[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 125 (Thursday, June 29, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 37083]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-10241]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration

[Docket No. 1998N-0359] (formerly 98N-0359)


Program Priorities in the Center for Food Safety and Applied 
Nutrition; Request for Comments

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION: Notice; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requesting comments 
concerning the establishment of program priorities in the Center for 
Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) for fiscal year (FY) 2007. As 
part of its annual planning, budgeting, and resource allocation 
process, CFSAN is reviewing its programs to set priorities and 
establish work product expectations. This notice is being published to 
give the public an opportunity to provide input into the priority-
setting process.

DATES: Submit written or electronic comments by August 28, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments concerning this document to the 
Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 
5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. Submit electronic 
comments to http://www.fda.gov/dockets/ecomments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tracy Summers, Center for Food Safety 
and Applied Nutrition (HFS-007), Food and Drug Administration, 5600 
Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20740, e-mail: [email protected], 301-
827-6733.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    On May 3, 2006, CFSAN released a document entitled ``FY 2006 CFSAN 
Program Priorities.'' The document, a copy of which is available on 
CFSAN's Web page (http://www.cfsan.fda.gov) or from the contact person 
listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document, 
constitutes the center's priority workplan for FY 2006 (i.e., October 
1, 2005, through September 30, 2006). The FY 2006 workplan is based on 
input we received from our stakeholders (see 70 FR 29328, May 20, 
2005), as well as input generated internally. Throughout the priority-
setting process, we focused on one central question: ``Where do we do 
the most good for consumers and the overall public health?'' The FY 
2006 workplan was developed in recognition of a diminished budget, 
including projected reductions and redeployment of resources to achieve 
funding for priorities outlined in the President's FY 2007 budget.
    The FY 2006 workplan is structured differently than previous years. 
It contains only those activities previously listed as ``A'' list 
items. Our goal is to fully complete at least 90 percent of the 
activities listed under sections 1 through 4 of the FY 2006 workplan by 
the end of the fiscal year, September 30, 2006. The FY 2006 workplan 
also includes a fifth section entitled ``Priority Ongoing Activities.'' 
Many of these activities are core functions that we perform on a 
regular basis and are among our very highest priorities.

II. 2007 CFSAN Program Priorities

    FDA is requesting comments on what program priorities CFSAN should 
consider establishing for FY 2007. The input will be used to develop 
CFSAN's FY 2007 workplan. The workplan will set forth the center's 
program priorities for the period of October 1, 2006, through September 
30, 2007. FDA intends to make the FY 2007 workplan available in the 
fall of 2006.
    The format of the FY 2007 workplan will be similar to the FY 2006 
workplan in that it will be divided into the following five sections:
    (1) Ensuring Food Defense,
    (2) Ensuring Food Safety,
    (3) Improving Nutrition,
    (4) Improving Dietary Supplement Safety, and
    (5) Ensuring Cosmetic Safety.
    While there will likely be continuity and follow-through on many 
activities between the 2006 and 2007 workplans, the final FY 2007 
Congressional Appropriation will unquestionably affect what we will be 
able to commit to accomplish in FY 2007. Accordingly, FDA requests 
comments on broad program areas that should continue to be a priority 
as well as new program areas or activities that should be added as a 
high priority for FY 2007.

III. Comments

    Interested persons may submit to the Division of Dockets Management 
(see ADDRESSES) written or electronic comments regarding this document. 
Submit a single copy of electronic comments or two paper copies of any 
mailed comments, except that individuals may submit one paper copy. 
Comments are to be identified with the docket number found in brackets 
in the heading of this document. Received comments may be seen in the 
Division of Dockets Management between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday 
through Friday.

    Dated: June 23, 2006.
Jeffrey Shuren,
Assistant Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. E6-10241 Filed 6-28-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-01-S