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Food Safety and 

Inspection Service

FY 2012 

Annual Performance Plan
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Messagefrom the

Administrator

I AM PROUD to present the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) FY 2012 

Annual Performance Plan (APP). FSIS is the public health regulatory agency 

responsible for the safety of the U.S. meat, poultry, and processed egg products 

supply. For over a century, the Agency and its employees have helped to ensure 

that America’s food is safe from contamination. The vital services of FSIS have 

and continue to touch the lives of almost every citizen, every day in America.

FSIS is accountable for protecting food for over 300 million American people and 

millions more around the world.

This APP provides the American public and FSIS employees with a clear list of 

Agency priorities and a detailed roadmap of the steps we intend to take this year 

to achieve our mission. The document outlines an operational plan that I intend 

to use to steer the Agency in the coming months, as we work to prevent 

foodborne illness and protect public health. It is designed to assist FSIS achieve 

results for the American people and consumers worldwide.

Importantly, this Plan also serves as a link between the recently released FSIS FY 

2011-16 Strategic Plan and FSIS senior manager’s individual performance 

standards. In this manner, the APP provides managers and stakeholders with a 

wide range of Agency actions and activities designed expressly to achieve key 

results. As a consequence, Agency will be much better placed to contribute to and 

achieve the many performance targets included in the FSIS five-year Strategic Plan.

This APP is divided into two main sections. The first section showcases the range 

of FSIS work as it applies to the eight FSIS Strategic Plan goals. FSIS Program Area

envisaged top three ‘results’ are presented by each of the Strategic Plan goals. Readers can see how Agency 

activities contribute to the many functions of food processing and distribution; the inspection of domestic 

product, imports and exports; conducting risk assessments; and educating the public among other activities. 

The second section of the APP presents ‘key’ results that each individual FSIS Program Area is working toward 

achieving in FY 2012 and corresponding actions that they expect to undertake. 

This FY 2012 APP reveals that the Agency is working across an extremely wide range of issues to continuously 

improve its ability to protect consumers from harm. We are one team, with only one purpose. And that is to 

protect public health. 

Alfred Almanza

Administrator

Alfred V. Almanza was appointed as the 

Administrator of the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection 

Service on May 6, 2010. In this position, he 

leads FSIS and its employees in their 

mission of protecting public health through 

food safety and food defense.
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Contents

Part I: Key Program Area Results to be Achieved by the End of FY 2012

Presented by FSIS FY 2011-16 Strategic Plan Goal

Goal 1 Ensure that Food Safety Inspection Aligns with Existing and Emerging Risks 6 

Goal 2 Maximize Domestic and International Compliance with Food Safety Policies 7 

Goal 3 Enhance Public Education and Outreach to Improve Food-Handling Practices 8 

Goal 4 Strengthen Collaboration Among Internal and External Stakeholders to Prevent 

Foodborne Illness 9 

Goal 5 Effectively Use Science to Understand Foodborne Illness and Emerging Trends 10 

Goal 6 Implement Effective Policies to Respond to Existing and Emerging Risks 11 

Goal 7 Empower Employees with the Training, Resources, and Tools to Enable Success 

 in Protecting Public Health 12 

Goal 8 Based on the Defined Agency Business Needs, Develop, Maintain, and Use 

Innovative Methodologies, Processes, and Tools, including PHIS, to Protect Public 

Health Efficiently and Effectively and to Support Defined Public Health Needs and 

Goals 13

Part II: Key Program Area Results to be Achieved and Actions Undertaken 

by the End of FY 2012 Presented by Individual Program Area

 Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) 15

 Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) 18

 Office of Data Integration and Food Protection (ODIFP) 21

 Office of Field Operations (OFO) 24

 Office of International Affairs (OIA) 26

 Office of Management (OM) 28

 Office of Outreach, Employment, Education and Training (OOEET) 31

 Office of Policy and Program Development (OPPD) 34

 Office of Program Evaluation, Enforcement and Review (OPEER) 37

 Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education (OPACE) 39

 Office of Public Health Science (OPHS) 42
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Part One

Key Program Area 

Results to be Achieved 

by the End of FY 2012

Presented by FSIS FY 2011-16 Strategic Plan Goal
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FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE

FY 2012 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE PLAN

STRATEGIC THEME

Prevent Foodborne Illness

Goal 1: Ensure that Food Safety 

Inspection Aligns with Existing and 

Emerging Risks

Intended ‘Key’ Results

Outcome 1.1 PHIS

Minimize existing and 

emerging food safety Pathogens

hazards through the

most effective means

 Management Systems

Outcome 1.2 Inspections

Resources are targeted

to existing and emerging risks

 Imports

 Data

 

 

Outcome 1.3

Surveillance, 

investigation, and

enforcement are 

effectively implemented 

across the Farm-to-Table

Continuum

• FSIS’ PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEM (PHIS) WILL BE FULLY-IMPLEMENTED FOR INPLANT DOMESTIC INSPECTION AND IMPORT RE-INSPECTION (i.e., all 174 domestic circuits 

and all 110 import facilities covered) BY THE END OF FY 12 (OPEER Result 1).

• FSIS WILL CONTRIBUTE TO ACHIEVING THE CORPORATE TARGET OF A MAXIMUM OF 

405,178 ILLNESSES ATTRIBUTED TO Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and E. coli 0157H:7 

THROUGH ITS SURVEILLANCE, INVESTIGATIVE, AND ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES WITH 

RESPECT TO MEAT, POULTRY AND PROCESSED EGG PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTED, 

TRANSPORTED, STORED, AND OTHERWISE HANDLED IN COMMERCE (OPEER Result 2).

• FSIS WILL IMPLEMENT NON-O157 STEC VERIFICATION SAMPLING AND TESTING AND 

DEVELOP CHANGES TO THE AGENCY’S E. coli O157:H7 SAMPLING AND TESTING PROGRAM 

TO IMPROVE THE PROGRAM’S EFFECTIVENESS (OPPD Result 2).

• FSIS WILL IMPLEMENT NEW POLICIES CONCERNING SALMONELLA THAT WILL TO HELP 

REDUCE THE ILLNESSES FROM THIS PATHOGEN ATTRIBUTABLE TO FSIS REGULATED 

PRODUCTS TO 385,740 IN FY 2012 (OPPD Result 1).

• FSIS WILL COMPLETE ACTION TO DEVELOP NEW SALMONELLA PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 

IN BEEF AND MARKET HOGS (OPHS Result 2).

• FSIS WILL IMPROVE INTERAGENCY COLLABORATION ON FOODBORNE ILLNESS ATTRIBUTION 

(ODIFP Result 2).

• FSIS WILL COMPLETE ACTIONS TO IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE RISK OF LISTERIOSIS 

AT RETAIL AND IN OTHER SETTINGS, SO THAT THE AGENCY WILL BE ABLE TO INSTITUTE 

POLICY AND OTHER CHANGES IN FY 2013 (OPHS Result 1).

• FSIS WILL FULLY IMPLEMENT ITS REVISED MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ACTIVE 

MONITORING OF INDIVIDUAL, CIRCUIT, AND DISTRICT PERFORMANCE BY THE END OF FY 

2012 (OFO Result 3).

• FSIS WILL PROPOSE AND DEVELOP A FINAL RULE TO MODERNIZE POULTRY SLAUGHTER 

REGULATIONS AND PROPOSE OR FINALIZE OTHER CHANGES TO ITS REGULATIONS OR 

POLICIES TO IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY OF REGULATIONS AND 

INSPECTION PROCEDURES (OPPD Result 3).

• FSIS WILL ALLOCATE RESOURCES TO ASSESS THE DESIGN OF FOOD SAFETY SYSTEMS USING 

NEW FSA METHODOLOGIES TARGETED TOWARD SALMONELLA CONTROL IN RAW GROUND 

POULTRY (OFO Result 1).

• FSIS WILL TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, TO WORK WITH THREE TO FOUR COUNTRIES THAT 

HAVE SHOWN WEAKNESSES IN GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT OF THEIR FOOD SAFETY SYSTEM 

TO STRENGTHEN THEIR PERFORMANCE, THEREBY REDUCING CONSUMER EXPOSURE TO 

FOOD SAFETY HAZARDS (OIA Result 1).

• FSIS WILL IMPROVE ITS ABILITY TO USE PHIS DATA (ODIFP Result 3).

• FSIS WILL COMPLETE REQUIREMENTS GATHERING FOR THE DATA WAREHOUSE 2.0. 

(OCIO Result 3)

• AS RECOMMENED BY THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 85% OF FSIS’ OPEER 

SURVEILLANCE ACTIVITIES WILL FOCUS ON ENSURING THAT THE HIGHEST RISK FACILITIES 

OPERATE IN A MANNER THAT MAINTAINS THE SAFETY OF THE PRODUCTS THAT THE 

FACILITIES RECEIVE, AND THAT PROTECTS THOSE PRODUCTS FROM INTENTIONAL 

CONTAMINATION (OPEER Result 3).

• FSIS WILL COMPLETE REQUIREMENTS GATHERING FOR THE DATA WAREHOUSE 2.0

(OCIO Result 3)

• FSIS FOLLOW-UP SURVEILLANCES WILL PRODUCE COMPLIANCE WITH ALL FOOD SAFETY 

REQUIREMENTS SUCH THAT 79% OF FOOD SAFETY VIOLATIONS DOCUMENTED DURING 

INITIAL SURVEILLANCES ARE CORRECTED BEFORE FOLLOW-UP (OPEER Result 4).
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Goal 2: Maximize Domestic and 

International Compliance with 

Food Safety Policies

Intended ‘Key’ Results

Outcome 2.1

Domestic and foreignproduced products 

meet food safety

performance standards

Outcome 2.2

Humane handling and

slaughter practices are a

Central focus of 

Establishment employees as 

evidenced by the awareness

of proper procedures and

the implementation of a 

systematic approach to 

humane handling

Outcome 2.3

Food protection and 

handling systems 

ensure protection 

against intentional 

contamination

• FSIS WILL IMPLEMENT NEW POLICIES CONCERNING SALMONELLA THAT WILL TO HELP 

REDUCE THE ILLNESSES FROM THIS PATHOGEN ATTRIBUTABLE TO FSIS REGULATED 

PRODUCTS TO 385,740 IN FY 2012 (OPPD Result 1).

• FSIS WILL IMPROVE ITS ABILITY TO USE PHIS DATA (ODIFP Result 3).

• FSIS WILL WORK TO ENSURE ESTABLISHMENTS INCREASINGLY UTILIZE A SYSTEMATIC 

APPROACH TO HUMANE HANDLING TO MEET STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS FOR HANDLING 

AND SLAUGHTER OF LIVESTOCK (OFO Result 2).

• FSIS WILL INCREASE AWARENESS AND VOLUNTARY ADOPTION OF FOOD DEFENSE 

PROGRAMS BY INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT, DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL

(ODIFP Result 1).

• FSIS WILL OUTREACH TO COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE TO EXPORT TO THE U.S. TO PROVIDE 

SUFFICIENT INFORMATION FOR THE COUNTRIES TO VOLUNTARILY IMPLEMENT A SYSTEM 

THAT PROTECTS PRODUCTS FROM INTENTIONAL CONTAMINATION (OIA Result 2).

• FSIS WILL DEPLOY PHIS IMPORT VERSION 1.0 IN FY 2012 (OCIO Result 2).
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Goal 3: Enhance Public Education 

and Outreach to Improve FoodHandling Practices

Intended ‘Key’ Results

Outcome 3.1

Consumers, including 

vulnerable and 

underserved 

populations, adopt 

food safety best practices

Outcome 3.2

Consumers have 

effective tools and 

information to keep “inhome” food safe

• FSIS WILL EDUCATE AND PROMOTE CONSUMER KNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE 

FOUR KEY FOOD SAFETY PRACTICES AND THERMOMETER USE (OPACE Result 1).

• FSIS WILL INCREASE BY 10% THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO VIEW INFORMATION, THEREBY 

MAKING MORE PEOPLE, INCLUDING VULNERBALE AND UNDER-SERVED POPULATIONS, 

AWARE OF SAFE FOOD HANDLING BEHAVIORS (OPACE Result 2).
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Goal 4: Strengthen Collaboration 

Among Internal and External 

Stakeholders to Prevent 

Foodborne Illness

Intended ‘Key’ Results

Outcome 4.1

FSIS maximizes 

relationships with 

public health and food 

safety partners to 

enhance the food 

safety system

• FSIS WILL IMPROVE INTERAGENCY COLLABORATION ON FOODBORNE ILLNESS ATTRIBUTION 

(ODIFP Result 2).

