FSIS schedules meetings for importers on inspection of Siluriformes fish
USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced it will conduct a series of educational meetings regarding the new final rule, “Mandatory Inspection of Fish of the Order Siluriformes and Products Derived from Such Fish,” which was published in the Federal Register last December. The purpose of the meetings is to explain and review the regulatory requirements contained in the final rule as they apply to importers. Regulations applying to the Siluriformes fish industry were adopted under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, as required under the 2008 and 2014 Farm Bills.
The final rule, which applies to both domestically-raised and imported Siluriformes fish—such as catfish—becomes effective March 1, 2016, with an 18-month transitional period. During the transitional period, FSIS will provide guidance and work with domestic establishments and importers to ensure that they understand FSIS’ requirements.