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FAQs
What is AskUSDA? ›
AskUSDA is a contact center that answers general inquiries from the public using trained agents and self-service options. To date, AskUSDA has partnered with 19 agencies to improve the customer experience offered to the public.
What is ask fsis? ›The guidance resource, askFSIS, is a Web-based computer application, designed to respond to technical and policy-related questions from FSIS inspectors, industry, consumers, other stakeholders, and the public.
How do I contact the US Department of Agriculture? ›For USDA-related questions, visit the USDA website or contact the Department's Information Hotline: (202) 720-2791. For questions regarding tools on our website, like NIFA Reporting System or REEport, contact: electronic@usda.gov .
Is FSIS part of FDA? ›FSIS is a large, independent agency that functions separately from the FDA and participates in business oversight.
What is the main purpose of the FSIS? ›FSIS protects public health by preventing illness from meat, poultry and egg products. We do this by ensuring these products are safe, wholesome and properly labeled. FSIS is part of a science-based national system to ensure food safety and food defense.
What is alternative 3 FSIS? ›Alternative 3: involves the use of sanitation measures alone to prevent Lm in the processing environment and on the RTE product. There are separate FCS sampling requirements for deli meat and hot dogs produced under this alternative.
Who controls the US Department of Agriculture? ›It is headed by the secretary of agriculture, who reports directly to the president of the United States and is a member of the president's Cabinet. The current secretary is Tom Vilsack, who has served since February 24, 2021.
Who funds the US Department of Agriculture? ›BACKGROUND: USDA programs are funded through the annual Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies (Ag-FDA) appropriations bill.
How do I register as a farmer in USA? ›Contact your local Farm Service Agency County Office to schedule an appointment. You can find your local county office online at http://offices.usda.gov. We will sit down with you one-on-one, review your documents and register your farm with FSA. Registering your farm allows you to apply for FSA programs.
What does the FSIS monitor? ›FSIS provides for the inspection of each animal or bird at slaughter and processed products during various stages of production. FSIS inspects all raw meat and poultry sold in interstate and foreign commerce, including imported products. It monitors meat and poultry products after they leave federally inspected plants.
What is the FSIS food defense Program? ›
FSIS promotes food defense by encouraging establishments to voluntarily adopt a functional food defense plan; implement food defense practices (including inside, outside, and personnel security measures); and conduct training and exercises to ensure preparedness.
What is FSIS shelf stable Food Safety? ›Some canned food, such as some canned ham and seafood, are not safe at room temperature. These will be labeled "Keep Refrigerated." In order to be shelf stable, perishable food must be treated by heat and/or dried to destroy foodborne microorganisms that can cause illness or spoil food.
What is the FSIS acceptability determination? ›The MOU between FSIS and FDA describes a procedure whereby interested parties can request from FSIS an "acceptability determination" of whether the new use of substance in the production of meat and poultry products is safe and suitable.