Federal Register #2026-21433

APHIS proposes lower maturation temperature for certain imported beef and ovine meat

APHIS proposes a regulatory change to import requirements for certain beef and ovine meat. - Government buyer: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); no specific sub-agency or office is identified. - Proposed change: Lower the minimum maturation temperature for certain fresh, boneless beef and ovine meat from 4 °C to 2 °C when sourced from regions or countries affected by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). - Rationale: Align the U.S. requirement with standards of the World Organisation for Animal Health. - Existing safeguards would remain, including animal-origin and handling conditions, veterinary inspection, maturation time and pH requirements, certification, and establishment inspections. - This is a proposed regulatory change, not a request to purchase products or services. No OEMs, vendors, products, quantities, or part numbers are identified.

Description

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service proposes to lower the minimum maturation temperature for fresh (chilled or frozen) boneless beef and ovine meat from certain listed regions or countries affected by foot-and-mouth disease from 4 °C to 2 °C. Other existing import requirements and safeguards would remain unchanged. The proposed change is intended to align U.S. regulations with World Organisation for Animal Health standards while continuing to protect the United States against foot-and-mouth disease. Comments are due by December 21, 2026.

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