than the temperature specified by the 
machine's manufacturer.
    (6) Chemical sanitizers used shall meet the requirements of 21 CFR 
178.1010.
    (7) A test kit or other device that accurately measures the parts 
per million concentration of the solution shall be available and used.
    (H) Machines using hot water for sanitizing may be used provided 
that wash water and pumped rinse water shall be kept clean and water 
shall be maintained at not less than the following temperatures:
    (1) Single-tank, stationary-rack, dual-temperature machine:

Wash temperature..............................................150 [deg]F
Final rinse temperature.......................................180 [deg]F

    (2) Single-tank, stationary-rack, single-temperature machine:

Wash temperature..............................................165 [deg]F
Final rinse temperature.......................................165 [deg]F

    (3) Single-tank, conveyor machine:

Wash temperature..............................................160 [deg]F
Final rinse temperature.......................................180 [deg]F

    (4) Multitank, conveyor machine:

Wash temperature..............................................150 [deg]F
Pumped rinse temperature......................................160 [deg]F
Final rinse temperature.......................................180 [deg]F

    (5) Single-tank, pot, pan, and utensil washer (either stationary or 
moving-rack):

Wash temperature..............................................140 [deg]F
Final rinse temperature.......................................180 [deg]F

    (I) All dishwashing machines shall be thoroughly cleaned at least 
once a day or more often when necessary to maintain them in a 
satisfactory operating condition.
    (iii) Steam. Steam used in contact with food or food-contact 
surfaces shall be free from any materials or additives other than those 
specified in 21 CFR 173.310.
    (4) For purposes of this paragraph, the term ``private nonprofit 
institution'' means ``a corporation, and any community chest, fund, or 
foundation, organized and operated exclusively for religious, 
charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or 
educational purposes, or to foster national or international amateur 
sports competition (but only if no part of its activities involve the 
provision of athletic facilities or equipment), or for the prevention of 
cruelty to children or animals, no part of the net earnings of which 
inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual, no 
substantial part of the activities of which is carrying on propaganda, 
or otherwise attempting, to influence legislation, and which does not 
participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or 
distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in 
opposition to) any candidate for public office.''
    (5) The Administrator may withdraw or modify the exemption set forth 
in Sec.  381.10(e)(1) for a particular establishment when he or she 
determines that such action is necessary to ensure food safety and 
public health. Before such action is taken, the owner or operator of the 
particular establishment shall be notified, in writing, of the reasons 
for the proposed action and shall be given an opportunity to respond, in 
writing, to the Administrator within 20 days after notification of the 
proposed action. The written notification shall be served on the owner 
or operator of the establishment in the manner prescribed in section 
1.147(b) of the Department's Uniform Rules of Practice

[[Page 393]]

(7 CFR 1.147(b)). In those instances where there is conflict of any 
material fact, the owner or operator of the establishment, upon request, 
shall be afforded an opportunity for a hearing with respect to the 
disputed fact, in accordance with rules of practice which shall be 
adopted for the proceeding. However, such withdrawal or modification 
shall become effective pending final determination in the proceeding 
when the Administrator determines that an imminent threat to food safety 
or public health exists, and that such action is, therefore, necessary 
to protect the public health, interest or safety. Such withdrawal or 
modification shall be effective upon oral or written notification, 
whichever is earlier, to the owner or operator of the particular 
establishment as promptly as circumstances permit. In the event of oral 
notification, written confirmation shall be given to the owner or 
operator of the establishment as promptly as circumstances permit. This 
withdrawal or modification shall continue in effect pending the 
completion of the proceeding and any judicial review thereof, unless 
otherwise ordered by the Administrator.
    (6) The adulteration and misbranding provisions of the Act and the 
regulations apply to articles which are exempted from inspection under 
Sec.  381.10(e).

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 38 FR 16991, June 28, 1973; 45 
FR 27922, Apr. 25, 1980; 46 FR 46288, Sept. 16, 1981; 48 FR 2959, Jan. 
24, 1983; 51 FR 29909, Aug. 21, 1986; 53 FR 24679, June 30, 1988; 57 FR 
34184, Aug. 3, 1992]



Sec.  381.11  Exemptions based on religious dietary laws.

    (a) Any person who slaughters, processes, or otherwise handles 
poultry or poultry products which have been or are to be processed as 
required by recognized religious dietary laws may apply for exemption 
from specific provisions of the Act or regulations which are in conflict 
with such religious dietary laws. Any person desiring such an exemption 
shall apply in writing to the Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, Food 
Safety and Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 
20250, setting forth the specific provisions of the Act and the 
regulations from which exemption is sought and setting forth the 
provisions of the religious dietary laws in support of the requested 
exemption. In addition, the applicant for such an exemption shall submit 
a statement from the clerical official having jurisdiction over the 
enforcement of the religious dietary laws with respect to the poultry or 
poultry products involved, which identifies the requirements of such 
laws pertaining to the slaughter of the poultry and the processing or 
other handling of the poultry products involved, and certifies that such 
requirements are in conflict with specific provisions of the Act and 
regulations from which the exemption is sought.
    (b) The Administrator, upon a determination that an exemption should 
be granted, will grant such exemption to the extent necessary to avoid 
conflict with the religious requirements while still effectuating the 
purposes of the Act. He may impose such conditions as to sanitary 
standards, practices, and procedures in granting such exemption as he 
deems necessary to effectuate the purposes of the Act. Any person who 
processes poultry or poultry products under exemption from certain 
requirements as provided in this section shall be subject to all of the 
other applicable provisions of the Act and the regulations. Processing 
plants shall meet the sanitary requirements set forth in this part and 
unless exempted from inspection under the provisions of this subpart, 
shall be required to qualify for inspection and operate as official 
establishments. Slaughtered poultry which is prepared under an exemption 
authorizing the sale of noneviscerated poultry in commerce shall be 
individually identified with a label approved by the Administrator which 
identifies the clerical official under whose supervision the poultry was 
slaughtered.



Sec.  381.12  Effect of religious dietary laws exemptions on other persons.

    Whenever a slaughterer or processor is granted an exemption under 
Sec.  381.11 with respect to the slaughtering or processing of any 
poultry or poultry products under this part, under specified conditions, 
the sale, offer for sale, transportation and other handling in

[[Page 394]]

commerce by any person of such poultry and poultry products in 
accordance with such conditions is hereby authorized, except as 
restricted by the Act.



Sec.  381.13  Suspension or termination of exemptions.

    (a) The Administrator may, by order, in accordance with the 
applicable rules of practice suspend or terminate any exemption under 
Sec.  381.10(a) with respect to any person whenever he finds that such 
action will aid in effectuating the purposes of the Act. Failure to 
comply with the conditions of the exemption, including, but not limited 
to, failure to process poultry and poultry products under clean and 
sanitary conditions may result in termination of an exemption, in 
addition to any other penalties provided by law.
    (b) Except as provided in Sec.  381.10(c), the Administrator may 
extend the requirements of the Act to any establishment in any State or 
organized territory at which poultry products are processed for 
distribution solely within such jurisdiction if he determines in 
accordance with the provisions of subparagraph 5(c)(1) of the Act that 
the establishment is producing adulterated poultry products which would 
clearly endanger the public health.



Sec.  381.14  Inspection concerning purportedly exempted operations.

    Inspectors of the Inspection Service are authorized to make 
inspections in accordance with law to ascertain whether any of the 
provisions of the Act or the regulations applying to producers, 
retailers, or other persons purporting to be exempted from any 
requirements under this subpart have been violated.



Sec.  381.15  Exemption from definition of ``poultry product'' of
certain human food products containing poultry.

    The following articles contain poultry ingredients only in a 
relatively small proportion or historically have not been considered by 
consumers as products of the poultry food industry. Therefore said 
articles are exempted from the definition of ``poultry product'' and the 
requirements of the Act and the regulations applicable to poultry 
products, if they comply with the conditions specified in this section.
    (a) Any human food product (in a consumer package) not provided for 
in paragraph (c) of this section, if:
    (1) It contains less than 2 percent cooked poultry meat (deboned 
white or dark poultry meat, or both) and/or ``Mechanically Separated 
(Kind of Poultry)'' as defined in Sec.  381.173;
    (2) It contains less than 10 percent of cooked poultry skins, 
giblets, or fat, separately, and less than 10 percent of cooked poultry 
skins, giblets, fat, and meat (as meat is limited in paragraph (a)(1) of 
this section) or ``Mechanically Separated (Kind of Poultry)'' as defined 
in Sec.  381.173, in any combination;
    (3) The poultry ingredients used in the product were prepared under 
inspection as defined in Sec.  381.1, or were inspected under a foreign 
inspection system approved under Sec.  381.196(b) and imported in 
compliance with the Act and the regulations;
    (4) The immediate container of the product bears a label which shows 
the name of the product in accordance with this section; and
    (5) The product is not represented as a poultry product. The 
aforesaid percentages of ingredients shall be computed on the basis of 
the moist, deboned, cooked poultry in the ready-to-serve product when 
prepared according to the serving directions on the consumer package.
    (b) Any human food product (in an institutional pack), not provided 
for in paragraph (c) of this section, if:
    (1) It is prepared for sale only to institutional users, such as 
hotels, restaurants, and boardinghouses, for use as a soup base or 
flavoring;
    (2) It contains less than 15 percent cooked poultry meat (deboned 
white or dark poultry meat or both) and/or ``Mechanically Separated 
(Kind of Poultry)'' as defined in Sec.  381.173, computed on the basis 
of the moist deboned, cooked poultry meat and/or ``Mechanically 
Separated (Kind of Poultry)'' in such product; and
    (3) It complies with the provisions of paragraphs (a)(3), (4), and 
(5) of this section in all respects.
    (c) Bouillon cubes, poultry broths, gravies, sauces, seasonings, and 
flavorings if:

[[Page 395]]

    (1) They contain poultry meat and/or ``Mechanically Separated (Kind 
of Poultry)'' as defined in Sec.  381.173 or poultry fat only in 
condimental quantities;
    (2) They comply with the provisions of paragraphs (a)(3), (4), and 
(5) of this section in all respects; and
    (3) In the case of poultry broth, it will not be used in the 
processing of any poultry product in any official establishment.
    (d) Fat capsules and sandwiches containing poultry products if they 
comply with the provisions of paragraphs (a)(3), (4), and (5) of this 
section in all respects.
    (e) Products of the types specified in this section except those 
specified in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section will be deemed to be 
represented as poultry products if the kind name of the poultry 
(chicken, turkey, etc.) is used in the product name of the product 
without appropriate qualification. For example, a consumer-packaged 
noodle soup product containing less than 2 percent chicken meat on a 
ready-to-serve basis may not be labeled ``Chicken Noodle Soup'' but, 
when appropriate, could be labeled as ``Chicken Flavored Noodle Soup.'' 
Products exempted under this section are subject to the requirements of 
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 60 FR 55982, Nov. 3, 1995]



  Subpart D_Application for Inspection; Grant or Refusal of Inspection



Sec.  381.16  How application shall be made.

    The operator of each establishment of the kind required by Sec.  
381.6 to have inspection shall make application to the Administrator for 
inspection service. In cases of change of name, ownership, or location, 
a new application shall be made.



Sec.  381.17  Filing of application.

    Every application for inspection at any establishment shall be made 
by the operator on a form furnished by the Meat and Poultry Inspection 
Program, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, and shall include all information 
called for by that form, including the name of any subsidiary 
corporation that will prepare any poultry product or conduct any other 
operation at the establishment for which inspection is requested. The 
applicant for inspection will be held responsible for compliance by all 
its subsidiaries with the requirements of the regulations at such 
establishments if inspection is granted. Processing of poultry products 
and other operations at the establishment for which inspection is 
granted may be conducted only by the applicant, except that such a 
subsidiary of the grantee, may conduct such operations at such 
establishment.



Sec.  381.18  Authority of applicant.

    Any person applying for inspection service may be required at the 
discretion of the Administrator to demonstrate that the operator of the 
establishment authorized him to do so.



Sec.  381.20  Survey and grant of inspection.

    (a) Before inspection is granted, FSIS shall survey the 
establishment to determine if the construction and facilities of the 
establishment are in accordance with the regulations. FSIS will grant 
inspection, subject to Sec.  381.21, when these requirements are met.
    (b) FSIS shall give notice in writing to each applicant granted 
inspection and shall specify in the notice the establishment, including 
the limits of the establishment's premises, to which the grant pertains.

[62 FR 45026, Aug. 25, 1997]



Sec.  381.21  Refusal of inspection.

    (a) Any application for inspection in accordance with this part may 
be denied or refused in accordance with the rules of practice in part 
500 of this chapter.
    (b)(1) Any applicant for inspection at an establishment where the 
operations thereof may result in any discharge into the navigable waters 
of the United States is required by subsection 21(b) of the Federal 
Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, to provide the Administrator 
with a certification as prescribed in said subsection that there is

[[Page 396]]

reasonable assurance that such activity will be conducted in a manner 
which will not violate the applicable water quality standards. No grant 
of inspection can be issued after April 3, 1970 (the date of enactment 
of the Water Quality Improvement Act), unless such certification has 
been obtained, or is waived because of failure or refusal of the State, 
interstate agency, or the Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
Agency to act on a request for certification within 1 year after receipt 
of such request. Further, upon receipt of an application for inspection 
and a certification as required by subsection 21(b) of the Federal Water 
Pollution Control Act, the Administrator (as defined in Sec.  381.1) is 
required by paragraph (2) of said subsection to notify the Administrator 
of the Environmental Protection Agency for proceedings in accordance 
with that paragraph. No grant of inspection can be made until the 
requirements of said paragraph (2) have been met.
    (2) However, certification under subsection 21(b) of the Federal 
Water Pollution Control Act is not initially required in connection with 
an application for inspection granted after April 3, 1970, for 
facilities existing or under construction on April 3, 1970, although 
certification for such facilities is required to be obtained within the 
3-year period immediately following April 3, 1970. Failure to obtain 
such certification or to meet the other requirements of subsection 21(b) 
prior to April 3, 1973, will result in the termination of inspection at 
such facilities on that date.
    (3) Further, any application for inspection pending on April 3, 
1970, and granted within 1 year thereafter shall not require 
certification for 1 year following the grant of inspection but such 
grant of inspection shall terminate at the end of 1 year after its 
issuance unless prior thereto such certification has been obtained and 
the other requirements of subsection 21(b) are met.
    (4) In the case of any activity which will affect water quality but 
for which there are no applicable water quality standards, no 
certification is required prior to the grant of inspection but such 
grant will be conditioned upon a requirement of compliance with the 
purpose of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act as provided in 
paragraph 21(b)(9) of said Act.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 64 FR 66545, Nov. 29, 1999]



Sec.  381.22  Conditions for receiving inspection.

    (a) Before being granted Federal inspection, an official 
establishment or an official import inspection establishment, must have 
developed written Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures, as required 
by part 416 of this chapter, and written recall procedures as required 
by part 418 of this chapter.
    (b) Before being granted Federal inspection, an establishment shall 
have conducted a hazard analysis and developed and validated a HACCP 
plan, in accordance with Sec. Sec.  417.2 and 417.4 of this chapter. A 
conditional grant of inspection shall be issued for a period not to 
exceed 90 days, during which period the establishment must validate its 
HACCP plan.
    (c) Before producing new product for distribution in commerce, an 
establishment shall have conducted a hazard analysis and developed a 
HACCP plan applicable to that product in accordance with Sec.  417.2 of 
this chapter. During a period not to exceed 90 days after the date the 
new product is produced for distribution in commerce, the establishment 
shall validate its HACCP plan, in accordance with Sec.  417.4 of this 
chapter.

[61 FR 38866, July 25, 1996, as amended at 77 FR 26936, May 8, 2012; 79 
FR 56233, Sept. 19, 2014]



 Subpart E_Inauguration of Inspection; Official Establishment Numbers; 
   Separation of Establishments and Other Requirements; Withdrawal of 
                               Inspection



Sec.  381.25  Official establishment numbers.

    An official establishment number shall be assigned to each 
establishment granted inspection service. Such number shall be used to 
identify all containers of inspected poultry products

[[Page 397]]

prepared in the establishment. An establishment shall not have more than 
one establishment number.



Sec.  381.26  Separation of establishments.

    Each official establishment shall be separate and distinct from any 
other official establishment and from any unofficial establishment 
except an establishment preparing meat products under the Federal Meat 
Inspection Act or under State meat inspection. Further, doorways, or 
other openings, may be permitted between establishments at the 
discretion of the Administrator and under such conditions as he may 
prescribe.



Sec.  381.27  Inauguration of service; notification concerning
regulations; status of uninspected poultry products.

    The inspector in charge or his supervisor shall, upon or prior to 
the inauguration of service, inform the operator of the establishment of 
the requirements of the regulations. If the establishment at the time 
service is inaugurated contains any poultry product which has not been 
inspected and marked in compliance with the regulations, its identity 
shall be maintained, and it shall not be represented or dealt with as a 
product which has been inspected. Such products may not be shipped in 
commerce unless such products are eligible for such shipment under an 
exemption from inspection under subpart C and comply with all 
requirements of said subpart.



Sec.  381.28  Report of violations.

    Each inspector, agent, representative, or employee of the Inspection 
Service shall report, in the manner prescribed by the Administrator, all 
violations of the Act and noncompliance with the regulations of which he 
has knowledge.



   Subpart F_Assignment and Authorities of Program Employees; Appeals



Sec. Sec.  381.30-381.31  [Reserved]



Sec.  381.32  Access to establishments.

    [See Sec.  300.6 of this chapter regarding access to establishments 
and other places of business.]

[69 FR 255, Jan. 5, 2004]



Sec.  381.33  Identification.

    Each inspector will be furnished with a numbered official inspection 
badge, which shall remain in his or her possession at all times, and 
which shall be worn in such manner and at such times as the 
Administrator may prescribe.

[59 FR 42156, Aug. 17, 1994, as amended at 69 FR 255, Jan. 5, 2004]



Sec.  381.34  Financial interest of inspectors.

    (a) No inspector shall inspect any poultry or poultry product in 
which he, his spouse, minor child, partner, organization in which he is 
serving as officer, director, trustee, partner, or employee, or any 
person with whom he is negotiating or has any arrangement concerning 
prospective employment, is financially interested.
    (b) All inspectors are subject to statutory restrictions with 
respect to political activities; e.g., 5 U.S.C. 7324 and 1502.
    (c) Violation of the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section or 
the provisions of applicable statutes referenced in paragraph (b) of 
this section will constitute grounds for dismissal in the case of 
appointees and for revocation of licenses in the case of licensees.
    (d) Inspectors are subject to all applicable provisions of law and 
regulations and instructions of the Department and the Food Safety and 
Inspection Service and other authority concerning employee 
responsibilities and conduct. The setting forth of certain prohibitions 
in this part in no way limits the applicability of such general or other 
regulations or instructions.

[[Page 398]]



Sec.  381.35  Appeal inspections; how made.

    Any person receiving inspection service may, if dissatisfied with 
any decision or action of an inspector or other Agency employee relating 
to any inspection, file an appeal from such decision or action in 
accordance with 9 CFR 500.9.

[87 FR 63423, Oct. 19, 2022]



   Subpart G_Facilities for Inspection; Overtime and Holiday Service; 
                         Billing Establishments



Sec.  381.36  Facilities required.

    (a) Inspector's Office. Office space, including, but not being 
limited to furnishings, light, heat, and janitor service, shall be 
provided rent free in the official establishment, for the use of 
Government personnel for official purposes. The room or space set apart 
for this purpose must meet the approval of the Inspection Service and be 
conveniently located, properly ventilated, and provided with lockers or 
file cabinets suitable for the protection and storage of supplies and 
with facilities suitable for inspectors to change clothing. At the 
discretion of the Administrator, small plants requiring the services of 
less than one full-time inspector need not furnish facilities for 
Program employees as prescribed in this section, where adequate 
facilities exist in a nearby convenient location. Each official 
establishment shall provide commercial laundry service for inspectors' 
outer work clothing, or disposable outer work garments designed for one-
time use, or uniform rental service garments which are laundered by the 
rental service.
    (b) Facilities for ante mortem inspection. A suspect pen is required 
for adequate ratite inspection.
    (c) Facilities for the Streamlined Inspection System (SIS). The 
following requirements for lines operating under SIS are in addition to 
the normal requirements to obtain a grant of inspection. The 
requirements for SIS in Sec.  381.76(b) also apply.
    (1) The following provisions shall apply to every inspection 
station:
    (i) The conveyor line shall be level for the entire length of the 
inspection station. The vertical distance from the bottom of the 
shackles to the top of the adjustable platform (paragraph (c)(1)(iv) of 
this section) in its lowest position shall not be less than 60 inches.
    (ii) Floor space shall consist of 4 feet along the conveyor line for 
the inspector, and 4 feet for the establishment helper. A total of at 
least 8 feet along the conveyor line shall be supplied for one 
inspection station and 16 feet for two-inspection stations.
    (iii) Selectors or ``kickouts'' shall be installed in establishments 
with two inspection stations on a line so each inspector will receive 
birds on 12-inch centers with no intervening birds to impede inspection. 
The selector must move the bird to the edge of the trough for the 
inspector and establishment helper. The selectors must be smooth, 
steady, and consistent in moving the birds parallel and through the 
inspection station. Birds shall be selected and released smoothly to 
avoid swinging when entering the inspection station.
    (iv) Each inspector's station shall have a platform that is slip-
resistant and can be safely accessed by the inspector. The platform 
shall be designed so that it can be easily and rapidly adjusted for a 
minimum of 14 inches vertically while standing on the platform. The 
platform shall be a minimum length of 4 feet and have a minimum width of 
2 feet; the platform shall be designed with a 42-inch high rail on the 
back side and with \1/2\-inch foot bumpers on both sides and front to 
allow safe working conditions. The platform must have a safe lift 
mechanism and be large enough for the inspector to sit on a stool and to 
change stations during breaks or station rotation.
    (v) Conveyor line stop/start switches shall be located within easy 
reach of each inspector.
    (vi) A trough or other facilities shall extend beneath the conveyor 
at all places where processing operations are conducted from the point 
where the carcass is opened to the point where the trimming has been 
performed. The trough must be of sufficient width to preclude trimmings, 
drippage, and debris from accumulating on the floor or platforms. The 
clearance between the suspended carcasses and the trough

[[Page 399]]

must be sufficient to preclude contamination of carcasses by splash.
    (vii) A minimum of 200-footcandles of shadow-free lighting with a 
minimum color rendering index value of 85 where the birds are inspected 
to facilitate inspection.
    (viii) Online handrinsing facilities with a continuous flow of water 
must be provided for and within easy reach of each inspector and each 
establishment helper. The hand-contact element must be rinsed 
automatically with a sufficient volume of water to remove all fat, 
tissue, debris, and other extraneous material from the hand contact 
element after each use. Both hot and cold running water shall be 
available at each inspection station on the eviscerating line and shall 
be delivered through a suitable mixing device controlled by the 
inspector. Alternatively, water for hand washing shall be delivered to 
such inspection stations at a minimum temperature of 65 degrees F.
    (ix) Hangback racks shall be provided for and positioned within easy 
reach of the establishment helpers.
    (x) Each inspection station shall be provided with receptacles for 
condemned carcasses and parts. Such receptacles shall comply with the 
performance standards in Sec.  416.3(c) of this chapter.
    (2) The following provisions shall apply only to prechill and 
postchill reinspection stations:
    (i) Floor space shall consist of a minimum of 3 feet along each 
conveyor line and after each chiller to allow carcasses to be removed 
for evaluation. The space shall be level and protected from all traffic 
and overhead obstructions.
    (ii) The vertical distance from the bottom of the shackles to the 
floor shall not be less than 48 inches.
    (iii) A table, at least 2 feet wide, 2 feet deep, and 3 feet high 
designed to be readily cleanable and drainable shall be provided for 
reinspecting the sampled birds.
    (iv) A minimum of 200-footcandles of shadow-free lighting with a 
minimum color rendering index of 85 on the table surface shall be 
provided.
    (v) A separate clip board holder shall be provided for holding the 
recording sheets.
    (vi) Handwashing facilities shall be provided for and shall be 
within easy access of persons working at the stations.
    (vii) Hangback racks designed to hold 10 carcasses shall be provided 
for and positioned within easy reach of the person at the station.
    (d) Facilities for the New Line Speed (NELS) inspection system. The 
following requirements for lines operating under the NELS inspection 
system are in addition to the normal requirements to obtain a grant of 
inspection and to the requirements for NELS in Sec.  381.76 (b) and (c).
    (1) The following provisions shall apply to every inspection 
station:
    (i) The conveyor line shall be level for the entire length of the 
inspection station. The vertical distance from the bottom of the 
shackles to the top of the adjustable platform (paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of 
this section) in its lowest position shall not be less than 60 inches.
    (ii) Floor space shall consist of 6 feet along the conveyor line for 
the establishment employee presenting the birds, 4 feet for the 
inspector, and 4 feet for the establishment helper. A total of at least 
42 feet along the conveyor line shall be supplied for three inspection 
stations.
    (iii) Selectors or ``kickouts'' shall be installed so the three 
inspection stations will receive birds on 18-inch centers with no 
intervening birds to impede inspection. The selector must move the bird 
to the end of the trough for the presenter, inspector, and establishment 
helper. The selectors must be smooth, steady, and consistent in moving 
the birds parallel and through the inspection station. Birds shall be 
selected and released smoothly to avoid splashing the mirror (paragraph 
(d)(1)(vii) of this section) and swinging when entering the inspection 
station. Guide bars shall not extend in front of the inspection station 
mirror to avoid obstructing the inspector's view.
    (iv) Each inspector's station shall have an easily and rapidly 
adjustable platform, with a minimum of 14 inches of vertical adjustment, 
which covers the entire length of the station (4 feet) and has a minimum 
width of 2 feet. The platform shall be designed with a 42-

[[Page 400]]

inch high rail on the back side and with \1/2\-inch foot bumpers on both 
sides and front to allow safe working conditions.
    (v) Conveyor line stop/start switches shall be located within easy 
reach of each inspector.
    (vi) A trough shall extend beneath the conveyor at all places where 
processing operations are conducted from the point where the carcass is 
opened to the point where the trimming has been performed. The trough 
must be of sufficient width to preclude trimmings, drippage, and debris 
from accumulating on the floor or platforms. The clearance between the 
suspended carcasses and the trough must be sufficient to preclude 
contamination of carcasses by splash.
    (vii) A distortion-free mirror, at least 3 feet wide and 2 feet 
high, shall be mounted at each inspection station so that it can be 
adjusted between 5 and 15 inches behind the shackles, tilt up and down, 
tilt from side to side, and be raised and lowered. The mirror shall be 
positioned in relation to the inspection platform so that the inspector 
can position himself/herself opposite it 8 to 12 inches from the 
downstream edge. The mirror must be maintained abrasion free.
    (viii) A minimum of 200-footcandles of shadow-free lighting with 
minimum color rendering index value of 85 \1\ where the birds are 
inspected to facilitate inspection. A light shall also be positioned 
above and slightly in front of the mirror to facilitate the illumination 
of the bird and mirror surfaces.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ This requirement may be met by deluxe cool white type of 
fluorescent lighting.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ix) ``One-line'' handrinsing facilities with a continuous flow of 
water shall be provided for and within easy reach of each inspector and 
each establishment presenter and helper.
    (x) Hangback racks shall be provided for and positioned within easy 
reach of the establishment helpers.
    (xi) Each inspection station shall be provided with receptacle for 
condemned carcasses and parts. Such receptacles shall comply with the 
performance standards in Sec.  416.3(c) of this chapter.
    (2) The following provisions shall apply only to the reinspection 
station:
    (i) Floor space shall consist of 6 feet along the conveyor line. The 
space shall be level and protected from all traffic and overhead 
obstructions.
    (ii) The vertical distance from the bottom of the shackles to the 
floor shall not be less than 48 inches.
    (iii) A table, at least 3 feet wide and 2 feet deep, shall be 
provided for reinspecting the sample birds.
    (iv) A minimum of 200-footcandles of shows free lighting with a 
minimum color rendering index of 85 \1\ on the table surface.
    (v) A separate clip board holder shall be provided for holding the 
recording sheets.
    (vi) Handwashing facilities shall be provided for and shall be 
within easy reach of persons working at the station.
    (vii) Hangback racks designed to hold 10 carcasses shall be provided 
for and positioned within easy reach of the person at the station.
    (e) Facilities for the New Turkey Inspection (NTI) System. The 
following requirements for lines operating under the NTI System are in 
addition to the normal requirements to obtain a grant of inspection and 
to the requirements for the NTI System in Sec.  381.76 (b) and (c).
    (1) The following provisions apply to every inspection station:
    (i) The conveyor line must be level for the entire length of the 
inspection station. The vertical distance from the bottom of the 
shackles to the top of the adjustable platform (paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of 
this section) in its lowest position shall not be less than 60 inches.
    (ii) Floor space shall consist of 8 feet along the conveyor line; at 
least 4 feet for the inspector, and at least 4 feet for the 
establishment helper.
    (iii) The inspector's station shall have an easily and rapidly 
adjustable platform with a minimum width of 2 feet which covers the 
entire length of the station (4 feet). The platform must adjust 
vertically a minimum of 14 inches, and must have a 42-inch rail on the 
back side and \1/2\-inch foot bumpers on the sides and the front to 
allow safe working conditions.

[[Page 401]]

    (iv) Conveyor line stop/start switches shall be located within easy 
reach of each inspector.
    (v) A trough or other facilities shall extend beneath the conveyor 
at all places where processing operations are conducted from the point 
where the carcass is opened to the point where the trimming has been 
performed. The trough must be wide enough to prevent trimmings, 
drippage, and debris from accumulation on the floor or platforms. The 
clearance between suspended carcasses and the trough must be sufficient 
to prevent contamination of carcasses by splash.
    (vi) A minimum of 200 foot-candles of shadow-free lighting with a 
minimum color rendering index value of 85 \1\ where the birds are 
inspected to facilitate inspection is required. The minimum lighting 
requirement for inspection stations in Sec.  381.52(b) shall not apply.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ This requirement may be met by deluxe cool white fluorescent 
lighting.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (vii) On-line handrinsing facilities with a continuous flow of water 
shall be provided for and within easy reach of each inspector and each 
establishment helper.
    (viii) Hangback racks shall be provided for and within easy reach of 
the establishment helper.
    (ix) Each inspection station shall be provided with receptacles for 
condemned carcasses and parts. Such receptacles shall comply with the 
performance standards in Sec.  416.3(c) of this chapter.
    (2) The following provisions shall apply only to the reinspection 
station:
    (i) Floor space shall consist of a minimum of 3 feet along the 
conveyor line so carcasses can be removed from each line for evaluation. 
The space shall be level and protected from all traffic and overhead 
obstructions.
    (ii) The vertical distance from the bottom of the shackles to the 
floor must not be less than 48 inches.
    (iii) A table at least 3 feet wide and 2 feet deep designed to be 
readily cleanable and drainable shall be provided for reinspecting the 
sampled birds.
    (iv) A minimum of 200 foot-candles of shadow-free lighting with a 
minimum color rendering index of 85 \1\ at the table surface is 
required.
    (v) A clipboard holder shall be provided for holding the recording 
sheets.
    (vi) Handwashing facilities shall be provided for and within easy 
reach of persons working at the station.
    (vii) Hangback racks designed to hold 10 carcasses shall be provided 
for and positioned within easy reach of the person at this station.
    (f) Facilities for post-mortem inspection under the New Poultry 
Inspection System. The following facilities requirements apply to 
establishments operating under the New Poultry Inspection System and are 
in addition to the requirements for obtaining a grant of inspection.
    (1) The following provisions apply to the online carcass inspection 
station:
    (i) On each production line, at a point before the chiller and after 
the establishment has completed all sorting, trimming, and reprocessing 
activities necessary to comply with Sec.  381.76(b)(6)(ii), at least 4 
feet of floor space along the conveyor line must be provided for one 
online carcass inspection station.
    (ii) The conveyor line must be level for the entire length of the 
online carcass inspection station. The vertical distance from the bottom 
of the shackles to the top of the platform (paragraph (f)(1)(iii) of 
this section) must not be less than 60 inches.
    (iii) Each online carcass inspection station must have a platform 
that is slip-resistant and can be safely accessed by the inspector. The 
platform must be designed so that it can be easily and rapidly adjusted 
for a minimum of 14 inches vertically while standing on the platform. 
The platform must be a minimum length of 4 feet and have a minimum width 
of 2 feet. The platform must be designed with a 42-inch high rail on the 
back side and with \1/2\-inch foot bumpers on both sides and front to 
allow safe working conditions. The platform must have a safe lift 
mechanism and be large enough for the inspector to sit on a stool and to 
change stations during breaks or station rotation.
    (iv) Conveyor line stop/start switches must be located within easy 
reach of the online carcass inspector.

[[Page 402]]

    (v) A minimum of 200 foot-candles of shadow-free lighting with a 
minimum color rendering index value of 85 must be provided where the 
birds are inspected to facilitate online carcass inspection.
    (vi) Hand rinsing facilities must be provided for use by and within 
easy reach of the online carcass inspector. The hand rinsing facilities 
must have a continuous flow of water or be capable of being immediately 
activated and deactivated in a hands-free manner, must minimize any 
splash effect, and must otherwise operate in a sanitary manner that 
prevents contamination of carcasses and inspector clothing. The hand 
rinsing facilities must provide water at a temperature between 65 and 
120 degrees Fahrenheit.
    (vii) A separate clipboard holder for holding recording sheets must 
be provided for and within easy reach of the online carcass inspector.
    (viii) Receptacles for condemned carcasses and parts that comply 
with the performance standards in Sec.  416.3(c) of this chapter must be 
provided at each online carcass inspection station.
    (ix) Hangback racks designed to hold at least 10 carcasses must be 
provided and positioned within easy reach of the online carcass 
inspector.
    (x) A buzzer shall be located within easy reach of the online 
carcass inspector to be used by the carcass inspector to alert the 
inspector-in-charge, offline inspectors, or establishment management of 
conditions that require their attention.
    (2) The following provisions apply to pre-chill and post-chill 
offline verification inspection stations:
    (i) One or more offline verification inspection stations must be 
located at the end of the line or lines prior to the chiller. One or 
more offline verification inspection stations must also be located after 
the chiller or chillers. The Agency will determine the total number of 
offline verification inspection stations needed in establishments having 
more than one processing line or more than one chiller.
    (ii) Floor space for all offline verification inspection stations 
must consist of a minimum of 3 feet along each conveyor line and after 
each chiller, as applicable, to allow carcasses to be removed for 
evaluation by the verification inspector. The space must be level and 
protected from all traffic and overhead obstructions.
    (iii) At the pre-chill location, the vertical distance from the 
bottom of the shackles to the floor must not be less than 48 inches.
    (iv) At each offline verification inspection station, a table 
designed to be readily cleanable and drainable must be provided for 
offline verification inspectors to conduct offline verification 
activities. At turkey slaughter establishments, the table must be at 
least 3 feet wide, 2 feet deep, and 3 feet high. At all other poultry 
slaughter establishments, the table must be at least 2 feet wide, 2 feet 
deep, and 3 feet high
    (v) A minimum of 200 foot-candles of shadow-free lighting with a 
minimum color rendering index of 85 on the table surface must be 
provided.
    (vi) The establishment must provide a separate clipboard holder for 
holding recording sheets; or alternatively, the establishment may 
provide electronic means for the offline verification inspector to 
record inspection results.
    (vii) Hangback racks designed to hold at least 10 carcasses must be 
provided and positioned within easy reach of the offline verification 
inspector.
    (viii) Hand washing facilities must be provided within easy access 
of all offline verification inspection stations.
    (3) [Reserved]
    (4) A trough or other similar drainage facility must extend beneath 
the conveyor at all places where processing operations are conducted 
from the point where the carcass is opened to the point where trimming 
has been performed. The trough must be of sufficient width to preclude 
trimmings, drippage, and debris from accumulating on the floor or 
platforms. The clearance between suspended carcasses and the trough must 
be sufficient to preclude contamination of carcasses by splashing.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 38 FR 9794, Apr. 20, 1973; 47 
FR 23434, May 28, 1982; 49 FR 42554, Oct. 23, 1984; 50 FR 37512, Sept. 
16, 1985; 52 FR 39209, Oct. 21, 1987; 64 FR 56416, Oct. 20, 1999; 66 FR 
22905, May 7, 2001; 79 FR 49633, Aug. 21, 2014; 88 FR 55913, Aug. 17, 
2023]

[[Page 403]]



Sec.  381.37  Schedule of operations.

    (a) No operations requiring inspection shall be conducted except 
under the supervision of an Inspection Service employee. All 
eviscerating of poultry and further processing shall be done with 
reasonable speed, considering the official establishment's facilities.
    (b) A shift is a regularly scheduled operating period, exclusive of 
mealtime. One lunch period is the only official authorized interruption 
in the inspector's tour of duty once it begins. Lunch periods may be 30 
minutes, 45 minutes, or in any case may not exceed one hour in duration. 
Once established, the lunch period must remain relatively constant as to 
time and duration. Lunch periods for inspectors shall not, except as 
provided herein, occur prior to 4 hours after the beginning of scheduled 
operations nor later than 5 hours after operations begin. In plants 
where a company rest break of not less than 30 minutes is regularly 
observed, approximately midpoint between start of work and the lunch 
period, and the inspector is allowed this time to meet his personal 
needs, the lunch period may be scheduled as long as 5\1/2\ hours after 
the beginning of scheduled operations.
    (c) Official establishments, importers, and exporters shall be 
provided inspection service, without charge, up to 8 hours per shift 
during the basic workweek subject to the provisions of Sec.  381.38: 
Provided, That any additional shifts meet requirements as determined by 
the Administrator or his designee. The basic workweek shall consist of 5 
consecutive 8-hour days within the administrative workweek Sunday 
through Saturday, except that, when possible, the Department shall 
schedule the basic workweek so as to consist of 5 consecutive 8-hour 
days Monday through Friday. The 8-hour day excludes the lunch period but 
shall include activities deemed necessary by the Agency to fully carry 
out an inspection program, including the time for FSIS inspection 
program personnel to put on required gear, pick up required forms and 
walk to a work station; and the time for FSIS inspection program 
personnel to return from a work station, drop off required forms, and 
remove required gear; and to conduct duties scheduled by FSIS, including 
administrative duties. The Department may depart from the basic workweek 
in those cases where maintaining such a schedule would seriously 
handicap the Department in carrying out its functions. These provisions 
are applicable to all official establishments except in certain cases as 
provided in Sec.  381.145(h) of this subchapter.
    (d)(1) Each official establishment shall submit a work schedule to 
the area supervisor for approval. In consideration of whether the 
approval of an establishment work schedule shall be given, the area 
supervisor shall take in account the efficient and effective use of 
inspection personnel. The work schedule must specify the workweek, daily 
clock hours of operation, and lunch periods for all departments of the 
establishment requiring inspection.
    (2) Establishments shall maintain consistent work schedules. Any 
request by an establishment for a change in its work schedule involving 
changes in the workweek or an addition or elimination of shifts shall be 
submitted to the area supervisor at least 2 weeks in advance of the 
proposed change. Frequent requests for change shall not be approved: 
Provided, however, Minor deviations from a daily operating schedule may 
be approved by the inspector in charge if such request is received on 
the day preceding the day of change.
    (3) Requests for inspection service outside an approved work 
schedule shall be made as early in the day as possible for overtime work 
to be performed within that same workday; or made prior to the end of 
the day's operation when such a request will result in overtime service 
at the start of the following day: Provided, That an inspector may be 
recalled to his assignment after the completion of his daily tour of 
duty under the provisions of Sec.  381.39(b).

[40 FR 45800, Oct. 3, 1975, as amended at 40 FR 50719, Oct. 31, 1975; 41 
FR 15401, Apr. 13, 1976; 48 FR 6893, Feb. 16, 1983; 51 FR 32304, Sept. 
11, 1986; 76 FR 33980, June 10, 2011; 77 FR 59294, Sept. 27, 2012]

[[Page 404]]



Sec.  381.38  Overtime and holiday inspection service.

    (a) The management of an official establishment, an importer, or an 
exporter shall reimburse the Program, at the rate specified in Sec.  
391.3, for the cost of the inspection service furnished on any holiday 
specified in paragraph (b) of this section; or for more than 8 hours on 
any day, or more than 40 hours in any administrative workweek Sunday 
through Saturday.
    (b) Holidays for Federal employees shall be New Year's Day, January 
1; Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., the third Monday in January; 
Washington's Birthday, the third Monday in February; Memorial Day, the 
last Monday in May; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, the first 
Monday in September; Columbus Day, the second Monday in October; 
Veterans' Day, November 11; Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in 
November; Christmas Day, December 25. When any of the above-listed 
holidays falls outside the basic workweek, the nearest workday within 
that week shall be the holiday.

[40 FR 45801, Oct. 3, 1975, as amended at 43 FR 51754, Nov. 7, 1978; 50 
FR 51513, Dec. 18, 1985; 52 FR 5, Jan. 2, 1987; 53 FR 13398, Apr. 22, 
1988; 54 FR 6390, Feb. 10, 1989]



Sec.  381.39  Basis of billing for overtime and holiday services.

    (a) Each recipient of overtime or holiday inspection service, or 
both, shall be billed as provided for in Sec.  381.38(a) and at the rate 
specified in Sec.  391.3, in increments of quarter hours. For billing 
purposes, 8 or more minutes shall be considered a full quarter hour. 
Billing will be for each quarter hour of service rendered by each 
Inspection Service employee.
    (b) Official establishments, importers, or exporters requesting and 
receiving the services of an Inspection Service employee after he has 
completed his day's assignment and left the premises, or called back to 
duty during any overtime or holiday period, shall be billed for a 
minimum of 2 hours overtime or holiday inspection service at the 
established rate.
    (c) Bills are payable upon receipt and become delinquent 30 days 
from the date of the bill. Overtime or holiday inspection will not be 
performed for anyone having a delinquent account.

[40 FR 45801, Oct. 3, 1975, as amended at 54 FR 6390, Feb. 10, 1989]



            Subpart H_Attestation on Work-Related Conditions

    Source: 79 FR 49634, Aug. 21, 2014, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  381.45  Attestation requirements.

    Each establishment that participates in the New Poultry Inspection 
System (NPIS) shall submit on an annual basis an attestation to the 
management member of the local FSIS circuit safety committee stating 
that it maintains a program to monitor and document any work-related 
conditions of establishment workers, and that the program includes the 
following elements:
    (a) Policies to encourage early reporting of symptoms of injuries 
and illnesses, and assurance that it has no policies or programs in 
place that would discourage the reporting of injuries and illnesses.
    (b) Notification to employees of the nature and early symptoms of 
occupational illnesses and injuries, in a manner and language that 
workers can understand, including by posting in a conspicuous place or 
places where notices to employees are customarily posted, a copy of the 
FSIS/OSHA poster encouraging reporting and describing reportable signs 
and symptoms.
    (c) Monitoring on a regular and routine basis of injury and illness 
logs, as well as nurse or medical office logs, workers' compensation 
data, and any other injury or illness information available.



Sec.  381.46  Severability.

    Should a court of competent jurisdiction hold any provision of this 
part 381, subpart H to be invalid, such action shall not affect any 
other provision of this part 381.



                     Subpart I_Operating Procedures



Sec.  381.65  Operations and procedures, generally.

    (a) Operations and procedures involving the processing, other 
handling, or

[[Page 405]]

storing of any poultry product must be strictly in accord with clean and 
sanitary practices and must be conducted in a manner that will result in 
sanitary processing, proper inspection, and the production of poultry 
and poultry products that are not adulterated.
    (b) Poultry must be slaughtered in accordance with good commercial 
practices in a manner that will result in thorough bleeding of the 
carcasses and ensure that breathing has stopped prior to scalding. Blood 
from the killing operation must be confined to a relatively small area.
    (c) When thawing frozen ready-to-cook poultry in water, the 
establishment must use methods that prevent adulteration of, or net 
weight gain by, the poultry.
    (d) The water used in washing the poultry must be permitted to drain 
freely from the body cavity.
    (e) Detached ova may be collected for human food and handled only in 
accordance with 9 CFR 590.44 and may leave the establishment only to be 
moved to an official egg product processing plant for processing. Ova 
from condemned carcasses must be condemned and treated as required in 
Sec.  381.95.
    (f) Procedures for controlling visible fecal contamination. Official 
poultry slaughter establishments must develop, implement, and maintain 
written procedures to ensure that poultry carcasses contaminated with 
visible fecal material do not enter the chiller. Establishments must 
incorporate these procedures into their HACCP plans, or sanitation SOPs, 
or other prerequisite programs.
    (g) Procedures for controlling contamination throughout the 
slaughter and dressing operation. Official poultry slaughter 
establishments must develop, implement, and maintain written procedures 
to prevent contamination of carcasses and parts by enteric pathogens and 
fecal contamination throughout the entire slaughter and dressing 
operation. Establishments must incorporate these procedures into their 
HACCP plans, or sanitation SOPs, or other prerequisite programs. At a 
minimum, these procedures must include sampling and analysis for 
microbial organisms in accordance with the sampling location and 
frequency requirements in paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this section to 
monitor their ability to maintain process control.
    (1) Sampling locations. Establishments, except for very small 
establishments operating under Traditional Inspection or very low volume 
establishments operating under Traditional Inspection must collect and 
analyze samples for microbial organisms at the pre-chill and post-chill 
points in the process. Very small establishments operating under 
Traditional Inspection and very low volume establishments operating 
under Traditional Inspection must collect and analyze samples for 
microbial organisms at the post-chill point in the process.
    (i) Very small establishments are establishments with fewer than 10 
employees or annual sales of less than $2.5 million.
    (ii) Very low volume establishments annually slaughter no more than 
440,000 chickens, 60,000 turkeys, 60,000 ducks, 60,000 geese, 60,000 
guineas, or 60,000 squabs.
    (2) Sampling frequency. (i) Establishments, except for very low 
volume establishments as defined in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this 
section, must, at a minimum, collect and analyze samples at a frequency 
proportional to the establishment's volume of production at the 
following rates:
    (A) Chickens. Once per 22,000 carcasses, but a minimum of once 
during each week of operation.
    (B) Turkeys, ducks, geese, guineas, and squabs. Once per 3,000 
carcasses, but at a minimum once each week of operation.
    (ii) Very low volume establishments as defined in paragraph 
(g)(1)(ii) of this section must collect and analyze samples at least 
once during each week of operation starting June 1 of every year. If, 
after consecutively collecting 13 weekly samples, a very low volume 
establishment can demonstrate that it is effectively maintaining process 
control, it may modify its sampling plan.
    (iii) Establishments must sample at a frequency that is adequate to 
monitor their ability to maintain process control for enteric pathogens. 
Establishments must maintain accurate records of all test results and 
retain these

[[Page 406]]

records as provided in paragraph (h) of this section.
    (h) Recordkeeping requirements. Official poultry slaughter 
establishments must maintain daily records sufficient to document the 
implementation and monitoring of the procedures required under paragraph 
(g) of this section. Records required by this section may be maintained 
on computers if the establishment implements appropriate controls to 
ensure the integrity of the electronic data. Records required by this 
section must be maintained for at least one year and must be accessible 
to FSIS.

[66 FR 1771, Jan. 9, 2001; 66 FR 19714, Apr. 17, 2001, as amended at 79 
FR 49634, Aug. 21, 2014]



Sec.  381.66  Temperatures and chilling and freezing procedures.

    (a) General. Temperatures and procedures that are necessary for 
chilling and freezing ready-to-cook poultry, including all edible 
portions thereof, must be in accordance with operating procedures that 
ensure the prompt removal of the animal heat, preserve the condition and 
wholesomeness of the poultry, and assure that the products are not 
adulterated.
    (b) Chilling performance standards, except for ratites. (1)(i) Each 
official poultry slaughter establishment must ensure that all poultry 
carcasses, parts, and giblets are chilled immediately after slaughter 
operations so that there is no outgrowth of pathogens, unless such 
poultry is to be frozen or cooked immediately at the official 
establishment.
    (ii) Previously chilled poultry carcasses and major portions must be 
kept chilled so that there is no outgrowth of the pathogens, unless such 
poultry is to be packed and frozen immediately at the official 
establishment.
    (2) After product has been chilled, the establishment must prevent 
the outgrowth of pathogens on the product as long as the product remains 
at the establishment.
    (3) The establishment must develop, implement, and maintain written 
procedures for chilling that address, at a minimum, the potential for 
pathogen outgrowth, the conditions affecting carcass chilling, and when 
its chilling process is completed. The establishment must incorporate 
these procedures into its HACCP plan, or sanitation SOP, or other 
prerequisite program.
    (c) Ice and water chilling. (1) Only ice produced from potable water 
may be used for ice and water chilling, except that water and ice used 
for chilling may be reused in accordance with Sec.  416.2(g). The ice 
must be handled and stored in a sanitary manner.
    (2)(i) Poultry chilling equipment must be operated in a manner 
consistent with meeting the applicable pathogen reduction performance 
standards for raw poultry products as set forth in Sec.  381.94 and the 
provisions of the establishment's HACCP plan.
    (ii) Major portions of poultry carcasses, as defined in Sec.  
381.170(b)(22), may be chilled in water and ice.
    (d) Water absorption and retention. (1) Poultry washing, chilling, 
and draining practices and procedures must be such as will minimize 
water absorption and retention at time of packaging.
    (2) The establishment must provide scales, weights, identification 
devices, and other supplies necessary to conduct water tests.
    (e) Air chilling. Air chilling is the method of chilling raw poultry 
carcasses and parts predominately with air. An antimicrobial 
intervention may be applied with water at the beginning of the chilling 
process, provided that its use does not result in any net pick-up of 
water or moisture during the chilling process. The initial antimicrobial 
intervention may result in some temperature reduction of the product, 
provided that the majority of temperature removal is accomplished 
exclusively by chilled air.
    (f) Freezing. (1) Ready-to-cook poultry which is to be or is labeled 
with descriptive terms such as ``fresh frozen,'' ``quick frozen'' or 
``frozen fresh'' or any other term implying a rapid change from a fresh 
state to a frozen state shall be placed into a freezer within 48 hours 
after initial chilling in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section. 
During this period, if such poultry is not immediately placed into a 
freezer after chilling and packaging, it shall be held at 36 [deg]F. or 
lower.
    (2) Ready-to-cook poultry shall be frozen in a manner so as to bring 
the

[[Page 407]]

internal temperature of the birds at the center of the package to 0 
[deg]F. or below within 72 hours from the time of entering the freezer. 
Such procedures shall not apply to raw poultry product described in 
Sec.  381.129(b)(6)(i) of this subchapter.
    (3) Upon written request, and under such conditions as may be 
prescribed by the Administrator, in specific cases, ready-to-cook 
poultry which is to be frozen immediately may be moved from the official 
establishment prior to freezing: Provided, That the plant and freezer 
are so located and such necessary arrangements are made that the 
Inspection Service will have access to the freezing room and adequate 
opportunity to determine compliance with the time and temperature 
requirements specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this section.
    (4) Warm packaged ready-to-cook poultry which is to be chilled by 
immediate entry into a freezer within the official establishment shall 
within 2 hours from time of slaughter be placed in a plate freezer or a 
freezer with a functioning circulating air system where a temperature of 
-10 [deg]F. or lower is maintained.
    (5) Frozen poultry shall be held under conditions which will 
maintain the product in a solidly frozen state with temperature 
maintained as constant as possible under good commercial practice.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 39 FR 4568, 4569, Feb. 5, 1974; 
40 FR 42338, Sept. 12, 1975; 49 FR 9411, Mar. 13, 1984; 60 FR 44412, 
Aug. 25, 1995; 63 FR 48960, Sept. 11, 1998; 66 FR 1771, Jan. 9, 2001; 66 
FR 19714, Apr. 17, 2001; 66 FR 22905, May 7, 2001; 79 FR 49634, Aug. 21, 
2014]



Sec.  381.67  Young chicken and squab slaughter inspection rate maximums
under traditional inspection procedure.

    The maximum number of birds to be inspected by each inspector per 
minute under the traditional inspection procedure for the different 
young chicken and squab slaughter line configurations are specified in 
the following table. These maximum rates will not be exceeded. The 
inspector in charge will be responsible for reducing production line 
rates where in the inspector's judgment the prescribed inspection 
procedure cannot be adequately performed within the time available, 
either because the birds are not presented by the official establishment 
in such a manner that the carcasses, including both internal and 
external surfaces and all organs, are readily accessible for inspection, 
or because the health conditions of a particular flock dictate a need 
for a more extended inspection procedure. The standards in 381.170(a) of 
this part specify which classes of birds constitute young chickens and 
squabs. Section 381.76(b) specifies when either the traditional 
inspection procedure or the modified traditional inspection procedure 
can or must be used.

     Maximum Production Line Rates--Chickens and Squabs-Traditional
                          Inspection Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Birds per
                                                    Number of  inspector
              Line configuration \1\               inspection     per
                                                    stations     minute
------------------------------------------------------------------------
6-1..............................................          1          25
12-1.............................................          2          23
12-2.............................................          2          21
18-1.............................................          3          19
18-2.............................................          3          19
18-3.............................................          3          18
24-1.............................................          4     16\1/2\
24-2.............................................          4          16
24-4.............................................          4    15\1/2\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Birds are suspended on the slaughter line at 6-inch intervals. The
  first number indicates the interval in inches between the birds that
  each inspector examines. The second number indicates how many of the
  birds presented, the inspector is to inspect, i.e., ``1'' means
  inspect every bird. ``4'' means inspect every fourth bird, etc.


[47 FR 23435, May 28, 1982, as amended at 66 FR 22905, May 7, 2001]



Sec.  381.68  Maximum inspection rates--New turkey inspection system.

    (a) The maximum inspection rates for one inspector New Turkey 
Inspection (NTI-1 and NTI-1 Modified) and two inspectors New Turkey 
Inspection (NTI-2 and NTI-2 Modified) are listed in the table below. The 
line speeds for NTI-1 and NTI-2 are for lines using standard 9-inch 
shackles on 12-inch centers with birds hung on every shackle and opened 
with J-type or Bar-type opening cuts. The line speeds for NTI-1 Modified 
and NTI-2 Modified are for Bar-type cut turkey lines using a shackle 
with a 4-inch by 4-inch selector (or kickout), a 45 degree bend of the

[[Page 408]]

lower 2 inches, an extended central loop portion of the shackle that 
lowers the abdominal cavity opening of the carcasses to an angle of 30 
degrees from the vertical in direct alignment with the inspector's view, 
and a width of 10.5 inches. Maximum rates for those establishments 
having varying configurations will be established by the Administrator 
but will not exceed those in the table. Neither the rates in the table 
nor those established for establishments with varying configurations 
shall be exceeded under any circumstances.
    (b) There are two categories of turkeys for determining inspection 
rates, ``light turkeys'' and ``heavy turkeys''. Light turkeys are all 
turkeys weighing less than 16 pounds. Heavy turkeys are all turkeys 
weighing 16 pounds or more. The weights refer to the bird at the point 
of post-mortem inspection, with blood, feathers and feet removed.
    (c) The inspector in charge may reduce inspection line rates when in 
his/her judgment the prescribed inspection procedure cannot be 
adequately performed within the time available because the health 
conditions of a particular flock or other factors, including the manner 
in which birds are being presented to the inspector for inspection and 
the level of contamination among the birds on the line, dictate a need 
for a more extended inspection.

                                                             Maximum Turkey Inspection Rates
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    Birds/minute
                                                                                           -------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Line        Number of               J-Type                        Bar-Type
                      Inspection system                        configuration    inspectors -------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               (<16)    (16)     (<16)    (16)
                                                                                               light         \1\ heavy        light         \1\ heavy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NTI-1.......................................................             12-1            1           32              30             25              21
NTI-2.......................................................         \2\ 24-2            2           51              41             45              35
NTI-1 Modified..............................................             12-1            1           --              --             32              30
NTI-2 Modified..............................................         \2\ 24-2            2           --              --             51              41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ This weight refers to the bird at the point of post-mortem inspection without blood or feet.
\2\ The turkeys are suspended on the slaughter line at 12-inch intervals with two inspectors each looking at alternating birds at 24-inch intervals.


[50 FR 37512, Sept. 16, 1985, as amended at 73 FR 51902, Sept. 8, 2008]



Sec.  381.69  Maximum line speed rates under the New Poultry Inspection System.

    (a) The maximum line speed for young chicken slaughter 
establishments that operate under the New Poultry Inspection System is 
140 birds per minute.
    (b) The maximum line speed for turkey slaughter establishments that 
operate under the New Poultry Inspection System is 55 birds per minute.
    (c) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, 
establishments that operate under the New Poultry Inspection System must 
reduce their line speed as directed by inspectors-in-charge. Inspectors-
in-charge are authorized to direct establishments to operate at a 
reduced line speed when in their judgment a carcass-by-carcass 
inspection cannot be adequately performed within the time available due 
to the manner in which the birds are presented to the online carcass 
inspector, the health conditions of a particular flock, or factors that 
may indicate a loss of process control.
    (d) Establishments operating under the line speed limits authorized 
in this section shall comply with all other applicable requirements of 
the laws, including, but not limited to, 29 U.S.C. 654(a).

[79 FR 49635, Aug. 21, 2014]



                    Subpart J_Ante Mortem Inspection



Sec.  381.70  Ante mortem inspection; when required; extent.

    (a) An ante mortem inspection of poultry shall, where and to the 
extent considered necessary by the Administrator and under such 
instructions as he may issue from time to time, be

[[Page 409]]

made of poultry on the day of slaughter in any official establishment.
    (b) The examination and inspection of ratites will be on the day of 
slaughter, except:
    (1) When it is necessary for humane reasons to slaughter an injured 
animal at night or on a Sunday or holiday, and the FSIS veterinary 
medical officer cannot be obtained; or
    (2) In low volume establishments, when ante mortem inspection cannot 
be done on the day of slaughter, and the birds to be slaughtered have 
received ante mortem inspection in the last 24 hours, provided the 
establishment has an identification and control system over birds that 
have received ante mortem inspection.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 66 FR 22906, May 7, 2001]



Sec.  381.71  Condemnation on ante mortem inspection.

    (a) Birds plainly showing on ante mortem inspection any disease or 
condition, that under Sec. Sec.  381.80 to 381.93, inclusive, would 
cause condemnation of their carcasses on post mortem inspection, shall 
be condemned. Birds which on ante mortem inspection are condemned shall 
not be dressed, nor shall they be conveyed into any department of the 
official establishment where poultry products are prepared or held. 
Poultry which has been condemned on ante mortem inspection and has been 
killed or died otherwise shall under the supervision of an inspector of 
the Inspection Service, be disposed of as provided in Sec.  381.95.
    (b) Dead-on-arrival ratites and ratites condemned on ante mortem 
inspection will be tagged ``U.S. Condemned'' by an establishment 
employee under FSIS supervision and disposed of by one of the methods 
prescribed in Sec.  381.95.
    (c) All seriously crippled ratites and non-ambulatory ratites, 
commonly termed ``downers,'' shall be identified as ``U.S. Suspects.''
    (d) Ratites exhibiting signs of drug or chemical poisoning shall be 
withheld from slaughter.
    (e) Ratites identified as ``U.S. Suspects'' or ``U.S. Condemned'' 
may be set aside for treatment. The ``U.S. Suspect'' or ``U.S. 
Condemned'' identification device will be removed by an establishment 
employee under FSIS supervision following treatment if the bird is found 
to be free of disease. Such a bird found to have recovered from the 
condition for which it was treated may be released for slaughter or for 
purposes other than slaughter, provided that in the latter instance 
permission is first obtained from the local, State, or Federal sanitary 
official having jurisdiction over movement of such birds.
    (f) When it is necessary for humane reasons to slaughter an injured 
ratite at night or Sunday or a holiday, and the Agency veterinary 
medical officer cannot be obtained, the carcass and all parts shall be 
kept for inspection, with the head and all viscera except the 
gastrointestinal tract held by the natural attachment. If all parts are 
not so kept for inspection, the carcass shall be condemned. If on 
inspection of a carcass slaughtered in the absence of an inspector, any 
lesion or other evidence is found indicating that the bird was sick or 
diseased, or affected with any other condition requiring condemnation of 
the animal on ante mortem inspection, or if there is lacking evidence of 
the condition that rendered emergency slaughter necessary, the carcass 
shall be condemned. Ratites that are sick, dying, or that have been 
treated with a drug or chemical and presented for slaughter before the 
required withdrawal period, are not covered by emergency slaughter 
provisions.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 66 FR 22906, May 7, 2001; 67 FR 
13258, Mar. 22, 2002]



Sec.  381.72  Segregation of suspects on ante mortem inspection.

    (a) All birds, except ratites, that on ante mortem inspection do not 
plainly show, but are suspected of being affected with, any disease or 
condition that under Sec. Sec.  381.80 to 381.93 of this Part may cause 
condemnation in whole or in part on post mortem inspection, shall be 
segregated from the other poultry and held for separate slaughter, 
evisceration, and post mortem inspection. The inspector shall be 
notified when such segregated lots are presented for post mortem 
inspection, and inspection

[[Page 410]]

of such birds shall be conducted separately. Such procedure for the 
correlation of ante mortem and post mortem findings by the inspector, as 
may be prescribed or approved by the Administrator, shall be carried 
out.
    (b) All ratites showing symptoms of disease will be segregated, 
individually tagged as ``U.S. Suspects'' by establishment personnel 
under FSIS supervision with a serially numbered metal or plastic leg 
band or tag bearing the term ``U.S. Suspect,'' and held for further 
examination by an FSIS veterinarian. Depending upon the findings of the 
veterinarian's examination, these birds will either be passed for 
regular slaughter, slaughtered as suspects, withheld from slaughter, or 
condemned on ante mortem. Those ratites affected with conditions that 
would be readily detected on post mortem inspection need not be 
individually tagged on ante mortem inspection with the ``U.S. Suspect'' 
tag provided that such ratites are segregated and otherwise handled as 
``U.S. Suspects.'' All ratites identified as ``U.S. Condemned'' shall be 
tagged by establishment personnel, under FSIS supervision, with a 
serially numbered metal or plastic leg band or tag bearing the term 
``U.S. Condemned.''

[66 FR 22906, May 7, 2001]



Sec.  381.73  Quarantine of diseased poultry.

    If live poultry, which is affected by any contagious disease which 
is transmissible to man, is brought into an official establishment, such 
poultry shall be segregated. The slaughtering of such poultry shall be 
deferred and the poultry shall be dealt with in one of the following 
ways:
    (a) If it is determined by a veterinary inspector that further 
handling of the poultry will not create a health hazard, the lot shall 
be slaughtered separately, subject to ante mortem and post mortem 
inspection pursuant to the regulations.
    (b) If it is determined by a veterinary inspector that further 
handling of the poultry will create a health hazard, such poultry may be 
released for treatment under the control of an appropriate State or 
Federal agency. If the circumstances are such that release for treatment 
is impracticable, a careful bird-by-bird ante mortem inspection shall be 
made, and all birds found to be, or which are suspected of being, 
affected with a contagious disease transmissible to man shall be 
condemned.



Sec.  381.74  Poultry suspected of having biological residues.

    When any poultry at an official establishment is suspected of having 
been treated with or exposed to any substance that may impart a 
biological residue that would make their edible tissues adulterated, 
they shall, at the option of the operator of the establishment, be 
processed at the establishment and the carcasses and all parts thereof 
retained under U.S. Retained tags, pending final disposition in 
accordance with Sec.  381.80, of this part, and other provisions in 
subpart K; or they shall be slaughtered at the establishment and buried 
or incinerated in a manner satisfactory to the inspector. Alternatively, 
such poultry may be returned to the grower, if further holding is likely 
to result in their not being adulterated by reason of any residue. The 
Inspection Service will notify the other Federal and State agencies 
concerned of such action. To aid in determining the amount of residue 
present in the poultry, officials of the Inspection Service may permit 
the slaughter of any such poultry for the purpose of collecting tissues 
for analysis of the residue. Such analysis may include the use of 
inplant screening procedures designed to detect the presence of 
antimicrobial residues in any species of poultry.

[47 FR 41336, Sept. 20, 1982]



Sec.  381.75  Poultry used for research.

    (a) No poultry used in any research investigation involving an 
experimental biological product, drug, or chemical shall be eligible for 
slaughter at an official establishment unless the operator of such 
establishment, the sponsor of the investigation, or the investigator has 
submitted to the Inspection Service, or the Veterinary Biologics unit of 
Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the 
Department or the Environmental Protection Agency, or the Food

[[Page 411]]

and Drug Administration of the Department of Health, Education, and 
Welfare, data or a summary evaluation of the data which demonstrates 
that the use of such biological product, drug, or chemical will not 
result in the products of such poultry being adulterated, and the 
Administrator has approved such slaughter.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 39 FR 4569, Feb. 5, 1974]



  Subpart K_Post Mortem Inspection; Disposition of Carcasses and Parts



Sec.  381.76  Post-mortem inspection under Traditional Inspection,
the Streamlined Inspection System (SIS), the New Line Speed (NELS)
Inspection System, the New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS), 
the New Turkey Inspection System (NTI), and Ratite Inspection.

    (a) A post-mortem inspection shall be made on a bird-by-bird basis 
on all poultry eviscerated in every official establishment. Each 
carcass, or all parts comprising such carcass, must be examined by an 
inspector, except for parts that are not needed for inspection purposes 
and are not intended for human food and are condemned. Each carcass 
eviscerated shall be prepared as ready-to-cook poultry.
    (b)(1) There are six systems of post-mortem inspection: the New 
Poultry Inspection System (NPIS), which may be used for young chickens 
and turkeys; the Streamlined Inspection System (SIS) and the New Line 
Speed Inspection System (NELS), both of which may be used only for 
broilers and cornish game hens; the New Turkey Inspection (NTI) System, 
which may be used only for turkeys; Traditional Inspection, which may be 
used for all poultry, except for ratites; and Ratite Inspection.
    (i) The SIS shall be used only for broilers and cornish game hens 
if:
    (a) The Administrator determines that SIS will increase inspector 
efficiency; or
    (b) The operator requests SIS and the Administrator determines that 
the system will result in no loss of inspection efficiency.
    (ii) The NELS Inspection System shall be used only for broilers and 
cornish game hens if:
    (a) The operator requests the NELS Inspection System, and
    (b) The Administrator determines that the establishment has the 
intent and capability to operate at line speeds greater than 70 birds 
per minute, and meets all the facility requirements in Sec.  381.36(d).
    (iii) The NTI System shall be used only for turkeys if:
    (a) The operator requests it, and
    (b) The Administrator determines that the establishment meets all 
the facility requirements in Sec.  381.36(e).
    (iv) The NPIS may be used for young chickens and turkeys if the 
official establishment requests to use it and meets or agrees to meet 
the requirements of paragraph (b)(6) of this section and the 
Administrator approves the establishment's request. The Administrator 
may permit establishments that slaughter classes of poultry other than 
young chickens and turkeys to operate under the New Poultry Inspection 
System under a waiver from the provisions of the regulations as provided 
in Sec.  381.3(b).
    (v) Traditional Inspection shall be used for turkeys when neither 
the NTI System nor the NPIS is used. For other classes of poultry, 
Traditional Inspection shall be used when SIS, NELS, and the NPIS are 
not used.
    (2) Official establishments that operate under Traditional 
Inspection, SIS, NELS, NTI, or Ratite Inspection must meet the following 
requirements:
    (i) No viscera or any part thereof may be removed from any poultry 
processed in any official establishment, except at the time of post-
mortem inspection, unless its identity with the rest of the carcass is 
maintained in a manner satisfactory to the inspector until such 
inspection is made.
    (ii) Each carcass to be eviscerated must be opened so as to expose 
the organs and the body cavity for proper examination by the inspector.
    (iii) If a carcass is frozen, it must be thoroughly thawed before 
being opened for examination by an inspector.
    (3) The following requirements are applicable to SIS:

[[Page 412]]

    (i) Definitions. For purposes of this paragraph, the following 
definitions shall apply:
    (a) Cumulative sum (CUSUM). A statistical concept used by the 
establishment and monitored by the inspector whereby compliance is 
determined based on sample results collected over a period of time. For 
purposes of determining compliance with the finished product standards, 
the CUSUM is equal to the sum of prior test results plus the weighted 
result of the current test minus the tolerance, with the condition that 
the resulting CUSUM cannot go below zero.
    (b) Tolerance number. A weighted measure that equates to product 
being produced at a national product quality level. See Table 2.
    (c) Action number. A level reached by the CUSUM where the process is 
out of control and product action is required by the establishment or 
the inspector. See Table 2.
    (d) ``Start number''. A value halfway between zero and the action 
number. The start number is used to determine the starting CUSUM for the 
first subgroup of a shift and to reset the CUSUM value if the CUSUM is 
equal to or greater than the action number. See Table 2.
    (e) Subgroup. A 10-bird sample collected before product enters the 
chiller and after product leaves the chiller.
    (f) Subgroup absolute limit. The tolerance number plus 5. See Table 
2.
    (g) Prechill testing. Testing conducted by the establishment to 
determine the CUSUM on consecutive 10-bird subgroup samples collected 
prior to product entering the chilling system.
    (h) Postchill testing. Testing conducted by the establishment to 
determine the CUSUM on consecutive 10-bird subgroup samples collected as 
the product leaves the chilling system.
    (i) Rework. Reprocessing the product to correct the condition or 
conditions causing the nonconformances listed in Table 1.
    (ii) General. (a) Under SIS, one inspector inspects the outside, 
inside, and viscera of each bird. There may be two inspectors on one 
processing line, each inspecting every other bird. For the establishment 
to run its processing line(s) at maximum speed, optimal conditions must 
be maintained so that inspection may be conducted efficiently. The 
inspector in charge determines the speed at which each processing line 
may be operated to permit inspection. A variety of conditions may affect 
this determination including the health of each flock and the manner in 
which birds are being presented to the inspector for inspection.
    (b) SIS may be performed by one inspector (SIS-1) or two inspectors 
(SIS-2). SIS-1 requires that the establishment provide one inspection 
station for each line and adequate reinspection facilities so carcasses 
can be removed from each line for evaluation. The maximum line speed for 
SIS-1 is 35 birds per minute. SIS-2 requires that the establishment 
provide two inspection stations for each line and adequate reinspection 
facilities so carcasses can be removed from each line for evaluation. 
The maximum line speed for SIS-2 is 70 birds per minute.
    (c) Under all inspection systems, including SIS, inspectors conduct 
post-mortem inspection and look for a number of conditions, as specified 
elsewhere in this subpart, which may indicate adulteration. Adulterated 
product is condemned and destroyed, except that carcasses and parts 
which may be made unadulterated by reprocessing (reworking) may be so 
reprocessed under the supervision of an inspector and reinspected. Under 
SIS, inspectors also reinspect product by sampling finished birds (both 
before and after chilling) for nonconformances with finished product 
standards (see Table 1). If such nonconformances are present at certain 
statistical levels, it may indicate process difficulties requiring 
corrective action by the establishment. If the establishment does not 
take adequate corrective action, the inspector shall initiate corrective 
actions such as conducting closer post-mortem inspections and requiring 
reprocessing and reinspection of previously processed carcasses and 
parts. Thus, SIS is conducted in two phases--a post-mortem inspection 
phase and a reinspection phase. The following paragraphs describe the 
inspection requirements (not addressed elsewhere in this subpart) under 
each.

[[Page 413]]

    (iii) Post-mortem inspection. (a) Facilities: Each inspection 
station must comply with the facility requirements in Sec.  381.36(c).
    (b) Presentation: Each inspector shall be flanked by an 
establishment employee assigned to be the inspector's helper. The one 
inspector on the SIS-1 line shall be presented every bird. Each 
inspector on the SIS-2 line shall be presented every other bird on the 
line. An establishment employee shall present each bird to the inspector 
properly eviscerated with the back side toward the inspector and the 
viscera uniformly trailing or leading. Each inspector shall inspect the 
inside, viscera, and outside of all birds presented.
    (c) Disposition: The inspector shall determine which birds shall be 
salvaged, reprocessed, condemned, retained for disposition by the 
veterinarian, or allowed to proceed down the line as a passed bird 
subject to trim and reinspection. Carcasses with certain defects not 
requiring condemnation of the entire carcass shall be passed by the 
inspector, but shall be subject to reinspection to ensure the physical 
removal of the defects. The helper, under the supervision of the 
inspector, shall mark such carcasses for trim when the defects are not 
readily observable. Trimming of birds passed subject to reinspection 
shall be performed by:
    (1) The helper, time permitting, and
    (2) One or more plant trimmers positioned after all giblets are 
harvested and prior to reinspection.
    (iv) Reinspection. (a) Facilities: Reinspection stations are 
required at both the prechill and postchill locations. The Agency will 
determine the number of stations needed in those establishments having 
more than one processing line or more than one chiller. One or more 
prechill reinspection stations shall be conveniently located at the end 
of the line or lines prior to chilling. One or more postchill stations 
must be conveniently located at the end of the chiller or chillers. The 
prechill and postchill reinspection stations must meet the following 
provisions:
    (1) Floor space shall consist of 3 feet along each conveyor line. 
The space shall be level and protected from all traffic and overhead 
obstructions.
    (2) A table at least 2 feet wide and 2 feet deep and 3 feet in 
height designed to be readily cleanable and drainable shall be provided 
for reinspecting the sampled birds.
    (3) A minimum of 200 foot-candles of shadow-free lighting with a 
minimum color rendering index of 85 on the table surface.
    (4) A separate clip board holder shall be provided for holding the 
recording sheets.
    (5) Hangback racks designed to hold 10 carcasses shall be provided 
for and positioned within easy reach of the person at the station.
    (b) Disposition: An inspector shall monitor the establishment's 
application of the Finished Product Standards program and shall take 
corrective action including retaining product to prevent adulterated 
product from leaving the establishment when the inspector determines 
that the establishment has failed to apply the program as prescribed in 
paragraph (b)(3)(iv)(c) of this section).
    (c) Finished Product Standards: Finished Product Standards (FPS) are 
criteria applied to processed birds before and after chill to ensure 
that the product being produced is consistently wholesome and 
unadulterated. These criteria consist of nonconformances (listed in 
Table 1), the incidence of which is determined from 10 bird subgroup 
samples, reduced to a CUSUM number, and measured against the standards 
(Table 2). The standards are applied to permit the Agency to estimate 
when the production process is in control and when it is out of control. 
The establishment is responsible for maintaining FPS which, in turn, is 
monitored by the inspector. FPS is applied in two separate parts. The 
first is called prechill testing. It is designed to ensure that the 
slaughter and evisceration procedures are in control. Compliance is 
measured by determining the CUSUM on consecutive 10-bird subgroup 
samples collected prior to product entering the chilling system. The 
second part of the FPS is called postchill testing. It is designed to 
monitor the production through the chill system to ensure that it meets 
the

[[Page 414]]

postchill FPS. This test is independent of the prechill test. Compliance 
is measured by determining the CUSUM on consecutive 10-bird subgroup 
samples as they exit the chilling system. When the system is operating 
within compliance, the establishment applies the FPS to product samples 
at the prechill reinspection station. Testing time and time between 
tests are such that birds represented by the test are still within the 
chiller. If an out-of-compliance condition is found, the product leaving 
the chiller is segregated for rework and retested before it may proceed 
into commerce. A second 10 bird subgroup sample of the birds is taken 
after they leave the chiller to ensure that the product meets the 
postchill FPS. Since the product is closer to the end of processing, the 
controls on releasing reworked product are stricter than controls under 
prechill testing, again to ensure that no adulterated product enters 
into commerce.
    (d) Prechill testing. The prechill FPS have been divided into 
processing and trim categories. The processing category is designed to 
monitor the output of the dressing and evisceration procedures. The trim 
category monitors the establishment's ability to remove unwholesome 
lesions and conditions from inspected and passed carcasses. Each 
category is monitored independently of the other category using a 
separate CUSUM for each category.
    (1) Actions to be taken when the process is in control. If the CUSUM 
is less than the action number and the subgroup absolute limit is not 
exceeded, the process is judged to be in control.
    (i) Establishment Actions. The establishment shall:
    (A) Randomly select and record subgroup sampling times for each 
production unit of time before product reaches the prechill reinspection 
station on the production line. In no case shall the time between tests 
exceed 1 hour of production time.
    (B) Conduct a 10-bird subgroup test at a random time on each poultry 
slaughter line. These times are preselected by the establishment and 
available to the inspector prior to the start of the shift/day's 
operations. All 10 samples of the subgroup shall be collected at the 
random time.
    (C) Obtain the weighted value of each nonconformance by multiplying 
the number recorded for each nonconformance by the ``factor'' in Table 
1, sum the total of all the nonconformances, and calculate the CUSUM 
value for that test.
    (ii) Inspector Actions. The inspector shall:
    (A) Select random times for monitoring subgroup tests for each half-
shift on the evisceration line. In establishments that have multiple 
evisceration lines on a production shift, monitor all lines of product 
at the random times.
    (B) Collect the subgroup samples to be monitored at preselected 
times. All 10 samples of the subgroup shall be collected at the random 
time selected in paragraph (b)(3)(iv)(d)(1)(ii)(A) of this section.
    (C) Conduct the 10-bird monitoring subgroup test.
    (2) Actions to be taken when the subgroup absolute limit is 
exceeded. If either an inspector or establishment subgroup test exceeds 
the subgroup absolute limit of tolerance plus 5 (T + 5), the 
establishment shall determine if any of the immediate past 5 plant 
prechill subgroups for that category (processing or trim) resulted in a 
CUSUM above the start number.
    (i) If all of the past 5 plant prechill subgroups are at or below 
the start number, the establishment shall immediately conduct a retest 
subgroup on that category of prechill to determine sample validity. If 
retest subgroup total equals tolerance or less, the establishment 
resumes random time testing. If the retest subgroup total exceeds 
tolerance, the establishment shall proceed as if CUSUM reaches the 
action number and shall begin process actions as set forth in paragraph 
(b)(3)(iv)(d)(4) of this section. In either case, the prechill retest 
results will be used to calculate CUSUM.
    (ii) If any of the past 5 plant prechill subgroups resulted in a 
CUSUM above the start number, the establishment shall proceed as if 
CUSUM reaches the action number and shall begin process actions as set 
forth in paragraph (b)(3)(iv)(d)(4) of this section.

[[Page 415]]

    (3) Actions to be taken when a trimmable lesion/condition is found. 
If either inspection or plant monitoring finds any trimmable lesion or 
condition as specified in item B(7) of Table 1 during a prechill 
subgroup test, the establishment shall immediately conduct an additional 
prechill subgroup test for the same trimmable lesion/condition category. 
This is a requirement on the subgroup testing for the prechill trim 
nonconformance that is in addition to the CUSUM test described in 
paragraph (b)(3)(iv)(d)(1) of this section.
    (i) If no additional item in the same category is found on retest, 
the establishment shall resume random time sampling.
    (ii) If an additional item in the same category is found on retest, 
the establishment shall proceed as if CUSUM reaches the action number 
and shall initiate corrective action set forth in paragraph 
(b)(3)(iv)(d)(4) of this section for this category only.
    (4) Actions to be taken when the CUSUM reaches the action number. 
Once CUSUM reaches the action number, the process is judged to be not in 
control.
    (i) Establishment Actions. The establishment shall:
    (A) Immediately notify the inspector in charge and the production 
supervisor responsible for the affected evisceration line.
    (B) Suspend random time prechill testing of the affected 
nonconformance category (processing or trim). Suspend random time 
postchill subgroup testing when the processing category is the affected 
nonconformance category.
    (C) Conduct subgroup retests on carcasses leaving the chill system. 
Apply the prechill criteria in Table 1 (A) or (B), depending upon which 
category caused the action, and apply prechill Finished Product 
Standards as listed in Table 2 to determine product compliance. In no 
case shall the time between retests exceed 30 minutes of production 
time. Apply prechill standard criteria at the postchill location after 
notifying the establishment's production supervisor. If any of these 
subgroup retests on product leaving the chill system result in a 
subgroup total exceeding tolerance, identify for rework subsequent 
product at the postchill location. All noncomplying product will be 
brought into compliance prior to release into commerce. Product from the 
chiller will continue accumulating for rework until a subsequent 
subgroup test results in a subgroup total equal to or less than 
tolerance.
    (D) Conduct additional subgroup tests at the prechill reinspection 
station to determine the adequacy of production corrective action. If 
the prechill tests results in a subgroup total exceeding the tolerance, 
notify the production supervisor. The number of additional tests at the 
postchill reinspection station using prechill standards is increased as 
required to include the product in the chiller represented by this 
additional prechill test.
    (E) After two consecutive additional prechill subgroup tests result 
in subgroup totals equal to or less than tolerance:
    --Resume random time prechill subgroup testing as set forth in 
actions to be taken when the process is in control at paragraph 
(b)(3)(iv)(d)(1) of this section.
    --Identify product entering the chill system that will mark the end 
of the retest action upon arrival at the postchill sampling location. 
Such identification may include tagging or empty space in chillers, 
depending upon the establishment's identification method.
    --Once all product identified as needing retesting has arrived at 
the postchill sampling location, random time postchill FPS testing 
resumes.
    --If two consecutive additional prechill subgroup tests demonstrate 
process control with subgroup totals equal to or less than tolerance, 
but they do not cause CUSUM to fall to the start line or below, reset 
CUSUM at the start number.
    (ii) Inspector Actions. The inspector shall monitor product and 
process actions by making spot-check observations to ensure that all 
program requirements are met.
    (e) Postchill testing. Postchill subgroups shall be collected after 
the product leaves the chiller but before the product is divided into 
separate processes. Each bird sampled shall be observed and its 
conformance measured against the postchill criteria. The subgroup 
nonconformance weights shall be totaled and the CUSUM calculated by 
subtracting the tolerance from the sum of the subgroup total and the 
starting CUSUM.
    (1) Actions to be taken when the process is in control. If the CUSUM 
is less than

[[Page 416]]

the action number and the subgroup absolute limit is not exceeded, the 
process is judged to be in control.
    (i) Establishment Actions. The establishment shall conduct a 10-bird 
subgroup test for each chiller system at a randomly selected time of 
production. In no case shall the time between tests exceed 2 hours of 
production time.
    (ii) Inspector Actions. The inspector shall:
    (A) Select random times for postchill monitoring.
    (B) Monitor each chill system twice per shift.
    (C) Conduct subgroup tests at preselected random times.
    (2) Actions to be taken when the subgroup absolute limit is 
exceeded. If either an inspector or establishment subgroup test exceeds 
the subgroup absolute limit of tolerance plus 5(T + 5), the 
establishment shall determine if any of the last 5 postchill monitoring 
subgroups resulted in a CUSUM above the start number.
    (i) If all of the past 5 postchill monitoring subgroups resulted in 
a CUSUM at or below the start number, the establishment shall 
immediately retest a subgroup to determine sample validity. If this 
retest subgroup total exceeds tolerance, the establishment shall proceed 
as if CUSUM reaches the action number and shall begin process actions as 
set forth in paragraph (b)(3)(iv)(e)(3) of this section.
    (ii) If any of the past 5 postchill monitoring subgroups resulted in 
a CUSUM above the start number, the establishment shall proceed as if 
CUSUM reaches the action number and shall begin process actions as set 
forth in paragraph (b)(3)(iv)(e)(3) of this section.
    (3) Actions to be taken when the CUSUM reaches the action number. 
Once CUSUM reaches the action number, the process is judged to be not in 
control.
    (i) Establishment Actions. The establishment shall:
    (A) Notify the inspector in charge and the production supervisor 
responsible for product in the chiller.
    (B) Suspend random time postchill subgroup testing.
    (C) Immediately conduct an additional postchill subgroup test. If 
the retest subgroup total exceeds tolerance, the establishment shall 
identify subsequent product for rework. Product will continue 
accumulating for rework until a subsequent subgroup test results in a 
subgroup total equal to or less than tolerance.
    (D) After two consecutive additional postchill subgroup tests 
results in subgroup totals equal to or less than tolerance:
    --Resume random time postchill subgroup testing as set forth in 
actions to be taken when the process is in control at paragraph 
(b)(3)(iv)(e)(1) of this section.
    --If the two consecutive additional postchill subgroup totals equal 
to or less than tolerance do not cause CUSUM to fall to the start number 
or below, reset CUSUM at the start number.
    (ii) Inspector Actions. The inspector shall monitor product and 
process actions to ensure that program requirements are met.
    (v) When the prechill or postchill product has been identified as 
having been produced when the process was not in control, additional 
online subgroup testing by the establishment is required to determine 
its conformance to the standard. If any of the additional plant subgroup 
testing results in a subgroup total exceeding tolerance, offline product 
corrective actions must take place. The responsibilities of the 
establishment and the inspector change depending on the CUSUM.
    All corrective actions such as identifying affected product, 
segregating product, and maintaining control through rework actions are 
the establishment's responsibility. Corrective actions by the inspector 
depends upon the establishment's ability to control rework of affected 
product. If the establishment fails in its responsibilities, the 
inspector will identify, segregate, and retain affected product to 
prevent adulterated product from reaching consumers.
    (a) Offline product. The establishment shall identify the affected 
product so that it may be segregated and accumulated offline for rework. 
The inspector shall spot check the establishment's identification, 
segregation, and control of reworked product to ensure that program 
requirements are met.

[[Page 417]]

    (b) Reworked product. Reworked product must be tested by the 
establishment with a randomly selected subgroup test of the accumulated 
reworked lot. Before product is released, the random subgroup test must 
result in a subgroup total equal to or less than tolerance. If the 
subgroup test of a reworked lot results in a subgroup total exceeding 
tolerance, the lot must be reworked again before another subgroup is 
selected. The following actions are required.
    (1) Establishment Actions. The establishment shall:
    (i) Select the random subgroup from throughout the lot only after 
the total lot has been reworked.
    (ii) Conduct the subgroup test using the same criteria (prechill or 
postchill) that resulted in the rework action.
    (iii) Release the lot if the reworked subgroup test resulted in a 
subgroup total equal to or less than tolerance.
    (iv) Identify and control the lot to be reworked if the reworked 
subgroup total again exceeds tolerance.
    (2) Inspector Actions: The inspector shall spot check the rework 
procedure to ensure that plant monitoring and production meet the 
requirements of the program.
    (vi) After the 10 bird subgroup tests are completed, the prechill 
and postchill processing nonconformances shall be corrected on all bird 
samples prior to returning the samples to the product flow. Samples with 
trim nonconformances shall be returned to the trim station for 
correction prior to their return to the product flow.

                 Table 1--Definitions of Nonconformances
                      A Processing Nonconformances
1 Extraneous material <=\1/16\
    --Include any specks, tiny smears, or stains of material that
     measure \1/16\ or less in the greatest dimension.
    Examples: Ingesta, unattached feathers, grease, bile remnants, and/
     or whole gall bladder or spleen, embryonic yolk, etc.
    --Factor is one.
    --1 to 5 = 1 defect: 6 to 10 = 2 defects; 11 or more = 3 defects. A
     maximum of three incidents per carcass.
2 Extraneous material \1/16\ to 1
    --The same material as line 1, but measuring \1/16\ to 1 in the longest dimension.
    --Factor is one.
    --A maximum of three incidents per carcass.
3 Extraneous material 1
    --The same material as lines 1 to 2, but measuring greater than one
     inch.
    --Factor is two.
    --A maximum of two incidents per carcass.
4 Oil glands remnant--less than two whole glands
    --Recognizable fragment(s) of one or both oil glands equals one
     incident.
    --Factor is one.
    --Maximum of one incident per carcass.
5 Oil glands--two whole glands
    --Both whole oil glands with no missing fragments equals one
     incident. If the oil glands are cut, but no fragment is removed,
     consider them to be whole. But if even a small fragment is removed,
     use line 4.
    --Factor is two.
    --A maximum of one incident per carcass.
6 Lung =\1/4\ whole
    --Any portion less than a whole lung, and equal to or greater than
     \1/4\ at the greatest dimension, equals one incident.
    --Factor is one.
    --A maximum of two incidents per carcass.
7 Lung--whole
    --Each whole lung equals one incident.
    --Factor is two.
    --A maximum of two incidents per carcass.
8 Intestine
    --Any identifiable portion of the terminal portion of the intestinal
     tract with a lumen (closed circle) present, or split piece of
     intestine large enough to be closed to form a lumen.
    --Factor is five.
    --A maximum of one incident per carcass.
9 Cloaca
    --Any identifiable portion of the terminal portion of the intestinal
     tract with mucosal lining.
    --Factor is five.
    --A maximum of one incident per carcass.
10 Bursa of Fabricius
    --A whole rosebud, or identifiable portion with two or more mucosal
     folds.
    --Factor is two.

[[Page 418]]

 
    --A maximum of one incident per carcass.
11 Esophagus
    --Any portion of the esophagus with identifiable mocosal lining.
    --Factor is two.
    --A maximum of one incident per carcass.
12 Crop--partial--with mucosa
    --Any portion of the crop that includes the mucosal lining.
    --Factor is two.
    --A maximum of one incident per carcass.
13 Crop--whole
    --Any complete crop.
    --Factor is five.
    --A maximum of one incident per carcass.
14 Trachea <=1
    --Identifiable portion of trachea less than or equal to one inch
     long.
    --Factor is one.
    --A maximum of one incident per carcass.
15 Trachea 1
    --Identifiable portion of trachea greater than one inch.
    --Factor is two.
    --A maximum of one incident per carcass.
16 Hair =\1/4\ 26 or more.
    --Hair which is one-fourth inch long or longer measured from the top
     of the follicle to the end of the hair. 26 or more hairs equal one
     incident.
    --Factor is one.
    --A maximum of one incident per carcass.
17 Feather and/or Pinfeathers <=1
    --Attached feathers or protruding pinfeathers less than or equal to
     one inch long. Scored 5 to 10 per carcass as one incident, 11 to 15
     per carcass as two incidents, and 16 or more as three incidents.
    --Factor is one.
    --A maximum of three incidents per carcass.
18 Feathers 1
    --Attached feathers longer than one inch. Scored 1 to 3 per carcass
     as one incident 4 to 6 per carcass as two incidents, and 7 or more
     as three incidents.
    --Factor is one.
    --A maximum of three incidents per carcass.
19 Long Shank--both condyles covered
    --If the complete tibiotarsal joint is covered, it equals one
     incident.
    --Factor is two.
    --A maximum of two incidents per carcass.
                         B Trim nonconformances
1 Breast blister
    --Inflammatory tissue, fluid, or pus between the skin and keel must
     be trimmed if membrane ``slips'' or if firm nodule is greater than
     \1/2\ in diameter (dime size).
    --Factor is two.
    --A maximum of one incident per carcass.
2 Breast blister--partially trimmed
    --All inflammatory tissue, including that which adheres tightly to
     the keel bone, must be removed.
    --Factor is two.
    --A maximum of one incident per carcass.
3 Bruise \1/2\ to 1
    --Blood clumps or clots in the superficial layers of tissue, skin,
     muscle or loose subcutaneous tissue may be slit and the blood
     completely washed out. When the bruise extends into the deeper
     layers of muscle, the affected tissue must be removed. Very small
     bruises less than \1/2\ (dime size) and areas showing
     only slight reddening need not be counted as defects.
    --Factor is one.
    --A maximum of five incidents per carcass.
4 Bruise 1
    --Same criteria as in line three, but greater than one inch in
     greatest dimension.
    --Factor is two.
    --A maximum of three incidents per carcass.
5 Bruise black/green \1/4\ to 1
    --Bruises \1/4\ to 1 that have changed from
     red to a black/blue or green color due to age.
    --Factor is two.
    --A maximum of three incidents per carcass.
6 Bruise Black/green 1
    --Same as line 5, but measuring greater that 1 in
     greatest dimension.
    --Factor is five.
    --A maximum of two incidents per carcass.
7 Trimmable lesions/Condition
    --A trimmable tumor or identifiable portion of a tumor on any part
     of the carcass.
    --Trimmable Synovitis/airsacculitis (saddle/frog) lesions that have
     not been removed.

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    --Lesion/condition subject to removal following an approved cleanout
     process. Examples: airsacculitis, salpingitis, nephritis, spleen,
     or liver conditions requiring removal of the kidneys.
Note: All establishments shall develop and maintain a permanent marking
 system that identifies carcasses with removable lesions/conditions on
 the inside surfaces. When removable lesions/conditions are identified
 inside the carcass by the inspector, the helper will be notified to
 apply the permanent mark. When removable inside lesions/conditions are
 found on a subgroup sample without the permanent mark, the error is not
 recorded in line 7. The affected carcass(s) will be hungback for IIC
 disposition and corrective action.
    --Factor is five.
    --A maximum of one incident per carcass.
8 Failure to complete task as indicated by marking system.
    Example: Synovitis, airsacculitis, inflammatory process,
     contamination, etc.
    --The helper, under the inspector's direction, will apply a mark to
     the carcass, indicating to the trimmer(s) that specific action must
     be taken on that carcass. When airsac and kidney cleanout, or
     synovitis part removal, or carcass removal from the line is not
     completed, or only partially completed, this occurrence is recorded
     as one defect.
    --Factor is five. It will also be recorded as a line 7 defect for a
     total factor of 10.
    --A maximum of one incident per carcass.
9 Compound fracture
    --Any bone fracture (i.e., leg or wing) that has caused an opening
     through the skin. May be accompanied with a bruise, but not always.
     Do not count the bruise in line 3 or 4 if it is associated with the
     compound fracture.
    --Factor is two.
    --A maximum of three incidents per carcass.
10 Wingtip compound fracture
    --Same criteria as line 9, but only for wingtips.
      Note: Bruises not associated with the fracture should be recorded
       in the appropriate lines.
    --Factor is one.
    --A maximum of two incidents per carcass.
11 Untrimmed short hock
    --When no cartilage of the hock surface is present and no tendons
     are attached to the bone.
    --Factor is two.
    --A maximum of two incidents per carcass.
12 Sores, scabs, inflammatory process, etc. <=\1/2\
    --Any defects such as sores, abscesses, scabs, wounds, dermatitis,
     inflammatory process, that measure less than or equal to \1/2\ in the greatest dimension.
    --Factor is two.
    --A maximum of two incidents per carcass.
13 Sores, scabs, inflammatory process, etc. \1/2\
    --Same as line 12, but greatest dimension is greater than \1/2\, or a cluster of smaller lesions in close proximity \1/2\, this category also includes turkey leg edema.
    --Factor is five.
    --A maximum of one incident per carcass.
14 External mutilation
    --Mutilation to the skin and/or muscle that is caused by the
     slaughter, dressing or eviscerating processes. Skinned elbows
     (bucked wings) do not trim require unless affected wing joint
     capsule is also opened.
    --Factor is one.
    --A maximum of three incidents per carcass.
 C Postchill nonconformances--(Designed to monitor those nonconformances
              added to product during the chilling process)
1 Extraneous material <=\1/16\
    --Include specks, grease, or unidentifiable foreign material that
     measure \1/16\ or less in the greatest dimension.
    --Example: Ingesta, grease, or unidentifiable foreign material.
    --Factor is one.
    --3 to 7 = 1 defect; 8 to 12 = 2 defects; 13 or more = 3 defects. A
     maximum of three incidents per carcass.
2 Extraneous material \1/16\ to 1
    --This includes ingesta, grease, or unidentifiable foreign material
     measureing \1/16\ to 1 longest
     dimension.
    --Factor is one.
    --A maximum of three incidents per carcass.
3 Extraneous material 1
    --The same material as line 2, but measuring greater than one inch.
    --Factor is two.

[[Page 420]]

 
    --A maximum of two incidents per carcass.
 


                   Table 2--Finished Product Standards
 
                                                                    SIS
 
Prechill Processing Nonconformance
    Tolerance number (T).........................................     25
    Subgroup Absolute Limit (T + 5)..............................     30
    Action number................................................     22
    Start number.................................................     11
Prechill Trim Nonconformance
    Tolerance number (T).........................................     12
    Subgroup Absolute Limit (T + 5)..............................     17
    Action number................................................     15
    Start number.................................................      8
Postchill Nonconformance
    Tolerance number (T).........................................      5
    Subgroup Absolute Limit (T + 5)..............................     10
    Action number................................................     10
    Start number.................................................      5
 

    (4) The following requirements are also applicable to NELS 
inspection:
    (i) Inspection under NELS is conducted in two phases, as post-mortem 
inspection phase and a reinspection phase.
    (a) Post-mortem inspection. The establishment shall provide three 
inspection stations on each eviscerating line in compliance with the 
facility requirements Sec.  381.36(d)(1). The three inspectors shall 
inspect the inside, viscera, and outside of all birds presented. Each 
inspector shall be flanked by two establishment employees--the presenter 
and the helper. The presenter shall ensure that the bird is properly 
eviscerated and presented for inspection and the viscera uniformly 
trailing or leading. The inspector shall determine which birds shall be 
salvaged, reprocessed, condemned, retained for disposition by the 
veterinarian, or allowed to proceed down the line as a passed bird 
subject to reinspection. Poultry carcasses with certain defects not 
requiring condemnation of the entire carcass shall be passed by the 
inspector, but shall be subject to reinspection to ensure the physical 
removal of the specified defects. The helper, under the supervision of 
the inspector, shall mark such carcasses for trim when the defects are 
not readily observable. Trimming or birds passed subject to reinspection 
shall be performed by:
    (1) The helper, time permitting, and
    (2) One or more plant trimmers positioned after giblet harvest and 
prior to reinspection.
    (b) A reinspection station shall be located at the end of each line. 
This station shall comply with the facility requirements in Sec.  
381.36(d)(2). The inspector shall ensure that the establishment has 
performed the indicated trimming of carcasses passed subject to 
reinspection by visually monitoring, checking data, or gathering samples 
at the station or at other critical points on the line.
    (ii)-(iii) [Reserved]
    (iv) The maximum inspection rate for NELS shall be 91 birds per 
minute per eviscerating line.
    (5) The following requirements are also applicable to the NTI 
System:
    (i) Inspection under the NTI System is conducted in two phases, a 
post-mortem inspection phase and a reinspection phase. The NTI-1 
Inspection System requires that the establishment provide one inspection 
station for each line and adequate reinspection facilitiates so 
carcasses can be removed from each line for evaluation. The NTI-2 
Inspection System requires that the establishment provide two inspection 
stations for each line and adequate reinspection facilities so carcasses 
can be removed from each line for evaluation.
    (a) Post-mortem inspection. Each inspection station must comply with 
the facility requirements in Sec.  381.36(e)(1). Each inspector shall be 
flanked by and establishment employee assigned to be the inspector's 
helper. The one inspector on an NTI-1 Inspection System shall be 
presented every bird. Each inspector on an NTI-2 Inspection System line 
shall be presented every other bird on the line. An establishment 
employee shall present each bird to the inspector properly eviscerated 
with the back side toward the inspector and the viscera uniformly 
trailing or leading. Each inspector shall inspect the inside, viscera, 
and outside of all birds presented. The inspector shall determine which 
bird shall be salvaged, reprocessed, condemned, retained for disposition 
by a veterinarian, or allowed to proceed down the line as a passed bird

[[Page 421]]

subject to reinspection. Turkey carcasses with certain defects not 
requiring condemnation of the entire carcass shall be passed by the 
inspector, but shall be subject to reinspection to ensure the physical 
removal of the specified defects. The helper, under the supervision of 
the inspector, shall mark such carcasses for trim when the defects of 
birds passed subject to reinspection shall be performed by:
    (1) The helper, time permitting, and
    (2) One or more plant trimmers positioned after the giblet harvest 
and prior to reinspection.
    (b) Reinspection. A reinspection station shall be located at the end 
of the lines. This station shall comply with the facility requirements 
in Sec.  381.36(e)(2). The inspector shall ensure that establishments 
have performed the indicated trimming of each carcass passed subject to 
reinspection by visually monitoring, checking data, and/or sampling 
product at the reinspection station and, if necessary, at other points, 
critical to the wholesomeness of product, on the eviscerating line.
    (ii)-(iii) [Reserved]
    (6) The following requirements are applicable to the NPIS:
    (i) Facilities. The establishment must comply with the facilities 
requirements in Sec.  381.36(f).
    (ii) Carcass sorting and disposition. (A) The establishment must 
conduct carcass with associated viscera sorting activities, dispose of 
carcasses and parts exhibiting condemnable conditions, and conduct 
appropriate trimming and reprocessing activities before carcasses are 
presented to the online carcass inspector.
    (B) Any carcasses removed from the line for reprocessing activities 
or salvage must be returned to the line before the online carcass 
inspection station. The establishment must include in its written HACCP 
plan, or sanitation SOP, or other prerequisite program a process by 
which parts, other than parts identified as ``major portions'' as 
defined in Sec.  381.170(b)(22), are available for inspection offline 
after reprocessing or salvage.
    (C) The establishment must develop, implement, and maintain written 
procedures to ensure that poultry carcasses contaminated with septicemic 
and toxemic conditions do not enter the chiller. The establishment must 
incorporate these procedures into its HACCP plan, or sanitation SOP, or 
other prerequisite program. These procedures must cover, at a minimum, 
establishment sorting activities required under paragraph (b)(6)(ii) of 
this section.
    (D) The establishment must maintain records to document that the 
products resulting from its slaughter operation meet the definition of 
ready-to-cook poultry in Sec.  381.1. These records are subject to 
review and evaluation by FSIS personnel.
    (iii) Presentation for online carcass inspection. To ensure the 
online carcass inspector may properly inspect every carcass, the 
establishment must present carcasses as follows:
    (A) Each carcass, except carcasses and parts identified as ``major 
portions'' under 9 CFR 381.179(b)(22), must be held by a single shackle;
    (B) Both hocks of each carcass must be held by the shackle;
    (C) The back side of the carcass must be faced toward the inspector;
    (D) There must be minimal carcass swinging motion;
    (E) The establishment must ensure that it can sufficiently identify 
viscera and parts corresponding with each carcass inspected by the 
online carcass inspector so that if the carcass inspector condemns a 
carcass all corresponding viscera and parts are also condemned.

(Recordkeeping requirements approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget under control number 0583-0008)

[47 FR 23435, May 28, 1982, as amended at 49 FR 42555, Oct. 23, 1984; 50 
FR 37513, Sept. 16, 1985; 50 FR 38097, Sept. 20, 1985; 51 FR 3574, Jan. 
29, 1986; 53 FR 46861, Nov. 21, 1988; 62 FR 5143, Feb. 4, 1997; 65 FR 
34390, May 30, 2000; 66 FR 22906, May 7, 2001; 79 FR 49635, Aug. 21, 
2014; 88 FR 55913, Aug. 17, 2023]



Sec.  381.77  Carcasses held for further examination.

    Each carcass, including all parts thereof, in which there is any 
lesion of disease, or other condition which might render such carcass or 
any part thereof adulterated and with respect to which a final decision 
cannot be made on first examination by the inspector, shall be held for 
further examination.

[[Page 422]]

The identity of each such carcass, including all parts thereof, shall be 
maintained until a final examination has been completed.



Sec.  381.78  Condemnation of carcasses and parts: separation of 
poultry suspected of containing biological residues.

    (a) At the time of any inspection under this subpart each carcass, 
or any part thereof, which is found to be adulterated shall be 
condemned, except that any such articles which may be made not 
adulterated by reprocessing, need not be so condemned if so reprocessed 
under the supervision of an inspector and thereafter found to be not 
adulterated.
    (b) When a lot of poultry suspected of containing biological 
residues is inspected in an official establishment, all carcasses and 
any parts of carcasses in such lot which are condemned shall be kept 
separate from all other condemned carcasses or parts.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 48 FR 22899, May 23, 1983; 48 
FR 23807, May 27, 1983]



Sec.  381.79  Passing of carcasses and parts.

    Each carcass and all organs and other parts of carcasses which are 
found to be not adulterated shall be passed for human food.



Sec.  381.80  General; biological residues.

    (a) The carcasses or parts of carcasses of all poultry inspected at 
an official establishment and found at the time of post mortem 
inspection, or at any subsequent inspection, to be affected with any of 
the diseases or conditions named in other sections in this subpart, 
shall be disposed of in accordance with the section pertaining to the 
disease or condition. Owing to the fact that it is impracticable to 
formulate rules for each specific disease or conditions and to designate 
at just what stage a disease process results in an adulterated article, 
the decision as to the disposal of all carcasses, organs or other parts 
not specifically covered by the regulations, or by instructions of the 
Administrator issued pursuant thereto, shall be left to the inspector in 
charge, and if the inspector in charge is in doubt concerning the 
disposition to be made, specimens from such carcasses shall be forwarded 
to the Inspection Service laboratory for diagnosis.
    (b) All carcasses, organs, or other parts of carcasses of poultry 
shall be condemned if it is determined on the basis of a sound 
statistical sample that they are adulterated because of the presence of 
any biological residues.



Sec.  381.81  Tuberculosis.

    Carcasses of poultry affected with tuberculosis shall be condemned.



Sec.  381.82  [Reserved]



Sec.  381.83  Septicemia or toxemia.

    Carcasses of poultry showing evidence of any septicemic or toxemic 
disease, or showing evidence of an abnormal physiologic state, shall be 
condemned.



Sec.  381.84  Airsacculitis.

    Carcasses of poultry with evidence of extensive involvement of the 
air sacs with airsacculitis or those showing airsacculitis along with 
systemic changes shall be condemned. Less affected carcasses may be 
passed for food after complete removal and condemnation of all affected 
tissues including the exudate.

[40 FR 14297, Mar. 31, 1975]



Sec.  381.85  Special diseases.

    Carcasses of poultry showing evidence of any disease which is 
characterized by the presence, in the meat or other edible parts of the 
carcass, or organisms or toxins dangerous to the consumer, shall be 
condemned.



Sec.  381.86  Inflammatory processes.

    Any organ or other part of a carcass which is affected by an 
inflammatory process shall be condemned and, if there is evidence of 
general systemic disturbance, the whole carcass shall be condemned.



Sec.  381.87  Tumors.

    (a) Tumors, including those possibly caused by avian leukosis 
complex, may be trimmed from any affected organ or other part of a 
carcass where there is no evidence of metastasis or that the

[[Page 423]]

general condition of the bird has been affected by the size, position, 
or nature of the tumor. Trimmed carcasses otherwise found to be not 
adulterated shall be passed as human food.
    (b) Any organ or other part of a carcass which is affected by a 
tumor where there is evidence of metastasis or that the general 
condition of the bird has been affected by the size, position, or nature 
of the tumor, must be condemned.

[88 FR 55913, Aug. 17, 2023]



Sec.  381.88  Parasites.

    Organs or other parts of carcasses which are found to be infested 
with parasites, or which show lesions of such infestation shall be 
condemned and, if the whole carcass is affected, the whole carcass shall 
be condemned.



Sec.  381.89  Bruises.

    Any part of a carcass which is badly bruised shall be condemned and, 
if the whole carcass is affected as a result of the bruise, the whole 
carcass shall be condemned. Parts of a carcass which show only slight 
reddening from a bruise may be passed for food.



Sec.  381.90  Cadavers.

    Carcasses of poultry showing evidence of having died from causes 
other than slaughter shall be condemned.



Sec.  381.91  Contamination.

    (a) Carcasses of poultry contaminated by volatile oils, paints, 
poisons, gases, scald vat water in the air sac system, or other 
substances which render the carcasses adulterated shall be condemned. 
Any organ or other part of a carcass which has been accidentally 
multilated in the course of processing shall be condemned, and if the 
whole carcass is affected, the whole carcass shall be condemned.
    (b) Any carcass of poultry accidentally contaminated during 
slaughter with digestive tract contents need not be condemned if 
promptly reprocessed under the supervision of an inspector and 
thereafter found not to be adulterated. Contaminated surfaces that are 
cut must be removed only by trimming. Contaminated inner surfaces that 
are not cut may be cleaned by trimming alone or may be re-processed as 
provided in subparagraph (b)(1) or (2) of this section.
    (1) Online reprocessing. Poultry carcasses accidentally contaminated 
with digestive tract contents may be cleaned by applying an online 
reprocessing antimicrobial intervention to all carcasses after 
evisceration and before the carcasses enter the chiller if the 
parameters for use of the antimicrobial intervention system have been 
approved by the Administrator. Establishments must incorporate 
procedures for the use of any online reprocessing antimicrobial 
intervention system into their HACCP plans, or sanitation SOPs, or other 
prerequisite programs.
    (2) Offline reprocessing. Contaminated inner surfaces that are not 
cut may be cleaned at an approved reprocessing station away from the 
main processing line by any method that will remove the contamination, 
such as vacuuming, washing, and trimming, singly or in combination. All 
visible specks of contamination must be removed, and if the inner 
surfaces are reprocessed other than solely by trimming, all surfaces of 
the carcass must be treated with chlorinated water containing 20 ppm to 
50 ppm available chlorine or another approved antimicrobial substance in 
accordance with the parameters approved by the Administrator. 
Establishments must incorporate procedures for the use of any offline 
reprocessing into their HACCP plans, or sanitation SOPs, or other 
prerequisite programs.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 43 FR 12847, Mar. 28, 1978; 79 
FR 49636, Aug. 21, 2014]



Sec.  381.92  Overscald.

    Carcasses of poultry which have been overscalded, resulting in a 
cooked appearance of the flesh, shall be condemned.



Sec.  381.93  Decomposition.

    Carcasses of poultry deleteriously affected by post mortem changes 
shall be disposed of as follows:
    (a) Carcasses which have reached a state of putrefaction or stinking 
fermentation shall be condemned.

[[Page 424]]

    (b) Any part of a carcass which is green struck shall be condemned 
and, if the carcass is so extensively affected that removal of affected 
parts is impracticable, the whole carcass shall be condemned.
    (c) Carcasses affected by types of post mortem change which are 
superficial in nature may be passed for human food after removal and 
condemnation of the affected parts.



Sec.  381.94  Contamination with microorganisms; process control 
verification criteria and testing; pathogen reduction standards for
establishments that slaughter ratites.

    (a) Criteria for verifying process control; E. coli testing. (1) 
Each official establishment that slaughters ratites shall test for 
Escherichia coli Biotype I (E. coli). Establishments that slaughter 
ratites and livestock, shall test the type of ratites or livestock 
slaughtered in the greatest number. The establishment shall:
    (i) Collect samples in accordance with the sampling techniques, 
methodology, and frequency requirements in paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section;
    (ii) Obtain analytic results in accordance with paragraph (a)(3) of 
this section; and
    (iii) Maintain records of such analytic results in accordance with 
paragraph (a)(4) of this section.
    (2) Sampling requirements. (i) Written procedures. Each 
establishment that slaughters ratites shall prepare written specimen 
collection procedures which shall identify employees designated to 
collect samples, and shall address location(s) of sampling, how sampling 
randomness is achieved, and handling of the sample to ensure sample 
integrity. The written procedure shall be made available to FSIS upon 
request.
    (ii) Sample collection. The establishment must collect samples from 
whole ratites at the end of the chilling process. Samples from ratites 
may be collected by sponging the carcass on the back and thigh or 
samples can be collected by rinsing the whole carcass in an amount of 
buffer appropriate for that type of bird.
    (iii) Sampling frequency. Establishments that slaughter ratites, 
except very low volume ratite establishments as defined in paragraph 
(a)(2)(v) of this section, must take samples at a frequency proportional 
to the establishment's volume of production at the following rate: 1 
sample per 3,000 carcasses, but at a minimum one sample each week of 
operation.
    (iv) Sampling frequency alternatives. An establishment operating 
under a validated HACCP plan in accordance with Sec.  417.2(b) of this 
chapter may substitute an alternative frequency for the frequency of 
sampling required under paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section if,
    (A) The alternative is an integral part of the establishment's 
verification procedures for its HACCP plan and,
    (B) FSIS does not determine, and notify the establishment in 
writing, that the alternative frequency is inadequate to verify the 
effectiveness of the establishment's processing controls.
    (v) Sampling in very low volume ratite establishments. (A) Very low 
volume ratite establishments annually slaughter no more than 6,000 
ratites. Very low volume ratite establishments that slaughter ratites in 
the largest number must collect at least one sample during each week of 
operation after June 1 of each year, and continue sampling at a minimum 
of once each week the establishment operates until June of the following 
year or until 13 samples have been collected, whichever comes first.
    (B) Upon the establishment's meeting the requirements of paragraph 
(a)(2)(v)(A) of this section, weekly sampling and testing is optional, 
unless changes are made in establishment facilities, equipment, 
personnel or procedures that may affect the adequacy of existing process 
control measures, as determined by the establishment or by FSIS. FSIS 
determinations that changes have been made requiring resumption of 
weekly testing shall be provided to the establishment in writing.
    (3) Analysis of samples. Laboratories may use any quantitative 
method for analysis of E. coli that is approved as an AOAC Official 
Method of the AOAC International (formerly the Association of Official 
Analytical Chemists) or approved and published by a scientific

[[Page 425]]

body and based on the results of a collaborative trial conducted in 
accordance with an internationally recognized protocol on collaborative 
trials and compared against the three tube Most Probable Number (MPN) 
method and agreeing with the 95 percent upper and lower confidence limit 
of the appropriate MPN index.
    (4) Recording of test results. The establishment shall maintain 
accurate records of all test results, in terms of colony forming units 
(CFU)/ml of rinse fluid. Results shall be recorded onto a process 
control chart or table showing at least the most recent 13 test results. 
Records shall be retained at the establishment for a period of 12 months 
and shall be made available to FSIS upon request.
    (5) Establishments shall evaluate E. coli test results using 
statistical process control techniques.
    (6) Failure to meet criteria. Test results that do not meet the 
criteria described in paragraph (a)(5) of this section are an indication 
that the establishment may not be maintaining process controls 
sufficient to prevent fecal contamination. FSIS shall take further 
action as appropriate to ensure that all applicable provisions of the 
law are being met.
    (7) Failure to test and record. Inspection will be suspended in 
accordance with rules of practice that will be adopted for such 
proceeding, upon a finding by FSIS that one or more provisions of 
paragraphs (a) (1) through (4) of this section have not been complied 
with and written notice of same has been provided to the establishment.
    (b) [Reserved]

[61 FR 38866, July 25, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 26218, May 13, 1997; 62 
FR 61009, Nov. 14, 1997; 64 FR 66553, Nov. 29, 1999; 67 FR 13258, Mar. 
22, 2002; 79 FR 49636, Aug. 21, 2014]



Subpart L_Handling and Disposal of Condemned or Other Inedible Products 
                       at Official Establishments



Sec.  381.95  Disposal of condemned poultry products.

    All condemned carcasses, or condemned parts of carcasses, or other 
condemned poultry products, except those condemned for biological 
residues shall be disposed of by one of the following methods, under the 
supervision of an inspector of the Inspection Service. (Facilities and 
materials for carrying out the requirements in this section shall be 
furnished by the official establishment.)
    (a) Steam treatment (which shall be accomplished by processing the 
condemned product in a pressure tank under at least 40 pounds of steam 
pressure) or thorough cooking in a kettle or vat, for a sufficient time 
to effectively destroy the product for human food purposes and preclude 
dissemination of disease through consumption by animals. (Tanks and 
equipment used for this purpose or for rendering or preparing inedible 
products shall be in rooms or compartments separate from those used for 
the preparation of edible products. There shall be no direct connection 
by means of pipes, or otherwise, between tanks containing inedible 
products and those containing edible products.)
    (b) Incineration or complete destruction by burning.
    (c) Chemical denaturing, which shall be accomplished by the liberal 
application to all carcasses and parts thereof, of:
    (1) Crude carbolic acid,
    (2) Kerosene, fuel oil, or used crankcase oil, or
    (3) Any phenolic disinfectant conforming to commercial standards CS 
70-41 or CS 71-41 which shall be used in at least 2 percent emulsion or 
solution.
    (d) Any other substance or method that the Administrator approves in 
specific cases, which will denature the poultry product to the extent 
necessary to accomplish the purposes of this section.
    (e) Carcasses and parts of carcasses condemned for biological 
residue shall be disposed of in accordance with paragraph (b) of this 
section or by burying under the supervision of an inspector.

[[Page 426]]



      Subpart M_Official Marks, Devices, and Certificates; Export 
                 Certificates; Certification Procedures



Sec.  381.96  Wording and form of the official inspection legend.

    Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, the official 
inspection legend required to be used with respect to inspected and 
passed poultry products shall include wording as follows: ``Inspected 
for wholesomeness by U.S. Department of Agriculture.'' This wording 
shall be contained within a circle. The form and arrangement of such 
wording shall be exactly as indicated in the example in Figure 1, except 
that the appropriate official establishment number shall be shown, and 
if the establishment number appears elsewhere on the labeling material 
in the manner prescribed in Sec.  381.123(b), it may be omitted from the 
inspection mark. The administrator may approve the use of abbreviations 
of such inspection mark; and such approved abbreviations shall have the 
same force and effect as the inspection mark. The official inspection 
legend, or the approved abbreviation thereof, shall be printed on 
consumer packages and other immediate containers of inspected and passed 
poultry products, or on labels to be securely affixed to such containers 
of such products and may be printed or stenciled thereon, but shall not 
be applied by rubber stamping. When applied by a stencil, the legend 
shall not be less than 4 inches in diameter. An official brand must be 
applied to inspected and passed carcasses and parts of ratites that are 
shipped unpacked.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.037


[66 FR 22906, May 7, 2001]



Sec.  381.97  [Reserved]



Sec.  381.98  Official seal.

    The official mark for use in sealing means of conveyance used in 
transporting poultry products under any requirement in this part shall 
be the inscription and a serial number as shown below, and any seals 
approved by the Administrator for applying such mark shall be an 
official device.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.038



Sec.  381.99  Official retention and rejection tags.

    The official marks for use in post-mortem inspection and 
identification of adulterated products, insanitary equipment and 
facilities are:
    (a) A paper tag (a portion of Form MP-35) bearing the legend ``U.S. 
Retained'' for use on poultry or poultry products under this section.
    (b) A paper tag (another portion of Form C&MS 510) bearing the 
legend ``U.S. Rejected'' for use on equipment, utensils, rooms and 
compartments under this section.

[64 FR 56417, Oct. 20, 1999]



Sec.  381.100  Official detention tag.

    The detention tag prescribed in Sec.  381.211 is an official device.

[[Page 427]]



Sec.  381.101  Official U.S. Condemned mark.

    The term ``U.S. Condemned'' as shown below is an official mark and 
the devices used by the Department for applying such mark are official 
devices.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.039



Sec.  381.102  [Reserved]



Sec.  381.103  Official poultry condemnation certificates; issuance and form.

    Upon request by the operator of the establishment, the inspector in 
charge shall issue a poultry condemnation certificate (Form MP-514-1), 
showing the total number of poultry in the lot and the numbers condemned 
and the reasons for such condemnations.
    The official poultry condemnation certificate authorized by this 
subpart is a paper certificate (Form MP-514-1), for signature by an 
inspector, bearing the legend

   U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
                                 Service

                    poultry condemnation certificate

and the seal of the United States Department of Agriculture, with a 
certification that the poultry enumerated on the form were inspected and 
condemned for the listed causes in compliance with the regulations of 
the Department. A statement to the effect that certain figures on the 
certificate were derived from information supplied by plant management, 
and a signature line for an authorized plant official is also shown.



Sec.  381.104  Export inspection marks.

    The export inspection mark required in Sec.  381.105 must be either 
a mark that contains a unique identifier that links the consignment to 
the export certificate or an official mark with the following form: \1\
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR29JN16.016

    \1\ The number ``1234567'' is given as an example only. The number 
on the mark will correspond to the printed number on the export 
certificate.

[81 FR 42234, June 29, 2016]



Sec.  381.105  Marking products for export.

    When authorized by inspection personnel, establishments must mark 
the outside container of any inspected and passed product for export, 
the securely enclosed pallet within the consignment, or closed means of 
conveyance transporting the consignment, with a mark that contains a 
unique identifier that links the consignment to the export certificate 
or an official mark as described in Sec.  381.104. Ship stores, small 
quantities exclusively for the personal use of the consignee and not for 
sale or distribution, and shipments by and for the U.S. Armed Forces, 
are exempt from the requirements of this section.

[81 FR 42234, June 29, 2016]



Sec.  381.106  Export certification.

    (a) Exporters must apply for export certification of inspected and 
passed products to any foreign country. Exporters may apply for an 
export certificate using a paper or electronic application. FSIS will 
assess exporters that submit an electronic application the charge in 
Sec.  362.5(e) of this chapter.
    (b) FSIS will issue only one certificate for each consignment, 
except in the case of error in the certificate or loss of the 
certificate originally issued. A request for a replacement certificate, 
except in the case of a lost certificate, must be accompanied by the 
original certificate. The new certificate will carry the following 
statement: ``Issued in replacement of ______'', with the

[[Page 428]]

numbers of the certificates that have been superseded.
    (c) FSIS will deliver a copy of the certificate to the person who 
requested such certificate or his agent. Such persons may duplicate the 
certificate as required in connection with the exportation of the 
product.
    (d) FSIS will retain a copy of the certificate.
    (e) Exporters may request inspection personnel to issue certificates 
for export consignments of product of official establishments not under 
their supervision, provided the consignments are first identified as 
having been ``U.S. inspected and passed,'' are found to be neither 
adulterated nor misbranded, and are marked as required by Sec.  381.105.

[81 FR 42234, June 29, 2016]



Sec.  381.107  Special procedures as to certification of poultry
products for export to certain countries.

    When export certificates are required by any foreign country for 
poultry products exported to such country, the Administrator shall in 
specific cases prescribe or approve the form of export certificate to be 
used and the methods and procedures he deems appropriate with respect to 
the processing of such products, in order to comply with requirements 
specified by the foreign country regarding the export products. 
Inspectors shall satisfy themselves that all such requirements are met 
before issuing such an export certificate. It shall be the 
responsibility of the exporter to provide any unofficial documentation 
needed to meet the foreign requirements, before the export certificate 
will be issued. Such certificates may also cover articles exempted from 
definition as a poultry product under Sec.  381.15 if they have been 
inspected and are certified under the regulations in part 362 of this 
chapter.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 39 FR 4569, Feb. 5, 1974; 41 FR 
23702, June 11, 1976]



Sec.  381.108  Official poultry inspection certificates; issuance and
disposition.

    (a) Upon the request of an interested party, any veterinary 
inspector is authorized to issue an official poultry inspection 
certificate with respect to any lot of slaughtered poultry inspected by 
him. At any official establishment each such certificate shall be signed 
by the inspector who made the inspection covered by the certificate, and 
if more than one inspector participated in the inspection of the lot of 
poultry, each such inspector shall sign the certificate with respect to 
such lot. If the inspection of a lot covered by a certificate was made 
by a food inspector, such certificate shall also be signed by the 
inspector in charge when such inspection was made. Any inspector is 
authorized to issue a poultry inspection certificate with respect to any 
other poultry product inspected by him.
    (b) The original and one copy of each poultry inspection certificate 
shall be issued to the applicant who requested such certificate, and one 
copy shall be retained by the inspector for filing. The inspector who 
issues any inspection certificate is authorized to furnish an additional 
copy of such certificate upon the request of an interested party. The 
person who sold the live poultry involved to the official establishment 
is an interested party for purposes of this section.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 39 FR 36000, Oct. 7, 1974]



Sec.  381.109  Form of official poultry inspection certificate.

    (a) The official poultry inspection certificate authorized by this 
subpart is a paper certificate (Form MP-505) for signature by an 
inspector, bearing the legend

   U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
               Service Meat and Poultry Inspection Program

                     poultry inspection certificate

and the seal of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with a certification 
that the poultry described therein had been inspected in compliance with 
the Regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture Governing the Inspection 
of Poultry and Poultry Products.
    (b) The certificate also bears a serial number such as ``B 3208'' 
and shows the respective name and address of the applicant, the shipper 
or seller and the

[[Page 429]]

receiver or buyer and the net weight in pounds of amount passed, amount 
rejected or condemned, type of poultry, lot number and class, and such 
other information as the Administrator may prescribe or approve in 
specific cases.



Sec.  381.110  Erasures or alterations made on certificates.

    Erasures or alterations not initialed by the issuing inspector shall 
not be permitted on any official certificate or any copy thereof. All 
certificates rendered useless through clerical error or otherwise and 
all certificates canceled for whatever cause shall be voided and 
initialed, and one copy shall be retained in the inspector's file; and 
the original and all other copies shall be forwarded to the appropriate 
program supervisor.



Sec.  381.111  Data to be entered in proper spaces.

    All certificates shall be so executed that the data entered thereon 
will appear in the proper spaces on each copy of the certificate.



Sec.  381.112  Official mark for maintaining the identity and integrity
of samples.

    The official mark for use in sealing containers of samples submitted 
under any requirements in this part and section 11(b) of the Poultry 
Products Inspection Act shall bear the designation ``Sample Seal'' 
accompanied by the official USDA logo as shown below. Any seal approved 
by the Administrator for applying such mark shall be deemed an official 
device for purposes of the Act. Such device shall be supplied to 
inspectors, compliance officers, and other designated Agency officials 
by the United States Department of Agriculture.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.041


[52 FR 41958, Nov. 2, 1987]



                    Subpart N_Labeling and Containers



Sec.  381.115  Containers of inspected and passed poultry products required
to be labeled.

    Except as may be authorized in specific cases by the Administrator 
with respect to shipment of poultry products between official 
establishments, each shipping container and each immediate container of 
any inspected and passed poultry product shall at the time it leaves the 
official establishment bear a label which contains information, and has 
been approved, in accordance with this subpart.



Sec.  381.116  Wording on labels of immediate containers.

    (a) Each label for use on immediate containers for inspected and 
passed poultry products shall bear on the principal display panel 
(except as otherwise permitted in the regulations), the items of 
information required by this subpart. Such items of information shall be 
in distinctly legible form. Except as provided in Sec.  381.128, all 
words, statements and other information required by or under authority 
of the Act to appear on the label or labeling shall appear thereon in 
the English language: Provided, however, That in the case of products 
distributed solely in Puerto Rico, Spanish may be substituted for 
English for all printed matter except the USDA inspection legend.
    (b) The principal display panel shall be the part of a label that is 
most likely to be displayed, presented, shown, or examined under 
customary conditions of display for sale. The principal display panel 
shall be large enough to accommodate all the mandatory label information 
required to be placed thereon by the regulations with clarity and 
conspicuousness and without being obscured by design or vignettes, or 
crowding. Where packages bear alternate principal display panels, 
information required to be placed on the principal display panel shall 
be duplicated on each principal display panel. The area that is to bear 
the principal display panel shall be:
    (1) In the case of a rectangular package, one entire side, the area 
of which

[[Page 430]]

is the product of the height times the width of that side.
    (2) In the case of a cylindrical or nearly cylindrical container:
    (i) An area on the side of the container that is 40 percent of the 
product of the height of the container times the circumference, or
    (ii) A panel, the width of which is one-third of the circumference 
and the height of which is as high as the container: Provided, however, 
That there is, immediately to the right or left of such principal 
display panel, a panel which has a width not greater than 20 percent of 
the circumference and a height as high as the container, and which is 
reserved for information prescribed in Sec. Sec.  381.118, 381.122, and 
381.123. Such panel shall be known as the ``20 percent panel'' and such 
information may be shown on that panel in lieu of showing it on the 
principal display panel as provided in this Sec.  381.116.
    (3) In the case of a container of any other shape, 40 percent of the 
total surface of the container.

In determining the area of the principal display panel, exclude tops, 
bottoms, flanges at tops and bottoms of cans, and shoulders and necks of 
bottles or jars.
    (c) (1) The information panel is that part of a label that is the 
first surface to the right of the principal display panel as observed by 
an individual facing the principal display panel, with the following 
exceptions:
    (i) If the first surface to the right of the principal display panel 
is too small to accommodate the required information or is otherwise 
unusable label space, e.g., folded flaps, tear strips, opening flaps, 
heat-sealed flaps, the next panel to the right of this part of the label 
may be used.
    (ii) If the package has one or more alternate principal display 
panels, the information panel is to the right of any principal display 
panel.
    (iii) If the top of the container is the principal display panel and 
the package has no alternate principal display panel, the information 
panel is any panel adjacent to the principal display panel.
    (2) (i) Except as otherwise permitted in this part, all information 
required to appear on the principal display panel or permitted to appear 
on the information panel shall appear on the same panel unless there is 
insufficient space. In determining the sufficiency of the available 
space, except as otherwise prescribed in this part, any vignettes, 
designs, and any other nonmandatory information shall not be considered. 
If there is insufficient space for all required information to appear on 
a single panel, it may be divided between the principal display panel 
and the information panel, provided that the information required by any 
given provision of this part, such as the ingredients statement, is not 
divided and appears on the same panel.
    (ii) All information appearing on the information panel pursuant to 
this section shall appear in one place without intervening material, 
such as designs or vignettes.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 40 FR 11347, Mar. 11, 1975; 59 
FR 40214, Aug. 8, 1994]



Sec.  381.117  Name of product and other labeling.

