AMS No. 251-12

Gwen Sparks (202) 260-8210

gwen.sparks@ams.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2013 – The U. S. Department of Agriculture is requesting comments on proposed revisions to eight U.S. Standards for Grades of Frozen Vegetables.

The proposed amendments would simplify grade descriptions for frozen vegetable varieties of asparagus, lima beans, speckled butter beans, cooked squash, summer squash, sweet potatoes, turnip greens with turnips, and mixed vegetables. Grade classifications would be standardized, allowing for a single descriptor for each level. For example, US Grade A or Fancy frozen vegetables would be classified simply as US Grade A. Proposed changes would also include miscellaneous editorial revisions.

AMS works with industry representatives and others to establish or revise U.S. standards for nearly 240 agricultural products. Industry uses the standards in the marketplace to specify the quality of commodities. Standards facilitate commerce by providing a common language for trade and a means of measuring value in the marketing of agricultural products.

The notice was published in the Jan. 15, 2013, Federal Register. Comments may be submitted to www.regulations.gov by March 18, 2013. For a copy of the standards or more information, visit www.ams.usda.gov/processedinspection, or contact Brian E. Griffin, Specialty Crops Inspection Division, Standardization Branch, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC, 20250 via email: brian.griffin@ams.usda.gov or by phone at (202) 720-5021.

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