[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 12 (Wednesday, January 19, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-1155]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: January 19, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
[Docket No. 93P-0464]

 

Canned Tuna Deviating From Identity Standard; Temporary Permit 
for Market Testing

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing that a 
temporary permit has been issued to Bumble Bee Seafoods, Inc., to 
market test products designated as ``Chunk Light Tuna with Jalapeno in 
Water'' and ``Chunk Light Tuna with Jalapeno in Oil'' that deviate from 
the U.S. standard of identity for canned tuna (21 CFR 161.190). The 
purpose of the temporary permit is to allow the applicant to measure 
consumer acceptance of the products, identify mass production problems, 
and assess commercial feasibility.

DATES: This permit is effective for 15 months, beginning on the date 
the food is introduced or caused to be introduced into interstate 
commerce, but not later than April 19, 1994.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle A. Smith, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-158), Food and Drug Administration, 
200 C St. SW., Washington, DC 20204, 202-205-5099.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with 21 CFR 130.17 concerning 
temporary permits to facilitate market testing of foods deviating from 
the requirements of the standards of identity promulgated under section 
401 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 341), FDA is 
giving notice that it has issued a temporary permit to Bumble Bee 
Seafoods, Inc., P.O. Box 85362, San Diego, CA 92186-5362.
    The permit covers limited interstate marketing tests of canned tuna 
products formulated by adding chopped or diced jalapeno peppers that 
have been previously prepared and packed in brine. The foods deviate 
from the U.S. standard of identity for canned tuna in that the products 
contain diced or chopped green jalapeno peppers. The amount of jalapeno 
peppers added will not exceed 10 percent of the water capacity of the 
can. Jalapeno peppers will replace part of the liquid packing medium 
(water or oil) and will not affect the tuna fish fill portion. The test 
products meet all requirements of the standard with the exception of 
this deviation.
    The firm previously held a temporary permit for these products 
which expired on March 1, 1993. Notice of issuance of the permit and a 
subsequent amendment of the permit were published in the Federal 
Register of September 24, 1991 (56 FR 48212), and of July 21, 1992 (57 
FR 32226), respectively.
    FDA finds that issuance of the new permit is in the interest of 
consumers because it will provide for a wider variety of tuna products 
and allow for collection of additional data in support of a petition to 
amend the standard of identity for canned tuna.
    For the purpose of this permit, the names of the products are 
``Chunk Light Tuna with Jalapeno in Water'' and ``Chunk Light Tuna with 
Jalapeno in Oil.'' The information panels of the labels will bear 
nutrition labeling in accordance with 21 CFR 101.9.
    This permit provides for the temporary marketing of 300,000 cases 
containing 24 cans of tuna with jalapeno peppers in spring water and 
400,000 cases containing 24 cans of tuna with jalapeno peppers in 
soybean oil, each can weighing 175 grams (6 1/8 ounces). The products 
will be manufactured at Bumble Bee Seafoods, Inc., Santa Fe Springs, CA 
90067, and Bumble Bee International, Inc., Malecon Industrial Zone, 
Mayaguez, PR 00708. The products will be distributed throughout the 
United States and its territories and possessions.
    Each of the ingredients used in the food must be declared on the 
labels as required by the applicable sections of 21 CFR part 101. This 
permit is effective for 15 months, beginning on the date the foods are 
introduced or caused to be introduced into interstate commerce, but not 
later than April 19, 1994.

    Dated: January 10, 1994.
 Fred R. Shank,
Director, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
[FR Doc. 94-1155 Filed 1-18-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-01-F