2023-20595. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

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 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; the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and 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 October 23, 2023 will be considered. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice on the following website www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting “Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments” or by using the search function.

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: Consumer Labeling Research Focus Groups.

OMB Control Number: 0583–NEW.

Summary of Collection: FSIS has been delegated the authority to exercise the functions of the Secretary (7 CFR 2.18 and 2.53), as specified 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, et seq.). These statutes mandate that FSIS protect the public by verifying that meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled and packaged. Safe handling instructions (SHI) are required on the labels of raw or partially cooked ( i.e., not considered ready to eat) meat and poultry products if the product is destined for household consumers or institutional uses (9 CFR 317.2(l) and 9 CFR 381.125(b)). FSIS has required the SHI label for raw and partially cooked meat and poultry products since 1994 (59 FR 7217).

Need and Use of the Information: FSIS will collect information using focus groups to test new labels for safe handling of raw and partially cooked meat and poultry products. In Phase 1, new label designs will initially be tested in consumer focus groups to obtain qualitative feedback on the labels, and the findings will be used to refine the label design and messaging. FSIS is requesting approval for a new information collection to conduct Phase 1, consumer focus groups. If the information was not collected or collected less frequently it would reduce the effectiveness of the meat and poultry inspection program.

Description of Respondents: Individuals or Households.

Number of Respondents: 1,536.

Frequency of Responses: Research.

Total Burden Hours: 247.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.