USDA Seeks Comments on Food-Safety Lab Accreditation Paperwork
Published Date: 10/20/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Agriculture is asking for public feedback on a paperwork update related to lab accreditations and exemptions in food safety. This affects labs and businesses involved in food inspections, aiming to make info collection clearer and less of a hassle. Comments are open until November 19, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Scale of Paperwork Burden for Businesses
FSIS estimates this information collection covers 26,120 business respondents and totals 113,458 burden hours under OMB Control Number 0583‑0082, with responses characterized as recordkeeping and occasional reporting. The public comment period for this collection is open through November 19, 2026.
Non‑Federal Labs Must Keep FSIS Records
If you operate an FSIS‑accredited non‑Federal analytical laboratory, FSIS requires you to maintain specific records and use FSIS forms 10,000‑7, 10,120‑1a, 10,120‑1b, 10,120‑1c, and 10,120‑1d to document accreditation and related activities. This is a recordkeeping/reporting requirement submitted under OMB Control Number 0583‑0082 and is performed on occasion.
Exempt Meat/Poultry Establishments: No Commingling Records
If you run a meat or poultry establishment that is exempt from Agency inspection, FSIS requires you to keep records that clearly show you are not commingling inspected and non‑inspected meat and poultry products. These records are used to demonstrate compliance with FSIS regulations.
Retail Violators Must Keep Sales/Purchase Records
If a retail operation is determined to have violated the requirements associated with retail exemptions, FSIS requires that operation to keep sales and purchase records to ensure future compliance. This recordkeeping is done on occasion to support enforcement and compliance oversight.
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Key Dates
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