United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Blueberries, 78285-78286 [E8-30281]

Download as PDF mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 246 / Monday, December 22, 2008 / Notices grade standards for usefulness in fostering commerce. As a result, AMS has identified the United States Standards for Grades of Carrots with Short Trimmed Tops for possible revisions. AMS is proposing to revise the color requirement to allow carrots with short trimmed tops of any color characteristic of the variety to be graded using the standards. In addition, the similar varietal characteristic requirement would be amended to allow mixed colors and/or types of carrots when designated as a mixed or specialty pack. Also, AMS is considering removing the ‘‘Unclassified’’ category from the standards. AMS is seeking comments regarding this change as well as any other possible revisions that may be necessary to better serve the industry. DATES: Comments must be received by February 20, 2009. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the Internet at: https:// www.regulations.gov or to the Standardization and Training Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Training and Development Center, Riverside Business Park, 100 Riverside Parkway, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA 22406; Fax (540) 361–1184. Comments should make reference to the dates and page number of this issue of the Federal Register and will be made available for public inspection in the above office during regular business hours. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Carl Newell, Standardization and Training Section, Fresh Products Branch, (540) 361–1120. The United States Standards for Grades of Carrots with Short Trimmed Tops are available by accessing the Fresh Products Branch Web site at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/ freshinspection. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621–1627), as amended, directs and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture ‘‘To develop and improve standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging and recommend and demonstrate such standards in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in commercial practices.’’ AMS is committed to carrying out this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of agricultural commodities. AMS makes copies of official standards available upon request. The United States Standards for Grades of Fruits and Vegetables not connected with Federal Marketing Orders or U.S. Import VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:07 Dec 19, 2008 Jkt 217001 Requirements no longer appear in the Code of Federal Regulations, but are maintained by USDA, AMS, Fruit and Vegetable Programs. AMS is considering revisions to the voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Carrots with Short Trimmed Tops using procedures that appear in Part 36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). These standards were last revised on September 18, 1954. Background AMS has been reviewing the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade standards for usefulness in serving the industry. AMS has identified the United States Standards for Grades of Carrots with Short Trimmed Tops for possible revision. Prior to undertaking detailed work developing the proposed revisions in the standards, AMS is soliciting comments on the proposed revision and any other comments regarding revisions to the United States Standards for Grades of Carrots with Short Trimmed Tops to better serve the industry. The current standard only applies to carrots with short trimmed tops of orange, orange red or orange scarlet color. AMS would revise the color requirement to allow carrots with short trimmed tops of any color characteristic of the variety to be graded using the standard. In addition, AMS would amend the similar varietal characteristic requirement to allow mixed colors and/ or types of carrots when designated as a mixed or specialty pack. AMS would also eliminate the ‘‘Unclassified’’ category. AMS is removing this section in all standards as they are revised. This category is not a grade and only serves to show that no grade has been applied to the lot. It is no longer considered necessary due to current marketing practices. This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested parties to comment on the revision to the United States Standards for Grades of Carrots with Short Trimmed Tops. Should AMS proceed with the revisions, it will develop the proposed revised standards that will be published in the Federal Register with a request for comments in accordance with 7 CFR part 36. Dated: December 16, 2008. James E. Link, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E8–30312 Filed 12–19–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 78285 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket No. AMS–FV–08–0084; FV–08–331] United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Blueberries AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revising an official grade standard, is soliciting comments on the petition to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Blueberries. AMS received a petition from blueberry producers asking USDA to consider revising the current U.S. grade standard. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before February 20, 2009. ADDRESSES: Written comments may be mailed to Brian E. Griffin, Inspection and Standardization Section, Processed Products Branch (PPB), Fruit and Vegetable Programs (FV), AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 0709, South Building; STOP 0247, Washington, DC 20250; fax: (202) 690– 1527; or Internet: https:// www.regulations.gov. The United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Blueberries are available either through the address cited above or by accessing the AMS Web site on the Internet at https://www.ams.usda.gov/ processedinspection. All comments should reference the docket number, date, and page number of this issue of the Federal Register. All comments submitted in response to this notice will be included in the record and will be made available to the public. Please be advised that the identity of the individuals or entities submitting the comments will be made public on the Internet via https://www.regulations.gov. Comments will be made available for public inspection at the above address during regular business hours, or can be viewed at: https://www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian E. Griffin, Inspection and Standardization Section, USDA, AMS, FV, PPB. Telephone: (202) 720–5021 or (202) 720–4693. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended, directs and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture ‘‘to develop and improve standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade, and packaging, and recommend and E:\FR\FM\22DEN1.SGM 22DEN1 78286 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 246 / Monday, December 22, 2008 / Notices mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES demonstrate such standards in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in commercial practices.’’ AMS is committed to carrying out this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of agricultural commodities and makes copies of official standards available upon request. Some of these United States Standards for Grades of Fruits and Vegetables no longer appear in the Code of Federal Regulations but are maintained by USDA/AMS/Fruit and Vegetable Programs. AMS is requesting comments on revising the U.S. Standards for Grades of Frozen Blueberries using the procedures that appear in Part 36 of Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR Part 36). Background AMS received a petition from the North American Blueberry Council, an association of blueberry producers, requesting the revision of the United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Blueberries. These standards are issued under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621–1627). The petitioners are requesting the USDA to revise the terminology employed in connection with the product description of frozen blueberries. The current grade standards, effective since May 22, 1957, state that frozen blueberries are prepared from sound, properly ripened fresh fruit of the blueberry bush (Genus Vaccinium), including species or varieties often called huckleberries, but not of the Genus Gaylussacia. To more narrowly define the term blueberry, the petitioners are requesting that the new proposed standard employ the following terms: ‘‘Frozen blueberries are prepared from the sound, properly ripened fresh fruit of the species Vaccinium corymbosum, V. virgatum (syn. V. ashei), V. angustifolium, and V. myrtilloides (some common names: highbush, cultivated, wild, lowbush, southern highbush, rabbiteye), including species and cultivars often called huckleberries, but not of the genus Gaylussacia.’’ A copy of the petitioners’ request is located at https://www.regulations.gov. Prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revising the grade standards, AMS is soliciting comments on the petition requesting the revision of the U.S. Standards for Grades of Frozen Blueberries. In particular, AMS would welcome comments and information regarding the likely utility of revised terminology to include Vaccinium corymbosum, V. virgatum (syn. V. ashei), V. angustifolium, and V. myrtilloides. Some common names: Highbush, VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:07 Dec 19, 2008 Jkt 217001 cultivated, wild, lowbush, southern highbush, and rabbiteye, and the probable impact on processors and growers. This notice provides for a 60day comment period for interested parties to comment on the petition to develop a proposed revision of the standard. Should AMS conclude that there is a need for changes to the standard, detailed work would be undertaken as soon as possible and the eventual proposed grade standards would be published in the Federal Register with a request for comments in accordance with 7 CFR Part 36. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621–1627. Dated: December 16, 2008. James E. Link, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E8–30281 Filed 12–19–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket #AMS–FV–08–0078] United States Standards for Grades of Topped Carrots AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice; request for public comment. SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revising official grade standards, is soliciting comments on the possible revisions to the United States Standards for Grades of Topped Carrots. AMS has been reviewing the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade standards for usefulness in fostering commerce. As a result, AMS has identified the United States Standards for Grades of Topped Carrots for possible revisions. AMS is proposing to revise the color requirement to allow topped carrots of any color characteristic of the variety to be graded using the standards. In addition, the similar varietal characteristic requirement would be amended to allow mixed colors and/or types of carrots when designated as a mixed or specialty pack. Also, AMS is considering removing the ‘‘Unclassified’’ category from the standards. AMS is seeking comments regarding these changes as well as any other possible revisions that may be necessary to better serve the industry. DATES: Comments must be received by February 20, 2009. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the Internet at: https:// www.regulations.gov or to the Standardization and Training Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Training and Development Center, Riverside Business Park, 100 Riverside Parkway, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA 22406; Fax (540) 361–1184. Comments should make reference to the dates and page number of this issue of the Federal Register and will be made available for public inspection in the above office during regular business hours. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Carl Newell, Standardization and Training Section, Fresh Products Branch, (540) 361–1120. The United States Standards for Grades of Topped Carrots are available by accessing the Fresh Products Branch Web site at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/ freshinspection. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621–1627), as amended, directs and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture ‘‘to develop and improve standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging and recommend and demonstrate such standards in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in commercial practices.’’ AMS is committed to carrying out this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of agricultural commodities. AMS makes copies of official standards available upon request. The United States Standards for Grades of Fruits and Vegetables not connected with Federal Marketing Orders or U.S. Import Requirements no longer appear in the Code of Federal Regulations, but are maintained by USDA, AMS, Fruit and Vegetable Programs. AMS is considering revisions to the voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Topped Carrots using procedures that appear in Part 36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). These standards were last revised on December 20, 1965. Background AMS has been reviewing the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade standards for usefulness in serving the industry. AMS has identified the United States Standards for Grades of Topped Carrots for possible revision. Prior to undertaking detailed work developing the proposed revisions in the standards, AMS is soliciting comments on the E:\FR\FM\22DEN1.SGM 22DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 246 (Monday, December 22, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78285-78286]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-30281]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket No. AMS-FV-08-0084; FV-08-331]


