Prior Labeling Approval System

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the Federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations by expanding the types of labeling, authorized for use on meat and poultry products by official establishments in the United States and foreign establishments certified under foreign inspection systems, which would not require submittal to FSIS for approval prior to use. In addition, FSIS is amending the Federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations to permit the submission of only sketch labeling, except for temporary approvals, in those instances where labeling is required to be submitted for approval and to require retention of certain labeling records. This final rule eliminates unnecessary duplication in the labeling approval system, and contributes to President Clinton's initiatives for greater efficiency in government services, (e.g., it is consistent with the principles of the National Performance Review to cut red tape, put customers first, and eliminate what is not needed).