((a)) ** Review and evaluation** The advisory panel known as the “Safe Meat and Poultry Inspection Panel” established by shall review and evaluate, as the panel considers necessary, the adequacy, necessity, safety, cost-effectiveness, and scientific merit of—

((1)) inspection procedures of, and work rules and worker relations involving Federal employees employed in, plants inspected under this chapter;

((2)) informal petitions or proposals for changes in inspection procedures, processes, and techniques of plants inspected under this chapter;

((3)) formal changes in poultry inspection regulations promulgated under this chapter, whether in notice, proposed, or final form; and

((4)) such other matters as may be referred to the panel by the Secretary regarding the quality or effectiveness of a safe and cost-effective poultry inspection system under this chapter.

((b)) ** Reports**

((1)) ** In general** The Safe Meat and Poultry Inspection Panel shall submit to the Secretary a report on the results of each review and evaluation carried out under paragraph (1), including such recommendations as the panel considers appropriate.

((2)) ** Reports on formal changes** In the case of a report concerning a formal change in poultry inspection regulations, the report shall be made within the time limits prescribed for formal comments on such changes.