Availability of FSIS Compliance Guidelines for Allergens and Ingredients of Public Health Concern: Identification, Prevention and Control, and Declaration Through Labeling, 22083-22084 [2014-08956]

Download as PDF ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 76 / Monday, April 21, 2014 / Notices FDA Food Code, and lessons learned from controlling Lm in FSIS-inspected meat and poultry processing establishments, FSIS developed the ‘‘FSIS Best Practices Guidance for Controlling Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) in Retail Delicatessens,’’ which provides practical recommendations that retailers can use to control Lm contamination and outgrowth in the deli. Retailers can use the best-practices guidance to help ensure that RTE meat and poultry products in the deli area are handled under sanitary conditions and are not adulterated under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) or the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.) (see 21 U.S.C. 623(d) and 464(e)). While these practices are specifically designed to control Lm, they also may help control other foodborne pathogens that may be introduced into the retail deli environment and other facilities where consumers take possession of food. The best practices are grouped in four sections: (1) Product and product handling, (2) cleaning and sanitizing, (3) facility and equipment controls, and (4) employee practices. Practices identified by the Interagency Retail Lm Risk Assessment that can significantly decrease the predicted risk of foodborne illness are highlighted in each section. The other practices that are based on scientific knowledge or lessons learned by FSIS are also included to help retailers increase Listeria control in the deli area. A self-assessment tool is provided for deli operators to help them identify the best practices they are using and to assess the need to adopt others. By following the best practices in the guidance and the 2013 FDA Food Code, retailers can help ensure that RTE products are not adulterated with Lm, and that the potential for listeriosis is decreased. FSIS has posted the best-practices guidance on its Web page (https:// www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/ 29d51258-0651-469b-99b8-e986bae e8a54/Controlling-LMDelicatessens.pdf?MOD=AJPERES) and is requesting comments on the guidance. It is important to note that the best-practices guidance does not replace the 2013 FDA Food Code or FSIS regulations. The best-practices guidance sets out recommendations rather than requirements. The Agency will consider all comments submitted and will revise the best-practices guidance as necessary. USDA Nondiscrimination Statement The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:19 Apr 18, 2014 Jkt 232001 religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s Target Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TTY). To file a written complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250–9410 or call (202) 720–5964 (voice and TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Additional Public Notification FSIS will announce this notice online through the FSIS Web page located at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/federalregister. FSIS also will make copies of this Federal Register publication available through the FSIS Constituent Update, which is used to provide information regarding FSIS policies, procedures, regulations, Federal Register notices, FSIS public meetings, and other types of information that could affect or would be of interest to constituents and stakeholders. The Update is communicated via Listserv, a free electronic mail subscription service for industry, trade groups, consumer interest groups, health professionals and other individuals who have asked to be included. The Update is available on the FSIS Web page. Through the Listserv and the Web page, FSIS is able to provide information to a much broader and more diverse audience. In addition, FSIS offers an email subscription service which provides automatic and customized access to selected food safety news and information. This service is available at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/subscribe. Options range from recalls to export information to regulations, directives, and notices. Customers can add or delete subscriptions themselves, and have the option to password protect their accounts. Done in Washington, DC on: April 1, 2014. Alfred V. Almanza, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2014–08955 Filed 4–18–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–DM–P PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 22083 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food Safety and Inspection Service [Docket No. FSIS–2013–0029] Availability of FSIS Compliance Guidelines for Allergens and Ingredients of Public Health Concern: Identification, Prevention and Control, and Declaration Through Labeling Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of availability and opportunity for comment. AGENCY: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is announcing the availability of guidance on allergens and other ingredients of public health concern that provides recommendations for identifying hazards when conducting a hazard analysis and to prevent and control hazards through hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) plans or Sanitation standard operating procedures (SOPs) or other prerequisite programs with respect to these substances. The emphasis of the guidelines is on meat and poultry products. The guidelines represent the best practice recommendations of FSIS, based on scientific and practical considerations. By following these guidelines, establishments are likely to ensure that product labels declare all ingredients, as required in the regulations, and that the product does not contain undeclared allergens or other undeclared ingredients. DATES: The Agency must receive comments by June 20, 2014. ADDRESSES: A downloadable version of the compliance guide is available to view and print at https:// www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_ Policies/Compliance_Guides_Index/ index.asp. No hard copies of the compliance guide have been published. FSIS invites interested persons to submit comments on this notice. Comments may be submitted by either of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: This Web site provides the ability to type short comments directly into the comment field on this Web page or attach a file for lengthier comments. Go to https:// www.regulations.gov/. Follow the online instructions at that site for submitting comments. Mail, including CD–ROMs: Send to Docket Room Manager, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Patriots Plaza 3, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Mailstop 3782, Room 8–163B, Washington, DC 20250–3700. