On September 21, 2010, the Food Safety and Inspection Service finalized U.S. comments on the latest draft guidelines for risk analysis of food borne antimicrobial resistance (Alinorm 10/33/42, Appendix II) in preparation for the October 18-22, 2010 meeting of the 4th session of the Ad Hoc Codex1 Intergovernmental Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance.
Various U.S. government agencies are seeking comments on the following information collections for which they have requested or intend to request Office of Management and Budget approval or extension of approval (see notices for specific details):
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued two notices that either reissue or revoke an ocean transportation intermediary (OTI) license, as follows:
The International Trade Administration is requesting public input and participation in shaping government programs for protecting the intellectual property rights of U.S. businesses, including small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in foreign markets. Comments are due by October 29, 2010.
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued a notice that lists those applying for ocean transportation intermediary licenses as a non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC), ocean freight forwarder (FF) or NVOCC/FF OTI, as follows:
The Department of Defense's Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command is releasing an interim change to the Military Freight Traffic Unified Rules Publication No. 1 on October 1, 2010 to add Item 180, Rail In-Transit Visibility (Rail ITV) Reporting, to Section C of the MFTURP No.1. Rail ITV data is now purchased from a contractor, along with rail ITV services.
The Office of Foreign Assets Controls updated its Specially Designated Nationals list on September 29, 2010, pursuant to the Iran Human Rights Executive Order; Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps-related removals, anti-narcotics designations, Kingpin Act designations, and non-proliferation designations. OFAC has added seven individuals, deleted eight individuals, and revised the listing for one individual.
The International Trade Administration announces that the Manufacturing Council will hold a meeting on October 14, 2010 to discuss and identify the priority issues affecting the U.S. manufacturing industry, which may include increasing exports, supply chain and access to credit, among others.
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack has announced the appointment of five new members to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). Authorized by the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, as amended, the NOSB is responsible for making recommendations about whether a substance should be allowed or prohibited in organic production or handling; assisting in developing standards for substances used in organic production; and advising the Secretary on other aspects of the Act’s implementation.
The Federal Railroad Administration has issued a final rule, effective March 28, 2011 which amends its railroad communications regulations by restricting use of mobile telephones and other distracting electronic devices by railroad operating employees, among other things.