The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), representing temperature-controlled logistics companies worldwide, has welcomed the Food Safety Inspection Service’s (FSIS) decision to abolish the 50-mile radius restriction on import inspection facilities for meat and poultry.

This policy revision, achieved through a joint effort by the GCCA and the Meat Import Council of America (MICA), eliminates a decades-old rule that limited facilities designated as “Import Houses” (I-Houses) to locations within 50 miles of a U.S. Port of Entry.

What This Change Means

I-House status allows storage warehouses to hold goods awaiting FSIS import inspection. Achieving this designation requires compliance with stringent standards, including product separation and on-site inspection capabilities. Removing the 50-mile restriction offers greater flexibility, enabling facilities further inland to serve as I-Houses, streamlining logistics and reducing inefficiencies.

GCCA President and CEO Sara Stickler praised the move, stating:
“This decision reflects a common-sense approach to modern supply chains. It will allow our members to enhance operational efficiency and better meet the growing demand for import services. Our industry remains committed to ensuring high standards of food safety while driving greater supply chain efficiency.”

Why the 50-Mile Rule Had to Go

The original policy, created decades ago, was intended to simplify inspection logistics but failed to account for modern advancements in supply chain technology. Today, real-time tracking and digital traceability mitigate the concerns that initially justified the rule.

GCCA and MICA highlighted these advancements in their petition, noting that the industry has shifted towards utilizing inland ports of entry. They argued that inspection facilities should align with these evolving transportation trends.

New Evaluation Criteria

Rather than adhering to arbitrary geographic limits, FSIS will now evaluate I-House applications based on factors such as:

1. Availability of inspection personnel.
2. Anticipated product volumes.
3. Operating hours of the facility.

This tailored approach ensures efficient use of FSIS resources while maintaining high standards for food safety.

A Step Toward Smarter Supply Chains

By removing unnecessary restrictions, FSIS has opened the door for more adaptive and efficient inspection processes. GCCA members are now better positioned to meet market demands while maintaining robust compliance standards.

This decision represents a milestone in regulatory modernization, aligning policies with the realities of today’s global supply chains and reinforcing the U.S. food system’s reputation for safety and innovation.