Proposed Framework for Controlling Salmonella in Poultry, 62784-62786 [2022-22254]

Download as PDF 62784 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 199 / Monday, October 17, 2022 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 In response to this request, APHIS prepared a new pest risk assessment (PRA) that evaluates the risks associated with importation of commercially produced fresh grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) for consumption from Chile into the entire United States. Based on the PRA, a commodity import evaluation document (CIED) was prepared to identify phytosanitary measures that could be applied to grapes from Chile to mitigate pest risk. The CIED recommends that commercially produced shipments of fresh table grapes originating from the Arica and Parinacota, Tarapaca´, Antofagasta, Atacama, Coquimbo, and Valparaı´so regions of Chile could be imported into the United States under a systems approach or irradiation without the risk of introducing quarantine pests. Therefore, in accordance with § 319.56–4(c), we are announcing the availability of our PRA and CIED for public review and comment. Those documents, as well as a description of the economic considerations associated with revising the conditions for the importation of table grapes from Chile, may be viewed on the Regulations.gov website or in our reading room (see ADDRESSES above for a link to Regulations.gov and information on the location and hours of the reading room). You may request paper copies of the PRA and CIED by calling or writing to the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Please refer to the subject of the analysis you wish to review when requesting copies. After reviewing any comments we receive, we will announce our decision regarding whether to revise the requirements for the importation of table grapes from Chile in a subsequent notice. If the overall conclusions of our analysis and the Administrator’s determination of risk remain unchanged following our consideration of the comments, then we will revise the requirements for the importation of table grapes from Chile as specified in the CIED. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1633, 7701–7772, and 7781–7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.3. Done in Washington, DC, this 12th day of October 2022. Anthony Shea, Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2022–22518 Filed 10–14–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:35 Oct 14, 2022 Jkt 259001 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food Safety and Inspection Service [Docket No. FSIS–2022–0029] Proposed Framework for Controlling Salmonella in Poultry Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). ACTION: Notification of public meeting. AGENCY: FSIS is hosting a virtual public meeting to discuss a regulatory framework that the Agency is considering for a new strategy to control Salmonella in poultry products and more effectively reduce foodborne Salmonella infections linked to these products. The framework under consideration has been shaped by months of information-gathering and discussions with a wide range of stakeholders, researchers, and scientists. FSIS is seeking input from stakeholders on this proposed framework, both at the public meeting and in written comments submitted in response to this Federal Register notice before FSIS moves forward with any proposed changes to the Agency’s Salmonella strategy. SUMMARY: The virtual public meeting will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2022, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. EST. Submit comments on or before November 16, 2022. DATES: The meeting will be virtual and will be viewed via the Zoom link provided by email when you register for the meeting. Attendees must be preregistered for the meeting. See the preregistration instructions under ‘‘Registration and Meeting Materials.’’ Comments on this notice may be by one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: This website 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: Send to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mailstop 3758, Washington, DC 20250–3700. • Hand- or courier-delivered submittals: Deliver to 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Jamie L. Whitten Building, Room 350–E, Washington, DC 20250–3700. Instructions: All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must include the Agency name and docket number FSIS– ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 2022–0029. 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, email docketclerk@usda.gov or call 202–692– 4235 to schedule a time to visit the FSIS Docket Room at 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250– 3700. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Email Congressional and Public Affairs at: SM.FSIS.SALMONELLAMEETING@ USDA.GOV. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background FSIS is the public health agency in USDA whose mission is to ensure that meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled and packaged. FSIS has used the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Healthy People 1 target to set pathogen reduction goals for FSISregulated products over the past few decades. However, the 2010 and 2020 Healthy People targets for a reduction in Salmonella infections from all sources were not met.2 The Healthy People 2030 target is to reduce Salmonella infections to a national case rate of no more than 11.5 per 100,000 consumers per year. To reach the 2030 target, illnesses must be reduced by 25%. Although this target is for Salmonella infections from all sources, FSIS has adopted the same target and aims to reduce Salmonella infections linked to all FSIS-regulated products by 25%. Despite FSIS sampling data showing reductions in Salmonella contamination in poultry products, our current approach to Salmonella has not led to a demonstrable reduction in Salmonella infections to meet the Healthy People target. For example, during the five-year period from 2017 to 2021, the number of chicken product samples in which FSIS detected Salmonella decreased by more than 50%.3 However, the 1 The Healthy People initiative guides national health promotion and disease prevention efforts to improve the health of the nation. Led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) every decade since 1980, Healthy People identifies science-based objectives with targets to monitor progress and motivate and focus action. 