• FSIS WILL COMPLETE ACTIONS TO IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE RISK OF LISTERIOSIS 

AT RETAIL AND IN OTHER SETTINGS, SO THAT THE AGENCY WILL BE ABLE TO INSTITUTE 

POLICY AND OTHER CHANGES IN FY 2013 (OPHS Result 1).

• FSIS WILL PROVIDE SUPPORT TO STATES THAT ARE TRYING TO MEET THE “SAME AS” 

STANDARD SO THEY CAN SUCCESSFULLY ENTER THE VOLUNTARY COOPERATIVE INTERSTATE 

SHIPMENT PROGRAM. INITIALLY, FSIS WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO AT LEAST THREE 

STATES (OOEET Result 2).

• FSIS WILL INCREASE BY 25% THE NUMBER OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR IT TO DELIVER 

OUTREACH TO SMALL AND VERY SMALL ESTABLISHMENTS (OOEET Result 3).
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STRATEGIC THEME

Understand and Influence 

the Farm-to-Table 

Continuum

Goal 5: Effectively Use Science to 

Understand Foodborne Illness 

and Emerging Trends

Intended ‘Key’ Results

Outcome 5.1

FSIS continually 

improves its capacity 

for and use of cuttingedge science in policy 

development to better 

defend against public 

health risks

Outcome 5.2

FSIS increases the 

application of cuttingedge science across the 

Farm-to-Table supply 

chain to improve public

health

• FSIS WILL COMPLETE ACTIONS TO IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE RISK OF LISTERIOSIS 

AT RETAIL AND IN OTHER SETTINGS, SO THAT THE AGENCY WILL BE ABLE TO INSTITUTE 

POLICY AND OTHER CHANGES IN FY 2013 (OPHS Result 1).

• FSIS WILL IMPLEMENT NEW POLICIES CONCERNING SALMONELLA THAT WILL TO HELP 

REDUCE THE ILLNESSES FROM THIS PATHOGEN ATTRIBUTABLE TO FSIS REGULATED 

PRODUCTS TO 385,740 IN FY 2012 (OPPD Result 1).

• FSIS WILL COMPLETE ACTION TO DEVELOP NEW SALMONELLA PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 

IN BEEF AND MARKET HOGS (OPHS Result 2)

• FSIS WILL IMPLEMENT NON-O157 STEC VERIFICATION SAMPLING AND TESTING AND 

DEVELOP CHANGES TO THE AGENCY’S E. coli O157:H7 SAMPLING AND TESTING PROGRAM 

TO IMPROVE THE PROGRAM’S EFFECTIVENESS (OPPD Result 2).

• FSIS WILL ESTABLISH A MORE EFFECTIVE YET LESS COSTLY NATIONAL RESIDUE PROGRAM BY 

GENERATING DRUG AND CHEMICAL RESIDUE EXPOSURE DATA THAT WILL SUPPORT THE 

SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE

(OPHS Result 3). 
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Goal 6: Implement Effective 

Policies to Respond to Existing 

and Emerging Risks

Intended ‘Key’ Results

Outcome 6.1

Public health risks are 

mitigated through 

effective strategies 

based on the best 

available information

• FSIS WILL PROPOSE AND DEVELOP A FINAL RULE TO MODERNIZE POULTRY SLAUGHTER 

REGULATIONS AND PROPOSE OR FINALIZE OTHER CHANGES TO ITS REGULATIONS OR 

POLICIES TO IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY OF REGULATIONS AND 

INSPECTION PROCEDURES (OPPD Result 3). 

• FSIS WILL IMPLEMENT NEW POLICIES CONCERNING SALMONELLA THAT WILL TO HELP 

REDUCE THE ILLNESSES FROM THIS PATHOGEN ATTRIBUTABLE TO FSIS REGULATED 

PRODUCTS TO 385,740 IN FY 2012 (OPPD Result 1).

• FSIS WILL COMPLETE ACTIONS TO DEVELOP NEW SALMONELLA PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 

IN BEEF AND MARKET HOGS (OPHS Result 2).

• FSIS WILL IMPLEMENT NON-O157 STEC VERIFICATION SAMPLING AND TESTING AND 

DEVELOP CHANGES TO THE AGENCY’S E. coli O157:H7 SAMPLING AND TESTING PROGRAM 

TO IMPROVE THE PROGRAM’S EFFECTIVENESS (OPPD Result 2). 

• FSIS WILL COMPLETE ACTIONS TO IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE RISK OF LISTERIOSIS 

AT RETAIL AND IN OTHER CONTEXTS, SO THAT THE AGENCY WILL BE ABLE TO INSTITUTE 

POLICY AND OTHER CHANGES IN FY 2013 (OPHS Result 1).

• FSIS WILL IMPROVE ITS ABILITY TO USE PHIS DATA (ODIFP Result 3).
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STRATEGIC THEME

Empower People and 

Strengthen Infrastructure

Goal 7: Empower Employees with 

the Training, Resources, and 

Tools to Enable Success in 

Protecting Public Health

Intended ‘Key’ Results

Outcome 7.1

Each employee 

understands how he/she 

impacts public health

Outcome 7.2

All employees have the 

knowledge, tools, and 

resources to accomplish 

the FSIS mission

Outcome 7.3

FSIS has a diverse, 

engaged, highperforming, and 

satisfied workforce

• FSIS WILL BUILD A STRONGER LABOR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONSHIP BASED ON 

PARTNERSHIP PRINCIPLES TO ENHANCE OUR WORKFORCE’S CONNECTION TO THE MISSION 

AND CREATE AN AGENCY THAT FUNCTIONS AS ONE TEAM WITH ONE PURPOSE 

(OM Result 1). 

• FSIS WILL TAKE STEPS TO CONNECT FIELD EMPLOYEES WITH THE ‘ONE TEAM, ONE 

PURPOSE’ CAMPAIGN TYING THEIR WORK TO THE AGENCY’S MISSION TO PROTECT PUBLIC 

HEALTH (OPACE Result 3).

• FSIS WILL STRENGTHEN THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SCIENTIFIC, AND TECHNICAL SKILLS OF THE 

WORKFORCE (OOEET Result 1).

• FSIS WILL BUILD A CONTINGENCY BUDGET PLANNING PROCESS THAT MEETS STRATEGIC 

PLAN AND MISSION CRITICAL OBJECTIVES ACROSS VARIOUS BUDGET SCENARIOS WHILE 

MAXIMIZING USE OF CURRENT RESOURCES (OCFO Result 2).

• FSIS WILL BUILD AND CONTINUOUSLY FACILITATE A COOPERATIVE, RESPECTFUL AND 

COMMUNICATIVE WORKPLACE IN WHICH EMPLOYEES FEEL VALUED, ARE FULLY DEVELOPED 

AND UTILIZED, AND KNOWLEDGABLY CONTRIBUTE TO AGENCY SUCCESS (OM Result 2)

• FSIS WILL DEVELOP A FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT POLICY STRUCTURE TO INSTITUTIONALIZE 

FSIS GOVERNANCE BEST PRACTICES (OCFO Result 3).

• FSIS WILL DEVELOP COST AWARENESS AND COST CONTROLS TO MAXIMIZE ITS FY12 

BUDGET AND LEADERSHIP DECISION-MAKING (OCFO Result 1).

• FSIS WILL FULLY IMPLEMENT ITS REVISED MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ACTIVE 

MONITORING OF INDIVIDUAL, CIRCUIT, AND DISTRICT PERFORMANCE BY THE END OF FY 

2012 (OFO Result 3).

• FSIS WILL BUILD AND CONTINUOUSLY FACILITATE A COOPERATIVE, RESPECTFUL AND 

COMMUNICATIVE WORKPLACE IN WHICH EMPLOYEES FEEL VALUED, ARE FULLY DEVELOPED 

AND UTILIZED, AND KNOWLEDGABLY CONTRIBUTE TO AGENCY SUCCESS (OM Result 2)

• FSIS WILL ACCOMPLISH MISSION WORK BY EFFICIENTLY ALIGNING PROGRAM 

REQUIREMENTS WITH STAFFING AND FTE CEILING LEVELS (OM Result 4).

• FSIS WILL REDUCE ILLNESS AND INJURIES AS A RESULT OF IMPLEMENTING NEW GUIDANCE 

FOR KNIFE HANDLING AND HEAT STRESS MANAGEMENT (OM Result 3).
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Goal 8: Based on the Defined 

Agency Business Needs, Develop, 

Maintain, and Use Innovative 

Methodologies, Processes, and 

Tools, including PHIS, to Protect 

Public Health Efficiently and 

Effectively and to Support 

Defined Public Health Needs and 

Goals

Intended ‘Key’ Results

Outcome 8.1

Continuously evaluate 

and seek to understand 

and employ new or 

innovative missionsupporting processes, 

methodologies, and 

technologies

Outcome 8.2

Implement value-added 

business processes, 

methodologies, or 

technologies that 

contribute to serving the 

FSIS mission and are 

applied in the appropriate 

areas within FSIS

• FSIS WILL CREATE A PLAN OF ACTION AND MILESTONES FOR DEVELOPING A 

METHODOLOGY AND AGENCY PROCEDURES THAT ENSURE THAT, IN OCTOBER 2012, FSIS 

CAN BEGIN TO COLLECT DATA FOR A BASELINE THAT ALLOWS THE AGENCY TO ASSESS THE 

IMPACTS OF MAJOR INNOVATIONS ON ITS OPERATIONS AND PERFORMANCE

(OCIO Result 1). 

• FSIS WILL COMPLETE REQUIREMENTS GATHERING FOR THE DATA WAREHOUSE 2.0

(OCIO Result 3).

• FSIS WILL ESTABLISH A MORE EFFECTIVE YET LESS COSTLY NATIONAL RESIDUE PROGRAM BY 

GENERATING DRUG AND CHEMICAL RESIDUE EXPOSURE DATA THAT WILL SUPPORT THE 

SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE 

(OPHS Result 3). 

• FSIS WILL MAKE REDUCTION OF FOIA BACKLOG A PRIORITY AND REDUCE BACKLOG OF FY 

2009 CASES BY 90%; FY 2010 CASES BY 40%; FY 2011 CASES BY 40%; BACKLOG OF FY 2012 

CASES NOT TO EXCEED 30% OF OPEN 2012 FOIA REQUESTS. KEEP CORRESPONDENCE IN THE 

“GREEN” CATEGORY (OPACE Result 4).

• FSIS WILL COMPLETE REQUIREMENTS GATHERING FOR THE DATA WAREHOUSE 2.0

(OCIO Result 3)

• FSIS WILL PROVIDE UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION IN THE EXPORT LIBRARY RESULTING IN 

ACCURATE EXPORT CERTIFICATION OF U.S. MEAT, POULTRY, AND PROCESSED EGG 

PRODUCTS AND PREPARE FOR ALIGNMENT WITH A PHIS EXPORT PROGRAM (OIA Result 3).

• FSIS WILL DEPLOY PHIS IMPORT VERSION 1.0 IN FY 2012 (OCIO Result 2).

• FSIS WILL DEVELOP COST AWARENESS AND COST CONTROLS TO MAXIMIZE ITS FY12 

BUDGET AND LEADERSHIP DECISION-MAKING (OCFO Result 1).

