[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 249 (Thursday, December 28, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78128-78129]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-22235]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket  AMS-FV-2006-0205; FV-06-317]


United States Standards for Grades of Cantaloups

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 revisions to the 
United States Standards for Grades of Cantaloups. AMS has been 
reviewing the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade standards for usefulness 
in serving the industry. As a result, AMS has identified the United 
States Standards for Grades of Cantaloups for possible revisions.
    AMS is considering revising the (Application of Tolerances( section 
in the U.S. standards. Additionally, the (Unclassified( category would 
be eliminated from the standards. AMS is seeking comments on these 
proposed changes that may better serve the industry.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 26, 2007.

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]. 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. The United States Standards for Grades of Cantaloups 
are available either at the above address or by accessing the AMS, 
Fresh Products Branch Web site at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/standards/stanfrfv.htm.

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

[[Page 78129]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing 
Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627), as amended, directs and authorizes 
the Secretary of Agriculture (To develop and improve standards of 
quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging and recommend and 
demonstrate such standards in order to encourage uniformity and 
consistency in commercial practices.( AMS is committed to carrying out 
this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of 
agricultural commodities. AMS makes copies of official standards 
available upon request. The United States Standards for Grades of 
Fruits and Vegetables not connected with Federal Marketing Orders or 
U.S. Import Requirements no longer appear in the Code of Federal 
Regulations, but are maintained by USDA, AMS, Fruit and Vegetable 
Programs.
    AMS is considering revisions to the voluntary United States 
Standards for Grades of Cantaloups using procedures that appear in Part 
36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). These 
standards were last revised on June 30, 1968.

Background

    AMS has been reviewing the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade 
standards for usefulness in serving the industry. AMS has identified 
the United States Standards for Grades of Cantaloups for possible 
revision. Prior to undertaking detailed work developing the proposed 
revisions in the standards, AMS is soliciting comments on the proposed 
revisions on the United States Standards for Grades of Cantaloups to 
better serve the industry.
    AMS is considering revising the ``Application of Tolerances'' 
section in the U.S. standards by replacing the phrase ``The contents of 
individual packages * * * '' with ``Samples * * * '' and revising ``(a) 
A package may contain * * * '' to ``(a) Samples may contain * * * '' 
This change is needed in order to make the ``Application of 
Tolerances'' applicable to larger containers, such as bins, which may 
contain several hundred melons.
    AMS is also eliminating the ``Unclassified'' category. AMS is 
removing this section in all standards as they are revised. This 
category is not a grade and only serves to show that no grade has been 
applied to the lot. It is no longer considered necessary due to current 
marketing practices.
    This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested 
parties to comment on the proposed changes to the United States 
Standards for Grades of Cantaloups. Should AMS go forward with the 
revisions, it will develop the proposed revised standards that will be 
published in the Federal Register with a request for comments in 
accordance with 7 CFR part 36.

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

    Dated: December 21, 2006
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-22235 Filed 12-27-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P