    (a) The label shall show the name of the product, which, in the case 
of a poultry product which purports to be or is represented as a product 
for which a definition and standard of identity or composition is 
prescribed in subpart P, shall be the name of the food specified in the 
standard, and in the case of any other poultry product shall be the 
common or usual name of the food, if any there be, and if there is none, 
a truthful descriptive designation.
    (b) The name of the product required to be shown on labels for fresh 
or frozen raw whole carcasses of poultry shall be in either of the 
following forms: The name of the kind (such as chicken, turkey, or duck) 
preceded by the qualifying term ``young'' or ``mature'' or ``old'', 
whichever is appropriate; or the appropriate class name as described in 
Sec.  381.170(a). The name of the kind may be used in addition to the 
class name, but the name of the kind alone without the qualifying age or 
class term is not acceptable as the name of the product, except that the 
name ``chicken'' may be used without such qualification with respect to 
a ready-to-cook pack of fresh or frozen cut-up young chickens, or a half 
of a

[[Page 431]]

young chicken, and the name ``duckling'' may be used without such 
qualification with respect to a ready-to-cook pack of fresh or frozen 
young ducks. The class name may be appropriately modified by changing 
the word form, such as using the term ``roasting chicken'', rather than 
``roaster.'' The appropriate names for cut-up parts are set forth in 
Sec.  381.170(b). When naming parts cut from young poultry, the identity 
of both the kind of poultry and the name of the part shall be included 
in the product name. The product name for parts or portions cut from 
mature poultry shall include, along with the part or portion name, the 
class name or the qualifying term ``mature.'' The name of the product 
for cooked or heat processed poultry products shall include the kind 
name of the poultry from which the product was prepared but need not 
include the class name or the qualifying term ``mature.''
    (c) Poultry products containing light and dark chicken or turkey 
meat in quantities other than the natural proportions, as indicated in 
Table 1 in this paragraph, must have a qualifying statement in 
conjunction with the name of the product indicating, as shown in Table 
1, the types of meat actually used, except that when the product 
contains less than 10 percent cooked deboned poultry meat or is 
processed in such a manner that the character of the light and dark meat 
is not distinguishable, the qualifying statement will not be required, 
unless the product bears a label referring to the light or dark meat 
content. In the latter case, the qualifying statement is required if the 
light and dark meat are not present in natural proportions. The 
qualifying statement must be in type at least one-half the size and of 
equal boldness as the name of the product; e.g., Boned Turkey (Dark 
Meat).

                                 Table 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Percent      Percent
               Label terminology                 light meat   dark meat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural proportions...........................        50-65        50-35
Light or white meat...........................          100            0
Dark meat.....................................            0          100
Light and dark meat...........................        51-65        49-35
Dark and light meat...........................        35-49        65-51
Mostly white meat.............................   66 or more   34 or less
Mostly dark meat..............................   34 or less   66 or more
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d) Boneless poultry products shall be labeled in a manner that 
accurately describes their actual form and composition. The product name 
shall specify the form of the product (e.g., emulsified, finely chopped, 
etc.), and the kind name of the poultry, and if the product does not 
consist of natural proportions of skin and fat, as they occur in the 
whole carcass, shall also include terminology that describes the actual 
composition. If the product is cooked, it shall be so labeled. For the 
purpose of this paragraph, natural proportions of skin, as found on a 
whole chicken or turkey carcass, will be considered to be as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Percent
                                                       -----------------
                                                          Raw     Cooked
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chicken...............................................       20       25
Turkey................................................       15       20
------------------------------------------------------------------------


Boneless poultry product shall not have a bone solids content of more 
than 1 percent, calculated on a weight basis.
    (e) On the label of any ``Mechanically Separated (Kind of Poultry) 
`` described in Sec.  381.173, the name of such product shall be 
followed immediately by the phrase: ``with excess skin'' unless such 
product is made from poultry product that does not include skin in 
excess of the natural proportion of skin present on the whole carcass, 
as specified in paragraph (d) of this section. Appropriate terminology 
on the label shall indicate if heat treatment has been used in the 
preparation of the product. The labeling information described in this 
paragraph shall be identified on the label before the product leaves the 
establishment at which it is manufactured.
    (f) The labels of sausages encased in natural casings made from meat 
or poultry viscera shall identify the type of meat or poultry from which 
the casings were derived, if the casings are from a different type of 
meat or poultry than the encased meat or poultry. The identity of the 
casing, if required, may be placed on the principal display panel or in 
the ingredient statement.

[[Page 432]]

Establishments producing, manufacturing, or using natural sausage 
casings are to maintain records documenting the meat or poultry source 
in accordance with subpart Q of this part.
    (g) The labels of sausages encased in regenerated collagen casings 
shall disclose this fact on the product label. The fact that the sausage 
is encased in collagen may be placed on the principal display panel or 
in the ingredient statement.
    (h) The product name for a raw poultry product that contains added 
solution and does not meet a standard of identity in this part must 
contain a descriptive designation that includes:
    (1) The percentage of added solution (total weight of the solution 
ingredients divided by the weight of the raw poultry without solution or 
any other added ingredients multiplied by 100). The percentage of added 
solution must appear as a number (such as, 15, 20, 30) and the percent 
symbol (%). The percentage of added solution may be declared by the 
words ``containing'' or ``contains'' (such as, ``contains 15% added 
solution of water and salt,'' or ``containing 15% added solution of 
water and teriyaki sauce'').
    (2) The common or usual name of all individual ingredients or multi-
ingredient components in the solution listed in descending order of 
predominance by weight.
    (3) When the descriptive designation includes all ingredients in the 
solution, a separate ingredients statement is not required on the label. 
When the descriptive designation includes multi-ingredient components 
and the ingredients of the component are not declared in the product 
name, all ingredients in the product must be declared in a separate 
ingredients statement on the label as required in Sec.  381.118.
    (4) The product name and the descriptive designation must be printed 
in a single easy-to-read type style and color and must appear on a 
single-color contrasting background. The print may appear in upper and 
lower case letters, with the lower case letters not smaller than one-
third (\1/3\) the size of the largest letter.
    (5) The word ``enhanced'' cannot be used in the product name.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 60 FR 55983, Nov. 3, 1995; 66 
FR 40845, Aug. 6, 2001; 79 FR 79061, Dec. 31, 2014]



Sec.  381.118  Ingredients statement.

    (a)(1) The label shall show a statement of the ingredients in the 
poultry product if the product is fabricated from two or more 
ingredients. Such ingredients shall be listed by their common or usual 
names in the order of their descending proportions, except as prescribed 
in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
    (2)(i) Product ingredients which are present in individual amounts 
of 2 percent or less by weight may be listed in the ingredients 
statement in other than descending order of predominance: Provided, That 
such ingredients are listed by their common or usual names at the end of 
the ingredients statement and preceded by a quantifying statement, such 
as ``Contains __________ percent or less of __________ ,'' or ``Less 
than __________ percent of __________ .'' The percentage of the 
ingredient(s) shall be filled in with a threshold level of 2 percent, 
1.5 percent, 1.0 percent, or 0.5 percent, as appropriate. No ingredient 
to which the quantifying statement applies may be present in an amount 
greater than the stated threshold. Such a quantifying statement may also 
be utilized when an ingredients statement contains a listing of 
ingredients by individual components. Each component listing may utilize 
the required quantifying statement at the end of each component 
ingredients listing.
    (ii) Such ingredients may be adjusted in the product formulation 
without a change being made in the ingredients statement on the 
labeling, provided that the adjusted amount complies with subpart P of 
this part and Sec.  424.21(c) of subchapter E, and does not exceed the 
amount shown in the quantifying statement. Any such adjustments to the 
formulation shall be provided to the inspector-in-charge.
    (b) For the purpose of this paragraph, the term ``chicken meat,'' 
unless modified by an appropriate adjective, is construed to mean 
deboned white and dark meat; whereas the term ``chicken'' may

[[Page 433]]

include other edible parts such as skin and fat not in excess of their 
natural proportions, in addition to the chicken meat. If the term 
``chicken meat'' is listed and the product also contains skin, giblets, 
or fat, it is necessary to list each such ingredient. Similar principles 
shall be followed in listing ingredients of poultry products processed 
from other kinds of poultry.
    (c) The terms spice, natural flavor, natural flavoring, flavor or 
flavoring may be used in the following manner:
    (1) The term ``spice'' means any aromatic vegetable substance in the 
whole, broken, or ground form, with the exceptions of onions, garlic and 
celery, whose primary function in food is seasoning rather than 
nutritional and from which no portion of any volatile oil or other 
flavoring principle has been removed. Spices include the spices listed 
in 21 CFR 182.10, and 184.
    (2) The term ``natural flavor,'' ``natural flavoring,'' ``flavor'' 
or ``flavoring'' means the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or 
extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, 
heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents 
derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable 
juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or any other edible 
portions of a plant, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or 
fermentation products thereof, whose primary function in food is 
flavoring rather than nutritional. Natural flavors include the natural 
essence or extractives obtained from plants listed in 21 CFR 182.10, 
182.20, 182.40, 182.50 and 184, and the substances listed in 21 CFR 
172.510. The term natural flavor, natural flavoring, flavor or flavoring 
may also be used to designate spices, powdered onion, powdered garlic, 
and powdered celery.
    (i) Natural flavor, natural flavoring, flavor or flavoring as 
described in paragraph (c)(1) and (2) of this section, which are also 
colors shall be designated as ``natural flavor and coloring,'' ``natural 
flavoring and coloring,'' ``flavor and coloring'' or ``flavoring and 
coloring'' unless designated by their common or usual name.
    (ii) Any ingredient not designated in paragraphs (c) (1) and (2) of 
this section whose function is flavoring, either in whole or in part, 
must be designated by its common or usual name. Those ingredients which 
are of livestock or poultry origin must be designated by names that 
include the species and livestock and poultry tissues from which the 
ingredients are derived.
    (d) On containers of frozen dinners, entrees, and pizzas, and 
similarly packaged products in cartons, the ingredient statement may be 
placed on the front riser panel: Provided, That the words ``see 
ingredients,'' followed immediately by an arrow pointing to the front 
riser panel, are placed on the principal display panel immediately above 
the location of such statement, without intervening printing or designs.
    (e) The ingredients statement may be placed on the information 
panel, except as otherwise permitted in this subchapter.
    (f) Establishments may interchange the identity of two kinds of 
poultry (e.g., chicken and turkey, chicken meat and turkey meat) used in 
a product formulation without changing the product's ingredient 
statement or product name under the following conditions:
    (1)(i) The two kinds of poultry used must comprise at least 70 
percent by weight of the poultry and the poultry ingredients [e.g. 
giblets, skin or fat in excess of natural proportions, or mechanically 
separated (kind)] used; and,
    (ii) Neither of the two kinds of poultry used can be less than 30 
percent by weight of the total poultry and poultry ingredients used;
    (2) The word ``and'' in lieu of a comma must be shown between the 
declaration of the two kinds of poultry in the ingredients statement and 
in the product name.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 55 FR 7294, Mar. 1, 1990; 55 FR 
26422, June 28, 1990; 58 FR 38049, July 15, 1993; 59 FR 40215, Aug. 8, 
1994; 63 FR 11360, Mar. 9, 1998; 76 FR 82078, Dec. 30, 2011]



Sec.  381.119  Declaration of artificial flavoring or coloring.

    (a) When an artificial smoke flavoring or a smoke flavoring is added 
as an ingredient in the formula of any poultry product, there shall 
appear on

[[Page 434]]

the label, in prominent letters and contiguous to the name of the 
product, a statement such as ``Artificial Smoke Flavoring Added'' or 
``Smoke Flavoring Added,'' as applicable, and the ingredient statement 
shall identify any artificial smoke flavoring or smoke flavoring added 
as an ingredient in the formula of the poultry product.
    (b) Any poultry product which bears or contains any artificial 
flavoring other than an artificial smoke flavoring or a smoke flavoring, 
or bears or contains any artificial coloring shall bear a statement 
stating that fact on the immediate container or, if there is none, on 
the product.



Sec.  381.120  Antioxidants; chemical preservatives; and other additives.

    When an antioxidant is added to a poultry product, there shall 
appear on the label in prominent letters and contiguous to the name of 
the product, a statement showing the name of the antioxidant and the 
purpose for which it is added, such as ``BHA added to help protect the 
flavor.'' Immediate containers of poultry products packed in, bearing, 
or containing any chemical preservative shall bear a label stating that 
fact and naming the additive and the purpose of its use. Immediate 
containers of poultry products packed in, bearing or containing any 
other chemical additive shall bear a label naming the additive and the 
purpose of its use when required by the Administrator in specific cases. 
When approved proteolytic enzymes as permitted in a regulation 
permitting that use in this subchapter or 9 CFR Chapter III, Subchapter 
E, or in 21 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter A or Subchapter B of this 
subchapter are used in mature poultry muscle tissue, there shall appear 
on the label, in a prominent manner, contiguous to the product name, the 
statement ``Tenderized with [approved enzyme],'' to indicate the use of 
such enzymes. Any other approved substance which may be used in the 
solution shall also be included in the statement. When approved 
inorganic chlorides as permitted in a regulation permitting that use in 
this subchapter or 9 CFR Chapter III, Subchapter E, or in 21 CFR Chapter 
I, Subchapter A or Subchapter B of this subchapter are used in mature 
poultry muscle tissue, there shall appear on the label, in a prominent 
manner, contiguous to the product name, the statement, ``Tenderized with 
(name of approved inorganic chloride(s))'' to indicate the use of such 
inorganic chlorides. Any other approved substance which may be used in 
the solution shall also be included in the statement.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 45 FR 58820, Sept. 5, 1980; 49 
FR 18999, May 4, 1984; 64 FR 72175, Dec. 23, 1999]



Sec.  381.121  Quantity of contents.

    (a) The label shall bear a statement of the quantity of contents in 
terms of weight or measures as provided in paragraph (c)(5) of this 
section. However, the Administrator may approve the use of labels for 
certain types of consumer packages which do not bear a statement of the 
net weight that would otherwise be required under this subparagraph: 
Provided, That the shipping container bears a statement ``Net weight to 
be marked on consumer packages prior to display and sale'': And provided 
further, That the total net weight of the contents of the shipping 
container is marked on such container: And provided further, That the 
shipping container bears a statement ``Tare weight of consumer package'' 
and in close proximity thereto, the actual tare weight (weight of 
packaging material), weighed to the nearest one-eighth ounce or less, of 
the individual consumer package in the shipping container. The above-
specified statements may be added to approved shipping container labels 
upon approval by the inspector in charge.
    (b) When a poultry product and a nonpoultry product are separately 
wrapped and are placed in a single immediate container bearing the same 
name of both products, the net weight on such immediate container may be 
the total net weight of the products, or such immediate container may 
show the net weights of the poultry product and the nonpoultry product 
separately. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this paragraph, the 
label on consumer size retail packages of stuffed poultry and other 
stuffed poultry products must show the total net weight of

[[Page 435]]

the poultry product, and in close proximity thereto, a statement 
specifying the minimum weight of the poultry in the product.
    (c)(1) The statement of net quantity of contents shall appear 
(except as otherwise permitted under this paragraph (c)), on the 
principal display panel of all containers to be sold at retail intact, 
in conspicuous and easily legible boldface print or type, in distinct 
contrast to other matter on the container, and shall be declared in 
accordance with the provisions of this paragraph (c). An unused tare 
weight, as defined in section 381.121b of this subchapter, may be 
printed adjacent to the statement of net quantity of contents when the 
product is packaged totally with impervious packaging material and is 
packed with a usable medium.
    (2) The statement shall be placed on the principal display panel 
within the bottom 30 percent of the area of the panel, in lines 
generally parallel to the base: Provided, That on packages having a 
principal display panel of 5 square inches or less, the requirement for 
placement within the bottom 30 percent of the area of the label panel 
shall not apply when the statement meets the other requirements of this 
paragraph. The declaration may appear in more than one line.
    (3) The statement shall be in letters and numerals in type size 
established in relationship to the area of the principal display panel 
of the package and shall be uniform for all packages of substantially 
the same size by complying with the following type specifications:
    (i) Not less than one-sixteenth inch in height on containers, the 
principal display panel of which has an area of 5 square inches or less;
    (ii) Not less than one-eighth inch in height on containers, the 
principal display panel of which has an area of more than 5 but not more 
than 25 square inches;
    (iii) Not less than three-sixteenth inch in height on containers, 
the principal display panel of which has an area of more than 25 but not 
more than 100 square inches;
    (iv) Not less than one-quarter inch in height on containers, the 
principal display panel of which has an area of more than 100 but not 
more than 400 square inches;
    (v) Not less than one-half inch in height on containers, the 
principal display panel of which has an area of more than 400 square 
inches.
    (vi) The ratio of height to width of letters and numerals shall not 
exceed a differential of 3 units to 1 unit (no more than 3 times as high 
as it is wide). This height standard pertains to upper case or capital 
letters. When upper and lower case or all lower case letters are used, 
it is the lower case letter ``o'' or its equivalent that shall meet the 
minimum standards. When fractions are used, each component numeral shall 
meet one-half the height standards.
    (4) The statement shall appear as a distinct item on the principal 
display panel and shall be separated, from other label information 
appearing to the left or right of the statement, by a space at least 
equal in width to twice the width of the letter ``N'' of the style of 
type used in the quantity of contents statement and shall be separated 
from other label information appearing above or below the statement by a 
space at least equal in height to the height of the lettering used in 
the statement.
    (5) The terms ``net weight'' or ``net wt.'' shall be used when 
stating the net quantity of contents in terms of weight, and the term 
``net contents'' or ``contents'' when stating the net quantity of 
contents in terms of fluid measure. Except as provided in Sec.  381.128, 
the statement shall be expressed in terms of avoirdupois weight or 
liquid measure. Where no general consumer usage to the contrary exists, 
the statement shall be in terms of liquid measure, if the product is 
liquid, or in terms of weight if the product is solid, semi-solid, 
viscous, or a mixture of solid and liquid. On packages containing less 
than 1 pound or 1 pint, the statement shall be expressed in ounces or 
fractions of a pint, respectively. On packages containing 1 pound or 1 
pint or more, and less than 4 pounds or 1 gallon, the statement shall be 
expressed in ounces or in pounds with any remainder in terms of ounces 
or common or decimal fraction of the pound, or in the case of liquid 
measure, in the largest

[[Page 436]]

whole units with any remainder in terms of fluid ounces or common or 
decimal fraction of the pint or quart. For example, a declaration of 
three-fourths pound avoirdupois weight shall be expressed as ``Net Wt. 
12 oz.''; a declaration of 1\1/2\ pounds avoirdupois weight shall be 
expressed as ``Net Wt. 24 oz.,'' ``Net Wt. 1 lb. 8 oz.,'' ``Net Wt. 1\1/
2\ lb.,'' or ``Net Wt. 1.5 lbs.''. However, on random weight packages 
the statement shall be expressed in terms of pounds and decimal 
fractions of the pound, for packages over 1 pound, and for packages 
which do not exceed 1 pound the statement may be in decimal fractions of 
the pound in lieu of ounces. The numbers may be written in provided the 
unit designation is printed. Paragraphs (c)(8) and (9) of this section 
permit certain exceptions to this paragraph (c)(5) for multi-unit 
packages, and random weight consumer size and small packages (less than 
\1/2\ ounce), respectively.
    (6) The statement as it is shown on a label shall not be false or 
misleading and shall express an accurate statement of the quantity of 
contents of the container. Reasonable variations caused by loss or gain 
of moisture during the course of good distribution practices or by 
unavoidable deviations in good manufacturing practices will be 
recognized. Variations from stated quantity of contents shall be as 
provided in section 381.121b of this subchapter. The statement shall not 
include any term qualifying a unit of weight, measure, or count such as 
``jumbo quart,'' ``full gallon,'' ``giant quart,'' ``when packed,'' 
``minimum,'' or words of similar importance except as provided in 
paragraph (b) of this section.
    (7) Labels for containers which bear any representation as to the 
number of servings contained therein shall bear, contiguous to such 
representation, and in the same size type as is used for such 
representation, a statement of the net quantity of each such serving.
    (8) On a multiunit retail package, a statement of the quantity of 
contents shall appear on the outside of the package and shall include 
the number of individual units, the quantity of each individual unit, 
and, in parentheses, the total quantity of contents of the multiunit 
package in terms of avoirdupois or fluid ounces. ``A multiunit retail 
package'' is a package containing two or more individually packaged 
units of the identical commodity and in the same quantity, with the 
individual packages intended to be sold as part of the multiunit retail 
package but capable of being sold individually. Open multiunit retail 
packages that do not obscure the number of units and the labeling 
thereon are not subject to this paragraph (c) (8) if the labeling of 
each individual unit complies with the requirements of this paragraph 
(c).
    (9) The following exemptions from the requirements contained in this 
section are hereby established:
    (i) Individually wrapped, random weight consumer size packages of 
poultry products (as specified in paragraph (c)(10) of this section) and 
poultry products that are subject to shrinkage through moisture loss 
during good distribution practices and are designated as gray area type 
of products as defined in NBS handbook 133, section 3.18.2, need not 
bear a net weight statement when shipped from an official establishment 
provided a net weight shipping statement which meets the requirements of 
paragraph (c)(6) of this section is applied to the shipping container 
prior to shipping it from the official establishment. Net weight 
statements so applied to the shipping container are exempt from the type 
size and placement requirements of this paragraph if an accurate 
statement of net weight is shown conspicuously on the principal display 
panel of the shipping container. The net weight also shall be applied 
directly to random weight consumer size packages prior to retail display 
and sale. The net weight statement of random weight consumer size 
packages for retail sale shall be exempt from the type size and 
placement requirements of this paragraph if an accurate statement of net 
weight is shown conspicuously on the principal display panel of the 
package.
    (ii) Individually wrapped and labeled packages of less than \1/2\ 
ounce net weight and random weight consumer size packages shall be 
exempt from the requirements of this paragraph if they are in a shipping 
container and the statement of net quantity of contents

[[Page 437]]

on the shipping container meets the requirements of paragraph (c)(6) of 
this section;
    (iii) Individually wrapped and labeled packages of less than \1/2\ 
ounce net weight bearing labels declaring net weight, price per pound, 
and total price, shall be exempt from the type size and placement 
requirements of this paragraph if an accurate statement of net weight is 
shown conspicuously on the principal display panel of the package.
    (10) As used in this section a ``random weight consumer size 
package'' is one of a lot, shipment or delivery of packages of the same 
product, with varying weights and with no fixed weight pattern.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 39 FR 4569, Feb. 5, 1974; 53 FR 
28635, July 29, 1988; 55 FR 49835, Nov. 30, 1990; 87 FR 50556, Aug. 17, 
2022]



Sec. Sec.  381.121a-381.121e  [Reserved]



Sec.  381.122  Identification of manufacturer, packer or distributor.

    The name and address, including zip code, of the manufacturer, 
packer, or distributor shall be shown on the label and if only the name 
and address of the distributor is shown, it shall be qualified by such 
term as ``packed for,'' ``distributed by,'' or ``distributors.'' The 
name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor 
may be shown on the principal display panel, on the 20-percent panel of 
the principal display panel reserved for required information, on the 
front riser panel of frozen food cartons, or on the information panel.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 59 FR 40215, Aug. 8, 1994]



Sec.  381.123  Official inspection mark; official establishment number.

    The immediate container of every inspected and passed poultry 
product shall bear:
    (a) The official inspection legend; and
    (b) The official establishment number of the official establishment 
in which the product was processed under inspection and placed as 
follows:
    (1) Within the official inspection legend in the form required by 
subpart M of this part; or
    (2) Outside the official inspection legend elsewhere on the exterior 
of the container or its labeling, e.g., the lid of a can, if shown in a 
prominent and legible manner in a size sufficient to insure easy 
visibility and recognition and accompanied by the prefix ``P''; or
    (3) Off the exterior of the container, e.g., on a metal clip used to 
close casings or bags, or on the back of a paper label of a canned 
product, or on other packaging or labeling in the container, e.g., on 
aluminum pans and trays placed within containers, when a statement of 
its location is printed contiguous to the official inspection legend, 
such as ``Plant No. on Package Closure'' or ``Plant No. on Pan'', if 
shown in a prominent and legible manner in a size sufficient to ensure 
easy visibility and recognition; or
    (4) On an insert label placed under a transparent covering if 
clearly visible and legible and accompanied by the prefix ``P''.

[47 FR 29515, July 7, 1982]



Sec.  381.124  Dietary food claims.

    If a product purports to be or is represented for any special 
dietary use by man, its label shall bear a statement concerning its 
vitamin, mineral, and other dietary properties upon which the claim for 
such use is based in whole or in part and shall be in conformity with 
regulations (21 CFR part 125) established pursuant to sections 403 and 
701 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 343, 371).



Sec.  381.125  Special handling label requirements.

    (a) Packaged products which require special handling to maintain 
their wholesome condition shall have prominently displayed on the 
principal display panel of the label the statement: ``Keep 
Refrigerated,'' ``Keep Frozen,'' ``Keep Refrigerated or Frozen,'' 
``Perishable--Keep Under Refrigeration,'' or such similar statement as 
the Administrator may approve in specific cases. The immediate 
containers for products that are frozen during distribution and intended 
to be thawed prior to or during display for sale shall bear the 
statement ``Shipped/Stored and Handled Frozen for Your Protection, Keep 
Refrigerated or Freeze.'' For all canned

[[Page 438]]

perishable products, the statement shall be shown in upper case letters 
one-fourth inch in height for containers having a net weight of 3 pounds 
or less, and for containers having a net weight over 3 pounds, the 
statement shall be shown in letters one-half inch in height.
    (b) Safe handling instructions shall be provided for all poultry 
products not processed in accordance with the provisions of Sec.  
381.150(a) or that have not undergone other processing that would render 
them ready-to-eat, except as exempted under paragraph (b)(4) of this 
section.
    (1) (i) Safe handling instructions shall accompany the poultry 
products, specified in this paragraph (b), destined for household 
consumers, hotels, restaurants, or similar institutions and shall appear 
on the label. The information shall be in lettering no smaller than one-
sixteenth of an inch in size and shall be prominently placed with such 
conspicuousness (as compared with other words, statements, designs or 
devices in the labeling) as to render it likely to be read and 
understood by the ordinary individual under customary conditions of 
purchase and use.
    (ii) The safe handling information shall be presented on the label 
under the heading ``Safe Handling Instructions'' which shall be set in 
type size larger than the print size of the rationale statement and 
handling statements as discussed in paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this 
section. The safe handling information shall be set off by a border and 
shall be one color type printed on a single color contrasting background 
whenever practical.
    (2) (i) The labels of the poultry products, specified in this 
paragraph (b) and prepared from inspected and passed poultry, shall 
include the following rationale statement as part of the safe handling 
instructions, ``This product was prepared from inspected and passed meat 
and/or poultry. Some food products may contain bacteria that could cause 
illness if the product is mishandled or cooked improperly. For your 
protection, follow these safe handling instructions.'' This statement 
shall be placed immediately after the heading and before the safe 
handling statements.
    (ii) The labels of the poultry products, specified in this paragraph 
(b) and prepared pursuant to Sec.  381.10(a) (2), (5), (6), and (7), 
shall include the following rationale statement as part of the safe 
handling instructions, ``Some food products may contain bacteria that 
could cause illness if the product is mishandled or cooked improperly. 
For your protection, follow these safe handling instructions.'' This 
statement shall be placed immediately after the heading and before the 
safe handling statements.
    (3) Poultry products, specified in this paragraph (b), shall bear 
the labeling statements.
    (i) Keep refrigerated or frozen. Thaw in refrigerator or microwave. 
(Any portion of this statement that is in conflict with the product's 
specific handling instructions may be omitted, e.g., instructions to 
cook without thawing.) (A graphic illustration of a refrigerator shall 
be displayed next to the statement.);
    (ii) Keep raw meat and poultry separate from other foods. Wash 
working surfaces (including cutting boards), utensils, and hands after 
touching raw meat or poultry. (A graphic illustration of soapy hands 
under a faucet shall be displayed next to the statement.);
    (iii) Cook thoroughly. (A graphic illustration of a skillet shall be 
displayed next to the statement.); and
    (iv) Keep hot foods hot. Refrigerate leftovers immediately or 
discard. (A graphic illustration of a thermometer shall be displayed 
next to the statement.)
    (4) Poultry products intended for further processing at another 
official establishment are exempt from the requirements prescribed in 
paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(3) of this section.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 39 FR 4569, Feb. 5, 1974; 59 FR 
14540, Mar. 28, 1994; 64 FR 746, Jan. 6, 1999]



Sec.  381.126  Date of packing and date of processing; contents of cans.

    (a) Either the immediate container or the shipping container of all 
poultry food products shall be plainly and permanently marked by code or 
otherwise with the date of packing. If calendar dating is used, it must 
be accompanied

[[Page 439]]

by an explanatory statement, as provided in Sec.  381.129(c)(2).
    (b) The immediate container for dressed poultry shall be marked with 
a lot number which shall be the number of the day of the year on which 
the poultry was slaughtered or a coded number.
    (c) All canned products shall be plainly and permanently marked, by 
code or otherwise, on the containers, with the identity of the contents 
and date of canning, except that canned products packed in glass 
containers are not required to be marked with the date of canning if 
such information appears on the shipping container. If calendar dating 
is used, it must be accompanied by an explanatory statement, as provided 
in Sec.  381.129(c)(2).
    (d) If any marking is by code, the inspector in charge shall be 
informed as to its meaning.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 39 FR 28516, Aug. 8, 1974; 39 
FR 35784, Oct. 4, 1974]



Sec.  381.127  Wording on labels of shipping containers.

    (a) Each label for use on a shipping container for inspected and 
passed poultry products shall bear, in distinctly legible form, the 
following information:
    (1) The official inspection legend.
    (2) The official establishment number of the official establishment 
in which the poultry product was inspected, either within the official 
inspection mark, or elsewhere on the container clearly visible and in 
proximity to the official inspection mark.



Sec.  381.128  Labels in foreign languages.

    Any label to be affixed to a container of any dressed poultry or 
other poultry product for foreign commerce may be printed in a foreign 
language. However, the official inspection legend and establishment 
number shall appear on the label in English, but in addition, may be 
literally translated into such foreign language. Each such label shall 
be subject to the applicable provisions of Sec. Sec.  381.115 to 
381.141, inclusive. Deviations from the form of labeling required under 
the regulations may be approved by the Administrator in specific cases 
and such modified labeling may be used for poultry products to be 
exported: Provided, (a) That the proposed labeling accords to the 
specifications of the foreign purchaser, (b) that it is not in conflict 
with the Act or the laws of the country to which it is intended for 
export, and (c) that the outside of the shipping container is labeled to 
show that it is intended for export; but if such product is sold or 
offered for sale in domestic commerce, all the requirements of the 
regulations shall apply.



Sec.  381.129  False or misleading labeling or containers.

    (a) No poultry product subject to the Act shall have any false or 
misleading labeling or any container that is so made, formed, or filled 
as to be misleading. However, established trade names and other labeling 
and containers which are not false or misleading and which are approved 
by the Administrator in the regulations or in specific cases are 
permitted.
    (b) No statement, word, picture, design, or device which is false or 
misleading in any particular or conveys any false impression or gives 
any false indication of origin, identity, or quality, shall appear on 
any label. For example:
    (1) Official grade designations such as the letter grades A, B, and 
C may be used in labeling individual carcasses of poultry or containers 
of poultry products only if such articles have been graded by a licensed 
grader of the Federal or Federal-State poultry grading service and found 
to qualify for the indicated grade.
    (2) Terms having geographical significance with reference to a 
particular locality may be used only when the product was produced in 
that locality.
    (3) ``Fresh frozen'', ``quick frozen'', ``frozen fresh'', and terms 
of similar import apply only to ready-to-cook poultry processed in 
accordance with Sec.  381.66(f)(1). Ready-to-cook poultry handled in any 
other manner and dressed poultry may be labeled ``frozen'' only if it is 
frozen in accordance with Sec.  381.66(f)(2) under Department 
supervision and is in fact in a frozen state. ``Individually quick 
frozen (Kind)'' and terms of similar import are applicable only to 
poultry products

[[Page 440]]

that are frozen as stated on the label and whose component parts can be 
easily separated at time of packing.
    (4) Poultry products labeled with a term quoted in any paragraph of 
Sec.  381.170(b) shall comply with the specifications in the applicable 
paragraph. However, parts of poultry may be cut in any manner the 
processor desires as long as the labeling appropriately reflects the 
contents of the container of such poultry.
    (5) The terms ``All,'' ``Pure,'' ``100%,'' and terms of similar 
connotation shall not be used on labels for products to identify 
ingredient content, unless the product is prepared solely from a single 
ingredient.
    (6)(i) A raw poultry product whose internal temperature has ever 
been below 26 [deg]F may not bear a label declaration of ``fresh.'' A 
raw poultry product bearing a label declaration of ``fresh'' but whose 
internal temperature has ever been below 26 [deg]F is mislabeled. The 
temperature of individual packages of raw poultry product within an 
official establishment may deviate below the 26 [deg]F standard by 1 
degree (i.e., have a temperature of 25 [deg]F) and still be labeled 
``fresh.'' The temperature of individual packages of raw poultry product 
outside an official establishment may deviate below the 26 [deg]F 
standard by 2 degrees (i.e., have a temperature of 24 [deg]F) and still 
be labeled ``fresh.'' The average temperature of poultry product lots of 
each specific product type must be 26 [deg]F. Product described in this 
paragraph is not subject to the freezing procedures required in Sec.  
381.66(f)(2) of this subchapter.
    (ii) Raw poultry product whose internal temperature has ever been at 
or below 0[deg]F must be labeled with the descriptive term ``frozen,'' 
except when such labeling duplicates or conflicts with the labeling 
requirements in Sec.  381.125 of this subchapter. The word 
``previously'' may be placed next to the term ``frozen'' on an optional 
basis. The descriptive term must be prominently displayed on the 
principal display panel of the label. If additional labeling containing 
the descriptive term is affixed to the label, it must be prominently 
affixed to the label. The additional labeling must be so conspicuous (as 
compared with other words, statements, designs, or devices in the 
labeling) that it is likely to be read and understood by the ordinary 
individual under customary conditions of purchase and use. Product 
described in this paragraph is subject to the freezing procedures 
required in Sec.  381.66(f)(2) of this subchapter.
    (iii) Raw poultry product whose internal temperature has ever been 
below 26 [deg]F, but is above 0 [deg]F, is not required to bear any 
specific descriptive term. Raw poultry product whose internal 
temperature has ever been below 26 [deg]F, but is above 0 [deg]F, may 
bear labeling with an optional, descriptive term, provided the optional, 
descriptive term does not cause the raw poultry product to become 
misbranded. If used, an optional, descriptive term must be prominently 
displayed on the principal display panel of the label. If additional 
labeling containing the optional, descriptive term is affixed to the 
label, it must be prominently affixed on the label. The additional 
labeling must be so conspicuous (as compared with other words, 
statements, designs, or devices in the labeling) that it is likely to be 
read and understood by the ordinary individual under customary 
conditions of purchase and use.
    (iv) Handling and relabeling of products. (A) Except as provided 
under paragraph (b)(6)(iii)(C) of this section, when any inspected and 
passed product has become misbranded under this subpart after it has 
been transported from an official establishment, such product may be 
transported in commerce to an official establishment after oral 
permission is obtained from the Area Supervisor of the area in which 
that official establishment is located. The transportation of the 
product may be to the official establishment from which it had been 
transported or to another official establishment designated by the 
person desiring to handle the product. The transportation shall be 
authorized only for the purpose of the relabeling of the product. The 
Area Supervisor shall record the authorization and other information 
necessary to identify the product and shall provide a copy of the record 
to the inspector at the establishment receiving the product. The shipper 
shall be furnished a

[[Page 441]]

copy of the authorization record upon request.
    (B) Upon the arrival of the shipment at the official establishment, 
a careful inspection shall be made of the product by the inspector, and 
if it is found that the product is not adulterated, it may be received 
into the establishment; but if the product is found to be adulterated, 
it shall at once be condemned and disposed of in accordance with Sec.  
381.95 of this subchapter. Wholesome product will be relabeled in 
accordance with paragraph (b)(6) (i) or (ii) of this section, as 
appropriate.
    (C) When any inspected and passed product has become misbranded 
under this subpart after it has been transported from an official 
establishment, the owner may transport the product in commerce to a 
retail entity for relabeling in accordance with paragraph (b)(6) (i) or 
(ii) of this section, as appropriate, or to other end users, such as 
hotels, restaurants or similar institutions; or, relabel the product in 
accordance with paragraph (b)(6) (i) or (ii) of this section, as 
appropriate if the product is already at a retail entity. A hotel, 
restaurant or similar institution is not required to relabel product 
misbranded under this subpart; Provided, That the product is prepared in 
meals or as entrees only for sale or service directly to individual 
consumers at such institutions, and that the mark of inspection is 
removed or obliterated. Oral permission shall be obtained from the Area 
Officer-in-Charge of the Compliance Program for the area in which the 
product is located prior to such transportation or relabeling. The Area 
Officer-in-Charge shall record the authorization and other information 
necessary to identify the product, and shall furnish a copy of the 
authorization record upon request. Before being offered for sale at a 
retail entity, such product shall be relabeled.
    (v) Ready-to-cook chicken may bear the claim ``air chilled'' or 
``air chilling'' on its label only if the product was chilled under a 
process that meets the definition of air chilling in Sec.  381.66(e).
    (c) A calendar date may be shown on labeling when declared in 
accordance with the provisions of this paragraph:
    (1) The calendar date shall express the month of the year and the 
day of the month for all products and also the year in the case of 
products hermetically sealed in metal or glass containers, dried or 
frozen products, or any other products that the Administrator finds 
should be labeled with the year because the distribution and marketing 
practices with respect to such products may cause a label without a year 
identification to be misleading.
    (2) Immediately adjacent to the calendar date will be a phrase 
explaining the meaning of such date in terms of ``packing'' date, ``sell 
by'' date, or ``use before'' date, with or without a further qualifying 
phrase, e.g., ``For Maximum Freshness'' or ``For Best Quality.''
    (d) When sodium alginate, calcium carbonate, lactic acid, and 
calcium lactate are used together in a dry binding matrix in ground or 
formed poultry products, as permitted in Sec.  424.21(c) of subchapter 
E, there shall appear on the label contiguous to the product name a 
statement to indicate the use of sodium alginate, calcium carbonate, 
lactic acid, and calcium lactate.
    (e) When transglutaminase enzyme is used to bind pieces of poultry 
to form a cut of poultry, or to reform a piece of poultry from a 
multiple cuts of poultry, there shall appear on the label, as part of 
the product name, a statement that indicates that the product has been 
``formed'' or ``reformed,'' in addition to other preparation steps, 
e.g., ``Formed Turkey Thigh Roast'' or ``Reformed and Shaped Chicken 
Breast.''
    (f) A country of origin statement on the label of any poultry 
product ``covered commodity'' as defined in 7 CFR part 65, subpart A, 
that is to be sold by a ``retailer,'' as defined in 7 CFR 65.240, must 
comply with the requirements in 7 CFR 65.300 and 65.400.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 39 FR 28516, Aug. 8, 1974; 39 
FR 42339, Dec. 5, 1974; 55 FR 5977, Feb. 21, 1990; 60 FR 44412, Aug. 25, 
1995; 61 FR 66200, Dec. 17, 1996; 61 FR 68821, Dec. 30, 1996; 66 FR 
54916, Oct. 31, 2001; 73 FR 50703, Aug. 28, 2008; 76 FR 82078, Dec. 30, 
2011; 78 FR 66838, Nov. 7, 2013; 79 FR 49637, Aug. 21, 2014]

[[Page 442]]



Sec.  381.130  False or misleading labeling or containers; orders to
withhold from use.

    If the Administrator has reason to believe that any marking or other 
labeling or the size or form of any container in use or proposed for use 
with respect to any article subject to the Act is false or misleading in 
any particular, he may direct that the use of the article be withheld 
unless it is modified in such manner as the Administrator may prescribe 
so that it will not be false or misleading. If the person using or 
proposing to use the labeling or container does not accept the 
determination of the Administrator, he may request a hearing, but the 
use of the labeling or container shall, if the Administrator so directs, 
be withheld pending hearing and final determination by the Secretary in 
accordance with applicable rules of practice. Any such determination 
with respect to the matter by the Secretary shall be conclusive unless, 
within 30 days after the receipt of notice of such final determination, 
the person adversely affected thereby appeals to the U.S. Court of 
Appeals for the Circuit in which he has his principal place of business, 
or to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. 
The provisions of section 204 of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, 
as amended, shall be applicable to appeals taken under this section.



Sec.  381.131  Preparation of labeling or other devices bearing official
inspection marks without advance approval prohibited; exceptions.

    (a) Except for the purposes of preparing and submitting a sample or 
samples of the same to the Administrator for approval, no brand 
manufacturer, printer, or other person shall cast, print, lithograph, or 
otherwise make any marking device containing any official mark or 
simulation thereof, or any label bearing any such mark or simulation, 
without the written authority therefor of the Administrator. However, 
when any such sample label, or other marking device, is approved by the 
Administrator, additional supplies of the approved label, or marking 
device, may be made for use in accordance with the regulations in this 
subchapter, without further approval by the Administrator. The 
provisions of this paragraph do not apply to marking devices containing 
the official inspection legend shown in Figure 5 of Sec.  381.102.
    (b) No brand manufacturer or other person shall cast or otherwise 
make, without an official certificate issued in quadruplicate by a 
Program employee, a marking device containing the official inspection 
legend shown in Figure 5 of Sec.  381.102 or any simulation of that 
legend.
    (1) The certificate is a Food Safety and Inspection Service form for 
signature by a Program employee and the official establishment ordering 
the marking device, bearing a certificate serial number and a letterhead 
and the seal of the United States Department of Agriculture. The 
certificate authorizes the making of only the devices of the type and 
quantity listed on the certificate.
    (2) After signing the certificate, the Program employee and the 
establishment shall each keep a copy, and the remaining two copies shall 
be given to the marking device manufacturer.
    (3) The manufacturer of the marking devices shall engrave or 
otherwise mark each marking device with a permanent identifying serial 
number unique to it. The manufacturer shall list on each of the two 
copies of the certificate given to the manufacturer the number of each 
marking device authorized by the certificate. The manufacturer shall 
retain one copy of the certificate for the manufacturer's records and 
return the remaining copy with the marking devices to the Program 
employee whose name and address are given on the certificate as the 
recipient.
    (4) In order that all such marking devices bear identifying numbers, 
within one year after June 24, 1985, an establishment shall either 
replace each such marking device that does not bear an identifying 
number, or, under the direction of the inspector-in-charge, mark such 
marking device with a permanent identifying number.

(Recordkeeping requirements approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget under control number 0583-0015)

[50 FR 21423, May 24, 1985]

[[Page 443]]



Sec. Sec.  381.132-381.133  [Reserved]



Sec.  381.134  Requirement of formulas.

    Copies of each label submitted for approval, shall when the 
Administrator requires in any specific case, be accompanied by a 
statement showing, by their common or usual names, the kinds and 
percentages of the ingredients comprising the poultry product and by a 
statement indicating the method or preparation of the product with 
respect to which the label is to be used. Approximate percentages may be 
given in cases where the percentages of ingredients may vary from time 
to time, if the limits of variation are stated.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 39 FR 4569, Feb. 5, 1974; 59 FR 
45196, Sept. 1, 1994. Redesignated at 60 FR 67457, Dec. 29, 1995]



Sec.  381.136  Affixing of official identification.

    (a) No official inspection legend or any abbreviation or other 
simulation thereof may be affixed to or placed on or caused to be 
affixed to or placed on any poultry product or container thereof, except 
by an inspector or under the supervision of an inspector or other person 
authorized by the Administrator, and no container bearing any such 
legend shall be filled except under such supervision.
    (b) No official inspection legend shall be used on any poultry 
product or other article which does not qualify for such mark under the 
regulations.



Sec.  381.137  Evidence of labeling and devices approval.

    No inspector shall authorize the use of any device bearing any 
official inspection legend unless he or she has on file evidence that 
such device has been approved in accordance with the provisions of this 
subpart.

[60 FR 67458, Dec. 29, 1995]



Sec.  381.138  Unauthorized use or disposition of approved labeling 
or devices.

    (a) Labeling and devices approved for use pursuant to Sec.  381.115 
shall be used only for the purpose for which approved, and shall not be 
disposed of from the official establishment for which approved except 
with written approval of the Administrator. Any unauthorized use or 
disposition of approved labeling or devices bearing official inspection 
marks is prohibited and may result in cancellation of the approval.
    (b) Labeling and containers bearing any official inspection marks, 
with or without the official establishment number, may be transported 
from one official establishment to any other official establishment, 
only if such shipments are made with the prior authorization of the 
inspector in charge at point of origin, who will notify the inspector in 
charge at destination concerning the date of shipment, quantity, and 
type of labeling material involved. Approved labeling and containers may 
be moved without restriction under this part between official 
establishments operated by the same person if such labeling and 
containers are approved for use at all such establishments. No such 
material shall be used at the establishment to which it is shipped 
unless such use conforms with the requirements of this subpart.



Sec.  381.139  Removal of official identifications.

    (a) Every person who receives any poultry product in containers 
which bear any official inspection legend shall remove or deface such 
legend or destroy the containers upon removal of such articles from the 
containers.
    (b) No person shall alter, detach, deface, or destroy any official 
identifications prescribed in subpart M that were applied pursuant to 
the regulations, unless he is authorized to do so by an inspector or 
this section; and no person shall fail to use any such official 
identification when required by this part.



Sec.  381.140  Relabeling poultry products.

    When it is claimed by the operator of an official establishment that 
some of its labeled poultry product, which has been transported to a 
location other than an official establishment, is in need of relabeling 
because the labeling has become mutilated or damaged, or for some other 
reason needs relabeling, the requests for relabeling the poultry product 
shall be sent to the Administrator and accompanied with a statement of 
the reasons therefor and the

[[Page 444]]

quantity of labeling required. Labeling material intended for relabeling 
inspected and passed product shall not be transported from an official 
establishment until permission has been received from the Administrator. 
The relabeling of inspected and passed product with official labels 
shall be done under the supervision of an inspector pursuant to the 
regulations in part 362 of this chapter. The establishment shall 
reimburse the Inspection Service for any cost involved in supervising 
the relabeling of such product as provided in said regulations.



Sec. Sec.  381.141-381.143  [Reserved]



Sec.  381.144  Packaging materials.

    (a) Edible products may not be packaged in a container which is 
composed in whole or in part of any poisonous or deleterious substances 
which may render the contents adulterated or injurious to health. All 
packaging materials must be safe for the intended use within the meaning 
of section 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended 
(FFDCA).
    (b) Packaging materials entering the official establishment must be 
accompanied or covered by a guaranty, or statement of assurance, from 
the packaging supplier under whose brand name and firm name the material 
is marketed to the official establishment. The guaranty shall state that 
the material's intended use complies with the FFDCA and all applicable 
food additive regulations. The guaranty must identify the material, 
e.g., by the distinguishing brand name or code designation appearing on 
the packaging material shipping container; must specify the applicable 
conditions of use, including temperature limits and other pertinent 
limits specified under the FFDCA and food additive regulations; and must 
be signed by an authorized official of the supplying firm. The guaranty 
may be limited to a specific shipment of an article, in which case it 
may be part of or attached to the invoice covering such shipment, or it 
may be general and continuing, in which case, in its application to any 
article or other shipment of an article, it shall be considered to have 
been given at the date such article was shipped by the person who gives 
the guaranty. Guaranties consistent with the Food and Drug 
Administration's regulations regarding such guaranties (21 CFR 7.12 and 
7.13) will be acceptable. The management of the establishment must 
maintain a file containing guaranties for all food contact packaging 
materials in the establishment. The file shall be made available to 
Program inspectors or other Department officials upon request. While in 
the official establishment, the identity of all packaging materials must 
be traceable to the applicable guaranty.
    (c) The guaranty by the packaging supplier will be accepted by 
Program inspectors to establish that the use of material complies with 
the FFDCA and all applicable food additive regulations.
    (d) The Department will monitor the use of packaging materials in 
official establishments to assure that the requirements of paragraph (a) 
of this section are met, and may question the basis for any guaranty 
described under paragraph (b) of this section. Official establishments 
and packaging suppliers providing written guaranties to those official 
establishments will be permitted an opportunity to provide information 
to designated Department officials as needed to verify the basis for any 
such guaranty. The required information will include, but is not limited 
to, manufacturing firm's name, trade name or code designation for the 
material, complete chemical composition, and use. Selection of a 
material for review does not in itself affect a material's 
acceptability. Materials may continue to be used during the review 
period. However, if information requested from the supplier is not 
provided within the time indicated in the request--a minimum of 30 
days--any applicable guaranty shall cease to be effective and approval 
to continue using the specified packaging material in official 
establishments may be denied. The Administrator may extend this time 
where reasonable grounds for extension are shown, as, for example, where 
data must be obtained from suppliers.
    (e) The Administrator may disapprove for use in official 
establishments packaging materials whose use

[[Page 445]]

cannot be confirmed as complying with the FFDCA and applicable food 
additive regulations. Before approval to use a packaging material is 
finally denied by the Administrator, the affected official establishment 
and the supplier of the material shall be given notice and the 
opportunity to present their views to the Administrator. If the official 
establishment and the supplier do not accept the Administrator's 
determination, a hearing in accordance with applicable rules of practice 
will be held to resolve such dispute. Approval to use the materials 
pending the outcome of the presentation of views or hearing shall be 
denied if the Administrator determines that such use may present an 
imminent hazard to public health.
    (f) Periodically, the Administrator will issue to inspectors a 
listing, by distinguishing brand name or code designation, of packaging 
materials that have been reviewed and that fail to meet the requirements 
of paragraph (a) of this section. Listed materials will not be permitted 
for use in official establishments. If a subsequent review of any 
material indicates that it meets the requirements of paragraph (a), the 
material will be deleted from the listing.
    (g) Nothing in this section shall affect the authority of Program 
inspectors to refuse a specific material if he/she determines the 
material may render products adulterated or injurious to health.

[49 FR 2236, Jan. 19, 1984]



  Subpart O_Entry of Articles Into Official Establishments; Processing 
       Inspection and Other Reinspections; Processing Requirements



Sec.  381.145  Poultry products and other articles entering or at
official establishments; examination and other requirements.

    (a) No poultry product (including poultry broth for use in any 
poultry product in any official establishment) may be brought into any 
official establishment unless it has been processed in the United States 
only in an official establishment or imported from a foreign country 
eligible to export such poultry and poultry products to the United 
States under Sec.  381.196(b), and inspected and passed, in accordance 
with the regulations; and unless the container of such product is marked 
so as to identify the product as so inspected and passed, in accordance 
with Sec.  381.115 or Sec.  381.205, except that poultry products 
inspected and passed and identified as such under the laws of an ``at 
least equal'' State or territory listed in Sec.  381.187 may be brought 
into any official establishment solely for storage and distribution 
therefrom without repackaging, relabeling, or processing in such 
establishment. No carcass, part thereof, meat or meat food product of 
cattle, sheep, swine, goats, or equines may be brought into an official 
establishment unless it has been prepared in the United States only in 
an official meat packing establishment, or imported, and inspected and 
passed, in accordance with the Federal Meat Inspection Act, and the 
regulations under such Act (Subchapter A of this chapter) and is 
properly marked as so inspected and passed; or has been inspected and 
passed and is identified as such in accordance with the requirements of 
the law and regulations of a State not designated in Sec.  331.2 of this 
chapter; or is present in the official establishment by reason of an 
exemption allowed in the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the regulations 
under such Act (Subchapter A of this chapter) or the law and regulations 
of a State not so designated. However, such exempted articles may enter 
only under conditions approved by the Administrator in specific cases, 
including but not limited to, complete separation of inspected poultry 
products and processing and other operations with respect thereto from 
the exempted articles and operations with respect thereto, complete 
cleanup of facilities and equipment between processing of inspected 
poultry products and the exempted articles and no commingling of 
inspected and exempted articles in receiving, holding or storage areas.
    (b) All poultry products and all carcasses, parts thereof, meat and 
meat food products of cattle, sheep, swine, goats, or equines which 
enter any official establishment shall be identified

[[Page 446]]

by the operator of the official establishment at the time of receipt at 
the official establishment. All poultry products, and all carcasses, 
parts thereof, meat and meat food products of such animals, which are 
processed or otherwise handled at any official establishment shall be 
subject to examination by an inspector at the official establishment in 
such manner and at such times as may be deemed necessary by the 
inspector in charge to assure compliance with the regulations. Upon such 
examination, if any such article or portion thereof is found to be 
adulterated, such article or portion shall, in the case of poultry 
products, be condemned and disposed of as prescribed in Sec.  381.95, 
unless by reprocessing they may be made not adulterated, and shall, in 
the case of such other articles be disposed of according to applicable 
law.

Such examination may be accomplished through use of statistically sound 
sampling plans that assure a high level of confidence. The inspector in 
charge shall designate the type of plan and the program employee shall 
select the specific plan to be used in accordance with instructions 
issued by the Administrator. \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Further information concerning sampling plans which have been 
adopted for specific products may be obtained from the Circuit 
Supervisor. These sampling plans are developed for individual products 
by the Washington staff and will be distributed for field use as they 
are developed. The type of plan applicable depends on factors such as 
whether the product is in containers, stage of preparation, and 
procedures followed by the establishment operator. The specific plan 
applicable depends on the kind of product involved.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) Applying for Total Plant Quality Control. Any owner or operator 
of an official establishment preparing poultry product who has a total 
plant quality control system or plan for controlling such products, 
after ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection, through all stages of 
preparation, may request the Administrator to evaluate it to determine 
whether or not that system is adequate to result in product being in 
compliance with the requirements of the Act and therefore qualify as a 
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Total Plant Quality Control 
Establishment. Such a request shall, as a minimum, include:
    (1) A letter to the Administrator from the establishment owner or 
operator stating the company's basis and purpose for seeking an approved 
quality control system and willingness to adhere to the requirements of 
the system as approved by the Department; that all the establishment's 
data, analyses, and information generated by its quality control system 
will be maintained to enable the Department to monitor compliance and 
available to Department personnel; that plant quality control personnel 
will have authority to halt production or shipping of product in cases 
where the submitted quality control systems require it; and that the 
owner or operator (or his/her designee) will be available for 
consultation at any time Department personnel consider it necessary.
    (2) In the case of an establishment having one or more full-time 
persons whose primary duties are related to the quality control system, 
an organizational chart showing that such people ultimately report to an 
establishment official whose quality control responsibilities are 
independent of or not predominantly production responsibilities. In the 
case of a small establishment which does not have full-time quality 
control personnel, information indicating the nature of the duties and 
responsibilities of the person who will also be responsible for the 
quality control system.
    (3) A list identifying those subparts and sections of the poultry 
products inspection regulations which are applicable to the operations 
of the establishment applying for approval of a quality control system. 
This list shall also identify which part of the system will serve to 
maintain compliance with the applicable regulations.
    (4) Detailed information concerning the manner in which the system 
will function. Such information should include, but not necessarily be 
limited to, questions of raw material control, the critical check or 
control points, the nature and frequency of tests to be made, the nature 
of charts and other records that will be used, the length of time such 
charts and records will be

[[Page 447]]

maintained in the custody of the official establishment, the nature of 
deficiencies the quality control system is designed to identify and 
control, the parameters of limits which will be used and the points at 
which corrective action will occur, and the nature of such corrective 
action--ranging from the least to most severe: Provided, That subsequent 
to approval of the total plant quality control system by the 
Administrator, the official establishment may produce a new product for 
test marketing provided labeling for the product has been approved by 
the Administrator, the inspector in charge has determined that the 
procedures for preparing the product will assure that all Federal 
requirements are met, and the production for test marketing does not 
exceed 6 months. Such new product shall not be produced at that 
establishment after the 6-month period unless approval of the quality 
control system for that product has been received from the 
Administrator.
    (d)-(e) [Reserved]
    (f) Labeling Logo. Owners and operators of official establishments 
having a total plant quality control system approved under the 
provisions of paragraph (c) of this section may only use, as a part of 
any label, the following logo.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.043

    (g) Termination of Quality Control Systems. (1) The approval of a 
total plant quality control system may be terminated at any time by the 
owner or operator of the official establishment upon written notice to 
the Administrator.
    (2) The approval of a total plant quality control system or a 
quality control system for irradiation facilities may be terminated upon 
the establishment's receipt of a written notice from the Administrator 
under the following conditions:
    (i) If adulterated or misbranded poultry product is found by the 
Adminstrator to have been prepared for or distributed in commerce by the 
subject establishment. In such case, opportunity will be provided to the 
establishment owner or operator to present views to the Administrator 
within 30 days of the date of terminating the approval. In those 
instances where there is a conflict of facts, a hearing, under 
applicable Rules of Practice, will be afforded to the establishment 
owner or operator, if requested, to resolve the conflict, The 
Administrator's termination of approval shall remain in effect pending 
the final determination of the proceeding.
    (ii) If the establishment fails to comply with the quality control 
system to which it has agreed after being notified by letter from the 
Administrator or his designee. Prior to such termination, opportunity 
will be provided to the establishment owner or operator to present views 
to the Administrator within 30 days of the date of the letter. In those 
instances where there is a conflict of facts, a hearing, under 
applicable Rules of Practice, will be afforded to the establishment 
owner or operator, if requested, to resolve the conflict. The 
Administrator's termination of quality control approval shall remain in 
effect pending the final determination of the proceeding.
    (3) If approval of the total establishment quality control system 
has been terminated in accordance with the provisions of this section, 
an application and request for approval of the same or modified total 
establishment quality control system will not be evaluated by the 
Administrator for at least 6 months from the termination date.
    (4) If approval of a quality control system for irradiation 
facilities, as

[[Page 448]]

specified in section 381.149 of this subpart, has been terminated in 
accordance with the provisions of this section, a request for approval 
of the same or a modified quality control system will be evaluated by 
the Administrator upon receipt.
    (h)(1) Operating Schedule Under Total Plant Quality Control. An 
official establishment with an approved total plant quality control 
system may request approval for an operating schedule of up to 12 
consecutive hours per shift. Permissions will be granted provided that:
    (i) The official establishment has satisfactorily operated under a 
total plant quality control system for at least 1 year.
    (ii) All products prepared and packaged, or processed after the end 
of 8 hours of inspection shall only be a continuation of the processing 
monitored by the inspector and being conducted during the last hour of 
inspection.
    (iii) All immediate containers of products prepared and packaged 
shall bear code marks that are unique to any period of production beyond 
the 8 hours of inspection. The form of such code marks will remain 
constant from day to day, and a facsimile of the code marks and their 
meaning shall be provided to the inspector.
    (2) Application. Applications shall be submitted to the Regional 
Director and shall specify how the conditions in Sec.  381.145(h)(1) 
have been or will be met.
    (3) Monitoring by Inspectors. In order to verify that an 
establishment is preparing and shipping product in accordance with the 
approved total plant quality control system and the Act and regulations 
after the 8 hours of inspection, the official establishment may be 
provided overtime inspectiom services at the discretion of the circuit 
supervisor and charged for such services.
    (i) To ensure the safe use of preparations used in poultry scald 
water, the label or labeling on containers of such preparations shall 
bear adequate directions to ensure use in compliance with any 
limitations prescribed in 21 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter A or Subchapter B 
or 9 CFR Chapter III, Subchapter A or Subchapter E.

(Recordkeeping requirements approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget under control number 0583-0015)

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 45 FR 54323, Aug. 15, 1980; 46 
FR 48904, Oct. 5, 1981; 50 FR 6, Jan. 2, 1985; 51 FR 32304, Sept. 11, 
1986; 57 FR 43598, Sept. 21, 1992; 62 FR 45026, Aug. 25, 1997; 62 FR 
54759, Oct. 22, 1997; 64 FR 72175, Dec. 23, 1999; 65 FR 34390, May 30, 
2000; 78 FR 66838, Nov. 7, 2013; 84 FR 65268, Nov. 27, 2019]



Sec.  381.146  Sampling at official establishments.

    Inspectors may take, without cost to the Department, such samples as 
are necessary of any poultry product, or other article for use as an 
ingredient of any poultry product, at any official establishment to 
determine whether it complies with the requirements of the regulations.



Sec.  381.148  Processing and handling requirements for frozen
poultry products.

    Procedures with respect to processing of frozen ready-to-heat-and-
eat poultry products or stuffed ready-to-roast poultry shall be in 
accordance with sound operating practices and carried out in a manner 
which will assure freedom from adulteration of the products. Products to 
be frozen shall be moved into the freezer promptly under such 
supervision by an inspector as is necessary to assure preservation of 
the products by prompt and efficient freezing. Adequate freezing 
facilities shall be provided within the official establishment where 
products to be frozen are prepared, except that, upon written request, 
and under such conditions as may be prescribed by the Administrator in 
specific cases, such products may be moved from the official 
establishment prior to freezing: Provided, That the official 
establishment and freezer are so located and the necessary arrangements 
are made so that the Inspection Service will have access to the freezing 
room and adequate opportunity to determine that the products are being 
properly handled and frozen.

[[Page 449]]



Sec.  381.150  Requirements for the production of fully cooked poultry
products and partially cooked poultry breakfast strips.

    (a) Fully cooked poultry products must be produced using processes 
ensuring that the products meet the following performance standards:
    (1) Lethality. A 7-log10 reduction of Salmonella or an 
alternative lethality that achieves an equivalent probability that no 
viable Salmonella organisms remain in the finished product, as well as 
the reduction of other pathogens and their toxins or toxic metabolites 
necessary to prevent adulteration, must be demonstrated to be achieved 
throughout the product. The lethality process must include a cooking 
step. Controlled intermediate step(s) applied to raw product may form 
part of the basis for the equivalency.
    (2) Stabilization. There can be no multiplication of toxigenic 
microorganisms such as Clostridium botulinum, and no more than a 1 
log10 multiplication of Clostridium perfringens within the 
product.
    (b) Partially cooked poultry breakfast strips must be produced using 
processes ensuring that the products meet the performance standard 
listed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. Labeling for these products 
must comply with Sec.  381.125. In addition, the statement ``Partially 
Cooked: For Safety, Cook Until Well Done'' must appear on the principal 
display panel in letters no smaller than \1/2\ the size of the largest 
letter in the product name. Detailed cooking instructions shall be 
provided on the immediate container of the products.
    (c) For each product produced using a process other than one 
conducted in accordance with the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control 
Point (HACCP) system requirements in part 417 of this chapter, an 
establishment must develop and have on file, available to FSIS, a 
process schedule, as defined in Sec.  381.1(b). Each process schedule 
must be approved in writing by a process authority for safety and 
efficacy in meeting the performance standards established for the 
product in question. A process authority must have access to an 
establishment in order to evaluate and approve the safety and efficacy 
of each process schedule.
    (d) Under the auspices of a processing authority, an establishment 
must validate new or altered process schedules by scientifically 
supportable means, such as information gleaned from the literature or by 
challenge studies conducted outside the plant.

[64 FR 746, Jan. 6, 1999]



Sec.  381.151  Adulteration of product by polluted water; procedure
for handling.

    (a) In the event there is polluted water (including but not limited 
to flood water) in an official establishment, all poultry products and 
ingredients for use in the preparation of such products that have been 
rendered adulterated by the water shall be condemned.
    (b) After the polluted water has receded from an official 
establishment, all walls, ceilings, posts, and floors of the rooms and 
compartments involved, including the equipment therein, shall, under the 
supervision of an inspector, be cleaned thoroughly by the official 
establishment personnel. An adequate supply of hot water under pressure 
is essential to make such cleaning effective. After cleaning a solution 
of sodium hypochlorite containing approximately one-half of 1 percent 
available chlorine (5,000 p/m) or other equivalent disinfectant approved 
by the Administrator \1\ shall be applied to the surface of the rooms 
and equipment and rinsed with potable water before use.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ A list of approved disinfectants is available upon request to 
Scientific Services, Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 
20250.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) Hermetically sealed containers of poultry product which have 
been contaminated by polluted water shall be examined promptly by the 
official establishment under supervision of an inspector and rehandled 
as follows:
    (1) Separate and condemn all poultry products in damaged or 
extensively rusted containers.
    (2) Remove paper labels and wash the remaining containers in warm 
soapy water, using a brush where necessary

[[Page 450]]

to remove rust or other foreign material. Disinfect these containers by 
either of the following methods:
    (i) Immerse in a solution of sodium hypochlorite containing not less 
than 100 p/m of available chlorine or other equivalent disinfectant 
approved by the Administrator, \1\ rinse in potable water, and dry 
thoroughly; or
    (ii) Immerse in 212 [deg]F. water, bring temperature of the water 
back to 212 [deg]F. and maintain the temperature at 212 [deg]F. for 5 
minutes, then remove containers from water and cool them to 95 [deg]F. 
and dry thoroughly.
    (3) After handling as described in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, 
the containers may be relacquered, if necessary, and then relabeled with 
approved labels applicable to the product therein.
    (4) The identity of the canned poultry product shall be maintained 
throughout all stages of the rehandling operations, to insure correct 
labeling of containers.

[38 FR 34456, Dec. 14, 1973]



Sec.  381.152  Manufacture of uninspected, inedible products at official
establishments.

    (a) Official establishments may manufacture pet food or similar 
uninspected, inedible products in areas where edible products also are 
produced, provided that the manufacture of uninspected, inedible 
products does not:
    (1) Adulterate edible products;
    (2) Create insanitary conditions in the official establishment 
whereby edible products may be adulterated; or
    (3) Prevent or interfere with inspection or other program tasks 
performed by FSIS personnel in the official establishment.
    (b) The immediate container of uninspected, inedible products 
manufactured in an official establishment shall be conspicuously labeled 
so as to distinguish them from human food in accordance with Sec.  
381.193 of this subchapter.

[84 FR 40227, Aug. 14, 2019]



Sec.  381.153  [Reserved]



     Subpart P_Definitions and Standards of Identity or Composition



Sec.  381.155  General.

    (a) Authorization to establish specifications. (1) The Administrator 
is authorized to establish specifications or definitions and standards 
of identity or composition, covering the principal constituents of any 
poultry product with respect to which a specified name of the product or 
other labeling terminology may be used, whenever he determines such 
action is necessary to prevent sale of the product under false or 
misleading labeling. Further, the Administrator is authorized to 
prescribe definitions and standards of identity or composition for 
poultry products whenever he determines such action is otherwise 
necessary for the protection of the public. The requirements of this 
subpart are hereby found to be necessary for these purposes and 
standards are hereby established as set forth in this subpart.
    (2) Where cooked poultry meat is specified in this subpart as an 
ingredient of poultry products, this means poultry meat derived from 
poultry processed, cooked, and cooled in a manner approved by the 
Administrator in specific cases without use of liquid or moisture in 
direct contact with the poultry meat following the cooking and cooling 
of the poultry.
    (3) If, following cooking and cooling of poultry meat to be used in 
poultry products, liquid or moisture is used in direct contact with such 
poultry meat and the percentage of solids, excluding salt, in the 
poultry meat is found to be below 34 percent when such poultry meat is 
tested by acceptable methods, the percentage of poultry meat required by 
this section for any poultry product shall be increased in proportion to 
the deficiency, or the meat shall be so processed as to raise the solids 
content, excluding salt, to 34 percent. The official establishment shall 
furnish adequate facilities for such testing.

[[Page 451]]

    (b) Any binder or antimicrobial agent that has been found to be safe 
and suitable by the Food and Drug Administration and the Food Safety and 
Inspection Service may be used in the production of poultry products 
with standards of identity in this part, where the product standards and 
applicable Federal regulations already permit the use of these types of 
ingredients.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 68 FR 22578, Apr. 29, 2003]



Sec.  381.156  Poultry meat content standards for certain poultry products.

    Poultry products with labeling terminology as set forth in Table I 
shall comply with the specifications for percent light meat and percent 
dark meat set forth in said table.

                                 Table I
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Label terminology         Percent light meat   Percent dark meat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural proportions.............  50-65.............  50-35.
Light or white meat.............  100...............  0.
Dark meat.......................  0.................  100.
Light and dark meat.............  51-65.............  49-35.
Dark and light meat.............  35-49.............  65-51.
Mostly white meat...............  66 or more........  34 or less.
Mostly dark meat................  34 or less........  66 or more.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 39 FR 4569, Feb. 5, 1974]



Sec.  381.157  Canned boned poultry and baby or geriatric food.

    (a) Canned boned poultry shall, unless otherwise specified in this 
section, be prepared from cooked deboned poultry meat and may contain 
skin and fat not in excess of natural whole carcass proportions. 
Gelatin, stabilizers, or similar solidifying or emulsifying agents shall 
not be added to product labeled ``Boned (Kind)--Solid Pack,'' but may be 
added in quantities not in excess of a total of 0.5 percent of the total 
ingredients in the preparation of other canned boned poultry products 
and in such cases the common name of the substance shall be included in 
the name of the product, e.g., ``Boned Chicken with Broth--Gelatin 
Added.''
    (b) Canned boned poultry, except poultry within paragraph (c) of 
this section, shall meet the requirements set forth in Table II. The 
percentages in Table II shall be calculated on the basis of the total 
ingredients used in the preparation of the product.
    (c) Canned boned poultry with natural juices (Boned (Kind) with 
natural juices) shall be prepared from either raw boned poultry or a 
mixture of raw boned poultry and cooked boned poultry and shall have no 
liquid added during the preparation of the product.
    (d) Canned shredded poultry (Shredded Kind), consists of poultry 
meat reduced to a shredded appearance, from the kind of poultry 
indicated, with meat, skin, and fat not in excess of the natural whole 
carcass proportions. Canned shredded poultry from specific parts may 
include skin or fat in excess of the proportions normally found on a 
whole carcass, but not in excess of the proportions of skin and fat 
normal to the particular part or parts; and such product shall be 
labeled in accordance with Sec.  381.117(d).
    (e) Canned boned poultry shall be prepared as set forth in Table II, 
items 1, 2, 3, or 4, whichever is applicable.

                                Table II
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Minimum
                                                   percent
                                                   cooked,
                                                   deboned      Maximum
                                                   poultry      percent
                  Product name                     meat of      liquid
                                                     kind      that may
                                                  indicated,   be added
                                                  with skin,      \1\
                                                   fat, and
                                                  seasoning
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Boned (Kind)--solid pack....................           95           5
2. Boned (Kind)................................           90          10
3. Boned (Kind) with broth \2\.................           80          20
4. Boned (Kind) (____) percent broth \2 3\.....           50          50
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Liquid may be in the form of, but is not limited to, broth or
  extractives.
\2\ Alternatively, product may be prepared from raw boned poultry in
  combination with cooked boned poultry so long as the product complies
  with the specified standard.
\3\ Total amount of liquid added shall be included in the name of the
  product; e.g., ``Boned Chicken with 25 percent broth.''

    (f) Poultry products intended for infant or geriatric use and 
represented as having a ``high meat'' content shall contain not less 
than 18.75 percent cooked, deboned poultry meat of the kind indicated, 
with seasoning.

[[Page 452]]



                                Table IIa
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Minimum
                                                   percent
                                                   cooked,      Maximum
                                                   deboned,     percent
                                                   poultry      liquid
                  Product name                     meat of     that may
                                                     kind      be added
                                                  indicated,      \1\
                                                     with
                                                  seasoning
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Strained or chopped (Kind) with broth \2 3\.           43          57
2. High meat dinner \3\........................        18.75
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Liquid may be in the form of, but not limited to, broth or
  extractives.
\2\ Alternatively, product may be prepared from raw boned poultry meat
  in combination with cooked bone poultry meat so long as the product
  complies with the specified standard.
\3\ Label must indicate in some manner that product is for infant or
  geriatric servings.


[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 39 FR 4569, Feb. 5, 1974]



Sec.  381.158  Poultry dinners (frozen) and pies.

    Poultry dinners (frozen) and pies shall meet the requirements set 
forth in Table III of this section and the percentage or weight 
specified therein shall be calculated on the basis of total ingredients 
used in the preparation of the poultry product.

                                Table III
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Minimum cooked    Minimum raw deboned
                                  deboned poultry      poultry meat of
                                    meat of kind        kind indicated
                                     indicated      --------------------
                               ---------------------
                                Percent    Weight    Percent    Weight
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Kind) Pies...................      14    or 1\1/8\      25     or 2 oz.
                                         oz. per 8-            per 8-oz.
                                            oz. pie             pie. \1\
                                                \1\
(Kind) Dinners................      18     or 2 oz.
                                              \2 3\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ 14 percent or 1\1/8\ oz., whichever is greater; or 25 percent or 2
  oz., whichever is greater.
\2\ Excluding weight of appetizers, desserts, etc.
\3\ 18 percent or 2 oz., whichever is greater. A minimum of 45 percent,
  or 5 ounces per dinner, whichever is greater, of cooked poultry
  including bone and breading may be used in lieu of minimum 18 percent
  or 2 ounces of cooked deboned poultry meat and the cooked poultry
  including bone and breading shall not contain more than 30 percent
  breading.



Sec.  381.159  Poultry rolls.

    (a) Binders or extenders may be added in accordance with a 
regulation in this subchapter, in 9 CFR Chapter III, Subchapter E, or in 
21 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter A or Subchapter B. In addition to the 
binders referred to in the preceding sentence, the following substances 
are permitted for use as binders in poultry rolls: transglutaminase 
enzyme at up to 65 ppm. When binding agents are added in excess of 3 
percent for cooked rolls and 2 percent for raw rolls, the common name of 
the agent or the term ``Binders Added'' shall be included in the name of 
the product; e.g., ``Turkey Roll-Gelatin Added.''
    (b) With respect to heat processed rolls, 2 percent or less liquid 
based on the weight of the finished product without liquid may remain 
with or be returned to product labeled as ``(Kind) Roll.''
    (c) Heat processed rolls which have more than 2 percent liquid 
remaining with or returned to the product shall be labeled as ``(Kind) 
Roll with Natural Juices.'' If more than 2 percent of any liquid other 
than natural cookout juices is added, the product must be labeled to 
indicate that fact; e.g., ``Turkey Roll with Broth.'' Liquid shall not 
be returned or added to product within this paragraph graph in excess of 
the amount normally cooked out during preparation.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 55 FR 34684, Aug. 24, 1990; 66 
FR 54916, Oct. 31, 2001]



Sec.  381.160  (Kind) burgers; (Kind) patties.

    Such product consists of 100 percent poultry of the kind indicated, 
with skin and fat not in excess of natural proportions. Product 
containing fillers or binders shall be named ``(Kind) Patties.''



Sec.  381.161  ``(Kind) A La Kiev.''

    Such product consists of poultry meat of the kind indicated, stuffed 
with butter which may be seasoned and the product may be wrapped in 
sufficient skin to cover the meat. It may be dipped in batter, fried, 
and frozen.



Sec.  381.162  ``(Kind) steak or fillet.''

    Such product consists of a boneless slice or strip of poultry meat 
of the kind indicated.



Sec.  381.163  ``(Kind) baked'' or ``(Kind) roasted.''

    Such product consists of ready-to-cook poultry of the kind 
indicated, that has been cooked in dry source heat, e.g., oven roasted 
or oven baked.

[[Page 453]]



Sec.  381.164  ``(Kind) barbecued.''

    Such product consists of ready-to-cook poultry of the kind 
indicated, that has been cooked in dry heat and basted with a seasoned 
sauce.



Sec.  381.165  ``(Kind) barbecued prepared with moist heat.''

    Such product consists of ready-to-cook poultry of the kind indicated 
that has been cooked by the action of moist heat in a barbecue sauce.



Sec.  381.166  Breaded products.

    ``Breaded'' is a term applicable to any poultry product which is 
coated with breading or a batter and breading in an amount not to exceed 
30 percent of the weight of the finished breaded product.



Sec.  381.167  Other poultry dishes and specialty items.

    Poultry dishes and specialty items listed in Table IV of this 
paragraph shall meet the requirements set forth in said table, 
irrespective of the type of packaging, and the percentages in Table IV 
shall be calculated on a ready-to-serve basis, except that soup bases in 
institutional packs which are prepared for sale to institutional users 
shall have a minimum of 15 percent cooked deboned poultry meat based on 
the weight of the soup base product.

                                Table IV
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Minimum      Minimum
                                                  percent      percent
                                                   cooked       cooked
                                                  deboned     poultry of
               Product name \1\                   poultry        kind
                                                  meat of     indicated,
                                                    kind      indicating
                                                 indicated       bone
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Kind) Ravioli................................            2
(Kind) Soup...................................            2
Chop Suey with (Kind).........................            2
(Kind) Chop Suey..............................            4
(Kind) Chow Mein without noodles..............            4
(Kind) Tamales................................            6
Noodles or Dumplings with (Kind) \2\..........            6
(Kind) Stew...................................           12
(Kind) Fricassee of Wings.....................  ...........           40
(Kind) Noodles or Dumplings \2\...............           15           30
(Kind) with Vegetables........................           15
Gravy with sliced (Kind)......................           15
(Kind) Tetrazzini.............................           15
(Kind) chili with beans.......................           17
Creamed (Kind)................................           20
(Kind) Cacciatore.............................           20           40
(Kind) Fricassee..............................           20           40
(Kind) A-La-King..............................           20
(Kind) croquettes.............................           25
Slice (Kind) with Gravy and Dressing..........           25
(Kind) Salad \3\..............................           25
(Kind) chili..................................           28
(Kind) Hash...................................           30
Sliced (Kind) with Gravy......................           35
Minced (Kind) Barbecue........................           40
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The product name may contain other appropriate descriptive terms
  such as ``noodle''; e.g., ``Chicken Noodle Soup.''
\2\ This standard also applies to products named (Kind) with rice or
  similar starches.
\3\ The 25 percent-standard listed includes poultry meat plus
  proportions of skin and fat natural to the poultry used.


[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 39 FR 4569, Feb. 5, 1974]



Sec.  381.168  Maximum percent of skin in certain poultry products.

    The poultry products listed in Table V shall have not more than the 
percent of skin specified in the table, when raw and when cooked.

                                 Table V
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Percent skin
                     Product name                      -----------------
                                                          Raw     Cooked
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boneless Turkey Breast
    or
Boneless Turkey Breast Roll...........................       14
Boneless Turkey Thigh
    or
Boneless Turkey Thigh Roll............................        8
Boneless Turkey
    or
Turkey Roll...........................................       15
Boneless Chicken Breast
    or
Boneless Chicken Breast Roll..........................       18       20
Boneless Chicken
    or
Chicken Roll..........................................       20       25
------------------------------------------------------------------------



Sec.  381.169  [Reserved]



Sec.  381.170  Standards for kinds and classes, and for cuts of raw poultry.

    (a) The following standards specify the various classes of the 
specified kinds of poultry and the requirements for each class:
    (1) Chickens--(i) Rock Cornish game hen or Cornish game hen. A 
``Rock Cornish game hen'' or ``Cornish game hen'' is a young, immature 
chicken (less than 5 weeks of age), of either sex, with

[[Page 454]]

a ready-to-cook carcass weight of not more than 2 pounds.
    (ii) Broiler or fryer. A ``broiler'' or ``fryer'' is a young chicken 
(less than 10 weeks of age), of either sex, that is tender-meated with 
soft, pliable, smooth-textured skin and flexible breastbone cartilage.
    (iii) Roaster or roasting chicken. A ``roaster'' or ``roasting 
chicken'' is a young chicken (less than 12 weeks of age), of either sex, 
with a ready-to-cook carcass weight of 5.5 pounds or more, that is 
tender-meated with soft, pliable, smooth-textured skin and breastbone 
cartilage that is somewhat less flexible than that of a broiler or 
fryer.
    (iv) Capon. A ``capon'' is a surgically neutered male chicken (less 
than 4 months of age) that is tender-meated with soft, pliable, smooth-
textured skin.
    (v) Hen, fowl, baking chicken, or stewing chicken. A ``hen,'' 
``fowl,'' ``baking chicken,'' or ``stewing chicken'' is an adult female 
chicken (more than 10 months of age) with meat less tender than that of 
a roaster or roasting chicken and a nonflexible breastbone tip.
    (vi) Cock or rooster. A ``cock'' or ``rooster'' is an adult male 
chicken with coarse skin, toughened and darkened meat, and a nonflexible 
breastbone tip.
    (2) Turkeys--(i) Fryer-roaster turkey. A ``fryer-roaster turkey'' is 
an immature turkey (less than 12 weeks of age), of either sex, that is 
tender-meated with soft, pliable, smooth-textured skin, and flexible 
breastbone cartilage.
    (ii) Young turkey. A ``young turkey'' is a turkey (less than 8 
months of age), of either sex, that is tender-meated with soft, pliable, 
smooth-textured skin and breastbone cartilage that is less flexible than 
that of a fryer-roaster turkey.
    (iii) Yearling turkey. A ``yearling turkey'' is a turkey (less than 
15 months of age), of either sex, that is reasonably tender-meated with 
reasonably smooth-textured skin.
    (iv) Mature or old (hen or tom) turkey. A ``mature turkey'' or ``old 
turkey'' is an adult turkey (more than 15 months of age), of either sex, 
with coarse skin and toughened flesh. Sex designation is optional.
    (3) Ducks--(i) Duckling. A ``duckling'' is a young duck (less than 8 
weeks of age), of either sex, that is tender-meated and has a soft bill 
and soft windpipe.
    (ii) Roaster duck. A ``roaster duck'' is a young duck (less than 16 
weeks of age), of either sex, that is tender-meated and has a bill that 
is not completely hardened and a windpipe that is easily dented.
    (iii) Mature duck or old duck. A ``mature duck'' or an ``old duck'' 
is an adult duck (more than 6 months of age), of either sex, with 
toughened flesh, a hardened bill, and a hardened windpipe.
    (4) Geese--(i) Young goose. A ``young goose'' is an immature goose, 
of either sex, that is tender-meated and has a windpipe that is easily 
dented.
    (ii) Mature goose or old goose. A ``mature goose'' or ``old goose'' 
is an adult goose, of either sex, that has toughened flesh and a 
hardened windpipe.
    (5) Guineas--(i) Young guinea. A ``young guinea'' is an immature 
guinea, of either sex, that is tender-meated and has a flexible 
breastbone cartilage.
    (ii) Mature guinea or old guinea. A ``mature guinea'' or ``old 
guinea'' is an adult guinea, of either sex, that has toughened flesh and 
a non-flexible breastbone.
    (b) The following standards specify the requirements for the 
specified cuts of poultry:
    (1) ``Breasts'' shall be separated from the back at the shoulder 
joint and by a cut running backward and downward from that point along 
the junction of the vertebral and sternal ribs. The ribs may be removed 
from the breasts, and the breasts may be cut along the breastbone to 
make two approximately equal halves; or the wishbone portion, as 
described in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, may be removed before 
cutting the remainder along the breastbone to make three parts. Pieces 
cut in this manner may be substituted for lighter or heavier pieces for 
exact weight-making purposes and the package may contain two or more of 
such parts without affecting the appropriateness of the labeling as 
e.g., ``chicken breasts.'' Neck skin shall not be included with the

[[Page 455]]

breasts, except that ``turkey breasts'' may include neck skin up to the 
whisker.
    (2) ``Breasts with ribs'' shall be separated from the back at the 
junction of the vertebral ribs and back. Breasts with ribs may be cut 
along the breastbone to make two approximately equal halves; or the 
wishbone portion, as described in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, may 
be removed before cutting the remainder along the breastbone to make 
three parts. Pieces cut in this manner may be substituted for lighter or 
heavier pieces for exact weight-making purposes and the package may 
contain two or more of such parts without affecting the appropriateness 
of the labeling as ``breasts with ribs.'' Neck skin shall not be 
included, except that ``turkey breasts with ribs'' may include neck skin 
up to the whisker.
    (3) ``Wishbones'' (Pulley Bones), with covering muscle and skin 
tissue, shall be severed from the breast approximately halfway between 
the end of the wishbone (hypocledium) and front point of the breastbone 
(cranial process of the sternal crest) to a point where the wishbone 
joins the shoulder. Neck skin shall not be included with the wishbone.
    (4) ``Drumsticks'' shall be separated from the thigh by a cut 
through the knee joint (femorotibial and patellar joint) and from the 
hock joint (tarsal joint).
    (5) ``Thighs'' shall be disjointed at the hip joint and may include 
the pelvic meat, but shall not include the pelvic bones. Back skin shall 
not be included.
    (6) ``(Kind) legs'' shall be the poultry product which includes the 
thigh and the drumstick, i.e., the whole leg, and may include the pelvic 
meat, but shall not include the pelvic bones. Back skin shall not be 
included.
    (7) ``Wings'' shall include the entire wing with all muscle and skin 
tissue intact, except that the wingtip may be removed.
    (8) ``Backs'' shall include the pelvic bones and all the vertebrae 
posterior to the shoulder joint. The meat shall not be peeled from the 
pelvic bones. The vertebral ribs and/or scapula may be removed or 
included without affecting the appropriateness of the name. Skin shall 
be substantially intact.
    (9) ``Stripped backs'' shall include the vertebrae from the shoulder 
joint to the tail, and include the pelvic bones. The meat may be 
stripped off of the pelvic bones.
    (10) ``Necks'', with or without neck skin, shall be separated from 
the carcass at the shoulder joint.
    (11) ``Halves'' are prepared by making a full-length back and breast 
split of an eviscerated poultry carcass so as to produce approximately 
equal right and left sides.
    (12) ``Quarters'' consist of the entire eviscerated poultry carcass, 
which has been cut into four equal parts, but excluding the neck.
    (13) ``Breast quarter'' consists of half a breast with the wing and 
a portion of the back attached.
    (14) ``Breast quarter without wing'' consists of a front quarter of 
a poultry carcass, from which the wing has been removed.
    (15) ``Leg quarter'' consists of a poultry thigh and drumstick, with 
a portion of the back attached.
    (16) ``Thigh with back portion'' consists of a poultry thigh with 
back portion attached.
    (17) ``Legs with pelvic bone'' consists of a poultry leg with 
adhering meat and skin and pelvic bone.
    (18) ``Wing drummette'' consists of the humerus of a poultry wing 
with adhering skin and meat attached.
    (19) ``Wing portion'' consists of a poultry wing except that the 
drummette has been removed.
    (20) ``Cut-up Poultry'' is any cut-up or disjointed portion of 
poultry or any edible part thereof, as described in this section.
    (21) ``Giblets'' consist of approximately equal numbers of hearts, 
gizzards, and livers, as determined on a count basis.
    (22) ``Major portions'' of eviscerated poultry carcasses are either 
carcasses from which parts may be missing, or the front or rear portions 
of transversely-split carcasses.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 39 FR 4569, Feb. 5, 1974; 63 FR 
48960, Sept. 11, 1998; 76 FR 68064, Nov. 3, 2011; 81 FR 21709, Apr. 13, 
2016]

[[Page 456]]



Sec.  381.171  Definition and standard for ``Turkey Ham.''

    (a) ``Turkey Ham'' shall be fabricated from boneless, turkey thigh 
meat with skin and the surface fat attached to the skin removed. The 
thighs shall be that cut of poultry described in Sec.  381.170(b)(5) of 
this part.
    (b) The product may or may not be smoked, and shall be cured using 
one or more of the approved curing agents as provided in a regulation 
permitting that use in this subchapter or 9 CFR Chapter III, Subchapter 
E, or in 21 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter A or Subchapter B. The product may 
also contain cure accelerators, phosphates, and flavoring agents as 
provided in a regulation permitting that use in this subchapter or 9 CFR 
Chapter III, Subchapter E, or in 21 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter A or 
Subchapter B; common salt, sugars, spices, spice extractives, dehydrated 
garlic, and dehydrated onions; and water for purpose of dissolving and 
dispersing the substances specified above.
    (c) The cooked finished product weight shall be no more than the 
original weight of the turkey thigh meat used prior to curing.
    (d) The product name on the label shall show the word ``Turkey'' in 
the same size, style, color, and with the same background as the word 
``Ham'' and shall precede and be adjacent to it.
    (e) The product name shall be qualified with the statement ``Cured 
Turkey Thigh Meat.'' The qualifying statement shall be contiguous to the 
product name, without intervening type or designs, shall be not less 
than one-half the size of the product name but not less than one-eighth 
inch in height, and shall be in the same style and color and with the 
same background as the product name.
    (f) If the product is fabricated from pieces of turkey thigh meat 
that result from the cutting through the muscle (as opposed the whole 
thighs intact or whole thighs with some incidental separation of muscle 
tissue during removal of the bone), the product name shall be further 
qualified by a descriptive statement. The product name of product 
fabricated from such pieces of turkey thigh meat equivalent in size to a 
one-half inch cube or greater shall be further qualified to specify that 
the product is ``Chunked and Formed.'' The product name of product 
fabricated from such pieces of turkey thigh meat smaller than the 
equivalent of a one-half inch cube shall be further qualified to specify 
that the product is ``Ground and Formed'' or ``Chopped and Formed'' as 
appropriate. The qualifying statement shall immediately follow and be 
contiguous to the statement required in paragraph (e) of this section, 
and shall be not less than one-half the size of the product name but not 
less than one-eighth inch in height, and shall be in the same style and 
color and with the same background as the product name.

[44 FR 51190, Aug. 31, 1979; 64 FR 72175, Dec. 23, 1999]



Sec.  381.172  Requirements for substitute standardized poultry products
named by use of an expressed nutrient content claim and a standardized term.

    (a) Description. The poultry products prescribed by this general 
definition and standard of identity are those products that substitute, 
in accordance with Sec.  381.413(d), for a standardized product defined 
in this subpart and use the name of that standardized product in their 
statements of identity, but that do not comply with the established 
standard because of a compositional deviation that results from 
reduction of a constituent that is described by an expressed nutrient 
content claim that has been defined by regulation in this subpart. The 
expressed nutrient content claim shall comply with the requirements of 
Sec.  381.413 and with the requirements in subpart Y of this part which 
define the particular nutrient content claim that is used. The poultry 
product shall comply with the relevant standard in this part in all 
other respects, except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this 
section.
    (b) Performance characteristics. The performance characteristics, 
such as physical properties, functional properties, and shelf-life, of 
the poultry product shall be similar to those of the standardized 
poultry product produced under subpart P of this part. If there is a 
significant difference in a performance characteristic that materially

[[Page 457]]

limits the use of the product compared to the use of the standardized 
product defined in subpart P of this part, the label shall include a 
statement in accordance with Sec.  381.413(d)(1) and (2) of this part, 
that informs the consumer of such differences (e.g., if appropriate, 
``not recommended for frozen storage'' or ``not suitable for roller 
grilling''). Deviations from the ingredient provisions of the standard 
must be the minimum necessary to qualify for the nutrient content claim, 
while maintaining similar performance characteristics.
    (c) Ingredients used in substitute products. (1) Ingredients used in 
the product shall be those ingredients provided for in the standard as 
defined in subpart P of this part, except that safe and suitable 
ingredients permitted for use in poultry products as provided in a 
regulation permitting that use in this subchapter or in 9 CFR Chapter 
III, Subchapter E, or in 21 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter A or Subchapter B, 
may be used at the minimum level necessary to improve texture and 
prevent syneresis, so that the substitute product is not inferior in 
performance characteristics from the standardized product defined in 
subpart P of this part for which it is a substitute.
    (2) An ingredient that is specifically required by the standard 
prescribed in subpart P of this part shall not be replaced or exchanged 
with a similar ingredient from another source, for example, extruded 
turnips shall not replace noodles in poultry with noodles.
    (3) An ingredient that is specifically prohibited from use in any 
poultry product by subpart P of this part shall not be added to the 
substitute poultry product under this section.
    (4) Unless otherwise specified in this part, a substitute poultry 
product must meet all other requirements of the applicable standards of 
identity or composition.
    (5) Water and fat-replacers (e.g., binders), in combination, may be 
added to replace fat in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
    (6) Textured vegetable protein may be used by itself or in 
combination with other binders and water as a fat replacer in accordance 
with paragraph (c) of this section.
    (d) Nomenclature. The name of a substitute poultry product that 
complies with this section is the appropriate expressed nutrient content 
claim and the applicable standardized term.
    (e) Label declaration. (1) Each of the ingredients used in the 
substitute poultry product shall be declared on the label as required by 
this section and subpart N of this part.
    (2) Ingredients not provided for, and ingredients used in excess of 
those levels provided for, by the standard as defined in subpart P of 
this part, shall be identified as such with an asterisk in the 
ingredients statement. The statement ``*Ingredients not in regular 
__________'' (the blank shall be filled in with the name of the 
traditional standardized product) or ``**Ingredients in excess of 
amounts permitted in regular __________'' (the blank shall be filled in 
with the name of the traditional standardized product), or both, as 
appropriate, shall immediately follow the ingredients statement in the 
same type and size.

[70 FR 33818, June 10, 2005]



Sec.  381.173  Mechanically Separated (Kind of Poultry).

    (a) ``Mechanically Separated (Kind of Poultry)'' is any product 
resulting from the mechanical separation and removal of most of the bone 
from attached skeletal muscle and other tissue of poultry carcasses and 
parts of carcasses that has a paste-like form and consistency, that may 
or may not contain skin with attached fat and meeting the other 
provisions of this section. Examples of such product are ``Mechanically 
Separated Chicken'' and ``Mechanically Separated Turkey.''
    (b) ``Mechanically Separated (Kind of Poultry)'' shall not have a 
bone solids content of more than 1 percent. At least 98 percent of the 
bone particles present in ``Mechanically Separated (Kind of Poultry) `` 
shall have a maximum size no greater than 1.5 mm (millimeter) in their 
greatest dimension and there shall be no bone particles larger than 2.0 
mm in their greatest dimension.
    (c) ``Mechanically Separated (Kind of Poultry)'' shall not have a 
calcium content exceeding 0.235 percent when made from mature chickens 
or from

[[Page 458]]

turkeys as defined in Sec.  381.170(a)(l)(vi) and (vii) and (a)(2), 
respectively, or 0.175 percent when made from other poultry, based on 
the weight of product that has not been heat treated, as a measure of a 
bone solids content of not more than 1 percent.
    (d) ``Mechanically Separated (Kind of Poultry)'' may be used in the 
formulation of poultry products in accordance with Sec.  381.174 and 
meat food products in accordance with subchapter A of this chapter.
    (e) Product resulting from the mechanical separation process that 
fails to meet the bone particle size or calcium content requirements for 
``Mechanically Separated (Kind of Poultry)'' shall be used only in 
producing poultry extractives, including fats, stocks, and broths and 
labeled as ``Mechanically Separated (Kind of Poultry) for Further 
Processing.''

[60 FR 55983, Nov. 3, 1995]



Sec.  381.174  Limitations with respect to use of Mechanically Separated
(Kind of Poultry).

    (a) A poultry product required to be prepared from a particular kind 
of poultry (e.g., chicken) shall not contain ``Mechanically Separated 
(Kind of Poultry)'' described in Sec.  381.173, that is made from any 
other kind of poultry (e.g., Mechanically Separated Turkey).
    (b) ``Mechanically Separated (Kind of Poultry)'' described in Sec.  
381.173 may be used in the formulation of any poultry or meat food 
product, provided such use conforms with any applicable requirements of 
the definitions and standards of identity or composition in this 
subchapter or part 319 of this chapter, and provided that it is 
identified as ``Mechanically Separated (Kind of Poultry).''

[60 FR 55983, Nov. 3, 1995]



              Subpart Q_Records, Registration, and Reports



Sec.  381.175  Records required to be kept.

    (a) Every person within any of the classes specified in paragraph 
(a) (1), (2), or (3) of this section is required by the Act to keep such 
records as are properly necessary for the effective enforcement of the 
Act:
    (1) Any person that engages in the business of slaughtering any 
poultry or processing, freezing, packaging, or labeling any carcasses, 
or parts or products of carcasses, of any poultry, for commerce, for use 
as human food or animal food;
    (2) Any person that engages in the business of buying or selling (as 
a poultry products broker, wholesaler, or otherwise) or transporting, in 
commerce, or storing in or for commerce, or importing, any carcasses, or 
parts or products of carcasses, of any poultry;
    (3) Any person that engages in business, in or for commerce, as a 
renderer, or engages in the business of buying, selling, or transporting 
in commerce, or importing, any dead, dying, disabled, or diseased 
poultry or parts of the carcasses of any poultry that died otherwise 
than by slaughter.
    (b) The required records are:
    (1) Records, such as bills of sale, invoices, bills of lading, and 
receiving and shipping papers, giving the following information with 
respect to each transaction in which any poultry or poultry carcass, or 
part or product of a poultry carcass, is purchased, sold, shipped, 
received, transported, or otherwise handled by said person in connection 
with any business subject to the Act.
    (i) The name or description of the poultry or other articles;
    (ii) The net weight of the poultry or other articles;
    (iii) The number of outside containers;
    (iv) The name and address of the buyer of the poultry or other 
articles sold by such person, and the name and address of the seller of 
the poultry or other articles purchased by such person;
    (v) The name and address of the consignee or receiver (if other than 
the buyer);
    (vi) The method of shipment;
    (vii) The date of shipment; and
    (viii) The name and address of the carrier.
    (2) Guaranties provided by suppliers of packaging materials under 
Sec.  381.144.
    (3) Records of canning as required by part 431 of this chapter.
    (4) Records of irradiation as required by sections 381.149 of this 
part.

[[Page 459]]

    (5) Records of nutrition labeling as required by subpart Y of this 
part.
    (6) Records of all labeling, along with the product formula, 
processing procedures, and any additional documentation needed to 
support that the labels are consistent with the Federal meat and poultry 
regulations and policies on labeling, as prescribed in Sec.  412.1 of 
this chapter.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0583-0015)

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 47 FR 746, Jan. 7, 1982; 49 FR 
2236, Jan. 19, 1984; 51 FR 45633, Dec. 19, 1986; 57 FR 43600, Sept. 21, 
1992; 58 FR 675, Jan. 6, 1993; 60 FR 67458, Dec. 29, 1995; 78 FR 66838, 
Nov. 7, 2013; 83 FR 25308, May 31, 2018]



Sec.  381.176  Place of maintenance of records.

    Every person engaged in any business described in Sec.  381.175(a) 
shall maintain the records required by Sec.  381.175 at the place of 
business where such business is conducted, except that, if such person 
conducts such business at multiple locations, he may maintain such 
records at his headquarters' office. When not in actual use, all such 
records shall be kept in a safe place at the prescribed location in 
accordance with good commercial practices.



Sec.  381.177  Record retention period.

    (a) Every record required to be maintained under this subpart shall 
be retained for a period not to exceed 2 years after December 31 of the 
year in which the transaction to which the record relates has occurred, 
and for such further period as the Administrator may require for 
purposes of any investigation or litigation under the Act, by written 
notice to the person required to keep such record under this subpart.
    (b) Records of canning as required by subpart X of this part 381, 
subchapter C, 9 CFR chapter III, shall be retained as required in Sec.  
381.307; except that records required by Sec.  381.302 (b) and (c) shall 
be retained as required by those sections.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 51 FR 45633, Dec. 19, 1986]



Sec.  381.178  Access to and inspection of records, facilities and 
inventory; copying and sampling.

    Representatives of the Secretary afforded access to a business 
specified in Sec.  381.175 of this part (see Sec.  300.6(b)(2) of this 
chapter) also must be afforded any necessary facilities (other than 
reproduction equipment) for the examination and copying of records and 
the examination and sampling of inventory.

[69 FR 255, Jan. 5, 2004]



Sec.  381.179  Registration.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, every 
person that engages in business, in or for commerce, as a poultry 
products broker, renderer, or animal food manufacturer, or engages in 
business in commerce as a wholesaler of any carcasses, or parts or 
products of the carcasses, of any poultry, whether intended for human 
food or other purposes, or engages in the business as a public 
warehouseman storing any such articles in or for commerce, or engages in 
the business of buying, selling, or transporting in commerce, or 
importing, any dead, dying, disabled, or diseased poultry, or parts of 
the carcasses of any poultry that died otherwise than by slaughter, 
shall register with the Administrator, giving such information as is 
required, including his name, and the address of each place of business 
at which, and all trade names under which he conducts such business. 
Such persons shall register under this section by filing with the 
Administrator, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, a form containing such information, 
within 90 days after the effective date hereof or after such later date 
as he begins to engage in such business if not engaged therein upon said 
effective date. All information submitted shall be current and correct. 
The registration form shall be obtained from District Enforcement 
Operations, Field Operations, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250 or by calling the 
District Office.
    (b) Whenever any change is made in the name of, or address of any 
place of business at which, or any trade name

[[Page 460]]

under which a registrant conducts his business, he shall report such 
change in writing to the Administrator within 15 days after making the 
change.
    (c) The registration requirements prescribed in this section shall 
not apply to persons conducting any of the businesses specified in this 
section only at an official establishment.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 39 FR 4569, Feb. 5, 1974; 57 FR 
53982, Nov. 16, 1992; 69 FR 255, Jan. 5, 2004]



Sec.  381.180  Information and reports required from official establishment
operators.

    (a) The operator of each official establishment shall furnish to 
Program employees accurate information as to all matters needed by them 
for making their daily reports of the amount of products prepared or 
handled in the departments of the establishment to which they are 
assigned and such reports concerning sanitation, mandatory 
microbiological testing, and other aspects of the operations of the 
establishment and the conduct of inspection thereat, as may be required 
by the Administrator in special cases.
    (b) The operator of each official establishment shall also make such 
other reports as the Administrator may from time to time require under 
the Act.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 61 FR 38868, July 25, 1996]



Sec.  381.181  Reports by consignees of allegedly adulterated or misbranded
products; sale or transportation as violations.

    Whenever the consignee of any poultry product which bears an 
official inspection legend refuses to accept delivery of such product on 
the grounds that it is adulterated or misbranded, the consignee shall 
notify the appropriate program supervisor, Meat and Poultry Inspection 
Program, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, of the kind, quantity, source and present location of the 
product and the respects in which it is alleged to be adulterated or 
misbranded, and it will be a violation of the Act for any person to sell 
or transport, or offer for sale or transportation or receive for 
transportation, in commerce, any such product which is capable of use as 
human food and is in fact adulterated or misbranded at the time of such 
sale, transportation, offer, or receipt: Provided, That any such 
allegedly adulterated or misbranded product may be transported to any 
official establishment for reinspection.



Sec.  381.182  Reports of inspection work.

    Reports of the inspection work carried on within official 
establishments shall be forwarded to the Administrator by the inspector 
in charge in such a manner as may be specified by the Administrator.



  Subpart R_Cooperation With States and Territories; Certification of 
   State and Territorial Programs as at Least Equal to Federal Program



Sec.  381.185  Assistance to State and Territorial programs.

    (a) The Administrator is authorized, under paragraph (a) of section 
5 of the Act, when he determines it would effectuate the purposes of the 
Act, to cooperate with any State (including Puerto Rico) or any 
organized territory in developing and administering the poultry product 
inspection program of such jurisdiction, with a view to assuring that it 
imposes and enforces requirements at least equal to those under sections 
2 through 4, 6 through 10, and 12 through 22 of the Act, with respect to 
establishments at which poultry are slaughtered or poultry products are 
processed for use as human food, solely for distribution within such 
jurisdiction, and with respect to the poultry products of such 
establishments. Such cooperation is authorized if the jurisdiction has 
enacted a mandatory law imposing ante mortem and post mortem inspection, 
reinspection, and sanitation requirements (at least equal to those under 
the Federal Act), with respect to all or certain classes of persons 
engaged in slaughtering poultry or otherwise processing poultry products 
for use as human food solely for distribution within such jurisdiction.
    (b) The Administrator is also authorized under paragraph (a) of 
section 5 of the Act, to cooperate with any State

[[Page 461]]

(including Puerto Rico) or any organized territory in developing and 
administering programs under the laws of such jurisdiction containing 
authorities at least equal to those provided in section 11 of the Act 
(relating to records; registration of specified classes of operators; 
dead, dying, disabled, or diseased poultry; and products not intended 
for human food) when he determines that such cooperation would 
effectuate the purposes of the Act.
    (c) Such cooperation may include advisory assistance, technical and 
laboratory assistance and training, and financial aid. The Federal 
contribution to any State (or territory) for any year shall not exceed 
50 percent of the estimated total cost of the cooperative State (or 
territorial) program. A cooperative program under this section is called 
a State-Federal program.



Sec.  381.186  Cooperation of States and other jurisdictions in Federal
programs.

    Under the ``Talmadge-Aiken Act'' of September 28, 1962 (7 U.S.C. 
450), the Administrator is authorized under stated conditions to utilize 
employees and facilities of any State in carrying out Federal functions 
under the Poultry Products Inspection Act. A cooperative program for 
this purpose is called a Federal-State program. Under paragraph (a) of 
section 5 of the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Administrator is 
also authorized to conduct examinations, investigations, and inspections 
under the Act through any officer or employee of any State or territory 
or the District of Columbia commissioned by him for such purpose.



Sec.  381.187  Cooperation of States for the interstate shipment of 
poultry products.

    (a) The Administrator is authorized under 21 U.S.C. 472(b) to 
coordinate with States that have poultry products inspection programs as 
provided in Sec.  381.185 of this subpart to select certain 
establishments operating under these programs to participate in a 
cooperative program to ship poultry products in interstate commerce. A 
cooperative program for this purpose is called a ``cooperative 
interstate shipment program.''
    (b) Establishments selected to participate in a cooperative 
interstate shipment program described in this section must receive 
inspection services from designated State personnel that have been 
trained in the enforcement of the Act. If the designated personnel 
determine that the poultry products prepared in establishments selected 
to participate in the cooperative interstate shipment program comply 
with all requirements under the Act, these items will bear an official 
Federal mark of inspection and may be shipped in interstate commerce. 
The Administrator will assign an FSIS ``selected establishment 
coordinator,'' who will be an FSIS employee, to each State that 
participates in a cooperative interstate shipment program to provide 
Federal oversight of the program and enforcement of the program's 
requirements. The Federal contribution for inspection services provided 
by States that enter into a cooperative interstate shipment program 
under this section will be at least 60 percent of eligible State costs. 
Eligible State costs are those costs that a State has justified and FSIS 
has approved as necessary for the State to provide inspection services 
to selected establishments in the State.
    (c) Subpart Z, of this part 381 prescribes conditions under which 
States and establishments may participate in the cooperative interstate 
shipment program.
    (d) The Administrator will terminate a cooperative interstate 
shipment agreement with a State if the Administrator determines that the 
State is not conducting inspection at selected establishments in a 
manner that complies with the Act and the implementing regulations in 
this chapter.

[76 FR 24756, May 2, 2011]



  Subpart S_Transportation; Exportation; or Sale of Poultry or Poultry 
                                Products



Sec.  381.189  Provisions inapplicable to specimens for laboratory
examination, etc., or to naturally inedible articles.

    The provisions of this subpart do not apply:

[[Page 462]]

    (a) To dead, dying, disabled or diseased poultry and specimens of 
undenatured, uninspected or adulterated carcasses, parts, or products of 
poultry sent to or by the Department of Agriculture or divisions thereof 
in Washington, DC, or elsewhere, for laboratory examination, exhibition 
purposes, or other official use;
    (b) To dead, dying, disabled or diseased poultry and specimens of 
undenatured, uninspected or adulterated carcasses, parts, or products of 
poultry thereof for educational, research, or other nonfood purposes 
shipped under permit issued by the inspector in charge upon his 
determination that collection and movement thereof will not interfere 
with inspection or sanitary conditions at the establishment, and the 
specimens are for nonfood purposes. The person desiring such specimens 
shall make a written application to the inspector in charge for such 
permit on Form MP-112 and shall obtain permission from the operator of 
the official establishment to obtain the specimens. Permits shall be 
issued for a period not longer than one year. The permit may be revoked 
by the inspector in charge if he determines after notice and opportunity 
to present views is afforded to the permittee that any such specimens 
were not used as stated in the application, or if the collection or 
handling of the specimens interferes with inspection or the maintenance 
of sanitary conditions in the establishment. The specimens referred to 
in this paragraph shall be collected and handled only at such time and 
place and in such manner as not to interfere with the inspection or to 
cause any objectionable condition and shall be identified as inedible 
when they leave the establishment.
    (c) To parts of poultry carcasses that are naturally inedible by 
humans, such as entrails and feathers in their natural state.

[40 FR 55310, Nov. 28, 1975]



Sec.  381.190  Transactions in slaughtered poultry and other poultry 
products restricted; vehicle sanitation requirements.

    (a) No person shall sell, transport, offer for sale or 
transportation, or receive for transportation, in commerce or from any 
official establishment, any slaughtered poultry from which the blood, 
feathers, feet, head, or viscera have not been removed in accordance 
with the regulations.
    (b)(1) No person shall sell, transport, offer for sale or 
transportation, or receive for transportation, in commerce, any 
slaughtered poultry or other poultry product which is capable of use as 
human food and is adulterated or fails to bear an official inspection 
legend or is otherwise misbranded at the time of such sale, 
transportation, offer or receipt, except as otherwise provided in this 
paragraph (b) and subpart C or T.
    (2)(i) Poultry heads and feet that are collected and handled at an 
official establishment in an acceptable manner may be shipped from the 
official establishment directly for export as human food, if they have 
been examined and found to be suitable for such purpose, by an inspector 
and are labeled as prescribed in this paragraph.
    (ii) The containers of all such products shall bear a label showing: 
(A) The name of the products; (B) the name and address of the packer or 
distributor, and, when the name of the distributor is shown, it shall be 
qualified by such terms as ``packed for,'' ``distributed by,'' or 
``distributors''; and (C) the official establishment number of the 
establishment where packed.
    (iii) Such products shall not bear the official inspection legend.
    (3)(i) Poultry heads and feet that are collected and handled at an 
official establishment in an acceptable manner may be shipped from the 
official establishment and in commerce directly to another official 
establishment for processing before export, provided the receiving 
establishment maintains records that:
    (A) Identify the source of the incoming undenatured poultry product;
    (B) Identify the location of the product at all times during 
processing and preparation for export; and
    (C) Contain a written certification from an official of the 
receiving establishment that the undenatured poultry product intended 
for export has not been, and will not be, commingled with any product 
intended for consumption in the United States.

[[Page 463]]

    (ii) The receiving establishment may only ship the undenatured 
poultry product intended for export in accordance with the inspection 
and labeling requirements of paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
    (c) No person, engaged in the business of buying, selling, freezing, 
storing, or transporting, in or for commerce, poultry products capable 
of use as human food, or importing such articles, shall transport, offer 
for transportation, or receive for transportation, in commerce or in any 
State designated under Sec.  381.221, any poultry product which is 
capable of use as human food and is not wrapped, packaged, or otherwise 
enclosed to prevent adulteration by airborne contaminants, unless the 
railroad car, truck, or other means of conveyance in which the product 
is contained or transported is completely enclosed with tight fitting 
doors or other covers for all openings. In all cases, the means of 
conveyance shall be reasonably free of foreign matter (such as dust, 
dirt, rust, or other articles or residues), and free of chemical 
residues, so that product placed therein will not become adulterated. 
Any cleaning compound, lye, soda solution, or other chemical used in 
cleaning the means of conveyance must be thoroughly removed from the 
means of conveyance prior to its use. Such means of conveyance onto 
which product is loaded, being loaded, or intended to be loaded, shall 
be subject to inspection by an inspector at any official establishment. 
The decision whether or not to inspect a means of conveyance in a 
specific case, and the type and extent of such inspection shall be at 
the Inspection Service's discretion and shall be adequate to determine 
if poultry product in such conveyance is, or when moved could become, 
adulterated.

Circumstances of transport that can be reasonably anticipated shall be 
considered in making said determination. These include, but are not 
limited to, weather conditions, duration and distance of trip, nature of 
product covering, and effect of restowage at stops en route. Any means 
of conveyance found upon such inspection to be in such condition that 
poultry product placed therein could become adulterated shall not be 
used until such condition which could cause adulteration is corrected. 
Poultry product placed in any means of conveyance that is found by the 
inspector to be in such condition that the poultry product may have 
become adulterated shall be removed from the means of conveyance and 
handled in accordance with Sec.  381.145(b).

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 39 FR 4569, Feb. 5, 1974; 40 FR 
42338, Sept. 12, 1975; 41 FR 23700, June 11, 1976; 60 FR 43358, Aug. 21, 
1995]



Sec.  381.191  Distribution of inspected products to small lot buyers.

    For the purpose of facilitating the distribution in commerce of 
inspected poultry products to small lot buyers (such as small 
restaurants), distributors or jobbers may remove inspected and passed 
non-consumer-packaged poultry carcasses or consumer-packaged poultry 
products from shipping containers or immediate containers, other than 
consumer packages, and place them into other containers which do not 
bear an official inspection mark: Provided, That the individual non-
consumer-packaged carcasses bear the official inspection legend and the 
official establishment number of the establishment that processed the 
articles; and the consumer-packaged articles are fully labeled in 
accordance with subpart N: And provided further, That the other 
container is marked with the name and address of the distributor or 
jobber and bears the statement ``The poultry product contained herein 
was inspected by the U.S.D.A.'' in the case of poultry products 
processed in the United States, or the statement ``The poultry products 
contained herein have been approved for importation under P.P.I.A.'' in 
the case of imported poultry products.



Sec.  381.192  Penalties inapplicable to carriers.

    No carrier shall be subject to the penalties of the Act, other than 
the penalties for violation of section 11, by reason of his receipt, 
carriage, holding, or delivery, in the usual course of business, as a 
carrier, of poultry or poultry products, owned by another person, unless 
the carrier has knowledge, or is in possession of facts which would 
cause a reasonable person to believe that such

[[Page 464]]

poultry or poultry products were not inspected or marked in accordance 
with the provisions of the Act or where otherwise not eligible for 
transportation under the Act, or unless the carrier refuses to furnish 
on request of a representative of the Secretary, the name and address of 
the person from whom he received such poultry or poultry products, and 
copies of all documents, if any there be, pertaining to the delivery of 
the poultry or poultry products to such carrier.



Sec.  381.193  Poultry carcasses, etc., not intended for human food.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, poultry 
carcasses, and parts and products thereof, that are not intended for use 
as human food may, after they have been denatured as prescribed in Sec.  
381.95, be bought, sold, transported, offered for sale or 
transportation, or received for transportation, in commerce, or 
imported, even though they do not comply with all the provisions of the 
regulations, provided they are marked ``Not fit for human food.'' These 
requirements do not apply to parts of poultry carcasses that are 
naturally inedible by humans, such as entrails.
    (b)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) (2), (3), and (4) of 
this section, no animal food processed, in whole or in part, from 
materials derived from the carcasses of poultry in an official 
establishment or elsewhere, shall be bought, sold, transported, offered 
for sale or transportation, or received for transportation in commerce, 
or imported, unless:
    (i) It is properly identified as animal food;
    (ii) It is not represented as being a human food; and
    (iii) It has been denatured as prescribed in Sec.  381.95 so as to 
be readily distinguishable from an article of human food.
    (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section, an animal food that consists of less than 5 percent of parts or 
products of the carcasses of poultry and that is not represented by 
labeling or appearance or otherwise as being a human food or as a 
product of the poultry industry need not be denatured in accordance with 
Sec.  381.95.
    (3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section, animal food packed in hermetically sealed, retort processed, 
conventional retail-size containers, and retail-size packages of semi-
moist animal food need not be denatured in accordance with Sec.  381.95 
if the name of the article clearly conveys the article's intended use 
for animal food and appears on the label in a conspicuous manner.
    (i) Except as provided in paragraph (ii) of paragraph (b)(3) of this 
section, the name of the article must be stated on the label as ``Animal 
Food,'' ``Pet Food,'' or ``(name of species) Food'' (e.g., ``Dog Food'' 
or ``Cat Food''). To be considered conspicuous, the name of the article, 
wherever it appears on the label, must be stated in letters at least 
twice as high, wide, and thick as the letters indicating the presence in 
the article of any ingredients derived from carcasses of poultry.
    (ii) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (i) of paragraph 
(b)(3) of this section, the article's name may be stated on the label to 
show that it is or contains poultry carcass-source material and that the 
article is for animals; e.g., ``Chicken for Pets'' or ``Turkey Dinner 
for Cats'': Provided, That the entire name of the article is stated, 
wherever it appears on the label, as an individual, contiguous unit, 
whether stated on a single line or more than one line, and the letters 
denoting the article's intended use for animal food are at least as 
high, wide, and thick as the letters indicating the presence of material 
derived from any poultry carcass. However, when the label bears on its 
principal display panel a vignette which pictures, in clearly 
recognizable form and size, one or more animals of the species for which 
the article's name indicates the article is intended, the letters used 
to state the article's intended use shall be at least one-half as high, 
wide, and thick as the letters used in the article's name or other 
letters indicating the presence of material derived from any poultry 
carcass, but shall not be less than \1/8\ inch high. The letters used to 
state the article's intended use may be separated from the article's 
name by the vignette.

[[Page 465]]

    (iii) Letters used to denote the intended use of the article must 
contrast as markedly with their background as the letters indicating the 
presence in the article of poultry carcass-source material contrast with 
their background.
    (4) The requirements of this part do not apply to livestock or 
poultry feed manufactured from processed poultry byproducts (such as 
poultry byproduct meal, hydrolyzed poultry feathers, and hydrolyzed 
poultry byproducts aggregate), or to processed dry animal food.

[49 FR 47479, Dec. 5, 1984]



Sec.  381.194  Transportation and other transactions concerning dead,
dying, disabled, or diseased poultry, and parts of carcasses of poultry
that died otherwise than by slaughter.

    No person engaged in the business of buying, selling, or 
transporting in commerce, or importing any dead, dying, disabled, or 
diseased poultry or parts of the carcasses of any poultry that died 
otherwise than by slaughter shall:
    (a) Sell, transport, offer for sale or transportation or receive for 
transportation, in commerce, any dead, dying, disabled, or diseased 
poultry, or parts of the carcasses of any poultry that died otherwise 
than by slaughter, unless such poultry and parts are consigned and 
delivered, without avoidable delay, to establishments of animal food 
manufacturers, renderers, or collection stations that are registered as 
required by Sec.  381.179, or to official establishments that operate 
under Federal inspection, or to establishments that operate under a 
State or Territorial inspection system approved by the Secretary as one 
that imposes requirements at least equal to the Federal requirements for 
purposes of section 5(c) of the Act.
    (b) Buy in commerce or import any dead, dying, disabled, or diseased 
poultry or parts of the carcasses of any poultry that died otherwise 
than by slaughter, unless he is an animal food manufacturer or renderer 
and is registered as required by Sec.  381.179, or is the operator of an 
establishment inspected as required by paragraph (a) of this section and 
such poultry or parts of carcasses are to be delivered to establishments 
eligible to receive them under paragraph (a) of this section.
    (c) Unload en route to any establishment eligible to receive them 
under paragraph (a) of this section, any dead, dying, disabled, or 
diseased poultry or parts of the carcasses of any poultry that died 
otherwise than by slaughter, which are transported in commerce or 
imported by any such person: Provided, That any such dead, dying, 
disabled, or diseased poultry, or parts of carcasses may be unloaded 
from a means of conveyance en route where necessary in case of a wreck 
or otherwise extraordinary emergency, and may be reloaded into another 
means of conveyance; but in all such cases, the carrier shall 
immediately report the facts by telegraph or telephone to the Director, 
Compliance Staff, Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 
20250.

[40 FR 55310, Nov. 28, 1975]



                   Subpart T_Imported Poultry Products



Sec.  381.195  Definitions; requirements for importation into
the United States.

    (a) When used in this part, the following terms are defined to mean:
    (1) Import (imported). To bring within the territorial limits of the 
United States whether that arrival is accomplished by land, air, or 
water.
    (2) Offer(ed) for entry. The point at which the importer presents 
the imported product for reinspection.
    (3) Entry (entered). The point at which imported product offered for 
entry receives reinspection and is marked with the official mark of 
inspection, as required by Sec.  381.204.
    (b) No slaughtered poultry, or parts or products thereof, shall be 
imported into the United States unless they are healthful, wholesome, 
fit for human food, not adulterated, and contain no dye, chemical, 
preservative, or ingredient which renders them unhealthful, unwholesome, 
adulterated, or unfit for human food and they also comply with the 
regulations prescribed in this subpart to assure that they comply with 
the standards provided for in the Act: Provided, That the provisions of 
this

[[Page 466]]

subpart apply to such articles only if they are capable of use as human 
food.
    (c) Except as provided in Sec.  381.207, slaughtered poultry and 
other poultry products may be imported only if they were processed 
solely in countries found eligible to export poultry products to the 
United States under Sec.  381.196(b). Slaughtered poultry may be 
imported only if it qualifies as ready-to-cook poultry.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 40 FR 42338, Sept. 12, 1975; 54 
FR 41049, Oct. 5, 1989; 79 FR 56233, Sept. 19, 2014; 84 FR 65268, Nov. 
27, 2019]



Sec.  381.196  Eligibility of foreign countries for importation of poultry
products into the United States.

    (a)(1) Whenever it shall be determined by the Administrator that the 
system of poultry inspection maintained by any foreign country, with 
respect to establishments preparing products in such country for export 
to the United States, insures compliance of such establishments and 
their poultry products, with requirements equivalent to all the 
provisions of the Act and the regulations in this part which are applied 
to official establishments in the United States, and their poultry 
products, and that reliance can be placed upon certificates required 
under this subpart from authorities of such foreign country, notice of 
that fact will be given in accordance with paragraph (b) of this 
section. Thereafter, poultry products processed in such establishments 
which are certified and approved in accordance with paragraph (a)(3) of 
this section shall be eligible, so far as the regulations in this part 
are concerned, for importation into the United States from such foreign 
country after applicable requirements of this part have been met.
    (2) The determination of acceptability of a foreign poultry 
inspection system for purposes of this section shall be based on an 
evaluation of the foreign program in accordance with the following 
requirements and procedures:
    (i) The system shall have a program organized and administered by 
the national government of the foreign country. The system as 
implemented must provide standards equivalent to those of the Federal 
system of poultry inspection in the United States with respect to:
    (A) Organizational structure and staffing, so as to insure uniform 
enforcement of the requisite laws and regulations in all establishments 
throughout the system at which poultry products are processed for export 
to the United States;
    (B) Ultimate control and supervision by the national government over 
the official activities of all employees or licensees of the system;
    (C) The assignment of competent, qualified inspectors;
    (D) Authority and responsibility of national inspection officials to 
enforce the requisite laws and regulations governing poultry inspection 
and to certify or refuse to certify poultry products intended for 
export;
    (E) Adequate administrative and technical support;
    (F) The inspection, sanitation, quality, species verification, and 
residue standards applied to products produced in the United States.
    (G) Other requirements of adequate inspection service as required by 
the regulations.
    (ii) The legal authority for the system and the regulations 
thereunder shall impose requirements equivalent to those governing the 
system of poultry inspection organized and maintained in the United 
States with respect to:
    (A) Ante mortem inspection of poultry for slaughter, which shall be 
performed by veterinarians or by other employees or licensees of the 
system under the direct supervision of veterinarians;
    (B) Post mortem inspection of carcasses and parts thereof at time of 
slaughter, performed by veterinarians or other employees or licensees of 
the system under the direct supervision of veterinarians;
    (C) Official controls by the national government over establishment 
construction, facilities, and equipment;
    (D) Direct and continuous official supervision of slaughtering of 
poultry and processing of poultry products, by the assignment of 
inspectors to establishments certified under paragraph (a)(3) of this 
section to assure that adulterated or misbranded poultry

[[Page 467]]

products are not processed for export to the United States;
    (E) Complete separation of establishments certified under 
subparagraph (3) of this paragraph from establishments not certified, 
and the maintenance of a single standard of inspection and sanitation 
throughout all certified establishments;
    (F) Requirements for sanitation at certified establishments and for 
sanitary handling of poultry products;
    (G) Official controls over condemned material until destroyed or 
removed and thereafter excluded from the establishment;
    (H) A Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system, as 
set forth in part 417 of this chapter.
    (I) Other matters for which requirements are contained in the Act or 
the regulations in this part.
    (iii) Countries desiring to establish eligibility for importation of 
poultry products into the United States may request a determination of 
eligibility by presenting copies of the laws and regulations on which 
the foreign poultry inspection system is based and such other 
information as the Administrator may require with respect to matters 
enumerated in paragraphs (a)(2) (i) and (ii). Determination of 
eligibility is based on a study of the documents and other information 
presented and an initial review of the system in operation by a 
representative of the Department using the criteria listed in paragraphs 
(a)(2) (i) and (ii) of this section. Maintenance of eligibility of a 
country for importation of poultry products into the United States 
depends on the results of periodic reviews of the foreign poultry 
inspection system in operation by a representative of the Department, 
and the timely submission of such documents and other information 
related to the conduct of the foreign inspection system as the 
Administrator may find pertinent to and necessary for the determinations 
required by this section.
    (iv) The foreign inspection system must maintain a program to assure 
that the requirements referred to in this section, equivalent to those 
applicable to the Federal system in the United States, are being met. 
The program as implemented must provide for the following:
    (A) Periodic supervisory visits by a representative of the foreign 
inspection system to each establishment certified in accordance with 
paragraph (a)(3) of this section to ensure that requirements referred to 
in paragraphs (a)(2)(ii)(A) through (H) of this section are being met: 
Provided, That such visits are not required with respect to any 
establishment during a period when the establishment is not operating or 
is not engaged in producing products for exportation to the United 
States;
    (B) Written reports prepared by the representative of the foreign 
inspection system who has conducted a supervisory visit, documenting his 
or her findings with respect to the requirements referred to in 
paragraphs (a)(2)(ii)(A) through (a)(2)(ii)(H) of this section, copies 
of which shall be made available to the representative of the Department 
at the time of the representative's review upon request by that 
representative to a responsible foreign inspection official: Provided, 
that such reports are not required during a period when the 
establishment is not operating or not engaged in producing products for 
exportation to the United States.
    (C) Random sampling and testing at the point of slaughter of 
carcasses, including internal organs and fat, for residues identified by 
the exporting country's inspection authorities or by this Agency as 
potential contaminants, in accordance with sampling and analytical 
techniques approved by the Administrator: Provided, that such testing is 
required only on samples taken of carcasses from which poultry or 
poultry products intended for importation into the United States are 
produced.
    (3) Only those establishments that are determined and certified to 
the Agency by a responsible official of the foreign meat inspection 
system as fully meeting the requirements of paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and 
(ii) of this section are eligible to have their products imported into 
the United States. Establishment eligibility is subject to review by the 
Agency (including observations of the establishments by Program 
representatives at times prearranged with

[[Page 468]]

the foreign meat inspection system officials). Foreign establishment 
certifications must be renewed annually. Notwithstanding certification 
by a foreign official, the Administrator may terminate the eligibility 
of any foreign establishment for the importation of its products into 
the United States if it does not comply with the requirements listed in 
paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section, or if current 
establishment information cannot be obtained. The Administrator will 
provide reasonable notice to the foreign government of the proposed 
termination of any foreign establishment, unless a delay in terminating 
its eligibility could result in the importation of adulterated or 
misbranded product.
    (i) For a new establishment or any establishment for which 
information from last year's electronic certification or paper 
certificate has changed, the certification or certificate must contain: 
The date; the foreign country; the foreign establishment's name, 
address, and foreign establishment number; the foreign official's title; 
the foreign official's signature (for paper certificates only); the type 
of operation(s) conducted at the establishment (e.g., slaughter, 
processing, storage, exporting warehouse); and the establishment's 
eligibility status (e.g., new or relisted (if previously delisted)). 
Slaughter and processing establishment certifications must address the 
species and type of products produced at the establishment (e.g., the 
process category).
    (ii) If the establishment information provided on the preceding 
year's electronic foreign establishment certification or paper 
certificate, as required in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section, has not 
changed, the certification or certificate must contain: The date, the 
foreign country, the foreign establishment's name, the foreign 
official's title and signature (for paper certificates only).
    (4) Poultry products from foreign countries not deemed eligible in 
accordance with paragraph (b) of this section may not be imported into 
the United States, except as provided by Sec. Sec.  381.207 and 381.209. 
Eligibility of any foreign country under this section may be withdrawn 
whenever the Administrator determines that the system of poultry 
inspection maintained by such foreign country does not assure compliance 
with requirements equivalent to all the requirements of the Act and the 
regulations as applied to official establishments in the United States; 
or that reliance cannot be placed upon certificates required under this 
subpart from authorities of such foreign country; or that, for lack of 
current information concerning the system of poultry inspection being 
maintained by such foreign country, such foreign country should be 
required to reestablish its eligibility.
    (b) A list of countries eligible to export specific process 
categories of poultry products to the United States is maintained at 
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/importlibrary. Such products from listed 
countries must be accompanied by inspection certificates of the country 
of origin, as required by Sec.  381.197, and are eligible under the 
regulations in this subpart for entry into the United States, after 
inspection and marking as required by the applicable provisions of this 
subpart.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 43 FR 8117, Feb. 28, 1978; 52 
FR 23021, June 17, 1987; 54 FR 41049, Oct. 5, 1989; 54 FR 43951, Oct. 
30, 1989; 60 FR 38668, July 28, 1995; 61 FR 38868, July 25, 1996; 64 FR 
49645, Sept. 14, 1999; 68 FR 37071, June 23, 2003; 71 FR 20871, Apr. 24, 
2006; 71 FR 43961, Aug. 3, 2006; 72 FR 61796, Nov. 1, 2007; 79 FR 16661, 
Mar. 26, 2014; 79 FR 56234, Sept. 19, 2014; 84 FR 13520, Apr. 5, 2019; 
84 FR 60324, Nov. 8, 2019; 84 FR 65268, Nov. 27, 2019]



Sec.  381.197  Foreign inspection certificate requirements.

