On May 13, 2015, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a final rule (the “Final Rule”) imposing new labeling requirements for raw and partially-cooked needle and blade tenderized beef, including beef products injected with a marinade or solution. The labeling requirements do not apply if the products are to be fully cooked or receive another full lethality treatment at an official establishment. Compliance will be required on May 17, 2016. Under the Final Rule, the product names of the affected products will have to include the descriptive designation “mechanically tenderized,” or “blade tenderized,” or “needle tenderized” as appropriate and an accurate description of the beef component. Please see this Lieberman PLLC regulatory alert for additional information. Please contact Erik Lieberman at erl1@liebermanpllc.com or 202.830.0300 for additional information.
