[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