• FSIS WILL DEVELOP A FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT POLICY STRUCTURE TO INSTITUTIONALIZE 

FSIS GOVERNANCE BEST PRACTICES (OCFO Result 3).
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Part Two

Key Program Area 

Results to be Achieved 

and Actions Undertaken 

by the End of FY 2012

Presented by Individual Program Area
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Office of the Chief Financial Officer

Work Contributes to Strategic 

Plan Goal(s), Outcome(s) & 

Measure(s):

Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting public 

health

Outcome 7.2

All employees have the knowledge, 

tools, and resources to accomplish 

the FSIS mission

Performance Measure

Cross-cutting

AND

Goal 8

Based on the defined agency 

business needs, develop, maintain, 

and use innovative methodologies, 

processes, and tools, including PHIS, 

to protect public health efficiently 

and effectively and to support 

defined public health needs and 

goals

Outcome 8.2

Implement value-added business 

processes, methodologies, or 

technologies that contribute to 

serving the FSIS mission and are 

applied in the appropriate areas 

within FSIS

Performance Measure 8.2.1

% of documented implemented 

processes, methodologies, or 

technologies, including those 

adopted in accordance with 

formally accepted requirements or 

criteria, that are evaluated to assess 

whether they meet the intended 

outcomes or otherwise contribute to 

the Agency’s efforts to perform its 

mission (FY 2016 Target 80%)

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2012

Result 1:

FSIS WILL DEVELOP COST AWARENESS AND COST CONTROLS TO 

MAXIMIZE ITS FY12 BUDGET AND LEADERSHIP DECISION-MAKING:

Through OCFO leadership, FSIS will develop cost awareness in its operational 

culture and cost controls in the budgetary process in order for Agency 

leadership to make better informed decisions on the full cost of new or on-going 

initiatives, as demonstrated in the following targets: OCFO will develop an 

Agency-wide cost savings program that recovers at least $500K more in FY12 

than FY11 reported savings through efficiency/cost-cutting measures, and

reduce by 25 percent the number of outstanding line items on Dept Unliquidated 

Obligations (ULOs) report. 

Actions: 

• Stand up a Capital Planning and Cost Analysis Branch, Budget Division, 

OCFO, that will: 

• Conduct a cost analysis of 90 percent of capital planning program office 

initiatives that exceed $250K (both IT and non-IT),

• Develop an Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE), which is an 

estimate of what the private sector would bid to perform the work 

identified in the Performance Work Statement, for 90 percent of contract 

proposals over $250K, 

• Provide cost analysis consulting services to program offices for contracts

under $250K on an as needed basis. 

• Fund a short-term contractor assessment that delivers a Cost Analysis 

capabilities execution plan,

• Align existing OCFO resources from contractor support to “in-source” for 

cost analysis functional expertise and skill set; provide cost estimation 

training to CPCA staff,

• Rescope the Financial Review Board charter to include more cost studies of 

cross-cutting expenses,

• Launch OCFO webpage that includes a campaign that seeks, analyzes, and 

rewards cost saving suggestions, 

• Seek incentives in the budget execution process that rewards programs for 

reducing total costs. 

Data Sources:

Data collected from the Administrative Service Division regarding 

percentage of IGCEs, Amount of contractual unliquidated obligations (high 

amounts indicate poor cost estimates). OCFO database that captures and 

reports cost savings.

Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting public 

health

Outcome 7.2

Result 2:

FSIS WILL BUILD A CONTINGENCY BUDGET PLANNING PROCESS THAT 

MEETS STRATEGIC PLAN AND MISSION CRITICAL OBJECTIVES ACROSS 

VARIOUS BUDGET SCENARIOS WHILE MAXIMIZING USE OF CURRENT 

RESOURCES: Due to an austere and uncertain budget environment, OCFO 

will lead efforts to leverage previous “what if” budget exercises and 
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All employees have the knowledge, 

tools, and resources to accomplish 

the FSIS mission

Performance Measure 7.2.1

% of competency gaps closed for 

targeted group (FY 2016 Target 20%

decreased)

scenarios and develop a methodology that allows for quick redirection of 

resource levels in order to ensure that funding is directed to the Agency’s 

highest priority activities. Similar to an emergency management plan for 

natural disasters or other extraordinary events, a contingency budget plan 

will be codified, rehearsed, and evaluated to ensure mission essential 

functions are met. This action will require working through the Agency’s 

governance process to ensure that systems and processes are in place to: 

• Identify, prioritize, and justify activities in the budget to allow decisionmakers to make informed resource allocation decisions and provide the 

capability to reduce the Agency budget, if necessary, by identifying 

activities by priority that could be reduced or eliminated at those levels, 

while still meeting mission and Strategic Plan objectives. 

• In addition to developing a budget contingency plan, the Agency will 

maximize allocated resources by reducing amount of Unliquidated 

Obligations (ULOs) by 20 percent in FY12, and through improved budget 

processes and procedures, reduce by 10 percent the unobligated funds at 

the end of FFY12 and future fiscal years. 

Actions: 

• Develop an SOP for budget contingency planning and run periodic “what if” 

drills under various scenarios.

• Utilize Strategic Plan Goal leaders and their work groups, as well as IT, HR, 

and other program areas, to implement these new transparent and 

accountable processes for development of budget options. 

• Develop IT and other budget templates and tools (dashboards) that create 

transparency for leadership decisions.

• Establish an improved process for leadership review of Interagency 

Agreements and contracts. Develop joint SOPs for this process with OM by 

Feb 2012. 

• Create a knowledge management capability by archiving and indexing 

previous budget and data call submissions.

• Develop a pilot program for commitment accounting in FMMI that will lead 

to possible sunsetting of “Tools” manual spreadsheets by end of FY13.

• Establish firm program staffing ceilings and processes for exceptions and 

new initiatives within an affordable budget. Reach agreement with the 

Administrator on revised targets by March, 2012.

• Develop an OCFO Strategic Plan for the fiscal year by February 2012 that 

includes goals to increase staff capabilities to enable achievement of these 

results.

• Review the role of the Financial Review Board (FRB) and develop new and 

enhanced responsibilities. 

Data Sources:

Approval of Agency and program budget documents by the Administrator 

and the Management Council at the required funding levels. 
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Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting public 

health

Outcome 7.2

All employees have the knowledge, 

tools, and resources to accomplish 

the FSIS mission

Performance Measure 7.2.1

% of competency gaps closed for 

targeted group (FY 2016 Target 20%

decreased)

AND

Goal 8

Based on the defined agency 

business needs, develop, maintain, 

and use innovative methodologies, 

processes, and tools, including PHIS, 

to protect public health efficiently 

and effectively and to support 

defined public health needs and 

goals

Outcome 8.2

Implement value-added business 

processes, methodologies, or 

technologies that contribute to 

serving the FSIS mission and are 

applied in the appropriate areas 

within FSIS

Performance Measure 8.2.1 

% of documented implemented 

processes, methodologies, or 

technologies, including those 

adopted in accordance with 

formally accepted requirements or 

criteria, that are evaluated to assess 

whether they meet the intended 

outcomes or otherwise contribute to 

the Agency’s efforts to perform its 

mission (FY 2016 Target 80%)

Result 3:

FSIS WILL DEVELOP A FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT POLICY STRUCTURE 

TO INSTITUTIONALIZE FSIS GOVERNANCE BEST PRACTICES: OCFO and 

OM will provide the leadership to integrate and coordinate financial, 

budgetary, procurement, and administrative policy for the Agency. OCFO 

will ensure compliance with applicable federal financial management 

regulations and promote consistency in the Agency’s day-to-day financial 

operations, successfully evidenced in the following targets: 

• A 10 percent annual decline in the overall number of internal control 

deficiencies reported in FY11.

• Compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), 

evidenced by no material weaknesses in financial statements or 

Auditor or OIG findings.

• The development in 2012 of 14 of the CFO’s priority financial 

management related policies.

Actions: 

• Develop a financial management policy plan and a Financial Management 

Policy Manual that contains the compendium of the requirements, 

principles, standards, systems, and procedures.

• Transform FOCIS staff into Financial Policy, Oversight, and Innovation Staff 

that reports directly to the CFO.

• Meet on a weekly basis with new staff to provide necessary support and 

resources (e.g., training) to develop new financial policy capabilities

• Establish timelines to develop and issue policies.

• Using the new OCFO web page, issue on a regular basis CFO Bulletins that 

highlight various “hot issues” relating to fraud, waste, and abuse or other 

customer service notices.

• Develop Agency-wide Standard Operating Procedures for budget 

formulation, cost analysis, and budget execution.

• Meet on a frequent basis with new staff to provide support and resources 

(e.g., training) for new capabilities.

• Conduct an inventory of current OCFO directives and determine whether 

any are outdated and need to be rewritten or eliminated.

Data Sources:

Feedback mechanism on OCFO webpage to validate effectiveness of OCFO 

SOPs, bulletins, directives, and memorandums. Fiscal-year end balances 

reported to USDA Department end-of-year audit of annual financial 

statements.
18

Office of the Chief Information Officer

Work Contributes to Strategic 

Plan Goal(s), Outcome(s) & 

Measure(s):

Goal 8

Based on the defined agency 

business needs, develop, maintain, 

and use innovative methodologies, 

processes, and tools, including PHIS, 

to protect public health efficiently 

and effectively and to support 

defined public health needs and 

goals

Outcome 8.1

Continuously evaluate and seek to 

understand and employ new or 

innovative mission-supporting 

processes, methodologies, and 

technologies

Performance Measure 8.1.1

% of innovative processes, 

methodologies, or technologies for 

which the Agency has established a 

baseline (FY 2016Target 25% above 

baseline)

Performance Measure 8.1.2

% of innovative processes, 

methodologies, or technologies that, 

once employed, are evaluated by the 

Agency (FY 2016 Target 80%)

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2012

Result 1:

FSIS WILL CREATE A PLAN OF ACTION AND MILESTONES FOR 

DEVELOPING A METHODOLOGY AND AGENCY PROCEDURES THAT 

ENSURE THAT, IN OCTOBER 2012, THE FSIS CAN BEGIN TO COLLECT 

DATA FOR A BASELINE THAT ALLOWS THE AGENCY TO ASSESS THE 

IMPACTS OF MAJOR INNOVATIONS ON ITS OPERATIONS AND 

PERFORMANCE. 

Actions: 

• Develop an end-to-end examination process for all phases of its activities 

across program areas that can be used in baseline development.

• Develop a procedure for estimating average time and resources, and outline 

process steps, for use in developing hypotheses for performance measure 

baselines.

• Identify data sources that can be routinely used in developing baselines.

• Identify data needed for routine baseline development and for which there 

is no current collection process/repository/tool.

• Develop a routine mechanism for identifying subject matter experts and for 

routinely developing a responsibility matrix for baseline development.

Data Sources:

To be developed.

Goal 2

Maximize domestic and 

international compliance with food 

safety policies

Outcome 2.3

Food protection and handling 

systems ensure protection against 

intentional contamination

Performance Measure 2.3.3

Outreach to eligible countries to 

encourage implementation of a 

system that protects product from 

intentional contamination 

(FY 2016Target 90%)

AND

Goal 8

Based on the defined agency 

business needs, develop, maintain, 

and use innovative methodologies, 

processes, and tools, including PHIS, 

Result 2:

FSIS WILL DEPLOY PHIS IMPORT VERSION 1.0 IN FY 2012.

Actions: 

• Pilot PHIS for imports with selected industry users

• Ensure new load balancing infrastructure supports double the current user 

base.

• Ensure successful 1-way connection to ACE-ITDS.

• Ensure USDA is briefed on impact to eAuthentication Help Desk for Import 

module support to industry.

• Deploy the Import module.

Data Sources:

User acceptance testing results and project management data.
19

to protect public health efficiently 

and effectively and to support 

defined public health needs and 

goals

Outcome 8.2

Implement value-added business 

processes, methodologies, or 

technologies that contribute to 

serving the FSIS mission and are 

applied in the appropriate areas 

within FSIS

Performance Measure 8.2.1

% of documented implemented 

processes, methodologies, or 

technologies, including those 

adopted in accordance with 

formally accepted requirements or 

criteria, that are evaluated to assess 

whether they meet the intended 

outcomes or otherwise contribute to 

the Agency’s efforts to perform its 

mission (FY 2016 Target 80%)

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.2

Resources are targeted to existing 

and emerging risks

Performance Measure 1.2.1

% of domestic establishments that 

meet the “for cause” Food Safety 

Assessments and monthly Hazard 

AnalysisVerification decision criteria 

more than once per year (FY 2012 

Target 1.70%)

Performance Measure 1.2.2

% of importing countries requiring 

more immediate inspection or 

reinspection attention more than 

twice within the previous year 

(FY 2012 Target less than 20%)

Outcome 1.3

Surveillance, investigation, and 

enforcement are effectively 

implemented across the Farm-toTable Continuum

Performance Measure 1.3.1

% of priority in-commerce facilities 

e.g., warehouses, distributors and 

transporters) covered by surveillance 

activities (FY 2016 Target 85%)

Performance Measure 1.3.2

% of follow-up surveillances resulting 

in compliance (FY 2012 Target 79%)

AND

Goal 8

Based on the defined agency 

Result 3:

FSIS WILL COMPLETE REQUIREMENTS GATHERING FOR THE DATA 

WAREHOUSE 2.0

Actions:

• Create an Integrated Project Team with representation across the 

Agency.

