[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 235 (Wednesday, December 10, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57177-57181]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-22378]
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Notices
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings,
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents
appearing in this section.
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Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 235 / Wednesday, December 10, 2025 /
Notices
[[Page 57177]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food Safety and Inspection Service
[Docket No. FSIS-2022-0015]
Availability of Guideline for Label Approval
AGENCY: Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA).
ACTION: Notice of availability and response to comments.
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SUMMARY: On March 18, 2024, FSIS published a label approval guideline
to help establishments meet new requirements for use of voluntary U.S.-
origin label claims on FSIS-regulated products established by the final
rule, Voluntary Labeling of FSIS-Regulated Products with U.S.-Origin
Claims (89 FR 19470, March 18, 2024). FSIS is announcing updates to
this guideline and responding to comments received on the guideline.
ADDRESSES: A downloadable version of the guideline is available to view
and print at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/fsis-guidelines.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rachel Edelstein, Assistant
Administrator, Office of Policy and Program Development, by telephone
at (202) 205-0495.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
FSIS is responsible for ensuring that meat, poultry, and egg
products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled. The Agency
administers a regulatory program for meat products under the Federal
Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), for poultry
products under the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) (21 U.S.C.
451 et seq.), and for egg products under the Egg Products Inspection
Act (EPIA) (21 U.S.C. 1031 et seq.). FSIS also provides voluntary
reimbursable inspection services under the Agricultural Marketing Act
(AMA) (7 U.S.C. 1622 and 1624) for eligible products not requiring
mandatory inspection under the FMIA, PPIA, and EPIA.
Under the FMIA, PPIA, and EPIA, any meat, poultry, or egg product
is misbranded if its labeling is false or misleading (21 U.S.C.
601(n)(1); 21 U.S.C. 453(h)(1); 21 U.S.C. 1036(b)). In particular, 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 (9 CFR 317.8(a)), 381.129(b), 590.411(f)(1)). FSIS has similar
authority under the AMA concerning the false or misleading labeling of
products receiving voluntary inspection services (7 U.S.C. 1622(h)(1)).
On March 18, 2024, FSIS published the final rule, Voluntary
Labeling of FSIS-Regulated Products with U.S.-Origin Claims (89 FR
19470). The final rule amended FSIS labeling regulations to allow two
specific voluntary U.S.-origin label claims, ``Product of USA'' and
``Made in the USA,'' to be generically approved \1\ for use on single
ingredient FSIS-regulated products (i.e., products produced under FSIS
mandatory or voluntary inspection services) derived from animals born,
raised, slaughtered, and processed in the United States. Under the
final rule, the two voluntary label claims ``Product of USA'' and
``Made in the USA'' are also generically approved for use on multi-
ingredient FSIS-regulated products if: (1) All FSIS-regulated products
in the multi-ingredient product are derived from animals born, raised,
slaughtered, and processed in the United States; (2) all other
ingredients, other than spices and flavorings, are of domestic origin;
and (3) the preparation and processing steps for the multi-ingredient
product have occurred in the United States. Also under the final rule,
label claims other than ``Product of USA'' or ``Made in the USA'' that
indicate that a preparation or processing step of an FSIS-regulated
product is of U.S. origin are generically approved for use, but such
claims will need to include the preparation and processing steps that
occurred in the United States upon which the claim is made.\2\
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\1\ Labels that are generically approved under FSIS regulations
may be used in commerce without prior submission to the Agency for
approval. Products must bear all required labeling features and
comply with the Agency's labeling regulations to be eligible for
generic approval (9 CFR 412.2).
\2\ The final rule applies to products sold in the domestic
market. For products exported from the United States, FSIS will
continue to verify that labeling requirements for the applicable
country are met, as shown in the FSIS Export Library, available at:
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/inspection/import-export/import-export-library.
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On March 18, 2024, FSIS also announced the availability of the
revised FSIS Guideline on Label Approval (89 FR 19470). FSIS published
the revised guideline to help establishments meet the new requirements
for use of voluntary U.S.-origin label claims on FSIS-regulated
products and to provide examples of claims and the types of
documentation that establishments may maintain to support use of the
claims. FSIS requested comments on the guideline, and the Agency
received three comments within the scope of the guideline updates
during the 60-day comment period. On April 30 and May 15, 2024, FSIS
hosted public webinars to provide an overview of the final rule and
information about related labeling guidance.\3\ During the webinars,
FSIS received several participant comments on the guideline. Since
publication of the final rule, FSIS also has received several questions
about the guideline through askFSIS, the Agency's Web-based and
telephone-based application for addressing technical and policy-related
questions.\4\
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\3\ Webinar recordings and FSIS presentation materials are
available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/news-events/events-meetings/voluntary-labeling-fsis-regulated-products-u-s--origin-claims.
\4\ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/contact-us/askfsis.
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After review and consideration of all comments, FSIS has made
changes to the guideline to clarify and update information on the use
of voluntary U.S.-origin label claims. These changes to the guideline
are summarized below and are discussed in more detail in FSIS'
responses to comments. The revised guideline is available at the FSIS
guideline web page at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/fsis-guidelines. Although comments will no longer be accepted on this
guideline
[[Page 57178]]
through www.regulations.gov, FSIS will update the document as necessary
if new information becomes available.
Summary of Changes to the Guideline
For purposes of voluntary U.S.-origin label claims under FSIS
regulations,
FSIS is clarifying that the meaning of ``raised'' is
``from birth to slaughter.''
FSIS is clarifying that the term ``harvested'' may be used
to mean ``slaughtered.''
FSIS is clarifying that for purposes of meeting the
requirements for use of the voluntary U.S.-origin label claims
``Product of USA'' or ``Made in the USA'' on multi-ingredient products,
the requirement that ``all other ingredients other than spices and
flavorings'' in the product must be of domestic origin does not include
sub-ingredients of an ingredient (e.g., the soybean or wheat sub-
ingredient in a soy sauce ingredient).
FSIS is clarifying the definitions of ``spices'' and
``flavorings.''
FSIS is clarifying that multi-ingredient products made
with edible natural casings that are processed (e.g., cleaned) outside
the United States are eligible for use of the voluntary U.S.-origin
label claims ``Product of USA'' or ``Made in the USA,'' provided that
the product meets all other requirements under the rule.
FSIS is clarifying that ``Product of North America'' is
allowed as a voluntary label claim on products if the claim is truthful
and not misleading and complies with the FSIS requirements in 9 CFR
317.8(b)(1) and 9 CFR 381.129(b)(2) for use of label terms having
geographical significance (i.e., the animal from which the product was
derived was born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in North America).
FSIS is clarifying that a voluntary multi-country origin
label claim that includes the United States and a foreign country
(e.g., ``Product of USA and Canada'') is allowed on products, provided
(1) the animal from which the product was derived was born, raised,
slaughtered, and processed in either the United States or the listed
foreign country; (2) in the case of a multi-ingredient product, all
other ingredients (other than spices and flavorings) are of the origin
of either the United States or the listed foreign country; and (3) the
claim is accompanied by qualifying language describing the preparation
and processing steps that occurred in the United States (e.g.,
``Product of USA and Canada, Packaged in the USA'').
FSIS is clarifying that, as with the claims ``processed''
and ``manufactured,'' the term ``produced'' may not be used as a stand-
alone label claim to describe the preparation and processing steps of a
product that occurred in the United States, as this term does not
provide meaningful consumer information about the actual preparation
and processing steps of the product that occurred in the United States.
FSIS is providing additional examples of voluntary U.S.-
origin label claims that may be used to describe the preparation and
processing steps of a product that occurred in the United States (e.g.,
``Cooked in the U.S.A.'').
FSIS is clarifying the final rule's effect on the label
display of certain U.S. State endorsement program logos.
