Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2000/05/26/00-13238/changes-in-fees-for-science-and-technology-sandt-laboratory-service
Timestamp: 2018-08-17 14:04:12
Document Index: 65941298

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 91', 'art 91', 'art 91', 'art 91', 'art 91', 'art 91', '§\u200990', '§\u200991', '§\u200991', 'art 91', 'art 93', 'art 94', 'art 98', '§\u200991', 'arts 96', '§\u200991', '§\u20095704', '§\u200991', '§\u200991', '§\u200991', '§\u200991', '§\u200993', '§\u200994']

A Proposed Rule by the Agricultural Marketing Service on 05/26/2000
Comments must be received on or before June 15, 2000.
34301-34320 (20 pages)
Docket Number S&T-99-008
E. Background and Proposed Fees
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/00-13238 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/00-13238
Start Preamble Start Printed Page 34302
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposes to increase the standard hourly fee rate for each laboratory analysis conducted under the AMS S&T Laboratory Program from $36.26 to $45.00. The premium laboratory rate for appeals, holiday and overtime service would be increased from $54.39 to $67.50 per analysis hour. These proposed 24.1 percent increases in hourly rates reflect the additional revenue S&T is required to collect in order to recover laboratory program expenses. AMS also proposes to change fees for laboratory testing services which are offered for agricultural food commodities to reflect actual equipment and labor expenses for performing each test. The proposed regulations include additional tests for commodity products for incorporation into existing schedules and sets an updated hourly rate of $45.00 for unlisted tests. AMS proposes to remove laboratory tests that have been found to be obsolete as well as duplicate tests performed by other Agricultural Marketing Service programs. The proposal also has name, position title, and address changes as a result of Agency restructuring that lead to the formation of the AMS Science and Technology program.
Comments are invited on this proposed rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Comments should be sent in triplicate to James V. Falk, Docket Manager, USDA, AMS, Science and Technology, P.O. Box 96456, Room 3521-South, Washington, DC 20090-6456; telephone (202) 690-4089; the facsimile (202) 720-4631, or e-mail: James.Falk@usda.gov and should refer to the docket title and number located in the heading of this document. Comments received will be available for public inspection in Room 3507, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. All comments received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered. After the close of the comment period, AMS intends to publish a final rule in the Federal Register.
Anita J. Okrend, Technical Services Branch Chief, telephone (202) 690-4025, or e-mail: Anita.Okrend@usda.gov.
This action has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform. It is not intended to have retroactive effect. This proposed rule does not preempt any State or local laws, regulation, or policies, unless they present an irreconcilable conflict with this rule. There are no administrative procedures which must be exhausted prior to any judicial challenge to this rule or the application of its provisions.
There are 811 current users of the Science and Technology's (S&T) laboratory testing services. Such users of services include food processors, handlers, growers, government agencies, and exporters. Many of these users are small entities under the criteria established by the Small Business Administration (13 CFR 121.201). Laboratory tests for commodities are provided to all businesses on a voluntary basis and user fees are set at an hourly rate. Any decision to discontinue the use of the laboratory services and obtain new contracts with other governmental agencies or private laboratories would not hinder the food processors or industry members from marketing their products. User fee costs to entities would be proportional to their use of testing services, so that costs are shared equitably by all users.
The last fee increases for the Laboratory Program testing services became effective on May 4, 1998 (63 FR 16370-16375). Since that time, there has been both a decline in revenue and an increase in costs. This reflects a shift in usage patterns on the part of applicants for testing services and change to government programs. For example, several federal commodity purchasing programs are now relying heavily on vendor certification rather than government laboratory testing; a larger percentage of peanut aflatoxin analyses are performed by other, non-S&T laboratories; testing of tobacco samples is down; and poultry testing is decreasing due to changing importer country requirements. In addition, some companies are doing their own company and in-house analyses rather than using government laboratory testing services. Further, there has been a noticeable decrease in requested dairy product testing with the scaling back of the dairy price support program. Several streamlining actions to be completed in FY 2000 will result in cost savings. They include staff and space reductions or closing of laboratories. However, overall, costs are increasing despite these efforts. Employee salary and benefits, which account for approximately 68 percent of FY 2000 operating budget, have increased 4.8 to 5.59 percent, depending on the locality, since January 2000. For FY 1999, these increases were 3.54 to 4.02 percent, depending on locality. Rents, utilities, communications, and other overhead costs increased 5.1 percent during FY 1999. These overhead costs are projected to increase by the same percentage for FY 2000.
In fiscal year 1999, the S&T Laboratory Program obligatory costs exceeded revenues by $1,423,869 with costs at $6,419,006 and revenue at $4,995,137. There was an $807,299 decline in revenue in fiscal year 1999. For FY 2000 the S&T program expects to report a $1,562,534 deficit at the current fees because there are expected to be lower numbers of samples for analysis with all commodities at our laboratories. The S&T program projected costs and revenues for FY 2000 are $6,513,730 and $4,951,196 respectively without a fee increase.
