FDA has developed its model Food Code to assist and promote consistent implementation of national food safety regulatoy policy among the local, State, and Tribal governmental agencies that have primary responsibility for the regulation or ovesight of retail level operations. The FDA Food Code provides a scientifically sound technical and legal basis for regulating the retail segment of the food industry. Authority for providing such assistance is derived from section 311 (a) of the Public Health Sevice Act (42 U.S.C.343(a)). Under 31 U.S.C.1535,FDA provides assistance to other Federal agencies such as the Indian Health Service. Nationwide adoption of the model FDA Food Code is an important step toward the agency`s goal for consistent, scientifically sound, and risk-based food safety standads and practices. A current, compehensive, and accurate inventory of food code adoptions by States and U.S. teritories, local and tribal governments is necessary to determine the status of up-to-date protection of the U.S. population and to identify areas where assistance to these governments may promote the adoption of regulations based on the FDA Food Code.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.