Agricultural Marketing Service October 21, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This proposed rule invites comments on the establishment of a minimum quality regulation for lots of pistachios imported into the United States. The regulation would specify maximum aflatoxin tolerance levels as well as mandatory aflatoxin testing and certification requirements. The proposed import quality requirements would be the same as or comparable to those in effect for the domestically produced commodity. Under this proposal, aflatoxin levels in imported pistachios could not exceed 15 parts per billion (ppb), as certified by aflatoxin inspection certificates issued by an accredited laboratory. This action is intended to assure consumers that all pistachios offered for sale in the United States meet the same aflatoxin standards, thus promoting high quality product in the market place and fostering consumer satisfaction. This rule also announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of a new information collection requirement, including two new forms that would be completed by either laboratories or pistachio importers.

This rule continues in effect the interim rule that suspended the marketing order for Irish potatoes grown in Southeastern states (order), and the rules and regulations implemented thereunder, through March 1, 2014. The order regulates the handling of Irish potatoes grown in Southeastern states and is administered locally by the Southeastern Potato Committee (Committee). The Committee believes advances in farming technology and production quality have reduced the need for the order. When considering the costs associated with continuing the order, the Committee unanimously recommended that the order be suspended.