Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA.
Notice and request for comments.
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is announcing its intention to request a revision of the approved information collection regarding the procedures for notifying the Agency about new technology and requests for waivers because the OMB approval will expire on April 30, 2017. Based on the latest available data, FSIS has increased its total annual burden estimate by 9,184 hours to account for in-plant trials, and monthly data collection and recordkeeping for establishments operating under a waiver.
Submit comments on or before February 27, 2017.
FSIS invites interested persons to submit comments on this information collection. Comments may be submitted by one of the following methods:
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Gina Kouba, Office of Policy and Program Development, Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 6065, South Building, Washington, DC 20250; (202) 720–5627.
FSIS is requesting a revision of the approved information collection regarding the procedures for notifying the Agency about new technology and requests for waivers because the OMB approval will expire on April 30, 2017. Based on the latest available data, FSIS has increased its total annual burden estimate by 9,184 hours to account for in-plant trials, and monthly data collection and recordkeeping for establishments operating under a waiver.
FSIS has established procedures for notifying the Agency of any new technology intended for use in official meat and poultry establishments and egg products plants (68 FR 6873). To follow the procedures, establishments, plants, and firms that manufacture and sell technology to official establishments and plants notify the Agency by submitting documents describing the operation and purpose of the new technology. The documents should explain why the new technology will not (1) adversely affect the safety of the product, (2) jeopardize the safety of Federal inspection personnel, (3) interfere with inspection procedures, or (4) require a waiver of any Agency regulation. If use of the new technology will require a waiver of any Agency regulation, the notice should identify the regulation and explain why a waiver would be appropriate (9 CFR 303.2). If the new technology could affect FSIS regulations, product safety, inspection procedures, or the safety of inspection program personnel, the establishment or plant would need to submit a written protocol for an in-plant trial as part of a pre-use review. The submitter of a written protocol should provide data to the Agency throughout the duration of the in-plant trial.
FSIS has made the following estimates based upon an information collection assessment:
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of FSIS's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of FSIS's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques, or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to both FSIS, at the addresses provided above, and the Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20253.
Responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.
Public awareness of all segments of rulemaking and policy development is important. Consequently, FSIS will announce this
FSIS also will make copies of this publication available through the FSIS Constituent Update, which is used to provide information regarding FSIS policies, procedures, regulations,
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