    (a) Except as provided in Sec. Sec.  381.207 and 381.209, each 
consignment imported into the United States must have an electronic 
foreign inspection certification or a paper foreign inspection 
certificate issued by an official of the foreign government agency 
responsible for the inspection and certification of the product.
    (b) An official of the foreign government must certify that any 
product described on any official certificate was produced in accordance 
with the regulatory requirements in Sec.  381.196.
    (c) The electronic foreign inspection certification must be in 
English, be transmitted directly to FSIS before the

[[Page 469]]

product's arrival at the official import inspection establishment, and 
be available to import inspection personnel.
    (d) The paper foreign inspection certificate must accompany each 
consignment; be submitted to import inspection personnel at the official 
import inspection establishment; be in English; and bear the official 
seal of the foreign government responsible for the inspection of the 
product, and the name, title, and signature of the official authorized 
to issue inspection certificates for products imported to the United 
States.
    (e) The electronic foreign inspection certification and paper 
foreign inspection certificate must contain:
    (1) The date;
    (2) The foreign country of export and the producing foreign 
establishment number;
    (3) The species used to produce the product and the source country 
and foreign establishment number, if the source materials originate from 
a country other than the exporting country;
    (4) The product's description, including the process category, the 
product category, and the product group;
    (5) The name and address of the importer or consignee;
    (6) The name and address of the exporter or consignor;
    (7) The number of units (pieces or containers) and the shipping or 
identification mark on the units;
    (8) The net weight of each lot; and
    (9) Any additional information the Administrator requests to 
determine whether the product is eligible to be imported into the United 
States.

[79 FR 56234, Sept. 19, 2014]



Sec.  381.198  Import inspection application.

    (a) Applicants must submit an import inspection application to apply 
for the inspection of any product offered for entry. Applicants may 
apply for inspection using a paper or electronic application form.
    (b) Import inspection applications for each consignment must be 
submitted (electronically or on paper) to FSIS in advance of the 
shipment's arrival at the official import establishment where the 
product will be reinspected, but no later than when the entry is filed 
with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
    (c) The provisions of this section do not apply to products that are 
exempted from inspection by Sec. Sec.  381.207 and 381.209.

[79 FR 56234, Sept. 19, 2014]



Sec.  381.199  Inspection of poultry products offered for entry.

    (a)(1) Except as provided in Sec.  381.209 and paragraph (c) of this 
section, all slaughtered poultry and poultry products offered for entry 
from any foreign country shall be reinspected by a Program import 
inspector before they shall be allowed entry into the United States.
    (2) Every lot of product shall routinely be given visual inspection 
for appearance and condition, and checked for certification and label 
compliance.
    (3) The electronic inspection system shall be consulted for 
reinspection instructions. The electronic inspection system will assign 
reinspection levels and procedures based on established sampling plans 
and established product and plant history.
    (4) When the inspector deems it necessary, the inspector may sample 
and inspect lots not designated by the electronic inspection system.
    (b) Inspectors may take, without cost to the United States, from 
each consignment of poultry products offered for entry, such samples of 
the products as are deemed necessary to determine the eligibility of the 
products for entry into the commerce of the United States.
    (c) Poultry products imported under Sec.  381.207 shall not be 
sampled and inspected under this section unless there is reason for 
suspecting the presence therein of a substance in violation of that 
section, and in such case they shall be sampled and inspected in 
accordance with paragraph (a) of this section.
    (d) In addition to the provisions specified in paragraphs (a), (b), 
and (c) of this section, the following requirements apply to imported 
canned product.
    (1) Imported canned products are required to be sound, healthful, 
properly labeled, wholesome, and otherwise not

[[Page 470]]

adulterated at the time the products are offered for importation into 
the United States. Provided other requirements of this part are met, the 
determination of the acceptability of the product and the condition of 
the containers shall be based on the results of an examination of a 
statistical sample drawn from the consignment as provided in paragraph 
(a) of this section. If the inspector determines, on the basis of the 
sample examination, that the product does not meet the requirements of 
the Act and regulations thereunder, the consignment shall be refused 
entry. However, a consignment rejected for container defects but 
otherwise acceptable may be reoffered for inspection under the following 
conditions:
    (i) If the defective containers are not indicative of an unsafe or 
unstable product as determined by the Administrator;
    (ii) If the number and kinds of container defects found in the 
original sample do not exceed the limits specified for this purpose in 
FSIS guidelines; and
    (iii) If the defective containers in the consignment have been 
sorted out and exported or destroyed under the supervision of an 
inspector.
    (2) Representative samples of canned product designated by the 
Administrator in instructions to inspectors shall be incubated under the 
supervision of such inspectors in accordance with Sec.  381.309 
(d)(1)(ii), (d)(1)(iii), (d)(1)(iv)(c), (d)(1)(v), (d)(1)(vii), and 
(d)(1)(viii) of this subchapter. The importer or his/her agent shall 
provide the necessary incubation facilities in accordance with Sec.  
381.309(d)(1)(i) of this subchapter.
    (3) Sampling plans and acceptance levels as prescribed in paragraphs 
(d)(1) and (d)(2) of this section may be obtained, upon request, from 
International Programs, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250.
    (e) All products, required by this part to be inspected, shall be 
inspected only at an official establishment or at an official import 
inspection establishment approved by the Administrator as provided in 
this section. Such approved official import inspection establishments 
will be listed in the Meat, Poultry and Egg Product Inspection 
Directory, published by the Food Safety and Inspection Service. The 
listing will categorize the kind or kinds of product which may be 
inspected at each official import inspection establishment, based on the 
adequacy of the facilities for making such inspections and handling such 
products in a sanitary manner.
    (f) Owners or operators of establishments, other than official 
establishments, who want to have import inspections made at their 
establishments, shall apply to the Administrator for approval of their 
establishments for such purpose. Application shall be made on a form 
furnished by the Program, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC, and shall include all 
information called for by that form.
    (g) Approval for Federal import inspection shall be in accordance 
with subpart D of this part.
    (h) Owners or operators of establishments at which import 
inspections of product are to be made shall furnish adequate sanitary 
facilities and equipment for examination of such product. The 
requirements of Sec. Sec.  381.21 and 381.36, and part 416 of this 
chapter shall apply as conditions for approval of establishments as 
official import inspection establishments to the same extent and in the 
same manner as they apply with respect to official establishments.
    (i) The Administrator is authorized to approve any establishment as 
an official import inspection establishment provided that an application 
has been filed and drawings have been submitted in accordance with the 
requirements of paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section and he determines 
that such establishment meets the requirements under paragraph (e) of 
this section. Any application for inspection under this section may be 
denied or refused in accordance with the rules of practice in part 500 
of this chapter.
    (j) Approval of an official import inspection establishment may be 
withdrawn in accordance with applicable rules of practice if it is 
determined that the sanitary conditions are such that the product is 
rendered adulterated, that such action is authorized by

[[Page 471]]

section 21(b) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (84 
Stat. 91), or that the requirements of paragraph (e) of this section 
were not complied with. Approval may also be withdrawn in accordance 
with section 401 of the Act and applicable rules of practice.
    (k) A special official number shall be assigned to each official 
import inspection establishment. Such number shall be used to identify 
all products inspected and passed for entry at the establishment.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 49 FR 36819, Sept. 20, 1984; 51 
FR 45633, Dec. 19, 1986; 54 FR 275, Jan. 5, 1989; 54 FR 41050, Oct. 5, 
1989; 79 FR 56234, Sept. 19, 2014]



Sec.  381.200  Poultry products offered for entry, retention in customs
custody; delivery under bond; movement prior to inspection; handling; 
facilities and assistance.

    (a) No slaughtered poultry or other poultry product required by this 
subpart to be inspected shall be released from customs custody prior to 
inspection, but such product may be delivered to the consignee, or his 
agent, prior to inspection, if the consignee shall furnish a bond, in 
form prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, conditioned that the 
product shall be returned, if demanded, to the collector of the port 
where the same is offered for clearance through the customs.
    (b) Except as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, no product 
required by this subpart to be inspected shall be moved, prior to 
inspection, from the port of arrival where first unloaded, and if 
arriving by water, from the wharf where first unloaded at such port, to 
any place other than the place designated in accordance with this 
subpart as the place where the same shall be inspected; and no product 
shall be conveyed in any manner other than in compliance with this 
subpart.
    (c) The consignee, or his agent, shall furnish such facilities and 
shall provide such assistance for handling and marking poultry products 
offered for entry as the inspector may require.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 51 FR 37710, Oct. 24, 1986; 54 
FR 41050, Oct. 5, 1989; 56 FR 65180, Dec. 16, 1991]



Sec.  381.201  Means of conveyance and equipment used in handling poultry
products offered for entry to be maintained in sanitary condition.

    Compartments of steamships, railroad cars, and other means of 
conveyance transporting any poultry product to the United States, and 
all chutes, platforms, racks, tables, tools, utensils, and all other 
devices used in moving and handling any poultry product offered for 
entry into the United States, shall be maintained in a sanitary 
condition.



Sec.  381.202  Poultry products offered for entry; reporting of findings
to customs; handling of articles refused entry; appeals, how made; 
denaturing procedures.

    (a)(1) Program inspectors shall report their findings as to any 
product which has been inspected in accordance with this part, to the 
Director of Customs at the original port of entry.
    (2) When product has been identified as ``U.S. refused entry,'' the 
inspector shall request the Director of Customs to refuse admission to 
such product and to direct that it be exported by the owner or consignee 
within the time specified in this section, unless the owner or 
consignee, within the specified time, causes it to be destroyed by 
disposing of it under the supervision of a Program employee so that the 
product can no longer be used as human food, or by converting it to 
animal food uses, if permitted by the Food and Drug Administration. The 
owner or consignee of the refused entry product shall not transfer legal 
title to such product, except to a foreign consignee for direct and 
immediate exportation, or an end user, e.g., an animal food manufacturer 
or a renderer, for destruction for human food purposes. ``Refused 
entry'' product must be delivered to and used by the manufacturer or 
renderer within the 45-day time limit. Even if such title is illegally 
transferred, the subsequent purchaser will still be required to export 
the product or have it destroyed as specified in the notice under 
paragraph (a)(4) of this section.
    (3) No lot of product which has been refused entry may be subdivided 
during disposition pursuant to paragraph

[[Page 472]]

(a)(2) of this section, except that removal and destruction of any 
damaged or otherwise unsound product from a lot destined for 
reexportation is permitted under supervision of USDA prior to 
exportation. Additionally, such refused entry lot may not be shipped for 
export from any port other than that through which the product came into 
the United States without the expressed consent of the Administrator, 
based on full information concerning the product's disposition, 
including the name of the vessel and the date of export. For the 
purposes of this paragraph, the term ``lot'' shall refer to that product 
identified on MP Form 410 in the original request for inspection for 
importation pursuant to Sec.  381.198.
    (4) The owner or consignee shall have 45 days after notice is given 
by FSIS to the Director of Customs at the original port of entry to take 
the action required in paragraph (a)(2) of this section for ``refused 
entry'' product. Extension beyond the 45-day period may be granted by 
the Administrator when extreme circumstances warrant it; e.g., a dock 
workers' strike or an unforeseeable vessel delay.
    (5) If the owner or consignee fails to take the required action 
within the time specified under paragraph (a)(4) of this section, the 
Department will take such actions as may be necessary to effectuate its 
order to have the product destroyed for human food purposes. The 
Department shall seek court costs and fees, storage, and proper expenses 
in the appropriate forum.
    (6) No product which has been refused entry and exported to another 
country pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of this section may be returned to 
the United States under any circumstance. Any such product so returned 
to the United States shall be subject to administrative detention in 
accordance with section 19 of the Act, and seizure and condemnation in 
accordance with section 20 of the Act.
    (b) Upon the request of the Director of Customs at the port where a 
product is offered for clearance through the customs, the consignee of 
the product shall, at the consignee's own expense, immediately return to 
the Director any product which has been delivered to consignee under 
this subpart and subsequently designated ``U.S. Refused Entry'' or found 
in any request not to comply with the requirements in this subpart.
    (c) Except as provided in Sec.  381.200(a) or (b), no person shall 
remove or cause to be removed from any place designated as the place of 
inspection, any poultry product which the regulations in this subpart 
require to be marked in any way, unless the same has been clearly and 
legibly marked in compliance with this subpart.
    (d) Any person receiving inspection service may, if dissatisfied 
with any decision or action of an inspector or other Agency employee 
relating to any inspection, file an appeal from such decision or action 
in accordance with 9 CFR 500.9. The poultry or poultry products involved 
in any appeal must be identified by U.S. retained tags and segregated in 
a manner approved by the inspector or other Agency employee pending 
completion of an appeal inspection.
    (e) All condemned carcasses, or condemned parts of carcasses, or 
other condemned poultry products, except those condemned for biological 
residues, shall be disposed of by one of the following methods, under 
the supervision of an inspector of the Inspection Service. (Facilities 
and materials for carrying out the requirements in this section shall be 
furnished by the official establishments.)
    (1) Steam treatment (which shall be accomplished by processing the 
condemned product in a pressure tank under at least 40 pounds of steam 
pressure) or thorough cooking in a kettle or vat, a sufficient time to 
effectively destroy the product for human food purposes and preclude 
dissemination of disease through consumption by animals. (Tanks and 
equipment used for this purpose or for rendering or preparing inedible 
products shall be in rooms or compartments separate from those used for 
the preparation of edible products. There shall be no direct connection 
by means of pipes, or otherwise, between tanks containing inedible 
products and those containing edible products.)
    (2) Incineration or complete destruction by burning.

[[Page 473]]

    (3) Chemical denaturing, which shall be accomplished by the liberal 
application to all carcasses and parts thereof, of:
    (i) Crude carbolic acid,
    (ii) Kerosene, fuel oil, or used crankcase oil, or
    (iii) Any phenolic disinfectant conforming to commercial standards 
CS 70-41 or CS 71-41 which shall be used in at least 2 percent emulsion 
or solution.
    (4) Any other substances or method that the Administrator approves 
in specific cases, which will denature the poultry product to the extent 
necessary to accomplish the purposes of this section.
    (5) Carcasses and parts of carcasses condemned for biological 
residue shall be disposed of in accordance with paragraph (e)(2) of this 
section or by burying under the supervision of an inspector.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 48 FR 15890, Apr. 13, 1983; 50 
FR 19908, May 13, 1985; 51 FR 37709, Oct. 24, 1986; 53 FR 17015, May 13, 
1988; 54 FR 50735, Dec. 11, 1989; 60 FR 67458, Dec. 29, 1995; 87 FR 
63423, Oct. 19, 2022]



Sec.  381.203  Products offered for entry; charges for storage, cartage,
and labor with respect to products which are refused entry.

    All charges for storage, cartage, and labor with respect to any 
product offered for entry which is refused entry pursuant to the 
regulations shall be paid by the owner or consignee and, in default of 
such payment, shall constitute a lien against any other products offered 
for entry thereafter by or for such owner or consignee.

[54 FR 41050, Oct. 5, 1989]



Sec.  381.204  Marking of poultry products offered for entry; official
import inspection marks and devices.

    (a) Except for products offered for entry from Canada, poultry 
products which upon reinspection are found to be acceptable for entry 
into the United States shall be marked with the official inspection 
legend shown in paragraph (b) of this section. Such inspection legend 
shall be placed upon such products only after completion of official 
import inspection and product acceptance.
    (b) The official mark for marking poultry products offered for entry 
as ``U.S. inspected and passed'' shall be in the following form, and any 
device approved by the Administrator for applying such mark shall be an 
official device. \2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ The number ``I-42'' is given as an example only. The 
establishment number of the official establishment or official import 
inspection establishment where the product was inspected shall be shown 
on each stamp impression.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.044

                                Figure 1
    (c) When products are refused entry into the United States, the 
official mark to be applied to the products refused entry shall be in 
the following form:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.045

                                Figure 2
    (d) The import warning notice prescribed in Sec.  381.200(c) is an 
official mark.
    (e) The ordering and manufacture of brands shall be in accordance 
with the provisions contained in Sec.  317.3(c) of the Federal meat 
inspection regulations.
    (f) The inspection legend may be placed on containers of product 
before

[[Page 474]]

completion of official import inspection if the containers are being 
inspected by an import inspector who reports to an Import Field Office 
Supervisor, the product is not required to be held at the establishment 
pending the receipt of laboratory test results; and a written procedure 
for controlled stamping, submitted by the import establishment and 
approved by the Director, Import Inspection Division, is on file at the 
import inspection facility where the inspection is to be performed.
    (1) The written procedure for controlled pre-stamping should be in 
the form of a letter and shall include the following:
    (i) That stamping under this subpart will be limited to those lots 
of product which can be inspected on the day that certificates for the 
product are examined;
    (ii) That all products which have been pre-stamped will be stored in 
the facility where the import inspection will occur;
    (iii) That inspection marks applied under this part will be removed 
from any lot of product subsequently refused entry on the day the 
product is rejected; and
    (iv) That the establishment will maintain a daily stamping log 
containing the following information for each lot of product: the date 
of inspection, the country of origin, the foreign establishment number, 
the product name, the number of units, the shipping container marks, and 
the MP-410 number covering the product to be inspected. The daily 
stamping log must be retained by the establishment in accordance with 
the requirements of Sec.  381.177.
    (2) An official import establishment's controlled pre-stamping 
privilege may be cancelled orally or in writing by the inspector or 
other Agency employee who is supervising its enforcement whenever the 
employee finds that the official import establishment has failed to 
comply with the provisions of this part or any conditions imposed 
pursuant thereto. If the cancellation is oral, the decision or action 
and the reasons therefor will be confirmed in writing, as promptly as 
circumstances allow. Any person whose controlled pre-stamping privilege 
has been cancelled may appeal the decision or action in accordance with 
9 CFR 500.9. The appeal must state all of the facts and reasons upon 
which the person relies to show that the controlled pre-stamping 
privilege was wrongfully cancelled.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0583-0015)

[51 FR 37710, Oct. 24, 1986, as amended at 53 FR 17015, May 13, 1988; 54 
FR 41050, Oct. 5, 1989; 87 FR 63423, Oct. 19, 2022]



Sec.  381.205  Labeling of immediate containers of poultry products
offered for entry.

    (a) Immediate containers of poultry products imported into the 
United States shall bear a label printed in English showing in 
accordance with subpart N of this part all information required by that 
section (except that the inspection mark and establishment number 
assigned by the foreign poultry inspection system and certified to the 
Inspection Service shall be shown instead of the official dressed 
poultry identification mark or other official inspection legend, and 
official establishment number); and in addition the label shall show the 
name of the country of origin preceded by the words ``Product of,'' 
which statement shall appear immediately under the name of the product.
    (b) The labels shall not be false or misleading in any respect.
    (c) All marks and other labeling for use on or with immediate 
containers must be approved for use by the Food Safety and Inspection 
Service in accordance with part 412 of this chapter before products 
bearing such marks and other labeling will be permitted for entry into 
the United States.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 39 FR 4569, Feb. 5, 1974; 54 FR 
41050, Oct. 5, 1989; 60 FR 67458, Dec. 29, 1995; 78 FR 66838, Nov. 7, 
2013]



Sec.  381.206  Labeling of shipping containers of poultry products
offered for entry.

    Shipping containers of imported poultry products are required to 
bear in a prominent and legible manner the name of the product, the name 
of the country of origin, the foreign inspection system establishment 
number of

[[Page 475]]

the establishment in which the product was processed, and the inspection 
mark of the country of origin. Labeling on shipping containers shall be 
examined at the time of inspection in the United States and if found to 
be false or misleading, the product shall be refused entry. All labeling 
used with a shipping container of imported poultry products must be 
approved in accordance with subpart N of this part.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 54 FR 41050, Oct. 5, 1989; 60 
FR 67458, Dec. 29, 1995]



Sec.  381.207  Small importations for consignee's personal use, display,
or laboratory analysis.

    Any poultry product (other than one which is forbidden entry by 
other Federal law or regulation) from any country in quantities of less 
than 50 pounds net weight, exclusively for the personal use of the 
consignee, or for display or laboratory analysis by the consignee, and 
not for sale or distribution; which is sound, healthful, wholesome, and 
fit for human food, and which is not adulterated and contains no 
substance not permitted by the Act or regulations, may be imported into 
the United States without a foreign inspection certificate, and such 
product is not required to be inspected upon arrival in the United 
States and may be shipped to the consignee without further restriction 
under this part, except as provided in Sec.  381.199(c): And provided, 
That the Department may with respect to any specific importation, 
require that the consignee certify that such product is exclusively for 
the personal use of said consignee, or for display or laboratory 
analysis by said consignee, and not for sale or distribution.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 54 FR 41050, Oct. 5, 1989]



Sec.  381.208  Poultry products offered for entry and entered to be
handled and transported as domestic; entry into official establishments;
transportation.

    (a) All poultry products, after entry into the United States in 
compliance with this subpart, shall be deemed and treated and, except as 
provided in Sec.  381.207, shall be handled and transported as domestic 
products, and shall be subject to the applicable provisions of this part 
and to the provisions of the Poultry Products Inspection Act and the 
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
    (b) Poultry products entered in accordance with this subpart may, 
subject to the provisions of the regulations, be taken into official 
establishments and be mixed with or added to poultry products that are 
inspected and passed or exempted from inspection in such establishments.
    (c) Imported poultry products which have been inspected, passed, and 
marked under this subpart may be transported in commerce, only upon 
compliance with the applicable regulations.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 54 FR 41050, Oct. 5, 1989]



Sec.  381.209  Returned United States inspected and marked poultry 
products; exemption.

    Poultry products which have been inspected and passed by the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture and are so marked, and are returned from 
foreign countries, may be imported if they are not adulterated or 
misbranded at the time of such return. Such products are exempted from 
further requirements under this part. Such returned shipments shall be 
reported to the Administrator by letter prior to arrival at the United 
States port of entry.



    Subpart U_Detention; Seizure and Condemnation; Criminal Offenses



Sec.  381.210  Poultry and other articles subject to administrative 
detention.

    Any poultry carcass, or part thereof; or any product made wholly or 
in part from any poultry carcass or part thereof; or any dead, dying, 
disabled, or diseased poultry is subject to detention for a period not 
to exceed 20 days when found by any authorized representative of the 
Secretary upon any premises where it is held for purposes of, or during 
or after distribution in commerce or otherwise subject to the Act, and 
there is reason to believe that any such poultry or other article is 
adulterated or misbranded and is capable of use as human food or has not 
been inspected, in violation of the provisions of the

[[Page 476]]

Act, any other Federal law, or the laws of any State or territory, or 
the District of Columbia; or that it has been or is intended to be 
distributed in violation of the provisions of the Act, any other Federal 
law, or the laws of any State or territory, or the District of Columbia.



Sec.  381.211  Method of detention; form of detention tag.

    An authorized representative of the Secretary shall detain any 
poultry or other article to be detained under this subpart, by affixing 
an official ``U.S. Detained'' tag (FSIS Form 8400-2) to such article.

[55 FR 47843, Nov. 16, 1990]



Sec.  381.212  Notification of detention to the owner of the poultry
or other article, or the owner's agent, and person having custody.

    (a) When any poultry or other article is detained under this 
subpart, an authorized representative of the Secretary shall:
    (1) Orally notify the immediate custodian of the poultry or other 
article detained, and
    (2) Promptly furnish a copy of a completed ``Notice of Detention'' 
(FSIS Form 8080-1) to the immediate custodian of the detained poultry or 
other article.
    (b) If the owner of the detained poultry or other article, or the 
owner's agent, is not the immediate custodian at the time of detention 
and if the owner, or owner's agent, can be ascertained and notified, an 
authorized representative of the Secretary shall furnish a copy of the 
completed ``Notice of Detention'' to the owner, or the owner's agent. 
Such copy shall be served, as soon as possible, by delivering the 
notification to the owner, or the owner's agent, or by certifying and 
mailing the notification to the owner, or the owner's agent, at his or 
her last known residence or principal office or place of business.

[55 FR 47843, Nov. 16, 1990]



Sec.  381.213  Notification of governmental authorities having jurisdiction
over article detained; form of written notification.

    Within 48 hours after the detention of any poultry or other article 
pursuant to Sec.  381.211, an authorized representative of the Secretary 
shall give oral or written notification of such detention to any Federal 
authorities not connected with the Inspection Service, and any State or 
other governmental authorities, having jurisdiction over such article. 
In the event notification is given orally, it shall be confirmed in 
writing, as promptly as circumstances permit.



Sec.  381.214  Movement of poultry or other article detained; 
removal of official marks.

    (a) No poultry or other article detained in accordance with the 
provisions in this subpart shall be moved by any person from the place 
at which it is located when so detained, until released by an authorized 
representative of the Secretary: Provided, That any such article may be 
moved from the place at which it is located when so detained, for 
refrigeration or freezing, or storage purposes if such movement has been 
approved by an authorized representative of the Secretary and the 
article so moved will be further detained by an authorized 
representative of the Secretary after such movement.
    (b) Upon terminating the detention of such article, an authorized 
representative of the Secretary shall:
    (1) Orally notify the immediate custodian of the released article, 
and
    (2) Furnish copies of a completed ``Notice of Termination of 
Detention'' (FSIS Form 8400-1) to the persons notified when the article 
was detained. The notice shall be served by either delivering the notice 
to such persons or by certifying and mailing the notice to such persons 
at their last known residences or principal offices or places of 
business.
    (c) All official marks may be required by such representative to be 
removed from such article before it is released unless it appears to the 
satisfaction of

[[Page 477]]

the representative that the article is eligible to retain such marks.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 55 FR 47843, Nov. 16, 1990]



Sec.  381.215  Poultry or other articles subject to judicial seizure
and condemnation.

    Any poultry carcass, or part thereof, or any product made wholly or 
in part from any poultry carcass or part thereof; except those exempted 
from the definition of a poultry product in Sec.  381.15, or any dead, 
dying, disabled, or diseased poultry, that is being transported in 
commerce or is otherwise subject to the Act, or is held for sale in the 
United States after such transportation, is subject to seizure and 
condemnation, in a judicial proceeding pursuant to section 20 of the Act 
if such poultry or other article:
    (a) Is or has been processed, sold, transported, or otherwise 
distributed or offered or received for distribution in violation of the 
Act; or
    (b) Is capable of use as human food and is adulterated or 
misbranded; or
    (c) In any other way is in violation of the Act.



Sec.  381.216  Procedure for judicial seizure, condemnation, and
disposition.

    Any poultry or other article subject to seizure and condemnation 
under this subpart is liable to be proceeded against and seized and 
condemned, and disposed of, at any time, on an appropriate pleading in 
any U.S. district court, or other proper court specified in section 21 
of the Act, within the jurisdiction of which the article is found.



Sec.  381.217  Authority for condemnation or seizure under other
provisions of law.

    The provisions of this subpart relating to detention, seizure, 
condemnation and disposition of poultry or other articles do not 
derogate from authority for retention, condemnation, or seizure 
conferred by other provisions of the Act, or other laws.



Sec.  381.218  Criminal offenses.

    The Act contains criminal provisions with respect to numerous 
offenses specified in the Act, including but not limited to forcible 
assaults on, or other interference with, any person while engaged in, or 
on account of the performance of, his official duties under the Act. 
Criminal provisions with respect to gifts or offers of bribes to such 
persons and related offenses are contained in the general criminal code 
(18 U.S.C. 201).



  Subpart V_Special Provisions for Designated States and Territories; 
 Criteria and Procedure for Designating Establishments With Operations 
 Which Would Clearly Endanger the Public Health; Disposition of Poultry 
                            Products Therein



Sec.  381.220  Definition of ``State''.

    For purposes of this subpart, the term ``State'' means any State 
(including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico) or organized territory.



Sec.  381.221  Designation of States under paragraph 5(c) of the Act.

    Each of the following States has been designated, under paragraph 
5(c) of the Act, as a State in which the provisions of sections 1 
through 4, 6 through 10, and 12 through 22 of the Act shall apply to 
operations and transactions wholly within the State. The Federal 
provisions apply, effective on the dates shown below:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Effective date of
                  States                       application of Federal
                                                     provisions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alaska....................................  July 31, 1999.
Arkansas..................................  Jan. 2, 1971.
California................................  Apr. 1, 1976.
Colorado..................................  Jan. 2, 1971.
Connecticut...............................  Oct. 1, 1975.
Florida...................................  Dec. 2, 1997.
Georgia...................................  Jan. 2, 1971.
Guam......................................  Jan. 21, 1972.
Hawaii....................................  Nov. 1, 1995.
Idaho.....................................  Jan. 2, 1971.
Kentucky..................................  July 28, 1971.
Maryland..................................  Mar. 31, 1991.
Massachusetts.............................  Jan. 12, 1976.
Michigan..................................  Jan. 2, 1971.
Nebraska..................................  July 28, 1971.
Nevada....................................  July 1, 1973.
New Hampshire.............................  Aug. 6, 1978
New Jersey................................   Do.
New Mexico................................  Aug. 13, 2007.
New York..................................  Apr. 10, 1977.
Northern Mariana Islands..................  Oct. 29, 1979.
Oregon....................................  Jan. 2, 1971.
Pennsylvania..............................  Oct. 31, 1971.

[[Page 478]]

 
Puerto Rico...............................  Jan. 17, 1972.
Rhode Island..............................  Oct. 1, 1981.
South Dakota..............................  Jan. 2, 1971.
Tennessee.................................  Oct. 1, 1975.
Virgin Islands............................  Nov. 27, 1971.
Washington................................  June 1, 1973.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[42 FR 2949, Jan. 14, 1977]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
381.221, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  381.222  States designated under paragraph 5(c) of the Act;
application of regulations.

    The provisions of the regulations in this part apply to operations 
and transactions wholly within each State designated in Sec.  381.221 
under paragraph 5(c) of the Act, except as otherwise provided in this 
section. (The provisions of the regulations apply in all respects to 
operations and transactions in or for commerce.)
    (a) Each establishment located in such a designated State, shall be 
granted inspection required under Sec.  381.6(b) only if it is found, 
upon a combined evaluation of its premises, facilities, and operating 
procedures, to be capable of producing products that are not adulterated 
or misbranded.
    (b) Section 381.26 will apply to establishments required to have 
inspection under Sec.  381.6(b), except that existing interconnections 
between official and unofficial establishments or between official 
establishments will be permitted if it is determined in specific cases 
that the interconnections are such that transfer of inedible poultry 
product into the official establishment would be difficult or unusual, 
and any such transfers are strictly prohibited, except as permitted 
under other provisions of the regulations. It is essential that 
separation of facilities be maintained to the extent necessary to assure 
that inedible poultry product does not enter the official establishment 
contrary to the regulations.
    (c) Sections 381.49 and 381.51 shall apply to such establishments, 
except that separate facilities for men and women workers will not be 
required when the majority of the workers in the establishment are 
related by blood or marriage, provided that this will not conflict with 
municipal or State requirements; and except that separation of toilet 
soil lines from house drainage lines to a point outside the buildings 
will not be required in existing construction when positive acting 
backflow devices are installed.
    (d) Subpart N of this part shall apply to such establishments except 
as provided in this paragraph (d).
    (1) The operator of each such establishment shall, prior to the 
inauguration of inspection, identify all labeling and marking devices in 
use, or proposed for use (upon the date of inauguration of inspection) 
to the Front Line Supervisor in which the establishment is located. 
Temporary approval, pending formal approval under Sec.  412.1 of this 
chapter, will be granted by the Front Line Supervisor for labeling and 
marking devices that he determines are neither false nor misleading, 
provided the official inspection legend bearing the official 
establishment number is applied to the principal display panel of each 
label, either by a mechanical printing device or a self-destructive 
pressure sensitive sticker, and provided the label shows the true 
product name, an accurate ingredient statement, the name and address of 
the manufacturer, packer, or distributor, and any other features 
required by section 4(h) of the Act.
    (2) The Front Line Supervisor will forward one copy of each item of 
labeling and a description of each marking device for which he has 
granted temporary approval to the FSIS Labeling and Program Delivery 
Staff and will retain one copy in a temporary approval file for the 
establishment.
    (3) The operator of the official establishment shall promptly 
forward a copy of each item of labeling and a description of each 
marking device for which temporary approval has been granted by the 
Front Line Supervisor (showing any modifications required by the Front 
Line Supervisor) to the FSIS Labeling and Program Delivery Staff at 
headquarters, accompanied by the formula and details of preparation and 
packaging for each product. Within 90 days after inauguration of 
inspection,

[[Page 479]]

all labeling material and marking devices temporarily approved by the 
Front Line Supervisor must receive approval as required by Sec.  412.1 
or their use must be discontinued.
    (4) The Front Line Supervisor will also review all shipping 
containers to ensure that they do not have any false or misleading 
labeling and are otherwise not misbranded. Modifications of unacceptable 
information on labeling material by the use of pressure sensitive tape 
of a type that cannot be removed without visible evidence of such 
removal, or by blocking out with an ink stamp will be authorized on a 
temporary basis to permit the maximum allowable use of all labeling 
materials on hand. All unacceptable labeling material which is not 
modified to comply with the requirements of the regulations must be 
destroyed or removed from the official establishment.
    (e) Sections 381.175 through 381.179 apply to operations and 
transactions not in or for commerce in a State designated under 
paragraph 5(c) only if the State is also designated under section 11 of 
the Act and if such provisions are applicable as shown in Sec.  381.224.
    (f) Section 381.185(a) will not apply to States designated under 
paragraph 5(c) of the Act.
    (g) Provisions of this part relating to exports and imports do not 
apply to operations and transactions solely in or for intrastate 
commerce.

[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972, as amended at 39 FR 4569, Feb. 5, 1974; 62 FR 
45027, Aug. 25, 1997; 78 FR 66838, Nov. 7, 2013]



Sec.  381.223  Control and disposition of nonfederally inspected poultry
products in States designated under paragraph 5(c) of the Act.

    Upon the effective date of designation of a State under paragraph 
5(c) of the Act, no poultry products can be processed within the State 
unless they are prepared under inspection pursuant to the regulations or 
are exempted from the requirement of inspection under Sec.  381.10, and 
no unexempted poultry products which were processed without any 
inspection can lawfully be distributed within the State. For a period of 
90 days from the effective date of such designation, poultry products 
which were processed in any State listed in Sec.  381.187 and inspected 
and passed under the supervision of a responsible State or local 
inspection agency or exempted from State inspection can be distributed 
solely within the State, provided they are not adulterated or 
misbranded, except that the official inspection legend shall not be 
used. Such products may not enter official establishments. After said 
90-day period, only federally inspected and passed products may be 
distributed within the designated State, except as provided in Sec.  
381.10.



Sec.  381.224  Designation of States under section 11 of the Act; 
application of sections of the Act and the regulations.

    Each of the following States has been designated, effective on the 
date shown below, under section 11 of the Act, as a State in which the 
provisions of the sections of the Act and regulations specified below 
shall apply to operators engaged, other than in or for commerce, in the 
kinds of business indicated below:

[[Page 480]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paragraphs of act and regulations         Classes of operators                State             Effective date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Act, 11(b): Sec.  Sec.   381.175-  Persons engaged (not in or for     Alaska...............  July 31, 1999.
 381.178.                           commerce) in (1) the business of  Arkansas.............  Apr. 1, 1976.
                                    slaughtering any poultry or       California...........  July 1, 1975.
                                    processing, freezing, packaging,  Colorado.............  Oct. 1, 1975.
                                    or labeling any poultry           Connecticut..........  Nov. 12, 1976.
                                    carcasses, or parts or products   Georgia..............  Nov. 19, 1976.
                                    thereof, for use as human food    Guam.................  Nov. 12, 1976.
                                    or animal food; (2) the business  Idaho................  Apr. 18, 1973.
                                    of buying or selling (as a        Kentucky.............  Nov. 12, 1976.
                                    poultry products broker,          Maryland.............  Jan. 12, 1976.
                                    wholesaler, or otherwise),        Massachusetts........  Nov. 12, 1976.
                                    transporting or storing any       Michigan.............  Jan. 31, 1975.
                                    poultry carcasses, or parts or    Nebraska.............  Jan. 31, 1975.
                                    products thereof; or (3)          Nevada...............  Oct. 29, 1979.
                                    business as a renderer or in the  New Hampshire........  July 1, 1975.
                                    business of buying, selling, or   New Jersey...........  July 16, 1975.
                                    transporting any dead, dying,     New York.............  July 23, 1973.
                                    disabled, or diseased poultry or  Northern Mariana       Oct. 29, 1979.
                                    parts of carcasses of any          Islands.              Jan. 31, 1975.
                                    poultry that died otherwise than  Oregon...............  ...................
                                    by slaughter.                     Pennsylvania.........  May 2, 1974.
                                                                      Puerto Rico..........  Nov. 19, 1976.
                                                                      Rhode Island.........  Mar. 29, 1982.
                                                                      South Dakota.........  Nov. 12, 1976.
                                                                      Tennessee............  Oct. 1, 1975.
                                                                      Virgin Islands.......  Nov. 19, 1976.
                                                                      Washington...........  Jan. 31, 1975.
                                                                                             Nov. 12, 1976.
Act, 11(c); Sec.   381.179.......  Persons engaged (not in or for     Alaska...............  July 31, 1999.
                                    commerce) in business as a        Arkansas.............  Apr. 1, 1976.
                                    poultry products broker;          California...........  July 1, 1975.
                                    renderer; animal food             Colorado.............  Oct. 1, 1975.
                                    manufacturer; wholesaler or       Connecticut..........  Nov. 12, 1976.
                                    public warehouseman of poultry    Georgia..............  Nov. 19, 1976.
                                    carcasses, or parts or products   Guam.................  Nov. 12, 1976.
                                    thereof; or buying, selling, or   Idaho................  Apr. 18, 1973.
                                    transporting dead, dying,         Kentucky.............  Nov. 12, 1976.
                                    disabled, or diseased poultry or  Maryland.............  Jan. 12, 1976.
                                    parts of carcasses of any         Massachusetts........  Nov. 12, 1976.
                                    poultry that died otherwise than  Michigan.............  Jan. 31, 1975.
                                    by slaughter.                     Nebraska.............  Jan. 31, 1975.
                                                                      Nevada...............  Oct. 29, 1979.
                                                                      New Hampshire........  July 1, 1975.
                                                                      New Jersey...........  July 16, 1975.
                                                                      New York.............  July 23, 1973.
                                                                      Northern Mariana       Oct. 29, 1979.
                                                                       Islands.              Jan. 31, 1975.
                                                                      Oregon...............  ...................
                                                                      Pennsylvania.........  May 2, 1974.
                                                                      Puerto Rico..........  Nov. 19, 1976.
                                                                      Rhode Island.........  Mar. 29, 1982.
                                                                      South Dakota.........  Nov. 12, 1976.
                                                                      Tennessee............  Oct. 1, 1975.
                                                                      Virgin Islands.......  Nov. 19, 1976.
                                                                      Washington...........  Jan. 31, 1975.
                                                                                             Nov. 12, 1976.

[[Page 481]]

 
Act, 11(d); 381.194..............  Persons engaged (not in or for     Alaska...............  July 31, 1999.
                                    commerce) in the business of      Arkansas.............  Nov. 12, 1976.
                                    buying, selling or transporting   Georgia..............  Nov. 19, 1976.
                                    any dead, dying, disabled or      Guam.................  Nov. 12, 1976.
                                    diseased poultry, or parts or     Idaho................  Nov. 12, 1976.
                                    carcasses of any poultry that     Maryland.............  Nov. 12, 1976.
                                    died otherwise than by slaughter. Michigan.............  Oct. 29, 1979.
                                                                      New Hampshire........  Oct. 29, 1979.
                                                                      Northern Mariana       Nov. 19, 1976.
                                                                       Islands.              ...................
                                                                      Puerto Rico..........  Mar. 29, 1982.
                                                                      Rhode Island.........  Nov. 12, 1976.
                                                                      South Dakota.........  Nov. 19, 1976.
                                                                      Virgin Islands.......  Nov. 12, 1976.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[37 FR 9706, May 16, 1972; 65 FR 6888, Feb. 11, 2000]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
381.224, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  381.225  Criteria and procedure for designating establishments
with operations which would clearly endanger the public health; disposition
of poultry products therein.

    (a) An establishment in any State not listed in Sec.  381.221 that 
is preparing poultry products solely for distribution within such State 
shall be designated as one producing adulterated products which would 
clearly endanger the public health, if:
    (1) Any poultry product processed at the establishment is 
adulterated in any of the following respects:
    (i) It bears or contains a pesticide chemical, food additive, or 
color additive, that is ``unsafe'' within the meaning of section 408, 
409, or 706 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or was 
intentionally subjected to radiation in a manner not permitted under 
section 409 of said Act; or if it bears or contains any other added 
poisonous or added deleterious substance which may render it injurious 
to health or make it unfit for human food; or
    (ii) It consists in whole or in part of any filthy, putrid or 
decomposed substance or is for any other reason unsound, unhealthful, 
unwholesome, or otherwise unfit for human food (for example, it was 
prepared from a poultry carcass or other ingredients exhibiting spoilage 
characteristics); or it is, or was prepared from, a poultry carcass 
which would be required to be condemned under subpart K at official 
establishments; or
    (iii) It has been prepared, packed or held under insanitary 
conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with filth or may 
have been rendered injurious to health (for example, if insects or 
vermin are not effectively controlled at the establishment, or 
insanitary water is used in preparing poultry products for human food); 
or
    (iv) It is, in whole or in part, the product of poultry that died 
otherwise than by slaughter; or
    (v) Its container is composed, in whole or in part, of any poisonous 
or deleterious substance which may render the contents injurious to 
health; and
    (2) Such adulterated articles are intended to be or are distributed 
from the establishment while capable of use as human food.
    (b) When any such establishment is identified by an inspector as one 
producing adulterated poultry products which would clearly endanger 
public health under the criteria in paragraph (a) of this section, the 
following procedure will be followed:
    (1) The inspector will informally advise the operator of the 
establishment concerning the deficiencies found by him and report his 
findings to the appropriate Regional Director for the Inspection 
Service. When it is determined by the Regional Director that

[[Page 482]]

any establishment preparing poultry products solely for distribution 
within any State is producing adulterated poultry products for 
distribution within such State which would clearly endanger the public 
health, written notification thereof will be issued to the appropriate 
State officials, including the Governor of the State and the appropriate 
Advisory Committee, for effective action under State or local law to 
prevent such endangering of the public health. Such written notification 
shall clearly specify the deficiencies deemed to result in the 
production of adulterated poultry products and shall specify a 
reasonable time for such action under State or local law.
    (2) If effective action is not taken under State or local law within 
the specified time, written notification shall be issued by the Regional 
Director to the operator of the establishment, specifying the 
deficiencies involved and allowing him 10 days to present his views or 
make the necessary corrections, and notifying him that failure to 
correct such deficiencies may result in designation of the establishment 
and operator thereof as subject to the provisions of sections 1 through 
4, 6 through 10, and 12 through 22 of the Act as though engaged in 
commerce.
    (3) Thereafter the inspector shall survey the establishment and 
designate it if he determines, in consultation with the Regional 
Director, that it is producing adulterated poultry products, which would 
clearly endanger the public health, and formal notice of such 
designation will be issued to the operator of the establishment by the 
Regional Director.
    (c) Poultry products on hand at the time of designation of an 
establishment under this section are subject to retention or detention, 
and seizure and condemnation in accordance with Sec.  381.145 or subpart 
U of this part: Provided, That poultry products that have been federally 
inspected and so identified and that have not been further prepared at 
any nonfederally inspected establishment may be released for 
distribution if the products appear to be not adulterated or misbranded 
at the time of such release.
    (d) No establishment designated under this section can lawfully 
prepare any poultry products unless it first obtains inspection or 
qualifies for exemption under Sec.  381.10 of this subpart. All other 
provisions of the regulations shall apply to establishments designated 
under this section to the same extent and in the same manner as if they 
were engaged in commerce, except that the exceptions provided for in 
Sec.  381.222 shall apply to such establishments.

Subpart X [Reserved]



                      Subpart Y_Nutrition Labeling

    Source: 58 FR 675, Jan. 6, 1993, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  381.400  Nutrition labeling of poultry products.

    (a) Nutrition labeling must be provided for all poultry products 
intended for human consumption and offered for sale, except single-
ingredient, raw poultry products that are not ground or chopped poultry 
products described in Sec.  381.401 and are not major cuts of single-
ingredient, raw poultry products identified in Sec.  381.444, unless the 
product is exempted under Sec.  381.500. Nutrition labeling must be 
provided for the major cuts of single-ingredient, raw poultry products 
identified in Sec.  381.444, either in accordance with the provisions of 
Sec.  381.409 for nutrition labels, or in accordance with the provisions 
of Sec.  381.445 for point-of-purchase materials, except as exempted 
under Sec.  381.500. For all other products that require nutrition 
labeling, including ground or chopped poultry products described in 
Sec.  381.401, nutrition labeling must be provided in accordance with 
the provisions of Sec.  381.409, except as exempted under Sec.  381.500.
    (b) Nutrition labeling may be provided for single-ingredient, raw 
poultry products that are not ground or chopped poultry products 
described in Sec.  381.401 and that are not major cuts of single-
ingredient, raw poultry products identified in Sec.  381.444, either in 
accordance with the provisions of Sec.  381.409 for nutrition labels, or 
in accordance with

[[Page 483]]

the provisions of Sec.  381.445 for point-of-purchase materials.

[75 FR 82166, Dec. 29, 2010]



Sec.  381.401  Required nutrition labeling of ground or chopped poultry
products.

    Nutrition labels must be provided for all ground or chopped poultry 
(kind) with or without added seasonings (including, but not limited to, 
ground chicken, ground turkey, and (kind) burgers) that are intended for 
human consumption and offered for sale, in accordance with the 
provisions of Sec.  381.409, except as exempted under Sec.  381.500.

[75 FR 82166, Dec. 29, 2010]



Sec.  381.402  Location of nutrition information.

    (a) Nutrition information on a label of a packaged poultry product 
shall appear on the label's principal display panel or on the 
information panel, except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this 
section.
    (b) Nutrition information for gift packs may be shown at a location 
other than on the product label, provided that the labels for these 
products bear no nutrition claim. In lieu of on the product label, 
nutrition information may be provided by alternate means such as product 
label inserts.
    (c) Poultry products in packages that have a total surface area 
available to bear labeling greater than 40 square inches but whose 
principal display panel and information panel do not provide sufficient 
space to accommodate all required information may use any alternate 
panel that can be readily seen by consumers for the nutrition 
information. In determining the sufficiency of available space for the 
nutrition information, the space needed for vignettes, designs, and 
other nonmandatory label information on the principal display panel may 
be considered.

[58 FR 675, Jan. 6, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 40215, Aug. 8, 1994]



Sec. Sec.  381.403-381.407  [Reserved]



Sec.  381.408  Labeling of poultry products with number of servings.

    The label of any package of a poultry product that bears a 
representation as to the number of servings contained in such package 
shall meet the requirements of Sec.  381.121(c)(7).



Sec.  381.409  Nutrition label content.

    (a) All nutrient and food component quantities shall be declared in 
relation to a serving as defined in this section.
    (b)(1) The term ``serving'' or ``serving size'' means an amount of 
food customarily consumed per eating occasion by persons 4 years of age 
or older, which is expressed in a common household measure that is 
appropriate to the product. When the product is specially formulated or 
processed for use by infants or by toddlers, a serving or serving size 
means an amount of food customarily consumed per eating occasion by 
infants up to 12 months of age or by children 1 through 3 years of age, 
respectively.
    (2) Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(8), (b)(12), and (b)(14) of 
this section and for products that are intended for weight control and 
are available only through a weight-control or weight-maintenance 
program, the serving size declared on a product label shall be 
determined from the ``Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed Per Eating 
Occasion--General Food Supply'' (Reference Amount(s)) that appear in 
Sec.  381.412(b) using the procedures described in this paragraph (b). 
For products that are both intended for weight control and available 
only through a weight-control program, a manufacturer may determine the 
serving size that is consistent with the meal plan of the program. Such 
products must bear a statement, ``for sale only through the ______ 
program'' (fill in the blank with the name of the appropriate weight-
control program, e.g., Smith's Weight Control), on the principal display 
panel. However, the Reference Amounts in Sec.  381.412(b) shall be used 
for purposes of evaluating whether weight-control products that are 
available only through a weight-control program qualify for nutrition 
claims.

[[Page 484]]

    (3) The declaration of nutrient and food component content shall be 
on the basis of the product ``as packaged'' for all products, except 
that single-ingredient, raw products that are not ground or chopped 
poultry products as described in Sec.  381.401 may be declared on the 
basis of the product ``as consumed.'' For single-ingredient, raw 
products that are not ground or chopped poultry products described in 
Sec.  381.401, if data are based on the product ``as consumed,'' the 
data must be presented in accordance with Sec.  381.445(d). In addition 
to the required declaration on the basis of ``as packaged'' for products 
other than single-ingredient, raw products that are not ground or 
chopped poultry products as described in Sec.  381.401, the declaration 
may also be made on the basis of ``as consumed,'' provided that 
preparation and cooking instructions are clearly stated.
    (4) For products in discrete units (e.g., chicken wings, and 
individually packaged products within a multi-serving package), and for 
products which consist of two or more foods packaged and presented to be 
consumed together where the ingredient represented as the main 
ingredient is in discrete units (e.g., chicken wings and barbecue 
sauce), the serving size shall be declared as follows:
    (i) If a unit weighs 50 percent or less of the Reference Amount, the 
serving size shall be the number of whole units that most closely 
approximates the Reference Amount for the product category.
    (ii) If a unit weighs more than 50 percent but less than 67 percent 
of the Reference Amount, the manufacturer may declare one unit or two 
units as the serving size.
    (iii) If a unit weighs 67 percent or more but less than 200 percent 
of the Reference Amount, the serving size shall be one unit.
    (iv) If a unit weighs 200 percent or more of the Reference Amount, 
the manufacturer may declare one unit as the serving size if the whole 
unit can reasonably be consumed at a single eating occasion.
    (v) For products that have Reference Amounts of 100 grams (or 
milliliter) or larger and are individual units within a multi-serving 
package, if a unit contains more than 150 percent but less than 200 
percent of the Reference Amount, the manufacturer may decide whether to 
declare the individual unit as 1 or 2 servings.
    (vi) For products which consist of two or more foods packaged and 
presented to be consumed together where the ingredient represented as 
the main ingredient is in discrete units (e.g., chicken wings and 
barbecue sauce), the serving size may be the number of discrete units 
represented as the main ingredient plus proportioned minor ingredients 
used to make the Reference Amount for the combined product as determined 
in Sec.  381.412(c).
    (vii) For packages containing several individual single-serving 
containers, each of which is labeled with all required information 
including nutrition labeling as specified in this section (i.e., are 
labeled appropriately for individual sale as single-serving containers), 
the serving size shall be 1 unit.
    (5) For products in large discrete units that are usually divided 
for consumption (e.g., pizza, pan of poultry lasagna), for unprepared 
products where the entire contents of the package is used to prepare 
large discrete units that are usually divided for consumption (e.g., 
pizza kit), and for products which consist of two or more foods packaged 
and presented to be consumed together where the ingredient represented 
as the main ingredient is a large discrete unit usually divided for 
consumption, the serving size shall be the fractional slice of the 
ready-to-eat product (e.g., \1/8\ quiche, \1/4\ pizza) that most closely 
approximates the Reference Amount for the product category. The serving 
size may be the fraction of the package used to make the Reference 
Amount for the unprepared product determined in Sec.  381.412(d) or the 
fraction of the large discrete unit represented as the main ingredient 
plus proportioned minor ingredients used to make the Reference Amount of 
the combined product determined in Sec.  381.412(c). In expressing the 
fractional slice, manufacturers shall use \1/2\, \1/3\, \1/4\, \1/5\, 
\1/6\, or smaller fractions that can be generated by further division by 
2 or 3.

[[Page 485]]

    (6) For nondiscrete bulk products (e.g., whole turkey, turkey 
breast, ground poultry), and for products which consist of two or more 
foods packaged and presented to be consumed together where the 
ingredient represented as the main ingredient is a bulk product (e.g., 
turkey breast and gravy), the serving size shall be the amount in 
household measure that most closely approximates the Reference Amount 
for the product category and may be the amount of the bulk product 
represented as the main ingredient plus proportioned minor ingredients 
used to make the Reference Amount for the combined product determined in 
Sec.  381.412(c).
    (7) For labeling purposes, the term ``common household measure'' or 
``common household unit'' means cup, tablespoon, teaspoon, piece, slice, 
fraction (e.g., \1/4\ pizza), ounce (oz), or other common household 
equipment used to package food products (e.g., jar or tray). In 
expressing serving size in household measures, except as specified in 
paragraphs (b)(7)(iv), (v), and (vi) of this section, the following 
rules shall be used:
    (i) Cups, tablespoons, or teaspoons shall be used wherever possible 
and appropriate. Cups shall be expressed in \1/4\- or \1/3\-cup 
increments, tablespoons in whole number of tablespoons for quantities 
less than \1/4\ cup but greater than or equal to 2 tablespoons (tbsp), 
1, 1\1/3\, 1\1/2\, or 1\2/3\ tbsp for quantities less than 2 tbsp but 
greater than or equal to 1 tbsp, and teaspoons in whole number of 
teaspoons for quantities less than 1 tbsp but greater than or equal to 1 
teaspoon (tsp), and in \1/4\-tsp increments for quantities less than 1 
tsp.
    (ii) If cups, tablespoons or teaspoons are not applicable, units 
such as piece, slice, tray, jar, and fraction shall be used.
    (iii) If cups, tablespoons and teaspoons, or units such as piece, 
slice, tray, jar, or fraction are not applicable, ounces may be used. 
Ounce measurements shall be expressed in 0.5-ounce increments most 
closely approximating the Reference Amount with rounding indicated by 
the use of the term ``about'' (e.g., about 2.5 ounces).
    (iv) A description of the individual container or package shall be 
used for single-serving containers and for individually packaged 
products within multi-serving containers (e.g., can, box, package, meal, 
or dinner). A description of the individual unit shall be used for other 
products in discrete units (e.g., wing, slice, link, or patty).
    (v) For unprepared products where the entire contents of the package 
is used to prepare large discrete units that are usually divided for 
consumption (e.g., pizza kit), the fraction or portion of the package 
may be used.
    (vi) For products that consist of two or more distinct ingredients 
or components packaged and presented to be consumed together (e.g., 
chicken wings with a glaze packet), the nutrition information may be 
declared for each component or as a composite. The serving size may be 
provided in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (b)(4), (b)(5), 
and (b)(6) of this section.
    (vii) For nutrition labeling purposes, a teaspoon means 5 
milliliters (mL), a tablespoon means 15 mL, a cup means 240 mL, and 1 oz 
in weight means 28 grams (g).
    (viii) When a serving size, determined from the Reference Amount in 
Sec.  381.412(b) and the procedures described in this section, falls 
exactly half way between two serving sizes (e.g., 2.5 tbsp), 
manufacturers shall round the serving size up to the next incremental 
size.
    (8) A product that is packaged and sold individually and that 
contains less than 200 percent of the applicable Reference Amount shall 
be considered to be a single-serving container, and the entire content 
of the product shall be labeled as one serving, except for products that 
have Reference Amounts of 100 g (or mL) or larger, manufacturers may 
decide whether a package that contains more than 150 percent but less 
than 200 percent of the Reference Amount is 1 or 2 servings. Packages 
sold individually that contain 200 percent or more of the applicable 
Reference Amount may be labeled as a single-serving if the entire 
content of the package can reasonably be consumed at a single-eating 
occasion.
    (9) A label statement regarding a serving shall be the serving size 
expressed in common household measures as set forth in paragraphs (b)(2)

[[Page 486]]

through (b)(8) of this section and shall be followed by the equivalent 
metric quantity in parenthesis (fluids in milliliters and all other 
foods in grams), except for single-serving containers.
    (i) For a single-serving container, the parenthetical metric 
quantity, which will be presented as part of the net weight statement on 
the principal display panel, is not required except where nutrition 
information is required on a drained weight basis according to paragraph 
(b)(11) of this section. However, if a manufacturer voluntarily provides 
the metric quantity on products that can be sold as single servings, 
then the numerical value provided as part of the serving size 
declaration must be identical to the metric quantity declaration 
provided as part of the net quantity of contents statement.
    (ii) The gram or milliliter quantity equivalent to the household 
measure should be rounded to the nearest whole number except for 
quantities that are less than 5 g (mL). The gram (mL) quantity between 2 
and 5 g (mL) should be rounded to the nearest 0.5 g (mL) and the g (mL) 
quantity less than 2 g (mL) should be expressed in 0.1-g (mL) 
increments.
    (iii) In addition, serving size may be declared in ounce, in 
parenthesis, following the metric measure separated by a slash where 
other common household measures are used as the primary unit for serving 
size, e.g., 1 slice (28 g/1 oz) for sliced chicken roll. The ounce 
quantity equivalent to the metric quantity should be expressed in 0.1-oz 
increments.
    (iv) If a manufacturer elects to use abbreviations for units, the 
following abbreviations shall be used: tbsp for tablespoon, tsp for 
teaspoon, g for gram, mL for milliliter, and oz for ounce.
    (10) Determination of the number of servings per container shall be 
based on the serving size of the product determined by following the 
procedures described in this section.
    (i) The number of servings shall be rounded to the nearest whole 
number except for the number of servings between 2 and 5 servings and 
random weight products. The number of servings between 2 and 5 servings 
shall be rounded to the nearest 0.5 serving. Rounding should be 
indicated by the use of the term ``about'' (e.g., about 2 servings; 
about 3.5 servings).
    (ii) When the serving size is required to be expressed on a drained 
solids basis and the number of servings varies because of a natural 
variation in unit size, the manufacturer may state the typical number of 
servings per container (e.g., usually 5 servings).
    (iii) For random weight products, a manufacturer may declare 
``varied'' for the number of servings per container provided the 
nutrition information is based on the Reference Amount expressed in 
ounces. The manufacturer may provide the typical number of servings in 
parenthesis following the ``varied'' statement (e.g., varied 
(approximately 8 servings per pound)).
    (iv) For packages containing several individual single-serving 
containers, each of which is labeled with all required information 
including nutrition labeling as specified in this section (i.e., are 
labeled appropriately for individual sale as single-serving containers), 
the number of servings shall be the number of individual packages within 
the total package.
    (v) For packages containing several individually packaged multi-
serving units, the number of servings shall be determined by multiplying 
the number of individual multi-serving units in the total package by the 
number of servings in each individual unit. The declaration of the 
number of servings per container need not be included in nutrition 
labeling of single-ingredient, raw poultry products that are not ground 
or chopped poultry products described in Sec.  381.401, including those 
that have been previously frozen.
    (11) The declaration of nutrient and food component content shall be 
on the basis of product as packaged or purchased with the exception of 
single-ingredient, raw products that are not ground or chopped poultry 
products described in Sec.  381.401 and products that are packed or 
canned in water, brine, or oil but whose liquid packing medium is not 
customarily consumed. Declaration of the nutrient and food component 
content of products that are packed in liquid which is not customarily 
consumed shall be based on the drained solids.

[[Page 487]]

    (12) The serving size for meal-type products and main-dish products 
as defined in Sec.  381.413(l) and Sec.  381.413 (m) in single-serve 
containers will be the entire edible content of the package. Serving 
size for meal-type products and main-dish products in multi-serve 
containers will be based on the reference amount applicable to the 
product in Sec.  381.412(b) if the product is listed in Sec.  
381.412(b). Serving size for meal-type products and main-dish products 
in multi-serve containers that are not listed in Sec.  381.412(b) will 
be based on the reference amount according to Sec.  381.412(c), (d), and 
(e).
    (13) Another column of figures may be used to declare the nutrient 
and food component information in the same format as required by Sec.  
381.409(e),
    (i) Per 100 grams, 100 milliliters, or 1 ounce of the product as 
packaged or purchased.
    (ii) Per one unit if the serving size of a product in discrete units 
in a multi-serving container is more than one unit.
    (14) If a product consists of assortments of poultry products (e.g., 
variety packs) in the same package, nutrient content shall be expressed 
on the entire package contents or on each individual product.
    (15) If a product is commonly combined with other ingredients or is 
cooked or otherwise prepared before eating, and directions for such 
combination or preparations are provided, another column of figures may 
be used to declare the nutrient contents on the basis of the product as 
consumed for the product alone (e.g., a cream soup mix may be labeled 
with one set of Daily Values for the dry mix (per serving), and another 
set for the serving of the final soup when prepared (e.g., per serving 
of cream soup mix and 1 cup of vitamin D fortified whole milk)): 
Provided, that the type and quantity of the other ingredients to be 
added to the product by the user and the specific method of cooking and 
other preparation shall be specified prominently on the label.
    (c) The declaration of nutrition information on the label or in 
labeling of a poultry product shall contain information about the level 
of the following nutrients, except for those nutrients whose inclusion, 
and the declaration of amounts, is voluntary as set forth in this 
paragraph. No nutrients or food components other than those listed in 
this paragraph as either mandatory or voluntary may be included within 
the nutrition label. Except as provided for in paragraph (f) or (g) of 
this section, nutrient information shall be presented using the nutrient 
names specified and in the following order in the formats specified in 
paragraph (d) or (e) of this section.
    (1) ``Calories, total,'' ``Total calories,'' or ``Calories'': A 
statement of the caloric content per serving, expressed to the nearest 
5-calorie increment up to and including 50 calories, and 10-calorie 
increment above 50 calories, except that amounts less than 5 calories 
may be expressed as zero. Energy content per serving may also be 
expressed in kilojoule units, added in parenthesis immediately following 
the statement of the caloric content.
    (i) Caloric content may be calculated by the following methods. 
Where either specific or general food factors are used, the factors 
shall be applied to the actual amount (i.e., before rounding) of food 
components (e.g., fat, carbohydrate, protein, or ingredients with 
specific food factors) present per serving.
    (A) Using specific Atwater factors (i.e., the Atwater method) given 
in Table 13, page 25, ``Energy Value of Foods--Basis and Derivation,'' 
by A. L. Merrill and B. K. Watt, United States Department of Agriculture 
(USDA), Agriculture Handbook No. 74 (Slightly revised February 1973), 
which is incorporated by reference. Table 13 of the ``Energy Value of 
Foods--Basis and Derivation,'' Agriculture Handbook No. 74 is 
incorporated as it exists on the date of approval. This incorporation by 
reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. It is available for 
inspection at the office of the FSIS Docket Clerk, Room 3171, South 
Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC, or at the 
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on 
the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or

[[Page 488]]

go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Copies of the 
incorporation by reference are available from the Product Assessment 
Division, Regulatory Programs, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Room 329, West End Court Building, 
Washington, DC 20250-3700;
    (B) Using the general factors of 4, 4, and 9 calories per gram for 
protein, total carbohydrate, and total fat, respectively, as described 
in USDA's Agriculture Handbook No. 74 (Slightly revised February 1973), 
pages 9-11, which is incorporated by reference. Pages 9-11, Agriculture 
Handbook No. 74 is incorporated as it exists on the date of approval. 
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 
(The availability of this incorporation by reference is given in 
paragraph (c)(1)(i)(A) of this section.);
    (C) Using the general factors of 4, 4, and 9 calories per gram for 
protein, total carbohydrate less the amount of insoluble dietary fiber, 
and total fat, respectively, as described in USDA's Agriculture Handbook 
No. 74 (Slightly revised February 1973), pages 9-11, which is 
incorporated by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51. (The availability of this incorporation by reference is given 
in paragraph (c)(1)(i)(A) of this section.); or
    (D) Using data for specific food factors for particular foods or 
ingredients approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and 
provided in parts 172 or 184 of 21 CFR, or by other means, as 
appropriate.
    (ii) ``Calories from fat'': A statement of the caloric content 
derived from total fat as defined in paragraph (c)(2) of this section 
per serving, expressed to the nearest 5-calorie increment, up to and 
including 50 calories, and the nearest 10-calorie increment above 50 
calories, except that label declaration of ``calories from fat'' is not 
required on products that contain less than 0.5 gram of fat per serving 
and amounts less than 5 calories may be expressed as zero. This 
statement shall be declared as provided in paragraph (d)(5) of this 
section.
    (iii) ``Calories from saturated fat'' or ``Calories from saturated'' 
(VOLUNTARY): A statement of the caloric content derived from saturated 
fat as defined in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section per serving may be 
declared voluntarily, expressed to the nearest 5-calorie increment, up 
to and including 50 calories, and the nearest 10-calorie increment above 
50 calories, except that amounts less than 5 calories may be expressed 
as zero. This statement shall be indented under the statement of 
calories from fat as provided in paragraph (d)(5) of this section.
    (2) ``Fat, total'' or ``Total fat'': A statement of the number of 
grams of total fat per serving defined as total lipid fatty acids and 
expressed as triglycerides. Amounts shall be expressed to the nearest 
0.5 (\1/2\)-gram increment below 5 grams and to the nearest gram 
increment above 5 grams. If the serving contains less than 0.5 gram, the 
content shall be expressed as zero.
    (i) ``Saturated fat'' or ``Saturated'': A statement of the number of 
grams of saturated fat per serving defined as the sum of all fatty acids 
containing no double bonds, except that label declaration of saturated 
fat content information is not required for products that contain less 
than 0.5 gram of total fat per serving if no claims are made about fat 
or cholesterol content, and if ``calories from saturated fat'' is not 
declared. Saturated fat content shall be indented and expressed as grams 
per serving to the nearest 0.5 (\1/2\)-gram increment below 5 grams and 
to the nearest gram increment above 5 grams. If the serving contains 
less than 0.5 gram, the content shall be expressed as zero.
    (A) ``Stearic Acid'' (VOLUNTARY): A statement of the number of grams 
of stearic acid per serving may be declared voluntarily, except that 
when a claim is made about stearic acid, label declaration shall be 
required. Stearic acid content shall be indented under saturated fat and 
expressed to the nearest 0.5 (\1/2\)-gram increment below 5 grams and 
the nearest gram increment above 5 grams. If the serving contains less 
than 0.5 gram, the content shall be expressed as zero.
    (B) [Reserved]

[[Page 489]]

    (ii) ``Polyunsaturated fat'' or ``Polyunsaturated'' (VOLUNTARY): A 
statement of the number of grams of polyunsaturated fat per serving 
defined as cis,cis-methylene-interrupted polyunsaturated fatty acids may 
be declared voluntarily, except that when monounsaturated fat is 
declared, or when a claim about fatty acids or cholesterol is made on 
the label or in labeling of a product other than one that meets the 
criteria in Sec.  381.462(b)(1) for a claim for ``fat free,'' label 
declaration of polyunsaturated fat is required. Polyunsaturated fat 
content shall be indented and expressed as grams per serving to the 
nearest 0.5 (\1/2\)-gram increment below 5 grams and to the nearest gram 
increment above 5 grams. If the serving contains less than 0.5 gram, the 
content shall be expressed as zero.
    (iii) ``Monounsaturated fat'' or ``Monounsaturated'' (VOLUNTARY): A 
statement of the number of grams of monounsaturated fat per serving 
defined as cis-monounsaturated fatty acids may be declared voluntarily, 
except that when polyunsaturated fat is declared, or when a claim about 
fatty acids or cholesterol is made on the label or in labeling of a 
product other than one that meets the criteria in Sec.  381.462(b)(1) 
for a claim for ``fat free,'' label declaration of monounsaturated fat 
is required. Monounsaturated fat content shall be indented and expressed 
as grams per serving to the nearest 0.5 (\1/2\)-gram increment below 5 
grams and to the nearest gram increment above 5 grams. If the serving 
contains less than 0.5 gram, the content shall be expressed as zero.
    (3) ``Cholesterol'': A statement of the cholesterol content per 
serving expressed in milligrams to the nearest 5-milligram increment, 
except that label declaration of cholesterol information is not required 
for products that contain less than 2 milligrams of cholesterol per 
serving and make no claim about fat, fatty acids, or cholesterol 
content, or such products may state the cholesterol content as zero. If 
the product contains 2 to 5 milligrams of cholesterol per serving, the 
content may be stated as ``less than 5 milligrams.''
    (4) ``Sodium'': A statement of the number of milligrams of sodium 
per serving expressed as zero when the serving contains less than 5 
milligrams of sodium, to the nearest 5-milligram increment when the 
serving contains 5 to 140 milligrams of sodium, and to the nearest 10-
milligram increment when the serving contains greater than 140 
milligrams.
    (5) ``Potassium'' (VOLUNTARY): A statement of the number of 
milligrams of potassium per serving may be declared voluntarily, except 
that when a claim is made about potassium content, label declaration 
shall be required. Potassium content shall be expressed as zero when the 
serving contains less than 5 milligrams of potassium, to the nearest 5-
milligram increment when the serving contains 5 to 140 milligrams of 
potassium, and to the nearest 10-milligram increment when the serving 
contains greater than 140 milligrams.
    (6) ``Carbohydrate, total'' or ``Total carbohydrate'': A statement 
of the number of grams of total carbohydrate per serving expressed to 
the nearest gram, except that if a serving contains less than 1 gram, 
the statement ``Contains less than 1 gram'' or ``less than 1 gram'' may 
be used as an alternative, or, if the serving contains less than 0.5 
gram, the content may be expressed as zero. Total carbohydrate content 
shall be calculated by subtraction of the sum of the crude protein, 
total fat, moisture, and ash from the total weight of the product. This 
calculation method is described in USDA's Agriculture Handbook No. 74 
(Slightly revised February 1973), pages 2 and 3, which is incorporated 
by reference. Pages 2 and 3, Agriculture Handbook No. 74 is incorporated 
as it exists on the date of approval. This incorporation by reference 
was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (The availability of this 
incorporation by reference is given in paragraph (c)(1)(i)(A) of this 
section.).
    (i) ``Dietary fiber'': A statement of the number of grams of total 
dietary fiber per serving, indented and expressed to the nearest gram, 
except that if a serving contains less than 1 gram, declaration of 
dietary fiber is not required, or, alternatively, the statement 
``Contains less than 1 gram''

[[Page 490]]

or ``less than 1 gram'' may be used, and if the serving contains less 
than 0.5 gram, the content may be expressed as zero.
    (A) ``Soluble fiber'' (VOLUNTARY): A statement of the number of 
grams of soluble dietary fiber per serving may be declared voluntarily 
except when a claim is made on the label or in labeling about soluble 
fiber, label declaration shall be required. Soluble fiber content shall 
be indented under dietary fiber and expressed to the nearest gram, 
except that if a serving contains less than 1 gram, the statement 
``Contains less than 1 gram'' or ``less than 1 gram'' may be used as an 
alternative, and if the serving contains less than 0.5 gram, the content 
may be expressed as zero.
    (B) ``Insoluble fiber'' (VOLUNTARY): A statement of the number of 
grams of insoluble dietary fiber per serving may be declared voluntarily 
except when a claim is made on the label or in labeling about insoluble 
fiber, label declaration shall be required. Insoluble fiber content 
shall be indented under dietary fiber and expressed to the nearest gram, 
except that if a serving contains less than 1 gram, the statement 
``Contains less than 1 gram'' or ``less than 1 gram'' may be used as an 
alternative, and if the serving contains less than 0.5 gram, the content 
may be expressed as zero.
    (ii) ``Sugars'': A statement of the number of grams of sugars per 
serving, except that label declaration of sugars content is not required 
for products that contain less than 1 gram of sugars per serving if no 
claims are made about sweeteners, sugars, or sugar alcohol content. 
Sugars shall be defined as the sum of all free mono- and disaccharides 
(such as glucose, fructose, lactose, and sucrose). Sugars content shall 
be indented and expressed to the nearest gram, except that if a serving 
contains less than 1 gram, the statement ``Contains less than 1 gram'' 
or ``less than 1 gram'' may be used as an alternative, and if the 
serving contains less than 0.5 gram, the content may be expressed as 
zero.
    (iii) ``Sugar alcohol'' (VOLUNTARY): A statement of the number of 
grams of sugar alcohols per serving may be declared voluntarily on the 
label, except that when a claim is made on the label or in labeling 
about sugar alcohol or sugars when sugar alcohols are present in the 
product, sugar alcohol content shall be declared. For nutrition labeling 
purposes, sugar alcohols are defined as the sum of saccharide 
derivatives in which a hydroxyl group replaces a ketone or aldehyde 
group and whose use in the food is listed by FDA (e.g., mannitol or 
xylitol) or is generally recognized as safe (e.g., sorbitol). In lieu of 
the term ``sugar alcohol,'' the name of the specific sugar alcohol 
(e.g., ``xylitol'') present in the product may be used in the nutrition 
label, provided that only one sugar alcohol is present in the product. 
Sugar alcohol content shall be indented and expressed to the nearest 
gram, except that if a serving contains less than 1 gram, the statement 
``Contains less than 1 gram'' or ``less than 1 gram'' may be used as an 
alternative, and if the serving contains less than 0.5 gram, the content 
may be expressed as zero.
    (iv) ``Other carbohydrate'' (VOLUNTARY): A statement of the number 
of grams of other carbohydrate per serving may be declared voluntarily. 
Other carbohydrate shall be defined as the difference between total 
carbohydrate and the sum of dietary fiber, sugars, and sugar alcohol, 
except that if sugar alcohol is not declared (even if present), it shall 
be defined as the difference between total carbohydrate and the sum of 
dietary fiber and sugars. Other carbohydrate content shall be indented 
and expressed to the nearest gram, except that if a serving contains 
less than 1 gram, the statement ``Contains less than 1 gram'' or ``less 
than 1 gram'' may be used as an alternative, and if the serving contains 
less than 0.5 gram, the content may be expressed as zero.
    (7) ``Protein'': A statement of the number of grams of protein per 
serving expressed to the nearest gram, except that if a serving contains 
less than 1 gram, the statement ``Contains less than 1 gram'' or ``less 
than 1 gram'' may be used as an alternative, and if the serving contains 
less than 0.5 gram, the content may be expressed as zero. When the 
protein in products represented or purported to be for adults and 
children 4 or more years of age has

[[Page 491]]

a protein quality value that is a protein digestibility-corrected amino 
acid score of less than 20 expressed as a percent, or when the protein 
in a product represented or purported to be for children greater than 1 
but less than 4 years of age has a protein quality value that is a 
protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score of less than 40 
expressed as a percent, either of the following shall be placed adjacent 
to the declaration of protein content by weight: The statement ``not a 
significant source of protein,'' or a listing aligned under the column 
headed ``Percent Daily Value'' of the corrected amount of protein per 
serving, as determined in paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of this section, 
calculated as a percentage of the Daily Reference Value (DRV) or 
Reference Daily Intake (RDI), as appropriate, for protein and expressed 
as percent of Daily Value. When the protein quality in a product as 
measured by the Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) is less than 40 percent 
of the reference standard (casein) for a product represented or 
purported to be for infants, the statement ``not a significant source of 
protein'' shall be placed adjacent to the declaration of protein 
content. Protein content may be calculated on the basis of the factor of 
6.25 times the nitrogen content of the food as determined by appropriate 
methods of analysis in accordance with Sec.  381.409(h), except when the 
procedure for a specific food requires another factor.
    (i) A statement of the corrected amount of protein per serving, as 
determined in paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of this section, calculated as a 
percentage of the RDI or DRV for protein, as appropriate, and expressed 
as percent of Daily Value, may be placed on the label, except that such 
a statement shall be given if a protein claim is made for the product, 
or if the product is represented or purported to be for infants or 
children under 4 years of age. When such a declaration is provided, it 
shall be placed on the label adjacent to the statement of grams of 
protein and aligned under the column headed ``Percent Daily Value,'' and 
expressed to the nearest whole percent. However, the percentage of the 
RDI for protein shall not be declared if the product is represented or 
purported to be for infants and the protein quality value is less than 
40 percent of the reference standard.
    (ii) The corrected amount of protein (grams) per serving for 
products represented or purported to be for adults and children 1 or 
more years of age is equal to the actual amount of protein (grams) per 
serving multiplied by the amino acid score corrected for protein 
digestibility. If the corrected score is above 1.00, then it shall be 
set at 1.00. The protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score shall 
be determined by methods given in sections 5.4.1, 7.2.1, and 8 in 
``Protein Quality Evaluation, Report of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert 
Consultation on Protein Quality Evaluation,'' Rome, 1990, which is 
incorporated by reference. Sections 5.4.1, 7.2.1, and 8 of the ``Report 
of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Protein Quality 
Evaluation,'' as published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of 
the United Nations/World Health Organization, is incorporated as it 
exists on the date of approval. This incorporation by reference was 
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. It is available for inspection at the 
office of the FSIS Docket Clerk, Room 3171, South Building, 14th and 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC, or at the National Archives 
and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://
www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html. Copies of the incorporation by reference are 
available from the Product Assessment Division, Regulatory Programs, 
Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 
329, West End Court Building, Washington, DC 20250-3700. For products 
represented or purported to be for infants, the corrected amount of 
protein (grams) per serving is equal to the actual amount of protein 
(grams) per serving multiplied by the relative protein quality value. 
The relative protein quality value shall be determined by dividing the 
subject product's protein PER value by the PER value for casein. If the 
relative protein

[[Page 492]]

value is above 1.00, it shall be set at 1.00.
    (iii) For the purpose of labeling with a percent of the DRV or RDI, 
a value of 50 grams of protein shall be the DRV for adults and children 
4 or more years of age, and the RDI for protein for children less than 4 
years of age, infants, pregnant women, and lactating women shall be 16 
grams, 14 grams, 60 grams, and 65 grams, respectively.
    (8) Vitamins and minerals: A statement of the amount per serving of 
the vitamins and minerals as described in this paragraph, calculated as 
a percent of the RDI and expressed as percent of Daily Value.
    (i) For purposes of declaration of percent of Daily Value as 
provided for in paragraphs (d) through (g) of this section, products 
represented or purported to be for use by infants, children less than 4 
years of age, pregnant women, or lactating women shall use the RDI's 
that are specified for the intended group. For products represented or 
purported to be for use by both infants and children under 4 years of 
age, the percent of Daily Value shall be presented by separate 
declarations according to paragraph (e) of this section based on the RDI 
values for infants from birth to 12 months of age and for children under 
4 years of age. Similarly, the percent of Daily Value based on both the 
RDI values for pregnant women and for lactating women shall be declared 
separately on products represented or purported to be for use by both 
pregnant and lactating women. When such dual declaration is used on any 
label, it shall be included in all labeling, and equal prominence shall 
be given to both values in all such labeling. All other products shall 
use the RDI for adults and children 4 or more years of age.
    (ii) The declaration of vitamins and minerals as a percent of the 
RDI shall include vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron, in that 
order, and shall include any of the other vitamins and minerals listed 
in paragraph (c)(8)(iv) of this section when they are added, or when a 
claim is made about them. Other vitamins and minerals need not be 
declared if neither the nutrient nor the component is otherwise referred 
to on the label or in labeling or advertising and the vitamins and 
minerals are:
    (A) Required or permitted in a standardized food (e.g., thiamin, 
riboflavin, and niacin in enriched flour) and that standardized food is 
included as an ingredient (i.e., component) in another product; or
    (B) Included in a product solely for technological purposes and 
declared only in the ingredients statement. The declaration may also 
include any of the other vitamins and minerals listed in paragraph 
(c)(8)(iv) of this section when they are naturally occurring in the 
food. The additional vitamins and minerals shall be listed in the order 
established in paragraph (c)(8)(iv) of this section.
    (iii) The percentages for vitamins and minerals shall be expressed 
to the nearest 2-percent increment up to and including the 10-percent 
level, the nearest 5-percent increment above 10 percent and up to and 
including the 50-percent level, and the nearest 10-percent increment 
above the 50-percent level. Amounts of vitamins and minerals present at 
less than 2 percent of the RDI are not required to be declared in 
nutrition labeling but may be declared by a zero or by the use of an 
asterisk (or other symbol) that refers to another asterisk (or symbol) 
that is placed at the bottom of the table and that is followed by the 
statement ``Contains less than 2 percent of the Daily Value of this 
(these) nutrient (nutrients).'' Alternatively, if vitamin A, vitamin C, 
calcium, or iron is present in amounts less than 2 percent of the RDI, 
label declaration of the nutrient(s) is not required if the statement 
``Not a significant source of ________ (listing the vitamins or minerals 
omitted)'' is placed at the bottom of the table of nutrient values.
    (iv) The following RDI's and nomenclature are established for the 
following vitamins and minerals which are essential in human nutrition:

Vitamin A, 5,000 International Units
Vitamin C, 60 milligrams
Calcium, 1.0 gram
Iron, 18 milligrams
Vitamin D, 400 International Units
Vitamin E, 30 International Units
Thiamin, 1.5 milligrams
Riboflavin, 1.7 milligrams
Niacin, 20 milligrams

[[Page 493]]

Vitamin B6, 2.0 milligrams
Folate, 0.4 milligram
Vitamin B12, 6 micrograms
Biotin, 0.3 milligram
Pantothenic acid, 10 milligrams
Phosphorus, 1.0 gram
Iodine, 150 micrograms
Magnesium, 400 milligrams
Zinc, 15 milligrams
Copper, 2.0 milligrams

    (v) The following synonyms may be added in parenthesis immediately 
following the name of the nutrient or dietary component:

Vitamin C--Ascorbic acid
Thiamin--Vitamin B1
Riboflavin--Vitamin B2
Folate--Folacin
Calories--Energy

    (vi) A statement of the percent of vitamin A that is present as 
beta-carotene may be declared voluntarily. When the vitamins and 
minerals are listed in a single column, the statement shall be indented 
under the information on vitamin A. When vitamins and minerals are 
arrayed horizontally, the statement of percent shall be presented in 
parenthesis following the declaration of vitamin A and the percent of 
Daily Value of vitamin A in the product (e.g., ``Percent Daily Value: 
Vitamin A 50 (90 percent as beta-carotene)''). When declared, the 
percentages shall be expressed in the same increments as are provided 
for vitamins and minerals in paragraph (c)(8)(iii) of this section.
    (9) For the purpose of labeling with a percent of the DRV, the 
following DRV's are established for the following food components based 
on the reference caloric intake of 2,000 calories:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Food component                 Unit of measurement      DRV
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fat...................................  grams (g)...............      65
Saturated fatty acids.................  ......do................      20
Cholesterol...........................  milligrams (mg).........     300
Total carbohydrate....................  grams (g)...............     300
Fiber.................................  ......do................      25
Sodium................................  milligrams (mg).........    2400
Potassium.............................  ......do................    3500
Protein...............................  grams (g)...............      50
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d)(1) Nutrient information specified in paragraph (c) of this 
section shall be presented on products in the following format, except 
on products on which dual columns of nutrition information are declared 
as provided for in paragraph (e) of this section, on those products on 
which the simplified format is permitted to be used as provided for in 
paragraph (f) of this section, on products for infants and children less 
than 4 years of age as provided for in Sec.  381.500(c), and on products 
in packages that have a total surface area available to bear labeling of 
40 or less square inches as provided for in paragraph (g) of this 
section.
    (i) The nutrition information shall be set off in a box by use of 
hairlines and shall be all black or one color type, printed on a white 
or other neutral contrasting background whenever practical.
    (ii) All information within the nutrition label shall utilize:
    (A) A single easy-to-read type style,
    (B) Upper and lower case letters,
    (C) At least one point leading (i.e., space between two lines of 
text) except that at least four points leading shall be utilized for the 
information required by paragraphs (d)(7) and (d)(8) of this section, 
and
    (D) Letters should never touch.
    (iii) Information required in paragraphs (d)(3), (d)(5), (d)(7), and 
(d)(8) of this section shall be in type size no smaller than 8 point. 
Except for the heading ``Nutrition Facts,'' the information required in 
paragraphs (d)(4), (d)(6), and (d)(9) of this section and all other 
information contained within the nutrition label shall be in type size 
no smaller than 6 point. When provided, the information described in 
paragraph (d)(10) of this section shall also be in type no smaller than 
6 point.
    (iv) The headings required by paragraphs (d)(2), (d)(4), and (d)(6) 
of this section (i.e., ``Nutrition Facts,'' ``Amount Per Serving,'' and 
``% Daily Value*''), the names of all nutrients that are not indented 
according to requirements of paragraph (c) of this section (i.e., 
Calories, Total fat, Cholesterol, Sodium, Potassium, Total carbohydrate, 
and Protein), and the percentage amounts required by paragraph 
(d)(7)(ii) of this section shall be highlighted by bold or extra bold 
type or other highlighting (reverse printing is not permitted as a form 
of highlighting) that prominently distinguishes it from other 
information. No other information shall be highlighted.

[[Page 494]]

    (v) A hairline rule that is centered between the lines of text shall 
separate ``Amount Per Serving'' from the calorie statements required in 
paragraph (d)(5) of this section and shall separate each nutrient and 
its corresponding percent of Daily Value required in paragraphs 
(d)(7)(i) and (d)(7)(ii) of this section from the nutrient and percent 
of Daily Value above and below it.
    (2) The information shall be presented under the identifying heading 
of ``Nutrition Facts'' which shall be set in a type size larger than all 
other print size in the nutrition label and, except for labels presented 
according to the format provided for in paragraph (d)(11) of this 
section, unless impractical, shall be set the full width of the 
information provided under paragraph (d)(7) of this section.
    (3) Information on serving size shall immediately follow the 
heading. Such information shall include:
    (i) ``Serving Size'': A statement of the serving size as specified 
in paragraph (b)(9) of this section.
    (ii) ``Servings Per Container'': The number of servings per 
container, except that this statement is not required on single-serving 
containers as defined in paragraph (b)(8) of this section or on single-
ingredient, raw poultry products that are not ground or chopped poultry 
products described in Sec.  381.401.
    (4) A subheading ``Amount Per Serving'' shall be separated from 
serving size information by a bar.
    (5) Information on calories shall immediately follow the heading 
``Amount Per Serving'' and shall be declared in one line, leaving 
sufficient space between the declaration of ``Calories'' and ``Calories 
from fat'' to allow clear differentiation, or, if ``Calories from 
saturated fat'' is declared, in a column with total ``Calories'' at the 
top, followed by ``Calories from fat'' (indented), and ``Calories from 
saturated fat'' (indented).
    (6) The column heading ``% Daily Value,'' followed by an asterisk 
(e.g., ``% Daily Value*''), shall be separated from information on 
calories by a bar. The position of this column heading shall allow for a 
list of nutrient names and amounts as described in paragraph (d)(7) of 
this section to be to the left of, and below, this column heading. The 
column heading ``Percent Daily Value,'' ``Percent DV,'' or ``% DV'' may 
be substituted for ``% Daily Value.''
    (7) Except as provided for in paragraph (g) of this section, and 
except as permitted by Sec.  381.500(d)(2), nutrient information for 
both mandatory and any voluntary nutrients listed in paragraph (c) of 
this section that are to be declared in the nutrition label, except 
vitamins and minerals, shall be declared as follows:
    (i) The name of each nutrient, as specified in paragraph (c) of this 
section, shall be given in a column and followed immediately by the 
quantitative amount by weight for that nutrient appended with a ``g'' 
for grams or ``mg'' for milligrams.
    (ii) A listing of the percent of the DRV as established in 
paragraphs (c)(7)(iii) and (c)(9) of this section shall be given in a 
column aligned under the heading ``% Daily Value'' established in 
paragraph (d)(6) of this section with the percent expressed to the 
nearest whole percent for each nutrient declared in the column described 
in paragraph (d)(7)(i) of this section for which a DRV has been 
established, except that the percent for protein may be omitted as 
provided in paragraph (c)(7) of this section. The percent shall be 
calculated by dividing either the amount declared on the label for each 
nutrient or the actual amount of each nutrient (i.e., before rounding) 
by the DRV for the nutrient, except that the percent for protein shall 
be calculated as specified in paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of this section. The 
numerical value shall be followed by the symbol for percent (i.e., %).
    (8) Nutrient information for vitamins and minerals shall be 
separated from information on other nutrients by a bar and shall be 
arrayed horizontally (e.g., Vitamin A 4%, Vitamin C 2%, Calcium 15%, 
Iron 4%) or may be listed in two columns, except that when more than 
four vitamins and minerals are declared, they may be declared vertically 
with percentages listed under the column headed ``% Daily Value.''
    (9) A footnote, preceded by an asterisk, shall be placed beneath the 
list of

[[Page 495]]

vitamins and minerals and shall be separated from that list by a 
hairline.
    (i) The footnote shall state: Percent Daily Values are based on a 
2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending 
on your calorie needs.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Calories        2,000        2,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total fat.....................  Less than.....  65 g         80 g
Saturated fat.................  Less than.....  20 g         25 g
Cholesterol...................  Less than.....  300 mg       300 mg
Sodium........................  Less than.....  2400 mg      2400 mg
Total carbohydrate............  ..............  300 g        375 g
Dietary fiber.................  ..............  25 g         30 g
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) If the percent of Daily Value is given for protein in the 
Percent of Daily Value column as provided in paragraph (d)(7)(ii) of 
this section, protein shall be listed under dietary fiber, and a value 
of 50 g shall be inserted on the same line in the column headed 
``2,000'' and value of 65 g in the column headed ``2,500.''
    (iii) If potassium is declared in the column described in paragraph 
(d)(7)(i) of this section, potassium shall be listed under sodium and 
the DRV established in paragraph (c)(9) of this section shall be 
inserted on the same line in the numeric columns.
    (iv) The abbreviations established in paragraph (g)(2) of this 
section may be used within the footnote.
    (10) Caloric conversion information on a per-gram basis for fat, 
carbohydrate, and protein may be presented beneath the information 
required in paragraph (d)(9), separated from that information by a 
hairline. This information may be presented horizontally (i.e., 
``Calories per gram: Fat 9, Carbohydrate 4, Protein 4'') or vertically 
in columns.
    (11)(i) If the space beneath the information on vitamins and 
minerals is not adequate to accommodate the information required in 
paragraph (d)(9) of this section, the information required in paragraph 
(d)(9) may be moved to the right of the column required in paragraph 
(d)(7)(ii) of this section and set off by a line that distinguishes it 
and sets it apart from the percent of Daily Value information. The 
caloric conversion information provided for in paragraph (d)(10) of this 
section may be presented beneath either side or along the full length of 
the nutrition label.
    (ii) If the space beneath the mandatory declaration of iron is not 
adequate to accommodate any remaining vitamins and minerals to be 
declared or the information required in paragraph (d)(9) of this 
section, the remaining information may be moved to the right and set off 
by a line that distinguishes it and sets it apart from the percent of 
Daily Value information given to the left. The caloric conversion 
information provided for in paragraph (d)(10) of this section may be 
presented beneath either side or along the full length of the nutrition 
label.
    (iii) If there is not sufficient continuous vertical space (i.e., 
approximately 3 inches) to accommodate the required components of the 
nutrition label up to and including the mandatory declaration of iron, 
the nutrition label may be presented in a tabular display in which the 
footnote required by paragraph (d)(9) of the section is given to the far 
right of the label, and additional vitamins and minerals beyond the four 
that are required (i.e., vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron) are 
arrayed horizontally following declarations of the required vitamins and 
minerals.
    (12) The following sample label illustrates the provisions of 
paragraph (d) of this section:

[[Page 496]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.053

    (13)(i) Nutrition labeling on the outer label of packages of poultry 
products that contain two or more products in the same packages (e.g., 
variety packs) or of packages that are used interchangeably for the same 
type of food (e.g., poultry salad containers) may use an aggregate 
display.
    (ii) Aggregate displays shall comply with format requirements of 
paragraph

[[Page 497]]

(d) of this section to the maximum extent possible, except that the 
identity of each food shall be specified to the right of the ``Nutrition 
Facts'' title, and both the quantitative amount by weight (i.e., g/mg 
amounts) and the percent Daily Value for each nutrient shall be listed 
in separate columns under the name of each food.
    (14) When nutrition labeling appears in a second language, the 
nutrition information may be presented in a separate nutrition label for 
each language or in one nutrition label with the information in the 
second language following that in English. Numeric characters that are 
identical in both languages need not be repeated (e.g., ``Protein/
Proteinas 2 g''). All required information must be included in both 
languages.
    (e) Nutrition information may be presented for two or more forms of 
the same product (e.g., both ``raw'' and ``cooked'') or for common 
combinations of foods as provided for in paragraph (b) of this section, 
or for different units (e.g., per 100 grams) as provided for in 
paragraph (b) of this section, or for two or more groups for which RDI's 
are established (e.g., both infants and children less than 4 years of 
age) as provided for in paragraph (c)(8)(i) of this section. When such 
dual labeling is provided, equal prominence shall be given to both sets 
of values. Information shall be presented in a format consistent with 
paragraph (d) of this section, except that:
    (1) Following the subheading of ``Amount Per Serving,'' there shall 
be two or more column headings accurately describing the forms of the 
same product (e.g., ``raw'' and ``roasted''), the combinations of foods, 
the units, or the RDI groups that are being declared. The column 
representing the product as packaged and according to the label serving 
size based on the Reference Amount in Sec.  381.412(b) shall be to the 
left of the numeric columns.
    (2) When the dual labeling is presented for two or more forms of the 
same product, for combinations of foods, or for different units, total 
calories and calories from fat (and calories from saturated fat, when 
declared) shall be listed in a column and indented as specified in 
paragraph (d)(5) of this section with quantitative amounts declared in 
columns aligned under the column headings set forth in paragraph (e)(1) 
of this section.
    (3) Quantitative information by weight required in paragraph 
(d)(7)(i) of this section shall be specified for the form of the product 
as packaged, but may be on the basis of 'as consumed' for single-
ingredient, raw poultry products that are not ground or chopped poultry 
products described in Sec.  381.401, and according to the label serving 
size based on the Reference Amount in Sec.  381.412(b).
    (i) Quantitative information by weight may be included for other 
forms of the product represented by the additional column(s) either 
immediately adjacent to the required quantitative information by weight 
for the product as packaged, but may be on the basis of 'as consumed' 
for single-ingredient, raw poultry products that are not ground or 
chopped poultry products described in Sec.  381.401, and according to 
the label serving size based on the Reference Amount in Sec.  381.412(b) 
or as a footnote.
    (A) If such additional quantitative information is given immediately 
adjacent to the required quantitative information, it shall be declared 
for all nutrients listed and placed immediately following and 
differentiated from the required quantitative information (e.g., 
separated by a comma). Such information shall not be put in a separate 
column.
    (B) If such additional quantitative information is given in a 
footnote, it shall be declared in the same order as the nutrients are 
listed in the nutrition label. The additional quantitative information 
may state the total nutrient content of the product identified in the 
second column or the nutrient amounts added to the product as packaged, 
but may be on the basis of 'as consumed' for single-ingredient, raw 
poultry products that are not ground or chopped poultry products 
described in Sec.  381.401, for only those nutrients that are present in 
different amounts than the amounts declared in the required quantitative 
information. The footnote shall clearly identify which

[[Page 498]]

amounts are declared. Any subcomponents declared shall be listed 
parenthetically after principal components (e.g., \1/2\ cup skim milk 
contributes an additional 40 calories, 65 mg sodium, 6 g total 
carbohydrate (6 g sugars), and 4 g protein).
    (ii) Total fat and its quantitative amount by weight shall be 
followed by an asterisk (or other symbol) (e.g., ``Total fat (2 g)*'') 
referring to another asterisk (or symbol) at the bottom of the nutrition 
label identifying the form(s) of the product for which quantitative 
information is presented.
    (4) Information required in paragraphs (d)(7)(ii) and (d)(8) of this 
section shall be presented under the subheading ``% DAILY VALUE'' and in 
columns directly under the column headings set forth in paragraph (e)(1) 
of this section.
    (5) The following sample label illustrates the provisions of 
paragraph (e) of this section:

[[Page 499]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC11SE91.054

    (f)(1) Nutrition information may be presented in a simplified format 
as set forth herein when any required nutrients, other than the core 
nutrients (i.e., calories, total fat, sodium, total carbohydrate, and 
protein), are present in insignificant amounts. An insignificant amount 
shall be defined as that

[[Page 500]]

amount that may be rounded to zero in nutrition labeling, except that 
for total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, sugars and protein, it shall be 
an amount less than 1 gram.
    (2) The simplified format shall include information on the following 
nutrients:
    (i) Total calories, total fat, total carbohydrate, sodium, and 
protein;
    (ii) Any of the following that are present in more than 
insignificant amounts: Calories from fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, 
dietary fiber, sugars, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron; and
    (iii) Any vitamins and minerals listed in paragraph (c)(8)(iv) of 
this section when they are added in fortified or fabricated foods.
    (3) Other nutrients that are naturally present in the product in 
more than insignificant amounts may be voluntarily declared as part of 
the simplified format.
    (4) Any required nutrient, other than a core nutrient, that is 
present in an insignificant amount may be omitted from the tabular 
listing, provided that the following statement is included at the bottom 
of the nutrition label, ``Not a significant source of ________.'' The 
blank shall be filled in with the appropriate nutrient or food 
component. Alternatively, amounts of vitamins and minerals present in 
insignificant amounts may be declared by the use of an asterisk (or 
symbol) that is placed at the bottom of the table of nutrient values and 
that is followed by the statement ``Contains less than 2 percent of the 
Daily Value of this (these) nutrient (nutrients).''
    (5) Except as provided for in paragraph (g) of this section and in 
Sec.  381.500(c) and (d), nutrient information declared in the 
simplified format shall be presented in the same manner as specified in 
paragraphs (d) or (e) of this section, except that the footnote required 
in paragraph (d)(9) of this section is not required. When the footnote 
is omitted, an asterisk shall be placed at the bottom of the label 
followed by the statement ``Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 
calorie diet'' and, if the term ``Daily Value'' is not spelled out in 
the heading, a statement that ``DV'' represents ``Daily Value.''
    (g) Foods in packages that have a total surface area available to 
bear labeling of 40 or less square inches may modify the requirements of 
paragraphs (c) through (f) of this section and Sec.  381.402(a) by one 
or more of the following means:
    (1)(i) Presenting the required nutrition information in a tabular or 
linear (i.e., string) fashion, rather than in vertical columns if the 
product has a total surface area available to bear labeling of less than 
12 square inches, or if the product has a total surface area available 
to bear labeling of 40 or less square inches and the package shape or 
size cannot accommodate a standard vertical column or tabular display on 
any label panel. Nutrition information may be given in a linear fashion 
only if the package shape or size will not accommodate a tabular 
display.
    (ii) When nutrition information is given in a linear display, the 
nutrition information shall be set off in a box by the use of a 
hairline. The percent Daily Value is separated from the quantitative 
amount declaration by the use of parenthesis, and all nutrients, both 
principal components and subcomponents, are treated similarly. Bolding 
is required only on the title ``Nutrition Facts'' and is allowed for 
nutrient names for ``Calories,'' ``Total fat,'' ``Cholesterol,'' 
``Sodium,'' ``Total carbohydrate,'' and ``Protein.''
    (2) Using any of the following abbreviations:

Serving size--Serv size
Servings per container--Servings
Calories from fat--Fat cal
Calories from saturated fat--Sat fat cal
Saturated fat--Sat fat
Monounsaturated fat--Monounsat fat
Polyunsaturated fat--Polyunsat fat
Cholesterol--Cholest
Total carbohydrate--Total carb
Dietary fiber--Fiber
Soluble fiber--Sol fiber
Insoluble fiber--Insol fiber
Sugar alcohol--Sugar alc
Other carbohydrate--Other carb

    (3) Omitting the footnote required in paragraph (d)(9) of this 
section and placing another asterisk at the bottom of the label followed 
by the statement ``Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie 
diet'' and, if the term ``Daily Value'' is not spelled out in the

[[Page 501]]

heading, a statement that ``DV'' represents ``Daily Value.''
    (4) Presenting the required information on any other label panel.
    (h) Compliance with this section shall be determined as follows:
    (1) A production lot is a set of food production consumer units that 
are from one production shift. Alternatively, a collection of consumer 
units of the same size, type, and style produced under conditions as 
nearly uniform as possible, designated by a common container code or 
marking, constitutes a production lot.
    (2) The sample for nutrient analysis shall consist of a composite of 
a minimum of six consumer units, each from a production lot. 
Alternatively, the sample for nutrient analysis shall consist of a 
composite of a minimum of six consumer units, each randomly chosen to be 
representative of a production lot. In each case, the units may be 
individually analyzed and the results of the analyses averaged, or the 
units would be composited and the composite analyzed. In both cases, the 
results, whether an average or a single result from a composite, will be 
considered by the Agency to be the nutrient content of a composite. All 
analyses shall be performed by appropriate methods and procedures used 
by the Department for each nutrient in accordance with the ``Chemistry 
Laboratory Guidebook,'' or, if no USDA method is available and 
appropriate for the nutrient, by appropriate methods for the nutrient in 
accordance with the 1990 edition of the ``Official Methods of Analysis'' 
of the AOAC International, formerly Association of Official Analytical 
Chemists, 15th ed., which is incorporated by reference, unless a 
particular method of analysis is specified in Sec.  381.409(c), or, if 
no USDA, AOAC, or specified method is available and appropriate, by 
other reliable and appropriate analytical procedures as so determined by 
the Agency. The ``Official Methods of Analysis'' is incorporated as it 
exists on the date of approval. This incorporation by reference was 
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be purchased from the AOAC 
International, 2200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 400, Arlington, VA 22201. It is 
also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    (3) Two classes of nutrients are defined for purposes of compliance:
    (i) Class I. Added nutrients in fortified or fabricated foods; and
    (ii) Class II. Naturally occurring (indigenous) nutrients. If any 
ingredient which contains a naturally occurring (indigenous) nutrient is 
added to a food, the total amount of such nutrient in the final food 
product is subject to Class II requirements unless the same nutrient is 
also added, which would make the total amount of such nutrient subject 
to Class I requirements.
    (4) A product with a label declaration of a vitamin, mineral, 
protein, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, other carbohydrate, 
polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fat, or potassium shall be deemed to 
be misbranded under section 4(h) of the Poultry Products Inspection Act 
(21 U.S.C. 453(h)(4)) unless it meets the following requirements:
    (i) Class I vitamin, mineral, protein, dietary fiber, or potassium. 
The nutrient content of the composite is at least equal to the value for 
that nutrient declared on the label.
    (ii) Class II vitamin, mineral, protein, total carbohydrate, dietary 
fiber, other carbohydrate, polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fat, or 
potassium. The nutrient content of the composite is at least equal to 80 
percent of the value for that nutrient declared on the label; Provided, 
That no regulatory action will be based on a determination of a nutrient 
value which falls below this level by an amount less than the 
variability generally recognized for the analytical method used in that 
product at the level involved, and inherent nutrient variation in a 
product.
    (5) A product with a label declaration of calories, sugars, total 
fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, or sodium shall be deemed to be 
misbranded under section 4(h) of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 
U.S.C. 453(h)(4)) if the nutrient content of the composite is greater

[[Page 502]]

than 20 percent in excess of the value for that nutrient declared on the 
label; Provided, That no regulatory action will be based on a 
determination of a nutrient value which falls above this level by an 
amount less than the variability generally recognized for the analytical 
method used in that product at the level involved, and inherent nutrient 
variation in a product.
    (6) The amount of a vitamin, mineral, protein, total carbohydrate, 
dietary fiber, other carbohydrate, polyunsaturated or monounsaturated 
fat, or potassium may vary over labeled amounts within good 
manufacturing practice. The amount of calories, sugars, total fat, 
saturated fat, cholesterol, or sodium may vary under labeled amounts 
within good manufacturing practice.
    (7) Compliance will be based on the metric measure specified in the 
label statement of serving size.
    (8) The management of the establishment must maintain records to 
support the validity of nutrient declarations contained on product 
labels. Such records shall be made available to the inspector or any 
duly authorized representative of the Agency upon request.
    (9) The compliance provisions set forth in paragraph (h)(1) through 
(8) of this section shall not apply to single-ingredient, raw poultry 
products that are not ground or chopped poultry products described in 
Sec.  381.401, including those that have been previously frozen, when 
nutrition labeling is based on the most current representative data base 
values contained in USDA's National Nutrient Data Bank or its released 
form, the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, as 
provided in Sec.  381.445(e) and (f).

(Paperwork requirements were approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget under control number 0583-0088.)

[58 FR 675, Jan. 6, 1993; 58 FR 43788, Aug. 18, 1993, as amended at 58 
FR 47628, Sept. 10, 1993; 59 FR 45196, Sept. 1, 1994; 60 FR 197, Jan. 3, 
1995; 60 FR 10304, Feb. 24, 1995; 69 FR 58802, Oct. 1, 2004; 75 FR 
82166, Dec. 29, 2010]



Sec. Sec.  381.410-381.411  [Reserved]



Sec.  381.412  Reference amounts customarily consumed per eating occasion.

    (a) The general principles followed in arriving at the reference 
amounts customarily consumed per eating occasion (Reference Amount(s)), 
as set forth in paragraph (b) of this section, are:
    (1) The Reference Amounts are calculated for persons 4 years of age 
or older to reflect the amount of food customarily consumed per eating 
occasion by persons in this population group. These Reference Amounts 
are based on data set forth in appropriate national food consumption 
surveys.
    (2) The Reference Amounts are calculated for an infant or child 
under 4 years of age to reflect the amount of food customarily consumed 
per eating occasion by infants up to 12 months of age or by children 1 
through 3 years of age, respectively. These Reference Amounts are based 
on data set forth in appropriate national food consumption surveys. Such 
Reference Amounts are to be used only when the product is specially 
formulated or processed for use by an infant or by a child under 4 years 
of age.
    (3) An appropriate national food consumption survey includes a large 
sample size representative of the demographic and socioeconomic 
characteristics of the relevant population group and must be based on 
consumption data under actual conditions of use.
    (4) To determine the amount of food customarily consumed per eating 
occasion, the mean, median, and mode of the consumed amount per eating 
occasion were considered.
    (5) When survey data were insufficient, FSIS took various other 
sources of information on serving sizes of food into consideration. 
These other sources of information included:
    (i) Serving sizes used in dietary guidance recommendations or 
recommended by other authoritative systems or organizations;
    (ii) Serving sizes recommended in comments;
    (iii) Serving sizes used by manufacturers and grocers; and
    (iv) Serving sizes used by other countries.

[[Page 503]]

    (6) Because they reflect the amount customarily consumed, the 
Reference Amount and, in turn, the serving size declared on the product 
label are based on only the edible portion of food, and not bone, seed, 
shell, or other inedible components.
    (7) The Reference Amount is based on the major intended use of the 
product (e.g., a mixed dish measurable with a cup as a main dish and not 
as a side dish).
    (8) The Reference Amounts for products that are consumed as an 
ingredient of other products, but that may also be consumed in the form 
in which they are purchased (e.g., ground poultry), are based on use in 
the form purchased.
    (9) FSIS sought to ensure that foods that have similar dietary 
usage, product characteristics, and customarily consumed amounts have a 
uniform Reference Amount.
    (b) The following Product Categories and Reference Amounts shall be 
used as the basis for determining serving sizes for specific products:

  Table 1--Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed per Eating Occasion--
                    Infant and Toddler Foods \1 2 3\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Reference
                      Product category                          amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Infant & Toddler Foods:
  Dinner Dry Mix............................................        15 g
  Dinner, ready-to-serve, strained type.....................        60 g
  Dinner, soups, ready-to-serve junior type.................       110 g
  Dinner, stew or soup ready-to-serve toddlers..............       170 g
  Plain poultry and poultry sticks, ready-to-serve..........        55 g
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ These values represent the amount of food customarily consumed per
  eating occasion and were primarily derived from the 1977-1978 and the
  1987-1988 Nationwide Food Consumption Surveys conducted by the U.S.
  Department of Agriculture.
\2\ Unless otherwise noted in the Reference Amount column, the Reference
  Amounts are for the ready-to-serve or almost ready-to-serve form of
  the product (i.e., heat and serve). If not listed separately, the
  Reference Amount for the unprepared form (e.g., dehydrated cereal) is
  the amount required to make one Reference Amount of the prepared form.
\3\ Manufacturers are required to convert the Reference Amount to the
  label serving size in a household measure most appropriate to their
  specific product using the procedures established by the regulation.


      Table 2--Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed per Eating Occasion--General Food Supply \1 2 3 4 5\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Reference Amount                    Reference Amount
            Product category             -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Ready-to-serve                       Ready-to-cook
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Egg mixtures, (western style omelet,      110 g                               n/a
 souffle, egg foo young with poultry).
Salad and potato toppers; e.g., poultry   7 g                                 n/a
 bacon bits.
Bacon; e.g., poultry breakfast strips...  15 g                                26 g = bacon.
                                                                              18 g = breakfast strips
Dried; e.g., poultry jerky, dried         30 g                                n/a
 poultry, poultry sausage products with
 a moisture/protein ratio of less than
 2:1.
Snacks; e.g., poultry snack food sticks.  30 g                                n/a
Luncheon products, poultry bologna,       55 g                                n/a
 poultry Canadian style bacon, poultry
 crumbles, poultry luncheon loaf, potted
 poultry products, poultry taco filings.
Linked poultry sausage products, poultry  55 g                                n/a
 franks, poultry Polish sausage, smoked                                       69 g = uncooked sausage.
 or pickled poultry meat, poultry smoked
 sausage.
Entrees without sauce, poultry cuts,      85 g                                114g
 ready to cook poultry cuts, including
 marinated, tenderized, injected cuts of
 poultry, poultry corn dogs, poultry
 croquettes, poultry fritters, cured
 poultry ham products, adult pureed
 poultry.
Canned poultry, canned chicken, canned    55 g                                n/a
 \4\ turkey.
Entrees with sauce, turkey and gravy....  140 g                               n/a
Mixed dishes NOT measurable with a cup;   140 g (plus 55 g for products       n/a
 \5\ e.g., poultry burrito, poultry        toppings)
 enchiladas, poultry pizza, poultry
 quiche, all types of poultry
 sandwiches, cracker and poultry lunch-
 type packages, poultry gyro, poultry
 stromboli, poultry frank on a bun,
 poultry burger on a bun, poultry taco,
 chicken cordon bleu, poultry calzone,
 stuffed vegetables with poultry,
 poultry kabobs.
Mixed dishes, measurables with a cup;     1 cup                               n/a
 e.g., poultry casserole, macaroni and
 cheese with poultry, poultry pot pie,
 poultry spaghetti with sauce, poultry
 chili, poultry chili with beans,
 poultry hash, creamed dried poultry,
 poultry ravioli in sauce, poultry a la
 king, poultry stew, poultry goulash,
 poultry lasagna, poultry-filled pasta.
Salads--pasta or potato, potato salad     140 g                               n/a
 with poultry, macaroni and poultry
 salad.
Salads--all other, poultry salads,        100 g                               n/a
 chicken salad, turkey salad.
Soups--all varieties....................  245 g                               n/a

[[Page 504]]

 
Major main entree type sauce; e.g.,       125 g                               n/a
 spaghetti sauce with poultry.
Minor main entree sauce; e.g., pizza      \1/4\ cup                           n/a
 sauce with poultry, gravy.
Seasoning mixes dry, freeze dry,
 dehydrated, concentrated soup mixes,
 bases, extracts, dried broths and stock/
 juice, freeze dry trail mix products
 with poultry.
As reconstituted: Amount to make one
 Reference Amount of the final dish;
 e.g.--
    Gravy...............................  \1/4\ cup                           n/a
    Major main entree type sauce........  125 g                               n/a
    Soup................................  245 g                               n/a
    Entree measurable with a cup........  1 cup                               n/a
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ These values represent the amount of food customarily consumed per eating occasion and were primarily
  derived from the 1977-78 and the 1987-88 Nationwide Food Consumption Surveys conducted by the U.S. Department
  of Agriculture.
\2\ Manufacturers are required to convert the Reference Amounts to the label serving size in a household measure
  most appropriate to their specific product using the procedures established by regulation.
\3\ Examples listed under Product Category are not all inclusive or exclusive. Examples are provided to assist
  manufacturers in identifying appropriate product Reference Amount.
\4\ If packed or canned in liquid, the Reference Amount is for the drained solids, except for products in which
  both the solids and liquids are customarily consumed.
\5\ Pizza sauce is part of the pizza and is not considered to be a sauce topping.

    (c) For products that have no Reference Amount listed in paragraph 
(b) of this section for the unprepared or the prepared form of the 
product and that consist of two or more foods packaged and presented to 
be consumed together (e.g., poultry lunch meat with cheese and 
crackers), the Reference Amount for the combined product shall be 
determined using the following rules:
    (1) For bulk products, the Reference Amount for the combined product 
shall be the Reference Amount, as established in paragraph (b) of this 
section, for the ingredient that is represented as the main ingredient 
plus proportioned amounts of all minor ingredients.
    (2) For products where the ingredient represented as the main 
ingredient is one or more discrete units, the Reference Amount for the 
combined product shall be either the number of small discrete units or 
the fraction of the large discrete unit that is represented as the main 
ingredient that is closest to the Reference Amount for that ingredient 
as established in paragraph (b) of this section plus proportioned 
amounts of all minor ingredients.
    (3) If the Reference Amounts are in compatible units, they shall be 
summed (e.g., ingredients in equal volumes such as tablespoons). If the 
Reference Amounts are in incompatible units, the weights of the 
appropriate volumes should be used (e.g., grams of one ingredient plus 
gram weight of tablespoons of a second ingredient).
    (d) If a product requires further preparation, e.g., cooking or the 
addition of water or other ingredients, and if paragraph (b) of this 
section provides a Reference Amount for the product in the prepared 
form, then the Reference Amount for the unprepared product shall be 
determined using the following rules:
    (1) Except as provided for in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, the 
Reference Amount for the unprepared product shall be the amount of the 
unprepared product required to make the Reference Amount for the 
prepared product as established in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (2) For products where the entire contents of the package is used to 
prepare one large discrete unit usually divided for consumption, the 
Reference Amount for the unprepared product shall be the amount of the 
unprepared product required to make the fraction of the large discrete 
unit closest to the Reference Amount for the prepared product as 
established in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (e) The Reference Amount for an imitation or substitute product or 
altered product as defined in Sec.  381.413(d), such as a ``low 
calorie'' version, shall be the

[[Page 505]]

same as for the product for which it is offered as a substitute.
    (f) The Reference Amounts set forth in paragraphs (b) through (e) of 
this section shall be used in determining whether a product meets the 
criteria for nutritional claims. If the serving size declared on the 
product label differs from the Reference Amount, and the product meets 
the criteria for the claim only on the basis of the Reference Amount, 
the claim shall be followed by a statement that sets forth the basis on 
which the claim is made. That statement shall include the Reference 
Amount as it appears in paragraph (b) of this section followed, in 
parenthesis, by the amount in common household measure if the Reference 
Amount is expressed in measures other than common household measures.
    (g) The Administrator, on his or her own initiative or on behalf of 
any interested person who has submitted a labeling application, may 
issue a proposal to establish or amend a Product Category or Reference 
Amount identified in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (1) Labeling applications and supporting documentation to be filed 
under this section shall be submitted in quadruplicate, except that the 
supporting documentation may be submitted on a computer disc copy. If 
any part of the material submitted is in a foreign language, it shall be 
accompanied by an accurate and complete English translation. The 
labeling application shall state the applicant's post office address.
    (2) Pertinent information will be considered as part of an 
application on the basis of specific reference to such information 
submitted to and retained in the files of the Food Safety and Inspection 
Service. However, any reference to unpublished information furnished by 
a person other than the applicant will not be considered unless use of 
such information is authorized (with the understanding that such 
information may in whole or part be subject to release to the public) in 
a written statement signed by the person who submitted it. Any reference 
to published information should be accompanied by reprints or 
photostatic copies of such references.
    (3) The availability for public disclosure of labeling applications, 
along with supporting documentation, submitted to the Agency under this 
section will be governed by the rules specified in subchapter D, title 
9.
    (4) Data accompanying the labeling application, such as food 
consumption data, shall be submitted on separate sheets, suitably 
identified. If such data has already been submitted with an earlier 
labeling application from the applicant, the present labeling 
application must provide the data.
    (5) The labeling application must be signed by the applicant or by 
his or her attorney or agent, or (if a corporation) by an authorized 
official.
    (6) The labeling application shall include a statement signed by the 
person responsible for the labeling application, that to the best of his 
or her knowledge, it is a representative and balanced submission that 
includes unfavorable information, as well as favorable information, 
known to him or her pertinent to the evaluation of the labeling 
application.
    (7) Labeling applications for a new Reference Amount and/or Product 
Category shall be accompanied by the following data which shall be 
submitted in the following form to the Director, Food Labeling Division, 
Regulatory Programs, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 
20250:

________________________________________________________________________
(Date)

    The undersigned, ____________ submits this labeling application 
pursuant to 9 CFR 381.412 with respect to Reference Amount and/or 
Product Category.
    Attached hereto, in quadruplicate, or on a computer disc copy, and 
constituting a part of this labeling application, are the following:
    (i) A statement of the objective of the labeling application;
    (ii) A description of the product;
    (iii) A complete sample product label including nutrition label, 
using the format established by regulation;
    (iv) A description of the form in which the product will be 
marketed;
    (v) The intended dietary uses of the product with the major use 
identified (e.g., turkey as a luncheon meat);
    (vi) If the intended use is primarily as an ingredient in other 
foods, list of foods or food categories in which the product will be 
used as an ingredient with information on the prioritization of the use;

[[Page 506]]

    (vii) The population group for which the product will be offered for 
use (e.g., infants, children under 4 years of age);
    (viii) The names of the most closely-related products (or in the 
case of foods for special dietary use and imitation or substitute foods, 
the names of the products for which they are offered as substitutes);
    (ix) The suggested Reference Amount (the amount of edible portion of 
food as consumed, excluding bone, skin or other inedible components) for 
the population group for which the product is intended with full 
description of the methodology and procedures that were used to 
determine the suggested Reference Amount. In determining the Reference 
Amount, general principles and factors in paragraph (a) of this section 
should be followed.
    (x) The suggested Reference Amount shall be expressed in metric 
units. Reference Amounts for foods shall be expressed in grams except 
when common household units such as cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons are 
more appropriate or are more likely to promote uniformity in serving 
sizes declared on product labels. For example, common household measures 
would be more appropriate if products within the same category differ 
substantially in density such as mixed dishes measurable with a cup.
    (A) In expressing the Reference Amount in grams, the following 
general rules shall be followed:
    (1) For quantities greater than 10 grams, the quantity shall be 
expressed in nearest 5 grams increment.
    (2) For quantities less than 10 grams, exact gram weights shall be 
used.
    (B) [Reserved]
    (xi) A labeling application for a new subcategory of food with its 
own Reference Amount shall include the following additional information:
    (A) Data that demonstrate that the new subcategory of food will be 
consumed in amounts that differ enough from the Reference Amount for the 
parent category to warrant a separate Reference Amount. Data must 
include sample size, and the mean, standard deviation, median, and modal 
consumed amount per eating occasion for the product identified in the 
labeling application and for other products in the category. All data 
must be derived from the same survey data.
    (B) Documentation supporting the difference in dietary usage and 
product characteristics that affect the consumption size that 
distinguishes the product identified in the labeling application from 
the rest of the products in the category.
    (xii) In conducting research to collect or process food consumption 
data in support of the labeling application, the following general 
guidelines should be followed.
    (A) Sampled population selected should be representative of the 
demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the target population 
group for which the food is intended.
    (B) Sample size (i.e., number of eaters) should be large enough to 
give reliable estimates for customarily consumed amounts.
    (C) The study protocol should identify potential biases and describe 
how potential biases are controlled for or, if not possible to control, 
how they affect interpretation of results.
    (D) The methodology used to collect or process data including study 
design, sampling procedures, materials used (e.g., questionnaire, 
interviewer's manual), procedures used to collect or process data, 
methods or procedures used to control for unbiased estimates, and 
procedures used to correct for nonresponse, should be fully documented.
    (xiii) A statement concerning the feasibility of convening 
associations, corporations, consumers, and other interested parties to 
engage in negotiated rulemaking to develop a proposed rule.

 Yours very truly,

 Applicant______________________________________________________________

 By_____________________________________________________________________
 (Indicate authority)

    (8) Upon receipt of the labeling application and supporting 
documentation, the applicant shall be notified, in writing, of the date 
on which the labeling application was received. Such notice shall inform 
the applicant that the labeling application is undergoing Agency review 
and that the applicant shall subsequently be notified of the Agency's 
decision to consider for further review or deny the labeling 
application.
    (9) Upon review of the labeling application and supporting 
documentation, the Agency shall notify the applicant, in writing, that 
the labeling application is either being considered for further review 
or that it has been summarily denied by the Administrator.
    (10) If the labeling application is summarily denied by the 
Administrator, the written notification shall state the reasons 
therefor, including why the Agency has determined that the proposed 
Reference Amount and/or Product Category is false or misleading. The 
notification letter shall inform the applicant that the applicant may 
submit a written statement by way of answer to the notification, and 
that the applicant shall have the right to request a hearing with 
respect to

[[Page 507]]

the merits or validity of the Administrator's decision to deny the use 
of the proposed Reference Amount and/or Product Category.
    (i) If the applicant fails to accept the determination of the 
Administrator and files an answer and requests a hearing, and the 
Administrator, after review of the answer, determines the initial 
determination to be correct, the Administrator shall file with the 
Hearing Clerk of the Department the notification, answer, and the 
request for a hearing, which shall constitute the complaint and answer 
in the proceeding, which shall thereafter be conducted in accordance 
with the Department's Uniform Rules of Practice.
    (ii) The hearing shall be conducted before an administrative law 
judge with the opportunity for appeal to the Department's Judicial 
Officer, who shall make the final determination for the Secretary. Any 
such determination by the Secretary shall be conclusive unless, within 
30 days after receipt of notice of such final determination, the 
applicant appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit 
in which the applicant has its principal place of business or to the 
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
    (11) If the labeling application is not summarily denied by the 
Administrator, the Administrator shall publish in the Federal Register a 
proposed rule to amend the regulations to authorize the use of the 
Reference Amount and/or Product Category. The proposal shall also 
summarize the labeling application, including where the supporting 
documentation can be reviewed. The Administrator's proposed rule shall 
seek comment from consumers, the industry, consumer and industry groups, 
and other interested persons on the labeling application and the use of 
the proposed Reference Amount and/or Product Category. After public 
comment has been received and reviewed by the Agency, the Administrator 
shall make a determination on whether the proposed Reference Amount and/
or Product Category shall be approved for use on the labeling of poultry 
products.
    (i) If the Reference Amount and/or Product Category is denied by the 
Administrator, the Agency shall notify the applicant, in writing, of the 
basis for the denial, including the reason why the Reference Amount and/
or Product Category on the labeling was determined by the Agency to be 
false or misleading. The notification letter shall also inform the 
applicant that the applicant may submit a written statement by way of 
answer to the notification, and that the applicant shall have the right 
to request a hearing with respect to the merits or validity of the 
Administrator's decision to deny the use of the proposed Reference 
Amount and/or Product Category.
    (A) If the applicant fails to accept the determination of the 
Administrator and files an answer and requests a hearing, and the 
Administrator, after review of the answer, determines the initial 
determination to be correct, the Administrator shall file with the 
Hearing Clerk of the Department the notification, answer, and the 
request for a hearing, which shall constitute the complaint and answer 
in the proceeding, which shall thereafter be conducted in accordance 
with the Department's Uniform Rules of Practice.
    (B) The hearing shall be conducted before an administrative law 
judge with the opportunity for appeal to the Department's Judicial 
Officer, who shall make the final determination for the Secretary. Any 
such determination by the Secretary shall be conclusive unless, within 
30 days after receipt of notice of such final determination, the 
applicant appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit 
in which the applicant has its principal place of business or to the 
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
    (ii) If the Reference Amount and/or Product Category is approved, 
the Agency shall notify the applicant, in writing, and shall also 
publish in the Federal Register a final rule amending the regulations to 
authorize the

[[Page 508]]

use of the Reference Amount and/or Product Category.

(Paperwork requirements were approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget under control number 0583-0088.)

[58 FR 675, Jan. 6, 1993; 58 FR 43789, Aug. 18, 1993, as amended at 58 
FR 47628, Sept. 10, 1993; 59 FR 45198, Sept. 1, 1994; 60 FR 207, Jan. 3, 
1995]



Sec.  381.413  Nutrient content claims; general principles.

