The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking public comments on proposed amendments to the Regulations Governing Meats, Prepared Meats, and Meat Products (Grading, Certification, and Standards). The comment period will be open for 60 days.
Proposed amendments will: (a) update a number of outdated administrative and organizational references, (b) clarify agency action as it relates to the withdrawal or denial of service, (c) update the official shields and grademarks associated with the grading service, and (d) make reference to the use of instrument grading equipment as a means of determining official grades on beef and lamb carcasses.
The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on Feb. 5, 2019. Comments may be submitted at www.regulations.gov, or sent to: Dana Stahl, Chief, Grading Services Branch, Quality Assessment Division; Livestock and Poultry Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Room 3932-S, STOP 0258, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW; Washington, D.C. 20250-0258. All comments should reference the docket number AMS-LP-16-0080, the date of submission, and the page number of the Federal Register issue.
Comments received will be posted without change, including any personal information provided. Comments will be made available for public inspection at the above address during regular business hours or at www.regulations.gov.
If you have any questions, contact Dana Stahl, Chief, Grading Services Branch at (202) 690-3169 or at Dana.Stahl@ams.usda.gov.
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