Medium urgency

Availability of Revised Guideline for Controlling Retained Water in Raw Meat and Poultry

FSIS released a revised guideline for controlling retained water in raw meat and poultry, updating recommendations for compliance with labeling and moisture-added declarations.

Aforeworn detected this change in the Food & Beverage Manufacturing (FDA/FSMA/USDA) space on July 30, 2026 and published this briefing so affected operators are forewarned rather than caught off guard. It is rated Medium urgency. Meat and poultry establishments (including Siluriformes fish and fish products) subject to FSIS inspection. should confirm how it applies to their specific situation before acting. There is a time constraint attached: Not specified; guideline is effective upon publication (January 17, 2025).. Acting after that point can mean penalties, a lapsed licence, or lost eligibility — exactly the kind of surprise Aforeworn exists to prevent. Aforeworn monitors Food & Beverage Manufacturing (FDA/FSMA/USDA) continuously and turns every detected change into a plain-English briefing like this one, so you always know first. Forewarned is forearmed.

What changed

FSIS updated its guideline on controlling retained water, incorporating comments and clarifying regulatory expectations for moisture-added labeling and process controls.

Who it affects

Meat and poultry establishments (including Siluriformes fish and fish products) subject to FSIS inspection.

What you must do

Review the revised guideline and update retained water control procedures and labeling to align with FSIS recommendations.

Deadline

Not specified; guideline is effective upon publication (January 17, 2025).

Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/17/2025-01103/availability-of-revised-guideline-for-controlling-retained-water-in-raw-meat-and-poultry

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