    (a) This section applies to poultry products that are intended for 
human consumption and that are offered for sale.
    (b) A claim which, expressly or by implication, characterizes the 
level of a nutrient (nutrient content claim) of the type required in 
nutrition labeling pursuant to Sec.  381.409, may not be made on a label 
or in labeling of that product unless the claim is made in accordance 
with the applicable provisions in this subpart.
    (1) An expressed nutrient content claim is any direct statement 
about the level (or range) of a nutrient in the product, e.g., ``low 
sodium'' or ``contains 100 calories.''
    (2) An implied nutrient content claim is any claim that:
    (i) Describes the product or an ingredient therein in a manner that 
suggests that a nutrient is absent or present in a certain amount (e.g., 
``high in oat bran''); or
    (ii) Suggests that the product, because of its nutrient content, may 
be useful in maintaining healthy dietary practices and is made in 
association with an explicit claim or statement about a nutrient (e.g., 
``healthy, contains 3 grams (g) of fat'').
    (3) Except for claims regarding vitamins and minerals described in 
paragraph (q)(3) of this section, no nutrient content claims may be made 
on products intended specifically for use by infants and children less 
than 2 years of age unless the claim is specifically provided for in 
subpart Y of this part.
    (4) Reasonable variations in the spelling of the terms defined in 
applicable provisions in this subpart and their synonyms are permitted 
provided these variations are not misleading (e.g., ``hi'' or ``lo'').
    (c) Information that is required or permitted by Sec.  381.409 to be 
declared in nutrition labeling, and that appears as part of the 
nutrition label, is not a nutrient content claim and is not subject to 
the requirements of this section. If such information is declared 
elsewhere on the label or in labeling, it is a nutrient content claim 
and is subject to the requirements for nutrient content claims.
    (d) A ``substitute'' product is one that may be used interchangeably 
with another product that it resembles, i.e., that it is 
organoleptically, physically, and functionally (including shelf life) 
similar to, and that it is not nutritionally inferior to unless it is 
labeled as an ``imitation.''
    (1) If there is a difference in performance characteristics that 
materially limits the use of the product, the product may still be 
considered a substitute if the label includes a disclaimer adjacent to 
the most prominent claim as defined in paragraph (j)(2)(iii) of this 
section, informing the consumer of such difference (e.g., ``not 
recommended for frying'').
    (2) This disclaimer shall be in easily legible print or type and in 
a size no less than that required by Sec.  381.121(c) for the net 
quantity of contents statement, except where the size of the claim is 
less than two times the required size of the net quantity of contents 
statement, in which case the disclaimer statement shall be no less than 
one-half the size of the claim but no smaller than \1/16\-inch minimum 
height, except as permitted by Sec.  381.500(d)(2).
    (e)(1) Because the use of a ``free'' or ``low'' claim before the 
name of a product implies that the product differs from other products 
of the same type by virtue of its having a lower amount of the nutrient, 
only products that have been specially processed, altered, formulated, 
or reformulated so as to lower the amount of the nutrient in the 
product, remove the nutrient from the product, or not include the 
nutrient in the product, may bear such a claim (e.g., ``low sodium 
chicken noodle soup'').
    (2) Any claim for the absence of a nutrient in a product, or that a 
product is low in a nutrient when the product has not been specially 
processed, altered,

[[Page 509]]

formulated, or reformulated to qualify for that claim shall indicate 
that the product inherently meets the criteria and shall clearly refer 
to all products of that type and not merely to the particular brand to 
which the labeling attaches (e.g., ``chicken breast meat, a low sodium 
food'').
    (f) A nutrient content claim shall be in type size and style no 
larger than two times that of the statement of identity and shall not be 
unduly prominent in type style compared to the statement of identity.
    (g) Labeling information required in Sec. Sec.  381.413, 381.454, 
381.456, 381.460, 381.461, 381.462, and 381.480, whose type size is not 
otherwise specified, is required to be in letters and/or numbers no less 
than \1/16\ inch in height, except as permitted by Sec.  381.500(d)(2).
    (h) [Reserved]
    (i) Except as provided in Sec.  381.409 or in paragraph (q)(3) of 
this section, the label or labeling of a product may contain a statement 
about the amount or percentage of a nutrient if:
    (1) The use of the statement on the product implicitly characterizes 
the level of the nutrient in the product and is consistent with a 
definition for a claim, as provided in subpart Y of this part, for the 
nutrient that the label addresses. Such a claim might be, ``less than 10 
g of fat per serving;''
    (2) The use of the statement on the product implicitly characterizes 
the level of the nutrient in the product and is not consistent with such 
a definition, but the label carries a disclaimer adjacent to the 
statement that the product is not ``low'' in or a ``good source'' of the 
nutrient, such as ``only 200 milligrams (mg) sodium per serving, not a 
low sodium product.'' The disclaimer must be in easily legible print or 
type and in a size no less than required by Sec.  381.121(c) for the net 
quantity of contents, except where the size of the claim is less than 
two times the required size of the net quantity of contents statement, 
in which case the disclaimer statement shall be no less than one-half 
the size of the claim but no smaller than \1/16\-inch minimum height, 
except as permitted by Sec.  381.500(d)(2);
    (3) The statement does not in any way implicitly characterize the 
level of the nutrient in the product and it is not false or misleading 
in any respect (e.g., ``100 calories'' or ``5 grams of fat''), in which 
case no disclaimer is required.
    (4) ``Percent fat free'' claims are not authorized by this 
paragraph. Such claims shall comply with Sec.  381.462(b)(6).
    (j) A product may bear a statement that compares the level of a 
nutrient in the product with the level of a nutrient in a reference 
product. These statements shall be known as ``relative claims'' and 
include ``light,'' ``reduced,'' ``less'' (or ``fewer''), and ``more'' 
claims.
    (1) To bear a relative claim about the level of a nutrient, the 
amount of that nutrient in the product must be compared to an amount of 
nutrient in an appropriate reference product as specified in this 
paragraph (j).
    (i)(A) For ``less'' (or ``fewer'') and ``more'' claims, the 
reference product may be a dissimilar product within a product category 
that can generally be substituted for one another in the diet or a 
similar product.
    (B) For ``light,'' ``reduced,'' and ``added'' claims, the reference 
product shall be a similar product, and
    (ii)(A) For ``light'' claims, the reference product shall be 
representative of the type of product that includes the product that 
bears the claim. The nutrient value for the reference product shall be 
representative of a broad base of products of that type; e.g., a value 
in a representative, valid data base; an average value determined from 
the top three national (or regional) brands, a market basket norm; or, 
where its nutrient value is representative of the product type, a market 
leader. Firms using such a reference nutrient value as a basis for a 
claim, are required to provide specific information upon which the 
nutrient value was derived, on request, to consumers and appropriate 
regulatory officials.
    (B) For relative claims other than ``light,'' including ``less'' and 
``more'' claims, the reference product may be the same as that provided 
for ``light'' in paragraph (j)(1)(ii)(A) of this section or it may be 
the manufacturer's regular product, or that of another manufacturer, 
that has been offered for sale to the public on a regular basis for a

[[Page 510]]

substantial period of time in the same geographic area by the same 
business entity or by one entitled to use its trade name, provided the 
name of the competitor is not used on the labeling of the product. The 
nutrient values used to determine the claim when comparing a single 
manufacturer's product to the labeled product shall be either the values 
declared in nutrition labeling or the actual nutrient values, provided 
that the resulting labeling is internally consistent (i.e., that the 
values stated in the nutrition information, the nutrient values in the 
accompanying information, and the declaration of the percentage of 
nutrient by which the product has been modified are consistent and will 
not cause consumer confusion when compared), and that the actual 
modification is at least equal to the percentage specified in the 
definition of the claim.
    (2) For products bearing relative claims:
    (i) The label or labeling must state the identity of the reference 
product and the percent (or fraction) of the amount of the nutrient in 
the reference product by which the nutrient has been modified, (e.g., 
``50 percent less fat than `reference product' '' or ``\1/3\ fewer 
calories than `reference product' ''); and
    (ii) This information shall be immediately adjacent to the most 
prominent claim in easily legible boldface print or type, in distinct 
contrast to other printed or graphic matter, that is no less than that 
required by Sec.  381.121(c) for net quantity of contents, except where 
the size of the claim is less than two times the required size of the 
net quantity of contents statement, in which case the referral statement 
shall be no less than one-half the size of the claim, but no smaller 
than \1/16\-inch minimum height, except as permitted by Sec.  
381.500(d)(2).
    (iii) The determination of which use of the claim is in the most 
prominent location on the label or labeling will be made based on the 
following factors, considered in order:
    (A) A claim on the principal display panel adjacent to the statement 
of identity;
    (B) A claim elsewhere on the principal display panel;
    (C) A claim on the information panel; or
    (D) A claim elsewhere on the label or labeling.
    (iv) The label or labeling must also bear:
    (A) Clear and concise quantitative information comparing the amount 
of the subject nutrient in the product per labeled serving size with 
that in the reference product; and
    (B) This statement shall appear adjacent to the most prominent claim 
or to the nutrition information.
    (3) A relative claim for decreased levels of a nutrient may not be 
made on the label or in labeling of a product if the nutrient content of 
the reference product meets the requirement for a ``low'' claim for that 
nutrient.
    (k) The term ``modified'' may be used in the statement of identity 
of a product that bears a relative claim that complies with the 
requirements of this part, followed immediately by the name of the 
nutrient whose content has been altered (e.g., ``modified fat `product' 
''). This statement of identity must be immediately followed by the 
comparative statement such as ``contains 35 percent less fat than 
`reference product' '' The label or labeling must also bear the 
information required by paragraph (j)(2) of this section in the manner 
prescribed.
    (l) For purposes of making a claim, a ``meal-type'' product will be 
defined as a product that:
    (1) Makes a major contribution to the diet by:
    (i) Weighing at least 10 ounces per labeled serving; and
    (ii) Containing not less than three 40 gram portions of food, or 
combinations of foods, from two or more of the following four food 
groups, except as noted in paragraph (l)(1)(ii)(E) of this section:
    (A) Bread, cereal, rice, and pasta;
    (B) Fruits and vegetables;
    (C) Milk, yogurt, and cheese;
    (D) Meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts; except that:
    (E) These foods will not be sauces (except for foods in the four 
food groups in paragraph (l)(1)(ii)(A) through (D) of this section, that 
are in

[[Page 511]]

the sauces), gravies, condiments, relishes, pickles, olives, jams, 
jellies, syrups, breadings, or garnishes; and
    (2) Is represented as, or is in the form commonly understood to be, 
a breakfast, lunch, dinner, meal, or entr[egrave]e. Such representations 
may be made by statements, photographs, or vignettes.
    (m) For purposes of making a claim, a ``main-dish'' product will be 
defined as a food that:
    (1) Makes a major contribution to the meal by:
    (i) Weighing at least 6 ounces per labeled serving; and
    (ii) Containing not less than 40 grams of food, or combinations of 
foods, from two or more of the following four food groups, except as 
noted in paragraph (m)(1)Iii)(E) of this section.
    (A) Bread, cereal, rice, and pasta;
    (B) Fruits and vegetables;
    (C) Milk, yogurt, and cheese;
    (D) Meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts; except that:
    (E) These foods will not be sauces (except for foods in the four 
food groups in paragraph (m)(1)(ii)(A) through (D) of this section, that 
are in the sauces), gravies, condiments, relishes, pickles, olives, 
jams, jellies, syrups, breadings, or garnishes; and
    (2) Is represented as, or is in a form commonly understood to be, a 
main dish (e.g., not a beverage or a dessert). Such representations may 
be made by statements, photographs, or vignettes.
    (n) Nutrition labeling in accordance with Sec.  381.409 shall be 
provided for any food for which a nutrient content claim is made.
    (o) Compliance with requirements for nutrient content claims shall 
be in accordance with Sec.  381.409(h).
    (p)(1) Unless otherwise specified, the reference amount customarily 
consumed set forth in Sec.  381.412(b) through (e) shall be used in 
determining whether a product meets the criteria for a nutrient content 
claim. If the serving size declared on the product label differs from 
the reference amount customarily consumed, and the amount of the 
nutrient contained in the labeled serving does not meet the maximum or 
minimum amount criterion in the definition for the descriptor for that 
nutrient, the claim shall be followed by the criteria for the claim as 
required by Sec.  381.412(f) (e.g., ``very low sodium, 35 mg or less per 
55 grams'').
    (2) The criteria for the claim shall be immediately adjacent to the 
most prominent claim in easily legible print or type and in a size that 
is no less than that required by Sec.  381.121(c) for net quantity of 
contents, except where the size of the claim is less than two times the 
required size of the net quantity of contents statement, in which case 
the criteria statement shall be no less than one-half the size of the 
claim but no smaller than 1/16-inch minimum height, except as permitted 
by Sec.  381.500(d)(2).
    (q) The following exemptions apply:
    (1) Nutrient content claims that have not been defined by regulation 
and that appear as part of a brand name that was in use prior to 
November 27, 1991, may continue to be used as part of that brand name, 
provided they are not false or misleading under section 4(h) of the Act 
(21 U.S.C. 453(h)(4)).
    (2) [Reserved]
    (3) A statement that describes the percentage of a vitamin or 
mineral in the food, including foods intended specifically for use by 
infants and children less than 2 years of age, in relation to a 
Reference Daily Intake (RDI) as defined in Sec.  381.409 may be made on 
the label or in the labeling of a food without a regulation authorizing 
such a claim for a specific vitamin or mineral.
    (4) The requirements of this section do not apply to infant formulas 
and medical foods, as described in 21 CFR 101.13(q)(4).
    (5) [Reserved]
    (6) Nutrient content claims that were part of the name of a product 
that was subject to a standard of identity as of November 27, 1991, are 
not subject to the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section whether 
or not they meet the definition of the descriptive term.
    (7) Implied nutrient content claims may be used as part of a brand 
name, provided that the use of the claim has been authorized by FSIS. 
Labeling applications requesting approval of such

[[Page 512]]

a claim may be submitted pursuant to Sec.  381.469.

[58 FR 675, Jan. 6, 1993; 58 FR 43789, Aug. 18, 1993, as amended at 58 
FR 47628, Sept. 10, 1993; 59 FR 40215, Aug. 8, 1994; 59 FR 45198, Sept. 
1, 1994; 60 FR 208, Jan. 3, 1995; 69 FR 58802, Oct. 1, 2004]



Sec. Sec.  381.414-381.443  [Reserved]



Sec.  381.444  Identification of major cuts of poultry products.

    The major cuts of single-ingredient, raw poultry products are: Whole 
chicken (without neck and giblets), chicken breast, chicken wing, 
chicken drumstick, chicken thigh, whole turkey (without necks and 
giblets; separate nutrient panels for white and dark meat permitted as 
an option), turkey breast, turkey wing, turkey drumstick, and turkey 
thigh.



Sec.  381.445  Nutrition labeling of single-ingredient, raw poultry 
products that are not ground or chopped products described in Sec. 381.401.

    (a)(1) Nutrition information on the major cuts of single-ingredient, 
raw poultry products identified in Sec.  381.444, including those that 
have been previously frozen, is required, either on their label or at 
their point-of-purchase, unless exempted under Sec.  381.500. If 
nutrition information is presented on the label, it must be provided in 
accordance with the provisions of Sec.  381.409. If nutrition 
information is presented at the point-of-purchase, it must be provided 
in accordance with the provisions of this section.
    (2) Nutrition information on single-ingredient, raw poultry products 
that are not ground or chopped poultry products described in Sec.  
381.401 and are not major cuts of single-ingredient, raw poultry 
products identified in Sec.  381.444, including those that have been 
previously frozen, may be provided at their point-of-purchase in 
accordance with the provisions of this section or on their label, in 
accordance with the provisions of Sec.  381.409.
    (3) A retailer may provide nutrition information at the point-of-
purchase by various methods, such as by posting a sign or by making the 
information readily available in brochures, notebooks, or leaflet form 
in close proximity to the food. The nutrition labeling information may 
also be supplemented by a video, live demonstration, or other media. If 
a nutrition claim is made on point-of-purchase materials, all of the 
format and content requirements of Sec.  381.409 apply. However, if only 
nutrition information--and not a nutrition claim--is supplied on point-
of-purchase materials, the requirements of Sec.  381.409 apply, 
provided, however:
    (i) The listing of percent of Daily Value for the nutrients (except 
vitamins and minerals specified in Sec.  381.409(c)(8)) and footnote 
required by Sec.  381.409(d)(9) may be omitted; and
    (ii) The point-of-purchase materials are not subject to any of the 
format requirements.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) For the point-of-purchase materials, the declaration of 
nutrition information may be presented in a simplified format as 
specified in Sec.  381.409(f).
    (d) The nutrition label data for products covered in paragraphs 
(a)(1) and (a)(2) must be based on either raw or cooked edible portions 
of poultry cuts with skin. If data are based on cooked portions, the 
methods used to cook the products must be specified and for products 
covered in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) must be those which do not add 
nutrients from other ingredients such as flour, breading, and salt. 
Additional nutritional data may be presented on an optional basis for 
the raw or cooked edible portions of the skinless poultry meat.
    (e) Nutrient data that are the most current representative data base 
values contained in USDA's National Nutrient Data Bank or its released 
form, the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, may be 
used for nutrition labeling of single-ingredient, raw poultry products, 
including those that have been previously frozen. These data may be 
composite data that reflect different classes of turkey or other 
variables affecting nutrient content. Alternatively, data that reflect 
specific classes or other variables may be used, except that if data are 
used on labels attached to a product which is labeled as to class of 
poultry or other variables, the data must represent the product in the 
package when such data are contained in the representative

[[Page 513]]

data base. When data are used on labels attached to a product, the data 
must represent the edible poultry tissues present in the package.
    (f) If the nutrition information is provided in accordance with 
paragraph (e) of this section, a nutrition label or labeling will not be 
subject to the Agency compliance review under Sec.  381.409(h), unless a 
nutrition claim is made on the basis of the representative data base 
values.
    (g) Retailers may use data bases that they believe reflect the 
nutrient content of single-ingredient, raw poultry products, including 
those that have been previously frozen; however, such labeling shall be 
subject to the compliance procedures of paragraph (e) of this section 
and the requirements specified in this subpart for the mandatory 
nutrition labeling program.

[58 FR 675, Jan. 6, 1993, as amended at 58 FR 47628, Sept. 10, 1993; 60 
FR 209, Jan. 3, 1995; 75 FR 82166, Dec. 29, 2010]



Sec. Sec.  381.446-381.453  [Reserved]



Sec.  381.454  Nutrient content claims for ``good source,'' 
``high,'' and ``more.''

    (a) General requirements. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of 
this section, a claim about the level of a nutrient in a product in 
relation to the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) or Daily Reference Value 
(DRV), established for that nutrient (excluding total carbohydrate) in 
Sec.  381.409(c), may only be made on the label or in labeling of the 
product if:
    (1) The claim uses one of the terms defined in this section in 
accordance with the definition for that term;
    (2) The claim is made in accordance with the general requirements 
for nutrient content claims in Sec.  381.413; and
    (3) The product for which the claim is made is labeled in accordance 
with Sec.  381.409.
    (b) ``High'' claims. (1) The terms ``high,'' ``rich in,'' or 
``excellent source of'' may be used on the label or in labeling of 
products, except meal-type products as defined in Sec.  381.413(l) and 
main-dish products as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), provided that the 
product contains 20 percent or more of the RDI or the DRV per reference 
amount customarily consumed.
    (2) The terms defined in paragraph (b)(1) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains a food that meets the definition of 
``high'' in paragraph (b)(1) of this section; and
    (ii) The label or labeling clearly identifies the food that is the 
subject of the claim (e.g., ``the serving of broccoli in this meal is 
high in vitamin C'').
    (c) ``Good Source'' claims. (1) The terms ``good source,'' 
``contains,'' or ``provides'' may be used on the label or in labeling of 
products, except meal-type products as described in Sec.  381.413(l) and 
main-dish products as defined in Sec.  317.313(m), provided that the 
product contains 10 to 19 percent of the RDI or the DRV per reference 
amount customarily consumed.
    (2) The terms defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains a food that meets the definition of ``good 
source'' in paragraph (c)(1) of this section; and
    (ii) The label or labeling clearly identifies the food that is the 
subject of the claim (e.g., ``the serving of sweet potatoes in this meal 
is a good source of fiber'').
    (d) Fiber claims. (1) If a nutrient content claim is made with 
respect to the level of dietary fiber, i.e., that the product is high in 
fiber, a good source of fiber, or that the product contains ``more'' 
fiber, and the product is not ``low'' in total fat as defined in Sec.  
381.462(b)(2) or, in the case of a meal-type product or in a main-dish 
product, is not ``low'' in total fat as defined in Sec.  381.462(b)(3), 
then the labeling shall disclose the level of total fat per labeled 
serving size (e.g., ``contains 12 grams (g) of fat per serving''); and
    (2) The disclosure shall appear in immediate proximity to such claim 
and be in a type size no less than one-half the size of the claim.
    (e) ``More'' claims. (1) A relative claim using the terms ``more'' 
and ``added'' may be used on the label or in labeling

[[Page 514]]

to describe the level of protein, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, or 
potassium in a product, except meal-type products as defined in Sec.  
381.413(l) and main-dish products as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 10 percent more of the RDI or the 
DRV for protein, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, or potassium 
(expressed as a percent of the Daily Value) per reference amount 
customarily consumed than an appropriate reference product as described 
in Sec.  381.413(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  381.413(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the nutrient is greater relative to the RDI or DRV are 
declared in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., 
``contains 10 percent more of the Daily Value for fiber than `reference 
product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of the nutrient in 
the product per labeled serving size with that of the reference product 
that it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to 
the nutrition information (e.g., ``fiber content of `reference product' 
is 1 g per serving; `this product' contains 4 g per serving'').
    (2) A relative claim using the terms ``more'' and ``added'' may be 
used on the label or in labeling to describe the level of protein, 
vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, or potassium in meal-type products as 
defined in Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish products as defined in Sec.  
381.413(m), provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 10 percent more of the RDI or the 
DRV for protein, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, or potassium 
(expressed as a percent of the Daily Value) per 100 g of product than an 
appropriate reference product as described in Sec.  381.413(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  381.413(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the nutrient is greater relative to the RDI or DRV are 
declared in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., 
``contains 10 percent more of the Daily Value for fiber per 3 ounces 
(oz) than does `reference product' ''), and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of the nutrient in 
the meal-type product or in a main-dish product per specified weight 
with that of the reference product that it replaces is declared adjacent 
to the most prominent claim or to the nutrition information (e.g., 
``fiber content of `reference product' is 2 g per 3 oz; `this product' 
contains 5 g per 3 oz'').

[60 FR 210, Jan. 3, 1995, as amended at 69 FR 58803, Oct. 1, 2004]



Sec.  381.455  [Reserved]



Sec.  381.456  Nutrient content claims for ``light'' or ``lite.''

    (a) General requirements. A claim using the terms ``light'' or 
``lite'' to describe a product may only be made on the label or in 
labeling of the product if:
    (1) The claim uses one of the terms defined in this section in 
accordance with the definition for that term;
    (2) The claim is made in accordance with the general requirements 
for nutrient content claims in Sec.  381.413; and
    (3) The product for which the claim is made is labeled in accordance 
with Sec.  381.409.
    (b) ``Light'' claims. The terms ``light'' or ``lite'' may be used on 
the label or in labeling of products, except meal-type products as 
defined in Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish products as defined in Sec.  
381.413(m), without further qualification, provided that:
    (1) If the product derives 50 percent or more of its calories from 
fat, its fat content is reduced by 50 percent or more per reference 
amount customarily consumed compared to an appropriate reference product 
as described in Sec.  381.413(j)(1); or
    (2) If the product derives less than 50 percent of its calories from 
fat:
    (i) The number of calories is reduced by at least one-third (33\1/3\ 
percent) per reference amount customarily consumed compared to an 
appropriate reference product as described in Sec.  381.413(j)(1); or
    (ii) Its fat content is reduced by 50 percent or more per reference 
amount customarily consumed compared to the

[[Page 515]]

appropriate reference product as described in Sec.  381.413(j)(1); and
    (3) As required in Sec.  381.413(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (i) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the calories and the fat were reduced are declared in 
immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``\1/3\ 
fewer calories and 50 percent less fat than the market leader''); and
    (ii) Quantitative information comparing the level of calories and 
fat content in the product per labeled serving size with that of the 
reference product that it replaces is declared adjacent to the most 
prominent claim or to the nutrition information (e.g., ``lite `this 
product'--200 calories, 4 grams (g) fat; regular `reference product'--
300 calories, 8 g fat per serving''); and
    (iii) If the labeled product contains less than 40 calories or less 
than 3 g fat per reference amount customarily consumed, the percentage 
reduction for that nutrient need not be declared.
    (4) A ``light'' claim may not be made on a product for which the 
reference product meets the definition of ``low fat'' and ``low 
calorie.''
    (c)(1)(i) A product for which the reference product contains 40 
calories or less and 3 g fat or less per reference amount customarily 
consumed may use the terms ``light'' or ``lite'' without further 
qualification if it is reduced by 50 percent or more in sodium content 
compared to the reference product; and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  381.413(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the sodium was reduced are declared in immediate 
proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``50 percent less 
sodium than the market leader''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of sodium per 
labeled serving size with that of the reference product it replaces is 
declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the nutrition 
information (e.g., ``lite `this product'--500 milligrams (mg) sodium per 
serving; regular `reference product'--1,000 mg sodium per serving'').
    (2)(i) A product for which the reference product contains more than 
40 calories or more than 3 g fat per reference amount customarily 
consumed may use the terms ``light in sodium'' or ``lite in sodium'' if 
it is reduced by 50 percent or more in sodium content compared to the 
reference product, provided that ``light'' or ``lite'' is presented in 
immediate proximity with ``in sodium'' and the entire term is presented 
in uniform type size, style, color, and prominence; and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  381.413(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the sodium was reduced are declared in immediate 
proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``50 percent less 
sodium than the market leader''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of sodium per 
labeled serving size with that of the reference product it replaces is 
declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the nutrition 
information (e.g., or ``lite `this product'--170 mg sodium per serving; 
regular `reference product'--350 mg per serving'').
    (3) Except for meal-type products as defined in Sec.  381.413(l) and 
main-dish products as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), a ``light in sodium'' 
claim may not be made on a product for which the reference product meets 
the definition of ``low in sodium.''
    (d)(1) The terms ``light'' or ``lite'' may be used on the label or 
in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in Sec.  381.413(l) and 
main-dish product as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), provided that:
    (i) The product meets the definition of:
    (A) ``Low in calories'' as defined in Sec.  381.460(b)(3); or
    (B) ``Low in fat'' as defined in Sec.  381.462(b)(3); and
    (ii)(A) A statement appears on the principal display panel that 
explains whether ``light'' is used to mean ``low fat,'' ``low 
calories,'' or both (e.g., ``Light Delight, a low fat meal''); and
    (B) The accompanying statement is no less than one-half the type 
size of the ``light'' or ``lite'' claim.
    (2)(i) The terms ``light in sodium'' or ``lite in sodium'' may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish product as defined in

[[Page 516]]

Sec.  381.413(m), provided that the product meets the definition of 
``low in sodium'' as defined in Sec.  381.461(b)(5)(i); and
    (ii) ``Light'' or ``lite'' and ``in sodium'' are presented in 
uniform type size, style, color, and prominence.
    (3) The terms ``light'' or ``lite'' may be used in the brand name of 
a product to describe the sodium content, provided that:
    (i) The product is reduced by 50 percent or more in sodium content 
compared to the reference product;
    (ii) A statement specifically stating that the product is ``light in 
sodium'' or ``lite in sodium'' appears:
    (A) Contiguous to the brand name; and
    (B) In uniform type size, style, color, and prominence as the 
product name; and
    (iii) As required in Sec.  381.413(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the sodium was reduced are declared in immediate 
proximity to the most prominent such claim; and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of sodium per 
labeled serving size with that of the reference product it replaces is 
declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the nutrition 
information.
    (e) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this 
section, the terms ``light'' or ``lite'' may not be used to refer to a 
product that is not reduced in fat by 50 percent, or, if applicable, in 
calories by \1/3\ or, when properly qualified, in sodium by 50 percent 
unless:
    (1) It describes some physical or organoleptic attribute of the 
product such as texture or color and the information (e.g., ``light in 
color'' or ``light in texture'') so stated, clearly conveys the nature 
of the product; and
    (2) The attribute (e.g., ``color'' or ``texture'') is in the same 
style, color, and at least one-half the type size as the word ``light'' 
and in immediate proximity thereto.
    (f) If a manufacturer can demonstrate that the word ``light'' has 
been associated, through common use, with a particular product to 
reflect a physical or organoleptic attribute to the point where it has 
become part of the statement of identity, such use of the term ``light'' 
shall not be considered a nutrient content claim subject to the 
requirements in this part.
    (g) The term ``lightly salted'' may be used on a product to which 
has been added 50 percent less sodium than is normally added to the 
reference product as described in Sec.  381.413(j)(1)(i)(B) and 
(j)(1)(ii)(B), provided that if the product is not ``low in sodium'' as 
defined in Sec.  381.461(b)(4), the statement ``not a low sodium food,'' 
shall appear adjacent to the nutrition information and the information 
required to accompany a relative claim shall appear on the label or 
labeling as specified in Sec.  381.413(j)(2).

[60 FR 210, Jan. 3, 1995, as amended at 69 FR 58803, Oct. 1, 2004]



Sec. Sec.  381.457-381.459  [Reserved]



Sec.  381.460  Nutrient content claims for calorie content.

    (a) General requirements. A claim about the calorie or sugar content 
of a product may only be made on the label or in labeling of the product 
if:
    (1) The claim uses one of the terms defined in this section in 
accordance with the definition for that term;
    (2) The claim is made in accordance with the general requirements 
for nutrient content claims in Sec.  381.413; and
    (3) The product for which the claim is made is labeled in accordance 
with Sec.  381.409.
    (b) Calorie content claims. (1) The terms ``calorie free,'' ``free 
of calories,'' ``no calories,'' ``zero calories,'' ``without calories,'' 
``trivial source of calories,'' ``negligible source of calories,'' or 
``dietarily insignificant source of calories'' may be used on the label 
or in labeling of products, provided that:
    (i) The product contains less than 5 calories per reference amount 
customarily consumed and per labeled serving size; and
    (ii) If the product meets this condition without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
the caloric content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.

[[Page 517]]

    (2) The terms ``low calorie,'' ``few calories,'' ``contains a small 
amount of calories,'' ``low source of calories,'' or ``low in calories'' 
may be used on the label or in labeling of products, except meal-type 
products as defined in Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish products as 
defined in Sec.  318.413(m), provided that:
    (i)(A) The product has a reference amount customarily consumed 
greater than 30 grams (g) or greater than 2 tablespoons (tbsp) and does 
not provide more than 40 calories per reference amount customarily 
consumed; or
    (B) The product has a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g 
or less or 2 tbsp or less and does not provide more than 40 calories per 
reference amount customarily consumed and per 50 g (for dehydrated 
products that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with 
water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in 
Sec.  381.409(f)(1), of all nutrients per reference amount customarily 
consumed, the per-50-g criterion refers to the ``as prepared'' form).
    (ii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
the caloric content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.
    (3) The terms defined in paragraph (b)(2) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains 120 calories or less per 100 g of product; 
and
    (ii) If the product meets this condition without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
the calorie content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which it attaches.
    (4) The terms ``reduced calorie,'' ``reduced in calories,'' 
``calorie reduced,'' ``fewer calories,'' ``lower calorie,'' or ``lower 
in calories'' may be used on the label or in labeling of products, 
except meal-type products as defined in Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish 
products as defined in Sec.  318.413(m), provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 25 percent fewer calories per 
reference amount customarily consumed than an appropriate reference 
product as described in Sec.  381.413(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  381.413(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the calories differ between the two products are declared 
in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., lower 
calorie `product'--``33 \1/3\ percent fewer calories than our regular 
`product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of calories in the 
product per labeled serving size with that of the reference product that 
it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the 
nutrition information (e.g., ``calorie content has been reduced from 150 
to 100 calories per serving'').
    (iii) Claims described in paragraph (b)(4) of this section may not 
be made on the label or in labeling of products if the reference product 
meets the definition for ``low calorie.''
    (5) The terms defined in paragraph (b)(4) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 25 percent fewer calories per 100 
g of product than an appropriate reference product as described in Sec.  
381.413(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  381.413(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the calories differ between the two products are declared 
in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``calorie 
reduced `product', 25% less calories per ounce (oz) (or 3 oz) than our 
regular `product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of calories in the 
product per specified weight with that of the reference product that it 
replaces

[[Page 518]]

is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the nutrition 
information (e.g., ``calorie content has been reduced from 110 calories 
per 3 oz to 80 calories per 3 oz'').
    (iii) Claims described in paragraph (b)(5) of this section may not 
be made on the label or in labeling of products if the reference product 
meets the definition for ``low calorie.''
    (c) Sugar content claims. (1) Terms such as ``sugar free,'' ``free 
of sugar,'' ``no sugar,'' ``zero sugar,'' ``without sugar,'' 
``sugarless,'' ``trivial source of sugar,'' ``negligible source of 
sugar,'' or ``dietarily insignificant source of sugar'' may reasonably 
be expected to be regarded by consumers as terms that represent that the 
product contains no sugars or sweeteners, e.g., ``sugar free,'' or ``no 
sugar,'' as indicating a product which is low in calories or 
significantly reduced in calories. Consequently, except as provided in 
paragraph (c)(2) of this section, a product may not be labeled with such 
terms unless:
    (i) The product contains less than 0.5 g of sugars, as defined in 
Sec.  381.409(c)(6)(ii), per reference amount customarily consumed and 
per labeled serving size or, in the case of a meal-type product or a 
main-dish product, less than 0.5 g of sugars per labeled serving size;
    (ii) The product contains no ingredient that is a sugar or that is 
generally understood by consumers to contain sugars unless the listing 
of the ingredient in the ingredients statement is followed by an 
asterisk that refers to the statement below the list of ingredients, 
which states: ``Adds a trivial amount of sugar,'' ``adds a negligible 
amount of sugar,'' or ``adds a dietarily insignificant amount of 
sugar;'' and
    (iii)(A) It is labeled ``low calorie'' or ``reduced calorie'' or 
bears a relative claim of special dietary usefulness labeled in 
compliance with paragraphs (b)(2), (b)(3), (b)(4), or (b)(5) of this 
section; or
    (B) Such term is immediately accompanied, each time it is used, by 
either the statement ``not a reduced calorie product,'' ``not a low 
calorie product,'' or ``not for weight control.''
    (2) The terms ``no added sugar,'' ``without added sugar,'' or ``no 
sugar added'' may be used only if:
    (i) No amount of sugars, as defined in Sec.  381.409(c)(6)(ii), or 
any other ingredient that contains sugars that functionally substitute 
for added sugars is added during processing or packaging;
    (ii) The product does not contain an ingredient containing added 
sugars such as jam, jelly, or concentrated fruit juice;
    (iii) The sugars content has not been increased above the amount 
present in the ingredients by some means such as the use of enzymes, 
except where the intended functional effect of the process is not to 
increase the sugars content of a product, and a functionally 
insignificant increase in sugars results;
    (iv) The product that it resembles and for which it substitutes 
normally contains added sugars; and
    (v) The product bears a statement that the product is not ``low 
calorie'' or ``calorie reduced'' (unless the product meets the 
requirements for a ``low'' or ``reduced calorie'' product) and that 
directs consumers' attention to the nutrition panel for further 
information on sugar and calorie content.
    (3) Paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall not apply to a factual 
statement that a product, including products intended specifically for 
infants and children less than 2 years of age, is unsweetened or 
contains no added sweeteners in the case of a product that contains 
apparent substantial inherent sugar content, e.g., juices.
    (4) The terms ``reduced sugar,'' ``reduced in sugar,'' ``sugar 
reduced,'' ``less sugar,'' ``lower sugar,'' or ``lower in sugar'' may be 
used on the label or in labeling of products, except meal-type products 
as defined in Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish products as defined in 
Sec.  318.413(m), provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 25 percent less sugars per 
reference amount customarily consumed than an appropriate reference 
product as described in Sec.  381.413(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  381.413(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the sugars differ between the two products are declared 
in immediate

[[Page 519]]

proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``this product 
contains 25 percent less sugar than our regular product''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of the sugar in the 
product per labeled serving size with that of the reference product that 
it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the 
nutrition information (e.g., ``sugar content has been lowered from 8 g 
to 6 g per serving'').
    (5) The terms defined in paragraph (c)(4) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 25 percent less sugars per 100 g 
of product than an appropriate reference product as described in Sec.  
381.413(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  381.413(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the sugars differ between the two products are declared 
in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``reduced 
sugar `product'--

25% less sugar than our regular `product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of the nutrient in 
the product per specified weight with that of the reference product that 
it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the 
nutrition information (e.g., ``sugar content has been reduced from 17 g 
per 3 oz to 13 g per 3 oz'').

[60 FR 211, Jan. 3, 1995, as amended at 69 FR 58803, Oct. 1, 2004]



Sec.  381.461  Nutrient content claims for the sodium content.

    (a) General requirements. A claim about the level of sodium in a 
product may only be made on the label or in labeling of the product if:
    (1) The claim uses one of the terms defined in this section in 
accordance with the definition for that term;
    (2) The claim is made in accordance with the general requirements 
for nutrient content claims in Sec.  381.413; and
    (3) The product for which the claim is made is labeled in accordance 
with Sec.  381.409.
    (b) Sodium content claims. (1) The terms ``sodium free,'' ``free of 
sodium,'' ``no sodium,'' ``zero sodium,'' ``without sodium,'' ``trivial 
source of sodium,'' ``negligible source of sodium,'' or ``dietarily 
insignificant source of sodium'' may be used on the label or in labeling 
of products, provided that:
    (i) The product contains less than 5 milligrams (mg) of sodium per 
reference amount customarily consumed and per labeled serving size or, 
in the case of a meal-type product or a main-dish product, less than 5 
mg of sodium per labeled serving size;
    (ii) The product contains no ingredient that is sodium chloride or 
is generally understood by consumers to contain sodium unless the 
listing of the ingredient in the ingredients statement is followed by an 
asterisk that refers to the statement below the list of ingredients, 
which states: ``Adds a trivial amount of sodium,'' ``adds a negligible 
amount of sodium'' or ``adds a dietarily insignificant amount of 
sodium;'' and
    (iii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
the sodium content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.
    (2) The terms ``very low sodium'' or ``very low in sodium'' may be 
used on the label or in labeling of products, except meal-type products 
as defined in Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish products as defined in 
Sec.  381.413(m), provided that:
    (i)(A) The product has a reference amount customarily consumed 
greater than 30 grams (g) or greater than 2 tablespoons (tbsp) and 
contains 35 mg or less sodium per reference amount customarily consumed; 
or
    (B) The product has a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g 
or less or 2 tbsp or less and contains 35 mg or less sodium per 
reference amount customarily consumed and per 50 g (for dehydrated 
products that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with 
water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in 
Sec.  381.409(f)(1), of all nutrients

[[Page 520]]

per reference amount customarily consumed, the per-50-g criterion refers 
to the ``as prepared'' form); and
    (ii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
the sodium content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.
    (3) The terms defined in paragraph (b)(2) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains 35 mg or less of sodium per 100 g of 
product; and
    (ii) If the product meets this condition without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
the sodium content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.
    (4) The terms ``low sodium,'' ``low in sodium,'' ``little sodium,'' 
``contains a small amount of sodium,'' or ``low source of sodium'' may 
be used on the label and in labeling of products, except meal-type 
products as defined in Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish products as 
defined in Sec.  381.413(m), provided that:
    (i)(A) The product has a reference amount customarily consumed 
greater than 30 g or greater than 2 tbsp and contains 140 mg or less 
sodium per reference amount customarily consumed; or
    (B) The product has a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g 
or less or 2 tbsp or less and contains 140 mg or less sodium per 
reference amount customarily consumed and per 50 g (for dehydrated 
products that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with 
water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in 
Sec.  381.409(f)(1), of all nutrients per reference amount customarily 
consumed, the per-50-g criterion refers to the ``as prepared'' form); 
and
    (ii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
the sodium content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.
    (5) The terms defined in paragraph (b)(4) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains 140 mg or less sodium per 100 g of product; 
and
    (ii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
the sodium content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.
    (6) The terms ``reduced sodium,'' ``reduced in sodium,'' ``sodium 
reduced,'' ``less sodium,'' ``lower sodium,'' or ``lower in sodium'' may 
be used on the label or in labeling of products, except meal-type 
products as defined in Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish products as 
defined in Sec.  381.413(m), provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 25 percent less sodium per 
reference amount customarily consumed than an appropriate reference 
product as described in Sec.  381.413(j)(l); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  381.413(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the sodium differs between the two products are declared 
in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``reduced 
sodium `product', 50 percent less sodium than regular `product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of sodium in the 
product per labeled serving size with that of the reference product that 
it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the 
nutrition information (e.g., ``sodium content has been lowered from 300 
to 150 mg per serving'').
    (iii) Claims described in paragraph (b)(6) of this section may not 
be made on the label or in labeling of a product if the nutrient content 
of the reference product meets the definition for ``low sodium.''

[[Page 521]]

    (7) The terms defined in paragraph (b)(6) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 25 percent less sodium per 100 g 
of product than an appropriate reference product as described in Sec.  
381.413(j)(l); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  381.413(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the sodium differs between the two products are declared 
in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``reduced 
sodium `product'--30% less sodium per 3 oz than our `regular product' 
''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of sodium in the 
product per specified weight with that of the reference product that it 
replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the 
nutrition information (e.g., ``sodium content has been reduced from 220 
mg per 3 oz to 150 mg per 3 oz'').
    (iii) Claims described in paragraph (b)(7) of this section may not 
be made on the label or in labeling of products if the nutrient content 
of the reference product meets the definition for ``low sodium.''
    (c) The term ``salt'' is not synonymous with ``sodium.'' Salt refers 
to sodium chloride. However, references to salt content such as 
``unsalted,'' ``no salt,'' ``no salt added'' are potentially misleading.
    (1) The term ``salt free'' may be used on the label or in labeling 
of products only if the product is ``sodium free'' as defined in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
    (2) The terms ``unsalted,'' ``without added salt,'' and ``no salt 
added'' may be used on the label or in labeling of products only if:
    (i) No salt is added during processing;
    (ii) The product that it resembles and for which it substitutes is 
normally processed with salt; and
    (iii) If the product is not sodium free, the statement ``not a 
sodium free product'' or ``not for control of sodium in the diet'' 
appears adjacent to the nutrition information of the product bearing the 
claim.
    (3) Paragraph (c)(2) of this section shall not apply to a factual 
statement that a product intended specifically for infants and children 
less than 2 years of age is unsalted, provided such statement refers to 
the taste of the product and is not false or otherwise misleading.

[60 FR 213, Jan. 3, 1995; 60 FR 5762, Jan. 30, 1995, as amended at 69 FR 
58803, Oct. 1, 2004]



Sec.  381.462  Nutrient content claims for fat, fatty acids, and 
cholesterol content.

    (a) General requirements. A claim about the level of fat, fatty 
acid, and cholesterol in a product may only be made on the label or in 
labeling of products if:
    (1) The claim uses one of the terms defined in this section in 
accordance with the definition for that term;
    (2) The claim is made in accordance with the general requirements 
for nutrient content claims in Sec.  381.413; and
    (3) The product for which the claim is made is labeled in accordance 
with Sec.  381.409.
    (b) Fat content claims. (1) The terms ``fat free,'' ``free of fat,'' 
``no fat,'' ``zero fat,'' ``without fat,'' ``nonfat,'' ``trivial source 
of fat,'' ``negligible source of fat,'' or ``dietarily insignificant 
source of fat'' may be used on the label or in labeling of products, 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains less than 0.5 gram (g) of fat per reference 
amount customarily consumed and per labeled serving size or, in the case 
of a meal-type product or a main-dish product, less than 0.5 g of fat 
per labeled serving size;
    (ii) The product contains no added ingredient that is a fat or is 
generally understood by consumers to contain fat unless the listing of 
the ingredient in the ingredients statement is followed by an asterisk 
that refers to the statement below the list of ingredients, which 
states: ``Adds a trivial amount of fat,'' ``adds a negligible amount of 
fat,'' or ``adds a dietarily insignificant amount of fat''; and
    (iii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or

[[Page 522]]

reformulation to lower the fat content, it is labeled to clearly refer 
to all products of its type and not merely to the particular brand to 
which the label attaches.
    (2) The terms ``low fat,'' ``low in fat,'' ``contains a small amount 
of fat,'' ``low source of fat,'' or ``little fat'' may be used on the 
label and in labeling of products, except meal-type products as defined 
in Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish products as defined in Sec.  
381.413(m), provided that:
    (i)(A) The product has a reference amount customarily consumed 
greater than 30 g or greater than 2 tablespoons (tbsp) and contains 3 g 
or less of fat per reference amount customarily consumed; or
    (B) The product has a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g 
or less or 2 tbsp or less and contains 3 g or less of fat per reference 
amount customarily consumed and per 50 g (for dehydrated products that 
must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent 
containing an insignificant amount, as defined in Sec.  381.409(f)(1), 
of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per-50-g 
criterion refers to the ``as prepared'' form).
    (ii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
the fat content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of its 
type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches.
    (3) The terms defined in paragraph (b)(2) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains 3 g or less of total fat per 100 g of 
product and not more than 30 percent of calories from fat; and
    (ii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
the fat content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of its 
type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches.
    (4) The terms ``reduced fat,'' ``reduced in fat,'' ``fat reduced,'' 
``less fat,'' ``lower fat,'' or ``lower in fat'' may be used on the 
label or in labeling of products, except meal-type products as defined 
in Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish products as defined in Sec.  
381.413(m), provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 25 percent less fat per reference 
amount customarily consumed than an appropriate reference product as 
described in Sec.  381.413(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  381.413(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the fat differs between the two products are declared in 
immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``reduced 
fat--50 percent less fat than our regular `product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of fat in the 
product per labeled serving size with that of the reference product that 
it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the 
nutrition information (e.g., ``fat content has been reduced from 8 g to 
4 g per serving'').
    (iii) Claims described in paragraph (b)(4) of this section may not 
be made on the label or in labeling of a product if the nutrient content 
of the reference product meets the definition for ``low fat.''
    (5) The terms defined in paragraph (b)(4) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 25 percent less fat per 100 g of 
product than an appropriate reference product as described in Sec.  
381.413(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  381.413(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the fat differs between the two products are declared in 
immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``reduced 
fat `product', 33 percent less fat per 3 oz than our regular `product' 
''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of fat in the 
product

[[Page 523]]

per specified weight with that of the reference product that it replaces 
is declared adjacent to the most prominent such claim or to the 
nutrition information (e.g., ``fat content has been reduced from 8 g per 
3 oz to 5 g per 3 oz'').
    (iii) Claims described in paragraph (b)(5) of this section may not 
be made on the label or in labeling of a product if the nutrient content 
of the reference product meets the definition for ``low fat.''
    (6) The term ``____________ percent fat free'' may be used on the 
label or in labeling of products, provided that:
    (i) The product meets the criteria for ``low fat'' in paragraph 
(b)(2) or (b)(3) of this section;
    (ii) The percent declared and the words ``fat free'' are in uniform 
type size; and
    (iii) A ``100 percent fat free'' claim may be made only on products 
that meet the criteria for ``fat free'' in paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section, that contain less than 0.5 g of fat per 100 g, and that contain 
no added fat.
    (iv) A synonym for ``______ percent fat free'' is ``______ percent 
lean.''
    (c) Fatty acid content claims. (1) The terms ``saturated fat free,'' 
``free of saturated fat,'' ``no saturated fat,'' ``zero saturated fat,'' 
``without saturated fat,'' ``trivial source of saturated fat,'' 
``negligible source of saturated fat,'' or ``dietarily insignificant 
source of saturated fat'' may be used on the label or in labeling of 
products, provided that:
    (i) The product contains less than 0.5 g of saturated fat and less 
than 0.5 g trans fatty acids per reference amount customarily consumed 
and per labeled serving size or, in the case of a meal-type product or a 
main-dish product, less than 0.5 g of saturated fat and less than 0.5 g 
trans fatty acids per labeled serving size;
    (ii) The product contains no ingredient that is generally understood 
by consumers to contain saturated fat unless the listing of the 
ingredient in the ingredients statement is followed by an asterisk that 
refers to the statement below the list of ingredients, which states: 
``Adds a trivial amount of saturated fat,'' ``adds a negligible amount 
of saturated fat,'' or ``adds a dietarily insignificant amount of 
saturated fat;'' and
    (iii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
saturated fat content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.
    (2) The terms ``low in saturated fat,'' ``low saturated fat,'' 
``contains a small amount of saturated fat,'' ``low source of saturated 
fat,'' or ``a little saturated fat'' may be used on the label or in 
labeling of products, except meal-type products as defined in Sec.  
381.413(l) and main-dish products as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains 1 g or less of saturated fat per reference 
amount customarily consumed and not more than 15 percent of calories 
from saturated fat; and
    (ii) If the product meets these conditions without benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
saturated fat content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.
    (3) The terms defined in paragraph (c)(2) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains 1 g or less of saturated fat per 100 g and 
less than 10 percent calories from saturated fat; and
    (ii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
saturated fat content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.
    (4) The terms ``reduced saturated fat,'' ``reduced in saturated 
fat,'' ``saturated fat reduced,'' ``less saturated fat,'' ``lower 
saturated fat,'' or ``lower in saturated fat'' may be used on the label 
or in labeling of products, except meal-type products as defined in 
Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish products as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), 
provided that:

[[Page 524]]

    (i) The product contains at least 25 percent less saturated fat per 
reference amount customarily consumed than an appropriate reference 
product as described in Sec.  381.413(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  381.413(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the saturated fat differs between the two products are 
declared in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., 
``reduced saturated fat `product', contains 50 percent less saturated 
fat than the national average for `product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of saturated fat in 
the product per labeled serving size with that of the reference product 
that it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to 
the nutrition information (e.g., ``saturated fat reduced from 3 g to 1.5 
g per serving'').
    (iii) Claims described in paragraph (c)(4) of this section may not 
be made on the label or in labeling of a product if the nutrient content 
of the reference product meets the definition for ``low saturated fat.''
    (5) The terms defined in paragraph (c)(4) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains at least 25 percent less saturated fat per 
100 g of product than an appropriate reference product as described in 
Sec.  381.413(j)(1); and
    (ii) As required in Sec.  381.413(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the saturated fat differs between the two products are 
declared in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., 
``reduced saturated fat `product', 50 percent less saturated fat than 
our regular `product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of saturated fat in 
the product per specified weight with that of the reference product that 
it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the 
nutrition information (e.g., ``saturated fat content has been reduced 
from 2.5 g per 3 oz to 1.5 g per 3 oz'').
    (iii) Claims described in paragraph (c)(5) of this section may not 
be made on the label or in labeling of a product if the nutrient content 
of the reference product meets the definition for ``low saturated fat.''
    (d) Cholesterol content claims. (1) The terms ``cholesterol free,'' 
``free of cholesterol,'' ``zero cholesterol,'' ``without cholesterol,'' 
``no cholesterol,'' ``trivial source of cholesterol,'' ``negligible 
source of cholesterol,'' or ``dietarily insignificant source of 
cholesterol'' may be used on the label or in labeling of products, 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains less than 2 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol 
per reference amount customarily consumed and per labeled serving size 
or, in the case of a meal-type product as defined in Sec.  381.413(l) 
and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), less than 2 mg of 
cholesterol per labeled serving size;
    (ii) The product contains no ingredient that is generally understood 
by consumers to contain cholesterol, unless the listing of the 
ingredient in the ingredients statement is followed by an asterisk that 
refers to the statement below the list of ingredients, which states: 
``Adds a trivial amount of cholesterol,'' ``adds a negligible amount of 
cholesterol,'' or ``adds a dietarily insignificant amount of 
cholesterol'';
    (iii) The product contains 2 g or less of saturated fat per 
reference amount customarily consumed or, in the case of a meal-type 
product as defined in Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish product as defined 
in Sec.  381.413(m), 2 g or less of saturated fat per labeled serving 
size; and
    (iv) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
cholesterol content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which it attaches; or
    (v) If the product meets these conditions only as a result of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation, the 
amount of cholesterol is reduced by 25 percent or more from the 
reference product it replaces as described in Sec.  381.413(j)(1) and 
for which it substitutes as described in Sec.  381.413(d)

[[Page 525]]

that has a significant (e.g., 5 percent or more of a national or 
regional market) market share. As required in Sec.  381.413(j)(2) for 
relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the cholesterol was reduced are declared in immediate 
proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``cholesterol free 
`product', contains 100 percent less cholesterol than `reference 
product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of cholesterol in 
the product per labeled serving size with that of the reference product 
that it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to 
the nutrition information (e.g., ``contains no cholesterol compared with 
30 mg in one serving of `reference product' '').
    (2) The terms ``low in cholesterol,'' ``low cholesterol,'' 
``contains a small amount of cholesterol,'' ``low source of 
cholesterol,'' or ``little cholesterol'' may be used on the label or in 
labeling of products, except meal-type products as defined in Sec.  
381.413(l) and main-dish products as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), 
provided that:
    (i)(A) If the product has a reference amount customarily consumed 
greater than 30 g or greater than 2 tbsp:
    (1) The product contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol per reference 
amount customarily consumed; and
    (2) The product contains 2 g or less of saturated fat per reference 
amount customarily consumed; or
    (B) If the product has a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 
g or less or 2 tbsp or less:
    (1) The product contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol per reference 
amount customarily consumed and per 50 g (for dehydrated products that 
must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent 
containing an insignificant amount, as defined in Sec.  381.409(f)(1), 
of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per-50-g 
criterion refers to the ``as prepared'' form); and
    (2) The product contains 2 g or less of saturated fat per reference 
amount customarily consumed.
    (ii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
cholesterol content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches; or
    (iii) If the product contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol only as a 
result of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation, 
the amount of cholesterol is reduced by 25 percent or more from the 
reference product it replaces as described in Sec.  381.413(j)(1) and 
for which it substitutes as described in Sec.  381.413(d) that has a 
significant (e.g., 5 percent or more of a national or regional market) 
market share. As required in Sec.  381.413(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the cholesterol has been reduced are declared in 
immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``low 
cholesterol `product', contains 85 percent less cholesterol than our 
regular `product'''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of cholesterol in 
the product per labeled serving size with that of the reference product 
that it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to 
the nutrition information (e.g., ``cholesterol lowered from 30 mg to 5 
mg per serving'').
    (3) The terms defined in paragraph (d)(2) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol per 100 g of 
product;
    (ii) The product contains 2 g or less of saturated fat per 100 g of 
product; and
    (iii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of 
special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower 
cholesterol content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all products of 
its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label 
attaches.
    (4) The terms ``reduced cholesterol,'' ``reduced in cholesterol,'' 
``cholesterol reduced,'' ``less cholesterol,'' ``lower cholesterol,'' or 
``lower in cholesterol'' may be used on the label or in labeling of 
products or products that substitute

[[Page 526]]

for those products as specified in Sec.  381.413(d), excluding meal-type 
products as defined in Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish products as 
defined in Sec.  381.413(m), provided that:
    (i) The product has been specifically formulated, altered, or 
processed to reduce its cholesterol by 25 percent or more from the 
reference product it replaces as described in Sec.  381.413(j)(1) and 
for which it substitutes as described in Sec.  381.413(d) that has a 
significant (e.g., 5 percent or more of a national or regional market) 
market share;
    (ii) The product contains 2 g or less of saturated fat per reference 
amount customarily consumed; and
    (iii) As required in Sec.  381.413(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the cholesterol has been reduced are declared in 
immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``25 percent 
less cholesterol than `reference product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of cholesterol in 
the product per labeled serving size with that of the reference product 
that it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to 
the nutrition information (e.g., ``cholesterol lowered from 55 mg to 30 
mg per serving'').
    (iv) Claims described in paragraph (d)(4) of this section may not be 
made on the label or in labeling of a product if the nutrient content of 
the reference product meets the definition for ``low cholesterol.''
    (5) The terms defined in paragraph (d)(4) of this section may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a meal-type product as defined in 
Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish product as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), 
provided that:
    (i) The product has been specifically formulated, altered, or 
processed to reduce its cholesterol by 25 percent or more from the 
reference product it replaces as described in Sec.  381.413(j)(1) and 
for which it substitutes as described in Sec.  381.413(d) that has a 
significant (e.g., 5 percent or more of a national or regional market) 
market share;
    (ii) The product contains 2 g or less of saturated fat per 100 g of 
product; and
    (iii) As required in Sec.  381.413(j)(2) for relative claims:
    (A) The identity of the reference product and the percent (or 
fraction) that the cholesterol has been reduced are declared in 
immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., ``25% less 
cholesterol than `reference product' ''); and
    (B) Quantitative information comparing the level of cholesterol in 
the product per specified weight with that of the reference product that 
it replaces is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the 
nutrition information (e.g., ``cholesterol content has been reduced from 
35 mg per 3 oz to 25 mg per 3 oz).
    (iv) Claims described in paragraph (d)(5) of this section may not be 
made on the label or in labeling of a product if the nutrient content of 
the reference product meets the definition for ``low cholesterol.''
    (e) ``Lean'' and ``Extra Lean'' claims. (1) The term ``lean'' may be 
used on the label or in labeling of a product, provided that the product 
contains less than 10 g of fat, 4.5 g or less of saturated fat, and less 
than 95 mg of cholesterol per 100 g of product and per reference amount 
customarily consumed for individual foods, and per 100 g of product and 
per labeled serving size for meal-type products as defined in Sec.  
381.413(l) and main-dish products as defined in Sec.  381.413(m).
    (2) The term ``extra lean'' may be used on the label or in labeling 
of a product, provided that the product contains less than 5 g of fat, 
less than 2 g of saturated fat, and less than 95 mg of cholesterol per 
100 g of product and per reference amount customarily consumed for 
individual foods, and per 100 g of product and per labeled serving size 
for meal-type products as defined in Sec.  381.413(l) and main-dish 
products as defined in Sec.  381.413(m).
    (f) A statement of the lean percentage may be used on the label or 
in labeling of ground or chopped poultry products described in Sec.  
381.401 when the product does not meet the criteria for ``low fat,'' 
defined in Sec.  381.462(b)(2), provided that a statement of the fat 
percentage is contiguous to and in lettering of the same color, size, 
type, and

[[Page 527]]

on the same color background, as the statement of the lean percentage.

[60 FR 214, Jan. 3, 1995, as amended at 69 FR 58803, Oct. 1, 2004; 75 FR 
82167, Dec. 29, 2010]



Sec.  381.463  Nutrient content claims for ``healthy.''

    (a) The term ``healthy,'' or any other derivative of the term 
``health,'' may be used on the labeling of any poultry product, provided 
that the product is labeled in accordance with Sec.  381.409 and Sec.  
381.413.
    (b)(1) The product shall meet the requirements for ``low fat'' and 
``low saturated fat,'' as defined in Sec.  381.462, except that single-
ingredient, raw products may meet the total fat and saturated fat 
criteria for ``extra lean'' in Sec.  381.462.
    (2) The product shall not contain more than 60 milligrams (mg) of 
cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed, per labeled 
serving size, and, only for foods with reference amounts customarily 
consumed of 30 grams (g) or less or 2 tablespoons (tbsp) or less, per 50 
g, and, for dehydrated products that must be reconstituted with water or 
a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in Sec.  
381.409(f)(1), of all nutrients, the per-50-g criterion refers to the 
prepared form, except that:
    (i) A main-dish product, as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), and meal-
type product, as defined in Sec.  381.413(l), and including meal-type 
products that weigh more than 12 ounces (oz) per serving (container), 
shall not contain more than 90 mg of cholesterol per labeled serving 
size; and
    (ii) Single-ingredient, raw products may meet the cholesterol 
criterion for ``extra lean'' in Sec.  381.462.
    (3) The product shall not contain more than 480 mg of sodium per 
reference amount customarily consumed, per labeled serving size, and, 
only for foods with reference amounts customarily consumed of 30 g or 
less or 2 tbsp or less, per 50 g, and, for dehydrated products that must 
be reconstituted with water or a diluent containing an insignificant 
amount, as defined in Sec.  381.409(f)(1), of all nutrients, the per-50-
g criterion refers to the prepared form, except that:
    (i) A main-dish product, as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), and meal-
type product, as defined in Sec.  381.413(l), and including meal-type 
products that weigh more than 12 oz per serving (container), shall not 
contain more than 600 mg of sodium per labeled serving size;\1\ and
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ This regulation previously provided that, after January 1, 2006, 
individual poultry products bearing the claim ``healthy'' (or any 
derivative of the term ``health'') must contain no more than 360 mg of 
sodium and that meal-type products bearing the claim ``healthy'' (or any 
other derivative of the term ``health'') must contain no more than 600 
mg of sodium. Implementation of these sodium level requirements for 
products bearing the claim ``healthy'' (or any derivative of the term 
``health'') has been deferred indefinitely due to technological barriers 
and consumer preferences.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) The requirements of this paragraph (b)(3) do not apply to 
single-ingredient, raw products.
    (4) The product shall contain 10 percent or more of the Reference 
Daily Intake or Daily Reference Value as defined in Sec.  381.409 for 
vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium, protein, or fiber per reference 
amount customarily consumed prior to any nutrient addition, except that:
    (i) A main-dish product, as defined in Sec.  381.413(m), and 
including meal-type products that weigh less than 10 oz per serving 
(container), shall meet the level for two of the nutrients per labeled 
serving size; and
    (ii) A meal-type product, as defined in Sec.  381.413(l), shall meet 
the level for three of the nutrients per labeled serving size.

[59 FR 24228, May 10, 1994, as amended at 60 FR 217, Jan. 3, 1995; 63 FR 
7281, Feb. 13, 1998; 64 FR 72492, Dec. 28, 1999; 68 FR 463, Jan. 6, 
2003; 69 FR 58803, Oct. 1, 2004; 71 FR 1686, Jan. 11, 2006]



Sec. Sec.  381.464-381.468  [Reserved]



Sec.  381.469  Labeling applications for nutrient content claims.

    (a) This section pertains to labeling applications for claims, 
express or implied, that characterize the level of any nutrient required 
to be on the label or in labeling of product by this subpart.
    (b) Labeling applications included in this section are:

[[Page 528]]

    (1) Labeling applications for a new (heretofore unauthorized) 
nutrient content claim,
    (2) Labeling applications for a synonymous term (i.e., one that is 
consistent with a term defined by regulation) for characterizing the 
level of a nutrient, and
    (3) Labeling applications for the use of an implied claim in a brand 
name.
    (c) Labeling applications and supporting documentation to be filed 
under this section shall be submitted in quadruplicate, except that the 
supporting documentation may be submitted on a computer disc copy. If 
any part of the material submitted is in a foreign language, it shall be 
accompanied by an accurate and complete English translation. The 
labeling application shall state the applicant's post office address.
    (d) Pertinent information will be considered as part of an 
application on the basis of specific reference to such information 
submitted to and retained in the files of the Food Safety and Inspection 
Service. However, any reference to unpublished information furnished by 
a person other than the applicant will not be considered unless use of 
such information is authorized (with the understanding that such 
information may in whole or part be subject to release to the public) in 
a written statement signed by the person who submitted it. Any reference 
to published information should be accompanied by reprints or 
photostatic copies of such references.
    (e) If nonclinical laboratory studies accompany a labeling 
application, the applicant shall include, with respect to each 
nonclinical study included with the application, either a statement that 
the study has been, or will be, conducted in compliance with the good 
laboratory practice regulations as set forth in part 58 of chapter 1, 
title 21, or, if any such study was not conducted in compliance with 
such regulations, a brief statement of the reason for the noncompliance.
    (f) If clinical investigations accompany a labeling application, the 
applicant shall include, with respect to each clinical investigation 
included with the application, either a statement that the investigation 
was conducted in compliance with the requirements for institutional 
review set forth in part 56 of chapter 1, title 21, or was not subject 
to such requirements in accordance with Sec.  56.194 or Sec.  56.105, 
and that it was conducted in compliance with the requirements for 
informed consents set forth in part 50 of chapter 1, title 21.
    (g) The availability for public disclosure of labeling applications, 
along with supporting documentation, submitted to the Agency under this 
section will be governed by the rules specified in subchapter D, title 
9.
    (h) The data specified under this section to accompany a labeling 
application shall be submitted on separate sheets, suitably identified. 
If such data has already been submitted with an earlier labeling 
application from the applicant, the present labeling application must 
provide the data.
    (i) The labeling application must be signed by the applicant or by 
his or her attorney or agent, or (if a corporation) by an authorized 
official.
    (j) The labeling application shall include a statement signed by the 
person responsible for the labeling application, that to the best of his 
or her knowledge, it is a representative and balanced submission that 
includes unfavorable information, as well as favorable information, 
known to him or her pertinent to the evaluation of the labeling 
application.
    (k)(1) Labeling applications for a new nutrient content claim shall 
be accompanied by the following data which shall be submitted in the 
following form to the Director, Food Labeling Division, Regulatory 
Programs, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250:

________________________________________________________________________
(Date)

    The undersigned, ____________ submits this labeling application 
pursuant to 9 CFR 381.469 with respect to (statement of the claim and 
its proposed use).
    Attached hereto, in quadruplicate, or on a computer disc copy, and 
constituting a part of this labeling application, are the following:
    (i) A statement identifying the nutrient content claim and the 
nutrient that the term is intended to characterize with respect to the 
level of such nutrient. The statement shall address why the use of the 
term as proposed will not be misleading. The statement

[[Page 529]]

shall provide examples of the nutrient content claim as it will be used 
on labels or labeling, as well as the types of products on which the 
claim will be used. The statement shall also specify the level at which 
the nutrient must be present or what other conditions concerning the 
product must be met for the appropriate use of the term in labels or 
labeling, as well as any factors that would make the use of the term 
inappropriate.
    (ii) A detailed explanation supported by any necessary data of why 
use of the food component characterized by the claim is of importance in 
human nutrition by virtue of its presence or absence at the levels that 
such claim would describe. This explanation shall also state what 
nutritional benefit to the public will derive from use of the claim as 
proposed and why such benefit is not available through the use of 
existing terms defined by regulation. If the claim is intended for a 
specific group within the population, the analysis shall specifically 
address nutritional needs of such group, and scientific data sufficient 
for such purpose, and data and information to the extent necessary to 
demonstrate that consumers can be expected to understand the meaning of 
the term under the proposed conditions of use.
    (iii) Analytical data that demonstrates the amount of the nutrient 
that is present in the products for which the claim is intended. The 
assays should be performed on representative samples in accordance with 
381.409(h). If no USDA or AOAC methods are available, the applicant 
shall submit the assay method used, and data establishing the validity 
of the method for assaying the nutrient in the particular food. The 
validation data shall include a statistical analysis of the analytical 
and product variability.
    (iv) A detailed analysis of the potential effect of the use of the 
proposed claim on food consumption, and any corresponding changes in 
nutrient intake. The analysis shall specifically address the intake of 
nutrients that have beneficial and negative consequences in the total 
diet. If the claim is intended for a specific group within the 
population, the above analysis shall specifically address the dietary 
practices of such group, and shall include data sufficient to 
demonstrate that the dietary analysis is representative of such group.

 Yours very truly,

 Applicant______________________________________________________________

 By_____________________________________________________________________
 (Indicate authority)

    (2) Upon receipt of the labeling application and supporting 
documentation, the applicant shall be notified, in writing, of the date 
on which the labeling application was received. Such notice shall inform 
the applicant that the labeling application is undergoing Agency review 
and that the applicant shall subsequently be notified of the Agency's 
decision to consider for further review or deny the labeling 
application.
    (3) Upon review of the labeling application and supporting 
documentation, the Agency shall notify the applicant, in writing, that 
the labeling application is either being considered for further review 
or that it has been summarily denied by the Administrator.
    (4) If the labeling application is summarily denied by the 
Administrator, the written notification shall state the reasons 
therefor, including why the Agency has determined that the proposed 
nutrient content claim is false or misleading. The notification letter 
shall inform the applicant that the applicant may submit a written 
statement by way of answer to the notification, and that the applicant 
shall have the right to request a hearing with respect to the merits or 
validity of the Administrator's decision to deny the use of the proposed 
nutrient content claim.
    (i) If the applicant fails to accept the determination of the 
Administrator and files an answer and requests a hearing, and the 
Administrator, after review of the answer, determines the initial 
determination to be correct, the Administrator shall file with the 
Hearing Clerk of the Department the notification, answer, and the 
request for a hearing, which shall constitute the complaint and answer 
in the proceeding, which shall thereafter be conducted in accordance 
with the Department's Uniform Rules of Practice.
    (ii) The hearing shall be conducted before an administrative law 
judge with the opportunity for appeal to the Department's Judicial 
Officer, who shall make the final determination for the Secretary. Any 
such determination by the Secretary shall be conclusive unless, within 
30 days after receipt of notice of such final determination, the 
applicant appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit 
in which the applicant has its principal place of business or to the 
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
    (5) If the labeling application is not summarily denied by the 
Administrator, the Administrator shall publish

[[Page 530]]

in the Federal Register a proposed rule to amend the regulations to 
authorize the use of the nutrient content claim. The proposal shall also 
summarize the labeling application, including where the supporting 
documentation can be reviewed. The Administrator's proposed rule shall 
seek comment from consumers, the industry, consumer and industry groups, 
and other interested persons on the labeling application and the use of 
the proposed nutrient content claim. After public comment has been 
received and reviewed by the Agency, the Administrator shall make a 
determination on whether the proposed nutrient content claim shall be 
approved for use on the labeling of poultry products.
    (i) If the claim is denied by the Administrator, the Agency shall 
notify the applicant, in writing, of the basis for the denial, including 
the reason why the claim on the labeling was determined by the Agency to 
be false or misleading. The notification letter shall also inform the 
applicant that the applicant may submit a written statement by way of 
answer to the notification, and that the applicant shall have the right 
to request a hearing with respect to the merits or validity of the 
Administrator's decision to deny the use of the proposed nutrient 
content claim.
    (A) If the applicant fails to accept the determination of the 
Administrator and files an answer and requests a hearing, and the 
Administrator, after review of the answer, determines the initial 
determination to be correct, the Administrator shall file with the 
Hearing Clerk of the Department the notification, answer, and the 
request for a hearing, which shall constitute the complaint and answer 
in the proceeding, which shall thereafter be conducted in accordance 
with the Department's Uniform Rules of Practice.
    (B) The hearing shall be conducted before an administrative law 
judge with the opportunity for appeal to the Department's Judicial 
Officer, who shall make the final determination for the Secretary. Any 
such determination by the Secretary shall be conclusive unless, within 
30 days after receipt of the notice of such final determination, the 
applicant appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit 
in which the applicant has its principal place of business or to the 
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
    (ii) If the claim is approved, the Agency shall notify the 
applicant, in writing, and shall also publish in the Federal Register a 
final rule amending the regulations to authorize the use of the claim.
    (l)(1) Labeling applications for a synonymous term shall be 
accompanied by the following data which shall be submitted in the 
following form to the Director, Food Labeling Division, Regulatory 
Programs, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250:

________________________________________________________________________
(Date)

    The undersigned, ____________ submits this labeling application 
pursuant to 9 CFR 381.469 with respect to (statement of the synonymous 
term and its proposed use in a nutrient content claim that is consistent 
with an existing term that has been defined under subpart Y of part 
381).
    Attached hereto, in quadruplicate, or on a computer disc copy, and 
constituting a part of this labeling application, are the following:
    (i) A statement identifying the synonymous term, the existing term 
defined by a regulation with which the synonymous term is claimed to be 
consistent, and the nutrient that the term is intended to characterize 
the level of. The statement shall address why the use of the synonymous 
term as proposed will not be misleading. The statement shall provide 
examples of the nutrient content claim as it will be used on labels or 
labeling, as well as the types of products on which the claim will be 
used. The statement shall also specify whether any limitations not 
applicable to the use of the defined term are intended to apply to the 
use of the synonymous term.
    (ii) A detailed explanation supported by any necessary data of why 
use of the proposed term is requested, including whether the existing 
defined term is inadequate for the purpose of effectively characterizing 
the level of a nutrient. This explanation shall also state what 
nutritional benefit to the public will derive from use of the claim as 
proposed, and why such benefit is not available through use of existing 
terms defined by regulation. If the claim is intended for a specific 
group within the population, the analysis shall specifically address 
nutritional needs of such group, scientific data sufficient for such 
purpose, and data and information to the extent necessary to demonstrate 
that consumers can be expected to understand the

[[Page 531]]

meaning of the term under the proposed conditions of use.

 Yours very truly,

 Applicant______________________________________________________________

 By_____________________________________________________________________
 (Indicate authority)

    (2) Upon receipt of the labeling application and supporting 
documentation, the applicant shall be notified, in writing, of the date 
on which the labeling application was received. Such notice shall inform 
the applicant that the labeling application is undergoing Agency review 
and that the applicant shall subsequently be notified of the Agency's 
decision to consider for further review or deny the labeling 
application.
    (3) Upon review of the labeling application and supporting 
documentation, the Agency shall notify the applicant, in writing, that 
the labeling application is either being considered for further review 
or that it has been summarily denied by the Administrator.
    (4) If the labeling application is summarily denied by the 
Administrator, the written notification shall state the reasons 
therefor, including why the Agency has determined that the proposed 
synonymous term is false or misleading. The notification letter shall 
inform the applicant that the applicant may submit a written statement 
by way of answer to the notification, and that the applicant shall have 
the right to request a hearing with respect to the merits or validity of 
the Administrator's decision to deny the use of the proposed synonymous 
term.
    (i) If the applicant fails to accept the determination of the 
Administrator and files an answer and requests a hearing, and the 
Administrator, after review of the answer, determines the initial 
determination to be correct, the Administrator shall file with the 
Hearing Clerk of the Department the notification, answer, and the 
request for a hearing, which shall constitute the complaint and answer 
in the proceeding, which shall thereafter be conducted in accordance 
with the Department's Uniform Rules of Practice.
    (ii) The hearing shall be conducted before an administrative law 
judge with the opportunity for appeal to the Department's Judicial 
Officer, who shall make the final determination for the Secretary. Any 
such determination by the Secretary shall be conclusive unless, within 
30 days after receipt of notice of such final determination, the 
applicant appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit 
in which the applicant has its principal place of business or to the 
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
    (5) If the claim is approved, the Agency shall notify the applicant, 
in writing, and shall publish in the Federal Register a notice informing 
the public that the synonymous term has been approved for use.
    (m)(1) Labeling applications for the use of an implied nutrient 
content claim in a brand name shall be accompanied by the following data 
which shall be submitted in the following form to the Director, Food 
Labeling Division, Regulatory Programs, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, Washington, DC 20250:

________________________________________________________________________
(Date)

    The undersigned, ____________ submits this labeling application 
pursuant to 9 CFR 381.469 with respect to (statement of the implied 
nutrient content claim and its proposed use in a brand name).
    Attached hereto, in quadruplicate, or on a computer disc copy, and 
constituting a part of this labeling application, are the following:
    (i) A statement identifying the implied nutrient content claim, the 
nutrient the claim is intended to characterize, the corresponding term 
for characterizing the level of such nutrient as defined by a 
regulation, and the brand name of which the implied claim is intended to 
be a part. The statement shall address why the use of the brand-name as 
proposed will not be misleading. The statement shall provide examples of 
the types of products on which the brand name will appear. It shall also 
include data showing that the actual level of the nutrient in the food 
would qualify the label of the product to bear the corresponding term 
defined by regulation. Assay methods used to determine the level of a 
nutrient shall meet the requirements stated under labeling application 
format in paragraph (k)(1)(iii) of this section.
    (ii) A detailed explanation supported by any necessary data of why 
use of the proposed brand name is requested. This explanation shall also 
state what nutritional benefit to the public will derive from use of the 
brand name as proposed. If the branded product is intended for a 
specific group within

[[Page 532]]

the population, the analysis shall specifically address nutritional 
needs of such group and scientific data sufficient for such purpose.

 Yours very truly,

 Applicant______________________________________________________________

 By_____________________________________________________________________

    (2) Upon receipt of the labeling application and supporting 
documentation, the applicant shall be notified, in writing, of the date 
on which the labeling application was received. Such notice shall inform 
the applicant that the labeling application is undergoing Agency review 
and that the applicant shall subsequently be notified of the Agency's 
decision to consider for further review or deny the labeling 
application.
    (3) Upon review of the labeling application and supporting 
documentation, the Agency shall notify the applicant, in writing, that 
the labeling application is either being considered for further review 
or that it has been summarily denied by the Administrator.
    (4) If the labeling application is summarily denied by the 
Administrator, the written notification shall state the reasons 
therefor, including why the Agency has determined that the proposed 
implied nutrient content claim is false or misleading. The notification 
letter shall inform the applicant that the applicant may submit a 
written statement by way of answer to the notification, and that the 
applicant shall have the right to request a hearing with respect to the 
merits or validity of the Administrator's decision to deny the use of 
the proposed implied nutrient content claim.
    (i) If the applicant fails to accept the determination of the 
Administrator and files an answer and requests a hearing, and the 
Administrator, after review of the answer, determines the initial 
determination to be correct, the Administrator shall file with the 
Hearing Clerk of the Department the notification, answer, and the 
request for a hearing, which shall constitute the complaint and answer 
in the proceeding, which shall thereafter be conducted in accordance 
with the Department's Uniform Rules of Practice.
    (ii) The hearing shall be conducted before an administrative law 
judge with the opportunity for appeal to the Department's Judicial 
Officer, who shall make the final determination for the Secretary. Any 
such determination by the Secretary shall be conclusive unless, within 
30 days after receipt of notice of such final determination, the 
applicant appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit 
in which the applicant has its principal place of business or to the 
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
    (5) If the labeling application is not summarily denied by the 
Administrator, the Administrator shall publish a notice of the labeling 
application in the Federal Register seeking a comment on the use of the 
implied nutrient content claim. The notice shall also summarize the 
labeling application, including where the supporting documentation can 
be reviewed. The Administrator's notice shall seek comment from 
consumers, the industry, consumer and industry groups, and other 
interested persons on the labeling application and the use of the 
implied nutrient content claim. After public comment has been received 
and reviewed by the Agency, the Administrator shall make a determination 
on whether the implied nutrient content claim shall be approved for use 
on the labeling of poultry products.
    (i) If the claim is denied by the Administrator, the Agency shall 
notify the applicant, in writing, of the basis for the denial, including 
the reason why the claim on the labeling was determined by the Agency to 
be false or misleading. The notification letter shall also inform the 
applicant that the applicant may submit a written statement by way of 
answer to the notification, and that the applicant shall have the right 
to request a hearing with respect to the merits or validity of the 
Administrator's decision to deny the use of the proposed implied 
nutrient content claim.
    (A) If the applicant fails to accept the determination of the 
Administrator and files an answer and requests a hearing, and the 
Administrator, after review of the answer, determines the initial 
determination to be correct, the Administrator shall file with the 
Hearing Clerk of the Department the notification, answer, and the 
request for a hearing, which shall constitute the

[[Page 533]]

complaint and answer in the proceeding, which shall thereafter be 
conducted in accordance with the Department's Uniform Rules of Practice.
    (B) The hearing shall be conducted before an administrative law 
judge with the opportunity for appeal to the Department's Judicial 
Officer, who shall make the final determination for the Secretary. Any 
such determination by the Secretary shall be conclusive unless, within 
30 days after receipt of the notice of such final determination, the 
applicant appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit 
in which the applicant has its principal place of business or to the 
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
    (ii) If the claim is approved, the Agency shall notify the 
applicant, in writing, and shall also publish in the Federal Register a 
notice informing the public that the implied nutrient content claim has 
been approved for use.

(Paperwork requirements were approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget under control number 0583-0088.)

[58 FR 675, Jan. 6, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 45198, Sept. 1, 1994; 60 
FR 217, Jan. 3, 1995]



Sec. Sec.  381.470-381.479  [Reserved]



Sec.  381.480  Label statements relating to usefulness in reducing or
maintaining body weight.

    (a) General requirements. Any product that purports to be or is 
represented for special dietary use because of usefulness in reducing 
body weight shall bear:
    (1) Nutrition labeling in conformity with Sec.  381.409 of this 
subpart, unless exempt under that section, and
    (2) A conspicuous statement of the basis upon which the product 
claims to be of special dietary usefulness.
    (b) Nonnutritive ingredients. (1) Any product subject to paragraph 
(a) of this section that achieves its special dietary usefulness by use 
of a nonnutritive ingredient (i.e., one not utilized in normal 
metabolism) shall bear on its label a statement that it contains a 
nonnutritive ingredient and the percentage by weight of the nonnutritive 
ingredient.
    (2) A special dietary product may contain a nonnutritive sweetener 
or other ingredient only if the ingredient is safe for use in the 
product under the applicable law and regulations of this chapter. Any 
product that achieves its special dietary usefulness in reducing or 
maintaining body weight through the use of a nonnutritive sweetener 
shall bear on its label the statement required by paragraph (b)(1) of 
this section, but need not state the percentage by weight of the 
nonnutritive sweetener. If a nutritive sweetener(s) as well as 
nonnutritive sweetener(s) is added, the statement shall indicate the 
presence of both types of sweetener; e.g., ``Sweetened with nutritive 
sweetener(s) and nonnutritive sweetener(s).''
    (c) ``Low calorie'' foods. A product purporting to be ``low 
calorie'' must comply with the criteria set forth for such foods in 
Sec.  381.460.
    (d) ``Reduced calorie'' foods and other comparative claims. A 
product purporting to be ``reduced calorie'' or otherwise containing 
fewer calories than a reference food must comply with the criteria set 
forth for such foods in Sec.  387.460(b) (4) and (5).
    (e) ``Label terms suggesting usefulness as low calorie or reduced 
calorie foods''. (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (e)(2) and (e)(3) 
of this section, a product may be labeled with terms such as ``diet,'' 
``dietetic,'' ``artificially sweetened,'' or ``sweetened with 
nonnutritive sweetener'' only if the claim is not false or misleading, 
and the product is labeled ``low calorie'' or ``reduced calorie'' or 
bears another comparative calorie claim in compliance with the 
applicable provisions in this subpart.
    (2) Paragraph (e)(1) of this section shall not apply to any use of 
such terms that is specifically authorized by regulation governing a 
particular food, or, unless otherwise restricted by regulation, to any 
use of the term ``diet'' that clearly shows that the product is offered 
solely for a dietary use other than regulating body weight, e.g., ``for 
low sodium diets.''
    (3) Paragraph (e)(1) of this section shall not apply to any use of 
such terms on a formulated meal replacement or other product that is 
represented to be of special dietary use as a whole meal, pending the 
issuance of a

[[Page 534]]

regulation governing the use of such terms on foods.
    (f) ``Sugar free'' and ``no added sugar''. Criteria for the use of 
the terms ``sugar free'' and ``no added sugar'' are provided for in 
Sec.  381.460(c).

[58 FR 675, Jan. 6, 1993; 58 FR 43789, Aug. 18, 1993, as amended at 58 
FR 47628, Sept. 10, 1993; 60 FR 217, Jan. 3, 1995]



Sec. Sec.  381.481-381.499  [Reserved]



Sec.  381.500  Exemption from nutrition labeling.

    (a) The following poultry products are exempt from nutrition 
labeling:
    (1) Food products produced by small businesses other than the major 
cuts of single-ingredient, raw poultry products identified in Sec.  
381.444 produced by small businesses, provided that the labels for these 
products bear no nutrition claims or nutrition information, and ground 
or chopped products described in Sec.  381.401 produced by small 
businesses that bear a statement of the lean percentage and fat 
percentage on the label or in labeling in accordance with Sec.  
381.462(f), provided that labels or labeling for these products bear no 
other nutrition claims or nutrition information,
    (i) A food product, for purposes of the small business exemption, is 
defined as a formulation, not including distinct flavors which do not 
significantly alter the nutritional profile, sold in any size package in 
commerce.
    (ii) For purposes of this paragraph, a small business is any single-
plant facility, including a single retail store, or multi-plant company/
firm, including a multi-retail store operation that employs 500 or fewer 
people and produces no more than the following amounts of pounds of the 
product qualifying the firm for exemption from this subpart:
    (A) During the first year of implementation of nutrition labeling, 
from July 1994 to July 1995, 250,000 pounds or less,
    (B) During the second year of implementation of nutrition labeling, 
from July 1995 to July 1996, 175,000 pounds or less, and
    (C) During the third year of implementation and subsequent years 
thereafter, 100,000 pounds or less.
    (iii) For purposes of this paragraph, calculation of the amount of 
pounds shall be based on the most recent 2-year average of business 
activity. Where firms have been in business less than 2 years or where 
products have been produced for less than 2 years, reasonable estimates 
must indicate that the annual pounds produced will not exceed the 
amounts specified.
    (2) Products intended for further processing, provided that the 
labels for these products bear no nutrition claims or nutrition 
information,
    (3) Products that are not for sale to consumers, provided that the 
labels for these products bear no nutrition claims or nutrition 
information,
    (4) Products in small packages that are individually wrapped 
packages of less than \1/2\ ounce net weight, provided that the labels 
for these products bear no nutrition claims or nutrition information,
    (5) Products custom slaughtered or prepared,
    (6) Products intended for export, and
    (7) The following products prepared and served or sold at retail 
provided that the labels or the labeling of these products bear no 
nutrition claims or nutrition information:
    (i) Ready-to-eat products that are packaged or portioned at a retail 
store or similar retail-type establishment, provided, however, that this 
exemption does not apply to ready-to-eat ground or chopped poultry 
products described in Sec.  381.401 that are packaged or portioned at a 
retail establishment, unless the establishment qualifies for an 
exemption under (a)(1);
    (ii) Multi-ingredient products (e.g. sausage) processed at a retail 
store or similar retail-type establishment, provided, however, that this 
exemption does not apply to multi-ingredient ground or chopped poultry 
products described in Sec.  381.401 that are processed at a retail 
establishment, unless the establishment qualifies for an exemption under 
(a)(1); and
    (iii) Products that are ground or chopped at an individual 
customer's request.
    (b) Restaurant menus generally do not constitute labeling or fall 
within the scope of these regulations.

[[Page 535]]

    (c)(1) Foods represented to be specifically for infants and children 
less than 2 years of age shall bear nutrition labeling as provided in 
paragraph (c)(2) of this section, except such labeling shall not include 
calories from fat, calories from saturated fat, saturated fat, stearic 
acid, polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and cholesterol.
    (2) Foods represented or purported to be specifically for infants 
and children less than 4 years of age shall bear nutrition labeling 
except that:
    (i) Such labeling shall not include declarations of percent of Daily 
Value for total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, potassium, 
total carbohydrate, and dietary fiber;
    (ii) Nutrient names and quantitative amounts by weight shall be 
presented in two separate columns;
    (iii) The heading ``Percent Daily Value'' required in Sec.  
381.409(d)(6) shall be placed immediately below the quantitative 
information by weight for protein;
    (iv) The percent of the Daily Value for protein, vitamins, and 
minerals shall be listed immediately below the heading ``Percent Daily 
Value''; and
    (v) Such labeling shall not include the footnote specified in Sec.  
381.409(d)(9).
    (d)(1) Products in packages that have a total surface area available 
to bear labeling of less than 12 square inches are exempt from nutrition 
labeling, provided that the labeling for these products bear no 
nutrition claims or other nutrition information except that this 
exemption does not apply to the major cuts of single-ingredient, raw 
poultry products identified in Sec.  381.444. The manufacturer, packer, 
or distributor shall provide, on the label of packages that qualify for 
and use this exemption, an address or telephone number that a consumer 
can use to obtain the required nutrition information (e.g., ``For 
nutrition information call 1-800-123-4567'').
    (2) When such products bear nutrition labeling, either voluntarily 
or because nutrition claims or other nutrition information is provided, 
all required information shall be in a type size no smaller than 6 point 
or all upper case type of \1/16\-inch minimum height, except that 
individual serving-size packages of poultry products that have a total 
area available to bear labeling of 3 square inches or less may provide 
all required information in a type size no smaller than \1/32\-inch 
minimum height.

[58 FR 675, Jan. 6, 1993, as amended at 58 FR 47628, Sept. 10, 1993; 59 
FR 45198, Sept. 1, 1994; 60 FR 217, Jan. 3, 1995; 75 FR 82167, Dec. 29, 
2010; 76 FR 76891, Dec. 9, 2011]



 Subpart Z_Selected Establishments; Cooperative Program for Interstate 
                      Shipment of Poultry Products

    Source: 76 FR 24756, May 2, 2011, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  381.511  Definitions.

    Cooperative interstate shipment program. A cooperative poultry 
products inspection program described in Sec.  381.187 of this part.
    Cooperative State poultry products inspection program. A cooperative 
State-Federal poultry products inspection program described in Sec.  
381.185 of this part.
    Designated personnel. State inspection personnel that have been 
trained in the enforcement of the Act and any additional State program 
requirements in order to provide inspection services to selected 
establishments.
    Interstate commerce. ``Interstate commerce'' has the same meaning as 
``commerce'' under Sec.  381.1 of this part.
    Selected establishment. An establishment operating under a State 
cooperative poultry products inspection program that has been selected 
by the Administrator, in coordination with the State where the 
establishment is located, to participate in a cooperative interstate 
shipment program.



Sec.  381.512  Purpose.

    This subpart Z prescribes the conditions under which States that 
administer cooperative State poultry products inspection programs and 
establishments that operate under such programs may participate in a 
cooperative interstate shipment program.

[[Page 536]]



Sec.  381.513  Requirements for establishments; ineligible establishments.

    (a) An establishment that operates under a cooperative State poultry 
products inspection program may apply to participate in a cooperative 
interstate shipment program under this subpart if:
    (1) The establishment employs on average no more than 25 employees 
based on the standards described in paragraph (b) of this section, or
    (2) The establishment employed more than 25 employees but fewer than 
35 employees as of June 18, 2008. If selected to participate in a 
cooperative interstate shipment program, an establishment under this 
paragraph must employ on average no more than 25 employees as of July 1, 
2014, or it must transition to become an official establishment as 
provided in Sec.  381.521 of this subpart.
    (b) An establishment that has 25 or fewer employees based on the 
following standards is considered to have 25 or fewer employees on 
average for purposes of this subpart.
    (1) All individuals, both supervisory and non-supervisory, employed 
by the establishment on a full-time, part-time, or temporary basis whose 
duties involve handling the poultry products prepared by the 
establishment are counted when calculating the total number of 
employees.
    (2) All individuals employed by the establishment from a temporary 
employee agency, professional employee organization, or leasing concern 
whose duties involve handling the poultry products prepared by the 
establishment are counted when calculating the total number of 
employees.
    (3) The average number of employees is calculated for each of the 
pay periods for the preceding 12 calendar months.
    (4) Part-time and temporary employees are counted the same as full-
time employees.
    (5) If the establishment has not been in business for 12 months, the 
average number of employees is calculated for each of the pay periods in 
which the establishment has been in business.
    (6) Volunteers who receive no compensation are not considered 
employees unless their duties involve handling the poultry products 
prepared by the establishment.
    (7) The total number of employees can never exceed 35 individuals at 
any given time, regardless of the average number of employees.
    (c) The following establishments are ineligible to participate in a 
cooperative interstate shipment program:
    (1) Establishments that employ more than 25 employees on average 
(except as provided under paragraph (a)(2) of this section);
    (2) Establishments operating under a Federal-State program as 
provided in Sec.  381.186 of this part as of June 18, 2008;
    (3) Official establishments;
    (4) Establishments that were official establishments as of June 18, 
2008, but that were re-organized on a later date by the person that 
controlled the establishment as of June 18, 2008;
    (5) Establishments operating under a cooperative State poultry 
products inspection program that employed more than 35 employees as of 
June 18, 2008, that were reorganized on a later date by the person that 
controlled the establishment as of June 18, 2008;
    (6) Establishments that are the subject of a transition under Sec.  
381.521 of this subpart;
    (7) Establishments that are in violation of the Act;
    (8) Establishments located in States without a cooperative State 
poultry products inspection program; and
    (9) Establishments located in a State whose agreement for a 
cooperative interstate shipment program was terminated by the 
Administrator as provided in Sec.  381.187(d) of this part.
    (d) An establishment that meets the conditions in paragraph (a) of 
this section and that is not an ineligible establishment under paragraph 
(c) of this section may apply for selection into a cooperative 
interstate shipment program through the State in which the establishment 
is located.

[76 FR 24756, May 2, 2011, as amended at 76 FR 81360, Dec. 28, 2011]



Sec.  381.514  State request for cooperative agreement.

    (a) State participation in a cooperative interstate shipment program 
under this subpart is limited to States that have implemented 
cooperative

[[Page 537]]

State poultry products inspection programs.
    (b) To request an agreement for a cooperative interstate shipment 
program under this subpart, a State must submit a written request to the 
Administrator through the FSIS District Office for the FSIS District in 
which the State is located. In the request the State must:
    (1) Identify establishments in the State that have requested to be 
selected for the program that the State recommends for initial selection 
into the program, if any;
    (2) Demonstrate that the State is able to provide the necessary 
inspection services to selected establishments in the State and conduct 
any related activities that would be required under a cooperative 
interstate shipment program established under this subpart; and
    (3) Agree that, if the State enters into an agreement with FSIS for 
a cooperative interstate shipment program, the State will:
    (i) Provide FSIS with access to the results of all laboratory 
analyses conducted on product samples from selected establishments in 
the State;
    (ii) Notify the selected establishment coordinator for the State of 
the results of any laboratory analyses that indicate that a product 
prepared in a selected establishment may be adulterated or may otherwise 
present a food safety concern; and
    (iii) When necessary, cooperate with FSIS to transition selected 
establishments in the State that have been deselected from a cooperative 
interstate shipment program to become official establishments.
    (c) If the Administrator determines that a State that has submitted 
a request to participate in a cooperative interstate shipment program 
qualifies to enter into a cooperative agreement for such a program, the 
Administrator and the State will sign a cooperative agreement that sets 
forth the terms and conditions under which each party will cooperate to 
provide inspection services to selected establishments located in the 
State.
    (d) After the Administrator and a State have signed an agreement for 
a cooperative interstate shipment program as provided in paragraph (c) 
of this section, the Administrator will:
    (1) Appoint an FSIS employee as the FSIS selected establishment 
coordinator for the State and
    (2) Coordinate with the State to select establishments to 
participate in the program as provided in Sec.  381.515(b) of this 
subpart.



Sec.  381.515  Establishment selection; official number for selected
establishments.

    (a) An establishment operating under a cooperative State poultry 
products inspection program will qualify for selection into a 
cooperative interstate shipment program if the establishment:
    (1) Has submitted a request to the State to be selected for the 
program;
    (2) Has the appropriate number of employees under Sec.  381.513(a) 
of this subpart;
    (3) Is not ineligible to participate in a cooperative interstate 
shipment program under Sec.  381.513(c) of this subpart;
    (4) Is in compliance with all requirements under the cooperative 
State poultry products inspection program; and
    (5) Is in compliance with all requirements under the Act and the 
implementing regulations in this chapter.
    (b) To participate in a cooperative interstate shipment program, an 
establishment that meets the conditions in paragraph (a) of this section 
must be selected by the Administrator, in coordination with the State 
where the establishment is located.
    (c) If an establishment is selected to participate in a cooperative 
interstate shipment program as provided in paragraph (b) of this 
section, the State is to assign the establishment an official number 
that reflects the establishment's participation in the cooperative 
interstate shipment program and advise the FSIS selected establishment 
coordinator for the State of the official number assigned to each 
selected establishment in the State. The official numbers assigned to 
every selected establishment must contain a suffix, e.g., ``SE,'' that 
identifies the establishment as a selected establishment; that includes 
the letter ``P,'' which identifies

[[Page 538]]

the establishment as a poultry establishment; and that identifies the 
State, e.g., ``SEPND,'' for ``selected establishment poultry North 
Dakota.''
    (d) Failure of a State to comply with paragraph (c) of this section 
will disqualify the State from participation in the cooperative 
interstate shipment program.



Sec.  381.516  Commencement of a cooperative interstate shipment program;
inspection by designated personnel and official mark.

    (a) A cooperative interstate shipment program will commence when the 
Administrator, in coordination with the State, has selected 
establishments in the State to participate in the program.
    (b) Inspection services for selected establishments participating in 
a cooperative interstate shipment program must be provided by designated 
personnel, who will be under the direct supervision of a State employee.
    (c) Poultry products processed in a selected establishment and 
inspected and passed by designated State personnel must bear an official 
Federal mark, stamp, tag, or label of inspection in the appropriate form 
prescribed in subpart M of this part that includes the information 
specified in Sec.  381.515(c) of this subpart.
    (d) Poultry products processed in a selected establishment that 
comply with the conditions in paragraph (c) of this section may be 
distributed in interstate commerce.



Sec.  381.517  Federal oversight of a cooperative interstate shipment
program.

    (a) The FSIS selected establishment coordinator for a State that has 
entered into an agreement for a cooperative interstate shipment program 
will visit each selected establishment in the State on a regular basis 
to verify that the establishment is operating in a manner that is 
consistent with the Act and the implementing regulations in this 
chapter. The frequency with which the SEC will visit selected 
establishments under the SEC's jurisdiction will be based on factors 
that include, but are not limited to, the complexity of the operations 
conducted at the selected establishment, the establishment's schedule of 
operations, and the establishment's performance under the cooperative 
interstate shipment program. If necessary, the selected establishment 
coordinator, in consultation with the District Manager that covers the 
State, may designate qualified FSIS personnel to visit a selected 
establishment on behalf of the selected establishment coordinator.
    (b) The selected establishment coordinator, in coordination with the 
State, will verify that selected establishments in the State are 
receiving the necessary inspection services from designated personnel, 
and that these establishments are eligible, and remain eligible, to 
participate in a cooperative interstate shipment program. The selected 
establishment coordinator's verification activities may include:
    (1) Verifying that each selected establishment employs, and 
continues to employ, 25 or fewer employees, on average, as required 
under Sec.  381.513(a) of this part, unless the establishment is 
transitioning to become an official establishment;
    (2) Verifying that the designated personnel are providing inspection 
services to selected establishments in a manner that complies with the 
Act and the implementing regulations in this chapter;
    (3) Verifying that that the State staffing levels for each selected 
establishments are appropriate to carry out the required inspection 
activities; and
    (4) Assessing each selected establishment's compliance with the Act 
and implementing regulations in this chapter.
    (c) If the selected establishment coordinator determines that 
designated personnel are providing inspection services to selected 
establishments in the State in a manner that is inconsistent with the 
Acts and the implementing regulations in this chapter, the Administrator 
will provide an opportunity for the State to develop and implement a 
corrective action plan to address inspection deficiencies identified by 
the selected establishment coordinator. If the State fails to develop a 
corrective action plan, or the selected establishment coordinator for

[[Page 539]]

the State determines that the corrective action plan is inadequate, the 
Administrator will terminate the agreement for the cooperative 
interstate shipment program as provided in Sec.  381.187(d) of this 
part.



Sec.  381.518  Quarterly reports.

    (a) The selected establishment coordinator will prepare a report on 
a quarterly basis that describes the status of each selected 
establishment under his or her jurisdiction.
    (b) The quarterly report required in paragraph (a) of this section 
will:
    (1) Include the selected establishment coordinator's assessment of 
the performance of the designated personnel in conducting inspection 
activities at selected establishments and
    (2) Identify those selected establishment that the selected 
establishment coordinator has verified are in compliance with the Act 
and implementing regulations in this chapter, those that have been 
deselected under Sec.  381.520 of this subpart, and those that are 
transitioning to become official establishments under Sec.  381.521 of 
this subpart.
    (c) The selected establishment coordinator is to submit the 
quarterly report to the Administrator through the District Manager for 
the State where the selected establishments identified in the report are 
located.



Sec.  381.519  Enforcement authority.

    (a) To facilitate oversight and enforcement of this subpart, 
selected establishments operating under a cooperative interstate 
shipment program must, upon request, give the FSIS selected 
establishment coordinator or other FSIS officials access to all 
establishment records required under the Act and the implementing 
regulations in this chapter. The Administrator may deselect any selected 
establishment that refuses to comply with this paragraph.
    (b) Selected establishment coordinators may initiate any appropriate 
enforcement action provided for in part 500 of this chapter if they 
determine that a selected establishment under their jurisdiction is 
operating in manner that is inconsistent with the Act and the 
implementing regulations in this chapter. Selected establishments 
participating in a cooperative interstate shipment program are subject 
to the notification and appeal procedures set out in part 500 of this 
chapter.
    (c) If inspection at a selected establishment is suspended for any 
of the reasons specified in Sec.  500.3 or Sec.  500.4 of this chapter, 
FSIS will:
    (1) Provide an opportunity for the establishment to implement 
corrective actions and remain in the cooperative interstate shipment 
program, or
    (2) Move to deselect the establishment as provided in Sec.  381.520 
of this subpart.
    (d) The decision to deselect a selected establishment under a 
suspension will be made on a case-by-case basis. In making this 
decision, FSIS, in consultation with the State where the selected 
establishment is located, will consider, among other factors:
    (1) The non-compliance that led to the suspension;
    (2) The selected establishment's compliance history; and
    (3) The corrective actions proposed by the selected establishment.



Sec.  381.520  Deselection of ineligible establishments.

    (a) The Administrator will deselect a selected establishment that 
becomes ineligible to participate in a cooperative interstate shipment 
program for any reason listed under Sec.  381.513(c) of this subpart.
    (b) An establishment that has been deselected must transition to 
become an official establishment as provided in Sec.  381.521 of this 
subpart.



Sec.  381.521  Transition to official establishment.

    (a) If an establishment is deselected from a cooperative interstate 
shipment program as provided in Sec.  381.520 of this subpart, FSIS, in 
coordination with the State where the establishment is located, will 
develop and implement a plan to transition the establishment to become 
an official establishment. Except that an establishment that was 
deselected from a cooperative interstate shipment program because it is 
located in a State whose agreement for such a program was terminated may 
either transition to become an official

[[Page 540]]

establishment or transition to become a State-inspected establishment 
under the cooperative State poultry products inspection program.
    (b) An establishment that has been deselected from a cooperative 
interstate shipment program and successfully transitioned to become an 
official establishment may withdraw from the Federal inspection program 
and resume operations under the cooperative State poultry products 
inspection program after operating as an official establishment in full 
compliance with the Act for a year.



Sec.  381.522  Transition grants.

    (a) Transition grants are funds that a State participating in a 
cooperative interstate shipment program under this subpart may apply for 
to reimburse selected establishments in the State for the cost to train 
one individual in the seven HACCP principles for meat or poultry 
processing as required under Sec.  417.7 of this chapter and associated 
training in the development of sanitation standard operating procedures 
required under part 416 of this chapter.
    (b) A State participating in a cooperative interstate shipment 
program that receives a transition grant must use grant funds to 
reimburse the training costs of one employee per each selected 
establishment in the State. Any other use of such funds is prohibited.



Sec.  381.523  Separation of operations.

    A selected establishment may conduct operations under the 
cooperative State poultry products inspection program if the 
establishment implements and maintains written procedures for complete 
physical separation of product and process for each operation by time or 
space.



Sec.  381.524  Voluntary withdrawal.

    A selected establishment that is in full compliance with the 
requirements in this part may voluntarily end its participation in a 
cooperative interstate shipment program and operate under the 
cooperative State poultry products inspection program. Establishments 
that voluntarily end their participation in the cooperative may re-apply 
for the program after operating under the cooperative State poultry 
products inspection program for one year.



                       SUBCHAPTERS B	C [RESERVED]



[[Page 541]]



     SUBCHAPTER D_FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE ADMINISTRATIVE 
                               PROVISIONS





PART 390_FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND PUBLIC INFORMATION--Table of Contents



Sec.
390.1 Scope and purpose.
390.2 Published materials.
390.3 Indexes, reference guide, and handbook.
390.4 Facilities for inspection and copying.
390.5 Requests for records.
390.6 Fee schedule.
390.7 Appeals.
390.8 Agency response to requests.
390.9 Communications with State and other Federal government agencies.
390.10 Availability of Lists of Retail Consignees during Meat or Poultry 
          Product Recalls.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, 552; 21 U.S.C. 451-471, 601-695; 7 CFR 1.3, 
2.7.

    Source: 64 FR 43903, Aug. 12, 1999, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  390.1  Scope and purpose.

    This part is issued pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act 
(FOIA) as amended (5 U.S.C. 552), and in accordance with the directives 
of the Department of Agriculture regulations in part 1, subpart A, of 
Title 7. The availability of records, including electronic records 
created on or after November 1, 1996, of the Food Safety and Inspection 
Service (FSIS), and the procedures by which the public may request such 
information, will be governed by the FOIA and by the Department 
regulations as implemented and supplemented by the regulations in this 
part.



Sec.  390.2  Published materials.

    FSIS rules and regulations relating to its regulatory 
responsibilities and administrative procedures are published and made 
available to the public in the Federal Register and codified in chapter 
III, title 9, of the Code of Federal Regulations. FSIS also issues 
numerous publications relating to Agency programs, which implement the 
laws listed in the Delegation of Authority, 7 CFR 2.15(a). Most of these 
publications are available free from the USDA Publications Division, 
Office of Governmental and Public Affairs, or at established rates from 
the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, 20402-9328.



Sec.  390.3  Indexes, reference guide, and handbook.

    (a) Pursuant to the regulations in 7 CFR 1.4(c), FSIS will maintain 
and make available for public inspection and copying an index providing 
identifying information regarding the materials required to be published 
or made available under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 
552(a)(2)). The Agency will make the index available by computer 
telecommunications by December 31, 1999. Quarterly publication of the 
index is unnecessary and impractical, since the material is voluminous 
and does not change often enough to justify the expense of quarterly 
publication. The Agency will provide copies of any index, upon request, 
at a cost not to exceed direct cost of duplication.
    (b) FSIS is responsible for preparing reference material or a guide 
for requesting records or information from the Agency. This guide also 
will include an index of all major information systems and a description 
of major information and record locator systems.
    (c) FSIS will prepare a handbook for obtaining information from the 
Agency. The handbook will be available on paper and through electronic 
means, and will discuss how the public can use it to access Agency FOIA 
annual reports. Similarly, the annual reports will refer to the handbook 
and how to obtain it.



Sec.  390.4  Facilities for inspection and copying.

    Facilities for public inspection and copying of the material 
described in Sec. Sec.  390.2 and 390.3 of this part will be provided by 
FSIS pursuant to 7 CFR 1.5(a) in a reading area, on business days 
between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., upon request to the 
Freedom of

[[Page 542]]

Information Coordinator or designee at the following address:

Freedom of Information Act Coordinator (FOIA), Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-3700



Sec.  390.5  Request for records.

    (a) The FOIA Coordinator of FSIS is authorized to receive requests 
and to exercise authority under 7 CFR 1.3(a) to--
    (1) Make determinations to grant or deny such requests,
    (2) Extend the 20-day deadline,
    (3) Make discretionary releases of exempt records, except where 
disclosure is specifically prohibited by Executive Order, statute, and 
applicable regulations,
    (4) Consider expedited processing when appropriate,
    (5) Make determinations regarding the charging of fees pursuant to 
the established schedule, and
    (6) Determine the applicability of 7 CFR 1.5 to requests for 
records.
    (b) Requests for FSIS records or information will be made in writing 
in accordance with 7 CFR 1.5 and submitted to the FSIS Freedom of 
Information Act Coordinator at the following address:

Freedom of Information Act Coordinator (FOIA Request), Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-3700

    The submitter will identify each record with reasonable specificity 
as prescribed in 7 CFR 1.3. All requests to inspect or obtain copies of 
any record or to obtain a fee waiver must be submitted in writing.
    (c) In exercising authority under 7 CFR 1.3(a)(3) to grant and deny 
requests, the Coordinator or designee will comply with subsection (b) of 
the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552(b)), as amended, which 
requires that any reasonably segregated portion of a document will be 
provided to a person requesting the document after deletion of any 
portions within the scope of the request for which an exemption is being 
claimed under the Act. Therefore, unless the disclosable and 
nondisclosable portions are so inextricably linked that it is not 
reasonably possible to separate them, the document will be released with 
the nondisclosable portions deleted. The Coordinator or designee may 
exercise discretion as limited by 7 CFR l.15 to release the entire 
document or make only a minimum number of deletions. If portions of a 
document in electronic format have been redacted, the Agency must 
indicate, on the released portion of the document, the amount of 
information that has been deleted from a record, unless that indication 
would harm an interest protected by an applicable exemption.



Sec.  390.6  Fee schedule.

    Department regulations provide for a schedule of reasonable standard 
charges for document search and duplication. See 7 CFR 1.17. Fees to be 
charged are in 7 CFR part 1, subpart A, appendix A.



Sec.  390.7  Appeals.

    (a) If the request for information or for a waiver of search or 
duplication is denied, in whole or in part, the FOIA Coordinator or 
designee will explain in the letter of response the grounds for any 
denial of access and offer the requester an opportunity to file an 
administrative appeal, pursuant to 7 CFR 1.3(a)(4). The appeal should be 
filed in writing within 45 days of the date of denial (departmental 
regulations, 7 CFR 1.14) and addressed as follows:

Administrator, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FOIA Appeals), 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-3700

    (b) The FSIS Administrator is authorized under 7 CFR 1.3(a)(4) to 
extend the 20-day deadline, make discretionary releases, and make 
determinations regarding the charging of fees.



Sec.  390.8  Agency response to requests.

    (a) The response to Freedom of Information requests and appeals by 
officials named in Sec. Sec.  390.5 and 390.7 of this part shall be 
governed by and made in accordance with 7 CFR 1.7 and the regulations in 
this part.
    (b) If requests for records and information are received by field 
offices, the field office will immediately notify the FOIA Coordinator 
or designee by telephone and transmit the request to the FOIA office. In 
rare instances, the

[[Page 543]]

FOIA Coordinator or designee will authorize a release of the requested 
records to the field office receiving the request. The request will be 
considered as having been received on the date of arrival in the office 
of the Coordinator or designee. Any person whose request for records has 
been granted may inspect and copy the records (or copies) at the office 
listed in Sec.  390.4 of this part in accordance with the provisions of 
that section and with Sec.  390.6. Copies also may be obtained by mail.



Sec.  390.9  Communications with State and other Federal government
agencies.

    (a) The Administrator of the Food Safety and Inspection Service 
(FSIS), or designee, may authorize the disclosure of distribution lists 
(records that show where and when product was shipped) obtained from a 
firm recalling products, or incorporated into agency-prepared records, 
to State and other Federal government agencies to verify the removal of 
the recalled product, provided that:
    (1) The State agency has provided both a written statement 
establishing its authority to protect confidential distribution lists 
from public disclosure and a written commitment not to disclose any 
information provided by FSIS, without the written permission of the 
submitter of the information or written confirmation by FSIS that the 
information no longer has confidential status. Federal government 
agencies must provide a written commitment not to disclose the 
information and to refer any request for distribution lists to FSIS for 
response; and
    (2) The Administrator of FSIS or designee determines that disclosure 
would be in the interest of public health.
    (b) This provision does not authorize the disclosure to State or 
other Federal government agencies of trade secret information, unless 
otherwise provided by law or pursuant to an express written 
authorization provided by the submitter of the information.
    (c) Information disclosed under this section is not a disclosure of 
information to the public. Disclosures made under this section do not 
waive any FOIA exemption protection.

[67 FR 20013, Apr. 24, 2002]



Sec.  390.10  Availability of Lists of Retail Consignees during Meat
or Poultry Product Recalls.

    The Administrator of the Food Safety and Inspection Service will 
make publicly available the names and locations of retail consignees of 
recalled meat or poultry products that the Agency compiles in connection 
with a recall where there is a reasonable probability that the use of 
the product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

[73 FR 40948, July 17, 2008]



PART 391_FEES AND CHARGES FOR INSPECTION SERVICES AND LABORATORY 
ACCREDITATION--Table of Contents



Sec.
391.1 Scope and purpose.
391.2 Basetime rate.
391.3 Overtime and holiday rates.
391.4 Laboratory services rate.
391.5 Laboratory accreditation fees.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 138f; 7 U.S.C. 1622, 1627 and 2219a; 21 U.S.C. 
451 et seq.; 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7 CFR 2.18 and 2.53.



Sec.  391.1  Scope and purpose.

    Fees shall be charged by the Agency for certain specified inspection 
services provided on a holiday, on an overtime basis, and/or which are 
voluntary inspection services.

[54 FR 6390, Feb. 10, 1989]



Sec.  391.2  Basetime rate.

    (a) For each calendar year, FSIS will calculate the basetime rate 
for inspection services, per hour per program employee, provided 
pursuant to Sec. Sec.  350.7, 351.8, 351.9, 352.5, 354.101, 355.12, and 
362.5 of this chapter, using the following formula: The quotient of 
dividing the Office of Field Operations plus Office of International 
Affairs inspection program personnel's previous fiscal year's regular 
direct pay by the previous fiscal year's regular hours, plus the 
quotient multiplied by the calendar year's percentage of cost of living 
increase, plus the benefits rate, plus the travel and operating rate, 
plus the overhead rate, plus the allowance for bad debt rate.

[[Page 544]]

    (b) FSIS will calculate the benefits, travel and operating, 
overhead, and allowance for bad debt rate components of the basetime 
rate, using the following formulas:
    (1) Benefits rate. The quotient of dividing the previous fiscal 
year's direct benefits costs by the previous fiscal year's total hours 
(regular, overtime, and holiday), plus the quotient multiplied by the 
calendar year's percentage cost of living increase. Some examples of 
direct benefits are health insurance, retirement, life insurance, and 
Thrift Savings Plan basic and matching contributions.
    (2) Travel and operating rate. The quotient of dividing the previous 
fiscal year's total direct travel and operating costs by the previous 
fiscal year's total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday), plus the 
quotient multiplied by the calendar year's percentage of inflation.
    (3) Overhead rate. The quotient of dividing the previous fiscal 
year's indirect costs plus the previous fiscal year's information 
technology (IT) costs in the Public Health Data Communication 
Infrastructure System Fund plus the previous fiscal year's Office of 
Management Program cost in the Reimbursable and Voluntary Funds plus the 
provision for the operating balance less any Greenbook costs (i.e., 
costs of USDA support services prorated to the service component for 
which the fees are charged) that are not related to food inspection, by 
the previous fiscal year's total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday) 
worked across all funds, plus the quotient multiplied by the calendar 
year's percentage of inflation.
    (4) Allowance for bad debt rate. Previous fiscal year's allowance 
for bad debt (for example, debt owed that is not paid in full by plants 
and establishments that declare bankruptcy) divided by the previous 
fiscal year's total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday) worked.
    (c) The calendar year's cost of living increases and percentage of 
inflation factors used in the formulas in this section are based on the 
Office of Management and Budget's Presidential Economic Assumptions.

[76 FR 20227, Apr. 12, 2011]



Sec.  391.3  Overtime and holiday rates.

    For each calendar year, FSIS will calculate the overtime and holiday 
rates, per hour per program employee, provided pursuant to Sec. Sec.  
307.5, 350.7, 351.8, 351.9, 352.5, 354.101, 355.12, 362.5, and 381.38 of 
this chapter, using the following formulas:
    (a) Overtime rate. The quotient of dividing the Office of Field 
Operations plus Office of International Affairs inspection program 
personnel's previous fiscal year's regular direct pay by the previous 
fiscal year's regular hours, plus the quotient multiplied by the 
calendar year's percentage of cost of living increase, multiplied by 
1.5, plus the benefits rate, plus the travel and operating rate, plus 
the overhead rate, plus the allowance for bad debt rate.
    (b) Holiday rate. The quotient of dividing the Office of Field 
Operations plus Office of International Affairs inspection program 
personnel's previous fiscal year's regular direct pay by the previous 
fiscal year's regular hours, plus the quotient multiplied by the 
calendar year's percentage of cost of living increase, multiplied by 2, 
plus the benefits rate, plus the travel and operating rate, plus the 
overhead rate, plus the allowance for bad debt rate.
    (c) FSIS will calculate the benefits rate, the travel and operating 
rate, the overhead rate, and the allowance for bad debt rate using the 
formulas set forth in Sec.  391.2(b), and the cost of living increases 
and percentage of inflation factors set forth in Sec.  391.2(c).

[76 FR 20227, Apr. 12, 2011]



Sec.  391.4  Laboratory services rate.

    (a) For each calendar year, FSIS will calculate the laboratory 
services rate, per hour per program employee, provided pursuant to 
Sec. Sec.  350.7, 351.9, 352.5, 354.101, 355.12, and 362.5 of this 
chapter, using the following formula: The quotient of dividing the 
Office of Public Health Science (OPHS) previous fiscal year's regular 
direct pay by OPHS previous fiscal year's regular hours, plus the 
quotient multiplied by the calendar year's percentage cost of living 
increase, plus the benefits rate, plus the travel and operating rate, 
plus the overhead rate, plus the allowance for bad debt rate.

[[Page 545]]

    (b) FSIS will calculate the benefits rate, the travel and operating 
rate, the overhead rate, and the allowance for bad debt rate using the 
formulas set forth in Sec.  391.2(b), and the cost of living increases 
and percentage of inflation factors set forth in Sec.  391.2(c).

[76 FR 20228, Apr. 12, 2011]



Sec.  391.5  Laboratory accreditation fees.

    (a) The annual fee for the accreditation and maintenance of 
accreditation provided pursuant to Sec.  439.5 of this chapter shall be 
$5,000 for the first analyte class, $2,900 for the second analyte class, 
and $2,100 for each additional analyte class.
    (b) Laboratories that request special onsite inspections shall pay 
FSIS the actual cost of reasonable travel and other expenses necessary 
to perform the unscheduled or non-routine onsite inspections.

[58 FR 65269, Dec. 13, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 66449, Dec. 27, 1994; 
64 FR 19868, Apr. 23, 1999; 71 FR 2143, Jan. 13, 2006; 76 FR 20228, Apr. 
12, 2011; 78 FR 59622, Sept. 27, 2013; 79 FR 56238, Sept. 19, 2014]



PART 392_PETITIONS FOR RULEMAKING--Table of Contents



Sec.
392.1 Scope and purpose.
392.2 Definition of petition.
392.3 Required information.
392.4 Supporting documentation.
392.5 Filing procedures.
392.6 Public display.
392.7 Comments.
392.8 Expedited review.
392.9 Availability of additional guidance.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 553(e), 7 CFR 1.28.

    Source: 74 FR 16107, Apr. 9, 2009, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  392.1  Scope and purpose.

    This part contains provisions governing the submission of petitions 
for rulemaking to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The 
provisions in this part apply to all rulemaking petitions submitted to 
FSIS, except to the extent that other parts or sections of this chapter 
prescribe procedures for submitting a request to amend a particular 
regulation.



Sec.  392.2  Definition of petition.

    For purposes of this part, a ``petition'' is a written request to 
issue, amend, or repeal a regulation administered by FSIS. A request to 
issue, amend, or repeal a document that interprets a regulation 
administered by FSIS may also be submitted by petition.



Sec.  392.3  Required information.

    To be considered by FSIS, a petition must contain the following 
information:
    (a) The name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address (if 
available) of the person who is submitting the petition;
    (b) A full statement of the action requested by the petitioner, 
including the exact wording and citation of the existing regulation, if 
any, and the proposed regulation or amendment requested;
    (c) A full statement of the factual and legal basis on which the 
petitioner relies for the action requested in the petition, including 
all relevant information and views on which the petitioner relies, as 
well as information known to the petitioner that is unfavorable to the 
petitioner's position. The statement should identify the problem that 
the requested action is intended to address and explain why the 
requested action is necessary to address the problem.



Sec.  392.4  Supporting documentation.

    (a) Information referred to or relied on in support of a petition 
should be included in full and should not be incorporated by reference. 
A copy of any article or other source cited in a petition should be 
submitted with the petition.
    (b) Sources of information that are appropriate to use in support of 
a petition include, but are not limited to:
    (1) professional journal articles,
    (2) research reports,
    (3) official government statistics,
    (4) official government reports,
    (5) industry data, and
    (6) scientific textbooks.
    (c) If an original research report is used to support a petition, 
the information should be presented in a form that would be acceptable 
for publication in

[[Page 546]]

a peer reviewed scientific or technical journal.
    (d) If quantitative data are used to support a petition, the 
presentation of the data should include a complete statistical analysis 
using conventional statistical methods.



Sec.  392.5  Filing procedures.

    (a) Any interested person may file a petition with FSIS. For 
purposes of this part, an ``interested person'' is any individual, 
partnership, corporation, association, or public or private 
organization.
    (b) To file a petition with FSIS, a person should submit the 
petition to the FSIS Docket Clerk, Department of Agriculture, Food 
Safety and Inspection Service, Room 2534 South Building, 1400 
Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-3700.
    (c) Once a petition is submitted in accordance with this part, it 
will be filed by the FSIS Docket Clerk, stamped with the date of filing, 
and assigned a petition number. Once a petition has been filed, FSIS 
will notify the petitioner in writing and provide the petitioner with 
the number assigned to the petition and the Agency contact for the 
petition. The petition number should be referenced by the petitioner in 
all contacts with the Agency regarding the petition.
    (d) If a petitioner elects to withdraw a petition submitted in 
accordance with this part, the petitioner should inform FSIS in writing. 
Once a petition has been withdrawn, the petitioner may re-submit the 
petition at any time.



Sec.  392.6  Public display.

    (a) All rulemaking petitions filed with FSIS, along with any 
documentation submitted in support of a petition, will be available for 
public inspection in the FSIS docket room and will be posted on the FSIS 
Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/.
    (b) If FSIS cannot readily determine whether information submitted 
in support of a petition is privileged or confidential business 
information, FSIS will request that the petitioner submit a written 
statement that certifies that the petition does not contain confidential 
information that should not be put on public display. If the petitioner 
fails to submit the certification within a time specified by FSIS, the 
Agency will consider the information to be confidential.
    (c) If FSIS determines that a petition, or any documentation 
submitted in support of a petition, contains information that is exempt 
from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 
552 et seq.) or any other applicable laws or regulations, and that the 
information would provide the basis for granting the petition, FSIS will 
inform the petitioner in writing. FSIS will provide the petitioner an 
opportunity to withdraw the petition or supporting documentation, or 
modify the supporting documentation to permit public disclosure.



Sec.  392.7  Comments.

    (a) Any interested person may submit written comments on a petition 
filed with FSIS.
    (b) Comments on a petition should be submitted within 60 days of the 
posting date of the petition and should identify the number assigned to 
the petition to which the comments refer.
    (c) FSIS will consider all timely comments on a petition that are 
submitted in accordance with this section as part of its review of the 
petition.
    (d) All comments on a petition will become part of the petition file 
and will be available for public inspection in the FSIS docket room and 
posted on the FSIS Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/.
    (e) Any interested person who wishes to suggest an alternative 
action to the action requested by the petition should submit a separate 
petition that complies with these regulations and not submit the 
alternative as a comment on the petition.
    (f) If FSIS determines that a comment received on a petition is in 
fact a request for an alternative action, the Agency will inform the 
commenter in writing. The Agency will take no further action on the 
requested alternative action unless the commenter submits an appropriate 
petition for rulemaking.

[[Page 547]]



Sec.  392.8  Expedited review.

    (a) A petition will receive expedited review by FSIS if the 
requested action is intended to enhance the public health by removing or 
reducing foodborne pathogens or other potential food safety hazards that 
might be present in or on meat, poultry, or egg products.
    (b) For a petition to be considered for expedited review, the 
petitioner must submit scientific information that demonstrates that the 
requested action will reduce or remove foodborne pathogens or other 
potential food safety hazards that are likely to be present in or on 
meat, poultry, or egg products, and how it will do so.
    (c) If FSIS determines that a petition warrants expedited review, 
FSIS will review the petition ahead of other pending petitions.



Sec.  392.9  Availability of additional guidance.

    Information related to the submission and processing of petitions 
for rulemaking may be found on the FSIS Web site at http://
www.fsis.usda.gov/.

[[Page 548]]



 SUBCHAPTER E_REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE FEDERAL MEAT INSPECTION 
     ACT, THE POULTRY PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT, AND THE EGG PRODUCTS 
                             INSPECTION ACT





PART 412_LABEL APPROVAL--Table of Contents



Sec.
412.1 Label approval.
412.2 Approval of generic labels.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 451-470, 601-695; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 78 FR 66838, Nov. 7, 2013, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  412.1  Label approval.

    (a) No final label may be used on any product unless the label has 
been submitted for approval to the FSIS Labeling and Program Delivery 
Staff, accompanied by FSIS Form 7234-1, Application for Approval of 
Labels, Marking, and Devices, and approved by such staff, except for 
generically approved labels authorized for use in Sec.  412.2. The 
management of the official establishment or establishment certified 
under a foreign inspection system, in accordance with parts 327 and 381, 
subpart T, must maintain a copy of all labels used, in accordance with 
parts 320 and 381, subpart Q, of this chapter. Such records must be made 
available to any duly authorized representative of the Secretary upon 
request.
    (b) All labels required to be submitted for approval as set forth in 
paragraph (a) of this section will be submitted to the FSIS Labeling and 
Program Delivery Staff. A parent company for a corporation may submit 
only one label application for a product produced in other 
establishments that are owned by the corporation.
    (c) The Food Safety and Inspection Service requires the submission 
of labeling applications for the following:
    (1) Sketch labels as defined in paragraph (d) of this section for 
products which are produced under a religious exemption;
    (2) [Reserved]
    (3) Special statements and claims as defined in paragraph (e) of 
this section and presented in the context of a final label.
    (4) Requests for the temporary use of final labels as prescribed in 
paragraph (f) of this section.
    (d) A ``sketch'' label is the concept of a label. It may be a 
printer's proof or equivalent that is sufficiently legible to clearly 
show all labeling features, size, and location. The Food Safety and 
Inspection Service will accept sketches that are hand drawn or computer 
generated, or other reasonable facsimiles that clearly reflect and 
project the final version of the label.
    (e) ``Special statements and claims'' are statements, claims, logos, 
trademarks, and other symbols on labels as defined in this paragraph 
(e).
    (1) The following are considered special statements and claims:
    (i) Those not defined in the Federal meat and poultry products 
inspection regulations or the Food Standards and Labeling Policy Book;
    (ii) ``Natural'' claims, regardless of whether they are defined in 
the Food Standards and Labeling Policy Book; and
    (iii) Health claims (including graphic representations of hearts), 
ingredient and processing method claims (e.g., high-pressure 
processing), structure-function claims, claims regarding the raising of 
animals (e.g., ``no antibiotics administered''), products labeled as 
organic (except for those where only individual ingredients are labeled 
as organic), and instructional or disclaimer statements concerning 
pathogens (e.g., ``for cooking only'' or ``not tested for E. coli 
O157:H7'').
    (2) The following are not considered special statements and claims:
    (i) Allergen statements (e.g., ``contains soy'') applied in 
accordance with the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act;
    (ii) Negative claims regarding ingredients not listed in the 
ingredients statement (e.g., ``No MSG Added,'' ``Preservative Free,'' 
``No Milk,'' ``No Pork,'' or ``Made Without Soy'');

[[Page 549]]

    (iii) Statements that characterize a product's nutrient content in 
compliance with Title 9 of the CFR, such as ``low fat''; and
    (iv) Claims related to geographical significance, such as ``German 
Brand Made in the US,'' or those that make a country of origin statement 
on the label of any meat or poultry product ``covered commodity,'' \1\ 
or displays of geographic landmarks, such as a foreign country's flag, 
monument, or map.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See 9 CFR 317.8(b)(40) and 381.129(f).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (f)(1) Temporary approval for the use of a final label that may be 
deemed deficient in some particular may be granted by the FSIS Labeling 
and Program Delivery Staff. Temporary approvals may be granted for a 
period not to exceed 180 calendar days, under the following conditions:
    (i) The proposed label would not misrepresent the product;
    (ii) The use of the label would not present any potential health, 
safety, or dietary problems to the consumer;
    (iii) Denial of the request would create undue economic hardship; 
and
    (iv) An unfair competitive advantage would not result from the 
granting of the temporary approval.
    (2) Extensions of temporary approvals may also be granted by the 
FSIS Labeling and Program Delivery Staff provided that the applicant 
demonstrates that new circumstances, meeting the above criteria, have 
developed since the original temporary approval was granted.

[78 FR 66838, Nov. 7, 2013, as amended at 88 FR 2811, Jan. 18, 2023]



Sec.  412.2  Approval of generic labels.

    (a)(1) An official establishment, or an establishment certified 
under a foreign inspection system in accordance with part 327, or part 
381, subpart T of this chapter, is authorized to use generically 
approved labels, as defined in paragraph (b) of this section, and thus 
is free to use such labels without submitting them to the Food Safety 
and Inspection Service for approval, provided the label, in accordance 
with this section, displays all mandatory features in a prominent manner 
in compliance with part 317 or part 381, and is not otherwise false or 
misleading in any particular.
    (2) The Food Safety and Inspection Service will select samples of 
generically approved labels from the records maintained by official 
establishments and establishments certified under foreign inspection 
systems, in accordance with part 327 or part 381, subpart T, to 
determine compliance with label requirements. If the Agency finds that 
an establishment is using a false or misleading label, it will institute 
the proceedings prescribed in Sec.  500.8 of this chapter to revoke the 
approval for the label.
    (b) Generically approved labels are labels that bear all applicable 
mandatory labeling features (i.e., product name, handling statement, 
ingredients statement, the name and place of business of the 
manufacturer, packer or distributor, net weight, legend, safe handling 
instructions, and nutrition labeling) in accordance with Federal 
regulations and do not bear special statements and claims as defined in 
Sec.  412.1(e).

[78 FR 66838, Nov. 7, 2013, as amended at 88 FR 2812, Jan. 18, 2023]



PART 416_SANITATION--Table of Contents



Sec.
416.1 General rules.
416.2 Establishment grounds and facilities.
416.3 Equipment and utensils.
416.4 Sanitary operations.
416.5 Employee hygiene.
416.6 Tagging insanitary equipment, utensils, rooms or compartments.
416.11 General rules.
416.12 Development of sanitation SOP's.
416.13 Implementation of SOP's.
416.14 Maintenance of Sanitation SOP's.
416.15 Corrective Actions.
416.16 Recordkeeping requirements.
416.17 Agency verification.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 451-470, 601-695, 1031-1056; 7 U.S.C. 450, 
1901-1906; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 61 FR 38868, July 25, 1996, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  416.1  General rules.

    Each official establishment must be operated and maintained in a 
manner

[[Page 550]]

sufficient to prevent the creation of insanitary conditions and to 
ensure that product is not adulterated.

[64 FR 56417, Oct. 20, 1999]



Sec.  416.2  Establishment grounds and facilities.

