United States Code
USC most recently checked for updates: Oct 05, 2024
A manufacturer of a critical food (as defined in section 321(ss) of this title) shall notify the Secretary of a permanent discontinuance in the manufacture or an interruption of the manufacture of such food that is likely to lead to a meaningful disruption in the supply of such food in the United States, and the reasons for such discontinuance or interruption, as soon as practicable, but not later than 5 business days after such discontinuance or such interruption.
Not later than 5 calendar days after receiving a notification under paragraph (1), if the Secretary has determined that such discontinuance or interruption has resulted, or is likely to result, in a shortage of such critical food, the Secretary shall distribute, to the Secretary of Agriculture and to the maximum extent practicable to the appropriate entities, as determined by the Secretary through such means as the Secretary determines appropriate, information on such shortage.
Nothing in this subsection authorizes the Secretary to disclose any information that is a trade secret or confidential information subject to section 552(b)(4) of title 5 or section 1905 of title 18.
If the Secretary determines that the letter under paragraph (1) was issued in error or, after review of such response, the person had a reasonable basis for not submitting a notification as required under subsection (a), the requirements of paragraph (1)(B) shall not apply.