USDA revises citrus standards

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has revised the United States Standards for Grades of Oranges (Texas and States other than Florida, California and Arizona) and the United States Standards for Grades of Grapefruit (Texas and States other than Florida, California and Arizona). The revisions change the requirements for standard pack and standard sizing for oranges and the requirements for standard pack for grapefruit. The purpose of these revisions is to reflect current cultural and marketing practices and to give industry greater flexibility in marketing and packaging using developing technologies. This rule is effective September 25, 2001, and comments must be received by November 23, 2001. This action is not intended to have retroactive effect. This rule will not pre-empt any State or local laws, regulations, or policies, unless they present an irreconcilable conflict with this rule. There are no administrative procedures, which must be exhausted prior to any judicial challenge to the provisions of the rule.