    (a) Grounds and pest control. The grounds about an establishment 
must be maintained to prevent conditions that could lead to insanitary 
conditions, adulteration of product, or interfere with inspection by 
FSIS program employees. Establishments must have in place a pest 
management program to prevent the harborage and breeding of pests on the 
grounds and within establishment facilities. Pest control substances 
used must be safe and effective under the conditions of use and not be 
applied or stored in a manner that will result in the adulteration of 
product or the creation of insanitary conditions.
    (b) Construction. (1) Establishment buildings, including their 
structures, rooms, and compartments must be of sound construction, be 
kept in good repair, and be of sufficient size to allow for processing, 
handling, and storage of product in a manner that does not result in 
product adulteration or the creation of insanitary conditions.
    (2) Walls, floors, and ceilings within establishments must be built 
of durable materials impervious to moisture and be cleaned and sanitized 
as necessary to prevent adulteration of product or the creation of 
insanitary conditions.
    (3) Walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, and other outside 
openings must be constructed and maintained to prevent the entrance of 
vermin, such as flies, rats, and mice.
    (4) Rooms or compartments in which edible product is processed, 
handled, or stored must be separate and distinct from rooms or 
compartments in which inedible product is processed, handled, or stored, 
to the extent necessary to prevent product adulteration and the creation 
of insanitary conditions.
    (c) Light. Lighting of good quality and sufficient intensity to 
ensure that sanitary conditions are maintained and that product is not 
adulterated must be provided in areas where food is processed, handled, 
stored, or examined; where equipment and utensils are cleaned; and in 
hand-washing areas, dressing and locker rooms, and toilets.
    (d) Ventilation. Ventilation adequate to control odors, vapors, and 
condensation to the extent necessary to prevent adulteration of product 
and the creation of insanitary conditions must be provided.
    (e) Plumbing. Plumbing systems must be installed and maintained to:
    (1) Carry sufficient quantities of water to required locations 
throughout the establishment;
    (2) Properly convey sewage and liquid disposable waste from the 
establishment;
    (3) Prevent adulteration of product, water supplies, equipment, and 
utensils and prevent the creation of insanitary conditions throughout 
the establishment;
    (4) Provide adequate floor drainage in all areas where floors are 
subject to flooding-type cleaning or where normal operations release or 
discharge water or other liquid waste on the floor;
    (5) Prevent back-flow conditions in and cross-connection between 
piping systems that discharge waste water or sewage and piping systems 
that carry water for product manufacturing; and
    (6) Prevent the backup of sewer gases.
    (f) Sewage disposal. Sewage must be disposed into a sewage system 
separate from all other drainage lines or disposed of through other 
means sufficient to prevent backup of sewage into areas where product is 
processed, handled, or stored. When the sewage disposal system is a 
private system requiring approval by a State or local health authority, 
the establishment must furnish FSIS with the letter of approval from 
that authority upon request.
    (g) Water supply and water, ice, and solution reuse. (1) A supply of 
running water that complies with the National Primary Drinking Water 
regulations (40 CFR part 141), at a suitable temperature and under 
pressure as needed, must be provided in all areas where required (for 
processing product, for cleaning rooms and equipment, utensils, and 
packaging materials, for employee sanitary facilities, etc.). If an 
establishment uses a municipal water supply, it must make available to

[[Page 551]]

FSIS, upon request, a water report, issued under the authority of the 
State or local health agency, certifying or attesting to the potability 
of the water supply. If an establishment uses a private well for its 
water supply, it must make available to FSIS, upon request, 
documentation certifying the potability of the water supply that has 
been renewed at least semi-annually.
    (2) Water, ice, and solutions (such as brine, liquid smoke, or 
propylene glycol) used to chill or cook ready-to-eat product may be 
reused for the same purpose, provided that they are maintained free of 
pathogenic organisms and fecal coliform organisms and that other 
physical, chemical, and microbiological contamination have been reduced 
to prevent adulteration of product.
    (3) Water, ice, and solutions used to chill or wash raw product may 
be reused for the same purpose provided that measures are taken to 
reduce physical, chemical, and microbiological contamination so as to 
prevent contamination or adulteration of product. Reuse that which has 
come into contact with raw product may not be used on ready-to-eat 
product.
    (4) Reconditioned water that has never contained human waste and 
that has been treated by an onsite advanced wastewater treatment 
facility may be used on raw product, except in product formulation, and 
throughout the facility in edible and inedible production areas, 
provided that measures are taken to ensure that this water meets the 
criteria prescribed in paragraph (g)(1) of this section. Product, 
facilities, equipment, and utensils coming in contact with this water 
must undergo a separate final rinse with non-reconditioned water that 
meets the criteria prescribed in paragraph (g)(1) of this section.
    (5) Any water that has never contained human waste and that is free 
of pathogenic organisms may be used in edible and inedible product 
areas, provided it does not contact edible product. For example, such 
reuse water may be used to move heavy solids, to flush the bottom of 
open evisceration troughs, or to wash antemortem areas, livestock pens, 
trucks, poultry cages, picker aprons, picking room floors, and similar 
areas within the establishment.
    (6) Water that does not meet the use conditions of paragraphs (g)(1) 
through (g)(5) of this section may not be used in areas where edible 
product is handled or prepared or in any manner that would allow it to 
adulterate edible product or create insanitary conditions.
    (h) Dressing rooms, lavatories, and toilets. (1) Dressing rooms, 
toilet rooms, and urinals must be sufficient in number, ample in size, 
conveniently located, and maintained in a sanitary condition and in good 
repair at all times to ensure cleanliness of all persons handling any 
product. They must be separate from the rooms and compartments in which 
products are processed, stored, or handled.
    (2) Lavatories with running hot and cold water, soap, and towels, 
must be placed in or near toilet and urinal rooms and at such other 
places in the establishment as necessary to ensure cleanliness of all 
persons handling any product.
    (3) Refuse receptacles must be constructed and maintained in a 
manner that protects against the creation of insanitary conditions and 
the adulteration of product.

[64 FR 56417, Oct. 20, 1999]



Sec.  416.3  Equipment and utensils.

    (a) Equipment and utensils used for processing or otherwise handling 
edible product or ingredients must be of such material and construction 
to facilitate thorough cleaning and to ensure that their use will not 
cause the adulteration of product during processing, handling, or 
storage. Equipment and utensils must be maintained in sanitary condition 
so as not to adulterate product.
    (b) Equipment and utensils must not be constructed, located, or 
operated in a manner that prevents FSIS inspection program employees 
from inspecting the equipment or utensils to determine whether they are 
in sanitary condition.
    (c) Receptacles used for storing inedible material must be of such 
material and construction that their use will not result in the 
adulteration of any

[[Page 552]]

edible product or in the creation of insanitary conditions. Such 
receptacles must not be used for storing any edible product and must 
bear conspicuous and distinctive marking to identify permitted uses.

[64 FR 56417, Oct. 20, 1999]



Sec.  416.4  Sanitary operations.

    (a) All food-contact surfaces, including food-contact surfaces of 
utensils and equipment, must be cleaned and sanitized as frequently as 
necessary to prevent the creation of insanitary conditions and the 
adulteration of product.
    (b) Non-food-contact surfaces of facilities, equipment, and utensils 
used in the operation of the establishment must be cleaned and sanitized 
as frequently as necessary to prevent the creation of insanitary 
conditions and the adulteration of product.
    (c) Cleaning compounds, sanitizing agents, processing aids, and 
other chemicals used by an establishment must be safe and effective 
under the conditions of use. Such chemicals must be used, handled, and 
stored in a manner that will not adulterate product or create insanitary 
conditions. Documentation substantiating the safety of a chemical's use 
in a food processing environment must be available to FSIS inspection 
program employees for review.
    (d) Product must be protected from adulteration during processing, 
handling, storage, loading, and unloading at and during transportation 
from official establishments.

[64 FR 56417, Oct. 20, 1999]



Sec.  416.5  Employee hygiene.

    (a) Cleanliness. All persons working in contact with product, food-
contact surfaces, and product-packaging materials must adhere to 
hygienic practices while on duty to prevent adulteration of product and 
the creation of insanitary conditions.
    (b) Clothing. Aprons, frocks, and other outer clothing worn by 
persons who handle product must be of material that is disposable or 
readily cleaned. Clean garments must be worn at the start of each 
working day and garments must be changed during the day as often as 
necessary to prevent adulteration of product and the creation of 
insanitary conditions.
    (c) Disease control. Any person who has or appears to have an 
infectious disease, open lesion, including boils, sores, or infected 
wounds, or any other abnormal source of microbial contamination, must be 
excluded from any operations which could result in product adulteration 
and the creation of insanitary conditions until the condition is 
corrected.

[64 FR 56417, Oct. 20, 1999]



Sec.  416.6  Tagging insanitary equipment, utensils, rooms or compartments.

    When an FSIS program employee finds that any equipment, utensil, 
room, or compartment at an official establishment is insanitary or that 
its use could cause the adulteration of product, he will attach to it a 
``U.S. Rejected'' tag. Equipment, utensils, rooms, or compartments so 
tagged cannot be used until made acceptable. Only an FSIS program 
employee may remove a ``U.S. Rejected'' tag.

[64 FR 56417, Oct. 20, 1999]



Sec.  416.11  General rules.

    Each official establishment shall develop, implement, and maintain 
written standard operating procedures for sanitation (Sanitation SOP's) 
in accordance with the requirements of this part.



Sec.  416.12  Development of Sanitation SOP's.

    (a) The Sanitation SOP's shall describe all procedures an official 
establishment will conduct daily, before and during operations, 
sufficient to prevent direct contamination or adulteration of 
product(s).
    (b) The Sanitation SOP's shall be signed and dated by the individual 
with overall authority on-site or a higher level official of the 
establishment. This signature shall signify that the establishment will 
implement the Sanitation SOP's as specified and will maintain the 
Sanitation SOP's in accordance with the requirements of this part. The 
Sanitation SOP's shall be signed and dated upon initially implementing 
the Sanitation SOP's and

[[Page 553]]

upon any modification to the Sanitation SOP's.
    (c) Procedures in the Sanitation SOP's that are to be conducted 
prior to operations shall be identified as such, and shall address, at a 
minimum, the cleaning of food contact surfaces of facilities, equipment, 
and utensils.
    (d) The Sanitation SOP's shall specify the frequency with which each 
procedure in the Sanitation SOP's is to be conducted and identify the 
establishment employee(s) responsible for the implementation and 
maintenance of such procedure(s).



Sec.  416.13  Implementation of SOP's.

    (a) Each official establishment shall conduct the pre-operational 
procedures in the Sanitation SOP's before the start of operations.
    (b) Each official establishment shall conduct all other procedures 
in the Sanitation SOP's at the frequencies specified.
    (c) Each official establishment shall monitor daily the 
implementation of the procedures in the Sanitation SOP's.



Sec.  416.14  Maintenance of Sanitation SOP's.

    Each official establishment shall routinely evaluate the 
effectiveness of the Sanitation SOP's and the procedures therein in 
preventing direct contamination or adulteration of product(s) and shall 
revise both as necessary to keep them effective and current with respect 
to changes in facilities, equipment, utensils, operations, or personnel.



Sec.  416.15  Corrective Actions.

    (a) Each official establishment shall take appropriate corrective 
action(s) when either the establishment or FSIS determines that the 
establishment's Sanitation SOP's or the procedures specified therein, or 
the implementation or maintenance of the Sanitation SOP's, may have 
failed to prevent direct contamination or adulteration of product(s).
    (b) Corrective actions include procedures to ensure appropriate 
disposition of product(s) that may be contaminated, restore sanitary 
conditions, and prevent the recurrence of direct contamination or 
adulteration of product(s), including appropriate reevaluation and 
modification of the Sanitation SOP's and the procedures specified 
therein or appropriate improvements in the execution of the Sanitation 
SOP's or the procedures specified therein.

[61 FR 38868, July 25, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 26219, May 13, 1997]



Sec.  416.16  Recordkeeping requirements.

    (a) Each official establishment shall maintain daily records 
sufficient to document the implementation and monitoring of the 
Sanitation SOP's and any corrective actions taken. The establishment 
employee(s) specified in the Sanitation SOP's as being responsible for 
the implementation and monitoring of the procedure(s) specified in the 
Sanitation SOP's shall authenticate these records with his or her 
initials and the date.
    (b) Records required by this part may be maintained on computers 
provided the establishment implements appropriate controls to ensure the 
integrity of the electronic data.
    (c) Records required by this part shall be maintained for at least 6 
months and made available to FSIS. All such records shall be maintained 
at the official establishment for 48 hours following completion, after 
which they may be maintained off-site provided such records can be made 
available to FSIS within 24 hours of request.



Sec.  416.17  Agency verification.

    FSIS shall verify the adequacy and effectiveness of the Sanitation 
SOP's and the procedures specified therein by determining that they meet 
the requirements of this part. Such verification may include:
    (a) Reviewing the Sanitation SOP's;
    (b) Reviewing the daily records documenting the implementation of 
the Sanitation SOP's and the procedures specified therein and any 
corrective actions taken or required to be taken;
    (c) Direct observation of the implementation of the Sanitation SOP's 
and the procedures specified therein and any corrective actions taken or 
required to be taken; and

[[Page 554]]

    (d) Direct observation or testing to assess the sanitary conditions 
in the establishment.



PART 417_HAZARD ANALYSIS AND CRITICAL CONTROL POINT (HACCP) SYSTEMS-
-Table of Contents



Sec.
417.1 Definitions.
417.2 Hazard Analysis and HACCP plan.
417.3 Corrective actions.
417.4 Validation, Verification, Reassessment.
417.5 Records.
417.6 Inadequate HACCP Systems.
417.7 Training.
417.8 Agency verification.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 451-470, 601-695, 1031-1056; 7 U.S.C. 450, 
1901-1906; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 61 FR 38868, July 25, 1996, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  417.1  Definitions.

    For purposes of this part, the following definitions shall apply:
    Corrective action. Procedures to be followed when a deviation 
occurs.
    Critical control point. A point, step, or procedure in a food 
process at which control can be applied and, as a result, a food safety 
hazard can be prevented, eliminated, or reduced to acceptable levels.
    Critical limit. The maximum or minimum value to which a physical, 
biological, or chemical hazard must be controlled at a critical control 
point to prevent, eliminate, or reduce to an acceptable level the 
occurrence of the identified food safety hazard.
    Food safety hazard. Any biological, chemical, or physical property 
that may cause a food to be unsafe for human consumption.
    HACCP System. The HACCP plan in operation, including the HACCP plan 
itself.
    Hazard. SEE Food Safety Hazard.
    Preventive measure. Physical, chemical, or other means that can be 
used to control an identified food safety hazard.
    Process-monitoring instrument. An instrument or device used to 
indicate conditions during processing at a critical control point.
    Responsible establishment official. The individual with overall 
authority on-site or a higher level official of the establishment.



Sec.  417.2  Hazard Analysis and HACCP Plan.

    (a) Hazard analysis. (1) Every official establishment shall conduct, 
or have conducted for it, a hazard analysis to determine the food safety 
hazards reasonably likely to occur in the production process and 
identify the preventive measures the establishment can apply to control 
those hazards. The hazard analysis shall include food safety hazards 
that can occur before, during, and after entry into the establishment. A 
food safety hazard that is reasonably likely to occur is one for which a 
prudent establishment would establish controls because it historically 
has occurred, or because there is a reasonable possibility that it will 
occur in the particular type of product being processed, in the absence 
of those controls.
    (2) A flow chart describing the steps of each process and product 
flow in the establishment shall be prepared, and the intended use or 
consumers of the finished product shall be identified.
    (3) Food safety hazards might be expected to arise from the 
following:
    (i) Natural toxins;
    (ii) Microbiological contamination;
    (iii) Chemical contamination;
    (iv) Pesticides;
    (v) Drug residues;
    (vi) Zoonotic diseases;
    (vii) Decomposition;
    (viii) Parasites;
    (ix) Unapproved use of direct or indirect food or color additives; 
and
    (x) Physical hazards.
    (b) The HACCP plan. (1) Every establishment shall develop and 
implement a written HACCP plan covering each product produced by that 
establishment whenever a hazard analysis reveals one or more food safety 
hazards that are reasonably likely to occur, based on the hazard 
analysis conducted in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, 
including products in the following processing categories:
    (i) Slaughter--all species.
    (ii) Raw product--ground.
    (iii) Raw product--not ground.
    (iv) Thermally processed--commercially sterile.
    (v) Not heat treated--shelf stable.

[[Page 555]]

    (vi) Heat treated--shelf stable.
    (vii) Fully cooked--not shelf stable.
    (viii) Heat treated but not fully cooked--not shelf stable.
    (ix) Product with secondary inhibitors--not shelf stable.
    (2) A single HACCP plan may encompass multiple products within a 
single processing category identified in this paragraph, if the food 
safety hazards, critical control points, critical limits, and procedures 
required to be identified and performed in paragraph (c) of this section 
are essentially the same, provided that any required features of the 
plan that are unique to a specific product are clearly delineated in the 
plan and are observed in practice.
    (3) HACCP plans for thermally processed/commercially sterile 
products do not have to address the food safety hazards associated with 
microbiological contamination if the product is produced in accordance 
with the requirements of part 431 of this chapter.
    (c) The contents of the HACCP plan. The HACCP plan shall, at a 
minimum:
    (1) List the food safety hazards identified in accordance with 
paragraph (a) of this section, which must be controlled for each 
process.
    (2) List the critical control points for each of the identified food 
safety hazards, including, as appropriate:
    (i) Critical control points designed to control food safety hazards 
that could be introduced in the establishment, and
    (ii) Critical control points designed to control food safety hazards 
introduced outside the establishment, including food safety hazards that 
occur before, during, and after entry into the establishment;
    (3) List the critical limits that must be met at each of the 
critical control points. Critical limits shall, at a minimum, be 
designed to ensure that applicable targets or performance standards 
established by FSIS, and any other requirement set forth in this chapter 
pertaining to the specific process or product, are met;
    (4) List the procedures, and the frequency with which those 
procedures will be performed, that will be used to monitor each of the 
critical control points to ensure compliance with the critical limits;
    (5) Include all corrective actions that have been developed in 
accordance with Sec.  417.3(a) of this part, to be followed in response 
to any deviation from a critical limit at a critical control point; and
    (6) Provide for a recordkeeping system that documents the monitoring 
of the critical control points. The records shall contain the actual 
values and observations obtained during monitoring.
    (7) List the verification procedures, and the frequency with which 
those procedures will be performed, that the establishment will use in 
accordance with Sec.  417.4 of this part.
    (d) Signing and dating the HACCP plan. (1) The HACCP plan shall be 
signed and dated by the responsible establishment individual. This 
signature shall signify that the establishment accepts and will 
implement the HACCP plan.
    (2) The HACCP plan shall be dated and signed:
    (i) Upon initial acceptance;
    (ii) Upon any modification; and
    (iii) At least annually, upon reassessment, as required under Sec.  
417.4(a)(3) of this part.
    (e) Pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 456, 463, 608, and 621, the failure of an 
establishment to develop and implement a HACCP plan that complies with 
this section, or to operate in accordance with the requirements of this 
part, may render the products produced under those conditions 
adulterated.

[61 FR 38868, July 25, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 61009, Nov. 14, 1997; 
83 FR 25308, May 31, 2018]



Sec.  417.3  Corrective actions.

    (a) The written HACCP plan shall identify the corrective action to 
be followed in response to a deviation from a critical limit. The HACCP 
plan shall describe the corrective action to be taken, and assign 
responsibility for taking corrective action, to ensure:
    (1) The cause of the deviation is identified and eliminated;
    (2) The CCP will be under control after the corrective action is 
taken;
    (3) Measures to prevent recurrence are established; and
    (4) No product that is injurious to health or otherwise adulterated 
as a result of the deviation enters commerce.

[[Page 556]]

    (b) If a deviation not covered by a specified corrective action 
occurs, or if another unforeseen hazard arises, the establishment shall:
    (1) Segregate and hold the affected product, at least until the 
requirements of paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section are met;
    (2) Perform a review to determine the acceptability of the affected 
product for distribution;
    (3) Take action, when necessary, with respect to the affected 
product to ensure that no product that is injurious to health or 
otherwise adulterated, as a result of the deviation, enters commerce;
    (4) Perform or obtain reassessment by an individual trained in 
accordance with Sec.  417.7 of this part, to determine whether the newly 
identified deviation or other unforeseen hazard should be incorporated 
into the HACCP plan.
    (c) All corrective actions taken in accordance with this section 
shall be documented in records that are subject to verification in 
accordance with Sec.  417.4(a)(2)(iii) and the recordkeeping 
requirements of Sec.  417.5 of this part.



Sec.  417.4  Validation, Verification, Reassessment.

    (a) Every establishment shall validate the HACCP plan's adequacy in 
controlling the food safety hazards identified during the hazard 
analysis, and shall verify that the plan is being effectively 
implemented.
    (1) Initial validation. Upon completion of the hazard analysis and 
development of the HACCP plan, the establishment shall conduct 
activities designed to determine that the HACCP plan is functioning as 
intended. During this HACCP plan validation period, the establishment 
shall repeatedly test the adequacy of the CCP's, critical limits, 
monitoring and recordkeeping procedures, and corrective actions set 
forth in the HACCP plan. Validation also encompasses reviews of the 
records themselves, routinely generated by the HACCP system, in the 
context of other validation activities.
    (2) Ongoing verification activities. Ongoing verification activities 
include, but are not limited to:
    (i) The calibration of process-monitoring instruments;
    (ii) Direct observations of monitoring activities and corrective 
actions; and
    (iii) The review of records generated and maintained in accordance 
with Sec.  417.5(a)(3) of this part.
    (3)(i) Reassessment of the HACCP plan. Every establishment shall 
reassess the adequacy of the HACCP plan at least annually and whenever 
any changes occur that could affect the hazard analysis or alter the 
HACCP plan. Such changes may include, but are not limited to, changes 
in: raw materials or source of raw materials; product formulation; 
slaughter or processing methods or systems; production volume; 
personnel; packaging; finished product distribution systems; or, the 
intended use or consumers of the finished product. The reassessment 
shall be performed by an individual trained in accordance with Sec.  
417.7 of this part. The HACCP plan shall be modified immediately 
whenever a reassessment reveals that the plan no longer meets the 
requirements of Sec.  417.2(c) of this part.
    (ii) Each establishment must make a record of each reassessment 
required by paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section and must document the 
reasons for any changes to the HACCP plan based on the reassessment, or 
the reasons for not changing the HACCP plan based on the reassessment. 
For annual reassessments, if the establishment determines that no 
changes are needed to its HACCP plan, it is not required to document the 
basis for this determination.
    (b) Reassessment of the hazard analysis. Any establishment that does 
not have a HACCP plan because a hazard analysis has revealed no food 
safety hazards that are reasonably likely to occur shall reassess the 
adequacy of the hazard analysis whenever a change occurs that could 
reasonably affect whether a food safety hazard exists. Such changes may 
include, but are not limited to, changes in: raw materials or source of 
raw materials; product formulation; slaughter or processing methods or 
systems; production volume; packaging; finished product distribution 
systems; or, the intended use or consumers of the finished product.

[61 FR 38868, July 25, 1996, as amended at 77 FR 26936, May 8, 2012]

[[Page 557]]



Sec.  417.5  Records.

    (a) The establishment shall maintain the following records 
documenting the establishment's HACCP plan:
    (1) The written hazard analysis prescribed in Sec.  417.2(a) of this 
part, including all supporting documentation;
    (2) The written HACCP plan, including decisionmaking documents 
associated with the selection and development of CCP's and critical 
limits, and documents supporting both the monitoring and verification 
procedures selected and the frequency of those procedures.
    (3) Records documenting the monitoring of CCP's and their critical 
limits, including the recording of actual times, temperatures, or other 
quantifiable values, as prescribed in the establishment's HACCP plan; 
the calibration of process-monitoring instruments; corrective actions, 
including all actions taken in response to a deviation; verification 
procedures and results; product code(s), product name or identity, or 
slaughter production lot. Each of these records shall include the date 
the record was made.
    (b) Each entry on a record maintained under the HACCP plan shall be 
made at the time the specific event occurs and include the date and time 
recorded, and shall be signed or initialed by the establishment employee 
making the entry.
    (c) Prior to shipping product, the establishment shall review the 
records associated with the production of that product, documented in 
accordance with this section, to ensure completeness, including the 
determination that all critical limits were met and, if appropriate, 
corrective actions were taken, including the proper disposition of 
product. Where practicable, this review shall be conducted, dated, and 
signed by an individual who did not produce the record(s), preferably by 
someone trained in accordance with Sec.  417.7 of this part, or the 
responsible establishment official.
    (d) Records maintained on computers. The use of records maintained 
on computers is acceptable, provided that appropriate controls are 
implemented to ensure the integrity of the electronic data and 
signatures.
    (e) Record retention. (1) Establishments shall retain all records 
required by paragraph (a)(3) of this section as follows: for slaughter 
activities for at least one year; for refrigerated product, for at least 
one year; for frozen, preserved, or shelf-stable products, for at least 
two years.
    (2) Off-site storage of records required by paragraph (a)(3) of this 
section is permitted after six months, if such records can be retrieved 
and provided, on-site, within 24 hours of an FSIS employee's request.
    (f) Official review. All records required by this part and all plans 
and procedures required by this part shall be available for official 
review and copying.



Sec.  417.6  Inadequate HACCP Systems.

    A HACCP system may be found to be inadequate if:
    (a) The HACCP plan in operation does not meet the requirements set 
forth in this part;
    (b) Establishment personnel are not performing tasks specified in 
the HACCP plan;
    (c) The establishment fails to take corrective actions, as required 
by Sec.  417.3 of this part;
    (d) HACCP records are not being maintained as required in Sec.  
417.5 of this part; or
    (e) Adulterated product is produced or shipped.



Sec.  417.7  Training.

    (a) Only an individual who has met the requirements of paragraph (b) 
of this section, but who need not be an employee of the establishment, 
shall be permitted to perform the following functions:
    (1) Development of the HACCP plan, in accordance with Sec.  417.2(b) 
of this part, which could include adapting a generic model that is 
appropriate for the specific product; and
    (2) Reassessment and modification of the HACCP plan, in accordance 
with Sec.  417.3 of this part.
    (b) The individual performing the functions listed in paragraph (a) 
of this section shall have successfully completed a course of 
instruction in the application of the seven HACCP principles to meat, 
poultry, or egg products

[[Page 558]]

processing, including a segment on the development of a HACCP plan for a 
specific product and on record review.

[61 FR 38868, July 25, 1996, as amended at 85 FR 68672, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  417.8  Agency verification.

    FSIS will verify the adequacy of the HACCP plan(s) by determining 
that each HACCP plan meets the requirements of this part and all other 
applicable regulations. Such verification may include:
    (a) Reviewing the HACCP plan;
    (b) Reviewing the CCP records;
    (c) Reviewing and determining the adequacy of corrective actions 
taken when a deviation occurs;
    (d) Reviewing the critical limits;
    (e) Reviewing other records pertaining to the HACCP plan or system;
    (f) Direct observation or measurement at a CCP;
    (g) Sample collection and analysis to determine the product meets 
all safety standards; and
    (h) On-site observations and record review.



PART 418_RECALLS--Table of Contents



Sec.
418.1 [Reserved]
418.2 Notification.
418.3 Preparation and maintenance of written recall procedures.
418.4 Records.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 21 U.S.C. 451-470, 601-695; 7 CFR 2.18, 
2.53.

    Source: 77 FR 26936, May 8, 2012, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  418.1  [Reserved]



Sec.  418.2  Notification.

    Each official establishment must promptly notify the local FSIS 
District Office within 24 hours of learning or determining that an 
adulterated or misbranded meat, meat food, poultry, or poultry product 
received by or originating from the official establishment has entered 
commerce, if the official establishment believes or has reason to 
believe that this has happened. The official establishment must inform 
the District Office of the type, amount, origin, and destination of the 
adulterated or misbranded product.



Sec.  418.3  Preparation and maintenance of written recall procedures.

    Each official establishment must prepare and maintain written 
procedures for the recall of any meat, meat food, poultry, or poultry 
product produced and shipped by the official establishment. These 
written procedures must specify how the official establishment will 
decide whether to conduct a product recall, and how the establishment 
will effect the recall, should it decide that one is necessary.



Sec.  418.4  Records.

    All records, including records documenting procedures required by 
this part, must be available for official review and copying.



PART 424_PREPARATION AND PROCESSING OPERATIONS--Table of Contents



                            Subpart A_General

Sec.
424.1 Purpose and scope.

           Subpart C_Food Ingredients and Sources of Radiation

424.21 Use of food ingredients and sources of radiation.
424.22 Certain other permitted uses.
424.23 Prohibited uses.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1633, 1901-1906; 21 U.S.C. 451-472, 601-695; 7 
CFR 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 64 FR 72175, Dec. 23, 1999, unless otherwise noted.



                            Subpart A_General



Sec.  424.1  Purpose and scope.

    This part of the regulations prescribes rules for the preparation of 
meat and the processing of poultry products. The rules in this part 
further the purposes of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and the 
Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) by, among other things, 
preventing the adulteration or misbranding of meat and poultry products 
at official establishments. 9 CFR Chapter III, Subchapter A, Parts 318 
and 319, Subpart C of this part, and 21 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter A or 
Subchapter B, specify rules for the use of certain food ingredients 
(e.g., food additives and color

[[Page 559]]

additives) and sources of radiation that may render meat or poultry 
products adulterated or misbranded.



           Subpart C_Food Ingredients and Sources of Radiation



Sec.  424.21  Use of food ingredients and sources of radiation.

    (a)(1) General. No meat or poultry product shall bear or contain any 
food ingredient that would render it adulterated or misbranded, or which 
is not approved in this part, part 318 or part 319 of this chapter, or 
by the Administrator in specific cases.
    (2)(i) Poultry products and poultry broth used in the processing of 
poultry products shall have been processed in the United States only in 
an official establishment or imported from a foreign country determined 
to be eligible to export such products to the United States under Sec.  
381.196(b), and have been inspected and passed in accordance with the 
regulations. Detached ova and offal shall not be used in the processing 
of any poultry products, except that poultry feet may be processed for 
use as human food in a manner approved by the Administrator in specific 
cases and detached ova may be used in the processing of poultry products 
if the processor demonstrates that such ova comply with the requirements 
of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
    (ii) Liquid, frozen, and dried egg products used in the processing 
of any poultry product shall have been prepared under inspection and be 
so marked in accordance with the Egg Products Inspection Act.
    (3) Carcasses, parts thereof, and products of cattle, sheep, swine, 
goats, or equines may be used in the processing of poultry products only 
if they were prepared in the United States in an official meat packing 
establishment or imported from a foreign country determined to be 
eligible to export such products to the United States under Sec.  
327.2(b), were inspected and passed in accordance with the Federal Meat 
Inspection Act and the regulations under such Act (subchapter A of this 
chapter), and are so marked.
    (b)(1) Food ingredients and sources of radiation. Food ingredients 
and sources of radiation listed or approved for use in the production of 
meat or poultry products in 21 CFR chapter I, subchapter A or subchapter 
B, shall be listed for such use under this chapter, subject to 
declaration requirements in parts 316 and 317, or subparts M and N, of 
part 381 of this chapter, unless precluded from such use or further 
restricted in parts 318 or 319, or subparts O and P, of part 381 of this 
chapter, or unless such use otherwise results in the adulteration or 
misbranding of meat or poultry products. Food ingredients and sources of 
radiation listed or approved for use in the production of meat or 
poultry products in 21 CFR Chapter I, subchapter A or subchapter B, may 
be listed or approved for such use under this chapter by the 
Administrator in Sec.  424.21, subject to declaration requirements in 
parts 316 and 317, or subparts M and N, of part 381 of this chapter.
    (2) No food ingredients or sources of radiation may be used in the 
preparation of any meat or poultry product, for any purpose, unless the 
use is listed or approved in 21 CFR chapter I as a direct food additive 
(21 CFR part 172), a secondary direct food additive (21 CFR part 173), 
indirect food additive (21 CFR parts 174-178), radiation source (21 CFR 
part 179), an interim-listed direct food additive (21 CFR part 180), a 
prior-sanctioned substance (21 CFR part 181), a Generally Recognized As 
Safe (GRAS) substance (21 CFR parts 182 or 184), or by a regulation in 
this chapter. Part 319 of this chapter also specifies other food 
ingredients that are acceptable in preparing specified products.
    (3) No food ingredient, the intended use of which is to impart color 
in any meat or poultry product, shall be used unless such use is 
approved in 21 CFR chapter I as a color additive (21 CFR Parts 73, 74, 
81, and 82) or in a regulation in this chapter.
    (4) Petitions to amend 21 CFR chapter I to provide for uses of food 
additives, or other substances or sources of radiation necessary in the 
preparation of meat or poultry products, or food ingredients used to 
impart color to product, should be sent to the Food and Drug 
Administration, in accordance with the provisions of 21 CFR parts 71 or 
171, as appropriate.
    (5) Inquiries concerning the regulatory status under the Federal 
Food,

[[Page 560]]

Drug, and Cosmetic Act of any articles intended for use as components 
of, or in contact with, meat or poultry products, may be addressed to 
the Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied 
Nutrition, 200 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20204, or the Department of 
Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Office of Policy, 
Program Development and Evaluation, Washington, DC 20250-3700.
    (6) Inquiries concerning the use in specific meat or poultry 
products of substances that are not affirmed by the Food and Drug 
Administration as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) or otherwise 
listed in 21 CFR part 182 or part 184, or of food or color additives 
listed in 21 CFR regulations for general use in foods or for use in 
meat, or poultry products, generally, including mixtures of such 
substances or additives, should be addressed to the Department of 
Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Office of Policy, 
Program Development and Evaluation, Washington, DC 20250-3700.
    (c) The food ingredients specified in the following chart are 
approved for use in the preparation of meat products, provided they are 
used for the purposes indicated, within the limit of the amounts stated, 
and under other conditions specified in this part and Part 317 of this 
chapter. Part 319 of this chapter specifies other food ingredients that 
are acceptable in preparing specified meat products. This chart also 
contains food ingredients that are acceptable for use in poultry 
products, provided they are used for the purpose indicated, within the 
limits of the amounts stated and under other conditions specified in 
this part. No meat or poultry product shall bear or contain any food 
ingredient that would render it adulterated or misbranded, or which is 
not approved in this part, or by the Administrator in specific cases.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Class of substance              Substance            Purpose            Products             Amount
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acidifiers......................  Acetic acid.......  To adjust acidity.  Various meat and    Sufficient for
                                                                           poultry products    purpose. \3\
                                                                           \2\.
                                  Citric acid.......  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Glucono delta-      ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   lactone.
                                  Lactic acid.......  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Phosphoric acid...  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Tartaric acid.....  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
Anti-coagulants.................  Citric acid.......  To prevent          Fresh blood of      0.2 percent with
                                                       clotting.           livestock.          or without water.
                                                                                               When water is
                                                                                               used to make a
                                                                                               solution of
                                                                                               citric acid added
                                                                                               to the blood of
                                                                                               livestock, not
                                                                                               more than 2 parts
                                                                                               of water to 1
                                                                                               part of citric
                                                                                               acid shall be
                                                                                               used.
                                  Sodium citrate....  ......do..........  ......do..........  Not to exceed 0.5
                                                                                               percent based on
                                                                                               the ingoing
                                                                                               weight of the
                                                                                               product. When
                                                                                               water is used to
                                                                                               make a solution
                                                                                               of sodium citrate
                                                                                               added to
                                                                                               livestock blood,
                                                                                               not more than 2
                                                                                               parts of water to
                                                                                               1 part of sodium
                                                                                               citrate shall be
                                                                                               used.
Antifoaming agent...............  Methyl              To retard foaming.  Soups (meat and     10 ppm.
                                   polysilicone.                           poultry).
                                                      ......do..........  Rendered fats        Do.
                                                                           (meat and
                                                                           poultry).
                                                      ......do..........  Curing pickle       50 ppm.
                                                                           (meat and
                                                                           poultry).
Antimicrobial Agents............  Potassium lactate.  To inhibit          Various meat and    4.8% by weight of
                                                       microbial growth.   poultry products,   total
                                                                           except infant       formulation.
                                                                           formulas and
                                                                           infant food.
                                  Sodium diacetate..  ......do..........  ......do..........  0.25% by weight of
                                                                                               total
                                                                                               formulation.
                                  Sodium lactate....  ......do..........  ......do..........  4.8% by weight of
                                                                                               total
                                                                                               formulation.

[[Page 561]]

 
                                  Trisodium           To reduce           Raw, chilled        8 to 12 percent;
                                   phosphate.          microbial levels.   poultry carcasses.  solution to be
                                                                                               maintained at 45
                                                                                               [deg]F. to 55
                                                                                               [deg]F. and
                                                                                               applied by
                                                                                               spraying or
                                                                                               dipping carcasses
                                                                                               for up to 15
                                                                                               seconds when used
                                                                                               in accordance
                                                                                               with 21 CFR
                                                                                               182.1778.
Antioxidants and oxygen           Ascorbyl palmitate  To retard           Margarine or        0.02 percent (by
 interceptors.                                         rancidity.          oleomargarine.      wt. of finished
                                                                                               product)
                                                                                               individually or
                                                                                               in combination
                                                                                               with other
                                                                                               antioxidants
                                                                                               approved for use
                                                                                               in margarine.
                                  Ascorbyl stearate.
                                  BHA (butylated
                                   hydroxyanisole).
                                  ......do..........  Dry sausage.......  0.003 based on      0.006 percent in
                                                                           total weight.       combination with
                                                                                               other anti-
                                                                                               oxidants for use
                                                                                               in meat.
                                  ......do..........  Rendered animal     0.01 percent......  0.02 percent in
                                                       fat or a                                combination with
                                                       combination of                          other anti-
                                                       such fat and                            oxidants for use
                                                       vegetable fat.                          in meat.
                                  ......do..........  Fresh pork,         0.01 percent based  0.02 percent in
                                                       sausage, brown      on fat content.     combination with
                                                       and serve                               other anti-
                                                       sausages, fresh                         oxidants for use
                                                       Italian sausage                         in meat, based on
                                                       products,                               fat content.
                                                       pregrilled beef
                                                       patties, fresh
                                                       sausage made from
                                                       beef or beef and
                                                       pork, cooked or
                                                       raw pizza topping
                                                       and cooked or raw
                                                       meatballs.
                                  ......do..........  Dried meats.......  0.01 percent based  0.01 percent in
                                                                           on total weight.    combination with
                                                                                               other anti-
                                                                                               oxidants for use
                                                                                               in meat.
                                  ......do..........  Margarine or        0.02 percent (by
                                                       oleomargarine.      wt. of the
                                                                           finished product)
                                                                           individually or
                                                                           in combination
                                                                           with other
                                                                           antioxidants
                                                                           approved for use
                                                                           in margarine..
                                  ......do..........  Various poultry     0.01 percent based
                                                       products.           on fat content
                                                                           (0.02 percent in
                                                                           combination with
                                                                           any other
                                                                           antioxidant for
                                                                           use in poultry)
                                                                           based on fat
                                                                           content..
                                  BHT (butylated      ......do..........  Dry sausage.......  0.003 percent
                                   hydroxytoluene).                                            based on total
                                                                                               weight 0.006
                                                                                               percent in
                                                                                               combination with
                                                                                               other anti-
                                                                                               oxidants for use
                                                                                               in meat.
                                  ......do..........  Rendered animal     0.01 percent......  0.02 percent in
                                                       fat or a                                combination with
                                                       combination of                          other anti-
                                                       such fat and                            oxidants for use
                                                       vegetable fat.                          in meat.

[[Page 562]]

 
                                  ......do..........  Fresh pork,         0.01 percent based  0.02 percent in
                                                       sausage, brown      on fat content.     combination with
                                                       and serve                               other anti-
                                                       sausages, fresh                         oxidants for use
                                                       Italian sausage                         in meat, based on
                                                       products,                               fat content.
                                                       pregrilled beef
                                                       patties, fresh
                                                       sausage made from
                                                       beef or beef and
                                                       pork, cooked or
                                                       raw pizza topping
                                                       and cooked or raw
                                                       meatballs.
                                  ......do..........  Dried meats.......  0.01 percent based  0.01 percent in
                                                                           on total weight.    combination with
                                                                                               other anti-
                                                                                               oxidants for use
                                                                                               in meat.
                                  ......do..........  Margarine or        0.02 percent (by
                                                       oleomargarine.      wt. of the
                                                                           finished product)
                                                                           individually or
                                                                           in combination
                                                                           with other
                                                                           antioxidants
                                                                           approved for use
                                                                           in margarine..
                                  ......do..........  Various poultry     0.01 percent based
                                                       products.           on fat content
                                                                           (0.02 percent in
                                                                           combination with
                                                                           any other
                                                                           antioxidant for
                                                                           use in poultry)
                                                                           based on fat
                                                                           content..
                                  Dodecyl gallate...  ......do..........  Margarine or        0.02 percent (by
                                                                           oleomargarine.      wt. of the
                                                                                               finished product)
                                                                                               individually or
                                                                                               in combination
                                                                                               with other
                                                                                               antioxidants
                                                                                               approved for use
                                                                                               in margarine.
                                  Glycine...........  ......do..........  Rendered animal     0.01 percent 0.02
                                                                           fat or a            percent in
                                                                           combination of      combination with
                                                                           such fat and        other anti-
                                                                           vegetable fat.      oxidants for use
                                                                                               in meat.
                                  Octyl gallate.....  ......do..........  Margarine or        0.02 percent (by
                                                                           oleomargarine.      wt. of the
                                                                                               finished product)
                                                                                               individually or
                                                                                               in combination
                                                                                               with other
                                                                                               antioxidants
                                                                                               approved for use
                                                                                               in margarine.
                                  Propyl gallate....  ......do..........  Dry sausage.......  0.003 percent
                                                                                               based on total
                                                                                               weight 0.006
                                                                                               percent in
                                                                                               combination with
                                                                                               other anti-
                                                                                               oxidants for use
                                                                                               in meat.
                                  ......do..........  Rendered animal     0.01 percent......  0.02 percent in
                                                       fat or a                                combination with
                                                       combination of                          other anti-
                                                       such fat and                            oxidants for use
                                                       vegetable fat.                          in meat.
                                  ......do..........  Fresh pork,         0.01 percent based  0.02 percent in
                                                       sausage, brown      on fat content.     combination with
                                                       and serve                               other anti-
                                                       sausages, fresh                         oxidants for use
                                                       Italian sausage                         in meat, based on
                                                       products,                               fat content.
                                                       pregrilled beef
                                                       patties, fresh
                                                       sausage made from
                                                       beef or beef and
                                                       pork, cooked or
                                                       raw pizza topping
                                                       and cooked or raw
                                                       meatballs.
                                  ......do..........  Dried meats.......  0.01 percent based  0.01 percent in
                                                                           on total weight.    combination with
                                                                                               other anti-
                                                                                               oxidants for use
                                                                                               in meat.

[[Page 563]]

 
                                  ......do..........  Margarine or oleo-  0.02 percent (by
                                                       margarine.          wt. of the
                                                                           finished product)
                                                                           individually or
                                                                           in combination
                                                                           with other
                                                                           antioxidants
                                                                           approved for use
                                                                           in margarine..
                                  ......do..........  Various poultry     0.01 percent based
                                                       products.           on fat content
                                                                           (0.02 percent in
                                                                           combination with
                                                                           any other
                                                                           antioxidant for
                                                                           use in poultry,
                                                                           except TBHQ,
                                                                           based on fat
                                                                           content)..
                                  Resin guaiac......  ......do..........  Rendered animal     0.02 percent in
                                                                           fat or a            combination with
                                                                           combination of      other
                                                                           such fat and        antioxidants for
                                                                           vegetable fat       use in meat.
                                                                           0.01 percent.
                                  TBHQ (tertiary      ......do..........  Dry sausage 0.003   0.006 percent in
                                   butylhydroquinone                       percent based on    combina-tion only
                                   ).                                      weight.             with BHA and/or
                                                                                               BHT.
                                  ......do..........  Rendered animal     0.01 percent......  0.02 percent in
                                                       fat or a                                combina-tion only
                                                       combination of                          with BHA or BHT.
                                                       such fat and
                                                       vegetable fat.
                                  ......do..........  Fresh pork,         0.01 percent based  0.02 percent in
                                                       sausage, brown      on fat content.     combin-ation only
                                                       and serve                               with BHA and/ or
                                                       sausages, fresh                         BHT, based on fat
                                                       Italian sausage                         content.
                                                       products,
                                                       pregrilled beef
                                                       patties, fresh
                                                       sausage made from
                                                       beef or beef and
                                                       pork, cooked or
                                                       raw pizza topping
                                                       and cooked or raw
                                                       meatballs.
                                  ......do..........  Dried meats.......  0.01 percent based  0.01 percent in
                                                                           on total weight.    combina-tion only
                                                                                               with BHA and/or
                                                                                               BHT.
                                                      ......do..........  Margarine or oleo-  0.02 percent alone
                                                                           margarine.          or in combination
                                                                                               only with BHA and/
                                                                                               or BHT, based on
                                                                                               oil or fat
                                                                                               content.
                                                      ......do..........  Various poultry     0.01 percent based
                                                                           products.           on fat content
                                                                                               (0.02 percent in
                                                                                               combination only
                                                                                               with BHA and/or
                                                                                               BHT, based on fat
                                                                                               content).
                                  Tocopherols.......  ......do..........  Rendered animal     0.03 percent. A 30
                                                                           fat or a            percent
                                                                           combination of      concentration of
                                                                           such fat and        tocopherols in
                                                                           vegetable fat.      vegetable oils
                                                                                               shall be used
                                                                                               when added as an
                                                                                               antioxidant to
                                                                                               products
                                                                                               designated as
                                                                                               ``lard'' or
                                                                                               ``rendered pork
                                                                                               fat.''
                                                      ......do..........  Dry sausage,        Not to exceed 0.03
                                                                           semidry sausage,    percent based on
                                                                           dried meats,        fat content. Not
                                                                           uncooked or         used in
                                                                           cooked fresh        combination with
                                                                           sausage made with   other
                                                                           beef and/or pork,   antioxidants.
                                                                           uncooked or
                                                                           cooked Italian
                                                                           sausage products,
                                                                           uncooked or
                                                                           cooked meatballs,
                                                                           uncooked or
                                                                           cooked meat pizza
                                                                           toppings, brown
                                                                           and serve
                                                                           sausages,
                                                                           pregrilled beef
                                                                           patties, and
                                                                           restructured
                                                                           meats.

[[Page 564]]

 
                                                      ......do..........  Various poultry     0.03 percent based
                                                                           products.           on fat content
                                                                                               (0.02 percent in
                                                                                               combination with
                                                                                               any other
                                                                                               antioxidant for
                                                                                               use in poultry,
                                                                                               except TBHQ,
                                                                                               based on fat
                                                                                               content).
Artificial Sweeteners...........  Saccharin.........  To sweeten product  Bacon.............  0.01 percent.
Binders and Extenders...........  Agar-agar.........  To stabilize and    Thermally           0.25 percent of
                                                       thicken.            processed canned    finished product.
                                                                           and jellied meat
                                                                           food products.
                                  Algin.............  To extend and       Breading mix;       Sufficient for
                                                       stabilize product.  sauces (meat        purpose in
                                                                           only) and various   accordance with
                                                                           poultry products.   21 CFR 172.5.
                                  A mixture of        To bind meat        Restructured meat   Sodium alginate
                                   sodium alginate,    pieces.             food products.      not to exceed 1.0
                                   calcium carbonate                                           percent; calcium
                                   and calcium                                                 carbonate not to
                                   lactate/lactic                                              exceed 0.2
                                   acid (or glucono                                            percent; and
                                   delta lactone).                                             lactic acid/
                                                                                               calcium lactate
                                                                                               (or glucono delta-
                                                                                               lactone) not to
                                                                                               exceed 0.3
                                                                                               percent of
                                                                                               product
                                                                                               formulation.
                                                                                               Added mixture may
                                                                                               not exceed 1.5
                                                                                               percent of
                                                                                               product at
                                                                                               formulation.
                                                                                               Mixture
                                                                                               ingredients must
                                                                                               be added dry.
                                  A mixture of        To bind poultry     Ground and formed   Sodium alginate
                                   sodium alginate,    pieces.             raw or cooked       not more than 0.8
                                   calcium                                 poultry pieces.     percent, calcium
                                   carbonate, lactic                                           carbonate not
                                   acid, and calcium                                           more than 0.15
                                   lactate.                                                    percent; lactic
                                                                                               acid and calcium
                                                                                               lactate, in
                                                                                               combination, not
                                                                                               more than 0.6
                                                                                               percent of
                                                                                               product
                                                                                               formulation.
                                                                                               Added mixture may
                                                                                               not exceed 1.55
                                                                                               percent of
                                                                                               product at
                                                                                               formulation. The
                                                                                               mixture must be
                                                                                               added in dry
                                                                                               form.
                                  Bread.............  To bind and extend  Bockwurst.........  3.5 percent
                                                       product.                                individually or
                                                                                               collectively with
                                                                                               other binders for
                                                                                               use in meat.
                                                      ......do..........  Chili con carne,    8 percent
                                                                           chili con carne     individually or
                                                                           with beans.         collectively with
                                                                                               other binders for
                                                                                               use in meat.
                                                      ......do..........  Spaghetti with      12 percent
                                                                           meat balls and      individually or
                                                                           sauce, spaghetti    collectively with
                                                                           with meat and       other binders for
                                                                           sauce and similar   use in meat.
                                                                           products.
                                  Carboxymethyl       To extend and       Baked pies (meat    Sufficient for
                                   cellulose           stabilize product.  only) and various   purpose in
                                   (cellulose gum).                        poultry products.   accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 172.5.
                                  Carrageenan.......  To extend and       Breading mix;       Sufficient for
                                                       stabilize product.  sauces (meat        purpose in
                                                                           only) and various   accordance with
                                                                           poultry products.   21 CFR 172.5.
                                                      To prevent purging  Cured pork          Not to exceed 1.5
                                                       of brine solution.  products as         percent of
                                                                           provided in 9 CFR   product
                                                                           319.104(d).         formulation;
                                                                                               permitted in
                                                                                               combination only
                                                                                               with soy protein
                                                                                               concentrate,
                                                                                               combination not
                                                                                               to exceed 1.5
                                                                                               percent of
                                                                                               product
                                                                                               formulation; in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 172.620,
                                                                                               172.623, and
                                                                                               172.626.

[[Page 565]]

 
                                  Carrageenan,        ......do..........  ......do..........  In combination,
                                   Locust bean gum,                                            not to exceed 0.5
                                   and Xanthan gum                                             percent of
                                   blend.                                                      formulation; not
                                                                                               permitted in
                                                                                               combination with
                                                                                               other binders
                                                                                               approved for use
                                                                                               in cured pork
                                                                                               products; in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 172.620,
                                                                                               172.623, 172.626,
                                                                                               184.1343, and
                                                                                               172.695.
                                  Cereal............  To bind and extend  Sausages as         3.5 percent
                                                       product.            provided in 9 CFR   individually or
                                                                           Part 319,           collectively with
                                                                           bockwurst.          other binders for
                                                                                               use in meat.
                                                      ......do..........  Chili con carne,    8 percent
                                                                           chili con carne     individually or
                                                                           with beans.         collectively with
                                                                                               other binders for
                                                                                               use in meat.
                                  Dried milk........  ......do..........  Sausages as         3.5 percent
                                                                           provided for in 9   individually or
                                                                           CFR Part 319.       collectively with
                                                                                               other binders for
                                                                                               use in meat
                                  Dried skim milk,    ......do..........  Sausages as          Do.
                                   calcium reduced.                        provided in 9 CFR
                                                                           9 CFR Part 319.
                                                      ......do..........  Chili con carne,    8 percent
                                                                           chili con carne     individually or
                                                                           with beans.         collectively with
                                                                                               other binders for
                                                                                               use in meat.
                                  Enzyme (rennet)     ......do..........  Sausages as         3.5 percent total
                                   treated with                            provided for in 9   finished product
                                   calcium reduced                         CFR Part 319.       (calcium lactate
                                   dried skim milk                                             required at rate
                                   and calcium                                                 of 10 percent of
                                   lactate.                                                    binder.)
                                                      ......do..........  Imitation           Sufficient for
                                                                           sausages;           purpose in
                                                                           nonspecific         accordance with
                                                                           loaves; soups,      21 CFR 172.5
                                                                           stews (meat only)   (calcium lactate
                                                                           and various         required at a
                                                                           poultry products.   rate of 10
                                                                                               percent of
                                                                                               binder).
                                  Enzyme (rennet)     ......do..........  Imitation           Sufficient for
                                   treated with                            sausages;           purpose in
                                   sodium caseinate                        nonspecific         accordance with
                                   and calcium                             loaves; soups,      21 CFR 172.5
                                   lactate.                                stews (meat only)   (calcium lactate
                                                                           and various         required at a
                                                                           poultry products.   rate of 25
                                                                                               percent of
                                                                                               binder).
                                  Food starch         To prevent purging  Cured pork          Not to exceed 2
                                   modified.           of brine solution.  products as         percent of
                                                                           provided for in 9   product
                                                                           CFR 319.104(d).     formulation in
                                                                                               ``Ham Water
                                                                                               Added'' and ``Ham
                                                                                               with Natural
                                                                                               Juices''
                                                                                               products; not to
                                                                                               exceed 3.5
                                                                                               percent of
                                                                                               product
                                                                                               formulation in
                                                                                               ``Ham and Water
                                                                                               Product--X
                                                                                               percent of Weight
                                                                                               is Added
                                                                                               Ingredients''
                                                                                               products;
                                                                                               permitted in
                                                                                               combination only
                                                                                               with soy protein
                                                                                               concentrate, with
                                                                                               combination of
                                                                                               modified food
                                                                                               starch at 3
                                                                                               percent of
                                                                                               product
                                                                                               formulation and
                                                                                               soy protein
                                                                                               concentrate at
                                                                                               0.5 percent of
                                                                                               product
                                                                                               formulation; in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 172.892.
                                  Gelatin...........  To bind and extend  Various poultry     Sufficient for
                                                       product.            products.           purpose in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 172.5.
                                  Gums, vegetable...  ......do..........  Egg roll (meat      Sufficient for
                                                                           only) and various   purpose in
                                                                           poultry products.   accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 172.5.
                                  Isolated soy        ......do..........  Sausage as          2 percent.
                                   protein.                                provided for in 9
                                                                           CFR Part 319,
                                                                           bockwurst.

[[Page 566]]

 
                                                      ......do..........  Imitation           Sufficient for
                                                                           sausages;           purpose in
                                                                           nonspecific         accordance with
                                                                           loaves; soups;      21 CFR 172.5.
                                                                           stews (meat only)
                                                                           and various
                                                                           poultry products.
                                                      ......do..........  Chili con carne,    8 percent
                                                                           chili con carne     individually or
                                                                           with beans.         collectively with
                                                                                               other binders for
                                                                                               use in meat.
                                                      ......do..........  Spaghetti with      12 percent
                                                                           meatballs and       individually or
                                                                           sauce, spaghetti    collectively with
                                                                           with meat and       other binders and
                                                                           sauce and similar   extenders for use
                                                                           products.           in meat.
                                                      To prevent purging  Cured pork          Not to exceed 2
                                                       of brine solution.  products as         percent of
                                                                           provided for in 9   product
                                                                           CFR 319.104(d).     formulation, not
                                                                                               permitted in
                                                                                               combination with
                                                                                               other binders
                                                                                               approved for use
                                                                                               in cured pork
                                                                                               products.
                                  Methyl cellulose..  To extend and       Meat and vegetable  0.15 percent.
                                                       stabilize product   patties; various
                                                       (also carrier).     poultry products.
                                  Sodium caseinate..  To bind and extend  Imitation           Sufficient for
                                                       product.            sausages,           purpose in
                                                                           nonspecific         accordance with
                                                                           loaves, soups,      21 CFR 182.1748
                                                                           stews (meat only).  and 21 CFR 172.5.
                                                      ......do..........  Sausages as         2 percent in
                                                                           provided for in 9   accordance with
                                                                           CFR Part 319.       21 CFR 182.1748.
                                                      ......do..........  Chili con carne,    8 percent
                                                                           chili con carne     individually or
                                                                           with beans.         collectively with
                                                                                               other binders and
                                                                                               extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 182.1748.
                                                      ......do..........  Spaghetti with      12 percent
                                                                           meatballs and       individually or
                                                                           sauce, spaghetti    collectively with
                                                                           with meat and       other binders and
                                                                           sauce and similar   extenders for use
                                                                           products.           in meat in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 182.1748.
                                                      To prevent purging  Cured pork          Not to exceed 2
                                                       of brine solution.  products as         percent of
                                                                           provided for in 9   product
                                                                           CFR 319.104(d).     formulation; not
                                                                                               permitted in
                                                                                               combination with
                                                                                               other binders
                                                                                               approved for use
                                                                                               in cured pork
                                                                                               products, in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 182.1748.
                                                      To bind and extend  Various poultry     3 percent in
                                                       product.            products.           cooked product, 2
                                                                                               percent in raw
                                                                                               product, in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 172.5 and
                                                                                               182.1748.
                                  Soy flour.........  ......do..........  Sausages as         3.5 percent
                                                                           provided for in 9   individually or
                                                                           CFR Part 319,       collectively with
                                                                           bockwurst.          other binders and
                                                                                               extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat.
                                                      ......do..........  Chili con carne,    8 percent
                                                                           chili con carne     individually or
                                                                           with beans.         collectively with
                                                                                               other binders and
                                                                                               extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat.
                                                      ......do..........  Spaghetti with      12 percent
                                                                           meatballs and       individually or
                                                                           sauce, spaghetti    collectively with
                                                                           with meat and       other binders and
                                                                           sauce and similar   extenders for use
                                                                           products.           in meat.
                                  Soy protein         ......do..........  Sausage as          3.5 percent
                                   concentrate.                            provided for in 9   individually or
                                                                           CFR Part 319,       collectively with
                                                                           bockwurst.          other binders and
                                                                                               extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat.
                                                      ......do..........  Chili con carne,    8 percent
                                                                           chili con carne     individually or
                                                                           with beans.         collectively with
                                                                                               other binders and
                                                                                               extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat.
                                                      ......do..........  Spaghetti with      12 percent
                                                                           meatballs and       individually or
                                                                           sauce, spaghetti    collectively with
                                                                           with meat and       other binders and
                                                                           sauce and similar   extenders for use
                                                                           products.           in meat.

[[Page 567]]

 
                                                      To prevent purging  Cured pork          Not to exceed 3.5
                                                       of brine solution.  products as         percent of
                                                                           provided for in 9   product
                                                                           CFR 319.104(d).     formulation;
                                                                                               permitted in
                                                                                               combination only
                                                                                               with modified
                                                                                               food starch, with
                                                                                               combination of
                                                                                               modified food
                                                                                               starch at 3
                                                                                               percent of
                                                                                               product
                                                                                               formulation and
                                                                                               soy protein
                                                                                               concentrate at
                                                                                               0.5 percent of
                                                                                               product
                                                                                               formulation; in
                                                                                               combination only
                                                                                               with carrageenan,
                                                                                               combination not
                                                                                               to exceed 1.5
                                                                                               percent of
                                                                                               product
                                                                                               formulation.
                                  Starchy vegetable   To bind and extend  Sausage as          3.5 percent
                                   flour.              product.            provided for in 9   individually or
                                                                           CFR Part 319,       collectively with
                                                                           bockwurst.          other binders and
                                                                                               extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat.
                                                      ......do..........  Chili con carne,    8 percent
                                                                           chili con carne     individually or
                                                                           with beans.         collectively with
                                                                                               other binders and
                                                                                               extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat.
                                  Tapioca dextrin...  ......do..........  Sausage as          3.5 percent
                                                                           provided for in 9   individually or
                                                                           CFR Part 319,       collectively with
                                                                           bockwurst.          other binders and
                                                                                               extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat, in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 184.1277.
                                                      ......do..........  Chili con carne,    8 percent
                                                                           chili con carne     individually or
                                                                           with beans.         collectively with
                                                                                               other binders and
                                                                                               extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat, in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 184.1277.
                                                      ......do..........  Spaghetti with      12 individually or
                                                                           meatballs and       collectively with
                                                                           sauce, spaghetti    other binders and
                                                                           with meat and       extenders for use
                                                                           sauce and similar   in meat, in
                                                                           products.           accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 184.1277.
                                                      ......do..........  Various poultry     Sufficient for
                                                                           products.           purpose in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 184.1277.
                                  Vegetable starch..  ......do..........  Sausage as          3.5 percent
                                                                           provided for in 9   individually or
                                                                           CFR Part 319,       collectively with
                                                                           bockwurst.          other binders and
                                                                                               extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat.
                                                      ......do..........  Chili con carne,    8 percent
                                                                           chili con carne     individually or
                                                                           with beans.         collectively with
                                                                                               other binders and
                                                                                               extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat.
                                  Wheat gluten......  To bind and extend  Sausage as          3.5 percent
                                                       product.            provided for in 9   individually or
                                                                           CFR Part 319,       collectively with
                                                                           bockwurst.          other binders and
                                                                                               extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat, in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 184.1322.
                                                      ......do..........  Chili con carne,    8 percent
                                                                           chili con carne     individually or
                                                                           with beans.         collectively with
                                                                                               other binders for
                                                                                               use in meat, in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 184.1322.
                                                      ......do..........  Spaghetti with      12 percent
                                                                           meatballs and       individually or
                                                                           sauce, spaghetti    collectively with
                                                                           with meat and       other binders and
                                                                           sauce and similar   extenders for use
                                                                           products.           in meat, in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 184.1322.
                                                      ......do..........  Various poultry     Sufficient for
                                                                           products.           purpose in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 184.1322.

[[Page 568]]

 
                                  Whey, Dry or dried  To bind or thicken  Sausage as          3.5 percent
                                                                           provided for in 9   individually or
                                                                           CFR Part 319,       collectively with
                                                                           bockwurst.          other binders and
                                                                                               extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat.
                                                      ......do..........  Imitation           8 percent
                                                                           sausages,           individually or
                                                                           nonspecific         collectively with
                                                                           loaves, soups,      other binders and
                                                                           stews (meat only).  extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat.
                                                      ......do..........  Chili con carne,    8 percent
                                                                           chili con carne     individually or
                                                                           with beans, pork    collectively with
                                                                           or beef with        other binders and
                                                                           barbecue sauce.     extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat.
                                                      ......do..........  Various poultry     Sufficient for
                                                                           products.           purpose in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 184.1322.
                                  Whey, Reduced       To bind or thicken  Sausage as          3.5 percent
                                   lactose.                                provided for in 9   individually or
                                                                           CFR Part 319,       collectively with
                                                                           bockwurst.          other binders and
                                                                                               extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat.
                                                      ......do..........  Imitation           Sufficient for
                                                                           sausages,           purpose in
                                                                           nonspecific         accordance with
                                                                           loaves, soups,      21 CFR 172.5.
                                                                           stews (meat only).
                                                      ......do..........  Chili con carne,    8 percent
                                                                           chili con carne     individually or
                                                                           with beans, pork    collectively with
                                                                           or beef with        other binders and
                                                                           barbecue sauce.     extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat.
                                  Whey, Reduced       ......do..........  Sausage as          3.5 percent
                                   minerals.                               provided for in 9   individually or
                                                                           CFR Part 319,       collectively with
                                                                           bockwurst.          other binders and
                                                                                               extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat.
                                                      ......do..........  Imitation           Sufficient for
                                                                           sausages,           purpose in
                                                                           nonspecific         accordance with
                                                                           loaves, soups,      21 CFR 172.5.
                                                                           stews (meat only).
                                                      ......do..........  Chili con carne,    8 percent
                                                                           chili con carne     individually or
                                                                           with beans, pork    collectively with
                                                                           or beef with        other binders and
                                                                           barbecue sauce.     extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat.
                                  Whey protein        ......do..........  Sausage as          3.5 percent
                                   concentrate.                            provided in 9 CFR   individually or
                                                                           Part 319,           collectively with
                                                                           bockwurst.          other binders and
                                                                                               extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat, in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 184.1979c.
                                                      ......do..........  Imitation           Sufficient for
                                                                           sausages,           purpose in
                                                                           nonspecific         accordance with
                                                                           loaves, soups,      21 CFR 184.1979c.
                                                                           stews.
                                                      ......do..........  Chili con carne,    8 percent
                                                                           chili con carne     individually or
                                                                           with beans, pork    collectively with
                                                                           or beef with        other binders and
                                                                           barbecue sauce.     extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat, in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 184.1979c
                                                      To bind meat        Restructured meat   3.5 percent
                                                       pieces.             food products,      individually or
                                                                           whole muscle meat   collectively with
                                                                           cuts.               other binders and
                                                                                               extenders for use
                                                                                               in meat, in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 184.1979c.
                                  Xanthan gum.......  To maintain:        Meat sauces,        Sufficient for
                                                       uniform             gravies or sauces   purpose in
                                                       viscosity;          and meats, canned   accordance with
                                                       suspension of       or frozen and/or    21 CFR 172.5.
                                                       particulate         refrigerated meat
                                                       matter, emulsion    salads, canned or
                                                       stability; freeze-  frozen meat
                                                       thaw stability.     stews, canned
                                                                           chili or chili
                                                                           with beans, pizza
                                                                           topping mixes and
                                                                           batter or
                                                                           breading mixes.
                                                      ......do..........  Various poultry     Sufficient for
                                                                           products, except    purpose
                                                                           uncooked products
                                                                           or sausages or
                                                                           other products
                                                                           with a moisture
                                                                           limitation
                                                                           established by
                                                                           Subpart P of Part
                                                                           381.

[[Page 569]]

 
Bleaching Agent.................  Hydrogen peroxide.  To remove color...  Tripe (substance    Sufficient for
                                                                           must be removed     purpose.
                                                                           from product by
                                                                           rinsing with
                                                                           clear water).
Catalysts (substances must be     Nickel............  To accelerate       Rendered animal      Do.
 eliminated during process).                           chemical reaction.  fats or a
                                                                           combination of
                                                                           such fats and
                                                                           vegetable fats.
                                  Sodium amide......  Rearrangement of    ......do..........   Do.
                                                       fatty acid
                                                       radicals.
                                  Sodium methoxide..  ......do..........  ......do..........
Chilling Media..................  Salt (NaCl).......  To aid in chilling  Raw poultry         700 lbs. to 10,000
                                                                           products.           gallons of water.
Coloring Agents (artificial)....  Coal tar dyes       To color products.  Various poultry     Sufficient for
                                   (FD&C certified).                       products.           purpose.
                                  Color additives     To color casings    Sausage casings,    Sufficient for
                                   listed in 21 CFR    or rendered fats;   oleomargarine,      purpose (may be
                                   Part 74, Subpart    marking and         shortening,         mixed with
                                   A of Part 82,       branding product.   marking or          approved natural
                                   Subpart B                               branding ink on     coloring matters
                                   (operator must                          product (meat       or harmless inert
                                   furnish evidence                        only).              material such as
                                   to inspector in                                             common salt and
                                   charge that color                                           sugar).
                                   additive has been
                                   certified for use
                                   in connection
                                   with foods by the
                                   Food and Drug
                                   Administration).
                                  Titanium oxide....  To whiten.........  Canned ham salad    0.5 percent.
                                                                           spread and
                                                                           creamed-type
                                                                           canned meat
                                                                           products. Poultry
                                                                           salads and
                                                                           poultry spreads.
Coloring Agents (natural).......  Alkanet, annatto,   To color casings    Sausage casings,    Sufficient for
                                   carotene,           or rendered fats;   oleomargarine,      purpose (may be
                                   cochineal, green    marking and         shortening,         mixed with
                                   chlorophyll,        branding product.   marking or          approved
                                   saffron and                             branding ink on     artificial dyes
                                   tumeric.                                product (meat       or harmless inert
                                                                           only).              material such as
                                                                                               common salt and
                                                                                               sugar).
                                  Annatto, carotene.  To color products.  Various poultry     Sufficient for
                                                                           products.           purpose.
Curing accelerators (must be      Ascorbic acid.....  To accelerate       Cured pork and      75 oz to 100 gal
 used only in combination with                         color fixing or     beef cuts, cured    pickle at 10
 curing agents).                                       preserve color      poultry, cured      percent pump
                                                       during storage.     comminuted          level; \3/4\ oz
                                                                           poultry and meat    to 100 lb meat,
                                                                           food products.      meat byproduct or
                                                                                               poultry product;
                                                                                               10 percent
                                                                                               solution to
                                                                                               surfaces of cured
                                                                                               meat cuts or
                                                                                               poultry products
                                                                                               prior to
                                                                                               packaging. (The
                                                                                               use of such
                                                                                               solution shall
                                                                                               not result in the
                                                                                               addition of a
                                                                                               significant
                                                                                               amount of
                                                                                               moisture to the
                                                                                               product).
                                  Citric acid or      To accelerate       Cured pork and      May be used in
                                   sodium citrate.     color fixing or     beef cuts, cured    cured meat
                                                       preserve color      comminuted meat     products or in 10
                                                       during storage.     food product,       percent solution
                                                                           cured comminuted    used to spray
                                                                           poultry or          surfaces of cured
                                                                           poultry products.   meat cuts prior
                                                                                               to packaging to
                                                                                               replace up to 50
                                                                                               percent of the
                                                                                               ascorbic acid,
                                                                                               erythorbic acid,
                                                                                               sodium ascorbate,
                                                                                               or sodium
                                                                                               erythorbate that
                                                                                               is used. May be
                                                                                               used in cured
                                                                                               poultry products
                                                                                               to replace 50
                                                                                               percent of the
                                                                                               ascorbic acid or
                                                                                               sodium ascorbate
                                                                                               that is used.

[[Page 570]]

 
                                  Erythorbic acid...  To accelerate       Cured pork and      75 oz to 100 gal
                                                       color fixing or     beef cuts, cured    pickle at 10
                                                       preserve color      poultry, cured      percent pump
                                                       during storage.     comminuted          level; \3/4\ oz
                                                                           poultry and meat    to 100 lb meat,
                                                                           food products.      meat byproduct or
                                                                                               poultry product;
                                                                                               10 percent
                                                                                               solution to
                                                                                               surfaces of cured
                                                                                               meat cuts or
                                                                                               poultry products
                                                                                               prior to
                                                                                               packaging. (The
                                                                                               use of such
                                                                                               solution shall
                                                                                               not result in the
                                                                                               addition of a
                                                                                               significant
                                                                                               amount of
                                                                                               moisture to the
                                                                                               product).
                                  Fumaric acid......  ......do..........  Cured, comminuted   0.065 percent (or
                                                                           meat, poultry or    1 oz to 100 lb)
                                                                           meat and poultry    of the weight of
                                                                           products.           the meat, poultry
                                                                                               or the meat or
                                                                                               poultry
                                                                                               byproducts before
                                                                                               processing.
                                  Glucono delta       ......do..........  Cured, comminuted   8 oz to each 100
                                   lactone.                                meat or meat food   lb of meat or
                                                                           product.            meat byproduct.
                                                      ......do..........  Genoa salami......  16 oz to 100 lb of
                                                                                               meat (1.0
                                                                                               percent).
                                  Sodium acid         ......do..........  Frankfurters,       Not to exceed
                                   pyrophosphate.                          wieners, vienna,    alone or in
                                                                           bologna, garlic     combination with
                                                                           bologna,            other curing
                                                                           knockwurst and      accelerators for
                                                                           similar products.   use in meat the
                                                                                               following: 8 oz
                                                                                               in 100 lb of
                                                                                               meat, or meat and
                                                                                               meat byproducts,
                                                                                               content of the
                                                                                               formula; nor 0.5
                                                                                               percent in the
                                                                                               finished product.
                                  Sodium ascorbate..  To accelerate       Cured pork and      87.5 oz to 100 gal
                                                       color fixing or     beef cuts, cured    pickle at 10
                                                       preserve color      comminuted meat     percent pump
                                                       during storage.     food product,       level; \7/8\ oz
                                                                           cured comminuted    to 100 lb meat,
                                                                           poultry or          meat byproduct or
                                                                           poultry products.   poultry product;
                                                                                               10 percent
                                                                                               solution to
                                                                                               surfaces of cured
                                                                                               meat cuts or
                                                                                               poultry products
                                                                                               prior to
                                                                                               packaging. (The
                                                                                               use of such
                                                                                               solution shall
                                                                                               not result in the
                                                                                               addition of a
                                                                                               significant
                                                                                               amount of
                                                                                               moisture to the
                                                                                               product).
                                  Sodium erythorbate  To accelerate       Cured pork and      87.5 oz to 100 gal
                                                       color fixing or     beef cuts, cured    pickle at 10
                                                       preserve color      comminuted meat     percent pump
                                                       during storage.     food products,      level; \7/8\ oz
                                                                           cured comminuted    to 100 lb meat,
                                                                           poultry or          meat byproduct or
                                                                           poultry products.   poultry product;
                                                                                               10 percent
                                                                                               solution to
                                                                                               surfaces of cured
                                                                                               meat cuts or
                                                                                               poultry products
                                                                                               prior to
                                                                                               packaging. (The
                                                                                               use of such
                                                                                               solution shall
                                                                                               not result in the
                                                                                               addition of a
                                                                                               significant
                                                                                               amount of
                                                                                               moisture to the
                                                                                               product.)
Curing Agents...................  Sodium or           Source of nitrite.  Cured meat          7 lb to 100 gal
                                   potassium nitrate.                      products other      pickle; 3\1/2\ oz
                                                                           than bacon.         to 100 lb meat or
                                                                           Nitrates may not    poultry product
                                                                           be used in baby,    (dry cure); 2\3/
                                                                           junior, and         4\ oz to 100 lb
                                                                           toddler foods.      chopped meat or
                                                                           Cured, comminuted   poultry.
                                                                           poultry or
                                                                           poultry products.

[[Page 571]]

 
                                  Sodium or           To fix color......  Cured meat and      2 lb to 100 gal
                                   potassium nitrite                       poultry products.   pickle at 10
                                   (supplies of                            Nitrites may not    percent pump
                                   sodium nitrite                          be used in baby,    level; 1 oz to
                                   and potassium                           junior, or          100 lb meat or
                                   nitrite and                             toddler foods.      poultry product
                                   mixtures                                                    (dry cure); \1/4\
                                   containing them                                             oz to 100 lb
                                   must be kept                                                chopped meat,
                                   under the care of                                           meat byproduct or
                                   a responsible                                               poultry product.
                                   employee of the                                             The use of
                                   establishment.                                              nitrites,
                                   The specific                                                nitrates or
                                   nitrite content                                             combination shall
                                   of such supplies                                            not result in
                                   must be known and                                           more than 200 ppm
                                   clearly marked                                              of nitrite,
                                   accordingly).                                               calculated as
                                                                                               sodium nitrite in
                                                                                               finished product,
                                                                                               except that
                                                                                               nitrites may be
                                                                                               used in bacon
                                                                                               only in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               paragraph (b) of
                                                                                               this section.
Denuding Agents (may be used in   Lime (calcium       To denude mucous    Tripe.............  Sufficient for
 combination. Must be removed      oxide, calcium      membranes.                              purpose.
 from tripe by rinsing with        hydroxide).
 potable water.).
                                  Sodium carbonate..  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Sodium citrate....  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Sodium gluconate..  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Sodium hydroxide..  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Sodium persulfate.  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Sodium silicates    ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   (ortho, meta, and
                                   sesqui).
                                  Trisodium           ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   phosphate.
Emulsifying Agents..............  Actylated           To emulsify         Shortening and      Sufficient for
                                   monoglycerides.     product.            various poultry     purpose.
                                                                           products.
                                  Diacetyl tartaric   ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   acid esters of
                                   mono-and
                                   diglycerides.
                                  Glycerol-lacto      ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   stearate, oleate,
                                   or palmitate.
                                  Lecithin..........  To emulsify         Oleomargarine,      0.5 percent in
                                                       product (also as    shortening,         oleomargarine,
                                                       an antioxidant).    various meat and    use in other
                                                                           poultry products.   products--suffici
                                                                                               ent amount for
                                                                                               emulsification.
                                  Mono and            To emulsify         Rendered animal     Sufficient for
                                   diglycerides        product.            fat or a            purpose in lard
                                   (glycerol                               combination of      and shortening;
                                   palmitate, etc.).                       such fat with       0.5 percent in
                                                                           vegetable fat;      oleomargarine.
                                                                           oleomargarine.
                                                      ......do..........  Various poultry     Sufficient for
                                                                           products.           purpose.
                                  Mono and            ......do..........  Margarine or        0.5 percent.
                                   diglycerides of                         oleomargarine.
                                   fatty acids
                                   esterified with
                                   any of the
                                   following acids:
                                   acetic,
                                   acetyltartaric,
                                   citric, lactic,
                                   tartaric, and
                                   their sodium and
                                   calcium salts;
                                   the sodium
                                   sulfoacetate
                                   derivatives of
                                   these mono and
                                   diglycerides.

[[Page 572]]

 
                                  Polyglycerol        ......do..........  Rendered animal     Sufficient for
                                   esters of fatty                         fat or a            purpose for
                                   acids                                   combination of      rendered animal
                                   (polyglycerol                           such fat with       fat or
                                   esters of fatty                         vegetable fat       combination with
                                   acids are                               when use is not     vegetable fat;
                                   restricted to                           precluded by        0.5 percent for
                                   those up to and                         standards of        oleomargarine.
                                   including the                           identity of
                                   decaglycerol                            composition;
                                   esters and                              oleomargarine.
                                   otherwise meeting
                                   the requirements
                                   of Sec.
                                   172.854(a) of the
                                   Food Additive
                                   Regulations).
                                  Polysorbate 60      ......do..........  Shortening for use  1 percent when
                                   (polyoxyethylene                        in                  used alone. If
                                   (20) sorbitan                           nonstandardized     used with
                                   monostearate).                          baked goods,        polysorbate 80
                                                                           baking mixes,       the combined
                                                                           icings, fillings,   total shall not
                                                                           and toppings and    exceed 1 percent.
                                                                           in the frying of
                                                                           foods (meat
                                                                           only). Rendered
                                                                           poultry fat or a
                                                                           combination of
                                                                           such fat with
                                                                           vegetable fat.
                                  Polysorbate 80      ......do..........  Shortening for use  1 percent when
                                   (polyoxyethylene                        in                  used alone. If
                                   (20) sorbitan                           nonstandardized     used with
                                   monooleate).                            baked goods,        polysorbate 60
                                                                           baking mixes,       the combined
                                                                           icings, fillings,   total shall not
                                                                           and toppings and    exceed 1 percent.
                                                                           in the frying of
                                                                           foods (meat
                                                                           only). Various
                                                                           poultry products.
                                  1,2-propylene       ......do..........  Margarine or        2.0 percent.
                                   glycol esters of                        oleomargarine.
                                   fatty acids.
                                  Propylene glycol    ......do..........  Rendered animal or  Sufficient for
                                   mono and diesters                       poultry fat or a    purpose.
                                   of fats and fatty                       combination of
                                   acids.                                  such fat with
                                                                           vegetable fat.
                                  Stearyl-2-lactylic  ......do..........  Shortening to be    3.0 percent.
                                   acid.                                   used for cake
                                                                           icings and
                                                                           fillings (meat
                                                                           only).
                                  Stearyl             ......do..........  Shortening........  Sufficient for
                                   monoglyceridyl                                              purpose
                                   citrate.
Film Forming Agents.............  A mixture           To reduce cooler    Freshly dressed     Formulation may
                                   consisting of       shrinkage and       meat carcasses.     not exceed 1.5
                                   water, sodium       help protect        Such carcasses      percent of hot
                                   alginate, calcium   surface.            must bear a         carcass weight
                                   chloride, sodium                        statement           when applied.
                                   carboxymethyl-                          ``Protected with    Chilled weight
                                   cellulose, and                          a film of water,    may not exceed
                                   corn syrup solids.                      corn syrup          hot weight.
                                                                           solids, sodium
                                                                           alginate, calcium
                                                                           chloride and
                                                                           sodium
                                                                           carboxymethyl-
                                                                           cellulose.''.
Flavoring Agents; Protectors and  Artificial smoke    To flavor product.  Various (meat and   Sufficient for
 Developers.                       flavoring.                              poultry) \2\.       purpose.
                                  Autolyzed yeast     ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   extract.
                                  Benzoic acid        To retard flavor    Margarine or        0.1 percent
                                   (sodium,            reversion.          oleomargarine.      individually, or
                                   potassium and                                               if used in
                                   calcium salts).                                             combination with
                                                                                               other flavoring
                                                                                               agents for use in
                                                                                               meat or with
                                                                                               sorbic acid and
                                                                                               its salts, 0.2
                                                                                               percent
                                                                                               (expressed as the
                                                                                               acids in the wt.
                                                                                               of the finished
                                                                                               foods).
                                  Calcium lactate...  To protect flavor.  Cooked semi-dry     0.6 percent in
                                                                           and dry products    product
                                                                           including           formulation.
                                                                           sausage,
                                                                           imitation
                                                                           sausage, and
                                                                           nonspecific meat
                                                                           food sticks.
                                  Citric acid.......  ......do..........  Various poultry     Sufficient for
                                                                           products.           purpose.
                                                      Flavoring.........  Chili con carne...   Do.

[[Page 573]]

 
                                  Corn syrup solids;  To flavor product.  Various poultry      Do.
                                   corn syrup;                             products,
                                   glucose syrup.                          sausage,
                                                                           hamburger, meat
                                                                           loaf, luncheon
                                                                           meat, chopped or
                                                                           pressed ham.
                                  Dextrose..........  ......do..........  Sausage, ham and     Do.
                                                                           cured products.
                                  Diacetyl..........  ......do..........  Oleomargarine.....   Do.
                                  Disodium guanylate  ......do..........  Various meat and
                                                                           poultry products.
                                                                           \2\
                                  Disodium inosinate  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Harmless bacteria   To develop flavor.  Dry sausage, pork   0.5 percent.
                                   starters of the                         roll, thuringer,
                                   acidophilus type,                       lebanon bologna,
                                   lactic acid                             cervelat, and
                                   starter or                              salami.
                                   culture of
                                   Pediococcus
                                   cerevisiae.
                                  Harmless lactic     To prevent the      Bacon.............  Sufficient for
                                   acid producing      growth of                               purpose.
                                   bacteria.           Clostridium
                                                       botulinum.
                                  Hydrolyzed plant    To flavor product.  Various meat and     Do.
                                   protein.                                poultry products.
                                                                           \2\
                                  Isopropyl citrate.  To protect flavor.  Oleomargarine.....  0.02 percent.
                                  Malt syrup........  To flavor product.  Cured meat          2.5 percent.
                                                                           products.
                                                      ......do..........  Various poultry     Sufficient for
                                                                           products.           purpose.
                                  Milk protein        ......do..........  Various meat and     Do.
                                   hydrolysate.                            poultry products.
                                                                           \2\
                                  Monoammonium        ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   glutamate.
                                  Monosodium          ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   glutamate.
                                  Potassium lactate.  ......do..........  Various meat and    Not to exceed 2
                                                                           meat food           percent of
                                                                           products, poultry   formulation; in
                                                                           and poultry food    accordance with
                                                                           products, except    21 CFR 184.1639.
                                                                           infant formula
                                                                           and infant food.
                                                                           \2\
                                  Smoke flavoring...  To flavor product.  Various meat and    Sufficient for
                                                                           poultry products.   purpose.
                                  Sodium acetate....  To flavor products  Various meat and    Not to exceed
                                                                           poultry products.   0.25% of
                                                                                               formulate in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 184.1721.
                                  Sodium diacetate..  ......do..........  ......do..........  Not to exceed
                                                                                               0.25% of
                                                                                               formulate in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 184.1754.
                                  Sodium lactate....  ......do..........  Various meat and    Not to exceed 2
                                                                           meat food           percent of
                                                                           products, poultry   formulation in
                                                                           and poultry food    accordance with
                                                                           products, except    21 CFR 184.1768.
                                                                           infant formula
                                                                           and infant food.
                                                                           \2\
                                  Sodium              ......do..........  Various meat and    0.5 percent.
                                   sulfoacetate                            poultry products.
                                   derivative of                           \2\
                                   mono and
                                   diglycerids.
                                  Sodium              To help protect     ``Fresh Beef,''     0.5 percent of
                                   tripolyphosphate.   flavor.             \2\ ``Beef for      total product.
                                                                           further cooking,
                                                                           ``Cooked Beef,''
                                                                           Beef Patties,
                                                                           Meat Loaves, Meat
                                                                           Toppings, and
                                                                           similar products
                                                                           derived from
                                                                           pork, lamb, veal,
                                                                           mutton, and goat
                                                                           meat which are
                                                                           cooked or frozen
                                                                           after processing.
                                  Sodium              ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   tripolyphosphate
                                   and sodium
                                   mixtures,
                                   metaphosphate,
                                   insoluble; and
                                   sodium
                                   polyphosphates,
                                   glassy.

[[Page 574]]

 
                                  Sorbitol..........  To flavor, to       Cooked sausage      Not to exceed 2
                                                       facilitate the      labeled             percent of the
                                                       removal of          frankfurter,        weight of the
                                                       casings from        frank, furter,      formula excluding
                                                       product, and to     wiener, and         the formula
                                                       reduce              knockwurst; cured   weight of water
                                                       caramelization      pork and pork       or ice, when used
                                                       and charring.       products, as        in accordance
                                                                           provided for in 9   with 21 CFR
                                                                           CFR Part 319.       184.1835.
                                  Starter distillate  To help protect     Oleomargarine.....  Sufficient for
                                                       flavor.                                 purpose.
                                  Stearyl citrate...  ......do..........  ......do..........  0.15 percent.
                                  Sugars (sucrose     To flavor product.  Various meat and    Sufficient for
                                   and dextrose).                          poultry products.   purpose.
Gases...........................  Carbon dioxide      Contact freezing..  Various poultry      Do.
                                   liquid.                                 products.
                                  Carbon dioxide      To cool product...  Chopping of meat,   Sufficient for
                                   solid (dry ice).                        packing of          purpose.
                                                                           product.
                                                      To cool product or  Various poultry      Do.
                                                       facilitate          products.
                                                       chopping or
                                                       packaging.
                                  Nitrogen..........  To exclude oxygen   Various meat and     Do.
                                                       from sealed         poultry products.
                                                       containers.
                                  Nitrogen, liquid..  Contact freezant..  ......do..........   Do.
Hog Scald Agents (must be         Caustic soda......  To remove hair....  Hog carcasses.....  Sufficient for
 removed by subsequent cleaning                                                                purpose.
 operations).
                                  Dicotyl sodium      ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   sulfosuccinate.
                                  Dimethylpolysiloxa  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   ne.
                                  Disodium-calcium    ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   ethylenediaminete
                                   tra-acetate.
                                  Disodium phosphate  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Ethylenediaminetet  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   ra-acetic acid
                                   (sodium salts).
                                  Lime (calcium       ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   oxide, calcium
                                   hydroxide).
                                  Potassium                                                    Do.
                                   hydroxide.
                                  Propylene glycol..  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Soap (prepared by   ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   the reaction of
                                   calcium,
                                   potassium, or
                                   sodium with rosin
                                   or fatty acids of
                                   natural fats and
                                   oils).
                                  Sodium acid         ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   pyrophosphate.
                                  Sodium carbonate..  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Sodium              ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   dodecylbenzene
                                   sulfonate.
                                  Sodium gluconate..  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Sodium              ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   hexametaphosphate.
                                  Sodium lauryl       ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   sulfate.
                                  Sodium mono and     ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   dimethylnaphthale
                                   ne sulfonate
                                   (molecular weight
                                   245-260).

[[Page 575]]

 
                                  Sodium n-           ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   alkylbenzene
                                   sulfonate (alkyl
                                   group
                                   predominantly C12
                                   and C13 and not
                                   less than 95
                                   percent C10 and
                                   C16).
                                  Sodium              ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   pyrophosphate.
                                  Sodium silicates    ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   (ortho, meta, and
                                   sesqui).
                                  Sodium sulfate....  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Sodium              ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   tripolyphosphate.
                                  Sucrose...........  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Triethanolamine     ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   dodecylbenzene
                                   sulfonate.
                                  Trisodium           ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   phosphate.
Miscellaneous...................  Adipic acid.......  To acidify........  Margarine or        Sufficient for
                                                                           oleomargarine.      purpose.
                                  Ascorbic acid,      To delay            Fresh beef cuts,    Not to exceed,
                                   erythorbic acid,    discoloration.      fresh lamb cuts,    singly or in
                                   citric acid,                            and fresh pork      combination, 500
                                   sodium ascorbate                        cuts.               ppm or 1.8 mg/sq
                                   and sodium                                                  inch of product
                                   citrate, singly                                             surface of
                                   or in combination.                                          ascorbic acid (in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 182.3013),
                                                                                               erythorbic acid
                                                                                               (in accordance
                                                                                               with 21 CFR
                                                                                               182.3041), or
                                                                                               sodium ascorbate
                                                                                               (in accordance
                                                                                               with 21 CFR
                                                                                               182.3731); and/or
                                                                                               not to exceed,
                                                                                               singly or in
                                                                                               combination, 250
                                                                                               ppm or 0.9 mg/sq
                                                                                               inch of product
                                                                                               surface of citric
                                                                                               acid (in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 182.6033),
                                                                                               or sodium citrate
                                                                                               (in accordance
                                                                                               with 21 CFR
                                                                                               182.6751).
                                  Calcium disodium,   To preserve         Margarine or        75 ppm by weight
                                   EDTA (calcium       product and to      oleomargarine.      of the finished
                                   disodium ethylene-  protect flavor.                         oleomargarine or
                                   diaminetetraaceta                                           margarine.
                                   te.
                                  Calcium propionate  To retard mold      Pizza crust.......  0.32 percent alone
                                                       growth.                                 or in combination
                                                                                               based on weight
                                                                                               of the flour
                                                                                               brace used.
                                                      ......do..........  Fresh pie dough     0.3 percent of
                                                                           (poultry only).     calcium
                                                                                               propionate or
                                                                                               sodium propionate
                                                                                               alone, or in
                                                                                               combination,
                                                                                               based on weight
                                                                                               of flour used.
                                  Citric acid.......  To preserve cured   Cured pork cuts...  Not to exceed 30
                                                       color during                            percent in water
                                                       storage.                                solution used to
                                                                                               spray surfaces of
                                                                                               cured cuts, prior
                                                                                               to packaging, in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 184.1033.
                                                                                               (The use of such
                                                                                               solution shall
                                                                                               not result in the
                                                                                               addition of a
                                                                                               significant
                                                                                               amount of
                                                                                               moisture to the
                                                                                               product and shall
                                                                                               be applied only
                                                                                               once to product).
                                  Citric acid         To acidify........  Margarine and       Sufficient for
                                   (sodium and                             oleomargarine.      purpose.
                                   potassium salts).
                                  d- and dl-alpha-    To inhibit          Pump-cured bacon..  500 ppm; by
                                   tocopherol.         nitrosamine                             injection or
                                                       formation.                              surface
                                                                                               application.

[[Page 576]]

 
                                  Dipotassium         To decrease the     Meat food products  For meat food
                                   phosphate.          amount of cooked    except where        products, 5
                                                       out juices.         otherwise           percent of
                                                                           prohibited by the   phosphate in
                                                                           meat inspection     pickle at 10
                                                                           regulations and     percent pump
                                                                           poultry food        level; 0.5
                                                                           products except     percent of
                                                                           where otherwise     phosphate in meat
                                                                           prohibited by the   food product
                                                                           poultry products    (only clear
                                                                           inspection          solution may be
                                                                           regulations..       injected into
                                                                                               meat food
                                                                                               product). For
                                                                                               poultry food
                                                                                               products, 0.5
                                                                                               percent of total
                                                                                               product.
                                  Disodium phosphate  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Glycerine.........  Humectant.........  Shelf stable meat   Not to exceed 2
                                                                           snacks.             percent of the
                                                                                               formulation
                                                                                               weight of the
                                                                                               product in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 182.1320.
                                  Hydrochloric acid.  To acidify........  Margarine or        Sufficient for
                                                                           oleomargarine.      purpose.
                                  Lactic acid         ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   (sodium and
                                   potassium salts).
                                  L-Tartaric acid     ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   (sodium and
                                   sodium potassium
                                   salts).
                                  Monopotassium       To decrease the     Meat food products  For meat food
                                   phosphate.          amount of cooked    except where        products, 5
                                                       out juices.         otherwise           percent of
                                                                           prohibited by the   phosphate in
                                                                           meat inspection     pickle at 10
                                                                           regulations and     percent pump
                                                                           poultry food        level; 0.5
                                                                           products except     percent of
                                                                           where otherwise     phosphate in meat
                                                                           prohibited by the   food product
                                                                           poultry products    (only clear
                                                                           inspection          solution may be
                                                                           regulations..       injected into
                                                                                               meat food
                                                                                               product). For
                                                                                               poultry products,
                                                                                               0.5 percent of
                                                                                               total product.
                                  Monosodium          ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   phosphate.
                                  Phosphoric acid...  To acidify........  Margarine or        Sufficient for
                                                                           oleomargarine.      purpose.
                                  Potassium           To alkalize.......  Margarine or        Sufficient for
                                   bicarbonate.                            oleomargarine.      purpose.
                                  Potassium           ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   carbonate.
                                  Potassium           To decrease the     Meat food products  5 percent of
                                   pyrophosphate.      amount of cooked    except where        phosphate in
                                                       out juices.         otherwise           pickle at 10
                                                                           prohibited by the   percent pump
                                                                           meat inspection     level; 0.5
                                                                           regulations and     percent of
                                                                           poultry food        phosphate in meat
                                                                           products except     food product
                                                                           where otherwise     (only clear
                                                                           prohibited by the   solution may be
                                                                           poultry products    injected into
                                                                           inspection          meat food
                                                                           regulations..       product). For
                                                                                               poultry food
                                                                                               products, 0.5
                                                                                               percent of total
                                                                                               product.
                                  Potassium sorbate.  To retard mold      Dry sausage.......  10 percent in
                                                       growth.                                 water solution
                                                                                               may be applied to
                                                                                               casings after
                                                                                               stuffing or
                                                                                               casings may be
                                                                                               dipped in
                                                                                               solution prior to
                                                                                               stuffing.
                                  Potassium           To decrease the     Meat food products  5 percent of
                                   tripolyphosphate.   amount of cooked    except where        phosphate in
                                                       out juices.         otherwise           pickle at 10
                                                                           prohibited by the   percent pump
                                                                           meat inspection     level; 0.5
                                                                           regulations and     percent of
                                                                           poultry food        phosphate in meat
                                                                           products except     food product
                                                                           where otherwise     (only clear
                                                                           prohibited by the   solution may be
                                                                           poultry products    injected into
                                                                           inspection          meat food
                                                                           regulations.        product). For
                                                                                               poultry food
                                                                                               products, 0.5
                                                                                               percent of total
                                                                                               product.
                                  Propyl paraben      To retard mold      Dry sausage.......  3.5 percent in
                                   (propyl p-hydroxy-  growth.                                 water solution
                                   benzoate).                                                  may be applied to
                                                                                               casings after
                                                                                               stuffing or
                                                                                               casings may be
                                                                                               dipped in
                                                                                               solution prior to
                                                                                               stuffing.
                                  Silicon dioxide...  Processing aid/     Tocopherol          At level not to
                                                       dispersant.         containing bacon    exceed 4.0
                                                                           curing mixes.       percent in the
                                                                                               dry mix.

[[Page 577]]

 
                                  Sodium acid         To decrease the     Meat food products  For meat food
                                   pyrophosphate.      amount of cooked    except where        products, 5
                                                       out juices.         other prohibited    percent of
                                                                           by the meat         phosphate in
                                                                           inspection          pickle at 10
                                                                           regulations and     percent pump
                                                                           poultry food        level; 0.5
                                                                           products except     percent of
                                                                           where otherwise     phosphate in meat
                                                                           prohibited by the   food product
                                                                           poultry products    (only clear
                                                                           inspection          solution may be
                                                                           regulations..       injected into
                                                                                               meat food
                                                                                               product). For
                                                                                               poultry products,
                                                                                               0.5 percent of
                                                                                               total product.
                                  Sodium bicarbonate  To neutralize       Rendered fats,      Sufficient for
                                                       excess acidity,     soups, curing       purpose.
                                                       cleaning            pickle (meat and
                                                       vegetables.         poultry).
                                                      To alkalize.......  Margarine or         Do.
                                                                           oleomargarine.
                                  Sodium carbonate..  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Sodium citrate      To inhibit the      Cured and uncured,  Not to exceed 1.3
                                   buffered with       growth of micro-    processed whole     percent of the
                                   citric acid to a    organisms and       muscle meat and     formulation
                                   pH of 5.6.          retain product      poultry food        weight of the
                                                       flavor during       products, e.g.,     product in
                                                       storage.            ham, chicken        accordance with
                                                                           breasts.            21 CFR 184.1751.
                                  Sodium hydroxide..  To alkalize.......  Margarine or        Sufficient for
                                                                           oleomargarine.      purpose.
                                                      To decrease the     Poultry food        May be used only
                                                       amount of cooked    products            in combination
                                                       out juices.         containing          with phosphate in
                                                                           phosphates.         a ratio not to
                                                                                               exceed one part
                                                                                               sodium hydroxide
                                                                                               to four parts
                                                                                               phosphate.
                                                      ......do..........  Meat food products  May be used only
                                                                           containing          in combination
                                                                           phosphates.         with phosphates
                                                                                               in a ratio not to
                                                                                               exceed one part
                                                                                               sodium hydroxide
                                                                                               to four parts
                                                                                               phosphate; the
                                                                                               combination shall
                                                                                               not exceed 5
                                                                                               percent in pickle
                                                                                               at 10 percent
                                                                                               pump level; 0.5
                                                                                               percent in
                                                                                               product.
                                  Sodium              ......do..........  Meat food products  For meat food
                                   metaphosphate,                          except where        products, 5
                                   insoluble.                              other prohibited    percent of
                                                                           by the meat         phosphate in
                                                                           inspection          pickle at 10
                                                                           regulations, and    percent pump
                                                                           poultry food        level; 0.5
                                                                           products except     percent of
                                                                           where otherwise     phosphate in meat
                                                                           prohibited by the   food product
                                                                           poultry products    (only clear
                                                                           inspection          solution may be
                                                                           regulations.        injected into
                                                                                               meat food
                                                                                               product). For
                                                                                               poultry products,
                                                                                               0.5 percent of
                                                                                               total product.
                                  Sodium              ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   polyphosphate,
                                   glassy.
                                  Sodium proprionate  To retard mold      Pizza crust.......  0.32 percent alone
                                                       growth.                                 or in combination
                                                                                               based on weight
                                                                                               of the flour
                                                                                               brace used.
                                                      ......do..........  Fresh pie dough     0.3 percent of
                                                                           (poultry only).     calcium
                                                                                               proprionate or
                                                                                               sodium
                                                                                               proprionate
                                                                                               alone, or in
                                                                                               combination,
                                                                                               based on weight
                                                                                               of flour used.
                                  Sodium              To decrease the     Meat food products  For meat food
                                   pryophosphate.      amount of cooked    except where        products, 5
                                                       out juices.         otherwise           percent of
                                                                           prohibited by the   phosphate in
                                                                           meat inspection     pickle at 10
                                                                           regulations and     percent pump
                                                                           poultry food        level; 0.5
                                                                           products except     percent of
                                                                           where otherwise     phosphate in meat
                                                                           prohibited by the   food product
                                                                           poultry products    (only clear
                                                                           inspection          solution may be
                                                                           regulations.        injected into
                                                                                               meat food
                                                                                               product). For
                                                                                               poultry products,
                                                                                               0.5 percent of
                                                                                               total product.
                                  Sodium              ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   tripolyphosphate.

[[Page 578]]

 
                                  Sorbic acid         To preserve         Margarine or        0.1 percent
                                   (sodium,            product and to      oleomargarine.      individually, or
                                   potassium, and      retard mold                             if used in
                                   calcium salts).     growth.                                 combination or
                                                                                               with benzoic acid
                                                                                               or its salts, 0.2
                                                                                               percent
                                                                                               (expressed as the
                                                                                               acids in the wt.
                                                                                               of the finished
                                                                                               foods).
                                  Tricalcium          To preserve         Mechanically        Not to exceed 2
                                   phosphate.          product color       deboned chicken     percent of the
                                                       during              to be dehydrated.   weight of the
                                                       dehydration                             mechanically
                                                       process.                                deboned chicken
                                                                                               prior to
                                                                                               dehydration, in
                                                                                               accordance with
                                                                                               21 CFR 182.1217.
Poultry scald agents (must be     Alpha-hydro-omega-  To remove feathers  Poultry carcasses.  Not to exceed 0.05
 removed by subsequent cleaning    hydroxy-poly                                                percent by weight
 operations).                      (oxyethylene)                                               in scald water.
                                   poly
                                   (oxypropylene)
                                   (minimum 15
                                   moles) poly
                                   (oxyethylene)
                                   block copolymer
                                   (poloxamer).
                                  Dimethylpolysiloxa  ......do..........  ......do..........  Sufficient for
                                   ne.                                                         purpose.
                                  Dioctyl sodium      ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   sulfosuccinate.
                                  Dipotassium         ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   phosphate.
                                  Ethylenediaminetet  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   ra-acetic acid
                                   (sodium salts).
                                  Lime (calcium       ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   oxide, calcium
                                   hydroxide).
                                  Polyoxyethylene     ......do..........  ......do..........  Not to exceed
                                   (20) sorbitan                                               0.0175 percent in
                                   monooleate.                                                 scald water.
                                  Potassium           ......do..........  ......do..........  Sufficient for
                                   hydroxide.                                                  purpose.
                                  Propylene glycol..  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Sodium acid         ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   phosphate.
                                  Sodium acid         ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   pyrophosphate.
                                  Sodium bicarbonate  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Sodium carbonate..  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Sodium              ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   dodecylbenzene-
                                   sulfonate.
                                  Sodium-2-           ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   ethylhexyl
                                   sulfate.
                                  Sodium              ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   hexametaphosphate.
                                  Sodium hydroxide..  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Sodium lauryl       ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   sulfate.
                                  Sodium phosphate    ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   (mono-, di-,
                                   tribasic).
                                  Sodium              ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   pyrophosphate.
                                  Sodium              ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   sesquicarbonate.
                                  Sodium sulfate....  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Sodium              ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   tripolyphosphate.
                                  Tetrasodium         ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   pyrophosphate.

[[Page 579]]

 
Proteolytic Enzymes.............  Aspergillus flavus  To soften tissue..  Raw poultry muscle  Solutions
                                   oryzae group.                           tissue of hen,      consisting of
                                                                           cock, mature        water and
                                                                           turkey, mature      approved
                                                                           duck, mature        proteolytic
                                                                           goose, and mature   enzyme applied or
                                                                           guinea, and raw     injected into raw
                                                                           meat cuts.          meat or poultry
                                                                                               tissue shall not
                                                                                               result in a gain
                                                                                               of more than 3
                                                                                               percent above the
                                                                                               weight of the
                                                                                               untreated
                                                                                               product.
                                  Aspergillus oryzae  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Bromelin..........  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Ficin.............  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Papain............  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
Refining Agents (must be          Acetic acid.......  To separate fatty   Rendered fats       Sufficient for
 eliminated during process of                          acids and           (meat only).        purpose.
 manufacturing).                                       glycerol.
                                  Bicarbonate of      ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   soda.
                                  Carbon (purified    To aid in refining  ......do..........   Do.
                                   charcoal).          of animal fats.
                                  Caustic soda        To refine fats....  ......do..........   Do.
                                   (sodium
                                   hydroxide).
                                  Diatomaceous        ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   earth; Fuller's
                                   earth.
                                  Sodium carbonate..  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Tannic acid.......  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
Rendering agents................  Tricalcium          To aid rendering..  Animal fats.......   Do.
                                   phosphate.
                                  Trisodium           ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                   phosphate.
Synergists (used in combination   Citric acid.......  To increase         Any meat product    Not to exceed 0.01
 with antioxidants).                                   effectiveness of    permitted to        percent based on
                                                       antioxidants.       contain             fat content.
                                                                           antioxidants as
                                                                           provided for in
                                                                           this part.
                                                      ......do..........  Poultry fats......  0.01 percent alone
                                                                                               or in combination
                                                                                               with antioxidants
                                                                                               in poultry fats.
                                  Malic acid........  ......do..........  Lard and            0.01 percent based
                                                                           shortening.         on total weight
                                                                                               in combination
                                                                                               with antioxidants
                                                                                               for use in meat
                                                                                               products only.
                                                      ......do..........  Poultry fats......  0.01 percent alone
                                                                                               or in combination
                                                                                               with antioxidants
                                                                                               in poultry fats.
                                  Monoglyceride       ......do..........  Lard, shortening,   0.02 percent.
                                   citrate.                                fresh pork
                                                                           sausage, dried
                                                                           meats and poultry
                                                                           fats.
                                  Monoisopropyl       ......do..........  Lard, shortening,    Do.
                                   citrate.                                oleomargarine,
                                                                           fresh pork
                                                                           sausage, dried
                                                                           meats.
                                                      ......do..........  Poultry fats......  0.01 percent
                                                                                               poultry fats.
                                  Phosphoric acid...  ......do..........  Lard, shortening,   0.01 percent.
                                                                           and poultry fats.
Tenderizing agents..............  Aspergillus flavus  To soften tissue..  Raw poultry muscle  Solutions
                                   oryzae group.                           tissue of hen,      consisting of
                                                                           cock, mature        water and
                                                                           turkey, mature      approved
                                                                           duck, mature        proteolytic
                                                                           goose, and mature   enzyme applied or
                                                                           guinea, and raw     injected into raw
                                                                           meat cuts.          meat or poultry
                                                                                               tissue shall not
                                                                                               result in a gain
                                                                                               of more than 3
                                                                                               percent above the
                                                                                               weight of the
                                                                                               untreated
                                                                                               product.
                                  Aspergillus oryzae  ......do..........  ......do..........  Not more than 3
                                                                                               percent of a 0.8
                                                                                               molar solution.
                                  Bromelin..........  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Calcium chloride..  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.
                                  Magnesium chloride  ......do..........  ......do..........   Do.

[[Page 580]]

 
                                  Papain............  To soften tissue..  Raw poultry muscle  Solutions
                                                                           tissue of hen,      consisting of
                                                                           cock, mature        water and
                                                                           turkey, mature      approved
                                                                           duck, mature        proteolytic
                                                                           goose, and mature   enzyme applied or
                                                                           guinea, and raw     injected into raw
                                                                           meat cuts.          meat or poultry
                                                                                               tissue shall not
                                                                                               result in a gain
                                                                                               of more than 3
                                                                                               percent above the
                                                                                               weight of the
                                                                                               untreated
                                                                                               product.
                                  Potassium chloride  ......do..........  ......do..........  Not more than 3
                                                                                               percent of a 2.0
                                                                                               molar solution.
                                  Potassium,          ......do..........  ......do..........  A solution of
                                   magnesium or                                                approved
                                   calcium chloride.                                           inorganic
                                                                                               chlorides
                                                                                               injected into or
                                                                                               applied to raw
                                                                                               meats or poultry
                                                                                               cuts shall not
                                                                                               result in a gain
                                                                                               of more than 3
                                                                                               percent above the
                                                                                               weight of the
                                                                                               untreated
                                                                                               product.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ [Reserved]
\2\ Information as to the specific products for which use of this additive is approved may be obtained upon
  inquiry addressed to the Labeling and Additives Policy Division, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S.
  Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250.
\3\ Provided that its use is functional and suitable for the product and it is permitted for use at the lowest
  level necessary to accomplish the desired technical effect as determined in specific cases prior to label
  approval under part 412 of this chapter.
\4\ Special labeling requirements are prescribed in 381.120 for raw poultry chilled in a medium with more than
  70 lbs. of salt to 10,000 gals. of water.


[64 FR 72175, Dec. 23, 1999, as amended at 65 FR 3123, Jan. 20, 2000; 65 
FR 34391, May 30, 2000; 78 FR 66839, Nov. 7, 2013; 83 FR 25308, May 31, 
2018; 84 FR 65268, Nov. 27, 2019]



Sec.  424.22  Certain other permitted uses.

    (a) Under appropriate declaration as required in parts 316 and 317 
of this chapter, the following substances may be added to meat:
    (1) General. Common salt, approved sugars (sucrose, cane or beet 
sugar), maple sugar, dextrose, invert sugar, honey, corn syrup solids 
(corn syrup, glucose syrup and fructose), wood smoke, vinegar, 
flavorings, spices, sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrate, 
potassium nitrite, and other food and color additives specified in the 
chart in paragraph (c) of this section may be added to meat under 
conditions, if any, specified in this part or in part 317 of this 
chapter.
    (2) Artificial flavorings. Other harmless artificial flavorings may 
be added to meat, with the approval of the Administrator in specific 
cases.
    (3) Coloring matter and dyes. Coloring matter and dyes, other than 
those specified in a regulation permitting that use in this chapter or 
in 21 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter A and Subchapter B, may be applied to 
meat mixed with rendered fat, applied to natural and artificial casings, 
and applied to such casings enclosing products, if approved by the 
Administrator in specific cases. When any coloring matter or dye is 
applied to casings, there shall be no penetration of coloring into the 
product.
    (b) Use of nitrite and sodium ascorbate or sodium erythorbate 
(isoascorbate) in bacon--(1) Pumped bacon. With respect to bacon 
injected with curing ingredients and massaged bacon, sodium nitrite 
shall be used at 120 parts per million (ppm) ingoing or an equivalent 
amount of potassium nitrite shall be used (148 ppm ingoing); and 550 ppm 
of sodium ascorbate or sodium erythorbate (isoascorbate) shall be used. 
Sodium ascorbate or sodium erythorbate have a molecular weight of 
approximately 198. Hydrated forms of these substances shall be adjusted 
to attain the equivalent of 550 ppm of sodium ascorbate or sodium 
erythorbate.
    (i) The Department shall collect samples of pumped bacon from 
producing plants and analyze them for the level of nitrosamines by the 
Thermal Energy Analyzer (TEA). In the event that a TEA analysis 
indicates that a confirmable level of nitrosamines might be present, 
additional samples shall be collected and analyzed by gas 
chromatography. Presumptive positive results

[[Page 581]]

must be confirmed by mass spectrometry before being considered positive. 
If during the interval required for the Department to analyze the 
confirmatory samples by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, 
changes are made in processing procedures which are expected to result 
in no confirmable levels of nitrosamines in pumped bacon produced by 
these new procedures, an establishment may submit samples to USDA for 
analysis upon prior notification and arrangements with USDA. If, 
however, an establishment furnishes USDA with laboratory results from 
testing five consecutive lots of pumped bacon produced under the new 
procedures and the testing is performed by the USDA methodology and 
procedures, those results will be utilized in making the determination 
concerning the product produced under the new procedures. Should the 
results of these tests reveal that confirmable levels of nitrosamines 
are not indicated in any of the five consecutive lots, the confirmation 
analysis by USDA shall be terminated and the establishment shall revert 
to normal monitoring status. In the event the test results continue to 
indicate nitrosamines, however, USDA shall proceed in its confirmation 
analysis on the original samples taken for confirmation. If any one of 
the original samples collected by USDA for confirmation is found to 
contain confirmable levels of nitrosamines, all pumped bacon in the 
producing establishment and all future production will be retained. The 
Department shall sample and analyze such retained pumped bacon for 
nitrosamines on a lot by lot basis. A production lot shall be that 
pumped bacon produced by the establishment in any single shift. Samples 
from any lot of pumped bacon under retention found to contain 
nitrosamines at a confirmable level shall cause the lot of pumped bacon 
to be disposed of in a manner to ensure it will not form nitrosamines 
when cooked. Such disposal may include incorporation of the uncooked 
pumped bacon as an ingredient of another meat provided it is processed 
for eating without further preparation in a manner to preclude the 
formation of nitrosamines. Bacon subsequently produced shall not be 
retained because of nitrosamines if the operator of the establishment 
makes adjustments in the processing of the product and laboratory 
results obtained by TEA analysis of samples from five consecutive normal 
sized lots of pumped bacon indicates that the product being produced 
contains no confirmable levels of nitrosamines. These tests from five 
consecutive normal sized lots of pumped bacon shall be conducted by the 
Department. However, if the establishment furnishes the Department with 
the results of tests conducted under the methodology and procedures used 
by the Department, such test results will be utilized in making the 
determination concerning the nitrosamine content of the product. All 
tests of pumped bacon for nitrosamines under this paragraph (b)(1)(i) 
shall be made on pumped bacon cooked at 340 degrees F. for 3 minutes on 
each side. In order to determine that no confirmable levels of 
nitrosamines are present in a sample tested, the testing must be 
performed by methodology and procedures that would detect the presence 
of any nitrosamines at 10 ppb.
    (ii) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this 
section, sodium nitrite may be used at:
    (A) 100 ppm ingoing (potassium nitrite at 123 ppm ingoing); and 550 
ppm sodium ascorbate or sodium erythorbate (isoascorbate) shall be used; 
or
    (B) A predetermined level between 40 and 80 ppm (potassium nitrite 
at a level between 49 and 99 ppm); 550 ppm sodium ascorbate or sodium 
erythorbate (isoascorbate); and additional sucrose or other similar 
fermentable carbohydrate at a minimum of 0.7 percent and an inoculum of 
lactic acid producing bacteria such as Pediococcus acetolactii or other 
bacteria demonstrated to be equally effective in preventing the 
production of botulinum toxin at a level sufficient for the purpose of 
preventing the production of botulinum toxin.
    (C) The Department shall collect samples of bacon from 
establishments producing under paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section and 
analyze them for the level of nitrosamines. Samples shall be randomly 
selected throughout the production of a lot. The actual sampling

[[Page 582]]

plans and methods of analysis that are used will result in approximately 
the same likelihood as under paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section of 
having a presumptive positive result when the true mean level of 
nitrosamines in a production lot is 10 ppb. In the event of a 
presumptive positive result, the establishment shall become subject to 
the provisions of paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section.
    (2) Immersion cured bacon. Immersion cured bacon may be placed in a 
brine solution containing salt, nitrite and flavoring material or in a 
container with salt, nitrite and flavoring material. Sodium nitrite 
shall not exceed 120 ppm ingoing or an equivalent amount of potassium 
nitrite (148 ppm ingoing) based on the actual or estimated skin-free 
green weight of the bacon bellies.
    (3) Bacon made with dry curing materials. With respect to bacon made 
with dry curing materials, the product shall be cured by applying a 
premeasured amount of cure mixture to the bacon belly surfaces, 
completely covering the surfaces. Sodium nitrite shall not exceed 200 
ppm ingoing or an equivalent amount of potassium nitrite (246 ppm 
ingoing) in dry cured bacon based on the actual or estimated skin-free 
green weight of the bacon belly.
    (c) Irradiation of meat food and poultry products.
    (1) General requirements. Meat food and poultry products may be 
treated to reduce foodborne pathogens and to extend product shelf-life 
by the use of sources of ionizing radiation as identified in 21 CFR 
179.26(a). Official establishments must irradiate meat food and poultry 
products in accordance with 21 CFR 179.26(b), the Hazard Analysis and 
Critical Control Point (HACCP) system requirements in part 417 of this 
chapter, and the provisions of this section.
    (2) Dosimetry. Official establishments that irradiate meat food and 
poultry products must have the following procedures in place:
    (i) Laboratory operation procedures for determining the absorbed 
dose value from the dosimeter.
    (ii) Calibration criteria for verifying the accuracy and consistency 
of any means of measurement (e.g., time clocks and weight scales).
    (iii) Calibration and accountability criteria for verifying the 
traceability and accuracy of dosimeters for the intended purpose, and 
the verification of calibration at least every 12 months. To confirm 
traceability, establishments must relate, through documentation, the end 
point measurement of a dosimeter to recognized standards.
    (iv) Procedures for ensuring that the product unit is dose mapped to 
identify the regions of minimum and maximum absorbed dose and such 
regions are consistent from one product unit to another of like product.
    (v) Procedures for accounting for the total absorbed dose received 
by the product unit (e.g., partial applications of the absorbed dose 
within one production lot).
    (vi) Procedures for verifying routine dosimetry, i.e., assuring each 
production lot receives the total absorbed dose. Establishments may 
either position one dosimeter at the regions of minimum and maximum 
absorbed dose (or at one region verified to represent such) on at least 
the first, middle, and last product unit in each production lot or use 
statistically based validation and dose mapping to determine the number 
and placement of dosimeters in each production lot.
    (vii) Procedures for verifying the relationship of absorbed dose as 
measured by the dosimeter to time exposure of the product unit to the 
radiation source.
    (viii) Procedures for verifying the integrity of the radiation 
source and processing procedure. Aside from expected and verified 
radiation source activity decay for radionuclide sources, the radiation 
source or processing procedure must not be altered, modified, 
replenished, or adjusted without repeating dose mapping of product units 
to redefine the regions of minimum and maximum absorbed dose.
    (3) Documentation. Official establishments that irradiate meat food 
or poultry products must have the following documentation on premises, 
available to FSIS:
    (i) Documentation that the irradiation facility is licensed or 
possesses gamma radiation sources registered

[[Page 583]]

with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) or the appropriate State 
government acting under authority granted by the NRC.
    (ii) Documentation that the machine radiation source irradiation 
facility is registered with the appropriate State government, if 
applicable.
    (iii) Documentation that a worker safety program addressing OSHA 
regulations (29 CFR chapter XVII) is in place.
    (iv) Citations or other documents that relate to incidences in which 
the establishment was found not to comply with Federal or State agency 
requirements for irradiation facilities.
    (v) A certification by the operator that the irradiation facility 
personnel will only operate under supervision of a person who has 
successfully completed a course of instruction for operators of food 
irradiation facilities.
    (vi) A certification by the operator that the key irradiation 
personnel, who monitor or control daily operations, have been trained in 
food technology, irradiation processing, and radiation health and 
safety.
    (vii) Guarantees from the suppliers of all food-contact packaging 
materials that may be subject to irradiation that those materials comply 
with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.).
    (4) Labeling. (i) The labels on packages of meat food and poultry 
products irradiated in their entirety, in conformance with this section 
and with 21 CFR 179.26(a) and (b), must bear the logo shown at the end 
of this paragraph. Unless the word ``Irradiated'' is part of the product 
name, labels also must bear a statement such as ``Treated with 
radiation'' or ``Treated by irradiation.'' The logo must be placed in 
conjunction with the required statement, if the statement is used. The 
statement is not required to be more prominent than the declaration of 
ingredients required under Sec.  317.2(c)(2) of this chapter.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR23DE99.000

    (ii) For meat food or poultry products that have been irradiated in 
their entirety, but that are not sold in packages, the required logo 
must be displayed to the purchaser with either the labeling of the bulk 
container plainly in view or a counter sign, card, or other appropriate 
device bearing the information that the product has been treated with 
radiation. In either case, the information must be prominently and 
conspicuously displayed to purchasers. Unless the word ``Irradiated'' is 
part of the product name, the labeling counter sign, card, or other 
device also must bear a statement such as ``Treated with radiation'' or 
``Treated by irradiation.'' The logo must be placed in conjunction with 
the required statement, if the statement is used.
    (iii) The inclusion of an irradiated meat food or poultry product 
ingredient in any multi-ingredient meat food or poultry product must be 
reflected in the ingredient statement on the finished product labeling.
    (iv) Optional labeling statements about the purpose for radiation 
processing may be included on the product label in addition to the 
stated requirements elsewhere in this section, provided that such 
statements are not false or misleading. Statements that there has been a 
specific reduction in microbial pathogens must be substantiated by 
processing documentation.

[64 FR 72175, Dec. 23, 1999, as amended at 64 FR 72165, Dec. 23, 1999; 
65 FR 34391, May 30, 2000; 78 FR 66839, Nov. 7, 2013]



Sec.  424.23  Prohibited uses.

    (a) Substances that conceal damage or inferiority or make products 
appear better or of greater value. No substance may be used in or on any 
meat if it conceals damage or inferiority or makes the

[[Page 584]]

product appear to be better or of greater value than it is. Therefore:
    (1) Paprika or oleoresin paprika may not be used in or on fresh 
meat, such as steaks, or comminuted fresh meat, such as chopped and 
formed steaks or patties; or in any other meat consisting of fresh meat 
(with or without seasoning).
    (2) Paprika or oleoresin paprika may be used in or on chorizo 
sausage and other meat in which paprika or oleoresin paprika is 
permitted as an ingredient in a standard of identity or composition in 
part 319 of this subchapter.
    (3) Sorbic acid, calcium sorbate, sodium sorbate, and other salts of 
sorbic acid shall not be used in cooked sausages or any other meat; 
sulfurous acid and salts of sulfurous acid shall not be used in or on 
any meat; and niacin or nicotinamide shall not be used in or on fresh 
meat product; except that potassium sorbate, propylparaben (propyl p-
hydroxybenzoate), and calcium propionate, may be used in or on any 
product, only as provided in 9 CFR Chapter III.
    (b) Nitrates. Nitrates shall not be used in curing bacon.

[64 FR 72175, Dec. 23, 1999, as amended at 78 FR 14640, Mar. 7, 2013]



PART 430_REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC CLASSES OF PRODUCT--Table of Contents



Sec.
430.1 Definitions.
430.4 Control of Listeria monocytogenes in post-lethality exposed ready-
          to-eat products.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 1901-1906; 21 U.S.C. 451-470, 601-
695; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 68 FR 34224, June 6, 2003, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  430.1  Definitions.

    Antimicrobial agent. A substance in or added to an RTE product that 
has the effect of reducing or eliminating a microorganism, including a 
pathogen such as L. monocytogenes, or that has the effect of suppressing 
or limiting growth of L. monocytogenes in the product throughout the 
shelf life of the product. Examples of antimicrobial agents added to RTE 
products are potassium lactate and sodium diacetate.
    Antimicrobial process. An operation, such as freezing, applied to an 
RTE product that has the effect of suppressing or limiting the growth of 
a microorganism, such as L. monocytogenes, in the product throughout the 
shelf life of the product.
    Deli product. A ready-to-eat meat or poultry product that typically 
is sliced, either in an official establishment or after distribution 
from an official establishment, and typically is assembled in a sandwich 
for consumption.
    Hotdog product. A ready-to-eat meat or poultry frank, frankfurter, 
or wiener, such as a product defined in 9 CFR 319.180 and 319.181.
    Lethality treatment. A process, including the application of an 
antimicrobial agent, that eliminates or reduces the number of pathogenic 
microorganisms on or in a product to make the product safe for human 
consumption. Examples of lethality treatments are cooking or the 
application of an antimicrobial agent or process that eliminates or 
reduces pathogenic microorganisms.
    Post-lethality exposed product. Ready-to-eat product that comes into 
direct contact with a food contact surface after the lethality treatment 
in a post-lethality processing environment.
    Post-lethality processing environment. The area of an establishment 
into which product is routed after having been subjected to an initial 
lethality treatment. The product may be exposed to the environment in 
this area as a result of slicing, peeling, re-bagging, cooling semi-
permeable encased product with a brine solution, or other procedures.
    Post-lethality treatment. A lethality treatment that is applied or 
is effective after post-lethality exposure. It is applied to the final 
product or sealed package of product in order to reduce or eliminate the 
level of pathogens resulting from contamination from post-lethality 
exposure.
    Prerequisite program. A procedure or set of procedures that is 
designed to provide basic environmental or operating conditions 
necessary for the production of safe, wholesome food. It is called 
``prerequisite'' because it is considered by scientific experts to be 
prerequisite to a HACCP plan.

[[Page 585]]

    Ready-to-eat (RTE) product. A meat or poultry product that is in a 
form that is edible without additional preparation to achieve food 
safety and may receive additional preparation for palatability or 
aesthetic, epicurean, gastronomic, or culinary purposes. RTE product is 
not required to bear a safe-handling instruction (as required for non-
RTE products by 9 CFR 317.2(l) and 381.125(b)) or other labeling that 
directs that the product must be cooked or otherwise treated for safety, 
and can include frozen meat and poultry products.



Sec.  430.4  Control of Listeria monocytogenes in post-lethality exposed
ready-to-eat products.

    (a) Listeria monocytogenes can contaminate RTE products that are 
exposed to the environment after they have undergone a lethality 
treatment. L. monocytogenes is a hazard that an establishment producing 
post-lethality exposed RTE products must control through its HACCP plan 
or prevent in the processing environment through a Sanitation SOP or 
other prerequisite program. RTE product is adulterated if it contains L. 
monocytogenes, or if it comes into direct contact with a food contact 
surface that is contaminated with L. monocytogenes. Establishments must 
not release into commerce product that contains L. monocytogenes or that 
has been in contact with a food contact surface contaminated with L. 
monocytogenes without first reworking the product using a process that 
is destructive of L. monocytogenes.
    (b) In order to maintain the sanitary conditions necessary to meet 
this requirement, an establishment producing post-lethality exposed RTE 
product must comply with the requirements included in one of the three 
following alternatives:
    (1) Alternative 1. Use of a post-lethality treatment (which may be 
an antimicrobial agent) that reduces or eliminates microorganisms on the 
product and an antimicrobial agent or process that suppresses or limits 
the growth of L. monocytogenes. If an establishment chooses this 
alternative:
    (i) The post-lethality treatment must be included in the 
establishment's HACCP plan. The antimicrobial agent or process used to 
suppress or limit the growth of the pathogen must be included in either 
the establishment's HACCP plan or its Sanitation SOP or other 
prerequisite program.
    (ii) The establishment must validate the effectiveness of the post-
lethality treatment incorporated in its HACCP plan in accordance with 
Sec.  417.4. The establishment must document, either in its HACCP plan 
or in its Sanitation SOP or other prerequisite program, that the 
antimicrobial agent or process, as used, is effective in suppressing or 
limiting growth of L. monocytogenes.
    (2) Alternative 2. Use of either a post-lethality treatment (which 
may be an antimicrobial agent) that reduces or eliminates microorganisms 
on the product or an antimicrobial agent or process that suppresses or 
limits growth of L. monocytogenes. If an establishment chooses this 
alternative:
    (i) The post-lethality treatment must be included in the 
establishment's HACCP plan. The antimicrobial agent or process used to 
suppress or limit growth of the pathogen must be included in either the 
establishment's HACCP plan or its Sanitation SOP or other prerequisite 
program.
    (ii) The establishment must validate the effectiveness of a post-
lethality treatment incorporated in its HACCP plan in accordance with 
Sec.  417.4. The establishment must document in its HACCP plan or in its 
Sanitation SOP or other prerequisite program that the antimicrobial 
agent or process, as used, is effective in suppressing or limiting 
growth of L. monocytogenes.
    (iii) If an establishment chooses this alternative and chooses to 
use only an antimicrobial agent or process that suppresses or limits the 
growth of L. monocytogenes, its sanitation program must:
    (A) Provide for testing of food contact surfaces in the post-
lethality processing environment to ensure that the surfaces are 
sanitary and free of L. monocytogenes or of an indicator organism;
    (B) Identify the conditions under which the establishment will 
implement hold-and-test procedures following a positive test of a food-
contact surface for an indicator organism;

[[Page 586]]

    (C) State the frequency with which testing will be done;
    (D) Identify the size and location of the sites that will be 
sampled; and
    (E) Include an explanation of why the testing frequency is 
sufficient to ensure that effective control of L. monocytogenes or of 
indicator organisms is maintained.
    (iv) An establishment that chooses this alternative and uses a post-
lethality treatment of product will likely be subject to more frequent 
verification testing by FSIS than if it had chosen Alternative 1. An 
establishment that chooses this alternative and uses an antimicrobial 
agent or process that suppresses or limits the growth of L. 
monocytogenes will likely be subject to more frequent FSIS verification 
testing than if it uses a post-lethality treatment.
    (3) Alternative 3. Use of sanitation measures only.
    (i) If an establishment chooses this alternative, its sanitation 
program must:
    (A) Provide for testing of food contact surfaces in the post-
lethality processing environment to ensure that the surfaces are 
sanitary and free of L. monocytogenes or of an indicator organism;
    (B) Identify the conditions under which the establishment will 
implement hold-and-test procedures following a positive test of a food-
contact surface for an indicator organism;
    (C) State the frequency with which testing will be done;
    (D) Identify the size and location of the sites that will be 
sampled; and
    (E) Include an explanation of why the testing frequency is 
sufficient to ensure that effective control of L. monocytogenes or of 
indicator organisms is maintained.
    (ii) An establishment producing a deli product or a hotdog product, 
in addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this 
section, must meet the following requirements:
    (A) The establishment must verify that the corrective actions that 
it takes with respect to sanitation after an initial positive test for 
L. monocytogenes or an indicator organism on a food contact surface in 
the post-lethality processing environment are effective by conducting 
follow-up testing that includes a targeted test of the specific site on 
the food contact surface area that is the most likely source of 
contamination by the organism and such additional tests in the 
surrounding food contact surface area as are necessary to ensure the 
effectiveness of the corrective actions.
    (B) During this follow-up testing, if the establishment obtains a 
second positive test for an indicator organism, the establishment must 
hold lots of product that may have become contaminated by contact with 
the food contact surface until the establishment corrects the problem 
indicated by the test result.
    (C) In order to release into commerce product held under this 
section, the establishment must sample and test the lots for L. 
monocytogenes or an indicator organism using a sampling method and 
frequency that will provide a level of statistical confidence that 
ensures that each lot is not adulterated with L. monocytogenes. The 
establishment must document the results of this testing. Alternatively, 
the establishment may rework the held product using a process that is 
destructive of L. monocytogenes or the indicator organism.
    (iii) An establishment that chooses Alternative 3 is likely to be 
subject to more frequent verification testing by FSIS than an 
establishment that has chosen Alternative 1 or 2. An establishment that 
chooses Alternative 3 and that produces deli meat or hotdog products is 
likely to be subject to more frequent verification testing than one that 
does not produce such products.
    (c) For all three alternatives in paragraph (b):
    (1) Establishments may use verification testing that includes tests 
for L. monocytogenes or an indicator organism, such as Listeria species, 
to verify the effectiveness of their sanitation procedures in the post-
lethality processing environment.
    (2) Sanitation measures for controlling L. monocytogenes and 
procedures for antimicrobial agents or processes that suppress or limit 
the growth of the pathogen may be incorporated either in the 
establishment's HACCP plan or in its Sanitation SOP or other

[[Page 587]]

prerequisite program. When these control procedures are incorporated 
into the Sanitation SOP or prerequisite program, and not as a CCP in the 
HACCP plan, the establishment must have documentation that supports the 
decision in its hazard analysis that L. monocytogenes is not a hazard 
that is reasonably likely to occur.
    (3) The establishment must maintain sanitation in the post-lethality 
processing environment in accordance with part 416.
    (4) If L. monocytogenes control measures are included in the HACCP 
plan, the establishment must validate and verify the effectiveness of 
measures for controlling L. monocytogenes included in its HACCP plan in 
accordance with Sec.  417.4.
    (5) If L. monocytogenes control measures are included in the 
Sanitation SOP, the effectiveness of the measures must be evaluated in 
accordance with Sec.  416.14.
    (6) If the measures for addressing L. monocytogenes are addressed in 
a prerequisite program other than the Sanitation SOP, the establishment 
must include the program and the results produced by the program in the 
documentation that the establishment is required to maintain under 9 CFR 
417.5.
    (7) The establishment must make the verification results that 
demonstrate the effectiveness of the measures it employs, whether under 
its HACCP plan or its Sanitation SOP or other prerequisite program, 
available upon request to FSIS inspection personnel.
    (d) [Reserved]
    (e) An establishment that controls L. monocytogenes by using a post-
lethality treatment or an antimicrobial agent or process that eliminates 
or reduces, or suppresses or limits the growth of the organism may 
declare this fact on the product label provided that the establishment 
has validated the claim.

