Equivalence Determination Regarding the European Union Food Safety Control System for Raw Bivalve Molluscan Shellfish

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is inviting public comment on a proposed determination that the European Union (EU) food safety control system for raw bivalve molluscan shellfish (``shellfish'') intended for export into the United States, as administered by the European Commission (EC), provides at least the same level of sanitary protection as the United States' system and is therefore equivalent. If finalized, this determination would permit the importation of shellfish harvested from certain production areas and processed by establishments that have been listed by FDA on the Interstate Certified Shellfish Shippers List (ICSSL). This notice also briefly describes the processes whereby other EU Member States (EUMS) may be approved in the future.