FSIS is clarifying that, under the final rule at the
amended subsections 9 CFR 317.8(b)(1) and 9 CFR 381.129(b)(2),
statements, words, pictures, designs, or devices depicting the United
States, or a U.S. State or territory, may be used on the labels of
products without a qualifying statement only if the animal from which
the meat or poultry product was derived was born, raised, slaughtered,
and processed in the United States, or U.S. State or territory. If the
product does not meet these requirements, the depiction must be
accompanied by a qualifying statement.
FSIS is providing additional examples of the types of
documentation that may be maintained to support a voluntary U.S.-origin
label claim.
FSIS is making a few editorial changes throughout the
guideline for readability and clarity.
Summary of Comments and FSIS Responses
During the comment period for the guideline announced in the
Federal Register, FSIS received three comments on the updated label
approval guideline from one U.S. trade association representing the
meat industry, one foreign trade association representing the meat
industry, and one foreign country. Other comments were outside the
scope of the updated guideline and discussed general opposition to the
final rule by restating specific concerns included in the comments they
submitted in response to the proposed rule. FSIS is not addressing
those comments here. After the end of the comment period, FSIS also
received from the public several askFSIS questions on the updated
guideline. Finally, FSIS received several participant questions during
the Agency's April and May 2024 public webinars on the final rule and
updated label guideline.\5\ A summary of the relevant issues raised by
these comments and questions and the Agency's responses follows.
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\5\ Webinar recordings and FSIS staff presentation materials are
available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/news-events/events-meetings/voluntary-labeling-fsis-regulated-products-u-s--origin-claims.
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Definition of ``Raised''
Comment: One foreign country and a few askFSIS submitters asked
FSIS to clarify the definition of ``raised'' under the final rule for
the purposes of determining whether an animal from which an FSIS-
regulated product was derived was ``raised'' in the United States.
Response: FSIS has updated the guideline to clarify that ``raised''
means ``raised from birth to slaughter'' for the purposes of meeting
the requirement for use of the voluntary U.S.-origin label claims
``Product of USA'' and ``Made in the USA'' under 9 CFR 412.3(a) and
(b). Therefore, a claim of ``raised'' or ``born and raised'' is allowed
under 9 CFR 412.3(c) as a voluntary U.S.-origin label claim other than
``Product of USA'' and ``Made in the USA'' when the animal from which
the product was derived was raised in the United States for the
entirety of its life (i.e., from birth to slaughter). When the animal
was raised in the United States for a period less than from birth to
slaughter, the claim must be accompanied by a truthful description of
the length of time the animal was raised in the United States (e.g.,
the label claim ``raised for at least 30 days in the USA'' on a single
ingredient beef chuck roast.)
Use of ``Harvested'' to Mean ``Slaughtered''
Comment: A few askFSIS submitters asked whether FSIS will accept
use of the term ``harvested'' to mean ``slaughtered'' to describe the
preparation and processing steps of an FSIS-regulated product to
accompany voluntary U.S.-origin label claims.
Response: FSIS has updated the guideline to clarify that the term
``harvested'' may be used to mean ``slaughtered'' for the purposes of
meeting the requirements for use of voluntary U.S.-origin label claims.
Domestic Sourcing of Sub-Ingredients
Comment: A few askFSIS submitters asked whether the sub-ingredients
of ingredients in FSIS-regulated multi-ingredient products must be of
domestic origin for such products to be eligible for the voluntary
U.S.-origin label claims, ``Product of USA'' and ``Made in the USA.''
[[Page 57179]]
Response: FSIS has updated the guideline to clarify that for
purposes of meeting the requirements under 9 CFR 412.3(b) for use of
the voluntary label claims ``Product of USA'' and ``Made in the USA''
on multi-ingredient products, the requirement that ``all other
ingredients other than spices and flavorings'' in the product must be
of domestic origin does not include sub-ingredients of an ingredient.