United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Blueberries

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), of the United States 
Department of Agriculture (USDA) prior to undertaking research and 
other work associated with revising an official grade standard, is 
soliciting comments on the petition to revise the United States 
Standards for Grades of Frozen Blueberries. AMS received a petition 
from blueberry producers asking USDA to consider revising the current 
U.S. grade standard.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before February 20, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Written comments may be mailed to Brian E. Griffin, 
Inspection and Standardization Section, Processed Products Branch 
(PPB), Fruit and Vegetable Programs (FV), AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Room 0709, South Building; STOP 0247, Washington, DC 
20250; fax: (202) 690-1527; or Internet: https://www.regulations.gov. 
The United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Blueberries are 
available either through the address cited above or by accessing the 
AMS Web site on the Internet at https://www.ams.usda.gov/
processedinspection. All comments should reference the docket number, 
date, and page number of this issue of the Federal Register. All 
comments submitted in response to this notice will be included in the 
record and will be made available to the public. Please be advised that 
the identity of the individuals or entities submitting the comments 
will be made public on the Internet via https://www.regulations.gov. 
Comments will be made available for public inspection at the above 
address during regular business hours, or can be viewed at: https://
www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian E. Griffin, Inspection and 
Standardization Section, USDA, AMS, FV, PPB. Telephone: (202) 720-5021 
or (202) 720-4693.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing 
Act of 1946, as amended, directs and authorizes the Secretary of 
Agriculture ``to develop and improve standards of quality, condition, 
quantity, grade, and packaging, and recommend and

[[Page 78286]]

demonstrate such standards in order to encourage uniformity and 
consistency in commercial practices.'' AMS is committed to carrying out 
this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of 
agricultural commodities and makes copies of official standards 
available upon request. Some of these United States Standards for 
Grades of Fruits and Vegetables no longer appear in the Code of Federal 
Regulations but are maintained by USDA/AMS/Fruit and Vegetable 
Programs. AMS is requesting comments on revising the U.S. Standards for 
Grades of Frozen Blueberries using the procedures that appear in Part 
36 of Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR Part 36).

Background

    AMS received a petition from the North American Blueberry Council, 
an association of blueberry producers, requesting the revision of the 
United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Blueberries. These 
standards are issued under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 
U.S.C. 1621-1627).
    The petitioners are requesting the USDA to revise the terminology 
employed in connection with the product description of frozen 
blueberries. The current grade standards, effective since May 22, 1957, 
state that frozen blueberries are prepared from sound, properly ripened 
fresh fruit of the blueberry bush (Genus Vaccinium), including species 
or varieties often called huckleberries, but not of the Genus 
Gaylussacia. To more narrowly define the term blueberry, the 
petitioners are requesting that the new proposed standard employ the 
following terms:
    ``Frozen blueberries are prepared from the sound, properly ripened 
fresh fruit of the species Vaccinium corymbosum, V. virgatum (syn. V. 
ashei), V. angustifolium, and V. myrtilloides (some common names: 
highbush, cultivated, wild, lowbush, southern highbush, rabbiteye), 
including species and cultivars often called huckleberries, but not of 
the genus Gaylussacia.'' A copy of the petitioners' request is located 
at https://www.regulations.gov.
    Prior to undertaking research and other work associated with 
revising the grade standards, AMS is soliciting comments on the 
petition requesting the revision of the U.S. Standards for Grades of 
Frozen Blueberries. In particular, AMS would welcome comments and 
information regarding the likely utility of revised terminology to 
include Vaccinium corymbosum, V. virgatum (syn. V. ashei), V. 
angustifolium, and V. myrtilloides. Some common names: Highbush, 
cultivated, wild, lowbush, southern highbush, and rabbiteye, and the 
probable impact on processors and growers. This notice provides for a 
60-day comment period for interested parties to comment on the petition 
to develop a proposed revision of the standard. Should AMS conclude 
that there is a need for changes to the standard, detailed work would 
be undertaken as soon as possible and the eventual proposed grade 
standards would be published in the Federal Register with a request for 
comments in accordance with 7 CFR Part 36.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.

    Dated: December 16, 2008.
James E. Link,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-30281 Filed 12-19-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.