Uniform Compliance Date for Food Labeling Regulations, 71007-71009 [2014-28269]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 230 / Monday, December 1, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
e. In paragraphs (c)(1)(ix) introductory
text, (c)(1)(ix)(A), and (c)(1)(ix)(B), by
adding the words ‘‘or HPAI’’ after the
words ‘‘Newcastle disease’’ each time
they occur;
■ f. In paragraph (c)(1)(ix)(C), in the first
sentence, by adding the words ‘‘region
free of HPAI, or from a’’ before the
words ‘‘flock of origin’’;
■ g. In paragraph (c)(2), by adding the
words ‘‘and HPAI’’ after the words
‘‘Newcastle disease’’;
■ h. In paragraph (c)(3), by adding the
words ‘‘and HPAI’’ after the words
‘‘Newcastle disease’’ each time they
occur, and by removing the words
‘‘paragraph (f)’’ and adding the words
‘‘paragraph (d)’’ in their place; and
■ i. In paragraph (c)(4), by removing the
words ‘‘paragraph (f)’’ and adding the
words ‘‘paragraph (d)’’ in their place.
The revision reads as follows:
old susceptible chickens within 10 days
following intravenous inoculation with
0.2 mL of a 1:10 dilution of a bacteriafree, infectious allantoic fluid or
inoculation of 10 susceptible 4- to 8week-old chickens resulting in an
intravenous pathogenicity index (IVPI)
of greater than 1.2;
(2) Any H5 or H7 virus that does not
meet the criteria in paragraph (1) of this
definition, but has an amino acid
sequence at the haemagglutinin cleavage
site that is compatible with highly
pathogenic avian influenza viruses; or
(3) Any influenza virus that is not an
H5 or H7 subtype and that kills one to
five out of eight inoculated chickens
and grows in cell culture in the absence
of trypsin within 10 days.
*
*
*
*
*
§ 94.6 Carcasses, meat, parts or products
of carcasses, and eggs (other than hatching
eggs) of poultry, game birds, or other birds;
importations from regions where Newcastle
disease or highly pathogenic avian
influenza is considered to exist.
§ 95.3
■
(a) * * *
(1) * * *
(i) A list of such regions is maintained
on the APHIS National Import Export
Services Web site at https://
www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/
animals/animal_disease_status.shtml.
Copies of the list will also be available
upon request to Regional Evaluation
Services, National Import Export
Services, Veterinary Services, Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service,
4700 River Road Unit 38, Riverdale,
Maryland 20737; fax: (301) 851–3300;
email: AskNCIE.Products@
aphis.usda.gov.
*
*
*
*
*
PART 95—SANITARY CONTROL OF
ANIMAL BYPRODUCTS (EXCEPT
CASINGS), AND HAY AND STRAW,
OFFERED FOR ENTRY INTO THE
UNITED STATES
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301–8317; 21 U.S.C.
136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 7 CFR 2.22,
2.80, and 371.4.
rljohnson on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES
§ 95.1
Definitions.
*
*
*
*
*
Highly pathogenic avian influenza
(HPAI). Highly pathogenic avian
influenza is defined as follows:
(1) Any influenza virus that kills at
least 75 percent of eight 4- to 6-week-
VerDate Sep<11>2014
13:52 Nov 28, 2014
Jkt 235001
§ 95.16
[Amended]
15. Section 95.16 is amended as
follows:
■ a. In the introductory text, by
removing the citation ‘‘§ 95.6’’ and
adding the citation ‘‘§ 95.17’’ in its
place; and
■ b. In footnote 1, by removing the
citation ‘‘§ 95.41’’ and adding the
citation ‘‘§ 95.17’’ in its place.
■
§ 95.17
[Amended]
16. In § 95.17, paragraph (c) is
amended by adding the word ‘‘highly
pathogenic avian influenza,’’ after the
words ‘‘African swine fever,’’.
