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AMS Adds More Time for Comments on Possible Honey Standard
September 24, 2014 by Brian Feito|USDA

The Agricultural Marketing Service is extending until Oct. 19 the period for public comments on the feasibility of a new standard of identity for honey. AMS originally requested comments on the issue in August (see 14081917). The Food and Drug Administration declined to set a standard for honey in 2006, but AMS can also set standards and was directed to report on the possibility of a honey standard by the 2014 Farm Bill.

AMS Moves Minimum Maturity Dates for Imports of Choquette Avocados
September 23, 2014 by Brian Feito|USDA

The Agricultural Marketing Service amended minimum maturity requirements for imports of Choquette-variety avocados, in an interim final rule issued Sept. 16. The interim rule, which also applies to Choquette avocados grown in South Florida, moves up the earliest date at which various sizes of Choquette avocados are considered mature and can be shipped. The changes take effect Sept. 19. AMS is accepting comments on the change until Nov. 17.

APHIS Allows Imports of Mangoes From Jamaica
September 23, 2014 by Brian Feito|USDA

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service on Sept. 18 issued a final rule to allow the importation of mangoes from Jamaica into the continental United States. Effective Oct. 20, importation of Jamaican mangoes will be allowed as long as they are produced in a way that mitigates risks of fruit flies, soft scale insects and diseases. The mangoes must be inspected prior to leaving Jamaica, and must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate from the Jamaican government. They must also be treated for fruit flies by either a hot water dip or irradiation.

Topics:Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
USDA Announces Special Import Quota #6 for Upland Cotton
September 19, 2014 by Tim Warren|USDA

The Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation announced Special Import Quota #6 for upland cotton that will be established on Sept. 25, allowing importation of 14,741,821 kilograms (67,709 bales) of upland cotton. It will apply to upland cotton purchased not later than Dec. 23, and entered into the U.S. by March 23, 2015. The quota is equivalent to one week's consumption of cotton by domestic mills at the seasonally-adjusted average rate for the period March through May, the most recent three months for which data are available.

FSIS Changes Regs for PHIS Import System Operations
September 19, 2014 by Tim Warren|USDA

The Food Safety and inspection Service (FSIS) changed regulations to make way for the Public Heath and Information System (PHIS) Import Component, it said in a final rule notice. PHIS was launched in 2012 and allows for electronic filing for import inspection applications and imported product foreign inspection and foreign establishment certificate processes. The effective date is Nov. 18 and the compliance date is March 18, the notice said..