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\21APN1.SGM 21APN1 ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 22084 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 76 / Monday, April 21, 2014 / Notices Hand- or courier-delivered submittals: Deliver to Patriots Plaza 3, 355 E Street SW., Room 8–163B, Washington, DC 20250–3700. Instructions: All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must include the Agency name and docket number FSIS– 2013–0029. Comments received in response to this docket will be made available for public inspection and posted without change, including any personal information, to https:// www.regulations.gov. Docket: For access to background documents or to comments received, go to the FSIS Docket Room at Patriots Plaza 3, 355 E Street SW., Room 8–164, Washington, DC 20250–3700 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rachel Edelstein, Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy and Program Development; Telephone: (202) 205–0495, or by Fax: (202) 720–2025. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Acts, meat and poultry products that contain an allergen that is not declared on the product label are adulterated because, to individuals who are allergic to the allergen, the products bear or contain a poisonous or deleterious substance (21 U.S.C. 453(g)(1) and 601(m)(1)). Also under the Acts, meat and poultry products are misbranded if the labeling on the products is false or misleading in any particular (21 U.S.C. 601(n)(1) and 453(h)(1)). To prevent meat and poultry products from being misbranded, FSIS regulations require a listing of all ingredients on the labels of products (9 CFR 317.2(f)(1) and 381.118(a)(1)). In recent years (2008–2012), there has been a sustained increase in the number of recalls of FSIS-regulated products that contained undeclared allergens. These recalls are preventable, as many have been due to ingredient changes, product changes, products in the wrong package, or products with misprinted labels. The Agency is issuing these guidelines to provide meat and poultry establishments with recommendations on how to identify hazards with respect to allergens and other ingredients of public health concern when conducting their hazard analysis, prevent and control these hazards through HACCP plans, Sanitation SOPs, or other prerequisite programs, and properly declare allergens in product. These guidelines also provide information on proper procedures for processing, handling, storing, and labeling a product with an allergenic ingredient or ingredient of public health concern. Although the guidelines set out VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:19 Apr 18, 2014 Jkt 232001 recommendations rather than requirements, FSIS encourages establishments to follow this guidance. The guidelines represent FSIS’s thinking, and FSIS will update it as necessary to reflect comments received any additional information that becomes available. Done at Washington, DC on: April 1, 2014. Alfred V. Almanza, Administrator. USDA Nondiscrimination Statement The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s Target Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TTY). To file a written complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250–9410 or call (202) 720–5964 (voice and TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Food Safety and Inspection Service Additional Public Notification FSIS will announce this notice online through the FSIS Web page located at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/federalregister. FSIS will also make copies of this Federal Register publication available through the FSIS Constituent Update, which is used to provide information regarding FSIS policies, procedures, regulations, Federal Register notices, FSIS public meetings, and other types of information that could affect or would be of interest to constituents and stakeholders. The Update is communicated via Listserv, a free electronic mail subscription service for industry, trade groups, consumer interest groups, health professionals, and other individuals who have asked to be included. The Update is also available on the FSIS Web page. In addition, FSIS offers an electronic mail subscription service which provides automatic and customized access to selected food safety news and information. This service is available at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/ fsis/programs-and-services/emailsubscription-service. Options range from recalls to export information to regulations, directives, and notices. Customers can add or delete subscriptions themselves, and have the option to password protect their accounts. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 [FR Doc. 2014–08956 Filed 4–18–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–DM–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE [Docket No. FSIS–2012–0007] HACCP Plan Reassessment for NotReady-To-Eat Comminuted Poultry Products and Related Agency Verification Procedures Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice; response to comments. AGENCY: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is responding to comments on a Federal Register notice, ‘‘HACCP Plan Reassessment for Not-Ready-to-Eat (NRTE) Comminuted Poultry Products and Related Agency Verification Procedures,’’ that it published on December 6, 2012. The notice provided updated information on the Agency’s sampling and testing of these products, and on how it is verifying that establishments are effectively addressing the possible presence of Salmonella and Campylobacter in them. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rachel Edelstein, Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy and Program Development; Telephone: (202) 205–0495 or by Fax: (202) 720–2025. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Background In the December 6, 2012, Federal Register notice (77 FR 72686), FSIS informed establishments producing NRTE ground or otherwise comminuted chicken and turkey products that they must reassess their Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans for these products. The Agency also described how it would determine whether the association of NRTE meat or poultry product with an illness outbreak would make subsequentlyproduced ‘‘like’’ product adulterated. FSIS announced that it would expand its Salmonella sampling beyond ground chicken and turkey to include all forms of non-breaded, non-battered comminuted NRTE chicken or turkey product not destined for further processing into ready-to-eat (RTE) products. Finally, FSIS announced that it intended to use the sampling results to determine the prevalence of Salmonella and Campylobacter in NRTE comminuted chicken and turkey and to E:\FR\FM\21APN1.SGM 21APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 76 (Monday, April 21, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22083-22084]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-08956]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food Safety and Inspection Service