The AMS estimates that this rule would yield $1,584,383 overall in additional laboratory testing program revenues during FY 2000. The laboratory hourly fee rate would increase by approximately 24.1 percent from $36.26, as last revised effective May 4, 1998. The new standard laboratory service fee rate would be $45.00 per hour. This fee would also apply to tests which are not listed in the fee schedules (Tables 1 through 8). The Start Printed Page 34303premium laboratory rate for appeals, holiday and overtime service would be $67.50 per analysis hour or one and one half times the fees listed in Tables 1 through 8. This represents a 24.1 percent increase. The fees in Tables 1 through 8 would also be amended. Most of these would increase. Without an increase, anticipated revenue would not adequately cover increasing program costs. FY 2000 revenues for laboratory testing are expected to be $4,951,196 at the current hourly fee rates, obligatory costs are projected at $6,513,730, and trust fund balance would be $797,211, which is below necessary reserve level ($2,552,243). With the fee increase, FY 2000 revenues are projected to be $5,017,147 with obligatory costs of $6,400,480 and trust balance at $874,667. Users of S&T testing services are under no obligation to use them. However, it is necessary for AMS to recover the cost of these services. The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) provides for the collection of reimbursable fees from users of the program services to cover, as nearly as practicable, the costs of the services rendered.
Other miscellaneous and unsubstantial changes are proposed that would not adversely affect users of the program services. Related proposed fee increases represent the minimal fee increases necessary to cover the costs of operating the services provided under the S&T program. Accordingly, the Administrator has determined that its provisions would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
This proposed rule does not contain any new information collection or record keeping requirements that are subject to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35).
On August 9, 1993, AMS published a rule in the Federal Register (58 FR 42408-42448) to combine all AMS regulations concerning laboratory services. The goal was to consolidate and to transfer existing laboratory testing programs operating independently under the various AMS commodity programs (Cotton, Poultry, Fruit and Vegetable, Tobacco, Dairy, and Livestock and Seed) to its Science and Technology (S&T) program, formerly the Science Division and the Science and Technology Division (S&TD).
All divisions in the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) were designated as programs by the Administrator on September 18, 1997. The prior rules included fees charged for testing and related services under the diversified S&T programs and set an hourly analytical testing rate. The current standard hourly rate of $36.26 and the premium hourly rate of $54.39 have been in effect since the April 2, 1998 rule (63 FR 16370—16375).
In addition to raising hourly fees, there is a need to amend all general schedules and listing of fees for official laboratory test services in tables 1 through 8 in Part 91, Subpart I due to rapid changes in analytical methodologies and customer service needs. Under the present regulations the fee schedules list 200 items of laboratory services in part 91. Many additions and deletions of laboratory tests have occurred since the last rule published on April 2, 1998 (63 FR 16370—16375). The following tables 1 through 8 compare current fees and charges with proposed fees and charges for the laboratory testing of food and fiber products as found at 7 CFR 91.37:
Name of specific program
Table 1—Single Test Laboratory Fees for Proximate Analyses Ammonia, Ion Selective Electrode Ash, Total Ash, Acid Insoluble Chloride, Salt Titration (Dairy) Fat, Acid Hydrolysis (Cheese) Fat Acid Hydrolysis (Mojonnier) Fat (Dairy Prod. Except Cheese) $81.59 36.26 54.39 18.13 36.26 36.26 18.13 $101.25 45.00 (2) 22.50 45.00 45.00 22.50
Fat (Kohman) (1) 45.00
Fiber, Crude 72.52 (2)