For example, if a pork sausage product labeled with the claim ``Made in
the USA'' contains the ingredient soy sauce, the soy sauce needs to be
of domestic origin, but the ``sub-ingredients'' of the soy sauce (e.g.,
soybeans or wheat), need not be of domestic origin. FSIS is making this
change because the source of sub-ingredients may not be available to
establishments using the U.S.-origin label claim or to FSIS inspectors
verifying the claim meets labeling requirements.
Definition of ``Spices'' and ``Flavorings''
Comment: One trade association, a few askFSIS submitters, and a few
webinar participants asked FSIS to clarify the definitions of
``spices'' and ``flavorings'' for the purpose of meeting the final rule
requirements that all other ingredients (i.e., ingredients that are not
FSIS-regulated products), other than spices and flavorings, must be of
domestic origin for an FSIS-regulated multi-ingredient product label to
bear the voluntary claims ``Product of USA'' or ``Made in the USA''.
Response: The terms ``spices'' and ``flavorings'' are defined in 9
CFR 317.2(f)(i)(A) and (B) and 381.118(c)(1) and (2). FSIS is using
these definitions for the purposes of meeting the final rule
requirements for the labeling of multi-ingredient FSIS-regulated
products with the voluntary claims ``Product of USA'' or ``Made in the
USA'', as well as compliance with other FSIS regulations that use these
terms. FSIS has updated the guideline to clarify the definitions and
provide citations to these regulations.
Edible Natural Casings
Comment: A few webinar participants and askFSIS submitters asked
whether the Agency will consider an edible natural casing to be an
ingredient for the purposes of meeting the requirement under 9 CFR
412.3(b) that all other ingredients (i.e., ingredients that are not
FSIS-regulated products) in a multi-ingredient product, other than
spices and flavorings, must be of domestic origin for the product label
to bear the voluntary U.S.-origin claims ``Product of USA'' or ``Made
in the USA.''
Response: Under the final rule, edible natural casings from animals
born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the United States are
considered to be of domestic origin for purposes of meeting the final
rule requirements for use of the voluntary U.S.-origin claims ``Product
of USA'' and ``Made in the USA'' on FSIS-regulated multi-ingredient
products. However, FSIS recognizes that most edible natural casings
produced in the United States are exported to foreign countries to be
processed (e.g., cleaned), then imported back to the United States for
use as an ingredient in multi-ingredient meat products. Therefore, FSIS
has updated the guideline to clarify that multi-ingredient FSIS-
regulated products made with edible natural casings that are processed
outside the United States are eligible for label use of the voluntary
U.S.-origin claims ``Product of USA'' or ``Made in the USA,'' provided
that the product meets all other requirements under 9 CFR 412.3(b) for
use of such claims. For example, a multi-ingredient pork sausage
product may be labeled with the voluntary claim ``Product of USA'' if
the product's edible natural casing was produced by an animal born,
raised, processed, and slaughtered in the United States, but the casing
was sent outside the U.S. to be processed (e.g., for further cleaning),
provided that all other FSIS-regulated ingredients are derived from
animals born, raised, slaughtered, and processed exclusively in the
United States; all other ingredients, other than spices and flavorings,
are of domestic origin; and the preparation and processing steps for
the product occurred in the United States.
``Product of North America'' and Multi-Country Origin Claims
Comment: A few askFSIS submitters asked whether under the final
rule ``Product of North America'' is allowed as a voluntary label claim
on an FSIS-regulated product when the animal from which the product was
derived was born, raised, and slaughtered in North America, all product
ingredients are of North America origin, and all processing steps
occurred in North America. A few askFSIS submitters also asked whether
multi-country claims that include the United States are allowed as
voluntary label claims on FSIS-regulated products.
