WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2013 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is requesting comments on proposed revisions to three standards: U.S. Standards for Grades of Creole Onions, U.S. Standards for Grades of Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type Onions, and U.S. Standards for Grades of Onions (Other Than Bermuda-Granex-Grano and Creole Type).
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking comments on modifying the three standards to allow for an assortment of onion colors in mixed or specialty pack varieties.
AMS works with industry representatives and others to establish or revise U.S. standards for nearly 240 agricultural products. Industry uses the standards in the marketplace to specify the quality of commodities. Standards facilitate commerce by providing a common language for trade and a means of measuring value in the marketing of agricultural products.
The rule for Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type Onions and Onions (Other Than Bermuda-Granex-Grano and Creole Type) will be published in the August 22, 2013, Federal Register. The notice for U.S. Standards for Grades of Creole Onions will also be published in the August 22, 2013, Federal Register. Comments may be submitted to www.regulations.gov by October 21, 2013. For a copy of the current standards or more information, visit www.ams.usda.gov/freshinspection, or contact Dave Horner by phone: 540-361-1128, e-mail: dave.horner@ams.usda.gov or U.S. mail: AMS Fruit & Vegetable Program, USDA, National Training and Development Center, Riverside Business Park, 100 Riverside Parkway, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, Va. 22406.
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