■
[Amended]
17. In § 95.23, paragraph (c) is
amended by removing the word ‘‘and’’
after the words ‘‘foot-and-mouth
disease,’’ and by adding the words
‘‘highly pathogenic avian influenza, and
Newcastle disease,’’ after the word
‘‘rinderpest,’’.
■
12. The authority citation for part 95
continues to read as follows:
13. Section 95.1 is amended by
adding, in alphabetical order, the
definition of highly pathogenic avian
influenza (HPAI) to read as follows:
14. Section 95.3 is amended by adding
the words ‘‘highly pathogenic avian
influenza, Newcastle disease,’’ after the
words ‘‘foot-and-mouth disease,’’.
■
§ 95.23
■
■
[Amended]
§ 95.41
■
[Removed]
18. Section 95.41 is removed.
Done in Washington, DC, this 25th day of
November 2014.
Jere L. Dick,
Associate Administrator, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–28244 Filed 11–28–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–34–P
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
71007
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food Safety and Inspection Service
9 CFR Parts 317 and 381
[Docket No. FSIS–2014–0042]
RIN 0583–AD05
Uniform Compliance Date for Food
Labeling Regulations
Food Safety and Inspection
Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The Food Safety and
Inspection Service (FSIS) is establishing
January 1, 2018, as the uniform
compliance date for new meat and
poultry product labeling regulations that
are issued between January 1, 2015, and
December 31, 2016. FSIS periodically
announces uniform compliance dates
for new meat and poultry product
labeling regulations to minimize the
economic impact of label changes.
DATES: This rule is effective December 1,
2014. Comments on this final rule must
be received on or before December 31,
2014.
ADDRESSES: FSIS invites interested
persons to submit relevant comments on
this final rule. Comments may be
submitted by 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 Clerk, U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA), FSIS, OPPD,
Patriots Plaza 3, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW., Mailstop 3782, Room 8–
163A, Washington, DC 20250–3700.
• Hand- or courier-delivered items:
Send to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department
of Agriculture (USDA), FSIS, OPPD,
Patriots Plaza 3, 355 E Street SW., Room
8–163A, Washington, DC 20250–3700.
Instructions: All items submitted by
mail or electronic mail must include the
Agency name and docket number FSIS–
2014–0042. 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 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.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\01DER1.SGM
01DER1
71008
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 230 / Monday, December 1, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rosalyn Murphy-Jenkins, Director,
Labeling and Program Delivery Division,
Office of Policy and Program
Development, Food Safety and
Inspection Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Telephone: 301–504–0879.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
rljohnson on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES
Background
FSIS periodically issues regulations
that require changes in the labeling of
meat and poultry food products. Many
meat and poultry establishments also
produce non-meat and non-poultry food
products that are subject to the
jurisdiction of the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA). FDA also
periodically issues regulations that
require changes in the labeling of
products under its jurisdiction.
On December 14, 2004, FSIS issued a
final rule that established January 1,
2008, as the uniform compliance date
for new meat and poultry labeling
regulations issued between January 1,
2005, and December 31, 2006. The 2004
final rule also provided that the Agency
would set uniform compliance dates for
new labeling regulations in 2-year
increments and periodically issue final
rules announcing those dates.
Consistent with that final rule, the
Agency has published four final rules
establishing the uniform compliance
dates of January 1, 2010, January 1,
2012, January 1, 2014, and January 1,
2016 (72 FR 9651, 73 FR 75564, 75 FR
71344, and 77 FR 76824).
The Final Rule
This final rule establishes January 1,
2018, as the uniform compliance date
for new meat and poultry product
labeling regulations that are issued
between January 1, 2015 and December
31, 2016, and is consistent with the
previous final rules that established
uniform compliance dates. In addition,
FSIS’s approach for establishing
uniform compliance dates for new food
labeling regulations is consistent with
FDA’s approach. FDA is also planning
to publish a final rule establishing a
new compliance date.
Two-year increments enhance the
industry’s ability to make orderly
adjustments to new labeling
requirements without unduly exposing
consumers to outdated labels. With this
approach, the meat and poultry industry
is able to plan for use of label
inventories and to develop new labeling
materials that meet the requirements of
all labeling regulations made within the
two year period, thereby minimizing the
economic impact of labeling changes.
This compliance approach also serves
consumer’s interests because the cost of
VerDate Sep<11>2014
13:52 Nov 28, 2014
Jkt 235001
multiple short-term label revisions that
would otherwise occur would likely be
passed on to consumers in the form of
higher prices.
FSIS encourages meat and poultry
companies to comply with new labeling
regulations as soon as it is feasible. If
companies initiate voluntary label
changes, they should consider
incorporating any new requirements
that have been published as final
regulations.
The new uniform compliance date
will apply only to final FSIS regulations
that require changes in the labeling of
meat and poultry products and that are
published after January 1, 2015, and
before December 31, 2016. For each
final rule that requires changes in
labeling, FSIS will specifically identify
January 1, 2018, as the compliance date.
All meat and poultry food products that
are subject to labeling regulations
promulgated between January 1, 2015
and December 31, 2016, will be required
to comply with these regulations on
products introduced into commerce on
or after January 1, 2018. If any food
labeling regulation involves special
circumstances that justify a compliance
date other than January 1, 2018, the
Agency will determine an appropriate
compliance date and will publish that
compliance date in the rulemaking.
In rulemaking that began with the
May 4, 2004, proposed rule, FSIS
provided notice and solicited comment
on the concept of establishing uniform
compliance dates for labeling
requirements (69 FR 24539). In the
March 5, 2007, final rule, FSIS noted
that the Agency received only four
comments in response to the proposal,
all fully supportive of the policy to set
uniform compliance dates. Therefore, in
the March 5, 2007, final rule, FSIS
determined that further rulemaking for
the establishment of uniform
compliance dates for labeling
requirements is unnecessary (72 FR
9651). The Agency did not receive
comments on the 2007 final rule, and
the comments FSIS received on the
2012 final rule on the uniform
compliance date were outside the scope
of the rule (77 FR 76824). Consistent
with its statement in 2007, FSIS finds at
this time that further rulemaking on this
matter is unnecessary. However, FSIS is
providing an opportunity for comment
on the uniform compliance date
established in this final rule.
Executive Order 12988
This final rule has been reviewed
under the Executive Order 12988, Civil
Justice Reform. Under this final rule: (1)
All state and local laws and regulations
that are inconsistent with this rule will
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
be preempted; (2) no retroactive effect
will be given to this rule; and (3) no
retroactive proceedings will be required
before parties may file suit in court
challenging this rule.
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 and
the Regulatory Flexibility Act
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
direct agencies to assess all costs and
benefits of available regulatory
alternatives and, if regulation is
necessary, to select regulatory
approaches that maximize net benefits
(including potential economic,
environmental, public health and safety
effects, distributive impacts, and
equity). Executive Order (E.O.) 13563
emphasizes the importance of
quantifying both costs and benefits, of
reducing costs, of harmonizing rules,
and of promoting flexibility. This final
rule has been reviewed under E.O.
12866. The Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) has determined that it is
a not significant regulatory action under
section 3(f) of E.O. 12866 and, therefore,
it has not been reviewed by OMB.
This rule does not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities; consequently,
a regulatory flexibility analysis is not
required (5 U.S.C. 601–612).
Paperwork Requirements
There are no paperwork or
recordkeeping requirements associated
with this policy under the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501–
3520).
E-Government Act Compliance
FSIS and USDA are committed to
achieving the purposes of the EGovernment Act (44 U.S.C. 3601, et
seq.) by, among other things, promoting
the use of the Internet and other
information technologies and providing
increased opportunities for citizen
access to Government information and
services, and for other purposes.
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
No agency, officer, or employee of the
USDA shall, on the grounds of race,
color, national origin, religion, sex,
gender identity, sexual orientation,
disability, age, marital status, family/
parental status, income derived from a
public assistance program, or political
beliefs, exclude from participation in,
deny the benefits of, or subject to
discrimination any person in the United
States under any program or activity
conducted by the USDA.