[68 FR 34224, June 6, 2003, as amended at 80 FR 35188, June 19, 2015]



PART 431_THERMALLY PROCESSED, COMMERCIALLY STERILE PRODUCTS-
-Table of Contents



Sec.
431.1 Definitions.
431.2 Containers and closures.
431.3 Thermal processing.
431.4 Critical factors and the application of the process schedule.
431.5 Operations in the thermal processing area.
431.6 Equipment and procedures for heat processing systems.
431.7 Processing and production records.
431.8 Record review and maintenance.
431.9 Deviations in processing.
431.10 Finished product inspection.
431.11 Personnel and training.
431.12 Recall procedure.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1633, 1901-1906; 21 U.S.C. 451-472, 601-695; 7 
CFR 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 83 FR 25308, May 31, 2018, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  431.1  Definitions.

    Abnormal container. A container with any sign of swelling or product 
leakage or any evidence that the contents of the unopened container may 
be spoiled.
    Acidified low acid product. A canned product which has been 
formulated or treated so that every component of the finished product 
has a pH of 4.6 or lower within 24 hours after the completion of the 
thermal process unless data are available from the establishment's 
processing authority demonstrating that a longer time period is safe.
    Bleeders. Small orifices on a retort through which steam, other 
gasses, and condensate are emitted from the retort throughout the entire 
thermal process.
    Canned product. A meat or poultry food product with a water activity 
above 0.85 which receives a thermal process either before or after being 
packed in a hermetically sealed container. Unless otherwise specified, 
the term ``product'' as used in this part means ``canned product.''
    Closure technician. The individual(s) identified by the 
establishment as being trained to perform specific container integrity 
examinations as required by this part and designated by the 
establishment to perform such examinations.
    Code lot. All production of a particular product in a specific size 
container marked with a specific container code.
    Come-up time. The elapsed time, including venting time (if 
applicable), between the introduction of the heating medium into a 
closed retort and the start of process timing.

[[Page 588]]

    Critical factor. Any characteristic, condition or aspect of a 
product, container, or procedure that affects the adequacy of the 
process schedule. Critical factors are established by processing 
authorities.
    Headspace. That portion of a container not occupied by the product.
    (1) Gross headspace. The vertical distance between the level of the 
product (generally the liquid surface) in an upright rigid container and 
the top edge of the container (i.e., the flange of an unsealed can, the 
top of the double seam on a sealed can, or the top edge of an unsealed 
jar).
    (2) Net headspace. The vertical distance between the level of the 
product (generally the liquid surface) in an upright rigid container and 
the inside surface of the lid.
    Hermetically sealed containers. Air-tight containers which are 
designed and intended to protect the contents against the entry of 
microorganisms during and after thermal processing.
    (1) Rigid container. A container, the shape or contour of which, 
when filled and sealed, is neither affected by the enclosed product nor 
deformed by external mechanical pressure of up to 10 pounds per square 
inch gauge (0.7 kg/cm\2\) (i.e., normal firm finger pressure).
    (2) Semirigid container. A container, the shape or contour of which, 
when filled and sealed, is not significantly affected by the enclosed 
product under normal atmospheric temperature and pressure, but can be 
deformed by external mechanical pressure of less than 10 pounds per 
square inch gauge (0.7 kg/cm\2\) (i.e., normal firm finger pressure).
    (3) Flexible container. A container, the shape or contour of which, 
when filled and sealed, is significantly affected by the enclosed 
product.
    Incubation tests. Tests in which the thermally processed product is 
kept at a specific temperature for a specified period of time in order 
to determine if outgrowth of microorganisms occurs.
    Initial temperature. The temperature, determined at the initiation 
of a thermal process cycle, of the contents of the coldest container to 
be processed.
    Low acid product. A canned product in which any component has a pH 
value above 4.6.
    Process schedule. The thermal process and any specified critical 
factors for a given canned product required to achieve shelf stability.
    Process temperature. The minimum temperature(s) of the heating 
medium to be maintained as specified in the process schedule.
    Process time. The intended time(s) a container is to be exposed to 
the heating medium while the heating medium is at or above the process 
temperature(s).
    Processing authority. The person(s) or organization(s) having expert 
knowledge of thermal processing requirements for foods in hermetically 
sealed containers, having access to facilities for making such 
determinations, and designated by the establishment to perform certain 
functions as indicated in this part.
    Program employee. Any inspector or other individual employed by the 
Department or any cooperating agency who is authorized by the Secretary 
to do any work or perform any duty in connection with the Program.
    Retort. A pressure vessel designed for thermal processing of product 
packed in hermetically sealed containers.
    Seals. Those parts of a semirigid container and lid or of a flexible 
container that are fused together in order to hermetically close the 
container.
    Shelf stability. The condition achieved by application of heat, 
sufficient, alone or in combination with other ingredients and/or 
treatments, to render the product free of microorganisms capable of 
growing in the product at nonrefrigerated conditions (over 50[emsp14] 
[deg]F or 10 [deg]C) at which the product is intended to be held during 
distribution and storage. Shelf stability and shelf stable are 
synonymous with commercial sterility and commercially sterile, 
respectively.
    Thermal process. The heat treatment necessary to achieve shelf 
stability as determined by the establishment's processing authority. It 
is quantified in terms of:
    (1) Time(s) and temperature(s); or
    (2) Minimum product temperature.
    Venting. The removal of air from a retort before the start of 
process timing.
    Water activity. The ratio of the water vapor pressure of the product 
to the

[[Page 589]]

vapor pressure of pure water at the same temperature.



Sec.  431.2  Containers and closures.

    (a) Examination and handling of empty containers. (1) Empty 
containers, closures, and flexible pouch roll stock must be evaluated by 
the establishment to ensure that they are free of structural defects and 
damage that may affect product or container integrity. Such an 
examination should be based on a statistical sampling plan.
    (2) All empty containers, closures, and flexible pouch roll stock 
must be stored, handled, and conveyed in such a manner that will prevent 
damage that could affect the hermetic condition of the sealed container.
    (3) Just before filling, rigid containers must be cleaned to prevent 
incorporation of foreign matter into the finished product. Closures, 
semirigid containers, preformed flexible pouches, and flexible pouch 
roll stock contained in original wrappings do not need to be cleaned 
before use.
    (b) Closure examinations for rigid containers (cans)--(1) Visual 
examinations. A closure technician must visually examine the double 
seams formed by each closing machine head. When seam defects (e.g., 
cutovers, sharpness, knocked down flanges, false seams, droops) are 
observed, necessary corrective actions, such as adjusting or repairing 
the closing machine, must be taken. In addition to the double seams, the 
entire container must be examined for product leakage or obvious 
defects. A visual examination must be performed on at least one 
container from each closing machine head, and the observations, along 
with any corrective actions, must be recorded. Visual examinations must 
be conducted with sufficient frequency to ensure proper closure and 
should be conducted at least every 30 minutes of continuous closing 
machine operation. Additional visual examinations must be made by the 
closure technician at the beginning of production, immediately following 
every jam in the closing machine and after closing machine adjustment 
(including adjustment for changes in container size).
    (2) Teardown examinations. Teardown examinations of double seams 
formed by each closing machine head must be performed by a closure 
technician at a frequency sufficient to ensure proper closure. These 
examinations should be made at intervals of not more than 4 hours of 
continuous closing machine operation. At least one container from each 
closing head must be examined on the packer's end during each regular 
examination period. Examination results along with any necessary 
corrective actions, such as adjusting or repairing the closing machine, 
must be promptly recorded by the closure technician. The establishment 
must have container specification guidelines for double seam integrity 
on file and available for review by Program employees. A teardown 
examination of the can maker's end must be performed on at least one 
container selected from each closing machine during each examination 
period except when teardown examinations are made on incoming empty 
containers or when, in the case of self-manufactured containers, the 
containers are made in the vicinity of the establishment and the 
container plant records are made available to Program employees. 
Additional teardown examinations on the packer's end should be made at 
the beginning of production, immediately following every jam in a 
closing machine and after closing machine adjustment (including 
adjustment for a change in container size). The following procedures 
must be used in teardown examinations of double seams:
    (i) Dimensional measurement. One of the following two methods must 
be employed for dimensional measurements of the double seam.
    (A) Micrometer measurement. (1) For cylindrical containers, measure 
the following dimensions (Figure 1 to Sec.  431.2) at three points 
approximately 120 degrees apart on the double seam excluding and at 
least one-half inch from the side seam juncture:

    (i) Double seam length--W;
    (ii) Double seam thickness--S;
    (iii) Body hook length--BH; and
    (iv) Cover hook length--CH.
    (2) Maximum and minimum values for each dimensional measurement must 
be recorded by the closure technician.

[[Page 590]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31MY18.001

    (B) Seamscope or seam projector. Required measurements of the seam 
include thickness, body hook, and overlap.
    (ii) Seam thickness. Seam thickness must be obtained by micrometer. 
For cylindrical containers, at least two locations, excluding the side 
seam juncture, must be used to obtain the required measurements.
    (iii) Seam tightness. Regardless of the dimensional measurement 
method used to measure seam dimensions, at a minimum, the seam(s) 
examined must be stripped to assess the degree of wrinkling.
    (iv) Side seam juncture rating. Regardless of the dimensional 
measurement method used to measure seam dimensions, the cover hook must 
be stripped to examine the cover hook droop at the juncture for 
containers having side seams.
    (v) Examination of noncylindrical containers. Examination of 
noncylindrical containers (e.g., square, rectangular,

[[Page 591]]

``D''-shaped, and irregularly-shaped) must be conducted as described in 
paragraphs (b)(2)(i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) of this section except that 
the required dimensional measurements must be made on the double seam at 
the points listed in the establishment's container specification 
guidelines.
    (c) Closure examinations for glass containers--(1) Visual 
examinations. A closure technician must visually assess the adequacy of 
the closures formed by each closing machine. When closure defects, such 
as loose or cocked caps, fractured or cracked containers and low vacuum 
jars, are observed, necessary corrective actions, such as adjusting or 
repairing the closing machine must be taken and recorded. In addition to 
the closures, the entire container must be examined for defects. Visual 
examinations must be made with sufficient frequency to ensure proper 
closure and should be conducted at least every 30 minutes of continuous 
closing machine operation. Additional visual examinations must be made 
by the closure technician and the observations recorded at the beginning 
of production, immediately following every jam in the closing machine, 
and after closing machine adjustment (including adjustment for a change 
in container size).
    (2) Closure examinations and tests. Depending upon the container and 
closure, tests must be performed by a closure technician at a frequency 
sufficient to ensure proper closure. These examinations should be made 
either before or after thermal processing and at intervals of not more 
than 4 hours of continuous closing machine operation. At least one 
container from each closing machine must be examined during each regular 
examination period. Examination results along with any necessary 
corrective actions, such as adjusting or repairing the closing machine, 
must be promptly recorded by the closure technician. The establishment 
must have specification guidelines for closure integrity on file and 
available for review by Program employees. Additional closure 
examinations should be made at the beginning of production, immediately 
following every jam in the closing machine, and after closing machine 
adjustment (including adjustment for a change in container size).
    (d) Closure examinations for semi-rigid and flexible containers--(1) 
Heat seals--(i) Visual examinations. A closure technician must visually 
examine the seals formed by each sealing machine. When sealing defects 
are observed, necessary corrective actions, such as adjusting or 
repairing the sealing machine, must be taken and recorded. In addition 
to examining the heat seals, the entire container must be examined for 
product leakage or obvious defects. Visual examinations must be 
performed before and after the thermal processing operation and with 
sufficient frequency to ensure proper closure. These examinations should 
be conducted at least in accordance with a statistical sampling plan. 
All defects noted and corrective actions taken must be promptly 
recorded.
    (ii) Physical tests. Tests determined by the establishment as 
necessary to assess container integrity must be conducted by the closure 
technician at a frequency sufficient to ensure proper closure. These 
tests must be performed after the thermal processing operation and 
should be made at least every 2 hours of continuous production. The 
establishment's acceptance guidelines for each test procedure must be on 
file and available for review by Program employees. Test results along 
with any necessary corrective actions, such as adjusting or repairing 
the sealing machine, must be recorded.
    (2) Recording. Double seams on semirigid or flexible containers must 
be examined and the results recorded as provided in paragraph (b) of 
this section. Any additional measurements specified by the container 
manufacturer must also be made and recorded.
    (e) Container coding. Each container must be marked with a 
permanent, legible, identifying code mark. The mark must, at a minimum, 
identify in code the product (unless the product name is lithographed or 
printed elsewhere on the container) and the day and year the product was 
packed.
    (f) Handling of containers after closure. (1) Containers and 
closures must be protected from damage which may cause defects that are 
likely to affect

[[Page 592]]

the hermetic condition of the containers. The accumulation of stationary 
containers on moving conveyors should be minimized to avoid damage to 
the containers.
    (2) The maximum time lapse between closure of containers and 
initiation of thermal processing must be 2 hours unless data are 
available from the establishment's processing authority demonstrating 
that an alternative time period is safe and will not result in product 
spoilage.



Sec.  431.3  Thermal processing.

    (a) Process schedules. Prior to the processing of canned product for 
distribution in commerce, an establishment must have a process schedule 
(as defined in Sec.  431.1) for each canned meat or poultry product to 
be packed by the establishment.
    (b) Source of process schedules. (1) Process schedules used by an 
establishment must be developed or determined by a processing authority.
    (2) Any change in product formulation, ingredients, or treatments 
that are not already incorporated in a process schedule and that may 
adversely affect either the product heat penetration profile or 
sterilization value requirements must be evaluated by the 
establishment's processing authority. If it is determined that any such 
change adversely affects the adequacy of the process schedule, the 
processing authority must amend the process schedule accordingly.
    (3) Complete records concerning all aspects of the development or 
determination of a process schedule, including any associated incubation 
tests, must be made available by the establishment to the Program 
employee upon request.
    (c) Submittal of process information. (1) Prior to the processing of 
canned product for distribution in commerce, the establishment must 
provide the inspector at the establishment with a list of the process 
schedules (including alternate schedules) along with any additional 
applicable information, such as the retort come-up operating procedures 
and critical factors.
    (2) Letters or other written communications from a processing 
authority recommending all process schedules must be maintained on file 
by the establishment. Upon request by Program employees, the 
establishment must make available such letters or written communications 
(or copies thereof). If critical factors are identified in the process 
schedule, the establishment must provide the inspector with a copy of 
the procedures for measuring, controlling, and recording these factors, 
along with the frequency of such measurements, to ensure that the 
critical factors remain within the limits used to establish the process 
schedule. Once submitted, the process schedules and associated critical 
factors and the procedures for measuring (including the frequency), 
controlling, and recording of critical factors must not be changed 
without the prior written submittal of the revised procedures (including 
supporting documentation) to the inspector at the establishment.



Sec.  431.4  Critical factors and the application of the process schedule.

    Critical factors specified in the process schedule must be measured, 
controlled, and recorded by the establishment to ensure that these 
factors remain within the limits used to establish the process schedule. 
Examples of factors that are often critical to process schedule adequacy 
may include:

    (a) General. (1) Maximum fill-in weight or drained weight;
    (2) Arrangement of pieces in the container;
    (3) Container orientation during thermal processing;
    (4) Product formulation;
    (5) Particle size;
    (6) Maximum thickness for flexible containers, and to some extent 
semirigid containers, during thermal processing;
    (7) Maximum pH;
    (8) Percent salt;
    (9) Ingoing (or formulated) nitrite level (ppm);
    (10) Maximum water activity; and
    (11) Product consistency or viscosity.
    (b) Continuous rotary and batch agitating retorts. (1) Minimum 
headspace; and
    (2) Retort reel speed.
    (c) Hydrostatic retorts. (1) Chain or conveyor speed.
    (2) [Reserved]

[[Page 593]]

    (d) Steam/air retorts. (1) Steam/air ratio; and
    (2) Heating medium flow rate.



Sec.  431.5  Operations in the thermal processing area.

    (a) Posting of processes. Process schedules (or operating process 
schedules) for daily production, including minimum initial temperatures 
and operating procedures for thermal processing equipment, must be 
posted in a conspicuous place near the thermal processing equipment. 
Alternatively, such information must be available to the thermal 
processing system operator and the inspector.
    (b) Process indicators and retort traffic control. A system for 
product traffic control must be established to prevent product from 
bypassing the thermal processing operation. Each basket, crate, or 
similar vehicle containing unprocessed product, or at least one visible 
container in each vehicle, must be plainly and conspicuously marked with 
a heat sensitive indicator that will visually indicate whether such unit 
has been thermally processed. Exposed heat sensitive indicators attached 
to container vehicles must be removed before such vehicles are refilled 
with unprocessed product. Container loading systems for crateless 
retorts must be designed to prevent unprocessed product from bypassing 
the thermal processing operation.
    (c) Initial temperature. The initial temperature of the contents of 
the coldest container to be processed must be determined and recorded by 
the establishment at the time the processing cycle begins to assure that 
the temperature of the contents of every container to be processed is 
not lower than the minimum initial temperature specified in the process 
schedule. Thermal processing systems which subject the filled and sealed 
containers to water at any time before process timing begins must be 
operated to assure that such water will not lower the temperature of the 
product below the minimum initial temperature specified in the process 
schedule.
    (d) Timing devices. Devices used to time applicable thermal 
processing operation functions or events, such as process schedule time, 
come-up time, and retort venting, must be accurate to assure that all 
such functions or events are achieved. Pocket watches and wrist watches 
are not considered acceptable timing devices. Analog and digital clocks 
are considered acceptable. If such clocks do not display seconds, all 
required timed functions or events must have at least a 1-minute safety 
factor over the specified thermal processing operation times. 
Temperature/time recording devices must correspond within 15 minutes to 
the time of the day recorded on written records required by Sec.  431.7.
    (e) Measurement of pH. Unless other methods are approved by the 
Administrator, potentiometric methods using electronic instruments (pH 
meters) must be used for making pH determinations when a maximum pH 
value is specified as a critical factor in a process schedule.



Sec.  431.6  Equipment and procedures for heat processing systems.

    (a) Instruments and controls common to different thermal processing 
systems--(1) Indicating temperature devices. Each retort must be 
equipped with at least one indicating temperature device that measures 
the actual temperature within the retort. The indicating temperature 
device, not the temperature/time recording device, must be used as the 
reference instrument for indicating the process temperature.
    (i) Mercury-in-glass thermometers. A mercury-in-glass thermometer 
must have divisions that are readable to 1[emsp14] [deg]F (or 0.5 
[deg]C) and whose scale contains not more than 17[emsp14] [deg]F/inch 
(or 4.0 [deg]C/cm) of graduated scale. Each mercury-in-glass thermometer 
must be tested for accuracy against a known accurate standard upon 
installation and at least once a year to ensure its accuracy. Records 
that specify the date, standard used, test method, and the person or 
testing authority performing the test must be maintained on file by the 
establishment and made available to Program employees. A mercury-in-
glass thermometer that has a divided mercury column or that cannot be 
adjusted to the standard must be repaired and tested for accuracy before 
further use, or replaced.

[[Page 594]]

    (ii) Other devices. Temperature-indicating devices, such as 
resistance temperature detectors, used in lieu of mercury-in-glass 
thermometers, must meet known, accurate standards for such devices when 
tested for accuracy. The records of such testing must be available to 
FSIS program employees.
    (2) Temperature/time recording devices. Each thermal processing 
system must be equipped with at least one temperature/time recording 
device to provide a permanent record of temperatures within the thermal 
processing system. This recording device may be combined with the steam 
controller and may be a recording/controlling instrument. When compared 
to the known accurate indicating temperature device, the recording 
accuracy must be equal to or better than 1[emsp14] [deg]F (or 0.5 
[deg]C) at the process temperature. The temperature recording chart 
should be adjusted to agree with, but must never be higher than, the 
known accurate indicating temperature device. A means of preventing 
unauthorized changes in the adjustment must be provided. For example, a 
lock or a notice from management posted at or near the recording device 
warning that only authorized persons are permitted to make adjustments, 
are satisfactory means for preventing unauthorized changes. Air-operated 
temperature controllers must have adequate filter systems to ensure a 
supply of clean, dry air. The recorder timing mechanism must be 
accurate.
    (i) Chart-type devices. Devices using charts must be used only with 
the correct chart. Each chart must have a working scale of not more than 
55[emsp14] [deg]F/inch (or 12 [deg]C/cm.) within a range of 20[emsp14] 
[deg]F (or 11 [deg]C) of the process temperature. Chart graduations must 
not exceed 2[emsp14] [deg]F degrees (or 1 [deg]C) within a range of 
10[emsp14] [deg]F (or 5 [deg]C) of the process temperature. Multipoint 
plotting chart-type devices must print temperature readings at intervals 
that will assure that the parameters of the process time and process 
temperature have been met. The frequency of recording should not exceed 
1-minute intervals.
    (ii) Other devices. Temperature/time recording devices or procedures 
used in lieu of chart-type devices must meet known accurate standards 
for such devices or procedures when tested for accuracy. Such a device 
must be accurate enough for ensuring that process time and temperature 
parameters have been met.
    (3) Steam controllers. Each retort must be equipped with an 
automatic steam controller to maintain the retort temperature. This may 
be a recording/controlling instrument when combined with a temperature/
time recording device.
    (4) Air valves. All air lines connected to retorts designed for 
pressure processing in steam must be equipped with a globe valve or 
other equivalent-type valve or piping arrangement that will prevent 
leakage of air into the retort during the process cycle.
    (5) Water valves. All retort water lines that are intended to be 
closed during a process cycle must be equipped with a globe valve or 
other equivalent-type valve or piping arrangement that will prevent 
leakage of water into the retort during the process cycle.
    (b) Pressure processing in steam--(1) Common to batch still, batch 
agitating, continuous rotary retorts, and hydrostats--(i) Basic 
requirements. The basic requirements and recommendations for indicating 
temperature devices and temperature/time recording devices are described 
in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section. Additionally, bulb sheaths 
or probes of indicating temperature devices and probes of temperature/
time recording devices must be installed either within the retort shell 
or in external wells attached to the retort. External wells must be 
connected to the retort through at least a \3/4\ inch (1.9 cm) diameter 
opening and equipped with a \1/16\ inch (1.6 mm) or larger bleeder 
opening so located as to provide a constant flow of steam past the 
length of the bulb or probe. The bleeder for the external wells must 
emit steam continuously during the entire thermal processing period.
    (ii) Steam inlet. The steam inlet to each retort must be large 
enough to provide steam for proper operation of the retort, and must 
enter at a point(s) to facilitate air removal during venting.
    (iii) Bleeder and vent mufflers. If mufflers are used on bleeders or 
vent systems, the establishment must have on

[[Page 595]]

file documentation that the mufflers do not impede the removal of air 
from the retort. Such documentation must consist of either heat 
distribution data or documentation from the muffler manufacturer or from 
a processing authority. This information must be made available to 
Program employees for review.
    (iv) Bleeders. Bleeders, except those for external wells of 
temperature devices and hydrostatic retorts, must have a \1/8\ inch (or 
3 mm) or larger openings and must be wide open during the entire 
process, including the come-up time. All bleeders must be arranged so 
that the retort operator can observe that they are functioning properly. 
For horizontal retorts, batch agitating retorts, and continuous rotary 
retorts, bleeders must be located within approximately 1 foot (or 30 cm) 
of the outmost locations of containers at each end along the top of the 
retort. Additional bleeders must be located not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) 
apart along the top. This information must be maintained on file by the 
establishment and made available to Program employees for review. 
Vertical retorts must have at least one bleeder opening located in the 
portion of the retort opposite the steam inlet. Hydrostatic retorts must 
have bleeder openings \1/4\ inch (or 6 mm) or larger which are to be 
located in the steam chamber(s) opposite the point of steam entry. 
Bleeders may be installed at positions other than those specified above, 
as long as the establishment has heat distribution data or other 
documentation from the manufacturer or from a processing authority 
demonstrating that the bleeders accomplish removal of air and circulate 
the steam within the retort.
    (2) Batch still retorts--(i) Crate supports. Vertical still retorts 
with bottom steam entry must employ bottom retort crate supports. Baffle 
plates must not be used in the bottom of retorts.
    (ii) Steam spreader. Perforated steam spreaders, if used, must be 
maintained to ensure they are not blocked or otherwise inoperative. 
Horizontal still retorts must be equipped with perforated steam 
spreaders that extend the full length of the retort unless the adequacy 
of another arrangement is documented by heat distribution data or other 
documentation from a processing authority. Such information must be 
maintained on file by the establishment and made available to Program 
employees for review.
    (iii) Condensate removal. In retorts having a steam inlet above the 
level of the lowest container, a bleeder must be installed in the bottom 
of the retort to remove condensate. The condensate bleeder must be so 
arranged that the retort operator can observe that it is functioning 
properly. The condensate bleeder must be checked with sufficient 
frequency to ensure adequate removal of condensate. Visual checks should 
be performed at intervals of not more than 15 minutes and the results 
recorded. Intermittent condensate removal systems must be equipped with 
an automatic alarm system that will serve as a continuous monitor of 
condensate bleeder functioning. The automatic alarm system must be 
tested at the beginning of each shift for proper functioning and the 
results recorded. If the alarm system is not functioning properly, it 
must be repaired before the retort is used.
    (iv) Stacking equipment--(A) Equipment for holding or stacking 
containers in retorts. Crates, trays, gondolas, carts, and other 
vehicles for holding or stacking product containers in the retort must 
be so constructed to ensure steam circulation during the venting, come-
up, and process times. The bottom of each vehicle must have perforations 
at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter on 2 inch (or 5 cm) centers or the 
equivalent unless the adequacy of another arrangement is documented by 
heat distribution data or other documentation from a processing 
authority and such information is maintained on file by the 
establishment and made available to Program employees for review.
    (B) Divider plates. Whenever one or more divider plates are used 
between any two layers of containers or placed on the bottom of a retort 
vehicle, the establishment must have on file documentation that the 
venting procedure allows the air to be removed from the retort before 
timing of the thermal process is started. Such documentation must be in 
the form of heat distribution data or documentation from a processing 
authority. This information

[[Page 596]]

must be made available to Program employees for review.
    (v) Vents. (A) Vents must be located in that portion of the retort 
opposite the steam inlet and must be designed, installed, and operated 
in such a way that air is removed from the retort before timing of the 
thermal process is started. Vents must be controlled by a gate, plug 
cock, or other full-flow valve which must be fully opened to permit 
rapid removal of air from retorts during the venting period.
    (B) Vents must not be connected to a closed drain system without an 
atmospheric break in the line. Where a retort manifold connects several 
pipes from a single retort, the manifold must be controlled by a gate, 
plug cock, or other full-flow valve and the manifold must be of a size 
such that the cross-sectional area of the manifold is larger than the 
total cross-sectional area of all connecting vents. The discharge must 
not be connected to a closed drain without an atmospheric break in the 
line. A manifold header connecting vents or manifolds from several still 
retorts must lead to the atmosphere. The manifold header must not be 
controlled by a valve and must be of a size such that the cross-
sectional area is at least equal to the total cross-sectional area of 
all connecting retort manifold pipes from the maximum number of retorts 
to be vented simultaneously.
    (C) Some typical installations and operating procedures are 
described below. Other retort installations, vent piping arrangements, 
operating procedures or auxiliary equipment such as divider plates may 
be used provided there is documentation that the air is removed from the 
retort before the process is started. Such documentation must be in the 
form of heat distribution data or other documentation from the equipment 
manufacturer or processing authority. This information must be 
maintained on file by the establishment and made available to Program 
employees for review.
    (D) For crateless retort installations, the establishment must have 
heat distribution data or other documentation from the equipment 
manufacturer or from a processing authority that demonstrates that the 
venting procedure used accomplishes the removal of air and condensate. 
This information must be maintained on file by the establishment and 
made available to Program employees for review.
    (E) Examples of typical installations and operating procedures that 
comply with the requirements of this section are as follows:
    (1) Venting horizontal retorts. (i) Venting through multiple 1 inch 
(2.5 cm) vents discharging directly to the atmosphere.

[[Page 597]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31MY18.002

    (ii) Venting through multiple 1 inch (2.5 cm) vents discharging 
through a manifold to the atmosphere.

[[Page 598]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31MY18.003

    (iii) Venting through water spreaders.

[[Page 599]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31MY18.004

    (iv) Venting through a single 2\1/2\ inch (6.4 cm) top vent for 
retorts not exceeding 15 feet (4.6 m) in length.

[[Page 600]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31MY18.005

    (2) Venting vertical retorts. (i) Venting through a 1\1/2\ inch (3.8 
cm) overflow.

[[Page 601]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31MY18.006

    (ii) Venting through a single 1 inch (2.5 cm) side or top vent.

[[Page 602]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR31MY18.007

    (3) Batch agitating retorts--(i) Venting and condensate removal. The 
air in the retort must be removed before processing is started. Heat 
distribution data or other documentation from the manufacturer or from 
the processing authority who developed the venting procedure must be 
kept on file by the establishment and made available to Program 
employees for review. At the time the steam is turned on, the drain must 
be opened to remove steam condensate from the retort. A bleeder must be 
installed in the bottom of the retort to remove condensate during retort 
operation. The condensate bleeder

[[Page 603]]

must be so arranged that the retort operator can observe that it is 
functioning properly. The condensate bleeder must be checked with 
sufficient frequency to ensure adequate removal of condensate. Visual 
checks should be performed at intervals of not more than 15 minutes and 
the results recorded. Intermittent condensate removal systems must be 
equipped with an automatic alarm system that will serve as a continuous 
monitor of condensate bleeder functioning. The automatic alarm system 
must be tested at the beginning of each shift for proper functioning and 
the results recorded. If the alarm system is not functioning properly, 
it must be repaired before the retort is used.
    (ii) Retort or reel speed timing. The retort or reel speed must be 
checked before process timing begins and, if needed, adjusted as 
specified in the process schedule. In addition, the rotational speed 
must be determined and recorded at least once during process timing of 
each retort load processed. Alternatively, a recording tachometer can be 
used to provide a continuous record of the speed. The accuracy of the 
recording tachometer must be determined and recorded at least once per 
shift by checking the retort or reel speed using an accurate stopwatch. 
A means of preventing unauthorized speed changes on retorts must be 
provided. For example, a lock or a notice from management posted at or 
near the speed adjustment device warning that only authorized persons 
are permitted to make adjustments is a satisfactory means of preventing 
unauthorized changes.
    (4) Continuous rotary retorts--(i) Venting and condensate removal. 
The air in the retort must be removed before processing is started. Heat 
distribution data or other documentation from the manufacturer or from 
the processing authority who developed the venting procedure must be 
kept on file by the establishment and made available to Program 
employees for review. At the time the steam is turned on, the drain must 
be opened to remove steam condensate from the retort. A bleeder must be 
installed in the bottom of the shell to remove condensate during the 
retort operation. The condensate bleeder must be so arranged that the 
retort operator can observe that it is functioning properly. The 
condensate bleeder must be checked with sufficient frequency to ensure 
adequate removal of condensate. Visual checks should be performed at 
intervals of not more than 15 minutes and the results recorded. 
Intermittent condensate removal systems must be equipped with an 
automatic alarm system that will serve as a continuous monitor of 
condensate bleeder functioning. The automatic alarm system must be 
tested at the beginning of each shift for proper functioning and the 
results recorded. If the alarm system is not functioning properly, it 
must be repaired before the retort is used.
    (ii) Retort speed timing. The rotational speed of the retort must be 
specified in the process schedule. The speed must be adjusted as 
specified, and recorded by the establishment when the retort is started, 
and checked and recorded at intervals not to exceed 4 hours to ensure 
that the correct retort speed is maintained. Alternatively, a recording 
tachometer may be used to provide a continuous record of the speed. If a 
recording tachometer is used, the speed must be manually checked against 
an accurate stopwatch at least once per shift and the results recorded. 
A means of preventing unauthorized speed changes on retorts must be 
provided. For example, a lock or a notice from management posted at or 
near the speed adjustment device warning that only authorized persons 
are permitted to make adjustments is a satisfactory means of preventing 
unauthorized changes.
    (5) Hydrostatic retorts--(i) Basic requirements. The basic 
requirements for indicating temperature devices and temperature/time 
recording devices are described in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this 
section. Additionally, indicating temperature devices must be located in 
the steam dome near the steam/water interface. Where the process 
schedule specifies maintenance of particular water temperatures in the 
hydrostatic water legs, at least one indicating temperature device must 
be located in each hydrostatic water leg so that it

[[Page 604]]

can accurately measure water temperature and be easily read. The 
temperature/time recorder probe must be installed either within the 
steam dome or in a well attached to the dome. Each probe must have a \1/
16\ inch (1.6 mm) or larger bleeder opening which emits steam 
continuously during the processing period. Additional temperature/time 
recorder probes must be installed in the hydrostatic water legs if the 
process schedule specifies maintenance of particular temperatures in 
these water legs.
    (ii) Steam inlet. The steam inlets must be large enough to provide 
steam for proper operation of the retort.
    (iii) Bleeders. Bleeder openings \1/4\ inch (or 6 mm) or larger must 
be located in the steam chamber(s) opposite the point of steam entry. 
Bleeders must be wide open and must emit steam continuously during the 
entire process, including the come-up time. All bleeders must be 
arranged in such a way that the operator can observe that they are 
functioning properly.
    (iv) Venting. Before the start of processing operations, the retort 
steam chamber(s) must be vented to ensure removal of air. Heat 
distribution data or other documentation from the manufacturer or from a 
processing authority demonstrating that the air is removed from the 
retort prior to processing must be kept on file at the establishment and 
made available to Program employees for review.
    (v) Conveyor speed. The conveyor speed must be calculated to obtain 
the required process time and recorded by the establishment when the 
retort is started. The speed must be checked and recorded at intervals 
not to exceed 4 hours to ensure that the correct conveyor speed is 
maintained. A recording device may be used to provide a continuous 
record of the conveyor speed. When a recording device is used, the speed 
must be manually checked against an accurate stopwatch at least once per 
shift by the establishment. A means of preventing unauthorized speed 
changes of the conveyor must be provided. For example, a lock or a 
notice from management posted at or near the speed adjustment device 
warning that only authorized persons are permitted to make adjustments 
is a satisfactory means of preventing unauthorized changes.
    (vi) Bleeders and vent mufflers. If mufflers are used on bleeders or 
vent systems, the establishment must have documentation that the 
mufflers do not impede the removal of air from the retort. Such 
documentation must consist of either heat distribution data or other 
documentation from the muffler manufacturer or from a processing 
authority. This information must be maintained on file by the 
establishment and made available to Program employees for review.
    (c) Pressure processing in water--(1) Common to batch still and 
agitating retorts--(i) Basic requirements. The basic requirements for 
indicating temperature devices and temperature/time recording devices 
are described in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section.
    (ii) Pressure recording device. Each retort must be equipped with a 
pressure recording device which may be combined with a pressure 
controller.
    (iii) Heat distribution. Heat distribution data or other 
documentation from the equipment manufacturer or a processing authority 
demonstrating uniform heat distribution within the retort must be kept 
on file at the establishment and made available to Program employees for 
review.
    (iv) Drain valve. A non-clogging, water-tight drain valve must be 
used. Screens must be installed over all drain openings.
    (2) Batch still retorts--(i) Temperature device bulbs and probes. 
The indicating temperature device bulbs or probes must be located in 
such a position that they are beneath the surface of the water 
throughout the process. On horizontal retorts, the indicating 
temperature device bulb or probe must be inserted directly into the 
retort shell. In both vertical and horizontal retorts, the indicating 
temperature device bulb or probe must extend directly into the water a 
minimum of 2 inches (or 5 cm) without a separable well or sleeve. In 
vertical retorts equipped with a recorder/controller, the controller 
probe must be located at the bottom of the retort below the lowest crate 
rest in such a position that the steam does not strike it directly. In 
horizontal retorts so equipped, the controller probe must

[[Page 605]]

be located between the water surface and the horizontal plane passing 
through the center of the retort so that there is no opportunity for 
direct steam impingement on the controller probe. Air-operated 
temperature controllers must have filter systems to ensure a supply of 
clean, dry air.
    (ii) Crate supports. A bottom crate support must be used in vertical 
retorts. Baffle plates must not be used in the bottom of the retort.
    (iii) Stacking equipment. For filled flexible containers and, where 
applicable, semi-rigid containers, stacking equipment must be designed 
to ensure that the thickness of the filled containers does not exceed 
that specified in the process schedule and that the containers do not 
become displaced and overlap or rest on one another during the thermal 
process.
    (iv) Water level. There must be a means of determining the water 
level in the retort during operation (i.e., by using a gauge, electronic 
sensor, or sight glass indicator). For retorts requiring complete 
immersion of containers, water must cover the top layer of containers 
during the entire come-up time and thermal processing periods and should 
cover the top layer of containers during cooling. For retorts using 
cascading water or water sprays, the water level must be maintained 
within the range specified by the retort manufacturer or processing 
authority during the entire come-up, thermal processing, and cooling 
periods. A means to ensure that water circulation continues as specified 
throughout the come-up, thermal processing, and cooling periods must be 
provided. The retort operator must check and record the water level at 
intervals to ensure it meets the specified processing parameters.
    (v) Air supply and controls. In both horizontal and vertical still 
retorts, a means must be provided for introducing compressed air or 
steam at the pressure required to maintain container integrity. 
Compressed air and steam entry must be controlled by an automatic 
pressure control unit. A non-return valve must be provided in the air 
supply line to prevent water from entering the system. Overriding air or 
steam pressure must be maintained continuously during the come-up, 
thermal processing, and cooling periods. If air is used to promote 
circulation, it must be introduced into the steam line at a point 
between the retort and the steam control valve at the bottom of the 
retort. The adequacy of the air circulation for maintaining uniform heat 
distribution within the retort must be documented by heat distribution 
data or other documentation from a processing authority, and such data 
must be maintained on file by the establishment and made available to 
Program employees for review.
    (vi) Water recirculation. When a water recirculation system is used 
for heat distribution, the water must be drawn from the bottom of the 
retort through a suction manifold and discharged through a spreader that 
extends the length or circumference of the top of the retort. The holes 
in the water spreader must be uniformly distributed. The suction outlets 
must be protected with screens to keep debris from entering the 
recirculation system. The pump must be equipped with a pilot light or a 
similar device to warn the operator when it is not running, and with a 
bleeder to remove air when starting operations. Alternatively, a flow-
meter alarm system can be used to ensure proper water circulation. The 
adequacy of water circulation for maintaining uniform heat distribution 
within the retort must be documented by heat distribution or other 
documentation from a processing authority, and such data must be 
maintained on file by the establishment and made available to Program 
employees for review. Alternative methods for recirculation of water in 
the retort may be used, provided there is documentation in the form of 
heat distribution data or other documentation from a processing 
authority maintained on file by the establishment and made available to 
Program employees for review.
    (vii) Cooling water entry. In retorts for processing product packed 
in glass jars, the incoming cooling water should not directly strike the 
jars, in order to minimize glass breakage by thermal shock.
    (3) Batch agitating retorts--(i) Temperature device bulbs and 
probes. The indicating temperature device bulb or

[[Page 606]]

probe must extend directly into the water without a separable well or 
sleeve. The recorder/controller probe must be located between the water 
surface and the horizontal plane passing through the center of the 
retort so that there is no opportunity for steam to directly strike the 
controller bulb or probe.
    (ii) Stacking equipment. All devices used for holding product 
containers (e.g., crates, trays, divider plates) must be so constructed 
to allow the water to circulate around the containers during the come-up 
and thermal process periods.
    (iii) Water level. There must be a means of determining the water 
level in the retort during operation (i.e., by using a gauge, electronic 
sensor, or sight glass indicator). Water must completely cover all 
containers during the entire come-up, thermal processing, and cooling 
periods. A means to ensure that water circulation continues as specified 
throughout the come-up, thermal processing, and cooling periods must be 
provided. The retort operator must check and record the adequacy of the 
water level with sufficient frequency to ensure it meets the specified 
processing parameters.
    (iv) Air supply and controls. Retorts must be provided with a means 
for introducing compressed air or steam at the pressure required to 
maintain container integrity. Compressed air and steam entry must be 
controlled by an automatic pressure control unit. A non-return valve 
must be provided in the air supply line to prevent water from entering 
the system. Overriding air or steam pressure must be maintained 
continuously during the come-up, thermal processing, and cooling 
periods. If air is used to promote circulation, it must be introduced 
into the steam line at a point between the retort and the steam control 
valve at the bottom of the retort. The adequacy of the air circulation 
for maintaining uniform heat distribution within the retort must be 
documented by heat distribution data or other documentation from a 
processing authority, and such data must be maintained on file by the 
establishment and made available to Program employees for review.
    (v) Retort or reel speed timing. The retort or reel speed timing 
must be checked before process timing begins and, if needed, adjusted as 
specified in the process schedule. In addition, the rotational speed 
must be determined and recorded at least once during process timing of 
each retort load processed. Alternatively, a recording tachometer can be 
used to provide a continuous record of the speed. The accuracy of the 
recording tachometer must be determined and recorded at least once per 
shift by the establishment by checking the retort or reel speed using an 
accurate stopwatch. A means of preventing unauthorized speed changes on 
retorts must be provided. For example, a lock or a notice from 
management posted at or near the speed adjustment device warning that 
only authorized persons are permitted to make adjustments is a 
satisfactory means of preventing unauthorized changes.
    (vi) Water recirculation. If a water recirculation system is used 
for heat distribution, it must be installed in such a manner that water 
will be drawn from the bottom of the retort through a suction manifold 
and discharged through a spreader which extends the length of the top of 
the retort. The holes in the water spreader must be uniformly 
distributed. The suction outlets must be protected with screens to keep 
debris from entering the recirculation system. The pump must be equipped 
with a pilot light or a similar device to warn the operator when it is 
not running and with a bleeder to remove air when starting operations. 
Alternatively, a flow-meter alarm system can be used to ensure proper 
water circulation. The adequacy of water circulation for maintaining 
uniform heat distribution within the retort must be documented by heat 
distribution data or other documentation from a processing authority, 
and such data must be maintained on file by the establishment and made 
available to Program employees for review. Alternative methods for 
recirculation of water in the retort may be used provided there is 
documentation in the form of heat distribution data or other 
documentation from a processing authority maintained on file by the 
establishment and

[[Page 607]]

made available to Program employees for review.
    (vii) Cooling water entry. In retorts for processing product packed 
in glass jars, the incoming cooling water should not directly strike the 
jars, in order to minimize glass breakage by thermal shock.
    (d) Pressure processing with steam/air mixtures in batch retorts--
(1) Basic requirements. The basic requirements for indicating 
temperature devices and temperature/time recording devices are described 
in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section. Additionally, bulb sheaths 
or probes for indicating temperature devices and temperature/time 
recording devices or controller probes must be inserted directly into 
the retort shell in such a position that steam does not strike them 
directly.
    (2) Recording pressure controller. A recording pressure controller 
must be used to control the air inlet and the steam/air mixture outlet.
    (3) Circulation of steam/air mixtures. A means must be provided for 
the circulation of the steam/air mixture to prevent formation of low-
temperature pockets. The efficiency of the circulation system must be 
documented by heat distribution data or other documentation from a 
processing authority, and such data must be maintained on file by the 
establishment and made available to Program employees for review. The 
circulation system must be checked to ensure its proper functioning and 
must be equipped with a pilot light or a similar device to warn the 
operator when it is not functioning. Because of the variety of existing 
designs, reference must be made to the equipment manufacturer for 
details of installation, operation, and control.
    (e) Atmospheric cookers--(1) Temperature/time recording device. Each 
atmospheric cooker (e.g., hot water bath) must be equipped with at least 
one temperature/time recording device in accordance with the basic 
requirements described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
    (2) Heat distribution. Each atmospheric cooker must be equipped and 
operated to ensure uniform heat distribution throughout the processing 
system during the thermal process. Heat distribution data or other 
documentation from the manufacturer or a processing authority 
demonstrating uniform heat distribution within the cooker must be kept 
on file by the establishment and made available to Program employees for 
review.
    (f) Other systems. All other systems not specifically delineated in 
this section and used for the thermal processing of canned product must 
be adequate to produce shelf-stable products consistently and uniformly.
    (g) Equipment maintenance. (1) Upon installation, all 
instrumentation and controls must be checked by the establishment for 
proper functioning and accuracy and, thereafter, at any time their 
functioning or accuracy is suspect.
    (2) At least once a year each thermal processing system must be 
examined by an individual not directly involved in daily operations to 
ensure the proper functioning of the system as well as all auxiliary 
equipment and instrumentation. In addition, each thermal processing 
system should be examined before the resumption of operation following 
an extended shutdown.
    (3) Air and water valves that are intended to be closed during 
thermal processing must be checked by the establishment for leaks. 
Defective valves must be repaired or replaced as needed.
    (4) Vent and bleeder mufflers must be checked and maintained or 
replaced by the establishment to prevent any reduction in bleeder 
efficiency.
    (5) When water spreaders are used for venting, a maintenance 
schedule must be developed and implemented to assure that the holes are 
maintained at their original size.
    (6) Records must be kept on all maintenance items that could affect 
the adequacy of the thermal process. Records must include the date and 
type of maintenance performed and the person conducting the maintenance.
    (h) Container cooling and cooling water. (1) Potable water must be 
used for cooling except as provided for in paragraphs (h)(2) and (3) of 
this section.
    (2) Cooling canal water must be chlorinated or treated with a 
chemical having a bactericidal effect equivalent to chlorination. There 
must be a measurable residual of the sanitizer in the

[[Page 608]]

water at the discharge point of the canal. Cooling canals must be 
cleaned and replenished with potable water to prevent the buildup of 
organic matter and other materials.
    (3) Container cooling waters that are recycled or reused must be 
handled in systems that are so designed, operated, and maintained so 
there is no buildup of microorganisms, organic matter, and other 
materials in the systems and in the waters. System equipment, such as 
pipelines, holding tanks and cooling towers, must be constructed and 
installed so that they can be cleaned and inspected. In addition, the 
establishment must maintain, and make available to Program employees for 
review, information on at least the following:
    (i) System design and construction;
    (ii) System operation including the rates of renewal with fresh, 
potable water and the means for treating the water so that there is a 
measurable residual of an acceptable sanitizer, per paragraph (h)(2) of 
this section, in the water at the point where the water exits the 
container cooling vessel;
    (iii) System maintenance including procedures for the periodic 
cleaning and sanitizing of the entire system; and
    (iv) Water quality standards, such as microbiological, chemical and 
physical, monitoring procedures including the frequency and site(s) of 
sampling, and the corrective actions taken when water quality standards 
are not met.
    (i) Post-process handling of containers. Containers must be handled 
in a manner that will prevent damage to the hermetic seal area. All worn 
and frayed belting, can retarders, cushions, and the like must be 
replaced with nonporous materials. To minimize container abrasions, 
particularly in the seal area, containers should not remain stationary 
on moving conveyors. All post-process container handling equipment 
should be kept clean so there is no buildup of microorganisms on 
surfaces in contact with the containers.



Sec.  431.7  Processing and production records.

    At least the following processing and production information must be 
recorded by the establishment: Date of production; product name and 
style; container code; container size and type; and the process 
schedule, including the minimum initial temperature. Measurements made 
to satisfy the requirements of Sec.  431.4 regarding the control of 
critical factors must be recorded. In addition, where applicable, the 
following information and data must also be recorded:
    (a) Processing in steam--(1) Batch still retorts. For each retort 
batch, record the retort number or other designation, the approximate 
number of containers or the number of retort crates per retort load, 
product initial temperature, time steam on, the time and temperature 
vent closed, the start of process timing, time steam off, and the actual 
processing time. The indicating temperature device and the temperature 
recorder must be read at the same time at least once during process 
timing and the observed temperatures recorded.
    (2) Batch agitating retorts. In addition to recording the 
information required for batch still steam retorts in paragraph (a)(1) 
of this section, record the functioning of the condensate bleeder(s) and 
the retort or reel speed.
    (3) Continuous rotary retorts. Record the retort system number, the 
approximate total number of containers retorted, product initial 
temperature, time steam on, the time and temperature vent closed, time 
process temperature reached, the time the first can enters and the time 
the last can exits the retort. The retort or reel speed must be 
determined and recorded at intervals not to exceed 4 hours. Readings of 
the indicating temperature device(s) and temperature recorder(s) must be 
made and recorded at the time the first container enters the retort and 
thereafter with sufficient frequency to ensure compliance with the 
process schedule. These observations should be made and recorded at 
intervals not exceeding 30 minutes of continuous retort operation. 
Functioning of the condensate bleeder(s) must be observed and recorded 
at the time the first container enters the retort and thereafter as 
specified in Sec.  431.305(b)(3)(v).
    (4) Hydrostatic retorts. Record the retort system number, the 
approximate total number of containers retorted, product initial 
temperature, time

[[Page 609]]

steam on, the time and temperature vent(s) closed, time process 
temperature reached, time first containers enter the retort, time last 
containers exit the retort, and, if specified in the process schedule, 
measurements of temperatures in the hydrostatic water legs. Readings of 
the temperature indicating device, which is located in the steam/water 
interface, and the temperature recording device must be observed and the 
temperatures recorded at the time the first containers enter the steam 
dome. Thereafter, these instruments must be read and the temperatures 
recorded with sufficient frequency to ensure compliance with the 
temperature specified in the process schedule and should be made at 
least every hour of continuous retort operation. Container conveyor 
speed, and for agitating hydrostatic retorts, the rotative chain speed, 
must be determined and recorded at intervals of sufficient frequency to 
ensure compliance with the process schedule and should be performed at 
least every 4 hours.
    (b) Processing in water--(1) Batch still retorts. For each retort 
batch, record the retort number or other designation, the approximate 
number of containers or number of retort crates per retort load, product 
initial temperature, time steam on, the start of process timing, water 
level, water recirculation rate (if critical), overriding pressure 
maintained, time steam off, and actual processing time. The indicating 
temperature device and the temperature recorder must be read at the same 
time at least once during process timing and the observed temperatures 
recorded.
    (2) Batch agitating retorts. In addition to recording the 
information required in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, record the 
retort or reel speed.
    (c) Processing in steam/air mixtures. For each retort batch, record 
the retort number or other designation, the approximate number of 
containers or number of retort crates per retort load, product initial 
temperature, time steam on, venting procedure, if applicable, the start 
of process timing, maintenance of circulation of the steam/air mixture, 
air flow rate or forced recirculation flow rate (if critical), 
overriding pressure maintained, time steam off, and actual processing 
time. The indicating temperature device and the temperature recorder 
must be read at the same time at least once during process timing and 
the observed temperatures recorded.
    (d) Atmospheric cookers--(1) Batch-type systems. For each cooker 
batch, record the cooker number or other designation and the approximate 
number of containers. In addition, record all critical factors of the 
process schedule such as cooker temperature, initial temperature, the 
time the thermal process cycle begins and ends, hold time, and the final 
internal product temperature.
    (2) Continuous-type systems. Record the cooker number or other 
designation, the time the first containers enter and the last containers 
exit a cooker, and the approximate total number of containers processed. 
In addition, record all critical factors of the process schedule such as 
the initial temperature, cooker speed, and final internal product 
temperature.



Sec.  431.8  Record review and maintenance.

    (a) Process records. Charts from temperature/time recording devices 
must be identified by production date, container code, processing vessel 
number or other designation, and other data as necessary to enable 
correlation with the records required in Sec.  431.7. Each entry on a 
record must be made at the time the specific event occurs, and the 
recording individual must sign or initial each record form. No later 
than 1 working day after the actual process, the establishment must 
review all processing and production records to ensure completeness and 
to determine if all product received the process schedule. All records, 
including the temperature/time recorder charts and critical factor 
control records, must be signed or initialed and dated by the person 
conducting the review. All processing and production records required in 
this subpart must be made available to Program employees for review.
    (b) Automated process monitoring and recordkeeping. Automated 
process monitoring and recordkeeping systems must be designed and 
operated in a manner that will ensure compliance

[[Page 610]]

with the applicable requirements of Sec.  431.7.
    (c) Container closure records. Written records of all container 
closure examinations must specify the container code, the date and time 
of container closure examination, the measurement(s) obtained, and any 
corrective actions taken. Records must be signed or initialed by the 
container closure technician and must be reviewed and signed by the 
establishment within 1 working day after the actual production to ensure 
that the records are complete and that the closing operations have been 
properly controlled. All container closure examination records required 
in this subpart must be made available to Program employees for review.
    (d) Distribution of product. Records must be maintained by the 
establishment identifying initial distribution of the finished product 
to facilitate, if necessary, the segregation of specific production lots 
that may have been contaminated or are otherwise unsound for their 
intended use.
    (e) Retention of records. Copies of all processing and production 
records required in Sec.  431.7 must be retained for no less than 1 year 
at the establishment, and for an additional 2 years at the establishment 
or other location from which the records can be made available to 
Program employees within 3 working days.



Sec.  431.9  Deviations in processing.

    (a) Whenever the actual process is less than the process schedule or 
when any critical factor does not comply with the requirements for that 
factor as specified in the process schedule, it must be considered a 
deviation in processing.
    (b) Deviations in processing (or process deviations) must be handled 
according to:
    (1) A HACCP plan for canned product that addresses hazards 
associated with microbial contamination; or,
    (2) Alternative documented procedures that will ensure that only 
safe and stable product is shipped in commerce; or
    (3) Paragraph (c) of this section.
    (c) Procedures for handling process deviations where the HACCP plan 
for thermally processed/commercially sterile product does not address 
food safety hazards associated with microbial contamination, where there 
is no approved total quality control system, or where the establishment 
has no alternative documented procedures for handling process 
deviations.
    (1) Deviations identified in-process. If a deviation is noted at any 
time before the completion of the intended process schedule, the 
establishment must:
    (i) Immediately reprocess the product using the full process 
schedule; or
    (ii) Use an appropriate alternate process schedule provided such a 
process schedule has been established in accordance with Sec.  431.3(a) 
and (b) and is filed with the inspector in accordance with Sec.  
431.3(c); or
    (iii) Hold the product involved and have the deviation evaluated by 
a processing authority to assess the safety and stability of the 
product. Upon completion of the evaluation, the establishment must 
provide the inspector the following:
    (A) A complete description of the deviation along with all necessary 
supporting documentation;
    (B) A copy of the evaluation report; and
    (C) A description of any product disposition actions, either taken 
or proposed.
    (iv) Product handled in accordance with paragraph (c)(1)(iii) of 
this section must not be shipped from the establishment until the 
Program has reviewed all of the information submitted and approved the 
product disposition actions.
    (v) If an alternate process schedule is used that is not on file 
with the inspector or if an alternate process schedule is immediately 
calculated and used, the product must be set aside for further 
evaluation in accordance with paragraphs (c)(1)(iii) and (iv) of this 
section.
    (vi) When a deviation occurs in a continuous rotary retort, the 
product must be handled in accordance with paragraphs (c)(1)(iii) and 
(iv) of this section or in accordance with the following procedures:
    (A) Emergency stops. (1) When retort jams or breakdowns occur during 
the processing operations, all containers

[[Page 611]]

must be given an emergency still process (developed per Sec.  431.3(b)) 
before the retort is cooled or the retort must be cooled promptly and 
all containers removed and either reprocessed, repacked and reprocessed, 
or destroyed. Regardless of the procedure used, containers in the retort 
intake valve and in transfer valves between retort shells at the time of 
a jam or breakdown must be removed and either reprocessed, repacked and 
reprocessed and or destroyed. Product to be destroyed must be handled as 
``U.S. Inspected and Condemned,'' as defined in Sec.  301.2 of this 
chapter, or as ``U.S. Condemned,'' as defined in Sec.  381.1(b) of this 
chapter, and disposed of in accordance with part 314 of this chapter or 
with Sec.  381.95 of this chapter, as applicable.
    (2) The time the retort reel stopped and the time the retort is used 
for an emergency still retort process must be noted on the temperature/
time recording device and entered on the other production records 
required in Sec.  431.7.
    (B) Temperature drops. When the retort temperature drops below the 
temperature specified in the process schedule, the reel must be stopped 
and the following actions must be taken:
    (1) For temperature drops of less than 10[emsp14] [deg]F (or 5.5 
[deg]C) either:
    (i) All containers in the retort must be given an emergency still 
process (developed per Sec.  431.3(b)) before the reel is restarted;
    (ii) Container entry to the retort must be prevented and an 
emergency agitating process (developed per Sec.  431.3(b)) must be used 
before container entry to the retort is restarted; or
    (iii) Container entry to the retort must be prevented and the reel 
restarted to empty the retort. The discharged containers must be 
reprocessed, repacked and reprocessed, or destroyed. Product to be 
destroyed must be handled as ``U.S. Inspected and Condemned,'' as 
defined in Sec.  301.2 of this chapter, or as ``U.S. Condemned,'' as 
defined in Sec.  381.1(b) of this chapter, and disposed of in accordance 
with part 314 of this chapter or with Sec.  381.95 of this chapter, as 
applicable.
    (2) For temperature drops of 10 [deg]F (or 5.5 [deg]C) or more, all 
containers in the retort must be given an emergency still process 
(developed per Sec.  431.3(b)). The time the reel was stopped and the 
time the retort was used for a still retort process must be marked on 
the temperature/time recording device by the establishment and entered 
on the other production records required in Sec.  431.7. Alternatively, 
container entry to the retort must be prevented and the reel restarted 
to empty the retort. The discharged containers must be either 
reprocessed, repacked and reprocessed, or destroyed. Product to be 
destroyed must be handled as ``U.S. Inspected and Condemned,'' as 
defined in Sec.  301.2 of this chapter, or as ``U.S. Condemned,'' as 
defined in Sec.  381.1(b) of this chapter, and disposed of in accordance 
with part 314 of this chapter or with Sec.  381.95 of this chapter, as 
applicable.
    (2) Deviations identified through record review. Whenever a 
deviation is noted during review of the processing and production 
records required by Sec.  431.8(a) and (b), the establishment must hold 
the product involved and the deviation must be handled in accordance 
with paragraphs (c)(1)(iii) and (iv) of this section.
    (d) Process deviation file. The establishment must maintain full 
records regarding the handling of each deviation. Such records must 
include, at a minimum, the appropriate processing and production 
records, a full description of the corrective actions taken, the 
evaluation procedures and results, and the disposition of the affected 
product. Such records must be maintained in a separate file or in a log 
that contains the appropriate information. The file or log must be 
retained in accordance with Sec.  431.8(e) and must be made available to 
Program employees upon request.



Sec.  431.10  Finished product inspection.

    (a) Finished product inspections must be handled according to:
    (1) An HACCP plan for canned product that addresses hazards 
associated with microbiological contamination;
    (2) An FSIS-approved total quality control system;
    (3) Alternative documented procedures that will ensure that only 
safe and stable product is shipped in commerce; or
    (4) Paragraph (b) of this section.

[[Page 612]]

    (b) Procedures for handling finished product inspections where the 
HACCP plan for thermally processed/commercially sterile product does not 
address food safety hazards associated with microbial contamination, 
where there is no approved total quality control system, or where the 
establishment has no alternative documented procedures for handling 
process deviations.
    (1) Incubation of shelf stable canned product--(i) Incubator. The 
establishment must provide incubation facilities which include an 
accurate temperature/time recording device, an indicating temperature 
device, a means for the circulation of the air inside the incubator to 
prevent temperature variations, and a means to prevent unauthorized 
entry into the facility. The Program is responsible for the security of 
the incubator.
    (ii) Incubation temperature. The incubation temperature must be 
maintained at 955 [deg]F (352.8 [deg]C). If the incubation temperature falls below 
90 [deg]F (or 32 [deg]C) or exceeds 100 [deg]F (or 38 [deg]C) but does 
not reach 103 [deg]F (or 39.5 [deg]C), the incubation temperature must 
be adjusted within the required range and the incubation time extended 
for the time the sample containers were held at the deviant temperature. 
If the incubation temperature is at or above 103 [deg]F (or 39.5 [deg]C) 
for more than 2 hours, the incubation test(s) must be terminated, the 
temperature lowered to within the required range, and new sample 
containers incubated for the required time.
    (iii) Product requiring incubation. Shelf stable product requiring 
incubation includes:
    (A) Low acid products as defined in Sec.  431.1; and
    (B) Acidified low acid products as defined in Sec.  431.1.
    (iv) Incubation samples. (A) From each load of product processed in 
a batch-type thermal processing system (still or agitation), the 
establishment must select at least one container for incubation.
    (B) For continuous rotary retorts, hydrostatic retorts, or other 
continuous-type thermal processing systems, the establishment must 
select at least one container per 1,000 for incubation.
    (C) Only normal-appearing containers must be selected for 
incubation.
    (v) Incubation time. Canned product requiring incubation must be 
incubated for not less than 10 days (240 hours) under the conditions 
specified in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section.
    (vi) Incubation checks and record maintenance. Designated 
establishment employees must visually check all containers under 
incubation each working day and the inspector must be notified when 
abnormal containers are detected. All abnormal containers should be 
allowed to cool before a final decision on their condition is made. For 
each incubation test the establishment must record at least the product 
name, container size, container code, number of containers incubated, in 
and out dates, and incubation results. The establishment must retain 
such records, along with copies of the temperature/time recording 
charts, in accordance with Sec.  431.8(d).
    (vii) Abnormal containers. The finding of abnormal containers (as 
defined in Sec.  431.1) among incubation samples is cause to officially 
retain at least the code lot involved.
    (viii) Shipping. No product must be shipped from the establishment 
before the end of the required incubation period. An establishment 
wishing to ship product prior to the completion of the required 
incubation period must submit a written proposal to the District Office. 
Such a proposal must include provisions that will assure that shipped 
product will not reach the retail level of distribution before sample 
incubation is completed and that product can be returned promptly to the 
establishment should such action be deemed necessary by the incubation 
test results. Upon receipt of written approval from the District Office, 
product may be routinely shipped provided the establishment continues to 
comply with all requirements of this subpart.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (c) Container condition--(1) Normal containers. Only normal-
appearing containers must be shipped from an establishment as determined 
by an appropriate sampling plan or other means acceptable to program 
employees.

[[Page 613]]

    (2) Abnormal containers. When abnormal containers are detected by 
any means other than incubation, the establishment must inform the 
inspector, and the affected code lot(s) must not be shipped until the 
Program has determined that the product is safe and stable. Such a 
determination will take into account the cause and level of abnormals in 
the affected lot(s) as well as any product disposition actions either 
taken or proposed by the establishment.



Sec.  431.11  Personnel and training.

    All operators of thermal processing systems specified in Sec.  431.6 
and container closure technicians must be under the direct supervision 
of a person who has successfully completed a school of instruction that 
is generally recognized as adequate for properly training supervisors of 
canning operations.



Sec.  431.12  Recall procedure.

    Establishments must prepare and maintain a current procedure for the 
recall of all canned product covered by this subpart. Upon request, the 
recall procedure must be made available to Program employees for review.



PART 439_ACCREDITATION OF NON-FEDERAL LABORATORIES FOR ANALYTICAL TESTING
OF MEAT, POULTRY, AND EGG PRODUCTS--Table of Contents



Sec.
439.1 Definitions.
439.5 Applications for accreditation.
439.10 Criteria for obtaining accreditation.
439.20 Criteria for maintaining accreditation.
439.50 Refusal of accreditation.
439.51 Probation of accreditation.
439.52 Suspension of accreditation.
439.53 Revocation of accreditation.
439.60 Notifications and hearings.

    AUTHORITY: 7 U.S.C. 138f, 450, 1901-1906, 1622(o); 21 U.S.C. 451-
470, 601-695; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 87 FR 51864, Aug. 24, 2022, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  439.1  Definitions.

    (a) Accredited Laboratory Program (ALP). The voluntary Food Safety 
and Inspection Service (FSIS) program in which non-Federal laboratories 
are accredited as capable of performing analyses with the level of 
quality that is necessary to maintain accreditation in the program, on 
samples of raw or processed meat, poultry, and egg products, and through 
which a proficiency testing sample program for quality assurance is 
conducted.
    (b) Food chemistry. Analysis of raw or processed meat or poultry 
products for the components moisture, protein, fat, and salt.
    (c) Initial accreditation proficiency testing sample. A sample 
provided by the FSIS ALP to a non-Federal laboratory to determine 
whether the laboratory's analytical capability meets the standards for 
acceptance into the program. The concentration or presence of the 
targeted analyte(s) and the composition of the components in the sample 
is unknown to the laboratory.
    (d) Inter-laboratory accreditation maintenance proficiency testing 
sample. A sample provided by the FSIS ALP to an accredited laboratory to 
assist in determining whether the laboratory is maintaining acceptable 
analytical performance for a given analyte or component. The 
concentration or presence of the targeted analyte(s) and the composition 
of the components in the sample is unknown to the laboratory.
    (e) International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 13528. ISO 
13528:2015(E) Corrected version 2016, ``Statistical methods for use in 
proficiency testing by interlaboratory comparison,'' October 15, 2016, 
or updated versions.
    (f) Probation. The period commencing with official notification to 
an accredited laboratory that it no longer satisfies the ALP performance 
requirements specified in this part and ending with official 
notification that accreditation is fully restored, is suspended, or is 
revoked.
    (g) Refusal of accreditation. An action taken by FSIS when a 
laboratory that is applying for accreditation is denied the 
accreditation.
    (h) Responsibly connected. Any individual, or entity, that is a 
partner, officer, director, manager, or owner of 10 percent or more of 
the voting stock of

[[Page 614]]

the applicant or recipient of accreditation or an employee in a 
managerial or executive capacity or any employee who conducts or 
supervises the analysis of FSIS samples.
    (i) Revocation of accreditation. An action taken by FSIS against a 
laboratory thereby removing the laboratory's certification of 
accreditation and participation in inter-laboratory accreditation 
maintenance proficiency testing sample events.
    (j) Suspension of accreditation. An action taken by FSIS against a 
laboratory thereby temporarily removing the laboratory's certification 
of accreditation and participation in the inter-laboratory accreditation 
maintenance proficiency testing sample events. Suspension of 
accreditation ends when accreditation either is fully restored or is 
revoked.
    (k) z score. A statistically derived number representing a 
laboratory's performance for analyzing quantitative proficiency testing 
samples. The ALP calculates and interprets z scores consistent with the 
ISO 13528 standard.



Sec.  439.5  Applications for accreditation.

    (a) Participation in the ALP is voluntary. Application for 
accreditation must be made on designated paper or electronic forms 
provided by FSIS, or otherwise in writing, by the owner or manager of a 
non-Federal analytical laboratory. Application forms may be obtained by 
contacting the ALP at [email protected]. The forms must be sent to the ALP or 
may be submitted electronically. The application must specify the kinds 
of accreditation sought by the owner or manager of the laboratory. A 
laboratory whose accreditation has been refused or revoked for 
performance reasons may reapply for accreditation after 60 days from the 
effective date of that action and must provide written documentation 
specifying what corrections were made and illustrate to FSIS that the 
corrections are effective or would reasonably be expected to be 
effective.
    (b) At the time that an application for accreditation is filed with 
the ALP, the laboratory must submit fees payable to the U.S. Department 
of Agriculture by check, bank draft, money order, or other form of 
payment accepted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in the amount 
specified by FSIS as directed in 9 CFR 391.5, along with the completed 
application for the accreditation(s).
    (c) An application for accreditation will not be processed or 
allowed to advance, without further procedure, if the accreditation 
fee(s) is delinquent.
    (d) FSIS will issue a bill annually in the amount specified by FSIS 
in 9 CFR 391.5 for each accreditation held and are due by the date 
required. Bills are payable to the U.S. Department of Agriculture by 
check, bank draft, money order, or other form of payment accepted by the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture.



Sec.  439.10  Criteria for obtaining accreditation.

    (a) Analytical laboratories may be accredited for the analyses of 
foodborne indicator and pathogen analytes, or a specified chemical 
residue or a class of chemical residues, in raw or processed meat, 
poultry, and egg products. Analytical laboratories also may be 
accredited for the analyses of food chemistry components in raw or 
processed meat and poultry products.
    (b) Accreditation will be granted only if the applying laboratory 
successfully satisfies FSIS requirements that are stated in this part.
    (c) To obtain FSIS accreditation, an analytical laboratory must:
    (1) Be supervised by a person holding, at a minimum, a bachelor's 
degree in biology, chemistry, microbiology, food science, food 
technology, or a related field.
    (i) For food chemistry accreditation, the supervisor must also have 
one year of experience in food chemistry analysis, or equivalent 
qualifications.
    (ii) For chemical residue accreditation, either the supervisor or 
the analyst assigned to analyze the sample must also have three years of 
experience determining analytes at or below part per million levels, or 
equivalent qualifications.
    (iii) For indicator organisms or pathogen accreditation, either the 
supervisor or the analyst assigned to analyze the sample must also have 
three

[[Page 615]]

years of experience in foodborne pathogen analyses or equivalent 
qualifications.
    (2) Demonstrate the capability to achieve quality assurance levels 
that are within acceptable limits as determined by evaluation that is 
consistent with ISO 13528 for the analysis of initial accreditation 
proficiency testing samples, in the analyte category for which 
accreditation is sought. FSIS and some Association of Official 
Analytical Collaboration (AOAC) International analytical test procedures 
are acceptable for use in this program. FSIS procedures may be found on 
the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) FSIS website at 
www.fsis.usda.gov. AOAC procedures may be found on the AOAC website at 
www.aoac.org.
    (3) Complete a second set of proficiency testing samples if the 
results of the first set of proficiency testing samples are 
unsuccessful.
    (i) The second set of proficiency testing samples will be provided 
within 30 days following the date of receipt by FSIS of a request from 
the applying laboratory. The second set of proficiency testing samples 
will be analyzed only for the analyte(s) or analyte classes for which 
unacceptable initial results had been obtained by the laboratory.
    (ii) If the results of the second set of proficiency testing samples 
are unsuccessful, the laboratory may request a third set of proficiency 
testing samples after a 60-day waiting period, commencing from the date 
of notification by FSIS of unsuccessful results. The third set of 
proficiency testing samples will be analyzed only for the analyte(s) or 
analyte classes for which unacceptable initial results had been obtained 
by the laboratory.
    (iii) If the laboratory is unsuccessful for the third set and still 
wishes to pursue accreditation, the ALP will require a new application 
and an application fee if the initial accreditation process is not 
completed within eleven months. Documentation of corrective action(s) 
related to the previous unsuccessful accreditation attempt must be 
submitted to and accepted by the ALP.
    (4) Allow inspection of the laboratory facility and pertinent 
documents by FSIS officials prior to the determination of granting 
accredited status.
    (5) Pay the accreditation fee by the date required.



Sec.  439.20  Criteria for maintaining accreditation.

    (a) Criteria. To maintain accreditation, an analytical laboratory 
must fulfill the requirements of this section.
    (b) Records. To demonstrate traceable and appropriate application of 
equipment, standards, procedures, analysts, and approvals related to 
accreditation, an accredited laboratory must:
    (1) Maintain laboratory quality control records for the most recent 
three years that samples have been analyzed.
    (2) Maintain complete records of the receipt, analysis, and 
disposition of samples for the most recent three years that samples have 
been analyzed.
    (3) Maintain in a secure electronic format or in a standards book, 
all records, readings, and calculations for prepared standards. Entries 
are to be dated and the analyst identified at the time of the entry, and 
manual calculations verified and documented by the supervisor, or by the 
supervisor's designee, before use of the standard. The standards records 
are to be retained for three years after the last recorded entry. The 
certificates of analysis are to be kept on file for purchased standards 
for at least the period of time that the materials are in use.
    (4) Maintain records of instrument maintenance and calibration. The 
records are to be retained for three years after the last recorded 
entry.
    (5) As provided in paragraph (e) of this section, records are to be 
made available for review by any duly authorized representative of the 
Secretary of Agriculture, including ALP personnel or their designees.
    (c) Inter-laboratory accreditation maintenance proficiency testing 
sample. (1) An accredited laboratory must analyze inter-laboratory 
accreditation maintenance proficiency testing samples and return the 
results to the ALP by the due date, which is usually within 
approximately three weeks of sample receipt. This must be done whenever 
requested by FSIS and at no cost to FSIS.

[[Page 616]]

    (2) Results must be those of the accredited laboratory. Analyses of 
proficiency testing samples must not be contracted out by the accredited 
laboratory.
    (d) Corporate changes. The ALP must be informed within 30 days of 
any change of address or in the laboratory's ownership, officers, 
directors, supervisory personnel, or other responsibly connected 
individual or entity.
    (e) On-site review. An accredited laboratory must permit any duly 
authorized representative of the Secretary to perform both announced and 
unannounced on-site laboratory reviews of facilities and records, both 
hard copy and electronic, during normal business hours, and to copy any 
records pertaining to the laboratory's participation in the ALP.
    (f) Analytical test procedures. An accredited laboratory must use 
analytical test procedures designated by the FSIS ALP as being 
acceptable. FSIS and some AOAC analytical test procedures are 
acceptable.
    (g) Quality assurance levels. An accredited laboratory must 
demonstrate the capability to maintain quality assurance levels that are 
within acceptable limits as evaluated by the ALP in the analysis of 
inter-laboratory accreditation maintenance proficiency testing samples 
for the analyte category for which accreditation was granted. An 
accredited laboratory will successfully demonstrate the maintenance of 
these capabilities if its results from inter-laboratory accreditation 
maintenance proficiency testing samples satisfy ALP evaluation criteria 
based on the ISO 13528 standard, to include performance evaluation by z 
score statistics.
    (h) Fees. An accredited laboratory must pay the annual required 
accreditation fee when it is due.
    (i) Probation. If placed on probation, an accredited laboratory must 
meet the ALP requirements as prescribed in this section in order to 
remove the probation status.
    (1) The laboratory must successfully analyze a set of initial 
accreditation proficiency testing samples for the analyte(s) that 
triggered the probation and submit the analytical results to FSIS by the 
due date, which is typically within approximately three weeks of receipt 
of the samples.
    (2) Similarly satisfy criteria for accreditation maintenance 
proficiency testing samples specified by the ALP in this part.
    (3) Provide written corrective action documentation, related to the 
issue that triggered the probation, to the ALP by the date required.
    (j) Suspension. If placed on suspension, an accredited laboratory 
must meet the ALP requirements as prescribed in this section in order to 
remove the suspension status. If the laboratory is unsuccessful in 
meeting the requirements to remove the suspension status, accreditation 
will be revoked.
    (1) Laboratories that are suspended due to performance or response 
issues enter a waiting period of 60 days from the effective date of that 
action. After the 60-day period has passed, if the laboratory wishes to 
pursue reinstatement to the ALP, the laboratory must submit a written 
corrective action plan specifying what corrections were made and 
illustrate to FSIS that the corrections are effective or would 
reasonably be expected to be effective.
    (i) After the corrective action plan has been accepted by the ALP, 
the laboratory must successfully analyze a set of initial accreditation 
proficiency testing samples for the analyte(s) that triggered the 
suspension and meet all other program requirements including payment of 
any annual fees that are due. The ALP may perform an on-site inspection 
at the laboratory's facility and/or require the laboratory to provide 
documentation to confirm that it meets the requirements of the program.
    (ii) The suspended laboratory is allowed two attempts to 
successfully analyze the initial accreditation proficiency testing 
set(s) of samples.
    (2) Laboratories that are suspended due to indictment or charges as 
described in Sec.  439.52 may not seek removal of suspension status 
until being cleared of said indictment or charges.



Sec.  439.50  Refusal of accreditation.

    Upon a determination by the FSIS Administrator (Administrator), a 
laboratory will be refused accreditation for the following reasons:

[[Page 617]]

    (a) A laboratory will be refused accreditation for failure to meet 
the requirements of the ALP as stated in this part.
    (b) A laboratory will be refused accreditation if the laboratory or 
any individual or entity responsibly connected with the laboratory has 
been convicted of, or is under indictment for, or has charges on any 
information brought against them in a Federal or State court concerning 
any of the following violations of law:
    (1) Any felony.
    (2) Any misdemeanor based upon acquiring, handling, or distributing 
of unwholesome, misbranded, or deceptively packaged food or upon fraud 
in connection with transactions in food.
    (3) Any misdemeanor based upon a false statement to any governmental 
agency.
    (4) Any misdemeanor based upon the offering, giving or receiving of 
a bribe or unlawful gratuity.
    (5) Altering any official sample or analytical finding; or 
substituting any analytical result from any other laboratory and 
representing the result as its own.



Sec.  439.51  Probation of accreditation.

    Upon a determination by the Administrator, a laboratory will be 
placed on probation for the following reasons:
    (a) If the laboratory fails to complete more than one inter-
laboratory accreditation maintenance proficiency testing sample analysis 
within 12 consecutive months, unless written permission is granted by 
the Administrator.
    (b) If the laboratory does not respond to ALP inquiries related to 
its participation in the program or fails to meet any of the 
requirements or criteria set in this part.
    (c) If the laboratory does not successfully demonstrate the 
maintenance of quality assurance capabilities including its results from 
inter-laboratory accreditation maintenance proficiency testing samples. 
ALP evaluation criteria are based on the ISO 13528 standard, to include 
performance evaluation by z score statistics.



Sec.  439.52  Suspension of accreditation.

    A laboratory will be suspended from the program if probation status 
is not rectified according to program requirements stated in this part. 
The accreditation of a laboratory will be immediately suspended if the 
laboratory or any individual or entity responsibly connected with the 
laboratory is indicted or has charges on information brought against 
them in a Federal or State court for any of the following violations of 
law. A laboratory must notify the ALP within 30 calendar days if any of 
these situations occur.
    (a) Any felony.
    (b) Any misdemeanor based upon acquiring, handling, or distributing 
of unwholesome, misbranded, or deceptively packaged food or upon fraud 
in connection with transactions in food.
    (c) Any misdemeanor based upon a false statement to any governmental 
agency.
    (d) Any misdemeanor based upon the offering, giving or receiving of 
a bribe or unlawful gratuity.
    (e) Altering any official sample or analytical finding; or 
substituting any analytical result from any other laboratory and 
representing the result as its own.



Sec.  439.53  Revocation of accreditation.

    A laboratory will have its accreditation revoked from the program if 
suspension status is not rectified. The accreditation of a laboratory 
will also be revoked for the following reasons:
    (a) An accredited laboratory will have its accreditation revoked if 
the Administrator determines that the laboratory or any responsibly 
connected individual or any agent or employee has:
    (1) Altered any official sample or analytical finding; or
    (2) Substituted any analytical result from any other laboratory and 
represented the result as its own.
    (b) An accredited laboratory will have its accreditation revoked if 
the laboratory or any individual or entity responsibly connected with 
the laboratory is convicted in a Federal or State court of any of the 
following violations of law. A laboratory must notify the ALP within 30 
calendar days if any of these situations occur.
    (1) Any felony.
    (2) Any misdemeanor based upon acquiring, handling, or distributing 
of

[[Page 618]]

unwholesome, misbranded, or deceptively packaged food or upon fraud in 
connection with transactions in food.
    (3) Any misdemeanor based upon a false statement to any governmental 
agency.
    (4) Any misdemeanor based upon the offering, giving or receiving of 
a bribe or unlawful gratuity.



Sec.  439.60  Notifications and hearings.

    Accreditation of any laboratory will be refused, suspended, or 
revoked under the conditions previously described in this part. The 
owner or operator of the laboratory will be sent written notice of the 
refusal, suspension, or revocation of accreditation by the 
Administrator. In such cases, the laboratory owner or operator will be 
provided an opportunity to present, within 30 days of the date of the 
notification, a statement challenging the merits or validity of such 
action and to request an oral hearing with respect to the denial, 
suspension, or revocation decision. An oral hearing will be granted if 
there is any dispute of material fact joined in such responsive 
statement. The proceeding will be conducted thereafter in accordance 
with the applicable rules of practice, which will be adopted for the 
proceeding. Any such refusal, suspension, or revocation will be 
effective upon the receipt by the laboratory of the notification and 
will continue in effect until final determination of the matter by the 
Administrator.



PART 441_CONSUMER PROTECTION STANDARDS: RAW PRODUCTS--Table of Contents



    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 451-470, 601-695; 7 U.S.C. 450, 1901-1906; 7 
CFR 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 66 FR 1771, Jan. 9, 2001, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  441.10  Retained water.

    (a) Raw livestock, poultry, and fish carcasses and parts will not be 
permitted to retain water resulting from post-evisceration processing 
unless the establishment preparing those carcasses and parts 
demonstrates to FSIS, with data collected in accordance with a written 
protocol, that any water retained in the carcasses or parts is an 
unavoidable consequence of the process used to meet applicable food 
safety requirements.
    (b) Raw livestock, poultry, and fish carcasses and parts that retain 
water from post-evisceration processing and that are sold, transported, 
offered for sale or transportation, or received for transportation, in 
commerce, must bear a statement on the label in prominent letters and 
contiguous to the product name or elsewhere on the principal display 
panel of the label stating the maximum percentage of water that may be 
retained (e.g., ``up to X% retained water,'' ``less than X% retained 
water,'' ``up to X% water added from processing''). The percent water 
statement need not accompany the product name on other parts of the 
label. Raw livestock and poultry carcasses and parts that retain no 
water may bear a statement that no water is retained.
    (c)(1) An establishment subject to paragraph (a) of this section 
must maintain on file and available to FSIS its written data-collection 
protocol. The protocol must explain how data will be collected and used 
to demonstrate the amount of retained water in the product covered by 
the protocol that is an unavoidable consequence of the process used to 
meet specified food safety requirements.
    (2) The establishment must notify FSIS as soon as it has a new or 
revised protocol available for review by the Agency. Within 30 days 
after receipt of this notification, FSIS may object to or require the 
establishment to make changes in the protocol.
    (d) Expected elements of a protocol for gathering water retention 
data:
    (1) Purpose statement. The primary purpose of the protocol should be 
to determine the amount or percentage of water absorption and retention 
that is unavoidable using a particular chilling system while achieving 
the regulatory pathogen reduction performance standard for Salmonella as 
set forth in the PR/HACCP regulations (9 CFR 310.25(b), 381.94(b)) and 
the time/temperature requirements set forth in 9 CFR 381.66. Additional 
purposes that could be included are determining chilling system 
efficiency and evaluating product quality.

[[Page 619]]

    (2) Type of washing and chilling system used by the establishment. 
Any post-evisceration washing or chilling processes that affect water 
retention levels in and microbial loads on raw products should be 
described. For poultry establishments, the main chiller types, 
identified by the mechanism used to transport the birds through the 
chiller or to agitate the water in the chiller, are the drag-through, 
the screw type, and the rocker-arm type.
    (3) Configuration and any modifications of the chiller system 
components. A description of chiller-system configurations and 
modifications should be provided. The description should include the 
number and type of chillers in a series and arrangements of chilling 
system components, and the number of evisceration lines feeding into a 
chiller system. If there is a pre-chilling step in the process, its 
purpose and the type of equipment used should be accurately described. 
Any mechanical or design changes made to the chilling equipment should 
be described.
    (4) Special features in the chilling process. Any special features 
in the chilling process, such as antimicrobial treatments, should be 
described. Also, the length and velocity of the dripping line should be 
described, as well as the total time allowed for dripping. Any special 
apparatus, such as a mechanism for squeezing excessive water from 
chilled birds, should be explained.
    (5) Description of variable factors in the chilling system. The 
protocol should describe variable factors that affect water absorption 
and retention. In poultry processing, such factors are typically 
considered to be the time in chiller water, the water temperature, and 
agitation. The protocol should consider air agitation, where applicable. 
Additional factors that may affect water absorption and retention are 
scalding temperature and the pressure or amount of buffeting applied to 
birds by feather removal machinery, and the resultant loosening of the 
skin. Another factor that should be considered is the method used to 
open the bird for evisceration.
    (6) Standards to be met by the chilling system. For example, the 
chilling system may be designed simply to achieve a reduction in 
temperature of ready-to-cook poultry to less than 40 [deg]F within the 
time limit specified by the regulations, or in less time. As to the 
standard for pathogen minimization, the Salmonella pathogen reduction 
standards, as set forth in the PR/HACCP final rule, have been suggested. 
Although there is not yet an applicable Salmonella standard for turkeys, 
establishments are free to adopt practicable criteria for use in 
gathering data on turkeys under the protocols here suggested. Additional 
microbiological targets, such as E. coli or Campylobacter levels, or 
reductions in numbers of other microorganisms, may also be used.
    (7) Testing methods to be employed. The protocol should detail the 
testing methods to be used both for measuring water absorption and 
retention and for sampling and testing product for pathogen reductions. 
The protocol should call for water retention and pathogen reduction 
tests at various chilling equipment settings and chilling time-and-
temperature combinations. The method to be used in calculating water 
absorption and retention should be reproducible and statistically 
verifiable. With respect to the pathogen-reduction aspect of the 
testing, FSIS recommends the methods used for E. coli and Salmonella 
testing under the PR/HACCP regulations. The number of samples, the type 
of samples, the sampling time period, and the type of testing or 
measurement should be included in the protocol.
    (8) Reporting of data and evaluation of results. The protocol should 
explain how data obtained are to be reported and summarized. The 
criteria for evaluating the results and the basis for conclusions to be 
drawn should be explained.
    (9) Conclusions. The protocol should provide for a statement of what 
the data obtained demonstrate and what conclusions were reached.

[66 FR 1771, Jan. 9, 2001, as amended at 80 FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015]

[[Page 620]]



PART 442_QUANTITY OF CONTENTS LABELING AND PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS
FOR ACCURATE WEIGHTS--Table of Contents



Sec.
442.1 Quantity of contents labeling.
442.2 Definitions and procedures for determining net weight compliance.
442.3 Scale requirements for accurate weights, repairs, adjustments, and 
          replacement after inspection.
442.4 Testing of scales.
442.5 Handling of failed product.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 451-470, 601-695; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 73 FR 52192, Sept. 9, 2008, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  442.1  Quantity of contents labeling.

    This part prescribes the procedures to be followed for determining 
net weight compliance and prescribes the reasonable variations allowed 
from the declared net weight on the labels of immediate containers of 
products in accordance with 9 CFR 317.2(c)(4), 317.2(h), and 381.121.



Sec.  442.2  Definitions and procedures for determining net weight
compliance.

    (a) For the purpose of Sec.  442.1 of this part, the reasonable 
variations allowed, and the definitions and the procedures to be used, 
in determining net weight and net weight compliance are presented in the 
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 133, 
``Checking the Net Contents of Packaged Goods,'' Fourth Edition, January 
2005, which is incorporated by reference. The Director of the Federal 
Register approves this incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies of NIST Handbook 133 may be 
purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing 
Office, 732 N. Capitol Street, NW., Washington, DC, 20401. You may 
contact the Government Printing Office Toll-Free at 1-866-512-1800 or go 
to: http://bookstore.gpo.gov. You may inspect a copy of NIST Handbook 
133 at the FSIS Docket Room, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 2534, 
Washington, DC 20250. You can contact the FSIS Docket room by calling 
202-720-0344 or 202-720-3813. The NIST Handbook 133 is also available 
for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, 
call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    (b) The following NIST Handbook 133 requirements are not 
incorporated by reference.

          Chapter 2--Basic Test Procedure--Gravimetric Testing

    2.3 Basic Test Procedure--Tare Procedures--Wet Tare
    2.3 Basic Test Procedure--Moisture Allowances--What moisture 
allowance is used with wet tare when testing packages bearing a USDA 
seal of inspection?
    2.4 Borax

       Chapter 3--Test Procedures--For Packages Labeled by Volume

    3.5 Mayonnaise and Salad Dressing
    3.7 Pressed and Blown Glass Tumblers and Stemware
    3.8 Volumetric Test Procedures for Paint, Varnish, and Lacquers--Non 
Aerosol
    3.9 Testing Viscous Materials--Such as Caulking Compounds and 
Pasters
    3.10 Peat Moss
    3.11 Mulch and Soils Labeled by Volume
    3.12 Ice Cream Novelties
    3.13 Fresh Oysters Labeled by Volume
    3.14 Determining the Net Contents of Compressed Gas Cylinders
    3.15 Volumetric Test Procedures for Packaged Firewood with a Labeled 
Volume of 133 L (4 Cu Ft) or Less
    3.16 Boxed Firewood
    3.17 Crosshatched Firewood
    3.18 Bundles and Bags of Firewood

 Chapter 4--Test Procedures--Packages Labeled by Count, Linear Measure, 
             Area, Thickness, and Combinations of Quantities

    4.5 Paper Plates and Sanitary Paper Products
    4.6 Special Test Requirements for Packages Labeled by Linear or 
Square Measure (Area)
    4.7 Polyethylene sheeting
    4.8 Packages Labeled by Linear or Square (Area) Measure
    4.9 Bailer Twine--Test Procedure for Length
    4.10 Procedure for Checking the Area Measurement of Chamois Appendix 
C Glossary--wet tare

[[Page 621]]



Sec.  442.3  Scale requirements for accurate weights, repairs, adjustments,
and replacements after inspection.

    (a) All scales used to determine the net weight of meat and poultry 
products sold or otherwise distributed in commerce in federally 
inspected meat and poultry establishments will be installed, maintained, 
and operated in a manner that ensures accurate weights. Such scales 
shall meet the applicable requirements contained in National Institute 
of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 44, ''Specifications, 
Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring 
Devices,'' 1999 Edition, November 1988, which is incorporated by 
reference. This incorporation was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 
(These materials are incorporated as they exist on the date of 
approval.) A notice of any change in the Handbook cited here will be 
published in the Federal Register. Copies may be purchased from the 
Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 
20402. The incorporation information also is available for inspection at 
the Office of the Federal Register Information Center, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC 20408.
    (b) All scales used to determine the net weight of meat or poultry 
products sold or otherwise distributed in commerce or in States 
designated under section 301(c) of the Federal Meat Inspection Act and 
section 5(c) of the Poultry Products Inspection Act shall be of 
sufficient capacity to weigh the entire unit or package.
    (c) No scale will be used at a federally inspected establishment to 
determine the net weight of meat or poultry products unless it has been 
found upon test and inspection, as specified in NIST Handbook 44 to 
provide accurate weight. If a scale is inspected or tested and found to 
be inaccurate, or if any repairs, adjustments, or replacements are made 
to a scale, it shall not be used until it has been reinspected and 
retested by a USDA official, or a State or local government weights and 
measures official, or a State registered or licensed scale repair firm 
or person, and it must meet all accuracy requirements as specified in 
NIST Handbook 44. If a USDA inspector has put a ''Retain'' tag on a 
scale, the tag can only be removed by a USDA inspector. As long as the 
tag is on the scale, it shall not be used.



Sec.  442.4  Testing of scales.

    (a) The operator of each official establishment that weighs meat or 
poultry food products will cause such scales to be tested for accuracy 
in accordance with the technical requirements of NIST Handbook 44, at 
least once during the calendar year. In cases where the scales are found 
not to maintain accuracy between tests, more frequent tests may be 
required and verified by an authorized USDA program official.
    (b) The operator of each official establishment shall display on or 
near each scale a valid certification of the scale's accuracy from a 
State or local government's weights and measures authority or from a 
State registered or licensed scale repair firm or person, or shall have 
alternative documented procedures showing that the scale has been tested 
for accuracy in accordance with the requirements of NIST Handbook 44.



Sec.  442.5  Handling of failed product.

    Any lot of product that is found to be out of compliance with net 
weight requirements upon testing in accordance with the methods 
prescribed in Sec.  442.2 of this subchapter shall be handled as 
follows:
    (a) A lot tested in an official establishment and found not to 
comply with net weight requirements may be reprocessed and must be 
reweighed and remarked to satisfy the net weight requirements of this 
section in accordance with the requirements of this part.
    (b) A lot tested outside an official establishment and found not to 
comply with net weight requirements must be reweighed and remarked with 
a proper net weight statement, provided that such reweighing and 
remarking will not deface, cover, or destroy any other marking or 
labeling required under this subchapter, and the net quantity of 
contents is shown with the same prominence as the most conspicuous 
feature of a label.

[[Page 622]]



PART 500_RULES OF PRACTICE--Table of Contents



Sec.
500.1 Definitions.
500.2 Regulatory control action.
500.3 Withholding or suspension of inspection without prior 
          notification.
500.4 Withholding action or suspension of inspection with prior 
          notification.
500.5 Notification, appeals, and actions held in abeyance.
500.6 Withdrawal of inspection.
500.7 Refusal to grant inspection.
500.8 Procedures for rescinding or refusing approval of marks, labels, 
          sizes, and containers.
500.9 Procedures for the filing of appeals.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 451-470, 601-695, 1031-1056; 7 U.S.C. 450, 
1901-1906; (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.); 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 64 FR 66546, Nov. 29, 1999, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  500.1  Definitions.

    (a) A ``regulatory control action'' is the retention of product, 
rejection of equipment or facilities, slowing or stopping of lines, or 
refusal to allow the processing of specifically identified product.
    (b) A ``withholding action'' is the refusal to allow the marks of 
inspection to be applied to products. A withholding action may affect 
all product in the establishment or product produced by a particular 
process.
    (c) A ``suspension'' is an interruption in the assignment of program 
employees to all or part of an establishment; and (d) An establishment 
subject to Federal inspection or facility receiving voluntary inspection 
services under the regulations is ``adversely affected'' when that 
person has a legally cognizable interest, and the decision or action has 
caused or is substantially likely to cause injury to that interest.

[64 FR 66546, Nov. 29, 1999, as amended at 87 FR 63424, Oct. 19, 2022]



Sec.  500.2  Regulatory control action.

    (a) FSIS may take a regulatory control action because of:
    (1) Insanitary conditions or practices;
    (2) Product adulteration or misbranding;
    (3) Conditions that preclude FSIS from determining that product is 
not adulterated or misbranded; or
    (4) Inhumane handling or slaughtering of livestock.
    (b) If a regulatory control action is taken, the program employee 
will immediately notify the establishment orally or in writing of the 
action and the basis for the action.
    (c) An establishment may appeal a regulatory control action, as 
provided in Sec. Sec.  306.5, 381.35, and 590.310 of this chapter.

[64 FR 66546, Nov. 29, 1999, as amended at 85 FR 68672, Oct. 29, 2020; 
85 FR 81340, Dec. 16, 2020]



Sec.  500.3  Withholding action or suspension without prior notification.

    (a) FSIS may take a withholding action or impose a suspension 
without providing the establishment prior notification because:
    (1) The establishment produced and shipped adulterated or misbranded 
product as defined in 21 U.S.C. 453, 21 U.S.C. 602, or 21 U.S.C. 1033;
    (2) The establishment does not have a HACCP plan as specified in 
Sec.  417.2 of this chapter;
    (3) The establishment does not have Sanitation Standard Operating 
Procedures as specified in Sec. Sec.  416.11-416.12 of this chapter;
    (4) Sanitary conditions are such that products in the establishment 
are or would be rendered adulterated;
    (5) The establishment violated the terms of a regulatory control 
action;
    (6) An establishment operator, officer, employee, or agent 
assaulted, threatened to assault, intimidated, or interfered with an 
FSIS employee; or
    (7) The establishment did not destroy a condemned meat or poultry 
carcass, or part or product thereof, or egg product, that has been found 
to be adulterated and that has not been reprocessed, in accordance with 
part 314 or part 381, subpart L, or part 590 of this chapter within 
three days of notification.
    (b) FSIS also may impose a suspension without providing the 
establishment prior notification because the establishment is handling 
or slaughtering animals inhumanely.

[64 FR 66546, Nov. 29, 1999, as amended at 85 FR 68673, Oct. 29, 2020; 
85 FR 81340, Dec. 16, 2020]

[[Page 623]]



Sec.  500.4  Withholding action or suspension with prior notification.

    FSIS may take a withholding action or impose a suspension after an 
establishment is provided prior notification and the opportunity to 
demonstrate or achieve compliance because:
    (a) The HACCP system is inadequate, as specified in Sec.  417.6 of 
this chapter, due to multiple or recurring noncompliances;
    (b) The Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures have not been 
properly implemented or maintained as specified in Sec. Sec.  416.13 
through 416.16 of this chapter;
    (c) The establishment has not maintained sanitary conditions as 
prescribed in Sec. Sec.  416.2-416.8 of this chapter due to multiple or 
recurring noncompliances;
    (d) The establishment did not collect and analyze samples for 
Escherichia coli Biotype I and record results in accordance with Sec.  
310.25(a) or Sec.  381.94(a) of this chapter;
    (e) The establishment did not meet the Salmonella performance 
standard requirements prescribed in Sec.  310.25(b) or Sec.  381.94(b) 
of this chapter.



Sec.  500.5  Notification, appeals, and actions held in abeyance.

    (a) If FSIS takes a withholding action or imposes a suspension, the 
establishment will be notified orally and, as promptly as circumstances 
permit, in writing. The written notification will:
    (1) State the effective date of the action(s),
    (2) Describe the reasons for the action(s),
    (3) Identify the products or processes affected by the action(s),
    (4) Provide the establishment an opportunity to present immediate 
and corrective action and further planned preventive action; and
    (5) Advise the establishment that it may appeal the action as 
provided in Sec. Sec.  306.5, 381.35, and 590.310 of this chapter.
    (b) The prior notification provided for in Sec.  500.4 of this part 
will:
    (1) State the type of action that FSIS may take;
    (2) Describe the reason for the proposed action;
    (3) Identify the products or processes affected by the proposed 
action;
    (4) Advise the establishment of its right to contact FSIS to contest 
the basis for the proposed action or to explain how compliance has been 
or will be achieved; and
    (5) Advise the establishment that it will have three business days 
from receipt of the written notification to respond to FSIS unless the 
time period is extended by FSIS.
    (c) An establishment may appeal the withholding action or 
suspension, as provided in Sec. Sec.  306.5, 381.35, and 590.310 of this 
chapter.
    (d) If FSIS suspends inspection and does not hold the suspension 
action in abeyance as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, the 
establishment may request a hearing pursuant to the Uniform Rules of 
Practice, 7 CFR Subtitle A, part 1, subpart H. Upon such request, the 
Administrator will file a complaint that will include a request for an 
expedited hearing.
    (e) FSIS may hold a suspension in abeyance and allow the 
establishment to operate under the conditions agreed to by FSIS and the 
establishment.

[64 FR 66546, Nov. 29, 1999, as amended at 85 FR 68673, Oct. 29, 2020; 
85 FR 81340, Dec. 16, 2020]



Sec.  500.6  Withdrawal of inspection.

    (a)The FSIS Administrator may file a complaint to withdraw a grant 
of Federal inspection in accordance with the Uniform Rules of Practice, 
7 CFR subtitle A, part 1, subpart H because:
    (1) An establishment produced and shipped adulterated product;
    (2) An establishment did not have or maintain a HACCP plan in 
accordance with part 417 of this chapter;
    (3) An establishment did not have or maintain Sanitation Standard 
Operating Procedures in accordance with part 416 of this chapter;
    (4) An establishment did not maintain sanitary conditions;
    (5) An establishment did not collect and analyze samples for 
Escherichia coli Biotype I and record results as prescribed in Sec.  
310.25(a) or Sec.  381.94(a) of this chapter;
    (6) [Reserved]
    (7) An establishment did not slaughter or handle livestock humanely;

[[Page 624]]

    (8) An establishment operator, officer, employee, or agent 
assaulted, threatened to assault, intimidated, or interfered with an 
FSIS program employee; or
    (9) A recipient of inspection or anyone responsibly connected to the 
recipient is unfit to engage in any business requiring inspection as 
specified in section 401 of the FMIA, section 18(a) of the PPIA, or 
section 18 of the EPIA.
    (b) [Reserved]

[64 FR 66546, Nov. 29, 1999, as amended at 79 FR 49637, Aug. 21, 2014; 
85 FR 68673, Oct. 29, 2020; 85 FR 81340, Dec. 16, 2020]



Sec.  500.7  Refusal to grant inspection.

    (a) The FSIS Administrator may refuse to grant Federal inspection 
because an applicant:
    (1) Does not have a HACCP plan as required by part 417 of this 
chapter;
    (2) Does not have Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures as 
required by part 416 of this chapter;
    (3) Has not demonstrated that adequate sanitary conditions exist in 
the establishment as required by part 308, subpart H of part 381, part 
416, or part 590 of this chapter;
    (4) Has not demonstrated that livestock will be handled and 
slaughtered humanely; or
    (5) Is unfit to engage in any business requiring inspection as 
specified in section 401 of the FMIA or section 18(a) of the PPIA.
    (b) If the Administrator refuses to grant inspection, the applicant 
will be provided the opportunity for a hearing in accordance with the 
Uniform Rules of Practice, 7 CFR Subtitle A, part 1, subpart H.

[64 FR 66546, Nov. 29, 1999, as amended at 85 FR 68673, Oct. 29, 2020; 
85 FR 81340, Dec. 16, 2020]



Sec.  500.8  Procedures for rescinding or refusing approval of marks,
labels, and containers.

    (a) FSIS may rescind or refuse approval of false or misleading 
marks, labels, or sizes or forms of any container for use with any meat, 
poultry, or egg product, under section 7 of the FMIA, under section 8 of 
the PPIA, or under sections 7 or 14 of the EPIA.
    (b) FSIS will provide written notification that:
    (1) Explains the reason for rescinding or refusing the approval;
    (2) Provides an opportunity for the establishment to modify the 
marking, labeling, or container so that it will no longer be false or 
misleading; and
    (3) Advises the establishment of its opportunity to submit a written 
statement to respond to the notification and to request a hearing.
    (c) If FSIS rescinds or refuses approval of false or misleading 
marks, labels, or sizes or forms of any container for use with any meat, 
poultry, or egg product, an opportunity for a hearing will be provided 
in accordance with the Uniform Rules of Practice, 7 CFR subtitle A, part 
1, subpart H.

[64 FR 66546, Nov. 29, 1999, as amended at 85 FR 68673, Oct. 29, 2020; 
85 FR 81340, Dec. 16, 2020]



Sec.  500.9  Procedures for the filing of appeals.

    (a) Any establishment subject to Federal inspection or facility 
under voluntary inspection and adversely affected by a decision or 
action of an inspector or other Agency employee related to an inspection 
activity mandated under the FMIA, PPIA, or EPIA or related to voluntary 
reimbursable inspection services allowed under the AMA may appeal the 
decision or action. Initial appeals of an applicable decision or action, 
as well as subsequent appeals of denied appeals through final Agency 
action, must be made within 30 calendar days after receipt of written 
notification of the contested decision or action. Appeals may be 
supported by any argument or evidence that the appellant may wish to 
offer as to why the contested decision or action should be reconsidered.
    (b) Any initial appeal of a decision or action of an inspector or 
other Agency employee must be made to his/her immediate supervisor 
having jurisdiction over the subject matter of the appeal.

[87 FR 63424, Oct. 19, 2022]

[[Page 625]]



SUBCHAPTER F_MANDATORY INSPECTION OF FISH OF THE ORDER SILURIFORMES AND 
                          PRODUCTS OF SUCH FISH





PART 530_GENERAL REQUIREMENTS; DEFINITIONS--Table of Contents



Sec.
530.1 General.
530.2 FSIS organization for fish inspection.
530.3 Access to establishments.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 138f; 7 U.S.C. 450; 21 U.S.C. 601-602, 606-622, 
624-695; 7 CFR 2.7, 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 80 FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  530.1  General.

    (a) The regulations in this subchapter provide for the inspection of 
Siluriformes fish and fish products. The inspection and regulations are 
intended to prevent the sale, transportation, offer for sale or 
transportation, or receipt for transportation, in commerce of any fish 
or fish product that is capable of use as human food and is adulterated 
or misbranded at the time of the sale, transportation, offer for sale or 
transportation, or receipt for transportation.
    (b) Fish as defined in this subchapter are amenable to the Act, 
including, as the Administrator may determine, to provisions of the Act 
in which other amenable species are named, except where the Act 
specifically excludes the provisions from applicability to fish.



Sec.  530.2  FSIS organization for inspection of fish and fish products.

    The Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, administers an inspection program for fish and fish 
products. The organization of FSIS and the principal offices of FSIS and 
their functions are described, and organizational terms defined, in 9 
CFR part 300, subchapter A of this chapter. Section 300.3 lists the FSIS 
district offices and the geographic areas of the districts.



Sec.  530.3  Access to establishments.

    The provisions of 9 CFR 300.6 apply to fish processing 
establishments and related industries as they do to other establishments 
subject to the FMIA.



PART 531_DEFINITIONS--Table of Contents



    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 138f; 7 U.S.C. 450; 21 U.S.C. 601-602, 606-622, 
624-695; 7 CFR 2.7, 2.18, 2.53.



Sec.  531.1  Definitions.

    As used in this subchapter, unless otherwise required by the 
context, the following terms shall be construed, respectively, to mean:
    Act. The Federal Meat Inspection Act, as amended, (34 Stat. 1260, as 
amended, 81 Stat. 584, 84 Stat. 438, 92 Stat. 1069, 106 Stat. 4499, 119 
Stat. 2166, 122 Stat. 1369, 122 Stat. 2130, 21 U.S.C., sec. 601 et 
seq.).
    Adulterated. This term applies to any carcass, part thereof, fish or 
fish food product under one or more of the following circumstances:
    (1) If it bears or contains any such poisonous or deleterious 
substance which may render it injurious to health; but in case the 
substance is not an added substance, such article shall not be 
considered adulterated under this clause if the quantity of such 
substance in or on such article does not ordinarily render it injurious 
to health;
    (2)(i) If it bears or contains (by reason of administration of any 
substance to the live animal or otherwise) any added poisonous or added 
deleterious substance (other than one which is:
    (A) A pesticide chemical in or on a raw agricultural commodity;
    (B) A food additive; or
    (C) A color additive which may, in the judgment of the 
Administrator, make such article unfit for human food;
    (ii) If it is, in whole or in part, a raw agricultural commodity and 
such commodity bears or contains a pesticide chemical which is unsafe 
within the meaning of section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act;
    (iii) If it bears or contains any food additive which is unsafe 
within the meaning of section 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act;
    (iv) If it bears or contains any color additive which is unsafe 
within the

[[Page 626]]

meaning of section 706 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act: 
Provided, That an article which is not deemed adulterated under 
paragraphs (2)(ii), (iii), or (iv) of this definition shall nevertheless 
be deemed adulterated if use of the pesticide chemical food additive, or 
color additive in or on such article is prohibited by the regulations in 
this subchapter in official establishments;
    (3) If it consists in whole or in part of any filthy, putrid, or 
decomposed substance or is for any other reason unsound, unhealthful, 
unwholesome, or otherwise unfit for human food;
    (4) If it has been prepared, packed, or held under unsanitary 
conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with filth, or 
whereby it may have been rendered injurious to health;
    (5) If it is, in whole or in part, the product of an animal which 
has died otherwise than by slaughter;
    (6) If its container is composed, in whole or in part, of any 
poisonous or deleterious substance that may render the contents 
injurious to health;
    (7) If it has been intentionally subjected to radiation, unless the 
use of the radiation was in conformity with a regulation or exemption in 
effect pursuant to section 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic 
Act;
    (8) If any valuable constituent has been in whole or in part omitted 
or abstracted therefrom; or if any substance has been substituted, 
wholly or in part therefore; or if damage or inferiority has been 
concealed in any manner; or if any substance has been added thereto or 
mixed or packed therewith so as to increase its bulk or weight, or 
reduce its quality or strength, or make it appear better or of greater 
value than it is.
    Amenable species. A species that is, and whose products are, subject 
to the Act and regulations promulgated under the Act, except as the Act 
may provide.
    Animal food. Any article intended for use as food for dogs, cats, or 
other animals, derived wholly, or in part, from the carcass or parts or 
products of the carcass of any amenable species, except that the term 
animal food as used herein does not include:
    (1) Processed dry animal food or
    (2) Feeds for amenable species manufactured from processed by 
products of amenable species.
    Applicant. Any person who requests inspection service, exemption, or 
other authorization under the regulations.
    Biological residue. Any substance, including metabolites, remaining 
in fish at time of slaughter or in any of their tissues after slaughter 
as the result of treatment or exposure of the fish to a pesticide, 
organic or inorganic compound, hormone, hormone like substance, 
anthelmintic, or other therapeutic or prophylactic agent.
    Capable of use as human food. This term applies to any carcass or 
part or product of a carcass of any fish unless it is denatured or 
otherwise identified as required by Sec.  540.3 of this subchapter to 
deter its use as a human food, or it is naturally inedible by humans; 
e.g., barbels or fins in their natural state.
    Carcass. All parts, including viscera, of any slaughtered livestock.
    Commerce. Commerce between any State, any Territory, or the District 
of Columbia, and any place outside thereof; or within any Territory not 
organized with a legislative body, or the District of Columbia.
    Consumer package. Any container in which a fish product is enclosed 
for the purpose of display and sale to household consumers.
    Container. Any box, can, tin, cloth, plastic, or any other 
receptacle, wrapper, or cover.
    Dead fish. The body of a fish that has died otherwise than by 
slaughter.
    Dying or diseased fish. Fish affected by any of the conditions for 
which the fish are required to be condemned under part 539 or other 
regulations in this subchapter.
    Edible. Intended for use as human food.
    Farm-raised. Grown under controlled conditions, within an enclosed 
space, as on a farm.
    Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The Act so entitled, approved 
June 25, 1938 (52 Stat. 1040), and Acts amendatory thereof or 
supplementary thereto.
    Firm. Any partnership, association, or other unincorporated business 
organization.

[[Page 627]]

    Fish. (1) For the purposes of this subchapter, any fish of the order 
Siluriformes, whether live or dead.
    (2) The skeletal muscle tissue of fish. As applied to products of 
fish of the order Siluriformes, this term has a meaning comparable to 
that of ``meat'' in the meat inspection regulations (9 CFR 301.2).
    Fish byproduct. Any fish part capable of use as human food, other 
than the skeletal muscle tissue, that has been derived from one or more 
fish.
    Fish food product. Any article capable of use as human food that is 
made wholly or in part from any fish or part thereof; or any product 
that is made wholly or in part from any fish or part thereof, excepting 
those exempted from definition as a fish product by the Administrator in 
specific cases or by a regulation in this subchapter; upon a 
determination that they contain fish ingredients only in a relatively 
small proportion or historically have not been considered by consumers 
as products of the fish food industry, and provided that they comply 
with any requirements that are imposed in such cases or regulations as 
conditions of such exemptions to ensure that the fish meat or other 
portions of such carcasses contained in such articles are not 
adulterated, and that such articles are not represented as fish food 
products.
    Fish product. Any fish or fish part; or any product that is made 
wholly or in part from any fish or fish part, except for those exempted 
from definition as a fish product by the Administrator in a regulation 
in this subchapter. Except where the context requires otherwise (e.g., 
in part 540 of this subchapter), this term is limited to articles 
capable of use as human food.
    Further processing. Smoking, cooking, canning, curing, refining, or 
rendering in an official establishment of product previously prepared in 
official establishments.
    Immediate container. The receptacle or other covering in which any 
product is directly contained or wholly or partially enclosed.
    Inedible. Adulterated, uninspected, or not intended for use as human 
food.
    ``Inspected and passed'' or ``U.S. Inspected and Passed'' or ``U.S. 
Inspected and Passed by Department of Agriculture'' (or any authorized 
abbreviation thereof). This term means that the product so identified 
has been inspected and passed under the regulations in this subchapter, 
and at the time it was inspected, passed, and identified, it was found 
to be not adulterated.
    Label. A display of written, printed, or graphic matter upon the 
immediate container (not including package liners) of any article.
    Labeling. All labels and other written, printed, or graphic matter:
    (1) Upon any article or any of its containers or wrappers, or
    (2) Accompanying such article.
    Misbranded. This term applies to any carcass, part thereof, fish or 
fish food product under one or more of the following circumstances:
    (1) If its labeling is false or misleading in any particular;
    (2) If it is offered for sale under the name of another food;
    (3) If it is an imitation of another food, unless its label bears, 
in type of uniform size and prominence, the word ``imitation'' and 
immediately thereafter, the name of the food imitated;
    (4) If its container is so made, formed, or filled as to be 
misleading;
    (5) If in a package or other container unless it bears a label 
showing:
    (i) The name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or 
distributor; and
    (ii) An accurate statement of the quantity of the contents in terms 
of weight, measure, or numerical count; except as otherwise provided in 
part 317 of this subchapter with respect to the quantity of contents;
    (6) If any word, statement, or other information required by or 
under authority of the Act to appear on the label or other labeling is 
not prominently placed thereon with such conspicuousness (as compared 
with other words, statements, designs, or devices, in the labeling) and 
in such terms as to render it likely to be read and understood by the 
ordinary individual under customary conditions of purchase and use;

[[Page 628]]

    (7) If it purports to be or is represented as a food for which a 
definition and standard of identity or composition has been prescribed 
by the regulations in part 319 of this subchapter unless:
    (i) It conforms to such definition and standard, and
    (ii) Its label bears the name of the food specified in the 
definition and standard and, insofar as may be required by such 
regulations, the common names of optional ingredients (other than 
spices, flavoring, and coloring) present in such food;
    (8) If it purports to be or is represented as a food for which a 
standard or standards of fill of container have been prescribed by the 
regulations in part 319 of this subchapter, and it falls below the 
standard of fill of container applicable thereto, unless its label 
bears, in such manner and form as such regulations specify, a statement 
that it falls below such standard;
    (9) If it is not subject to the provisions of paragraph (7)(ii) of 
this definition unless its label bears:
    (i) The common or usual name of the food, if any there be, and
    (ii) In case it is fabricated from two or more ingredients, the 
common or usual name of each such ingredient, except as otherwise 
provided in part 317 of this subchapter;
    (10) If it purports to be or is represented for special dietary 
uses, unless its label bears such information concerning its vitamin, 
mineral, and other dietary properties as is required by the regulations 
in part 317 of this subchapter.
    (11) If it bears or contains any artificial flavoring, artificial 
coloring, or chemical preservative, unless it bears a label stating that 
fact; except as otherwise provided by the regulations in part 317 of 
this subchapter; or
    (12) If it fails to bear, directly thereon or on its containers, 
when required by the regulations in part 316 or 317 of this subchapter, 
the inspection legend and, unrestricted by any of the foregoing, such 
other information as the Administrator may require in such regulations 
to assure that it will not have false or misleading labeling and that 
the public will be informed of the manner of handling required to 
maintain the article in a wholesome condition.
    Nonfood compound. Any substance proposed for use in official 
establishments, the intended use of which will not result, directly or 
indirectly, in the substance becoming a component or otherwise affecting 
the characteristics of fish food and fish products excluding labeling 
and packaging materials as covered in part 541 of this subchapter.
    Official certificate. Any certificate prescribed by the regulations 
in this subchapter for issuance by an inspector or other person 
performing official functions under the Act.
    Official device. Any device prescribed by the regulations in part 
312 of this subchapter for use in applying any official mark.
    Official establishment. Any slaughtering, cutting, boning, fish 
product canning, curing, smoking, salting, packing, rendering, or 
similar establishment at which inspection is maintained under the 
regulations in this subchapter.
    Official import inspection establishment. This term means any 
establishment, other than an official establishment as defined in this 
section, where inspections are authorized to be conducted as prescribed 
in part 557 of this subchapter.
    Official inspection legend. Any symbol prescribed by the regulations 
in this subchapter showing that an article was inspected and passed in 
accordance with the Act.
    Official mark. The official inspection legend or any other symbol 
prescribed by the regulations in this subchapter to identify the status 
of any article, fish, or fish product under the Act.
    Packaging material. Any cloth, paper, plastic, metal, or other 
material used to form a container, wrapper, label, or cover for fish 
products.
    Person. Any individual, firm, or corporation.
    Pesticide chemical, food additive, color additive, raw agricultural 
commodity. These terms shall have the same meanings for purposes of the 
Act and the regulations in this subchapter as under the Federal, Drug, 
and Cosmetic Act.
    Prepared. Slaughtered, canned, salted, rendered, boned, cut up, or 
otherwise manufactured or processed.

[[Page 629]]

    Process authority. A person or organization with expert knowledge in 
fish production process control and relevant regulations. This 
definition does not apply to Sec.  548.6 of this subchapter or to 
subpart G of part 318 of this chapter.
    Process schedule. A written description of processing procedures, 
consisting of any number of specific, sequential operations directly 
under the control of the establishment employed in the manufacture of a 
specific product, including the control, monitoring, verification, 
validation, and corrective action activities associated with production. 
This definition does not apply to Sec.  548.6 of this subchapter or to 
subpart G of part 318 of this chapter.
    Producer. Any person engaged in the business of growing farm-raised 
fish.
    Product. Any carcass, fish, fish product, or fish food product, 
capable of use as human food.
    Program. The organizational unit within the Department having the 
responsibility for carrying out the provisions of the Act.
    Program employee. Any inspector or other individual employed by the 
Department or any cooperating agency who is authorized by the Secretary 
to do any work or perform any duty in connection with the Program.
    Slaughter. With respect to fish, intentional killing under 
controlled conditions.
    State. Any State of the United States or the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico.
    Territory. Guam, the Virgin Islands of the United States, American 
Samoa, and any other territory or possession of the United States.
    U.S. Condemned. This term means that the fish, part, or product of 
fish so identified was inspected and found to be adulterated and is 
condemned.
    U.S. Detained. This term applies to fish, fish products, and other 
articles which are held in official custody in accordance with section 
402 of the Act (21 U.S.C. 672), pending disposal as provided in the same 
section 402.
    U.S. Retained. This term means that the fish, part, or product of 
fish so identified is held for further examination by an inspector at an 
official establishment to determine its disposal.
    United States. The States, the District of Columbia, and the 
Territories of the United States.

[80 FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015]



PART 532_REQUIREMENTS FOR INSPECTION--Table of Contents



Sec.
532.1 Establishments requiring inspection.
532.2 Application for inspection; information to be furnished; grant or 
          refusal of Inspection; conditions for receiving inspection; 
          official numbers and inspection; assignment and authorities of 
          Program employees.
532.3 Exemption of retail operations.
532.4 Inspection at official establishments; relation to other 
          authorities.
532.5 Exemption from definition of fish product of certain human food 
          products containing fish.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 138f; 7 U.S.C. 450; 21 U.S.C. 601-602, 606-622, 
624-695; 7 CFR 2.7, 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 80 FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  532.1  Establishments requiring inspection; other inspection.

    (a) No establishment may process or prepare fish, fish parts, or 
fish products capable of use as human food, or sell, transport, or offer 
for sale or transportation in commerce any of these articles without 
inspection under these regulations, except as expressly exempted in 
Sec.  532.3.
    (b) Inspection under the regulations is required at:
    (1) Every establishment, except as provided in the regulation on 
exemption of retail operations (Sec.  532.3), in which any fish or fish 
products are wholly or in part, processed for transportation or sale in 
commerce, as articles intended for use as human food.
    (2) Every establishment, except as provided in the regulation on 
exemption of retail operations (Sec.  532.3), within any State or 
organized territory which is designated pursuant to section 301 of the 
Act (21 U.S.C. 661), at which any fish or fish products are processed 
for use as human food solely for distribution within that State or 
territory.
    (3) Except as provided in the regulation on exemption of retail 
operations (Sec.  532.3), every establishment designated by the 
administrator under

[[Page 630]]

section 301 of the Act (21 U.S.C. 661) as one producing adulterated fish 
products which would clearly endanger the public health.
    (4) Coverage of fish and fish products processed in official 
establishments. All fish and fish products prepared in an official 
establishment must be inspected, handled, processed, marked, and labeled 
as required by the regulations.
    (5) Other inspection. Periodic inspections may be made of:
    (i) The records of all persons engaged in the business of hatching, 
feeding, growing, or transporting fish between premises where fish are 
bred, hatcheries, and premises where fish are grown, and from these 
premises to processing establishments.
    (ii) Exempted retail establishments to determine that those 
establishments are operating in accordance with these regulations.



Sec.  532.2  Application for inspection; information to be furnished;
grant or refusal of Inspection; conditions for receiving inspection;
official numbers and inspection; assignment and authorities of
Program employees.

    (a) Application for inspection is as required by 9 CFR 304.1.
    (b) Information to be furnished is as required by 9 CFR 304.2(a), 
(b), and (c)(1). Conditions for receiving inspection, including having 
written Sanitation SOPs, HACCP plans and written recall procedures, are 
as required by 9 CFR 304.3.
    (c) Official numbers; inauguration of inspection; withdrawal of 
inspection; reports of violation. The requirements for assignment of 
official numbers, inauguration of inspection, withdrawal of inspection, 
and reports of violations at fish processing establishments are as 
required by part 305 of this chapter for meat establishments.
    (d) Assignment and authorities of program employees. The 
requirements concerning the assignment and authorities of Program 
employees at fish processing establishments are as required by parts 306 
and 307 of this chapter with respect to Program employees at meat 
establishments.



Sec.  532.3  Exemption of retail operations.

    (a) The exemption in 9 CFR 303.1(d) for operations of types 
traditionally and usually conducted at retail stores and restaurants 
applies with respect to fish products as it does with respect to 
products of other amenable species under the FMIA.
    (b) The exemption also applies to the slaughtering of fish conducted 
at and by the operator of a retail store or restaurant, with respect to 
live fish purchased by a consumer at the retail store or restaurant, in 
accordance with the consumer's instructions.
    (c) A retail quantity of fish or fish products sold to a household 
consumer is a normal retail quantity if it does not exceed 75 pounds and 
the quantity of fish or fish product sold by a retail supplier to a non-
household consumer is a normal retail quantity if it does not exceed 150 
pounds in the aggregate.



Sec.  532.4  Inspection at official establishments; relation to other
authorities.

    (a) Requirements within the scope of the Act with respect to 
premises, facilities, and operations of any official establishment that 
are in addition to or different than those made under this subchapter 
may not be imposed by any State or local jurisdiction except that the 
State or local jurisdiction may impose recordkeeping and other 
requirements within the scope of Sec.  550.1 of this subchapter, if 
consistent with those requirements, with respect to the establishment.
    (b) Labeling, packaging, or ingredient requirements in addition to 
or different than those made under this subchapter, the Federal Food, 
Drug, and Cosmetic Act and Fair Packaging and Labeling Act may not be 
imposed by any State or local jurisdiction with respect to any fish or 
fish products processed at any official establishment in accordance with 
the requirements under this subchapter and those Acts.



Sec.  532.5  Exemption from definition of fish product of certain human 
food products containing fish.

    The following articles contain fish ingredients only in a relatively 
small proportion or historically have not been considered by consumers 
to be

[[Page 631]]

products of the fish food products industry. Therefore, the articles are 
exempted from the definition of ``fish product'' and the requirements of 
the Act and the regulations that apply to fish products, if they comply 
with the conditions specified in this section.
    (a) Any human food product if:
    (1) It contains less than 3 percent raw or 2 percent cooked fish;
    (2) The fish ingredients used in the product were prepared under 
Federal inspection or were inspected under a foreign inspection system 
approved under Sec.  557.2 of this subchapter and imported in compliance 
with the Act and the regulations;
    (3) The immediate container of the product bears a label which shows 
the name of the product in accordance with this section; and
    (4) The product is not represented as a fish product. The percentage 
of cooked fish ingredients must be computed on the basis of the moist, 
deboned, cooked fish in the ready-to-serve product when prepared 
according to the serving directions on the consumer package.
    (b) A product exempted under this section will be deemed to be 
represented as a fish product if the term ``fish'' or a term 
representing a fish species that is covered by the definition of 
``fish'' in part 531 of this subchapter is used in the product name of 
the product without appropriate qualification.
    (c) A product exempted under this section is subject to the 
requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.



PART 533_SEPARATION OF ESTABLISHMENT; FACILITIES FOR INSPECTION; 
FACILITIES FOR PROGRAM EMPLOYEES; OTHER REQUIRED FACILITIES-
-Table of Contents



Sec.
533.1 Separation of establishments.
533.2 [Reserved]
533.3 Facilities for Program employees.
533.4 Other facilities and conditions to be provided.
533.5 Schedule of operations.
533.6 Overtime and holiday inspection service.
533.7 Basis of billing for overtime and holiday services.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-602, 606-622, 624-695; 7 CFR 2.7, 2.18, 
2.53.

    Source: 80 FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  533.1  Separation of establishments.

    Each official establishment shall be separate and distinct from any 
unofficial establishment and from any other official establishment, 
except an establishment preparing products under the FMIA, the PPIA, or 
the EPIA, or under State fish inspection requirements and authorities 
that are deemed to be at least equal to those provided under the FMIA. 
Further, doorways, or other openings, may be permitted between 
establishments at the discretion of the Administrator and under such 
conditions as he may prescribe. An official establishment that is not 
separate and distinct from another official or unofficial establishment 
must ensure that no sanitary hazards are created by the lack of 
separation.



Sec.  533.2  [Reserved]



Sec.  533.3  Facilities for Program employees.

    Office space, including necessary furnishings, light, heat, and 
janitor service, must be provided by official establishments, rent free, 
for the exclusive use for official purposes of the inspector and other 
Program employees assigned thereto. The space set aside for this purpose 
shall meet with approval of the District Manager or the frontline 
supervisor and must be conveniently located, properly ventilated, and 
provided with lockers suitable for the protection and storage of Program 
supplies and with facilities suitable for Program employees to change 
clothing if such facilities are deemed necessary by the frontline 
supervisor. At the discretion of the Administrator, small establishments 
requiring the services of less than one full-time inspector need not 
furnish facilities for Program employees as prescribed in this section, 
where adequate facilities exist in a nearby convenient location. Laundry 
service for inspectors' outer work clothing must be provided by each 
establishment.

[[Page 632]]



Sec.  533.4  Other facilities and conditions to be provided.

