83 FR 41042 - United States Standards for Grades of Pork Carcasses

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 160 (August 17, 2018)

Page Range		41042-41043
FR Document		2018-17725

This Notice informs the public that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will not proceed with revisions to the United States Standards for Grades of Pork Carcasses (pork standards) at this time.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 160 (Friday, August 17, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 160 (Friday, August 17, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41042-41043]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-17725]


========================================================================
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. 83, No. 160 / Friday, August 17, 2018 / 
Notices

[[Page 41042]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket No. AMS-LPS-17-0046]


United States Standards for Grades of Pork Carcasses

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: This Notice informs the public that the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will not 
proceed with revisions to the United States Standards for Grades of 
Pork Carcasses (pork standards) at this time.

DATES: August 17, 2018.

ADDRESSES: USDA, AMS, Livestock and Poultry Program (LP), Quality 
Assessment Division (QAD); 1400 Independence Ave. SW; Room 3932-S, STOP 
0258; Washington, DC 20250-0258.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Bowden, Chief, Standardization 
Branch; USDA, AMS, LP, QAD; 1400 Independence Avenue SW; Room 3932-S, 
STOP 0258; Washington, DC 20250-0258; phone (202) 690-3148; or via 
email at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Official USDA grade standards and associated 
voluntary, fee-for-service grading programs are authorized under the 
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) 
(the Act). Specifically, section 203(c) of the Act directs and 
authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture ``to develop and improve 
standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade, and packaging and 
recommend and demonstrate such standards in order to encourage 
uniformity and consistency in commercial practices'' (7 U.S.C. 
1622(c)). AMS is committed to carrying out this authority in a manner 
that facilitates the marketing of agricultural products. Accordingly, 
the primary purpose of USDA grade standards is to divide the population 
of a commodity into uniform groups (of similar quality, yield, value, 
etc.) to facilitate marketing. Currently, AMS maintains standards for a 
wide variety of commodities and in many cases, applies those standards 
to commodities on a fee-for-service basis.
    AMS recognizes that the pork standards must be relevant to be of 
value to stakeholders and, therefore, recommendations for changes in 
the standards may be initiated by AMS or by interested parties at any 
time to achieve that goal. AMS originally posted this Notice seeking 
comment on the revised pork standards on October 23, 2017, with a 
closing date of December 22, 2017. Subsequently, AMS reopened the 
Notice for an additional 60-day comment period, ending March 19, 2018.

Comments

    In all, 47 comments were received: There were 19 comments in favor 
of updating the pork standards, while 24 were opposed; 2 only requested 
extending the comment period; and 2 commenters did not clearly state a 
position. Responses received were representative of the pork industry 
and stakeholders, with the most comments coming from pork industry 
associations, packers, and producers.
    The 19 commenters in support of revised pork standards said that 
changes were needed in the pork industry to revitalize domestic 
consumer demand and that the updated standards may be helpful in 
addressing the decline in purchases of fresh pork products, citing data 
that the average American consumer buys fresh pork only seven times a 
year. Some commenters expressed that a revised standard could lead to a 
USDA fee-for-service grading program, which would enhance uniformity of 
pork quality and build consumer confidence in pork purchasing 
decisions. Commenters also said that the revisions were scientifically 
sound and applicable to pork quality attributes that are consumer-
recognized and tied to an improved eating experience. While some 
recognized the challenge of implementing the proposed standards 
revisions via a grading program in the modern processing environment, 
they expressed support for a standardized, objective carcass grading 
system focused more on quality than percent lean.
    Most of the 24 comments against the proposed revisions were similar 
in nature and asserted the new grades would not add value for pork 
producers. Some commenters noted that the pork industry and individual 
companies have worked for many years to improve product quality 
attributes and promote their efforts through product branding and 
``niche'' marketing, and the revised pork standards would endanger 
these efforts. Further, some commenters noted that proposed 
nomenclature of Prime, Choice, and Select, if implemented for pork, 
could result in devaluation of the established beef grading system. 
Pork packers and processors expressed concern that implementation of 
the revised pork standards would be impractical, in part because the 
technology available to accurately assess quality factors for pork is 
not yet effective while maintaining today's processing line speeds. 
Commenters opposed to the revisions also expressed concern that 
implementation at this time would cause disruption to existing 
producer-packer relationships and established logistics. Others were 
concerned that application of the standard specifically to the loin 
primal without positive correlation with the remaining carcass parts 
would be misleading, and that any premium generated by applying the 
standards would not offset the cost of implementing a USDA fee-for-
service grading program in the plant.
    A few commenters provided responses that were both for and against 
the revisions, outlining opportunities and challenges similar to those 
discussed above. All comments are available at the following website: 
https://www.regulations.gov/docketBrowser?rpp=25&so=DESC&sb=commentDueDate&po=0&dct=PS&D=AMS-LPS-17-0046.
    Based on the responses received from the Notices, AMS will not 
pursue any revisions to the pork standards at this time. AMS stands 
ready to assist agricultural industries in establishing voluntary 
standards and grading programs for commodities for which it has 
authority to do so; the pork industry retains this option should the 
need arise.


