United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Okra, 70565-70566 [E7-24058]

Download as PDF mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 238 / Wednesday, December 12, 2007 / Notices programs as needed by the agricultural industry, to support domestic and international marketing of U.S. products. These programs have been small in the past and not subject to the information collection approval provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act. Changes in the import requirements of foreign countries and proposed regulatory changes make it likely that requests for laboratory certification will increase so that products may be tested at the processing site. The laboratory certification and approval programs will remain voluntary and fee for service. To ensure that a laboratory is capable of accurately performing the specified analyses, it must adhere to certain good laboratory practices and show technical proficiency in the required areas. Checklist and form have been developed that ask the laboratory for information concerning procedures, the physical facility, employees, and their training. The laboratory must also provide Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the analyses and quality assurance. Most of the laboratory programs will include an on-site laboratory review. AMS will not approve a laboratory unless there is assurance that the laboratory is capable of performing accurate analyses. Interested parties can obtain a copy of the form (ST–212) by calling or writing to the point of contact listed above. The information collection requirements in this request are essential to examine laboratories for entrance into the following programs: (1) Analyst and Laboratory Certification Program for the Detection of Trichinae in Pork (An export program requested by Food Safety and Inspection Service). (2) Laboratory Verification Program for Poultry Exported from the United States to Russia (An export program requested by Food Safety and Inspection Service). This program contains the possibility of performing 12 different analyses in support of the exportation of poultry to Russia. Laboratories choose how many and which analyses for which they wish to be approved. Each of microbiological/ chemical analyses has its own methodology and the time necessary to perform the analyses. (3) Aflatoxin in Pistachios Program (A High Performance Liquid Chromatography method for exporting pistachios to European Union requested by the California Pistachio Committee) and the domestic program using a test kit analysis method (identified in the Pistachio Marketing Order); Aflatoxin in Peanuts Program (7 CFR part 996); and Aflatoxin in Almonds Program VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:54 Dec 11, 2007 Jkt 214001 (requested by the Almond Board of California). These programs are single analyte, single substrate programs, but the domestic pistachio, peanut, and almond programs have the option of using two different methods. The export pistachio program and export almond program must use the specified method. (4) Any additional programs which may be requested in the future to facilitate the marketing of U.S. agricultural products. All laboratory approval programs will follow the same general pattern. There would be a letter of intent, a form for identification of the analyses they intend to perform, an on-site laboratory review, analysis of known samples, and analysis of proficiency samples. The length of time required would depend on the complexity of the analysis, and the time necessary to perform the analysis. The burden hours incurred for these laboratories to submit the initial letter requesting entrance, completion of a general laboratory checklist, and correctly analyzing the test samples is a one-time occurrence. Once a laboratory is accepted, the burden will decrease and is then based on the various laboratories analyzing test samples throughout the year to maintain its program status. Form ST–212 (Alternate Payment Form) has been developed and is included in the submission to OMB for approval. This is an option for applicant/approved laboratories to pay for the services. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 8.55 hours per response. Respondents: Laboratories. Estimated Number of Respondents: 82. Estimated Total Annual Responses: 666. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 8.12. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 5695.3. Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the proposed 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 the burden of the proposed collection of information 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 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 70565 the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to Jane Ho, Technical Services Branch, Science and Technology, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Stop 0272 Washington, DC 20250–0272; Phone 202–690–0621, Fax 202–720– 4631. All comments received will be available for public inspection during regular business hours at the same address. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Dated: December 6, 2007. Kenneth C. Clayton, Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E7–24057 Filed 12–11–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket No. AMS–FV–07–0100; FV–06–334] United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Okra Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting comments on the proposed revision to the United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Okra. AMS received a petition from the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) requesting that USDA revise the standards for frozen okra from a ‘‘score point’’ grading system to an ‘‘individual attribute’’ grading system. The individual attribute grading system uses sample sizes and acceptable quality levels (AQL’s), along with tolerances and acceptance numbers (number of allowable defects), to determine the quality level of a lot. This change was requested to bring the standards for frozen okra in line with the present quality levels being marketed today and to provide guidance in the effective utilization of frozen okra. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before February 11, 2008. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments concerning this notice. Comments may be sent to Gabriel W. Mangino, E:\FR\FM\12DEN1.SGM 12DEN1 70566 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 238 / Wednesday, December 12, 2007 / Notices Inspection and Standardization Section, Processed Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 0247, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250–0247; Fax: (202) 690–1087. E-mail: gabriel.mangino@usda.gov. Comments may also be sent to https:// www.regulations.gov. The United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Okra are available either through the address cited above, or by accessing the AMS, Fruit and Vegetable Programs Web site on the Internet at https:// www.ams.usda.gov/fv or https:// www.regulations.gov. Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended, directs and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture ‘‘to develop and improve standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging and recommend and demonstrate such standards in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in commercial practices.’’ AMS is committed to carrying out this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of agricultural commodities and makes copies of official standards available upon request. Most of the United States Standards for Grades of Fruits and Vegetables no longer appear in the Code of Federal Regulations, but are maintained by USDA/AMS/Fruit and Vegetable Programs. AMS is proposing to revise the U.S. Standards for Grades of Frozen Okra using the procedures that appear in Part 36 of Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR Part 36). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Background AMS received a petition from the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI), requesting the revision of the standards for frozen okra. The petitioner represents AFFI’s Western Technical Advisory Committee, which includes among its members almost all of the processors of frozen okra in the United States. The petitioner requested that USDA change the grading system for frozen okra from a score point grading system to an individual attribute system. The petitioner believes that the change will bring the grading of frozen okra in line with current marketing practices and innovations with processing techniques. The petitioner also specifically requested that AMS revise the definitions of the following terms: Extraneous vegetable material, small piece in whole style, and small piece or damaged piece in cut style. It proposes VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:54 Dec 11, 2007 Jkt 214001 that extraneous vegetable material would be modified to include ‘‘detached stems of any length.’’ ‘‘Small piece in whole style’’ would be modified and no longer include ‘‘very small tip ends’’ as part of the definition. The term ‘‘small or damaged piece in cut style,’’ would be changed and separated into two unique definitions. The suggestion for the new terms to be used are ‘‘small piece in cut style’’ and ‘‘mechanical damage’’ respectively. The proposed revisions to the grade standards for frozen okra, including the changes to the definitions of terms, are available by accessing the AMS Fruit and Vegetable Programs Home Page on the Internet at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/fv or https:// www.regulations.gov. AMS confirmed the revision at AFFI’s annual conference in Monterey, CA, during a meeting on February, 24, 2007. In addition to the requested changes by the petitioner, AMS is requesting comments on replacing the dual grade nomenclature with single letter grade designations. ‘‘U.S. Grade A’’ (or ‘‘U.S. Fancy’’) and ‘‘U.S. Grade B’’ (or ‘‘U.S. Extra Standard’’) would become ‘‘U.S. Grade A’’ and ‘‘U.S. Grade B’’ respectively. This would conform to recent changes in other grade standards. AMS is also proposing minor editorial changes to the standards for frozen okra that would provide a format consistent with recent revisions of other U.S. grade standards. This format is intended to provide industry personnel and agricultural commodity graders with simpler and more comprehensive standards. Definitions of terms and easy to read tables would be incorporated to facilitate a better understanding and uniform application of the standards. The proposed revisions to the frozen okra standards would provide both a common language for trade and a means of measuring value in the marketing of frozen okra. The standards would also provide guidance in determining whether frozen okra should be utilized in its present state, or subject to reprocessing. The official grade of a lot of frozen okra covered by these standards is determined by the procedures set forth in the ‘‘Regulations Governing Inspection and Certification of Processed Products Thereof, and Certain Other Processed Food Products (§ 52.1 to 52.83).’’ This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested parties to comment on undertaking this revision. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621–1627. PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Dated: December 6, 2007. Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E7–24058 Filed 12–11–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Information Collection; Airplane Pilot Qualifications and Approval Record, Helicopter Pilot Qualifications and Approval Record, Airplane Data Record, and Helicopter Data Record Forest Service, USDA. Notice; request for comment. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and organizations on the revision of a currently approved information collection, Airplane Pilot Qualifications and Approval Record, Helicopter Pilot Qualifications and Approval Record, Airplane Data Record, and Helicopter Data Record. DATES: Comments must be received in writing on or before February 11, 2008 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. ADDRESSES: Comments concerning this notice should be addressed to Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Fire and Aviation Management, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Mail Stop 1107, Washington, DC 20250–1107. Comments also may be submitted via facsimile to 202–205–1401 or by e-mail to: mdoherty03@fs.fed.us. The public may inspect comments received at Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Fire and Aviation Management, 201 14th St., SW., Washington, DC, during normal business hours. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to 202–205–0985 to facilitate entry to the building. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Nelson, Aviation Management Specialist, 208–387–5617. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1–800–877–8339, 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Airplane Pilot Qualifications and Approval Record, Helicopter Pilot Qualifications and Approval Record, Airplane Data Record, and Helicopter Data Record. OMB Number: 0596–0015. E:\FR\FM\12DEN1.SGM 12DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 238 (Wednesday, December 12, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70565-70566]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-24058]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket No. AMS-FV-07-0100; FV-06-334]


United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Okra

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting comments on the proposed revision to 
the United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Okra. AMS received a 
petition from the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) requesting that 
USDA revise the standards for frozen okra from a ``score point'' 
grading system to an ``individual attribute'' grading system. The 
individual attribute grading system uses sample sizes and acceptable 
quality levels (AQL's), along with tolerances and acceptance numbers 
(number of allowable defects), to determine the quality level of a lot. 
This change was requested to bring the standards for frozen okra in 
line with the present quality levels being marketed today and to 
provide guidance in the effective utilization of frozen okra.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before February 11, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments 
concerning this notice. Comments may be sent to Gabriel W. Mangino,

[[Page 70566]]

Inspection and Standardization Section, Processed Products Branch, 
Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, STOP 0247, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-0247; Fax: (202) 690-1087. E-mail: 
gabriel.mangino@usda.gov. Comments may also be sent to https://
www.regulations.gov. The United States Standards for Grades of Frozen 
Okra are available either through the address cited above, or by 
accessing the AMS, Fruit and Vegetable Programs Web site on the 
Internet at https://www.ams.usda.gov/fv or https://www.regulations.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing 
Act of 1946, as amended, directs and authorizes the Secretary of 
Agriculture ``to develop and improve standards of quality, condition, 
quantity, grade and packaging and recommend and demonstrate such 
standards in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in 
commercial practices.'' AMS is committed to carrying out this authority 
in a manner that facilitates the marketing of agricultural commodities 
and makes copies of official standards available upon request. Most of 
the United States Standards for Grades of Fruits and Vegetables no 
longer appear in the Code of Federal Regulations, but are maintained by 
USDA/AMS/Fruit and Vegetable Programs.
    AMS is proposing to revise the U.S. Standards for Grades of Frozen 
Okra using the procedures that appear in Part 36 of Title 7 of the Code 
of Federal Regulations (7 CFR Part 36).

Background

    AMS received a petition from the American Frozen Food Institute 
(AFFI), requesting the revision of the standards for frozen okra. The 
petitioner represents AFFI's Western Technical Advisory Committee, 
which includes among its members almost all of the processors of frozen 
okra in the United States.
    The petitioner requested that USDA change the grading system for 
frozen okra from a score point grading system to an individual 
attribute system. The petitioner believes that the change will bring 
the grading of frozen okra in line with current marketing practices and 
innovations with processing techniques.
    The petitioner also specifically requested that AMS revise the 
definitions of the following terms: Extraneous vegetable material, 
small piece in whole style, and small piece or damaged piece in cut 
style. It proposes that extraneous vegetable material would be modified 
to include ``detached stems of any length.'' ``Small piece in whole 
style'' would be modified and no longer include ``very small tip ends'' 
as part of the definition. The term ``small or damaged piece in cut 
style,'' would be changed and separated into two unique definitions. 
The suggestion for the new terms to be used are ``small piece in cut 
style'' and ``mechanical damage'' respectively. The proposed revisions 
to the grade standards for frozen okra, including the changes to the 
definitions of terms, are available by accessing the AMS Fruit and 
Vegetable Programs Home Page on the Internet at: https://
www.ams.usda.gov/fv or https://www.regulations.gov. AMS confirmed the 
revision at AFFI's annual conference in Monterey, CA, during a meeting 
on February, 24, 2007.
    In addition to the requested changes by the petitioner, AMS is 
requesting comments on replacing the dual grade nomenclature with 
single letter grade designations. ``U.S. Grade A'' (or ``U.S. Fancy'') 
and ``U.S. Grade B'' (or ``U.S. Extra Standard'') would become ``U.S. 
Grade A'' and ``U.S. Grade B'' respectively. This would conform to 
recent changes in other grade standards. AMS is also proposing minor 
editorial changes to the standards for frozen okra that would provide a 
format consistent with recent revisions of other U.S. grade standards. 
This format is intended to provide industry personnel and agricultural 
commodity graders with simpler and more comprehensive standards. 
Definitions of terms and easy to read tables would be incorporated to 
facilitate a better understanding and uniform application of the 
standards.
    The proposed revisions to the frozen okra standards would provide 
both a common language for trade and a means of measuring value in the 
marketing of frozen okra. The standards would also provide guidance in 
determining whether frozen okra should be utilized in its present 
state, or subject to reprocessing. The official grade of a lot of 
frozen okra covered by these standards is determined by the procedures 
set forth in the ``Regulations Governing Inspection and Certification 
of Processed Products Thereof, and Certain Other Processed Food 
Products (Sec.  52.1 to 52.83).''
    This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested 
parties to comment on undertaking this revision.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.

    Dated: December 6, 2007.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. E7-24058 Filed 12-11-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

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