    When required by the District Manager or the frontline supervisor, 
each official establishment must provide the following facilities and 
conditions, and such others as may be found to be essential to efficient 
conduct of inspection and maintenance of sanitary conditions:
    (a) Sufficient light to be adequate for the proper conduct of 
inspection;
    (b) Tables, benches, and other equipment on which inspection is to 
be performed, of such design, material, and construction as to enable 
Program employees to conduct their inspection in a ready, efficient and 
clean manner;
    (c) Receptacles for holding and handling diseased carcasses and 
parts, so constructed as to be readily cleaned and to be marked in a 
conspicuous manner with the phrase ``U.S. Condemned'' in letters not 
less than 2 inches high, and, when required by the frontline supervisor, 
to be equipped in a way that allows the receptacles to be locked or 
sealed;
    (d) Adequate arrangements, including liquid soap and cleansers, for 
cleansing and disinfecting hands, for sterilizing all implements used in 
handling diseased carcasses, for cleaning and sanitizing floors, and 
such other articles and places as may be contaminated by diseased 
carcasses or otherwise;
    (e) Adequate facilities, including denaturing materials, for the 
proper disposal of condemned articles in accordance with the regulations 
in this subchapter;
    (f) Docks and receiving rooms, to be designated by the operator of 
the official establishment, with the frontline supervisor, for the 
receipt and inspection of fish, fish products, or other products.
    (g) Suitable lockers in which brands bearing the official inspection 
legend and other official devices (excluding labels) can be stored. 
Official certificates shall be kept when not in use in suitable file 
cabinets. All such lockers and file cabinets shall be equipped for 
sealing or locking with locks or seals to be supplied by the Department. 
The keys of such locks shall not leave the custody of Program employees.



Sec.  533.5  Schedule of operations.

    The requirements governing the schedule of operations for fish 
processing establishments are as required by 9 CFR 307.4 for meat 
establishments.



Sec.  533.6  Overtime and holiday inspection service.

    The requirements governing overtime and holiday inspection service 
in 9 CFR 307.5 apply to fish processing establishments.



Sec.  533.7  Basis of billing for overtime and holiday services.

    The requirements for billing and overtime and holiday inspection 
services are as required by 9 CFR 307.6.



PART 534_PRE-HARVEST STANDARDS AND TRANSPORTATION TO PROCESSING
ESTABLISHMENT--Table of Contents



Sec.
534.1 General.
534.2 Water quality for food fish.
534.3 Standards for use of drugs in the raising of fish.
534.4 Transportation to processing plant.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-602, 606-622, 624-695; 7 CFR 2.7, 2.18, 
2.53.

    Source: 80 FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  534.1  General.

    Fish that are harvested for use as human food must have grown and 
lived under conditions that will not render the fish or their products 
unsound, unwholesome, unhealthful, or otherwise unfit for human food.



Sec.  534.2  Water quality for food fish.

    Farmers of fish should monitor the water in which the fish are 
raised for the presence of suspended solids, organic matter, nutrients, 
heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial chemicals that may 
contaminate fish. FSIS will collect samples of feed, fish, and water 
from producers, at intervals to be determined by the Administrator, for 
the purpose of verifying that fish are being raised under conditions 
that will yield safe, wholesome products.

[[Page 633]]



Sec.  534.3  Standards for use of drugs in the raising of fish.

    New animal drugs that are the subject of an approved new animal drug 
application (NADA) or abbreviated new animal drug application (ANADA) 
under section 512 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) 
(21 U.S.C. 360b), or a conditional approval under section 571 of the Act 
(21 U.S.C. 360ccc), or an investigational exemption under section 512(j) 
of the Act (21 U.S.C. 360b(j)) may be used in the raising of fish. New 
animal drugs approved under section 512 of the Act may be used in an 
extra-label manner if such use complies with section 512(a)(4) of the 
Act and FDA regulations found at 21 CFR part 530.



Sec.  534.4  Transportation to processing plant.

    A vehicle used to transport fish from a producer's premises to a 
processing establishment must be equipped with vats or other containers 
for holding the fish. The vats or other containers must be maintained in 
a sanitary condition. Sufficient water and sufficient oxygen must be 
provided to the vats that hold the fish to ensure that fish delivered to 
the processing establishment will not be adulterated. Any fish that are 
dead, dying, diseased, or contaminated with substances that may 
adulterate fish products are subject to condemnation at the official 
fish processing establishments.



PART 537_SANITATION REQUIREMENTS AND HAZARD ANALYSIS AND CRITICAL CONTROL
POINTS SYSTEMS; NOTIFICATION REGARDING ADULTERATED OR MISBRANDED PRODUCTS-
-Table of Contents



Sec.
537.1 Basic requirements.
537.2 Hazard analysis and HACCP plan.
537.3 Notification.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 21 U.S.C. 601-602, 606-622, 624-695; 7 CFR 2.7, 
2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 80 FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  537.1  Basic requirements.

    (a)(1) Any official establishment that prepares or processes fish or 
fish products for human food must comply with the requirements contained 
in 9 CFR parts 416, Sanitation and 417, Hazard Analysis and Critical 
Control Point (HACCP) Systems, except as otherwise provided in this 
subchapter.
    (2) For the purposes of 9 CFR part 416, Sanitation; 9 CFR part 417, 
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems; and 9 CFR 
part 500, Rules of Practice, an ``official establishment'' or 
``establishment'' includes a plant that prepares or processes fish or 
fish products.



Sec.  537.2  Hazard analysis and HACCP plan.

    (a) A fish establishment's hazard analysis shall take into account 
the food safety hazards that can occur before, during, and after 
harvest.
    (b) The failure of an establishment to develop and implement a 
hazard analysis and a HACCP plan that comply with this part or to 
operate in accordance with the requirements of 9 CFR Chapter III, 
Subchapter E, will render the products produced under these conditions 
adulterated.



Sec.  537.3  Notification.

    Each official establishment must promptly notify the local FSIS 
District Office within 24 hours of learning or determining that an 
adulterated or misbranded fish product received by or originating from 
the official establishment has entered commerce, in accordance with the 
requirements of 9 CFR part 418.



PART 539_MANDATORY DISPOSITIONS; PERFORMANCE STANDARDS RESPECTING PHYSICAL,
CHEMICAL, OR BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS--Table of Contents



Sec.
539.1 Disposal of diseased or otherwise adulterated fish carcasses and 
          parts or fish products.
539.2 Physical, chemical, or biological contaminants.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 21 U.S.C. 601-602, 606-622, 624-695; 7 CFR 2.7, 
2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 80 FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015, unless otherwise noted.

[[Page 634]]



Sec.  539.1  Disposal of diseased or otherwise adulterated fish carcasses
and parts or fish products.

    (a)(1) Carcasses or parts of fish affected by abscesses or lesions, 
zoonotic and non-zoonotic parasites such as cestodes, or such parasites 
as digenean trematodes, metacercaria (Bolbophorus spp.), yellow grubs 
(Clinostomum spp.), or white grubs (Hysteromorpha spp.) are subject to 
condemnation unless properly disposed of by the establishment to prevent 
their use as human food.
    (2) Fish affected by Heterophyid intestinal flukes or 
Dictophymatidae nematodes are subject to condemnation unless properly 
disposed of by the establishment.
    (b) Fish affected by diseases, including columnaris (infection by 
Flavobacterium columnare/Flexibacter columnaris) and enteric septicemia 
of fish (ESC), are subject to condemnation unless properly disposed of 
by the establishment to prevent their use as human food.
    (c) Fish carcasses or parts or fish products that are found to be in 
a state of spoilage or decomposition are subject to condemnation unless 
properly disposed of by the establishment to prevent their use as human 
food.
    (d) Fish with unusual gross deformities caused by disease or 
chemical contamination may not be used for human food.



Sec.  539.2  Physical, chemical, or biological contaminants.

    (a) Fish and fish products that are contaminated with physical 
matter are subject to official retention and condemnation.
    (b) Antibiotic or other drug residues in fish tissues must be within 
applicable tolerances in 21 CFR part 556 or within an applicable import 
tolerance established under 21 U.S.C. 360b(a)(6).
    (c) Pesticide residues in fish tissues must be within applicable 
tolerances in 40 CFR part 180.
    (d) Fish or fish products containing violative concentrations of 
drugs or other chemicals are subject to condemnation.



PART 540_HANDLING AND DISPOSAL OF CONDEMNED AND OTHER INEDIBLE MATERIALS-
-Table of Contents



Sec.
540.1 Dead fish.
540.2 Specimens for educational, research, and other nonfood purposes; 
          permits.
540.3 Handling and disposal of condemned or other inedible materials.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 21 U.S.C. 601-602, 606-622, 624-695; 7 CFR 2.7, 
2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 80 FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  540.1  Dead fish.

    (a) With the exception of dead fish that have died en route to an 
official establishment that have been received with live fish at the 
official establishment, and that are subject to sorting and disposal at 
the official establishment, no fish or part of the carcass of fish that 
died otherwise than by slaughter may be brought onto the premises of an 
official establishment without advance permission from the FSIS 
frontline supervisor.
    (b) The official establishment shall maintain physical separation 
between slaughtered fish and the edible parts or products of slaughtered 
fish and any fish or parts of fish that have died otherwise than by 
slaughter. Fish or any parts of fish that have died otherwise than by 
slaughter shall be excluded from any room or compartment in which edible 
product is prepared, handled, or stored.



Sec.  540.2  Specimens for educational, research, and other nonfood 
purposes; permits.

    The requirements of 9 CFR 314.9 apply to the handling and release of 
specimens of condemned or other inedible fish materials.



Sec.  540.3  Handling and disposal of condemned or other inedible materials.

    Condemned or other inedible fish and fish parts shall be separated 
from edible fish. If not disposed of on the premises of the 
establishment, the condemned and inedible fish parts shall be conveyed 
from the official establishment for disposition at a rendering plant, an 
animal feed manufacturing

[[Page 635]]

establishment, or at another establishment for other non-food use. If 
not decharacterized by use of approved denaturants or colorings, the 
inedible materials shall be enclosed in containers that are 
conspicuously marked to indicate that the contents are condemned or 
otherwise inedible. The materials may be shipped under company or 
official seal to a rendering facility or for other inedible processing.



PART 541_MARKS, MARKING AND LABELING OF PRODUCTS AND CONTAINERS-
-Table of Contents



Sec.
541.1 General.
541.2 Official marks and devices to identify inspected and passed fish 
          and fish products.
541.3 Official seals for transportation of products.
541.4 Official export inspection marks, devices, and certificates.
541.5 Official detention marks and devices.
541.7 Labels required; supervision of a Program employee.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 21 U.S.C. 601-602, 606-622, 624-695; 7 CFR 2.7, 
2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 80 FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  541.1  General.

    The marks, devices, and certificates prescribed or referenced in 
this part are official marks, devices, and certificates for the purposes 
of the Act respecting fish and fish products. The marks, devices, and 
certificates shall be used only in accordance with the regulations in 
this part.



Sec.  541.2  Official marks and devices to identify inspected and 
passed fish and fish products.

    (a)(1) The official inspection legend required by this part must be 
shown on all labels for inspected and passed fish and fish products and 
must be in the following form prescribed in 9 CFR 312.2(b)(1) for 
inspected and passed products of cattle, sheep, swine, and goats, or in 
another form to be prescribed by the Administrator, except that it need 
not be of the size illustrated, if it is of a sufficient size and color 
to be conspicuously displayed, and readily legible, and in the same 
proportions of letter size and boldness are maintained as illustrated:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR02DE15.000

    (2) The official inspection legend shall contain the words ``U.S. 
Inspected and Passed'' or an abbreviation of those words approved by the 
Administrator.
    (b) This official mark must be applied by mechanical means and must 
not be applied by a hand stamp.
    (c)(1) The official inspection legend, or the approved abbreviation 
of the legend, must be printed on consumer packages and other immediate 
containers of inspected and passed fish products or on labels to be 
securely affixed to the containers of the products and may be printed or 
stenciled on the containers but must not be applied by rubber stamping.
    (2) The official inspection legend may also be used for the purposes 
of marking shipping containers, band labels, and other articles with the 
approval of the Administrator.

[[Page 636]]

    (d) Whole gutted fish carcasses that have been inspected and passed 
in an official establishment and are intended for sale as whole gutted 
fish must be marked with the official inspection legend or properly 
packaged in an immediate container labeled with the official inspection 
legend and all other required labeling features, that will ensure that 
the fish carcasses are identified as ``Inspected and Passed'' and will 
not become misbranded while in commerce. The official inspection legend 
used for this purpose must be in the form illustrated below or in 
another form determined by the Administrator:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR02DE15.001



Sec.  541.3  Official seals for transportation of products.

    The official mark for use in sealing railroad cars, cargo 
containers, or other means of conveyance as prescribed in part 555 of 
this subchapter must be the inscription and serial number shown in 9 CFR 
312.5 or another official mark approved by the Administrator. Any seal 
approved by the Administrator for applying the official mark is an 
official device for the purposes of the Act. The seal must be attached 
to the means of conveyance only by a Program employee, who shall also 
affix a ``Warning Tag'' (Form MP-408-3 or similar official form).



Sec.  541.4  Official export inspection marks, devices, and certificates.

    (a) The official export inspection mark for fish required by part 
552 of this subchapter must be in the same form as that specified in 9 
CFR 312.8(a) or otherwise as prescribed by the Administrator.
    (b) The official export certificate for fish and fish products 
required by part 552 must be in the same form as that prescribed for 
meat and meat food products in 9 CFR 312.8(b) or otherwise as prescribed 
by the Administrator.



Sec.  541.5  Official detention marks and devices.

    The official mark for shipments of articles and fish detained under 
this subchapter is the designation ``U.S. Detained,'' and the official 
device for applying the mark is the official ``U.S. Detained'' tag (FSIS 
Form 8400-2) as prescribed in 9 CFR 329.2 or otherwise by the 
Administrator.



Sec.  541.7  Labels required; supervision of a Program employee.

    (a) General labeling requirements. The requirements in part 317, 
subpart A, of this chapter, governing labels and labeling, safe-handling 
labeling, abbreviations of official marks, the use of approved labels, 
the labeling of products for foreign commerce, prohibited practices, the 
reuse of official inspection marks, filling of containers, relabeling of 
products, the storage and distribution of labels, and the requirements 
for packaging materials, apply to fish and fish products.
    (b) A country of origin statement on the label of any fish ``covered 
commodity'' as defined in 7 CFR part 60, subpart A, that is sold by a 
``retailer,'' as defined in 7 CFR 60.124, must comply with the 
requirements of 7 CFR 60.200 and 60.300.
    (c) The safe handling instructions required on labels of fish and 
fish products specified in paragraph (a) of this section shall replace 
statements that include the terms ``meat'' and ``poultry'' with the 
following:
    (1) In the rationale statement, ``This product was prepared from 
inspected

[[Page 637]]

and passed fish. Some food products may contain bacteria that could 
cause illness if the product is mishandled and cooked improperly. For 
your protection, follow these safe handling instructions.'' This 
statement shall be placed immediately after the heading and before the 
safe handling statements.
    (2) In the labeling statements, ``Keep raw fish separate from other 
foods. Wash working surfaces (including cutting boards), utensils, and 
hands after touching raw fish. (A graphic illustration of soapy hands 
under a faucet shall be displayed next to statement.)''
    (d)(1) Labels and labeling of fish in the order Siluriformes and the 
products of those fish must bear the appropriate common or usual names 
of the fish. For example, among fish in the family Pangasiidae, the 
labels and labeling for fish of the species Pangasius bocourti must bear 
the term ``basa''; for the species Pangasius hypophthalmus or 
Pangasionodon hypophthalmus, ``swai,'' ``tra,'' or ``sutchi.''
    (2) The labels and labeling only of fish and fish products within 
the family Icataluridae may bear the term ``catfish.''
    (e) The requirements in part 441 of this chapter, governing water 
retained from processing in raw meat and poultry, apply to retained 
water in fish. The requirements in part 442 of this chapter, governing 
quantity of contents labeling, the testing of scales, and the handling 
of product that is found to be out of compliance with net weight 
requirements, apply to fish and fish products.
    (1) Packages of frozen or fresh-frozen fish carcasses or parts must 
be labeled to reflect 100-percent net weight after thawing. The de-
glazed net weight must average 100 percent of the stated net weight of 
the frozen product when sampled and weighed according to the method 
prescribed in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 
Handbook 133 Chapter 2, Section 2.6.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ U.S. Department of Commerce. NIST Handbook 133: Checking the Net 
Contents of Packaged Goods, 2013. Washington, DC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) [Reserved]
    (f) Nutrition labeling. The requirements for nutrition labeling of 
meat and meat food products in part 317, subpart B, of this chapter, 
also apply to the labeling of fish and fish food products.
    (g) Label approval. The requirements for the label approval of meat 
and meat food products in part 412 of this chapter, also apply to the 
labeling of fish and fish products.



PART 544_FOOD INGREDIENTS PERMITTED--Table of Contents



    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-602, 606-622, 624-695; 7 CFR 2.7, 2.18, 
2.53.



Sec.  544.1  Use of food ingredients.

    (a) No fish product may bear or contain any food ingredient that 
would render it adulterated or misbranded or that is not approved in 
part 424 of this chapter, or in this part or elsewhere in this 
subchapter, or by the Administrator in specific cases.
    (b) [Reserved]

[80 FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015]



PART 548_PREPARATION OF PRODUCTS--Table of Contents



Sec.
548.1 Preparation of fish products.
548.2 Requirements concerning ingredients and other articles used in the 
          preparation of fish products.
548.3 Samples of products, water, dyes, chemicals, etc. to be taken for 
          examination.
548.4 [Reserved]
548.5 Ready-to-eat fish products.
548.6 Canning and canned products.
548.7 Use of new animal drugs.
548.8 Polluted water contamination at establishment.
548.9 Accreditation of non-Federal chemistry laboratories.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1633; 21 U.S.C. 601-602, 606-695; 7 CFR 2.7, 
2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 80 FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  548.1  Preparation of fish products.

    (a) All processes used in preparing any fish product in official 
establishments shall be subject to inspection by

[[Page 638]]

Program employees unless such preparation is conducted as or consists of 
operations that are exempted from inspection under 9 CFR 303.1. No 
fixtures or appliances, such as tables, trucks, trays, tanks, vats, 
machines, implements, cans, or containers of any kind, shall be used 
unless they are of such materials and construction as will not 
contaminate or otherwise adulterate the product and are clean and 
sanitary. All steps in the preparation of edible products shall be 
conducted carefully and with strict cleanliness in rooms or compartments 
separate from those used for inedible products.
    (b) It shall be the responsibility of the operator of every official 
establishment to comply with the Act and the regulations in this 
subchapter. To carry out this responsibility effectively, the operator 
of the establishment shall institute appropriate measures to ensure the 
maintenance of the establishment and the preparation, marking, labeling, 
packaging and other handling of its products strictly in accordance with 
the sanitary and other requirements of this subchapter.



Sec.  548.2  Requirements concerning ingredients and other articles used
in the preparation of fish products.

    All ingredients and other articles used in the preparation of any 
fish product must be clean, sound, healthful, wholesome, and otherwise 
such as will not result in the product's being adulterated.



Sec.  548.3  Samples of products, water, dyes, chemicals, etc. to be
taken for examination.

    Samples of products, water, dyes, chemicals, preservatives, spices, 
or other articles in any official establishment shall be taken, without 
cost to the Program, for examination, as often as may be deemed 
necessary for the efficient conduct of the inspection.



Sec.  548.4  [Reserved]



Sec.  548.5  Ready-to-eat fish products.

    Ready-to-eat fish products are subject to the requirements in part 
430 of this chapter.



Sec.  548.6  Canning and canned products.

    The requirements for canning and canned products in 9 CFR part 431 
apply to fish products that are canned.

[80 FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015, as amended at 83 FR 25325, May 31, 2018]



Sec.  548.7  Use of new animal drugs.

    Edible tissues of fish with residues exceeding tolerance levels 
specified in 21 CFR part 556 or established in an import tolerance under 
21 U.S.C. 360b(a)(6) are adulterated within the meaning of section 
402(a)(2)(C)(ii) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because 
they bear or contain a new animal drug that is unsafe within the meaning 
of section 512 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.



Sec.  548.8  Polluted water contamination at establishment.

    In the event that there is polluted water (including but not limited 
to flood water) in an official establishment, all products and 
ingredients for use in the preparation of the products that have been 
rendered adulterated by the water must be condemned. After the polluted 
water has receded from the establishment, the establishment must follow 
the cleaning and sanitizing procedures in Sec.  318.4 of this chapter.



Sec.  548.9  Accreditation of non-Federal chemistry laboratories.

    A non-Federal analytical laboratory that has met the requirements 
for accreditation specified in 9 CFR part 439 and hence, at an 
establishment's discretion, may be used in lieu of an FSIS laboratory 
for analyzing official regulatory samples. Payment for the analysis of 
regulatory samples is to be made by the establishment using the 
accredited laboratory.

                           PART 549 [RESERVED]



PART 550_RECORDS REQUIRED TO BE KEPT--Table of Contents



Sec.
550.1 Records required to be kept.
550.2 Place of maintenance of records.
550.3 Record retention period.

[[Page 639]]

550.4 Access to and inspection of records, facilities and inventory; 
          copying and sampling.
550.5 Registration.
550.6 Information and reports required from official establishment 
          operators.
550.7 Reports by consignees of allegedly adulterated or misbranded 
          products; sale or transportation as violations.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-602, 606-622, 624-695; 7 CFR 2.7, 2.18, 
2.53.

    Source: 80 FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  550.1  Records required to be kept.

    The requirements in 9 CFR 320.1 for records to be kept apply to 
persons that engage in businesses relating to fish and fish products as 
they do to persons that engage in businesses relating to the carcasses, 
parts, or products of other species amenable to the FMIA.



Sec.  550.2  Place of maintenance of records.

    The requirements in 9 CFR 320.2 for the place where records are to 
be maintained apply in the keeping of records under this part.



Sec.  550.3  Record retention period.

    The record retention requirements in 9 CFR 320.3 apply to records 
required to be kept under this part.



Sec.  550.4  Access to and inspection of records, facilities and 
inventory; copying and sampling.

    The provisions of 9 CFR 320.4 apply to businesses dealing in fish 
and fish products.



Sec.  550.5  Registration.

    The registration requirements in 9 CFR 320.5 apply to persons 
engaging in businesses, in or for commerce, relating to fish and fish 
products as they do to persons engaging in businesses relating to the 
carcasses, parts, and products, or any livestock, of other animal 
species that are amenable to the FMIA.



Sec.  550.6  Information and reports required from official establishment
operators.

    The information and reporting requirements in 9 CFR 320.6 for 
operators of official establishments apply with respect to fish and fish 
products as they do with respect to other species amenable to the FMIA.



Sec.  550.7  Reports by consignees of allegedly adulterated or misbranded
products; sale or transportation as violations.

    The requirements in 9 CFR 320.7 for reports by consignees of 
allegedly adulterated or misbranded products apply with respect to fish 
and fish products as they do with respect to products of other species 
amenable to the Act.



PART 552_EXPORTS--Table of Contents



    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-602, 606-622, 624-695; 7 CFR 2.7, 2.18, 
2.53.



Sec.  552.1  Affixing stamps and marking products for export; issuance
of export certificates; clearance of vessels and transportation.

    (a) The manner of affixing stamps and marking products for export is 
that prescribed in Sec.  322.1(a) of this chapter.
    (b) The requirements for the issuance of export certificates are as 
prescribed in Sec.  322.2 of this chapter.
    (c) The requirements for clearing vessels and other transportation 
vehicles are set out in Sec.  322.4 of this chapter.

[80 FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015]



PART 555_TRANSPORTATION OF FISH PRODUCTS IN COMMERCE--Table of Contents



Sec.
555.1 Transportation of fish products.
555.2 Fish product transported within the United States as part of 
          export movement.
555.3 Unmarked, inspected fish product transported under official seal 
          between official establishments for further processing; 
          certificate.
555.4 Handling of fish products that may have become adulterated.
555.5 Transportation of inedible fish product in commerce.
555.6 Certificates.
555.7 Official seals; forms, use, and breaking.
555.8 Loading or unloading of fish products in sealed transport 
          conveyances.
555.9 Diverting of shipments.
555.10 Provisions inapplicable to specimens for laboratory examination, 
          etc., or to naturally inedible articles.

[[Page 640]]

555.11 Transportation and other transactions concerning dead, dying, or 
          diseased fish, and fish or parts of fish that died otherwise 
          than by slaughter.
555.12 Means of conveyance in which dead, dying, or diseased fish or 
          parts of fish must be transported.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 21 U.S.C. 601-602, 606-622, 624-695; 7 CFR 
2.7, 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 80 FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  555.1  Transportation of fish products.

    (a) No person may sell, transport, offer for sale or transportation, 
or receive for transportation, in commerce, any fish or fish product 
that is capable of being used as human food and is adulterated or fails 
to bear an official inspection legend or is otherwise misbranded at the 
time of such sale, transportation, offer or receipt, except otherwise 
provided in this paragraph or in part 557 of this subchapter.
    (b) No person, engaged in the business of buying, selling, freezing, 
storing, or transporting, in or for commerce, fish products capable of 
use as human food, or importing such articles, shall transport, offer 
for transportation, or receive for transportation, in commerce or in any 
State designated under Sec.  560.3 of this subchapter, any fish product 
which is capable of use as human food and is not wrapped, packaged, or 
otherwise enclosed to prevent adulteration by airborne contaminants, 
unless the railroad car, truck, or other means of conveyance in which 
the product is contained or transported is completely enclosed with 
tight fitting doors or other covers for all openings. In all cases, the 
means of conveyance shall be reasonably free of foreign matter (such as 
dust, dirt, rust, or other articles or residues), and free of chemical 
residues, so that product placed therein will not become adulterated.
    (c) Any cleaning compound, lye, soda solution, or other chemical 
used in cleaning the means of conveyance must be thoroughly removed from 
the means of conveyance prior to its use. Such means of conveyance onto 
which product is loaded, being loaded, or intended to be loaded, shall 
be subject to inspection by an inspector at any official establishment.
    (d) The decision whether or not to inspect a means of conveyance in 
a specific case, and the type and extent of such inspection shall be at 
the Agency's discretion and shall be adequate to determine if fish 
product in such conveyance is, or when moved could become, adulterated.
    (e) Circumstances of transport that can be reasonably anticipated 
shall be considered in making said determination. These include, but are 
not limited to, weather conditions, duration and distance of trip, 
nature of product covering, and effect of restowage at stops en route. 
Any means of conveyance found upon such inspection to be in such 
condition that fish product placed therein could become adulterated 
shall not be used until such condition which could cause adulteration is 
corrected.
    Fish product placed in any means of conveyance that is found by the 
inspector to be in such condition that the fish product may have become 
adulterated shall be removed from the means of conveyance and handled in 
accordance with part 539 or Sec.  540.3 of this subchapter.



Sec.  555.2  Fish product transported within the United States as part
of export movement.

    When any shipment of any fish product is offered to any carrier for 
transportation within the United States as a part of an export movement, 
the same certificate shall be required as if the shipment were destined 
to a point within the United States.



Sec.  555.3  Unmarked, inspected fish product transported under official
seal between official establishments for further processing; certificate.

    The requirements governing transportation of fish product that has 
been inspected and passed, but not so marked, from one official 
establishment to another official establishment are the same as those in 
Sec.  325.5 of this chapter that apply to unmarked inspected meat 
products.



Sec.  555.4  Handling of fish products that may have become adulterated.

    The provisions of Sec.  325.10 of this chapter regarding the 
handling of products that may have become adulterated or

[[Page 641]]

misbranded apply to fish and fish products.



Sec.  555.5  Transportation of inedible fish product in commerce.

    The provisions in Sec.  325.11(e) of this chapter regarding the 
transportation of inedible livestock products apply to the 
transportation of inedible fish parts or products.



Sec.  555.6  Certificates.

    The provisions in Sec.  325.14 of this chapter regarding the filing 
of original certificates of unmarked inspected meat products delivered 
to carriers applies with respect to fish and fish products.



Sec.  555.7  Official seals; forms, use, and breaking.

    The official seals required by this part are those prescribed in 
Sec.  541.3 and Sec.  312.5 of this chapter.



Sec.  555.8  Loading or unloading of fish products in sealed transport
conveyances.

    The requirements in 9 CFR 325.17 governing the unloading of any meat 
or meat food product from an officially sealed railroad car, truck, or 
other means of conveyance containing any unmarked product or loading any 
means of conveyance after the product leaves an official establishment 
are applicable to fish and fish products.



Sec.  555.9  Diverting of shipments.

    (a) Shipments of inspected and passed fish products that bear the 
inspection legend may be diverted from the original destination without 
a reinspection of the articles if the waybills, transfer bills, running 
slips, conductor's card, or other papers accompanying the shipments are 
marked, stamped, or have attached thereto signed statements in 
accordance with Sec.  325.15 of this chapter.
    (b) In case of a wreck or similar extraordinary emergency, the 
Department seals on a railroad car or other means of conveyance 
containing any inspected and passed product may be broken by the 
carrier, and if necessary, the articles may be reloaded into another 
means of conveyance, or the shipment may be diverted from the original 
destination, without another shipper's certificate; but in all such 
cases the carrier must immediately report the facts by telephone or 
telegraph to the District Manager in the area in which the emergency 
occurs. The report must include the following information:
    (1) Nature of the emergency.
    (2) Place where seals were broken.
    (3) Original points of shipment and destination.
    (4) Number and initial of the original car or truck.
    (5) Number and initials of the car or truck into which the articles 
are reloaded.
    (6) New destination of the shipment.
    (7) Kind and amount of articles.



Sec.  555.10  Provisions inapplicable to specimens for laboratory
examination, etc., or to naturally inedible articles.

    The provisions of this part do not apply:
    (a) To specimens of product sent to or by the Department of 
Agriculture or divisions thereof in Washington, DC, or elsewhere, for 
laboratory examination, exhibition purposes, or other official use;
    (b) To material released for educational, research, and other 
nonfood purposes, as prescribed in Sec.  540.2 of this subchapter;
    (c) To tissues for use in preparing pharmaceutical, 
organotherapeutic, or technical products and not used for human food, as 
described in Sec.  540.2 of this subchapter;
    (d) To material or specimens of product for laboratory examination, 
research, or other nonhuman food purposes, when authorized by the 
Administrator, and under conditions prescribed by him in specific cases; 
and
    (e) To articles that are naturally inedible by humans.



Sec.  555.11  Transportation and other transactions concerning dead,
dying, or diseased fish, and fish or parts of fish that died otherwise 
than by slaughter.

    No person engaged in the business of buying, selling, or 
transporting in commerce, or importing any dead, dying, or diseased fish 
or parts of fish that died otherwise than by slaughter shall:

[[Page 642]]

    (a) Sell, transport, offer for sale or transportation, or receive 
for transportation, in commerce, any dead, dying, or diseased fish or 
parts of fish that died otherwise than by slaughter, unless the fish and 
parts are consigned and delivered, without avoidable delay, to 
establishments of animal food manufacturers, renderers, or collection 
stations that are registered as required by part 550 of this subchapter, 
or to official establishments that operate under Federal inspection, or 
to establishments that operate under a State or Territorial inspection 
system approved by FSIS as one that imposes requirements at least equal 
to the Federal requirements for purposes of section 301(c) of the Act;
    (b) Buy in commerce or import any dead, dying, or diseased fish or 
parts of fish that died otherwise than by slaughter, unless he is an 
animal food manufacturer or renderer and is registered as required by 
part 550 of this subchapter, or is the operator of an establishment 
inspected as required by paragraph (a) of this section and such fish or 
parts of fish are to be delivered to establishments eligible to receive 
them under paragraph (a) of this section;
    (c) Unload en route to any establishment eligible to receive them 
under paragraph (a) of this section, any dead, dying, or diseased fish 
or parts of fish that died otherwise than by slaughter, which are 
transported in commerce or imported by any such person: Provided, That 
any such dead, dying, or diseased fish, or parts of fish may be unloaded 
from a means of conveyance en route where necessary in case of a wreck 
or otherwise extraordinary emergency, and may be reloaded into another 
means of conveyance; but in all such cases, the carrier must immediately 
report the facts by telephone or other electrical or electronic means to 
the Office of Investigation, Enforcement and Audit, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 
20250.
    (d) Load into any means of conveyance containing any dead, dying, or 
diseased fish, or parts of fish that died otherwise than by slaughter, 
while in the course of importation or other transportation in commerce 
any fish or parts of fish not within the foregoing description or any 
other products or other commodities.



Sec.  555.12  Means of conveyance in which dead, dying, or diseased fish
or parts of fish must be transported.

    All vehicles and other means of conveyance used by persons subject 
to Sec.  555.11 for transporting in commerce or importing, any dead, 
dying, or diseased fish or parts of fish that died otherwise by 
slaughter must be leak proof and so constructed and equipped as to 
permit thorough cleaning and sanitizing. The means of conveyance used in 
conveying the fish or parts of fish must be cleaned and disinfected 
before being used in the transportation of any product intended for use 
as human food. The cleaning procedure must include the complete removal 
from the means of conveyance of any fluid, parts, or product of dead, 
dying, or diseased fish and the thorough application of a disinfectant 
approved by the Administrator to the interior surfaces of the cargo 
space.



PART 557_IMPORTATION--Table of Contents



Sec.
557.1 Definitions; application of provisions.
557.2 Eligibility of foreign countries for importation of fish and fish 
          products into the United States.
557.3 No fish or fish product to be imported without compliance with 
          applicable regulations.
557.4 Imported fish and fish products; foreign certificates required.
557.5 Importer to make application for inspection of fish and fish 
          products for entry.
557.6 Fish and fish products for importation; program inspection, time 
          and place; application for approval of facilities as official 
          import inspection establishment; refusal or withdrawal of 
          approval; official numbers.
557.7 Products for importation; movement prior to inspection; handling; 
          bond; assistance.
557.8 Import fish and fish products; equipment and means of conveyance 
          used in handling to be maintained in sanitary condition.
557.9 [Reserved]
557.10 Samples; inspection of consignments; refusal of entry; marking.
557.11 Receipts to importers for import fish and fish products samples.

[[Page 643]]

557.12 Foreign canned or packaged fish and fish products bearing trade 
          labels; sampling and inspection.
557.13 Foreign fish and fish products offered for importation; reporting 
          of findings to Customs.
557.14 Marking of fish products and labeling of immediate containers 
          thereof for importation.
557.15 Outside containers of foreign products; marking and labeling; 
          application of official inspection legend.
557.16 Small importations for importer's own consumption; requirements.
557.17 Returned U.S. inspected and marked fish and fish products.
557.18 Fish and fish products offered for entry and entered to be 
          handled and transported as domestic; exception.
557.19 Specimens for laboratory examination and similar purposes.
557.20-557.23 [Reserved]
557.24 Appeals; how made.
557.25 Disposition procedures for fish and fish product condemned or 
          ordered destroyed under import inspection.
557.26 Official import inspection marks and devices.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601-602, 606-622, 624-695; 7 CFR 2.7, 2.18, 
2.53.

    Source: 80 FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  557.1  Definitions; application of provisions.

    (a) When used in this part, the following terms shall be construed 
to mean:
    (1) Import. To bring within the territorial limits of the United 
States whether that arrival is accomplished by land, air, or water.
    (2) Offer for entry. Presentation of the imported product by the 
importer to the Program for reinspection.
    (3) Entry. The point at which imported product offered for entry 
receives reinspection and is marked with the official mark of inspection 
in accordance with Sec.  557.26 of this subchapter.
    (b) The provisions of this part shall apply to fish and fish 
products that are capable of use as human food. Compliance with the 
conditions for importation of products under this part does not excuse 
the need for compliance with applicable requirements under other laws, 
including the provisions in part 94 of chapter I of this title.



Sec.  557.2  Eligibility of foreign countries for importation of fish
and fish products into the United States.

    (a) The requirements in 9 CFR 327.2(a)(1), (a)(2)(i), (a)(2)(ii)(C)-
(I), (a)(2)(iii)-(iv), and (a)(3), for determining the acceptability of 
foreign meat inspection systems for the importation of meat and meat 
food products into the United States, apply in determining the 
acceptability of foreign fish inspection systems for the importation of 
fish and fish products into the United States. In determining the 
acceptability of these systems, the Agency will evaluate the manner in 
which they take into account the conditions under which fish are raised 
and transported to a processing establishment.
    (b) The countries eligible to export specific process categories of 
fish and fish products are listed at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/
importlibrary. Such products must be covered by foreign inspection 
certificates of the country of origin as required by Sec.  557.4. 
Products from such countries are eligible under the regulations in this 
subchapter for entry into the United States after inspection and marking 
as required by the applicable provisions of this part..

[80 FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015, as amended at 84 FR 59681, 59685, 59689, 
Nov. 5, 2019; 84 FR 65269, Nov. 27, 2019]



Sec.  557.3  No fish or fish product to be imported without compliance
with applicable regulations.

    No fish or fish product offered for importation from any foreign 
country shall be admitted into the United States if it is adulterated or 
misbranded or does not comply with all the requirements of this 
subchapter that would apply to it if it were a domestic product.



Sec.  557.4  Imported fish and fish products; foreign certificates required.

    (a) Except as provided in Sec.  557.16, each consignment containing 
any fish or fish products consigned to the United States from a foreign 
country must be accompanied by an electronic foreign inspection 
certificate or a paper foreign inspection certificate for fish and fish 
products. The certificate must have been issued by an official of the

[[Page 644]]

foreign government agency responsible for the inspection and 
certification.
    (b) An official of the foreign government must certify that any fish 
or fish product described on any official certificate was produced in 
accordance with the regulatory requirements in Sec.  557.2.
    (c) The electronic foreign inspection certification must be in 
English, be transmitted directly to FSIS before the product's arrival at 
the official import inspection establishment, and be available to import 
inspection personnel.
    (d) The paper foreign inspection certificate must accompany each 
consignment; be submitted to import inspection personnel at the official 
import inspection establishment; be in English; bear the official seal 
of the foreign government responsible for the inspection of the product, 
and the name, title, and signature of the official authorized to issue 
inspection certificates for products imported to the United States.
    (e) The electronic foreign inspection certification and paper 
foreign inspection certificate must contain:
    (1) The date;
    (2) The foreign country of export and the producing foreign 
establishment number;
    (3) The species used to produce the product and the source country 
and foreign establishment number, if the source materials originate from 
a country other than the exporting country;
    (4) The product's description, including the process category, the 
product category, and the product group;
    (5) The name and address of the importer or consignee;
    (6) The name and address of the exporter or consignor;
    (7) The number of units (pieces or containers) and the shipping or 
identification;
    (8) The net weight of each lot;
    (9) Any additional information the Administrator requests to 
determine whether the product is eligible to be imported into the United 
States.



Sec.  557.5  Importer to make application for inspection of fish and
fish products for entry.

    (a) Applicants must submit an import inspection application, to 
apply for the inspection of any product offered for entry. Applicants 
may apply for inspection using a paper or electronic application form.
    (b) Import inspection applications for each consignment must be 
submitted, electronically or on paper, to FSIS in advance of the 
shipment's arrival at the official import establishment where the 
product will be reinspected, but no later than when the entry is filed 
with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
    (c) The provisions of this section do not apply to products that are 
exempted from inspection by Sec. Sec.  557.16 and 557.17.



Sec.  557.6  Fish and fish products for importation; program inspection,
time and place; application for approval of facilities as official import
inspection establishment; refusal or withdrawal of approval; official 
numbers.

    (a)(1) Except as provided in Sec. Sec.  557.16 and 557.17, all fish 
and fish products offered for entry from any foreign country shall be 
reinspected by a Program inspector before they shall be allowed entry 
into the United States.
    (2) Every lot of product shall routinely be given visual inspection 
by a Program import inspector for appearance and condition, and checked 
for certification and label compliance.
    (3) The electronic inspection system will be consulted for 
reinspection instructions. The electronic inspection system will assign 
reinspection levels and procedures based on established sampling plans 
and established product and plant history.
    (4) When the inspector deems it necessary, the inspector may sample 
and inspect lots not designated by the electronic system.
    (b) Fish and fish products required by this part to be inspected 
must be inspected only at an official establishment or at an official 
import inspection establishment approved by the Administrator as 
provided in this section.
    (c) Owners or operators of establishments, other than official 
establishments, who want to have import inspections made at their 
establishments, shall apply to the Administrator for approval of their 
establishments for such purpose. Application

[[Page 645]]

must be made on a form furnished by the Program, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 
20250, and must include all information called for by that form.
    (d) Approval for Federal import inspection must be in accordance 
with Sec. Sec.  304.1 and 304.2 of this chapter. Also, before approval 
is granted, the establishment must have developed written Sanitation 
Standard Operating Procedures in accordance with part 416 of this 
chapter.
    (e) Owners or operators of establishments at which import 
inspections of product are to be made shall furnish adequate sanitary 
facilities and equipment for examination of such product. The 
requirements of Sec. Sec.  307.1, 307.2(b), (d), (f), (h), (k), and (l) 
and 416.1 through 416.6 of this chapter shall apply as conditions for 
approval of establishments as official import inspection establishments 
to the same extent and in the same manner as they apply with respect to 
official establishments.
    (f) The Administrator is authorized to approve any establishment as 
an official import inspection establishment, provided that an 
application has been filed in accordance with the requirements of 
paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section and he determines that such 
establishment meets the requirements under paragraph (e) of this 
section. Any application for inspection under this section may be denied 
or refused in accordance with the rules of practice in part 500 of this 
chapter.
    (g) Approval of an official import inspection establishment may be 
withdrawn in accordance with applicable rules of practice if it is 
determined that the sanitary conditions are such that the product is 
rendered adulterated, that such action is authorized by section 21(b) of 
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (84 Stat. 91), or 
that the requirements of paragraph (e) of this section were not complied 
with. Approval may be withdrawn in accordance with section 401 of the 
Act and applicable rules of practice.
    (h) A special official number shall be assigned to each official 
import inspection establishment. Such number shall be used to identify 
all products inspected and passed for entry at the establishment.
    (i) A product examination must be made, as provided in paragraph (a) 
of this section, of a foreign fish or fish product, including defrosting 
if necessary to determine its condition. Inspection standards for 
foreign chilled fresh or frozen fresh fish shall be the same as those 
used for domestic fish or fish products. Samples may be collected at no 
cost to FSIS and submitted to an FSIS laboratory for analysis (See Sec.  
557.18).
    (j) Imported canned products are required to be sound, healthful, 
properly labeled, wholesome, and otherwise not adulterated at the time 
the products are offered for importation into the United States. 
Provided other requirements of this part are met, the determination of 
the acceptability of the product and the condition of the containers 
shall be based on the results of an examination of a statistical sample 
drawn from the consignment as provided in paragraph (a) of this section. 
If the inspector determines, on the basis of the sample examination, 
that the product does not meet the requirements of the Act and 
regulations thereunder, the consignment shall be refused entry. However, 
a consignment rejected for container defects but otherwise acceptable 
may be reoffered for inspection under the following conditions:
    (1) If the defective containers are not indicative of an unsafe and 
unstable product as determined by the Administrator;
    (2) If the number and kinds of container defects found in the 
original sample do not exceed the limits specified for this purpose in 
FSIS guidelines; and
    (3) If the defective containers in the consignment have been sorted 
out and exported or destroyed under the supervision of an inspector.
    (k) Program inspectors or Customs officers at border or seaboard 
ports shall report the sealing of cars, trucks, or other means of 
conveyance, and the sealing or identification of containers of foreign 
product to Program personnel at points where such product is to be 
inspected.

[[Page 646]]

    (l) Representative samples of canned product designated by the 
Administrator in instructions to inspectors shall be incubated under 
supervision of such inspectors in accordance with Sec.  
318.309(d)(1)(ii), (d)(1)(iii), (d)(1)(iv)(c), (d)(1)(v), (d)(1)(vii) 
and (d)(1)(viii) of this chapter. The importer or his/her agent shall 
provide the necessary incubation facilities in accordance with Sec.  
318.309(d)(1)(i) of this chapter.
    (m) Sampling plans and acceptance levels as prescribed in paragraphs 
(j) and (l) of this section may be obtained, upon request, from the 
Office of Field Operations, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250.



Sec.  557.7  Products for importation; movement prior to inspection;
handling; bond; assistance.

    The requirements in 9 CFR 327.7 respecting the movement or 
conveyance from any port, or delivery to the consignee, of any product 
required to be inspected under part 327, apply to fish and fish 
products.



Sec.  557.8  Import fish and fish products; equipment and means of
conveyance used in handling to be maintained in sanitary condition.

    Compartments of ocean vessels, railroad cars, and other means of 
conveyance transporting any fish or fish product to the United States, 
and all trucks, chutes, platforms, racks, tables, tools, utensils, and 
all other devices used in moving and handling any fish or fish product 
offered for importation into the United States, shall be maintained in a 
sanitary condition.



Sec.  557.9  [Reserved]



Sec.  557.10  Samples; inspection of consignments; refusal of entry; 
marking.

    The provisions in 9 CFR 327.10 governing the taking of samples, the 
inspection of consignments, the refusal of entry, and the controlled 
pre-stamping of shipments of meat and meat food products apply with 
respect to fish and fish products.



Sec.  557.11  Receipts to importers for import fish product samples.

    FSIS will issue to importers official receipts for samples of 
foreign products collected for laboratory analysis, as provided in Sec.  
327.11 of this chapter.



Sec.  557.12  Foreign canned or packaged fish and fish products bearing
trade labels; sampling and inspection.

    Foreign canned or packaged fish and fish products bearing on their 
immediate containers trade labels that have or have not been approved in 
accordance with the regulations in Sec.  541.7 of this subchapter are to 
be sampled and inspected in the same manner as provided by Sec.  327.12 
of this chapter for foreign canned meat food products.



Sec.  557.13  Foreign fish and fish products offered for importation;
reporting of findings to Customs.

    Program inspectors are to report their findings as to any fish or 
fish products that have been inspected in accordance with this part in 
the same manner as that provided by Sec.  327.13 of this chapter for 
meat products. Fish and fish products that are refused entry are to be 
handled in the same manner as provided by Sec.  327.13 of this chapter 
for meat products that are refused entry. Import personnel will identify 
to the Port Director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the 
Importer of record any products refused entry into the United States.



Sec.  557.14  Marking of fish and fish products and labeling of 
immediate containers thereof for importation.

    The regulations in 9 CFR 327.14 governing the marking of meat and 
meat food products and the labeling of immediate containers of those 
products for importation apply with respect to fish and fish products.



Sec.  557.15  Outside containers of foreign products; marking and labeling;
application of official inspection legend.

    The requirements in 9 CFR 327.15 governing the marking and labeling 
of outside containers of meat and meat food products apply also with 
respect to fish and fish products.

[[Page 647]]



Sec.  557.16  Small importations for importer's own consumption;
requirements.

    The exemption in 9 CFR 327.16 for small importations of meat or meat 
food products for the importer's own consumption applies with respect to 
fish or fish products.



Sec.  557.17  Returned U.S. inspected and marked fish and fish products.

    U.S. inspected and passed and so marked fish products exported to 
and returned from foreign countries will be admitted into the United 
States without compliance with this part upon notification of and 
approval by the Assistant Administrator, Office of Field Operations, 
Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, DC 20250, in specific cases.



Sec.  557.18  Fish or fish products offered for entry and entered
to be handled and transported as domestic; exception.

    The regulations in 9 CFR 327.18 governing the offer for entry into 
the United States of meat and meat food products apply with respect to 
fish and fish products. Products that fail to meet these regulatory 
requirements are subject to penalties as administered by the U.S. Port 
Director of Customs and Border Protection. Likewise, the products may be 
subject to detention and to being proceeded against as determined by the 
Administrator.



Sec.  557.19  Specimens for laboratory examination and similar purposes.

    Importation of fish or fish product samples for trade show 
exhibition, laboratory examination, research, evaluative testing, trade 
show exhibition, or other scientific purposes are subject to the same 
conditions as imported meat or meat product specimens under Sec.  327.19 
of this chapter.



Sec.  557.20-557.23  [Reserved]



Sec.  557.24  Appeals; how made.

    An appeal from a decision of any Program employee is to be made as 
provided by 9 CFR 327.24.



Sec.  557.25  Disposition procedures for fish and fish products
condemned or ordered destroyed under import inspection.

    Disposition procedures for condemned fish or fish products ordered 
destroyed under import inspection are as those for carcasses, parts, 
meat, and meat food products under 9 CFR 327.25.



Sec.  557.26  Official import inspection marks and devices.

    The official inspection legend and other marks to be applied to 
imported fish and fish products are as required by 9 CFR 327.26 for meat 
food products prepared from cattle, sheep, swine, and goats.



PART 559_DETENTION, SEIZURE, CONDEMNATION--Table of Contents



Sec.
559.1 Fish and other articles subject to administrative detention.
559.2 Articles or fish subject to judicial seizure and condemnation.
559.3 Criminal offenses.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 21 U.S.C. 601-602, 606-622, 624-695; 7 CFR 
2.7, 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 80 FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  559.1  Fish and other articles subject to administrative detention.

    The provisions of 9 CFR 329.1 through 329.5 governing the 
administrative detention of carcasses, parts, meat, and meat food 
products of livestock apply also with respect to the carcasses, parts, 
and products of fish.



Sec.  559.2  Articles or fish subject to judicial seizure and condemnation.

    The provisions of 9 CFR 329.6 through 329.8 governing the judicial 
seizure and condemnation of carcasses, parts, meat, and meat food 
products of livestock apply also with respect to the carcasses, parts, 
and products of fish.



Sec.  559.3  Criminal offenses.

    The criminal provisions of the Act apply with respect to the 
inspection of fish and fish products as they do with respect to the 
inspection of other food products subject to the Act.

[[Page 648]]



PART 560_STATE-FEDERAL, FEDERAL-STATE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS;
STATE DESIGNATIONS--Table of Contents



Sec.
560.1 Cooperation with States and Territories.
560.2 Cooperation of States in Federal programs.
560.3 Cooperation of States for the Interstate Shipment of Fish and Fish 
          Products.
560.4 Designation of States under the Federal Meat Inspection Act.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 21 U.S.C. 601-602, 606-622, 624-695; 7 CFR 
2.7, 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 80 FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  560.1  Cooperation with States and Territories.

    The provisions in Sec.  321.1 of this chapter authorizing the 
Administrator to cooperate with any State (including Puerto Rico) or any 
organized Territory in developing and administering a meat inspection 
program for the State or Territory apply with respect to fish and fish 
products inspection.



Sec.  560.2  Cooperation of States in Federal programs.

    Under the ``Talmadge-Aiken Act'' of September 28, 1962 (7 U.S.C. 
450), the Administrator is authorized to utilize employees and 
facilities of any State in carrying out Federal functions under the 
FMIA, including functions relating to the inspection of fish and fish 
products. A cooperative program for this purpose is called a Federal-
State program.



Sec.  560.3  Cooperation of States for the Interstate Shipment of Fish
and Fish Products.

    The provisions in Sec.  321.3 authorizing the Administrator to 
coordinate with States that have meat inspection programs as provided in 
Sec.  321.1 of this chapter to select certain establishments operating 
under these programs to participate in a cooperative program to ship 
products in interstate commerce apply with respect to fish and fish 
products inspection.



Sec.  560.4  Designation of States under the Federal Meat Inspection Act.

    The requirements in part 331 of this chapter apply with respect to 
fish and fish products inspection, including:
    (a) The requirements in 9 CFR 331.3 governing the designation of 
States for Federal inspection under section 301(c) of the Act (21 U.S.C. 
661(c));
    (b) The requirements in 9 CFR 331.5 governing the designation under 
section 301(c) of the Act of establishments whose operations would 
clearly endanger the public health; and
    (c) The requirements in 9 CFR 331.6 governing the designation of 
States under section 205 of the Act.



PART 561_RULES OF PRACTICE--Table of Contents



Sec.
561.1 Rules of practice governing inspection actions.
561.2 Rules of practice governing proceedings under the Federal Meat 
          Inspection Act.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 21 U.S.C. 601-602, 606-622, 624-695; 7 CFR 
2.7, 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 80 FR 75616, Dec. 2, 2015, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  561.1  Rules of practice governing inspection actions.

    The rules of practice in part 500 of this chapter, governing 
inspection actions taken by FSIS with respect to establishments and 
products, apply to actions taken with respect to fish slaughter, fish 
processing, fish, and fish products regulated under this subchapter.



Sec.  561.2  Rules of practice governing proceedings under the
Federal Meat Inspection Act.

    The procedures that the Agency must follow before reporting a 
violation of the Federal Meat Inspection Act for prosecution by the 
Department of Justice are given in part 335 of this chapter.

[[Page 649]]



                       SUBCHAPTERS G	H [RESERVED]



[[Page 650]]



                  SUBCHAPTER I_EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION





PART 590_INSPECTION OF EGGS AND EGG PRODUCTS (EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT)-
-Table of Contents



                            Subpart A_General

                               Definitions

Sec.
590.1 Meaning of words.
590.5 Terms defined.

                             Administration

590.10 Authority.
590.13 Federal and State cooperation.
590.18 OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction 
          Act.

                           Scope of Inspection

590.20 Inspection in accordance with methods prescribed or approved.
590.24 Egg products plants requiring continuous inspection.
590.26 Egg products entering or prepared in official plants.
590.28 Other inspections.

                      Relation to Other Authorities

590.30 At official plants.
590.35 Eggs and egg products outside official plants.

            Eggs and Egg Products Not Intended for Human Food

590.40 Egg products not intended for human food.
590.45 Prohibition on eggs and egg products not intended for use as 
          human food.

                       Refrigeration of Shell Eggs

590.50 Egg temperature and labeling requirements.

                               Exemptions

590.100 Specific exemptions.

                         Performance of Service

590.110 Licensed inspectors.
590.118 Identification.
590.120 Financial interest of inspectors.
590.122 Time of inspection.
590.124 Schedule of operation of official plants.
590.126 Overtime inspection service.
590.128 Holiday inspection service.
590.130 Basis of billing plants.
590.132 Access to plants.
590.134 Accessibility of product and cooler rooms.
590.136 Accommodations and equipment to be furnished by facilities for 
          use of inspection program personnel in performing service.

                         Application for Service

590.140 Application for grant of inspection.
590.142 Filing of application.
590.144 Authority of applicant.
590.146 Survey and grant of inspection.
590.149 Conditions for receiving inspection.

                         Inauguration of Service

590.150 Official plant numbers.
590.155 Inauguration of service.

                            Denial of Service

590.160 Clean Water Act; refusal, suspension, or withdrawal of service.
590.161 Termination of plant approval.

Records and Related Requirements for Eggs and Egg Products Handlers and 
                           Related Industries

590.200 Records and related requirements.
590.220 Information and assistance to be furnished to inspectors.

                        Administrative Detention

590.240 Detaining product.

                   Appeal of an Inspection or Decision

590.300 Appeal inspections.
590.310 Appeal inspections; how made.
590.320 How to file an appeal inspection or decision review.
590.330 When an application for an appeal inspection may be refused.
590.340 Who must perform the appeal inspection or decision review.
590.350 Appeal samples.

                              Certificates

590.400 Form of certificates.
590.402 Egg products inspection certificates.
590.404 Erasures or alterations made on official certificates.
590.406 Disposition of official certificates.
590.407 Export certification and marking of containers with export 
          inspection mark.

                     Identifying and Marking Product

590.410 Egg products required to be labeled.
590.411 Label approval.
590.412 Approval of generic labels.
590.413 Form of official identification symbol and inspection mark.
590.414 Products bearing the official inspection mark.
590.415 Use of other official identification.
590.417 Unauthorized use or disposition of approved labels.

[[Page 651]]

590.418 Supervision of marking and packaging.
590.419 Reuse of containers bearing official identification prohibited.

          Inspection, Reinspection, Condemnation, and Retention

590.420 Inspection.
590.422 Condemnation.
590.424 Reinspection.
590.426 Retention.

          Entry of Materials Into Official Egg Products Plants

590.430 Limitation on entry of material.
590.435 Use of food ingredients and approval of materials.
590.440 Processing ova.

             Sanitary, Processing, and Facility Requirements

590.504 General operating procedures.
590.508 Candling and transfer-room operations.
590.510 Classifications of shell eggs used in the processing of egg 
          products.
590.516 Cleaning of eggs prior to packaging, breaking, or pasteurizing.
590.522 Egg products processing room operations.
590.534 Freezing facilities.
590.570 Control of pathogens in pasteurized egg products..

                               Laboratory

590.580 Pathogen reduction standards testing.
590.590 Use of irradiated shell eggs to produce egg products.

              Inspection and Disposition of Restricted Eggs

590.700 Prohibition on disposition of restricted eggs.
590.720 Disposition of restricted eggs.

Identification of Restricted Eggs or Egg Products Not Intended for Human 
                               Consumption

590.800 Identification of restricted eggs.
590.801 Nest-run or washed ungraded eggs.
590.840 Identification of inedible, unwholesome, or adulterated egg 
          products.
590.860 Identification wording.

                            Subpart B_Imports

590.900 Definitions; requirements for importation into the United 
          States.
590.901 Egg products offered for entry and entered to be handled and 
          transported as domestic; entry into official plants; 
          transportation.
590.905 Importation of restricted eggs.
590.910 Eligibility of foreign countries for importation of egg products 
          into the United States.
590.915 Imported products; foreign inspection certificates required.
590.920 Import inspection application.
590.925 Inspection of eggs and egg products offered for entry.
590.930 Eggs and egg products offered for entry, retention in customs 
          custody; delivery under bond; movement prior to inspection; 
          handling; equipment and assistance.
590.935 Means of conveyance and equipment used in handling egg products 
          offered for entry to be maintained in sanitary condition.
590.940 Identification of egg products offered for entry; official 
          import inspection marks and devices.
590.945 Eggs and egg products offered for entry; reporting of findings 
          to customs; handling of articles refused entry; appeals, how 
          made; denaturing procedures.
590.950 Labeling of immediate containers of egg products offered for 
          entry.
590.955 Labeling of shipping containers of egg products offered for 
          entry.
590.956 Relabeling of imported egg products.
590.960 Small importations for importer's personal use, display, or 
          laboratory analysis.
590.965 Returned to the United States inspected and identified egg 
          products; exemption.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 1031-1056; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 36 FR 9814, May 28, 1971, unless otherwise noted. 
Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977 and 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 
1981. Further redesignated at 63 FR 72353, Dec. 31, 1998.



                            Subpart A_General

                               Definitions



Sec.  590.1  Meaning of words.

    Under these regulations, words in the singular shall be deemed to 
mean the plural and vice versa, as the case may demand.



Sec.  590.5  Terms defined.

    For the purpose of these regulations, unless the context otherwise 
requires, the following terms shall be construed, respectively, as 
follows:
    Acceptable means suitable for the purpose intended and acceptable to 
the Administrator.

[[Page 652]]

    Act means the applicable provisions of the Egg Products Inspection 
Act (Pub. L. 91-597, 84 Stat. 1620 et seq.).
    Administrator means the Administrator of the Food Safety and 
Inspection Service or any officer or employee of the Department of 
Agriculture to whom authority has been delegated or may be delegated to 
act in his or her stead.
    Adulterated means any egg or egg product under one or more of the 
following circumstances:
    (a) If it bears or contains any poisonous or deleterious substance 
which may render it injurious to health; but in case the substance is 
not an added substance, such article shall not be considered adulterated 
under this clause if the quantity of such substance in or on such 
article does not ordinarily render it injurious to health;
    (b)(1) If it bears or contains any added poisonous or added 
deleterious substance (other than one which is (i) a pesticide chemical 
in or on a raw agricultural commodity; (ii) a food additive; or (iii) a 
color additive) which may in the judgment of the Secretary, make such 
article unfit for human food;
    (2) If it is, in whole or in part, a raw agricultural commodity and 
such commodity bears or contains a pesticide chemical which is unsafe 
within the meaning of section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act;
    (3) If it bears or contains any food additive which is unsafe within 
the meaning of section 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act;
    (4) If it bears or contains any color additive which is unsafe 
within the meaning of section 706 of the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act: Provided, that an article which is not otherwise deemed 
adulterated under paragraph (b)(2), (3), or (4) of this definition shall 
nevertheless be deemed adulterated if use of the pesticide chemical, 
food additive, or color additive, in or on such article, is prohibited 
by regulations of the Secretary in official plants;
    (c) If it consists in whole or in part of any filthy, putrid, or 
decomposed substance, or if it is otherwise unfit for human food;
    (d) If it has been prepared, packaged, or held under insanitary 
conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with filth, or 
whereby it may have been rendered injurious to health;
    (e) If it is an egg which has been subjected to incubation or the 
product of any egg which has been subjected to incubation;
    (f) If its container is composed, in whole or in part of any 
poisonous or deleterious substance which may render the contents 
injurious to health;
    (g) If it has been intentionally subjected to radiation, unless the 
use of the radiation was in conformity with a regulation or exemption in 
effect pursuant to section 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic 
Act; or
    (h) If any valuable constituent has been, in whole or in part, 
omitted or abstracted therefrom; or if any substance has been 
substituted, wholly or in part therefor; or if damage or inferiority has 
been concealed in any manner; or if any substance has been added thereto 
or mixed or packed therewith so as to increase its bulk or weight, or 
reduce its quality or strength, or make it appear better or of greater 
value than it is.
    Ambient temperature means the air temperature maintained in an egg 
storage facility or transport vehicle.
    Applicant means any person who requests any inspection service as 
authorized under the Act or the regulations of this part.
    Capable of use as human food means any egg or egg product, unless it 
is denatured, or otherwise identified, as required by these regulations 
to deter its use as human food.
    Class means any subdivision of a product based on essential physical 
characteristics that differentiate between major groups of the same 
kind, type, or method of processing.
    Commerce means interstate, foreign, or intrastate commerce.
    Condition means any condition (including, but not being limited to, 
the state of preservation, cleanliness, soundness, wholesomeness, or 
fitness for human food) of any product which affects its 
merchantability; or any condition, including but not being limited

[[Page 653]]

to, the processing, handling, or packaging which affects such product.
    Container or Package includes for egg products, any box, can, tin, 
plastic, or other receptacle, wrapper, or cover and for shell eggs, any 
carton, basket, case, cart, pallet, or other receptacle.
    (a) Immediate container means any package or other container in 
which egg products or shell eggs are packed for household or other 
ultimate consumers.
    (b) Shipping container means any container used in packing an 
immediate container.
    Department means the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
    Egg means the shell egg of the domesticated chicken, turkey, duck, 
goose, or guinea. Some of the terms applicable to shell eggs are as 
follows:
    (a) Check means an egg that has a broken shell or crack in the shell 
but has its shell membranes intact and contents not leaking.
    (b) Clean and sound shell egg means any egg whose shell is free of 
adhering dirt or foreign material and is not cracked or broken.
    (c) Dirty egg or Dirt means an egg that has a shell that is unbroken 
and has adhering dirt or foreign material.
    (d) Incubator reject means an egg that has been subjected to 
incubation and has been removed from incubation during the hatching 
operations as infertile or otherwise unhatchable.
    (e) Inedible means eggs of the following descriptions: Black rots, 
yellow rots, white rots, mixed rots, sour eggs, eggs with green whites, 
eggs with stuck yolks, moldy eggs, musty eggs, eggs showing blood rings, 
and eggs containing embryo chicks (at or beyond the blood ring stage).
    (f) Leaker means an egg that has a crack or break in the shell and 
shell membranes to the extent that the egg contents are exposed or are 
exuding or free to exude through the shell.
    (g) Loss means an egg that is unfit for human food because it is 
smashed or broken so that its contents are leaking; or overheated, 
frozen, or contaminated; or an incubator reject; or because it contains 
a bloody white, large meat spots, a large quantity of blood, or other 
foreign material.
    (h) Restricted egg means any check, dirty egg, incubator reject, 
inedible, leaker, or loss.
    Egg handler means any person, excluding the ultimate consumer, who 
engages in any business in commerce that involves buying or selling any 
eggs (as a poultry producer or otherwise), or processing any egg 
products, or otherwise using any eggs in the preparation of human food.
    Egg product means any dried, frozen, or liquid eggs, with or without 
added ingredients, excepting products which contain eggs only in a 
relatively small proportion or historically have not been, in the 
judgment of the Secretary, considered by consumers as products of the 
egg food industry, and which may be exempted by the Secretary under such 
conditions as the Secretary may prescribe to assure that the egg 
ingredients are not adulterated and such products are not represented as 
egg products. For the purposes of this part, the following products, 
among others, are exempted as not being egg products: Cooked egg 
products, imitation egg products, dietary foods, dried no-bake custard 
mixes, egg nog mixes, acidic dressings, noodles, milk and egg dip, cake 
mixes, French toast, and sandwiches containing eggs or egg products, 
provided such products are prepared from inspected egg products or eggs 
containing no more restricted eggs than are allowed in the official 
standards for U.S. Consumer Grade B shell eggs. Balut and other similar 
ethnic delicacies are also exempted from inspection under this part.
    Eggs of current production means shell eggs which have moved through 
the usual marketing channels since the time they were laid and are not 
in excess of 60 days old.
    Fair Packaging and Labeling Act means the Act so entitled, approved 
November 3, 1966 (80 Stat. 1296), and Acts amendatory thereof or 
supplementary thereto.
    Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act means the Act so entitled, 
approved June 25, 1938 (52 Stat. 1040), and Acts amendatory thereof or 
supplementary thereto.
    Inspection means the application of such inspection methods and 
techniques as are deemed necessary by the

[[Page 654]]

responsible Secretary to carry out the provisions of the Egg Products 
Inspection Act and the regulations under this part.
    Inspection program personnel means any inspector or other individual 
employed by the Department or any cooperating agency who is authorized 
by the Secretary to do any work or perform any duty in connection with 
the Program.
    Inspection service means the official service within the Department 
having the responsibility for carrying out the provisions of the Egg 
Products Inspection Act. Inspection service also means the activities 
performed, including official reporting by such official service.
    Interested party means any person financially interested in a 
transaction involving any inspection or appeal inspection of any 
product, or the decision of an inspector.
    Label means a display of any printed, graphic, or other method of 
identification upon the shipping container, if any, or upon the 
immediate container, including but not limited to, an individual 
consumer package of eggs and egg products, or accompanying such product.
    Misbranded means any egg products which are not labeled and packaged 
in accordance with the requirements prescribed by regulations of the 
Administrator under this part.
    Nest-run eggs means eggs which are packed as they come from the 
production facilities without having been washed, sized and/or candled 
for quality, with the exception that some checks, dirties, or other 
obvious undergrades may have been removed.
    Official certificate means any certificate prescribed by regulations 
of the Administrator for issuance by an inspector or other person 
performing official functions under this part.
    Official device means any device prescribed or authorized by the 
Secretary for use in applying any official mark.
    Official identification means the official inspection mark or any 
other symbol prescribed by regulations of this part to identify the 
status of any article.
    Official inspection mark means any symbol prescribed by the 
regulations of the Administrator showing that egg products were 
inspected in accordance with this part.
    Official plant means any plant in which the plant facilities, 
methods of operation, and sanitary procedures have been found suitable 
and adequate by the Administrator for the inspection of egg products 
pursuant to the regulations in this part and in which inspection service 
is carried on.
    Official standards means the standards of quality, grades, and 
weight classes for eggs.
    Office of inspection means the office of any inspector.
    Pasteurize means the subjecting of each particle of egg products to 
heat or other treatments to destroy harmful viable microorganisms.
    Person means any individual, partnership, corporation, association, 
or other business unit.
    Pesticide chemical, Food additive, Color additive, and Raw 
agricultural commodity shall have the same meaning for purposes of this 
part as under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
    Potable water means water that has been approved by a State health 
authority or other agency or laboratory acceptable to the Administrator 
as safe for drinking and suitable for food processing.
    Processing means manufacturing of egg products, including breaking 
eggs or filtering, mixing, blending, pasteurizing, stabilizing, cooling, 
freezing or drying, or packaging or repackaging egg products at official 
plants.
    Producer-packer means any producer who sorts eggs only from his own 
production and packs them into their various qualities.
    Quality means the inherent properties of any product which determine 
its relative degree of excellence.
    Regulations means the provisions in this part.
    Regulatory inspector means any employee of the U.S. Government, or 
State or local jurisdiction, who is authorized by the Secretary to make 
such inspections as required in Sec.  590.28 of these regulations.
    Sampling means the act of taking samples of any product for 
inspection or analyses.
    Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture or his delegate.

[[Page 655]]

    Shell egg packer means any person engaged in the sorting of shell 
eggs from sources other than or in addition to the person's own 
production into their various qualities, either mechanically or by other 
means.
    Shipped for retail sale means eggs that are forwarded from the 
processing facility for distribution to the ultimate consumer.
    Stabilization means the subjection of any egg product to a 
desugaring process.
    State means any State of the United States, the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, and the District 
of Columbia.
    Ultimate consumer means any household consumer, restaurant, 
institution, or any other party who has purchased or received shell eggs 
or egg products for consumption.
    United States means the States.
    Washed ungraded eggs means eggs which have been washed but not sized 
or segregated for quality.
    White or albumen means, for the purpose of this part, the product 
obtained from the egg as broken from the shell and separated from the 
yolk.

[36 FR 9814, May 28, 1971]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
590.5, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

                             Administration



Sec.  590.10  Authority.

    The Administrator shall perform, for and under the supervision of 
the Secretary, such duties as the Secretary may require in the 
enforcement or administration of the provisions of the Act, and this 
part. The Administrator may waive for a limited period any particular 
provisions of the regulations to permit experimentation so that new 
procedures, equipment, and processing techniques may be tested to 
facilitate definite improvements and at the same time to maintain full 
compliance with the spirit and intent of the regulations. The Food 
Safety and Inspection Service and its officers and employees will not be 
liable in damages through acts of commission or omission in the 
administration of this part.

[42 FR 2971, Jan. 14, 1977. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 85 
FR 68674, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.13  Federal and State cooperation.

    The Secretary shall, whenever he determines that it would effectuate 
the purposes of the Act, authorize the Administrator to cooperate with 
appropriate State and other governmental agencies in carrying out any 
provisions of the Egg Products Inspection Act and these regulations. In 
carrying out the provisions of the Act and the regulations, the 
Secretary may conduct such examinations, investigations, and inspections 
as he determines practicable through any officer or employee of any such 
agency commissioned by him for such purpose. The Secretary shall 
reimburse the States and other agencies for the services rendered by 
them in such cooperative programs as agreed to in the cooperative 
agreements as signed by the Administrator and the duly authorized agent 
of the State or other agency.



Sec.  590.18  OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork
Reduction Act.

    (a) Purpose. This section collects and displays the control numbers 
assigned to information collection requirements by the Office of 
Management and Budget contained in 7 CFR 590 pursuant to the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1980, Pub. L. 96-511.
    (b) Display.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Current OMB
      7 CFR section where identified and described        control number
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.   590.10...........................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.13...........................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.22...........................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.28(a)(1).....................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.40...........................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.45(c)(1).....................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.45(c)(3).....................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.45(d)........................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.110(a).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.112..........................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.122..........................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.124..........................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.126..........................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.128(a).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.140..........................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.144..........................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.146(b).......................................       0581-0113

[[Page 656]]

 
Sec.   590.146(d).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.155..........................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.160(c).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.160(d).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.160(f)(3)....................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.160(f)(4)....................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.200(a).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.200(b).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.220..........................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.240..........................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.320..........................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.402(a).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.411(a).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.411(b).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.411(e).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.411(f).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.418(c).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.430(b).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.435(b).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.435(c).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.440(c).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.500(h).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.504(c).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.504(d).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.504(h).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.504(k).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.504(o)(1)....................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.504(o)(2)....................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.504(o)(3)(i).................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.504(o)(3)(iii)...............................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.504(o)(3)(iv)................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.504(o)(3)(v).................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.515(a)(8)....................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.520(h).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.522(f).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.522(x).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.522(aa)(2)...................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.530(d).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.534(a).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.544(b).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.544(c).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.544(d).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.552(a)(3)....................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.552(b)(1)(i).................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.552(b)(2)....................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.570(c).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.575(b)(3)....................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.575(d).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.580(c).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.600..........................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.610(a).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.620..........................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.640(b)(1)....................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.680(a).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.800..........................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.840..........................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.905(a).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.915(a).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.915(b).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.920..........................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.930(f).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.950(a).......................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.960..........................................       0581-0113
Sec.   590.965..........................................       0581-0113
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[48 FR 34238, July 28, 1983, as amended at 50 FR 23270, June 3, 1985; 54 
FR 37290, Sept. 8, 1989]

                           Scope of Inspection



Sec.  590.20  Inspection in accordance with methods prescribed or approved.

    Inspection of eggs and egg products shall be rendered pursuant to 
these regulations and under such conditions and in accordance with such 
methods as may be prescribed or approved by the Administrator.



Sec.  590.24  Egg products plants requiring continuous inspection.

    No plant in which egg products processing operations are conducted 
shall process egg products without continuous inspection under these 
regulations, except as expressly exempted in Sec.  590.100.



Sec.  590.26  Egg products entering or prepared in official plants.

    Eggs and egg products processed in an official plant shall be 
inspected, processed, marked, and labeled as required by these 
regulations. Egg products entering an official plant shall have been 
inspected, processed, marked, and labeled as required by these 
regulations.



Sec.  590.28  Other inspections.

    Inspection program personnel will make periodic inspections of 
business premises, facilities, inventories, operations, transport 
vehicles, and records of egg handlers, and the records of all persons 
engaged in the business of transporting, shipping, or receiving any eggs 
or egg products.

[85 FR 68674, Oct. 29, 2020]

                      Relation to Other Authorities



Sec.  590.30  At official plants.

    (a) Requirements within the scope of the Act with respect to 
premises, facilities, and operations of any official plant which are in 
addition to or different than those made under this part may not be 
imposed by any State or local jurisdiction except that any such 
jurisdiction may impose recordkeeping and other requirements within the 
scope of Sec.  590.200, if consistent therewith, with respect to any 
such plant.
    (b) Labeling, packaging, or ingredient requirements in addition to 
or different than those made under this

[[Page 657]]

part, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Fair Packaging 
and Labeling Act may not be imposed by any State or local jurisdiction 
with respect to egg products processed at any official plant in 
accordance with the requirements under this part and such Acts.



Sec.  590.35  Eggs and egg products outside official plants.

    Any State or local jurisdiction may exercise jurisdiction with 
respect to eggs and egg products for the purpose of preventing the 
distribution for human food purposes of any such articles which are 
outside of the official plant and are in violation of this part or any 
of said Federal Acts or any State or local law consistent therewith.

[36 FR 9814, May 28, 1971. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 63 
FR 69971, Dec. 17, 1998]

            Eggs and Egg Products Not Intended for Human Food



Sec.  590.40  Egg products not intended for human food.

    Periodic inspections will be made at any plant processing egg 
products which are not intended for use as human food of its operations 
and records to ensure compliance with the Act and the regulations in 
this part. Egg products not intended for use as human food shall be 
denatured or decharacterized prior to being offered for sale or 
transportation and identified as prescribed by the regulations in this 
part to prevent their use as human food.

[85 FR 68674, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.45  Prohibition on eggs and egg products not intended for
use as human food.

    (a) No person shall buy, sell, or transport or offer to buy or sell, 
or offer or receive for transportation in commerce, any eggs or egg 
products which are not intended for use as human food, unless they are 
denatured or decharacterized, unless shipped under seal as authorized in 
paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section or in Sec. Sec.  590.504(c) and 
590.720(a) and identified as required by the regulations in this part.
    (b) No person shall import or export shell eggs classified as loss, 
inedible, or incubator rejects or any egg products which are 
unwholesome, adulterated, or are otherwise unfit for human food 
purposes, except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section, 
unless they are denatured or decharacterized and identified as required 
by the regulations in this part.
    (c) Egg products which are unwholesome, adulterated, or are 
otherwise unfit for human food purposes that are not denatured or 
decharacterized may be exported to foreign countries for industrial use 
or animal food under the following provisions:
    (1) Authorized government official of the foreign country shall 
approve the importation of such products into that country.
    (2) The egg products shall be shipped under U.S. Government seal and 
identified as required in Sec.  590.840.
    (3) Provisions for the control of such inedible product in the 
foreign country to preclude its use as human food must be established 
and approved by the Administrator. Such control may consist of, but not 
be limited to, receipt and inspection by an appropriate U.S. Government 
official, an official of an approved meat, poultry, or egg products 
inspection system of the foreign government, or, when acceptable to the 
Administrator, a foreign government official including other foreign 
health authorities.
    (d) Foreign governments may petition the Administrator for approval 
to import into this country egg products which are unwholesome, 
adulterated, or otherwise unfit for human food purposes that are not 
denatured or decharacterized for industrial use or animal food 
requirements. Such products shall be subject to the provisions of this 
part and other applicable laws and regulations for importation into the 
United States.

[48 FR 34238, July 28, 1983]

[[Page 658]]

                       Refrigeration of Shell Eggs



Sec.  590.50  Egg temperature and labeling requirements.

    (a) All shell eggs packed into containers destined for the ultimate 
consumer must be stored and transported under refrigeration at an 
ambient temperature of no greater than 45 [deg]F (7.2 [deg]C) and must 
bear safe handling instructions in accordance with 21 CFR 101.17(h).
    (b) Any producer-packer with an annual egg production from a flock 
of 3,000 or fewer layers is exempt from the temperature and labeling 
requirements of this section. Such producer-packer is still required to 
comply with the labeling requirements in 21 CFR 101.17(h).

[85 FR 68674, Oct. 29, 2020]

                               Exemptions



Sec.  590.100  Specific exemptions.

    (a) [Reserved]
    (b) The following are exempt, to the extent prescribed, from the 
inspection of egg products processing operations in section 5(a) of the 
Act (21 U.S.C. 1034(a)), provided the conditions for exemption and the 
provisions of these regulations are met:
    (1) The processing and sale of egg products by any poultry producer 
from eggs of his own flock's production when sold directly to a 
household consumer exclusively for use by the consumer and members of 
the household and its nonpaying guests and employees.
    (2) The processing in non-official plants, including but not limited 
to bakeries, restaurants, and other food processors, of certain 
categories of food products which contain eggs or egg products as an 
ingredient, as well as the sale and possession of such products. Such 
products must be manufactured from inspected egg products processed in 
accordance with the regulations in this part and 9 CFR part 591 or from 
eggs containing no more restricted eggs than are allowed in the official 
standards for U.S. Consumer Grade B shell eggs.

[85 FR 68674, Oct. 29, 2020]

                         Performance of Service



Sec.  590.110  Licensed inspectors.

    (a) Any person who is a Federal or State employee, or the employee 
of a local jurisdiction possessing proper qualifications as determined 
by an examination for competency and who is to perform services pursuant 
to this part, may be licensed by the Secretary as an inspector.
    (b) Licenses issued by the Secretary are to be countersigned by the 
Administrator or by any other designated official of the Service.
    (c) No person may be licensed to inspect any product in which he is 
financially interested.

[36 FR 9814, May 28, 1971; 36 FR 10841, June 4, 1971. Redesignated at 42 
FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 
31, 1981]



Sec.  590.118  Identification.

    Inspection program personnel will be furnished with a numbered 
official badge that will be carried in a proper manner at all times 
while on duty. This badge will be sufficient identification to entitle 
inspection program personnel entry at all regular entrances and to all 
parts of the official plant and premises to which inspection program 
personnel are assigned.

[85 FR 68674, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.120  Financial interest of inspectors.

    (a) Inspection program personnel will not inspect any product in 
which he or she has a financial interest; or that is produced by a plant 
at which the employee, the employee's spouse, minor child, partner, 
organization in which the employee is serving as officer, director, 
trustee, partner, or employee; or that is produced by any other person 
with whom inspection program personnel are negotiating or have any 
arrangements concerning prospective employment.
    (b) All inspection program personnel are subject to statutory 
restrictions with respect to political activities; e.g., 5 U.S.C. 7324 
and 1502.

[[Page 659]]

    (c) Violation of the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section or 
the provisions of applicable statutes referenced in paragraph (b) of 
this section will constitute grounds for dismissal.
    (d) Inspection program personnel are subject to all applicable 
provisions of law and regulations and instructions of the Department and 
the Food Safety and Inspection Service concerning employee 
responsibilities and conduct. The setting forth of certain prohibitions 
in this part in no way limits the applicability of such general or other 
regulations or instructions.

[85 FR 68674, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.122  Time of inspection.

    The inspector who is to perform the inspection in an official plant 
shall be given reasonable advance notice by plant management of the 
hours when such inspection will be required.

[60 FR 49169, Sept. 21, 1995]



Sec.  590.124  Schedule of operation of official plants.

    Operating schedules for an official plant shall be subject to 
approval of the Administrator. The normal operating schedule shall 
consist of a continuous 8-hour period per day and shall include the time 
for FSIS inspection program personnel to put on required gear and to 
walk to a work station, and the time for FSIS inspection program 
personnel to return from a work station and remove required gear 
(excluding not to exceed 1 hour for lunch), 5 consecutive days per week, 
within the administrative workweek, Sunday through Saturday, for each 
full shift required. Clock hours of daily operations need not be 
specified in a schedule, although as a condition of continuance of 
approval of a schedule, the hours of operation must be reasonably 
uniform from day to day.

[48 FR 20683, May 9, 1983, as amended at 76 FR 33980, June 10, 2011]



Sec.  590.126  Overtime inspection service.

    When operations in an official plant require the services of 
inspection personnel beyond their regularly assigned tour of duty on any 
day or on a day outside the established schedule, such services are 
considered as overtime work. The official plant must give reasonable 
advance notice to the inspector of any overtime service necessary and 
must pay for such overtime. For each calendar year, FSIS will calculate 
the overtime rate for inspection service, per hour per program employee, 
using the following formula: The quotient of dividing the Office of 
Field Operations plus Office of International Affairs inspection program 
personnel's previous fiscal year's regular direct pay by the previous 
fiscal year's regular hours, plus the quotient multiplied by the 
calendar year's percentage of cost of living increase, multiplied by 
1.5, plus the benefits rate, plus the travel and operating rate, plus 
the overhead rate, plus the allowance for bad debt rate. FSIS calculates 
the benefits rate, the travel and operating rate, the overhead rate, and 
the allowance for bad debt rate using the formulas set forth in Sec.  
592.510(b) and the cost of living increases and percentage of inflation 
factors set forth in Sec.  592.510(c) of this chapter.

[71 FR 2143, Jan. 13, 2006, as amended at 76 FR 20228, Apr. 12, 2011]



Sec.  590.128  Holiday inspection service.

    (a) When an official plant requires inspection service on a holiday 
or a day designated in lieu of a holiday, such service is considered 
holiday work. The official plant must, in advance of such holiday work, 
request the inspector in charge to furnish inspection service during 
such period and must pay the Agency for such holiday work at the hourly 
rate. For each calendar year, FSIS calculates the holiday rate for 
inspection service, per hour per program employee, using the following 
formula: The quotient of dividing the Office of Field Operations plus 
Office of International Affairs inspection program personnel's previous 
fiscal year's regular direct pay by the previous fiscal year's regular 
hours, plus the quotient multiplied by the calendar year's percentage of 
cost of living increase, multiplied by 2, plus the benefits rate, plus 
the travel and operating rate, plus the overhead rate, plus the 
allowance for bad debt rate. FSIS will calculate the benefits rate, the 
travel and operating

[[Page 660]]

rate, the overhead rate, and the allowance for bad debt rate using the 
formulas set forth in Sec.  592.510(b), and the cost of living increases 
and percentage of inflation factors set forth in Sec.  592.510(c) of 
this chapter.
    (b) The term ``holiday'' shall mean the legal public holidays 
specified by the Congress in paragraph (a) of section 6103, title 5 of 
the United States Code. Information on legal holidays may be obtained 
from the supervisor.

[37 FR 6657, Apr. 1, 1972. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
as amended at 46 FR 9, Jan. 2, 1981. Redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 
31, 1981, as amended at 47 FR 46071, Oct. 15, 1982; 59 FR 52637, Oct. 
18, 1994; 65 FR 60095, Oct. 10, 2000; 67 FR 3430, Jan. 24, 2002; 68 FR 
37957, June 26, 2003; 71 FR 2143, Jan. 13, 2006; 76 FR 20228, Apr. 12, 
2011]



Sec.  590.130  Basis of billing plants.

    Overtime and/or holiday services shall be billed to the official 
plant on the basis of each 15 minutes of overtime and/or holiday service 
performed by each inspector providing such service to the plant, except 
that when an official plant requires the services of an inspector after 
he has completed his day's assignment and left the plant or when he is 
called back to duty on a day outside the established normal operating 
schedule or on a holiday, the official plant shall pay for a minimum of 
2 hours service at the applicable established rate. Extra travel expense 
incurred while rendering overtime or holiday service shall be billed to 
the official plant. Bills are payable upon receipt and become delinquent 
30 days from date of billing. Overtime or holiday inspection service 
will not be performed at any plant that is delinquent, and processing 
operations shall be confined to the regular operating schedule of the 
plant. In addition, fees will be charged and collected for 
certifications requested by and provided for the official plant that are 
not within the scope of these regulations.

[36 FR 9814, May 28, 1971. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 60 
FR 49169, Sept. 21, 1995; 65 FR 44950, July 20, 2000]



Sec.  590.132  Access to plants.

    Access shall not be refused to any representative of the Secretary 
to any plant, place of business, or transport vehicle subject to 
inspection under the provisions of this part upon presentation of proper 
credentials.

[63 FR 45675, Aug. 27, 1998]



Sec.  590.134  Accessibility of product and cooler rooms.

    (a) Each product for which inspection service is required shall be 
so placed as to disclose fully its class, quality, quantity, and 
condition as the circumstances may warrant.
    (b) The perimeter of each cooler room used to store eggs must be 
made accessible in order for the Secretary's representatives to 
determine the ambient temperature under which shell eggs packed into 
containers destined for the ultimate consumer are stored.

[36 FR 9814, May 28, 1971. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 63 
FR 45675, Aug. 27, 1998; 85 FR 68674, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.136  Accommodations and equipment to be furnished by facilities
for use of inspection program personnel in performing service.

    (a) Inspection program personnel office. Office space, including, 
but not limited to, furnishings, light, heat, and janitor service, will 
be provided without cost in the official plant for the use of inspection 
program personnel for official purposes. The room or space set apart for 
this purpose must meet the approval of the Food Safety and Inspection 
Service and be conveniently located, properly ventilated, and provided 
with lockers or file cabinets suitable for the protection and storage of 
supplies and with accommodations suitable for inspection program 
personnel to change clothing. At the discretion of the Administrator, 
small official plants requiring the services of less than one full-time 
inspector need not furnish accommodations for inspection program 
personnel as prescribed in this section where adequate accommodations 
exist in a nearby convenient location.
    (b) Accommodations and equipment. Such accommodations and equipment

[[Page 661]]

must include, but not be limited to, a room or area suitable for 
sampling product and a stationary or adequately secured storage box or 
cage (capable of being locked only by inspection program personnel) for 
holding official samples.

[85 FR 68675, Oct. 29, 2020]

                         Application for Service



Sec.  590.140  Application for grant of inspection.

    The proprietor or operator of each official plant and official 
import inspection establishment must make application to the 
Administrator for inspection service unless exempted by Sec.  590.100. 
The application must be made in writing on forms furnished by the 
inspection service. In cases of change of name or ownership or change of 
location, a new application must be made.

[85 FR 68675, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.142  Filing of application.

    An application for inspection service will be regarded as filed only 
when it has been:
    (a) Filled in completely;
    (b) Signed by the applicant; and
    (c) Received in the appropriate District Office.

[85 FR 68675, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.144  Authority of applicant.

    Proof of authority of any person applying for inspection service may 
be required at the discretion of the Administrator.



Sec.  590.146  Survey and grant of inspection.

    (a) Before inspection is granted, FSIS will survey the official 
plant to determine if the construction and facilities of the plant are 
in accordance with the regulations in this part. FSIS will grant 
inspection, subject to Sec.  500.7 of this chapter, when these 
requirements are met and the requirements contained in Sec.  590.149 are 
met.
    (b) FSIS will give notice in writing to each applicant granted 
inspection and will specify in the notice the official plant, including 
the limits of the plant's premises, to which the grant pertains.

[85 FR 68675, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.149  Conditions for receiving inspection.

    (a) Before receiving Federal inspection, a plant must have developed 
written sanitation Standard Operating Procedures, in accordance with 
part 416 and Sec.  591.1(a) of this chapter.
    (b) Before receiving Federal inspection, a plant must conduct a 
hazard analysis, and develop and implement a HACCP plan, in accordance 
with part 417 and Sec.  591.1(a) of this chapter. A conditional grant of 
inspection may be provided for a period not to exceed 90 days, during 
which period the facility must validate its HACCP plan.
    (c) Before producing new product for distribution in commerce, a 
plant must conduct a hazard analysis and develop a HACCP plan applicable 
to that product, in accordance with Sec.  417.2 of this chapter. During 
a period not to exceed 90 days after the date the new product is 
produced for distribution in commerce, the plant must validate its HACCP 
plan, in accordance with Sec.  417.4 of this chapter.

[85 FR 68675, Oct. 29, 2020; 85 FR 81340, Dec. 16, 2020]

                         Inauguration of Service



Sec.  590.150  Official plant numbers.

    An official plant number shall be assigned to each plant granted 
inspection service. Such plant number shall be used to identify all 
containers of inspected products prepared in the plant which are capable 
of use as human food. A plant shall not have more than one plant number.



Sec.  590.155  Inauguration of service.

    Prior to the inauguration of service, the proprietor or operator of 
the plant shall be knowledgeable of the requirements of these 
regulations.

[36 FR 9814, May 28, 1971. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 60 
FR 49169, Sept. 21, 1995]

[[Page 662]]

                            Denial of Service



Sec.  590.160  Clean Water Act; refusal, suspension, or withdrawal
of service.

    (a) Any applicant for inspection at a plant where the operations 
thereof may result in any discharge into the navigable waters in the 
United States is required by subsection 401(a)(1) (33 U.S.C. 1341) of 
the Clean Water Act as amended (86 Stat. 816, 91 Stat. 1566, 33 U.S.C. 
1251 et seq.), to provide the Administrator with a certification, as 
prescribed in said subsection, that any such discharge will comply with 
the applicable provisions of sections 301, 302, 303, 306, and 307 of the 
Act (33 U.S.C. 1311, 1312, 1313, 1316, and 1317). No grant of inspection 
can be issued unless such certification has been obtained, or is waived, 
because failure of refusal of the State, interstate agency, or the 
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to act on a request 
for certification within a reasonable period (which should not exceed 1 
year after receipt of such a request). Further, upon receipt of an 
application for inspection and a certification as required by section 
401(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act, the Administrator (as defined in Sec.  
590.5) is required by subparagraph (2) of said subsection to notify the 
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for proceedings in 
accordance with that subsection. No grant of inspection can be made 
until the requirements of section 401(a)(1) and (2) have been met.
    (b) Inspection may be suspended or revoked and plant approval 
terminated as provided in section 401(a)(4) and (5) of the Clean Water 
Act, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1341(a)(4) and (5)).

[85 FR 68675, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.161  Termination of plant approval.

    When inspection service is not performed at any plant for a period 
of at least 90 days, plant approval shall terminate upon notice by the 
Administrator without further proceedings; provided, however, that this 
section shall not apply to any plant where the Administrator determines 
that such a plant operates on a seasonal basis and the inspection 
service has not been used as a result of such seasonal operation, or 
where operations have ceased due to extraordinary circumstances 
determined by the Administrator as not warranting termination of plant 
approval.

[45 FR 23641, Apr. 8, 1980. Redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981]

Records and Related Requirements for Eggs and Egg Products Handlers and 
                           Related Industries



Sec.  590.200  Records and related requirements.

    (a) Persons engaged in the transporting, shipping, or receiving of 
any eggs or egg products in commerce, or holding such articles so 
received, and all egg handlers, except producer-packers with an annual 
egg production from a flock of 3,000 layers or fewer, must maintain 
records documenting, for a period of 2 years, the following, to the 
extent applicable:
    (1) The date of lay, date and time of refrigeration, date of 
receipt, quantity and quality of eggs purchased or received, and from 
whom (including a complete address, unless a master list is maintained). 
Process records documenting that the temperature and labeling 
requirements in Sec.  590.50(a) have been met must also be kept;
    (2) The date of packaging, ambient air temperature surrounding 
product stored after processing, quantity and quality of eggs delivered 
or sold, and to whom (including a complete address, unless a master list 
is maintained);
    (3) If a consecutive lot numbering system is not employed to 
identify individual eggs, containers of eggs, or egg products, record 
the alternative code system used, in accordance with Sec.  
590.411(c)(3);
    (4) The date of disposal and quantity of restricted eggs, including 
inedible egg product or incubator reject product, sold or given away for 
animal food or other uses or otherwise disposed of, and to whom 
(including a complete address, unless a master list is maintained);
    (5) The individual or composite (running tally) record of restricted 
egg sales to household consumers. Records should show number of dozens 
sold on a daily basis. The name and address of the consumer is not 
required;

[[Page 663]]

    (6) The date of production and quantity of egg products delivered or 
sold, and to whom (including a complete address, unless a master list is 
maintained);
    (7) The date of receipt and quantity of egg products purchased or 
received, and from whom (including a complete address, unless a master 
list is maintained);
    (8) The production records by categories of eggs such as graded 
eggs, nest-run eggs, dirties, checks, etc.; bills of sale, inventories, 
receipts, shipments, shippers, receivers, dates of shipment and receipt, 
carrier names, etc.
    (b) All records required to be maintained by this section must be 
made available to an authorized representative of the Secretary for 
official review and copying.
    (c) Records of all labeling, along with the product formulation and 
processing procedures as prescribed in Sec. Sec.  590.410 through 
590.412, must be kept by every person processing, except processors 
exempted under Sec.  590.100.

[85 FR 68675, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.220  Information and assistance to be furnished to inspectors.

    When inspection service is performed at any plant, the plant 
operator shall furnish the inspector such information and assistance as 
may be required for the performance of inspection functions, preparing 
certificates, reports, and for other official duties.

                        Administrative Detention



Sec.  590.240  Detaining product.

    Whenever any eggs or egg products subject to the Act are found by 
any authorized representative of the Secretary upon any premises, and 
there is reason to believe that they are or have been processed, bought, 
sold, possessed, used, transported, or offered or received for sale or 
transportation in violation of the Act or the regulations in this part, 
or that they are in any other way in violation of the Act, such articles 
may be detained by such representative for a period not to exceed 20 
days, as more fully provided in section 19 of the Act. A detention tag 
or other similar device shall be used to identify detained product, and 
the custodian or owner shall be given a written notice of such 
detention. Only authorized representatives of the Secretary shall affix 
or remove detention identification. The provisions of this section shall 
in no way derogate from authority for condemnation or seizure conferred 
by other provisions of the Act, the regulations in this part, or other 
laws.

[37 FR 6658, Apr. 1, 1972. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 63 
FR 69972, Dec. 17, 1998]

                   Appeal of an Inspection or Decision



Sec.  590.300  Appeal inspections.

    Any person receiving inspection service may, if dissatisfied with 
any decision or action of an inspector or other Agency employee relating 
to any inspection, file an appeal from such decision or action in 
accordance with 9 CFR 500.9.

[87 FR 63424, Oct. 19, 2022]



Sec.  590.310  Appeal inspections; how made.

    Any appeal from the inspection decision by inspection program 
personnel must be made to the immediate supervisor having jurisdiction 
over the subject matter of the appeal in accordance with 9 CFR 500.9.

[87 FR 63424, Oct. 19, 2022]



Sec.  590.320  How to file an appeal inspection or decision review.

    The request for an appeal inspection or review of inspection program 
personnel's decision may be made orally or in writing. If made orally, 
written confirmation may be required. The applicant must clearly 
identify the product involved, the decision being appealed, and the 
reasons for requesting the appeal.

[85 FR 68676, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.330  When an application for an appeal inspection may be refused.

    When it appears to the official with whom an appeal request is filed 
that the reasons given in the request are frivolous or not substantial, 
or that

[[Page 664]]

the condition of the product has undergone a material change since the 
original inspection, or that the original lot has changed in some 
manner, or the Act or the regulations in this part have not been 
complied with, the applicant's request for the appeal inspection may be 
refused. In such case, the applicant shall be promptly notified of the 
reason(s) for such refusal.

[60 FR 49169, Sept. 21, 1995, as amended at 63 FR 69972, Dec. 17, 1998]



Sec.  590.340  Who must perform the appeal inspection or decision review.

    An appeal inspection or review of inspection program personnel's 
decisions, as requested in Sec.  590.310, must be performed by 
inspection program personnel of FSIS other than the one who made the 
initial decision.

[85 FR 68676, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.350  Appeal samples.

    A condition appeal sample will consist of product taken from the 
original sample containers plus an equal number of containers selected 
at random. A condition appeal cannot be made unless all originally 
sampled containers are available.

[85 FR 68676, Oct. 29, 2020]

                              Certificates



Sec.  590.400  Form of certificates.

    All certificates shall be issued on forms approved by the 
Administrator.



Sec.  590.402  Egg products inspection certificates.

    (a) Upon request of the applicant or the Service, any inspector is 
authorized to issue an egg products inspection certificate with respect 
to any lot of egg products inspected by him. In addition, an inspector 
is authorized to issue an inspection certificate covering product 
inspected in whole or in part by another inspector when the inspector 
has knowledge that the product is eligible for certification based on 
personal examination of the product or official inspection records.
    (b) Each egg products inspection certificate shall show the name and 
address of the processor, the class and quantity of the egg products 
covered by such certificate, such shipping marks as are necessary to 
identify such products, all pertinent information concerning the 
wholesomeness thereof, and such other information as the Administrator 
may prescribe or approve.



Sec.  590.404  Erasures or alterations made on official certificates.

    Erasures or alterations shall be initialed by the issuing inspector 
on the original certificate and any copy thereof. All certificates made 
useless through clerical error or otherwise and all certificates 
canceled for whatever cause shall be voided and initialed and the 
original and all other copies shall be forwarded as prescribed by the 
Administrator.



Sec.  590.406  Disposition of official certificates.

    The original and up to two copies of each official certificate shall 
be issued to the applicant or person designated by him. Other copies 
shall be filed and retained in accordance with the disposition schedule 
for inspection program records.



Sec.  590.407  Export certification and marking of containers with export
inspection mark.

    (a) Exporters must apply for export certification of inspected and 
passed products shipped to any foreign country. Exporters may apply for 
an export certificate using a paper or electronic application. FSIS will 
assess exporters that submit an electronic application the charge in 
Sec.  592.500(d) of this chapter.
    (b) FSIS will issue only one certificate for each consignment, 
except in the case of error in the certificate or loss of the 
certificate originally issued. A request for a replacement certificate, 
except in the case of a lost certificate, must be accompanied by the 
original certificate. The new certificate will carry the following 
statement: ``Issued in replacement of ______'', with the numbers of the 
certificates that have been superseded.
    (c) FSIS will deliver a copy of the export certificate to the person 
who requested such certificate or his agent.

[[Page 665]]

Such persons may duplicate the certificate as required in connection 
with the exportation of the product.
    (d) FSIS will retain a copy of the certificate.
    (e)(1) When authorized by inspection personnel, establishments must 
mark the outside container of any inspected and passed egg products 
destined for export, the securely enclosed pallet within the 
consignment, or closed means of conveyance transporting the consignment, 
with a mark that contains a unique identifier that links the consignment 
to the export certificate or an official mark with the following form: 
\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The number ``1234567'' is given as an example only. The number 
on the export certificate will correspond to the printed number on the 
export certificate.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR29JN16.017

    (2) Ship stores, small quantities exclusively for the personal use 
of the consignee and not for sale or distribution, and shipments by and 
for the U.S. Armed Forces, are exempt from the requirements of this 
section.
    (f) Exporters may request inspection personnel to issue certificates 
for export consignments of product of official establishments not under 
their supervision, provided the consignments are first identified as 
having been ``U.S. inspected and passed,'' are found to be neither 
adulterated nor misbranded, and are marked as required by paragraph (e) 
of this section.

[81 FR 42235, June 29, 2016]

                     Identifying and Marking Product



Sec.  590.410  Egg products required to be labeled.

    (a)(1) Packaged egg products that require special handling to 
maintain their wholesome condition must have the statement ``Keep 
Refrigerated,'' ``Keep Frozen,'' ``Perishable Keep Under 
Refrigeration,'' or such similar statement prominently displayed on the 
principal display panel.
    (2) Egg products that are distributed frozen and thawed prior to or 
during display for sale at retail must bear the statement ``Keep 
Frozen'' on the shipping container. Consumer-sized containers for such 
egg products must bear the statement ``Previously Handled Frozen for 
Your Protection, Refreeze or Keep Refrigerated.''
    (3) The labels of packages of egg products produced from shell eggs 
that have been treated with ionizing radiation must reflect that 
treatment in the ingredient statement on the finished product labeling.
    (b) Containers, portable tanks, and bulk shipments of edible egg 
products produced in official plants must be labeled in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  590.411 through 590.415 and must bear the official 
identification shown in Figure 1 of Sec.  590.413.
    (c) Bulk shipments of unpasteurized egg products and microbial 
pathogen-positive egg products produced in official plants must bear a 
label containing the words ``date of loading,'' followed by a suitable 
space in which the date the container, tanker truck, or portable tank is 
loaded must be inserted. The label must be conspicuously located and 
printed and affixed on material that cannot be detached or effaced due 
to exposure to weather. Before the truck or tank is removed from the 
place where it is unloaded, the carrier must remove or obliterate the 
label. Such shipments must also bear the official identification shown 
in Figure 2 of Sec.  590.415.

[85 FR 68676, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.411  Label approval.

    (a) All official plants, including official plants certified under a 
foreign inspection system in accordance with Sec.  590.910, must comply 
with the requirements contained in Sec.  412.1 of this chapter, except 
as otherwise provided in this part.
    (b) For the purposes of Sec.  412.1 of this chapter, an official 
establishment or establishment certified under a foreign inspection 
system includes an official plant.

[[Page 666]]

    (c) Labels, containers, or packaging materials of egg products must 
show the following information, as applicable, on the principal display 
panel (except as otherwise permitted in this part), in accordance with 
the requirements of this part, or if applicable, 21 CFR 101.17(h):
    (1) A statement showing by the common or usual names, if any, of the 
kinds of ingredients comprising the product. Formulas are to be 
expressed in terms of a liquid product except for product that is dry-
blended. Also, for product to be dried, the label may show the 
ingredients in order of descending proportions by weight in the dried 
form. However, the formula submitted must include the percentage of 
ingredients in both liquid and dried form. If the product is comprised 
of two or more ingredients, such ingredients must be listed in the order 
of descending proportions by weight in the form in which the product is 
to be marketed (sold), except that ingredients in dried product (other 
than dry blended) may be listed in either liquid or dried form. When 
water (excluding that used to reconstitute dehydrated ingredients back 
to their normal composition) is added to a liquid or frozen egg product 
or to an ingredient of such products (in excess of the normal water 
content of that ingredient), the total amount of water added, including 
the water content of any cellulose or vegetable gums used, must be 
expressed as a percentage of the total product weight in the ingredient 
statement on the label;
    (2) The name, address and zip code of the distributor; qualified by 
such terms as ``distributed by,'' or ``distributors'';
    (3) The lot number or an alternative code indicating the date of 
production, in accordance with Sec.  590.200(a);
    (4) The net contents;
    (5) An official inspection symbol and the number of the official 
plant in which the product was processed under inspection as set forth 
in Sec.  590.413;
    (6) Egg products processed from edible eggs of turkeys, ducks, 
geese, or guineas must be clearly and distinctly labeled with the common 
or usual name of the product and indicating the type of eggs or egg 
products used in the product, e.g., ``Frozen whole turkey eggs,'' 
``Frozen whole chicken and turkey eggs.'' Egg products labeled without 
qualifying words as to the type of egg used in the product must be 
produced only from the edible egg of the domesticated chicken.
    (7) Egg products which are produced in an official plant from edible 
shell eggs of other than current production or from other egg products 
of shell eggs of other than current product must be clearly and 
distinctly labeled in close proximity to the common or usual name of the 
product, e.g., Manufactured from eggs of other than current 
production.''
    (d) Liquid or frozen egg products identified as whole eggs and 
processed in other than natural proportions as broken from the shell 
must have a total egg solids content of 24.20 percent or greater.
    (e) Nutrition information may be included on labels used to identify 
egg products, providing such labeling complies with the provisions of 21 
CFR part 101, promulgated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act 
and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act. Since these regulations have 
different requirements for consumer-packaged products than for bulk 
packaged egg products not for sale or distribution to household 
consumers, label submission must be accompanied with information 
indicating whether the label covers consumer packaged or bulk packaged 
products. Nutrition labeling is required when nutrients, such as 
proteins, vitamins, and minerals are added to the product, or when a 
nutritional claim or information is presented on the labeling, except 
for the following, which are exempt from nutrition labeling 
requirements:
    (1) Egg products shipped in bulk form for use solely in the 
manufacture of other food and not for distribution to household 
consumers in such bulk form or containers.
    (2) Products containing an added vitamin, mineral, or protein, or 
for which a nutritional claim is made on the label, or in advertising, 
which is supplied for institutional food use only, provided that the 
manufacturer or distributor provides the required nutrition information 
directly to those institutions.

[[Page 667]]

    (3) Any nutrients included in the product solely for technological 
purposes may be declared solely in the ingredients statement, without 
complying with nutrition labeling, if the nutrient(s) is otherwise not 
referred to in labeling or in advertising. All labels showing nutrition 
information or claims are subject to review by the Food and Drug 
Administration prior to approval by the Department.
    (f)(1) No label, container, or packaging material may contain any 
statement that is false or misleading. If the Administrator has reason 
to believe that a statement or formulation shows that an egg product is 
adulterated or misbranded, or that any labeling, including the size or 
form of any container in use or proposed for use, with respect to eggs 
or egg products, is false or misleading in any way, the Administrator 
may direct that such use be withdrawn unless the labeling or container 
is modified in such a manner as the Administrator may prescribe so that 
it will not be false or misleading, or the formulation of the product is 
altered in such a manner as the Administrator may prescribe so that it 
is not adulterated or would not cause misbranding.
    (2) If the Administrator directs that the use of any label, 
container, or packaging material be withdrawn because it contains any 
statement that is false or misleading, an opportunity for a hearing will 
be provided in accordance with Sec.  500.8(c) of this chapter.

[85 FR 68676, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.412  Approval of generic labels.

    (a) All official plants, including official plants certified under a 
foreign inspection system in accordance with Sec.  590.910, may comply 
with the requirements in Sec.  412.2 of this chapter.
    (b) For the purposes of Sec.  412.2 of this chapter, an official 
establishment or establishment certified under a foreign inspection 
system includes an official plant.

[85 FR 68677, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.413  Form of official identification symbol and inspection mark.

    The shield set forth in Figure 1 of this section containing the 
letters ``USDA'' must be the official identification symbol used in 
connection with egg products to denote that the official plant receives 
official inspection service. The inspection mark used on containers of 
edible egg products is set forth in Figure 1 of this section, except 
that the plant number may be preceded by the letter ``G'' in lieu of the 
word plant. The plant number may also be omitted from the official mark 
if applied on the container's principal display panel or other prominent 
location and preceded by the letter ``G.'' \76\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \76\ The number ``42'' is given as an example only. The plant number 
of the official plant where the product was inspected must be shown on 
each label.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 668]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR29OC20.000


[85 FR 68677, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.414  Products bearing the official inspection mark.

    Egg products which are permitted to bear the inspection mark shall 
be processed in an official plant from edible shell eggs or other edible 
egg products and may contain other edible ingredients. The official mark 
shall be printed or lithographed and applied as a part of the principal 
display panel of the container but shall not be applied to a detachable 
cover.



Sec.  590.415  Use of other official identification.

    All unpasteurized or microbial pathogen-positive egg products 
shipped from an official plant must be marked with the identification 
set forth in Figure 1 of this section. Such product must meet all 
requirements for egg products that are permitted to bear the official 
inspection mark shown in Sec.  590.413, except for pasteurization, heat 
treatment, or other method of treatment sufficient to produce egg 
products that are edible without additional preparation to achieve food 
safety. Such product must not be released into consumer channels until 
it has been subjected to pasteurization, heat treatment, or other method 
of treatment sufficient to produce egg products that are edible without 
additional preparation to achieve food safety. After pasteurization or 
treatment, the product may bear the official inspection mark as shown in 
Sec.  590.413.\77\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \77\ The number ``42'' is given as an example only. The plant number 
of the official plant where the product was inspected must be shown on 
each label.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 669]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR29OC20.001


[85 FR 68678, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.417  Unauthorized use or disposition of approved labels.

    (a) Containers or labels which bear official identification approved 
for use pursuant to Sec.  590.411 shall be used only for the purpose for 
which approved. Any unauthorized use or disposition of approved 
containers or labels which bear any official identification may result 
in cancellation of the approval and denial of the use of containers or 
labels bearing official identification and may subject such violator to 
the penalties and denial of the benefits of the Act;
    (b) The use of simulations or imitations of any official 
identification by any person is prohibited;
    (c) Upon termination of inspection service in an official plant 
pursuant to these regulations, all labels or packaging materials 
indicating product packed by the plant which bear official 
identification shall either be destroyed under the supervision of the 
Service or, if used in another location, modified in a manner acceptable 
to the Service before use.

[36 FR 9814, May 28, 1971, as amended at 40 FR 20059, May 8, 1975; 42 FR 
2971, Jan. 14, 1977. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and 
further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 60 FR 
49170, Sept. 21, 1995]



Sec.  590.418  Supervision of marking and packaging.

    Affixing of official identification. No official identification 
shall be, or caused to be affixed to or placed on any product or 
container except by an inspector or under the supervision of an 
inspector or other person authorized by the Administrator. All such 
products shall have been inspected in accordance with these regulations. 
The inspector shall have supervision over the use and handling of all 
material bearing any official identification.

[36 FR 9814, May 28, 1971, as amended at 85 FR 68678, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.419  Reuse of containers bearing official identification
prohibited.

    The reuse, by any person, of containers bearing official 
identification is prohibited unless such identification is applicable in 
all respects to product being packed therein. In such instances, the 
container and label may be used provided the packaging is accomplished 
under the supervision of an inspector and the container is in compliance 
with Sec.  590.504(k).

[36 FR 9814, May 28, 1971, as amended at 85 FR 68678, Oct. 29, 2020]

          Inspection, Reinspection, Condemnation, and Retention



Sec.  590.420  Inspection.

    (a) Inspection shall be made, pursuant to the regulations in this 
part, of the processing of egg products in each official plant 
processing egg products for commerce, unless exempted under Sec.  
590.100. Inspections, certifications, or specification-type gradings, 
and other

[[Page 670]]

inspections which may be requested by the official plant and are in 
addition to the normal inspection requirements and functions for the 
processing, production, or certification for a wholesome egg product 
under this part, shall be made pursuant to the voluntary egg products 
inspection regulations (part 592 of this chapter).
    (b) Any food manufacturing establishment or institution which uses 
any eggs that do not meet the requirements of 21 U.S.C. 1044(a)(1) in 
the preparation of any articles for human food shall be deemed to be a 
plant processing egg products requiring inspection under the regulations 
in this part.
    (c) Any product which is prepared under inspection in an official 
plant shall be inspected in such plant as often as the inspector deems 
necessary in order to ascertain if the product is unadulterated, 
wholesome, properly labeled, and fit for human food at the time it 
leaves the plant. Upon any such inspection, if any product or portion 
thereof is found to be adulterated, unwholesome, or otherwise unfit for 
human food, such product or portion thereof shall be condemned and shall 
receive such treatment as provided in Sec.  590.422.

[36 FR 9814, May 28, 1971, as amended at 85 FR 68678, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.422  Condemnation.

    Eggs and egg products found to be adulterated at official plants 
shall be condemned and, if no appeal be taken from such determination of 
condemnation, such articles shall be destroyed for human food purposes 
under the supervision of an inspector: Provided, That articles which may 
by reprocessing be made not adulterated need not be condemned and 
destroyed if so reprocessed under the supervision of an inspector and 
thereafter found to be not adulterated. If an appeal is requested, the 
eggs or egg products shall be appropriately marked and segregated 
pending completion of an appeal inspection.

[36 FR 9814, May 28, 1971, as amended at 85 FR 68679, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.424  Reinspection.

    (a) No egg product may be brought into an official plant except as 
provided in Sec.  590.430(b) unless it has been prepared and handled in 
accordance with these regulations, and the container of such product is 
marked so as to identify the article as so inspected in accordance with 
this part.
    (b) All egg products brought into any official plant shall be 
identified by the operator of the official plant at the time of receipt 
at the official plant and shall be subject to reinspection by inspection 
program personnel at the official plant in such manner and at such times 
as may be deemed necessary to ensure compliance with the regulations in 
this part. Upon reinspection, if any such product or portion of it is 
found to be unsound, unwholesome, adulterated, or otherwise unfit for 
human food, such product or portion shall be condemned and shall receive 
such treatment as provided in Sec.  590.422, and shall, in the case of 
other products, be disposed of according to applicable law.

[36 FR 9814, May 28, 1971, as amended at 85 FR 68679, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.426  Retention.

    Retention tags or other devices and methods as may be approved by 
the Administrator shall be used for the identification and control of 
products which are not in compliance with the regulations or are held 
for further examination, and any equipment, utensils, rooms or 
compartments which are found to be unclean or otherwise in violation of 
the regulations. No product, equipment, utensil, room, or compartment 
shall be released for use until it has been made acceptable. Such 
identification shall not be removed by anyone other than an inspector.

           Entry of Material Into Official Egg Products Plants



Sec.  590.430  Limitation on entry of material.

    (a) The Administrator shall limit the entry of eggs and egg products 
and other materials into official plants under such conditions as he may 
prescribe to assure that allowing the entry of such articles will be 
consistent

[[Page 671]]

with the purposes of the Act and these regulations.
    (b) Inedible egg products may be brought into an official plant for 
storage, processing, and reshipment provided they are handled in such a 
manner that adequate segregation and inventory controls are maintained 
at all times. The processing of inedible egg products must be done under 
conditions that will not affect the processing of edible products, such 
as processing in separate areas or at times when no edible products are 
being processed. If the same equipment or areas are used to process both 
inedible and edible eggs, then the equipment and processing areas used 
to process inedible eggs must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized prior 
to processing any edible egg products.

[36 FR 9814, May 28, 1971, as amended at 40 FR 20059, May 8, 1975. 
Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 
46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 85 FR 68679, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.435  Use of food ingredients and approval of materials.

    (a)(1) No substance which is a ``food additive'' as defined under 21 
U.S.C. 321(s), including sources of radiation, may be used in the 
processing of egg products unless this use is authorized under the 
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
    (2) No substance which is intended to impart color in any egg 
product may be used unless such use is authorized under the Federal 
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
    (3) Substances and ingredients used in the processing of egg 
products capable of use as human food must be clean, wholesome, and 
unadulterated.
    (b) Substances permitted for use in egg products in subsection(a) 
will be permitted for such use under this chapter, subject to 
declaration requirements in Sec.  424.22(c) of this chapter and Sec.  
590.411, unless precluded from such use or further restricted in this 
chapter. Such substances must be safe and effective under conditions of 
use and not result in the adulteration of product. The Administrator may 
require, in addition to listing the ingredients, a declaration of the 
additive and the purpose of its use.
    (c) Substances to be used in the processing of egg products must be 
safe under the conditions of their intended use and in amounts 
sufficient to accomplish their intended purpose. Such substances may not 
promote deception or cause the product to be otherwise adulterated or 
unwholesome. Scientific data showing the additive meets the above 
specified criteria must be maintained and made available to FSIS 
inspection program personnel.

[85 FR 68679, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.440  Processing ova.

    (a) Ova from slaughtered poultry may be brought into the official 
plant for processing: Provided, That the ova is from wholesome poultry 
inspected in a plant operating under the Poultry Products Inspection Act 
(21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.) and such product is harvested in a sanitary 
manner, properly handled, cooled, packaged and labeled: And provided 
further, That such product is wholesome and the containers of such 
product bear official identification which assures the provisions of 
this paragraph have been met.
    (b) The ova and products containing ova shall be processed, cooled, 
and pasteurized in the official plant in the same manner as liquid, 
frozen, or dried yolk products.
    (c) All products containing ova must be labeled in accordance with 
Sec.  590.411.

[36 FR 9814, May 28, 1971, as amended at 85 FR 68679, Oct. 29, 2020]

             Sanitary, Processing, and Facility Requirements



Sec.  590.504  General operating procedures.

    (a) Operations involving the processing, storing, and handling of 
eggs, ingredients, and egg products must be done in a sanitary manner.
    (b)(1) Eggs and egg products are subject to inspection in each 
official plant processing egg products for commerce.
    (2) Any eggs and egg products not processed in accordance with the 
regulations in this part or part 591 or that are not otherwise fit for 
human food must be removed and segregated.
    (c)(1) All loss and inedible eggs or inedible egg products must be 
placed in a container clearly labeled ``inedible''

[[Page 672]]

and containing a sufficient amount of denaturant or decharacterant, such 
as an FDA-approved color additive, suspended in the product. Eggs must 
be crushed and the substance dispersed through the product in amounts 
sufficient to give the product a distinctive appearance or odor. 
Inedible product may be held in containers clearly labeled ``inedible'' 
which do not contain a denaturant as long as such inedible product is 
properly packaged, labeled and segregated, and inventory controls are 
maintained. Such inedible product must be denatured or decharacterized 
before being shipped from a facility.
    (2) Undenatured egg products or inedible egg products that are not 
decharacterized may be shipped from an official plant for industrial use 
or animal food, provided that it is properly packaged, labeled, and 
segregated, and inventory controls are maintained.
    (d)(1) Egg products must be processed to meet the standard set out 
in Sec.  590.570.
    (2) Unpasteurized or microbial pathogen-positive egg products may be 
shipped from an official plant to another official plant only when they 
are to be pasteurized, heat treated, or treated using other methods of 
treatment sufficient to produce egg products that are edible without 
additional preparation to achieve food safety in the second official 
plant. Official plants must maintain control of shipments of 
unpasteurized or microbial pathogen-positive egg products shipped from 
one official plant to another official plant for pasteurization or 
treatment. Shipping plants must seal such shipments in cars or trucks 
and label them in accordance with Sec.  590.410(c). Containers of 
unpasteurized or microbial pathogen-positive egg product must be marked 
with the identification mark shown in Figure 2 of Sec.  590.415.
    (e) Inspection program personnel may allow an official plant to move 
egg products that have been sampled and analyzed for Salmonella, or for 
any other reason, before receiving the test results, if they do not 
suspect noncompliance by the plant with any provisions of this part. The 
official plant must maintain control of the products represented by the 
sample pending the results.

[36 FR 9814, May 28, 1971, as amended at 37 FR 6658, Apr. 1, 1972; 40 FR 
20059, May 8, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and 
further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 47 FR 
745, Jan. 7, 1982; 60 FR 49170, Sept. 21, 1995; 85 FR 81341, Dec. 16, 
2020]



Sec.  590.508  Candling and transfer-room operations.

    Eggs must be handled in a manner that minimizes sweating prior to 
breaking or processing.



Sec.  590.510  Classifications of shell eggs used in the processing
of egg products.

    (a) The eggs must be sorted and classified into the following 
categories:
    (1) Eggs listed in paragraph (d) of this section.
    (2) Dirty.
    (3) Leakers as described in paragraph (c)(2) of this section.
    (4) Eggs from other than chicken; duck, turkey, guinea, and goose 
eggs.
    (5) Other eggs--satisfactory for use as breaking stock.
    (b) Shell eggs having strong odors or eggs received in cases having 
strong odors shall be candled and broken separately to determine their 
acceptability.
    (c) Shell eggs, when presented for breaking, shall be of edible 
interior quality and the shell shall be sound and free of adhering dirt 
and foreign material, except that:
    (1) When presented for breaking, eggs must have an edible interior 
quality and the shell must be sound and free of adhering dirt and 
foreign material. However, checks and eggs with a portion of the shell 
missing may be used when the shell is free of adhering dirt and foreign 
material and the shell membranes are not ruptured.
    (2) Eggs with clean shells which are damaged in candling and/or 
transfer and have a portion of the shell and shell membranes missing may 
be used only when the yolk is unbroken and the contents of the egg are 
not exuding over the outside shell. Such eggs shall be placed in leaker 
trays and be broken promptly.
    (3) Eggs with meat or blood spots may be used if the spots are 
removed.

[[Page 673]]

    (d) All loss or inedible eggs must be placed in a designated 
container and handled as required in Sec.  590.504(c). Eggs extensively 
damaged during breaking, whether not completely cracked open 
mechanically or in the movement of trays of eligible eggs for hand 
breaking, must be broken promptly. For the purpose of this section and 
Sec.  590.522, inedible and loss eggs include crusted yolks, filthy and 
decomposed eggs, and the following:
    (1) Any egg with visible foreign matter other than removable blood 
and meat spots in the egg meat.
    (2) Any egg with a portion of the shell and shell membranes missing 
and with egg meat adhering to or in contact with the outside of the 
shell.
    (3) Any egg with dirt or foreign material adhering to the shell and 
with cracks in the shell and shell membranes.
    (4) Liquid egg recovered from shell egg containers and leaker trays.
    (5) Open leakers made in the washing operation.
    (6) Any egg which shows evidence that the contents are or have been 
exuding prior to transfer from the case.
    (e) Incubator reject eggs shall not be brought into the official 
plant.

[36 FR 9814, May 28, 1971, as amended at 40 FR 20059, May 8, 1975. 
Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 
46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981; 85 FR 68680, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.516  Cleaning of eggs prior to packaging, breaking, or 
pasteurizing.

    (a) All eggs, except as provided in Sec.  590.801, must be clean 
prior to packaging, breaking, or pasteurizing. If a sanitizer is used, 
it must be used in accordance with FDA requirements for the intended 
use.
    (b) Shell eggs shall be sufficiently dry at time of breaking to 
prevent contamination or adulteration of the liquid egg product from 
free moisture on the shell.

[60 FR 49170, Sept. 21, 1995, as amended at 85 FR 68680, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.522  Egg products processing room operations.

    Each egg used in processed egg products must be broken in a sanitary 
manner and examined to ensure that the contents are acceptable for human 
consumption.

[85 FR 68680, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.534  Freezing facilities.

    Freezing rooms, either on or off the premises, must be capable of 
solidly freezing, or reducing to a temperature of 10 [deg]F or lower, 
all liquid egg products.

[85 FR 68680, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.570  Control of pathogens in pasteurized egg products.

    Pasteurized egg products must be produced to be edible without 
additional preparation to achieve food safety and may receive additional 
preparation for palatability or aesthetic, epicurean, gastronomic, or 
culinary purposes. Pasteurized egg products are not required to bear a 
safe-handling instruction or other labeling that directs that the 
product must be cooked or otherwise treated for safety.

[85 FR 68680, Oct. 29, 2020; 85 FR 81341, Dec. 16, 2020]

                               Laboratory



Sec.  590.580  Pathogen reduction standards testing.

    (a) Official plants must test to determine that the production of 
egg products is in compliance with the Act and the egg products 
inspection regulations.
    (b) To ensure adequate pasteurization:
    (1) Pasteurized liquid, frozen, and dried egg products, and heat 
treated dried egg whites must be sampled and analyzed for the presence 
of Salmonella spp. Such testing by the official plant must be performed 
in a manner sufficient such that it is possible for the official plant 
to verify that the system is capable of eliminating Salmonella spp. at 
the time that the annual reassessment occurs, and as regularly as 
necessary between annual reassessments, to show that the system, when 
tested, is working.
    (2) Samples must be analyzed for the presence of Salmonella spp. 
with such frequency and using such laboratory methods as is sufficient 
to ensure that

[[Page 674]]

product is not adulterated. For each category of product, sampling 
should be conducted on a rotating basis.
    (3) Samples must be drawn from the final packaged form.
    (c) Results of all partial and completed analyses performed under 
paragraph (b) of this section must be provided to inspection program 
personnel promptly upon receipt by the official plant. Positive test 
results must be provided to inspection program personnel immediately 
upon receipt by the official plant.

[85 FR 68680, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.590  Use of irradiated shell eggs to produce egg products.

    Irradiated shell eggs used to produce pasteurized egg products must 
be used in conjunction with heat or another lethality treatment 
sufficient to produce egg products that are edible without additional 
preparation to achieve food safety. Unless otherwise approved by FDA, 
the irradiation treatment of the shell eggs must precede the heat or 
other lethality treatment applied to the egg products.

              Inspection and Disposition of Restricted Eggs



Sec.  590.700  Prohibition on disposition of restricted eggs.

    (a) No person may buy, sell, or transport, or offer to buy or sell, 
or offer or receive for transportation in any business in commerce any 
restricted eggs capable of use as human food, except as authorized in 
Sec. Sec.  590.100 or 590.720.
    (b) No egg handler may possess with the intent to use, or use, any 
restricted eggs in the preparation of human food, except as provided in 
Sec. Sec.  590.100 or 590.720.

[85 FR 68680, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.720  Disposition of restricted eggs.

    (a) Except as exempted in Sec.  590.100, eggs classified as checks, 
dirts, incubator rejects, inedibles, leakers, or loss must be disposed 
of by one of the following methods at the point and time of segregation:
    (1) Checks and dirts must be labeled in accordance with Sec.  
590.800 and shipped to an official plant for segregation and processing. 
Inedible and loss eggs must not be intermingled in the same container 
with checks and dirts.
    (2) By destruction in a manner that clearly identifies the products 
as being inedible and not for human consumption, such as crushing and 
denaturing or decharacterizing in accordance with Sec.  590.504(c)(1). 
The products must also be identified as ``Inedible Egg Product-Not To Be 
Used As Human Food.''
    (3) Processing for industrial use or for animal food. Such products 
must be handled in accordance with Sec.  590.504(c) and identified as 
provided in Sec. Sec.  590.840 and 590.860, or properly handled in a 
manner that clearly identifies the products as being inedible and not 
for human consumption and does not adulterate egg product intended for 
human consumption.
    (4) By coloring the shells of loss and inedible eggs with a 
sufficient amount of an FDA-approved color additive to give a distinct 
appearance or applying a substance that will penetrate the shell and 
decharacterize the contents of the egg. However, lots of eggs containing 
significant percentages of eggs having small to medium blood spots or 
meat spots, but no other types of loss or inedible eggs, may be shipped 
directly to official plants, provided they are conspicuously labeled 
with the name and address of the shipper and the wording ``Spots--For 
Processing Only In Official Egg Products Plants.''
    (5) Incubator rejects must be broken or crushed and denatured or 
decharacterized in accordance with Sec.  590.504(c)(1) and labeled as 
required in Sec. Sec.  590.840 and 590.860.
    (b) Eggs that are packed for the ultimate consumer and have been 
found to exceed the tolerance for restricted eggs permitted in the 
official standards for U.S. Consumer Grade B but have not been shipped 
for retail sale must be identified as required in Sec. Sec.  590.800 and 
590.860 and must be shipped directly or indirectly:
    (1) To an official plant for proper segregation and processing; or
    (2) Be re-graded so that they comply with the official standards; or
    (3) Used as other than human food.

[[Page 675]]

    (c) Records must be maintained as provided in Sec.  590.200 to 
ensure proper disposition.

[85 FR 68680, Oct. 29, 2020]

Identification of Restricted Eggs or Egg Products Not Intended for Human 
                               Consumption



Sec.  590.800  Identification of restricted eggs.

    The shipping container of restricted eggs shall be determined to be 
satisfactorily identified if such container bears the packer's name and 
address, the quality of the eggs in the container (e.g., dirties, 
checks, inedibles, or loss), or the statement ``Restricted Eggs--For 
Processing Only In An Official USDA Egg Products Plant,'' for checks or 
dirties, or ``Restricted Eggs--Not To Be Used As Human Food,'' for 
inedibles, loss, and incubator rejects, or ``Restricted Eggs--To Be 
Regraded'' for graded eggs which contain more restricted eggs than are 
allowed in the official standards for U.S. Consumer Grade B shell eggs. 
The size of the letters of the identification wording shall be as 
required in Sec.  590.860.

[40 FR 20060, May 8, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 60 
FR 49171, Sept. 21, 1995; 63 FR 69972, Dec. 17, 1998]



Sec.  590.801  Nest-run or washed ungraded eggs.

