Last week, FSIS released a final rule establishing an inspection program for fish and fish products under the order Siluriformes, including catfish. The final rule, which applies to both domestically-raised and imported Siluriformes fish and fish products was developed in order to implement provisions required by the 2008 and 2014 Farm Bills. The rule will become effective in March 2016, 90 days after it published in the Federal Register.
“FSIS is committed to a smooth and gradual introduction to the new inspection program, “said Al Almanza, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety. “The agency will conduct extensive outreach to domestic industry and international partners so that they fully understand FSIS’ requirements prior to full implementation.”