Source: USDA, 3/13/20

FSIS takes its responsibility of ensuring a safe food supply very seriously. The agency is closely monitoring COVID-19 and actively following CDC guidance and best practices. We encourage employees and stakeholders to refer to www.cdc.gov and https://www.usda.gov/coronavirus for up-to-date information.

We have updated our human pandemic preparedness plan and are prepared to follow the plan should a situation arise that may have an effect on our daily operations. The agency will closely monitor and track any employee absenteeism to plan for and minimize impacts to operations. The agency will also work to prioritize inspection at establishments based on local conditions and resources available.

Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 by food or food packaging and there have not been any cases of COVID-19 in the United States associated with imported goods. However, it is always important to follow good hygiene practices (i.e., wash hands and surfaces often, separate raw meat from other foods, cook to the right temperature, and refrigerate foods promptly) when handling or preparing foods.

Additionally, we are aware that a number of regulated establishments have instituted health screening questionnaires and have requested FSIS inspectors respond before they can enter the premises. USDA Office of General Counsel’s (OGC) has issued the below guidance on the issue below and has asked FSIS to share it with our employees and industry.

“We are aware and share your concerns about the health and safety of your plant/facility and the general public, as well as your desire to solicit information from our employees. Due to privacy-related laws and regulations covering our employees, OGC is advising FSIS employees not to complete and sign questionnaires about their medical conditions or attest to their medical conditions. However, USDA has taken the following actions to address the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19):

All United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) managers and employees have received guidance from the Agency on protocols, preventative measures and mitigation guidelines regarding COVID-19. USDA guidance is consistent with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance. The Agency continues to provide additional guidance to all managers and employees.

All USDA employees are required to follow USDA guidance and policy.”

FSIS is committed to its core mission and will continue to monitor the situation closely.