[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 23 (Monday, February 5, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5259-5260]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-1760]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket  AMS-FV-2006-0199; FV-07-301]


United States Standards for Grades of Mangos

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing 
Service (AMS) is soliciting comments on a proposed revision to the 
voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Mangos. USDA received a 
request from a member of the industry to revise the definition of 
``well trimmed.'' The change could benefit the fresh mango industry by 
improving fruit appearance and extending shelf life.

DATES: Comments must be received by April 6, 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, or Internet: 
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. The United States Standards for Grades of Mangos are 
available either through the address cited above or by accessing the 
AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web site at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/fvstand.htm.

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

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 and makes copies of official standards 
available upon request. The United States Standards for Grades of 
Fruits and Vegetables that are not requirements of 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 proposed to revise the voluntary United States Standards for 
Mangos using the procedures that appear in Part 36, Title 7 of the Code 
of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). The standards were developed 
February 2006.

Background

    AMS received a petition from a grower/packer/importer requesting a 
revision to the United States Standards for Grades of Mangos. The 
petitioner requested a revision to the definition of ``well trimmed.'' 
The standards currently define ``well trimmed'' as: ``the stem is 
neatly clipped or broken off at a point not more than \1/2\ inch beyond 
the point of attachment''. The petitioner requested an increase to the 
allowable length of the attached stem to 1 inch from the point of 
attachment. The petitioner stated a change is warranted because a 
longer stem, up to 1 inch in length, would permit healing of the stem 
end and reduce the amount of latex that leaks out of the fruit. The 
petitioner further stated incidences of ``sunken stem end'' would be 
reduced significantly by allowing a longer stem. A revision to the 
definition would read as follows: ``Well trimmed'' means the stem is 
neatly clipped or broken off at a point not more than 1 inch beyond the 
point of attachment.

[[Page 5260]]

    The official grade of a lot of mangos covered by these standards 
will be determined by the procedures set forth in the Regulations 
Governing Inspection, Certification, and Standards of Fresh Fruits, 
Vegetables and Other Products (7 CFR 51.1 to 51.61).
    AMS is soliciting comments on the proposed revision to the United 
States Standards for Grades of Mangos. This notice provides for a 60-
day comment period for interested parties to comment on the requested 
change to the standards.

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

    Dated: January 30, 2007.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. E7-1760 Filed 2-2-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P