2 The Healthy People 2010 and 2020 targets were 6.8 and 11.4 Salmonella infections per 100,000 population, respectively. Between 2010 and 2017, infection rates averaged 15.8 Salmonella infections per 100,000 population. 3 FSIS Salmonella verification sampling. Available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sciencedata/data-sets-visualizations/microbiology/ salmonella-verification-testing-program-monthly. E:\FR\FM\17OCN1.SGM 17OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 199 / Monday, October 17, 2022 / Notices estimated rate of human Salmonella infections from all sources has remained consistent over the last two decades, with an estimated 1.35 million infections in the U.S. each year.4 The most recent report from the Interagency Food Safety Analytics Collaboration estimates that over 23% of foodborne Salmonella illnesses are attributable to poultry consumption—almost 17% from chicken and over 6% from turkey.5 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Proposed Regulatory Framework To Reduce Salmonella Illnesses Attributable to Poultry FSIS is considering a regulatory framework for a new strategy to control Salmonella in poultry products and more effectively reduce foodborne Salmonella infections linked to these products. At the same time, FSIS is gathering scientific evidence relevant to the approaches presented in this framework. The National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMF) 6 has been charged with providing guidance on what types of microbiological criteria FSIS might use to better prevent Salmonella infections associated with poultry products. FSIS is also completing a risk profile for pathogenic Salmonella subtypes in poultry and is collaborating on quantitative risk assessments 7 for Salmonella in chicken and turkey that will address key risk management questions associated with this framework. FSIS also expanded its exploratory sampling program for young chicken carcasses 8 to generate microbial data to help inform future policies. While awaiting results from these activities, FSIS is sharing the key elements that the Agency is currently considering as part of a new regulatory strategy in this framework. FSIS is soliciting additional feedback from 4 Salmonella: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: Salmonella https:// www.cdc.gov/salmonella/. 5 Foodborne illness source attribution estimates for 2019 for Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter using multi-year outbreak surveillance data, United States. IFAC October 2021. Available at: https:// www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/ifsac/pdf/P19-2019-reportTriAgency-508.pdf. 6 2021–2023 National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Food. FSIS Charge: Enhancing Salmonella Control in Poultry Products. Available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/ advisory-committees/national-advisory-committeemicrobiological-criteria-foods-nacmcf/2021. 7 FSIS Constituent Update July 1, 2022: FSIS Announces Cooperative Agreement on Salmonella Risk Assessment. Available at: https:// www.fsis.usda.gov/news-events/news-pressreleases/constituent-update-july-1-2022. 8 FSIS Notice 44–2 Revised Young Chicken Exploratory Sampling Program (August 11, 2022) Available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/fsisnotice/44-22. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:35 Oct 14, 2022 Jkt 259001 stakeholders addressing specific questions associated with this document before moving forward with any proposed changes to regulations or other actions. The proposed framework that is currently under consideration is available on the FSIS website at: https:// www.fsis.usda.gov/news-events/eventsmeetings/public-meeting-reducingsalmonella-poultry. 62785 Public Comments and Participation in Meetings Public Comments: Oral Comments FSIS is announcing that it will hold a virtual public meeting on November 3, 2022, to discuss issues related to the regulatory framework to control Salmonella in poultry products under consideration. At this meeting, FSIS will accept public comment on the framework under consideration, which consists of three components that, together, support a comprehensive approach to controlling Salmonella in poultry. The three components under consideration are: 1. Requiring that incoming flocks be tested for Salmonella before entering an establishment; 2. Enhancing establishment process control monitoring and FSIS verification; and 3. Implementing an enforceable final product standard. The proposed framework also addresses cross-cutting issues associated with testing for Salmonella, considerations for small and very small establishments, and data sharing. An agenda will be published online before the public meeting. FSIS will finalize the agenda on or before the meeting date and post it on the FSIS website at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/ news-events/events-meetings/publicmeeting-reducing-salmonella-poultry. Stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide oral comments on any of the 4 components of the framework under consideration, i.e., the 3 components and cross-cutting issues, during the public meeting. Oral comments will be limited to two minutes per component. Attendees must identify which component (s) they will be commenting on when they register for the public meeting and will be allowed to comment on as many components as they wish. Due to the anticipated high level of interest in the opportunity to make public comments and the limited time available to do so, FSIS will do its best to accommodate all persons who pre-registered and requested to provide oral comments. Attendees that preregister will be allotted time to speak in the order of registration. FSIS will notify stakeholders that register to speak of the approximate time(s) they are scheduled to speak in advance of the meeting. As noted above, stakeholders will be allotted a maximum of 2 minutes to comment on each framework component, but the comment periods will take place at different times over the course of the day. FSIS encourages persons and groups who have similar interests to consolidate their information for presentation by a single representative. Stakeholders who do not notify FSIS during registration of their wish to speak will not have the opportunity to comment on a specific framework component on the day of the public meeting. However, there will be an open comment period for general questions or comments at the end of the meeting. Stakeholders may also submit written comments using the instructions in the Addresses section above. Registration and Meeting Materials Panel Discussions Public Meeting There is no fee to register for the public meeting, but pre-registration is mandatory for participants attending. All attendees must register online by visiting https://www.fsis.usda.gov/newsevents/events-meetings/public-meetingreducing-salmonella-poultry, after which they will receive an email acknowledging their registration. Stakeholders who wish to speak at the meeting must notify FSIS during registration and must register by October 24, 2022. Attendees that do not plan to speak at the public meeting may register at any time up to the day of the meeting. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 During the meeting, stakeholders will be organized into groups to present their oral comments for each framework component to panels comprised of FSIS leadership and experts. The primary purpose of the panels is to listen to stakeholder input, but panelists may ask questions of the stakeholders if clarification is needed. Transcripts As soon as the meeting transcripts are available, they will be accessible on the FSIS website at: https:// www.fsis.usda.gov/news-events/eventsmeetings/public-meeting-reducingsalmonella-poultry. The transcripts may E:\FR\FM\17OCN1.SGM 17OCN1 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 62786 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 199 / Monday, October 17, 2022 / Notices also be viewed at the FSIS Docket Room at the address listed above. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. USDA Non-Discrimination Statement Paul Kiecker, Administrator. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, USDA, its Mission Areas, agencies, staff offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the responsible Mission Area, agency, or staff office; the USDA TARGET Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TTY); or the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877–8339. To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should complete a Form AD–3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online at https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ ad-3027, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632–9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD–3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: (1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250–9410; or (2) Fax: (833) 256–1665 or (202) 690– 7442; or (3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:35 Oct 14, 2022 Jkt 259001 [FR Doc. 2022–22254 Filed 10–14–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–DM–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Nutrition Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request: Additional Information To Be Collected for Reach and Resiliency—Round 2 Grants Under Uniform Grant Application Package for Discretionary Grant Programs Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) plans to collect additional information from grant applicants for the second round of The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Reach and Resiliency Grant applications and add reporting questions on a biannual basis. FNS already has OMB approval for collection of information associated with these grants under the Uniform Grant Application for Non-Entitlement Discretionary Grants, as approved under OMB Control Number: 0584–0512 (Expiration Date: July 31, 2025). This notice solicits public comment on the additional information proposed for collection. SUMMARY: To be assured of consideration, written comments must be submitted or postmarked on or before November 16, 2022. ADDRESSES: 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. Comments must be submitted through one of the following methods: • Preferred method: Submit information through the Federal DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 eRulemaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submissions. • Email: Send comments to Rachel.schoenian@usda.gov with a subject line ‘‘Reach and Resiliency Grant Information Collection.’’ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rachel Schoenian, Policy Division, Supplemental Nutrition and Safety Programs, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, 703–305–2937, or email rachel.schoenian@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will be soliciting applications for Round 2 awards for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Reach and Resiliency Grants. FNS will ask applicants additional questions beyond the uniform grant application package discussed in OMB control 0584–0512, including additional reporting questions on a biannual basis. These questions will be incorporated into the Round 2 Request for Applications (RFA), the Round 2 Reach and Resiliency grant application template, and the Round 2 supplemental reporting questions template, but are also provided for review and public comment in this Notice. These additional questions, which may be tweaked or revised prior to use, are listed below. The questions included below are in addition to those already required in the standard uniform grant application package and already included in OMB approval 0584–0512. For that reason, the list of questions below does not reflect all questions that will be included in the Round 2 Reach and Resiliency grant application template. Supplemental Application Questions • As an attachment, applicants will provide a list of all TEFAP eligible recipient agencies (ERAs) currently operating in the State, including those ERAs that have an agreement with another ERA, as outlined in FD–123, Maintenance of Lists of Eligible Recipient Agencies (ERA) Participating in TEFAP. The list should indicate whether or not the ERA is operating TEFAP under an agreement with the State agency or another ERA, the name of the other ERA (if applicable), and the street address(es) of any TEFAP distribution sites (as defined in 7 CFR 251.3(c)) that are operated by the ERA. • Applicants that did not receive a Reach and Resiliency—Round 1 grant E:\FR\FM\17OCN1.SGM 17OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 199 (Monday, October 17, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62784-62786]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-22254]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food Safety and Inspection Service

