[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 177 (Wednesday, September 14, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-22647]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: September 14, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
[Docket No. 94D-0265]

 

The Seafood List--FDA Guide to Acceptable Market Names for 
Seafood Sold in Interstate Commerce; Availability

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the 
availability of The Seafood List. The Seafood List is a revision of the 
``FDA Guide to Acceptable Market Names for Food Fish Sold in Interstate 
Commerce'' (The Fish List), which was developed jointly with the 
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). It compiles existing names 
that are recommended or required for use in labeling seafood products 
in interstate commerce.

DATES: Written comments by December 13, 1994.

ADDRESSES: The Seafood List is available for purchase from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), 
Washington, DC 20402, 202-783-3238, at a cost of $6.00 per copy. Orders 
should reference GPO Stock No. 017-012-00-366-4. Submit written 
comments on The Seafood List to the Dockets Management Branch (HFA-
305), Food and Drug Administration, rm. 1-23, 12420 Parklawn Dr., 
Rockville, MD 20857. Comments should be identified with the docket 
number found in brackets in the heading of this document. The Seafood 
List and received comments are available for public examination in the 
Dockets Management Branch between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Spring C. Randolph, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-416), Food and Drug Administration, 
200 C St. SW., Washington, DC 20204, 202-418-3160.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In recent years there has been an increase 
in seafood consumption in the United States, along with increased 
importation of unfamiliar seafood and use of different names for the 
same seafood in different regions of the country. These changes have 
led FDA and NMFS to recognize the need for a single source of 
recommended or required market names for seafood sold in interstate 
commerce in the United States.
     In 1988, The Fish List was published by FDA to provide a source of 
names that would facilitate order in the marketplace and reduce 
confusion among consumers. Although this list has had significant 
success in achieving its goals, its usefulness has been limited by the 
fact that it did not address invertebrate seafood species (mollusks and 
crustaceans). To alleviate this problem and to update The Fish List, 
FDA included vertebrate and invertebrate species of seafood in its 
current revision. In addition, to reflect its broader coverage, FDA has 
renamed it The Seafood List.
    The Seafood List represents an extensive, although not complete, 
listing of seafood commonly sold in the United States. This list 
includes market names, scientific names, common names, and vernacular 
names for seafood sold in the United States. The agency advises that 
the listed common name or market name should be used to market seafood 
sold in interstate commerce. Vernacular names are included on this list 
for information purposes only and to encourage references to the 
acceptable common or market name. While a vernacular name may be used 
within the region where the name is commonly used, the agency 
discourages the use of such names. FDA notes that the use of the name 
outside the region where the name is commonly used may mislead 
consumers and cause the agency to take regulatory action.
     FDA used the following criteria in determining which species to 
include on the list:
     (1) The species is currently sold in interstate commerce in the 
United States or has a strong potential for sale;
     (2) The species is not listed as endangered; and
     (3) The species is not prohibited by law or policy from sale in 
interstate commerce.
     FDA used the following sources in determining the scientific 
nomenclature, common names, market names, and vernacular names that it 
included in the list:
     (1) Common or usual names prescribed by Federal regulation.
     (2) In the absence of a required common or usual name, the 
American Fisheries Society's (AFS) ``List of Common and Scientific 
Names of Mollusks and Crustaceans from the United States and Canada'' 
was the primary reference that FDA consulted.
     (3) For species not listed in the AFS reference, FDA used the 
following references, in the order of priority:
    (a) Food and Agriculture Organization species catalogues 
identification worksheets; and
    (b) source country reference for species originating outside the 
United States.
     FDA based its determination on the appropriate market name on the 
common usage in the U.S. marketplace. When more than one name is used 
for a species, FDA based its determination on the above references and 
on consultation with NMFS.
     Use of the common and market names supplied in this list will 
promote consistency in labeling among various areas of the United 
States and will enhance the ability of the consumer to make informed 
choices among seafood products. In addition, The Seafood List will 
provide the industry with uniform nomenclature and assurance that the 
use of the listed common or market names for seafood products will be 
in compliance with food labeling requirements.
     This list will also serve as a resource document for FDA and NMFS 
to provide consistent advice to inquiries. The agency recommends that a 
manufacturer or distributor who contemplates use of a name other than 
the listed common or market name first consult with FDA. Such a 
discussion may prevent expenditure of money and effort for labeling 
that may mislead consumers and cause the agency to take regulatory 
action.
     Interested persons may, on or before December 13, 1994, submit 
written comments regarding The Seafood List to the Dockets Management 
Branch (address above). Two copies of any comments are to be submitted, 
except that individuals may submit one copy. Comments are to be 
identified with the docket number found in brackets in the heading of 
this document. Comments will be used to determine whether amendments to 
or revisions of The Seafood List are warranted.

    Dated: September 6, 1994.
William K. Hubbard,
Interim Deputy Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. 94-22647 Filed 9-13-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-01-F