Moisture, Distillation 36.26 45.00
Moisture (Kohman) (1) 11.25
Salt, Potentiometric 18.13 22.50
Salt (Rapid) (1) 33.75
2 Removed.
Table 2—Single Test Laboratory Fees for Lipid Related Analysis Acid Degree Value (Dairy) Acidity, Titratable Carotene, Spectrophotometric Catalase Test Cholesterol $36.26 9.07 90.65 18.13 90.65 $45.00 22.50 (2) (2) (2)
Color (Honey) 18.13 (2)
Color, NEPA (Eggs) 36.26 (2)
Consistency, Bostwick (Cooked) 18.13 (2)
Consistency, Bostwick Uncooked) 18.13 (2)
Dispersibility (I Dry Whole Milk) (1) 67.50
Peanut Oil Analyses (Oil, Moisture, Free Fatty Acid, Ammonia, and Foreign Matter) (1) 45.00
Any 1 of the oilseed oil analyses (1) 22.50
Peroxidase Test 18.13 (2)
Table 3—Single Test Laboratory Fees for Food Additive (Direct and Indirect) Aflatoxin (Dairy, Eggs) Alar or Daminozide Residue Amitraz Residue, GLC Alcohol (Qualitative) Alkalinity of Ash $126.91 217.56 217.56 72.52 54.39 (2) (3) $270.00 (3) (3)
Antibiotic, Quantitative 389.86 393.75
Benzene, Residual 72.52 (3)
Calcium 54.39 (3)
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons: Pesticides and Industrial Chemicals—Initial Screen 145.04 180.00
Filth, Light & Heavy (Eggs) 217.56 270.00
Fines (1) 22.50
Start Printed Page 34305
Confirmation on Mass Spectrometer—Each individual fumigant residue 72.52 90.00
High Sucrose Content or Avasucrol (Holland Eggs) 145.04 (3)
Hydrogen Ion Activity, pH 18.13 (3)
Metals (Other Than Heavy, Each Metal) 72.52 (3)
Monosodium Dihydrogen Phosphate 145.04 180.00
Monosodium Glutamate 145.04 180.00
Nitrites (Qualitative) 18.13 (3)
Nitrites (Quantitative) 108.78 (3)
Ochratoxin A (1) 67.50
Organic Acids (in Eggs) (1) 180.00
Each Additional Sample 18.13 (3)
Penicillin (1) 67.50
Phosphatase, Residual 36.26 (3)
Phosphorus 72.52 (3)
Propylene Glycol, Codistillation: (Qualitative) 72.52 (3)
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) 290.08 (3)
Starch (in Dry Milk) (1) 22.50
Sugars, Total as Invert 72.52 (3)
Sulfites (Qualitative) 27.20 (3)
Sulfur Dioxide, Monier-Williams 54.39 (3)
Triethyl Citrate, GC (Quantitative) 36.26 (3)
Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin) 72.52 90.00
Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) 72.52 90.00
Whey Protein Nitrogen, Kjeldahl (1) 112.50
2 Redistributed.
3 Removed.
Table 4.—Amended
Table 4—Single Test Laboratory Fees for Other Chemical and Physical Component Analyses Available Carbon Dioxide (Baking Powders) Capsaicin (Hot Sauce) Cheese (Fines) Color, Apparent-Visual Complete Kohman Analysis-DairyExtractable Color in Spices Grape Juice Absorbancy Ratio $145.04 72.52 (1) 9.07 36.26 18.13 18.13 (2) (2) $11.25 11.25 45.00 (2) (2)
Hot Water Insolubles (1) 67.50
Hydroxymethylfurfural (Honey) 36.26 (2)
Jelly Strength (Bloom) 90.65 (2)
Methyl Anthranilate 36.26 (2)
pH (1) 11.25
Potassium Iodide (Table Salt) 54.39 67.50
Protein Reducing Substances (1) 45.00
Yellow Onion Test 27.20 (2)
Table 5—Single Test Laboratory Fees for Microbiological Analyses Aerobic (Standard) Plate Count Anaerobic Bacterial Plate Count Bacillus cereus Bacterial Direct Microscopic Count Campylobacter jejuni $18.13 27.20 72.52 36.26 145.04 $22.50 33.75 90.00 45.00 (2)
Direct Microscopic Clump Count (1) 11.25
Direct Microscopic Clump Count Greater Than 75 Million (1) 45.00
E. coli, Presumptive MPN (Additional) 54.39 45.00
E. coli (MUG) (1) 33.75
Howard Mold Count (1) 56.25
Lactic Acid Tolerant Microbes (1) 22.50
Step 1 (Dairy Products) $36.26 (2)
Step 1 54.39 $78.75
Serological Typing (Optional) 90.65 (2)
Staphylococcus aureus, Direct Plating (1) 67.50
Staphylococcus aureus, MPN: With Coagulase Positive Confirmation 63.46 78.75
Yeast and Mold Differential Confirmation (1) 22.50
Yeast or Mold Confirmation (1) 22.50
Proposed fee per single analysis
Proposed fee per pair analyses 1
Peanut Butter (TLC-CB, HPLC, Affinity Column) Affinity Column) $36.26 (3) $45.00 (3)
Corn (TLC-CB, HPLC, Affinity Column) 36.26 (3) 45.00 (3)
Roasted Peanuts (TLC-BF) 36.26 (3) 45.00 (3)
Brazil Nuts (TLC-BF) 72.52 (3) 90.00 (3)
Pistachio Nuts (TLC-BF, HPLC) 72.52 (3) 90.00 (3)
Shelled Peanuts (TLC , Affinity Column) 17.00 $34.00 45.00 $38.00
Tree Nuts (TLC) 36.26 (3) 45.00 (3)
Oilseed Meals (TLC, HPLC, Affinity Column) 36.26 (3) 45.00 (3)
Edible Seeds (TLC) 36.26 (3) 45.00 (3)
Dried Fruit (TLC) 36.26 (3) 45.00 (3)
Small Grains (TLC) 36.26 (3) 45.00 (3)
In-Shell Peanuts (HPLC) (2) (2) 45.00 70.00
Silage; Other Grains (TLC) 36.26 (3) 45.00 (3)
Submitted Samples (TLC, HPLC, Affinity Column) 36.26 (3) 45.00 (3)
Aflatoxin (Dairy, Eggs) 126.91 (2) 157.50 (3)
3 NA=Not Applicable.
Table 7.—Miscellaneous Charges Supplemental—To Science and Technology's Laboratory Test Fees
Proposed list fee
Sample Grinding Canned Boned Poultry 36.26 11.25 per can.
