USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service – Philadelphia, PA

About the USDA FSIS Philadelphia District Office

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) maintains a critical District Office in Center City Philadelphia. Located within the Mellon Independence Center (The Lits Building), this federal agency is the public health regulatory body responsible for ensuring that the nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled. The Philadelphia District (District 60) oversees inspection operations across a broad region, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New England.

Core Functions and Divisions

This office houses key divisions that manage the field work of the agency:

• Office of Field Operations (OFO): Supervises the frontline inspectors who work in slaughterhouses and processing plants to verify compliance with safety standards.
• Office of Investigation, Enforcement and Audit (OIEA): Investigates potential violations of the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act, including the sale of uninspected products.
• Import Inspection: Provides guidance and oversight for imported meat and poultry products entering through regional ports.

Industry Services

While primarily an administrative and supervisory hub, this office assists industry stakeholders with Grants of Inspection, which are required to operate a federal meat or poultry establishment. Staff can also provide guidance on HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plans and labeling requirements. It serves as a resource for small and very small plant owners seeking compliance assistance.

Security and Visitor Information

The FSIS office is located in a multi-tenant commercial building with strict security protocols. Visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification at the lobby security desk to be issued a visitor pass. Access to the federal office suites is restricted and typically requires a scheduled appointment with agency personnel. Weapons are strictly prohibited. 🏛️🥩🍗🥚🔬🇺🇸👮‍♂️