2017-09210. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

May 3, 2017.

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 June 7, 2017 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: State Meat and Poultry Inspection Programs.

OMB Control Number: 0583-New.

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.

Need and Use of the Information: FSIS will collect information from federally-assisted States having Meat and Poultry Inspection programs that operate under a cooperative agreement with FSIS and are subject to the comprehensive State review process. This will ensure that their programs operate in a manner that is at least equal to FSIS' Federal Inspection program in the protection of public interest; comply with requirements of Federal Civil Rights laws and regulations; meet necessary laboratory quality assurance standards and testing frequencies; and have the capability to perform microbiology and food chemistry methods that are “at least equal to” methods performed in FSIS laboratories.

Description of Respondents: State, Local or Tribal Government.

Number of Respondents: 27.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 6,887.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.