Guideline on Kit Labeling, 32705-32706 [2019-14512]

Download as PDF khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 131 / Tuesday, July 9, 2019 / Notices Accommodation Request,’’ to help determine whether the Agency will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals. In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, FSIS will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of qualified individuals with disabilities, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of FSIS. FSIS will require medical information from a health care provider to determine whether the person’s condition rises to the level of disability under the law and to determine whether the limitations can be effectively accommodated. Second, FSIS will use FSIS Form 4630–8 ‘‘Confidential Medical Information,’’ to assist employees who qualify as leave recipients under the FSIS Leave Bank Program (LBP), which FSIS intends to establish in accordance with 5 CFR 630, subpart J. To qualify, employees who have exhausted their paid leave (annual and sick) would need to meet the criteria for a financial hardship due to a personal or family medical emergency. Employees would also need to provide written certification from a physician describing the medical emergency and its severity, the anticipated duration of the medical emergency, and the approximate frequency of the medical emergency (if recurring). The documentation from the physician would include the name and address of the practice and requires the doctor’s signature. For long-term and extended absences, medical documentation needs to be updated every 120 days until the medical emergency concludes. FSIS has made the following estimates based upon an information collection assessment: Estimate of Burden: FSIS estimates that it will take each respondent an average of 90 minutes to complete the FSIS Form 4339–1, 10 minutes to complete the FSIS Form 4306–5, and 15 minutes to complete the FSIS Form 4630–8. Respondents: Health Care Providers. Estimated Total Number of Annual Respondents: 800 respondents. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 809 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 Avenue SW, Room 6065, VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:47 Jul 08, 2019 Jkt 247001 South Building, Washington, DC 20250– 3700; (202) 720–5627. 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 method 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 (OMB), 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 will also announce and provide a link to this Federal Register publication 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 Constituent Update is available on the FSIS web page. Through the web page, FSIS can 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, PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 32705 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 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 in Washington, DC. Paul Kiecker, Deputy Administrator. [FR Doc. 2019–14509 Filed 7–8–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–DM–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food Safety and Inspection Service [Docket No. FSIS–2018–0041] Guideline on Kit Labeling Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of availability and request for comment. AGENCY: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is announcing the availability of the Agency’s guideline on kit products that contain a meat or poultry component. The guideline is designed to help establishments and other food handling facilities determine whether a kit product needs to be prepared under FSIS inspection and how a kit product needs to be labeled. DATES: Submit comments on or before September 9, 2019. ADDRESSES: FSIS invites interested persons to submit comments on this SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\09JYN1.SGM 09JYN1 32706 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 131 / Tuesday, July 9, 2019 / Notices notice. Comments may be submitted by one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: This website provides commenters the ability to type short comments directly into the comment field on the web page or to 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, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mailstop 3758, Room 6065, Washington, DC 20250–3700. • Hand- or courier-delivered submittals: Deliver to 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 6065, Washington, DC 20250–3700. Instructions: All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must include the Agency name and docket number FSIS– 2018–0041. 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, call (202)720–5627 to schedule a time to visit the FSIS Docket Room at 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 6065, Washington, DC 20250–3700. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roberta Wagner, Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy and Program Development by telephone at (202) 205–0495. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES Background FSIS is announcing the availability of a guideline on the labeling and inspection of kit products that contain an inspected and fully labeled meat or poultry component.1 A kit product consists of individually-packaged food components sold together as a single unit. For example: A ‘‘Nugget Lunch Kit’’ which includes fully-cooked nugget-shaped chicken patties, a container of coleslaw, a slice of corn bread, and a juice box. There are many varieties of kit products, including but not limited to: Wraps, pizzas, stew, salads, fajitas, stroganoff, or stir-fry skillet meals, that 1 The guideline does not apply to boxes of ingredients (including FSIS-inspected, fully labeled meat and poultry products) that may also include recipes that are shipped directly to consumers to help them prepare home-cooked meals. These boxes are typically prepared and packed without FSIS inspection under the retail exemption (see 9 CFR 303.1(d) and 381.10(d)). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:47 Jul 08, 2019 Jkt 247001 include a meat or poultry component. Some of these items may also require cooking. Often, the meat or poultry component is separately wrapped and fully labeled, and then assembled together with various other food components in the same packaging. The Agency has determined that the act of assembling a kit product that contains meat or poultry does not need to be done under FSIS inspection, if the following conditions are met: 1. The meat or poultry component is prepared and separately packaged under FSIS inspection and labeled with all required features; 2. The outer kit label identifies all of the individual components in the kit; and 3. The outer kit label clearly identifies the product as a single unit or ‘‘kit,’’ such as ‘‘Chicken BBQ Dinner Kit’’ and ‘‘Beef Lasagna Meal.’’ Kit products with a meat or poultry component are still under FSIS’s jurisdiction. These products must meet all applicable FSIS requirements to ensure that they are not adulterated or misbranded. After FSIS assesses comments on the guideline and gains additional information on establishments producing kit products, instructions will be issued to the Office of Field Operations to clarify what products constitute kits that should no longer be under inspection. FSIS encourages establishments to follow this guideline. This guideline represents FSIS’s current thinking, and FSIS will update it as necessary to reflect comments received and any additional information that becomes available. Congressional Review Act Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act at 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has determined that this notice is not a ‘‘major rule,’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). 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 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 that could affect or would be of interest to our constituents and stakeholders. The Constituent 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 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. Paul Kiecker, Deputy Administrator. [FR Doc. 2019–14512 Filed 7–8–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–DM–P E:\FR\FM\09JYN1.SGM 09JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 131 (Tuesday, July 9, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32705-32706]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-14512]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food Safety and Inspection Service

