The U.S. food processing sector is extensively regulated by state and federal agencies. Federal agencies dominate the regulatory oversight: USDA FSIS for the meat and poultry processing businesses and FDA for all other food processing businesses. State agencies also have an active role in overseeing food processing businesses within their respective states, but their role is in collaboration with the federal agencies. Maintaining proper temperatures, good sanitation, and protection from foreign elements (indoors and out) are all important aspects of regulatory compliance, among others. AAMP has a variety of resources and links available regarding proper regulations.

REGULATORY AFFAIRS

Office of Food Safety/FSIS Officials’ Calendar of Meetings – This public calendar is issued by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and lists meetings held by the Under Secretary and Deputy Under Secretary, Office of Food Safety (OFS), and the Administrator and Deputy Administrator for FSIS with persons outside the Federal Government.

• FSIS Directives
  
• FSIS Notices

Retail Exemption– The following links contain information associated with retail exempt operations.'

• Custom and Retail Exemptions from Federal inspection (PDF)
  
• Retail Exemptions Adjusted Dollar Limitations
  
• 9 CFR 303.1 – Exemption
  
• Custom Exempt Review Process

FSIS REGULATIONS

FSIS Compliance Guide – Use the Compliance Guides Index as a resource in maintaining compliance with FSIS policies.

AskFSIS – Submit a question for an official policy answer.

FSIS LABELING

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for ensuring that meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled.

FSIS Nutrition Labeling Information

FSIS Compliance Assitance - Labeling Guidance

Label Application Guidance (PDF)

Food Standards & Labeling Policy Book (2005)

Generic Labeling - Provides information on labeling materials that quality for generic label approvals

Labeling Approval — 9 CFR 317.4

Generically Approved Labeling - 9 CFR 317.5

Labels: Definition: Required Features - 9 CRF 317.2

CONTACTING CONGRESS

You can help AAMP and your own business by contacting members of Congress about legislation or regulations affecting the meat industry. In order to get in touch with your members of Congress, go to the website listed below and enter your zip code. Your two U.S. Senators and U.S. Representative will be posted, with easy ways to contact them, including e-mail, phone, and regular mail. You may also call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your Senators’ and/or Representatives’ office.

Congress.gov

Find Your U.S. Representative

U.S. House Agriculture Committee

U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee

CONTACTING STATE LEGISLATURE

To address an issue that are unique to your state, you can help your own business by contacting members of your state legislature. Keep them informed of legislation or regulations affecting you, your business, and the meat industry.

Find Your State Legislature