Subject of Possible Rule Making: Review and update chapter 16-142 WAC, Perishable packaged food goods--Pull dating, to clear rule format.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 69.04.915.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: To establish uniform standards for pull date labeling and safe storage conditions for perishable packaged food goods. It also informs the consumer of the expected length of shelf life for perishable packaged food goods in order to allow them a reasonable amount of time to use the product under proper care and storage conditions.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other state or federal agencies regulate pull dates for these products.

Process for Developing New Rule: Revised rule will be sent to affected industry, Dairy Inspection Program Advisory Committee (DIPAC) and Food Safety Advisory Committee (FSAC) for review and comment.

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 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1860, fax (360) 902-2087.

January 28, 1999

Candace A. Jacobs, DVM

Assistant Director

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