Annual Plan

Fiscal Year 2023

Food Safety and Inspection Service
Message From the Administrator ....................................................................................................2

Acronyms............................................................................................................................................3

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................4

Performance Management and Governance .................................................................................5

Enterprise Risk Management...........................................................................................................5

Goal 1: Prevent Foodborne Illness and Protect Public Health....................................................6

Goal 1 Strategic Plan (SP) and AP Performance Measures, Targets, and Expected 

Accomplishments for FY 2023.....................................................................................................6

Goal 2: Transform Inspection Systems, Policies, and the Use of Scientific Approaches to 

Improve Public Health ......................................................................................................................8

Goal 2 SP and AP Performance Measures, Targets, and Expected Accomplishments for 

FY 2023.........................................................................................................................................8

Goal 3: Achieve Operational Excellence........................................................................................10

Goal 3 SP and AP Performance Measures, Targets, and Expected Accomplishments for 

FY 2023........................................................................................................................................10

FSIS Partnerships and Collaborations ...........................................................................................12

Goal 1 Partnerships and Collaborations ...................................................................................12

Goal 2 Partnerships and Collaborations ...................................................................................13

Reference Links.................................................................................................................................14

Contents
2

I am proud to share the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Annual Plan of the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service 

(FSIS). This is the first annual plan released under the FSIS 2023–2026 

Strategic Plan. It outlines how the Agency will begin to work towards 

our strategic goals over the next fiscal year. These plans are essential to 

effectively coordinating our operations and fulfilling our mission. FSIS is 

responsible for ensuring the safety of meat, poultry, and egg products. 

We take that responsibility seriously, and our employees work hard 

every day to ensure everyone’s food is safe.

The Agency has set ambitious goals for FY 2023, and we are eager 

to engage with our stakeholders to work toward these goals. A 

major ongoing priority is our focus on reducing Salmonella illnesses 

attributable to Salmonella in poultry products. We have proposed 

declaring Salmonella at certain levels an adulterant in not-ready-to-eat 

breaded and stuffed chicken products and we will evaluate comments 

and determine next steps in FY 2023. FSIS is conducting two quantitative 

risk assessments and completing one risk profile to evaluate current scientific literature and data to inform new Salmonella

policies. We intend to publish additional proposed rules and policies implementing this strategy in 2023, with the goal of 

finalizing any rules by mid-2024.

As we look to innovate over this fiscal year, we are not losing sight of the fact that approximately 5,500 of our regulated 

establishments are small or very small. Our outreach efforts to these groups include town halls and small plant roundtables, 

which are intended to provide direct access to FSIS leadership and to share the latest FSIS policy and USDA grant updates. We 

will continue to publish guidelines to assist small and very small establishments in meeting regulatory requirements. In addition, 

FSIS will continue to work with the Food and Drug Administration to develop detailed procedures to facilitate coordination 

of shared regulatory oversight related to meat and poultry products made with cultured animal cells, with the first grants of 

inspection for such cell-cultured products potentially being issued in FY 2023. Our efforts to transform our inspection systems 

and procedures to be more effective in meeting our public health mission will also continue through implementation and 

advancements in new poultry, swine, and beef inspection system procedures.

In FY 2023, we will continue to work with industry, consumer groups, and other public health and food safety partners to ensure 

food safety and support food systems. Public health data and science are at the forefront of every project we implement, 

every policy we develop, and every decision we make. This approach ensures that inspection activities continue to be based 

on the most recent and accurate data, science, and technology available to protect public health. Additionally, we continue to 

coordinate with our partners on outbreaks and recalls.

To achieve our FY 2023 goals, we will need to continue to attract and retain a skilled and diverse workforce. To help ensure that 

FSIS employees remain engaged and can advance their careers, FSIS will continue to offer training to advance the skills of our 

employees and promote recruitment and retention incentives for our field personnel, such as the employee referral awards and 

continuing education programs. The Agency will continue to ensure equal opportunity for all employees and job applicants. It is 

through a diverse, professional, and fulfilled workforce that we can advance our food safety agenda and make FSIS an employer 

of choice.

