Notice of Request for a New Information Collection: State Meat and Poultry Inspection Programs, 1310-1312 [2016-31930]

Download as PDF 1310 Notices Federal Register Vol. 82, No. 3 Thursday, January 5, 2017 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food Safety and Inspection Service [Docket No. FSIS–2016–0033] Notice of Request for a New Information Collection: State Meat and Poultry Inspection Programs Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is announcing its intention to collect information from federally-assisted State Meat and Poultry Inspection programs to ensure that their programs operate in a manner that is at least equal to FSIS’s Federal inspection program in the protection of public interest; comply with requirements of Federal Civil Rights laws and regulations; meet necessary laboratory quality assurance standards and testing frequencies; and have the capability to perform microbiology and food chemistry methods that are ‘‘at least equal to’’ methods performed in the FSIS laboratories. DATES: Submit comments on or before March 6, 2017. ADDRESSES: FSIS invites interested persons to submit comments on this information collection. Comments may be submitted by one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: This Web site provides the ability to type short comments directly into the comment field on this Web page or attach a file for lengthier comments. Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions at that site for submitting comments. • Mail, including CD–ROMs, etc.: Send to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:06 Jan 04, 2017 Jkt 241001 of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Docket Clerk, Patriots Plaza 3, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Mailstop 3782, Room 8– 163A, Washington, DC 20250–3700. • Hand- or courier-delivered submittals: Deliver to Patriots Plaza 3, 355 E Street SW., Room 8–163A, Washington, DC 20250–3700. Instructions: All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must include the Agency name and docket number FSIS– 2016–0033. Comments received in response to this docket will be made available for public inspection and posted without change, including any personal information, to https:// www.regulations.gov. Docket: For access to background documents or comments received, go to the FSIS Docket Room at Patriots Plaza 3, 355 E Street SW., Room 8–164, Washington, DC 20250–3700 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gina Kouba, Office of Policy and Program Development, Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 6065, South Building, Washington, DC 20250– 3700; (202) 720–5627. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: State Meat and Poultry Inspection Programs. Type of Request: New information collection. Abstract: FSIS has statutory authority under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) (21 U.S.C. 601, et seq.), and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) (21 U.S.C. 451, et seq.), to set national standards for meat and poultry inspection (MPI). Section 301(c) of the FMIA (21 U.S.C. 661(c)) and section 5(c) of the PPIA (21 U.S.C. 454(c)) authorize the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to designate a State as one in which the provisions of Titles I and IV of the FMIA and sections 1–4, 6–11, and 12–22 of the PPIA will apply to operations and transactions wholly within the State after the Secretary has determined that requirements at least ‘‘equal to’’ those imposed under the Acts have not been developed and effectively enforced by the State. Under a cooperative agreement with FSIS, states may operate their own MPI programs (i.e. meat, poultry, or both; egg products are excluded) provided they meet and enforce requirements ‘‘at least equal to’’ PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 those imposed under the FMIA and PPIA. FSIS is responsible for certifying and monitoring that participating states meet the MPI program’s ‘‘at least equal to’’ standard. Twenty-seven (27) states have MPI programs that operate under a cooperative agreement with FSIS and are subject to the comprehensive state review process. Comprehensive reviews of State MPI programs are conducted by an interdisciplinary team of FSIS Auditors from the Office of Investigation, Enforcement and Audit (OIEA), the Financial Management Division (FMD), the Civil Rights Staff (CRS), and the Office of Public Health Science Laboratory Quality Assurance Staff (LQAS). There are nine review components that make up the comprehensive state review process. The components are as follows: Component 1—Statutory Authority and Food Safety Regulations; Component 2—Inspection; Component 