The U.S. Department of Agriculture has updated its guidance for purchasing salmon products, incorporating new requirements from NOAA Fisheries’ Seafood Inspection Program as well as other changes.
The updates were issued through the department’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Supplement 507 document, which outlines the government’s requirements for purchasing salmon products for the country's National School Lunch Program and other federal nutrition programs. AMS posted its Final Supplement 507 for salmon products 7 November, replacing the previous documentation issued in 2021.
The updated document notes that contractors can work with NOAA Fisheries’ Seafood Inspection Program to acquire U.S. grading or a certificate of inspection as required for some salmon products. The Seafood Inspection Program offers professional inspection services on a fee-for-service basis to help ensure seafood companies comply with U.S. regulations.
Contractors aiming to sell salmon to the government can work with the Seafood Inspection Program to develop a product management plan (PMP) that ensures regulatory compliance. Many products covered by a PMP can receive a certificate of inspection, even if an inspector is not physically present. Seafood Inspection Program officials conduct a validation audit and routine surveillance audits to ensure companies are following PMPs.
Alternatively, the Seafood Inspection Program can provide a continuous onsite presence as a service to provide grading or certification on a lot-by-lot basis for USDA contracts.
The final Supplement 507 document also removes a rule that required canned salmon products to receive a “certificate of loading” from the Seafood Inspection Program at the time of shipment. However, contractors will have to perform a checkloading examination of canned pink or red salmon at the time of loading an issue a contractor’s certificate.
AMS also made changes to how salmon products should be labeled. Sesame was added to the list of ingredients on a label's required allergen statement, and the AMS now requires a USDA Food Shield on shipping labels. It also removed the requirement that delivery seals meet ISO standards and the requirement for a “processed under federal inspection” mark on shipping labels.
The updated document also clarifies that the onus is on contractors to ensure that no more than 15 percent of salmon fillets are tail end portions. Potential contractors must note what quality assurance measures they’re taking to ensure compliance with that rule in their technical proposal.
AMS also lowered sodium content specifications. Salmon products must not exceed 233 milligrams of sodium per 63 grams, down from the 270 milligrams of sodium allowed in the 2021 documentation.
The new requirements are effective November 2024.