Sincerely,

Paul Kiecker

Administrator, Food Safety and Inspection Service

Message From

the Administrator
AAR After Action Reviews

ADR Alternative Dispute Resolution

ANPR Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

AP Annual Plan

CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CFP Conference for Food Protection

CR/EEO Civil Rights/Equal Employment Opportunity

eCert Electronic Certification

EG Enterprise Governance

EPIA Egg Products Inspection Act

ERM Enterprise Risk Management

FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration

FEVS Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey

FMIA Federal Meat Inspection Act

FoodNet Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network

FSIS Food Safety and Inspection Service

FY Fiscal Year

HACCP Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point

IAFP International Association for Food Protection

IFORC Interagency Foodborne Outbreak Response Collaboration

IFSAC Interagency Food Safety Analytics Collaboration

Lm Listeria monocytogenes

NACMCF National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods

NACMPI National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection

NARMS National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System for Enteric Bacteria

OTR Office of Tribal Relations

PHIS Public Health Information System

PPIA Poultry Products Inspection Act

USDA United States Department of Agriculture

Acronyms

3
Introduction

4

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is the public health regulatory agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture 

(USDA) responsible for ensuring that domestic and imported meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, and accurately 

labeled. FSIS ensures food safety through the authorities of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA),1 the Poultry Products 

Inspection Act (PPIA),2 and the Egg Products Inspection Act (EPIA),3 as well as humane animal handling through the Humane 

Methods of Slaughter Act.

FSIS employs approximately 9,000 employees who collectively conduct a broad range of food safety activities to achieve FSIS’ 

overall vision—that everyone’s food is safe. The Agency’s employees comprise a frontline workforce at federally regulated 

establishments, FSIS laboratories, and in-commerce facilities nationwide, as well as technical, administrative, and support staff.

The strategic goals, outcomes, and objectives set forth in this plan provide an integrated framework for understanding how FSIS is 

fulfilling the Agency’s mission and addressing emerging public health challenges.

FSIS Vision

Everyone’s food is safe.

FSIS Mission

Protect public health by preventing illness from meat, poultry, and egg products.

The FSIS Vision and Mission—underpinned by FSIS’ Core Values: Accountable, Collaborative, Empowered, and Solutions-Oriented—

were designed to move the Agency closer to accomplishing its goals and the associated outcomes and objectives presented in the 

table below.

1

Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA, P.L. 90-492).

2

Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA, P.L. 90-492).

3

Egg Products Inspection Act (EPIA, P.L. 91-597).
5

Performance Management and Governance

FSIS’ FY 2023 Annual Plan (AP) highlights activities the Agency intends to conduct in FY 2023. FSIS has aligned its annual 

executive and employee performance plans to the Agency’s Strategic Plan and the FY 2023 Annual Plan. By tying accountability to 

performance, the Agency has positioned itself to achieve its FY 2023 objectives and targets.

FSIS will implement this FY 2023 AP by using its performance management framework, which includes monitoring and reporting 

processes underpinned by the Agency’s Enterprise Governance (EG) process. FSIS fosters a performance-based environment 

with executives and senior staff who regularly lead, track, and monitor progress, ensuring the Agency meets intended targets 

and makes timely and necessary adjustments to key activities or approaches. FSIS uses its EG process to present public health, 

inspection, and other mission-related initiatives to executive leadership—particularly those topics that cut across programs and/

or have Agency-wide implications—for the purpose of collaborative decision making and successful implementation. All new 

investments, major projects, proposed policy initiatives, and major changes to existing policies complete the Agency’s EG process.

Within that process, three governance boards, and their associated work groups and committees provide key analyses, 

evaluations, and recommendations regarding program enhancements and priorities to support science-based and data-driven 

decision making. Through this process, the Agency continues to comply with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policy-making 

Act of 2018, leading to better-informed decisions regarding Agency performance that may impact the mission. Ensuring that 

strategic initiatives, metrics, and desired outcomes are coordinated, science-based, and data-driven will foster stronger and more 

results-driven performance.

Enterprise Risk Management

Consideration of the Agency’s risk is an important part of the strategic planning process. Understanding an entity’s risks drives 

development and refinement of goals, outcomes, and objectives. FSIS uses enterprise risk information to inform the development 

of annual and strategic plans, ensuring that the Agency focuses on activities that reduce risk and promote mission achievement. 

Risk data are also considered during performance monitoring, as new and emerging risks may require FSIS to modify strategic 

activities to mitigate risks in a timely manner. In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Circular A-123, 

Management’s Responsibility for Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and Internal Control, FSIS developed an ERM Risk Profile and 

aligned those risks to the Agency’s strategic objectives and supporting line-of-business objectives. The risks are tracked, and riskmitigative actions are implemented and monitored by both staff and senior leadership on a quarterly basis as part of the Agency’s 

performance monitoring process. This risk governance structure promotes strategic alignment and consistent oversight of risk 

management activities across the organization.
6

Strategic Plan 

Objective

SP/AP Performance 

Measure FY 2023 Target Expected Accomplishments

1.1.1 Strengthen 

Compliance With Food 

Safety Statutes and 

Regulations

(AP) 1-1 Number of annual 

engagements related to 

imports and exports that are 

completed

130 engagements

(Desired Trend: Up)

FSIS will conduct international outreach activities 

to help increase global confidence in FSIS’ 

inspection system and improve stakeholder 

knowledge of new policies and regulations 

impacting global food safety.