Response: FSIS has updated the guideline to clarify that, while it
is not a U.S.-origin claim, ``Product of North America'' is allowed as
a voluntary label claim on FSIS-regulated products if it is truthful
and not misleading and complies with the FSIS labeling requirements in
9 CFR 317.8(b)(1) and 9 CFR 381.129(b)(2) (e.g., all animals from which
the product was derived were born, raised, slaughtered, and processed
in North America).
FSIS also has updated the guideline to clarify that voluntary
multi-country label claims that include the United States are allowed
for use on FSIS-regulated products, provided (1) the animal from which
the product was derived was born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in
the United States or the foreign country, and (2) the claim includes a
qualifying statement describing all the preparation and processing
steps that occurred in the United States. For example, a single
ingredient pork product derived from an animal born, raised, and
slaughtered in the United States and Canada, and the meat then
processed in the United States or Canada, may bear the label claim
``Product of USA and Canada,'' provided the claim is accompanied by
qualifying language describing the preparation and processing steps
that occurred in the U.S (e.g., ``Product of USA and Canada, packaged
in the United States'').
Voluntary U.S.-Origin Claims Other Than ``Product of USA'' and ``Made
in the USA''
Comment: A few askFSIS submitters asked whether ``Produced in the
USA'' is allowed under the final rule. One foreign country asked for
confirmation whether ``Processed in the United States'' is allowed as a
voluntary U.S.-origin claim.
Response: The final rule allows for the use of voluntary U.S.-
origin label claims other than ``Product of USA'' or ``Made in the
USA,'' provided that the claim includes a description to indicate which
preparation and processing steps occurred in the United States (9 CFR
412.3(c)). As stated in the final rule, this description needs to
provide consumers meaningful information about the U.S.-origin
components of the product's preparation and processing (89 FR 19470,
19475). Also as stated in both the final rule and draft guideline
published in March 2024, the generalized claims ``Processed in the
United States'' and ``Manufactured in the United States'' are so broad
as to not provide consumers meaningful information about what
preparation and processing steps occurred in the United States (89 FR
19470, 19475). FSIS has updated the guideline to add ``Produced in the
United States'' as a claim that is so broad as to not provide consumers
meaningful information about which preparation and processing steps
occurred in the United States.
[[Page 57180]]
Therefore, ``Produced in the United States'' and ``Processed in the
United States'' are not approved for use as standalone voluntary U.S.-
origin label claims.
FSIS also notes that if a label claim is so broad as to not provide
meaningful information about what preparation and processing steps of a
product occurred in the United States (e.g., ``Processed in the United
States,'' ``Manufactured in the United States,'' or ``Produced in the
Unites States''), the claim is not approved, even if the claim is
combined with a claim that does provide meaningful preparation and
processing information. For example, ``Processed and Packaged in the
USA'' would not be approved for use as a voluntary label claim on an
FSIS-regulated product; however, ``Sliced and Packaged in the USA''
would be approved as a voluntary U.S.-origin label claim.
Comment: One trade association asked FSIS to provide in the
guideline additional examples of voluntary U.S.-origin label claims
other than ``Product of USA'' and ``Made in the USA'' that may be used
to indicate the preparation and processing steps of an FSIS-regulated
product that occurred in the United States. Specifically, the commenter
asked FSIS to clarify whether the voluntary label claim ``Cooked (in
the United States)'' is allowed under the final rule.
Response: As discussed in the final rule, voluntary U.S.-origin
label claims other than ``Product of USA'' or ``Made in the USA'' may
be used on FSIS-regulated products, provided they include descriptions
that provide meaningful consumer information about which preparation
and processing steps occurred in the United States (89 FR 19470, 19475;
see 9 CFR 412.3(c)). FSIS has updated the guideline to include
additional examples of descriptions that provide consumers meaningful
information about the U.S. preparation and processing steps of FSIS-
regulated products, including ``cooked.''
U.S. State Endorsement Programs
Comment: One trade association and several askFSIS submitters
requested clarification on the final rule's effect on U.S. State
agriculture endorsement program (``State endorsement program'') logos.