[Docket No. FSIS-2018-0041]


Guideline on Kit Labeling

AGENCY: Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of availability and request for comment.

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

SUMMARY: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is announcing 
the availability of the Agency's guideline on kit products that contain 
a meat or poultry component. The guideline is designed to help 
establishments and other food handling facilities determine whether a 
kit product needs to be prepared under FSIS inspection and how a kit 
product needs to be labeled.

DATES: Submit comments on or before September 9, 2019.

ADDRESSES: FSIS invites interested persons to submit comments on this

[[Page 32706]]

notice. Comments may be submitted by one of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: This website provides 
commenters the ability to type short comments directly into the comment 
field on the web page or to 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, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Mailstop 3758, Room 6065, Washington, DC 20250-
3700.
     Hand- or courier-delivered submittals: Deliver to 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Room 6065, Washington, DC 20250-3700.
    Instructions: All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must 
include the Agency name and docket number FSIS-2018-0041. 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, 
call (202)720-5627 to schedule a time to visit the FSIS Docket Room at 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 6065, Washington, DC 20250-3700.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roberta Wagner, Assistant 
Administrator, Office of Policy and Program Development by telephone at 
(202) 205-0495.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    FSIS is announcing the availability of a guideline on the labeling 
and inspection of kit products that contain an inspected and fully 
labeled meat or poultry component.\1\ A kit product consists of 
individually-packaged food components sold together as a single unit. 
For example: A ``Nugget Lunch Kit'' which includes fully-cooked nugget-
shaped chicken patties, a container of coleslaw, a slice of corn bread, 
and a juice box.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The guideline does not apply to boxes of ingredients 
(including FSIS-inspected, fully labeled meat and poultry products) 
that may also include recipes that are shipped directly to consumers 
to help them prepare home-cooked meals. These boxes are typically 
prepared and packed without FSIS inspection under the retail 
exemption (see 9 CFR 303.1(d) and 381.10(d)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    There are many varieties of kit products, including but not limited 
to: Wraps, pizzas, stew, salads, fajitas, stroganoff, or stir-fry 
skillet meals, that include a meat or poultry component. Some of these 
items may also require cooking. Often, the meat or poultry component is 
separately wrapped and fully labeled, and then assembled together with 
various other food components in the same packaging.
    The Agency has determined that the act of assembling a kit product 
that contains meat or poultry does not need to be done under FSIS 
inspection, if the following conditions are met:
    1. The meat or poultry component is prepared and separately 
packaged under FSIS inspection and labeled with all required features;
    2. The outer kit label identifies all of the individual components 
in the kit; and
    3. The outer kit label clearly identifies the product as a single 
unit or ``kit,'' such as ``Chicken BBQ Dinner Kit'' and ``Beef Lasagna 
Meal.''
    Kit products with a meat or poultry component are still under 
FSIS's jurisdiction. These products must meet all applicable FSIS 
requirements to ensure that they are not adulterated or misbranded. 
After FSIS assesses comments on the guideline and gains additional 
information on establishments producing kit products, instructions will 
be issued to the Office of Field Operations to clarify what products 
constitute kits that should no longer be under inspection.
    FSIS encourages establishments to follow this guideline. This 
guideline represents FSIS's current thinking, and FSIS will update it 
as necessary to reflect comments received and any additional 
information that becomes available.

Congressional Review Act

    Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act at 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., 
the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has determined that 
this notice is not a ``major rule,'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

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 Constituent 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 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: [email protected].
    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.
Paul Kiecker,
Deputy Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2019-14512 Filed 7-8-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P
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