(AP) 1-2 Number of 

roundtables conducted 

for small and very small 

establishments

5 roundtables

(Desired Trend: Up)

FSIS will conduct five small plant roundtables, 

including a national roundtable, to hear concerns 

and address questions from industry, and provide 

information on FSIS initiatives and policies.

Goal 1: Prevent Foodborne Illness and 

Protect Public Health

To support FSIS’ first strategic goal, the Agency is focused on reducing Salmonella illnesses attributable to poultry. FSIS has 

developed a proposed framework for a new strategy to reduce foodborne illnesses attributed to these products. The framework 

under consideration is comprehensive; it proposes an approach to reducing the Salmonella load entering an establishment; 

enhancing establishment process control monitoring and FSIS verification; and implementing an enforceable final product 

standard. FSIS has solicited public comment on the proposal at a public meeting and in writing. The Agency will continue to 

engage with stakeholders as it refines the proposed strategy based on public comment; recommendations from the National 

Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods; and risk assessments, data collection, and analysis.

FSIS will continue to increase public awareness of recalls, foodborne illness, policies, and safe food-handling practices through a 

broad range of communication channels in English and Spanish to empower consumers, including under-served populations, to 

make safe decisions about handling, preparing, and storing their food. The Agency has also initiated another round of research to 

identify ways that the Safe Handling Instructions label can be redesigned to make it more effective in prompting consumer behavior. 

Together, these measures will help move FSIS towards its goal of preventing foodborne illness and protecting public health.

Outreach and collaboration with stakeholders are critical components to preventing foodborne illness and protecting public 

health. In FY 2023, FSIS intends to schedule small plant roundtables between Agency leaders and establishment owners to provide 

information regarding FSIS initiatives and policies, obtain feedback on issues or concerns, and provide relevant information about 

programs administered by other USDA agencies, including Rural Development and the Agricultural Marketing Service, which can 

benefit small and very small establishments. Additionally, FSIS will continue to hold town hall meetings with all establishments 

to provide relevant FSIS updates and answer questions from participants. The Agency will continue to extend its resources to 

underserved communities, including Tribes in Indian Country, and will work with USDA’s Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) to 

ensure Tribal requests are considered in a timely manner and that they receive requested information related to FSIS’ food safety 

mission. This outreach includes, but is not limited to, Agency participation in various listening sessions, Tribal consultations, and 

informational calls. FSIS will also continue participating in OTR’s monthly Native American Working Group meetings.

The Agency will ensure it continues to communicate with its domestic and foreign food safety partners to help increase global 

confidence in FSIS’ inspection system, improve international knowledge of new regulations, and advance food safety across 

the globe. To increase awareness and assist retail businesses in complying with the grinding record-keeping requirements, FSIS 

will partner with industry trade associations and State regulatory agencies to distribute newly developed outreach materials to 

retail stores.

Goal 1 Strategic Plan (SP) and AP Performance Measures, Targets, and Expected Accomplishments for 

FY 2023
7

Strategic Plan 

Objective

SP/AP Performance 

Measure FY 2023 Target Expected Accomplishments

1.1.2 Achieve 

Pathogen Reduction

(SP) 1.1.2.1 Reduction in the 

proportion of poultry samples 

with Salmonella serotypes 

commonly associated with 

human illness

4% reduction from baseline

(Desired Trend: Down)

FSIS will measure the percent reduction in raw 

poultry samples contaminated with Salmonella

serotypes commonly associated with human 

illness (Enteriditis, Infantis, and Typhimurium) 

isolated from products subject to a performance 

standard (i.e., from chicken parts, chicken and 

turkey carcasses, and comminuted chicken and 

turkey).

1.1.3 Assure Labeling 

Is Truthful and Not 

Misleading

(SP) 1.1.3.1 Implement new 

policies to clarify labeling 

claims and other labeling 

information for consumers

1 policy

(Desired Trend: Up)

In FY 2023, FSIS will track the development of four 

new policies that improve labeling claims and 

other information for consumers (i.e., nutrition 

labeling final rule, Product of USA rule, updated 

animal raising claims guidance, and publishing 

general principles for standards of identity). One 

of the four policies will be implemented in FY 

2023.

