### 5413 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 17 / Friday, January 25, 2013 / Notices

sampling, and species verification. In addition, on May 29, 2012, FSIS launched a comprehensive, Web-based data analytics system called the Public Health Information System (PHIS) as part of its efforts to collect, consolidate, and analyze data. PHIS builds upon the previous Automated Import Inspection System (AIIS) used by FSIS since 1979 through the increased integration of FSIS’s existing data streams. PHIS also enables FSIS to collect information from external sources through an electronic interface with Customs and Border Protection’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), including foreign government electronic certification systems. These enhancements further support a performance-based approach to POE reinspection.

As with AIIS, PHIS automatically schedules a more intensive reinspection ( i.e., increased follow-up sampling) of shipments from foreign establishments that produce products failing reinspection at POE, or products identified as the sole raw material source for ground beef that has tested positive for pathogenic STEC in the U.S. PHIS provides the ability to automatically adjust frequencies for pathogen testing, food chemistry sampling, and species verification based on a particular countries performance classification.

If non-compliant imported shipments are detected, FSIS works with the government of the country that exported the product to ensure that appropriate corrective actions are effected. As indicated previously, the foreign government reports through the SRTwhat actions it will take when noncompliant products are shipped. That information serves as the basis for FSIS’s follow-up verification activities.

If a country makes any modifications to its inspection system, FSIS requires that the country update its responses to FSIS’s SRT accordingly (see 9 CFR 327.2(a)(2)(iii), 381.196(a)(2)(iii), and 590.910(a)). Changes to the SRT may affect the results of a country’s performance assessment, which then may affect the scope and frequency of subsequent equivalence verificationactivities. Thus, FSIS’s performancebased approach improves the linkage between POE reinspections and on-site audits.

Furthermore, if repeated failures from a particular establishment indicate a loss of process control, and FSIS finds that the foreign country’s corrective actions are not effective, FSIS will take action to suspend the eligibility of the establishment and may conclude that a ‘‘for cause’’ on-site audit is necessary. When multiple establishments in a country repeatedly fail POE reinspections, FSIS will consider elevating its action to a system level that could affect the eligibility of the foreign inspection system.

Additional Public Notification

FSIS will announce this notice online through the FSIS Web page located
at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations

_ &

_

policies/Federal

_ Register

_ Notices/ index.asp.

FSIS also will make copies of this Federal Register publication available through the FSIS Constituent Update, which is used to provide information regarding FSIS policies, procedures, regulations, Federal Register notices, FSIS public meetings, and other types of information that could affect or would be of interest to constituents and stakeholders. The Update is communicated via Listserv, a free electronic mail subscription service for industry, trade groups, consumer interest groups, health professionals and other individuals who have asked to be included. The Update is available on the FSIS Web page. Through the Listserv and the Web page, FSIS is able to provide information to a much broader and more diverse audience.

In addition, FSIS offers an email subscription service which provides automatic and customized access to selected food safety news and information. This service is available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/ News

_ &

_ Events/Email

_ Subscription/. Options range from recalls to export information to regulations, directives and notices. Customers can add or delete subscriptions themselves, and have the option to password protect their accounts.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s Target Center at 202–720–2600 (voice and TTY).

To file a written complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250–9410 or call 202–720–5964 (voice and TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Done in Washington, DC, on January 18,

2013. Alfred V. Almanza,

Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2013–01511 Filed 1–24–13; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 3410–DM–P**

**COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS**

**Agenda and Notice of Public Meetings of the Massachusetts Advisory**  **Committee**

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (Commission), and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), that a planning meeting of the Massachusetts Advisory Committee to the Commission will convene at 12:00 p.m. (ET) on Tuesday, February 12, 2013, at the McCarter and English Law Office, 265 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110. The purpose of the meetings are orientation and project planning.

Members of the public are entitled to submit written comments. The comments must be received in the regional office by Tuesday, March 12, 2013. Comments may be mailed to the Eastern Regional Office, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 1150, Washington, DC 20425, faxed to (202) 376–7548, or emailed to ero@usccr.gov. Persons who desire additional information may contact the Eastern Regional Office at 202–376–7533.

Persons needing accessibility services should contact the Eastern Regional Office at least 10 working days before the scheduled date of the meeting.

Records generated from this meeting may be inspected and reproduced at the Eastern Regional Office, as they become available, both before and after the meeting. Persons interested in the work of this advisory committee are advised to go to the Commission’s Web site,
www.usccr.gov, or to contact the Eastern Regional Office at the above phone number, email or street address.

The meetings will be conducted pursuant to the provisions of the rules and regulations of the Commission and FACA.

Dated in Washington, DC, on January 22,

2013. David Mussatt, Acting Chief, Regional Programs Coordination Unit.
[FR Doc. 2013–01539 Filed 1–24–13; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 6335–01–P**