Proposed rule · 2026-21433

Minimum Maturation Temperature for Beef and Ovine Meat From Regions Affected With Foot-and-Mouth Disease

We are proposing to amend the regulations regarding the minimum maturation temperature for fresh (chilled or frozen) boneless beef and ovine meat from certain listed regions or countries affected with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) from 4 [deg]C to 2 [deg]C. All other existing mitigations for the importation of beef from regions or countries affected with FMD would remain unchanged. This action is needed to align the regulations with the World Organization for Animal Health's standards for FMD minimum maturation temperatures, while continuing to protect the United States against the introduction of FMD.