1.2.1 Strengthen 

Food Safety Practices 

Throughout the 

Supply Chain

(AP) 1-3 Increase collaboration 

and outreach with partners 

and stakeholders to promote 

food safety practices 

throughout the supply chain

100% of specified outreach 

activities

(Desired Trend: Up)

FSIS will provide revised guidance materials 

for addressing Lm deli best practices and 

beef grinding recordkeeping requirements to 

partnering industry associations for further 

distribution to association members and those 

who interact with other parts of the supply chain. 

To reach the 100% target, FSIS will strive to 

distribute materials to two retail associations, 26 

State programs, 53 State/territory departments, 

and 2,431 county or county-equivalent health 

departments by the end of FY 2023.

1.2.3 Raise Consumer 

Awareness of Food 

Safety

(AP) 1-4 Demonstrate impact 

of food safety messaging on 

consumers

Milestone measure4

See the Expected 

Accomplishments section for 

milestone targets.

In Q1, FSIS will initiate a consumer research 

project and conduct a literature review. In Q2, 

FSIS will develop label designs and a web survey. 

In Q3, FSIS will publish the web survey and 

start focus groups. In Q4, FSIS will complete the 

focus groups, select the top-performing label 

designs, and draft a design memo that explains 

the consumer observational research that will be 

conducted.

4

Milestone measure: a specific task within a project used to measure the progress toward the end goal.
8

Strategic Plan 

Objective

SP/AP Performance 

Measure FY 2023 Target Expected Accomplishments

2.1.1 Advance and 

Adopt Innovative 

Regulatory Policies 

and Inspection 

Verification 

Procedures 

(SP) 2.1.1.1 Increase in estimated 

health benefits from reduced 

illnesses based on FSIS policies

$2 million in benefits

(Desired Trend: Up)

FSIS will track the estimated health benefits from 

averted illnesses based on FSIS policies, to include 

published final rules and performance standards. 

Over the span of the FSIS Strategic Plan, the Agency 

will report out on an annual basis and has set 

targets to reach $2M in public health benefits by the 

end of each fiscal year.

(AP) 2-1 Number of new or 

updated guidance materials that 

provide industry the most current 

information on Agency policies or 

science

6 guidance materials

(Desired Trend: Up)

FSIS will continue to publish guidance documents 

to help industry, especially small and very small 

establishments, meet regulatory requirements. 

Guidance documents may include guidelines, 

infographics, models (e.g., HACCP models), hazard 

guides, or other documents that are intended to 

help industry comply with FSIS regulations.

Goal 2: Transform Inspection Systems, 

Policies, and the Use of Scientific 

Approaches to Improve Public Health

In FY 2023, FSIS will continue to update Agency policies and procedures to ensure that the best available science and data inform 

Agency decisions, particularly those aimed at improving public health. In support of the Agency’s efforts to reduce Salmonella

infections linked to poultry, FSIS announced the intent to declare Salmonella at certain levels an adulterant in not-ready-toeat breaded and stuffed raw chicken products and will publish a proposed notice of determination in early FY 2023. FSIS is also 

conducting two quantitative risk assessments—one for Salmonella in chicken and one for Salmonella in turkey—to assess the 

public health impact of reductions in Salmonella contamination and will complete a risk profile to evaluate current scientific 

literature and data on Salmonella in poultry, all of which will inform additional Salmonella policies.

FSIS will continue to publish guidelines to assist small and very small establishments in meeting regulatory requirements. This 

guidance will include the development, updating, and publication of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) models to 

assist small and very small establishments in creating HACCP plans.

As part of FSIS’ commitment to improving the accessibility and utility of data, FSIS will implement more routine analysis 

of inspection results to inform future policies and inspection activities. The Agency will continue revising the Public Health 

Information System (PHIS) to provide improved optimization of task assignments and greater flexibility to manage and change 

task assignments based on current priorities. The Agency will make it a priority to strengthen data analyses and evaluations by 

focusing on the development of a data pipeline.

Lastly, FSIS will continue to improve upon its sampling programs. During FY 2023, FSIS will expand its non-0157 shiga-toxin 

producing Escherichia coli (STEC) sampling and testing to include all products currently subject to Escherichia coli 0157:H7 

sampling and testing. FSIS also intends to modify the sample collection procedures for beef manufacturing trimming and beef 

trim to a nondestructive method utilizing a cloth instead of manually trimming samples.

