Federal Register #2026-07060

USDA Revises Lemon Standards to Define and Mark Seedless Lemons

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a final notice revising the U.S. Standards for Grades of Lemons. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) - Revision Details: - Adds a definition for 'seedless lemons' to the standards - Seedless lemons: a 100-count composite sample may contain no more than 6 fruits (or 6 percent) with seeds, including both fully developed and undeveloped seeds - Marking requirements: at least 95% of containers, including consumer units, must be legibly marked 'seedless' if the lot is labeled as such - Purpose: - Provides uniformity and clarity in the marketing and labeling of seedless lemons - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are mentioned; this is a standards revision, not a product or service procurement - Unique Requirements: - Applies to all industry participants marketing lemons as seedless - Establishes clear compliance thresholds for seed content and labeling

Description

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the USDA is issuing a final notice revising the U.S. Standards for Grades of Lemons by adding a definition for "seedless lemons" and incorporating marking requirements for such lemons. The revision specifies that a 100-count composite sample of seedless lemons shall have no more than 6 fruits containing seeds, including undeveloped seeds. Additionally, when lots are marked seedless, the term must be legibly marked on at least 95% of the containers. These changes aim to provide uniformity and clarity in the marketing and labeling of seedless lemons, effective May 13, 2026.

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