[[Page 41043]]


    Dated: August 13, 2018.
Bruce Summers,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-17725 Filed 8-16-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

41042

Notices Federal Register
Vol. 83, No. 160

Friday, August 17, 2018

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER products. Accordingly, the primary objective carcass grading system focused
contains documents other than rules or purpose of USDA grade standards is to more on quality than percent lean.
proposed rules that are applicable to the divide the population of a commodity
public. Notices of hearings and investigations, Most of the 24 comments against the
into uniform groups (of similar quality, proposed revisions were similar in
committee meetings, agency decisions and yield, value, etc.) to facilitate marketing.
rulings, delegations of authority, filing of nature and asserted the new grades
petitions and applications and agency
Currently, AMS maintains standards for would not add value for pork producers.
statements of organization and functions are a wide variety of commodities and in Some commenters noted that the pork
examples of documents appearing in this many cases, applies those standards to industry and individual companies have
section. commodities on a fee-for-service basis.
worked for many years to improve
AMS recognizes that the pork product quality attributes and promote
standards must be relevant to be of
their efforts through product branding
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE value to stakeholders and, therefore,
and ‘‘niche’’ marketing, and the revised
recommendations for changes in the
Agricultural Marketing Service pork standards would endanger these
standards may be initiated by AMS or
efforts. Further, some commenters noted
[Docket No. AMS–LPS–17–0046] by interested parties at any time to
that proposed nomenclature of Prime,
achieve that goal. AMS originally posted
United States Standards for Grades of this Notice seeking comment on the Choice, and Select, if implemented for
Pork Carcasses revised pork standards on October 23, pork, could result in devaluation of the
2017, with a closing date of December established beef grading system. Pork
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, packers and processors expressed
22, 2017. Subsequently, AMS reopened
USDA. concern that implementation of the
the Notice for an additional 60-day
ACTION: Notice. comment period, ending March 19, revised pork standards would be
2018. impractical, in part because the
SUMMARY: This Notice informs the technology available to accurately assess
public that the U.S. Department of Comments quality factors for pork is not yet
Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural effective while maintaining today’s
Marketing Service (AMS) will not In all, 47 comments were received:
There were 19 comments in favor of processing line speeds. Commenters
proceed with revisions to the United
updating the pork standards, while 24 opposed to the revisions also expressed
States Standards for Grades of Pork
were opposed; 2 only requested concern that implementation at this
Carcasses (pork standards) at this time.
extending the comment period; and 2 time would cause disruption to existing
DATES: August 17, 2018.
commenters did not clearly state a producer-packer relationships and
ADDRESSES: USDA, AMS, Livestock and established logistics. Others were
position. Responses received were
Poultry Program (LP), Quality representative of the pork industry and concerned that application of the
Assessment Division (QAD); 1400 stakeholders, with the most comments standard specifically to the loin primal
Independence Ave. SW; Room 3932–S, coming from pork industry associations, without positive correlation with the
STOP 0258; Washington, DC 20250– packers, and producers. remaining carcass parts would be
0258. The 19 commenters in support of misleading, and that any premium
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: revised pork standards said that changes generated by applying the standards
David Bowden, Chief, Standardization were needed in the pork industry to would not offset the cost of
Branch; USDA, AMS, LP, QAD; 1400 revitalize domestic consumer demand implementing a USDA fee-for-service
Independence Avenue SW; Room 3932– and that the updated standards may be grading program in the plant.
S, STOP 0258; Washington, DC 20250– helpful in addressing the decline in A few commenters provided
0258; phone (202) 690–3148; or via purchases of fresh pork products, citing responses that were both for and against
email at David.Bowden@ams.usda.gov. data that the average American the revisions, outlining opportunities
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Official consumer buys fresh pork only seven and challenges similar to those
USDA grade standards and associated times a year. Some commenters
discussed above. All comments are
voluntary, fee-for-service grading expressed that a revised standard could
available at the following website:
programs are authorized under the lead to a USDA fee-for-service grading
https://www.regulations.gov/
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as program, which would enhance
docketBrowser?rpp=25&so=DESC&sb=
amended (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) (the uniformity of pork quality and build
commentDueDate&po=0&dct=PS&D=
Act). Specifically, section 203(c) of the consumer confidence in pork
Act directs and authorizes the Secretary purchasing decisions. Commenters also AMS-LPS-17-0046.
of Agriculture ‘‘to develop and improve said that the revisions were Based on the responses received from
standards of quality, condition, scientifically sound and applicable to the Notices, AMS will not pursue any
quantity, grade, and packaging and pork quality attributes that are revisions to the pork standards at this
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1

recommend and demonstrate such consumer-recognized and tied to an time. AMS stands ready to assist
standards in order to encourage improved eating experience. While agricultural industries in establishing
uniformity and consistency in some recognized the challenge of voluntary standards and grading
commercial practices’’ (7 U.S.C. implementing the proposed standards programs for commodities for which it
1622(c)). AMS is committed to carrying revisions via a grading program in the has authority to do so; the pork industry
out this authority in a manner that modern processing environment, they retains this option should the need
facilitates the marketing of agricultural expressed support for a standardized, arise.

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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 160 / Friday, August 17, 2018 / Notices 41043

Dated: August 13, 2018. the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to applicants use form FNS–252 or FNS–
Bruce Summers, http://www.regulations.gov, and follow 252–E (paper or online, respectively).
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing the online instructions for submitting FNS is responsible for reviewing retail
Service. comments electronically. All written food store applications at least once
[FR Doc. 2018–17725 Filed 8–16–18; 8:45 am] comments will be open for public every five years to ensure that each firm
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P inspection at the FNS office located at is under the same ownership and
3101 Park Center Drive, Room 422, continues to meet eligibility guidelines.
Alexandria, Virginia 22302, during In order to accomplish this regulatory
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5 requirement, form FNS–252–R is used
p.m. Monday through Friday). for reauthorization. In addition to these
Food and Nutrition Service All responses to this notice will be forms, during authorization or
summarized and included in the request reauthorization, FNS may conduct an
Agency Information Collection for Office of Management and Budget on-site store visit of the firm. The store
Activities: Proposed Collection; approval. All comments will be a matter visit of the firm helps FNS confirm that
Comment Request—Supplemental of public record. the information provided on the
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), application is correct. An FNS
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Store Applications, Forms FNS–252, representative or store visit contractor
Requests for additional information or
FNS–252–E, FNS–252–FE, FNS–252–R, obtains permission to fill in the store
copies of this information collection
FNS–252–2 and FNS–252–C visit checklist, photograph the store and
should be directed to Nicole Budzius at
AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service RPMDHQ-WEB@fns.usda.gov. asks the store owner or manager about
(FNS), USDA. the continued ownership of the store.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Applicants using form FNS–252–E or
ACTION: Notice. Title: Supplemental Nutrition FNS–252–FE must also first self-register
Assistance Program (SNAP)—Store for a Level 1 access account through the
SUMMARY: In accordance with the Applications.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this USDA eAuthentication system in order
Form Number: FNS–252; 252–E; 252– to start an online application. USDA
notice invites the general public and FE; 252–R; 252–2; and 252–C.
other public agencies to comment on the eAuthentication facilitates the
OMB Number: 0584–0008. electronic authentication of an
proposed collection. This is a revision Expiration Date: January 31, 2021.
of a currently approved collection in the individual.
Type of Request: Revision of a The Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance currently approved collection of
Program and concerns Retail Store Farm Bill) amended the Food and
information. Nutrition Act of 2008 (the Act) and the
Applications (Forms FNS–252; FNS– Abstract: Section 9(a) of the Food and
252–E; FNS–252–FE; FNS–252–R; FNS– Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, (the Program (SNAP) revised all retailer
252–2; and FNS–252–C). Act) (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) requires that application forms (paper and electronic)
DATES: Written comments must be FNS determine the eligibility of retail in January, 2018, as a result of
received on or before October 16, 2018. food stores and certain food service regulatory changes required by the Act
ADDRESSES: Comments are invited on: organizations to accept SNAP benefits and amended by the 2014 Farm Bill.
(a) Whether the proposed collection of and to monitor them for compliance and Such changes to the Act amended the
information is necessary for the proper continued eligibility and to ensure definition of ‘‘retail food store’’ to
performance of the functions of the Program integrity. clarify when a retailer is a restaurant
agency, including whether the FNS is also responsible for requiring rather than a retail food store. Among
information shall have practical utility; updates to application information and the changes made to the SNAP retailer
(b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate reviewing retail food store applications application form(s), the Food and
of the burden of the proposed collection at least once every five years to ensure Nutrition Service (FNS) added a new
of information, including the validity of that each firm is under the same question, Question 18, concerning
the methodology and assumptions used; ownership and continues to meet restaurant licensing, and revised
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility eligibility requirements. The Act Question 22, regarding total retail sales
and clarity of the information to be specifies that only those applicants on Form FNS–252. Currently,
collected; and (d) ways to minimize the whose participation will ‘‘effectuate the respondents select a Yes or No response
burden of the collection of information purposes of the program’’ should be if they have or are applying for a
on those who are to respond, including authorized. restaurant license for their store in
through the use of appropriate There are six forms associated with Question 18. Question 22 currently asks
automated, electronic, mechanical or this approved Office of Management retailers to enter their total retail sales
other technological collection and Budget (OMB) information by category in dollars for a one year
techniques or other forms of information collection number 0584–0008—the period. Sales categories include
technology. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance gasoline, lottery, tobacco, alcohol, other
Comments may be sent to: Nicole Program Application for Stores, Forms nonfood, and hot foods, cold prepared
Budzius, Chief, Retailer Administration FNS–252 (English and Spanish) and foods, accessory foods, and staple foods.
Branch, Supplemental Nutrition FNS–252–E (paper and online version Due to concern with the manner in
Assistance Program, Retailer Policy and respectively); Farmer’s Market which FNS is currently asking for
Management Division, Food and Application, Form FNS–252–FE; Meal retailer sales data, FNS is updating the
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1

Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Service Application, Form FNS–252–2; retailer application question regarding
Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Reauthorization Application, Form sales. FNS is also removing the question
Room 422, Alexandria, VA 22302. FNS–252–R; and the Corporation concerning restaurant licensing and the
Comments may be faxed to the attention Supplemental Application, Form FNS– requirement for businesses located in
of Ms. Budzius at (703) 305–1863 or via 252–C used for individual (chain) stores community property states to provide
email to: RPMDHQ-WEB@fns.usda.gov. under a corporation. For new spousal information for each owner.
Comments will also be accepted through authorizations, the majority of Question 22 will revert back to asking

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Document Created: 2018-08-17 03:24:55
Document Modified: 2018-08-17 03:24:55

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.
Dates		August 17, 2018.
Contact		David Bowden, Chief, Standardization Branch; USDA, AMS, LP, QAD; 1400 Independence Avenue SW; Room 3932-S, STOP 0258; Washington, DC 20250-0258; phone (202) 690-3148; or via email at [email protected]
FR Citation		83 FR 41042

83 FR 41042 - United States Standards for Grades of Pork Carcasses

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUREAgricultural Marketing Service

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 160 (August 17, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service