Goal 2 SP and AP Performance Measures, Targets, and Expected Accomplishments for FY 2023
9

Strategic Plan 

Objective

SP/AP Performance 

Measure FY 2023 Target Expected Accomplishments

(AP) 2-2 Number of updates to the 

Public Health Information System 

to improve task management

4 updates

(Desired Trend: Up)

Over the next few years, several updates are 

planned for the domestic task management 

functions within PHIS. These include updates to the 

Tasks Designer/Templates, Tasks Distributor, and 

Tasks Scheduler/Task Calendar. These updates will 

lead to improved optimization of task assignments 

and allow for greater flexibility to manage and 

change task assignments, based on current 

priorities. This measure will specifically track the 

number of updates made to the functionality of the 

Tasks Designer/Templates in FY 2023.

2.1.2 Foster 

the Adoption of 

Advanced Scientific 

Techniques

(AP) 2-3 Expand the use of 

Salmonella enumeration 

technology

3 sampling projects 

utilizing new technology

(Desired Trend: Up)

FSIS plans to expand testing to several Salmonella

detection sampling programs to include 

quantification by the end of the FY.

2.2.1 Improve 

the Integrity, 

Accessibility, and 

Utility of Data

(AP) 2-4 Complete the Salmonella

risk profile and Salmonella risk 

assessments

Milestone measure

See the Expected 

Accomplishments section 

for milestone targets

FSIS will complete a Salmonella risk profile and two 

Salmonella risk assessments (chicken and turkey).

2.2.2 Strengthen 

Data Analyses and 

Evaluations

(AP) 2-5 Begin implementation of 

the data pipeline

Milestone measure

See the Expected 

Accomplishments section 

for milestone targets

FSIS will incorporate relevant data engineering 

skills and complete necessary training to begin 

implementation of the data pipeline, which will 

assist FSIS in creating high-quality data sets for 

use in evidence-based policymaking and reporting 

efforts.
10

Strategic Plan 

Objective

SP/AP Performance 

Measure FY 2023 Target Expected Accomplishments

3.1.1 Expand 

Recruitment and 

Increase Retention 

for Mission-Critical 

Positions.

(SP) 3.1.1.1 Percentage of 

mission-critical frontline 

inspection positions that 

are fille

95.5% of mission-critical 

positions filled 

(Desired Trend: Up)

FSIS will increase the percentage of filled mission-critical 

frontline inspection positions by using and expanding 

recruitment and retention incentives for frontline personnel 

as well as its new referral award program. These efforts are 

anticipated to both increase the hiring and decrease the 

attrition of frontline personnel in FY 2023.

3.1.2 Enhance 

Employee Training 

and Professional 

Development

(SP) 3.1.2.1 Percent 

knowledge gain in key 

occupations

84% knowledge gain

(Desired Trend: Flat)

Knowledge gain is defined as the level of knowledge an 

employee gains through training as measured by their 

post-training test score and their supervisor’s evaluation of 

knowledge gain 6 months post training. Training includes 

the Food Inspector – Livestock, Food Inspector – Poultry, 

Inspection Methods, and Public Health Veterinarian courses. 

In FY 2023, FSIS will maintain the level of percent knowledge 

gained at 84%.

Goal 3: Achieve Operational Excellence

FSIS is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining a high performing workforce and providing an operational environment 

that positions our employees to advance the Agency’s mission effectively and efficiently. The Agency will leverage use of its 

human resources data to assess the impact of incentives on strengthening FSIS’ competitiveness in acquiring talent. In early FY 

2023, FSIS launched an employee referral award program and will continue to deploy recruitment and retention incentives for 

our frontline, in-plant positions, and public health veterinarians. FSIS has also introduced new workplace flexibilities for in-plant 

inspection personnel.

FSIS remains committed to lifelong learning. The Agency will create opportunities for all employees to take courses via a new 

Tuition Reimbursement Program during off-duty hours and allow employees to take advantage of professional development 

opportunities during the workday. The Agency values employee feedback received through the Federal Employee Viewpoint 

Survey (FEVS). Survey results are analyzed at the Agency and lower organizational unit levels to enable leaders at every level 

to determine where improvements may be necessary. Several actions were taken in FY 2022 and early FY 2023 in response to 

FEVS feedback, including three separate Agency-wide pulse surveys. The focus of the surveys was gathering employee feedback 

regarding employee recognition, communication with senior leaders, and employee development. FSIS will continue to take 

similar actions in FY 2023.

The Agency remains committed to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in its workforce. We will continue 

to ensure equal opportunity for all employees and job applicants through continuous communication on Civil Rights and Equal 

Employment Opportunity (CR/EEO) policies and programs, annual CR/EEO and diversity and inclusion training, comprehensive 

barrier analyses on Agency employment practices, and dedicated conflict resolution resources to resolve both EEO and non-EEO 

related disputes.

