U.S. Grade Standards provide the produce industry with a uniform language for describing the quality and condition of commodities in the marketplace. In partnership with industry members, AMS develops and revises these documents so that they always reflect modern business practices.
When an industry group wishes to develop or revise a U.S. grade standard, it may contact AMS to discuss the most appropriate means of accomplishing its goals. Any action taken on a U.S. grade standard should reflect the broad interest of either individuals, an industry involved in manufacturing, producing, packaging, distributing, testing, consuming or using the product, or a federal, state, or local agency.
Commercial Item Descriptions (CIDs) are product descriptions that concisely describe the most important characteristics of a commercial product. CIDs are official U.S. Government procurement documents that are 1) uniquely numbered in a Federal series; 2) prominently dated for easy reference; and 3) appropriately titled (according to current Federal labeling policies).
An official request to develop or revise a U.S. Grade Standard or Commercial Item Description should be in writing and sent to the Processed Products Branch using the contact information provided below.
