United States Standards for Grades of Eggplant, 6774-6775 [2012-3013]
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6774
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 27 / Thursday, February 9, 2012 / Notices
The grade standards, effective since
September 12, 1983, provided that
grapefruit juice from concentrate,
grapefruit juice, and frozen concentrated
grapefruit juice establish limits for
maximum free and suspended pulp as
follows: ‘‘Grade A’’—10 percent by
volume, ‘‘Grade B’’—15 percent by
volume. Concentrated grapefruit juice
for manufacturing requirements for
maximum free and suspended pulp are
as follows: ‘‘Grade A’’—10 percent by
volume, and ‘‘Grade B’’—12 percent by
volume.
The petitioners believe that, with
respect to maximum values for ‘‘free
and suspended pulp’’, the existing U.S.
Standards for Grades of Grapefruit Juice
do not take into account modern
extraction and finishing technologies,
nor are they supported by evidence of
a correlation between these criteria and
acceptable flavor. The petitioners also
believe that removing the ‘‘free and
suspended pulp’’ values from the grade
standards would allow processors to
process the entire grapefruit crop
without resorting to expensive
technologies that increase the cost of
juice with no concomitant benefit. More
mature grapefruit tends to be sweeter,
but when juiced tends to cause the
product to exceed maximum free and
suspended pulp values.
Processing technologies used in the
early 1940’s were considerably different
than the technologies in place today. In
the developmental stages of the citrus
industry, the amount of sinking pulp
was an indication of excessive pressures
used in extraction and finishing of
citrus juice, resulting in bitter flavor. It
was noted that sinking pulp levels could
be correlated to bitter flavor. The bitter
flavors are due to the naturally
occurring naringin and limonin
components found in grapefruit juice.
Although bitterness is an inherent
contributor to what we know as
‘‘grapefruit flavor,’’ an excessive amount
of bitterness can be objectionable to
some consumers.
Current industry practices have
shown us that sinking pulp levels can
be greatly influenced by modern
processing techniques, which eliminate
the correlation between sinking pulp
and excessive bitterness.
The petitioners submitted research
data covering a six season period which
illustrates levels of sinking pulp vs.
naringin, and levels of sinking pulp vs.
limonin using variations in extractor
settings. The petitioners also submitted
data on a sensory evaluation performed
by the University of Florida on
consumer acceptability of grapefruit
juice with two free and suspended pulp
levels. The petitioner’s research data
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supports the premise that modern
extraction and finishing technologies
produce a product where there is no
correlation between grapefruit juice
flavor components associated with bitter
and off flavor, i.e., naringin and
limonin, and free and suspended pulp
levels.
Prior to undertaking research and
other work associated with revising the
grade standards, AMS sought public
comments on the petition (see 76 FR
51343).
Two comments were received
regarding this petition. One comment
was from a trade association with
international membership; and one
comment was from a trade association
in the U.S. representing over 8,000
citrus growers. Both comments were in
support of the petition to remove the
maximum limit for ‘‘free and suspended
pulp’’ from the U.S. Standards for
Grades of Grapefruit Juice.
AMS is soliciting comments on the
proposed revision of the U.S. Standards
for Grades of Grapefruit Juice. Further
details are provided in the petition and
are available from Brian E. Griffin at the
previously mentioned address in the
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
section or can be found on the Internet
at https://www.regulations.gov. This
notice provides for a 60-day comment
period for interested parties to comment
on the proposed revision of the U.S.
Standards for Grades of Grapefruit Juice.
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621–1627.
Dated: February 3, 2012.
Robert C. Keeney,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–2970 Filed 2–8–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
[Doc. # AMS–FV–11–0052]
United States Standards for Grades of
Eggplant
Agricultural Marketing Service,
USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The Agricultural Marketing
Service (AMS), of the Department of
Agriculture (USDA), is soliciting
comments on the proposed revision to
the United States Standards for Grades
of Eggplant. AMS is reviewing the fresh
fruit and vegetable grade standards for
usefulness in serving the industry. As a
result, AMS has noted the current grade
standards do not have provisions for
SUMMARY:
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Fmt 4703
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mixed or specialty packs. Therefore,
AMS is proposing to 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. In addition, AMS proposes to
remove the unclassified section.
