[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 63 (Thursday, April 2, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16370-16375]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-8645]
[[Page 16369]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part VIII
Department of Agriculture
_______________________________________________________________________
Agricultural Marketing Service
_______________________________________________________________________
7 CFR Parts 91, 93, and 96
Revision of Laboratory Service Fees; Final Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 63 / Thursday, April 2, 1998 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 16370]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Parts 91, 93, and 96
[Docket Number S&TD-97-001]
Revision of Laboratory Service Fees
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is increasing current
fees for laboratory testing services for agricultural commodities.
Without the fee increase, anticipated revenue would not cover program
costs. This rule includes additional tests for various commodity
products and removes test time allotments. Time allotments serve no
useful purpose since they no longer represent test times accurately
because of the development of numerous new analytical procedures.
EFFECTIVE DATE: May 4, 1998.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James V. Falk, Docket Manager, USDA,
AMS, Science and Technology, P.O. Box 96456, Room 3517-South,
Washington, DC 20090-6456; telephone: (202) 690-4089.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This rule has been determined to be not
significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866 and has not been
reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil
Justice Reform. This action is not intended to have retroactive effect.
This rule will not preempt any State or local laws, regulation, or
policies, unless they present an irreconcilable conflict with this
rule. There are no administrative procedures which must be exhausted
prior to any judicial challenge to this rule or the application of its
provisions.
Regulatory Impact Analysis
Pursuant to requirements set forth in the Regulatory Flexibility
Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the Administrator of the Agricultural
Marketing Service (AMS) has considered the economic impact of this
action on small entities.
There are more than 300 users of the Science and Technology's
laboratory testing services. Many of these users are small entities
under the criteria established by the Small Business Administration (13
CFR 121.601). The Administrator of AMS determined that this action
would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of
these small businesses because only minimal increases to user fees for
laboratory tests for commodities are recommended. Laboratory tests and
services of Science and Technology are provided to these businesses on
a voluntary basis and any decision on their part to discontinue the use
of the services and obtain new contracts with other governmental agency
or private laboratories would not hinder the food processors from
marketing their products. In fiscal year 1996, the Science and
Technology laboratory revenues exceeded obligatory costs by only
$101,000. The decline in revenue from the fiscal year 1995 level of
$907,000 was due to a decrease in the requested dairy product testing
at the Science and Technology Midwestern Laboratory in Chicago,
Illinois. For fiscal year 1997 Science and Technology reported a
$332,000 deficit at the current fee level because there were additional
revenue declines with the analyzing of all other commodities at our
laboratories. In 1997 Science and Technology incurred revenue losses
from 1996 levels of $216,000 and $449,000 respectively from poultry and
tobacco product testing. In addition, the aflatoxin testing program net
governmental receipts available to cover administrative costs and
authorized appropriation outlays declined from $79,000 in 1996 to
$14,000 in 1997. This is a consequence of the increased number of
Peanut Administrative Committee (PAC) approved private laboratories
that handle required aflatoxin analyses of peanuts. In recent years
Science and Technology has voluntarily closed aflatoxin testing
facilities at Camilla and Ashburn, Georgia. This was a streamlining
measure to reduce Federal program costs and to restructure the
Laboratory Program to improve efficiency of operations and
responsiveness of services. The Laboratory Program ended fiscal year
1997 with an operating reserve of $3,261,000 which provides a reserve
balance below the 6 month reserve appropriate under normal operating
conditions. The AMS estimates that overall this rule would yield
additional laboratory testing program revenues of $694,000 during
fiscal year (FY) 1998. Without the fee increase, anticipated revenue
would not cover program costs. Projected FY 1998 laboratory revenues
are $5,616,000 with obligatory costs projected at $6,276,000. Trust
fund balances would be below the required 4 month reserve levels. With
a fee increase, projected FY 1998 revenues would be $6,310,000 with
obligatory costs projected at $6,276,000. The laboratory fees in the
general schedules will increase by approximately 6 percent. These fees
are competitive to the fees found in price lists distributed by private
laboratories. Furthermore, users of Science and Technology testing
services are under no obligation to use them. This final rule action
updates lists of laboratory tests and services contained in certain
sections of the regulations. In addition, the fees for the specialized
and required aflatoxin testing of nuts and their products have
increases ranging from 6 to 21 percent.
Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1980, as amended on May 22, 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35; Pub. L. 104-13
Sec. 2), the information collection requirements contained in the
provisions to be updated have been previously approved by the Office of
Management and Budget.
No additional recordkeeping requirements are imposed as a result of
this rule.
Background
On August 9, 1993, AMS published a rule in the Federal Register (58
FR 42408-42448) to combine all AMS regulations concerning laboratory
services. The goal was to consolidate and to transfer existing
laboratory testing programs operating independently under the various
commodity programs (Cotton, Poultry, Fruit and Vegetable, Tobacco,
Dairy, and Livestock and Seed) to its Science and Technology program,
formerly the Science Division. The rule included fees charged for
testing and related services under the diversified Science and
Technology programs and set the hourly analytical testing rate at
$34.20 per hour. On May 10, 1994, an interim final rule was published
in the Federal Register (59 FR 24318-24325) which was finalized on
September 30, 1994 (59 FR 50120-50122) and which reduced Science and
Technology laboratory testing fees for certain dairy products and
established additional tests with fees for dairy products for
incorporation into existing schedules.
The Science and Technology laboratory testing programs are mainly
voluntary, user fee services, conducted under the authority of the
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended. However under certain
programs such as those involving peanuts, aflatoxin testing is
required. The Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide
Federal analytical testing services that facilitate marketing and allow
products to obtain grade designations or meet marketing standards. In
addition, the
[[Page 16371]]
laboratory tests establish quality standards for agricultural
commodities. The Act also requires that reasonable fees be collected
from the users of the services to cover as nearly as possible the costs
of maintaining the programs.
Science and Technology is revising its list of testing services
available due to changes in analytical methodologies and customer
service needs. Under this rule, new laboratory tests are added to the
tables in Part 91 as follows: (1) heavy metal screen, (2) niacin, (3)
odor, (4) vitamin B-1 (thiamin), (5) vitamin B-2 (riboflavin), (6)
capsaicin (hot sauce), (7) color (apparent-visual), (8) extractable
color in spices, (9) hydroxymethylfurfural (honey), (10) linolenic
acid, (11) overrun for whipping topping, (12) pH--quinhydrone (cheese),
(13) serum drainage for whipped topping, (14) rate of wetting (nondairy
creamer), (15) reducing sugars, (16) Bacillus cereus, (17)
Lactobacillus count, (18) Salmonella enumeration (complete test), (19)
Salmonella typhi (meat products), and (20) parasite identification. The
direct microscopic clump count (DMCC) test is removed from Table 5 in
Part 91 because it is analogous to the bacterial direct microscopic
count test. Certain other laboratory tests are removed from the tables
in Part 91 because there have been few, if any, requests for these
tests in recent years. These outmoded laboratory tests are fat by
specific gravity, moisture by Karl Fischer, and proteolytic count
(dairy products). Four existing laboratory test fees in the tables of
Part 91 are reduced corresponding to reduced analysis time and lowered
equipment cost associated with utilizing revised methodology. The
cholesterol test fee is lowered from $171.00 to $90.65. The available
carbon dioxide test fee is reduced from $136.80 to $54.39. The jelly
strength (bloom) test fee is reduced from $85.50 to $54.39. The water
activity test is changed from $136.80 to $27.20.
In its analysis of projected costs for fiscal years 1997 and 1998,
AMS has identified increases in the costs of providing laboratory
testing services despite declining revenues. The total Laboratory
Program obligations in FY 1996 were $5,963,000 while the program
operating costs were $6,032,000 in FY 1997 with current fees. These
cost increases are attributable mainly (65 percent of total operating
budget or $3,684,000 in 1997) to national and locality pay raises and
increased benefit costs for Federal employees. A general and locality
salary increase for Federal employees, ranging from 3.09 to 6.25
percent depending on locality, effective January 1995, a general and
locality salary increase for Federal employees, ranging from 2.39 to
2.89 percent depending on locality, effective January 1996, and an
additional salary increase, ranging from 3.30 to 6.26 percent depending
on localities, effective January 1997, has materially affected the
costs of laboratory programs. Current and estimated demand for the
laboratory services are also factored in the fee revisions. Since
Science and Technology's last fee increase in August 1993 (58 FR 42408)
total annual revenue of the laboratories has decreased from $6.2
million to $5.6 million. Major factors affecting these revenue losses
include industry's implementation of plant and in-house testing,
cutbacks in dairy support and procurement programs, and reduction in
USDA food assistance programs due to re-engineering involving State and
local governments. It is anticipated that during this fiscal year, at
the current fee levels, the Science and Technology will not have
sufficient revenue to sustain present staffing levels, to cover
equipment and material cost increases, and to still maintain an
adequate reserve balance of $2.7 million or a minimum 4 months reserve
called for by Agency policy and prudent financial management.
