FSIS to Begin Mandatory Reinspection of Catfish on Aug. 2

The Food Safety Inspection Service will begin reinspecting all shipments of imported Siluriformes fish and fish products (i.e., catfish) on Aug. 2, it said (here). Beginning on that date, “all shipments of imported Siluriformes fish and fish products must be presented at an Official Import Inspection Establishment for reinspection by FSIS personnel,” the agency said. FSIS had planned to begin mandatory reinspection in September, 18 months after it began its transitional period for taking over regulatory responsibilities for catfish from the Food and Drug Administration (see 1605040041), but recent legislation directed FSIS to begin reinspections immediately. “To apply for import reinspection, applicants, typically the Importer of Record, must submit a paper or an electronic inspection application form (FSIS Form 9540-1) to FSIS in advance of the shipment’s arrival, but no later than when the entry is filed” with CBP, the agency said. After Aug. 2, “FSIS will begin taking action in regard to imported fish product that has bypassed FSIS import reinspection, but entered commerce, i.e. ‘failure to present’ (FTP) product,” it said.