• Collect business, functional, and technical requirements.

• Through the Enterprise Governance process, provide Management 

Council with options for funding and implementation timelines.

Data Sources:

Project management and enterprise governance data.
20

business needs, develop, maintain, 

and use innovative methodologies, 

processes, and tools, including PHIS, 

to protect public health efficiently 

and effectively and to support 

defined public health needs and 

goals

Outcome 8.1

Continuously evaluate and seek to 

understand and employ new or 

innovative mission-supporting 

processes, methodologies, and 

technologies

Performance Measure 8.1.1

% of innovative processes, 

methodologies, or technologies for 

which the Agency has established a 

baseline (FY 2016 Target 25% above 

baseline)

Performance Measure 8.1.2

% of innovative processes,

methodologies, or technologies that, 

once employed, are evaluated by the 

Agency (FY 2016 Target 80%)

Outcome 8.2

Implement value-added business 

processes, methodologies, or 

technologies that contribute to 

serving the FSIS mission and are 

applied in the appropriate areas 

within FSIS

Performance Measure 8.2.1

% of documented implemented 

processes, methodologies, or 

technologies, including those 

adopted in accordance with 

formally accepted requirements or 

criteria, that are evaluated to assess 

whether they meet the intended 

outcomes or otherwise contribute to 

the Agency’s efforts to perform its 

mission (FY 2016 Target 80%)
21

Office of Data Integration and Food 

Protection

Work Contributes to Strategic 

Plan Goal(s), Outcome(s) & 

Measure(s):

Goal 2

Maximize domestic and 

international compliance with food 

safety policies

Outcome 2.3

Food protection and handling 

systems ensure protection against 

intentional contamination

Performance Measure 2.3.1

% of all official establishments with a 

functional Food Defense Plan 

(FY 2012 Target 76%)

Performance Measure 2.3.3

Outreach to eligible countries to 

encourage implementation of a 

system that protects product from 

intentional contamination 

(FY 2016Target 90%)

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2012

Result 1:

FSIS WILL INCREASE AWARENESS AND VOLUNTARY ADOPTION OF 

FOOD DEFENSE PROGRAMS BY INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT, 

DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL: Utilizing targeted outreach to small and 

very small plants, FSIS will meet its FY2012 target that 76% of 

establishments have a functional food defense plan. Conducting 

international food defense workshops in eligible countries will help meet 

the FSIS target of outreach to 40% of them for FY2012.

Actions: 

• Conduct international outreach and food defense workshops in 3countries 

eligible to export to the U.S., in collaboration with FDA and FAS.

• Prior to the next food defense plan survey, in collaboration with OOEET, 

send mailings encouraging adoption of food defense plans to all 

establishments that lack a functional plan. Call management of 40% of

establishments that lack a written food defense plan by the end of FY2012, 

and track responses to evaluate progress.

• Conduct additional outreach to small and very small establishments, in 

collaboration with OOEET, including 3 food defense workshops and 

presentations at a minimum of 6 industry meetings by the end of FY2012, 

to exchange food defense information and to encourage adoption of 

functional food defense plans.

• Manage implementation of the 2012 food defense plan survey.

• Conduct at least two vulnerability assessment (VA) updates, as required by 

HSPD 9, to help FSIS identify vulnerabilities and voluntary mitigation 

strategies for government and industry, which help to inform food defense 

guidance and outreach to industry.

Data Sources:

Results of annual food defense plan survey of OFO and OIA inspection 

program personnel. Completion of international workshops held in eligible 

countries. Completion of VA updates. 

Goal 4

Strengthen collaboration among 

internal and external stakeholders 

to prevent foodborne illness

Outcome 4.1

FSIS maximizes relationships with 

public health and food safety 

partners to enhance the food safety 

system

Performance Measure 4.1.2

% of identified opportunities realized 

to improve information sharing

(FY 2016 Target 75%)

Result 2:

FSIS WILL IMPROVE INTERAGENCY COLLABORATION ON FOODBORNE 

ILLNESS ATTRIBUTION: Progress in attributing foodborne illnesses to 

meat, poultry and processed egg products will be made through approved 

interagency analytics projects. Analysis work will be completed and draft 

reports/manuscripts will be started for projects to better align CDC food 

categories with regulatory agency’s products and standardize simple food 

attribution methodology.

Actions: 

• FSIS will participate in all Interagency Food Safety Analytics Collaboration 

(IFSAC) meetings and teleconferences. FSIS will contribute analytical time 
22

AND

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.1

Minimize existing and emerging 

food safety hazards through the 

most effective means

Performance Measure 1.1.1

Total number of Salmonella, Listeria 

monocytogenes, and E.coliO167:H7 

illnesses from products regulated by 

FSIS (FY 2012 Target 405,178 

illnesses)

and resources to analytics projects approved by the IFSAC steering 

committee. All 4 approved (as of December 2011) analytics projects are 

expected to better align CDC food categories with FSIS and FDA regulated 

products, a list will be developed of most likely contaminants/pathogens 

that FSIS and FDA can both utilize, and consensus will be reached on simple 

food attribution methodologies. 

• ODIFP and OPHS will collaborate through shared resources to advance the 

IFSAC work and maintain internal consistency on the use of foodborne 

illness attribution in FSIS activities.

Data Sources:

IFSAC steering committee approved data analytics projects as reported by 

the committee. The specific analytics projects will rely on data from 

multiple sources including CDC outbreak data, FSIS and FDA testing data, 

CDC serotype data, and any other sources as needed.

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.2

Resources are targeted to existing 

and emerging risks

Performance Measure 1.2.1

% of domestic establishments that 

meet the “for cause” Food Safety 

Assessments and monthly Hazard 

Analysis Verification decision criteria 

more than once per year (FY 2012 

Target 1.70%)

AND

Goal 2

Maximize domestic and 

international compliance with food 

safety policies

Outcome 2.1

Domestic and foreign produced 

products meet food safety 

performance standards

Performance Measure 2.1.1

% of broiler plants passing the carcass 

Salmonella verification testing 

(FY 2012 Target 90%) 

AND

Goal 6

Implement effective policies to 

respond to existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 6.1

Public health risks are mitigated 

Result 3:

FSIS WILL IMPROVE ITS ABILITY TO USE PHIS DATA: FSIS will take steps 

that will enable it to effectively use the data and other information 

developed and captured by PHIS to support Agency activities through an 

implemented set of reports and alerts, integration of serotype and antibiotic 

resistance data from ARS and CDC, and implementation of the import 

module. FSIS will deploy at least 50 PHIS reports and 5 PHIS alerts, which 

will support primarily OFO but other program areas as well. FSIS will sign 

MOUs and data sharing agreements with CDC and ARS that will allow for 

automated data sharing. FSIS will utilize key PHIS functionality on at least 

two high priority analytics projects to inform policy development or 

outbreak investigations. FSIS microbiological sampling programs for 

domestic establishments (excluding egg processing establishments) will be 

automated in PHIS. 

Actions: 

• FSIS will update the PHIS reporting functionality to streamline report 

development. FSIS will also review the currently deployed and pending 

reports to ensure they are aligned with present agency priorities and 

requirements. FSIS will update the reporting functionality and develop or 

revise at least 50 reports to better inform agency decision makers. 

• FSIS will also review the set of PHIS alerts, update them according to 

current FSIS priorities and requirements, develop at least 5 alerts, and 

deploy them to the production server by Sept 2012. 

• FSIS will finalize the MOUs that enable more automated data sharing 

between FSIS and CDC and FSIS and ARS and will begin regularly 

transferring data into the FSIS Data Warehouse. 

• FSIS will utilize the advanced analytics capabilities of PHIS on at least two 

high priority analysis projects. Those projects will be in the general areas 

of addressing an emerging public health need or measuring policy 

effectiveness. 

• FSIS will reprogram 90% of the PHIS sampling algorithms so that they can 

be fully automated within PHIS. 

Data Sources:

List of PHIS reports and alerts deployed on the production server. Self reporting 

of interagency MOU and data sharing agreements and established data 
23

through effective strategies based 

on the best available information

Performance Measure 6.1.2

% of regulated industry adhering to 

key public health related policies 

(establishments receiving zero public 

health related non-compliance in a 

year) (FY 2012 Target 75%) 

Performance Measure 6.1.3

Frequency of reviews examining 

the effectiveness of FSIS policies 

regarding significant public 

health risks (FY 2012 Target 

Quarterly)

exchanges. Presentations given to Data Coordination Committee or 

Management Council utilizing PHIS analytics functionality. The list of sampling 

algorithms currently operating. The number of programs written and deployed 

on the PHIS production server. The FSIS strategic data analysis plan.
24

Office of Field Operations

Work Contributes to Strategic 

Plan Goal(s), Outcome(s) & 

Measure(s):

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.2

Resources are targeted to existing 

and emerging risks

Performance Measure 1.2.1

% of domestic establishments that 

meet the “for cause” Food Safety 

Assessments and monthly Hazard 

Analysis Verification decision criteria 

more than once per year (FY 2012 

Target 1.70%)

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2012

Result 1:

FSIS WILL ALLOCATE RESOURCES TO ASSESS THE DESIGN OF FOOD 

SAFETY SYSTEMS USING NEW FSA METHODOLOGIES TARGETED 

TOWARD SALMONELLA CONTROL IN RAW GROUND POULTRY. Ensure 

adherence to regulatory requirements and the production of food that is 

eligible to bear the mark of inspection. This will result in a reduction of 

Salmonella prevalence in raw ground poultry. 

Actions: 

• Following the implementation date of a FR reassessment notice for 

establishments that produce raw ground poultry, conduct FSAs at 40 raw 

ground poultry producing plants during FY 2012. 

• Develop an implementation plan to prioritize and conduct FSAs at each of 

the targeted ground chicken and ground turkey producing establishments. 

• Collaborate with OPPD on a policy framework for questions to be 

incorporated into these structured FSAs. 

• To ensure consistent application of this FSA methodology, conduct pre-FSA 

correlations with the districts in which the targeted establishments are 

located. 

• By June 2012, begin to deliver FSAs, determine outcomes of the FSAs, and, 

where indicated, issue Part 500 enforcement actions. Assess adequacy of 

plant corrective actions to achieve regulatory compliance. Develop and 

implement verification plans. Populate enhanced profiles into PHIS for 

these establishments. 

• Assist ODIFP and OPPD by enabling their efforts to analyze results and 

incorporate lessons learned into improve policies and inspection strategies.

Data Sources:

PHIS for establishment profiles and indicators of current regulatory 

compliance. 

Goal 2

Maximize domestic and 

international compliance with food 

safety policies

Outcome 2.2

Humane handling and slaughter 

practices are a central focus of 

establishment employees as 

evidenced by an awareness of 

proper procedures and the 

implementation of a systematic 

approach to humane handling

Performance Measure 2.2.1

% of slaughter plants identified 

during DVMS humane handling 

verification visits as having an 

effective systematic approach to 

humane handling (all four elements of 

a systematic approach implemented) 

Result 2:

FSIS WILL ENSURE ESTABLISHMENTS INCREASINGLY UTILIZE A 

SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO HUMANE HANDLING TO MEET STATUTORY 

REQUIREMENTS FOR HANDLING AND SLAUGHTER OF LIVESTOCK. When 

livestock are handled in connection with slaughter in official establishments 

that have effectively designed and implemented humane handling programs, 

they consistently receive better treatment. Target a result of 32% of 

establishments visited in FY 2012 to have incorporated systematic 

approaches to humane handling of livestock. Record the reasons an 

establishment has not adopted a systematic approach to humane handling.

Actions: 

• Correlate with all 15 DVMS and select PHVs that have been trained in 

humane handling audit techniques to ensure common understanding of 

program features for effective systematic approaches to humane handling. 

• Enter into PHIS the results of DVMS systematic approach assessments. 

• Develop a new process to record information on why certain 

establishments have not implemented a systematic approach to humane 

handling. Populate the new database as part of the DVMS work methods 
25

(FY 2012 Target 32%) under Directive 6900.2. 

• Develop new management controls to ensure data accuracy and integrity. 

• Analyze data with ODIFP and collaborate with OPPD to develop guidance or 

other material to improve industry adoption of systematic approaches to 

humane handling. 