The AMS laboratory testing programs are voluntary, user fee
services, conducted under the authority of the Agricultural Marketing
Act of 1946, as amended. The Act requires that reasonable fees be
collected from the users of these services to cover, as nearly as
practicable, the costs of maintaining the programs. A recent review of
the current fee schedules, effective since September 30, 1994 (59 FR
50120--50122), revealed that anticipated revenue would not adequately
cover increasing program costs. Without a fee increase, projected FY
1998 revenues for laboratory services are $5,616,000 with obligatory
costs projected at $6,276,000. Accordingly, Science and Technology is
increasing by 6 percent the currently listed laboratory fees in Tables
1 through 5 and in Tables 7 through 8 in Part 91. The standard hourly
rate will be increased from $34.20 to $36.26 (6 percent). In addition,
the laboratory rate for appeals, holiday and overtime service will be
raised from $51.30 to $54.39 per analysis hour.
The fees and charges in Part 96 involved with the official grading
of any lot of cottonseed will also increase by 6 percent. These fee
increases are needed because of a statistical based cottonseed lot size
study by Science and Technology in 1992 and the consequential revision
of rule 135, section 5 of the Trading Rules of the National Cottonseed
Products Association. The trade association's rule allows licensed
cottonseed samplers under AMS's supervision to increase the maximum
cottonseed lot size from 150 to 300 tons to obtain a representative
official cottonseed sample when prevailing environmental conditions
during a period of 3 consecutive days do not compromise the quality of
graded cottonseed. This resulted in a corresponding yearly reduction of
the total number of official cottonseed samples subject to analytical
chemical methods to derive a composite official grade designation. Even
though the cottonseed chemist licensing program costs have been lowered
in recent years, the loss of revenue resulting from the decreased
issuance of the official cottonseed grading certificates has been
substantial. Therefore, the Agency revises the certificate fee charged
for official analysis and cottonseed grade determination from $3.00 per
certificate, issued by the chemist, to $3.18. The application fee for a
chemist's license will be raised from $1,100.00 to $1,166.00 for the
examination, while the fee for renewal of the license will be increased
from $275.00 to $292.00.
The laboratory fees for aflatoxin analyses in Table 6 in Part 91
will be increased or decreased depending on the commodity type or
analytical method utilized. The cost of analyzing shelled peanuts by
high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) will be decreased from
$50.00 to $31.00 per single analysis because automated HPLC equipment
is being used now in the laboratory. Other aflatoxin test fees will
increase by 6 to 21 percent because there are corresponding increased
costs of the expendable supplies and materials to perform these
analyses.
The rule will remove the time allotments for single tests in Tables
1 through 7 in Part 91. The time allotments stated in the prior rules
and regulations of the Science and Technology (58 FR 42415, August 9,
1993 and 59 FR 50121, September 30, 1994) are no longer applicable
because of the recent approval of automated equipment and rapid
procedures for many of the listed tests. This new technology comes with
increased expenses in specialized supplies and materials required to
perform the requested analyses.
A proposed rule to make revisions to the current fee schedules was
published in the Federal Register on October 28, 1997 (62 FR 56036-
56043). Interested persons were given until November 28, 1997 to submit
comments. During the
[[Page 16372]]
30-day comment period only one letter of comment was received. The
letter came from a trade association which represents grain, feed and
oilseed processing facilities throughout the United States. While the
commenter recognized that fee increases may be necessary from time to
time, it encouraged AMS to continue efforts to provide efficient
service at a competitive price to its customers. The commenter went on
to state such efforts should include new and innovative ways to deliver
service without degrading quality. AMS has been and continues to look
for innovative ways to improve our efficiency of administering our
science and technology programs.
