1. Using askFSIS FSIS Directive 5620.1 12/7/2015Policy Development Division1 United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service

2. Purpose Instructs IPP on how to use askFSIS: Searching commonly asked QAs Submitting a New Question Managing a personal User Account Data gathering identifies inspection- related issues and policy development needs 12/7/2015Policy Development Division2 United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service

3. Background askFSIS launched August, 2007 to help answer technical and policy-related questions from multiple stakeholders Searchable knowledge base covers diverse topics (export/import; labeling/ product amenability; sampling programs; general inspection policy) 12/7/2015Policy Development Division3

4. Login to askFSIS http://askFSIS.custhelp.com Using FSIS computer : Start/ FSIS Applications/ Internet-Intranet/ askFSIS New user wanting to submit an individual question not found in public knowledge base needs to “Create a New Account” (follow screen prompts) 12/7/2015Policy Development Division4

5. Search Knowledge Base Keyword Search feature (e.g. recalls) Search Tips button & handy Appendix attached to this directive Select Product, Category, Subcategory from drop-down menus to Narrow your Search which can save time 12/7/2015Policy Development Division5

6. Submit Questions After Searching previously posted QAs, “Submit a Question” tab will be visible Select Product (e.g. Export ; Labeling; or General Inspection Policy) Select Category (e.g. Export Certificates; Ingredients/Additives; or Sampling) Enter and submit question Response is sent to user’s e-mail address 12/7/2015Policy Development Division6

7. Manage User Account Option to view new “Notifcations” Update user’s “Profile” “Change Password” “Account Assistance” if forget password Important reminder: **Both user login name and password are case sensitive** “My Questions” shows history of user’s previous questions and answers 12/7/2015Policy Development Division7

8. Data Analysis OPPD analyzes questions received and answers provided Monitors trends for ongoing policy development (e.g. directives, notices) Feedback on usefulness of askFSIS Important tool to help achieve Agency goals 12/7/2015Policy Development Division8