WASHINGTON — The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) confirmed in a recent rule it would maintain lists of states with and without meat or poultry inspection programs (MPI) on its website.

“This rule is solely an administrative change to the format and location of the lists of designated states without MPI programs,” the agency said in the Federal Register.

FSIS stated that the action would not alter its criteria for approving the state MPI program and would continue to review that program to verify if it meets the “at least equal” standard to FSIS federal inspection.

“Because FSIS is not required to do so, it will not publish a notice in the Federal Register if it terminates a designation and approves a new state MPI program,” the rule stated. “Additionally, this action will not change FSIS’ process for terminating state MPI programs.”

The agency explained the change was made to improve transparency, accuracy and ease of access to stakeholders.

“FSIS will continue to assess state inspection programs to ensure they meet federal standards, supporting the food safety system across the nation,” the agency said in a constituent update.

Currently, 29 states operate MPI programs. The full list can be found here.