[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 246 (Friday, December 20, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 67179]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-32285]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 246 / Friday, December 20, 1996 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 67179]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 52

[FV-97-326]


Quality Through Verification and Other Audit-Based Quality 
Assurance Programs for the Fruit and Vegetable Industry

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service.

ACTION: Notice of public meeting.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural 
Marketing Service (AMS) announces a forthcoming public meeting for 
interested parties especially firms and individuals who provide quality 
assurance or laboratory support to the fruit and vegetable industry to 
discuss the Agency's Quality Through Verification Program and certain 
other audit-based quality assurance programs operated by the Agency's 
Fruit and Vegetable Division.

DATES: February 6, 1997, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

ADDRESSES: U.S. Department of Agriculture, South Building, Fruit and 
Vegetable Division, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Agricultural 
Marketing Service Conference Room 3501, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone 
(202) 690-0262.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Eric Forman, Deputy Director, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Division, P.O. Box 
96456, Room 2085 South Building, Washington, DC 20090-6456. Telephone 
(202) 690-0262.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of the meeting is to review the 
first-phase development of the Quality Through Verification (QTV) 
Program and other audit-based quality assurance programs administered 
by the Fruit and Vegetable Division, and to obtain input regarding 
their administration, operations, and applicability to the marketplace. 
QTV is a voluntary, user-fee inspection program for processed and 
minimally processed fruits and vegetables and certain other commodities 
in which USDA specialists work with company management to validate the 
facility's HACCP-based QTV Plan and, through on-site audits, verify its 
effectiveness. HACCP is a scientific, analytical, and economical 
approach to ensure food is safe, wholesome, and of high quality. Firms 
operating under QTV can use a specifically designed USDA QTV shield on 
their packages. Other programs are directed principally to the 
assurance of uniform quality in fresh-pack fruits, vegetables, and 
related products. These programs are in the pilot stage of development.
    The exchange of views and information among industry, technical 
experts, other interested parties, and the Department should result in 
improved public understanding and participation as well as cost 
effective and reliable implementation of these programs. The meeting is 
open to the public, but space is limited. Persons wishing to provide 
statements or otherwise attend should notify the Deputy Director by 
January 21, 1997.
    At that time please inform the Deputy Director of any special 
accommodations that may be needed. Any member of the public may file a 
written statement with AMS before, during, or after the meeting. 
Minutes of the meeting will be available on request.

    Dated: December 16, 1996.
Robert C. Keeney,
Director, Fruit and Vegetable Division.
[FR Doc. 96-32285 Filed 12-19-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-M