[Docket No. FSIS-2022-0029]


Proposed Framework for Controlling Salmonella in Poultry

AGENCY: Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA).

ACTION: Notification of public meeting.

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

SUMMARY: FSIS is hosting a virtual public meeting to discuss a 
regulatory framework that the Agency is considering for a new strategy 
to control Salmonella in poultry products and more effectively reduce 
foodborne Salmonella infections linked to these products. The framework 
under consideration has been shaped by months of information-gathering 
and discussions with a wide range of stakeholders, researchers, and 
scientists. FSIS is seeking input from stakeholders on this proposed 
framework, both at the public meeting and in written comments submitted 
in response to this Federal Register notice before FSIS moves forward 
with any proposed changes to the Agency's Salmonella strategy.

DATES: The virtual public meeting will be held on Thursday, November 3, 
2022, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. EST. Submit comments on or before November 
16, 2022.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be virtual and will be viewed via the Zoom 
link provided by email when you register for the meeting. Attendees 
must be pre-registered for the meeting. See the pre-registration 
instructions under ``Registration and Meeting Materials.''
    Comments on this notice may be by one of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: This website 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: Send to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Mailstop 3758, Washington, DC 20250-3700.
     Hand- or courier-delivered submittals: Deliver to 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Jamie L. Whitten Building, Room 350-E, 
Washington, DC 20250-3700.
    Instructions: All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must 
include the Agency name and docket number FSIS-2022-0029. 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, 
email [email protected] or call 202-692- 4235 to schedule a time to 
visit the FSIS Docket Room at 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, 
DC 20250-3700.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Email Congressional and Public Affairs 
at: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    FSIS is the public health agency in USDA whose mission is to ensure 
that meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, and properly 
labeled and packaged. FSIS has used the U.S. Department of Health and 
Human Services' Healthy People \1\ target to set pathogen reduction 
goals for FSIS-regulated products over the past few decades. However, 
the 2010 and 2020 Healthy People targets for a reduction in Salmonella 
infections from all sources were not met.\2\ The Healthy People 2030 
target is to reduce Salmonella infections to a national case rate of no 
more than 11.5 per 100,000 consumers per year. To reach the 2030 
target, illnesses must be reduced by 25%. Although this target is for 
Salmonella infections from all sources, FSIS has adopted the same 
target and aims to reduce Salmonella infections linked to all FSIS-
regulated products by 25%.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The Healthy People initiative guides national health 
promotion and disease prevention efforts to improve the health of 
the nation. Led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 
(HHS) every decade since 1980, Healthy People identifies science-
based objectives with targets to monitor progress and motivate and 
focus action.
    \2\ The Healthy People 2010 and 2020 targets were 6.8 and 11.4 
Salmonella infections per 100,000 population, respectively. Between 
2010 and 2017, infection rates averaged 15.8 Salmonella infections 
per 100,000 population.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Despite FSIS sampling data showing reductions in Salmonella 
contamination in poultry products, our current approach to Salmonella 
has not led to a demonstrable reduction in Salmonella infections to 
meet the Healthy People target. For example, during the five-year 
period from 2017 to 2021, the number of chicken product samples in 
which FSIS detected Salmonella decreased by more than 50%.\3\ However, 
the