[Docket No. FSIS-2013-0029]


Availability of FSIS Compliance Guidelines for Allergens and 
Ingredients of Public Health Concern: Identification, Prevention and 
Control, and Declaration Through Labeling

AGENCY: Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of availability and opportunity for comment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is announcing 
the availability of guidance on allergens and other ingredients of 
public health concern that provides recommendations for identifying 
hazards when conducting a hazard analysis and to prevent and control 
hazards through hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) 
plans or Sanitation standard operating procedures (SOPs) or other 
prerequisite programs with respect to these substances. The emphasis of 
the guidelines is on meat and poultry products. The guidelines 
represent the best practice recommendations of FSIS, based on 
scientific and practical considerations. By following these guidelines, 
establishments are likely to ensure that product labels declare all 
ingredients, as required in the regulations, and that the product does 
not contain undeclared allergens or other undeclared ingredients.

DATES: The Agency must receive comments by June 20, 2014.

ADDRESSES: A downloadable version of the compliance guide is available 
to view and print at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/Compliance_Guides_Index/index.asp. No hard copies of the compliance 
guide have been published.
    FSIS invites interested persons to submit comments on this notice. 
Comments may be submitted by either of the following methods:
    Federal eRulemaking Portal: This Web site provides the ability to 
type short comments directly into the comment field on this Web page or 
attach a file for lengthier comments. Go to https://www.regulations.gov/
. Follow the on-line instructions at that site for submitting comments.
    Mail, including CD-ROMs: Send to Docket Room Manager, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Patriots 
Plaza 3, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Mailstop 3782, Room 8-163B, 
Washington, DC 20250-3700.

[[Page 22084]]

    Hand- or courier-delivered submittals: Deliver to Patriots Plaza 3, 
355 E Street SW., Room 8-163B, Washington, DC 20250-3700.
    Instructions: All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must 
include the Agency name and docket number FSIS-2013-0029. Comments 
received in response to this docket will be made available for public 
inspection and posted without change, including any personal 
information, to https://www.regulations.gov.
    Docket: For access to background documents or to comments received, 
go to the FSIS Docket Room at Patriots Plaza 3, 355 E Street SW., Room 
8-164, Washington, DC 20250-3700 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., 
Monday through Friday.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rachel Edelstein, Assistant 
Administrator, Office of Policy and Program Development; Telephone: 
(202) 205-0495, or by Fax: (202) 720-2025.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Acts, meat and poultry products 
that contain an allergen that is not declared on the product label are 
adulterated because, to individuals who are allergic to the allergen, 
the products bear or contain a poisonous or deleterious substance (21 
U.S.C. 453(g)(1) and 601(m)(1)).
    Also under the Acts, meat and poultry products are misbranded if 
the labeling on the products is false or misleading in any particular 
(21 U.S.C. 601(n)(1) and 453(h)(1)). To prevent meat and poultry 
products from being misbranded, FSIS regulations require a listing of 
all ingredients on the labels of products (9 CFR 317.2(f)(1) and 
381.118(a)(1)).
    In recent years (2008-2012), there has been a sustained increase in 
the number of recalls of FSIS-regulated products that contained 
undeclared allergens. These recalls are preventable, as many have been 
due to ingredient changes, product changes, products in the wrong 
package, or products with misprinted labels. The Agency is issuing 
these guidelines to provide meat and poultry establishments with 
recommendations on how to identify hazards with respect to allergens 
and other ingredients of public health concern when conducting their 
hazard analysis, prevent and control these hazards through HACCP plans, 
Sanitation SOPs, or other prerequisite programs, and properly declare 
allergens in product. These guidelines also provide information on 
proper procedures for processing, handling, storing, and labeling a 
product with an allergenic ingredient or ingredient of public health 
concern. Although the guidelines set out recommendations rather than 
requirements, FSIS encourages establishments to follow this guidance. 
The guidelines represent FSIS's thinking, and FSIS will update it as 
necessary to reflect comments received any additional information that 
becomes available.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination 
in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, 
national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, 
sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited 
bases apply to all programs.)
    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for 
communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, 
etc.) should contact USDA's Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and 
TTY).
    To file a written complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Office 
of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue 
SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TTY). 
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Additional Public Notification

    FSIS will announce this notice online through the FSIS Web page 
located at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/federal-register.
    FSIS will also make copies of this Federal Register publication 
available through the FSIS Constituent Update, which is used to provide 
information regarding FSIS policies, procedures, regulations, Federal 
Register notices, FSIS public meetings, and other types of information 
that could affect or would be of interest to constituents and 
stakeholders. The Update is communicated via Listserv, a free 
electronic mail subscription service for industry, trade groups, 
consumer interest groups, health professionals, and other individuals 
who have asked to be included. The Update is also available on the FSIS 
Web page. In addition, FSIS offers an electronic mail subscription 
service which provides automatic and customized access to selected food 
safety news and information. This service is available at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/programs-and-services/email-subscription-service. Options range from recalls to export information 
to regulations, directives, and notices. Customers can add or delete 
subscriptions themselves, and have the option to password protect their 
accounts.

    Done at Washington, DC on: April 1, 2014.
Alfred V. Almanza,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2014-08956 Filed 4-18-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P
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