Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Survey on the Occurrence of Foodborne Illness Risk Factors in Selected Institutional Foodservice and Retail Food Stores Facility Types
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FDA wants to hear what people think about how they check for germs that make us sick in places like stores and cafeterias. They want to make sure their plans are good and safe. People have until April 19, 2021, to tell them what they think.
Summary AI
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking public comments on a proposed information collection about foodborne illness risk factors in specific foodservice settings. This project continues a study that initially ran from 1998 to 2008; it aims to identify common factors that contribute to foodborne illnesses in retail food establishments. The study will guide the development of safety initiatives and policies and assist regulators across the United States. Interested parties have until April 19, 2021, to submit their comments electronically or by mail.
Abstract
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the Agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Federal Agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the Survey on the Occurrence of Foodborne Illness Risk Factors in Selected Institutional Foodservice and Retail Food Stores Facility Types.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document is a notice from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) calling for public comments regarding a proposed information collection project. Specifically, it aims to gather information on the occurrence of foodborne illness risk factors in certain foodservice and retail food store facilities. The goal is to identify trends and develop effective food safety measures. This initiative is part of a broader effort that began in 1998 and continues to evolve with the changing landscape of food safety.
General Summary
The FDA is reaching out to the public to comment on its proposed data collection efforts aimed at identifying factors that contribute to foodborne illnesses in various foodservice settings, including healthcare facilities, schools, and retail food stores. This study will provide insights that inform the creation of targeted intervention strategies to improve food safety. The deadline for submitting comments is April 19, 2021.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One notable concern is the technical nature of the document, which includes references to specific legal codes and acts that the general public might find hard to follow. The complexity of the data collection methods and sample size calculations could be simplified to make the document more accessible to non-specialists. Moreover, the document suggests both electronic and written methods for submitting comments, which could cause confusion regarding the preferred method of submission. There's also an intricate description of handling confidential submissions, potentially overwhelming stakeholders who must engage with this process.
The document does not explicitly address how the pandemic might affect the data collection plans. This omission could lead to questions about the contingency plans in place. Lastly, while the document states that hand-held technology will not be used for future collections due to past challenges, it does not delve into these challenges or consider how modern technological advancements might address them.
Impact on the Public
This document could have significant implications for the general public, particularly concerning the enforcement of stricter food safety measures. Increased understanding of foodborne illness risk factors could lead to improved health outcomes and lower incidences of food-related illnesses. For those wishing to participate in the commentary process, the document might present certain hurdles, particularly in terms of understanding the procedure for submissions and grasping the full scope of the content.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For stakeholders such as local and state food safety regulators, healthcare facilities, schools, and retail food stores, the outcomes of this study might directly influence their operations and regulations. These organizations could face adjustments in food handling practices, potentially requiring new training and compliance efforts. On the positive side, the collaboration with the FDA could provide these facilities with enhanced support and resources to achieve food safety goals. In contrast, companies specializing in technology solutions for data collection might see missed opportunities if the challenges with earlier technological approaches are not revisited or resolved.
In summary, while the FDA's initiative is pivotal for improving food safety nationwide, the document might benefit from greater clarity and user-friendliness to ensure more effective public engagement.
Issues
• The document uses complex and technical language that may be difficult for the general public to understand, such as references to specific laws and acts (e.g., 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521, 21 CFR 10.20).
• The methodology for data collection and the calculations regarding sample size are detailed but could be simplified for better public understanding.
• The mention of using both electronic and written submissions may cause confusion about what method is preferred or optimal.
• The section about confidential submissions could be clearer, as the separation between confidential and public information is crucial and might be confusing for some users.
• The document does not indicate how the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on data collection plans will be managed if it continues.
• The justification for not using hand-held technology for future data collections due to past technical challenges lacks detailed explanation, potentially missing out on efficiencies provided by modern technology.