Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection (Application for Inspection, Accreditation of Laboratories, and Exemptions)

AGENCY:

Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, this notice announces the Food Safety and Inspection Service's (FSIS) intention to request an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection package (ICP) regarding Application for Inspection, Accreditation of Laboratories, and Exemptions.

DATES:

Comments on this notice must be received on or before April 5, 2004.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Contact John O'Connell, Paperwork Reduction Act Coordinator, Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA, 300 12th Street, SW., Room 112, Washington, DC 20250-3700, (202) 720-0345.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Application for Inspection, Accreditation of Laboratories, and Exemptions.

OMB Number: 0583-0082.

Expiration Date of Approval: 3/31/2004.

Type of Request: Extension and revision of a currently approved information collection.

Abstract: FSIS has been delegated the authority to exercise the functions of the Secretary as specified in the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) (21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.), and the Egg Products Inspection Act (EPIA) (21 U.S.C. 1031 et seq.). These statutes mandate that FSIS protect the public by taking regulatory actions to provide that meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, unadulterated, and properly labeled and packaged.

FSIS is requesting an extension and revision to the ICP addressing paperwork and recordkeeping requirements regarding the application for inspection, accreditation of laboratories, and exemptions.

FSIS requires meat, poultry, and import establishments to apply for a grant of inspection before they can receive Federal inspection. FSIS also requires establishments that wish to receive voluntary inspection to apply for inspection. Establishments that wish to export or import product most also submit certain documents to the Agency.

The Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 642), the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 460 (b)), and the Egg Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1040) require certain parties to keep records that fully and correctly disclose all transactions involved in their businesses related to relevant animal carcasses and parts and egg products.

FSIS requires FSIS accredited non-Federal analytical laboratories to maintain certain paperwork and records. The Agency uses this collected information to ensure that all meat and poultry establishments produce safe, wholesome, and unadulterated product, and that non-federal laboratories act in accordance with FSIS regulations.

In addition, FSIS also collects information to ensure that meat and poultry establishments exempted from Agency inspection do not commingle inspected and non-inspected meat and poultry products, and that establishments qualifying for a retail store exemption who have violated the provision of that exemption are no longer in violation.

Estimate of Burden: The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average .03 hours per response.

Respondents: Official establishments and plants; brokers, etc.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 16,720.

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 202.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 114,558. Copies of this information collection assessment can be obtained from John O'Connell, Paperwork Reduction Act Coordinator, Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA, 300 12th Street, SW., Room 112, Washington, DC 20250-3700, (202) 720-5627, (202) 720-0345.

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of FSIS' functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of FSIS' 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; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, 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 John O'Connell, Paperwork Reduction Act Coordinator, at the address provided above, and the Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20253.

All 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.

Additional Public Notification

Public awareness of all segments of rulemaking and policy development is important. Consequently, in an effort to better ensure that minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are aware of this notice, FSIS will announce it and make copies of this Federal Register publication available through the FSIS Constituent Update. FSIS provides a weekly Constituent Update, which is communicated via Listserv, a free e-mail subscription service. In addition, the update is available on-line through the Internet at http://www.fsis.usda.gov. The update is used to provide information regarding FSIS policies, procedures, regulations, Federal Register notices, FSIS public meetings, recalls, and any other types of information that could affect or would be of interest to our constituents/stakeholders. The constituent Listserv consists of industry, trade, and farm groups, consumer interest groups, allied health professionals, scientific professionals, and other individuals that have requested to be included. Through the Listserv and web page, FSIS is able to provide information to a much broader, more diverse audience.

For more information contact the Congressional and Public Affairs Office, at (202) 720-9113. To be added to the free e-mail subscription service (Listserv) go to the “Constituent Update” page on the Internet at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/update/update.htm. Click on the “Subscribe to the Constituent Update Listserv” link, then fill out and submit the form.