E6-16942. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

October 6, 2006.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments regarding (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) 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 should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), [e-mail] or fax [phone] and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling [phone].

An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Food and Nutrition Service

Title: Generic Clearance to Conduct Formative Research/CNPP.

OMB Control Number: 0584-0523.

Summary of Collection: The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture conducts consumer research to identify key issues of concern related to understanding and use of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPyramid. The Dietary Guidelines, a primary source of dietary health information, are issued jointly by the USDA and Health and Human Services and serve as the cornerstone of Federal nutrition policy to form the basis for nutrition education efforts of these agencies. MyPyramid is a tool, which helps consumers understand and use the Dietary Guidelines. CNPP works to improve the health and well-being of Americans by developing and promoting dietary guidelines that links scientific research to the nutrition needs of consumers.

Need and Use of the Information: CNPP will collect information to develop practical and meaningful nutrition and physical activity guidance for Americans to help improve their health. The collected information will also be used to expand the knowledge base concerning how the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPyramid recommendations and messages are understood as well as how they can be used by consumers to improve balance of their food intake with physical energy expenditure for good health.

Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; Federal Government; State, local, or tribal government.

Number of Respondents: 9,450.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Other (as desired).

Total Burden Hours: 3,613.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer