Enhancing Retailer Standards in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), 90675-90699 [2016-29837]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Food and Nutrition Service

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 241 (Thursday, December 15, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 90675-90699]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-29837]



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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 241 / Thursday, December 15, 2016 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 90675]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food and Nutrition Service

7 CFR Parts 271 and 278

[FNS-2016-0018]
RIN 0584-AE27


Enhancing Retailer Standards in the Supplemental Nutrition 
Assistance Program (SNAP)

AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA or the Department).

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS or the Agency) is updating 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or the Program) 
regulations pertaining to the eligibility criteria for retail food 
stores to participate in the Program by finalizing a proposed rule that 
was published on February 17, 2016. The Agricultural Act of 2014 (the 
2014 Farm Bill) amended the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the Act) to 
increase the requirement that certain SNAP authorized retail food 
stores have available on a continuous basis at least three varieties of 
items in each of four staple food categories, to a mandatory minimum of 
seven varieties. The 2014 Farm Bill also amended the Act to increase, 
for certain SNAP authorized retail food stores, the minimum number of 
staple food categories in which perishable foods are required from two 
to three. This final rule codifies these mandatory requirements.
    In addition, FNS is codifying several other discretionary changes 
to the existing eligibility criteria. The first is to address depth of 
stock by establishing a minimum of three stocking units per staple food 
variety. The rule also amends the definitions of ``staple food,'' 
``retail food store,'' and ``ineligible firms'', and defines the term 
``firm'' as discussed in the Supplementary Information. Finally, this 
rule allows FNS to consider the need for food access when making a SNAP 
authorization determination for applicant firms that fail to meet 
certain authorization requirements and reaffirms FNS's authority to 
disclose to the public certain information about retailers who have 
violated SNAP rules.

DATES: Effective date: This rule is effective on January 17, 2017.
    Implementation dates: See the Supplementary Information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vicky Robinson, Chief, Retailer 
Management and Issuance Branch (RMIB), Retailer Policy and Management 
Division (RPMD), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA), 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22302. 
Ms. Robinson can also be reached by telephone at (703) 305-2476 or by 
email at Vicky.Robinson@fns.usda.gov during regular business hours 
(8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.), Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Executive Summary

Purpose of the Regulatory Action

    In this final rule, FNS is amending SNAP regulations at 7 CFR parts 
271 and 278 to clarify and enhance current regulations governing the 
eligibility of firms to participate in SNAP. This rulemaking also 
codifies mandatory provisions of the 2014 Farm Bill, as well as other 
provisions to strengthen current regulations and conform to statutory 
intent. These changes will improve SNAP households' access to a variety 
of healthy food options and they reflect the Agency's ongoing 
commitments to provide vital nutrition assistance to the most 
vulnerable Americans, protect taxpayer dollars, and build on aggressive 
efforts to ensure Program integrity. The final rule allows FNS to 
ensure that firms authorized to participate in SNAP as retail food 
stores are consistent with and further the purposes of the Program. 
This final rule reinforces the statutory intent of SNAP--that 
participants are able to use their benefits to purchase nutritious 
foods intended for home preparation and consumption. In the interests 
of preserving SNAP households' food access, minimizing the burden on 
participating retail food stores and reflective of the many comments 
received in response to the proposed rule, this final rule has been 
substantially modified from its proposed form, including to reduce 
burden on retailers participating in the program and to help retain 
their participation in the program.

Summary of the Main Provisions & Changes From the Proposed Rule

    The proposed rule generated a great deal of interest and concern 
among a diverse array of Program stakeholders. In consideration of 
these comments FNS has clarified, modified, or excised several 
provisions contained in the proposed rule. In summary:
 Definition of ``Staple Food''--Multiple Ingredient Food Items
    The proposed language excluding multiple ingredient food items from 
being counted towards any staple food category has been removed from 
the final rule.
 Definition of ``Staple Food''--Accessory Food Items
    The proposed language has been clarified to specify that 
``accessory food items'' are not defined by consumption between meals 
or package size and that foods with an accessory food main ingredient 
(e.g., sugar) are considered accessory foods. Specific examples have 
been added to the amendatory language at 7 CFR 271.2 and a longer list 
of examples is included in the preamble of the final rule.
 Definition of ``Retail Food Store''--85-15% Prepared Foods 
Threshold
    The proposed language defining ``retail food store'' as a firm with 
at least 85 percent of its total food sales in items not cooked or 
heated on-site before or after purchase has been removed from the final 
rule. However, related to this proposed provision, language was added 
to existing regulations on ``ineligible firms'' to specify that a firm 
is ineligible for SNAP authorization if at least 50 percent of its 
total gross sales come from the sale of hot and/or cold prepared foods, 
including foods cooked or heated on-site, before or after purchase.

[[Page 90676]]

 Definition of ``Retail Food Store''--Co-located Firms
    The proposed language regarding co-located businesses was clarified 
and narrowed to specify that multiple businesses that operate under one 
roof will only be considered a single firm for purposes of determining 
SNAP retailer eligibility if the businesses have common ownership, sale 
of similar food, and shared inventory.
 Definition of ``Retail Food Store''--Depth of Stock
    The proposed depth of stock requirement was halved, from six to 
three stocking units per staple food variety. Additionally, language 
was added to specify that a firm may not be denied or withdrawn based 
on certain stocking shortfalls at the time of the Agency inspection if 
that firm can produce documentation proving that, no more than 21 days 
prior to the Agency inspection, the firm had ordered and/or received 
the required stock.
 Definition of ``Retail Food Store''--Breadth of Stock
    Per statute, no changes were made to this provision, which 
increased the number of varieties required per staple food category 
from three to seven and increased the number of staple food categories 
required to contain at least one perishable variety from two to three.
 Definition of ``Firm''
    No changes were made to this provision which defines the term 
``firm''.
 Need for Access
    Language was added to this provision to specify that ``need for 
access'' factors would not be limited to those enumerated in the 
regulatory language, that ``need for access'' would only be considered 
for applicant firms that fail to meet certain authorization 
requirements, and that the consideration of ``need for access'' would 
be part of the existing SNAP authorization process under 7 CFR 
278.1(a).
 Definition of ``Staple Food''--Acceptable Varieties in the 
Four Staple Food Categories
    Language was added to the definition of ``staple food'' to include 
in the meat, poultry, or fish staple food category three types of 
plant-based protein sources (beans, peas, and nuts/seeds) as well as 
plant-based meat analogues (e.g., tofu and seitan) and traditional 
animal-based protein sources (e.g., chicken and beef). Language was 
also added to the definition of ``staple food'' to include in the dairy 
products staple food category plant-based dairy alternatives (e.g., 
rice milk and soy yogurt). Finally, language was added to the 
definition of ``staple food'' to specify what constitutes a variety in 
all four staple food categories. These changes are in keeping with 
USDA's MyPlate nutrition guidelines, allow retailers more flexibility 
in stocking sufficient variety in this staple food category and help to 
ensure that SNAP households will have access to an array of healthy 
food options that meet diverse dietary needs and preferences.
 Public Disclosure of Firms Sanctioned for SNAP Violations
    Language was added to this provision to specify that the public 
disclosure of firms subject to term sanctions would last for the term 
of the sanction.

Implementation Dates

    The following provisions of this final rule will be implemented on 
the effective date of this final rule: The definition of ``firm'' 
provision (i.e., define ``firm'' at 7 CFR 271.2 so as to clarify that 
it also includes retailers, entities, and stores) and the public 
disclosure of sanctioned firms provision (i.e., reaffirm at 7 CFR 
278.1(q)(5) the Agency's authority and intent to publicly disclose the 
store and owner name for firms sanctioned for SNAP violations).
    The following provisions of this final rule will be implemented for 
all retailers 120 days after the effective date of this final rule: The 
co-located firms provision (i.e., establish at 7 CFR 271.2 that 
establishments that include separate businesses that operate under one 
roof and share the following commonalities: Ownership, sale of similar 
foods, and shared inventory are considered to be a single firm) and the 
prepared foods threshold provision (i.e., establish at 7 CFR 271.2 and 
7 CFR 278.1(b)(1)(iv) that firms that have more than 50 percent of 
their total gross sales in hot and/or cold prepared foods, including 
foods cooked or heated on-site before or after purchase, shall not 
qualify).
    The stocking provisions of this final rule will be implemented for 
all new applicant firms and all firms eligible for reinstatement 120 
days after the effective date of this final rule and 365 days after the 
effective date of this final rule for all currently authorized firms. 
The stocking provisions of this final rule include: The accessory food 
items provision (i.e., amend at 7 CFR 271.2 and 7 CFR 
278.1(b)(1)(ii)(C) the definition of ``staple food'' so as to modify 
the regulatory definition of ``accessory food items'', to exclude 
certain items from being counted in any staple food category), the 
depth of stock provision (i.e., establish at 7 CFR 271.2 and 7 CFR 
278.1(b)(1)(ii)(A) the requirement that certain firms must stock at 
least three stocking units of each staple food variety), the breadth of 
stock provision (i.e., codify at 7 CFR 271.2 and 7 CFR 
278.1(b)(1)(ii)(A) statutory requirements to increase the number of 
varieties required of certain firms in each of the four staple food 
category from three to seven and increase the number of staple food 
categories that must contain at least one perishable staple food 
variety from two to three), the acceptable varieties provision (i.e., 
clarify and amend at 7 CFR 271.2 and 7 CFR 278.1(b)(1)(ii)(C) the 
definition of ``variety'' as it pertains to staple food varieties in 
the four staple food categories), and the need for access provision 
(i.e., allow at 7 CFR 278.1(b)(6) the Agency to consider ``need for 
access'' when a retailer does not meet all of the requirements for SNAP 
authorization).
    As it is used in this document the phrase ``existing policy'' 
refers to Agency policy in place as of December 15, 2016. Changes to 
existing policy included in the final rule will be implemented on or 
after the effective date of the final rule, January 17, 2017, as 
described above in this section.

Retailer Guidance for Implementation of Final Rule

    Many Program stakeholders specifically requested that FNS provide 
retailers with detailed guidance and training materials on the rule to 
ensure that all retailers fully understand all of the provisions of the 
final rule. In addition to the clarifications and lists of examples 
provided in the preamble of the final rule, FNS will answer retailer 
inquiries and provide retailers with additional notice, guidance, and 
training materials during the aforementioned implementation period per 
7 CFR 278.1(t). This will include extensive outreach to ensure that the 
retailer community is provided with sufficient technical assistance to 
ensure that all firms are adequately informed regarding these changes 
to SNAP rules.

II. Background

    On August 20, 2013, FNS published a notice entitled, ``Request for 
Information: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Enhancing 
Retail Food Store Eligibility'' in the Federal Register (78 FR 51136). 
This Request for Information (RFI), which included 14 specific 
questions, focused on ways to enhance the definitions of ``retail food 
store'' and ``staple foods'', and overall eligibility requirements to

[[Page 90677]]

participate in SNAP, in order to improve access to healthy foods and 
ensure that only firms that effectuate the purposes of SNAP are 
authorized to accept SNAP benefits. FNS received a total of 211 
comments from a diverse group of commenters, including retailers, 
academics, trade associations, policy advocates, professional 
associations, government entities, and the general public. These RFI 
comments were considered in drafting the proposed rule. A copy of the 
RFI comment summary can be viewed at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/rfi-retailer-enhancement.
    On February 17, 2016, the Agency published a Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking (NPRM) rule in the Federal Register (81 FR 8015), in which 
FNS proposed to amend SNAP regulations at 7 CFR parts 271 and 278 in 
order to strengthen the criteria for the eligibility of certain SNAP 
retail food stores utilizing existing authority in the Act and to 
codify statutory provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill. On April 5, 2016, 
FNS published a document in the Federal Register (81 FR 19500) 
clarifying certain provisions of the proposed rule and extending the 
proposed rule's comment period.
    The proposed rule included statutory changes to the breadth of 
stock (seven varieties in each of the four staple food categories and 
at least one variety of perishable foods in at least three staple food 
categories) required of certain SNAP retailers which were mandated by 
the 2014 Farm Bill. Additionally, the rule proposed discretionary 
changes such as provisions to address depth of stock, amend the 
definition of ``staple food'', amend the definition of ``retail food 
store'', and reaffirm the Agency's authority to disclose to the public 
certain information about retailers who have violated SNAP rules.
    The 91-day public comment period ended on May 18, 2016. FNS 
received 1,284 public comments, including one comment not considered as 
it was submitted untimely, and reviewed all 1,283 timely public 
comments when drafting this final rule. Of these 1,283 comments, 23 
were considered duplicative or non-germane, 738 or about 58% of all 
comments were template or form letters, and 522 or about 41% of all 
comments were unique submissions. Comments were considered duplicative 
only if the actual submission and submitter were identical to those of 
a previously received comment (e.g., a comment that was both submitted 
to the Agency electronically and by mail) and comments were considered 
non-germane only if the contents of the submission had no relation to 
the general subject or specific provisions of the proposed rule (e.g., 
comments referencing other disparate rulemaking actions).

III. Summary of Comments and Explanation of Revisions

Summary of Comments

    Of the 1,260 germane and non-duplicative comments considered by 
FNS, most of the comments received came from retail food store 
representatives, owners, managers, or employees (901 or about 72% of 
total public comments). This total was largely comprised of retailer 
template comments which either repeated boilerplate language verbatim 
or with minor modifications and/or personalizations. The retailer 
template comments (henceforth Template A) submitted by the employees 
and owners of one chain of firms (a national take-and-bake pizzeria 
chain which claims over 1,300 locations nationally, about 800 of which 
are currently authorized to participate in SNAP) accounted for more 
than one quarter of all public comments received and more than one 
third of all retailer comments received (333 Template A comments, about 
26% of total public comments, or about 37% of all retailer comments). 
The retailer template comments (henceforth Template B) submitted by the 
employees and owners of another chain of firms (a regional chain of 
convenience stores which claims over 600 locations, about 550 of which 
are SNAP authorized firms) accounted for about a seventh of all public 
comments received and about a fifth of all retailer comments received 
(183 Template B comments, about 15% of total public comments, or about 
20% of all retailer comments). The comments submitted by the owners, 
operators, or representatives of convenience stores using the template 
(henceforth Template C) provided by an international convenience store 
trade association, which professes to represent more than 1,500 
supplier company members and 2,100 retailer company members with over 
50,000 convenience store locations nationally, accounted for about a 
ninth of all comments received and about a sixth of all retailer 
comments received (143 Template C comments, about 11% of total public 
comments, or about 16% of all retailer comments). Other retailer 
comment templates accounted for about 3% of total public comments 
received and about 5% of all retailer comments received (42 other 
retailer template comments). In total, retailer template comments (701 
total retailer template comments) constitute about 78% of all retailer 
comments (901 total retailer comments) and about 56% of all total 
comments (1,260 total germane and non-duplicative public comments). The 
remaining 200 retailer comments were unique submissions (about 16% of 
total public comments, or about 22% of all retailer comments).
    The remaining approximately 28% of comments received included 
feedback from the following entities: 259 private citizens, 29 industry 
trade associations, 28 medical practitioners/organizations, 21 advocacy 
or food access organizations, and 22 governmental entities.
    Of the 1,260 germane and non-duplicative public comments received, 
overall opinions on the rule were mixed. A majority of public comments 
(about 54% of all germane and non-duplicative public comments) neither 
wholly opposed, nor wholly supported the rule as proposed. This number 
includes comments that suggested improvements or modifications to the 
proposed provisions. About 40% of public comments specifically opposed 
at least one provision of the proposed rule while not voicing support 
for any specific provision of the proposed rule or offering any 
improvements or modifications to the proposed provisions. About 5% of 
public comments specifically supported at least one provision of the 
proposed rule while not opposing any specific provision of the proposed 
rule or offering any improvements or modifications to the proposed 
provisions. Finally, less than 1% of public comments were considered 
out of scope (e.g., general comments supporting or opposing the 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Comments from medical 
practitioners/organizations tended to generally support the proposed 
rule, while comments from private citizens, advocacy organizations, and 
governmental entities were generally divided between those in favor and 
opposed to various provisions of the proposed rule. Industry trade 
associations, largely representing food retailers, manufacturers, and 
distributors, generally opposed some provisions of the proposed rule. 
Analysis of the comments which addressed each of the ten provisions in 
the proposed rule follows.

Definition of ``Staple Food''--Multiple Ingredient Food Items

    This discretionary provision proposed to amend language, at 7 CFR 
271.2 and 7 CFR 278.1(b), to exclude multiple ingredient food items 
from being

[[Page 90678]]

counted towards any staple food category. This provision was 
specifically opposed by more public comments than any other provision 
in the proposed rule. Based on the strength of the arguments of these 
comments, FNS has stricken this provision from the final rule. Of the 
total 1,260 germane and non-duplicative public comments received, 867 
comments addressed this provision and 685 comments, or about 54% of all 
public comments, specifically opposed this provision. About 69% of 
total retailer commenters and a majority of total industry trade group 
commenters specifically opposed this provision. Private citizens, 
medical groups, advocacy organizations, and governmental entities that 
commented on this provision were generally divided and/or expressed 
mixed opinions.
    About one quarter of the total 1,260 germane and non-duplicative 
public comments were Template A comments submitted by the owners and 
employees of a take-and-bake pizzeria chain. This chain relies 
exclusively on cold pizza, a multiple ingredient food item, for their 
SNAP eligibility under Criterion B (this criterion requires firms to 
have 50 percent of total gross retail sales in staple food sales). 
Template A comments expressed opposition to this provision on the 
grounds that it would categorically eliminate them from the Program and 
that multiple ingredient foods such as pizza may be healthy and 
affordable options for low income Americans. Other retailer template 
comments, such as Templates B and C from convenience store owners and 
employees, also opposed this provision on similar grounds.
    Many of the retailers opposing the multiple ingredient food items 
provision were from the convenience store industry. Such commenters 
pointed out that the exclusion of these products from eligibility 
towards SNAP Criterion A (under this final rule, Criterion A would 
require firms to stock on a continuous basis seven varieties in each of 
the four staple food categories and at least one variety of perishable 
foods in at least three staple food categories) would substantially 
increase the difficulty of retailer compliance with concurrent proposed 
enhancements in the required depth and breadth of stock, given the 
limited space in convenience stores. For example, one comment, jointly 
submitted by the international convenience store trade association 
noted above and a petroleum marketers trade association which professes 
to represent about half of the chain petroleum retailers nationally, 
stated that, ``Today, in over 99,000 convenience stores, 75 percent of 
the items in stock are multiple ingredient items, including mixed fruit 
cups, frozen vegetable meat medley dinners, or canned soups. To comply 
with the proposal, these small format retailers would have to 
completely overhaul their food offerings--and remove items they now 
sell--to remain eligible to participate in SNAP. This will be quite 
costly and, for many, will make it too costly to continue participating 
in SNAP.''
    Several retailer commenters also pointed out that, although this 
change was intended to clear up confusion, it would create more 
confusion among retailers than under current regulations. As noted by 
one commenter, an international chain of convenience stores which 
claims over 50,000 convenience store members in 17 countries including 
over 7,000 SNAP authorized firms, ``The `main ingredient' for most 
items is easily determined from the principal display panel and/or the 
FDA-mandated ingredients list.''
    Currently, per 7 CFR 271.2 and 7 CFR 278.1(b)(ii)(C), multiple 
ingredient food items are assigned to the staple food category of their 
main ingredient as determined by FNS. The final rule titled ``Food 
Stamp Program: Revisions to the Retail Food Store Definition and 
Program Authorization Guidance'', published in the Federal Register on 
January 12, 2001 (66 FR 2795) was further clarified by Benefits 
Redemption Division Policy Memorandum 01-04, titled, ``Implementation 
of Final Retail Store Eligibility Rule'' which was issued on August 14, 
2001. In this Agency policy memorandum it is stated that the label may 
be read to determine the main ingredient in a multiple ingredient food 
item. The label referenced herein is the ingredients list included at 
the bottom of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated ``Nutrition Facts'' label. 
On this label, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight 
(i.e., from most to least). The first listed ingredient, therefore, 
makes up the largest share of the product's composition.
    Long-standing FNS policy, therefore, holds that a multiple 
ingredient food will be assigned to the staple food category of its 
first listed ingredient on this label. Under this existing policy, for 
example, a product such as canned ravioli, with tomato puree as its 
listed main ingredient, is considered a variety (i.e., tomato) in the 
vegetables or fruits staple food category. If the main ingredient of a 
multiple ingredient food item is an accessory food item (e.g., salt), 
then that multiple ingredient food item is considered an accessory food 
item. Per Benefits Redemption Division Policy Memorandum 01-04, one 
exception to this is the accessory food item water. If the main 
ingredient of a multiple ingredient food item is listed as water, then 
that item is assigned to the staple food category of its second listed 
ingredient. Under this existing policy, for example, a product such as 
canned tomato soup, with water and tomato paste as its first and second 
listed ingredients respectively, is considered a variety in the 
vegetables or fruits staple food category (i.e., tomato). If that 
second ingredient is also an accessory food item (e.g., sugar) then 
that item is considered an accessory food item.
    In general, a majority of industry groups opposed the proposed 
multiple ingredient provision. In addition to the concerns about higher 
costs for certain types of retailers and greater retailer confusion, 
industry groups opposed to this provision were also concerned about the 
effect of the provision on SNAP households, which industry groups claim 
rely heavily on multiple ingredient food items as part of their 
nutritional intake. For example, the international convenience store 
trade association and the petroleum marketers' trade association 
jointly stated that, ``multiple ingredient items are often the main 
sources of nutrition intake for families in the United States''. 
Likewise, other industry groups, such as those representing the 
manufacturers and distributors of canned and frozen food products, 
pointed out that multiple ingredient food items, such as ``frozen pizza 
rolls'' or ``canned soup'', can be major sources of important 
nutritional intake for SNAP households and all Americans.
    In addition, about two thirds of advocacy groups opposed this 
provision. Opposed advocacy group commenters were primarily concerned 
about the importance of multiple ingredient food items in lower-income 
Americans' diets, especially for those unable to prepare meals at home 
due to barriers such as time constraints and/or a lack of adequate 
kitchen facilities. Additionally, some advocacy groups pointed out that 
some multiple ingredient food items may have high nutritional value. 
One national, anti-poverty organization stated that:

    USDA has recognized before how essential convenient, multiple 
ingredient foods are to food purchasing and preparation among SNAP 
participants. The Thrifty Food Plan is the government market basket 
upon which SNAP benefit amounts are based. In an effort to be more 
realistic about the time available for food preparation in the home, 
USDA incorporated more convenience foods in the

[[Page 90679]]

2006 revision of the Thrifty Food Plan . . . Therefore, it is 
especially odd that many of the foods specifically added to Thrifty 
Food Plan market baskets in 2006 would be excluded as staple foods 
under the proposed rule. So long as retail food stores are meeting 
the increased amounts, variety of staple items and perishable items 
called by the statute, there is no compelling purpose to exclude 
multiple ingredient items from counting (as they do under current 
regulations) under one of the SNAP staple food categories.

However, some advocacy groups, particularly those that are nutrition-
focused, supported this provision. A national non-profit consumer 
advocacy group focused on nutrition and food safety which claims over 
750,000 members stated that, ``Disallowing multiple ingredient products 
to count as a staple food (e.g., pizza because the first ingredient is 
bread) ensures that the minimum stocking requirements for SNAP 
authorized retailers are for healthier foods''.
    Governmental entities were divided on this provision while medical 
entities largely supported it. Overall, medical organizations supported 
this provision on the grounds that it would compel retailers to stock 
healthier food options and help steer SNAP households away from 
calorie-dense and nutrient-poor multiple ingredient food items, while 
also stressing the need for Agency clarification and guidance of this 
proposed provision prior to implementation. A representative of one 
such organization, a national, non-profit, medical association which 
claims 64,000 pediatrician, pediatric medical subspecialist, and 
pediatric surgical specialist members, noted that ``multiple ingredient 
foods available in small retail outlets, like pizza and other mixed 
dish frozen and boxed entrees like casseroles and macaroni and cheese, 
tend to be higher in sodium, saturated fats, and sugar'' and, as a 
result, supported this provision adding that ``nutritional profile 
should be considered in determining how to define a staple food'' and 
that ``FNS [should] provide clear and comprehensive guidance, at the 
time the rule is finalized, that includes a list of specific foods that 
would qualify as staple foods''.
    State and local governmental commenters were divided on this 
provision. One mayor of a city of 600,000 containing over 1,000 SNAP 
authorized firms supported the provision, stating, ``Currently, the 
staple food category determination for foods with multiple ingredients 
is very subjective. We support the proposed changes to the definition 
of `staple food' in order to bring clarity to a very complex regulatory 
process. This is [a] strong policy that will increase the availability 
of staple foods in all [of the city's] neighborhoods''. Other 
governmental commenters such as the deputy mayor from another city with 
a population over 600,000 that contains nearly 500 SNAP authorized 
firms opposed this provision, stating, ``Disqualifying all prepared 
foods for SNAP eligibility is risky as these are shelf-stable staples 
in small stores and can serve as primary foodstuffs for SNAP 
families.''
    While FNS does agree with the commenters that argued that this 
provision would likely increase healthy options for SNAP participants, 
the Agency believes that other provisions in this final rule also help 
increase healthy options for SNAP participants. The proposed rule would 
have increased the required depth and breadth of staple food stock 
while simultaneously expanding the list of accessory foods excluded 
from the definition of ``staple foods'' and excluding multiple 
ingredient food items from the definition of ``staple foods''. 
According to some comments received, taken together, these four 
provisions would constitute an unreasonably burdensome stocking 
requirement for small format retailers. The Agency shares these 
concerns and, for these reasons, the proposed multiple ingredient food 
items provision has been stricken from this final rule. Multiple 
ingredient food items will, therefore, continue to be assigned to the 
staple food category of their main listed ingredient per current 
regulations at 7 CFR 271.2.

Definition of ``Staple Food''--Accessory Food Items

    This discretionary provision proposed to amend the definition of 
``staple food'' so as to modify the regulatory definition of 
``accessory food items'', to exclude certain items from being counted 
in any staple food category, in keeping with statutory intent. The 
proposed provision would have expanded the list of accessory foods to 
include: ``Foods that are generally consumed between meals and/or are 
generally considered snacks or desserts such as, but not limited to, 
chips, dips, crackers, cupcakes, cookies, popcorn, pastries, and candy, 
or food items that complement or supplement meals, such as, but not 
limited, to coffee, tea, cocoa, carbonated and uncarbonated drinks, 
condiments, spices, salt and sugar''.
    This proposed provision was specifically addressed by a low number 
of public commenters. Of the total 1,260 germane and non-duplicative 
public comments received, 65 comments, or approximately 5% of all 
public comments, specifically addressed this provision. Of the 65 
comments that specifically addressed this provision, about half 
supported it, about a quarter opposed it, and about a quarter were 
mixed. Less than 1% of total retailer commenters specifically opposed 
this provision. Industry trade groups and governmental entities that 
commented on this provision were generally divided and/or expressed 
mixed opinions. Medical groups, private citizens, and advocacy 
organizations that commented on this provision were generally 
supportive. FNS has retained this provision in the final rule with some 
modifications and clarifications.
    Trade group comments, such as a comment jointly submitted by the 
international convenience store trade association and the trade 
petroleum marketers' trade association, contended that this provision 
would incur costs not captured in the Agency's proposed Regulatory 
Impact Analysis (RIA) and Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (RFA), as 
accessory food items with higher profit margins, such as potato chips, 
would need to be replaced with staple food items with lower profit 
margins, such as fruits and vegetables. This ``opportunity cost'' is a 
significant contributing factor toward compliance cost estimates, such 
as the estimate submitted by these trade groups in their joint comment, 
which exceed the Agency's estimates in the proposed RIA and RFA. The 
Agency appreciates these comments and has incorporated ``opportunity 
costs'' into the cost estimates which appear in the final RIA and RFA. 
This subject is examined in further detail the final rule's RIA and 
RFA.
    This provision was largely supported by advocacy, medical, and 
local governmental commenters. One State university's nutrition 
research institute commented that it ``. . . strongly supports . . . 
[the expansion] of the definition of accessory foods to include chips, 
desserts, and other snack foods, such that these items are not counted 
as staple foods.'' Another international, nutrition-focused, non-profit 
organization professing to represent over 1,000 nutrition professionals 
stated that, ``We support the proposed changes to the definition of 
`accessory foods' that would not qualify as staple foods to include 
snack foods and dessert items such as chips, dips, cookies, cakes and 
pastries that are typically consumed between meals.'' A city health 
department commissioner, representing a city with a population of about 
400,000 containing about 450 SNAP authorized firms noted that, ``We

[[Page 90680]]

support the proposed changes to the definition of `accessory foods' 
that would not qualify as staple foods to include snack foods and 
dessert items such as chips, dips, cookies, cakes and pastries that are 
typically consumed between meals. Many of these items have limited 
nutritional value, and no longer defining them as staple foods will 
support the intent of this rule to encourage SNAP retailers to stock 
healthier items.''
    The large, international chain of convenience stores stated that it 
``. . . does not object to the exclusion of accessory food items from 
the definition of `Staple Food' '' and another national food retailer 
trade association which professes to represent nearly 40,000 retail 
food stores and 25,000 pharmacies stated it, ``. . . supports this 
change conceptually, but notes that retailers will need flexibility and 
considerable guidance from the agency on the revised definition''. 
Finally, a national trade association for the travel plaza and truck 
stop industry which professes to represent about 200 corporate members 
and over 1,200 locations, acknowledges the validity of this provision, 
but like those that had opposed the provision, cautioned that this 
could inadvertently eliminate stores ``that market healthy snack food 
items such as fruit cups, vegetable-and-dip to go packs, and the like'' 
and argued that this provision should be ``well tailored [to] prevent 
retailers that sell predominantly accessory foods from qualifying to 
redeem SNAP benefits''.
    Some commenters, however, do not believe that this proposed 
provision went far enough in excluding unhealthy foods from being 
counted as staple food items for the purposes of SNAP authorization. 
One health commissioner from a city of over 8.5 million containing over 
10,000 SNAP authorized firms stated that, ``We recommend the USDA avoid 
defining accessory food items and concentrate efforts in establishing a 
comprehensive list of staple food items that may be used to determine 
eligibility to participate in SNAP.''
    In their opposition to this provision the comment jointly submitted 
by the international convenience store trade association and the 
petroleum marketers' trade association noted that ``[this] provision 
will drastically limit the number of items that can be counted towards 
stocking requirements, effectively knocking out nutrient-dense products 
including healthy `to go' packs such as apple slices and cheese . . 
.''. Other trade group commenters also pointed out that this provision 
should be considered carefully to avoid eliminating from consideration 
healthy snacks like dried fruit and yogurt cups, stating that such 
healthy snack foods are integral to the diet of the increasing number 
of Americans who eat on the go.
    As explained in the preamble to the proposed rule, the statutory 
language defining ``accessory food items'' was explicitly not intended 
to limit this class of food items to the eight items specifically 
enumerated in the Section 3(q)(2) of the Act which reads, `` `Staple 
foods' do not include accessory food items, such as coffee, tea, cocoa, 
carbonated and uncarbonated drinks, candy, condiments, and spices 
[emphasis added].'' This language, which creates an illustrative and 
not exhaustive list, reflects the original statutory intent in defining 
``accessory food items'' as demonstrated in the legislative history of 
the Food Stamp Act of 1977. The language in the House Report to the 
Food Stamp Act of 1977 indicated that Congress had intended its list of 
accessory food items to be an illustrative, but not exhaustive, list. 
For example, the House Report stated that ``donut, bakery, and pastry 
shops which specialize in donuts and sweet baked goods . . . [that] do 
not do a substantial business in the sale of staple foods, such as 
bread'' are not authorized to accept and redeem benefits. This language 
also indicates that Congress did not consider ``donuts, pastries, and 
other sweet baked goods'' to be staple food items. See H. Rep. No. 95-
464 at 328 (June 24, 1977). Similarly, even though snacks and ice cream 
were not specifically listed as accessory food items, the House Report 
indicated that Congress did not intend for snack-type foods and ice 
cream to be considered staple foods. See H. Rep. No. 95-464 at 328 
(June 24, 1977) (``Stores whose primary business is the sale of snack-
type foods . . . are not authorized to accept food coupons because they 
do not enable recipients to obtain a low-cost nutritious diet and, 
therefore, do not effectuate the purpose of the food stamp program.'' 
and ``Candy stores and ice cream stores and vendors are not authorized 
to redeem food stamp coupons because they do not provide recipients 
with an opportunity to obtain any basic staples.'').
    In response to commenters who expressed concern about needing 
flexibility and additional guidance on this provision, FNS has made 
some clarification changes to the final rule, has provided a longer 
list of examples below in Section IV, and will issue additional Agency 
guidance on this subject following promulgation of this final rule 
including training materials intended for retail food store owners as 
needed per 7 CFR 278.1(t). FNS has removed the language ``generally 
consumed between meals'' in order to address concerns that this 
language is vague or overly broad. Likewise, the listed example of 
``dips'' has been removed as such terminology could be construed to 
include potential staple foods such as guacamole, hummus, and salsa as 
noted earlier by commenters. Primarily this provision will expand the 
definition of ``accessory food items'' to include snack and dessert 
foods, as well as specified food items that complement or supplement 
meals. These foods are typically deficient in important nutrients and 
are high in sodium, saturated fats, and/or sugar. FNS believes that 
this approach to excluding typically salty and sugary snack and dessert 
foods from counting towards retailer eligibility is a logical extension 
of the statute and is consistent with the USDA 2015-2020 Dietary 
Guidelines for Americans, which recommend limiting calories from added 
sugars and saturated fats and to reduce sodium. For administrative 
purposes FNS cannot consider the nutritional contents of individual 
products, such as different brands of potato chips, on a case by case 
basis. FNS, therefore, must generalize to a certain extent. As a result 
FNS has identified a list of accessory foods that generally meet the 
criteria above. It will help to ensure that SNAP clients will have 
access to a range of healthy food products intended for home 
preparation and consumption when they shop with their benefits. This 
final rule, however, will not change which products are eligible for 
purchase with SNAP benefits.
    The list of accessory foods in the final rule now reads: 
``Accessory food items include foods that are generally considered 
snacks or desserts such as, but not limited to, chips, ice cream, 
crackers, cupcakes, cookies, popcorn, pastries, and candy, and food 
items that complement or supplement meals such as, but not limited to, 
coffee, tea, cocoa, carbonated and uncarbonated drinks, condiments, 
spices, salt, and sugar.''
    In response to commenters' concerns regarding the effect of this 
proposed provision on small portion size products, FNS notes that 
existing regulations at 7 CFR 278.1(b)(1)(ii)(C) specifically state 
that the ``package size'' of a product shall not be a determinant of 
variety. Both an apple and a single-serving package of apple slices 
would count as the same variety of a staple food item (i.e., apple) in 
the vegetables or fruits staple food category. Similarly, under 
existing regulations, both a tub of yogurt and a single-serving yogurt 
cup are counted as the same variety of staple food item (i.e., yogurt) 
in the dairy

[[Page 90681]]

products staple food category. Therefore, under existing regulations, 
neither a single-serving package of apple slices nor a single-serving 
cup of cow milk-based yogurt would be categorized as an accessory food 
due to its package size. This sentence in 7 CFR 278.1(b)(1)(ii)(C) 
remained substantively the same in the proposed rule, and nothing in 
the proposed rule would have classified staple food items sold in 
``single-serving'', ``snack-sized'' or ``to-go'' packs as accessory 
food items simply on the basis of their packaging size.
    However, in response to the confusion expressed by many commenters 
regarding packaging size, clarifying language explicitly stating that 
items shall not be classified as accessory food items exclusively based 
on packaging size has been added in 7 CFR 271.2: ``Items shall not be 
classified as accessory food exclusively based on packaging size . . 
.'' Small-portion packages of staple food items such as apple slices, 
grapefruit cups, carrot sticks, cheese slices, celery sticks, yogurt 
cups, bags of nuts, and hummus will continue to be counted as staple 
food items in their respective staple food categories.
    As described above, some commenters recommended that FNS avoid 
defining accessory food items and establish a comprehensive list of 
staple food items and that the Agency further exclude unhealthy food 
items from being classified as staple foods items. While FNS 
appreciates the goals of such suggestions, creating a comprehensive 
list of all staple food items is outside of the intended scope of the 
Agency's rulemaking action. Per research conducted by the USDA's 
Economic Research Service (ERS), about 20,000 new food products are 
introduced into the retail marketplace annually. Therefore, the Agency 
does not believe it is practical to make an exhaustive list of 
acceptable staple varieties. However, to address concerns about 
excluding unhealthy foods items from being classified as staple food 
items, FNS will be amending the final rule to change existing policy, 
which has limited ``accessory food items'' to include only the eight 
products explicitly enumerated in regulations at 7 CFR 271.2. Under 
existing policy a chocolate hazelnut spread (with the first three 
listed ingredients of sugar, oil, and hazelnuts, in that order) can 
currently be considered a staple variety in the vegetables or fruits 
staple food category (i.e., hazelnuts), for example. The accessory food 
items provision will change this policy such that any food product with 
an accessory food main ingredient (with the previously mentioned 
exception of ``water'') will also be considered an accessory food item 
itself. To revise existing policy, the final rule provides that, ``A 
food product containing an accessory food item as its main ingredient 
shall be considered an accessory food item.''
    Because the existing regulations and standing policy on accessory 
foods has resulted in potato chips being counted as a variety in the 
vegetables or fruits staple food category (i.e., potatoes) and pork 
rinds being counted as a variety in the meat, poultry, or fish staple 
food category (i.e., pork), this final rule will amend the definition 
of staple food in 7 CFR 271.2 to read as set forth in the regulatory 
text of this rule. The final rule now provides that accessory food 
items include foods that are generally considered snacks or desserts 
such as, but not limited to chips, ice cream, crackers, cupcakes, 
cookies, popcorn, pastries, and candy, and other food items that 
complement or supplement meals, such as, but not limited to coffee, 
tea, cocoa, carbonated and uncarbonated drinks, condiments, spices, 
salt, and sugar. The final rule further clarifies that items shall not 
be classified as accessory food exclusively based on packaging size but 
rather based on the aforementioned definition and as determined by FNS, 
consistent with the guidance in this preamble and/or with future 
guidance. Additionally, the final rule provides that a food product 
containing an accessory food item as its main ingredient shall be 
considered an accessory food item and that accessory food items shall 
not be considered staple foods for purposes of determining the 
eligibility of any firm. This provision will be implemented for all new 
applicant firms and all firms eligible for reinstatement 120 days after 
the effective date of this final rule and 365 days after the effective 
date of this final rule for all currently authorized firms.

Definition of ``Retail Food Store''--85-15% Prepared Foods Threshold

    This discretionary provision proposed to redefine ``retail food 
store'' so as to consider firms that had more than 15% of their total 
food sales coming from the sale of food items that were cooked or 
heated on-site, before or after purchase, to be restaurants and to 
exclude such restaurants from the Program. Existing regulations at 7 
CFR 278.1(b)(1)(iv) currently consider firms that have more than 50% of 
their total gross retail sales coming from items that are hot and/or 
cold prepared foods not intended for home preparation and consumption 
to be restaurants and exclude such restaurants from the Program. The 
purpose of the proposed provision was to supplement this existing 
regulation and exclude from the Program firms that have circumvented 
Congressional intent and achieved SNAP authorization by selling food 
cold and offering to cook or heat it on the premises after sale. This 
proposed provision received a high number of adverse comments and based 
on the strength of the arguments in these comments, FNS has stricken 
this provision as proposed from the final rule, instead opting to 
modify existing regulations at 7 CFR 278.1(b)(1)(iv) to close this 
loophole. The final rule now provides that firms that are considered to 
be restaurants, that is, firms that have more than 50 percent of their 
total gross retail sales in (1) foods cooked or heated on-site by the 
retailer, before or after purchase; and (2) hot and/or cold prepared 
foods not intended for home preparation and consumption, including 
prepared foods that are consumed on the premises or sold for carryout, 
shall not qualify for participation as retail food stores under 
Criterion A or B.
    For example, a firm has $100,000 in total gross retail sales 
consisting of $60,000 (60%) in nonfood sales and $40,000 (40%) in food 
sales. The proposed provision would have considered only the food sales 
for the purposes of the threshold. Under the proposed provision, 
therefore, this example firm would be considered a restaurant if more 
than $6,000 (15% of $40,000) of its sales came from the sale of food 
items that are were cooked or heated on-site, before or after purchase. 
The final provision, however, considers total gross retail sales rather 
than only total food sales. Under this final provision, therefore, this 
example firm could never be considered a restaurant because more than 
50% of the firm's total gross retail sales come from nonfood sales. 
Under this final provision a firm with $100,000 in total gross retail 
sales could only be considered a restaurant and excluded from the 
Program if more than $50,000 of its sales came from the sale of foods 
cooked or heated on-site, before or after purchase, and the sale of hot 
and/or cold prepared foods not intended for home preparation and 
consumption.
    It should be noted that existing policy, the proposed rule, and the 
final rule do not impact the restaurants authorized by SNAP State 
Agencies to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). The RMP 
is a State-option program active in only a handful of States that 
allows eligible homeless, disabled, and/or elderly SNAP recipients to 
use their SNAP benefits at

[[Page 90682]]

participating restaurants to purchase prepared meals.
    Of the total 1,260 germane and non-duplicative public comments 
received, 513 comments, or about 41% of all public comments, 
specifically addressed this provision. About 48% of total retailer 
commenters specifically opposed this provision. Medical groups and 
governmental entities that commented on this provision were generally 
divided and/or expressed mixed opinions. Industry trade groups, 
advocacy groups, and private citizens that commented on this provision 
were generally opposed.
    Commenters identifying as retailers and trade associations 
generally pointed out that a standard convenience store typically has 
less than 85% of their total food sales coming from the sale of food 
items that are not cooked or heated on-site before or after purchase. 
Such commenters indicated that the average convenience store's hot and/
or cold prepared foods sales, including sales of foods that are cooked 
or heated on-site before or after purchase, are closer to 40% of such 
firms' total food sales, well beyond the 15% threshold for such hot 
and/or cold prepared foods sales, including sales of foods that are 
cooked or heated on-site before or after purchase. Commenters opposing 
this provision stated that this fact would cause the entire convenience 
store industry to be categorically ineligible for SNAP authorization.
    Many advocacy groups also expressed opposition to this provision, 
noting that this provision could have a deleterious impact on food 
access for SNAP households. One national, anti-hunger advocacy group 
noted that, ``We remain concerned about access for low-income 
consumers, particularly in food desert areas, and for all shoppers with 
mobility issues, such as those who are elderly, have disabilities, and/
or lack affordable transportation. We caution the Department against 
setting a threshold that would cause stores to drop out of SNAP and 
lessen food access, particularly for these particular SNAP consumers.''
    Some retailers also noted that determining and documenting what 
SNAP household customers did with cold food after purchase would be 
impractical, especially for a firm with an accessible microwave or 
other heating element. As noted in comments from the international 
chain of convenience stores:

. . . the determination of whether an eligible food product 
constitutes a food heated on-site, post-purchase is not always easy 
to determine. Each . . . store contains a publicly available 
microwave available for customer use . . . however, does not monitor 
its customers' use of store microwaves and does not have a practical 
method of doing so. Any eligibility requirement which would impose 
on . . . stores a need to determine, with specificity, which items 
were heated by customers post-sale would constitute an unreasonable 
imposition, would unduly disrupt its business and would discourage 
its customers from using its microwaves. Such monitoring could also 
have the unintended effect of customers deciding to shop elsewhere. 
[The company's] stores, especially its franchisees, also lack the 
technological ability to collect and maintain such data. Imposition 
of such a requirement would require each store to incur substantial 
software-related costs and could require the hiring of additional 
personnel if monitoring of customer activity for SNAP-eligibility 
purposes is required.

    SNAP authorized firms that primarily sell cold food and then offer 
to cook that food on the premises for customers also specifically 
opposed this provision. The owner of a SNAP authorized firm that sells 
primarily prepared meat products commented, ``Unfortunately, I am 
concerned that the FNS proposed rule would jeopardize my future 
participation in SNAP. . . Currently, the business has more than 15% of 
the total food sales from items that are `cooked or heated on site 
before or after purchase.' '' An owner of a SNAP authorized firm that 
primarily sells pizza, stated opposition to this provision and noted 
that, ``All of our customers are required to pay $1 more than our 
posted take-n-bake prices on our menus regardless of method of payment 
to bake their take-n-bake pizza for them. For SNAP cardholders, the 
products MUST still be unbaked at the point we swipe their card. 
[sic]''
    Supporters of this provision, namely medical groups and State and 
local governmental entities, argue that removing restaurants from the 
Program will benefit SNAP households by eliminating a cost-ineffective 
source of calorie-dense and nutrient-poor food. One health commission 
director, representing a city of 600,000 with about 200 SNAP authorized 
firms, commented, ``We support the effort to uphold the original intent 
of SNAP to purchase food items intended for home preparation and 
consumption . . . The proposed rule adds an additional requirement that 
at least 85 percent of an entity's total food sales must be for items 
that are not cooked or heated onsite before or after purchase. These 
enhancements will help ensure that SNAP retailers offer and sell a 
variety of foods consistent with the language defining a `retail food 
store' ''. This position was also echoed by two national advocacy 
associations, one an organization which claims 37 million members that 
advocates on behalf of persons over 50, and one that is a non-profit, 
health advocacy organization.
    Several industry groups expressed support for the concept of 
excluding restaurants as well, but noted that the threshold set by the 
Agency was not set appropriately in the proposed rule. As noted by the 
international convenience store chain, ``Without question, [our] stores 
are not `restaurants.' Our stores do not have tables or chairs at which 
our customers can eat and we do not employ servers. Our customers 
generally leave the store immediately after completing their purchases. 
None of our stores charge the higher sales tax on restaurant meals 
found in many jurisdictions. And heated items do not constitute more 
than 50% of the food items sold in any of our stores.'' A national, 
independent grocery trade association which claims 1,200 members 
indicated support for this provision's intent while noting that they 
``strongly urge the Agency to lower the proposed threshold.'' Two State 
retailer associations, one which claims to represent nearly 400 food 
retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers and one which claims to represent 
over 800 corporate members operating more than 3,200 retail food 
stores, also shared this view. Another national trade association 
federation of 47 State and regional trade associations which claims to 
represent approximately 8,000 independent petroleum marketers' 
nationwide quoted the suggestion of one of their members that the 
threshold be set at ``25% of sites' total gross sales instead of 15% of 
total food sales.''
    Other commenters noted that existing regulations at 7 CFR 
278.1(b)(1)(iv) already prohibit the authorization of restaurants with 
50% of their gross sales in prepared foods intended for home 
consumption and saw this proposed provision as redundant and excessive. 
As the international chain of convenience stores commented, ``FNS's 
current regulation regarding retailer eligibility provides a clear, 
common sense distinction between retail food stores (which have less 
than 50% of total sales in hot or cold prepared, ready-to-eat foods for 
immediate consumption) and restaurants (which have more than 50% of 
total sales in hot or cold prepared, ready-to-eat foods for immediate 
consumption).''
    As stated in the proposed rule, the Agency's intent in proposing 
this provision was to eliminate restaurants which circumvented 
Congressional intent and achieved SNAP authorization by selling food 
cold and offering to cook or heat it on the premises after the sale.

[[Page 90683]]

For example, a firm accepts SNAP benefits as payment for the purchase 
of unpackaged, cold, breaded chicken strips. After making such a sale, 
the firm then offers to fry this chicken for SNAP customers at the cost 
of one dollar in cash. Such a firm is taking advantage of a loophole in 
order to sell hot food and operate as a restaurant within the Program. 
The Agency still believes that firms that primarily sell seafood, 
pizza, and other food products cold and then offer to heat or cook 
these products on the premises are operating as restaurants, not retail 
food stores. The intent of this proposed provision was to correct 
shortcomings in the existing regulatory language that have allowed for 
the authorization of these types of ``you-buy-we-fry''-style 
restaurants and pizza restaurants.
    FNS reviewed and considered industry data in response to the 
concerns from commenters that the 85-15% threshold would have the 
unintended effect of precluding small-format retail stores with 
marginal sales in foods cooked or heated on-site, before or after 
purchase. According to the National Association of Convenience Stores 
(NACS) State of the Industry (SOI) 2015 Annual Report (NACS State of 
the Industry Annual Report Convenience and Fuel Retailing Totals, 
Trends and Analysis of 2015 Industry Data) the average convenience 
store's total gross sales are divided between 68.22% outside (i.e., 
fuel) sales and 31.78% inside (i.e., foodservice and merchandise) 
sales. The inside sales of the average convenience store include 35.93% 
cigarette and other tobacco sales, 7.21% beer sales, 0.87% health and 
beauty sales. The remaining 55.99% of inside sales (or about 17.79% of 
total gross sales) are food sales (including 9.22% of inside sales 
listed under ``All Other''). Of these food sales, about 37.33% come 
from ``Foodservice.'' ``Foodservice,'' as used in the NACS SOI 2015 
Annual Report, includes ``Prepared Food,'' ``Commissary/Packaged 
Sandwiches,'' ``Hot Dispensed Beverages,'' ``Cold Dispensed 
Beverages,'' and ``Frozen Dispensed Beverages'' and is defined as 
follows: ``Foodservice appears in many different forms in the 
convenience store channel. In some cases, it's a coffee program and a 
soda fountain, in some it's a roller grill and a condiment bar, and at 
the other end of the spectrum it's a full-blown made-to-order quick-
serve restaurant (QSR) or a well-known branded franchise location.'' 
Based on this definition, ``Foodservice'' sales appear to include 
primarily the sale of hot and/or cold prepared foods, including foods 
cooked or heated on-site before or after purchase, and/or intended for 
immediate consumption (``Foodservice'' constitutes 20.90% of total 
inside sales and about 6.64% of total gross sales).
    Based on this data, it appears that excluding firms with more than 
15% of their food sales in foods cooked or heated on-site before or 
after purchase would render the average convenience store ineligible to 
participate in the Program. Furthermore, given that hot and/or cold 
prepared foods, including foods cooked or heated on-site before or 
after purchase, constitutes approximately 6.63% of total gross sales, 
this data indicates that a convenience store with more than 50% of its 
total gross sales issuing from the sale of hot and/or cold prepared 
foods is very far outside of industry norms as such sales figures would 
represent a nearly eightfold greater sales amount in hot and/or cold 
prepared foods over the average convenience store.
    In light of the comments and data, FNS recognizes that this 
provision, if implemented as proposed, would likely have sweeping and 
unintended consequences for smaller format firms. The Agency never 
intended for this provision to categorically preclude convenience 
stores and other small retail food stores with marginal sales in foods 
cooked or heated on-site, before or after purchase, from SNAP 
participation. The stated purpose of this provision was to realign SNAP 
regulations with statutory intent and exclude restaurants from SNAP.
    Therefore, the Agency is narrowing the scope of this provision in 
the final rule and is instead amending existing regulations at 7 CFR 
278.1(b)(1)(iv) to specifically exclude from SNAP participation firms 
with more than 50 percent of their total gross sales in (1) foods 
cooked or heated on-site by the retailer before or after purchase; and 
(2) hot and/or cold prepared foods not intended for home preparation or 
consumption, including prepared foods that are consumed on the premises 
or sold for carryout. Conforming edits were also made to 7 CFR 271.2 to 
the definition of ``retail food store.'' This change to existing 
regulations will close the existing loophole and align SNAP regulations 
with Congressional intent to exclude hot food and restaurants from 
SNAP, while achieving the Agency's stated objectives and addressing 
concerns that the proposed provision might adversely affect SNAP-
authorized firms, such as convenience stores, that do not operate as 
restaurants.
    This provision was never intended to exclude from the Program firms 
that offer both microwaveable products (e.g., frozen burritos and 
packages of popcorn) for sale and self-service microwaves for customer 
use. FNS agrees that is it neither feasible, nor desirable that firms 
be required to monitor customers' usage of self-service microwaves. 
Under this final provision microwaveable food products will not be 
considered foods cooked or heated on-site before or after purchase 
simply because they could be heated after purchase using a self-service 
microwave and eaten on-site. The final provision specifies that this 
prepared food threshold will consider those food products that are 
cooked or heated ``by the retailer''. Such language excludes self-
service microwaves from consideration under this provision. The purpose 
of this provision is to prevent certain types of take-out restaurants 
from continuing to circumvent Congressional intent to exclude hot food 
and restaurants from SNAP. While many small format retail food stores 
may offer some hot and/or cold prepared foods, including foods that are 
cooked or heated on-site by the retailer before or after purchase, for 
sale, FNS does not expect this provision to affect convenience stores 
or similar small format retail food stores as such hot and/or cold 
prepared foods typically constitute less than 7% of total gross sales 
for the average convenience store as indicated by industry data, per 
the aforementioned data in the NACS SOI 2015 Annual Report. While this 
provision is unlikely to affect the vast majority of retailers, it 
closes existing loopholes that allowed restaurants to participate in 
the Program. This provision will be implemented for all retailers 120 
days after the effective date of this final rule.

Definition of ``Retail Food Store''--Co-Located Firms

    This discretionary provision proposed to redefine the term ``retail 
food store'' such that multiple co-located businesses sharing certain 
commonalities would be treated as one firm for the purposes of the 
Program. As proposed, these commonalities included the sale of similar 
foods, single management structure, shared space, logistics, bank 
accounts, employees, and/or inventory. In the proposed rule, FNS 
specifically sought comments pertaining to any unintended adverse 
effects of this proposed change and based on the comments that were 
received this provision was modified to specify that co-located 
businesses will be treated as one firm by FNS only if they share all of 
the three following attributes: (1) Ownership; (2) sale of similar or 
same food products; and (3) shared inventory.

[[Page 90684]]

    This proposed provision received a moderate number of comments. Of 
the total 1,260 germane and non-duplicative public comments received, 
228 comments, or approximately 18% of all public comments, specifically 
addressed this provision. About 22% of total retailer commenters 
specifically opposed this provision. Medical groups that commented on 
this provision were generally divided and/or expressed mixed opinions 
while private citizens that commented on this provision were generally 
supportive. Industry trade groups and advocacy groups that commented on 
this provision were generally opposed. Support for or opposition to 
this provision was almost universally concomitant with support for or 
opposition to the 85-15% prepared foods threshold provision.
    Commenters opposing this provision point out that, in conjunction 
with the 85-15% prepared foods threshold provision, this provision 
would eliminate from the Program any convenience store co-branded and 
co-located with a fast food business. The idea of unifying multiple 
businesses operating ``under one roof'' for purposes of SNAP 
authorization was criticized by trade groups and retailers who stated 
that convenience stores and other small format retail food stores 
operating in shopping malls, travel plazas, strip malls, truck stops, 
and other shared structures could face elimination from the Program due 
to their proximity to a totally unaffiliated fast food restaurant. For 
example, the national truck stop retailer trade association commented, 
``As a practical matter, this rule would result in scenarios where 
[our] members' convenience stores would be ineligible to participate in 
SNAP simply because they operate adjacent to a separate restaurant. 
This is arbitrary and contrary to the Program's objectives.'' Overall 
opposed commenters noted that this provision was overly broad and could 
result in the unfair treatment of numerous discrete businesses.
    The Agency proposed this provision to close a loophole that allows 
firms to obtain SNAP authorization in contravention of clear statutory 
intent to exclude restaurants from the Program. For example, a firm 
applying for SNAP authorization purports to operate two businesses 
within one building. The first business sells hot pizza, is considered 
a restaurant by FNS, and is, therefore, ineligible for SNAP 
authorization. The second business sells only cold pizza and is, 
therefore, eligible for SNAP authorization under Criterion B. Both 
businesses sell the same product, are managed and owned by the same 
individuals, employ the same personnel, operate in the same space, draw 
from the same inventory, and handle their finances through the same 
accounting mechanisms. The only difference between the two businesses 
in this example is that the former does not accept SNAP EBT cards as a 
form of payment at its designated cash register, while the latter does. 
Firms obtaining SNAP authorization through such a superficial 
bifurcation of their businesses are clearly circumventing regulatory 
and statutory intent to exclude restaurants from the Program in order 
to sell their food, in this example, pizzas. This provision was 
proposed in order to close this loophole.
    It was never the Agency's intent to treat multiple businesses as 
one firm because such businesses simply share a roof and an owner. The 
Agency's intent in the proposed provision was not to consider multiple 
businesses operating within one truck stop or strip mall as a single 
firm even if they shared some commonalities, such as management and 
personnel, so long as they were not also engaged in other common 
practices as well, such as selling similar or the same products drawn 
from the same inventory. In the commenter's example, therefore, the 
presence of a fast food restaurant at a travel plaza would not be 
likely to have any bearing on the SNAP authorization status of a 
convenience store located in the same travel plaza.
    FNS appreciates the comments from stakeholders and other members of 
the public that highlight the vagueness and possible unintended effects 
of the proposed provision. In response to these comments, FNS has 
clarified and narrowed this provision in the final rule. As it is 
written in the final rule at 7 CFR 271.2, co-located businesses will be 
treated as one firm by FNS only if they share all of the three 
following attributes: (1) Ownership; (2) sale of similar or same food 
products; and (3) shared inventory. This revision clarifies the 
vagueness in the proposed language and limits the provision's potential 
effects in keeping with its intent. This provision will be implemented 
for all retailers 120 days after the effective date of this final rule.

Definition of ``Retail Food Store''--Depth of Stock

    This discretionary provision proposed to address depth of stock by 
establishing a minimum of six stocking units per staple food variety 
which certain SNAP authorized firms must offer for sale and normally 
display in a public area on a continuous basis. This provision received 
a high number of adverse comments as proposed. Based on the strength of 
the arguments made in these comments, in the final rule this depth of 
stock requirement has been halved to a minimum of three stocking units 
per staple food variety. When combined with the increases in the number 
of varieties required per staple food category per the breadth of stock 
provision of the rule, the proposed depth of stock provision would have 
required a minimum stock for certain SNAP authorized retailers of 168 
items, while under the final rule this depth of stock provision 
requires 84 items.
    Of the total 1,260 germane and non-duplicative public comments 
received, 490 comments, or approximately 39% of all public comments, 
specifically addressed this provision. About 91% of commenters that 
addressed this proposed provision opposed it. About 47% of total 
retailer commenters specifically opposed this provision. Medical groups 
that commented on this provision were generally supportive while 
government entities, private citizens, and advocacy organizations that 
commented on this provision were generally divided and/or expressed 
mixed opinions.
    Most retailers and industry groups opposed this provision on the 
grounds that the volume of products required by the proposed depth and 
breadth of stock provisions (i.e., 168 total items) are untenable, as 
proposed, for small-scale firms to store, display, and stock. As a 
representative of an American drug store chain which claims over 8,000 
locations, about 7,000 of which are SNAP authorized firms, notes, 
``Since the 168 items must be continually stocked, a retailer must, in 
reality, stock far more than 168 items to replace any items that are 
sold. If a retailer only stocks the required 168 items, they run the 
risk of non-compliance with Depth of Stock requirements each time an 
item is sold. We request FNS further clarify this concern.'' Other 
commenters echoed this concern, stating that they feared the loss of 
SNAP authorization could occur as the result of selling a single item 
immediately prior to an FNS inspection.
    Under existing regulations at 7 CFR 278.1(a), FNS may require an 
applicant firm to submit to an inspection, or store visit, as a part of 
the SNAP authorization process. FNS understands that firms may sell out 
of certain products or experience temporary disruptions to their supply 
chain and that such occurrences may result in stocking shortfalls at 
the time of an Agency store visit. If a firm has insufficient food 
stocked on hand at the time of this store visit, this does not 
necessarily preclude the firm from receiving SNAP authorization. Under

[[Page 90685]]

existing regulations at 7 CFR 278.1(b)(1)(ii)(A), if it is not clear 
that the firm met the stocking requirements at the time of a store 
visit, FNS may offer applicant firms the opportunity to demonstrate 
their compliance with such requirements through the submission of 
supporting documentation, such as invoices or receipts, indicating that 
the firm had recently ordered or received the required staple foods 
prior to the store visit.
    In order to address the concerns and confusion of the commenters, 
the final rule retains and clarifies the language at 7 CFR 
278.1(b)(1)(ii)(A) that affords firms the opportunity to submit 
supporting documentation in the case of certain stocking shortfalls at 
the time of an Agency store visit. Additionally, the final rule 
specifies that such supporting documentation must be dated within 21 
days of the store visit. This timeframe of 21 calendar days, or three 
weeks, reflects the need for retailers to stock perishable staple foods 
on a continuous basis. Existing SNAP regulations at 7 CFR 
278.1(b)(1)(ii)(B) define ``perishable foods'' as items that ``will 
spoil or suffer significant deterioration in quality within 2-3 
weeks.'' This language in 7 CFR 278.1(b)(1)(ii)(A) should not be 
construed as allowing retailers to submit receipts or invoices to FNS 
instead of having sufficient stock on hand; the purpose of this 
language is to acknowledge the realities of the retail marketplace and 
provide stores that stock sufficient food on a continuous basis some 
degree of flexibility. The Agency has amended language in this 
provision at 7 CFR 278.1(b)(1)(ii)(A) to provide that, ``Documentation 
to determine if a firm stocks a sufficient amount of required staple 
foods to offer them for sale on a continuous basis may be required in 
cases where it is not clear that the requirement has been met. Such 
documentation can be achieved through verifying information, when 
requested by FNS, such as invoices and receipts in order to prove that 
the firm had purchased and stocked a sufficient amount of required 
staple foods up to 21 calendar days prior to the date of the store 
visit.''
    Under this final rule firms that are SNAP authorized under 
Criterion A must offer for sale and display in a public area (e.g., on 
store shelves) qualifying staple food items on a continuous basis, 
evidenced by having no fewer than seven different varieties of food 
items in each of the four staple food categories with a minimum depth 
of stock of three stocking units for each staple variety. This means 
that, on any given day of operations, such a firm should offer a total 
of 84 units for sale (3 stocking units [middot] 7 staple varieties 
[middot] 4 staple food categories = 84 units). Generally Agency 
determinations of eligibility under Criterion A are guided by store 
visit documentation of food items that are being offered for sale and 
displayed in a public area at the time of store visits. So, for 
example, if a firm is subject to a store visit on the 22nd of January 
and is found to have only 83 of the required 84 units on hand, then 
that firm may be afforded the opportunity to provide FNS with 
supporting documentation. In this case one acceptable form of 
supporting documentation would be documentation of order or purchase 
(e.g., an invoice) verifying that the firm placed an order for food 
stock, including the missing required unit, that is dated no earlier 
than the 1st of January and no later than the time of the store visit 
on the 22nd of January. Another acceptable form of supporting 
documentation would be documentation of receipt or delivery (e.g., a 
receipt) verifying that the firm received an order of food stock, 
including the missing required unit, that is dated no earlier than the 
1st of January and no later than the time of the store visit on the 
22nd of January. If the firm in this example was able to provide an 
acceptable form of supporting documentation to verify that the firm 
stocks the required staple food items on a continuous basis (84 items), 
then the firm would be authorized to participate in SNAP. However, if, 
for example, a firm had 0 of the required 84 units on hand at the time 
of store visit, then that firm would not be given the opportunity to 
submit supporting documentation and would instead be denied SNAP 
authorization. Such a result clearly demonstrates the firm has not made 
a reasonable restocking effort.
    Some commenters stated that the failure to meet the stocking 
requirements of this provision at the time of a store visit would 
result in substantial costs to firms due to the thousands of dollars in 
fines FNS would levy against such firms as penalties for failing to 
meet stocking requirements. Under existing regulations, a firm that 
fails to meet current stocking requirements is denied SNAP 
authorization or withdrawn from the Program. Once denied or withdrawn, 
such a firm must wait six months to reapply for SNAP authorization. FNS 
does not levy fines against retailers who are denied or withdrawn from 
the Program on the basis of failing to meet the stocking requirements 
as no statute or regulations currently authorizes FNS to levy fines 
against retailers for such a failure. Neither the proposed rule, nor 
the final rule change this fact. This matter is further examined in the 
final rule's RFA and RIA. A civil penalty (i.e., a civil money penalty 
or civil monetary penalty) may be applied in lieu of a period of 
disqualification when a SNAP authorized retailer violates SNAP rules 
(e.g., sale of cigarettes, tobacco, or alcohol for SNAP benefits).
    Another objection raised to this provision pertained to food waste. 
Some commenters posited that the increase in the number of staple food 
categories in which perishable food items are required (a statutorily 
mandated increase from two to three staple food categories) coupled 
with this depth of stock requirement would result in spoilage, waste, 
and exorbitant costs to retailers. As noted by a representative of a 
convenience store distributor company that professes to service over 
1,000 retail food stores in six States, ``For many non-perishable 
items, if [convenience stores] do not sell to the consumer by their 
expiration date, we can send those products back to the manufacturer 
who will provide certain types of refunds or will replace product. This 
practice only applies to select nonperishables and DOES NOT [sic] apply 
to most products stipulated under the revised FNS rules for SNAP. 
Perishable items are NEVER [sic] refunded by the manufacturer after the 
expiration date, so the cost of spoilage on those products is borne 
completely by the retailer.'' Under the proposed rule this depth of 
stock provision would require a minimum of 18 perishable food items, 
while in the final rule this depth of stock provision requires a 
minimum of nine perishable food items where ``perishable'' is defined 
by existing regulations at 7 CFR 278.1(b)(1)(ii)(B) to include frozen, 
fresh, refrigerated, and unrefrigerated food products ``that will spoil 
or suffer significant deterioration in quality within 2-3 weeks'' such 
as loaves of bread and potatoes.
    Another common objection raised to this provision pertained to 
space and stocking logistics. Some commenters argued that, in 
conjunction with the breadth of stock provision, this depth of stock 
provision would require stocking a quantity of food items that simply 
exceed the available shelf space at most small format retail food 
stores. Some commenters also posited that the quantity of perishable 
food items required by this rule would force small-format firms to 
purchase additional refrigerator or freezer units for storage. The 
regional chain of convenience stores which claims over 600 locations, 
about 550 of which are SNAP

[[Page 90686]]

authorized firms, also noted that their ``current stocking needs and 
inventory management systems [cannot] guarantee a minimum of six units 
at all times for each of the relevant staple foods. At very least, we 
would need to revise our planograms and general merchandising 
strategies, and revisit our hardware and software applications.''
    As discussed in the RIA and RFA, estimates of the final rule's 
impacts on retailers are based on an analysis of a nationally 
representative sample of 1,392 SNAP authorized small-format firms using 
data gathered by FNS during store inspections, or store visits. Based 
on this analysis FNS estimates that the average small-format SNAP 
authorized firm already stocks over 70% of the stock needed to meet the 
requirements of this final rule and the average small-format SNAP 
authorized firm will only need to stock an additional 24 items. 
Moreover, this analysis indicated that over 98% of small-format SNAP 
authorized firms currently stock at least nine perishable staple food 
items and, therefore, that the overwhelming majority of small-format 
SNAP authorized firms will not need to stock any additional perishable 
items to meet the requirements in this final rule.
    Moreover, as discussed in the RFA, the Agency has analyzed examples 
of stocking units of qualifying staple food varieties to determine the 
shelf space that will be occupied by the 84 required items. The Agency 
estimates that the 84 items required under the final rule would occupy 
approximately 7,500 cubic inches. These 84 items would occupy about 5.6 
square feet of non-refrigerated shelf space. Assuming stores choose to 
display these non-refrigerated items in a standard manner (i.e., cans 
of fruit cocktail are shelved three items deep on the shelf) the Agency 
estimates that these non-refrigerated items would occupy less than two 
full shelves on standard three-shelf wall shelving unit (84'' height x 
48'' length x 16'' depth). While FNS estimates that the refrigerated 
items would require about 4.3 linear feet of refrigerated shelf space 
(where a refrigerated shelf has a standard 48'' width), 98 percent of 
small SNAP-authorized firms already stock sufficient perishable items 
to meet the perishables requirement. Therefore, FNS considers it 
unlikely that these stores will need additional refrigerated space 
beyond their current capacity. Furthermore, as our analysis indicates 
that most stores will need to add far fewer than 84 items to meet the 
combined stocking requirements of this rule (24 additional items for 
the average store); the additional shelf space needed is likely to be 
well below these estimates.
    Since the average small-format SNAP authorized firm already stocks 
most of the items required under this final rule, FNS contends that 
this provision, and all of the stocking provisions as a whole, will 
have a negligible impact on retailers from a spatial and logistical 
perspective. FNS does not anticipate that requiring firms to utilize a 
fraction of a shelf to stock an additional 24 items will necessitate 
any major changes to the planograms or general merchandising strategies 
of the average small-format retailer.
    Certain industry groups, such as that national food retail trade 
association, had questions regarding the definition of ``stocking 
unit'' and requested further clarification. Per commenters' requests, a 
list of examples has been added in Section IV of this document which 
provides a more complete illustrative, but not exhaustive, examination 
of what constitutes a stocking unit, and what does not constitute a 
stocking unit for the purposes of this depth of stock provision.
    State and local government entities as well as medical and advocacy 
groups largely supported this provision, arguing that it would ensure 
the availability of staple food items on the shelves of SNAP authorized 
firms. One State public health official, representing a State with a 
population of 38.8 million that includes over 25,500 SNAP authorized 
firms, noted that this provision would help by ``increasing the 
likelihood that these foods will be available to SNAP participants on 
an ongoing basis'' and a city health department representing 8.5 
million people and over 10,000 SNAP authorized firms, noted that, in 
concert with other provisions, this provision would increase ``the 
overall diversity of foods stocked on a continuous basis''.
    On the other hand, several retailer and industry group commenters 
stated that the proposed number of required stocking units was simply 
too great for small format retailers and recommended scaling back the 
number of stocking units required. The petroleum marketers' trade 
association federation recommended that, ``[to] help the small retailer 
the depth of stock should be cut to three items of each of the seven 
varieties in each staple group''. Another State grocer association, 
which professes to represent about 400 retailer members, recommended 
that ``[reconsideration] of six different units of any food item in a 
store at any given time should also be made, dropping that requirement 
to a lower number.''
    The proposed rule would have increased the required depth and 
breadth of staple food stock while simultaneously expanding the list of 
accessory foods excluded from the definition of ``staple foods'' and 
excluding multiple ingredient food items from the definition of 
``staple foods.'' According to some comments received, taken together, 
these four provisions would constitute an unreasonably burdensome 
stocking requirement for small format retailers. The Agency 
acknowledges commenters' concerns about the overall impact of the 
various provisions in this final rule on small format retailers. 
However, the Agency also agrees with the comments from some State/local 
governmental entities and medical groups that having a depth of stock 
requirement would increase the likelihood of healthy staple food 
options being available to SNAP recipients. Therefore, FNS is 
addressing depth of stock by establishing a depth of stock provision, 
but amending the provision at 7 CFR 278.1(b)(1)(ii)(A) by reducing the 
required number of stocking units from the proposed six units to three 
units for each staple food variety in this final rule. Conforming edits 
were also made to 7 CFR 271.2 to the definition of ``retail food 
store''. As a result of this change the costs and burdens associated 
with compliance, perishable spoilage, and shelf space have all been 
significantly reduced, as reflected in the RIA and RFA. This provision 
will be implemented for all new applicant firms and all firms eligible 
for reinstatement 120 days after the effective date of this final rule 
and 365 days after the effective date of this final rule for all 
currently authorized firms.

Definition of ``Retail Food Store''--Breadth of Stock

    As explained in the preamble to the proposed rule, the 2014 Farm 
Bill amended the Act to increase the number of staple food varieties 
required per staple food category from three to seven and to increase 
the staple food categories required to contain at least one perishable 
variety from two to three. The proposed rule sought to codify these 
mandatory requirements from the 2014 Farm Bill. This proposed breadth 
of stock provision received a moderate number of largely supportive or 
mixed comments. Of the total 1,260 germane and non-duplicative public 
comments received, 482 comments, or approximately 38% of total public 
comments, specifically addressed the increase from three to seven 
varieties and 288 comments, or about 23% of total public comments, 
specifically

[[Page 90687]]

addressed the increase from two to three categories containing at least 
one perishable variety. About 56% of comments that specifically 
addressed the increase from three to seven varieties supported this 
change while approximately 39% were mixed and about 5% opposed this 
change. Approximately 90% of comments that specifically addressed the 
increase from two to three staple food categories containing at least 
one perishable variety supported this change while about 8% opposed 
this change and approximately 2% were mixed. Overall less than 1% of 
total retailer commenters specifically opposed this provision. Medical 
groups, private citizens, and advocacy groups that commented on this 
provision were generally supportive while government entities and 
industry trade groups that commented on this provision were generally 
divided and/or expressed mixed opinions. This provision was included in 
the final rule as proposed.
    Some governmental, medical, and advocate commenters believed that 
this provision did not go far enough to ensure that SNAP authorized 
firms stocked sufficient nutritious food options. Such commenters noted 
that the SNAP four staple food categories have not kept pace with 
changes to the USDA's nutritional recommendations, now represented by 
MyPlate. Such commenters suggested that the vegetables or fruits staple 
food category should be split into two separate staple food 
categories--the fruit staple food category and the vegetable staple 
food category. Such commenters went on to argue that seven varieties 
should be required for both of these staple food categories (for a 
total requirement of 14 fruit and vegetable staple food varieties). 
However, the current four staple food categories are statutorily-
mandated in Section 3(q)(1) of the Act and the suggestion of breaking 
the four staple food categories into five categories would exceed the 
Agency's statutory authority.
    There were other commenters who stated that they expected that 
retailers would have difficulty reaching seven different varieties in 
the meat, poultry, or fish and the dairy products staple food 
categories. As one city mayor, representing a city of 600,000 residents 
containing 1,000 SNAP authorized firms, pointed out, ``It is difficult 
to list off seven common varieties of dairy that all types of stores 
will be able to carry. With the majority of dairy products being 
perishable, retailers cited lack of cooling infrastructure and cold 
storage, and difficulty in procuring and selling at an affordable cost 
as barriers to stock seven varieties of dairy.''
    FNS acknowledges the difficulties in reaching seven varieties in 
certain staple food categories. FNS has amended the final rule to 
address this concern, along with other comments specifically regarding 
acceptable varieties in the four staple food categories, as explained 
in the section on ``Definition of `Staple Food'--Acceptable Varieties 
in the Four Staple Food Categories.'' However, because the Act requires 
that stores authorized under Criterion A stock seven varieties in each 
of the four staple food categories and at least one variety of 
perishables in three of those staple food categories; this breadth of 
stock requirement remains unchanged in the final rule. Conforming edits 
were also made to 7 CFR 271.2 to the definition of ``retail food 
store'' and 7 CFR[thinsp]278.1(b)(1)(ii)(A) to reflect the new breadth 
of stock requirement. This provision will be implemented for all new 
applicant firms and all firms eligible for reinstatement 120 days after 
the effective date of this final rule and 365 days after the effective 
date of this final rule for all currently authorized firms.

Definition of ``Firm''

    This discretionary provision proposed to define ``firm'' so as to 
clarify that it also includes retailers, entities, and stores. Only one 
comment, a joint comment submitted by the international convenience 
store trade association and the petroleum marketers' trade association, 
specifically addressed this provision. No other retailer commenters 
specifically opposed this provision.
    The one comment that addressed this provision opposed it, stating 
that ``[to] conflate `store' with `firm' may have far-reaching 
ramifications in terms of licensing, enforcement and other policies'' 
and further added that ``[conflating] all of these terms will only 
introduce confusion and lead to unintended results''. The purpose of 
this provision is to clarify and unify terms that are currently used 
interchangeably throughout current SNAP regulations. Therefore, the 
provision at 7 CFR 271.2 remains unchanged in the final rule. This 
provision will be implemented on the effective date of this final rule.

Need for Access

    In the proposed rule FNS proposed to amend 7 CFR 278.1(b) to allow 
the Agency to consider ``need for access'' when a retailer does not 
meet all of the requirements for SNAP authorization. FNS does not 
anticipate that large grocery stores and supermarkets will struggle to 
meet the stocking requirements of this final rule and FNS only expects 
to consider ``need for access'' for small format retailers. The purpose 
of this provision, therefore, is to provide a mechanism to safeguard 
food access for SNAP recipients especially when an isolated or 
underserved community relies heavily on small format retail food stores 
for its grocery shopping needs.
    FNS understands that small businesses, such as independent 
convenience stores, play a vital role in the life of all Americans. 
These small businesses enrich both urban and rural communities by 
providing economic prosperity, employment opportunities, and 
sustainable growth. Very often small format retail food stores are the 
only venue available in isolated or underserved areas. When drafting 
this final rule FNS carefully considered the comments from the U.S. 
Small Business Association Office of Advocacy, as well as the comments 
submitted by retailers, trade associations, and other commenting 
entities. Concerns expressed regarding proposed provisions were 
incorporated into this final rule to minimize potential adverse impacts 
on small businesses. In addition to these changes, this need for access 
provision additionally accommodates small businesses and serves as a 
hedge against potential loss of food access.
    With respect to this need for access provision the preamble to the 
proposed rule stated that ``FNS will consider factors such as distance 
from the nearest SNAP authorized retailer, transportation options to 
other SNAP authorized retailer locations, the gap between a store's 
stock and SNAP required stock for authorized eligibility, and whether 
the store furthers the purpose of the Program.''
    In the proposed rule, FNS specifically requested comments from the 
public to help FNS refine the factors used to determine whether a 
retailer is located in an area with significantly limited access to 
food. This provision received few comments. Of the total 1,260 germane 
and non-duplicative public comments received, 48 comments, or about 4% 
of total public comments, specifically addressed this provision. About 
71% of comments that specifically addressed this provision suggested 
modifications or alterations to the proposed factors to be considered 
under this provision. This provision has been retained with 
modifications based largely on feedback received in the final rule. Few 
retailer commenters specifically opposed this provision and all other 
commenter types were considered mixed.

[[Page 90688]]

    Some retailers opposed this provision on the grounds that the 
implementation of this provision would result in inequitable treatment 
of firms. The regional convenience store chain that commented noted 
that, ``FNS should not be positioning itself to pick winners and losers 
in the competitive marketplace.''
    As explained in the proposed rule, the 2014 Farm Bill amended 
Section 9(a) of the Act to allow FNS to consider whether an applicant 
retailer is located in an area with significantly limited access to 
food when determining the qualifications of that applicant. The 
Manager's Statement accompanying the 2014 Farm Bill indicated that the 
intent of Congress was to encourage the Secretary ``to give broad 
consideration to the impacts of additional requirements . . . on food 
access in food deserts or other areas with limited food access.'' H. 
Conf. Rep. 113-333, at 434 (Jan. 27, 2014). As such, this rule is 
simply implementing a statutory provision that accommodates areas with 
significantly limited access to food and retailers in such areas for 
whom the new stocking standards may be a challenge to meet. FNS 
specifically requested feedback from the public regarding the proposed 
change during the comment period. FNS has reviewed all comments and 
will be refining the provision in the final rule as described below. 
The Agency also intends to provide Program stakeholders with additional 
guidance on this provision.
    Some retailers and industry trade groups also opposed this 
provision on the grounds that the proposed provision would create 
additional delays and administrative burdens for applying firms. The 
proposed process would allow FNS to waive certain retailer eligibility 
requirements in instances where applying firms served communities with 
low food access, as determined by FNS. This provision was always 
intended to function internally to the Agency and in tandem with the 
existing SNAP authorization process. FNS does not expect to need any 
additional information from applicant retailers to assist in the Agency 
determination. Instead, FNS will rely on information that the Agency 
currently receives as part of the retailer SNAP authorization process 
and publicly available information about the area in which the store is 
located, such as data in the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community 
Survey (ACS). Therefore, FNS does not anticipate any additional 
burdens, costs, or delays for retailers that would be created by this 
provision.
    FNS, however, acknowledges the confusion of commenters regarding 
how this provision would work in practice and how it would affect the 
timeline for applicant firms' authorization to participate in the 
Program. As a result, the Agency has clarified the language of this 
provision in the final rule to specify in 7 CFR 278.1(b)(6) that, 
``Such considerations will be conducted during the application process 
as described in 7 CFR 278.1(a).'' This means that an applicant firm 
will still receive an authorization determination within 45 days of 
Agency receipt of a firm's completed application for authorization. 
During this period need for access will be considered if applicable.
    The international convenience store trade association also opposed 
this provision on grounds of fairness, stating that ``If, for example, 
only one store in a food desert was SNAP authorized, then it could 
charge whatever it wanted to a captive consumer base.'' Under the 
existing SNAP equal treatment provisions at 7 CFR 278.2(b) and 7 CFR 
274.7(f), it is prohibited for firms to treat SNAP households 
differently than any other customers; therefore, retailers are 
prohibited from charging SNAP customers different prices than non-SNAP 
customers for the same products. Such predatory retail price gouging 
practices targeting SNAP customers would, therefore, already be 
prohibited under existing SNAP regulations.
    Some medical and advocacy groups opposed this provision, or the 
frequent application of this provision, on the grounds that it would 
allow firms to avoid compliance and deprive communities that depend on 
small food retail stores as the most convenient and accessible option 
for purchasing food of a sufficient variety of healthy food options.
    However, most retailer, industry, advocacy, governmental, and 
medical entities that referenced this provision did not support or 
oppose the provision, but instead suggested additional factors for FNS 
to consider. Factors suggested for consideration by commenters, beyond 
those put forward by the Agency in the proposed rule, included, but 
were not limited to, car ownership rates, public transportation 
availability, density of SNAP households, regional food availability, 
regional food prices, and underserved ethnic communities. In order to 
ensure that the Agency is able to consider some of these suggested 
factors, and any other factors needed to determine food access, the 
language of this provision in the final rule at 7 CFR 278.1(b)(6) 
provides that the factors listed are not exhaustive.
    Additionally, the final rule limits the applicability of this 
provision to applicant firms that fail to meet both Criterion A (i.e., 
requiring firms to stock qualifying staple food items on a continuous 
basis, evidenced by having no fewer than seven different varieties of 
food items in each of the four staple food categories with a minimum 
depth of stock of three stocking units for each qualifying staple 
variety) and Criterion B (i.e., requiring firms to have 50 percent of 
total gross retail sales in staple food sales), but meet all other SNAP 
authorization requirements. This change is in keeping with 
Congressional intent as expressed in the Manager's Statement 
accompanying the 2014 Farm Bill which indicated that this need for 
access provision is intended to accommodate retailers in low food 
access areas for whom the new stocking standards may be a challenge to 
meet.
    The need for access provision in the final rule also clarifies the 
factors that will be considered by the Agency will pertain to either: 
(1) Area food access; or (2) firm specific information. Finally, the 
proposed rule put forward the Agency's intent to implement this need 
for access provision 60 days after publication of this final rule. As 
stated earlier, this provision is intended to accommodate small 
retailers in low food access areas for whom the new stocking standards 
may be a challenge to meet, therefore this provision will be 
implemented in tandem with the new stocking standards. This need for 
access provision, therefore, will be implemented for all new applicant 
firms and all firms eligible for reinstatement 120 days after the 
effective date of this final rule and 365 days after the effective date 
of this final rule for all currently authorized firms.
    This language of this provision in the final rule reads as set 
forth in Sec.  278.1(b)(6) in the regulatory text of this rule. The 
final rule provides that FNS will consider whether the applicant firm 
is located in an area with significantly limited access to food when 
the applicant firm fails to meet Criterion A per 7 CFR 278.1(b)(1)(ii) 
or Criterion B per 7 CFR 278.1(b)(1)(iii) so long as the applicant firm 
meets all other SNAP authorization requirements. The final rule further 
provides that, in determining whether an applicant is located in such 
an area, FNS will consider access factors such as, but not limited to, 
the distance from the applicant firm to the nearest currently SNAP 
authorized firm and the availability of transportation in the vicinity 
of the applicant firm; and that in determining whether an applicant 
should be authorized in the Program despite failure to meet Criterion A 
and Criterion B, FNS will also consider firm factors such as, but not 
limited to, the extent of the applicant firm's

[[Page 90689]]

deficiencies in meeting Criterion A and Criterion B and whether the 
store furthers the purposes of the Program. Furthermore, the final rule 
provides that such considerations will be conducted during the 
application process as described in 7 CFR 278.1(a). This provision will 
be implemented for all new applicant firms and all firms eligible for 
reinstatement 120 days after the effective date of this final rule and 
365 days after the effective date of this final rule for all currently 
authorized firms.

Definition of ``Staple Food''--Acceptable Varieties in the Four Staple 
Food Categories

    This discretionary provision proposed to clarify and amend the 
definition of ``variety'' as it pertains to staple food varieties in 
the four staple food categories. This provision received an overall 
mixed response. Of the total 1,260 germane and non-duplicative public 
comments received, 168 comments, or approximately 13% of all public 
comments, specifically addressed this provision. About 16% of total 
retailer commenters specifically opposed this provision. Industry 
groups largely opposed this provision and other commenter types, such 
as advocacy, medical, and governmental entities, were generally divided 
and/or expressed mixed opinions.
    Some commenters opposed to this provision stated that this 
provision did not represent a clarification of existing policy, but 
rather a radical change in the definition of ``variety,'' especially 
with respect to the definition of ``variety'' for the meat, poultry, or 
fish staple food category. A joint comment submitted by the 
international convenience store trade association and the petroleum 
marketers' trade association, for example, stated that ``FNS has also 
proposed to `clarify' the term `variety.' But, the proposed rule 
advances not a clarification but a redefinition''. The national trade 
association for the travel plaza and truck stop industry echoed this 
criticism, asserting that FNS policy currently treats multiple formats 
of turkey and pork as discrete varieties and that the proposed rule 
would change this supposed standing definition of ``variety'':

    For example, under the Proposed regulatory text, ham and salami 
would both qualify as one `variety' of item--`pork'--for purposes of 
satisfying the seven-variety staple food threshold. Similarly, 
turkey burgers, sliced turkey, and ground turkey would all qualify 
as one variety--`turkey' rather than different [sic] three different 
`varieties' in the meat, poultry, and fish category. The Proposal's 
preamble does not attempt to justify this significant shift in 
policy beyond saying that it is designed to `clear up confusion that 
may exist in current regulations.' [This organization] is not aware 
of any such confusion. Indeed, retailer confusion in this area can 
be sourced entirely to the language in the proposed regulatory text 
that would treat all food items from the same food source (e.g., 
chicken) as a single `variety.' There is little policy justification 
for treating all items from the same food source as a single 
`variety' of item. [emphasis added]

Additionally, some commenters criticized the standing definition of 
``variety'' specifically in the context of the vegetables or fruits 
staple food category. As the international convenience store trade 
association and the petroleum marketers' trade association stated, 
``For the vegetable or fruit category, there is no reason why Fuji 
apples and a jar of applesauce should not be considered different 
varieties; they are different products from the same food family 
(apples).''
    Under existing SNAP regulations at 7 CFR 278.1(b)(1)(ii)(C) 
multiple formats of the same base product are not construed as 
constituting multiple varieties for the purpose of Criterion A 
eligibility. Canned chicken, frozen chicken, and fresh chicken, for 
example, are currently considered one variety (chicken) under existing 
SNAP regulations and policies. That this provision counts multiple 
formats of one variety (e.g., chicken) as a single variety represents a 
restatement of existing Agency regulation and policy. In fact, the 
adoption of the suggestions of the international convenience store 
trade association and the petroleum marketers' trade association that 
``raw chicken breast, refrigerated grilled chicken, or frozen chicken 
and vegetable stir fry should be considered different varieties'' and 
that the Agency should ``consider cream cheese and Laughing Cow creamy 
Swiss cheese to be two different [varieties]'' would represent a 
reversal of the existing definition of ``variety,'' which in accordance 
with existing regulations at 7 CFR 278.1(b)(1)(ii)(C), ``. . . is not 
to be interpreted as different brands, different nutrient values, 
different varieties of packaging, or different package sizes.'' This 
existing policy was further examined in the 2001 Benefits Redemption 
Division (BRD) Policy Memorandum 01-04 which reads, in part, ``Examples 
of unacceptable varieties includes tomato juice, fresh tomatoes and 
canned stewed tomatoes in the vegetables or fruits category.'' As is 
clear from this memorandum, long-standing Agency policy has not 
considered multiple formats of a product (e.g., raw chicken, canned 
chicken, and frozen chicken) to constitute discrete staple food 
varieties.
    Variety has been traditionally defined by the Agency based on the 
essential composition of the food product (i.e., main ingredient), 
especially in the meat, poultry, or fish and vegetables or fruits 
staple food categories. Products that share the same primary component 
(e.g., sliced turkey and ground turkey--turkey) and very similar kinds 
of products (e.g., McIntosh apples and Empire apples--apples; 
mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese--cheeses) have not generally been 
considered to represent discrete varieties in their respective staple 
food categories. Main ingredient and product kind have, therefore, been 
recognized in Agency policy as the primary determinants of variety. The 
confusion evidenced by retailers' and trade associations' comments 
regarding the Agency's current definition of ``variety'' may be a 
reflection of the fact that retail food stores may generally meet the 
current Criterion A stocking requirements (i.e., three varieties in 
each of the four staple food categories) without deliberately 
considering the products needed for compliance. The increase in the 
number of required varieties from three to seven, which was mandated by 
the 2014 Farm Bill, has caused retailers to carefully consider what 
stock would affect compliance and may have resulted in the 
aforementioned comments and confusions.
    Some advocacy and local or State government commenters suggested 
including plant-based proteins in the meat, poultry, or fish staple 
food category and plant-based dairy alternatives in the dairy products 
staple food category. One county health department, representing a 
county with a population over 750,000 and containing over 700 SNAP 
authorized firms argued that, ``Additional staple food items that 
should be considered include eggs and plant-based protein sources such 
as canned or frozen legumes, unsalted nuts and seeds, and soy products 
(i.e., tofu). These products could be included in the staple foods 
category for meat, poultry and fish, re-framed as a protein category.'' 
As discussed earlier in the context of the breadth of stock provision, 
there were also commenters who stated that they expected that retailers 
would have difficulty in reaching seven different varieties in the 
meat, poultry, or fish and the dairy staple food categories.
    In common language usage a ``dairy product'' is understood to mean 
an edible food product produced from the milk of a mammal, most 
commonly cow's milk. Some traditional varieties of

[[Page 90690]]

dairy include milk, butter, yogurt, and cheese. There are a small 
number of unique varieties of commonplace dairy products, most of which 
share the same main ingredient (i.e., milk). Under existing Agency 
policy, plant-based dairy alternatives are also considered acceptable 
varieties in the dairy products staple food category. In fact, as 
proposed, the rule had specified that ``plant-based milk'' was included 
as a variety in the dairy products staple food category, which would 
provide additional choices for retailers in meeting the new breadth of 
stock requirements.
    FNS acknowledges the difficulty in reaching seven varieties in this 
staple food category. Given this reality, as well as the needs of 
lactose-intolerant consumers, the final rule will consider plant-based 
dairy products to be varieties in the dairy products staple food 
category based on their main ingredient (e.g., cow's milk, goat's milk, 
almond, and soy) and the traditional dairy product for which they are a 
substitute (i.e., product kind). For example, almond-based milk, soy-
based milk, almond-based cheese, and soy-based cheese will each be 
considered a discrete variety in the dairy products staple food 
category under the final rule. Additionally, the final rule modifies 
existing Agency policy to subdivide certain traditional, animal-based 
dairy varieties into more than one variety. For example, under existing 
Agency policy cheese is considered one variety while under the final 
rule cow's milk-based soft cheese and cow's milk-based firm/hard cheese 
each will be considered discrete varieties.
    Additionally, FNS acknowledges the importance of plant-based 
sources of protein and the potential difficulties in reaching seven 
varieties in the meat, poultry, or fish staple food category. The final 
rule, therefore, will modify existing Agency policy to include three 
varieties of plant-based protein sources (i.e., nuts/seeds, beans, and 
peas) in the meat, poultry, or fish staple food category. Under current 
Agency policy such products (i.e., nuts/seeds, beans, and peas) are 
counted as varieties in the vegetable or fruits staple food category. 
Under this final rule beans and peas may only be counted once each as a 
variety in the meat, poultry, or fish staple food category or once each 
as a variety in the vegetables or fruits staple food category while 
nuts/seeds may only be counted once as a variety in the meat, poultry, 
or fish staple food category. This change is in keeping with the 
nutritional guidance of USDA's MyPlate, which clarifies that, while 
beans and peas belong to both the protein foods group and the vegetable 
group, nuts/seeds are only considered to belong to the protein foods 
group. This means that if a store stocked one jar of peanut butter, one 
bag of almonds, and one bag of sunflower seeds, this would be 
considered three stocking units of one variety (i.e., nuts/seeds) which 
could be counted towards breadth of stock in the meat, poultry, or fish 
staple food category. In this example, additional units of these or 
other nut/seed products (e.g., three bags of walnuts) would not further 
be counted as additional varieties in the meat, poultry, or fish staple 
food category. This also means that if a firm stocked three bags of 
dried kidney beans (i.e., beans) and three bags of dried black eyed 
peas (i.e., peas), then these products would be counted as two 
varieties towards the breadth of stock in the meat, poultry, or fish 
staple food category or in the vegetables or fruits staple food 
category. Beans and peas can each only be counted once as variety in 
either the meat, poultry, or fish staple food category or in the 
vegetables or fruits staple food category. This means that if a firm 
stocked three bags of dried kidney beans, three bags of dried black 
beans, and three bags of dried pinto beans, then these products could 
only be counted as one variety (i.e., beans) in either the meat, 
poultry, or fish staple food category or in the vegetables or fruits 
staple food category. Likewise, three bags of dried black-eyed peas, 
three bags of dried split peas, and three bags of dried lentils could 
only be counted as one variety (i.e., peas) in either the meat, 
poultry, or fish staple food category or in the vegetables or fruits 
staple food category. These varieties may not individually be split 
between staple food categories. This is a departure from the way in 
which ``variety'' is traditionally defined (i.e., by main ingredient 
and/or product kind). The reason for this unique exception is that 
these plant-based proteins are being added to the meat, poultry, or 
fish staple food category in order to supplement, not supplant, the 
animal-based proteins for which the category is named. Under this 
provision firms will not be able meet the breadth of stock requirement 
for the meat, poultry, or fish staple food category by stocking seven 
kinds of nuts/seeds, peas, and/or beans, each of these may only be 
counted once.
    Plant-based meat substitutes or analogues, marketed as vegetarian 
or vegan alternatives to meat, will also be counted as varieties in the 
meat, poultry, or fish staple food. Varieties of such meat analogues 
may include, but are not limited to, mycoprotein-based meat analogues, 
soy-based meat analogues (e.g., tofu or tempeh) and gluten-based meat 
analogues (e.g., seitan). For such meat analogues variety is assigned 
in the traditional way (i.e., by main ingredient and by product kind). 
This means that if a firm stocked three packages of tofu this would be 
considered one staple variety counting toward the breadth of stock in 
the meal, poultry, or fish staple food category. In this example, 
additional units of this or other soy-based meat analogues (e.g., three 
bags of textured soy protein or three boxes of soy-based vegan hot 
dogs) would not further be counted as additional varieties in the meat, 
poultry, or fish staple food category. None of these or any other meat 
analogues may be counted as a variety in any other staple food 
category.
    Even with the addition of these plant-based varieties into the 
meat, poultry, or fish staple food category it will be necessary for 
most firms to stock animal-based varieties to meet the breadth of stock 
requirement for the meat, poultry, or fish staple food category. For 
example, if a firm stocked five of the aforementioned plant-based 
varieties (e.g., three jars of peanut butter [nuts/seeds], three bags 
of dried black beans [beans], three bags of dried lentils [peas], three 
packages of tofu [soy-based meat analogue], and three packages of 
seitan [gluten-based meat analogue]), that firm would still be required 
to stock at least two more varieties in the meat, poultry, or fish 
staple food category (e.g., three dozen eggs, three packages of frozen 
chicken cutlets, and three packages of ham).
    These changes better align SNAP regulations with the nutritional 
guidance of USDA's MyPlate, help to ease the burden of compliance on 
retail food stores, and serve to increase the availability of healthy 
food options for low-income Americans.
    Some governmental, medical, and advocate commenters believed that 
additional restrictions should be placed on these required varieties to 
ensure that a certain number of healthy options were available. For 
example, two city health departments, one noted earlier as representing 
a city of 8.5 million, and another representing a city of over 1.5 
million containing over 2,300 SNAP authorized firms, argued that, 
within each staple food category, certain kinds of healthy varieties 
should be mandated by FNS. Examples of such healthy varieties included 
low-fat dairy, lean meat, fresh vegetables, and whole grain breads. 
While FNS does agree with the commenters that argued that such changes 
would likely increase healthful

[[Page 90691]]

options for SNAP participants, the Agency believes that incorporating 
such additional enhancements to this provision could be overly 
burdensome on retailers.
    Other commenters suggested that variety shortfalls in one or more 
staple food categories should be allowed to be covered with additional 
varieties of fruits or vegetables (e.g., a store may stock only five 
varieties of dairy but nine varieties of fruits and vegetables). While 
the Agency supports changes that would encourage firms to stock more 
nutritious products, including fresh fruit and vegetable products, such 
a change would run counter to statutory requirements of the 2014 Farm 
Bill that a retailer offer for sale ``a variety of at least 7 foods in 
each of the 4 categories of staple foods'' and exceeds the Agency's 
statutory authority.
    Some commenters who supported the proposed provision pointed out 
that a lax definition of ``variety'' would allow stores to skirt 
variety requirements by stocking seven different formats of one or two 
kinds of products with the same main ingredient. If a lax definition of 
``variety'' were implemented, for example, the variety requirement for 
the vegetables or fruits staple food category could be satisfied by 
frozen French fries, powdered mashed potatoes, frozen hash browns, 
potato chips, canned cream of potato soup, frozen tater tots, and 
potatoes. FNS concurs with these concerns and will not be altering the 
proposed definition of ``variety'' to allow for different formats of 
products with the same main ingredient to count as different varieties.
    Under both current Agency regulations and the final rule, 
``variety'' is generally defined by product kind or main ingredient for 
the meat, poultry, or fish and vegetables or fruits staple food 
categories. This means that chicken, pork, and beef each represent 
discrete varieties for the former category and that apple, banana, and 
lettuce each represent discrete varieties for the latter category. 
Products like Empire apples and McIntosh apples may have different 
names and slightly different appearances, but they are generally 
recognized as the same kind of product. For this reason both Empire 
apples and McIntosh would be not each be considered a discrete variety, 
but rather the discrete variety is the product kind itself--apples. 
Likewise although apples, 100% apple juice, and applesauce are 
different products, they would not each be considered a discrete 
variety for the purposes of SNAP Criterion A because they share the 
same main ingredient (i.e., apples). Similarly, although deli-sliced 
chicken breast, frozen chicken drumsticks, and canned chicken are 
different products, they would not each be considered a discrete 
variety for the purposes of SNAP Criterion A because they share the 
same main ingredient (i.e., chicken). For multiple ingredient food 
products the first ingredient determines variety such that a frozen 
microwaveable meal with beef listed as the first ingredient would 
constitute a variety in the meat, poultry, or fish staple food category 
(i.e., beef) and a can of ravioli with tomato sauce listed as the first 
ingredient would constitute a variety in the vegetables or fruits 
staple food category (i.e., tomato). Most bread or cereals food items 
sold and consumed in America primarily derive from one or more of the 
following four grains: Wheat, corn, rice, and/or oats. Based on the 
limited types of grains and the new breadth of stock requirements, FNS 
believes it is impractical to strictly define ``variety'' for the 
purposes of this staple food category by the aforementioned method 
(i.e., product kind and main ingredient), as is the standard for two of 
the other staple food categories. As a result, in the bread or cereals 
staple food category variety is defined by product kind (i.e., bread 
and other baked or finished grain-based products) or main ingredient 
(e.g., wheat and oats) as described in Part IV List of Examples below.
    Numerous commenters requested additional Agency guidance on what 
constituted a variety for each of the four staple food categories. In 
response, a list of examples in Section IV is included in the preamble 
of the final rule; this list provides 20 examples of varieties in each 
of the four staple food categories and is intended to be illustrative, 
not exhaustive. Additionally, the examples listed in the proposed rule 
have been amended in the final rule to illustrate the intended 
flexibility for retailers. The changes made to the examples of 
varieties in the meat, poultry, or fish and the dairy products staple 
food categories reflect the inclusion of plant-based alternatives. 
``Plant-based'' milk has been, for example, removed as a listed example 
and replaced with almond milk to reflect the inclusion of multiple 
varieties of plant-based milks (e.g., almond milk, soy milk, and rice 
milk) in the dairy products staple food category. Additionally, the 
example ``melon'' was removed and replaced with grapes as melon is not 
considered a product kind under the definition of ``variety'' but 
instead includes several discrete varieties (e.g., honeydew and 
cantaloupe). Likewise, ``breakfast cereal'' was removed and replaced 
with ``rice'' because the former is not a product kind but instead 
includes several discrete varieties (e.g., rice-based breakfast cereal 
and oat-based breakfast cereal).
    After review of all comments on this provision, this final rule has 
largely retained the long-standing Agency definition of ``variety'' 
and, as described above, modifies the definition of ``variety'' to 
allow retailers more flexibility in meeting the breadth of stock 
provision in the dairy, bread and cereals, and meat, poultry, and fish 
staple food categories. This provision will be implemented for all new 
applicant firms and all firms eligible for reinstatement 120 days after 
the effective date of this final rule and 365 days after the effective 
date of this final rule for all currently authorized firms.

Public Disclosure of Firms Sanctioned for SNAP Violations

    This discretionary provision proposed to reaffirm the Agency's 
authority and intent to publicly disclose the store and owner name for 
firms sanctioned for SNAP violations. This provision received few 
comments most of which were supportive. Of the total 1,260 germane and 
non-duplicative public comments received, 14 comments, or about 1% of 
total public comments, specifically addressed this provision. About 71% 
of comments that specifically addressed this provision were supportive 
while approximately 14% opposed this provision and approximately 14% 
were generally divided and/or expressed mixed opinions. No retailer 
commenters specifically opposed this provision, industry trade groups 
that commented specifically on this provision generally opposed this 
provision and all other commenter types that commented on this 
provision were generally supportive.
    Three retailer associations (i.e., the international convenience 
store trade association, the petroleum marketers' trade association, 
and the national food retailer trade association) opposed the 
disclosure of this information. One noted that it, ``. . . does not 
believe that the name of a store owner should be disclosed if the owner 
name identifies an individual in the store. [Our] members believe that 
the owner name disclosure is unnecessary and could lead to mental and 
emotional harm to the owner'' and went on to add, ``FNS should also 
consider and take into consideration the seriousness of the sanctions 
imposed and whether there have been multiple violations. Publicizing a 
store owner's private information for a first time sanction that may 
have resulted from an inadvertent

[[Page 90692]]

violation is unreasonable and clearly extreme.'' Another of these three 
associations commented, ``There is no provision of the proposed rule, 
however, that would allow for sanction information to be taken down 
after the passage of a certain amount of time or in the event a store 
was sold to another owner or placed under new management.'' A fourth 
retailer association representing independent grocers seconded this 
final point and stated the group, ``. . . is not opposed to public 
disclosure of disqualified retailers who have engaged in fraudulent 
activity after the appeals process has been exhausted; however [the 
organization] encourages the Agency to remove or amend the public 
notice when a store is sold so the new owners are not harmed by this 
disclosure.''
    One State welfare fraud investigator association commented, ``We 
believe the proposed rule changes (increasing the minimum number of 
categories in which perishable goods are required, amending the depth 
of stock, redefining `Retail Food Store' to exclude restaurants, and, 
particularly, disclosing information about retailers who have violated 
SNAP rules) would serve to deter fraud.'' A city health department 
representing the large city of 8.5 million and over 10,000 SNAP 
authorized firms also stated that this provision will ``increase 
integrity efforts against fraud, waste, and abuse in SNAP''.
    FNS closely monitors retailers to ensure that they comply with 
Program rules and regulations. FNS may warn or sanction retailers found 
violating Program rules. Sanctions can include time-limited or 
permanent Program disqualification as well as civil penalties. This 
provision is an essential tool in Agency efforts to combat and deter 
Program fraud and abuse. For example, the names of retail stores and 
owners whom have been charged, indicted, or convicted for SNAP retailer 
fraud by federal, state or local authorities are already disclosed 
publicly through news releases and other means. This provision 
reaffirms FNS' authority and intent to disclose the store and owner 
name for firms sanctioned for SNAP violations. In response to the 
suggestion that encourages the Agency to remove or amend the public 
notice when a store is sold so the new owners are not harmed by this 
disclosure, FNS believes that the public disclosure of both the retail 
store name and the owner who had been sanctioned would mitigate the 
potential harm to a new store owner.
    FNS, however, acknowledges the concerns of these commenters. As a 
result, FNS has clarified and narrowed this provision in the final 
rule. Specifically, the final rule stipulates that information 
regarding firms sanctioned for SNAP violations will be disclosed by FNS 
only for the duration of the sanction. Firms sanctioned for lesser 
offenses (e.g., sale of minor ineligibles) may face term 
disqualifications as short as six months. FNS agrees that making the 
owner and store name of such firms indefinitely available to the public 
is neither necessary nor is it judicious. This provision has been 
modified such that FNS may disclose the name and address of the store, 
the owner names(s), and information about the sanction itself for the 
duration of the sanction. The duration of the sanction lasts until the 
period of disqualification ends or until the civil penalty has been 
paid in full, whichever is longer. Additionally, this provision has 
also been modified such that in the event that a sanctioned firm is 
assigned a civil penalty in lieu of a period of disqualification, as 
described in 7 CFR 278.6(a), FNS may continue to disclose this 
information for as long as the duration of the period of 
disqualification or until the civil penalty has been paid in full, 
whichever is longer. The information regarding firms sanctioned with 
permanent disqualification for offenses such as the trafficking SNAP 
benefits should and will be made publicly available for the duration of 
the disqualification (i.e., indefinitely). Program violations that 
result in a permanent disqualification are serious offenses and the 
Agency is dedicated to fighting Program fraud and abuse in all forms. 
FNS agrees with the comments from governmental entities that the public 
disclosure of the owner and store name of firms that violate Program 
rules is a powerful deterrent to retailer SNAP fraud. This provision 
will be implemented on the effective date of this final rule.

IV. List of Examples

Summary of List of Examples

    The final rule codifies a statutory provision to increase the 
required number of staple food varieties in each of the four staple 
food categories from three to seven and to increase the required number 
of staple food categories containing at least one perishable foods 
variety from two to three, where ``perishable foods'' are defined as 
items which are either frozen, fresh, unrefrigerated, or refrigerated 
staple food items that will spoil or suffer significant deterioration 
in quality within three weeks. The final rule also codifies a 
discretionary provision which clarifies and modifies the definition of 
acceptable ``variety'' in each of the four staple food categories.
    Included below are lists of acceptable varieties in the four staple 
food categories. Also included is an examination of what constitutes a 
stocking unit for the purposes of the depth of stock provision. 
Finally, included is a list of food items which are and are not 
considered accessory food items. The lists of examples that follow are 
intended to be illustrative and provide guidance on the final rule. 
What follows is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of staple 
food varieties, stocking units, or accessory food items.

The Meat, Poultry, or Fish Staple Food Category

    In the meat, poultry, or fish staple food category ``variety'' is 
generally defined by product kind or main ingredient. This means that 
chicken, pork, and beef each represent discrete varieties. For multiple 
ingredient food products the first ingredient determines variety such 
that a frozen microwaveable meal with beef listed as the first 
ingredient would constitute a variety in the meat, poultry, or fish 
staple food category (i.e., beef).
    This list of examples serves to provide guidance on acceptable 
varieties in the meat, poultry, or fish staple food category. The meat, 
poultry, or fish staple food category now includes varieties of meat 
analogues (e.g., soy-based meat analogue and gluten-based meat 
analogue). The meat, poultry, or fish staple food category also now 
includes three types of plant-based protein staple foods (i.e., nuts/
seeds, beans, and peas). Each of these three aforementioned plant-based 
protein types may only be counted once each as a variety in the meat, 
poultry, or fish staple food category. Alternatively, beans and peas 
may instead be counted once each as a variety in vegetables or fruits 
staple food category. These two types (i.e., beans and peas) may only 
be counted once each regardless of the staple food category they are 
counted in. Nuts/seeds may only be counted once as a variety in the 
meat, poultry, or fish staple food category, but not in the vegetable 
or fruits staple food category.
    What follows is an illustrative, but not exhaustive, list of 20 
acceptable varieties in this staple food category. Included 
parenthetically with each variety are two different examples of food 
items which would usually fall within that variety. The examples of 
multiple ingredient food items in this list would be acceptable only if 
the listed main ingredient would be

[[Page 90693]]

considered a variety in the meat, poultry, or fish staple category. 
Perishable foods are indicated by the presence of an asterisk (*).

Plant-based Protein Types:
    1. Nuts/Seeds (e.g., sunflower seeds or peanut butter)
    2. Beans (e.g., dried black beans or dried red kidney beans)
    3. Peas (e.g., dried lentils or canned split pea soup with a first 
listed ingredient of split peas)
Meat, Poultry, and Fish:
    4. Turkey (e.g., fresh deli sliced turkey* or fresh ground turkey*)
    5. Goat (e.g., fresh goat chops* or frozen rack of goat ribs*)
    6. Salmon (e.g., packaged smoked salmon or canned salmon)
    7. Chicken (e.g., fresh chicken cutlets* or frozen chicken 
nuggets*)
    8. Beef (e.g., fresh ground beef* or beef jerky)
    9. Tuna (e.g., fresh albacore tuna steak* or canned albacore tuna 
fish)
    10. Shrimp (e.g., frozen shrimp scampi meal* or fresh cocktail 
shrimp*)
    11. Tilapia (e.g., fresh tilapia filet* or panko breaded frozen 
tilapia meal*)
    12. Crab (e.g., fresh crab cakes* or canned crab meat)
    13. Soy-based meat analogue (e.g., tofu* or soy-based vegan chicken 
alternative*)
    14. Chicken eggs (e.g., fresh eggs* or liquid egg whites*)
    15. Catfish (e.g., frozen catfish filet* or smoked packaged 
catfish)
    16. Lamb/Mutton (e.g., fresh lamb chops* or fresh ground lamb*)
    17. Cod (e.g., frozen cod* or fresh cod*)
    18. Pork (e.g., pork loin* or fresh sliced ham*)
    19. Duck (e.g., fresh duck* or canned duck)
    20. Clams (e.g., frozen clams* or canned clam meat)

The Vegetables or Fruits Staple Food Category

    In the vegetables or fruits staple food category ``variety'' is 
generally defined by product kind or main ingredient. This means that 
apples, bananas, and lettuce each represent discrete varieties. For 
multiple ingredient food products the first ingredient determines 
variety such that a can of ravioli with tomato sauce listed as the 
first ingredient would constitute a variety in the vegetables or fruits 
staple food category (i.e., tomato).
    What follows is an illustrative, but not exhaustive, list of 20 
acceptable varieties in this staple food category. Included 
parenthetically with each variety are two different examples of food 
items which would usually fall within that variety. The multiple 
ingredient food item examples in this list would be acceptable only if 
the main ingredient is in the vegetables or fruits staple category. 
Perishable foods are indicated by the presence of an asterisk (*).

1. Potatoes (potatoes* or frozen tater tots*)
2. Oranges (100% orange juice* or fresh oranges*)
3. Tomatoes (canned tomato soup or sun dried tomatoes)
4. Apples (dried apples or pre-cut apple go-packs*)
5. Pumpkin (canned pumpkin or fresh whole pumpkin)
6. Bananas (fresh bananas* or frozen bananas*)
7. Onions (canned onions or fresh onions*)
8. Grapes (fresh grapes* or 100% grape juice)
9. Lettuce (fresh head of iceberg lettuce* or pre-cut and bagged 
romaine lettuce*)
10. Pineapples (canned pineapple rings or fresh whole pineapple*)
11. Cucumbers (fresh cucumbers* or jarred pickles)
12. Strawberries (fresh strawberries* or frozen strawberries*)
13. Peaches (canned peaches or fresh peaches*)
14. Carrots (fresh whole carrots* or pre-cut carrot stick go-packs*)
15. Grapefruit (fresh whole grapefruit* or grapefruit fruit cup*)
16. Cabbage (e.g., fresh head of cabbage* or jarred kimchi)
17. Artichoke (e.g., fresh artichoke* or canned artichoke hearts)
18. Broccoli (e.g., fresh broccoli* or frozen broccoli florets*)
19. Avocados (e.g., ready-made guacamole* or fresh avocado*)
20. Celery (e.g., pre-cut celery stick go-packs* or fresh whole 
celery*)

The Dairy Staple Food Category

    In common language usage a ``dairy product'' is understood to mean 
an edible food product produced from the milk of a mammal, most 
commonly cow's milk. Some traditional varieties of dairy include milk, 
butter, yogurt, and cheese. There are a small number of unique 
varieties of commonplace dairy products, most of which share the same 
main ingredient (i.e., milk). Based on the limited types of commonplace 
dairy products and the new breadth of stock requirements, it is 
impractical to define ``variety'' for the purposes of this staple food 
category based on the main ingredient and it is useful to include 
plant-based alternatives. Plant-based dairy products will be considered 
a variety in the dairy products staple food category based on their 
main ingredient and the traditional dairy product for which they are a 
substitute. So, for example, almond-based milk, soy-based milk, almond-
based cheese, and soy-based cheese will each be considered a discrete 
variety in the dairy products staple food category under the final 
rule. Though these items are plant-based, they are recognized as dairy 
equivalents and therefore, do not count as varieties in the remaining 
staple food categories. Additionally, some of the traditional types of 
dairy products have been divided into varieties based on distinct and 
generally accepted differences. For example, the dairy type cheese has 
been divided into two discrete varieties: Cow's milk-based soft cheese 
and cow's milk-based hard/firm cheese based on generally accepted 
industry norms. What follows is an illustrative, but not exhaustive, 
list of 20 acceptable varieties in this staple food category. Included 
parenthetically with each variety are two different examples of food 
items which would usually fall within that variety. The multiple 
ingredient food item examples in this list would be acceptable only if 
the main ingredient is in the dairy products staple category. 
Perishable foods are indicated by the presence of an asterisk (*).

1. Yogurt (e.g., fresh whole milk French vanilla yogurt* or fresh 
nonfat peach yogurt*)
2. Soy yogurt (e.g., strawberry soy yogurt* or lite vanilla soy 
yogurt*)
3. Almond yogurt (e.g., mixed berry almond yogurt* or low-fat plain 
almond yogurt*)
4. Perishable cow milk (e.g., fresh skim cow milk* or fresh whole cow 
milk*)
5. Perishable cow kefir (e.g., nonfat fresh blueberry kefir* or fresh 
banana kefir*)
6. Shelf-stable liquid cow milk (e.g., condensed cow milk or evaporated 
cow milk)
7. Shelf-stable powdered cow milk (e.g., powdered cow milk or casein/
whey powder)
8. Cow milk-based infant formula (e.g., organic, milk-based formula or 
milk-based, iron-fortified formula)
9. Soy-based infant formula (e.g., iron-fortified, soy-based formula or 
hypoallergenic, soy-based formula)
10. Butter (e.g., frozen sweet cream butter* or fresh salted butter*)
11. Butter substitute (e.g., margarine or non-dairy spread)
12. Sour cream (e.g., fresh, lite sour cream* or fresh, organic sour 
cream*)

[[Page 90694]]

13. Almond-based milk (e.g., refrigerated almond milk* or shelf-stable 
almond milk)
14. Soy-based milk (e.g., shelf-stable soy milk or refrigerated soy 
milk*)
15. Rice-based milk (e.g., shelf-stable rice milk or refrigerated rice 
milk*)
16. Firm/hard cheese (e.g., fresh deli sliced cheddar cheese* or 
packaged grated parmesan cheese)
17. Soft cheese (e.g., fresh curd cheese* or pre-wrapped American 
cheese product slices*)
18. Goat cheese (e.g., fresh honey goat cheese* or fresh plain goat 
cheese*)
19. Soy-based cheese alternative (e.g., mozzarella-style soy cheese* or 
American-style soy cheese slices*)
20. Perishable goat milk (e.g., fresh whole goat milk* or fresh low-fat 
goat milk*)

The Bread or Cereals Staple Food Category

    Most bread or cereals food items sold and consumed in America 
primarily derive from one of the following four grains: Wheat, corn, 
rice, and/or oats. Based on the limited types of common grains and the 
new breadth of stock requirements, therefore, it is impractical to 
define ``variety'' for the purposes of this staple food category based 
exclusively on the product kind or exclusively on the main ingredient, 
as is the standard for two of the other staple food categories.
    What follows is an illustrative, but not exhaustive, list of 20 
acceptable varieties in this staple food category. Included 
parenthetically with each variety are two different examples of food 
items which would usually fall within that variety. The multi-
ingredient food examples in this list would be acceptable only if the 
main ingredient is in the bread or cereal staple category. Perishable 
foods are indicated by the presence of an asterisk (*).

1. Wheat (e.g., whole wheat flour or wheat germ)
2. Corn/maize (e.g., cornmeal or cornbread)
3. Rice (e.g., brown rice or basmati rice)
4. Oats (e.g., oatmeal or honey oat bread*)
5. Barley (e.g., pearled barley or barley meal)
6. Rye (e.g., raw rye or rye bread*)
7. Millet (e.g., millet flour or raw millet)
8. Quinoa (e.g., raw quinoa or quinoa pasta)
9. Teff (e.g., raw teff or injera*)
10. Bread (e.g., a loaf of rye bread* or a loaf of multigrain bread*)
11. Pasta (e.g., gluten-free spaghetti or whole wheat rotini)
12. Baking mixes (e.g., pancake mix or cornbread mix)
13. Tortillas (e.g., corn tortillas* or flour tortillas*)
14. Bagels (e.g., poppy seed bagels* or plain bagels*)
15. Pitas (e.g., low-carb pita* or whole wheat pita*)
16. Cold breakfast cereal (e.g., rice-based cereal or oat-based cereal)
17. English muffins (e.g., whole wheat English muffins* or honey oat 
English muffins*)
18. Hot breakfast cereal (e.g., cream of wheat or farina)
19. Buns/rolls (e.g., frozen dinner rolls* or hot dog buns*)
20. Infant cereal (e.g., wheat-based infant cereal or oat-based infant 
cereal)

    As an example, a firm could meet the requirements for the bread or 
cereals staple food category by stocking three loaves of bread, three 
bags of rice, three boxes of spaghetti, three bags of pitas, three bags 
of tortillas, three bags of flour and three packages of cornmeal.

Stocking Units

    The proposed rule put forward a discretionary provision requiring 
six stocking units per qualifying staple food variety. The final rule 
halves that proposed requirement and codifies a discretionary provision 
that requires three stocking units per qualifying staple food variety. 
This list of examples serves to define ``stocking unit'' for the 
purposes of this provision. If a food item would not usually be sold 
individually, then it does not individually constitute a stocking unit. 
Such food items are usually sold in bunches, boxes, bags, or packages 
with a number of other identical items (e.g., a loaf of bread, a bunch 
of grapes, a carton of eggs, a bag of rice, or a package of sliced 
turkey). The individual sale of such food items would be impractical 
given their small individual size. For such products it is the bunch, 
box, bag, or package that represents one stocking unit. What follows is 
an illustrative, but not exhaustive, list of such products and their 
standard stocking unit size.

 Small fruit and berries: A package of blueberries or a package 
of strawberries
 Leaf vegetables: A head of lettuce or a bunch of collard green 
leaves
 Stalk/root vegetables: A bunch of carrots or a bunch of celery 
sticks
 Deli sliced items: A package of turkey slices or a package of 
cheddar cheese slices
 Grains: A bag or sack of rice or a box of oatmeal

    If a food item is usually or often sold singly, then that single 
unit may constitute one stocking unit. What follows is an illustrative, 
but not exhaustive, list of such products and their standard stocking 
unit sizes:

 Hand fruit: A banana or an apple
 Large fruits or vegetables: A watermelon or a pumpkin
 Small portion or single-serving packages: A yogurt cup or a 
fruit cup

    If a food item (e.g., grains, dried fruits, nuts, deli cold cuts, 
etc.) is stored singly in a common container or unit, but sold to 
customers by weight, then the standard stocking unit is considered to 
be one pound. A bulk container containing three pounds of dried 
cranberries, available to and sold to the customer by weight, 
therefore, would constitute three stocking units of one variety in the 
fruit or vegetable staple food category.
    If FNS determines that a bunch, box, bag, or package usually sold 
as a unit has been subdivided into unreasonably small units in order to 
meet this depth of stock provision, FNS will not consider such food 
items to constitute a stocking unit for the purposes of this depth of 
stock provision.

V. List of Accessory Food Items and Examples of Staple Food Items

Accessory Food Items

    The final rule codifies a discretionary provision which clarifies 
the definition of ``staple food''. This provision realigns the 
definition of ``accessory food items'' with statutory intent, defining 
``accessory food items'' to include snacks, desserts, and foods that 
complement or supplement meals.
    While any food or food product intended for home consumption is 
generally considered to be eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, 
only staple food products are counted toward a retail food store's 
eligibility to participate in SNAP. Staple foods are generally 
considered to be basic items of food that make up a significant portion 
of an individual's diet and are usually prepared at home and consumed 
as a major component of a meal. Some examples include tomatoes, ground 
beef, milk, or rice. Accessory food items, on the other hand, are 
generally considered to be food items consumed as snacks or desserts as 
well as food items that complement or supplement meals, such as most 
beverages and spices.
    A product is often considered an accessory food item if it is 
usually consumed on its own, usually as a snack or dessert, without 
being cooked or prepared (e.g., potato chips or an ice-cream sandwich). 
Products that are explicitly identified as staple foods, such as hand 
fruit, are not considered

[[Page 90695]]

accessory foods even if they are sometimes consumed on their own 
without being cooked or prepared. A product is also often considered an 
accessory food item if it is usually used to flavor other foods (e.g., 
salt or sugar) or if it is a beverage (e.g., soda pop or water). If a 
product would normally be considered a staple food, but is sold in a 
small package size (e.g., a small bag of dried apricots or a yogurt 
cup), that product is still generally considered a staple food.
    Commercially processed foods and prepared mixtures with multiple 
ingredients are usually assigned to the staple food category of their 
main ingredient on their ``Nutrition Facts'' label per current 
regulations and policy. For example, a frozen pizza with enriched white 
wheat flour listed as its main ingredient would be considered a staple 
food variety in the bread or cereals staple food category. If the main 
ingredient of a multiple ingredient food item is an accessory food item 
(e.g., salt), then that multiple ingredient food item is considered an 
accessory food item. The one exception to this policy is the accessory 
food item water. If the main ingredient of a multiple ingredient food 
item is water, then that item is assigned to the staple food category 
of its second listed ingredient. If that second ingredient is also an 
accessory food item (e.g., sugar) then that item is considered an 
accessory food item.
    All food products identified as accessory food items in Agency 
guidance materials shall not be considered staple foods for the 
purposes of determining the eligibility of any firm. Any food products 
with main ingredients identified as accessory food items in Agency 
guidance shall also be considered accessory food items and shall not be 
considered staple foods for the purposes of determining the eligibility 
of any firm. Any other food product that is not identified as an 
accessory food item in Agency guidance materials shall be considered a 
staple food in the category of its main ingredient. Agency guidance 
that explicitly identifies types of accessory food items will be 
updated as necessary per 7 CFR 278.1(t). If a retail food store owner 
is unsure as to whether a food item is or is not an accessory food 
item, they may look online for guidance through the USDA FNS's Ask the 
Expert system at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/ask-the-expert (--> 
``Nutrition'' --> ``Supplemental Nutrition Asst Prgm''). Additional 
training for retail food store owners will be made available to further 
clarify this matter as deemed necessary.
    What follows is a list of accessory food items; any product not 
listed below or in future Agency guidance will be considered a staple 
food, as explained above, provided that its main ingredient is 
considered a variety in the staple food category.

Snack and Dessert Food Items:
     Potato, corn, wheat, tortilla, pita, and vegetable chips, 
crisps, sticks, and straws; onion ring snacks; corn nuts; snack mixes; 
crackers; pork rinds; pretzels; pre-popped or un-popped popcorn; and 
cheese puffs or curls
     Doughnuts, cupcakes, cookies, snack cakes, muffins, 
pastries, sweet rolls, pies, cakes, pudding, churros, scones, gelatin 
desserts, and any packaged mixes intended to create any of the 
aforementioned products
     Mints, chocolate, marshmallow, gum, toffee, brittle, 
fudge, marzipan, nougat, candy bars, and candy of all kinds
     Ice cream, ice milk, frozen yogurt, custard, whipped 
cream, sherbet, sorbet, gelato, granita, Italian ices, frozen 
carbonated beverages, snow cones, and ice pops
     Any food product with a main ingredient that appears on 
this list or in Agency guidance as an accessory food item
Food Items That Complement or Supplement Meals:
     Powdered, dried, or extracted spices or seasonings
     Baking soda and baking powder
     Sugar, honey, maple syrup, aspartame, molasses, high 
fructose corn syrup, and any other natural or artificial sweeteners
     Soda pop, sports or energy drinks, iced tea, fruit punch, 
mixers for alcoholic beverages, water, and all other carbonated or 
uncarbonated beverages (except milk, plant-based milk alternatives, and 
100% fruit or vegetable juice)
     Monosodium glutamate, sodium nitrate, olestra, and any 
other food additives or any food product that is edible but non-caloric 
and non-digestible
     Vegetable oil, olive oil, shortening, lard, safflower oil, 
and any other solid or liquid oils or fats (except butter)
     Ketchup, mayonnaise, salad dressing, hot sauce, mustard, 
vinegar, relish, horseradish, chutney, duck sauce, marmite, and all 
other condiments
     Vanilla extract or other flavor extracts and cooking wine
     Gravy and bouillon
     Any food product with a main ingredient that appears on 
this list or in Agency guidance as an accessory food item

    Some mixed packaged food products may consist of more than one 
discrete element, such as salted crackers and soft cream cheese 
packaged together. In this example, the salted crackers are considered 
an accessory food while the soft cream cheese is considered a staple 
food. If the accessory food item is the main component of the mixed 
packaged food product, per the ingredients list on the Nutrition Facts 
label, then such a product is considered an accessory food item. If the 
staple food item is the main component of the mixed packaged food 
product, per the ingredients list on the Nutrition Facts label, then 
such a product is considered a staple food item.
    The definition of ``accessory food items'', however, is not based 
on packaging size or style, nor does it include food items identified 
in any of the four staple food categories. What follows is an 
illustrative, but not exhaustive, list of staple food items NOT 
considered accessory food items; any product not listed below will be 
considered a staple food in the staple food category of its main 
ingredient as explained previously.

Examples of Staple Foods:
     Commercially processed foods and prepared mixtures with 
multiple ingredients with a staple food main ingredient
     Pre-cut, to-go packages or cups of fresh apple, carrot, 
grapefruit, celery, or other fruits or vegetables
     Single-serving yogurt cups containing or not containing 
fruit, with a staple food main ingredient
     Milk, flavored milk (e.g., chocolate milk), and plant-
based milk alternatives (e.g., soy milk), with a staple food main 
ingredient
     Yogurt and flavored yogurt (e.g., strawberry yogurt) with 
a staple food main ingredient
     Dehydrated, smoked, fermented, cured, or dried meats such 
as jerky or salami with a staple food main ingredient (e.g., beef or 
chicken)
     Peanut butter, strawberry jam, and other plant-based 
spreads with a staple food main ingredient
     Fresh vegetables often used as herbs including, but not 
limited to, fresh basil, fresh thyme, and fresh mint
     100% fruit and/or vegetable juice
     Salsa, hummus, guacamole, and other plant-based dips with 
a staple food main ingredient
     Pickled fruits, vegetables, eggs, or meats with a staple 
food main ingredient
     Single-serving packets of dried fruit

[[Page 90696]]

including, but not limited to, raisins, prunes, dried apples, and dried 
papaya spears, as well as dried vegetables
     To-go packages of nuts or seeds

VI. Procedural Matters

Executive Order 12866, Executive Order 13563, and Executive Order 13272

    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 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both 
cost and benefits, of reducing cost, of harmonizing rules, and of 
promoting flexibility. Finally, Executive Order 13272 and the Small 
Business Jobs Act of 2010 require agencies engaged in rulemaking 
actions to respond directly to written comments submitted by the Small 
Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy.
    The SBA Office of Advocacy submitted a comment in response to the 
proposed rule. This comment identified shortcomings in FNS's Regulatory 
Impact Analysis (RIA) and Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (RFA) and 
also conveyed the concerns of small business stakeholders regarding the 
RIA, RFA, and certain provisions of the rule as proposed. The SBA 
commented that the RIA and RFA lacked analytical rigor and 
transparency, and further maintained that the costs, benefits, and 
other impacts of the proposed rule were not sufficiently quantified in 
the RIA and RFA. Specifically, the SBA stated that the Agency's 
``conclusion that the rule's impact on small authorized SNAP retailers 
will amount to $140 is underestimated.'' Furthermore, the SBA indicated 
that FNS failed to consider alternatives adequately when drafting the 
proposed rule, especially with respect to a narrower rulemaking action 
that codified only the statutory breadth of stock provision. In 
response to these and other concerns FNS has carefully reexamined the 
proposed RIA and RFA. The final versions of these documents reflect 
substantial modifications made in order to incorporate the feedback of 
the SBA as well as industry trade associations. These changes address 
concerns regarding the consideration of alternatives and the 
calculation of the cost impact, among others.
    Additionally, in its comment the SBA suggested that ``FNS should 
commit to publishing small business compliance guides as this rule 
becomes finalized as it will help small businesses adapt to the new 
requirements.'' As stated previously in this final rule's section 
titled ``Retailer Guidance for Implementation of Final Rule,'' many 
Program stakeholders specifically requested that FNS provide retailers 
with detailed guidance and training materials on the rule to ensure 
that all retailers fully understand all of the provisions of the final 
rule. In addition to the clarifications and lists of examples provided 
in the preamble of the final rule, FNS will answer retailer inquiries 
and provide retailers with additional notice, guidance, and training 
materials during the aforementioned implementation period per 7 CFR 
278.1(t). This will include extensive outreach to ensure that the 
retailer community is provided with sufficient technical assistance to 
ensure that all firms are adequately informed regarding these changes 
to SNAP rules. The SBA also suggested that FNS should consider 
``granting increased compliance time for a percentage of small 
retailers.'' As stated previously in this final rule's section titled 
DATES, the stocking provisions of this final rule will be implemented 
365 days after the effective date of this final rule for all currently 
authorized firms. This phased implementation will give small format 
retailers the time they need to come into compliance with the 
provisions of this final rule.
    This final rule has been determined to be significant and was 
reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The Regulatory 
Impact Analysis (RIA) for this rulemaking was published as part of the 
docket in Supporting Documents on www.regulations.gov. A summary of the 
RIA follows.

Regulatory Impact Analysis Summary

    Need for Action: The final rule is needed to clarify and enhance 
current regulations governing the eligibility of retail food stores 
participating in SNAP and to codify mandatory provisions of the 2014 
Farm Bill.
    Benefits: This final rulemaking will codify mandatory provisions of 
the 2014 Farm Bill and strengthen provisions in current regulations to 
conform to the intent of statutory requirements. The final rule will 
increase the variety of nutrient-dense staple food products offered for 
sale at SNAP-authorized firms, while also increasing the required depth 
of stock. Together, these provisions will help to ensure that SNAP 
households have access to healthier foods on a continuous basis. The 
final rule reflects the Agency's commitment to provide vital nutrition 
assistance to our most vulnerable citizens, protect taxpayer monies, 
and safeguard Program integrity. The final rule allows FNS to ensure 
that retailers authorized to participate in SNAP as retail food stores 
are consistent with the purposes of the Program. The final rule 
reinforces the intent of SNAP that participants use their benefits to 
purchase more nutritious foods intended for home preparation and 
consumption.
    Costs: There will be costs to the Federal government as a result of 
the final rule due to a short-term increase in store visits to ensure 
compliance with the new stocking requirements. The Agency has estimated 
the total cost to the Federal government as approximately $3.7 million 
in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 and $15 million over five years. With respect 
to the cost impact to retailers, the rule would mainly impact those 
firms that are minimally stocked and those that are primarily 
restaurants and, therefore, are inconsistent with the statutory intent 
of the Act to make nutritious foods available to SNAP participants for 
home preparation and consumption. Some retailers may incur small costs 
due to the need to modify their stock. Estimates of the final rule's 
impacts on retailers are based on an analysis of a nationally 
representative sample of 1,392 SNAP authorized small-format firms using 
data gathered by FNS during store inspections, or store visits. Based 
on this analysis FNS estimates that the average small-format SNAP 
authorized firm already stocks over 70% of the stock needed to meet the 
requirements of this final rule and the average small-format SNAP 
authorized firm will only need to stock an additional 24 items. 
Moreover, this analysis indicated that over 98% of small-format SNAP 
authorized firms currently stock at least nine perishable staple food 
items and, therefore, that the overwhelming majority of small-format 
SNAP authorized firms will not need to stock any additional perishable 
items to meet the requirements in this final rule. The average cost to 
a small SNAP authorized retail food store is estimated at about $245 in 
the first year and about $620 over five years.
    Firms that do not stock sufficient staple food items to meet the 
new stocking requirements will have the opportunity to modify their 
staple food stock in order to be eligible to continue participating in 
SNAP. In the course of store reviews, FNS has observed that stores that 
are determined to not be eligible typically expand their food offerings 
to participate in SNAP.

[[Page 90697]]

    It should be noted that most of the provisions in this final rule 
have been modified significantly from their proposed language. This 
final rule, for example, requires less stock than the proposed rule 
(i.e., 168 item stock requirement proposed and 84 item stock required 
in the final rule). Nevertheless, the final average retailer cost 
estimate (about $245 in the first year and about $620 over five years 
per firm) represents an increase over the cost estimate presented in 
the proposed RIA and RFA (about $140 in the first year per firm). 
Several commenters pointed out types of costs, including ongoing costs, 
not originally accounted for in the Agency's cost estimate (e.g., 
``opportunity costs''). FNS appreciates this public feedback and has 
incorporated these types of costs in its calculations of estimated cost 
for the final rule's RIA and RFA.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This final rule has been reviewed with regard to the requirements 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 601-612). Pursuant 
to that review, FNS believes that the rulemaking does not present a 
substantial economic impact to a considerable number of small 
businesses; although the number of stores impacted is large, we 
estimate that the cost to those small businesses for stocking 
additional stock would be nominal, on average about $245 in the first 
year and $620 over five years. FNS has prepared a final Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis (RFA) to respond to public comments received in 
reference to the proposed RFA and to reflect revisions to the rule. The 
complete RFA for this final rule was published as part of the docket in 
Supporting Documents on www.regulations.gov. A summary of the RFA 
follows.

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Statement

    This final rule will impact nearly 200,000 small grocery stores and 
convenience stores by requiring that these stores make changes to their 
stock in order to comply with the new minimum stocking requirement 
mandated in this rule. FNS estimates that for the vast majority of 
stores the changes needed will be minimal and represent a negligible 
share of a store's total gross sales. The average small store will need 
to add an estimated 24 items to their existing stock to meet the new 
minimum requirement in this rule. Costs would be greatest in the first 
year, as stores make one-time changes to their stock. In future years, 
costs will be primarily opportunity costs associated with stocking 
items with lower profit margins and administrative costs associated 
with reading guidance to ensure compliance with the requirements. The 
average cost to a SNAP-authorized retailer is estimated at about $245 
in the first year and $620 over five years.

Public Law 104-4, the Unfunded Mandate Reform Act

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandate Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Public 
Law 104-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess the 
effects of their regulatory actions on State, local, and Tribal 
governments, and the private sector. Under Section 202 of the UMRA, the 
Agency generally must prepare a written statement, including a cost-
benefit analysis, for proposed and final rules with ``Federal 
mandates'' that may result in expenditures to State, local, or Tribal 
governments in the aggregate, or to the private sector, of $146 million 
or more (when adjusted for 2015 inflation; GDP deflator source: Table 
1.1.9 at https://www.bea.gov/iTable) in any one year. When such a 
statement is needed for a rule, Section 205 of the UMRA generally 
requires the Agency to identify and consider a reasonable number of 
regulatory alternatives and adopt the least costly, more cost-
effective, or least burdensome alternative that achieves the objectives 
of the rule. This rule contains no Federal mandates (under the 
regulatory provisions of Title II of the UMRA) for State, local and 
Tribal governments or the private sector of $146 million or more in any 
one year. This rulemaking is, therefore, not subject to the 
requirements of Sections 202 and 205 of the UMRA.

Executive Order 12372

    Executive Order 12372 requires Federal agencies to engage in 
intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials when 
involved in Federal financial assistance programs and direct Federal 
development. SNAP is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under No. 10.551. For the reasons set forth in the Final 
Rule codified in 7 CFR part 3015, Subpart V and related Notice (48 FR 
29115, June 24, 1983), this Program is excluded from the scope of 
Executive Order 12372.

Executive Order 13132, Federalism Summary Impact Statement

    Executive Order 13132 requires Federal agencies to consider the 
impact of their regulatory actions on State and local governments. 
Where such actions have Federalism implications, agencies are directed 
to provide a statement for inclusion in the preamble to the regulations 
describing the agencies' considerations in terms of the three 
categories called for under Section 6(b)(2)(B) of the Executive Order 
13132.
    FNS has determined that this rulemaking does not have Federalism 
implications. This rule does not impose substantial or direct 
compliance costs on State and local governments. Therefore, under 
Section 6(b) of the Executive Order, a Federalism summary impact 
statement is not required.

Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil 
Justice Reform. This rule is intended to have preemptive effects with 
respect to any State or local laws, regulations, or policies which 
conflict with its provisions or which would otherwise impede its full 
implementation. This rule is not intended to have retroactive effects 
unless so specified in the Dates paragraph of the final rule. Prior to 
any judicial challenge to the provisions of the final rule or the 
application of its provisions, all applicable administrative procedures 
must be exhausted.

Executive Order 13175, Tribal Impact Statement

    This rule has been reviewed in accordance with the requirements of 
Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and Coordination with Indian 
Tribal Governments.'' Executive Order 13175 requires Federal agencies 
to consult and coordinate with tribes on a government-to-government 
basis on policies that have tribal implications, including regulations, 
legislative comments or proposed legislation, and other policy 
statements or actions that have substantial direct effects on one or 
more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government 
and Indian tribes or on the distribution of power and responsibilities 
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.
    Currently, FNS provides regularly scheduled quarterly information 
sessions as a venue for collaborative conversations with Tribal 
officials or their designees. Reports from these information sessions 
are part of the USDA annual reporting on Tribal consultation and 
collaboration.
    During the open comment period FNS received a letter from an Indian 
Tribal Organization (ITO). On September 28, 2016, the Food and 
Nutrition Service met with the Tribal Organization and 8 Tribes 
represented by this Organization to further discuss comments contained 
in this letter. FNS identified one (1) actionable comment, e.g. SNAP

[[Page 90698]]

eligibility should be considered circumstantially in areas with limited 
food access.
    The 2014 Farm Bill authorized additional consideration where an 
applicant retailer is located in an area with significantly limited 
access to food when determining the qualifications of that applicant. 
This flexibility of the rule was clarified during the meeting on 
September 28, to provide a deeper understanding of the agency's 
underlying rationale in implementing this program in this manner.
    If a Tribe requests consultation, the Food and Nutrition Service 
will work with the Office of Tribal Relations to ensure meaningful 
consultation is provided where changes, additions, and modifications 
identified herein are not expressly mandated by Congress.

USDA Regulation 4300-4, Civil Rights Impact Analysis

    FNS has reviewed this final rule in accordance with Departmental 
Regulations 4300-4, ``Civil Rights Impact Analysis'' (CRIA) and 1512-1, 
``Regulatory Decision Making Requirements'' to identify and address any 
major civil rights impacts the final rule might have on minorities, 
women, and persons with disabilities. This final rule enhances current 
regulations and codifies statutory requirements and, after a careful 
review of the final rule's intent and provisions, FNS has determined 
that this final rule will not have an adverse impact on any retail food 
store owners or SNAP recipients belonging to protected classes. The 
complete CRIA for this final rule was published as part of the docket 
in Supporting Documents on www.regulations.gov.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chap. 35; see 5 CFR 
part 1320) requires that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
approve all collections of information by a Federal agency from the 
public before they can be implemented. Respondents are not required to 
respond to any collection of information unless it displays a current 
valid OMB control number. There is no new information collection burden 
associated with this final rule.

E-Government Act Compliance

    FNS is committed to complying with the E-Government Act, to promote 
the use of the Internet and other information technologies to provide 
increased opportunities for citizen access to government information 
and services, and for other purposes. FNS intends to provide Program 
stakeholders with guidance and technical assistance materials related 
to this final rule utilizing online media. The Agency also intends to 
use online media to publicly disclose information regarding firms 
sanctioned for Program violations.

List of Subjects

7 CFR Part 271

    Food stamps, Grant programs--Social programs, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

7 CFR Part 278

    Claims, Disqualification, Financial institutions, Fines and 
penalties, Food stamps, Retail food stores, Wholesale food concerns.

    Accordingly, for reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR parts 271 
and 278 are amended as follows:

0
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR parts 271 and 278 continue to read 
as follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2011-2036.

PART 271--GENERAL INFORMATION AND DEFINITIONS

0
2. In Sec.  [thinsp]271.2:
0
a. Add a definition for Firm in alphabetical order.
0
b. Revise paragraph (1) of the definition of Retail food store.
0
c. Revise the definition of Staple food.
    The addition and revisions read as follows:


Sec.  [thinsp]271.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Firm. (1) Firm means:
    (i) A retail food store that is authorized to accept or redeem SNAP 
benefits;
    (ii) A retail food store that is not authorized to accept or redeem 
SNAP benefits; or
    (iii) An entity that does not meet the definition of a retail food 
store.
    (2) For purposes of the regulations in this subchapter and SNAP 
policies, the terms firm, entity, retailer, and store are used 
interchangeably.
* * * * *
    Retail food store means:
    (1) An establishment or house-to-house trade route that sells food 
for home preparation and consumption normally displayed in a public 
area, and either offers for sale qualifying staple food items on a 
continuous basis, evidenced by having no fewer than seven different 
varieties of food items in each of the four staple food categories with 
a minimum depth of stock of three stocking units for each qualifying 
staple variety, including at least one variety of perishable foods in 
at least three such categories, (Criterion A) as set forth in Sec.  
278.1(b)(1) of this chapter, or has more than 50 percent of its total 
gross retail sales in staple foods (Criterion B) as set forth in Sec.  
278.1(b)(1) of this chapter as determined by visual inspection, 
marketing structure, business licenses, accessibility of food items 
offered for sale, purchase and sales records, counting of stockkeeping 
units, or other accounting recordkeeping methods that are customary or 
reasonable in the retail food industry as set forth in Sec.  
278.1(b)(1) of this chapter. Entities that have more than 50 percent of 
their total gross retail sales in: Food cooked or heated on-site by the 
retailer before or after purchase; and hot and/or cold prepared foods 
not intended for home preparation and consumption, including prepared 
foods that are consumed on the premises or sold for carry-out are not 
eligible for SNAP participation as retail food stores under Sec.  
278.1(b)(1) of this chapter. Establishments that include separate 
businesses that operate under one roof and share the following 
commonalities: Ownership, sale of similar foods, and shared inventory, 
are considered to be a single firm when determining eligibility to 
participate in SNAP as retail food stores.
* * * * *
    Staple food means those food items intended for home preparation 
and consumption in each of the following four categories: Meat, 
poultry, or fish; bread or cereals; vegetables or fruits; and dairy 
products. The meat, poultry, or fish staple food category also includes 
up to three types of plant-based protein sources (i.e., nuts/seeds, 
beans, and peas) as well as varieties of plant-based meat analogues 
(e.g., tofu). The dairy products staple food category also includes 
varieties of plant-based dairy alternative staple food items such as, 
but not limited to, almond milk and soy yogurt. Hot foods are not 
eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits and, therefore, do not qualify 
as staple foods for the purpose of determining eligibility under Sec.  
[thinsp]278.1(b)(1) of this chapter. Commercially processed foods and 
prepared mixtures with multiple ingredients that do not represent a 
single staple food category shall only be counted in one staple food 
category. For example, foods such as cold pizza, macaroni and cheese, 
multi-ingredient soup, or frozen dinners, shall only be counted as one 
staple food item and will be included in the staple food category of 
the main ingredient as determined by FNS. Accessory food items include 
foods that are generally considered snack foods or desserts such as, 
but not

[[Page 90699]]

limited to, chips, ice cream, crackers, cupcakes, cookies, popcorn, 
pastries, and candy, and other food items that complement or supplement 
meals, such as, but not limited to, coffee, tea, cocoa, carbonated and 
uncarbonated drinks, condiments, spices, salt, and sugar. Items shall 
not be classified as accessory food exclusively based on packaging size 
but rather based on the aforementioned definition and as determined by 
FNS. A food product containing an accessory food item as its main 
ingredient shall be considered an accessory food item. Accessory food 
items shall not be considered staple foods for purposes of determining 
the eligibility of any firm.
* * * * *

PART 278--PARTICIPATION OF RETAIL FOOD STORES WHOLESALE FOOD 
CONCERNS AND INSURED FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

0
3. In Sec.  [thinsp]278.1:
0
a. Amend the last sentence in paragraph (b)(1)(i)(A) by removing the 
word ``two'' and adding in its place the word ``three''.
0
b. Revise paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(A);
0
c. Amend the first sentence in paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(B) by removing the 
word ``two'' and adding in its place the word ``three''.
0
d. Revise paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(C);
0
e. Revise the fourth sentence in paragraph (b)(1)(iv);
0
f. Redesignate paragraph (b)(6) as paragraph (b)(7);
0
g. Add new paragraph (b)(6).
0
h. Add paragraph (q)(5).
    The additions and revisions read as follows:


Sec.  [thinsp]278.1  Approval of retail food stores and wholesale food 
concerns.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (A) Offer for sale and normally display in a public area, 
qualifying staple food items on a continuous basis, evidenced by 
having, on any given day of operation, no fewer than seven different 
varieties of food items in each of the four staple food categories with 
a minimum depth of stock of three stocking units for each qualifying 
staple variety and at least one variety of perishable foods in at least 
three staple food categories. Documentation to determine if a firm 
stocks a sufficient amount of required staple foods to offer them for 
sale on a continuous basis may be required in cases where it is not 
clear that the firm has made reasonable stocking efforts to meet the 
stocking requirement. Such documentation can be achieved through 
verifying information, when requested by FNS, such as invoices and 
receipts in order to prove that the firm had ordered and/or received a 
sufficient amount of required staple foods up to 21 calendar days prior 
to the date of the store visit. Failure to provide verifying 
information related to stock when requested may result in denial or 
withdrawal of authorization. Failure to cooperate with store visits 
shall result in the denial or withdrawal of authorization.
* * * * *
    (C) Offer a variety of staple foods which means different types of 
foods within each staple food category. For example: Apples, cabbage, 
tomatoes, bananas, pumpkins, broccoli, and grapes in the vegetables or 
fruits category; or cow milk, almond milk, soy yogurt, soft cheese, 
butter, sour cream, and cow milk yogurt in the dairy products category; 
or rice, bagels, pitas, bread, pasta, oatmeal, and whole wheat flour in 
the bread or cereals category; or chicken, beans, nuts, beef, pork, 
eggs, and tuna in the meat, poultry, or fish category. Variety of foods 
is not to be interpreted as different brands, nutrient values (e.g., 
low sodium and lite), flavorings (e.g., vanilla and chocolate), 
packaging types or styles (e.g., canned and frozen) or package sizes of 
the same or similar foods. Similar food items such as, but not limited 
to, tomatoes and tomato juice, different types of rice, whole milk and 
skim milk, ground beef and beefsteak, or different types of apples 
(e.g., Empire, Jonagold, and McIntosh), shall count as depth of stock 
but shall not each be counted as more than one staple food variety for 
the purpose of determining the number of varieties in any staple food 
category. Accessory foods shall not be counted as staple foods for 
purposes of determining eligibility to participate in SNAP as a retail 
food store.
* * * * *
    (iv) * * * In addition, firms that are considered to be 
restaurants, that is, firms that have more than 50 percent of their 
total gross sales in foods cooked or heated on-site by the retailer 
before or after purchase; and hot and/or cold prepared foods not 
intended for home preparation or consumption, including prepared foods 
that are consumed on the premises or sold for carryout, shall not 
qualify for participation as retail food stores under Criterion A or B. 
* * *
* * * * *
    (6) Need for access. FNS will consider whether the applicant firm 
is located in an area with significantly limited access to food when 
the applicant firm fails to meet Criterion A per paragraph (b)(1)(ii) 
or Criterion B per paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section so long as the 
applicant firm meets all other SNAP authorization requirements. In 
determining whether an applicant is located in such an area, FNS may 
consider access factors such as, but not limited to, the distance from 
the applicant firm to the nearest currently SNAP authorized firm and 
transportation options. In determining whether to authorize an 
applicant despite its failure to meet Criterion A and Criterion B, FNS 
will also consider factors such as, but not limited to, the extent of 
the applicant firm's stocking deficiencies in meeting Criterion A and 
Criterion B and whether the store furthers the purposes of the Program. 
Such considerations will be conducted during the application process as 
described in paragraph (a) of this section.
* * * * *
    (q) * * *
    (5) Public disclosure of firms sanctioned for SNAP violations. FNS 
may disclose information to the public when a retail food store has 
been disqualified or otherwise sanctioned for violations of the Program 
after the time for administrative and judicial appeals has expired. 
This information is limited to the name and address of the store, the 
owner(s') name(s) and information about the sanction itself. FNS may 
continue to disclose this information for as long as the duration of 
the sanction. In the event that a sanctioned firm is assigned a civil 
penalty in lieu of a period of disqualification, as described in Sec.  
278.6(a), FNS may continue to disclose this information for as long as 
the duration of the period of disqualification or until the civil 
penalty has been paid in full, whichever is longer.
* * * * *

    Dated: December 7, 2016.
Audrey Rowe,
Acting Under Secretary, Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services.
[FR Doc. 2016-29837 Filed 12-14-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-30-P