• Begin semi-annual reporting of results and incorporate results into 

addressing GAO-10-203 “Humane Methods of Slaughter Act – Actions are 

needed to strengthen enforcement.” 

Data Sources:

PHIS, and new database to capture systematic approach data.

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.1

Minimize existing and emerging 

food safety hazards through the 

most effective means

Performance Measure 1.1.1

Total number of Salmonella, Listeria 

monocytogenes, and E.coliO167:H7 

illnesses from products regulated by 

FSIS (FY 2012 Target 405,178 

illnesses)

AND

Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting 

public health

Outcome 7.2

All employees have the 

knowledge, tools, and resources 

to accomplish the FSIS mission

Performance Measure 7.2.2

% of all eligible FSIS employees with 

an Individual Development Plan (IDP) 

in place (FY 2012 Target 95%)

Result 3:

FSIS’ OFO WILL FULLY IMPLEMENT ITS REVISED MANAGEMENT 

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ACTIVE MONITORING OF INDIVIDUAL, CIRCUIT, 

AND DISTRICT PERFORMANCE BY THE END OF FY 2012. The current OFO 

AssuranceNet management control system was developed, in part, in 

response to multiple OIG audits. With the termination of PBIS, OFO is 

developing and implementing its revised management controls and is 

updating its accountability tools following full implementation of the PHIS 

domestic inspection module. The revised tools will ensure that frontline 

supervisors, District Office personnel, and headquarters personnel are 

equipped with the means to actively monitor organizational performance 

against the 94 newly established targets. With implementation of PHIS and 

the revised organizational performance targets, OFO will have more 

comprehensive and accurate data on organizational performance, including 

targets focusing on new mission critical activities such as the new Hazard 

Analysis Verification procedures and specific procedures for verifying 

sanitary dressing and zero tolerance verifications. 

Actions: 

• OFO will collaborate with the DAIG to redesign and implement a robust 

reporting tool to streamline the review and analysis of the OFO’s 

organizational performance data at the circuit, District, and Headquarters 

levels, based on the revised performance measures. The reporting tool will 

be deployed by April 2012. 

• OFO will direct the implementation of a revised FSIS Directive 1320.4, 

“Office of Field Operations (OFO) AssuranceNet Data Monitoring 

Responsibilities.” The Directive will be published, and Districts briefed on it, 

by April 2012. 

• OFO will direct implementation of revised IPPS and STAR accountability 

policies and procedures compatible with PHIS requirements. Revised IPPS 

and STAR directives and supervisory guidance will be published by April 

2012.

Data Sources:

AssuranceNet data as reflected in standardized reports from AssuranceNet 

and quarterly performance measure reports generated by the DAIG.
26

Office of International Affairs

Work Contributes to Strategic 

Plan Goal(s), Outcome(s) & 

Measure(s):

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.2

Resources are targeted to existing 

and emerging risks

Performance Measure 1.2.2

% of importing countries requiring 

more immediate inspection or 

reinspection attention more than 

twice within the previous year 

(FY 2012 Target Remains less than 

20%)

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2012

Result 1:

FSIS WILL TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, TO WORK WITH THREE-FOUR 

COUNTRIES THAT HAVE SHOWN WEAKNESSES IN GOVERNMENT 

OVERSIGHT OF THEIR FOOD SAFETY SYSTEM TO STRENGTHEN THEIR 

PERFORMANCE, THEREBY REDUCING CONSUMER EXPOSURE TO FOOD 

SAFETY HAZARDS. The coordination of the import staff, equivalence staff 

and audit staff in reviewing equivalence determinations, corrective actions 

for repeat port-of -entry violations, audit findings, information from the SRT, 

and publically available information will facilitate a more measured 

approach to other countries. This approach will demonstrate that analysis 

of information can result in identification of equivalence concerns before 

there is a crisis. Thus, careful analysis will be the driver of the OIA 

activities rather than reaction to surprise findings. FSIS will host seminars 

designed to enhance knowledge of the FSIS food safety system for countries 

exporting to the U.S. and countries that are seeking equivalence with the U.S. 

The subject of the seminars will be HACCP, SSOPs, other pathogen reduction 

efforts for Salmonella, Campylobacter, O157H:7, and non 0157:H7 STECs, 

and laboratory bench methods. The Agency will also work to ensure that the 

percentage of importing countries requiring more immediate inspection or 

reinspection attention will remain at less than 20%. 

Actions: 

• FSIS will monitor POE violations related to microbiological, physical, and 

chemical food safety concerns and government oversight concerns and 

request corrective actions when necessary. For repeat violators, FSIS will 

conduct a trend analysis to re-evaluate both the country’s ability to meet 

FSIS food safety requirements and whether FSIS’s equivalence criteria are 

adequate.

• OIA will collaborate with OPPD to develop and issue a Federal Register 

Notice that advises constituents that the Agency has shifted its approach to 

the audit process to gain a better understanding of a country’s food safety 

system through the SRT rather than perform yearly audits in every country. 

• OIA will perform 11 in-country audits of higher risk countries based on POE 

violations, SRT information, and information from previous audits, as well 

as volume and type of product received from the country, to determine 

whether additional actions are necessary to ensure continued equivalence. 

• OIA will conduct one follow up audit to determine eligibility for China to 

ship processed poultry to the U.S., provided corrective actions are 

acceptable. Perform 1 follow up audit to determine pathway forward for 

initial equivalence for China poultry slaughter, provided corrective actions 

are acceptable

• OIA will collaborate with IPD (OPPD) to develop an enforcement strategy or 

other approach to improve compliance by those countries that demonstrate 

weaknesses in government oversight. 

• OIA will coordinate and execute a HACCP/SSOP seminar for Spanish 

speaking foreign officials and laboratory seminars for foreign officials. 

• OIA will collaborate with the University of Puerto Rico, CFL, and OPHS to 

update training materials
27

Data Sources:

Data from AIIS/PHIS/Audits/SRT/Database of POE Violations. 

Goal 2

Maximize domestic and 

international compliance with food 

safety policies

Outcome 2.3

Food protection and handling 

systems ensure protection against 

intentional contamination

Performance Measure 2.3.3

Outreach to eligible countries to 

encourage implementation of a 

system that protects product from 

intentional contamination 

(FY 2016Target 90%)

Result 2:

FSIS WILL OUTREACH TO COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE TO EXPORT TO THE U.S. 

TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT INFORMATION FOR THE COUNTRIES TO 

VOLUNTARILY IMPLEMENT A SYSTEM THAT PROTECTS PRODUCTS 

FROM INTENTIONAL CONTAMINATION. Establish a baseline for countries 

with a food protection and handling system to ensure protection against 

intentional contamination.

Actions: 

• Strengthen FSIS’s technical assistance in the voluntary development of 

functional food defense plans by partner countries through outreach that 

encourages implementation of a system that protects product from 

intentional contamination.

• OIA will distribute FSIS implementation strategy and food defense 

information (e.g., letter, guidance, instructional materials) to countries 

eligible to export to the U.S. The information will describe the components 

of a food handling system designed to prevent intentional contamination 

and seeks information.

Data Sources:

TBE

Goal 8

Based on the defined agency 

business needs, develop, 

maintain, and use innovative 

methodologies, processes, and 

tools, including PHIS, to protect 

public health efficiently and 

effectively and to support defined 

public health needs and goals

Outcome 8.2

Implement value-added business 

processes, methodologies, or 

technologies that contribute to 

serving the FSIS mission and are 

applied in the appropriate areas 

within FSIS

Performance Measure 8.2.1 

% of documented implemented 

processes, methodologies, or 

technologies, including those 

adopted in accordance with 

formally accepted requirements 

or criteria, that are evaluated to 

assess whether they meet the 

intended outcomes or otherwise 

contribute to the Agency’s efforts 

to perform its mission (FY 2016 

Target 80%)

Result 3:

FSIS WILL PROVIDE UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION IN THE EXPORT 

LIBRARY RESULTING IN ACCURATE EXPORT CERTIFICATION OF U.S. 

MEAT, POULTRY, AND PROCESSED EGG PRODUCTS AND PREPARE FOR 

ALIGNMENT WITH A PHIS EXPORT PROGRAM. Develop a measure to 

determine the success of OIA’s efforts in improving the accurate 

implementation of verification activities described in the export library. 

Actions: 

• OIA, OFO, OOEET, and OPPD will collaborate to implement any needed 

corrective actions related to training and update to export-verification 

related directives and notices.

• OIA will put in place measures necessary to ensure that export library will 

facilitate successful implementation of PHIS for exports in FY 2013.

Data Sources:

• OPEER audits of exports and notifications from importing countries. 
28

Office of Management

Work Contributes to Strategic 

Plan Goal(s), Outcome(s) & 

Measure(s):

Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting public 

health

Outcome 7.1

Each employee understands how 

he/she impacts public health

Performance Measure 7.1.1

Average score on the Annual 

Employee Viewpoint Survey for 

questions related to workers’ 

understanding of their impact on 

public health(FY 2012 Target 90%)

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2012

Result 1:

FSIS WILL BUILD A STRONGER LABOR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONSHIP 

BASED ON PARTNERSHIP PRINCIPLES TO ENHANCE OUR WORKFORCE’S 

CONNECTION TO THE MISSION AND CREATE AN AGENCY THAT FUNCTIONS 

AS ONE TEAM WITH ONE PURPOSE. The establishment of a Labor 

Management Forum at the Agency level will integrate the union into the Agency 

decision making process, garner employee opinion and buy-in to management 

decision making, and ensure that management and the workforce better 

understand each others needs and concerns in a collaborative process. The 

promotion of one team, one purpose in the business process will act as a means 

of improving effectiveness and efficiency of government operations, as 

measured by an increased rate of PDIs beyond the initial rate of 0, and a 

corresponding decrease of formal negotiation issues by 3% in FY 12. LaborManagement Forum measure on Cultural Transformation scorecard will be 

green by 9/30/12. Pre-Decisional interaction will rise above the baseline of 0. 

The number of issues addressed in Formal negotiations will decrease by 3% 

from the baseline of 364.

Actions: 

• OM will facilitate establishment of the Labor Management Forum at the 

Agency-level, implementing recommendations provided by the 

Departmental LM Forum and working with the NJC and OFO to find 

common ground to forge a more successful Labor Management partnership. 

• Provide training for LMF members, and all subsequent or related training 

should be done jointly by the NJC and FSIS management.

• Implement Faces of Food Safety awareness campaign with OPACE.

• Utilize The Beacon to promote integration/raise awareness

• Partner with OFO, NJC, and Department LMF.

• Add NJC’s link to the FSIS intranet website to keep all FSIS employees and 

management informed of their interests and promote communication.

• Invite the NJC to nominate a representative to be part of the FSIS Cultural 

Transformation Workgroup.

• Quarterly communication between the OM AA and NJC President.

Data Sources:

Employee Viewpoint Survey and supplementary employee feedback through 

listening sessions, Cultural Transformation blog; CARE reviews.
29

Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting public 

health

Outcome 7.2

All employees have the knowledge, 

tools, and resources to accomplish 

the FSIS mission 

Performance Measure 7.2.2 

Percentage of all eligible FSIS 

employees with an IDP in place

(FY 2012 Target 95%) 

Outcome 7.3

FSIS has a diverse, engaged, highperforming, and satisfied workforce

Performance Measure 7.3.3

Ranking in the Partnership for Public 

Service’s Annual Report, Best Places 

to Work in the FederalGovernment 

(FY 2012 Target 86th of 224)

Result 2:

FSIS WILL BUILD AND CONTINUOUSLY FACILITATE A COOPERATIVE, 

RESPECTFUL AND COMMUNICATIVE WORKPLACE IN WHICH 

EMPLOYEES FEEL VALUED, ARE FULLY DEVELOPED AND UTILIZED, AND 

KNOWLEDGABLY CONTRIBUTE TO AGENCY SUCCESS. By promoting this 

atmosphere through strategy and tools, the Agency will see a decrease in 

conflict and formal/informal complaints/grievances, and more efficient and 

timely processing of remaining complaints as employees proactively work 

together to solve sensitive issues related to Civil Rights, EEO, Diversity and 

Cultural Transformation. By promoting a communicative workplace focused 

on cultural change and employee development, CARE reports will be issued 

within 90 days of site review and Agency responses to Final Agency Decision 

Actions will be received favorably by the Department 80% of the time; 85% 

of FSIS employees will receive EEO, Diversity and Civil Rights training, 

which will meet or exceed their expectations; managerial and supervisory 

staff will secure a 45% participation rate of all eligible employees in regular 

or core positions in the Agency Telework program; and the Agency Office of 

Office of Outreach, Employee Education, and Training will exceed 

Departmental goals by securing a 95% utilization rate of Individual 

Development Plans by eligible staff.