E:\FR\FM\01DER1.SGM
01DER1
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 230 / Monday, December 1, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
How To File a Complaint of
Discrimination
To file a complaint of discrimination,
complete the USDA Program
Discrimination Complaint Form, which
may be accessed online at https://
www.ocio.usda.gov/sites/default/files/
docs/2012/Complain_combined_6_8_
12.pdf, or write a letter signed by you
or your authorized representative.
Send your completed complaint form
or letter to USDA by mail, fax, or email:
U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400
Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20250–9410
Fax
(202) 690–7442
Email
program.intake@usda.gov
Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means for communication
(Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.),
should contact USDA’s TARGET Center
at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD).
Additional Public Notification
rljohnson on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES
[FR Doc. 2014–28269 Filed 11–28–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–DM–P
DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES
SAFETY BOARD
10 CFR Part 1708
Procedures for Safety Investigations
Mail
FSIS will announce this rule online
through the FSIS Web page located at
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_
policies/Interim_&_Final_Rules/
index.asp.
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/News_&_
Events/Email_Subscription/. 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Done at Washington, DC on: November 25,
2014
Alfred V. Almanza,
Acting Administrator.
13:52 Nov 28, 2014
Jkt 235001
Defense Nuclear Facilities
Safety Board.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The Defense Nuclear
Facilities Safety Board (Board) is
promulgating a final rule which
establishes procedures for conducting
preliminary and formal safety
investigations of events or practices at
Department of Energy (DOE) defense
nuclear facilities that the Board
determines have adversely affected, or
may adversely affect, public health and
safety. The Board’s experience in
conducting formal safety investigations
necessitates codifying the procedures
set forth in this final rule. Among other
benefits, these procedures will ensure a
more efficient investigative process,
protect confidential and privileged
safety information, and promote
uniformity of future safety
investigations. The rule also promotes
public awareness through greater
transparency in the conduct of Board
investigations.
SUMMARY:
DATES:
This rule is effective December 1,
2014.
John
G. Batherson, Associate General
Counsel, Defense Nuclear Facilities
Safety Board, 625 Indiana Avenue NW.,
Suite 700, Washington, DC 20004,
telephone (202) 694–7018, facsimile
(202) 208–6518, email JohnB@dnfsb.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
I. Background
On July 27, 2012, the Board published
a proposed rule in the Federal Register
(77 FR 44174). The Board initially
provided a 30-day public comment
period for the proposed rule, and then
extended the comment period an
additional 30 days to September 26,
2012 (77 FR 51943). Subsequent to
publication of the proposed rule and
disposition of comments, but before the
final rule was published, the National
Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for
Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 amended the
Board’s enabling legislation on January
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
71009
2, 2013. The NDAA amendments
required the Board to further modify the
proposed rule. On August 11, 2014, the
Board published a second notice of
proposed rule in the Federal Register
(79 FR 46720). The second notice of
proposed rule incorporated changes
necessitated by those NDAA
amendments.
The Board is responsible for making
recommendations to the Secretary of
Energy and the President as the Board
determines are necessary to ensure
adequate protection of public health and
safety at DOE defense nuclear facilities.
The Board is vested with broad
authority pursuant to 42 U.S.C.
2286a(b)(2) to investigate events or
practices which have adversely affected,
or may adversely affect, public health
and safety at DOE’s defense nuclear
facilities. The Board is authorized to
promulgate this final rule pursuant to its
enabling legislation in the Atomic
Energy Act of 1954, as amended, at 42
U.S.C. 2286b(c), which states that the
Board may prescribe regulations to carry
out its responsibilities. The final rule
establishes a new Part 1708 in the
Board’s regulations, setting forth
procedures governing the conduct of
safety investigations.
