WASHINGTON — The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) decided to forgo the deadline previously set for small and very small meat facilities to complete the overtime and holiday rate reduction form.

The previous announcement, made July 15, 2021, stated FSIS would reduce overtime and holiday inspection fees by 30% for small establishments and 75% for very small establishments. 

FSIS also offered a partial refund for qualifying companies that filed the form by March 11, 2022. They would receive funding on fees paid since October 11, 2020, the first day of the Fiscal Year 2021 pay period.

In the American Rescue Plan Act, FSIS was provided $100 million to reduce costs of overtime inspection by federal regulators. 

Since FSIS has eliminated the deadline, any qualifying establishment that submits a form will be eligible for a partial refund.

Completed forms may be submitted to the FSIS inspection personnel assigned to the establishment or may be emailed to the appropriate FSIS district office.