2014-00377. Notice of Request for Renewal of a Currently Approved Information Collection (Specified Risk Materials)

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 a renewal of a currently approved information collection regarding specified risk materials (SRMs) in cattle because the OMB approval will expire on March 31, 2014.

DATES:

Comments on this notice must be received on or before March 14, 2014.

ADDRESSES:

FSIS invites interested persons to submit comments on this notice. Comments may be submitted by either of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: This Web site provides the ability to type short comments directly into the comment field on this Web page or attach a file for lengthier comments. Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions at that site for submitting comments.
• Mail, including CD-ROMs, etc.: Send to Docket Room Manager, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Patriots Plaza 3, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Mailstop 3782, Room 8-163B, Washington, DC 20250-3700.
• Hand- or courier-delivered submittals: Deliver to Patriots Plaza 3, 355 E. Street SW., Room 8-163B, Washington, DC 20250-3700.

Instructions: All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must include the Agency name and docket number FSIS-2013-0040. Comments received in response to this docket will be made available for public inspection and posted without change, including any personal information, to http://www.regulations.gov.

Docket: For access to background documents or comments received, go to the FSIS Docket Room at Patriots Plaza 3, 355 E Street SW., Room 8-164, Washington, DC 20250-3700 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Gina Kouba, Paperwork Reduction Act Coordinator, Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 6077, South Building, Washington, DC 20250; Telephone: [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Specified Risk Materials.

OMB Number: 0583-0129.

Expiration Date of Approval: 3/31/2014.

Type of Request: 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.). This statute provides that FSIS is to protect the public by verifying that meat products are safe, wholesome, not adulterated, and properly labeled and packaged.

FSIS is requesting renewal of an approved information collection addressing paperwork requirements regarding the regulations relating to SRMs in cattle because the OMB approval will expire on March 31, 2014.

FSIS requires official establishments that slaughter cattle or process carcasses or parts of cattle to develop written procedures for the removal, segregation, and disposition of SRMs. The Agency requires that these establishments maintain daily records to document the implementation and monitoring of their procedures for the removal, segregation, and disposition of SRMs and any corrective actions that they take to ensure that the procedures are effective (9 CFR 310.22).

FSIS also requires official slaughter establishments that transport carcasses or parts of cattle containing vertebral columns from cattle 30 months of age and older to another federally inspected establishment for further processing to maintain records verifying that the official establishment that received the carcasses or parts, removed and properly disposed of the portions of the vertebral column designated as SRMs (9 CFR 310.22(g)).

This monitoring and recordkeeping is necessary for establishments to further ensure—and for FSIS to verify—that meat and meat products distributed in commerce for use as human food do not contain SRMs.

FSIS has made the following estimates for the renewal information collection:

Estimate of Burden: FSIS estimates that it will take respondents an average of approximately .12 hours per response.

Respondents: Official establishments that slaughter cattle or process parts of cattle.

Estimated No. of Respondents: 3,512.

Estimated No. of Annual Responses per Respondent: 303.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 123,916 hours.

Copies of this information collection assessment can be obtained from Gina Kouba, Paperwork Reduction Act Coordinator, Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 6077, South Building, Washington, DC 20250; Telephone: [phone].

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.

Additional Public Notification

FSIS will announce this notice online through the FSIS Web page located at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/​wps/​portal/​fsis/​topics/​regulations/​federal-register.

FSIS will also make copies of this Federal Register publication available through the FSIS Constituent Update, which is used to provide information regarding FSIS policies, procedures, regulations, Federal Register notices, FSIS public meetings, and other types of information that could affect or would be of interest to constituents and stakeholders. The Update is communicated via Listserv, a free electronic mail subscription service for industry, trade groups, consumer interest groups, health professionals, and other individuals who have asked to be included. The Update is also available on the FSIS Web page. In addition, FSIS offers an electronic mail subscription service which provides automatic and customized access to selected food safety news and information. This service is available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/​wps/​portal/​fsis/​programs-and-services/​email-subscription-service. Options range from recalls to export information to regulations, directives, and notices. Customers can add or delete subscriptions themselves, and have the option to password protect their accounts.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's Target Center at [phone] (voice and TTY).

To file a written complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call [phone] (voice and TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Dated: January 8, 2014.

Alfred V. Almanza,

Administrator.