Sample Grinding by Dickens Hammer Mill None 11.25.
Per pouch or raw sample 9.07 11.25.
Per tray pack 18.13 22.50.
Compositing Multiple Subsamples for an Individual Test Sample—Unit per Subsample 9.07 Varies—Preparation fee based on $45.00 per hour.
Proposed list charge
Courier Expense at Other AMS Laboratories: Mileage Charge Set at $0.325 Per Mile Round Trip from Laboratory to Delivery Site. Varies Varies (based on total mileage).
Facsimile Charge (Per Analysis Report) $3.20 minimum up to first 3 pages, then $1.10 per page $3.20 minimum up to first 3 pages, then $1.50 per page.
Currently, there are 200 tests or laboratory services in the current fee schedules in Tables 1 through 8 of Part 91 of the regulations. This proposed rule recommends removing 41 laboratory tests or services which have been found to be obsolete or which duplicate tests performed by other Agricultural Marketing Service programs. The proposed rule adds 28 new analytical tests that are frequently requested by many of Science and Technology's 811 customers. The customers for our laboratory services would benefit with the increased convenience of choosing newer and perhaps less costly analytical methods for determining a particular analyte in a commodity product. Once this rule becomes effective, there would be 187 laboratory test and service descriptions with scheduled fees in tables 1 through 8 of part 91 of the regulations. The majority of the fees have increased by 24.1 percent. However, 11 fees have increased by a greater percentage and 8 fees have been lowered. Although the fees set for the various tests are based on the hourly fee, it is necessary to consider other factors when setting fees for some of the tests. For example, the large increase in proposed fees for some laboratory tests is due to the additional need to recover the large increase in costs for specialized chemicals or microbiological media and other materials for performing these tests. Therefore, the titratable acidity and the scorched particles analyses would increase from $9.07 to $22.50, and the Carr-Price vitamin A (Dairy) test would increase from $45.33 to $112.50. For the same reason, S&T is proposing to increase the cost of performing step 1 for the Salmonella (USDA culture method) to $78.75 from $54.39 and the fee for performing the psychrotrophic bacterial plate count would change from $27.20 to $45.00.
The general 24.1 percent increase in user fees for laboratory services are intended to cover all of the costs associated with S&T Laboratory Program. In fee tables 1 through 8 in 7 CFR part 91, S&T is proposing to increase the fees for the quantitative antibiotic, the heavy metal screen, the step 1 Listeria monocytogenes analysis, the step 3 or confirmation Salmonella analysis (both the USDA culture and rapid methods), and the step 1 Salmonella analysis (rapid method) by 1, 2.8, 3.4, 3.4 (both), and 8.6 percent respectively. In addition, certain laboratory fees are proposed to be lowered by 17.3 percent. These are the palatability and odor test, the direct acid hydrolysis starch test, the water activity test, the step 2 MPN coliforms test, and the MPN presumptive E. coli test. S&T is also proposing to lower the fees for the solubility index, the sugar polarimetric methods, and the HPLC vitamin A analysis by 37.9, 6.9, and 0.7 percent respectively.
In its analysis of projected costs for fiscal years 1999 and 2000, AMS has identified increases in the costs of providing laboratory testing services despite declining revenues. In fiscal year 1999, the S&T Laboratory Program obligatory costs exceeded revenues by $1,423,869 with costs at $6,419,006 and revenue at $4,995,137. There was an $807,299 decline in revenue in fiscal year 1999. For FY 2000 the S&T program expects to report a $1,562,534 deficit at the current fees because there are expected to be lower numbers of samples for analysis with all commodities at our laboratories. The S&T program projected costs and revenues for FY 2000 are $6,513,730 and $4,951,196 respectively without a fee increase. The corresponding decrease in revenue with lower numbers of samples are attributable mainly to a shift in usage patterns on the part of applicants for testing services and change to government programs. For example, several federal commodity purchasing programs are now relying heavily on vendor certification rather than government laboratory testing; a larger percentage of peanut aflatoxin analyses are performed by Peanut Administrative (PAC) approved private laboratories; testing of tobacco samples is down; and poultry testing is decreasing due to changing importer country requirements. In addition, some companies are doing their own company analyses rather than using government laboratory testing services. Further, there has been a noticeable decrease in requested dairy product testing as a result of an ongoing phase out of the dairy price support program. Several streamlining actions to be completed in FY 2000 will result in cost savings. They include staff and space reductions or closing of laboratories. For example, S&T has voluntarily closed aflatoxin testing facilities at Dothan, Alabama and Ashburn, Georgia that are currently listed in 7 CFR part 91. Overall, costs are increasing despite these efforts. Employee salary and benefits, which account for approximately 68 percent of FY 2000 operating budget, have increased 4.8 to 5.59 percent, depending on the locality, since January 2000. For FY 1999, these increases were 3.54 to 4.02 percent, depending on locality. Rents, utilities, communications, and other overhead costs increased 5.1 percent during FY 1999. These overhead costs are projected to increase by the same percentage for FY 2000.
