80 FR 12618 - Changes to the Salmonella and Campylobacter Verification Testing Program: Proposed Performance Standards for Salmonella and Campylobacter in Not-Ready-to-Eat Comminuted Chicken and Turkey Products and Raw Chicken Parts and Related Agency Verification Procedures and Other Changes to Agency Sampling

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food Safety and Inspection Service

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 46 (March 10, 2015)

Page Range		12618-12620
FR Document		2015-05494

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is extending the comment period for the Federal Register notice ``Changes to the Salmonella and Campylobacter Verification Testing Program: Proposed Performance Standards for Salmonella and Campylobacter in Not-Ready-to- Eat Comminuted Chicken and Turkey Products and Raw Chicken Parts and Related Agency Verification Procedures and Other Changes to Agency Sampling'' until May 26, 2015. The Agency is taking this action in response to a request made by a coalition of trade associations.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 46 (Tuesday, March 10, 2015)

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 10, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12618-12620]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-05494]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food Safety and Inspection Service

[Docket No. FSIS-2014-0023]


Changes to the Salmonella and Campylobacter Verification Testing 
Program: Proposed Performance Standards for Salmonella and 
Campylobacter in Not-Ready-to-Eat Comminuted Chicken and Turkey 
Products and Raw Chicken Parts and Related Agency Verification 
Procedures and Other Changes to Agency Sampling

AGENCY: Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice; extension of comment period.

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SUMMARY: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is extending the 
comment period for the Federal Register notice ``Changes to the 
Salmonella and Campylobacter Verification Testing Program: Proposed 
Performance Standards for Salmonella and Campylobacter in Not-Ready-to-
Eat Comminuted Chicken and Turkey Products and Raw Chicken Parts and 
Related Agency Verification Procedures and Other Changes to Agency 
Sampling'' until May 26, 2015. The Agency is taking this action in 
response to a request made by a coalition of trade associations.

DATES: Comments are due by May 26, 2015.

ADDRESSES: FSIS invites interested persons to submit comments. 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 http://www.regulations.gov/
. Follow the on-line instructions at that site for submitting comments.
    Mail, CD-ROMs: Send to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Patriots Plaza 3, 355 
E Street, SW., Mailstop 3782, Room 8-163B, 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-2014-0023. Comments 
received in response to this docket will be made available for public 
inspection and posted without change, including any personal 
information, to http://www.regulations.gov.
    Docket: For access to background documents or to comments received, 
go to the FSIS Docket Room at Patriots Plaza 3, 355 E Street SW., Room 
164-A, Washington, DC 20250-3700 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., 
Monday through Friday.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel L. Engeljohn, Ph.D., Assistant 
Administrator, Office of Policy and Program Development; Telephone: 
(202) 205-0495, or by Fax: (202) 720-2025.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On January 26, 2015, FSIS published a notice 
in the Federal Register to announce and request comment on new pathogen 
reduction performance standards for Salmonella and Campylobacter in raw 
chicken parts and not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) comminuted chicken and turkey 
products (80 FR 3940). The Agency also announced its plans to begin 
sampling raw chicken parts in March 2015 to gain additional information 
on the prevalence and the microbiological characteristics of Salmonella 
and Campylobacter in those products (80 FR at 3945). In addition, FSIS 
announced that it will begin exploratory sampling of raw pork products 
in March 2015 for pathogens of public health concern, as well as for 
indicator organisms (80 FR at 3942). FSIS also announced that it will 
begin sampling imported poultry carcasses, imported raw chicken parts, 
and imported NRTE comminuted chicken and turkey for Salmonella and 
Campylobacter in March 2015 (80 FR at 3944).
    In addition, starting in March 2015, for products that are 
currently subject to Salmonella or Campylobacter performance standards, 
FSIS announced that it plans to use routine sampling throughout the 
year rather than the current set-based approach, whereby

[[Page 12619]]

