In which FSIS inspection program category are channel catfish, blue catfish, Basa, and Swai included?

• A. Channel catfish and blue catfish, Basa, Swai
• B. Channel catfish only
• C. Basa and Swai only
• D. Saltwater fish

Answer: (A)

The policy concept being tested is how FSIS groups fish species for inspection purposes based on their freshwater vs. saltwater classification and common labeling. Channel catfish and blue catfish are freshwater catfish, and Basa and Swai are Pangasius that are marketed and treated similarly to catfish in many markets. FSIS places these four together in the same inspection program category because they are all treated under the same regulatory handling and safety requirements for catfish-type, freshwater fish. Saltwater fish, by contrast, fall into a different category with distinct processing considerations, so they aren’t included with these freshwater species. So, all four species are included in the same FSIS inspection program category, not split into separate groups or placed under saltwater.