[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 114 (Tuesday, June 15, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 33345]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-13360]


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 Notices
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
 or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 114 / Tuesday, June 15, 2004 / 
Notices  

[[Page 33345]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc.  FV-04-308]


United States Standards for Grades of Sweet Peppers

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), prior to undertaking 
research and other work associated with revising official grade 
standards, is soliciting comments on the possible revision to the 
United States Standards for Grades of Sweet Peppers. The Fruit and 
Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee has asked AMS to review all fresh 
fruit and vegetable grade standards for usefulness in serving the 
industry. As a result, AMS has noted that tolerances need to be 
separated for decay affecting walls and/or calyxes from decay affecting 
stems only. Other areas for possible revision include adopting and 
defining industry terms for size and color. Additionally, AMS is 
seeking comments regarding any other revisions that may be necessary to 
better serve the industry.

DATES: Comments must be received by August 16, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to 
the Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable 
Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room 1661 South Building, Stop 
0240, Washington, DC 20250-0240; fax (202) 720-8871, E-mail 
[email protected] or you may also send your comments by the 
electronic process available at the Federal eRulemaking portal at 
http://www.regulations.gov. Comments should make reference to the dates 
and page number of this issue of the Federal Register and will be made 
available for public inspection in the above office during regular 
business hours.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David L. Priester, at the above 
address or call (202) 720-2185; E-mail [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a 2003 meeting of the Fruit and Vegetable 
Industry Advisory Committee, AMS was asked to review all fresh fruit 
and vegetable grade standards for usefulness in serving the industry. 
AMS has identified the United States Standards for Grades of Sweet 
Peppers for possible revision. These standards were last revised in 
1989. The current standards for all grades of sweet peppers allow a two 
percent tolerance for decay affecting stems, walls and calyxes. All 
decay seriously detracts from the appearance or the edible or shipping 
quality of the pepper. However, decay affecting the stems only does not 
affect the edible portion of the pepper. Therefore, AMS is considering 
a change in the scoring and reporting of decay. Decay affecting walls 
and calyxes shall continue to be scored against the restrictive 
tolerance of two percent for decay. Decay affecting the stems only 
shall be scored against the serious damage tolerance of five percent 
for U.S. Fancy and U.S. No. 1 grades, and against the total lot 
tolerance of ten percent for serious damage in the U.S. No. 2 grade. 
AMS believes that a change to the decay tolerance is warranted to 
better serve the industry. Other areas under review are industry terms 
for size based on 1\1/9\ bushel containers as well as the terms 
``chocolate'' and ``suntan'' which the industry uses to describe the 
color of peppers. Prior to undertaking detailed work to develop the 
proposed revised standards, AMS is soliciting comments on the possible 
revision of the standards for grades of sweet peppers and the probable 
impact on distributors, processors, and growers.
    This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested 
parties to comment on changes to the standards. Should AMS proceed with 
revising the standards, the proposed revision of the standards will be 
published in the Federal Register with a request for comments.

    Dated: June 7, 2004.
A.J. Yates,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 04-13360 Filed 6-14-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-U