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.
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued two notices that either reissue or revoke an ocean transportation intermediary (OTI) license, as follows:
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):
As required by the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Environmental Protection Agency has issued "receipt and status" reports on the premanufacture notices (PMNs) and applications for test marketing exemptions (TMEs) that it has received from those intending to manufacture (which includes import) a new chemical (i.e., a chemical not on the TSCA Inventory). The notices cover the periods of June 21-30, 2010 and September 1-17, 2010. Comments are due November 1, 2010.
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 Federal Maritime Commission announces that it is transitioning to an upgraded Web site operating platform, the first of two major phases in its Web site upgrade and redesign process, which will provide more transparency and public access and input for FMC's activities, information, and services. Users of FMC's service contract filing system, SERVCON, may access this system either through the FMC's Web site or directly via https://servcon.fmc.gov.
Transportation Secretary LaHood announced the availability of a new report, "Moving Forward: A Progress Report," which updates the U.S. Department of Transportation’s efforts to develop a first-ever comprehensive National Rail Plan (NRP). Among other things, the report found that a long-term commitment is needed to help freight and passenger rail accommodate future U.S. economic and population growth.
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 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: