The agency conducted its sixth annual Food Defense Plan Survey in July 2011. As in 2010, the survey covered meat and poultry slaughter and processing establishments, processed egg products plants and official import inspection establishments.

The most recent survey found that 75 percent of all establishments have a functional food defense plan, exceeding the FY 2011 goal of 74 percent. As in previous years, larger establishments have a higher rate of implementing food defense plans.

Plant/Establishment Size      Percentage
Large                                      96
Small                                      84
Very Small                              65

A total of 96 more establishments have a functional plan this year (compared to August 2010). To reach the agency goal of 90 percent adoption by 2015, FSIS will continue outreach efforts in FY 2012 with particular attention to very small establishments.

For guidance and documents related to food defense, go to www.fsis.usda.gov/
Food_Defense_&_Emergency_Response/index.asp. For questions and additional assistance, contact the Small Plant Help Desk at (877) FSIS-HELP (877-374-7435). Any policy-related questions can also be addressed through the Policy Development Division at http://askfsis.custhelp.com or (800) 233-3935.