The U.S. Department of Agriculture is soliciting comments on possible revisions to the U.S. Standards for Grades of Cantaloupes.

AMS is seeking comments on the possible revision of the “Application of Tolerances” section and on the removal of the “Unclassified” section. The “Application of Tolerances” section applies to the contents of the individual packages, and not to smaller samples taken from larger containers (such as bulk bins which could contain several hundred melons). AMS is considering the removal of the “Unclassified” section because it is no longer used in current marketing practices.

The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended, directs and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture “to develop and improve standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging, and recommend and demonstrate such standards in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in commercial practices.”

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.

Current standards can be viewed at www.ams.usda.gov/standards/frutmrkt.htm. The request for comments was published in the Dec. 28, 2006, Federal Register. Comments must be received by Feb. 26, 2007, and should be mailed to Cheri Emery, AMS Fruit & Vegetable Programs, Room 1661-S, USDA Stop 0240, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-0240.