Gwen Sparks (202) 260-8210gwen.sparks@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, June 2, 2011 -- The U. S. Department of Agriculture is seeking comments on a proposed revision to the U.S. standards for grades of frozen okra.
The American Frozen Food Institute petitioned USDA to revise the standards to convert them from a variable score point system to a statistically based individual attribute grading system, similar to the U. S. standards for grades of canned green and wax beans.
The proposed new standards are intended to provide the okra industry with greater flexibility to meet industry and consumer demand.
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.
This notice will be published in the June 2, 2011, Federal Register. Comments must be received by Aug. 1, 2011. Written comments should be sent to Brian E. Griffin, Processed Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, Stop 0247, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-0247, or by fax to (202) 690-1527. Electronic comments should be submitted to www.regulations.gov.
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