AMS Requests Comments on Standards for Certain Produce, Juice

The Agricultural Marketing Service is soliciting comments on its proposal to create revised U.S. Standards for Grades of the following fruits and vegetables.

• Cauliflower: AMS proposes to (1) amend the color requirement for curds to allow all colors of cauliflower to be certified to a U.S. grade; (2) permit mixed color packs; (3) allow heads less than 4 inches in diameter; (4) remove the unclassified category from the standards. (here)
• Okra: AMS proposes to remove the unclassified category from the standards. (here)
• Grapefruit Juice: AMS proposes to remove the parameters for maximum “free and suspended pulp.” (here)
• Eggplant: AMS proposes to (1) amend the similar varietal characteristic requirement in the U.S. Fancy and No. 1 grades to allow mixed colors and/or types of eggplant when designated as a mixed or specialty pack; (2) remove the unclassified category from the standards. (here)

AMS proposals to revise Standards for Grades of cauliflower, okra, and eggplant are part of its review of all fruit and vegetable standards for usefulness in serving the industry. The AMS proposal to revise Standards for Grades of grapefruit juice is pursuant to a petition from the Florida Citrus Processors Association.

Comments may be submitted either in written form or online, and are due by April 9, 2012.