Quality / Standards and RegulationsThe United States Department of Agriculture establishes grade standards and provides inspection services for many fresh fruits and vegetables. Grading is not required by federal regulations unless the commodity is controlled by a marketing order. At this time, no fresh fruit or vegetable grown in Indiana is governed by a marketing order. Even though not mandated by the government, produce buyers often require sellers to grade produce according to USDA standards. The grade standards are available free on-line at www.ams.usda.gov, or copies of standards may be requested from: Alexia Hurdakis – USDA, AMS, F&V Programs Phone: (650) 552-9073 For commodities covered on this web site, links to the standards are provided below. (Acrobat Reader software is required to view the documents.)
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In Indiana, inspections of produce for compliance with USDA grade standards may be requested by contacting the address below. A fee is charged for inspections. USDA, AMS, Fruit and Vegetable Programs PH: 317-570-0479 Hours: 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM Inspection offices for other states are listed on-line at http://www.ams.usda.gov. |
Content author: E. Maynard, 2002. Content last modified: March 2011.