[[Page 62785]]

estimated rate of human Salmonella infections from all sources has 
remained consistent over the last two decades, with an estimated 1.35 
million infections in the U.S. each year.\4\ The most recent report 
from the Interagency Food Safety Analytics Collaboration estimates that 
over 23% of foodborne Salmonella illnesses are attributable to poultry 
consumption--almost 17% from chicken and over 6% from turkey.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ FSIS Salmonella verification sampling. Available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/science-data/data-sets-visualizations/microbiology/salmonella-verification-testing-program-monthly.
    \4\ Salmonella: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 
Available at: Salmonella https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/.
    \5\ Foodborne illness source attribution estimates for 2019 for 
Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, and 
Campylobacter using multi-year outbreak surveillance data, United 
States. IFAC October 2021. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/ifsac/pdf/P19-2019-report-TriAgency-508.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Proposed Regulatory Framework To Reduce Salmonella Illnesses 
Attributable to Poultry

    FSIS is considering a regulatory framework for a new strategy to 
control Salmonella in poultry products and more effectively reduce 
foodborne Salmonella infections linked to these products. At the same 
time, FSIS is gathering scientific evidence relevant to the approaches 
presented in this framework. The National Advisory Committee on 
Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMF) \6\ has been charged with 
providing guidance on what types of microbiological criteria FSIS might 
use to better prevent Salmonella infections associated with poultry 
products. FSIS is also completing a risk profile for pathogenic 
Salmonella subtypes in poultry and is collaborating on quantitative 
risk assessments \7\ for Salmonella in chicken and turkey that will 
address key risk management questions associated with this framework. 
FSIS also expanded its exploratory sampling program for young chicken 
carcasses \8\ to generate microbial data to help inform future 
policies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ 2021-2023 National Advisory Committee on Microbiological 
Criteria for Food. FSIS Charge: Enhancing Salmonella Control in 
Poultry Products. Available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/advisory-committees/national-advisory-committee-microbiological-criteria-foods-nacmcf/2021.
    \7\ FSIS Constituent Update July 1, 2022: FSIS Announces 
Cooperative Agreement on Salmonella Risk Assessment. Available at: 
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/news-events/news-press-releases/constituent-update-july-1-2022.
    \8\ FSIS Notice 44-2 Revised Young Chicken Exploratory Sampling 
Program (August 11, 2022) Available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/fsis-notice/44-22.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    While awaiting results from these activities, FSIS is sharing the 
key elements that the Agency is currently considering as part of a new 
regulatory strategy in this framework. FSIS is soliciting additional 
feedback from stakeholders addressing specific questions associated 
with this document before moving forward with any proposed changes to 
regulations or other actions.
    The proposed framework that is currently under consideration is 
available on the FSIS website at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/news-events/events-meetings/public-meeting-reducing-salmonella-poultry.

