The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced that, effective August 25, 2021, federally regulated establishments are required to follow the latest CDC guidance. Establishment employees and contractors are required to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, when IPP are present, if located in an area of “substantial” or “high” community COVID-19 transmission. Managers and employees are to use the CDC COVID Data Tracker website, which is updated daily, to determine whether they are located in one of these areas.
FSIS will maintain ongoing communication with establishment personnel if the establishment does not follow CDC guidance and ensure that employees and contractors consistently wear masks to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission when FSIS personnel are present. As of August 25, 2021, FSIS will not provide inspection service to the establishment unless it meets this requirement to protect IPP at their establishments.