[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 158 (Friday, August 15, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43631-43633]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-21672]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food Safety and Inspection Service
9 CFR Part 318
[Docket No. 95-038DF]
RIN 0583-AB97
Use of Glycerine as a Humectant in Shelf Stable Meat Snacks
AGENCY: Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Direct final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will permit the
use of glycerine as a humectant in shelf stable meat snacks at a level
not to exceed 2 percent of the formulation weight of the product. This
action is being taken in response to a petition from the American
Association of Meat Processors requesting use of glycerine to promote
moisture retention and distribution and improved texture of shelf
stable meat snacks.
DATES: This rule will be effective on October 14, 1997 unless adverse
or
[[Page 43632]]
critical comments within the scope of the rulemaking or notice of
intent to submit adverse comments within the scope of the rulemaking
are received on or before September 15, 1997. If the effective date is
delayed, a timely document will be published in the Federal Register.
ADDRESSES: Send an original and two copies of adverse written comments
within the scope of the rulemaking to: FSIS Docket Clerk, DOCKET #95-
038DF, Room 102, Cotton Annex, 300 12th Street, SW., Food Safety and
Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC
20250-3700. Data submitted by the petitioner and all comments received
will be available for public inspection from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, in the FSIS Docket Room.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert C. Post, Director, Facilities,
Equipment, Labeling, and Compounds Review Division, (202) 418-8900.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FSIS was petitioned by the American
Association of Meat Processors to approve the use of glycerine at a
level of 3 percent in shelf stable meat snacks, i.e. products such as
meat sticks that can be stored at room temperature, to promote moisture
retention and distribution and improve product texture. Although 3
percent was requested, data submitted by the petitioner showed that the
necessary effect could be achieved at a 2 percent level. Data reviewed
showed that products containing glycerine at a level of 2 percent
consistently had a lower water activity, thus inhibiting
microbiological activity. These products also had improved texture.
After reviewing the petitioner's data, FSIS determined that the
tables of approved substances in the Federal meat inspection
regulations should be amended to allow the use of glycerine as a
humectant in shelf stable meat snacks at a level not to exceed 2
percent of the formulation weight of the product. The use of glycerine
under the proposed conditions will not render the product adulterated
or mislead the consumer. This is because the appearance and quality of
the product will be unaffected, and the ingredient will be listed in
the ingredient statement on the product label. The technical data
demonstrate the efficacy of glycerine for this use. Because glycerine
is generally recognized as safe (21 CFR 182.1320) when used in
accordance with good manufacturing practices, the wholesomeness of the
product will not be affected. Therefore, FSIS is amending the tables of
approved substances in 9 CFR 318.7(c)(4) to allow the use of glycerine
as a humectant in shelf stable meat snacks at a level not to exceed 2
percent of the formulation weight of the product.
FSIS expects no adverse public reaction resulting from this change
in regulatory language. Therefore, unless the Agency receives adverse
or critical comments within the scope of the rulemaking or a notice of
intent to submit adverse comments within 30 days, the action will
become final 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. If such
adverse comments are received, the final rulemaking document will be
withdrawn and a proposed rulemaking notice will be published. The
proposed rulemaking notice will establish a comment period.
Executive Order 12988
This direct final rule has been reviewed under Executive Order
12988, Civil Justice Reform. In this direct final rule: (1) All state
and local laws and regulations that are inconsistent with this rule
will be preempted; (2) no retroactive effect will be given to this
rule; and (3) administrative proceedings will not be required before
parties may file suit in court challenging this rule.
Executive Order 12866 and Regulatory Flexibility Act
This final rule has been determined to be not significant and,
therefore, has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and
Budget.
The Administrator has made a determination that this direct final
rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities, as defined by the Regulatory Flexibility Act
(5 U.S.C. 601). This direct final rule will impose no new requirements
on small entities. The direct final rule will permit the use of
glycerine as a humectant in shelf stable meat snacks at a level not to
exceed 2 percent of the formulation weight of the product. Use of the
glycerine is voluntary. Decisions by individual manufacturers on
whether to use glycerine will be based on their conclusions that the
benefits outweigh the implementation costs. Implementation costs would
include revision of product labels.
Paperwork Requirements
The associated paperwork and recordkeeping burden hours are
approved under OMB control number 0583-0092.
List of Subjects in 9 CFR Part 318
Food additives, Food packaging, Laboratories, Meat inspection,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Signs and symbols.
Final Rule
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, FSIS is amending 9 CFR
part 318 as follows:
PART 318--ENTRY INTO OFFICIAL ESTABLISHMENTS; REINSPECTION AND
PREPARATION OF PRODUCTS
1. The authority citation for part 318 is revised to read as
follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 38f, 450, 1901-1906; 21 U.S.C. 601-695; 7
CFR 2.18, 2.53.
2. In the chart in Sec. 318.7(c)(4), under the Class of substance
``Miscellaneous,'' a new entry for the substance ``Glycerine'' is added
at the end to read as follows:
Sec. 318.7 Approval of substances for use in the preparation of
products.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(4) * * *
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Class of substance Substance Purpose Products Amount
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* * * * * *
*
Miscellaneous
* * * * * *
*
Glycerine........... Humectant........... Shelf stable (Can Not to exceed 2
Be stored at room percent of the
temperature) meat formulation weight
snacks. of the product in
accordance with 21
CFR 182.1320
* * * * * *
*
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[[Page 43633]]
Done at Washington, DC, on: August 4, 1997.
Thomas J. Billy,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 97-21672 Filed 8-14-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-U