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CFR Citation: 21 CFR Part 1

Docket ID: [Docket No. 2002N-0278]

NOTICE: RULES

ACTION: Public Health Security and Bioterroism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002:

DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice of availability of guidance.

SUBJECT CATEGORY: Guidance for Industry: Questions and Answers on the Interim Final Rule on Prior Notice of Imported Food; Availability

DATES: Submit written or electronic comments on the agency guidance at any time.

DOCUMENT SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the availability of a guidance entitled ``Prior Notice of Imported Food, Questions and Answers.'' The guidance responds to various questions raised about the section 307 of the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (the Bioterrorism Act) and the agency's implementing regulations that require, beginning on December 12, 2003, prior notice to FDA before food is imported or offered for import into the United States.

SUMMARY: Food importation notice to FDA; industry guidance availability,

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

In the Federal Register of October 10, 2003 (68 FR 58974), FDA issued an interim final rule to implement section 307 of the Bioterrorism Act. The prior notice regulations require, beginning on December 12, 2003, notification to FDA before food (including animal feed) is imported or offered for import into the United States. This guidance responds to questions raised about the interim final rule on prior notice, and it is intended to help the industry better understand and comply with the regulations.

FDA is issuing the guidance entitled ``Prior Notice of Imported Food, Questions and Answers'' as a Level 1 guidance. Consistent with FDA's good guidance practices regulation (21 CFR 10.115), the agency will accept comment, but it is implementing the guidance document immediately, in accordance with Sec. 10.115(g)(2), because the agency has determined that prior public participation is not feasible or appropriate. FDA is under a strict statutory deadline in which to implement these regulations.

II. Comments

Interested persons may submit to the Division of Dockets Management (see ADDRESSES) written or electronic comments on the guidance at any time. Two copies of any mailed comments are to be submitted, except that individuals may submit one copy. Comments are to
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be identified with the docket number found in brackets in the heading of this document. The guidance and received comments may be seen in the Division of Dockets Management between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

III. Electronic Access

Persons with access to the Internet may obtain the document at http://www/cfsan.fda.gov/guidance.html.

Dated: December 11, 2003.
Jeffrey Shuren,
Assistant Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. 0331038 Filed 121203; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 416001S

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Domenic Veneziano, Office of Regulatory Affairs (HFC100), Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, 7815967785.