List of Subjects
7 CFR Part 91
Administrative practice and procedure, Agricultural commodities,
Laboratories, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
7 CFR Part 93
Agricultural commodities, Citrus fruits, Fruit juices, Fruits,
Laboratories, Nuts, Vegetables
7 CFR Part 96
Administrative practice and procedure, Agricultural commodities,
Laboratories, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, Chapter I of Title 7 of
the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:
PART 91--SERVICES AND GENERAL INFORMATION
1. The authority citation for part 91 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622, 1624.
Subpart I--Fees and Charges
2. In Sec. 91.37, paragraph (a) is amended by revising Tables 1
through 8, paragraph (b) is revised, and paragraph (d) is added to read
as follows:
Sec. 91.37 Fees for laboratory testing, analysis, and other services.
* * * * *
(a) * * *
Table 1--Single Test Laboratory Fees for Proximate Analyses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type of analysis List fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ammonia, Ion Selective Electrode........................... $81.59
Ash, Total................................................. 36.26
Ash, Acid Insoluble........................................ 54.39
Chloride, Salt Titration (Dairy)........................... 18.13
Fat, Acid Hydrolysis....................................... 36.26
Fat, Acid Hydrolysis (Cheese).............................. 36.26
Fat (Dairy Products except Cheese)......................... 18.13
Fat, Ether Extraction...................................... 36.26
Fat, Microwave--Solvent Extraction......................... 36.26
Fiber, Crude............................................... 72.52
Moisture, Distillation..................................... 36.26
Moisture, Oven............................................. 18.13
Protein, Kjeldahl.......................................... 72.52
Protein, Combustion........................................ 72.52
Salt, Back Titration....................................... 27.20
Salt, Potentiometric....................................... 18.13
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 2.--Single Test Laboratory Fees for Lipid Related Analyses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type of analysis List fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acid Degree Value (Dairy).................................. $36.26
Acidity, Titratable........................................ 9.07
Carotene, Spectrophotometric............................... 90.65
Catalase Test.............................................. 18.13
Cholesterol 1.............................................. 90.65
Color (Honey).............................................. 18.13
Color, NEPA (Eggs)......................................... 36.26
Consistency, Bostwick (Cooked)............................. 18.13
Consistency, Bostwick (Uncooked)........................... 18.13
Density (Specific Gravity)................................. 9.07
Dispersibility (Moates-Dabbah method)...................... 18.13
Fat Stability,2 AOM........................................ 36.26
Fatty Acid Profile (AOAC-GC method)........................ 145.04
Flash Point Test only...................................... 72.52
Free Fatty Acids........................................... 18.13
Meltability (Process Cheese)............................... 18.13
Peroxidase Test............................................ 18.13
Peroxide Value............................................. 27.20
Smoke Point Test only...................................... 72.52
Smoke Point and Flash Point................................ 126.91
Solids, Total (Oven Drying)................................ 18.13
Soluble Solids, Refractometer.............................. 18.13
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Moisture and fat analyses are required to be analyzed at an
additional cost as prerequisites to the cholesterol test.
\2\ Peroxide value analysis is required as a prerequisite to the fat
stability test at the additional fee.
Table 3.--Single Test Laboratory Fees for Food Additives (Direct and
Indirect)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type of analysis List fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aflatoxin, (Dairy, Eggs)................................... $126.91
Alar or Daminozide Residue................................. 217.56
Amitraz Residue, GLC....................................... 217.56
Alcohol (Qualitative)...................................... 72.52
Alkalinity of Ash.......................................... 54.39
Antibiotic, Qualitative (Dairy)............................ 18.13
Antibiotic, Quantitative 1................................. 398.86
Ascorbates (Qualitative--Meats)............................ 18.13
Ascorbic Acid, Titration................................... 36.26
Ascorbic Acid, Spectrophotometric.......................... 36.26
Benzene, Residual.......................................... 72.52
Brix, Direct Percent Sucrose............................... 18.13
Brix, Dilution............................................. 18.13