Actions:

• Conduct four Care reviews during the 2012 FY according to civil rights 

planning

• Create and implement EEO, Civil Rights and Diversity training plan to cover 

all management and support staff, in both filed and headquarters locations; 

to include planning for a 2012 Diversity Training Conference.

• Develop and implement an FSIS Special Emphasis Program management 

plan, to establish and assess Agency goals

• Collaborate with Affinity groups and employee organizations by holding at 

least one Affinity Group Roundtable.

• Draft and recommend to the Agency Internal Communication Board a 

formal communication policy.

• Consolidate all Agency EEO and Civil Rights policy statements into a single 

series of Agency Directives.

Data Sources:

Employee Viewpoint Survey and supplementary employee feedback through 

listening sessions, Cultural Transformation blog; CARE reviews.

Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting public 

health

Outcome 7.3

FSIS has a diverse, engaged, highperforming, and satisfied workforce

Performance Measure 7.3.1

% of workplace injury/illness cases 

(FY 2012 Target 6.20%)

Result 3:

FSIS WILL REDUCE ILLNESSES AND INJURIES AS A RESULT OF 

IMPLEMENTING NEW GUIDANCE FOR KNIFE HANDLING AND HEAT STRESS 

MANAGEMENT. By following this guidance, OM will contribute to the Agency 

goal of reducing the percentage of illness/injury cases by 1.7% per year.

Actions: 

• OM will partner with OFO and NJC to finalize the heat stress study and 

establish baselines and guidance based on the findings.

• OM will partner with OFO and NJC to conduct a knife handling study and 

establish guidance based on the findings.

• Engage industry as appropriate in both studies.
30

• Achieve 1.7% reduction in illness/injury cases by:

o Identifying safety training needs and creating a curriculum as 

appropriate; and,

o Developing comprehensive guidance and educational material for 

use in bi-annual Circuit Safety Committee meetings. OM will reach 

out to OFO to request attendance for at least once each year for 

every Circuit Safety Committee meeting in order to better assess 

field conditions and provide guidance at the field level. 

Data Sources:

Heat stress study; knife handling study; OSHA reports.

Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to

enable success in protecting public 

health

Outcome 7.3

FSIS has a diverse, engaged, highperforming, and satisfied workforce

Performance Measure 7.3.2 

Annual rate of staff vacancies 

(FY 2012 Target 6.67%)

Result 4:

FSIS WILL ACCOMPLISH MISSION WORK BY EFFICIENTLY ALIGNING 

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS WITH STAFFING AND FTE CEILING LEVELS. This 

effort will maximize the use of Agency resources, to acquire needed 

competencies in the appropriate positions to best reach agency goals within 

resource constraints. This result will be achieved by an overall decrease in 

hiring time to 90 days. 

Actions: 

• Conduct OM/OCFO monthly meetings and establish FTE, staffing, and 

position management methodology.

• Establish baseline vacancy rates relating to new position management 

methodology, to prepare Agency to reach and maintain a HQ vacancy rate of 

6% or less in 2014.

• Provide guidance to managers on effective staffing and position 

management strategies to accomplish mission within established FTE 

ceiling; and establish baseline benchmarks, in addition to vacancy rate, 

supervisory ratio, investment in training and development, and overall 

resource commitment ratio of operational support versus mission related 

activity. 

Data Sources:

NFC data, FTE data, organizational charts.
31

Office of Outreach, Employment Education 

and Training

Work Contributes to Strategic 

Plan Goal(s), Outcome(s) & 

Measure(s):

Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting public 

health

Outcome 7.2

All employees have the knowledge, 

tools, and resources to accomplish 

the FSIS mission

Performance Measure 7.2.1

% of competency gaps closed for 

targeted groups (FY 2016 Target 

20%)

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2012

Result 1:

FSIS WILL STRENGTHEN THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SCIENTIFIC, AND 

TECHNICAL SKILLS OF THE WORKFORCE: In FY 12, FSIS will complete the 

training of our domestic and import workforce on PHIS (with 100% of the target 

audience trained) and revise our technical training to include PHIS for 

employees entering positions affected by PHIS. Targeted gain-score for the end 

of FY 2012 is 25 percent.

Actions: 

• Complete the initial PHIS training by delivering two regular sessions and 

two make-up sessions. 

• Revise the current Food Safety Regulatory Essential (FSRE) course to 

include the domestic PHIS training. 

• Provide two sessions that include the two-week FSRE and two-week PHIS. 

• Launch and complete the training of Import Inspectors in Import PHIS by 

scheduling and providing two training sessions. 

• Schedule and provide other technical training to include: Enforcement 

Investigations and Analysis Officer (EIAO) two sessions, Basic Supervisory 

Training (BST) four sessions, Entry Training for the Public Health 

Veterinarian (PHV) three sessions.

• Procure services to reprogram the training load on the PHIS class 

computers to incorporate new/updated system changes. 

• Conduct a dry run to validate course content, pre and post tests, and test 

the new training load.

Data Sources:

Validation data; Learning Gain Scores (based on pre and post tests results); 

OOEET Quarterly and Annual Reports; AgLearn Completion Reports; Course 

Evaluations.
32

Goal 4

Strengthen collaboration among 

internal and external stakeholders 

to prevent foodborne illness

Outcome 4.1

FSIS maximizes relationships with 

public health and food safety 

partners to enhance the food safety 

system

Performance Measure 4.1.3

% of identified opportunities realized 

to improve information sharing

(FY 2016 Target 75%)

Result 2:

FSIS WILL PROVIDE SUPPORT TO STATES THAT ARE TRYING TO MEET THE 

“SAME AS” STANDARD SO THEY CAN SUCCESSFULLY ENTER THE 

VOLUNTARY COOPERATIVE INTERSTATE SHIPMENT PROGRAM. 

INITIALLY, FSIS WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO AT LEAST THREE STATES.

In 2011, FSIS published its final rule providing for a new voluntary cooperative 

interstate shipment program consistent with the 2008 Farm Bill. Several States 

have expressed interest in participating in the program. By the end of FY 2012, 

FSIS will help these States to understand what is necessary for them to 

participate in the cooperative interstate shipment program and work with any 

States that qualify.

Actions: 

• Provide support, continuously liaison with, and provide outreach to State 

inspection programs that seek to qualify to participate in the interstate 

shipment program. 

• Deliver “same as” training to State inspection personnel who need courses 

such as FSRE, and EIAO training. FSIS trainers will deliver this training 

directly to State inspection personnel and measure the effectiveness of the 

“same as” training through pre and post tests (with a 95% average 

successful pass rate). 

• Engage State officials through regular conference calls and hosting 

Webinars on the Agency’s directive and compliance guidelines for the 

voluntary cooperative interstate shipment program so that all State officials 

are clear about what the Agency’s expectations are for being “same as” the 

federal standard to participate successfully in the program.

Data Sources:

Validation data; Learning Gain Scores (based on pre and post tests results); 

OOEET Quarterly and Annual Reports; AgLearn Completion Reports; Course 

Evaluations.
33

Goal 4

Strengthen collaboration among 

internal and external stakeholders 

to prevent foodborne illness

Outcome 4.1

FSIS maximizes relationships with 

public health and food safety 

partners to enhance the food safety 

system

Performance Measure 4.1.3

% of identified opportunities realized 

to improve information sharing

(FY 2016 Target 75%)

Result 3:

FSIS WILL INCREASE BY 25% THE NUMBER OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR IT TO 

DELIVER OUTREACH TO SMALL AND VERY SMALL ESTABLISHMENTS: This 

result is defined by delving into what these stakeholders need to so that they can 

comply with FSIS requirements and regulations. Successful outreach is any new 

deliverable, such as a compliance guide or resource guide, or service such as a 

Webinar, generated from interaction with customers based on their needs, as 

well as with partnering organizations, such as industry or State and local 

government associations. OOEET will work to establish a baseline for ‘success’ 

(e.g., partnerships evaluated and successfully addressing the needs of its 

customers).

Actions: 

• Fully integrate the Small Plant Help Desk into BusinessUSA.Gov, the new 

portal that the White House is establishing for customers to reach the 

government through either a toll-free line or by email. With full integration 

into this new portal, the call volume and assistance delivered to customers 

is expected to increase. 

• Exhibit and participate in industry trade shows and meetings. Have FSIS 

representatives determine what the customer needs and follow up with a 

value added service. FSIS will exhibit at least 20 events.

• OOEET will proactively work with outside groups such as industry and 

State associations and collaboratively develop at least 6 new resource 

materials, such as guidebooks, DVDs, and CDs, as well as Webinars to 

deliver services and information that the Agency’s customers need most. 

Data Sources:

Small Plant Help Desk Monthly Data; Meat and Poultry Hotline Data; askFSIS

data; OPPD’s Policy Development Division data; OPPD’s Labeling and 

Program Delivery Division data.
34

Office of Policy and Program Development

Work Contributes to Strategic 

Plan Goal(s), Outcome(s) & 

Measure(s):

Goal 6

Implement effective policies to 

respond to existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 6.1

Public health risks are mitigated 

through effective strategies based 

on the best available information

Performance Measure 6.1.1

% of food safety appeals granted 

(categories of appeals in which FSIS 

actions were misapplied or poorly 

supported and overturned by a highlevel supervisor) (FY 2012 Target 

40.3%) 

Performance Measure 6.1.2

% of regulated industry adhering to 

key public healthrelated policies 

(establishments receiving zero public 

health related non-compliance in a 

year) (FY 2012 Target 75%) 

Performance Measure 6.1.3

Frequency of reviews examining the 

effectiveness of FSIS policies 

regarding significant public health 

risks (FY 2012 Target Quarterly)

AND

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.1

Minimize existing and emerging 

food safety hazards through the 

most effective means

Performance Measure 1.1.1

Total number of Salmonella, Listeria 

monocytogenes, and E.coliO167:H7 

illnesses from products regulated by 

FSIS (FY 2012 Target 405,178 

illnesses)

AND

Goal 2

Maximize domestic and 

international compliance with food 

safety policies

Outcome 2.1

Domestic and foreign produced 

products meet food safety 

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2012

Result 1:

FSIS WILL IMPLEMENT NEW POLICIES CONCERNING SALMONELLA THAT 

WILL TO HELP REDUCE THE ILLNESSES FROM THIS PATHOGEN 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO FSIS REGULATED PRODUCTS TO 385,740 IN FY 

2012.

Actions: 

• Assess application of CFR 417.4 (A) (3) to establishments producing

comminuted poultry.

• Clarify that on-going contamination that results in Salmonella outbreak 

strains is evidence of insanitary conditions at the establishment.

• Implement a structured process for “proof of concept” in measuring and 

predicting the effectiveness of public health verification policy on reducing 

public exposure to Salmonella 

• Review and assess current policies and verification activities on Salmonella

(e.g., in notices, directives, and askFSIS Q&As) 

• Determine whether policies are being effectively implemented. 

• Determine whether industry is following Agency guidance on Salmonella

• Using the outcome of the analyses, identify an action plan for policies 

reviewed, indicating when and how policies will be revised or implemented 

and the effectiveness of each policy measured

• Review policies monthly and report on their effectiveness on a quarterly 

basis.