DATES: Comments must be received by
April 9, 2012.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are
invited to submit written comments to
the Standardization and Training
Branch, Fresh Products Division, 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)
361–1199, or on the Web at:
www.regulations.gov. 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.
Comments can also be viewed on the
www.regulations.gov Web site. The
current United States Standards for
Grades of Eggplant will be available
either through the address cited above
or by accessing the AMS, Fresh
Products Division Web site at
www.ams.usda.gov/freshinspection.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr.
Carl Newell, at the above address or call
(540) 361–1120.
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
and 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 proposing to revise the
voluntary United States Standards for
Grades of Eggplant using procedures
that appear in Part 36, Title 7 of the
Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part
36).
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 27 / Thursday, February 9, 2012 / Notices
Background and Proposed Notice
ACTION:
AMS is reviewing all fresh fruit and
vegetable grade standards for usefulness
in serving the industry. As a result,
AMS has identified the U.S. Standards
for Grades of Eggplant similar varietal
characteristic requirement for possible
updating. AMS has observed that
mixing colors and/or types of eggplant
in a specialty pack is a current
marketing practice. The U.S. grade
standards presently require eggplant to
be packed with eggplant of similar type,
color and character of growth; there are
no provisions for mixed or specialty
packs. AMS proposes to revise the
similar varietal characteristic
requirement for 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. The following
language would be added to these two
grades: ‘‘* * * consists of eggplants of
similar varietal characteristics, except
when specified as a mixed or specialty
pack * * *.’’ AMS believes that
permitting mixed colors and/or type
packs will facilitate the marketing of
eggplant by providing the industry with
more flexibility that reflects current
marketing practices and consumer
demand.
AMS also proposes to eliminate the
‘‘Unclassified’’ category from the
standards. The unclassified section is
being removed from all standards when
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.
This notice provides for a 60 day
comment period for interested parties to
comment on the proposed revisions to
the standards.
SUMMARY:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621–1627.
Dated: February 3, 2012.
Robert C. Keeney,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–3013 Filed 2–8–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Food and Nutrition Service
Agency Information Collection
Activities; Proposed Collection;
Comment Request: Commodity
Supplemental Food Program, the Food
Distribution Program on Indian
Reservations, and the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program; Title VI
Civil Rights Collection Reports
Food and Nutrition Service
(FNS), USDA.
AGENCY:
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18:04 Feb 08, 2012
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Notice.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this
notice invites the general public and
other public agencies to comment on
this proposed information collection.
This collection is a revision of a
currently approved collection under
OMB No.0584–0025, Civil Rights Title
VI Collection Reports—Forms FNS–191
and FNS–101, for the Commodity
Supplemental Food Program, the Food
Distribution Program on Indian
Reservations, and the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program.
DATES: Written comments must be
received on or before April 9, 2012.
ADDRESSES: Comments are invited on:
(a) Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
agency, including whether the
information shall have practical utility;
(b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate
of the burden of the proposed collection
of information, including the validity of
the methodology and assumptions that
were used; (c) ways to enhance the
quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and (d)
ways to minimize the burden of the
collection of information on those who
are to respond, including use of
appropriate automated, electronic,
mechanical, or other technological
collection techniques or other forms of
information technology.
Comments may be sent to: Jane
Duffield, Food and Nutrition Service,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101
Park Center Drive, Room 818,
Alexandria, VA 22302. Comments may
also be submitted via fax to the attention
of Jane Duffield at 703–605–4385 or via
email to Jane.Duffield@fne.usda.gov.
Comments will also be accepted through
the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to
https://www.regulations.gov, and follow
the online instructions for submitting
comments electronically.
All written comments will be open for
public inspection at the office of the
Food and Nutrition Service during
regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5
p.m. Monday through Friday) at 3101
Park Center Drive, Room 818,
Alexandria, Virginia 22302.
All responses to this notice will be
summarized and included in the request
for Office of Management and Budget
approval. All comments will be a matter
of public record.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Requests for additional information or
copies of this information collection
should be directed to Jane Duffield at
703–605–4385.
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6775
Sfmt 4703
Title: Civil Rights Title VI Collection
Reports.
Form Number: FNS–191 and FNS–
101.
OMB Number: 0584–0025.
Expiration Date: May 30, 2012.
Type of Request: Revision of a
currently approved collection.
