[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 134 (Monday, July 14, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 41552]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-17669]


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 Notices
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 134 / Monday, July 14, 2003 / 
Notices  

[[Page 41552]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket No. FV-03-330]


United States Standards for Grades of Apple Juice From 
Concentrate

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice; withdrawal.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is withdrawing the 
notice soliciting comments on its proposed United States Standards for 
Grades of Apple Juice from Concentrate. After reviewing and considering 
the comments received, the Agency has decided not to proceed with the 
action.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 14, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lydia E. Berry, Processed Products 
Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 0709, South Building; STOP 0247, 
Washington, DC 20250; faxed to (202) 690-1527; or e-mailed to 
[email protected].

Background

    On May 28, 1996, Processed Apples Institute, (PAI) Inc., an 
association of producers of processed apple products, requested that 
USDA develop a standard for apple juice from concentrate to be used by 
the industry. The petitioner provided information on style, and 
descriptions to AMS to develop the standard. After researching the 
issue, AMS issued a discussion draft in December 1996 and distributed 
copies for input to the petitioner, and the National Food Processors 
Association (NFPA). Input from the above groups was used to develop the 
proposed standard. In December 1998, after several attempts to solicit 
comments on the draft, the Agency suspended further action on the 
petition due to lack of industry interest. In late 1999, PAI requested 
that the Agency resume work on the proposed standard, and submitted 
additional criteria for evaluation of defects in January 2000.
    Based on the results of the information previously gathered, and 
evaluation of the submitted criteria, AMS proposed to establish 
standards for apple juice from concentrate following the standard 
format for U.S. Grade Standards. A notice was published in the Federal 
Register on November 21, 2001 (66 FR 58430 to 58431) requesting 
comments on the proposed United States Standards for Grades of Apple 
Juice From Concentrate. The action would create grade standards for 
apple juice from concentrate that would include a description of the 
product, style, grades, ascertaining the grade by sample, and 
ascertaining the grade by lot. The proposed standards would provide a 
common language for trade, a means of measuring value in the marketing 
of apple juice from concentrate, and provide guidance in the effective 
utilization of apple juice from concentrate.
    Prior to the close of the comment period, Congressional 
representatives from a major apple producing area requested the Agency 
provide additional time for interested persons to comment on the 
proposed standards. The Congressmen stated in their letters that 
extending the comment period would enable the many growers and 
processors in their districts that voiced their concern to their 
offices to respond to our solicitation for comments. After reviewing 
the request, the Department reopened and extended the comment period in 
order to allow sufficient time for all interested persons to file 
comments. A notice was published in the Federal Register on March 20, 
2002 (67 FR 12958) providing for an additional 30 day comment period.
    AMS received a total of twenty-four comments in response to the 
notice published in the Federal Register.
    Two comments were in favor of the proposal to establish the 
standards, twenty-one comments were opposed to the proposal for various 
reasons, and one requested changes and did not express a position.
    The comments reflect a diverse spectrum of technical views as well 
as considerable opposition within the industry to the proposed 
standards.
    After reviewing and considering the comments received, the Agency 
has decided not to proceed with the action. Therefore, the notice 
published November 21, 2001 (66 FR 58430 to 58431) is withdrawn.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C 1621-1627.

    Dated: July 7, 2003.
A.J. Yates,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 03-17669 Filed 7-11-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P