Southwest Meat Association (SMA) is a leading meat and poultry trade organization representing packers and processors all over the United States. SMA is an organization created to make a difference for its members by initiating opportunities, resolving problems, and thus helping our member companies to earn a reasonable return on their investment.
Membership Benefits:
Advocacy
Networking Opportunities
Educational Programs
HACCP Training & Consulting
Regulatory Assistance
Membership Directory
Nutritional Labeling
Information Services
Annual Convention
Latest News:
Dr. Jose Estaban Nominated As USDA-FSIS Undersecretary for Food Safety
“Dr. Esteban has a deep understanding of USDA’s commitment to protect the health of the public by providing food safety. Having held several leadership roles in USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), he has a proven, and extensive, track record on this key issue. Read more. (Source: USDA)
Will We See a Hold on Brazilian Beef Imports?
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) called on Secretary Vilsack to immediately suspend all imports of fresh beef from Brazil to the United States. Read more. (Source: Drovers)
Dr. Robert Califf Nominated for Another Turn as FDA Commissioner
The last time Dr. Robert Califf was named FDA commissioner, the U.S. Senate quickly confirmed his nomination. Califf served as FDA Commissioner during 2016. Read more. (Source: Food Safety News)
Livestock Haulers Find Benefits in The Newly Passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Efforts to provide more flexibility to livestock transporters were formally approved this week with the signing of the $1.2-trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law by President Joe Biden. Read more. (Source: MeatingPlace)
OSHA Suspends Vaccination Mandate for Large Employers
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has suspended implementation and enforcement of the Biden administration’s rule requiring larger employers to mandate Covid-19 vaccination or regular testing for workers. Read more. (Source: MeatingPlace)
FSIS Reductions to the Cost of Overtime Fees
As part of the American Rescue Plan Act, which was signed into law on March 11, 2021, FSIS received $100 million to reduce the cost of overtime and holiday inspection fees for small and very small plants. The fee reductions are retroactive to October 11, 2020 for establishments who apply and are approved by March 14, 2022. The reduced rates will be offered through fiscal year 2030, or until all funds are expended.
On July 15, FSIS published Federal Register notice 2021-15011 that provides background information and details concerning how the agency will be reducing fees for small and very small plants. Eligible establishments can fill out the Overtime/Holiday Rate Reduction Form and send it to their appropriate district office. When establishments are approved to receive the rate reduction, credits will be issued on the following month’s account statement for fees charged back to October 11, 2020.
When credits are issued on the account statements, establishments can choose to have the credits applied to future billings or request a refund. If establishments choose to leave the credits on their accounts, no action is required. Accounts will automatically deduct the current charges shown on future account statements from the account balance reflected as the total amount due. If an establishment would like a refund, it should call 515-334-2000 and press option 1, or email FSIS.Billing@usda.gov to make an official request for refund. Establishments can also request receiving their account statements via email by using the phone number or email address above. These instructions are also included with the monthly account statements.