Abstract: Title VI of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to
2000d–7, prohibits discrimination on
the basis of race, color, and national
origin in programs receiving Federal
financial assistance. Department of
Justice (DOJ) regulations, 28 CFR
42.406, require all Federal agencies to
provide for the collection of racial/
ethnic data and information from
applicants for and recipients of Federal
assistance sufficient to permit effective
enforcement of Title VI. For purposes of
the Information Collection Notice only,
the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
employs program terminology in place
of the standard Title VI terminology
adopted by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) and codified at 7
CFR 15.2. Thus, ‘‘State agencies,’’ ‘‘local
agencies,’’ and/or ‘‘operators’’ are the
program entities responsible for
fulfilling the data collection
requirements associated with ‘‘primary
recipients’’ and/or ‘‘recipients’’ as
defined by Title VI. Moreover, the
program terms ‘‘respondents,’’
‘‘applicants,’’ and/or ‘‘participants’’
refer to the ‘‘potential beneficiaries,’’
‘‘applicant beneficiaries,’’ and/or
‘‘actual beneficiaries’’ of Federal
financial assistance as defined by Title
VI. In order to conform with the
statutory mandates of Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, DOJ
regulations, and USDA regulations on
nondiscrimination in Federally assisted
programs, the USDA’s Food and
Nutrition Service (FNS) requires State
agencies to submit data on the racial/
ethnic categories of persons receiving
benefits from FNS food assistance
programs.
In all three programs, State and local
agencies collect racial/ethnic
information on the benefits application
form that applicants may complete and
file manually or electronically. The
application form must clearly indicate
that the information is voluntary and
that the race and ethnic information will
not affect an applicant’s eligibility or
level of benefits. It must also state that
the reason for the collection of the
information is to assure that program
benefits are distributed without regard
to race, color or national origin. All
three programs allow the individual to
self-identify his or her racial/ethnic
status on the application. Visual
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09FEN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 27 (Thursday, February 9, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6774-6775]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-3013]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
[Doc. AMS-FV-11-0052]
United States Standards for Grades of Eggplant
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), of the Department of
Agriculture (USDA), is soliciting comments on the proposed revision to
the United States Standards for Grades of Eggplant. AMS is reviewing
the fresh fruit and vegetable grade standards for usefulness in serving
the industry. As a result, AMS has noted the current grade standards do
not have provisions for mixed or specialty packs. Therefore, AMS is
proposing to 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. In addition, AMS
proposes to remove the unclassified section.
DATES: Comments must be received by April 9, 2012.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to
the Standardization and Training Branch, Fresh Products Division, 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) 361-1199, or on the Web at: www.regulations.gov.
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. Comments
can also be viewed on the www.regulations.gov Web site. The current
United States Standards for Grades of Eggplant will be available either
through the address cited above or by accessing the AMS, Fresh Products
Division Web site at www.ams.usda.gov/freshinspection.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Carl Newell, at the above address
or call (540) 361-1120.
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 and 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 proposing to revise the voluntary United States Standards
for Grades of Eggplant using procedures that appear in Part 36, Title 7
of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36).
[[Page 6775]]
Background and Proposed Notice
AMS is reviewing all fresh fruit and vegetable grade standards for
usefulness in serving the industry. As a result, AMS has identified the
U.S. Standards for Grades of Eggplant similar varietal characteristic
requirement for possible updating. AMS has observed that mixing colors
and/or types of eggplant in a specialty pack is a current marketing
practice. The U.S. grade standards presently require eggplant to be
packed with eggplant of similar type, color and character of growth;
there are no provisions for mixed or specialty packs. AMS proposes to
revise the similar varietal characteristic requirement for 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. The following language
would be added to these two grades: ``* * * consists of eggplants of
similar varietal characteristics, except when specified as a mixed or
specialty pack * * *.'' AMS believes that permitting mixed colors and/
or type packs will facilitate the marketing of eggplant by providing
the industry with more flexibility that reflects current marketing
practices and consumer demand.
AMS also proposes to eliminate the ``Unclassified'' category from
the standards. The unclassified section is being removed from all
standards when 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.
This notice provides for a 60 day comment period for interested
parties to comment on the proposed revisions to the standards.
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.
Dated: February 3, 2012.
Robert C. Keeney,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-3013 Filed 2-8-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P