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)............................. 54.39
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)............................. 54.39
Caffeine, Micro Bailey-Andrew.............................. 54.39
Caffeine, Spectrophotometric............................... 36.26
Calcium.................................................... 54.39
Citric Acid, GLC or HPLC................................... 54.39
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons:
Pesticides and Industrial Chemicals--
Initial Screen..................................... 145.04
Second Column Confirmation of Analyte.............. 36.26
Confirmation on Mass Spectrometer (Per Residue).... 72.52
Dextrin (Qualitative)...................................... 18.13
Dextrin (Quantitative)..................................... 108.78
Filth, Heavy (Dairy)....................................... 90.65
Filth, Heavy (Eggs)........................................ 145.04
Filth, Light (Eggs)........................................ 90.65
Filth, Light & Heavy (Eggs Extraneous)..................... 217.56
Flavor (Dairy)............................................. 9.07
Flavor (Products except Dairy)............................. 27.20
Fumigants:
Initial Screen--
Dibromochloropropane (DBCP)........................ 36.26
Ethylene Dibromide................................. 36.26
Methyl Bromide..................................... 36.26
Confirmation on Mass Spectrometer--
Each individual fumigant residue................... 72.52
Glucose (Qualitative)...................................... 27.20
Glucose (Quantitative)..................................... 63.46
Glycerol (Quantitative).................................... 108.78
Gums....................................................... 108.78
Heavy Metal Screen 2....................................... 317.28
High Sucrose Content or Avasucrol--
Percent Sucrose (Holland Eggs)......................... 145.04
Hydrogen Ion Activity, pH.................................. 18.13
Mercury, Cold Vapor AA..................................... 90.65
Metals--Other Than Heavy, Each Metal....................... 72.52
Monosodium Dihydrogen Phosphate............................ 145.04
Monosodium Glutamate....................................... 145.04
Niacin..................................................... 72.52
Nitrites (Qualitative)..................................... 18.13
Nitrites (Quantitative).................................... 108.78
Oxygen..................................................... 18.13
Odor....................................................... 9.07
Palatability and Odor:
First Sample........................................... 27.20
Each Additional Sample................................. 18.13
Phosphatase, Residual...................................... 36.26
Phosphorus................................................. 72.52
Propylene Glycol, Codistillation:
(Qualitative).......................................... 72.52
[[Page 16373]]
Pyrethrin Residue (Dairy).................................. 145.04
Scorched Particles......................................... 9.07
Sodium, Potentiometric..................................... 36.26
Sodium Benzoate, HPLC...................................... 54.39
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)................................ 290.08
Sodium Silicoaluminate (Zeolex)............................ 72.52
Solubility Index........................................... 18.13
Starch, Direct Acid Hydrolysis............................. 108.78
Sugar, Polarimetric Methods................................ 36.26
Sugar Profile, HPLC-- 3
One type sugar from HPLC profile....................... 108.78
Each additional type sugar............................. 18.13
Sugars, Non-Reducing....................................... 108.78
Sugars, Total as Invert.................................... 72.52
Sulfites (Qualitative)..................................... 27.20
Sulfur Dioxide, Direct Titration........................... 36.26
Sulfur Dioxide, Monier-Williams............................ 54.39
Toluene, Residual.......................................... 72.52
Triethyl Citrate, GC (Quantitative)........................ 36.26
Vitamin A.................................................. 90.65
Vitamin A, Carr-Price (Dry Milk)........................... 45.33
Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin)...................................... 72.52
Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)................................... 72.52
Vitamin D, HPLC (Vitamins D2 and D3)....................... 308.21
Whey Protein Nitrogen...................................... 27.20
Xanthydrol Test For Urea................................... 54.39
This is an optional test to the extraneous materials
isolation test.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Antibiotic testing includes tests for chlorotetracycline,
oxytetracycline, and tetracycline.
2 Heavy metal screen includes tests for cadmium, lead, and mercury.
3 This profile includes the following components: Dextrose, Fructose,
Lactose, Maltose and Sucrose.
