Notice2026-17599
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Food Canning Establishment Registration, Process Filing, and Recordkeeping for Acidified Foods and Thermally Processed Low-Acid Foods in Hermetically Sealed Containers
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Published
August 28, 2026
Issuing agencies
Health and Human Services DepartmentFood and Drug Administration
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 information collection provisions of reporting and recordkeeping requirements for firms that process acidified foods and thermally processed low-acid foods in hermetically sealed containers.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 166 (Friday, August 28, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 166 (Friday, August 28, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55598-55600]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-17599]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
[Docket No. FDA-2026-N-8691]
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection;
Comment Request; Food Canning Establishment Registration, Process
Filing, and Recordkeeping for Acidified Foods and Thermally Processed
Low-Acid Foods in Hermetically Sealed Containers
AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: 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 information collection provisions of
reporting and recordkeeping requirements for firms that process
acidified foods and thermally processed low-acid foods in hermetically
sealed containers.
DATES: Either electronic or written comments on the collection of
information must be submitted by October 27, 2026.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments as follows. Please note that late,
untimely filed comments will not be considered. The <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> electronic filing system will accept comments until
11:59 p.m. Eastern Time at the end of October 27, 2026. Comments
received by mail/hand delivery/courier (for written/paper submissions)
will be considered timely if they are received on or before that date.
Electronic Submissions
Submit electronic comments in the following way:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Comments submitted
electronically, including attachments, to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>
will be posted to the docket unchanged. Because your comment will be
made public, you are solely responsible for ensuring that your comment
does not include any confidential information that you or a third party
may not wish to be posted, such as medical information, your or anyone
else's Social Security number, or confidential business information,
such as a manufacturing process. Please note that if you include your
name, contact information, or other information that identifies you in
the body of your comments, that information will be posted on <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>.
<bullet> If you want to submit a comment with confidential
information that you do not wish to be made available to the public,
submit the comment as a written/paper submission and in the manner
detailed (see ``Written/Paper Submissions'' and ``Instructions'').
Written/Paper Submissions
Submit written/paper submissions as follows:
<bullet> Mail/Hand Delivery/Courier (for written/paper
submissions): Dockets Management Staff (HFA-305), Food and Drug
Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
<bullet> For written/paper comments submitted to the Dockets
Management Staff, FDA will post your comment, as well as any
attachments, except for information submitted, marked and identified,
as confidential, if submitted as detailed in ``Instructions.''
Instructions: All submissions received must include the Docket No.
FDA-2026-N-8691 for ``Agency Information Collection Activities;
Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Food Canning Establishment
Registration, Process Filing, and Recordkeeping for Acidified Foods and
Thermally Processed Low-Acid Foods in Hermetically Sealed Containers.''
Received comments, those filed in a timely manner (see ADDRESSES), will
be placed in the docket and, except for those submitted as
``Confidential Submissions,'' publicly viewable at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> or at the Dockets Management Staff between 9 a.m.
and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, 240-402-7500.
<bullet> Confidential Submissions--To submit a comment with
confidential information that you do not wish to be made publicly
available, submit your comments only as a written/paper submission. You
should submit two copies total. One copy will include the information
you claim to be confidential with a heading or cover note that states
``THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.'' The Agency will
review this copy, including the claimed confidential information, in
its consideration of comments. The second copy, which will have the
claimed confidential information redacted/blacked out, will be
available for public viewing and posted on <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>.
Submit both copies to the Dockets Management Staff. If you do not wish
your name and contact information to be made publicly available, you
can provide this
[[Page 55599]]
information on the cover sheet and not in the body of your comments and
you must identify this information as ``confidential.'' Any information
marked as ``confidential'' will not be disclosed except in accordance
with 21 CFR 10.20 and other applicable disclosure law. For more
information about FDA's posting of comments to public dockets, see 80
FR 56469, September 18, 2015, or access the information at: <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2015-09-18/pdf/2015-23389.pdf">https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2015-09-18/pdf/2015-23389.pdf</a>.
Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or
the electronic and written/paper comments received, go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> and insert the docket number, found in brackets in
the heading of this document, into the ``Search'' box and follow the
prompts and/or go to the Dockets Management Staff, 5630 Fishers Lane,
Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852, 240-402-7500.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Colburn, Office of
Operations, Food and Drug Administration, Three White Flint North, 10A-
12M, 11601 Landsdown St., North Bethesda, MD 20852, 301-796-8758,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#227270637156434444624446430c4a4a510c454d54"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="90c0c2d1c3e4f1f6f6d0f6f4f1bef8f8e3bef7ffe6">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal
Agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor.
``Collection of information'' is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR
1320.3(c) and includes Agency requests or requirements that members of
the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a
third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A))
requires Federal Agencies to provide a 60-day notice in the Federal
Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including
each proposed extension of an existing collection of information,
before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with
this requirement, FDA is publishing notice of the proposed collection
of information set forth in this document.
With respect to the following collection of information, FDA
invites comments on these topics: (1) whether the proposed collection
of information is necessary for the proper performance of FDA's
functions, including whether the information will have practical
utility; (2) the accuracy of FDA's estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality,
utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways
to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents,
including through the use of automated collection techniques, when
appropriate, and other forms of information technology.
Food Canning Establishment Registration, Process Filing, and
Recordkeeping for Acidified Foods and Thermally Processed Low-Acid
Foods in Hermetically Sealed Containers--21 CFR 108.25 and 108.35, and
21 CFR Parts 113 and 114
OMB Control Number 0910-0037--Extension
Section 402 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act)
(21 U.S.C. 342) deems a food to be adulterated, in part, if the food
bears or contains any poisonous or deleterious substance that may
render it injurious to health. Section 301(a) of the FD&C Act (21
U.S.C. 331(a)) prohibits the introduction or delivery for introduction
into interstate commerce of adulterated food. Under section 404 of the
FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 344), our regulations require registration of food
processing establishments, filing of process or other data, and
maintenance of processing and production records for acidified foods
and thermally processed low-acid foods in hermetically sealed
containers. These requirements are intended to ensure safe
manufacturing, processing, and packing procedures and to permit us to
verify that these procedures are being followed. Improperly processed
low-acid foods present life-threatening hazards if contaminated with
foodborne microorganisms, especially Clostridium botulinum. The spores
of C. botulinum need to be destroyed or inhibited to avoid production
of the deadly toxin that causes botulism. This is accomplished with
good manufacturing procedures, which must include the use of adequate
heat processes or other means of preservation.
To protect the public health, our regulations require that each
firm that manufactures, processes, or packs acidified foods or
thermally processed low-acid foods in hermetically sealed containers
for introduction into interstate commerce register the establishment
with us using Form FDA 2541 (Sec. Sec. 108.25(c)(1) and 108.35(c)(1)
(21 CFR 108.25(c)(1) and 108.35(c)(1)). In addition to registering the
plant, each firm is required to provide data on the processes used to
produce these foods, using Forms FDA 2541d, FDA 2541e, FDA 2541f for
all methods except aseptic processing, or Form FDA 2541g for aseptic
processing of low-acid foods in hermetically sealed containers
(Sec. Sec. 108.25(c)(2) and 108.35(c)(2)). Plant registration and
process filing may be accomplished simultaneously. Process data must be
filed prior to packing any new product, and operating processes and
procedures must be posted near the processing equipment or made
available to the operator (21 CFR 113.87(a)).
Regulations in parts 108, 113, and 114 (21 CFR parts 108, 113, and
114) require firms to maintain records showing adherence to the
substantive requirements of the regulations. These records must be made
available to FDA on request. Firms also must document corrective
actions when process controls and procedures do not fall within
specified limits (Sec. Sec. 113.89, 114.89, and 114.100(c)); to report
any instance of potential health-endangering spoilage, process
deviation, or contamination with microorganisms where any lot of the
food has entered distribution in commerce (Sec. Sec. 108.25(d) and
108.35(d) and (e)); and to develop and keep on file plans for recalling
products that may endanger the public health (Sec. Sec. 108.25(e) and
108.35(f)). To permit lots to be traced after distribution, acidified
foods and thermally processed low-acid foods in hermetically sealed
containers must be marked with an identifying code (Sec. 113.60(c)
(thermally processed low-acid foods) and Sec. 114.80(b) (acidified
foods)).
The records of processing information are periodically reviewed
during factory inspections by FDA to verify fulfillment of the
requirements in parts 113 or 114. Scheduled thermal processes are
examined and reviewed to determine their adequacy to protect public
health. In the event of a public health emergency, records are used to
pinpoint potentially hazardous foods rapidly and thus limit recall
activity to affected lots.
