FSIS Seeks Comments on Investigation into Melamine-Contaminated Animal Feed

This Federal Register document provides the public an opportunity to comment on those FSIS decisions.

FSIS' public health decisions were made based on the best available scientific data and information, the agency said in a release. The document is available on public display today at the Office of the Federal Register, and an advance copy is available here. The document will publish in the May 30 edition of the Federal Register.

In the same issue of the Federal Register, the Food and Drug Administration is issuing a notice of availability of an interim safety/risk assessment related to melamine. The notice is available here.

Based on currently available data and information, this safety/risk assessment indicates that the consumption of pork, poultry, eggs, and domestic fish products produced when animal feed was contaminated with melamine and melamine-related compounds is very unlikely to pose a human health risk, the agency said. The safety/risk assessment is available here.

Comments to the Federal Register associated with the FSIS issuance must be received by August 28. FSIS invites interested persons to submit comments on the findings in this notice. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: This Web site provides the ability to directly type short comments into the comment field on this Web page or attach a file for lengthier comments. Go to www.regulations.gov and, in the "Search for Open Regulations" box, select "Food Safety and Inspection Service" from the agency drop-down menu, then click on "Submit." In the Docket ID column, select FDMS Docket Number FSIS-2007-0018 to submit or view public comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically.
• Mail, including floppy disks or CD-ROM's, and hand- or courier-delivered items: Send to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 300 12th Street, SW, Room 102 Cotton Annex, Washington, DC 20250.
• Electronic mail: FSIS.RegulationsComments@usda.gov 

All submissions received by mail or electronic mail must include the agency name and docket number FSIS-2007-0018, the agency said. All comments submitted in response to this notice, as well as research and background information used by FSIS in developing this document, will be available for public inspection in the FSIS Docket Room at the address listed above between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Comments also will be posted on the Agency's Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/.