The trade association specifically stated that FSIS should exempt such
program logos (e.g., ``Go Texan'') from the new requirements for use of
voluntary U.S.-origin label claims. The commenter argued that the State
endorsement program logo labeling option is essential to address the
burden of the final rule's requirements for voluntary ``Product of
USA'' and ``Made in the USA'' label claims.
Response: Under the requirements at 9 CFR 412.3(a), (b), and (d)
for the use of the voluntary claims ``Product of (U.S. State)'' or
``Made in (U.S. State),'' if a State endorsement program logo includes
the statement ``Product of (U.S. State)'' or ``Made in (U.S. State),''
the product must meet the final rule requirements for the label use of
the voluntary claims ``Product of (U.S. State)'' or ``Made in (U.S.
State).'' For example, a single ingredient poultry product labeled with
a State endorsement program logo that includes the statement ``Product
of (U.S. State)'' must be derived from an animal born, raised,
slaughtered, and processed in that State.
Further, if a State endorsement program logo includes the image of
the State's flag, the logo may be used on the label of an FSIS-
regulated product without a qualifying statement only if the product
meets the final rule requirements for label display of the U.S. flag,
or a U.S. State or territory flag. Specifically, under 9 CFR 412.3(e),
the standalone label use of a State endorsement program logo that
includes the image of the State's flag will need to meet the
requirements for use of voluntary ``Product of (U.S. State)'' and
``Made in (U.S. State)'' label claims. However, if the product does not
meet all requirements under 9 CFR 412.3(e), a State endorsement program
logo that includes the State's flag image may be used to designate the
State origin of components of an FSIS-regulated product's preparation
and processing as long as the logo is accompanied by a description of
the preparation and processing steps that occurred in the State upon
which the claim is being made. For example, a beef product that does
not meet all requirements for a voluntary ``Product of (U.S. State)''
claim may be labeled with a State endorsement program logo that
includes the image of the State's flag, but the logo must be
accompanied by a description of the preparation and processing steps
that occurred in the state (e.g., ``beef harvested and packaged in
(U.S. State).''
Finally, if a State endorsement program logo does not include the
statement ``Product of (U.S. State)'' or ``Made in (U.S. State),'' and
does not include an image of the State flag or other geographic
emblematic design, the logo may be used on the label of an FSIS-
regulated product if the establishment maintains supporting
documentation for use of the logo. The guideline provides information
about what kinds of documentation are sufficient to support the logo
use. The final rule concerns voluntary U.S.-origin label claims.
Establishments can choose to use a voluntary U.S.-origin label claim
for which a particular product is eligible or not make any type of
U.S.-origin label claim (see 89 FR 19470, 19478).
Depictions of Geographical Significance
Comment: A few askFSIS submitters commented generally about the
effect of the final rule on various types of geographic depictions of
the United States, or a U.S. State or territory, on the labels of FSIS-
regulated products (e.g., the display of the map of the Commonwealth of
Virginia on a label of a poultry product).
Response: FSIS has updated the guideline to clarify that, under the
final rule at the amended subsections 9 CFR 317.8(b)(1) and 9 CFR
381.129(b)(2), statements, words, pictures, designs, or devices
depicting the United States, or a U.S. State or territory, may be used
on the labels of FSIS-regulated products only if the animal from which
the meat or poultry product was derived was born, raised, slaughtered,
and processed in the depicted geographical location. For the purposes
of using statements, words, pictures, designs, or devices depicting the
United States, or a U.S. State or territory, on a multi-ingredient
FSIS-regulated product, under 9 CFR 317.8(b)(1) and 381.129(b)(2),
other ingredients in the product need not be of domestic origin. If the
product does not meet these requirements, the depiction must be
accompanied by a qualifying statement describing the preparation and
processing steps of the animal from which the product was derived that
occurred in the United States, or U.S. State or territory. For example,
a label for a multi-ingredient poultry patty product derived from an
animal that was born, raised, slaughtered, and partially processed in
North Carolina, then packaged in Arizona, that includes the outline of
the State of Arizona must be accompanied by a qualifying statement
describing the preparation and processing steps that occurred in
Arizona (e.g., ``Packaged in Arizona'').