In FY 2023, the Agency will continue to pursue cost savings and a more stable IT infrastructure through migration of hosted 

applications to the government cloud. The FY 2023 cloud infrastructure goal is to have 100 percent of resources removed from 

the on-premises co-location data center environment and 50 percent of the applications removed from the Digital Infrastructure 

Services Center Platform-as-a-Service environment. FSIS remains committed to ensuring that IT infrastructure is functioning 

in both an efficient and secure manner. To that end, the Agency will continue to work with foreign governments to onboard 

additional countries into the PHIS Export Module and move towards paperless, electronic transfer of import and export 

certification data.

Goal 3 SP and AP Performance Measures, Targets, and Expected Accomplishments for FY 2023
11

Strategic Plan 

Objective

SP/AP Performance 

Measure FY 2023 Target Expected Accomplishments

3.1.3 Ensuring 

Equal 

Opportunity, Civil 

Rights, Diversity, 

Equity, Inclusion, 

and Accessibility 

in the Work 

Environment 

(SP) 3.1.3.1 Percentage of 

ADR acceptance rate for 

informal EEO complaints

61% ADR acceptance rate

(Desired Trend: Up)

FSIS will increase the acceptance rate for informal EEO 

complaints by marketing the benefits and increasing the 

knowledge of its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) 

Program through training programs, presentations, 

webinars, and brochures. Further, EEO counselors will 

continue to provide an overview of the Agency’s ADR 

program during the processing of complaints and offer ADR 

as a means of resolving complaints at the earliest stage 

possible. 

The Agency will assess workforce awareness of the ADR 

program through annual Compliance Assistance, Review, and 

Evaluation assessments of internal programs and districts. 

During the reviews, employees will be surveyed and asked 

questions regarding their familiarity with the ADR program 

and survey results will be assessed to determine if increased 

marketing of the program is needed within the programs or 

districts.

(SP) 3.1.3.2 

Percentage of supervisors 

and managers who 

complete Diversity and 

Inclusion training

94% of supervisors and 

managers who complete 

training

(Desired Trend: Up)

The Agency will increase the percentage of supervisors and 

managers who fulfill the requirement to complete Diversity 

and Inclusion training to improve their knowledge of and 

competency in this area.

3.2.1 Enhance 

Effectiveness 

and Efficiency 

of Key Business 

Processes

(SP) 3.2.1.1 Number of 

calendar days in process 

time (average days) from 

tentative job offer to the 

date a selectee enters on 

duty

45 days

(Desired Trend: Down)

FSIS will reduce the time in process after a tentative job 

offer is made until a selectee begins to work for the Agency 

by continuing to implement ways to streamline the medical 

review process, which is currently the most time-consuming 

step in the pre-employment process. The medical team 

rolled out a new medical review process in mid-FY 2022 

that is showing early improvements in the medical timeline. 

FSIS anticipates a continued decrease in the timeline in FY 

2023, as personnel develop expertise in the new process and 

efficiencies are further realized.

3.2.2 Improve 

Customer Service

(SP) 3.2.2.1 Percentage of 

FSIS employee satisfaction 

with the training services 

FSIS offers throughout the 

Agency

82.5% employee 

satisfaction

(Desired Trend: Up)

FSIS will focus on employees’ satisfaction with all training 

services offered through the Center for Learning, AgLearn, 

and Help Resources, as well as the Continuing Education 

Program (CEP)/tuition reimbursement. FY 2023 will be the 

first year the CEP/tuition reimbursement will be included in 

the satisfaction calculation.

3.2.3 Transform 

Business 

Infrastructure 

and Information 

Technology

(SP) 3.2.3.1 Number of 

additional countries 

for which exports are 

processed through the 

PHIS Export module

31 countries

(Desired Trend: Up)

FSIS will increase the number of countries that use the 

PHIS Export module to export their regulated products. The 

Agency will identify new countries to work with to gain their 

acceptance of digital signatures on PHIS export certificates, 

and ensure they have the needed access to PHIS and that 

PHIS has the capacity and capability to generate the export 

certificates for those countries.

(SP) 3.2.3.2 Number 

of countries for which 

imports and the number of 

countries for which exports 

are processed through 

electronic certification 

(eCert)

4 countries

(Desired Trend: Up)

At the beginning of FY 2023, three countries were using eCert 

to process imports or exports. FSIS will increase this number 

to four by the end of FY 2023 and will work with identified 

foreign country officials to facilitate the transfer of data 

between the U.S. and the other countries.
12

FSIS Partnerships and Collaborations

Goal 1 Partnerships and Collaborations

FSIS will focus on several partnerships and collaborations related to Goal 1 throughout FY 2023, five of which are highlighted in 

this AP. Additional details for all FSIS partnerships and collaborations are provided in the FSIS FY 2023–2026 Strategic Plan.