The AMS estimates that this rule would yield $1,584,383 overall in additional laboratory testing program revenues during FY 2000. The laboratory hourly fee rate would increase by approximately 24.1 percent from $36.26, as last revised effective May 4, 1998 (63 FR 16370). The new standard laboratory service fee rate would be $45.00 per hour. This fee would also apply to tests which are not listed in the fee schedules (Tables 1 through 8). The premium laboratory rate for appeals, holiday and overtime service would be $67.50 per analysis hour or one and one half times the fees listed in Tables 1 through 8. This represents an approximate 24.1 percent increase. The fees in Tables 1 through 8 would also be amended. Most of these would increase. Without an increase, anticipated revenue would not adequately cover increasing program costs. FY 2000 revenues for laboratory testing are expected to be $4,951,196 at the current hourly fee rates, obligatory costs are projected at $6,513,730, and trust fund balances would be $797,211, Start Printed Page 34309which is below necessary reserve level ($2,552,243). With the fee increase, FY 2000 revenues are projected to be $5,017,147 with obligatory costs of $6,400,480 and trust balance at $874,667. Users of S&T testing services are under no obligation to use them. However, it is necessary for AMS to recover the cost of these services. The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) provides for the collection of reimbursable fees from users of the program services to cover, as nearly as practicable, the costs of the services rendered.
All divisions in the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) were designated as programs by the Administrator on September 18, 1997. Hence, this proposal also has name, position title, address corrections, and other changes which are administrative in nature as a result of these Agency restructuring efforts. The term “Science and Technology Division” would be changed to “Science and Technology.” The term “Director” would be replaced by the term “Deputy Administrator.” Section 91.5 would list new addresses for the Science and Technology regional laboratories, headquarters offices, the Information Technology (IT) office, the Statistical Branch office, and the offices for residue programs. The name “Residue Branch” in section 91.5 would be more appropriately named “Pesticide Data Branch.” In section 91.9, the Technical Service Branch Chief would replace the defunct Laboratory Operations Coordination Staff Chief position. In sections 91.23, 93.13, 94.4 and 98.4, the analytical method references would have updated addresses. Section 91.37 would list a world wide web (www) site (http://ams.usda.gov/​science) in which to obtain updated schedules of the laboratory testing fees. In section 91.37, a new fee ($11.25) in table 7 for sample grinding by Dickens hammer mill would be listed.. In table 8 of section 91.37, a revised facsimile charge ($1.50) for an additional page would be listed. In section 91.40, the established courier expense at the S&T peanut aflatoxin laboratory in Albany, Georgia would be removed.
This proposed rule provides for a 20-day comment period. This period is deemed appropriate in view of the need to make changes to the fees as soon as possible, in order to cover the necessary and ongoing expenditures of the S&T Laboratory Program. All comments which are received during the comment period will be considered before this rule is finalized.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Agricultural Marketing Service proposes to amend Title 7, chapter I, subchapter E, of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:
3. In § 90.2, the definitions of “Director,” “Division” and “Laboratories” are removed and new definitions of “Deputy Administrator”, “Laboratories”, and “Program” are added in alphabetical order read as follows:
9. In § 91.2, the definition for “Applicant” is revised and the definition for “Agency” is added to read as follows:
(a) Analytical tests. Analytical laboratory testing services under the regulations in this subchapter consist of microbiological, chemical, and certain Start Printed Page 34310other analyses, requested by the applicant and performed on tobacco, seed, dairy, egg, fruit and vegetable, meat and poultry products, and related processed products. Analyses are performed to determine if products meet Federal specifications or specifications defined in purchase contracts and cooperative agreements. Laboratory analyses are also performed on egg products as part of the mandatory Egg Products Inspection Program under the management of USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) as detailed in 9 CFR 590.580.
(a) Services are offered to applicants at the Science and Technology laboratories and facilities in the following list.
(i) USDA, AMS, S&T, Midwestern Laboratory, 3570 North Avondale Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618-5391.
(ii) USDA, AMS, S&T, Eastern Laboratory (Microbiology), 2311-B Aberdeen Boulevard, Gastonia, NC 28054.
(iii) USDA, AMS, S&T, Eastern Laboratory (Chemistry), 645 Cox Road, Gastonia, NC 28054.
(i) USDA, AMS, S&T, 1211 Schley Avenue, Albany, GA 31707.
(ii) USDA, AMS, S&T, c/o Golden Peanut Company, Mail: P.O. Box 279, 301 West Pearl Street, Aulander, NC 27805.
(iii) USDA, AMS, S&T, 610 North Main Street, Blakely, GA 31723.
(iv) USDA, AMS, S&T, 107 South Fourth Street, Madill, OK 73446.
(v) USDA, AMS, S&T, c/o Cargill Peanut Products, Mail: P.O. Box 272, 715 North Main Street, Dawson, GA 31742-0272.
(vi) USDA, AMS, S&T, Mail: P.O. Box 1130, 308 Culloden Street, Suffolk, VA 23434.
(7) Science and Technology headquarters offices. The examination, licensure, quality assurance reviews, laboratory accreditation/certification and consultation services are provided by headquarters staff located in Washington, DC. The main headquarters office is located as follows: USDA, AMS, Science and Technology, Office of the Deputy Administrator, Room 3507 South Agriculture Bldg., Mail Stop 0222, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250.
(8) The Information Technology (IT) Office. The IT office of the Science and Technology programs is headed by AMS's Chief Information Officer (CIO) and provides information technology services and management systems to the Agency and other agencies within the USDA. The main IT office is located as follows: USDA, AMS, Science and Technology, Office of the Chief Information Officer, 1752 South Agriculture Bldg., 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250.
(9) Statistical Branch office. The Statistical Branch office of Science and Technology (S&T) provides statistical services to the Agency and other agencies within the USDA. In addition, the Statistical Branch office devices sample plans and performs consulting services for research studies in joint efforts with or in a leading role with other program areas of AMS or of the USDA. The main Statistical Branch office is located as follows: USDA, AMS, S&T Statistical Branch, 0611 South Agriculture Bldg., 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250.
(i) USDA, AMS, Science and Technology, Pesticide Data Branch, 8700 Centreville Road, Suite 200, Manassas, VA 20110-8411.
(ii) USDA, AMS, Science and Technology, Pesticide Records Branch, 8700 Centreville Road, Suite 202, Manassas, VA 20110-8411.
(iii) USDA, AMS, Science and Technology, Office of Associate Deputy Administrator, Room 3522 South Agriculture Bldg., 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250.
(b) The addresses of the various laboratories and offices appear in the pertinent parts of this subchapter. A prospective applicant may obtain a current listing of addresses and telephone numbers of Science and Technology laboratories, offices, and facilities by addressing an inquiry to the Administrative Officer, Science and Technology, Agricultural Marketing Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), P.O. Box 96456, Room 0727 South Building, Mail Stop 0271, Washington, DC 20090-6456.
13. In § 91.6, paragraph (a), the words “Science and Technology Division” are Start Printed Page 34311revised to read “Science and Technology”.
(c) Compendium Methods for the Microbiological Examination of Foods, Carl Vanderzant and Don Splittstoesser (Editors), American Public Health Association, 1015 Fifteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005.
(i) Standard Analytical Methods of the Member Companies of Corn Industries Research Foundation, Corn Refiners Association (CRA), 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20006.
(j) Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products, American Public Health Association, 1015 Fifteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005.
(n) U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Pesticide Analytical Manuals (PAM), Volumes I and II, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), 200 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20204 (available from National Technical Information Service (NTIS), U.S. Department of Commerce, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161).
(c) Application for an appeal of a laboratory service may be filed with the supervisor in the office or the director of the laboratory facility that issued the certificate or laboratory report on which the appeal analysis covering the commodity product is requested.
(c) Application for an appeal of a laboratory service may be made orally (in person or by telephone), in writing, by e-mail, by facsimile, or by telegraph. If made orally, written confirmation shall be made promptly. Start Printed Page 34312
(a) The standard hourly fee rate in this section for the individual laboratory analyses cover the costs of Science and Technology laboratory services, including issuance of certificates and personnel and overhead costs other than the commodity inspection fees referred to in 7 CFR 52.42 through 52.46, 52.48 through 52.51, 55.510 through 55.530, 55.560 through 55.570, 58.38 through 58.43, 58.45 through 58.46, 70.71 through 70.72, and 70.75 through 70.78. The hourly fee rates in this part 91 apply to all processed commodity products, except flue-cured and burley tobacco, and exclude aflatoxin analyses, citrus juices and certain citrus products. The printed updated schedules of the laboratory testing fees for processed fruits and vegetables (7 CFR part 93), poultry and egg products (7 CFR part 94), and meat and meat products (7 CFR part 98) will be available for distribution by the individual Laboratory Directors of Science and Technology laboratories listed in § 91.5. The updated schedules of the laboratory testing fees are also available for electronic access on the world wide web (www) site at: http://ams.usda.gov/​science. The fees for chemical analysis of cottonseed associated with grading and novel variety seed certification under the Plant Variety Protection Act are specified in 7 CFR parts 96 and 97, respectively. Except as otherwise provided in this section, charges will be made for laboratory analysis at the standard hourly rate of $45.00 for the time required to perform the service. A minimum charge of one-quarter hour at $11.25 will be made for service pursuant to each request or certificate issued.