3—Sampling Programs; Component 4—Staffing, Training, and Supervision; Component 5—Humane Handling; Component 6— Compliance; Component 7—Laboratory Quality Assurance Program and Methods; Component 8—Civil Rights; and Component 9—Financial Accountability. For each of the first six (1–6) components, State MPI programs will submit annual self-assessment documentation to FSIS to demonstrate that the State MPI program is meeting the ‘‘at least equal to’’ Federal inspection requirements. Each component of the annual selfassessment will include a written narrative statement and documentation demonstrating that the program continuously meets the criteria to be ‘‘at least equal to’’ the Federal inspection program. State MPI programs will also submit sufficient documentation to demonstrate that the program either follows current FSIS statutes, regulations, applicable FSIS Directives and Notices, and has implemented any changes necessary to maintain the ‘‘at least equal to’’ status or the State MPI program has an effective, analogous program that would also be ‘‘at least equal to’’. All State MPI programs will need to demonstrate they operate in a manner that protects the health and welfare of consumers by ensuring that the meat and poultry products distributed by the establishments in the E:\FR\FM\05JAN1.SGM 05JAN1 mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 3 / Thursday, January 5, 2017 / Notices program are wholesome, not adulterated, and properly marked, labeled, and packaged. The annual self-assessment submission will also include one or more narratives describing the internal controls used by the State MPI program that: (1) Provide assurances and can measure the effectiveness of the program under the ‘‘at least equal to’’ criteria; (2) demonstrate how nonconformances will be addressed by corrective actions; and (3) demonstrate how the State MPI program will be maintained throughout the next 12 months. For Component 7 of the comprehensive State review process, States will submit documentation of their laboratory quality assurance programs and methods. States will document their laboratory quality assurance program activities on the FSIS Form 5720–14, State Meat and Poultry Inspection Program Laboratory Quality Management System Checklist. States will submit copies of new or revised laboratory analytical methods accompanied by a FSIS Form 5720–15, Laboratory Method Notification Form. For Component 8 of the comprehensive State review process, States will submit documentation of their Civil Rights compliance. States receive FSIS monies to operate their MPI programs, and as such, are subject to the nondiscrimination provisions of Title VI, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. In order to assess the 27 states’ compliance with these provisions, FSIS plans to annually request information on the States’ Civil Rights programs and controls in FSIS Form 1520.1—Civil Rights Compliance of State Inspection Programs. This form requests information regarding nine areas of Civil Rights compliance, which include: (1) Civil Rights Assurances; (2) State Infrastructure and Program Accountability; (3) Public Notification; (4) Racial and Ethnic Data Collection; (5) Civil Rights Complaints of Discrimination; (6) Civil Rights Training; (7) Disability Compliance, (8) Limited English Proficiency; and (9) Compliance with the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. The form allows States to: (1) Document management controls they have implemented and maintained with regard to these nine categories; and (2) document how their overall Civil Rights program constitutes a Civil Rights program ‘‘at least equal to’’ the FSIS Federal program. FSIS plans to request documentation from all components of the selfassessment and completion of these VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:32 Jan 04, 2017 Jkt 241001 forms annually. Submission of the completed forms will be due by November 1 each year to the Coordinators from OIEA, FMD, CRS and LQAS. In each submission, states will respond to all questions and report on programs and activities implemented and maintained during the prior fiscal year (October 1 through September 30). In addition to the annual selfassessment submission, State MPI programs will be subject to an on-site review at a minimum frequency of once every three years to verify the accuracy and implementation of the selfassessment submissions. In the year that a State MPI program is scheduled for an on-site review, FSIS will closely examine records from the State MPI program in order to make an annual determination that the program is or is not ‘‘at least equal to’’ the Federal inspection program. Additionally, FSIS Form 5720–15, Laboratory Method Notification Form shall be submitted whenever a State lab revises or adds a new method for MPI program testing. FSIS has made the following estimates on the basis of an information collection assessment. Estimate of Burden: FSIS estimates that it will take each respondent an average of 255 hours to complete the forms and narratives. Respondents: State MPI Directors, Program Managers, and/or Human Resources Officials Estimated No. of Respondents: 27 respondents. Estimated No. of Annual Responses per Respondent: 1. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 6,887 hours. Copies of this information collection assessment can be obtained from Gina Kouba, Office of Policy and Program Development, Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA, 1400 Independence SW., Room 6077, South Building, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 690–6510. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of FSIS’s functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of FSIS’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques, or other forms of PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 1311 information technology. Comments may be sent to both FSIS, at the addresses provided above, and the Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20253. Responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record. Additional Public Notification Public awareness of all segments of rulemaking and policy development is important. Consequently, FSIS will announce this Federal Register publication on-line through the FSIS Web page located at: https:// www.fsis.usda.gov/federal-register. FSIS also will make copies of this publication available through the FSIS Constituent Update, which is used to provide information regarding FSIS policies, procedures, regulations, Federal Register notices, FSIS public meetings, and other types of information that could affect or would be of interest to our constituents and stakeholders. The Update is available on the FSIS Web page. Through the Web page, FSIS is able to provide information to a much broader, more diverse audience. In addition, FSIS offers an email subscription service which provides automatic and customized access to selected food safety news and information. This service is available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/subscribe. Options range from recalls to export information, regulations, directives, and notices. Customers can add or delete subscriptions themselves, and have the option to password protect their accounts. USDA Non-Discrimination Statement No agency, officer, or employee of the USDA shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/ parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, or political beliefs, exclude from participation in, deny the benefits of, or subject to discrimination any person in the United States under any program or activity conducted by the USDA. How To File a Complaint of Discrimination To file a complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which may be accessed online at https:// www.ocio.usda.gov/sites/default/files/ docs/2012/Complain_combined_6_ 8_12.pdf, or write a letter signed by you E:\FR\FM\05JAN1.SGM 05JAN1 1312 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 3 / Thursday, January 5, 2017 / Notices or your authorized representative. Send your completed complaint form or letter to USDA by mail, fax, or email: Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250–9410, Fax: (202) 690–7442, Email: program.intake@ usda.gov. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.), should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD). Done at Washington, DC on: December 29, 2016. Alfred V. Almanza, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc. 2016–31930 Filed 1–4–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–DM–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Nutrition Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Request—Evaluation of the School Meal Data Collection Process Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on this proposed information collection. This collection is a new collection. The primary purpose of this study is to provide FNS with a description and evaluation of the methodologies and processes used to collect and report program data via the FNS–10, FNS–742, and FNS–834 forms. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before March 6, 2017. ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent to: Jinee Burdg, MPP, RDN, LDN, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302. Comments may also be submitted via fax to the attention of Jinee Burdg at 703–305–2744 or via email to Jinee.Burdg@fns.usda.gov. Comments will also be accepted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov, and follow the online instructions for submitting comments electronically. All written comments will be open for public inspection at the office of the Food and Nutrition Service during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday) at 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22302. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:32 Jan 04, 2017 Jkt 241001 All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval. All comments will be a matter of public record. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of this information collection should be directed to Jinee Burdg at 703–305–2744. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions that were used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Title: Evaluation of the School Meal Data Collection Process. Form Number: Not applicable. OMB Number: Not yet Assigned. Expiration Date: Not yet Determined. Type of Request: New collection. Abstract USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) at the Federal level. At the State level, State agencies, typically State Departments of Education or Agriculture, operate the program through agreements with Local Education Agencies (LEAs). Federal law, regulations, and policies determine eligibility for meal benefits. Based on federal regulations at 7 CFR part 210, LEAs have the legal authority to operate the NSLP and SBP as well as to certify and verify student eligibility for free and reduced-price meal benefits. Section 9 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758) and regulations at 7 CFR part 245 provide the requirements related to determining free and reduced-price meal eligibility including certification and verification requirements and procedures. FNS administers and provides directives for these school meal programs but most of the reporting and data collection originates at schools or sites, flows up to school food authorities (SFAs), then to State agencies, and PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 ultimately to FNS. Some of the key forms FNS uses to collect data on the NSLP and SBP are the FNS–10, Report of School Operations; the FNS–742, SFA Verification Collection Report; and the FNS–834, State Agency Direct Certification Rate Data Element Report. FNS is conducting a study, the Evaluation of the School Meal Data Collection Process, to provide a description and evaluation of the methodologies and processes used to collect and report program data for the school meal programs via the FNS–10, FNS–742, and FNS–834 forms. The key research objectives relate to assessing how schools/sites, SFAs, and State agencies handle the following three functions: Collect/aggregate data, process or validate data, and transmit data about the school meal programs. The ultimate objective is to understand the likely sources of error within each of these functions at each reporting level. The study approach includes analysis of administrative data and site visits to conduct case studies. Using on-site interviews and observations in 4 States, 40 SFAs and 120 schools that are selected purposively, the study will describe and assess the data collection/ aggregation, validation, and transmittal processes used to complete the FNS–10, FNS–742, and FNS–834, and to describe the likely sources of error for each of these processes—from schools/sites, to SFAs, to States, and ultimately delivery to FNS regional offices via the FNS Food Program Reporting System (FPRS). Affected Public: State, Local or Tribal government (20 respondents and 0 nonrespondents); and Business-for-profit/ not-for-profit (167; 160 respondents and 7 non-respondents).There are approximately 7 non-respondents who will be contacted but choose not to participate. The burden for all respondents is broken down in the table below. Type of Respondents: State Child Nutrition (CN) Agency Directors and key staff; State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Agency Directors; SFA Directors and School Cafeteria Managers. Estimated Number of Respondents: The total estimated number of respondents is 187. This includes: 4 State Child Nutrition Agency Directors, 12 Child Nutrition Agency key staff involved in reporting, 4 State SNAP Directors, 40 SFA Directors, 120 School Cafeteria Managers, and 7 nonrespondents. Estimated Frequency of Response: The estimated frequency of response is E:\FR\FM\05JAN1.SGM 05JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 3 (Thursday, January 5, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1310-1312]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-31930]


