WSR 98-21-012
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
[Filed October 12, 1998, 10:20 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Update chapter 16-167 WAC, Intrastate commerce in foods, by adopting the latest requirements under Title 21 CFR which covers warning labeling required on raw fruit juice products, to protect consumers that may not be aware of the hazards of consuming raw fruit juice.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 69.04.392, 69.04.394, 69.04.396, 69.04.398, and 69.07.020.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Adoption of these regulations are necessary to protect consumers from possible microbial hazards associated with the consumption of raw fruit juices. This labeling on packaged juice products will inform the consumer and allow them to make an informed choice.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: United States Food and Drug Administration regulates this subject in interstate commerce, the department will regulate products that are similar but are in intrastate commerce. This will provide seamless coverage and consumer protection.
Process for Developing New Rule: Industry will be notified of intended rule making and permitted to provide comments. The adoption of these regulations was unanimously endorsed by the Food Safety Advisory Committee at their September 24, 1998, meeting. This is an advisory committee to the food safety program consisting of industry, universities, other regulatory agencies and consumers.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Verne E. Hedlund, 1111 Washington Street, P.O. Box 2560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1860, fax (360) 902-2087.
October 7, 1998
Candace A. Jacobs, DVM
Assistant Director