It is imperative that Board
investigators be able to obtain
information from witnesses necessary to
form an understanding of the
underlying causes that adversely affect,
or may adversely affect, public health
and safety at DOE defense nuclear
facilities. Frank communications are
critical if Board investigators are to be
effective. The Board must also be
viewed as uncompromising in
maintaining non-disclosure of
privileged safety information. The Board
must be able to assure complete
confidentiality in order to encourage
future witnesses to come forward.
The Board requires the discretion to
offer individuals enforceable assurances
of confidentiality in order to encourage
their full and frank testimony. Without
such authority, individuals may refrain
from providing the Board with vital
information affecting public health and
safety, frustrating the efficient operation
of the Board’s oversight mission. To
encourage candor and facilitate the free
flow of information, the Board adopted
in the proposed rule procedures to
protect confidential statements from
disclosure to the maximum extent
permitted under existing law.
The Board received two formal
comments on the July 27, 2012, (77 FR
44174) proposed rule: An email
comment from Mr. Richard L. Urie,
dated September 4, 2012, and a letter
from Mr. Eric Fygi, DOE Deputy General
E:\FR\FM\01DER1.SGM
01DER1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 230 (Monday, December 1, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 71007-71009]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-28269]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food Safety and Inspection Service
9 CFR Parts 317 and 381
[Docket No. FSIS-2014-0042]
RIN 0583-AD05
Uniform Compliance Date for Food Labeling Regulations
AGENCY: Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is establishing
January 1, 2018, as the uniform compliance date for new meat and
poultry product labeling regulations that are issued between January 1,
2015, and December 31, 2016. FSIS periodically announces uniform
compliance dates for new meat and poultry product labeling regulations
to minimize the economic impact of label changes.
DATES: This rule is effective December 1, 2014. Comments on this final
rule must be received on or before December 31, 2014.
ADDRESSES: FSIS invites interested persons to submit relevant comments
on this final rule. Comments may be submitted by 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 Clerk, U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA), FSIS, OPPD, Patriots Plaza 3, 1400
Independence Avenue SW., Mailstop 3782, Room 8-163A, Washington, DC
20250-3700.
Hand- or courier-delivered items: Send to Docket Clerk,
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), FSIS, OPPD, Patriots Plaza 3,
355 E Street SW., Room 8-163A, Washington, DC 20250-3700.
Instructions: All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must
include the Agency name and docket number FSIS-2014-0042. 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 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.
[[Page 71008]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rosalyn Murphy-Jenkins, Director,
Labeling and Program Delivery Division, Office of Policy and Program
Development, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Telephone: 301-504-0879.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
FSIS periodically issues regulations that require changes in the
labeling of meat and poultry food products. Many meat and poultry
establishments also produce non-meat and non-poultry food products that
are subject to the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA). FDA also periodically issues regulations that require changes in
the labeling of products under its jurisdiction.
On December 14, 2004, FSIS issued a final rule that established
January 1, 2008, as the uniform compliance date for new meat and
poultry labeling regulations issued between January 1, 2005, and
December 31, 2006. The 2004 final rule also provided that the Agency
would set uniform compliance dates for new labeling regulations in 2-
year increments and periodically issue final rules announcing those
dates. Consistent with that final rule, the Agency has published four
final rules establishing the uniform compliance dates of January 1,
2010, January 1, 2012, January 1, 2014, and January 1, 2016 (72 FR
9651, 73 FR 75564, 75 FR 71344, and 77 FR 76824).
The Final Rule
This final rule establishes January 1, 2018, as the uniform
compliance date for new meat and poultry product labeling regulations
that are issued between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016, and is
consistent with the previous final rules that established uniform
compliance dates. In addition, FSIS's approach for establishing uniform
compliance dates for new food labeling regulations is consistent with
FDA's approach. FDA is also planning to publish a final rule
establishing a new compliance date.
Two-year increments enhance the industry's ability to make orderly
adjustments to new labeling requirements without unduly exposing
consumers to outdated labels. With this approach, the meat and poultry
industry is able to plan for use of label inventories and to develop
new labeling materials that meet the requirements of all labeling
regulations made within the two year period, thereby minimizing the
economic impact of labeling changes.