FSIS-FDA Joint Oversight of Human Food Produced Using Animal Cell Culture Technology

USDA’s FSIS and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) entered into a formal agreement on March 7, 2019, as a first step 

toward addressing how Federal regulatory agencies will ensure the safety and accurate labeling of food produced using animal 

cell culture technology, as well as the inspection of establishments involved in the production of these products. This agreement 

describes the roles of FSIS and FDA in the regulatory oversight of these products. FDA oversees the collection, growth, and the 

differentiation of living cells into various cell types, such as proteins and fats. Regulatory jurisdiction transitions from FDA to FSIS 

during the harvesting stage of the cell-culturing process. FSIS then oversees the further processing, labeling, and packaging of 

these products. In late FY 2019, FSIS and FDA established three working groups to develop regulatory frameworks for the oversight 

of meat and poultry products produced using animal cell culture technology, specifically concerning: (1) premarket food safety 

assessments by FDA; (2) inspections and the transition of oversight from FDA to FSIS during the cell harvest stage; and (3) labeling. 

FSIS will work with FDA in FY2023 to update this agreement. FSIS has published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

(ANPR) to solicit public comments about labeling meat and poultry products comprised of or containing cultured cells derived 

from animals subject to FMIA or PPIA. FSIS will use the comments and information submitted through this ANPR to develop 

proposed regulations for labeling meat and poultry products made using animal cell culture technology, which will be published 

in FY 2023. 

Conference for Food Protection

The Conference for Food Protection (CFP) is a nonprofit organization created to provide a formal process for representatives from 

the food industry, government, academia, and consumer organizations to identify and address emerging problems associated 

with food safety. In FY 2023, FSIS will continue to serve on the executive board and participate in CFP committees. FSIS will also 

consider issues to submit to this year’s biennial meeting and serve on the Council as advisors. 

Interagency Food Safety Analytics Collaboration

Federal agencies and food safety experts rely on foodborne illness source attribution to inform strategic planning and riskbased decision making and estimate the benefits and impacts of interventions. Since 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention (CDC), FDA, and FSIS have collaborated via the Interagency Food Safety Analytics Collaboration (IFSAC). This working 

group coordinates attribution analyses across these three Federal agencies. IFSAC analysts continuously improve estimates of the 

sources of foodborne illness by developing sound analytical methods that bring together data from all three agencies. In FY 2023, 

IFSAC will continue to improve the methodology for illness attribution and will release an updated Annual Report on Foodborne 

Illness Source Attribution Estimates for Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157, and Lm, using multiyear outbreak surveillance data. 

Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network

The Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) conducts surveillance for Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, 

Cyclospora, Listeria, Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 and non-O157, Shigella, Vibrio, and Yersinia

infections diagnosed by laboratory testing samples from patients. The network was established in July 1996 and is a collaborative 

program among CDC, 10 State health departments (Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, 

and selected counties in California, Colorado, and New York), FSIS, and FDA. FoodNet accomplishes its work through active 

surveillance; surveys of laboratories, physicians, and the general population; and population-based epidemiologic studies. 

Interagency Foodborne Outbreak Response Collaboration

The Interagency Foodborne Outbreak Response Collaboration (IFORC) was chartered in 2013 and is an important effort to 

improve the coordination of Federal foodborne-outbreak responsibilities of CDC, FSIS, and FDA. IFORC works to improve multiState foodborne outbreak detection, hypothesis generation, hypothesis testing, food vehicle identification, control measures to 
13

prevent illnesses and deaths, root cause analyses, and the dissemination of information on identified food safety systems gaps, to 

help efforts to prevent future outbreaks. In FY 2023, a traceability working group will be added to the FY 2023 IFORC workplan to 

examine traceback of product during investigations.

Goal 2 Partnerships and Collaborations

FSIS will focus on several partnerships and collaborations related to Goal 2 throughout FY 2023, five of which are highlighted in 

this AP. Additional details for all FSIS partnerships and collaborations are provided in the FSIS FY 2023–2026 Strategic Plan.

National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection

The primary role of the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) is to advise the Secretary of 

Agriculture concerning State and Federal programs with respect to meat and poultry inspection, food safety, and other matters 

that fall within scope of the FMIA and the PPIA. Committee members include representatives from academia, State and local 

government officials, public health organizations, industry, consumers, and consumer organizations. In FY 2023, FSIS intends to 

announce the new NACMPI committee members and hold a public meeting to address food safety and policy issues of concern 

to USDA.

