How To Use the USDA FSIS Website
This page overviews resources available on the USDA-FSIS Small & Very Small Plants Web Page. In addition to those explained here, other resources exist, such as
- Resources to assist with compliance
- askFSIS
- Export/import information
- Indexes for FSIS Directives, Notices and Guidelines.
- This is an incredibly helpful tool for small processors to look for usable information in their plant. Whereas regulations, directives and notices can be written in more academic language, guidelines tend to tell you the ‘how’ behind the ‘why’.
How To Get Around
USDA FSIS has compiled a tremendous archive of informational resources on their website, www.fsis.usda.gov. On the right-hand side of the page, you’ll see the ‘Full Menu’ button, which contains links to all aspects of the FSIS website.
Resources for Small and Very Small Processing Plants
This section of the FSIS website is full of explanatory guidelines, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Regulatory Guidelines. These generally decode regulations, directives and notices into clear and usable information with examples.
- HACCP models
- Pathogen modeling program
- Archived information and guidance
You can find all of that at the Small & Very Small Plants website.
Resources for Small and Very Small Processing Plants
Regulatory Education Video Seminars
FSIS hosts a library of past webinars and seminars that cover a wide variety of topics relevant to small meat processors. You’ll find recordings on subjects such as:
- FSIS Policies
- Technical Procedures (sample collecting, auditing, etc)
- Verification and Validation procedures
- Food Safety
This archive can be found on the Regulatory Web Seminars page.
Videos
The FSIS Web site provides information as streaming videos. Information is available as news releases that provide food safety tips, such as “Online Advice for a Safe Turkey Dinner,” “USDA Advice for a Safe Cookout Season,” and videos showcasing past events. These types of videos can be found on the Video News Releases page.
The Web site also provides streaming videos on topics such as food defense, food safety, and orientation programs for plants coming under FSIS inspection for the first time. Videos of this type can be accessed through the FSIS Web site on the Food Safety Videos page.