FSIS collects a given number of samples consecutive days to assess 
whether establishments' processes are effectively addressing these 
pathogens. FSIS stated that it would perform this assessment using a 
moving window of sampling results (80 FR at 3946).
    FSIS also announced that, after reviewing the comments received on 
the notice, beginning July 1, 2015, the Agency plans to begin web-
posting individual establishment category information for chicken and 
turkey carcasses. FSIS stated that it would assess what category 
establishments are in as of July 1, using combined historical set data 
and sample results beginning March 2015. Meanwhile, FSIS stated it will 
continue web-posting existing Category 3 poultry carcass 
establishments. Finally, starting in March 2015, the Agency announced 
that it would begin web-posting aggregate reports for chicken parts as 
data become available, and comminuted chicken and turkey using 
historical data and new results beginning in March (80 FR at 3948).
    In a letter addressed to FSIS Deputy Under Secretary Alfred V. 
Almanza, dated January 30, 2015, a coalition of trade associations 
requested that FSIS extend the comment period by 90 days to provide 
additional time to formulate meaningful comments. In addition, the 
trade associations requested that FSIS extend all implementation dates 
discussed above by 90 days to ensure the Agency has an opportunity to 
consider the comments and to ensure that the affected industry has 
enough time to prepare for changes in Agency actions.
    FSIS will extend the comment period by an additional 60 days; the 
comment period will now end on May 26, 2015. FSIS has determined that 
60 days should be sufficient because FSIS has made available much of 
the information in the January 2015 Federal Register notice in other 
Federal Register notices \1\ and in the Salmonella Action Plan.\2\ FSIS 
will fully consider all comments received in response to the notice. 
FSIS will not, however, delay implementation of actions announced in 
the notice.
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    \1\ 78 FR 53017; Aug. 28, 2013, 79 FR 32436; Jun. 5, 2014
    \2\ http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/foodborne-illness-and-disease/salmonella/sap
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    Therefore, in March 2015, FSIS intends to proceed with implementing 
sampling of raw chicken parts to gain additional information on the 
prevalence and the microbiological characteristics of Salmonella and 
Campylobacter in those products. FSIS will analyze this data and will 
discuss it in the Federal Register announcing final standards. In March 
2015, FSIS also intends to begin exploratory sampling of raw pork 
products for pathogens of public health concern, as well as for 
indicator organisms. Finally, FSIS intends to begin sampling imported 
poultry carcasses, imported raw chicken parts, and imported not-ready-
to-eat comminuted chicken and turkey for Salmonella and Campylobacter 
in March 2015.
    Similarly, in March 2015, for all products that are currently under 
Salmonella or Campylobacter performance standards, FSIS intends to 
proceed with using the moving window approach to assess whether 
establishment meet those standards. FSIS does not see a reason to delay 
analyzing standards according to the moving window approach because the 
Agency previously announced that it intended to do so and requested 
comments on this approach.\3\ FSIS responded to those comments \4\ and 
provided additional information on this approach in the January 2015 
Federal Register notice (80 FR at 3946). Furthermore, FSIS does not 
expect establishment categories to change greatly when the Agency 
discontinues the set approach and starts using the moving window 
approach. Therefore, this change should not have a significant effect 
on establishments.
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    \3\ 78 FR at 53019
    \4\ 79 FR at 32439
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    FSIS also intends to proceed with posting aggregate reports for 
chicken parts and comminuted chicken and turkey in March 2015 as 
announced in the January Federal Register notice. Until FSIS 
establishes final standards for these products, establishments may use 
these reports to increase their awareness of the pathogen incidence in 
these products and compare the on-going incidence in their 
establishments against the results made public by FSIS. Establishments 
may also choose to make changes in their procedures as necessary to 
control Salmonella and Campylobacter, particularly if the levels of 
these pathogens in their products are higher than the proposed 
standard.
    Finally, beginning July 1, 2015, the Agency plans to begin web-
posting individual establishment category information for chicken and 
turkey carcasses as announced in the January Federal Register notice. 
However, as stated in the notice, we will assess the comments on that 
issue prior to posting.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

    No agency, officer, or employee of the USDA shall, on the grounds 
of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual 
orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, 
income derived from a public assistance program, or political beliefs, 
exclude from participation in, deny the benefits of, or subject to 
discrimination any person in the United States under any program or 
activity conducted by the USDA.
    To file a complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program 
Discrimination Complaint Form, which may be accessed online at http://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).

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: 
http://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: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/subscribe . Options range from recalls to export

[[Page 12620]]

information, regulations, directives, and notices. Customers can add or 
delete subscriptions themselves, and have the option to password 
protect their accounts.

    Done at Washington, DC on: March 4, 2015.
Alfred V. Almanza,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2015-05494 Filed 3-9-15; 08:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P

12620 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 46 / Tuesday, March 10, 2015 / Notices

