[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      
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                
*                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                
                                                        *                                                       
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