Finding Directives

Updated 4.23.2026

As a small plant operator, you probably already know that FSIS issues directives to provide official communications and instruction to Agency personnel in carrying out their functions. These directives are usually issued for an indefinite duration and are identified by a series number and title. It’s important for you to familiarize yourself with them and what they cover under their various series. However, in order to do this, you must first be able to locate them on FSIS’ website.

This page lists the series numbers FSIS uses for directives, and explains the subject matter covered by each of the directive series numbers. Click on the series number title, and you’ll be taken to a page with a listing of all available directives in that series. The directives’ series numbers are listed on the left, and the directives’ titles are listed to the right of the numbers; click on the directive number to read or print the directive. You can also use a keywords search in the left column.

FSIS Directives keyword search

In order to find directives, you must at least know what you’re looking for; the directives are categorized in eight separate series. When you’re searching for a particular directive, start by looking under the series number that matches the broad subject matter category the directive covers:

  • 5,000 Series: Program Services.

FSIS federal grants of inspection; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP); Inspection procedures; In-depth verification (IDV) reviews; Federal-State issues; Cooperative programs; Custom exemptions

  • 6,000 Series: Slaughter Inspection

Finished product standards; Zero-tolerance for fecal material; Antimicrobials; Carcass spraying; Humane handling

  • 7,000 Series: Processed Products

Processing performance standards; Labeling

  • 8,000 Series: Compliance Evaluation and Enforcement

Recalls; Detentions; Seizures; Condemnations

  • 9,000 Series: Exports and Imports
  • 10,000 Series: Laboratory Services

Escherichia coli; Salmonella; Sample seals; Residues; Sampling programs

  • 12,000 Series: Voluntary Inspection
  • 13,000 Series: Public Health Information System (PHIS)
  • 14,000 Series: Fish of the Order Siluriformes

 

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