USDA Seeks Input on Destroying Dodgy Imported Meats and Eggs
Published Date: 3/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service wants to keep collecting info about companies that choose to destroy imported meat, poultry, and egg products instead of selling them. No changes are coming, but the current approval expires July 31, 2026, so they’re asking for comments by May 22, 2026. This keeps things clear and safe for everyone involved, with no new costs or rules.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
You must complete FSIS Form 9840-4
If you are an importer, broker, or agent who chooses to voluntarily destroy imported meat, poultry, or egg products under FSIS supervision, you must complete FSIS Form 9840-4. FSIS Inspection Program Personnel (IPP) will witness the destruction, the form is kept in the FSIS case file, and information is entered into the Public Health Information System (PHIS).
Estimated paperwork burden for importers
FSIS estimates the information collection applies to 151 respondents, with an estimated annual number of 1,416 responses per respondent and a total annual burden of 17,818 hours. These estimates describe the agency's quantified paperwork burden for importers/brokers/agents related to voluntary destruction supervised by FSIS.
No changes; continuation of current rules
FSIS is seeking renewal of the approved information collection with no changes to the existing collection. The agency states there are no new costs or new rules associated with this renewal and the current approval expires on July 31, 2026.
Allowed dispositions for refused-entry product
The regulations list disposition options for U.S. refused-entry imported meat, poultry, and egg products: (1) exportation/return to the origin or third country if permitted, (2) destruction for human food purposes, (3) denaturing so it cannot be used for human food, (4) conversion to animal food if FDA permission is granted and communicated to FSIS, and (5) rectification if the refusal reason is corrected.
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