The U.S. Department of Agriculture withdraws a proposed rule recommended by the Florida Tomato Committee (Committee). The Florida Tomato Committee wanted to remove exemptions for Mexican pear-shaped (Roma type) tomatoes, among others requiring them to meet the grade, pack, and container inspection.
The proposal also would have eliminated the exemptions for greenhouse and hydroponic production and would have established a new exemption and definition for controlled environment production. It would have also adjusted the pack and container requirements, and updated language to reflect current industry practices.
After reviewing and considering the comments received, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has determined there is little support for the proposed changes, and the rule to modify the handling requirements for tomatoes grown in Florida should not be finalized
Read the complete case at www.federalregister.gov.