NMFS Proposes Editorial Revisions to Seafood Inspection Program Regs

The National Marine Fisheries Service is proposing editorial changes to the regulations for its Seafood Inspection Program that it says “will lead to increased uniformity of and efficiencies associated with inspections, while retaining the reliability and validity of inspection results.”

The proposed rule “removes outdated regulatory text, adds relevant text to incorporate current practices, and moves certain provisions to the SIP Manual so that the regulations would both more accurately reflect current industry practices and allow for adaptation to potential changes in technologies and product requirements,” NMFS said. It “does not change the way SIP currently operates,” the agency said.

For example, the proposed rule would remove provisions no longer in use, “such as the option to request inspection service via telegraph,” and update definitions to reflect current use and meaning. Comments are due May 28.

The voluntary program “offers inspection and grading services for seafood and other marine products, as well as audit and consultative services to domestic and international processors, importers, and international competent food safety authorities,” NMFS said.