Data Sources:

FSAs, checklist data, PulseNet (CDC), VetNet (ARS), PBIS, LIMS, M2K, PREP, 

PHIS, SIP, AssuranceNet, DCC matrix, related askFSIS Q&As, public comment 

and other feedback on current policies or guidance. 
35

performance standards

Performance Measure 2.1.1

% of broiler plants passing the carcass 

Salmonella verification testing 

(FY 2012 Target 90%) 

AND

Goal 5

Effectively use science to 

understand foodborne illness and 

emerging trends

Outcome 5.1

FSIS continually improves its 

capacity for and use of cutting-edge 

science in policy development to 

better defend against public health 

risks

Performance Measure 5.1.2

% of completed science agenda 

items that meet quality standards 

for information rigor, clarity, and 

defensibility of methods used 

(FY 2016 Target 95%)

Goal 6

Implement effective policies to 

respond to existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 6.1

Public health risks are mitigated 

through effective strategies based 

on the best available information

Performance Measure 6.1.2

% of regulated industry adhering to 

key public health related policies 

(establishments receiving zero public 

health related non-compliance in a 

year) (FY 2012 Target 75%) 

Performance Measure 6.1.3

Frequency of reviews examining the 

effectiveness of FSIS policies 

regarding significant public health 

risks (FY 2012 Target Quarterly)

AND

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.1

Minimize existing and emerging 

food safety hazards through the 

most effective means

Performance Measure 1.1.1

Total number of Salmonella, Listeria 

monocytogenes, and E.coliO167:H7 

illnesses from products regulated by 

Result 2:

FSIS WILL IMPLEMENT NON-O157 STEC VERIFICATION SAMPLING AND 

TESTING AND DEVELOP CHANGES TO THE AGENCY’S E. coli O157:H7 

SAMPLING AND TESTING PROGRAM TO IMPROVE THE PROGRAM’S 

EFFECTIVENESS. 

Actions: 

• Respond to public comments on non-O157 STEC policy and announce final 

implementation plans in the Federal Register

• Respond in the Federal Register to OIG recommendations that FSIS target its 

testing of trim more effectively; request comment on intended changes to 

the program; plan and implement more targeted testing

• Review current O157 policies (e.g., in notices, directives, askFSIS Q&As) and 

determine whether these policies were effectively implemented, and 

whether guidance is being followed 

• Identify an action plan for policies reviewed, indicating when and how the 

effectiveness of the policy will be measured

• Review policies monthly and report on the effectiveness of policies on a 

quarterly basis.

Data Sources:

PBIS, PHIS, LIMS, PREP, STEPS, PHIS, M2K and related askFSIS questions, 

checklist data, public comment and other feedback on current policies or 

guidance.
36

FSIS (FY 2012 Target 405,178 

illnesses)

AND

Goal 5

Effectively use science to 

understand foodborne illness and 

emerging trends

Outcome 5.1

FSIS continually improves its 

capacity for and use of cutting-edge 

science in policy development to 

better defend against public health 

risks

Performance Measure 5.1.2

% of completed science agenda 

items that meet quality standards 

for information rigor, clarity, and 

defensibility of methods used 

(FY 2016 Target 95%)

Goal 6

Implement effective policies to 

respond to existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 6.1

Public health risks are mitigated 

through effective strategies based 

on the best available information

Performance Measure 6.1.3

Frequency of reviews examining the 

effectiveness of FSIS policies 

regarding significant public health 

risks (FY 2012 Target Quarterly)

AND

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.2

Resources are targeted to existing 

and emerging risks

Performance Measure 1.2.1

% of establishments that meet the “for 

cause” Food Safety Assessments and 

monthly Hazard Analysis Verification 

decision criteria more than once per 

year (FY 2012 Target 1.70%) 

Performance Measure 1.2.2

% of importing countries requiring 

more immediate inspection or 

reinspection attention more than 

twice within the previous year 

(FY 2012 Target less than 20%)

Result 3:

FSIS WILL PROPOSE AND DEVELOP A FINAL RULE TO MODERNIZE 

POULTRY SLAUGHTER REGULATIONS AND PROPOSE OR FINALIZE 

OTHER CHANGES TO ITS REGULATIONS OR POLICIES TO IMPROVE THE 

EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY OF REGULATIONS AND INSPECTION 

PROCEDURES. 

Actions: 

• Publish proposal to modernize poultry slaughter regulations

• Develop and move final poultry slaughter rule to USDA clearance

• Propose new traceback and recall procedures for E. coli O157:H7

• Clarify regulatory validation requirements 

• Develop proposed new procedures or requirements for beef slaughter 

operations 

• Finalize test and hold procedures. 

Data Sources:

PBIS, PHIS, M2K, Recall data; related askFSIS questions, checklist data, 

public comment and other feedback on inspection procedures and 

regulations. 

.
37

Office of Program Evaluation, Enforcement 

and Review

Work Contributes to Strategic 

Plan Goal(s), Outcome(s) & 

Measure(s):

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.1

Minimize existing and emerging 

food safety hazards through the 

most effective means

Performance Measure 1.1.1

Total number of Salmonella, Listeria 

monocytogenes, and E.coliO167:H7 

illnesses from products regulated by 

FSIS (FY 2012 Target 405,178 

illnesses)

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2012

Result 1:

FSIS’ PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEM (PHIS) WILL BE FULLYIMPLEMENTED FOR IN-PLANT DOMESTIC INSPECTION AND IMPORT REINSPECTION (i.e., all 174 domestic circuits and all 110 import facilities 

covered) BY THE END OF FY 12. PHIS is a web based application that captures 

data from FSIS inspection verification activities and other Agency verification 

and enforcement programs and integrates the data to facilitate analysis. The 

data and information will be utilized in inspections, sampling, and policy and 

other food safety activities and to identify emerging problems at the earliest 

possible time, to protect public health. PHIS is the vehicle for achieving many of 

the goals and objectives identified in the FSIS Strategic Plan.

Actions: 

• Develop PHIS so that it provides an infrastructure to direct inspection and 

verification of food safety requirements, document the results of inspection 

activities, and analyze the data resulting from inspection activities to assign 

resources to emerging risks through implementation of the following key 

components of PHIS: Domestic In-plant Inspection and Import Inspection

Data Sources:

PHIS.

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.1

Minimize existing and emerging 

food safety hazards through the 

most effective means

Performance Measure 1.1.1

Total number of Salmonella, Listeria 

monocytogenes, and E.coliO167:H7 

illnesses from products regulated by 

FSIS (FY 2012 Target 405,178 

illnesses)

Result 2:

FSIS’ OPEER WILL CONTRIBUTE TO ACHIEVING THE CORPORATE 

TARGET OF A MAXIMUM OF 405,178 ILLNESSES ATTRIBUTED TO

Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and E. coli 0157H:7 THROUGH ITS 

SURVEILLANCE, INVESTIGATIVE, AND ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES WITH 

RESPECT TO MEAT, POULTRY AND PROCESSED EGG PRODUCTS 

DISTRIBUTED, TRANSPORTED, STORED, AND OTHERWISE HANDLED IN 

COMMERCE.

Actions: 

• Ensure 75% of investigative cases address food safety violations.

• Ensure 80% of enforcement actions (administrative, criminal, or civil) 

address food safety violations and deter future ones.

Data Sources:

In-Commerce System (ICS).
38

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.3

Surveillance, investigation, and 

enforcement are effectively 

implemented across the Farm-toTable Continuum

Performance Measure 1.3.1

% of priority in-commerce facilities 

e.g., warehouses, distributors and 

transporters) covered by surveillance 

activities (FY 2016 Target 85%)

Result 3:

AS RECOMMENED BY THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 85% OF 

FSIS’ OPEER SURVEILLANCE ACTIVITIES WILL FOCUS ON ENSURING 

THAT THE HIGHEST RISK FACILITIES OPERATE IN A MANNER THAT 

MAINTAINS THE SAFETY OF THE PRODUCTS THAT THE FACILITIES 

RECEIVE, AND THAT PROTECTS THOSE PRODUCTS FROM INTENTIONAL 

CONTAMINATION. Highest risk facilities are distributors, warehouses, and 

transporters; all have significant inherent food safety hazards, handle large 

volumes of meat, poultry and processed egg products, and have minimal 

oversight by other regulatory agencies.

Actions: 

• Ensure OPEER investigators allocate their time to the highest risk facilities. 

• Ensure field supervisors and managers monitor ICS data and reports on a 

regular basis; then provide guidance and resources as needed. 

Data Sources:

In-Commerce System (ICS).

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.3

Surveillance, investigation, and 

enforcement are effectively 

implemented across the Farm-toTable Continuum

Performance Measure 1.3.2

% of follow-up surveillances resulting 

in compliance (FY 2012 Target 79%)

Result 4:

FSIS’ OPEER FOLLOW-UP SURVEILLANCES WILL PRODUCE COMPLIANCE 

WITH ALL FOOD SAFETY REQUIREMENTS SUCH THAT 79% OF FOOD 

SAFETY VIOLATIONS DOCUMENTED DURING INITIAL SURVEILLANCES ARE 

CORRECTED BEFORE FOLLOW-UP.

Actions: 

• Ensure field supervisors and managers verify ICS data documents at least 

79% of food safety violations documented during initial surveillances are 

corrected on an annual basis.

Data Sources:

In-Commerce System (ICS).
39

Office of Public Affairs and Consumer 

Education

Work Contributes to Strategic 

Plan Goal(s), Outcome(s) & 

Measure(s):

Goal 3

Enhance public education and 

outreach to improve food handling 

practices

Outcome 3.1

Consumers, including vulnerable 

and underserved populations, adopt 

food safety best practices

Performance Measure 3.1.1

Average percentage of consumers 

who follow the four key food safety 

“best practices” (i.e., clean, separate, 

cook and chill) and thermometer use. 

(FY 2016 Target 79%)

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2012

Result 1:

FSIS WILL EDUCATE AND PROMOTE CONSUMER KNOWLEDGE AND 

ACCEPTANCE OF THE FOUR KEY FOOD SAFETY PRACTICES AND 

THERMOMETER USE. At least 90% of consumer education documents 

produced going forward will feature the 4 key messages. Though there will 

be no FDA/FSIS survey in FY 12, FSIS will use data it receives from the Ad 

Council during the fiscal year to assess whether it is meeting goal. In lieu of 

hard data, FSIS will be using output-based measures for the fiscal year. 

Actions: 

• Continue partnership with Ad Council to promote the 4 safe food 

handling behaviors to increase placement of food safety messages 

through print, radio and broadcast media. 

• Expand the use of and include new taglines on more than 90% of 

executive correspondence to complement Ad Council campaigns. 

• Work with FDA to launch and distribute series of brochures to inform 

at-risk populations on preventing foodborne illness.

• Strategically promote existing resources to appropriate vulnerable and 

underserved groups, similar to what OPACE has done for Spanish 

audiences.

• When appropriate, include safe food handling resources or highlight 

previous policy announcements in responses to consumers, press and 

recall releases and other communications with the public.

Data Sources:

Future Ad Council focus groups and FDA survey. Secondary tracking such as 

number of releases, documents distributed, and page views to 

foodsafety.gov. Track use of taglines in executive correspondence to 

consumers by using ECM. Explore additional or existing methods to

measure consumer knowledge or behavior change.

Goal 3

Enhance public education and 

outreach to improve food handling 

practices

Outcome 3.2

Consumers have effective tools and 

information to keep in-home food 

safe.

Performance Measure 3.2.1

Population that views FSIS’ most 

important “in-home” food safety 

message (i.e., clean, separate, cook 

and chill; thermometer use) 

Result 2:

FSIS WILL INCREASE BY 10% THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO VIEW 

INFORMATION, THEREBY MAKING MORE PEOPLE, INCLUDING 

VULNERBALE AND UNDER-SERVED POPULATIONS, AWARE OF SAFE 

FOOD HANDLING BEHAVIORS.

Actions: 

• Increase by 10% the Twitter followers from FY2011 to more than 

220,000.

• Increase by 10% the website visits to more than 24 million.

• Increase by more than 10% the YouTube views to 125,000.

• Increase visitors to the Food Safety Discovery Zone by 10% to 399,000.

• Promote education to Spanish-speaking populations (Preguntale a 
40

Karen, Spanish Twitter, Todo Bebe, Todo Cuenta, and website). 

• Increasingly utilize social media to convey critical food safety 

information directly to consumers, media, and other key stakeholders. 

Host at least 3 Twitter chats and seek other innovative communications 

methods and channels.

Data Sources:

Analyze number of Twitter followers, website visits, YouTube views, and 

media tracking data available through the Ad Council

Goal 7

Empower employees with the 

training, resources, and tools to 

enable success in protecting public 

health

Outcome 7.1

Each employee understands how 

he/she impacts public health

Performance Measure 7.1.1

Average score on the Annual 

Employee Viewpoint Survey for 

questions related to workers’ 

understanding of their impact on 

public health(FY 2012 Target 90%)

Result 3:

FSIS WILL TAKE STEPS TO CONNECT FIELD EMPLOYEES WITH THE 

‘ONE TEAM, ONE PURPOSE’ CAMPAIGN TYING THEIR WORK TO THE 

AGENCY’S MISSION TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH. Currently, there is no 

method to measure whether FSIS messages are resonating with field 

employees. OPACE will establish a baseline to determine the most efficient 

and effective ways to reach field employees.