========================================================================
Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 3 / Thursday, January 5, 2017 / 
Notices

[[Page 1310]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food Safety and Inspection Service

[Docket No. FSIS-2016-0033]


Notice of Request for a New Information Collection: State Meat 
and Poultry Inspection Programs

AGENCY: Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, the Food Safety and 
Inspection Service (FSIS) is announcing its intention to collect 
information from federally-assisted State Meat and Poultry Inspection 
programs to ensure that their programs operate in a manner that is at 
least equal to FSIS's Federal inspection program in the protection of 
public interest; comply with requirements of Federal Civil Rights laws 
and regulations; meet necessary laboratory quality assurance standards 
and testing frequencies; and have the capability to perform 
microbiology and food chemistry methods that are ``at least equal to'' 
methods performed in the FSIS laboratories.

DATES: Submit comments on or before March 6, 2017.

ADDRESSES: FSIS invites interested persons to submit comments on this 
information collection. Comments may be submitted by one of the 
following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: This Web site provides the 
ability to type short comments directly into the comment field on this 
Web page or attach a file for lengthier comments. Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions at that site for 
submitting comments.
     Mail, including CD-ROMs, etc.: Send to Docket Clerk, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Docket 
Clerk, Patriots Plaza 3, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Mailstop 3782, 
Room 8-163A, Washington, DC 20250-3700.
     Hand- or courier-delivered submittals: Deliver to Patriots 
Plaza 3, 355 E Street SW., Room 8-163A, Washington, DC 20250-3700.
    Instructions: All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must 
include the Agency name and docket number FSIS-2016-0033. Comments 
received in response to this docket will be made available for public 
inspection and posted without change, including any personal 
information, to https://www.regulations.gov.
    Docket: For access to background documents or comments received, go 
to the FSIS Docket Room at Patriots Plaza 3, 355 E Street SW., Room 8-
164, Washington, DC 20250-3700 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gina Kouba, Office of Policy and 
Program Development, Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Room 6065, South Building, Washington, DC 
20250-3700; (202) 720-5627.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title: State Meat and Poultry Inspection Programs.
    Type of Request: New information collection.
    Abstract: FSIS has statutory authority under the Federal Meat 
Inspection Act (FMIA) (21 U.S.C. 601, et seq.), and the Poultry 
Products Inspection Act (PPIA) (21 U.S.C. 451, et seq.), to set 
national standards for meat and poultry inspection (MPI). Section 
301(c) of the FMIA (21 U.S.C. 661(c)) and section 5(c) of the PPIA (21 
U.S.C. 454(c)) authorize the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to 
designate a State as one in which the provisions of Titles I and IV of 
the FMIA and sections 1-4, 6-11, and 12-22 of the PPIA will apply to 
operations and transactions wholly within the State after the Secretary 
has determined that requirements at least ``equal to'' those imposed 
under the Acts have not been developed and effectively enforced by the 
State. Under a cooperative agreement with FSIS, states may operate 
their own MPI programs (i.e. meat, poultry, or both; egg products are 
excluded) provided they meet and enforce requirements ``at least equal 
to'' those imposed under the FMIA and PPIA. FSIS is responsible for 
certifying and monitoring that participating states meet the MPI 
program's ``at least equal to'' standard.
    Twenty-seven (27) states have MPI programs that operate under a 
cooperative agreement with FSIS and are subject to the comprehensive 
state review process. Comprehensive reviews of State MPI programs are 
conducted by an interdisciplinary team of FSIS Auditors from the Office 
of Investigation, Enforcement and Audit (OIEA), the Financial 
Management Division (FMD), the Civil Rights Staff (CRS), and the Office 
of Public Health Science Laboratory Quality Assurance Staff (LQAS). 
There are nine review components that make up the comprehensive state 
review process. The components are as follows: Component 1--Statutory 
Authority and Food Safety Regulations; Component 2--Inspection; 
Component 3--Sampling Programs; Component 4--Staffing, Training, and 
Supervision; Component 5--Humane Handling; Component 6--Compliance; 
Component 7--Laboratory Quality Assurance Program and Methods; 
Component 8--Civil Rights; and Component 9--Financial Accountability.
    For each of the first six (1-6) components, State MPI programs will 
submit annual self-assessment documentation to FSIS to demonstrate that 
the State MPI program is meeting the ``at least equal to'' Federal 
inspection requirements. Each component of the annual self-assessment 
will include a written narrative statement and documentation 
demonstrating that the program continuously meets the criteria to be 
``at least equal to'' the Federal inspection program. State MPI 
programs will also submit sufficient documentation to demonstrate that 
the program either follows current FSIS statutes, regulations, 
applicable FSIS Directives and Notices, and has implemented any changes 
necessary to maintain the ``at least equal to'' status or the State MPI 
program has an effective, analogous program that would also be ``at 
least equal to''. All State MPI programs will need to demonstrate they 
operate in a manner that protects the health and welfare of consumers 
by ensuring that the meat and poultry products distributed by the 
establishments in the

[[Page 1311]]

