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USDA/FSIS

RIN: 0583-AD32

Publication ID: 2012

Title: Modernization of Poultry Slaughter Inspection
Abstract: FSIS intends to provide a new inspection system for young poultry slaughter establishments that would facilitate public health-based inspection. This new system would be available initially only to young chicken and turkey slaughter establishments. Establishments that slaughter broilers, fryers, roasters, and Cornish game hens (as defined in 9 CFR 381.170) would be considered as "young chicken establishments." FSIS also intends to revoke the provisions that allow young chicken slaughter establishments to operate under the current Streamlined Inspection System (SIS) or the New Line Speed (NELS) Inspection System, and to revoke the New Turkey Inspection System (NTIS). Young chicken and turkey slaughter establishments would be required to operate under the new inspection system or under Traditional Inspection. FSIS anticipates that this proposed rule would provide the framework for action to provide public health-based inspection in all establishments that slaughter amenable poultry species. Under the new system, young chicken and turkey slaughter establishments would be required to sort chicken carcasses and to conduct other activities to ensure that carcasses are not adulterated before they enter the chilling tank.
Agency: Department of Agriculture(USDA)	Priority: Economically Significant
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage
Major: Yes	Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381.66 9 CFR 381.67 9 CFR 381.76 9 CFR 381.83 9 CFR 381.91 9 CFR 381.94
Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 et seq

Legal Deadline: None

Statement of Need: Because of the risk to the public health associated with pathogens on young chicken carcasses, FSIS intends to provide a new inspection system that would allow for more effective inspection of young chicken carcasses, would allow the Agency to more effectively allocate its resources and would encourage industry to more readily use new technology. This final rule is the result of the Agency's 2011 regulatory review efforts conducted under Executive Order 13563 on Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review. It would likely result in more cost-effective dressing of young chickens that are ready to cook or ready for further processing. Similarly, it would likely result in more efficient and effective use of Agency resources.

Summary of the Legal Basis: 21 U.S.C. 451 to 470.

Alternatives: FSIS considered the following options in developing this proposal: 1) No action. 2) Propose to implement HACCP-based Inspection Models Pilot in regulations. 3) Propose to establish a mandatory, rather than a voluntary, new inspection system for young chicken slaughter establishments.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: The proposed rule estimated that the expected annual costs to establishments would total $24.5 million. Expected annual total benefits were $285.5 million (with a range of $259.5 to $314.8 million). Expected annual net benefits were $261.0 million (with a range of $235.0 million to $290.3 million). These estimates will be updated in the final rule.

Risks: Salmonella and other pathogens are present on a substantial portion of poultry carcasses inspected by FSIS. Foodborne salmonella cause a large number of human illnesses that at times lead to hospitalization and even death. There is an apparent relationship between human illness and prevalence levels for salmonella in young chicken carcasses. FSIS believes that through better allocation of inspection resources and the use of performance standards, it would be able to better address the prevalence of salmonella and other pathogens in young chickens.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	01/27/2012	77 FR 4408
NPRM Comment Period End	05/29/2012	77 FR 24873
Final Rule	04/00/2013

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No	Government Levels Affected: None
Small Entities Affected: Businesses	Federalism: No
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No
Agency Contact: Rachel Edelstein Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy and Program Development Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service 1400 Independence Avenue SW., 350-E JLW Building, Washington, DC 20250-3700 Phone:202 205-0495 Fax:202 720-2025 Email: rachel.edelstein@fsis.usda.gov