Public Meeting

    FSIS is announcing that it will hold a virtual public meeting on 
November 3, 2022, to discuss issues related to the regulatory framework 
to control Salmonella in poultry products under consideration. At this 
meeting, FSIS will accept public comment on the framework under 
consideration, which consists of three components that, together, 
support a comprehensive approach to controlling Salmonella in poultry. 
The three components under consideration are:
    1. Requiring that incoming flocks be tested for Salmonella before 
entering an establishment;
    2. Enhancing establishment process control monitoring and FSIS 
verification; and
    3. Implementing an enforceable final product standard.
    The proposed framework also addresses cross-cutting issues 
associated with testing for Salmonella, considerations for small and 
very small establishments, and data sharing.
    An agenda will be published online before the public meeting. FSIS 
will finalize the agenda on or before the meeting date and post it on 
the FSIS website at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/news-events/events-meetings/public-meeting-reducing-salmonella-poultry.

Registration and Meeting Materials

    There is no fee to register for the public meeting, but pre-
registration is mandatory for participants attending. All attendees 
must register online by visiting https://www.fsis.usda.gov/news-events/events-meetings/public-meeting-reducing-salmonella-poultry, after which 
they will receive an email acknowledging their registration. 
Stakeholders who wish to speak at the meeting must notify FSIS during 
registration and must register by October 24, 2022. Attendees that do 
not plan to speak at the public meeting may register at any time up to 
the day of the meeting.

Public Comments and Participation in Meetings

Public Comments: Oral Comments

    Stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide oral comments on 
any of the 4 components of the framework under consideration, i.e., the 
3 components and cross-cutting issues, during the public meeting. Oral 
comments will be limited to two minutes per component. Attendees must 
identify which component (s) they will be commenting on when they 
register for the public meeting and will be allowed to comment on as 
many components as they wish. Due to the anticipated high level of 
interest in the opportunity to make public comments and the limited 
time available to do so, FSIS will do its best to accommodate all 
persons who pre-registered and requested to provide oral comments. 
Attendees that pre-register will be allotted time to speak in the order 
of registration. FSIS will notify stakeholders that register to speak 
of the approximate time(s) they are scheduled to speak in advance of 
the meeting. As noted above, stakeholders will be allotted a maximum of 
2 minutes to comment on each framework component, but the comment 
periods will take place at different times over the course of the day. 
FSIS encourages persons and groups who have similar interests to 
consolidate their information for presentation by a single 
representative.
    Stakeholders who do not notify FSIS during registration of their 
wish to speak will not have the opportunity to comment on a specific 
framework component on the day of the public meeting. However, there 
will be an open comment period for general questions or comments at the 
end of the meeting. Stakeholders may also submit written comments using 
the instructions in the Addresses section above.

Panel Discussions

    During the meeting, stakeholders will be organized into groups to 
present their oral comments for each framework component to panels 
comprised of FSIS leadership and experts. The primary purpose of the 
panels is to listen to stakeholder input, but panelists may ask 
questions of the stakeholders if clarification is needed.

Transcripts

    As soon as the meeting transcripts are available, they will be 
accessible on the FSIS website at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/news-events/events-meetings/public-meeting-reducing-salmonella-poultry. The 
transcripts may

[[Page 62786]]

also be viewed at the FSIS Docket Room at the address listed above.

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

    In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, USDA, its 
Mission Areas, agencies, staff offices, employees, and institutions 
participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from 
discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, 
gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, 
disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived 
from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or 
retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity 
conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). 
Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
    Program information may be made available in languages other than 
English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of 
communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large 
print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the 
responsible Mission Area, agency, or staff office; the USDA TARGET 
Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY); or the Federal Relay Service 
at (800) 877-8339.
    To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should 
complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, 
which can be obtained online at https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-3027, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a 
letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant's 
name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the 
alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the 
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date 
of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or 
letter must be submitted to USDA by:
    (1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant 
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-9410; or
    (2) Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
    (3) Email: [email protected].
    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Paul Kiecker,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2022-22254 Filed 10-14-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P
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