WHAT HAPPENED: In the March 27, 2026, Constituent Update, FSIS announced that establishments with updated retained water protocols would have one final extension until January 1, 2027, to make any necessary label changes. This additional time would help ensure that industry can obtain sufficient label materials and update any product labels, as necessary, by the deadline. Establishments still seeking review and approval of their retained water protocol must submit it with the associated data through askFSIS by June 1, 2026.
WHY IT MATTERS: In January 2025, FSIS published a final revised guideline providing a new equation to calculate moisture retention in meat and poultry products. In many cases, the new formula resulted in elevated and highly variable retained water percentages for the exact same product, with no actual change in an establishment’s procedures and processes.
NCC’s TAKE: While industry appreciates the additional time, the calculation remains unchanged and the concerns remain left largely unaddressed. NCC filed extensive comments on the guidelines and requested an extension of implementation dates, as the new calculation has led to higher and more variable retained moisture values. In the comments, we argued that the change did not go through the formal rule-making process, it lacked scientific justification, could have trade impacts, and lead to consumer confusion.
NEXT STEPS: We will continue to work with our members to navigate through these changes. Questions regarding retained water protocols can be sent to the Office of Policy and Program Development (OPPD) through askFSIS by selecting the “New Technology, Innovations” Inquiry Type.