National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods

The National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) provides impartial, scientific advice, and/or 

peer reviews to Federal food safety agencies for use in the development of an integrated national food safety system approach 

that assures the safety of domestic, imported, and exported foods. In FY 2022, FSIS sought guidance from NACMCF on enhancing 

Salmonella control in poultry products. This included what types of microbiological criteria FSIS might use to encourage 

reductions in Salmonella in poultry products and prevent associated human Salmonella infections. NACMCF will provide its final 

report in Quarter 2 of FY 2023. FSIS will review the final report and consider what action to take based on the findings. In addition, 

FSIS plans to conduct recruitment efforts to fill expected vacancies with new members and reappoint current members by the end 

of FY 2023.

FSIS Research Priorities

The FSIS Research Priorities Review Panel annually determines, prioritizes, and communicates FSIS research interests. Most 

recently, research priorities focused on addressing data gaps to inform guidance documents, Salmonella control, and enhanced 

pathogen and chemical contaminant detection. The Agency shares these priorities through the FSIS Research Priorities webpage, 

meetings with food safety research organizations, and updates in the Constituent Update (FSIS’ weekly newsletter). It also 

shares its priorities directly with the Agricultural Research Service, Economic Research Service, and National Institute of Food 

and Agriculture. FSIS will continue to identify research needs in FY 2023 and share them with appropriate researchers within the 

academic community. This will encourage researchers to apply their expertise to address FSIS priorities, as well as encourage 

research funding agencies to consider FSIS priorities when developing research opportunities.

International Association for Food Protection

FSIS collaborates with the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) to share data and information concerning meat, 

poultry, and egg products. In FY 2023, FSIS will continue to participate in IAFP to, among other things, serve on Professional 

Development Groups and program committees, and share knowledge and expertise in specified forums. In addition, FSIS will 

submit abstracts for IAFP symposia and technical talks, as appropriate, and participate in the IAFP Public Meeting.

University of Maryland Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and EpiX Analytics

FSIS established a cooperative agreement with the University of Maryland’s Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 

in partnership with EpiX Analytics, to develop two quantitative risk assessments—one for Salmonella in chicken and one for 

Salmonella in turkey. This collaboration was established to make industry data available to FSIS in a confidential and secure 

manner and develop a new type of Salmonella dose-response model that takes into consideration differences in Salmonella

virulence among serotypes. These risk assessments will provide FSIS with support for the new framework for reducing Salmonella

illnesses attributed to poultry consumed in the United States.
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Reference Links

Page 2

FSIS 2023–2026 Strategic Plan: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/

Strategic%20Plan%20FY2023-2026-01172023.pdf

Page 5

Foundations for Evidence-Based Policy-making Act of 2018: https://www.congress.gov/115/plaws/publ435/

PLAW-115publ435.pdf

Office of Management and Budget’s Circular A-123, Management’s Responsibility for Enterprise Risk 

Management (ERM) and Internal Control: https://osec.doc.gov/opog/privacy/memorandums/OMB_

Circular_A-123.pdf

Page 12

FSIS FY 2023–2026 Strategic Plan: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/

Strategic%20Plan%20FY2023-2026-01172023.pdf

Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/09/03/2021-19057/

labeling-of-meat-or-poultry-products-comprised-of-or-containing-cultured-animal-cells

Page 13

FSIS FY 2023–2026 Strategic Plan: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/

Strategic%20Plan%20FY2023-2026-01172023.pdf

FSIS Research Priorities webpage: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/science-data/research-priorities

Cooperative agreement: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/news-events/news-press-releases/constituent-update-july1-2022#:~:text=Constituent%20Update%20%2D%20July,assessments%20once%20completed.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, USDA, its 

Mission Areas, agencies, staff offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited 

from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual 

orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political 

beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases 

apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative 

means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should 

contact the responsible Mission Area, agency, or staff office; the USDA TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY); or the 

Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination 

Complaint Form, which can be obtained online at https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-3027, from any USDA office, by calling 

(866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone 

number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for 

Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be 

submitted to USDA by:

(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of (2) Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

 the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov

 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C.

 20250-9410; or

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. March 2023

FSIS Core Values

Accountable

FSIS holds itself accountable in fulfilling its regulatory mission and in 

serving the public interest.

Collaborative

FSIS actively promotes and encourages collaboration within our Agency 

and with our partners to prevent illness and protect public health.

Empowered

FSIS employees are empowered with the necessary training, tools, and 

approaches they need to make and carry out informed decisions that 

protect public health and promote food safety.

Solutions-Oriented

FSIS is committed to deploying effective, evidence-based solutions to 

ensure that the Nation’s food supply is safe.