2015-32174. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

December 16, 2015.

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 Safety and Inspection Service

Title: Laboratories.

OMB Control Number: 0583-0158.

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.), 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). These statues mandate that FSIS protect the public by verifying that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, unadulterated, and properly labeled and packaged.

Need and Use of the Information: FSIS will use two forms to collect information for two distinct laboratory programs. FSIS will use the PEPRL-F-0008-04 form as a self assessment audit checklist to collect information related to the quality assurance/quality control procedures in place at in-plant and private laboratories participating n the Pasteurized Egg Product Recognized Laboratory program. FSIS uses the data collected in the desk audit of existing labs or in the appraisal of a new applicant. Any non-federal laboratory that is applying for the FSIS Accredited Laboratory program will need to complete an Application for FSIS Accredited Laboratory Program 10,110-2 form. FSIS will use the information collected by the form to help access the laboratory applying for admission to the FSIS Accredited Laboratory program.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 14.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 13.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.