This compliance approach also serves consumer's interests because
the cost of multiple short-term label revisions that would otherwise
occur would likely be passed on to consumers in the form of higher
prices.
FSIS encourages meat and poultry companies to comply with new
labeling regulations as soon as it is feasible. If companies initiate
voluntary label changes, they should consider incorporating any new
requirements that have been published as final regulations.
The new uniform compliance date will apply only to final FSIS
regulations that require changes in the labeling of meat and poultry
products and that are published after January 1, 2015, and before
December 31, 2016. For each final rule that requires changes in
labeling, FSIS will specifically identify January 1, 2018, as the
compliance date. All meat and poultry food products that are subject to
labeling regulations promulgated between January 1, 2015 and December
31, 2016, will be required to comply with these regulations on products
introduced into commerce on or after January 1, 2018. If any food
labeling regulation involves special circumstances that justify a
compliance date other than January 1, 2018, the Agency will determine
an appropriate compliance date and will publish that compliance date in
the rulemaking.
In rulemaking that began with the May 4, 2004, proposed rule, FSIS
provided notice and solicited comment on the concept of establishing
uniform compliance dates for labeling requirements (69 FR 24539). In
the March 5, 2007, final rule, FSIS noted that the Agency received only
four comments in response to the proposal, all fully supportive of the
policy to set uniform compliance dates. Therefore, in the March 5,
2007, final rule, FSIS determined that further rulemaking for the
establishment of uniform compliance dates for labeling requirements is
unnecessary (72 FR 9651). The Agency did not receive comments on the
2007 final rule, and the comments FSIS received on the 2012 final rule
on the uniform compliance date were outside the scope of the rule (77
FR 76824). Consistent with its statement in 2007, FSIS finds at this
time that further rulemaking on this matter is unnecessary. However,
FSIS is providing an opportunity for comment on the uniform compliance
date established in this final rule.
Executive Order 12988
This final rule has been reviewed under the Executive Order 12988,
Civil Justice Reform. Under this final rule: (1) All state and local
laws and regulations that are inconsistent with this rule will be
preempted; (2) no retroactive effect will be given to this rule; and
(3) no retroactive proceedings will be required before parties may file
suit in court challenging this rule.
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess all
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive
Order (E.O.) 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs
and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting
flexibility. This final rule has been reviewed under E.O. 12866. The
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has determined that it is a not
significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of E.O. 12866 and,
therefore, it has not been reviewed by OMB.
This rule does not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities; consequently, a regulatory
flexibility analysis is not required (5 U.S.C. 601-612).
Paperwork Requirements
There are no paperwork or recordkeeping requirements associated
with this policy under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
3501-3520).
E-Government Act Compliance
FSIS and USDA are committed to achieving the purposes of the E-
Government Act (44 U.S.C. 3601, et seq.) by, among other things,
promoting the use of the Internet and other information technologies
and providing increased opportunities for citizen access to Government
information and services, and for other purposes.
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
No agency, officer, or employee of the USDA shall, on the grounds
of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual
orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status,
income derived from a public assistance program, or political beliefs,
exclude from participation in, deny the benefits of, or subject to
discrimination any person in the United States under any program or
activity conducted by the USDA.
[[Page 71009]]
How To File a Complaint of Discrimination
To file a complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program
Discrimination Complaint Form, which may be accessed online at https://www.ocio.usda.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2012/Complain_combined_6_8_12.pdf, or write a letter signed by you or your
authorized representative.
Send your completed complaint form or letter to USDA by mail, fax,
or email:
Mail
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410
Fax
(202) 690-7442
Email
program.intake@usda.gov
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for
communication (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.), should contact
USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).
Additional Public Notification
FSIS will announce this rule online through the FSIS Web page
located at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/Interim_&_Final_Rules/index.asp.
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/News_&_Events/Email_Subscription/. 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: November 25, 2014
Alfred V. Almanza,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2014-28269 Filed 11-28-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P