Exported Products
Comment: One trade association asked about the use of the voluntary
``Product of USA'' label claim to meet requirements for products
exported from the United States. Specifically, the commenter asked the
Agency to clarify whether pressure-sensitive labels or stamps are
acceptable under the final rule for the purpose of meeting export
requirements. The commenter further stated that it is unclear whether
the
[[Page 57181]]
``Product of USA'' statement may be used on labels intended for use on
both products for the U.S. market and exported products.
Response: As explained in the final rule, the regulatory
requirements for voluntary U.S.-origin label claims do not apply to
products intended for export from the United States (89 FR 19470,
19478). Additional export requirements maintained by foreign countries
that have been officially communicated to FSIS by the importing country
can be accessed in the FSIS Export Library.\6\ All products intended
for the domestic market must meet the requirements under the final rule
for use of voluntary U.S.-origin label claims, including ``Product of
USA.'' As with all FSIS-regulated products labeled either for the
domestic market or export from the United States, manufacturers may use
pressure sensitive stickers on existing labeling material to cover
inaccurate and/or misleading labeling information with corrected
text.\7\
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\6\ FSIS Export Library, available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/inspection/import-export/import-export-library.
\7\ See FSIS Guideline on Pressure Sensitive Stickers, May 2020,
available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/2021-02/FSIS-GD-2020-0004_0.pdf.
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Recordkeeping Requirements
Comment: One trade association argued that the guideline describes
recordkeeping and traceability requirements that are nearly
unattainable for establishments that choose to use a voluntary U.S.-
origin label claim. Specifically, the commenter stated that maintaining
documented traceability of products from derived animals' U.S. birth,
raising, slaughter, and processing are unreasonable in the absence of a
mandatory animal identification system and an effective traceability
program.
Response: The final rule established general recordkeeping
requirements that provide flexibility for establishments that choose to
use a voluntary U.S.-origin label claim on FSIS-regulated products. The
final rule includes examples of the types of documentation that may be
maintained to support a voluntary U.S.-origin label claim (9 CFR
412.3(f)). Establishments may choose which types of documentation to
maintain, based on the particular U.S.-origin claim they seek to use
and other considerations relevant to the product (89 FR 19470, 19483).
As published with the final rule, the label guideline also provided
examples of the types of documentation that may be maintained to
support a voluntary U.S.-origin label claim. In response to the
comment, FSIS has updated the guideline to provide an additional
example of supporting documentation.
Additional Public Notification
Public awareness of all segments of rulemaking and policy
development is important. Consequently, FSIS will announce this Federal
Register publication online through the FSIS web page located at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/federal-register. FSIS also will make copies
of this publication available through the FSIS Constituent Update,
which is used to provide information regarding FSIS policies,
procedures, regulations, Federal Register notices, FSIS public
meetings, and other types of information that could affect or would be
of interest to our constituents and stakeholders. The Constituent
Update is available on the FSIS web page. Through the web page, FSIS
can provide information to a much broader, more diverse audience. In
addition, FSIS offers an email subscription service which provides
automatic and customized access to selected food safety news and
information. This service is available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/subscribe. Options range from recalls to export information,
regulations, directives, and notices. Customers can add or delete
subscriptions themselves and have the option to password protect their
accounts.
USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights
regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and
employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA
programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color,
national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status,
family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance
program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil
rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA
(not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing
deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of
communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print,
audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or
local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the
Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally,
program information may be made available in languages other than
English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to
File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write
a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the
information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint
form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA
by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mail Stop
9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email:
[email protected].
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Done at Washington, DC.
Denise Eblen,
Deputy Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2025-22378 Filed 12-9-25; 8:45 am]
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