USDA Reviewing Mango Grade Proposal

WASHINGTON - Mar 10/05 - SNS -- The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service is seeking comments on a petition to change the U.S. grading standards for mango.

AMS created the proposed standards in light of comments received from the mango industry. The creation of a mango standard will provide a common language for trade.

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 acceptable quality and/or condition of commodities.

The proposed standards can be viewed at http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/fpbdocketlist.htm. The proposal and request for comments will appear in the Mar. 11 Federal Register. Comments must be received by May 10 and should be sent to David L. Priester, AMS Fruit & Vegetable Programs, USDA Stop 0240, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250. Comments may be e-mailed to FPBDocketClerk@usda.gov. Copies of the notice are also available from the same address.