As described in our regulations, processors may obtain the paper
version of Forms FDA 2541, FDA 2541d, FDA 2541e, FDA 2541f, and FDA
2541g at <a href="https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FoodFacilityRegistration/AcidifiedLACFRegistration/ucm2007436.htm">https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FoodFacilityRegistration/AcidifiedLACFRegistration/ucm2007436.htm</a>.
Processors mail completed paper forms to us. However, processors who
are subject to Sec. 108.25 and/or Sec. 108.35 have an option to
submit Forms FDA 2541, FDA 2541d, FDA 2541e, FDA 2541f, and FDA 2541g
electronically.
Although we encourage commercial processors to use the electronic
submission system for plant registration and process filing, we will
continue to make paper-based forms available. To standardize the burden
associated with process filing, regardless of whether the
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process filing is submitted electronically or using a paper form, we
are offering the public the opportunity to use four forms, each of
which pertains to a specific type of commercial processing and is
available both on the electronic submission system and as a paper-based
form. The electronic submission system and paper-based form ``mirror''
each other to the extent practicable. The four process filing forms are
as follows:
<bullet> Form FDA 2541d (Food Process Filing for Low-Acid Retorted
Method);
<bullet> Form FDA 2541e (Food Process Filing for Acidified Method);
<bullet> Form FDA 2541f (Food Process Filing for Water Activity/
Formulation Control Method); and
<bullet> Form FDA 2541g (Food Process Filing for Low-Acid Aseptic
Systems).
Description of Respondents: The respondents to this information
collection are commercial processors and packers of acidified foods and
thermally processed low-acid foods in hermetically sealed containers.
We estimate the burden of this collection of information as
follows:
Table 1--Estimated Annual Reporting Burden \1\
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Number of
Number of responses Total
21 CFR section; activity Form FDA No. respondents per annual Average burden per response Total hours
respondent responses
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108.25(c)(1) and 108.35(c)(2); Food 2541..................... 1,218 1 1,218 0.17 (10 minutes).............. 207
canning establishment registration.
108.25(c)(2); Food process filing for 2541e.................... 2,078 7 14,546 0.33 (20 minutes).............. 4,800
acidified method.
108.35(c)(2); Food process filing for 2541d.................... 842 7 5,894 0.33 (20 minutes).............. 1,945
low-acid retorted method.
108.35(c)(2); Food process filing for 2541f.................... 111 4 444 0.33 (20 minutes).............. 147
water activity/formulation control
method.
108.35(c)(2); Food process filing for 2541g.................... 168 11 1,848 0.75 (45 minutes).............. 1,386
low-acid aseptic systems.
108.25(d), 108.35(d) and (e); Report N/A...................... 1 1 1 4.............................. 4
of any instance of potential health-
endangering spoilage, process
deviation, or contamination with
microorganisms where any lot of the
food has entered distribution in
commerce.
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Total............................ ......................... .............. ........... ........... ............................... 8,489
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\1\ There are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this collection of information.
We base our estimates in table 1 on registrations, process filings,
and reports received. The estimates for hours per response are based on
our experience with similar programs and information received from
industry.
Table 2--Estimated Annual Recordkeeping Burden \1\
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Number of Average burden
21 CFR section Number of records per Total annual per Total Hours
recordkeepers recordkeeper records recordkeeping
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113.100 and 114.100................................................ 10,392 1 10,392 250 2,598,000
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\1\ There are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this collection of information.
Our regulations require that processors mark thermally processed
low-acid foods in hermetically sealed containers (Sec. 113.60(c)) and
acidified foods (Sec. 114.80(b)) with an identifying code to permit
lots to be traced after distribution. No burden has been estimated for
the third-party disclosure requirements in Sec. Sec. 113.60(c) and
114.80(b) because the coding process is done as a usual and customary
part of normal business activities. Coding is a business practice in
foods for liability purposes, inventory control, and process control in
the event of a problem. Under 5 CFR 1320.3(b)(2), the time, effort, and
financial resources necessary to comply with a collection of
information are excluded from the burden estimate if the reporting,
recordkeeping, or disclosure activities needed to comply are usual and
customary because they would occur in the normal course of activities.
Based on a review of the information collection since our last
request for OMB approval, we have made no adjustments to our burden
estimate.
Grace R. Graham,
Deputy Commissioner for Policy, Legislation, and International Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2026-17599 Filed 8-27-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4164-01-P
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