FSIS Keeps Tabs on Blade-Tenderized Beef Labels Forever
Published Date: 9/8/2026
Notice
Summary
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, FSIS is announcing its intention to request renewal of the approved information collection regarding the labeling requirements for mechanically tenderized beef products. There are no changes to the information collection. The current approval will expire on June 30, 2027.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Labels Must Say 'Mechanically Tenderized'
If beef is needle- or blade-tenderized or injected with a marinade or solution and is raw or only partially cooked, the label must include the words "mechanically tenderized" in the product name and accurately describe the beef component. These products must also include validated cooking instructions; the rule does not apply when the product is fully cooked at an official establishment.
Paperwork Time Burden for Establishments
FSIS estimates the information collection on labeling and recordkeeping for mechanically tenderized beef involves 555 respondents, an average of 61 responses per respondent, 33,804 total annual responses, and 21,833 total annual burden hours. These hours represent the time establishments and retail facilities spend on the labeling and recordkeeping activities included in the collection estimate.
No Prior Label Approval If Generically Compliant
Establishments and retail facilities do not need to submit labels for prior FSIS approval if the labels meet the criteria for generic approval in 9 CFR 412.2. Labels used under that generic approval still must meet all labeling requirements, including validated cooking instructions.
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Key Dates
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