2016-27774. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

November 15, 2016.

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 are requested regarding (1) 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; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) 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 regarding this information collection received by December 19, 2016 will be considered. Written comments should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), New Executive Office Building, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20502. Commenters are encouraged to submit their comments to OMB via email to: [e-mail] or fax [phone] and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. 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 Safety and Inspection Service

Title: Interstate Shipment of Meat and Poultry.

OMB Control Number: 0583-0143.

Summary of Collection: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has been delegated the authority to exercise the functions of the Secretary as provided in the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) (21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.). These statutes mandate that FSIS protect the public by ensuring that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, not adulterated, and properly labeled and packaged. Section 11015 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act, enacted on June 18, 2008, and amended the FMIA and PPIA to provide for cooperative programs whereby meat and poultry state-inspected establishments will be eligible to ship meat and poultry products in interstate commerce.

Need and Use of the Information: FSIS coordinates a voluntary cooperative program under which participating state-inspected establishments with 25 or fewer employees are eligible to ship meat and poultry products in interstate commerce. States that are interested in participating in the cooperative interstate shipment program must submit a request for an agreement to establish such a program through the appropriate FSIS District Office. In their requests, States must agree to comply with certain conditions in order to qualify for the interstate shipment program. In their request, States must also: (1) Identify establishments in the State that the State recommends for initial selection into the program and (2) include documentation to demonstrate that the State is able to provide necessary inspections services to selected establishments in the State and conduct any related activities that would be required under a cooperative interstate shipment program.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 80.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 2,005.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.