While the responsibility for regulating retail and food service establishments lies primarily with State, local, and Tribal jurisdictions, FDA provides assistance to these jurisdictions through multiple means including, but not limited to, training and technical assistance. Authority for providing such assistance is derived from section 311 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 243). In addition, FDA's mission under section 903(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) (21 U.S.C. 393(b)(2)(A)) includes ensuring that foods are safe, wholesome, and sanitary, and section 903(b)(4) of the Act directs FDA to cooperate with food retailers, among others, in carrying out this part of its mission.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified the major contributing factors associated with foodborne illness outbreaks. Five of these contributing factors directly relate to retail and foodservice establishments and are called "foodborne illness risk factors" by FDA. In an effort to assist State, local, and Tribal regulators and the retail and food service entities they regulate, FDA has developed a Program Standards document entitled, "Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards."
The Program Standards were developed with extensive input from state, tribal, and local regulatory authorities and are intended to help those authorities design and manage a retail food regulatory program that is focused on the reduction of foodborne illness risk factors. They are intended to capture the best management practices currently in use by state, tribal, and local regulatory authorities. The Program Standards initiative represents a comprehensive strategic approach that will help ensure the safety and security of the food supply at the retail level.
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.