USDA Revises Strawberry Standards

WASHINGTON - Jan 23/06 - SNS -- The USDA is revising the U.S. Standards for Grades of Strawberries.

The revision will allow percentages to be determined by count rather than volume. This revision will make tolerance determination more objective and uniform. These standards were last revised in 1965.

Most comments were in favor of the change. However, one opponent noted, "To change to a count-based system would treat berries of varying sizes equally. This may be more expeditious, but from our perspective reduces the relevance and effectiveness of USDA inspections."

By changing to a count basis each berry will represent the same percentage of the container regardless of the size of the berry. Currently, each inspector must determine the volume of each berry in relation to the container based on a visual estimation. Modifying the standards to allow that percentages be determined by count will provide more objectivity to an inspection.

AMS received four comments in favor of the revision. Those in favor of the revision stated the proposed rule change follows changing industry practices and market demand by replacing a subjective volume determination, with a more preferred and easily understood objective measurement.

AMS believes the proposed revision to allow percentages to be determined by count rather than volume would establish a clear uniform procedure for determining the percentages. Additionally, AMS is proposing to eliminate the unclassified category. This section is being removed in all standards, when they are revised. This category is not a grade and only serves to show that no grade has been applied to the lot. It is no longer considered necessary.