Table 4.--Single Test Laboratory Fees for Other Chemical and Physical
Component Analyses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type of analysis List fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Available Carbon Dioxide (Baking Powders).................. $54.39
Capsaicin (Hot Sauce)...................................... 72.52
Color, Apparent-Visual..................................... 9.07
Complete Kohman Analysis (Dairy)........................... 36.26
Extractable Color in Spices................................ 18.13
Grape Juice Absorbancy Ratio............................... 18.13
Hydroxymethylfurfural (Honey).............................. 36.26
Jelly Strength (Bloom)..................................... 54.39
Linolenic Acid............................................. 72.52
Methyl Anthranilate........................................ 36.26
Net Weight (Per Can)....................................... 9.07
Non-Volatile Methylene Chloride Extract.................... 90.65
Overrun for Whipped Topping................................ 27.20
Particle Size (Ether Wash)................................. 18.13
pH--Quinhydrone (Cheese)................................... 18.13
Potassium Iodide (Table Salt).............................. 54.39
Quinic Acid (Cranberry Juice).............................. 63.46
Serum Drainage for Whipped Topping......................... 18.13
Sieve or Particle Size..................................... 18.13
Rate of Wetting (Nondairy Creamer)......................... 18.13
Reducing Sugars............................................ 72.52
Water Activity............................................. 27.20
Water Insoluble Inorganic Residues (WIIR).................. 72.52
Yellow Onion Test.......................................... 27.20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 5.--Single Test Laboratory Fees for Microbiological Analyses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type of analysis List fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aerobic (Standard) Plate Count............................. $18.13
Anaerobic Bacterial Plate Count............................ 27.20
Bacillus cereus ........................................... 72.52
Bacterial Direct Microscopic Count......................... 36.26
Campylobacter jejuni ...................................... 145.04
Coliform Plate Count (Dairy Products)...................... 18.13
Coliform Plate Count, Violet Red Bile Agar (Presumptive
Coliform Plate Count)..................................... 27.20
Coliforms, Most Probable Number (MPN): 1
Step 1................................................. 27.20
Step 2................................................. 27.20
E. coli, Presumptive MPN (Additional) 2.................... 54.39
Enterococci Count.......................................... 108.78
Lactobacillus Count 3...................................... 45.33
Listeria monocytogenes Confirmation Analysis: 4
Step 1................................................. 54.39
Step 2................................................. 54.39
Step 3 (Confirmation).................................. 90.65
Parasite Identification.................................... 145.04
Psychrotrophic Bacterial Plate Count....................... 27.20
Salmonella (USDA Culture Method): 5
Step 1 (Dairy Products)................................ 36.26
Step 1................................................. 54.39
Step 2................................................. 27.20
Step 3 (Confirmation).................................. 54.39
Serological Typing (Optional).......................... 90.65
Salmonella Enumeration (Complete Test)..................... 108.78
Salmonella (Rapid Methods): 6
Step 1................................................. 72.52
Step 2................................................. 27.20
Step 3 (Confirmation).................................. 54.39
Salmonella typhi (Meat Products) 7......................... 36.26
Staphylococcus aureus, MPN:
With Coagulase Positive Confirmation................... 63.46
Thermoduric Bacterial Plate Count.......................... 27.20
Yeast and Mold Count....................................... 18.13
Yeast and Mold Differential Plate Count.................... 27.20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Coliform MPN analysis may be in two steps as follows:
Step 1--presumptive test through lauryl sulfate tryptose broth;
Step 2--confirmatory test through brilliant green lactose bile broth.
2 Step 1 of the coliform MPN analysis is a prerequisite for the
performance of the presumptive E. coli test. Prior enrichment in
lauryl sulfate tryptose broth is required for optimal recovery of E.
coli from inoculated and incubated EC broth (Escherichia coli broth).
The E. coli test is performed through growth on eosin methylene blue
agar. The fee stated for E. coli analysis is a supplementary charge to
step 1 of coliform test.
3 Determination of bacterial plate count of different species of
Lactobacillus.
4 Listeria monocytogenes test using the USDA method may be in three
steps as follows: Step 1--isolation by University of Vermont modified
(UVM) broth and Fraser's broth enrichments and selective plating with
Modified Oxford (MOX) agar; Presumptive Step 2--typical colonies
inoculated from Horse Blood into brain heart infusion (BHI) broth and
check for characteristic motility; Confirmatory Step 3--culture from
BHI broth with typical motility is inoculated into the seven
biochemical medias, BHI agar for oxidase and catalase tests, Motility
test medium, and Christie-Atkins-Munch-Peterson (CAMP) test.
Listeria monocytogenes test using the FDA method may be in three steps
as follows: Step 1--isolation by trypticase soy broth with 0.6% yeast
extract (TSB-YE) broth enrichment and selective plating with Modified
McBrides agar and Lithium chloride Phenylethanol Moxalactam (LPM)
agar; Presumptive Step 2--typical colonies inoculated to trypticase
soy agar with yeast extract (TSA-YE) with sheep blood plates to check
for hemolysis followed by inoculations to BHI broth and TSA-YE plates
to check for characteristic motility, gram stain and catalase test;
Confirmatory Step 3--culture from BHI broth with typical motility for
wet mount is inoculated into the required 10 biochemical medias,
Sulfide-Indole-Motility (SIM) medium, and the CAMP test Serology is
checked using growth from TSA-YE plates.