    Nest-run or washed ungraded eggs are exempt from the labeling 
provisions in Sec.  590.800. However, when such eggs are sold to 
consumers, they may not exceed the tolerance for restricted eggs for 
U.S. Consumer Grade B shell eggs.

[85 FR 68681, Oct. 29, 2020]



Sec.  590.840  Identification of inedible, unwholesome, or adulterated
egg products.

    All inedible, unwholesome, or adulterated egg products shall be 
identified with the name and address of the processor, the words 
``Inedible Egg Products--Not To Be Used as Human Food.''



Sec.  590.860  Identification wording.

    The letters of the identification wording shall be legible and 
conspicuous.

[37 FR 6659, Apr. 1, 1972. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981]



                            Subpart B_Imports

    Source: 85 FR 68681, Oct. 29, 2020, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  590.900  Definitions; requirements for importation into the 
United States.

    (a) When used in this subpart, the following terms will be construed 
to mean:
    (1) Import (Imported). To bring within the territorial limits of the 
United States, whether that arrival is accomplished by land, air, or 
water.
    (2) Offer(ed) for entry. The point at which the importer presents 
the imported product for reinspection.
    (3) Entry (entered) means the point at which imported product 
offered for entry receives reinspection and is marked with the official 
mark of inspection, as required by Sec.  590.940.
    (4) Official Import Inspection Establishment. This term means any 
establishment, other than an official establishment as defined in Sec.  
301.2 of this chapter, where inspections are authorized to be conducted 
as prescribed in Sec.  590.925.
    (b) No egg products may be imported into the United States unless 
they are healthful, wholesome, fit for human food, not adulterated, and 
contain no dye, chemical, preservative, or ingredient which renders them 
unhealthful, unwholesome, unadulterated, or unfit for human food. Such 
products must also comply with the regulations prescribed in this 
subpart to ensure that they adhere to the standards provided for in the 
Act. The provisions of this subpart will apply to these products only if 
they are capable for use as human food.
    (c) Approval for Federal import inspection must be in accordance 
with Sec. Sec.  590.140 through 590.149.
    (d) Egg products may be imported only if they are processed solely 
in the countries listed in Sec.  590.910(b).

[[Page 676]]



Sec.  590.901  Egg products offered for entry and entered to be handled
and transported as domestic; entry into official plants; transportation.

    (a) All egg products, after entry into the United States in 
compliance with this subpart, will be deemed and treated and, except as 
provided in Sec. Sec.  590.935 and 590.960, will be handled and 
transported as domestic product, and will be subject to the applicable 
provisions of this part and to the provisions of the Egg Products 
Inspection Act and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
    (b) Imported egg products entered in accordance with this subpart 
may, subject to the provisions of the regulations, be taken into 
official plants and be mixed with or added to egg products that are 
inspected and passed or exempted from inspection in such plants.
    (c) Imported egg products that have been inspected and passed under 
this subpart may be transported in commerce only upon compliance with 
the applicable regulations.



Sec.  590.905  Importation of restricted eggs.

    (a) No containers of restricted eggs other than checks or dirties 
will be imported into the United States. The shipping containers of such 
eggs shall be identified with the name, address, and country of origin 
of the exporter, and the date of pack and the quality of the eggs (e.g., 
checks or dirties) preceded by the word ``Imported'' or the statement 
``Imported Restricted Eggs--For Processing Only In An Official USDA 
Plant,'' or ``Restricted Eggs--Not To Be Used As Human Food.'' Such 
identification shall be legible and conspicuous.
    (b) For properly sealed and certified shipments of shell eggs for 
breaking at an official egg products plant, the containers need not be 
labeled, provided that the shipment is segregated and controlled upon 
arrival at the destination breaking plant.



Sec.  590.910  Eligibility of foreign countries for importation of
egg products into the United States.

    (a) Whenever it is determined by the Administrator that the system 
of egg products inspection maintained by any foreign country is such 
that the egg products produced in such country are processed, labeled, 
and packaged in accordance with, and otherwise comply with, the 
standards of the Act and these regulations including, but not limited to 
the same sanitary, processing, facility requirements, and Government 
inspection as required in Sec. Sec.  590.500 through 590.580 applicable 
to inspected articles produced within the United States, notice of that 
fact will be given according to paragraph (b) of this section. 
Thereafter, egg products from such countries shall be eligible for 
importation into the United States subject to the provisions of this 
part and other applicable laws and regulations. Such product must meet, 
to the extent applicable, the same standards and requirements that apply 
to comparable domestic product as set forth in these regulations. Egg 
products from foreign countries not deemed eligible in accordance with 
paragraph (b) of this section are not eligible for importation into the 
United States, except as provided by Sec.  590.960. In determining if 
the inspection system of a foreign country is the equivalent of the 
system maintained in the United States, the Administrator shall review 
the inspection regulations of the foreign country and make a survey to 
determine the manner in which the inspection systems are administered 
within the foreign country. After approval of the inspection system of a 
foreign country, the Administrator may, as often and to the extent 
deemed necessary, authorize representatives of the Department to review 
the system to determine that it is maintained in such a manner as to be 
the equivalent of the system maintained by the United States.
    (b) A list of countries eligible to export egg products to the 
United States is maintained at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/importlibrary.



Sec.  590.915  Imported products; foreign inspection certificates required.

    (a) Except as provided in Sec. Sec.  590.960 and 590.965, each 
consignment imported into the United States must have an electronic 
foreign inspection certification or a paper foreign inspection 
certificate issued by an official of the foreign government agency 
responsible

[[Page 677]]

for the inspection and certification of the product.
    (b) An official of the foreign government agency must certify that 
any product described on any official certificate was produced in 
accordance with the regulatory requirements of Sec.  590.910.
    (c) The electronic foreign inspection certification must be in 
English, be transmitted directly to FSIS before the product's arrival at 
the official import inspection establishment and be available to 
inspection program personnel.
    (d) The paper foreign inspection certificate must accompany each 
consignment; be submitted to inspection program personnel at the 
official import inspection establishment; be in English; and bear the 
official seal of the foreign government responsible for the inspection 
of the product, and the name, title, and signature of the official 
authorized to issue the inspection certificates for products imported 
into the United States.
    (e) The electronic foreign inspection certification and paper 
foreign inspection certificate must contain:
    (1) The date;
    (2) The foreign country of export and the producing foreign 
establishment number;
    (3) The species used to produce the product and the source country 
and foreign establishment number, if the source materials originate from 
a country other than the exporting country;
    (4) The product's description including the process category, the 
product category, and the product group;
    (5) The name and address of the importer or consignee;
    (6) The name and address of the exporter or consignor;
    (7) The number of units (pieces or containers) and the shipping or 
identification mark on the units;
    (8) The net weight of each lot; and
    (9) Any additional information the Administrator requests to 
determine whether the product is eligible to be imported into the United 
States.



Sec.  590.920  Import inspection application.

    (a) Applicants must submit an import inspection application to apply 
for the inspection of any product offered for entry. Applicants may 
apply for inspection using a paper or electronic application form.
    (b) Import inspection applications for each consignment must be 
submitted (electronically or on paper) to FSIS in advance of the 
shipment's arrival at the official import establishment where the 
product will be reinspected, but no later than when the entry is filed 
with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
    (c) The provisions of this section do not apply to products that are 
exempted from inspection by Sec. Sec.  590.960 and 590.965.



Sec.  590.925  Inspection of egg products offered for entry.

    (a)(1) Except as provided in Sec. Sec.  590.960 and 590.965 and 
paragraph (b) of this section, egg products offered for entry from any 
foreign country must be reinspected at an official import inspection 
establishment or official plant by inspection program personnel before 
they may be allowed entry into the United States.
    (2) Every lot of product must routinely be given visual reinspection 
by inspection program personnel for appearance and condition and be 
checked for certification and label compliance as provided in Sec. Sec.  
590.915, 590.950, and 590.955.
    (3) Inspection program personnel must consult the electronic 
inspection system for reinspection instructions. The electronic 
inspection system will assign reinspection levels and procedures based 
on established sampling plans and established product and plant history.
    (b) Inspection program personnel may take, without cost to the 
United States, from each consignment of egg product offered for entry, 
such samples of the products as are deemed necessary to determine the 
eligibility of the products for entry into commerce of the United 
States.



Sec.  590.930  Egg products offered for entry, retention in customs custody;
delivery under bond; movement prior to inspection; handling; equipment and 
          assistance.

    (a) No egg products required by this subpart to be inspected will be 
released

[[Page 678]]

from customs custody prior to required inspections, but such product may 
be delivered to the importer, or his agent, prior to inspection, if the 
importer furnishes a bond, in a form prescribed by the Secretary of the 
Treasury, on the condition that the product must be returned, if 
demanded, to the collector of the port where the product was offered for 
clearance through customs.
    (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, no product 
required by this subpart to be inspected will be moved prior to 
inspection from the port of arrival where first unloaded, and if 
arriving by water from the wharf where first unloaded at such port, to 
any place other than the place designated in accordance with this part 
as the place where the product must be inspected; and no product will be 
conveyed in any manner other than in compliance with this subpart.
    (c) The importer, or his agent, must furnish such equipment and must 
provide such assistance for handling and inspecting, where applicable, 
egg products offered for entry as the program inspector may require.
    (d) Official import inspection establishments must provide buildings 
and equipment that meet the sanitation requirements contained in part 
416 of this chapter.



Sec.  590.935  Means of conveyance and equipment used in handling egg
products offered for entry to be maintained in sanitary condition.

    (a) Compartments of means of conveyance transporting any egg 
products to the United States, and all chutes, platforms, racks, tables, 
tools, utensils, and all other devices used in moving and handling any 
egg products offered for entry into the United States, must be 
maintained in accordance with part 416.4 of this chapter.
    (b) All conveyances containing imported liquid egg products must be 
sealed by inspection authorities in the exporting country. Seals may be 
broken at U.S. port-of-entry for purposes of inspection by program 
inspectors or customs officers.



Sec.  590.940  Identification of egg products offered for entry; official
import inspection marks and devices.

    (a) Except for products offered for entry from Canada, egg products 
that upon reinspection are found to be acceptable for entry into the 
United States must be identified as ``U.S. Inspected and Passed'' 
product. The official inspection legend shown in paragraph (b) of this 
section will identify product only after completion of official import 
inspection and product acceptance.
    (b) The official mark for identifying egg products offered for entry 
as ``U.S. Inspected and Passed'' must be in the following form, and any 
device approved by the Administrator for applying such mark must be an 
official device.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The number ``I-38'' is given as an example only. The plant 
number of the official plant, facility, or official import inspection 
establishment where the product was inspected must be shown on each 
stamp impression.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 679]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR29OC20.002

    (c) Owners or operators of plants, other than official plants, who 
want to have import inspections made at their plants, must apply to the 
Administrator for approval of their establishments for such purpose. 
Application must be made on a form furnished by the Program, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC, 
and must include all information called for by that form.
    (d) No brand manufacturer or other person will cast or otherwise 
make, without an official certificate issued by inspection program 
personnel, a brand or other marking device containing an official 
inspection legend, or simulation thereof, as shown in Sec.  590.940(b).
    (e) The inspection legend may be placed on containers of product 
before completion of the official import inspection if the containers 
are being inspected by inspection program personnel who report directly 
to a program supervisor, the product is not required to be held at the 
official import inspection establishment pending receipt of laboratory 
test results, and a written procedure for the controlled stamping, 
submitted by the official import inspection establishment and approved 
by the Food Safety and Inspection Service, is on file at the import 
inspection location where the inspection is to be performed.
    (f)(1) The written procedure for the controlled release and 
identification of product should be in the form of a letter and must 
include the following:
    (i) That stamping under this subpart is limited to those lots of 
product that can be inspected on the day that certificates for the 
product are examined;
    (ii) That all products that have been pre-stamped will be stored in 
the facility where the import inspection will occur;
    (iii) That inspection marks applied under this part will be removed 
from any lot of product subsequently refused entry on the day the 
product is rejected; and
    (iv) That the establishment will maintain a daily stamping log 
containing the following information for each lot of product: The date 
of inspection, the country of origin, the foreign establishment number, 
the product name, the number of units, the shipping container marks and 
foreign inspection certificate number covering the product to be 
inspected. The daily log must be retained by the establishment in 
accordance with Sec.  590.200.
    (2) An establishment's controlled program privilege may be cancelled 
orally or in writing by the inspector who is supervising its enforcement 
whenever the inspector finds that the establishment has failed to comply 
with the provisions of this subpart or any conditions imposed pursuant 
thereto. If the cancellation is oral, the decision and the reasons for 
it must be confirmed in writing, as promptly as circumstances

[[Page 680]]

allow. Any person whose controlled pre-stamping program privilege has 
been cancelled may appeal the decision to the Administrator, in writing, 
within ten (10) days after receiving written notification of the 
cancellation. The appeal must state all of the facts and reasons upon 
which the person relies to show that the controlled program was 
wrongfully cancelled. The Administrator will grant or deny the appeal, 
in writing, stating the reasons for such decision, as promptly as 
circumstances allow. If there is a conflict as to any material fact, a 
hearing must be held to resolve such conflict. Rules of practice 
concerning such a hearing will be adopted by the Administrator. The 
cancellation of the controlled pre-stamping privilege will be in effect 
until there is a final determination of the preceding.



Sec.  590.945  Egg products offered for entry; reporting of findings to
customs; handling of articles refused entry; appeals, how made; denaturing 
procedures.

    (a)(1) Inspection program personnel must report their findings as to 
any product that has been inspected in accordance with this subpart to 
the Director of Customs at the original port of entry where the same is 
offered for clearance through Customs inspection.
    (2) When product is refused entry into the United States, the 
official mark to be applied to the product refused entry must be in the 
following form:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR29OC20.003

    (3) When product has been identified as ``U.S. Refused Entry,'' 
inspection program personnel must request the Director of Customs to 
refuse admission of such product and to direct that it be exported by 
the owner or importer within the time specified in this section, unless 
the owner or importer, within the specified time, causes it to be 
destroyed by disposing of it under the supervision of program inspectors 
so that the product can no longer be used as human food, or by 
converting it to animal food uses, if permitted by the Food and Drug 
Administration. The owner or importer of the refused entry product must 
not transfer legal title to such product, except to a foreign importer 
for direct and immediate exportation, or to an end user, e.g., an animal 
food manufacturer or a renderer, for destruction for human food 
purposes. ``Refused entry'' product must be delivered to and used by the 
manufacturer or renderer within the 45-day time limit provided in 
paragraph (a)(4) of this section. Even if such title is illegally 
transferred, the subsequent purchaser will still be required to export 
the product or have it destroyed under paragraph (a)(4) of this section.
    (4) The owner or importer will have 45 days after notice is given by 
FSIS to the Director of Customs at the original port of entry to take 
the action required in paragraph (a)(3) of this section for ``refused 
entry'' product. An extension beyond the 45-day period may be granted by 
the Administrator when extreme circumstances warrant

[[Page 681]]

it, e.g., a dock workers' strike or an unforeseeable vessel delay.
    (5) If the owner or importer fails to take the required action 
within the time specified under paragraph (a)(4) of this section, the 
Department will take such actions as may be necessary to effectuate its 
order to have the product destroyed for human food purposes. The 
Department will seek court costs and fees, storage, and proper expenses 
in the appropriate forum.
    (6) No egg product that has been refused entry and exported to 
another country pursuant to paragraph (a)(3) of this section may be 
returned to the United States under any circumstances. Any such product 
so returned to the United States will be subject to administrative 
detention in accordance with section 1048 of the Act and seizure and 
condemnation in accordance with section 1049 of the Act.
    (7) Egg products that have been refused entry solely because of 
misbranding may be brought into compliance with the requirements of this 
chapter under the supervision of an authorized representative of the 
Administrator.
    (b) Upon the request of the Director of Customs at the port where an 
egg product is offered for clearance through the customs, the importer 
of the product must, at the importer's own expense, immediately return 
to the Director any product that has been delivered to the importer 
under this subpart and subsequently designated ``U.S. Refused Entry'' or 
found in any request not to comply with the requirements in this part.
    (c) Except as provided in Sec.  590.930(a) or (b), no person will 
remove or cause to be removed from any place designated as the place of 
inspection of egg products that the regulations in this part require to 
be identified in any way, unless the same has been clearly and legibly 
identified in compliance with this part.
    (d) Any person receiving inspection services may, if dissatisfied 
with any decision of a program inspector relating to any inspection, 
file an appeal from such decision. Any such appeal from a decision of a 
program inspector must be made to the inspector's immediate supervisor 
having jurisdiction over the subject matter of the appeal, and such 
supervisor must determine whether the inspector's decision was correct. 
Review of such an appeal determination, when requested, must be made by 
the immediate supervisor of the Department employee making the appeal 
determination. The egg products involved in any appeal must be 
identified by U.S. retained tags and segregated in a manner approved by 
the inspector pending completion of an appeal inspection.
    (e) All loss or inedible eggs, or inedible egg products must be 
disposed of in accordance with Sec.  590.504(c)(1).



Sec.  590.950  Labeling of immediate containers of egg products offered
for entry.

    (a) Immediate containers of product offered for entry into the 
United States must bear a label, printed in English, showing:
    (1) The name of the product;
    (2) The name of the country of origin of the product, and for 
consumer packaged products, preceded by the words ``Product of,'' which 
statement must appear immediately under the name of the product;
    (3) [Reserved];
    (4) The word ``Ingredients'' followed by a list of the ingredients 
in order of descending proportions by weight, if applicable,;
    (5) The name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or 
distributor, qualified by a phrase which reveals the connection that 
such person has with the product;
    (6) An accurate statement of the quantity;
    (7) The inspection mark of the country of origin;
    (8) The date of production and the plant number of the plant at 
which the egg products were processed or packed.
    (b) For properly sealed and certified shipments of shell eggs for 
breaking at an official plant, the immediate containers need not be 
labeled, provided that the shipment is segregated and controlled upon 
arrival at the destination breaking plant.
    (c) The labels must not be false or misleading in any respect.

[[Page 682]]



Sec.  590.955  Labeling of shipping containers of egg products offered
for entry.

    Shipping containers of imported egg products are required to bear in 
a prominent and legible manner the name of the product, the name of the 
country of origin, the foreign inspection system plant number of the 
plant in which the product was processed, shipping or identification 
marks, production codes, and the inspection mark of the country or 
origin. Labeling on shipping containers must be examined at the time of 
inspection in the United States and if found to be false or misleading, 
the product must be refused entry.



Sec.  590.956  Relabeling of imported egg products.

    (a) Egg products eligible for importation may be relabeled with an 
approved label under the supervision of an inspector at an official 
plant or official import inspection establishment. The new label for 
such product must indicate the country of origin, except for egg 
products that are processed (repasteurized or, in the case of dried 
product, dry blended with product produced in the United States) in an 
official plant.
    (b) The label for relabeled products must state the name, address, 
and zip code of the distributor, qualified by an appropriate term such 
as ``packed for'', ``distributed by'', or ``distributors''.



Sec.  590.960  Small importations for importer's personal use, display,
or laboratory analysis.

    Egg products (other than those that are forbidden entry by other 
Federal law or regulation) from any country, that are exclusively for 
the importer's personal use, display, or laboratory analysis, and not 
for sale or distribution; that are sound, healthful, wholesome, and fit 
for human food; and that are not adulterated and do not contain any 
substance not permitted by the Act or regulations, may be admitted into 
the United States without a foreign inspection certificate. Such 
products are not required to be inspected upon arrival in the United 
States and may be shipped to the importer without further restriction 
under this part, except as provided in 9 CFR 590.925(b), provided that 
the Department may, with respect to any specific importation, require 
that the importer certify that such product is exclusively for said 
importer's personal use, display, or laboratory analysis and not for 
sale or distribution. The amount of liquid, frozen, or dried egg 
products imported must not exceed 50 pounds.



Sec.  590.965  Returned to the United States inspected and marked
egg products; exemption.

    U.S. inspected and passed and so marked egg products exported to and 
returned from foreign countries will be admitted into the United States 
without compliance with this part upon notification to and approval of 
the Food Safety and Inspection Service, in specific cases.



PART 591_SANITATION REQUIREMENTS AND HAZARD ANALYSIS AND CRITICAL CONTROL
POINT SYSTEMS--Table of Contents



Sec.
591.1 Basic requirements.
591.2 Hazard analysis and HACCP plan.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 1031-1056; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53.

    Source: 85 FR 68685, Oct. 29, 2020, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  591.1  Basic requirements.

    (a) All official plants must comply with the sanitation requirements 
contained in part 416 of this chapter, Sanitation, except as otherwise 
provided in this chapter.
    (b) All official plants must comply with the Hazard Analysis and 
Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems requirements contained in part 
417 of this chapter, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
    (c) For the purposes of this chapter, parts 416, Sanitation, 417, 
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems, and 500, 
Rules of Practice, an official establishment or establishment includes 
an official plant.

[[Page 683]]



Sec.  591.2  Hazard analysis and HACCP plan.

    (a) Pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 1035 and 1043, the failure of an official 
plant to develop and implement a HACCP plan that complies with part 417 
of this chapter may render the products produced under those conditions 
adulterated.
    (b) Pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 1035 and 1043, the failure of an official 
plant to operate in accordance with the requirements in part 416 of this 
chapter, Sanitation, may render the products produced under those 
conditions adulterated.
    (c) Pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 1035 and 1043, the failure of an official 
plant to operate in accordance with the Hazard Analysis and Critical 
Control Point (HACCP) Systems requirements in part 417 of this chapter, 
may render the product produced under those conditions adulterated.
    (d) Pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 1035 and 1043, the failure of an official 
plant to operate in accordance with the requirements in part 500 of this 
chapter, Rules of Practice, and part 590 of this chapter, Inspection of 
Eggs and Egg Products (Egg Products Inspection Act) may render the 
products produced under those conditions adulterated.



PART 592_VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS--Table of Contents



Sec.
592.1 Meaning of words.
592.2 Terms defined.
592.5 Designation of official certificates, memoranda, marks, other 
          identifications, and devices for purposes of the Agricultural 
          Marketing Act.

                             Administration

592.10 Authority.

                                 General

592.20 Kinds of services available.
592.22 Where service is offered.
592.24 Basis of service.

                         Performance of Services

592.70 Identification.
592.80 Political activity.
592.90 Authority and duties of inspection program personnel performing 
          service.
592.95 Facilities and equipment to be furnished for use of inspection 
          program personnel in performing service.
592.96 Schedule of operation of official plants.

                         Application for Service

592.100 Who may obtain service.
592.120 Authority of applicant.
592.130 How application for service may be made.
592.140 Application for inspection in official plants; approval.
592.150 When application may be rejected.
592.160 When application may be withdrawn.
592.170 Order of service.
592.180 Suspension of plant approval.

                            Denial of Service

592.200 Debarment.
592.220 Other applicable regulations.
592.240 Report of violations.
592.260 Reuse of containers bearing official identification prohibited.

                    Identifying and Marking Products

592.300 Approval of official identification.
592.310 Form of official identification symbol and inspection mark.
592.320 Products that may bear the inspection mark.
592.330 Unauthorized use or disposition of approved labels.
592.340 Supervision of marking and packaging.
592.350 Accessibility of product.
592.360 Certificates.
592.370 Certificate issuance.
592.380 Disposition of certificates.
592.390 Advance information.

                                 Appeals

592.400 How to file an appeal.
592.450 Procedures for selecting appeal samples.
592.460 Appeal certificates.

                            Fees and Charges

592.500 Payment of fees and charges.
592.510 Basetime rate.
592.520 Overtime rate.
592.530 Holiday rate.

                  Sanitary and Processing Requirements

592.600 General.
592.650 Inspection.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.

    Source: 69 FR 1648, Jan. 12, 2004, unless otherwise noted.

                               Definitions



Sec.  592.1  Meaning of words.

    Under the regulations in this part words in the singular shall be 
deemed to import the plural and vice versa, as the case may demand.

[[Page 684]]



Sec.  592.2  Terms defined.

    For the purpose of the regulations in this part, unless the context 
otherwise requires, the following terms shall be construed, 
respectively:
    Act means the applicable provisions of the Agricultural Marketing 
Act of 1946 (60 Stat. 1087; 7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.), or any other Act of 
Congress conferring like authority.
    Administrator means the Administrator of the Food Safety and 
Inspection Service (FSIS) of the Department or any other officer or 
employee of the Department to whom there has been delegated, or to whom 
there may be delegated the authority to act in the Administrator's 
stead.
    Applicant means any interested party who requests any inspection 
service, or appeal inspection, with respect to any product.
    Class means any subdivision of a product based on essential physical 
characteristics that differentiate between major groups of the same 
kind, species, or method of processing.
    Condition means any condition (including, but not being limited to, 
the state of preservation, cleanliness, soundness, wholesomeness, or 
fitness for human food) of any product which affects its 
merchantability; or any condition, including, but not being limited to, 
the processing, or packaging which affects such product.
    Department means the United States Department of Agriculture.
    District Manager means the manager in charge of a district, which is 
a designated geographical area.
    Eggs of Current Production means shell eggs that have moved through 
the usual marketing channels since the date of lay and are not in excess 
of 60 days old.
    Holiday or Legal holiday means the legal public holidays specified 
by the Congress in paragraph (a) of section 6103, Title 5, of the United 
States Code.
    Inspection means the act by inspection program personnel of:
    (1) Determining, according to these regulations, the class, quality, 
quantity, or condition of any product by examining each unit thereof or 
a representative sample drawn by inspection program personnel;
    (2) Issuing a certificate; or
    (3) Identifying, when requested by the applicant, any product by 
means of official identification pursuant to the Act and this part.
    Inspection certificate or certificate means a statement, either 
written or printed, issued by inspection program personnel pursuant to 
the Act and this part, relative to the class, quality, quantity, and 
condition of products.
    Inspection program personnel (employee) means employees of the 
Department authorized by the Secretary to investigate and certify, in 
accordance with the Act and this part, to shippers of products and other 
interested parties the class, quality, quantity, and condition of such 
products.
    Interested party means any person financially interested in a 
transaction involving any inspection or appeal inspection of any 
product.
    Official plant means any plant in which the facilities and methods 
of operation therein have been found by the Administrator to be suitable 
and adequate for inspection in accordance with this part and in which 
such service is carried on.
    Person means any individual, partnership, association, business 
trust, corporation, or any organized group of persons, whether 
incorporated or not.
    Product or products means eggs (whether liquid, frozen, or dried), 
egg products, and any food product that is prepared or manufactured and 
contains eggs as an ingredient.
    Program employee means any person employed by the Department or any 
cooperating agency who is authorized by the Secretary to do any work or 
perform any duty in connection with the program.
    Quality means the inherent properties of any product that determine 
its relative degree of excellence.
    Regulations mean the provisions in this part.
    Sampling means the act of taking samples of any product for 
inspection.
    Secretary means the Secretary of the Department or any other officer 
or employee of the Department to whom there has heretofore been 
delegated, or to whom there may hereafter be delegated, the authority to 
act in the Secretary's stead.

[[Page 685]]

    Service means: (1) Any inspection, in accordance with the 
Agriculture Marketing Act and the regulations in this part, of any 
product,
    (2) Supervision, in any official plant, of the processing, packaging 
and identification, or
    (3) Any appeal inspection of any previously inspected product.
    Shell eggs mean the shell eggs of the domesticated chicken, turkey, 
duck, goose, and guinea.



Sec.  592.5  Designation of official certificates, memoranda, marks, 
other identifications, and devices for purposes of the Agricultural
Marketing Act.

    Subsection 203(h) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as 
amended by Public Law 272, 84th Congress, provides criminal penalties 
for various specified offenses relating to official certificates, 
memoranda, marks or other identifications, and devices for making such 
marks or identifications, issued or authorized under section 203 of said 
Act, and certain misrepresentations concerning the inspection of 
agricultural products under said section. For the purposes of said 
subsection and the provisions in this part, the terms listed below shall 
have the respective meanings specified:
    (a) Official certificate means any form of certification, either 
written or printed, used under this part to certify with respect to the 
sampling, inspection, class, quality, quantity, or condition of products 
(including the compliance of products with applicable specifications).
    (b) Official memorandum means any initial record of findings made by 
an authorized person in the process of inspecting, or sampling pursuant 
to this part, any processing or plant-operation report made by an 
authorized person in connection with inspecting, or sampling under this 
part and any report made by an authorized person of services performed 
pursuant to this part.
    (c) Official mark means the inspection mark, and any other mark or 
symbol formulated pursuant to the regulations in this part, stating that 
the product was inspected, or for the purpose of maintaining the 
identity of the product.
    (d) Official identification means any United States (U.S.) standard 
designation of class, quality, quantity, or condition specified in this 
part or any symbol, stamp, label, or seal indicating that the product 
has been officially inspected or indicating the class, quality, 
quantity, or condition of the product approved by the Administrator and 
authorized to be affixed to any product, or affixed to or printed on the 
packaging material of any product.
    (e) Official device means a printed label, or other method as 
approved by the Secretary for the purpose of applying any official mark 
or other identification to any product of the packaging material 
thereof.

                             Administration



Sec.  592.10  Authority.

    The Administrator shall perform, for and under the supervision of 
the Secretary, such duties as the Secretary may require in the 
enforcement or administration of the provisions of the Act and this 
part. The Administrator is authorized to waive for a limited period any 
particular provisions of the regulations in this part to permit 
experimentation so that new procedures, equipment, and processing 
techniques may be tested to facilitate definite improvements and at the 
same time to determine full compliance with the spirit and intent of the 
regulations in this part. The Food Safety Inspection Service and its 
officers and employees shall not be liable in damages through acts of 
commission or omission in the administration of this part.

                                 General



Sec.  592.20  Kinds of services available.

    The regulations in this part provide for the following kinds of 
services:
    (a) Inspection of the processing in official plants of products 
containing eggs;
    (b) Sampling of products; and
    (c) Quantity and condition inspection of products.
    (d) Export certification. Upon application, by any person intending 
to export any egg product, inspectors may make certifications regarding 
products for human food purposes, to be exported,

[[Page 686]]

as meeting conditions or standards that are not imposed or are in 
addition to those imposed by the regulations in the part and the laws 
under which such regulations were issued.

[69 FR 1648, Jan. 12, 2004, as amended at 81 FR 42235, June 29, 2016]



Sec.  592.22  Where service is offered.

    Any product may be inspected wherever inspection program personnel 
are available and the facilities and the conditions are satisfactory for 
the conduct of the service.



Sec.  592.24  Basis of service.

    (a) Products shall be inspected in accordance with such standards, 
methods, and instructions as may be issued or approved by the 
Administrator. All service shall be subject to supervision at all times 
by the applicable FSIS designated supervisor. Whenever the supervisor of 
an inspection program person has evidence that such inspection program 
employee incorrectly inspected a product, such supervisor shall take 
such action as is necessary to correct the inspection and to cause any 
improper official identification that appears on the product or 
containers thereof to be corrected prior to shipment of the product from 
the place of the initial inspection.
    (b) Whenever service is performed on a sample basis, such sample 
shall be drawn in accordance with the instructions as issued by the 
Administrator.

                         Performance of Services



Sec.  592.70  Identification.

    All inspection program personnel and supervisors shall have in their 
possession at all times while on duty and present upon request the means 
of identification furnished by the Department to such person.



Sec.  592.80  Political activity.

    All inspection program personnel are forbidden during the period of 
their respective appointments, to take an active part in political 
management or in political campaigns. Political activity in city, 
county, State, or national elections, whether primary or regular, or in 
behalf of any party or candidate is prohibited, except as authorized by 
law or regulation of the Department. This applies to all appointees, 
including, but not being limited to, temporary and cooperative employees 
and employees on leave of absence with or without pay. Willful violation 
of this section will constitute grounds for dismissal.



Sec.  592.90  Authority and duties of inspection program personnel
performing service.

    (a) Inspection program personnel are authorized:
    (1) To make such observations and inspections as they deem necessary 
to enable them to certify that products have been prepared, processed, 
stored, and otherwise handled in conformity with the regulations in this 
part;
    (2) To supervise the marking of packages containing products that 
are eligible to be identified with official identification;
    (3) To retain in their custody, or under their supervision, labels 
with official identification, marking devices, samples, certificates, 
seals, and reports of inspection program personnel;
    (4) To deface or remove, or cause to be defaced or removed under 
their personal supervision, any official identification from any package 
containing products whenever the program employee determines that such 
products were not processed in accordance with the regulations in this 
part or are not fit for human food;
    (5) To issue a certificate upon request on any product processed in 
the official plant; and
    (6) To use retention tags or other devices and methods as may be 
approved by the Administrator for the identification and control of 
products that are not in compliance with the regulations in this part or 
are held for further examination, and any equipment, utensils, rooms or 
compartments that are found to be unclean or otherwise in violation of 
any of the regulations in this part. No product, equipment, utensil, 
room, or compartment shall be released for use until it has been made 
acceptable. Such identification shall not be removed by anyone other 
than inspection program personnel.
    (b) Inspection program personnel shall prepare such reports and 
records

[[Page 687]]

as may be prescribed by the Administrator.



Sec.  592.95  Facilities and equipment to be furnished for use of 
inspection program personnel in performing service.

    (a) Facilities and equipment for proper sampling, weighing, 
examination of products, and monitoring processing procedures shall be 
furnished by the official plant for use by inspection program personnel. 
Such facilities and equipment shall include but not be limited to a room 
or area suitable for sampling product and stationary or adequately 
secured storage box or cage (capable of being locked only by inspection 
program personnel) for holding official samples.
    (b) Acceptable furnished office space and equipment, including but 
not being limited to, a desk, lockers or cabinets (equipped with a 
satisfactory locking device) suitable for the protection and storage of 
supplies, and with facilities for inspection program personnel to change 
clothing.



Sec.  592.96  Schedule of operation of official plants.

    Inspection operating schedules for services performed pursuant to 
this part shall be requested in writing and approved by the appropriate 
District Office. Normal operating schedules for a full-week consist of a 
continuous 8-hour period per day (excluding but not to exceed 1 hour for 
lunch), 5 consecutive days per week, within the administrative workweek, 
Sunday through Saturday, for each shift required. Less than 8-hour 
schedules may be requested and will be approved if inspection program 
personnel are available. Clock hours of daily operations need not be 
specified in the request, although as a condition of continued approval, 
the hours of operation shall consist of a continuous 10-hour period per 
day (excluding but not to exceed 1 hour for lunch), 4 consecutive days 
per week, within the administrative workweek, Sunday through Saturday 
for each full shift required. Inspection program personnel are to be 
given reasonable advance notice by management of any change in the hours 
the inspection service is requested.

                         Application for Service



Sec.  592.100  Who may obtain service.

    (a) An application for service may be made by any interested person, 
including, but not being limited to, the United States, any State, 
county, municipality, or common carrier, and any authorized agent of the 
foregoing.
    (b) Where service is offered: Any product may be inspected, wherever 
an inspection program employee is available and the facilities and the 
conditions are satisfactory for the conduct of the service.
    (c) The applicant must have a tax identification number for billing 
purposes.



Sec.  592.120  Authority of applicant.

    Proof of the authority of any person applying for any service may be 
required at the discretion of the Administrator.



Sec.  592.130  How application for service may be made.

    (a) On a fee basis. An application for service may be made with any 
inspection program personnel at or nearest the place where the service 
is desired. Such application for service may be made orally (in person 
or by telephone), in writing or by transmission. If an application for 
inspection service is made orally, the inspection program personnel with 
whom such application is made, or the Administrator, may require that 
the application be confirmed in writing.
    (b) Form of application. Each application for inspection of a 
specified lot of any product shall include such information as may be 
required by the Administrator in regard to the product and the premises 
where such product is to be inspected.



Sec.  592.140  Application for inspection in official plants; approval.

    Any person desiring to process products under inspection service 
must receive approval of such plant and facilities as an official plant 
prior to the installation of such service. The initial survey, drawings, 
and specifications to be submitted, changes and revisions in the 
official plant, and final survey and procedure for plant approval shall 
be in

[[Page 688]]

accordance with and conform to the applicable provisions of Part 590 of 
this chapter.



Sec.  592.150  When an application may be rejected.

    (a) Any application for service may be rejected by the 
Administrator:
    (1) Whenever the applicant fails to meet the requirements of the 
regulations in this part prescribing the conditions under which the 
service is made available;
    (2) Whenever the product is owned by or located on the premises of a 
person currently denied the benefits of the Act;
    (3) Where any individual holding office or a responsible position 
with or having a substantial financial interest or share in the 
applicant is currently denied the benefits of the Act or was responsible 
in whole or in part for the current denial of the benefits of the Act to 
any person;
    (4) Where the Administrator determines that the application is an 
attempt on the part of a person currently denied the benefits of the Act 
to obtain service;
    (5) Whenever the applicant, after an initial survey has been made in 
accordance with Part 590, fails to bring the plant, facilities, and 
operating procedures into compliance with the regulations in this part 
within a reasonable period of time;
    (6) Notwithstanding any prior approval whenever, before inauguration 
of service, the applicant fails to fulfill commitments concerning the 
inauguration of the service;
    (7) When it appears that to perform the services specified in this 
part would not be to the best interests of the public welfare or of the 
Government; or
    (8) When it appears to the Administrator that prior commitments of 
the Department necessitate rejection of the application.
    (b) Each such applicant shall be promptly notified by registered 
mail of the reasons for the rejection. A written petition for 
reconsideration of such rejection may be filed by the applicant with the 
Administrator if postmarked or delivered within 10 days after receipt of 
notice of the rejection. Such petition shall state specifically the 
errors alleged to have been made by the Administrator in rejecting the 
application. Within 20 days following the receipt of such a petition for 
reconsideration, the Administrator shall approve the application or 
notify the applicant by registered mail of the reasons for the rejection 
thereof.



Sec.  592.160  When an application may be withdrawn.

    An application for service may be withdrawn by the applicant at any 
time before the service is performed upon payment, by the applicant, of 
all expenses incurred by the Agency in connection with such application.



Sec.  592.170  Order of service.

    Service shall be performed, insofar as practicable, in the order in 
which applications therefor are made except that precedence may be given 
to any application for an appeal.



Sec.  592.180  Suspension of plant approval.

    (a) Any plant approval pursuant to the regulations in this part may 
be suspended for:
    (1) Failure to maintain plant and equipment in a satisfactory state 
of repairs;
    (2) The use of operating procedures that are not in accordance with 
the regulations in this part; or
    (3) Alterations of buildings, facilities, or equipment that cannot 
be approved in accordance with the regulations in this part.
    (b) During such period of suspension, inspection service shall not 
be rendered. However, the other provisions of the regulations in this 
part pertaining to providing service will remain in effect unless 
service is terminated in accordance with the terms thereof. If the plant 
facilities or methods of operation are not brought into compliance 
within a reasonable period of time to be specified by the Administrator, 
the application and service shall be terminated. Upon termination of 
service in an official plant pursuant to the regulations in this part, 
the plant approval shall also become terminated, and all labels, seals, 
tags, or packaging material bearing official identification shall, under 
the supervision of a person designated

[[Page 689]]

by the Administrator, either be destroyed, or if to be used at another 
location, modified in a manner acceptable to the Agency.

                            Denial of Service



Sec.  592.200  Debarment.

    (a) The following acts or practices or the causing thereof may be 
deemed sufficient cause for the debarment by the Administrator of any 
person, including any agents, officers, subsidiaries, or affiliates of 
such person, from any or all benefits of the Act for a specified period.
    (1) Misrepresentation, or deceptive or fraudulent act or practice. 
Any willful misrepresentation or any deceptive or fraudulent act or 
practice found to be made or committed by any person in connection with:
    (i) The making or filing of an application for any service or 
appeal;
    (ii) The making of the product accessible for sampling or 
inspection;
    (iii) The making, issuing, or using, or attempting to issue or use, 
any certificate, symbol, stamp, label, seal, or identification 
authorized pursuant to the regulations in this part;
    (iv) The use of the terms ``United States,'' ``U.S.,'' ``U.S. 
Inspected,'' ``Government Inspected,'' or terms of similar import in the 
labeling or advertising of any product;
    (v) The use of any official stamp, symbol, label, seal, or 
identification in the labeling or advertising of any product.
    (2) Use of facsimile forms. Using or attempting to use a form that 
simulates in whole or in part any certificate, symbol, stamp, label, 
seal, or identification authorized to be issued or used under the 
regulations in this part.
    (3) Willful violation of the regulations. Any willful violation of 
the regulations in this part or of the Act.
    (4) Interfering with inspection program personnel or program 
employee of the Agency. Any interference with or obstruction or any 
attempted interference or obstruction of or assault upon any inspection 
program personnel or program employee of the Agency in the performance 
of their duties. The giving or offering, directly or indirectly, of any 
money, loan, gift, or anything of value to a program employee of the 
Agency, or the making or offering of any contribution to or in any way 
supplementing the salary, compensation or expenses of a program employee 
of the Agency, or the offering or entering into a private contract or 
agreement with a program employee of the Agency for any services to be 
rendered while employed by the Agency.
    (5) Miscellaneous. The existence of any of the conditions set forth 
in Sec.  592.150 constituting the basis for the rejection of an 
application for inspection service.



Sec.  592.220  Other applicable regulations.

    Compliance with the regulations in this part shall not excuse 
failure to comply with any other Federal or any State or municipal 
applicable laws or regulations.



Sec.  592.240  Report of violations.

    Each inspection program employee shall report, in the manner 
prescribed by the Administrator, all violations and noncompliance under 
the Act and this part of which such inspection program employee has 
knowledge.



Sec.  592.260  Reuse of containers bearing official identification prohibited.

    The reuse, by any person, of containers bearing official 
identification is prohibited unless such identification is applicable in 
all respects to product being packed therein. In such instances, the 
container and label may be used provided the packaging is accomplished 
under the supervision of inspection program personnel or program 
employee, and the container is in clean, sound condition and lined with 
a suitable inner liner.

                    Identifying and Marking Products



Sec.  592.300  Approval of official identification.

    Labeling procedures, required information on labels, and method of 
label approval, shall be in accordance with and conform to the 
applicable provisions of part 590 of this chapter.

[[Page 690]]



Sec.  592.310  Form of official identification symbol and inspection mark.

    (a) The shield set forth in Figure 1, containing the letters 
``USDA,'' shall be the official identification symbol for the purposes 
of this part and when used, imitated, or simulated in any manner in 
connection with a product shall be deemed to constitute a representation 
that the product has been officially inspected for the purpose of Sec.  
592.5.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12JA04.049

    (b) The inspection marks that are permitted to be used on products 
shall be contained within the outline of a shield and with the wording 
and design set forth in Figure 2 of this section, except the plant 
number may be followed by the letter ``G'' in lieu of the word 
``plant.'' Alternatively, it may be omitted from the official shield if 
applied on the container's principal display panel or other prominent 
location and preceded by the word ``Plant'' or followed by the letter 
``G.''
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12JA04.050



Sec.  592.320  Products that may bear the inspection mark.

    Products that are permitted to bear the inspection mark shall be 
processed in an official plant from edible shell eggs or other edible 
egg products eligible to bear the inspection mark and may contain other 
edible ingredients. The official mark, when used, shall be printed or 
lithographed and applied as a part of the principal display panel of the 
container, but shall not be applied to a detachable cover.



Sec.  592.330  Unauthorized use or disposition of approved labels.

    (a) Containers or labels that bear official identification approved 
for use pursuant to Sec.  592.300 shall be used only for the purpose for 
which approved. Any unauthorized use or disposition of approved 
containers or labels that bear any official identification may result in 
cancellation of the approval and denial of the use of containers or 
labels bearing official identification or denial of the benefits of the 
Act pursuant to the provisions of Sec.  592.200;
    (b) The use of simulations or imitations of any official 
identification by any person is prohibited;
    (c) Upon termination of inspection service in an official plant 
pursuant to the regulations in this part, all labels or packaging 
material bearing official identification to be used to identify product 
packed by the plant shall either be destroyed, or have the official 
identification completely obliterated under the supervision of a USDA 
representative, or, if to be used at another location, modified in a 
manner acceptable to the Agency.



Sec.  592.340  Supervision of marking and packaging.

    (a) Evidence of label approval. Inspection program personnel shall 
authorize the use of official identification on any inspected product 
when they have evidence that such official identification or packaging 
material bearing such official identification has been approved in 
accordance with the provisions of Sec.  592.300.
    (b) Affixing of official identification. No official identification 
may be affixed to or placed on or caused to be affixed to or placed on 
any product or

[[Page 691]]

container thereof except by an inspection program employee or under the 
supervision of an inspection program employee or other person authorized 
by the Administrator. All such products shall have been inspected in 
accordance with the regulations in this part. Inspection program 
personnel shall have supervision over the use and handling of all 
material bearing any official identification.
    (c) Labels for products sold under Government contract. Inspectors-
in-charge may approve labels for containers of product sold under a 
contract specification to governmental agencies when such product is not 
offered for resale to the general public: Provided, that the contract 
specifications include complete specific requirements with respect to 
labeling, and are made available to inspection program personnel.



Sec.  592.350  Accessibility of product.

    Each product for which service is requested shall be so placed as to 
disclose fully its class, quality, quantity, and condition as the 
circumstances may warrant.



Sec.  592.360  Certificates.

    Certificates (including appeal certificates) shall be issued on 
forms approved by the Administrator.



Sec.  592.370  Certificate issuance.

    When performing inspection service at locations other than an 
official establishment, inspection program personnel shall issue a 
certificate covering each product inspected. An applicant may request 
issuance of a certificate for each production lot inspected.



Sec.  592.380  Disposition of certificates.

    The original and a copy of each certificate issued pursuant to Sec.  
592.370, and not to exceed two additional copies thereof if requested by 
the applicant prior to issuance, shall, immediately upon issuance, be 
delivered or mailed to the applicant or designee. Other copies shall be 
filed and retained in accordance with the disposition schedule for 
inspection program records.



Sec.  592.390  Advance information.

    Upon request of an applicant, all or part of the contents of any 
certificate issued to such applicant may be telephoned or transmitted to 
the applicant or designee, at the applicant's expense.

                                 Appeals



Sec.  592.400  How to file an appeal.

    Any person receiving inspection service may, if dissatisfied with 
any decision or action of an inspector or other Agency employee relating 
to any inspection, file an appeal from such decision or action in 
accordance with 9 CFR 500.9.

[87 FR 63424, Oct. 19, 2022]



Sec.  592.450  Procedures for selecting appeal samples.

    (a) Prohibition on movement of product. Products shall not have been 
moved from the place where the inspection being appealed was performed 
and must have been maintained under adequate refrigeration, when 
applicable.
    (b) Laboratory analyses. The appeal sample shall consist of product 
taken from the original sample containers plus an equal number of 
containers selected at random. When the original sample containers 
cannot be located, the appeal sample shall consist of product taken at 
random from double the number of original sample containers.
    (c) Condition inspection. The appeal sample shall consist of product 
taken from the original sample containers plus an equal number of 
containers selected at random. A condition appeal cannot be made unless 
all originally sampled containers are available.



Sec.  592.460  Appeal certificates.

    Immediately after an appeal inspection is completed, an appeal 
certificate shall be issued to show that the original inspection was 
sustained or was not sustained. Such certificate shall supersede any 
previously issued certificate for the product involved and shall clearly 
identify the number and date of the superseded certificate. The issuance 
of the appeal certificate may be withheld until any previously issued

[[Page 692]]

certificate and all copies have been returned when such action is deemed 
necessary to protect the interest of the Government. When the appeal 
inspection program employee assigns a different class to the lot or 
determines that a net weight shortage exists, the lot shall be retained 
pending correction of the labeling or approval of the product 
disposition by the District Office.

                            Fees and Charges



Sec.  592.500  Payment of fees and charges.

    (a) Fees and charges for voluntary base time rate, overtime 
inspection service, holiday inspection service, and electronic export 
applications shall be paid by the interested party making the 
application for such service, in accordance with the applicable 
provisions of this section and Sec.  592.510 through Sec.  592.530, both 
inclusive. If so required by the inspection personnel, such fees and 
charges shall be paid in advance.
    (b) Fees and charges for any service shall, unless otherwise 
required pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section, be paid by check, 
draft, or money order payable to the Food Safety Inspection Service and 
remitted promptly to FSIS.
    (c) Fees and charges for any service under a cooperative agreement 
with any State or person shall be paid in accordance with the terms of 
such cooperative agreement.
    (d) Exporters that submit electronic export certificate applications 
will be charged a fee per application submitted.
    (e) For each calendar year, FSIS will calculate the electronic 
export certificate application fee, using the following formula: Labor 
Costs (Technical Support Cost + Export Library Maintenance Cost) + 
Information Technology Costs (On-going operations Cost + Maintenance 
Cost + eAuthentication Cost), divided by the number of export 
applications.
    (f) FSIS will publish notice of the electronic export certificate 
application fee annually in the Federal Register.

[69 FR 1648, Jan. 12, 2004, as amended at 81 FR 42235, June 29, 2016]



Sec.  592.510  Basetime rate.

    (a) For each calendar year, FSIS will calculate the basetime rate 
for inspection services, per hour per program employee, using the 
following formula: The quotient of dividing the Office of Field 
Operations plus Office of International Affairs inspection program 
personnel's previous fiscal year's regular direct pay by the previous 
fiscal year's regular hours, plus the quotient multiplied by the 
calendar year's percentage of cost of living increase, plus the benefits 
rate, plus the travel and operating rate, plus the overhead rate, plus 
the allowance for bad debt rate.
    (b) FSIS will calculate the benefits, travel and operating, 
overhead, and allowance for bad debt rate components of the basetime 
rate, using the following formulas:
    (1) Benefits rate. The quotient of dividing the previous fiscal 
year's direct benefits costs by the previous fiscal year's total hours 
(regular, overtime, and holiday), plus the quotient multiplied by the 
calendar year's percentage cost of living increase. Some examples of 
direct benefits are health insurance, retirement, life insurance, and 
Thrift Savings Plan basic and matching contributions.
    (2) Travel and operating rate. The quotient of dividing the previous 
fiscal year's total direct travel and operating costs by the previous 
fiscal year's total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday), plus the 
quotient multiplied by the calendar year's percentage of inflation.
    (3) Overhead rate. The quotient of dividing the previous fiscal 
year's indirect costs plus the previous fiscal year's information 
technology (IT) costs in the Public Health Data Communication 
Infrastructure System Fund plus the previous fiscal year's Office of 
Management Program cost in the Reimbursable and Voluntary Funds plus the 
provision for the operating balance less any Greenbook costs (i.e., 
costs of USDA support services prorated to the service component for 
which fees are charged) that are not related to food inspection, by the 
previous fiscal year's total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday) 
worked across all funds, plus the quotient multiplied by the calendar 
year's percentage of inflation.

[[Page 693]]

    (4) Allowance for bad debt rate. Previous fiscal year's allowance 
for bad debt (for example, debt owed that is not paid in full by plants 
and establishments that declare bankruptcy) divided by the previous 
fiscal year's total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday) worked.
    (c) The calendar year's cost of living increases and percentage of 
inflation factors used in the formulas in this section are based on the 
Office of Management and Budget's Presidential Economic Assumptions.

[76 FR 20228, Apr. 12, 2011]



Sec.  592.520  Overtime rate.

    When operations in an official plant require the services of 
inspection personnel beyond their regularly assigned tour of duty on any 
day or on a day outside the established schedule, such services are 
considered as overtime work. The official plant must give reasonable 
advance notice to the inspector of any overtime service necessary. For 
each calendar year, FSIS will calculate the overtime rate for inspection 
service, per hour per program employee, using the following formula: The 
quotient of dividing the Office of Field Operations plus Office of 
International Affairs inspection program personnel's previous fiscal 
year's regular direct pay by previous fiscal year's regular hours, plus 
the quotient multiplied by the calendar year's percentage of cost of 
living increase multiplied by 1.5, plus the benefits rate, plus the 
travel and operating rate, plus the overhead rate, plus the allowance 
for bad debt rate. FSIS calculates the benefits rate, the travel and 
operating rate, the overhead rate, and the allowance for bad debt using 
the formulas set forth in Sec.  592.510(b), and the cost of living 
increases and percentage of inflation factors set forth in Sec.  
592.510(c).

[71 FR 2143, Jan. 13, 2006, as amended at 76 FR 20228, Apr. 12, 2011]



Sec.  592.530  Holiday rate.

    When an official plant requires inspection service on a holiday or a 
day designated in lieu of a holiday, such service is considered holiday 
work. The official plant must, in advance of such holiday work, request 
that the inspector in charge furnish inspection services during such 
period and must pay the Agency for such holiday work at the hourly rate. 
For each calendar year, FSIS will calculate the holiday rate for 
inspection service, per hour per program employee, using the following 
formula: The quotient of dividing the Office of Field Operations plus 
Office of International Affairs inspection program personnel's previous 
fiscal year's regular direct pay by previous fiscal year's regular 
hours, plus the quotient multiplied by the calendar year's percentage of 
cost of living increase, multiplied by 2, plus the benefits rate, plus 
the travel and operating rate, plus the overhead rate, plus the 
allowance for bad debt rate. FSIS calculates the benefits rate, the 
travel and operating rate, the overhead rate, and the allowance for bad 
debt using the formulas set forth in Sec.  592.510(b), and the cost of 
living increases and percentage of inflation factors set forth in Sec.  
592.510(c).

[71 FR 2143, Jan. 13, 2006, as amended at 76 FR 20229, Apr. 12, 2011]

                  Sanitary and Processing Requirements



Sec.  592.600  General.

    Except as otherwise approved by the Administrator, the sanitary, 
processing, and facility requirements, as applicable, shall be the same 
for the product processed under this part as for egg products processed 
under part 590 of this chapter.



Sec.  592.650  Inspection.

    Examinations of the ingredients, processing, and the product shall 
be made to ensure the production of a wholesome, unadulterated, and 
properly labeled product. Such examinations include, but are not being 
limited to:
    (a) Sanitation checks of plant premises, facilities, equipment, and 
processing operations.
    (b) Checks on ingredients and additives used in products to ensure 
that they are not adulterated, are fit for use as human food, and are 
stored, handled, and used in a sanitary manner.
    (c) Examination of the eggs or egg products used in the products to 
ensure they are wholesome, not adulterated,

[[Page 694]]

and comply with the temperature, pasteurization, or other applicable 
requirements.
    (d) Inspection during the processing and production of the product 
to determine compliance with any applicable standard or specification 
for such product.
    (e) Examination during processing of the product to ensure 
compliance with approved formulas and labeling.
    (f) Test weighing and organoleptic examinations of finished product.

                        PARTS 593	599 [RESERVED]

[[Page 695]]



                              FINDING AIDS




  --------------------------------------------------------------------

  A list of CFR titles, subtitles, chapters, subchapters and parts and 
an alphabetical list of agencies publishing in the CFR are included in 
the CFR Index and Finding Aids volume to the Code of Federal Regulations 
which is published separately and revised annually.

  Table of CFR Titles and Chapters
  Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR
  List of CFR Sections Affected

[[Page 697]]



                    Table of CFR Titles and Chapters




                     (Revised as of January 1, 2024)

                      Title 1--General Provisions

         I  Administrative Committee of the Federal Register 
                (Parts 1--49)
        II  Office of the Federal Register (Parts 50--299)
       III  Administrative Conference of the United States (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  Miscellaneous Agencies (Parts 400--599)
        VI  National Capital Planning Commission (Parts 600--699)

                    Title 2--Grants and Agreements

            Subtitle A--Office of Management and Budget Guidance 
                for Grants and Agreements
         I  Office of Management and Budget Governmentwide 
                Guidance for Grants and Agreements (Parts 2--199)
        II  Office of Management and Budget Guidance (Parts 200--
                299)
            Subtitle B--Federal Agency Regulations for Grants and 
                Agreements
       III  Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 300--
                399)
        IV  Department of Agriculture (Parts 400--499)
        VI  Department of State (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Agency for International Development (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Department of Veterans Affairs (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Department of Energy (Parts 900--999)
         X  Department of the Treasury (Parts 1000--1099)
        XI  Department of Defense (Parts 1100--1199)
       XII  Department of Transportation (Parts 1200--1299)
      XIII  Department of Commerce (Parts 1300--1399)
       XIV  Department of the Interior (Parts 1400--1499)
        XV  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 1500--1599)
     XVIII  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 
                1800--1899)
        XX  United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 
                2000--2099)
      XXII  Corporation for National and Community Service (Parts 
                2200--2299)
     XXIII  Social Security Administration (Parts 2300--2399)
      XXIV  Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                2400--2499)
       XXV  National Science Foundation (Parts 2500--2599)
      XXVI  National Archives and Records Administration (Parts 
                2600--2699)

[[Page 698]]

     XXVII  Small Business Administration (Parts 2700--2799)
    XXVIII  Department of Justice (Parts 2800--2899)
      XXIX  Department of Labor (Parts 2900--2999)
       XXX  Department of Homeland Security (Parts 3000--3099)
      XXXI  Institute of Museum and Library Services (Parts 3100--
                3199)
     XXXII  National Endowment for the Arts (Parts 3200--3299)
    XXXIII  National Endowment for the Humanities (Parts 3300--
                3399)
     XXXIV  Department of Education (Parts 3400--3499)
      XXXV  Export-Import Bank of the United States (Parts 3500--
                3599)
     XXXVI  Office of National Drug Control Policy, Executive 
                Office of the President (Parts 3600--3699)
    XXXVII  Peace Corps (Parts 3700--3799)
     LVIII  Election Assistance Commission (Parts 5800--5899)
       LIX  Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Parts 5900--
                5999)
        LX  Federal Communications Commission (Parts 6000--6099)

                        Title 3--The President

         I  Executive Office of the President (Parts 100--199)

                           Title 4--Accounts

         I  Government Accountability Office (Parts 1--199)

                   Title 5--Administrative Personnel

         I  Office of Personnel Management (Parts 1--1199)
        II  Merit Systems Protection Board (Parts 1200--1299)
       III  Office of Management and Budget (Parts 1300--1399)
        IV  Office of Personnel Management and Office of the 
                Director of National Intelligence (Parts 1400--
                1499)
         V  The International Organizations Employees Loyalty 
                Board (Parts 1500--1599)
        VI  Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Parts 
                1600--1699)
      VIII  Office of Special Counsel (Parts 1800--1899)
        IX  Appalachian Regional Commission (Parts 1900--1999)
        XI  Armed Forces Retirement Home (Parts 2100--2199)
       XIV  Federal Labor Relations Authority, General Counsel of 
                the Federal Labor Relations Authority and Federal 
                Service Impasses Panel (Parts 2400--2499)
       XVI  Office of Government Ethics (Parts 2600--2699)
       XXI  Department of the Treasury (Parts 3100--3199)
      XXII  Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Parts 3200--
                3299)
     XXIII  Department of Energy (Parts 3300--3399)
      XXIV  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Parts 3400--
                3499)
       XXV  Department of the Interior (Parts 3500--3599)

[[Page 699]]

      XXVI  Department of Defense (Parts 3600--3699)
    XXVIII  Department of Justice (Parts 3800--3899)
      XXIX  Federal Communications Commission (Parts 3900--3999)
       XXX  Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation (Parts 4000--
                4099)
      XXXI  Farm Credit Administration (Parts 4100--4199)
    XXXIII  U.S. International Development Finance Corporation 
                (Parts 4300--4399)
     XXXIV  Securities and Exchange Commission (Parts 4400--4499)
      XXXV  Office of Personnel Management (Parts 4500--4599)
     XXXVI  Department of Homeland Security (Parts 4600--4699)
    XXXVII  Federal Election Commission (Parts 4700--4799)
        XL  Interstate Commerce Commission (Parts 5000--5099)
       XLI  Commodity Futures Trading Commission (Parts 5100--
                5199)
      XLII  Department of Labor (Parts 5200--5299)
     XLIII  National Science Foundation (Parts 5300--5399)
       XLV  Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 5500--
                5599)
      XLVI  Postal Rate Commission (Parts 5600--5699)
     XLVII  Federal Trade Commission (Parts 5700--5799)
    XLVIII  Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 5800--5899)
      XLIX  Federal Labor Relations Authority (Parts 5900--5999)
         L  Department of Transportation (Parts 6000--6099)
       LII  Export-Import Bank of the United States (Parts 6200--
                6299)
      LIII  Department of Education (Parts 6300--6399)
       LIV  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 6400--6499)
        LV  National Endowment for the Arts (Parts 6500--6599)
       LVI  National Endowment for the Humanities (Parts 6600--
                6699)
      LVII  General Services Administration (Parts 6700--6799)
     LVIII  Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System 
                (Parts 6800--6899)
       LIX  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 
                6900--6999)
        LX  United States Postal Service (Parts 7000--7099)
       LXI  National Labor Relations Board (Parts 7100--7199)
      LXII  Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Parts 7200--
                7299)
     LXIII  Inter-American Foundation (Parts 7300--7399)
      LXIV  Merit Systems Protection Board (Parts 7400--7499)
       LXV  Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                7500--7599)
      LXVI  National Archives and Records Administration (Parts 
                7600--7699)
     LXVII  Institute of Museum and Library Services (Parts 7700--
                7799)
    LXVIII  Commission on Civil Rights (Parts 7800--7899)
      LXIX  Tennessee Valley Authority (Parts 7900--7999)
       LXX  Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the 
                District of Columbia (Parts 8000--8099)
      LXXI  Consumer Product Safety Commission (Parts 8100--8199)

[[Page 700]]

    LXXIII  Department of Agriculture (Parts 8300--8399)
     LXXIV  Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission 
                (Parts 8400--8499)
     LXXVI  Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Parts 
                8600--8699)
    LXXVII  Office of Management and Budget (Parts 8700--8799)
      LXXX  Federal Housing Finance Agency (Parts 9000--9099)
   LXXXIII  Special Inspector General for Afghanistan 
                Reconstruction (Parts 9300--9399)
    LXXXIV  Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (Parts 9400--
                9499)
    LXXXVI  National Credit Union Administration (Parts 9600--
                9699)
     XCVII  Department of Homeland Security Human Resources 
                Management System (Department of Homeland 
                Security--Office of Personnel Management) (Parts 
                9700--9799)
    XCVIII  Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and 
                Efficiency (Parts 9800--9899)
      XCIX  Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization 
                Commission (Parts 9900--9999)
         C  National Council on Disability (Parts 10000--10049)
        CI  National Mediation Board (Parts 10100--10199)
       CII  U.S. Office of Special Counsel (Parts 10200--10299)
       CII  U.S. Office of Special Counsel (Parts 10300--10399)
       CIV  Office of the Intellectual Property Enforcement 
                Coordinator (Part 10400--10499)

                      Title 6--Domestic Security

         I  Department of Homeland Security, Office of the 
                Secretary (Parts 1--199)
         X  Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (Parts 
                1000--1099)

                         Title 7--Agriculture

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Agriculture 
                (Parts 0--26)
            Subtitle B--Regulations of the Department of 
                Agriculture
         I  Agricultural Marketing Service (Standards, 
                Inspections, Marketing Practices), Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 27--209)
        II  Food and Nutrition Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 210--299)
       III  Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 400--499)
         V  Agricultural Research Service, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Farm Service Agency, Department of Agriculture (Parts 
                700--799)

[[Page 701]]

      VIII  Agricultural Marketing Service (Federal Grain 
                Inspection Service, Fair Trade Practices Program), 
                Department of Agriculture (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Agricultural Marketing Service (Marketing Agreements 
                and Orders; Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts), Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 900--999)
         X  Agricultural Marketing Service (Marketing Agreements 
                and Orders; Milk), Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 1000--1199)
        XI  Agricultural Marketing Service (Marketing Agreements 
                and Orders; Miscellaneous Commodities), Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 1200--1299)
       XIV  Commodity Credit Corporation, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 1400--1499)
        XV  Foreign Agricultural Service, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 1500--1599)
       XVI  [Reserved]
      XVII  Rural Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 1700--1799)
     XVIII  Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative 
                Service, Rural Utilities Service, and Farm Service 
                Agency, Department of Agriculture (Parts 1800--
                2099)
        XX  [Reserved]
       XXV  Office of Advocacy and Outreach, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 2500--2599)
      XXVI  Office of Inspector General, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 2600--2699)
     XXVII  Office of Information Resources Management, Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 2700--2799)
    XXVIII  Office of Operations, Department of Agriculture (Parts 
                2800--2899)
      XXIX  Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 2900--2999)
       XXX  Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 3000--3099)
      XXXI  Office of Environmental Quality, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 3100--3199)
     XXXII  Office of Procurement and Property Management, 
                Department of Agriculture (Parts 3200--3299)
    XXXIII  Office of Transportation, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 3300--3399)
     XXXIV  National Institute of Food and Agriculture (Parts 
                3400--3499)
      XXXV  Rural Housing Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 3500--3599)
     XXXVI  National Agricultural Statistics Service, Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 3600--3699)
    XXXVII  Economic Research Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 3700--3799)
   XXXVIII  World Agricultural Outlook Board, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 3800--3899)
       XLI  [Reserved]

[[Page 702]]

      XLII  Rural Business-Cooperative Service and Rural Utilities 
                Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 4200--
                4299)
         L  Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and Rural 
                Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 5000--5099)

                    Title 8--Aliens and Nationality

         I  Department of Homeland Security (Parts 1--499)
         V  Executive Office for Immigration Review, Department of 
                Justice (Parts 1000--1399)

                 Title 9--Animals and Animal Products

         I  Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 1--199)
        II  Agricultural Marketing Service (Fair Trade Practices 
                Program), Department of Agriculture (Parts 200--
                299)
       III  Food Safety and Inspection Service, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 300--599)

                           Title 10--Energy

         I  Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 0--199)
        II  Department of Energy (Parts 200--699)
       III  Department of Energy (Parts 700--999)
         X  Department of Energy (General Provisions) (Parts 
                1000--1099)
      XIII  Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board (Parts 1300--
                1399)
      XVII  Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (Parts 1700--
                1799)
     XVIII  Northeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste 
                Commission (Parts 1800--1899)

                      Title 11--Federal Elections

         I  Federal Election Commission (Parts 1--9099)
        II  Election Assistance Commission (Parts 9400--9499)

                      Title 12--Banks and Banking

         I  Comptroller of the Currency, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 1--199)
        II  Federal Reserve System (Parts 200--299)
       III  Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Export-Import Bank of the United States (Parts 400--
                499)
         V  [Reserved]
        VI  Farm Credit Administration (Parts 600--699)
       VII  National Credit Union Administration (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Federal Financing Bank (Parts 800--899)
        IX  (Parts 900--999)[Reserved]

[[Page 703]]

         X  Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Parts 1000--
                1099)
        XI  Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council 
                (Parts 1100--1199)
       XII  Federal Housing Finance Agency (Parts 1200--1299)
      XIII  Financial Stability Oversight Council (Parts 1300--
                1399)
       XIV  Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation (Parts 1400--
                1499)
        XV  Department of the Treasury (Parts 1500--1599)
       XVI  Office of Financial Research, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 1600--1699)
      XVII  Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, 
                Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                1700--1799)
     XVIII  Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, 
                Department of the Treasury (Parts 1800--1899)

               Title 13--Business Credit and Assistance

         I  Small Business Administration (Parts 1--199)
       III  Economic Development Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Emergency Steel Guarantee Loan Board (Parts 400--499)
         V  Emergency Oil and Gas Guaranteed Loan Board (Parts 
                500--599)

                    Title 14--Aeronautics and Space

         I  Federal Aviation Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 1--199)
        II  Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation 
                (Aviation Proceedings) (Parts 200--399)
       III  Commercial Space Transportation, Federal Aviation 
                Administration, Department of Transportation 
                (Parts 400--1199)
         V  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 
                1200--1299)
        VI  Air Transportation System Stabilization (Parts 1300--
                1399)

                 Title 15--Commerce and Foreign Trade

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Commerce (Parts 
                0--29)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Commerce and 
                Foreign Trade
         I  Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce (Parts 
                30--199)
        II  National Institute of Standards and Technology, 
                Department of Commerce (Parts 200--299)
       III  International Trade Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Foreign-Trade Zones Board, Department of Commerce 
                (Parts 400--499)
       VII  Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 700--799)

[[Page 704]]

      VIII  Bureau of Economic Analysis, Department of Commerce 
                (Parts 800--899)
        IX  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
                Department of Commerce (Parts 900--999)
        XI  National Technical Information Service, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 1100--1199)
      XIII  East-West Foreign Trade Board (Parts 1300--1399)
       XIV  Minority Business Development Agency (Parts 1400--
                1499)
        XV  Office of the Under-Secretary for Economic Affairs, 
                Department of Commerce (Parts 1500--1599)
            Subtitle C--Regulations Relating to Foreign Trade 
                Agreements
        XX  Office of the United States Trade Representative 
                (Parts 2000--2099)
            Subtitle D--Regulations Relating to Telecommunications 
                and Information
     XXIII  National Telecommunications and Information 
                Administration, Department of Commerce (Parts 
                2300--2399) [Reserved]

                    Title 16--Commercial Practices

         I  Federal Trade Commission (Parts 0--999)
        II  Consumer Product Safety Commission (Parts 1000--1799)

             Title 17--Commodity and Securities Exchanges

         I  Commodity Futures Trading Commission (Parts 1--199)
        II  Securities and Exchange Commission (Parts 200--399)
        IV  Department of the Treasury (Parts 400--499)

          Title 18--Conservation of Power and Water Resources

         I  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of 
                Energy (Parts 1--399)
       III  Delaware River Basin Commission (Parts 400--499)
        VI  Water Resources Council (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Susquehanna River Basin Commission (Parts 800--899)
      XIII  Tennessee Valley Authority (Parts 1300--1399)

                       Title 19--Customs Duties

         I  U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of 
                Homeland Security; Department of the Treasury 
                (Parts 0--199)
        II  United States International Trade Commission (Parts 
                200--299)
       III  International Trade Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 300--399)
        IV  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department 
                of Homeland Security (Parts 400--599) [Reserved]

[[Page 705]]

                     Title 20--Employees' Benefits

         I  Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Department 
                of Labor (Parts 1--199)
        II  Railroad Retirement Board (Parts 200--399)
       III  Social Security Administration (Parts 400--499)
        IV  Employees' Compensation Appeals Board, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 500--599)
         V  Employment and Training Administration, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 600--699)
        VI  Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Department 
                of Labor (Parts 700--799)
       VII  Benefits Review Board, Department of Labor (Parts 
                800--899)
      VIII  Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries (Parts 
                900--999)
        IX  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' 
                Employment and Training Service, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 1000--1099)

                       Title 21--Food and Drugs

         I  Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and 
                Human Services (Parts 1--1299)
        II  Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice 
                (Parts 1300--1399)
       III  Office of National Drug Control Policy (Parts 1400--
                1499)

                      Title 22--Foreign Relations

         I  Department of State (Parts 1--199)
        II  Agency for International Development (Parts 200--299)
       III  Peace Corps (Parts 300--399)
        IV  International Joint Commission, United States and 
                Canada (Parts 400--499)
         V  United States Agency for Global Media (Parts 500--599)
       VII  U.S. International Development Finance Corporation 
                (Parts 700--799)
        IX  Foreign Service Grievance Board (Parts 900--999)
         X  Inter-American Foundation (Parts 1000--1099)
        XI  International Boundary and Water Commission, United 
                States and Mexico, United States Section (Parts 
                1100--1199)
       XII  United States International Development Cooperation 
                Agency (Parts 1200--1299)
      XIII  Millennium Challenge Corporation (Parts 1300--1399)
       XIV  Foreign Service Labor Relations Board; Federal Labor 
                Relations Authority; General Counsel of the 
                Federal Labor Relations Authority; and the Foreign 
                Service Impasse Disputes Panel (Parts 1400--1499)
        XV  African Development Foundation (Parts 1500--1599)
       XVI  Japan-United States Friendship Commission (Parts 
                1600--1699)
      XVII  United States Institute of Peace (Parts 1700--1799)

[[Page 706]]

                          Title 23--Highways

         I  Federal Highway Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 1--999)
        II  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and 
                Federal Highway Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 1200--1299)
       III  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 1300--1399)

                Title 24--Housing and Urban Development

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary, Department of 
                Housing and Urban Development (Parts 0--99)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Housing and Urban 
                Development
         I  Office of Assistant Secretary for Equal Opportunity, 
                Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                100--199)
        II  Office of Assistant Secretary for Housing-Federal 
                Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Parts 200--299)
       III  Government National Mortgage Association, Department 
                of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Office of Housing and Office of Multifamily Housing 
                Assistance Restructuring, Department of Housing 
                and Urban Development (Parts 400--499)
         V  Office of Assistant Secretary for Community Planning 
                and Development, Department of Housing and Urban 
                Development (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Office of Assistant Secretary for Community Planning 
                and Development, Department of Housing and Urban 
                Development (Parts 600--699) [Reserved]
       VII  Office of the Secretary, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Housing Assistance Programs and 
                Public and Indian Housing Programs) (Parts 700--
                799)
      VIII  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal 
                Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Section 8 Housing Assistance 
                Programs, Section 202 Direct Loan Program, Section 
                202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program and 
                Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons With 
                Disabilities Program) (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Office of Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian 
                Housing, Department of Housing and Urban 
                Development (Parts 900--1699)
         X  Office of Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal 
                Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Interstate Land Sales 
                Registration Program) (Parts 1700--1799) 
                [Reserved]
       XII  Office of Inspector General, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Parts 2000--2099)
        XV  Emergency Mortgage Insurance and Loan Programs, 
                Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                2700--2799) [Reserved]

[[Page 707]]

        XX  Office of Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal 
                Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Parts 3200--3899)
      XXIV  Board of Directors of the HOPE for Homeowners Program 
                (Parts 4000--4099) [Reserved]
       XXV  Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation (Parts 4100--
                4199)

                           Title 25--Indians

         I  Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior 
                (Parts 1--299)
        II  Indian Arts and Crafts Board, Department of the 
                Interior (Parts 300--399)
       III  National Indian Gaming Commission, Department of the 
                Interior (Parts 500--599)
        IV  Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation (Parts 
                700--899)
         V  Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, 
                and Indian Health Service, Department of Health 
                and Human Services (Part 900--999)
        VI  Office of the Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, 
                Department of the Interior (Parts 1000--1199)
       VII  Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians, 
                Department of the Interior (Parts 1200--1299)

                      Title 26--Internal Revenue

         I  Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury 
                (Parts 1--End)

           Title 27--Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms

         I  Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Department 
                of the Treasury (Parts 1--399)
        II  Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, 
                Department of Justice (Parts 400--799)

                   Title 28--Judicial Administration

         I  Department of Justice (Parts 0--299)
       III  Federal Prison Industries, Inc., Department of Justice 
                (Parts 300--399)
         V  Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice (Parts 500--
                599)
        VI  Offices of Independent Counsel, Department of Justice 
                (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Office of Independent Counsel (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the 
                District of Columbia (Parts 800--899)
        IX  National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact Council 
                (Parts 900--999)

[[Page 708]]

        XI  Department of Justice and Department of State (Parts 
                1100--1199)

                            Title 29--Labor

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Labor (Parts 
                0--99)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Labor
         I  National Labor Relations Board (Parts 100--199)
        II  Office of Labor-Management Standards, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 200--299)
       III  National Railroad Adjustment Board (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Office of Labor-Management Standards, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 400--499)
         V  Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor (Parts 
                500--899)
        IX  Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Commission 
                (Parts 900--999)
         X  National Mediation Board (Parts 1200--1299)
       XII  Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (Parts 
                1400--1499)
       XIV  Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Parts 1600--
                1699)
      XVII  Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 
                Department of Labor (Parts 1900--1999)
        XX  Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission 
                (Parts 2200--2499)
       XXV  Employee Benefits Security Administration, Department 
                of Labor (Parts 2500--2599)
     XXVII  Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission 
                (Parts 2700--2799)
        XL  Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (Parts 4000--
                4999)

                      Title 30--Mineral Resources

         I  Mine Safety and Health Administration, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 1--199)
        II  Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, 
                Department of the Interior (Parts 200--299)
        IV  Geological Survey, Department of the Interior (Parts 
                400--499)
         V  Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Department of the 
                Interior (Parts 500--599)
       VII  Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 
                Department of the Interior (Parts 700--999)
       XII  Office of Natural Resources Revenue, Department of the 
                Interior (Parts 1200--1299)

                 Title 31--Money and Finance: Treasury

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of the Treasury 
                (Parts 0--50)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Money and Finance

[[Page 709]]

         I  Monetary Offices, Department of the Treasury (Parts 
                51--199)
        II  Fiscal Service, Department of the Treasury (Parts 
                200--399)
        IV  Secret Service, Department of the Treasury (Parts 
                400--499)
         V  Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Department of 
                the Treasury (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Office of Investment Security, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Federal Claims Collection Standards (Department of the 
                Treasury--Department of Justice) (Parts 900--999)
         X  Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Department of 
                the Treasury (Parts 1000--1099)

                      Title 32--National Defense

            Subtitle A--Department of Defense
         I  Office of the Secretary of Defense (Parts 1--399)
         V  Department of the Army (Parts 400--699)
        VI  Department of the Navy (Parts 700--799)
       VII  Department of the Air Force (Parts 800--1099)
            Subtitle B--Other Regulations Relating to National 
                Defense
       XII  Department of Defense, Defense Logistics Agency (Parts 
                1200--1299)
       XVI  Selective Service System (Parts 1600--1699)
      XVII  Office of the Director of National Intelligence (Parts 
                1700--1799)
     XVIII  National Counterintelligence Center (Parts 1800--1899)
       XIX  Central Intelligence Agency (Parts 1900--1999)
        XX  Information Security Oversight Office, National 
                Archives and Records Administration (Parts 2000--
                2099)
       XXI  National Security Council (Parts 2100--2199)
      XXIV  Office of Science and Technology Policy (Parts 2400--
                2499)
     XXVII  Office for Micronesian Status Negotiations (Parts 
                2700--2799)
    XXVIII  Office of the Vice President of the United States 
                (Parts 2800--2899)

               Title 33--Navigation and Navigable Waters

         I  Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (Parts 
                1--199)
        II  Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army, Department 
                of Defense (Parts 200--399)
        IV  Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development 
                Corporation, Department of Transportation (Parts 
                400--499)

[[Page 710]]

                          Title 34--Education

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary, Department of 
                Education (Parts 1--99)
            Subtitle B--Regulations of the Offices of the 
                Department of Education
         I  Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education 
                (Parts 100--199)
        II  Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, 
                Department of Education (Parts 200--299)
       III  Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative 
                Services, Department of Education (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, 
                Department of Education (Parts 400--499)
         V  Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages 
                Affairs, Department of Education (Parts 500--599) 
                [Reserved]
        VI  Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of 
                Education (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Office of Educational Research and Improvement, 
                Department of Education (Parts 700--799) 
                [Reserved]
            Subtitle C--Regulations Relating to Education
        XI  [Reserved]
       XII  National Council on Disability (Parts 1200--1299)

                          Title 35 [Reserved]

             Title 36--Parks, Forests, and Public Property

         I  National Park Service, Department of the Interior 
                (Parts 1--199)
        II  Forest Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 200--
                299)
       III  Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  American Battle Monuments Commission (Parts 400--499)
         V  Smithsonian Institution (Parts 500--599)
        VI  [Reserved]
       VII  Library of Congress (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (Parts 800--
                899)
        IX  Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation (Parts 
                900--999)
         X  Presidio Trust (Parts 1000--1099)
        XI  Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance 
                Board (Parts 1100--1199)
       XII  National Archives and Records Administration (Parts 
                1200--1299)
        XV  Oklahoma City National Memorial Trust (Parts 1500--
                1599)
       XVI  Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National 
                Environmental Policy Foundation (Parts 1600--1699)

             Title 37--Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights

         I  United States Patent and Trademark Office, Department 
                of Commerce (Parts 1--199)
        II  U.S. Copyright Office, Library of Congress (Parts 
                200--299)

[[Page 711]]

       III  Copyright Royalty Board, Library of Congress (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  National Institute of Standards and Technology, 
                Department of Commerce (Parts 400--599)

           Title 38--Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief

         I  Department of Veterans Affairs (Parts 0--199)
        II  Armed Forces Retirement Home (Parts 200--299)

                       Title 39--Postal Service

         I  United States Postal Service (Parts 1--999)
       III  Postal Regulatory Commission (Parts 3000--3099)

                  Title 40--Protection of Environment

         I  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 1--1099)
        IV  Environmental Protection Agency and Department of 
                Justice (Parts 1400--1499)
         V  Council on Environmental Quality (Parts 1500--1599)
        VI  Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (Parts 
                1600--1699)
       VII  Environmental Protection Agency and Department of 
                Defense; Uniform National Discharge Standards for 
                Vessels of the Armed Forces (Parts 1700--1799)
      VIII  Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Parts 1800--
                1899)
        IX  Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Part 
                1900)

          Title 41--Public Contracts and Property Management

            Subtitle A--Federal Procurement Regulations System 
                [Note]
            Subtitle B--Other Provisions Relating to Public 
                Contracts
        50  Public Contracts, Department of Labor (Parts 50-1--50-
                999)
        51  Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or 
                Severely Disabled (Parts 51-1--51-99)
        60  Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Equal 
                Employment Opportunity, Department of Labor (Parts 
                60-1--60-999)
        61  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' 
                Employment and Training Service, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 61-1--61-999)
 Chapters 
   62--100  [Reserved]
            Subtitle C--Federal Property Management Regulations 
                System
       101  Federal Property Management Regulations (Parts 101-1--
                101-99)
       102  Federal Management Regulation (Parts 102-1--102-299)
 Chapters 
  103--104  (Parts 103-001--104-099) [Reserved]

[[Page 712]]

       105  General Services Administration (Parts 105-1--105-999)
       109  Department of Energy Property Management Regulations 
                (Parts 109-1--109-99)
       114  Department of the Interior (Parts 114-1--114-99)
       115  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 115-1--115-99)
       128  Department of Justice (Parts 128-1--128-99)
 Chapters 
  129--200  [Reserved]
            Subtitle D--Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security
       201  Federal Acquisition Security Council (Parts 201-1--
                201-99).
            Subtitle E [Reserved]
            Subtitle F--Federal Travel Regulation System
       300  General (Parts 300-1--300-99)
       301  Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel Allowances (Parts 301-1--
                301-99)
       302  Relocation Allowances (Parts 302-1--302-99)
       303  Payment of Expenses Connected with the Death of 
                Certain Employees (Part 303-1--303-99)
       304  Payment of Travel Expenses from a Non-Federal Source 
                (Parts 304-1--304-99)

                        Title 42--Public Health

         I  Public Health Service, Department of Health and Human 
                Services (Parts 1--199)
 Chapters 
   II--III  [Reserved]
        IV  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department 
                of Health and Human Services (Parts 400--699)
         V  Office of Inspector General-Health Care, Department of 
                Health and Human Services (Parts 1000--1099)

                   Title 43--Public Lands: Interior

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of the Interior 
                (Parts 1--199)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Public Lands
         I  Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior 
                (Parts 400--999)
        II  Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior 
                (Parts 1000--9999)
       III  Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation 
                Commission (Parts 10000--10099)

             Title 44--Emergency Management and Assistance

         I  Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of 
                Homeland Security (Parts 0--399)

[[Page 713]]

        IV  Department of Commerce and Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 400--499)

                       Title 45--Public Welfare

            Subtitle A--Department of Health and Human Services 
                (Parts 1--199)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Public Welfare
        II  Office of Family Assistance (Assistance Programs), 
                Administration for Children and Families, 
                Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 
                200--299)
       III  Office of Child Support Enforcement (Child Support 
                Enforcement Program), Administration for Children 
                and Families, Department of Health and Human 
                Services (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Office of Refugee Resettlement, Administration for 
                Children and Families, Department of Health and 
                Human Services (Parts 400--499)
         V  Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United 
                States, Department of Justice (Parts 500--599)
        VI  National Science Foundation (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Commission on Civil Rights (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Office of Personnel Management (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Denali Commission (Parts 900--999)
         X  Office of Community Services, Administration for 
                Children and Families, Department of Health and 
                Human Services (Parts 1000--1099)
        XI  National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities 
                (Parts 1100--1199)
       XII  Corporation for National and Community Service (Parts 
                1200--1299)
      XIII  Administration for Children and Families, Department 
                of Health and Human Services (Parts 1300--1399)
       XVI  Legal Services Corporation (Parts 1600--1699)
      XVII  National Commission on Libraries and Information 
                Science (Parts 1700--1799)
     XVIII  Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation (Parts 1800--
                1899)
       XXI  Commission of Fine Arts (Parts 2100--2199)
     XXIII  Arctic Research Commission (Parts 2300--2399)
      XXIV  James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation (Parts 
                2400--2499)
       XXV  Corporation for National and Community Service (Parts 
                2500--2599)

                          Title 46--Shipping

         I  Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (Parts 
                1--199)
        II  Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation 
                (Parts 200--399)

[[Page 714]]

       III  Coast Guard (Great Lakes Pilotage), Department of 
                Homeland Security (Parts 400--499)
        IV  Federal Maritime Commission (Parts 500--599)

                      Title 47--Telecommunication

         I  Federal Communications Commission (Parts 0--199)
        II  Office of Science and Technology Policy and National 
                Security Council (Parts 200--299)
       III  National Telecommunications and Information 
                Administration, Department of Commerce (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  National Telecommunications and Information 
                Administration, Department of Commerce, and 
                National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 400--499)
         V  The First Responder Network Authority (Parts 500--599)

           Title 48--Federal Acquisition Regulations System

         1  Federal Acquisition Regulation (Parts 1--99)
         2  Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Department of 
                Defense (Parts 200--299)
         3  Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 300--
                399)
         4  Department of Agriculture (Parts 400--499)
         5  General Services Administration (Parts 500--599)
         6  Department of State (Parts 600--699)
         7  Agency for International Development (Parts 700--799)
         8  Department of Veterans Affairs (Parts 800--899)
         9  Department of Energy (Parts 900--999)
        10  Department of the Treasury (Parts 1000--1099)
        12  Department of Transportation (Parts 1200--1299)
        13  Department of Commerce (Parts 1300--1399)
        14  Department of the Interior (Parts 1400--1499)
        15  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 1500--1599)
        16  Office of Personnel Management, Federal Employees 
                Health Benefits Acquisition Regulation (Parts 
                1600--1699)
        17  Office of Personnel Management (Parts 1700--1799)
        18  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 
                1800--1899)
        19  Broadcasting Board of Governors (Parts 1900--1999)
        20  Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 2000--2099)
        21  Office of Personnel Management, Federal Employees 
                Group Life Insurance Federal Acquisition 
                Regulation (Parts 2100--2199)
        23  Social Security Administration (Parts 2300--2399)
        24  Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                2400--2499)
        25  National Science Foundation (Parts 2500--2599)

[[Page 715]]

        28  Department of Justice (Parts 2800--2899)
        29  Department of Labor (Parts 2900--2999)
        30  Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security 
                Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) (Parts 3000--3099)
        34  Department of Education Acquisition Regulation (Parts 
                3400--3499)
        51  Department of the Army Acquisition Regulations (Parts 
                5100--5199) [Reserved]
        52  Department of the Navy Acquisition Regulations (Parts 
                5200--5299)
        53  Department of the Air Force Federal Acquisition 
                Regulation Supplement (Parts 5300--5399) 
                [Reserved]
        54  Defense Logistics Agency, Department of Defense (Parts 
                5400--5499)
        57  African Development Foundation (Parts 5700--5799)
        61  Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, General Services 
                Administration (Parts 6100--6199)
        99  Cost Accounting Standards Board, Office of Federal 
                Procurement Policy, Office of Management and 
                Budget (Parts 9900--9999)

                       Title 49--Transportation

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Transportation 
                (Parts 1--99)
            Subtitle B--Other Regulations Relating to 
                Transportation
         I  Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
                Administration, Department of Transportation 
                (Parts 100--199)
        II  Federal Railroad Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 200--299)
       III  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (Parts 
                400--499)
         V  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Federal Transit Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 600--699)
       VII  National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) 
                (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  National Transportation Safety Board (Parts 800--999)
         X  Surface Transportation Board (Parts 1000--1399)
        XI  Research and Innovative Technology Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 1400--1499) 
                [Reserved]
       XII  Transportation Security Administration, Department of 
                Homeland Security (Parts 1500--1699)

[[Page 716]]

                   Title 50--Wildlife and Fisheries

         I  United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of 
                the Interior (Parts 1--199)
        II  National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic 
                and Atmospheric Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 200--299)
       III  International Fishing and Related Activities (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  Joint Regulations (United States Fish and Wildlife 
                Service, Department of the Interior and National 
                Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and 
                Atmospheric Administration, Department of 
                Commerce); Endangered Species Committee 
                Regulations (Parts 400--499)
         V  Marine Mammal Commission (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Fishery Conservation and Management, National Oceanic 
                and Atmospheric Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 600--699)

[[Page 717]]





           Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR




                     (Revised as of January 1, 2024)

                                                  CFR Title, Subtitle or 
                     Agency                               Chapter

Administrative Conference of the United States    1, III
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation         36, VIII
Advocacy and Outreach, Office of                  7, XXV
Afghanistan Reconstruction, Special Inspector     5, LXXXIII
     General for
African Development Foundation                    22, XV
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 57
Agency for International Development              2, VII; 22, II
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 7
Agricultural Marketing Service                    7, I, VIII, IX, X, XI; 9, 
                                                  II
Agricultural Research Service                     7, V
Agriculture, Department of                        2, IV; 5, LXXIII
  Advocacy and Outreach, Office of                7, XXV
  Agricultural Marketing Service                  7, I, VIII, IX, X, XI; 9, 
                                                  II
  Agricultural Research Service                   7, V
  Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service      7, III; 9, I
  Chief Financial Officer, Office of              7, XXX
  Commodity Credit Corporation                    7, XIV
  Economic Research Service                       7, XXXVII
  Energy Policy and New Uses, Office of           2, IX; 7, XXIX
  Environmental Quality, Office of                7, XXXI
  Farm Service Agency                             7, VII, XVIII
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 4
  Federal Crop Insurance Corporation              7, IV
  Food and Nutrition Service                      7, II
  Food Safety and Inspection Service              9, III
  Foreign Agricultural Service                    7, XV
  Forest Service                                  36, II
  Information Resources Management, Office of     7, XXVII
  Inspector General, Office of                    7, XXVI
  National Agricultural Library                   7, XLI
  National Agricultural Statistics Service        7, XXXVI
  National Institute of Food and Agriculture      7, XXXIV
  Natural Resources Conservation Service          7, VI
  Operations, Office of                           7, XXVIII
  Procurement and Property Management, Office of  7, XXXII
  Rural Business-Cooperative Service              7, XVIII, XLII
  Rural Development Administration                7, XLII
  Rural Housing Service                           7, XVIII, XXXV
  Rural Utilities Service                         7, XVII, XVIII, XLII
  Secretary of Agriculture, Office of             7, Subtitle A
  Transportation, Office of                       7, XXXIII
  World Agricultural Outlook Board                7, XXXVIII
Air Force, Department of                          32, VII
  Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement       48, 53
Air Transportation Stabilization Board            14, VI
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau          27, I
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives,       27, II
     Bureau of
AMTRAK                                            49, VII
American Battle Monuments Commission              36, IV
American Indians, Office of the Special Trustee   25, VII
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service        7, III; 9, I
Appalachian Regional Commission                   5, IX
Architectural and Transportation Barriers         36, XI
   Compliance Board
[[Page 718]]

Arctic Research Commission                        45, XXIII
Armed Forces Retirement Home                      5, XI; 38, II
Army, Department of                               32, V
  Engineers, Corps of                             33, II; 36, III
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 51
Benefits Review Board                             20, VII
Bilingual Education and Minority Languages        34, V
     Affairs, Office of
Blind or Severely Disabled, Committee for         41, 51
     Purchase from People Who Are
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 19
Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Office    34, IV
     of
Census Bureau                                     15, I
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services          42, IV
Central Intelligence Agency                       32, XIX
Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board    40, VI
Chief Financial Officer, Office of                7, XXX
Child Support Enforcement, Office of              45, III
Children and Families, Administration for         45, II, III, IV, X, XIII
Civil Rights, Commission on                       5, LXVIII; 45, VII
Civil Rights, Office for                          34, I
Coast Guard                                       33, I; 46, I; 49, IV
Coast Guard (Great Lakes Pilotage)                46, III
Commerce, Department of                           2, XIII; 44, IV; 50, VI
  Census Bureau                                   15, I
  Economic Affairs, Office of the Under-          15, XV
       Secretary for
  Economic Analysis, Bureau of                    15, VIII
  Economic Development Administration             13, III
  Emergency Management and Assistance             44, IV
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 13
  Foreign-Trade Zones Board                       15, IV
  Industry and Security, Bureau of                15, VII
  International Trade Administration              15, III; 19, III
  National Institute of Standards and Technology  15, II; 37, IV
  National Marine Fisheries Service               50, II, IV
  National Oceanic and Atmospheric                15, IX; 50, II, III, IV, 
       Administration                             VI
  National Technical Information Service          15, XI
  National Telecommunications and Information     15, XXIII; 47, III, IV
       Administration
  National Weather Service                        15, IX
  Patent and Trademark Office, United States      37, I
  Secretary of Commerce, Office of                15, Subtitle A
Commercial Space Transportation                   14, III
Commodity Credit Corporation                      7, XIV
Commodity Futures Trading Commission              5, XLI; 17, I
Community Planning and Development, Office of     24, V, VI
     Assistant Secretary for
Community Services, Office of                     45, X
Comptroller of the Currency                       12, I
Construction Industry Collective Bargaining       29, IX
     Commission
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau              5, LXXXIV; 12, X
Consumer Product Safety Commission                5, LXXI; 16, II
Copyright Royalty Board                           37, III
Corporation for National and Community Service    2, XXII; 45, XII, XXV
Cost Accounting Standards Board                   48, 99
Council on Environmental Quality                  40, V
Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity    5, XCVIII
     and Efficiency
Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency    5, LXX; 28, VIII
     for the District of Columbia
Customs and Border Protection                     19, I
Defense, Department of                            2, XI; 5, XXVI; 32, 
                                                  Subtitle A; 40, VII
  Advanced Research Projects Agency               32, I
  Air Force Department                            32, VII
  Army Department                                 32, V; 33, II; 36, III; 
                                                  48, 51
  Defense Acquisition Regulations System          48, 2
  Defense Intelligence Agency                     32, I

[[Page 719]]

  Defense Logistics Agency                        32, I, XII; 48, 54
  Engineers, Corps of                             33, II; 36, III
  National Imagery and Mapping Agency             32, I
  Navy, Department of                             32, VI; 48, 52
  Secretary of Defense, Office of                 2, XI; 32, I
Defense Contract Audit Agency                     32, I
Defense Intelligence Agency                       32, I
Defense Logistics Agency                          32, XII; 48, 54
Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board           10, XVII
Delaware River Basin Commission                   18, III
Denali Commission                                 45, IX
Disability, National Council on                   5, C; 34, XII
District of Columbia, Court Services and          5, LXX; 28, VIII
     Offender Supervision Agency for the
Drug Enforcement Administration                   21, II
East-West Foreign Trade Board                     15, XIII
Economic Affairs, Office of the Under-Secretary   15, XV
     for
Economic Analysis, Bureau of                      15, VIII
Economic Development Administration               13, III
Economic Research Service                         7, XXXVII
Education, Department of                          2, XXXIV; 5, LIII
  Bilingual Education and Minority Languages      34, V
       Affairs, Office of
  Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Office  34, IV
       of
  Civil Rights, Office for                        34, I
  Educational Research and Improvement, Office    34, VII
       of
  Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of   34, II
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 34
  Postsecondary Education, Office of              34, VI
  Secretary of Education, Office of               34, Subtitle A
  Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,  34, III
       Office of
Educational Research and Improvement, Office of   34, VII
Election Assistance Commission                    2, LVIII; 11, II
Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of     34, II
Emergency Oil and Gas Guaranteed Loan Board       13, V
Emergency Steel Guarantee Loan Board              13, IV
Employee Benefits Security Administration         29, XXV
Employees' Compensation Appeals Board             20, IV
Employees Loyalty Board                           5, V
Employment and Training Administration            20, V
Employment Policy, National Commission for        1, IV
Employment Standards Administration               20, VI
Endangered Species Committee                      50, IV
Energy, Department of                             2, IX; 5, XXIII; 10, II, 
                                                  III, X
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 9
  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission            5, XXIV; 18, I
  Property Management Regulations                 41, 109
Energy, Office of                                 7, XXIX
Engineers, Corps of                               33, II; 36, III
Engraving and Printing, Bureau of                 31, VI
Environmental Protection Agency                   2, XV; 5, LIV; 40, I, IV, 
                                                  VII
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 15
  Property Management Regulations                 41, 115
Environmental Quality, Office of                  7, XXXI
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission           5, LXII; 29, XIV
Equal Opportunity, Office of Assistant Secretary  24, I
     for
Executive Office of the President                 3, I
  Environmental Quality, Council on               40, V
  Management and Budget, Office of                2, Subtitle A; 5, III, 
                                                  LXXVII; 14, VI; 48, 99
  National Drug Control Policy, Office of         2, XXXVI; 21, III
  National Security Council                       32, XXI; 47, II
  Presidential Documents                          3
  Science and Technology Policy, Office of        32, XXIV; 47, II
  Trade Representative, Office of the United      15, XX
     States
[[Page 720]]

Export-Import Bank of the United States           2, XXXV; 5, LII; 12, IV
Family Assistance, Office of                      45, II
Farm Credit Administration                        5, XXXI; 12, VI
Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation          5, XXX; 12, XIV
Farm Service Agency                               7, VII, XVIII
Federal Acquisition Regulation                    48, 1
Federal Acquisition Security Council              41, 201
Federal Aviation Administration                   14, I
  Commercial Space Transportation                 14, III
Federal Claims Collection Standards               31, IX
Federal Communications Commission                 2, LX; 5, XXIX; 47, I
Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Office of   41, 60
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation                7, IV
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation             5, XXII; 12, III
Federal Election Commission                       5, XXXVII; 11, I
Federal Emergency Management Agency               44, I
Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Federal    48, 21
     Acquisition Regulation
Federal Employees Health Benefits Acquisition     48, 16
     Regulation
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission              5, XXIV; 18, I
Federal Financial Institutions Examination        12, XI
     Council
Federal Financing Bank                            12, VIII
Federal Highway Administration                    23, I, II
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation            1, IV
Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight Office       12, XVII
Federal Housing Finance Agency                    5, LXXX; 12, XII
Federal Labor Relations Authority                 5, XIV, XLIX; 22, XIV
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center           31, VII
Federal Management Regulation                     41, 102
Federal Maritime Commission                       46, IV
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service        5, CIII; 29, XII
Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission  5, LXXIV; 29, XXVII
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration       49, III
Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council   40, IX
Federal Prison Industries, Inc.                   28, III
Federal Procurement Policy Office                 48, 99
Federal Property Management Regulations           41, 101
Federal Railroad Administration                   49, II
Federal Register, Administrative Committee of     1, I
Federal Register, Office of                       1, II
Federal Reserve System                            12, II
  Board of Governors                              5, LVIII
Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board        5, VI, LXXVI
Federal Service Impasses Panel                    5, XIV
Federal Trade Commission                          5, XLVII; 16, I
Federal Transit Administration                    49, VI
Federal Travel Regulation System                  41, Subtitle F
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network              31, X
Financial Research Office                         12, XVI
Financial Stability Oversight Council             12, XIII
Fine Arts, Commission of                          45, XXI
Fiscal Service                                    31, II
Fish and Wildlife Service, United States          50, I, IV
Food and Drug Administration                      21, I
Food and Nutrition Service                        7, II
Food Safety and Inspection Service                9, III
Foreign Agricultural Service                      7, XV
Foreign Assets Control, Office of                 31, V
Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the       45, V
     United States
Foreign Service Grievance Board                   22, IX
Foreign Service Impasse Disputes Panel            22, XIV
Foreign Service Labor Relations Board             22, XIV
Foreign-Trade Zones Board                         15, IV
Forest Service                                    36, II
General Services Administration                   5, LVII; 41, 105
  Contract Appeals, Board of                      48, 61
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 5

[[Page 721]]

  Federal Management Regulation                   41, 102
  Federal Property Management Regulations         41, 101
  Federal Travel Regulation System                41, Subtitle F
  General                                         41, 300
  Payment From a Non-Federal Source for Travel    41, 304
       Expenses
  Payment of Expenses Connected With the Death    41, 303
       of Certain Employees
  Relocation Allowances                           41, 302
  Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel Allowances          41, 301
Geological Survey                                 30, IV
Government Accountability Office                  4, I
Government Ethics, Office of                      5, XVI
Government National Mortgage Association          24, III
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards          7, VIII; 9, II
     Administration
Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development       33, IV
     Corporation
Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council          2, LIX; 40, VIII
Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation            45, XVIII
Health and Human Services, Department of          2, III; 5, XLV; 45, 
                                                  Subtitle A
  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services        42, IV
  Child Support Enforcement, Office of            45, III
  Children and Families, Administration for       45, II, III, IV, X, XIII
  Community Services, Office of                   45, X
  Family Assistance, Office of                    45, II
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 3
  Food and Drug Administration                    21, I
  Indian Health Service                           25, V
  Inspector General (Health Care), Office of      42, V
  Public Health Service                           42, I
  Refugee Resettlement, Office of                 45, IV
Homeland Security, Department of                  2, XXX; 5, XXXVI; 6, I; 8, 
                                                  I
  Coast Guard                                     33, I; 46, I; 49, IV
  Coast Guard (Great Lakes Pilotage)              46, III
  Customs and Border Protection                   19, I
  Federal Emergency Management Agency             44, I
  Human Resources Management and Labor Relations  5, XCVII
       Systems
  Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau      19, IV
  Transportation Security Administration          49, XII
HOPE for Homeowners Program, Board of Directors   24, XXIV
     of
Housing and Urban Development, Department of      2, XXIV; 5, LXV; 24, 
                                                  Subtitle B
  Community Planning and Development, Office of   24, V, VI
       Assistant Secretary for
  Equal Opportunity, Office of Assistant          24, I
       Secretary for
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 24
  Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, Office    12, XVII
       of
  Government National Mortgage Association        24, III
  Housing--Federal Housing Commissioner, Office   24, II, VIII, X, XX
       of Assistant Secretary for
  Housing, Office of, and Multifamily Housing     24, IV
       Assistance Restructuring, Office of
  Inspector General, Office of                    24, XII
  Public and Indian Housing, Office of Assistant  24, IX
       Secretary for
  Secretary, Office of                            24, Subtitle A, VII
Housing--Federal Housing Commissioner, Office of  24, II, VIII, X, XX
     Assistant Secretary for
Housing, Office of, and Multifamily Housing       24, IV
     Assistance Restructuring, Office of
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau        19, IV
Immigration Review, Executive Office for          8, V
Independent Counsel, Office of                    28, VII
Independent Counsel, Offices of                   28, VI
Indian Affairs, Bureau of                         25, I, V
Indian Affairs, Office of the Assistant           25, VI
     Secretary
Indian Arts and Crafts Board                      25, II

[[Page 722]]

Indian Health Service                             25, V
Industry and Security, Bureau of                  15, VII
Information Resources Management, Office of       7, XXVII
Information Security Oversight Office, National   32, XX
     Archives and Records Administration
Inspector General
  Agriculture Department                          7, XXVI
  Health and Human Services Department            42, V
  Housing and Urban Development Department        24, XII, XV
Institute of Peace, United States                 22, XVII
Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator,    5, CIV
     Office of
Inter-American Foundation                         5, LXIII; 22, X
Interior, Department of                           2, XIV
  American Indians, Office of the Special         25, VII
       Trustee
  Endangered Species Committee                    50, IV
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 14
  Federal Property Management Regulations System  41, 114
  Fish and Wildlife Service, United States        50, I, IV
  Geological Survey                               30, IV
  Indian Affairs, Bureau of                       25, I, V
  Indian Affairs, Office of the Assistant         25, VI
       Secretary
  Indian Arts and Crafts Board                    25, II
  Land Management, Bureau of                      43, II
  National Indian Gaming Commission               25, III
  National Park Service                           36, I
  Natural Resource Revenue, Office of             30, XII
  Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of              30, V
  Reclamation, Bureau of                          43, I
  Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Bureau    30, II
       of
  Secretary of the Interior, Office of            2, XIV; 43, Subtitle A
  Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement,     30, VII
       Office of
Internal Revenue Service                          26, I
International Boundary and Water Commission,      22, XI
     United States and Mexico, United States 
     Section
International Development, United States Agency   22, II
     for
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 7
International Development Cooperation Agency,     22, XII
     United States
International Development Finance Corporation,    5, XXXIII; 22, VII
     U.S.
International Joint Commission, United States     22, IV
     and Canada
International Organizations Employees Loyalty     5, V
     Board
International Trade Administration                15, III; 19, III
International Trade Commission, United States     19, II
Interstate Commerce Commission                    5, XL
Investment Security, Office of                    31, VIII
James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation      45, XXIV
Japan-United States Friendship Commission         22, XVI
Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries       20, VIII
Justice, Department of                            2, XXVIII; 5, XXVIII; 28, 
                                                  I, XI; 40, IV
  Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives,     27, II
       Bureau of
  Drug Enforcement Administration                 21, II
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 28
  Federal Claims Collection Standards             31, IX
  Federal Prison Industries, Inc.                 28, III
  Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the     45, V
       United States
  Immigration Review, Executive Office for        8, V
  Independent Counsel, Offices of                 28, VI
  Prisons, Bureau of                              28, V
  Property Management Regulations                 41, 128
Labor, Department of                              2, XXIX; 5, XLII
  Benefits Review Board                           20, VII
  Employee Benefits Security Administration       29, XXV
  Employees' Compensation Appeals Board           20, IV
  Employment and Training Administration          20, V
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 29

[[Page 723]]

  Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Office    41, 60
       of
  Federal Procurement Regulations System          41, 50
  Labor-Management Standards, Office of           29, II, IV
  Mine Safety and Health Administration           30, I
  Occupational Safety and Health Administration   29, XVII
  Public Contracts                                41, 50
  Secretary of Labor, Office of                   29, Subtitle A
  Veterans' Employment and Training Service,      41, 61; 20, IX
       Office of the Assistant Secretary for
  Wage and Hour Division                          29, V
  Workers' Compensation Programs, Office of       20, I, VI
Labor-Management Standards, Office of             29, II, IV
Land Management, Bureau of                        43, II
Legal Services Corporation                        45, XVI
Libraries and Information Science, National       45, XVII
     Commission on
Library of Congress                               36, VII
  Copyright Royalty Board                         37, III
  U.S. Copyright Office                           37, II
Management and Budget, Office of                  5, III, LXXVII; 14, VI; 
                                                  48, 99
Marine Mammal Commission                          50, V
Maritime Administration                           46, II
Merit Systems Protection Board                    5, II, LXIV
Micronesian Status Negotiations, Office for       32, XXVII
Military Compensation and Retirement              5, XCIX
     Modernization Commission
Millennium Challenge Corporation                  22, XIII
Mine Safety and Health Administration             30, I
Minority Business Development Agency              15, XIV
Miscellaneous Agencies                            1, IV
Monetary Offices                                  31, I
Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in     36, XVI
     National Environmental Policy Foundation
Museum and Library Services, Institute of         2, XXXI
National Aeronautics and Space Administration     2, XVIII; 5, LIX; 14, V
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 18
National Agricultural Library                     7, XLI
National Agricultural Statistics Service          7, XXXVI
National and Community Service, Corporation for   2, XXII; 45, XII, XXV
National Archives and Records Administration      2, XXVI; 5, LXVI; 36, XII
  Information Security Oversight Office           32, XX
National Capital Planning Commission              1, IV, VI
National Counterintelligence Center               32, XVIII
National Credit Union Administration              5, LXXXVI; 12, VII
National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact     28, IX
     Council
National Drug Control Policy, Office of           2, XXXVI; 21, III
National Endowment for the Arts                   2, XXXII
National Endowment for the Humanities             2, XXXIII
National Foundation on the Arts and the           45, XI
     Humanities
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency           32, I
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration    23, II, III; 47, VI; 49, V
National Imagery and Mapping Agency               32, I
National Indian Gaming Commission                 25, III
National Institute of Food and Agriculture        7, XXXIV
National Institute of Standards and Technology    15, II; 37, IV
National Intelligence, Office of Director of      5, IV; 32, XVII
National Labor Relations Board                    5, LXI; 29, I
National Marine Fisheries Service                 50, II, IV
National Mediation Board                          5, CI; 29, X
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration   15, IX; 50, II, III, IV, 
                                                  VI
National Park Service                             36, I
National Railroad Adjustment Board                29, III
National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK)  49, VII
National Science Foundation                       2, XXV; 5, XLIII; 45, VI
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 25
National Security Council                         32, XXI; 47, II

[[Page 724]]

National Technical Information Service            15, XI
National Telecommunications and Information       15, XXIII; 47, III, IV, V
     Administration
National Transportation Safety Board              49, VIII
Natural Resource Revenue, Office of               30, XII
Natural Resources Conservation Service            7, VI
Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation, Office of      25, IV
Navy, Department of                               32, VI
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 52
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation             24, XXV
Northeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste  10, XVIII
     Commission
Nuclear Regulatory Commission                     2, XX; 5, XLVIII; 10, I
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 20
Occupational Safety and Health Administration     29, XVII
Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission  29, XX
Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of                30, V
Oklahoma City National Memorial Trust             36, XV
Operations Office                                 7, XXVIII
Patent and Trademark Office, United States        37, I
Payment From a Non-Federal Source for Travel      41, 304
     Expenses
Payment of Expenses Connected With the Death of   41, 303
     Certain Employees
Peace Corps                                       2, XXXVII; 22, III
Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation       36, IX
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation              29, XL
Personnel Management, Office of                   5, I, IV, XXXV; 45, VIII
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 17
  Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Federal  48, 21
       Acquisition Regulation
  Federal Employees Health Benefits Acquisition   48, 16
       Regulation
  Human Resources Management and Labor Relations  5, XCVII
       Systems, Department of Homeland Security
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety           49, I
     Administration
Postal Regulatory Commission                      5, XLVI; 39, III
Postal Service, United States                     5, LX; 39, I
Postsecondary Education, Office of                34, VI
President's Commission on White House             1, IV
     Fellowships
Presidential Documents                            3
Presidio Trust                                    36, X
Prisons, Bureau of                                28, V
Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board       6, X
Procurement and Property Management, Office of    7, XXXII
Public and Indian Housing, Office of Assistant    24, IX
     Secretary for
Public Contracts, Department of Labor             41, 50
Public Health Service                             42, I
Railroad Retirement Board                         20, II
Reclamation, Bureau of                            43, I
Refugee Resettlement, Office of                   45, IV
Relocation Allowances                             41, 302
Research and Innovative Technology                49, XI
     Administration
Rural Business-Cooperative Service                7, XVIII, XLII, L
Rural Development Administration                  7, XLII
Rural Housing Service                             7, XVIII, XXXV, L
Rural Utilities Service                           7, XVII, XVIII, XLII, L
Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Bureau of   30, II
Science and Technology Policy, Office of          32, XXIV; 47, II
Secret Service                                    31, IV
Securities and Exchange Commission                5, XXXIV; 17, II
Selective Service System                          32, XVI
Small Business Administration                     2, XXVII; 13, I
Smithsonian Institution                           36, V
Social Security Administration                    2, XXIII; 20, III; 48, 23
Soldiers' and Airmen's Home, United States        5, XI
Special Counsel, Office of                        5, VIII
Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,    34, III
     Office of
State, Department of                              2, VI; 22, I; 28, XI

[[Page 725]]

  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 6
Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement,       30, VII
     Office of
Surface Transportation Board                      49, X
Susquehanna River Basin Commission                18, VIII
Tennessee Valley Authority                        5, LXIX; 18, XIII
Trade Representative, United States, Office of    15, XX
Transportation, Department of                     2, XII; 5, L
  Commercial Space Transportation                 14, III
  Emergency Management and Assistance             44, IV
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 12
  Federal Aviation Administration                 14, I
  Federal Highway Administration                  23, I, II
  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration     49, III
  Federal Railroad Administration                 49, II
  Federal Transit Administration                  49, VI
  Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development     33, IV
       Corporation
  Maritime Administration                         46, II
  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  23, II, III; 47, IV; 49, V
  Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety         49, I
       Administration
  Secretary of Transportation, Office of          14, II; 49, Subtitle A
  Transportation Statistics Bureau                49, XI
Transportation, Office of                         7, XXXIII
Transportation Security Administration            49, XII
Transportation Statistics Bureau                  49, XI
Travel Allowances, Temporary Duty (TDY)           41, 301
Treasury, Department of the                       2, X; 5, XXI; 12, XV; 17, 
                                                  IV; 31, IX
  Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau        27, I
  Community Development Financial Institutions    12, XVIII
       Fund
  Comptroller of the Currency                     12, I
  Customs and Border Protection                   19, I
  Engraving and Printing, Bureau of               31, VI
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 10
  Federal Claims Collection Standards             31, IX
  Federal Law Enforcement Training Center         31, VII
  Financial Crimes Enforcement Network            31, X
  Fiscal Service                                  31, II
  Foreign Assets Control, Office of               31, V
  Internal Revenue Service                        26, I
  Investment Security, Office of                  31, VIII
  Monetary Offices                                31, I
  Secret Service                                  31, IV
  Secretary of the Treasury, Office of            31, Subtitle A
Truman, Harry S. Scholarship Foundation           45, XVIII
United States Agency for Global Media             22, V
United States and Canada, International Joint     22, IV
     Commission
United States and Mexico, International Boundary  22, XI
     and Water Commission, United States Section
U.S. Copyright Office                             37, II
U.S. Office of Special Counsel                    5, CII
Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation      43, III
     Commission
Veterans Affairs, Department of                   2, VIII; 38, I
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 8
Veterans' Employment and Training Service,        41, 61; 20, IX
     Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Vice President of the United States, Office of    32, XXVIII
Wage and Hour Division                            29, V
Water Resources Council                           18, VI
Workers' Compensation Programs, Office of         20, I, VII
World Agricultural Outlook Board                  7, XXXVIII

[[Page 727]]



List of CFR Sections Affected



All changes in this volume of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that 
were made by documents published in the Federal Register since January 
1, 2019 are enumerated in the following list. Entries indicate the 
nature of the changes effected. Page numbers refer to Federal Register 
pages. The user should consult the entries for chapters, parts and 
subparts as well as sections for revisions.
For changes to this volume of the CFR prior to this listing, consult the 
annual edition of the monthly List of CFR Sections Affected (LSA). The 
LSA is available at www.govinfo.gov. For changes to this volume of the 
CFR prior to 2001, see the ``List of CFR Sections Affected, 1949-1963, 
1964-1972, 1973-1985, and 1986-2000'' published in 11 separate volumes. 
The ``List of CFR Sections Affected 1986-2000'' is available at 
www.govinfo.gov.

                                  2019

9 CFR
                                                                   84 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter II
Chapter II Heading revised.........................................45647
Chapter II Notification............................................47405
201.2 Introductory text and (f) revised; (l) added.................45647
201.34 (a), (b), and (c) amended...................................45647
201.71 (a) amended.................................................45647
201.108-1 Introductory text amended................................45647
201.108-1 Correction: introductory text amended....................56678
202.2 (b) amended..................................................45647
202.2 Correction: (b) amended......................................56678
202.102 Amended....................................................45647
202.103 (d) and (e) revised........................................45647
202.112 (j) amended; (k) revised...................................45647
203.4 (a) revised..................................................45648
203.5 Amended......................................................45648
203.7 (a), (b)(2)(iii), and (c) amended............................45648
203.7 Correction: (b)(2)(iii) amended..............................56678
203.12 (a), (b), (c), (f), and (g) amended.........................45648
203.14 Note amended................................................45648
203.14 Correction: amended.........................................56678
203.15 (a)(6) revised..............................................45648
203.16 (a) introductory text and (b) amended.......................45648
203.17 (a), (b), and (d) amended...................................45648
203.18 (a) and (d) revised.........................................45648
203.19 (a) and (c)(2) amended......................................45648
204 Removed........................................................45648
205.101 (c) revised................................................45648
206 Nomenclature change............................................45649
206.2 (b) amended..................................................45649
Chapter III
Chapter III Notification...........................................47405
301 Authority citation revised.....................................52345
301.2 Amended......................................................52345
309.19 Added.......................................................52345
310.1 (b)(3) revised...............................................52346
310.11 Removed......................................................2433
310.18 (c) and (d) added...........................................52348
310.22 (d)(1)(i) revised...........................................65268
310.25 (a)(2)(ii)(C) and undesignated text following (iii)(A) 
        removed; (a)(2)(v)(A), (5) Table 1, (b)(1) Table 1, and 
        Table 2 amended............................................52348
310.26 Added.......................................................52348
310.27 Added.......................................................52349
310.28 Added.......................................................52349
316 Authority citation revised......................................9698
316.9 (a) revised; (b), (c), and (d) redesignated as (c), (d), and 
        (e); new (b) added..........................................9698
318.12 Revised.....................................................40227
327.2 (a)(1) amended; (a)(4) and (b) revised; (c) removed..........65268
381.145 (a) amended................................................65268
381.152 Revised....................................................40227
381.195 (c) revised................................................65268
381.196 (b) amended.........................................13520, 60324

[[Page 728]]

381.196 (a)(1) amended; (a)(4) and (b) revised.....................65268
424.21 (a)(2)(i) and (3) amended...................................65268
557.2 (b)(1) amended........................................59685, 59689
557.2 (b) revised..................................................65269
557.2 (b)(1) revised...............................................59681
590.910 Revised....................................................65269

                                  2020

9 CFR
                                                                   85 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter II
201.211 Added; eff. 1-11-21........................................79802
Chapter III
317 Uniform compliance date........................................81339
381 Uniform compliance date........................................81339
412--500 (Subchapter E) Heading revised............................68672
416 Authority citation revised.....................................68672
416 Correction: Effective date.....................................81340
417 Authority citation revised.....................................68672
417 Correction: Effective date.....................................81340
417.7 (b) revised..................................................68672
500 Authority citation revised.....................................68672
500 Correction: Effective date.....................................81340
500.2 (c) revised..................................................68672
500.3 (a)(1) and (7) revised.......................................68673
500.5 (a)(5) and (c) revised.......................................68673
500.6 Introductory text and (a) through (i) redesignated as (a) 
        introductory text and (1) through (9); new (a)(9) revised 
                                                                   68673
500.7 (a)(3) and (5) revised.......................................68673
500.8 (a) and (c) revised..........................................68673
590 Authority citation revised.....................................68673
590 Correction: Effective date.....................................81340
590.1--590.860 (Subpart A) Designated as Subpart A; heading added 
                                                                   68673
590.5 Amended......................................................68673
590.10 Amended.....................................................68674
590.17 Removed.....................................................68674
590.22 Removed.....................................................68674
590.28 Revised.....................................................68674
590.40 Revised.....................................................68674
590.50 Revised.....................................................68674
590.100 Revised....................................................68674
590.105 Removed....................................................68674
590.112 Removed....................................................68674
590.114 Removed....................................................68674
590.116 Removed....................................................68674
590.118 Revised....................................................68674
590.119 Removed....................................................68674
590.120 Revised....................................................68674
590.134 (b) revised................................................68674
590.136 Revised....................................................68675
590.140 Revised....................................................68675
590.142 Revised....................................................68675
590.146 Revised; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68675
590.148 Removed....................................................68675
590.149 Added; (a) eff. 10-29-21; (b) and (c) eff. 10-31-22........68675
590.149 Correction: Added; eff. 10-29-21; (b) and (c) stayed 
        through 10-31-22...........................................81340
590.160 Revised....................................................68675
590.200 Revised....................................................68675
590.300 Revised....................................................68676
590.310 Revised....................................................68676
590.320 Revised....................................................68676
590.340 Revised....................................................68676
590.350 Revised....................................................68676
590.360 Removed....................................................68676
590.370 Removed....................................................68676
590.410 Revised....................................................68676
590.411 Revised....................................................68676
590.412 Redesignated as 590.413; new section added.................68677
590.413 Redesignated from 590.412 and revised......................68677
590.415 Revised....................................................68678
590.418 (a) and (c) removed; (b) redesignated as undesignated text
                                                                   68678
590.420 (a) and (b) revised........................................68678
590.422 Amended....................................................68679
590.424 (b) revised................................................68679
590.430 (b) revised................................................68679
590.435 Revised....................................................68679
590.440 (c) revised................................................68679
590.500 Removed; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68679
590.502 Removed; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68679
590.504 Revised; (f) through (n), (p), (q), eff. 10-29-21; (d)(1) 
        and (2), (o)(1), (2), (3) eff. 10-31-22....................68679
590.504 Correction: Regulation at 85 FR 68640, eff. date 
        corrected; (a) through (e) revised; (f) through (n), (p) 
        and (q) removed, eff. 10-29-21; (d) added, (f) through (o) 
        removed, eff. 10-31-22.....................................81341
590.506 Removed; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68679
590.508 Revised; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68680
590.510 (a) introductory text, (c)(1), (3), and (d) introductory 
        text revised; eff. in part 10-29-21........................68680

[[Page 729]]

590.510 Correction: (a) introductory text, (c)(1), (3), and (d) 
        introductory text revised; eff. 10-29-21...................81340
590.515 Removed; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68680
590.516 Heading and (a) revised; eff. 10-29-21.....................68680
590.520 Removed; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68680
590.522 Revised; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68680
590.530 Removed; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68680
590.532 Removed; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68680
590.534 Revised; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68680
590.536 Removed; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68680
590.538 Removed; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68680
590.539 Removed; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68680
590.540 Removed; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68680
590.542 Removed; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68680
590.544 Removed; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68680
590.546 Removed; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68680
590.547 Removed; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68680
590.548 Removed; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68680
590.549 Removed; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68680
590.550 Removed; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68680
590.552 Removed; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68680
590.560 Removed; eff. 10-29-21.....................................68680
590.570 Revised; eff. in part 10-29-21 and 10-31-22................68680
590.570 Correction: Regulation at 85 FR 68640, eff. date 
        corrected; (c) removed; (a) removed, eff. 10-29-21; 
        Revised, eff. 10-31-22.....................................81341
590.575 Removed; eff. 10-31-22.....................................68680
590.580 Revised....................................................68680
590.580 Correction: (b)(1) stayed through 10-31-22.................81340
590.590 Added......................................................68680
590.600--590.680 Undesignated center heading removed...............68680
590.600 Removed....................................................68680
590.610 Removed....................................................68680
590.620 Removed....................................................68680
590.630 Removed....................................................68680
590.640 Removed....................................................68680
590.650 Removed....................................................68680
590.660 Removed....................................................68680
590.670 Removed....................................................68680
590.680 Removed....................................................68680
590.700 Undesignated center heading and section added..............68680
590.720 Added......................................................68680
590.801 Added......................................................68681
590.900--590.965 (Subpart B) Heading added.........................68681
590.900--590.970 Undesignated center heading removed...............68681
590.900 Removed....................................................68681
590.900 Added......................................................68681
590.901 Added......................................................68681
590.905 Removed....................................................68681
590.905 Added......................................................68681
590.910 Removed....................................................68681
590.910 Added......................................................68681
590.915 Added......................................................68681
590.920 Removed....................................................68681
590.920 Added......................................................68681
590.925 Removed....................................................68681
590.925 Added......................................................68681
590.930 Removed....................................................68681
590.930 Added......................................................68681
590.935 Removed....................................................68681
590.935 Added......................................................68681
590.940 Removed....................................................68681
590.940 Added......................................................68681
590.945 Removed....................................................68681
590.945 Added......................................................68681
590.950 Removed....................................................68681
590.950 Added......................................................68681
590.955 Removed....................................................68681
590.955 Added......................................................68681
590.956 Removed....................................................68681
590.956 Added......................................................68681
590.960 Removed....................................................68681
590.960 Added......................................................68681
590.965 Removed....................................................68681
590.965 Added......................................................68681
590.970 Removed....................................................68681
591 Added; eff. in part 10-29-21 and 10-31-22......................68685
591.1 Correction: Regulation at 85 FR 68640, eff. date corrected; 
        (a) stayed through 10-29-21; (b) stayed through 10-31-21 
                                                                   81340
591.2 Correction: Regulation at 85 FR 68640, eff. date corrected; 
        (a) and (c) stayed through 10-31-22;(b) stayed through 10-
        29-21......................................................81340

                                  2021

9 CFR
                                                                   86 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter III
310.20 Revised.....................................................33088
352 Technical correction...........................................40299
352.1 (c), (e) through (g), (j) through (l), (x), and (aa) 
        revised; (bb) added........................................37218
590.530 Correction: Added..........................................60549
590.530 Correction: Removed; eff. 10-31-22.........................60550
590.536 Correction: Added..........................................60550

[[Page 730]]

590.536 Correction: Removed; eff. 10-31-22.........................60550

                                  2022

9 CFR
                                                                   87 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter II
201 Heading revised................................................11933
201.1--201.2 Undesignated center heading removed...................11933
201.1--201.2 (Subpart A) Heading added.............................11933
201.3--201.4 Undesignated center heading removed...................11933
201.3--201.4 (Subpart B) Heading added.............................11933
201.5 Undesignated center heading removed..........................11933
201.5 (Subpart C) Heading added....................................11933
201.10--201.11 Undesignated center heading removed.................11933
201.10--201.11 (Subpart D) Heading added...........................11933
201.17 Undesignated center heading removed.........................11933
201.17 (Subpart E) Heading added...................................11933
201.27--201.28 Undesignated center heading removed.................11933
201.27--201.28 (Subpart F) Heading added...........................11933
201.29--201.34 Undesignated center heading removed.................11933
201.29--201.34 (Subpart G) Heading added...........................11933
201.39--201.42 Undesignated center heading removed.................11934
201.39--201.42 (Subpart H) Heading added...........................11934
201.43--201.49 Undesignated center heading removed.................11934
201.43--201.49 (Subpart I) Heading added...........................11934
201.53--201.70 Undesignated center heading removed.................11934
201.53--201.70 (Subpart J) Heading added...........................11934
201.71--201.82 Undesignated center heading removed.................11934
201.71--201.82 (Subpart K) Heading added...........................11934
201.86 Undesignated center heading removed.........................11934
201.86 (Subpart L) Heading added...................................11934
201.94--201.99 Undesignated center heading removed.................11934
201.94--201.99 (Subpart M) Heading added...........................11934
201.100--201.218 Undesignated center heading removed...............11934
201.100--201.218 (Subpart N) Heading added.........................11934
Chapter III
317 Notification...................................................77707
317.2 (h)(4), (5), (9)(i), (iii), (iv), (v), and (12) amended......50556
327.10 (d)(2) revised..............................................63423
327.24 Revised.....................................................63423
351.21 Revised.....................................................63423
354.134 Revised....................................................63423
355 Removed........................................................30775
381 Authority citation revised.....................................50556
381 Notification...................................................77707
381.35 Revised.....................................................63423
381.121 (c)(5) revised; (c)(8), (9)(i), and (iii) amended..........50556
381.202 (d) revised................................................63423
381.204 (f)(2) revised.............................................63423
439 Revised........................................................51864
500.1 (c) revised..................................................63424
500.9 Added........................................................63424
590.300 Revised....................................................63424
590.310 Revised....................................................63424
592.400 Revised....................................................63424
592.410 Removed....................................................63424
592.420 Removed....................................................63424
592.430 Removed....................................................63424
592.440 Removed....................................................63424

                                  2023

9 CFR
                                                                   88 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter II
201.2 (d) and (f) revised..........................................62695
201.2 Revised; eff. 2-12-24........................................83290
201.17 (a) amended.................................................62695
201.28 Heading and introductory text amended.......................62696
201.42 (g) amended.................................................62696
201.72 (b) amended.................................................62696
201.73-1 Introductory text amended.................................62696
201.100 (a) and (b) revised; eff. 2-12-24..........................83291
201.102 Added; eff. 2-12-24........................................83292
201.104 Added; eff. 2-12-24........................................83294
201.108-1 Introductory text amended................................62696

[[Page 731]]

201.200 (b) and (c) redesignated as (c) and (d); new (b) added; 
        Heading and new (c) revised; authority citation removed....41022
202.2 (b) amended..................................................62696
203.15 Revised.....................................................41022
206.2 (e) amended..................................................62696
206.3 (c) amended..................................................62696
Chapter III
352.7 Heading revised; introductory text amended....................2811
354.60 Revised......................................................2811
362.2 (a) amended...................................................2811
381.36 (f)(3) removed..............................................55913
381.76 (b)(6)(iv) removed..........................................55913
381.82 Removed.....................................................55913
381.87 Revised.....................................................55913
412.1 (c)(2) removed; (e) revised...................................2811
412.2 (b) revised...................................................2812


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