program are wholesome, not adulterated, and properly marked, labeled, 
and packaged.
    The annual self-assessment submission will also include one or more 
narratives describing the internal controls used by the State MPI 
program that: (1) Provide assurances and can measure the effectiveness 
of the program under the ``at least equal to'' criteria; (2) 
demonstrate how non-conformances will be addressed by corrective 
actions; and (3) demonstrate how the State MPI program will be 
maintained throughout the next 12 months.
    For Component 7 of the comprehensive State review process, States 
will submit documentation of their laboratory quality assurance 
programs and methods. States will document their laboratory quality 
assurance program activities on the FSIS Form 5720-14, State Meat and 
Poultry Inspection Program Laboratory Quality Management System 
Checklist. States will submit copies of new or revised laboratory 
analytical methods accompanied by a FSIS Form 5720-15, Laboratory 
Method Notification Form.
    For Component 8 of the comprehensive State review process, States 
will submit documentation of their Civil Rights compliance. States 
receive FSIS monies to operate their MPI programs, and as such, are 
subject to the nondiscrimination provisions of Title VI, Title IX, 
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Age 
Discrimination Act of 1975. In order to assess the 27 states' 
compliance with these provisions, FSIS plans to annually request 
information on the States' Civil Rights programs and controls in FSIS 
Form 1520.1--Civil Rights Compliance of State Inspection Programs. This 
form requests information regarding nine areas of Civil Rights 
compliance, which include: (1) Civil Rights Assurances; (2) State 
Infrastructure and Program Accountability; (3) Public Notification; (4) 
Racial and Ethnic Data Collection; (5) Civil Rights Complaints of 
Discrimination; (6) Civil Rights Training; (7) Disability Compliance, 
(8) Limited English Proficiency; and (9) Compliance with the Age 
Discrimination Act of 1975. The form allows States to: (1) Document 
management controls they have implemented and maintained with regard to 
these nine categories; and (2) document how their overall Civil Rights 
program constitutes a Civil Rights program ``at least equal to'' the 
FSIS Federal program.
    FSIS plans to request documentation from all components of the 
self-assessment and completion of these forms annually. Submission of 
the completed forms will be due by November 1 each year to the 
Coordinators from OIEA, FMD, CRS and LQAS. In each submission, states 
will respond to all questions and report on programs and activities 
implemented and maintained during the prior fiscal year (October 1 
through September 30).
    In addition to the annual self-assessment submission, State MPI 
programs will be subject to an on-site review at a minimum frequency of 
once every three years to verify the accuracy and implementation of the 
self-assessment submissions. In the year that a State MPI program is 
scheduled for an on-site review, FSIS will closely examine records from 
the State MPI program in order to make an annual determination that the 
program is or is not ``at least equal to'' the Federal inspection 
program.
    Additionally, FSIS Form 5720-15, Laboratory Method Notification 
Form shall be submitted whenever a State lab revises or adds a new 
method for MPI program testing. FSIS has made the following estimates 
on the basis of an information collection assessment.
    Estimate of Burden: FSIS estimates that it will take each 
respondent an average of 255 hours to complete the forms and 
narratives.
    Respondents: State MPI Directors, Program Managers, and/or Human 
Resources Officials
    Estimated No. of Respondents: 27 respondents.
    Estimated No. of Annual Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 6,887 hours.
    Copies of this information collection assessment can be obtained 
from Gina Kouba, Office of Policy and Program Development, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, USDA, 1400 Independence SW., Room 6077, South 
Building, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 690-6510.
    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of FSIS's 
functions, including whether the information will have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of FSIS's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways 
to minimize the burden of the collection of information, including 
through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or 
other technological collection techniques, or other forms of 
information technology. Comments may be sent to both FSIS, at the 
addresses provided above, and the Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office 
of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 
Washington, DC 20253.
    Responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of 
public record.

Additional Public Notification

    Public awareness of all segments of rulemaking and policy 
development is important. Consequently, FSIS will announce this Federal 
Register publication on-line through the FSIS Web page located at: 
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/federal-register.
    FSIS also will make copies of this publication available through 
the FSIS Constituent Update, which is used to provide information 
regarding FSIS policies, procedures, regulations, Federal Register 
notices, FSIS public meetings, and other types of information that 
could affect or would be of interest to our constituents and 
stakeholders. The Update is available on the FSIS Web page. Through the 
Web page, FSIS is able to provide information to a much broader, more 
diverse audience. In addition, FSIS offers an email subscription 
service which provides automatic and customized access to selected food 
safety news and information. This service is available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/subscribe. Options range from recalls to export 
information, regulations, directives, and notices. Customers can add or 
delete subscriptions themselves, and have the option to password 
protect their accounts.

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

    No agency, officer, or employee of the USDA shall, on the grounds 
of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual 
orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, 
income derived from a public assistance program, or political beliefs, 
exclude from participation in, deny the benefits of, or subject to 
discrimination any person in the United States under any program or 
activity conducted by the USDA.

How To File a Complaint of Discrimination

    To file a complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program 
Discrimination Complaint Form, which may be accessed online at https://www.ocio.usda.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2012/Complain_combined_6_8_12.pdf, or write a letter signed by you

[[Page 1312]]

or your authorized representative.
    Send your completed complaint form or letter to USDA by mail, fax, 
or email:
    Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of 
Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410, 
Fax: (202) 690-7442, Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for 
communication (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.), should contact 
USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

    Done at Washington, DC on: December 29, 2016.
Alfred V. Almanza,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2016-31930 Filed 1-4-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P
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