Both methods for Listeria determination have the equivalent time needed
for each step.
5 Salmonella test may be in three steps as follows: Step 1--growth
through differential agars; Step 2--growth and testing through triple
sugar iron and lysine iron agars; Step 3--confirmatory test through
biochemicals, and polyvalent serological testing with Poly ``O'' and
Poly ``H'' antiserums. The serological typing of Salmonella is
requested on occasion.
6 Salmonella test may be in three steps as follows: Step 1--growth in
enrichment broths and ELISA test or DNA hybridization system assay;
Step 2--growth and testing through triple sugar iron and lysine iron
agars; Step 3--confirmatory test through biochemicals, and polyvalent
serological testing with Poly ``O'' and Poly ``H'' antiserums.
7 Salmonella typhi determination in mechanically deboned meat.
[[Page 16374]]
Table 6.--Laboratory Fees for Aflatoxin Analyses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee per Fee per
Aflatoxin test by commodity single pair
analysis analyses
-----------------------------------------------------------------\1\----
Peanut Butter (TLC--CB--Affinity Column)...... $ 36.26 \2\NA
Corn (TLC--CB--Affinity Column)............... 36.26 NA
Roasted Peanuts (TLC--BF)..................... 36.26 NA
Brazil Nuts (TLC--BF)......................... 72.52 NA
Pistachio Nuts (TLC--BF)...................... 72.52 NA
Shelled Peanuts (TLC--Affinity Column)........ 17.00 34
Shelled Peanuts (HPLC)........................ 31.00 62
Tree Nuts (TLC)............................... 36.26 NA
Oilseed Meals (TLC)........................... 36.26 NA
Edible Seeds (TLC)............................ 36.26 NA
Dried Fruit (TLC)............................. 36.26 NA
Small Grains (TLC)............................ 36.26 NA
In-Shell Peanuts (TLC)........................ 17.00 34
Silage; Other Grains (TLC).................... 36.26 NA
Submitted Samples (TLC--Affinity Column)...... 36.26 NA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Aflatoxin testing of raw peanuts under Peanut Marketing Agreement
for subsamples 1-AB, 2-AB, 3-AB, and 1-CD is $34.00 per pair of
analyses using Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Best Foods (BF)
extraction or immunoaffinity column chromatography method. The BF
method has been modified to incorporate a water slurry extraction
procedure. The Contaminants Branch (CB) method is used on occasion as
an alternative method for peanuts and peanut meal when doubt exists as
to the effectiveness of the Best Foods method in extracting aflatoxin
from the sample or when background interferences exist that might mask
TLC quantitation of aflatoxin. The cost per single or pair of analyses
using High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is $31.00 and $62.00,
respectively. Other aflatoxin analyses for fruits and vegetables are
listed at Science and Technology Division's current hourly rate of
$36.26.
\2\ NA denotes not applicable.
Table 7.--Miscellaneous Charges Supplemental to the Science and
Technology Division's Laboratory Analysis Fees
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Laboratory service description List fee
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Sample Grinding Raw Peanuts by Vertical Cutter Mixer (VCM). $ 18.13
Sample Grinding Canned Boned Poultry (VCM)................. 36.26
Sample Grinding (Meats, Meat Products, Meals, Ready-to-
Eat):
per pouch or raw sample................................ 9.07
per tray pack.......................................... 18.13
Compositing Multiple Subsamples for an Individual Test
Sample Unit per subsample................................. 9.07
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Table 8--Additional Charges Applicable to the Sample Receipt and Analysis Report
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service description List charge
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Established Courier Expense at Albany, $2.15.
Georgia S&TD Laboratory.
Courier Expense at Other AMS Varies.
Laboratories: Mileage Charge Set at
$0.31 Per Mile Roundtrip from
Laboratory to Delivery Site.
Facsimile Charge (Per Analysis Report). $3.20 minimum up to first 3 pages, then $1.10 per page.
Additional Analysis Report or Extra $18.13 per report or certificate reissued.
Certificate (\1/2\ hour charge).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(b) The fee charge for any laboratory analysis not listed in
paragraph (a) of this section, or for any other applicable services
rendered in the laboratory, shall be based on the time required to
perform such analysis or render such service. The standard hourly rate
shall be $36.26.