When Science and Technology staff provides applied and developmental research and training activities for microbiological, physical and chemical analyses on agricultural commodities the applicant will be charged a fee on a reimbursable cost basis.
Salt, (Rapid) 33.75
Amitraz Residue, GLC $270.00
Antibiotic, Quantitative 1 393.75
Confirmation on Mass Spectrometer (Per Residue) 90.00
Each individual fumigant residue 90.00
Each Sample 22.50
Sugar Profile, HPLC 3
Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin) 90.00
Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) 90.00
Cheese (Fines) $11.25
Color, Apparent—Visual 11.25
Hot Water Insolubles 67.50
Water Insoluble Inorganic: Residues (WIIR) 90.00
Coliforms, Most Probable Number (MPN): 1
Direct Microscopic Clump Count 11.25
Direct Microscopic Clump Count— Greater Than 75 Million 45.00
E. coli, Presumptive MPN (Additional) 2 45.00
Listeria monocytogenes Confirmation Analysis: 6
Salmonella (USDA Culture Method): 7
Salmonella (Rapid Methods): 8
2 Step 1 of the coliform MPN analysis is a prerequisite for the performance of the presumptive E. coli test. Prior enrichment in lauryl sulfate tryptose broth is required for optimal recovery of E. coli from inoculated and incubated EC broth (Escherichia coli broth). The E. coli test is performed through growth on eosin methylene blue agar. The fee stated for E. coli analysis is a supplementary charge to step 1 of coliform test.
6 Listeria monocytogenes test using the USDA method may be in three steps as follows: Step 1—isolation by University of Vermont modified (UVM) broth and Fraser's broth enrichments and selective plating with Modified Oxford (MOX) agar; Presumptive Step 2—typical colonies inoculated from Horse Blood into brain heart infusion (BHI) broth and check for characteristic motility; Confirmatory Step 3—culture from BHI broth with typical motility is inoculated into the seven biochemical media, BHI agar for oxidase and catalase tests, Motility test medium, and Christie-Atkins-Munch-Peterson (CAMP) test. Start Printed Page 34315
Listeria monocytogenes test using the FDA method may be in three steps as follows: Step 1—isolation by trypticase soy broth with 0.6% yeast extract (TSB-YE) broth enrichment and selective plating with Modified McBrides agar and Lithium chloride Phenylethanol Moxalactam (LPM) agar; Presumptive Step 2—typical colonies inoculated to trypticase soy agar with yeast extract (TSA-YE) with sheep blood plates to check for hemolysis followed by inoculations to BHI broth and TSA-YE plates to check for characteristic motility, gram stain and catalase test; Confirmatory Step 3—culture from BHI broth with typical motility for wet mount is inoculated into the required 10 biochemical media, Sulfide-Indole-Motility (SIM) medium, and the CAMP test. Serology is checked using growth from TSA-YE plates.
Single analysis fee
Pair analyses 1 fee
Peanut Butter (TLC-CB, HPLC, Affinity Column) $45.00 NA 2
Shelled Peanuts (TLC, Affinity Column) 45.00 38.00
Oilseed Meals (TLC, HPLC, Affinity Column) 45.00 NA
In-Shell Peanuts (TLC, Affinity Column) 45.00 38.00
Sample Grinding by Vertical Cutter Mixer (VCM) $22.50.
Sample Grinding Canned Boned Poultry 11.25 per can.
Sample Grinding by Dickens Hammer Mill 11.25.
Per pouch or raw sample 11.25.
Per tray pack 22.50.
Compositing Multiple Subsamples for an Individual Test Sample Unit per subsample Varies Preparation fee based on $45.00 per hour.
Courier Expense at Other AMS Laboratories: Mileage Charge Set at 32.5 Per Mile Round Trip from Laboratory to Delivery Site Varies (based on total mileage).
(a) The appellant will be charged an additional fee at a rate of 1.5 times the standard rate stated in § 91.37(a) if, as a result of an authorized appeal analysis, it is determined that the original test results are correct. The appeal laboratory rate is $67.50 per analysis hour.
(a) The Science and Technology laboratories have a courier charge per trip to retrieve the sample package. The courier service charge is determined from the established single standard mileage rate and from the total authorized distance based on the shortest round trip route from laboratory to sample retrieval site. Pursuant to the requirements of Title 5, United States Code (U.S.C.), part III, subpart D, § 5704, paragraph (a) (1), the automobile reimbursement rate per mile established by the Administrator of General Services for an employee who is engaged on official business for the Government cannot exceed the single standard mileage rate established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
22.-26. In § 91.41, the words “Division Director” are revised to read “Deputy Administrator.”