Actions: 

• OPACE will explore and create a feedback loop for employees. This 

effort will include a baseline about that measures how information from 

headquarters is being received by field employees.

• OPACE will seek to convey pride in FSIS’ mission to protect public 

health and in public service by publishing 12 Faces of Food Safety. 

Promote each “face” in regional media and professional organizations.

• OPACE will utilize existing communication channels to reinforce 

Cultural Transformation and “One Team, One Purpose” messages, 

including 4 town hall meetings; 4 plant visits by headquarter officials, 

and 12 News & Notes articles. OPACE will seek to identify (using the 

baseline referenced above) the most cost-effective ways to reach field 

employees. 

• Provide information and content to existing FSIS communication 

channels outside of OPACE, including newsletters in each district office 

and program area and The Beacon.

• Strengthen support for the new FSIS Ambassador program. Report on 

events, visits, and reinforce accountability for the Ambassador program 

among all agency program areas. Promote the Ambassador program to 

the entire Agency workforce. There is no baseline for the program since 

it was just formed; however, OPACE will track requests and other 

feedback from the program in order to make it more successful in future 

years.

• Utilize Administrator’s blog to connect directly with employees, publish 

10 blogs and analyze comments received to determine if/when 

responses are needed.

Data Sources:

Creation of a feedback loop to determine what works and what doesn’t work 

when communicating with field employees. 
41

Goal 8

Based on the defined agency 

business needs, develop, maintain, 

and use innovative methodologies, 

processes, and tools, including PHIS, 

to protect public health efficiently 

and effectively and to support 

defined public health needs and 

goals

Outcome 8.1

Continuously evaluate and seek to 

understand and employ new or 

innovative mission-supporting 

processes, methodologies, and 

technologies

Performance Measure 8.1.1

% of innovative processes, 

methodologies, or technologies for 

which the Agency has established a 

baseline (FY 2016Target 25% above 

baseline)

Result 4:

FSIS WILL MAKE REDUCTION OF FOIA BACKLOG A PRIORITY AND 

REDUCE BACKLOG OF FY 2009 CASES BY 90%; FY 2010 CASES BY 40%; 

FY 2011 CASES BY 40%; BACKLOG OF FY 2012 CASES NOT TO EXCEED

30% OF OPEN 2012 FOIA REQUESTS. KEEP CORRESPONDENCE IN THE 

“GREEN” CATEGORY.

Actions: 

• Utilize internal resources by cross-training staff to focus on reducing 

backlog FOIA cases. 

• Increase staff accountability with regard to final determinations, whereby, 

each week, specialists must close two FOIA requests and complete three 

interim releases. 

• Work with program office to identify HQ FOIA contact (AssuranceNet) to 

obtain records. 

• Implement new correspondence clearance review times in the Agency; 

share those new timelines with the FSIS management council.

• Meet OES requirements for correspondence timelines, including 5 

business days for Secretary-level responses and 10 business days for 

priority stakeholders and the general public.

• Reach out to OES if certain complex or sensitive correspondence will 

not be completed by their timeline so that appropriate documentation 

can be entered into the tracking system, with no penalty to FSIS

performance.

Data Sources:

Weekly FOIA statistics; quarterly OES correspondence performance tracking 

reports.
42

Office of Public Health Science 

Work Contributes to Strategic 

Plan Goal(s), Outcome(s) & 

Measure(s):

Goal 5

Effectively use science to 

understand foodborne illness and 

emerging trends

Outcome 5.1

FSIS continually improves its 

capacity for and use of cutting-edge 

science in policy development to 

better defend against public health 

risks

Performance Measure 5.1.1

% of annual science agenda 

completed and number of agenda 

items initiated (FY 2016 Target 95%)

Performance Measure 5.1.2

% of completed science agenda 

items that meet quality standards 

for information rigor, clarity, and 

defensibility of methods used 

(FY 2016 Target 95%)

AND

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.1

Minimize existing and emerging 

food safety hazards through the 

most effective means

Performance Measure 1.1.1

Total number of Salmonella, Listeria 

monocytogenes, and E.coliO167:H7 

illnesses from products regulated by 

FSIS (FY 2012 Target 405,178 

illnesses)

ALSO

Performance Measure 4.1.1

Research: % of time products from 

three research agencies (ARS,ERS and 

NIFA) used by FSIS and shared with 

stakeholders (FY Target above 25%)

Performance Measure 6..1.1 

% of food safety appeals granted 

(categories of appeals in which FSIS 

actions were misapplied or poorly 

supported and overturned by a 

higher-level supervisor (FY 2016 

Target 39%)

Key RESULTS to be Achieved and ACTIONS 

undertaken by End of FY 2012

Result 1:

FSIS WILL COMPLETE ACTIONS TO IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE 

RISK OF LISTERIOSIS AT RETAIL AND IN OTHER SETTINGS, SO THAT 

THE AGENCY WILL BE ABLE TO INSTITUTE POLICY AND OTHER 

CHANGES IN FY 2013. FSIS will use scientific information from several 

regulatory sampling activities, retail studies, and a retail practices risk 

assessment to reduce Listeria monocytogenes exposure from ready-to-eat 

foods. FSIS will assess the public health impact of these actions through 

illness reduction targets for Healthy People 2020 and the OMB quarterly and 

annual reports. As a result, in part, of these goals 5 actions, the total number 

of illnesses attributed to FSIS-regulated product will be reduced from the 

current level (436,401) to 405,178 by the end of 2012. Although a sizeable 

fraction of the total illnesses is caused by Salmonella, the case-fatality rate 

for listeriosis is roughly 20%. Hence, reduction in total number of listeriosis 

illnesses is critical. Assuming linearity in reduction and a 100% 

effectiveness of OPPD and OFO actions, the rate of listeriosis attributed to 

FSIS-regulated products will be 0.14/100,000 for 2011 and 2012, 0.12 for 

2016 and 0.11 for 2020, which is the final HP 2020 goal. It should be noted 

that the 2011 rates are affected by previous Goal-5 actions.

Actions: 

• FSIS/Cornell University/FMI Study on Lm in the Retail Grocery Store 

Environment study; 

• FSIS/VA Tech Mock Deli Lm Transmission Study; 

• Increase RLm and IVT sampling from n3 to n5 (125g) to align with 

international recommendations from the Codex Alimentiarius Commission, 

increasing detection and resource efficiencies; 

• Obtain OMB clearance and initiation of FSIS/CDC EHSNet Retail 

Observation Study; 

• LM risk assessments including the Interagency Retail Lm Risk Assessment 

and quantitatively product ranking; 

• The FSIS/FDA/ARS Retail Lm Market Basket Survey; and,

• With FDA and CFP, revise the 2006 CFP Voluntary Guidelines of Sanitation 

Practices Standard Operating Procedures and Good Retail Practices to 

Minimize Contamination and Growth of Listeria monocytogenes.

Data Sources:

Deliverables – RLm sampling program report, ALLRTE and RTE001 sampling 

summary reports, interagency retail Lm risk assessment, Market Basket Survey 

dataset, mock deli report, retail environmental contamination report, and 

revised 2006 CFP Voluntary Guidelines of Sanitation Practices Standard 

Operating Procedures and Good Retail Practices to Minimize Contamination and 

Growth of Listeria monocytogenes.
43

Goal 5

Effectively use science to 

understand foodborne illness and 

emerging trends

Outcome 5.1

FSIS continually improves its 

capacity for and use of cutting-edge 

science in policy development to 

better defend against public health 

risks

Performance Measure 5.1.1

% of annual science agenda 

completed and number of agenda 

items initiated (FY 2016 Target 95%)

Performance Measure 5.1.2

% of completed science agenda 

items that meet quality standards 

for information rigor, clarity, and 

defensibility of methods used 

(FY 2016 Target 95%)

AND

Goal 1

Ensure that food safety inspection 

aligns with existing and emerging 

risks

Outcome 1.1

Minimize existing and emerging 

food safety hazards through the 

most effective means

Performance Measure 1.1.1

Total number of Salmonella, Listeria 

monocytogenes, and E.coli O167:H7 

illnesses from products regulated by 

FSIS (FY 2012 Target 405,178 

illnesses)

ALSO

Performance Measure 6..1.1 

% of food safety appeals granted 

(categories of appeals in which FSIS 

actions were misapplied or poorly 

supported and overturned by a 

higher-level supervisor (FY 2016 

Target 39%)

Result 2:

FSIS WILL COMPLETE ACTIONS TO DEVELOP NEW SALMONELLA 

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS IN BEEF AND MARKET HOGS. FSIS will 

revise its Salmonella performance standards to more accurately reflect the 

levels that industry is achieving. 

Actions: 

• Finalize and implement performance standards for market hogs and ground 

beef and finalize Salmonella control voluntary guidance for beef trim by 

Sept 2012;

• OPHS will complete its microbiological baseline calculations for national 

prevalence for Salmonella and finalize the draft risk model for Salmonella

and ground beef; 

• Develop prevention effectiveness measures for recalls and outbreaks by 

product class and etiologic agent; and 

• Merge the ground beef MT43 E. coli O157:H7 program with the Salmonella

verification sampling program for ground beef to increase efficiency. 

• To continue to reduce overall Salmonella prevalence in FSIS products, data 

will be collected for chicken parts and liquid egg products in 2012 and used 

to develop prevalence estimates and design appropriate actions.

Data Sources:

Use of the data and information for policy development and risk 

assessments.
44

Goal 5

Effectively use science to 

understand foodborne illness and 

emerging trends

Outcome 5.2

FSIS increases the application of 

cutting edge science across the 

Farm-to-Table supply chain to 

improve public health

Performance Measure 5.2.1

% of identified public health and food 

safety gaps addressed across the 

Farm-to-Table Continuum (FY 2016 

Target 60%)

AND

Goal 8

Based on the defined agency 

business needs, develop, 

maintain, and use innovative 

methodologies, processes, and 

tools, including PHIS, to protect 

public health efficiently and 

effectively and to support defined 

public health needs and goals

Outcome 8.1

Continuously evaluate and seek 

to understand and employ new or 

innovative mission-supporting 

processes, methodologies, and 

technologies

Performance Measure 8.1.2

% of innovate processes, 

methodologies, or technologies 

that, once employed, are 

evaluated by the Agency (FY 2016 

Target 80%)

Result 3:

FSIS WILL ESTABLISH A MORE EFFECTIVE YET LESS COSTLY NATIONAL 

RESIDUE PROGRAM BY GENERATING DRUG AND CHEMICAL RESIDUE 

EXPOSURE DATA THAT WILL SUPPORT THE SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENT 

OF PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE. Chemical exposure assessment 

framework will be in place for NRP in CY2012. Replacing KISTM screen with 

multi-analytic screening method may result in preventing the violative 

tissues of approximately 800 more carcasses from entering commerce in 

FY12 than in 2009 (last year that complete data is available); this projection 

assumes full year of use, so will need to be annualized. Reduction in the 

overall number of samples but with greater number of samples per product 

class, and greater number of analyses are expected to result in estimated 

savings of $29,760 in 2012, and significantly greater savings in FY13 and 

beyond.

Actions: 

By Spring 2012:

• FSIS will be implementing a revised scheduling algorithm. The current 

algorithm is a “one size fits all” approach that does not take into 

consideration the variation in volume or number of establishments across 

production classes. The new algorithm addresses these variabilities to 

better allocate samples across establishments. 

• FSIS will implement a new multi-analytic method in the Midwestern 

laboratory as part of the screening process for inspector-generated 

samples. This new method will screen for a variety of chemical compounds 

including antibiotics and non-steroidal inflammatory drugs. 

• FSIS will issue a FRN outlining final policies on holding livestock carcasses 

that were targeted for chemical residue scheduled sampling. While FSIS 

does require carcass holding of inspector-generated testing, establishments 

are not yet required to hold carcasses for samples collected under the 

scheduled sampling program.

• The new sampling approach that can be paired with the new test and hold 

policy (when implemented), will prevent contaminated product from 

entering commerce. The result will be a more complete understanding of 

chemical use and exposure across eight production classes. 

Data Sources:

Residue results (positives and violations); RVIS; repeat residue violators

list; recall database.