Federal Register #AMS-SC-25-0586

USDA Proposes Revision to Nectarine Grading Standards—Seeks Public Comment

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking public comment on a proposed revision to the U.S. Standards for Grades of Nectarines. - Government buyer: - Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Standardization Branch, Specialty Crops Inspection Division, Specialty Crops Program - No OEMs, vendors, or commercial products/services are involved; this is a standards revision notice - Proposal details: - Remove 'speckling' as a defect in nectarine grading standards - Recognizes speckling as a cosmetic issue that does not affect internal quality, shelf life, or flavor - Aims to align grading standards with current market quality and consumer preferences - Higher sugar content in nectarines is associated with increased speckling - The notice is a request for public comment, not a procurement or solicitation for goods/services - Location: - Standardization Branch, Specialty Crops Inspection Division, Specialty Crops Program, 100 Riverside Parkway, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Description

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposes to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Nectarines by removing "speckling" as a type of defect when grading nectarines. Speckling is considered a cosmetic issue that does not affect internal quality, shelf life, or flavor. The revision aims to align grade standards with current quality levels and provide guidance for effective utilization of nectarines. Comments on the proposal are requested by July 6, 2026.

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