Materials derived from all animals are potentially subject to U.S.Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS) regulations and must becleared by USDA inspectors at the port of arrival before entry into theUnited States is authorized. For more information on U.S. Standards and the development and revision process see the Fact Sheet titled The USDA grade shields, official seals and labels are reputable symbols of the quality and integrity of American agricultural products. public health agency in the U.S. Department of Agriculture responsible for ensuring that the Nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged. USDA ensures its rural utility service programs are compliant with Federal regulations and policies. USDA provides links to key Federal Regulations and public laws enacted for USDA food distribution commodity programs and food purchase programs. U.S. Grade Standards for vegetables are voluntary and provide the fruit, vegetable and specialty crop industry with a uniform language for describing the quality and condition of commodities in the marketplace. USDA Safety and Compliance Requirements for Food Processors Grant of Inspection and HACCP. The USDA requires that businesses and facilities working with meat, poultry, eggs and egg products apply for a Grant of Inspection. Food inspectors make sure licenses are in force and conduct visual inspections of the physical plant to establish that it is in good condition, clean, dry, and free of animal or insect infestation. Also the amendment clarifies that obscured tomato and pepper seed remain eligible for importation into the United States under the obscured seed program. Also included, are Good Delivery Guidelines established by USDA/AMS/PACA to interpret the maximum tolerances allowable for various fruits and vegetables trucked to locations that are five or more days away from shipping point. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) prohibits or restricts the entry of many agricultural products from Hawaii into the U.S. mainland, including most fresh fruits and vegetables and certain types of plants and flowers. Licensing, sanitation, and storage conditions are the main focus of inspections at the 2,400 warehouses located throughout New York State. About the Standards. We also provide fresh produce inspection training on all commodities or your industry-specific commodities. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. This page provides links to the USDA Foods Fact Sheets/Product Information Sheets, USDA Foods specifications, Commercial Item descriptions, and U.S. Grade Standards for products purchased by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service for distribution to eligible recipient agencies and individuals participating in the Food and Nutrition Service's Food Distribution Programs. Rural Development Regulations and Guidelines. The Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) is the . Welcome to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) new, searchable database, known as the fruits and vegetables import requirement--or FAVIR--database. On June 3, 2020, APHIS amended the import requirements for tomato and pepper fruit for consumption by adding restrictions for tomatoes and peppers to additional countries.