* * * * *
(d) When Science and Technology Division provides applied and
developmental research and training activities for microbiological and
chemical analyses on agricultural commodities the applicant will be
charged a fee on a reimbursable cost basis.
3. Section 91.38 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 91.38 Additional fees for appeal of analysis.
(a) The appellant will be charged an additional fee at a rate of
1.5 times the standard rate stated in paragraph (a) of Sec. 91.37 if,
as a result of an authorized appeal analysis, it is determined that the
original test results are correct. The appeal laboratory rate is $54.39
per analysis hour.
(b) The appeal fee will be waived if the appeal laboratory test
discloses that an inadvertent error was made in the original analysis.
4. In Sec. 91.39, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 91.39 Special request fees for overtime and legal holiday
service.
(a) Laboratory analyses initiated at the special request of the
applicant to be rendered on Saturdays, Sundays, Federal holidays, and
on an overtime basis will be charged at a rate of 1.5 times the
standard rate stated in Sec. 91.37 (a). The premium laboratory rate for
holiday and overtime service will be $54.39 per analysis hour.
* * * * *
5. In Sec. 91.40, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:
[[Page 16375]]
Sec. 91.40 Fees for courier service and facsimile of the analysis
report.
(a) The AMS peanut aflatoxin laboratory at Albany, Georgia, has a
set courier charge of $2.15 per trip to retrieve the sample package.
The mileage charge specified in Table 8 of Sec. 91.37 for courier
service at other AMS laboratories is based on the shortest roundtrip
route from laboratory to sample retrieval site.
* * * * *
PART 93--PROCESSED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
1. The authority citation for part 93 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622, 1624.
2. In Sec. 93.11, the definition for aflatoxin is revised to read
as follows:
Sec. 93.11 Definitions.
* * * * *
Aflatoxin. A toxic metabolite produced by the molds Aspergillus
flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus nomius. The aflatoxin
compounds fluoresce when viewed under UV light as follows: aflatoxin
B1 and derivatives with a blue fluorescence, aflatoxin
B2 with a blue-violet fluorescence, aflatoxin G1
with a green fluorescence, aflatoxin G2 with a green-blue
fluorescence, aflatoxin M1 with a blue-violet fluorescence,
and aflatoxin M2 with a violet fluorescence. These closely
related molecular structures are referred to as aflatoxin
B1, B2, G1, G2,
M1, M2, GM1, B2a,
G2a, R0, B3, 1-
OCH3B2, and 1-CH3G2.
* * * * *
3. In Sec. 93.12, paragraph (b)(1) is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 93.12 Analyses available and locations of laboratories.
* * * * *
(b) * * * (1) The Science and Technology Division Aflatoxin
Laboratories at Albany and Blakely, Georgia will perform other analyses
for peanuts, peanut products, and a variety of oilseeds. The analyses
for oilseeds include testing for free fatty acids, ammonia, nitrogen or
protein, moisture and volatile matter, foreign matter, and oil (fat)
content.
* * * * *
PART 96--COTTONSEED SOLD OR OFFERED FOR SALE FOR CRUSHING PURPOSES
(CHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND UNITED STATES OFFICIAL GRADE CERTIFICATION)
1. The authority citation for part 96 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622, 1624.
2. Section 96.20 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 96.20 Fee for chemist's license.
(a) The fee for the examination of an applicant for a license as a
chemist to analyze and certify the grade of cottonseed shall be
$1,166.00.
(b) The examination fee shall be paid at the time the application
is filed or at a time prior to the administration of the examinations.
This fee shall be paid regardless of the outcome of the licensing
examinations. The examination fee shall be nonrefundable to the
applicant; however, in the event of death of the applicant prior to the
examination, full payment of the fee may be returned to the applicant's
beneficiary. If an application is filed with an insufficient fee, the
application and fee submitted will be returned to the applicant.
(c) For each renewal of a chemist's license, the fee shall be
$292.00.
3. In Sec. 96.21, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 96.21 Fee for certificates to be paid by licensee to Service.
(a) To cover the cost of administering the regulations in this
part, each licensed cottonseed chemist shall pay to the Service $3.18
for each certificate of the grade of cottonseed issued by the licensee.
* * * * *
Dated: March 27, 1998.
Kenneth C. Clayton,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 98-8645 Filed 4-1-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
