Oct 22, 2014

USDA revises onion grade standards

USDA is revising three standards: the U.S. Standards for Grades of Creole Onions, U.S. Standards for Grades of Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type Onions, and U.S. Standards for Grades of Onions (other than Bermuda-Granex-Grano and Creole type).

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is modifying the three standards to permit an assortment of onion colors in mixed or specialty packs under the U.S. grade standards. This change will provide the industry more flexibility to meet growing consumer demands, according to AMS.

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 rule for Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type Onions and Onions (other than Bermuda-Granex-Grano and Creole type) will be published in the Oct. 23 Federal Register and will be effective Nov. 24. The notice for U.S. Standards for Grades of Creole Onions will be published in the Oct. 23 Federal Register and will be effective Nov. 24. To view these Federal Register publications, click here.

The revised onion standards can be accessed, after the effective date, by clicking here.