information, regulations, directives, and materials to the Committee members, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
notices. Customers can add or delete the Committee suggests that presenters
I. Abstract
subscriptions themselves, and have the forward the public presentation
option to password protect their materials prior to the meeting to Ms. This request is for an extension of a
accounts. Springer via email. currently approved information
The Assistant Secretary for collection.
Done at Washington, DC on: March 4,
Administration, with the concurrence of The Federal regulations at 50 CFR
2015.
the delegate of the General Counsel, part 665 authorize the Regional
Alfred V. Almanza,
formally determined on February 24, Administrator of the National Marine
Acting Administrator. Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Island
2015, pursuant to Section 10(d) of the
[FR Doc. 2015–05494 Filed 3–9–15; 08:45 am] Region to provide eligible western
Federal Advisory Committee Act, as
BILLING CODE 3410–DM–P
amended (5 U.S.C. app. 2 § (10)(d)), that Pacific communities with access to
the portion of the meeting dealing with fisheries that they have traditionally
pre-decisional changes to the Commerce depended upon, but may not have the
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Control List and U.S. export control capabilities to support continued and
policies shall be exempt from the substantial participation, possibly due
Bureau of Industry and Security to economic, regulatory, or other
provisions relating to public meetings
found in 5 U.S.C. app. 2 §§ 10(a)(1) and barriers. To be eligible to participate in
Regulations and Procedures Technical the western Pacific community
Advisory Committee; Notice of 10(a)(3). The remaining portions of the
meeting will be open to the public. development program, a community
Partially Closed Meeting must meet the criteria set forth in 50
For more information, call Yvette
The Regulations and Procedures Springer at (202) 482–2813. CFR part 665.20, and submit a
Technical Advisory Committee (RPTAC) community development plan that
Dated: March 2, 2015.
will meet March 24, 2015, 9:00 a.m., describes the purposes and goals of the
Yvette Springer, plan, the justification for proposed
Room 3884, in the Herbert C. Hoover
Committee Liaison Officer. fishing activities, and the degree of
Building, 14th Street between
Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues [FR Doc. 2015–05498 Filed 3–9–15; 08:45 am] involvement by the indigenous
NW., Washington, DC. The Committee BILLING CODE 3510–JT–P community members, including contact
advises the Office of the Assistant information.
Secretary for Export Administration on This collection of information
implementation of the Export DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE provides NMFS and the Western Pacific
Administration Regulations (EAR) and Fishery Management Council (Council)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric with data to determine whether a
provides for continuing review to Administration
update the EAR as needed. community that submits a community
development plan meets the regulatory
Agenda Proposed Information Collection;
requirements for participation in the
Comment Request; Western Pacific
Public Session program, and whether the activities
Community Development Program
proposed under the plan are consistent
1. Opening remarks by the Chairman. Process
with the intent of the program, the
2. Opening remarks by Bureau of AGENCY: National Oceanic and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Industry and Security. Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Conservation and Management Act, and
3. Presentation of papers or comments Commerce. other applicable laws. The information
by the Public. is also important for evaluating
ACTION: Notice.
4. Export Enforcement update. potential impacts of the proposed
5. Regulations update. SUMMARY: The Department of community development plan activities
6. Working group reports. Commerce, as part of its continuing on fish stocks, endangered species,
7. Automated Export System update. effort to reduce paperwork and marine mammals, and other
Closed Session respondent burden, invites the general components of the affected environment
public and other Federal agencies to for the purposes of compliance with the
8. Discussion of matters determined to take this opportunity to comment on National Environmental Policy Act, the
be exempt from the provisions relating proposed and/or continuing information Endangered Species Act and other
to public meetings found in 5 U.S.C. collections, as required by the applicable laws.
app. 2 §§ 10(a)(1) and 10(a)(3). Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
The open session will be accessible II. Method of Collection
DATES: Written comments must be
via teleconference to 25 participants on The collection of information of a
a first come, first serve basis. To join the submitted on or before May 11, 2015.
community development plan involves
conference, submit inquiries to Ms. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments
no forms, and respondents have a
Yvette Springer at Yvette.Springer@ to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental
choice of submitting information by
bis.doc.gov no later than March 12, Paperwork Clearance Officer,
electronic transmission or by mail.
2015. Department of Commerce, Room 6616,
Instructions on how to submit a
A limited number of seats will be 14th and Constitution Avenue NW.,
community development plan can be
Washington, DC 20230 (or via the
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

available for the public session. found on the Council’s Web site at
Reservations are not accepted. To the Internet at JJessup@doc.gov).
http://www.wpcouncil.org/community-
extent that time permits, members of the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: development/western-pacific-
public may present oral statements to Requests for additional information or community-development-program/.
the Committee. The public may submit copies of the information collection
written statements at any time before or instrument and instructions should be III. Data
after the meeting. However, to facilitate directed to Jarad Makaiau, (808) 944– OMB Control Number: 0648–0612.
the distribution of public presentation 2108 or Jarad.Makaiau@noaa.gov. Form Number: None.

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Document Created: 2018-02-21 09:34:53
Document Modified: 2018-02-21 09:34:53

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Notice; extension of comment period.
Dates		Comments are due by May 26, 2015.
Contact		Daniel L. Engeljohn, Ph.D., Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy and Program Development; Telephone: (202) 205-0495, or by Fax: (202) 720-2025.
FR Citation		80 FR 12618

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUREFood Safety and Inspection Service

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 46 (March 10, 2015)

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food Safety and Inspection Service