27. § 91.42 is revised to read as follows:
(b) The total charge shall normally be stated directly on the analysis report or on a standardized official certificate form for the laboratory analyses of a specific agricultural commodity and related commodity products.
28. In § 91.43, paragraph (b) is revised and in paragraph (c) the words “Division Director” are removed and the words “Deputy Administrator” are added in their place to read as follows:
29. In § 91.44, paragraph (e) is revised to read as follows:
30. Section 91.45 is revised to read as follows:
b. Revise the definitions for “2,4-D”, “DDE”, “Dicamba”, “HCB”, “Maximum pesticide residue level”, “Pesticide certification”, “Pesticide test sample”,”Sample Identification Form (Form TB-89)”, “2,4,5-T”, “TDE”, and “Tobacco”.
c. Add two new definitions of “AMS” and “Certificate of Analysis (Form TB-92)” in alphabetical order to read as follows:
(a) The analytical testing of imported Type 92 flue-cured tobacco samples and imported Type 93 burley tobacco samples for maximum pesticide residue level determinations is performed at the AMS Science and Technology's Eastern Laboratory and is located at: USDA, AMS, Science and Technology, Eastern Laboratory (Chemistry), 645 Cox Road, Gastonia, NC 28054.
(1) Organochlorine pesticides such as Dichloro-diphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), Dichloro Diphenyl Trichloroethane (DDT), 1,1-Dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (TDE), Toxaphene, Endrin, Aldrin, Dieldrin, Heptachlor, Methoxychlor, Chlordane, Heptachlor Epoxide, Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), Cypermethrin, and Permethrin.
(2) Organophosphorus pesticides such as Formothion.
(3) Fumigants such as Ethylene Dibromide (EDB) and Dibromochloropropane (DBCP).
(4) Acid herbicides such as 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T, and Dicamba.
(b) Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL, Volumes I and II, AOAC INTERNATIONAL, 481 North Frederick Avenue, Suite 500, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2417.
Brix value. The pure sucrose or soluble solids value of the juice or citrus product determined by using the Start Printed Page 34318refractometer along with the “International Scale of Refractive Indices of Sucrose Solutions” and to which the applicable correction for acidity is added. The Brix value is determined in accordance with the refractometer method outlined in the Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL, Volumes I & II.
(a) Laboratory analyses of citrus juice and other citrus products are being performed at the following Science and Technology location: USDA, AMS, S&T Eastern Laboratory (Citrus), 98 Third Street, S.W., Winter Haven, FL 33880.
(1) USDA, AMS, S&T, 1211 Schley Avenue, Albany, GA 31707.
(2) USDA, AMS, S&T, c/o Golden Peanut Company, Mail: P.O. Box 279, 301 West Pearl Street, Aulander, NC 27805.
(3) USDA, AMS, S&T, 610 North Main Street, Blakely, GA 31723.
(4) USDA, AMS, S&T, 107 South Fourth Street, Madill, OK 73446.
(5) USDA, AMS, S&T, c/o Cargill Peanut Products, Mail: P.O. Box 272, 715 North Main Street, Dawson, GA 31742-0272.
(6) USDA, AMS, S&T, Mail: P.O. Box 1130, 308 Culloden Street, Suffolk, VA 23434.
(a) Approved Methods of the American Association of Cereal Start Printed Page 34319Chemists (AACC), American Association of Cereal Chemists/Eagan Press, 3340 Pilot Knob Road, St. Paul, Minnesota 55121-2097.
(c) Analyst's Instruction for Aflatoxin (August 1994), S&T Instruction No. 1, USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service, Science and Technology, 3521 South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, P.O. Box 96456, Washington, DC 20090-6456.
(f) Standard Analytical Methods of the Member Companies of Corn Industries Research Foundation, Corn Refiners Association (CRA), 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20006.
The fee charged for any laboratory analysis for oilseeds shall be obtained from the Laboratory Director for aflatoxin laboratories at the Dothan administrative office as listed in § 93.14(a).
3. In § 94.3, paragraphs (a), (b) and (e) are revised to read as follows:
(e) The AMS Science and Technology's Eastern Laboratory shall conduct the majority of laboratory analyses for egg products. The analyses for mandatory egg product samples are performed at the following USDA location: USDA, AMS, Science & Technology, Eastern Laboratory (Microbiology), 2311-B Aberdeen Boulevard, Gastonia, NC 28054.
(e) Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL, Volumes I & II, AOAC INTERNATIONAL, 481 North Frederick Avenue, Suite 500, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2417. Start Printed Page 34320
William J. Franks, Jr.,
Deputy Administrator, Science and Technology, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 00-13238 Filed 5-25-00; 8:45 am]