View Rule

View EO 12866 Meetings Printer-Friendly Version     Download RIN Data in XML
USDA/AMS RIN: 0581-AB58 Publication ID: Fall 2001 
Title: Processed Fruits and Vegetables: Qualified Through Verification (QTV) 
Abstract: The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proposing to revise the regulations governing inspection and certification of processed fruits and vegetables and certain other products by making changes to the definitions for the terms "inspection service, general"; "inspection service, types of"; "official identification"; and "official marks" to specifically provide for a new voluntary audit-based inspection service for food safety and wholesomeness under the authority of the Agricultural Marketing Act (AMA) of 1946, amended. The "Qualified Through Verification" (QTV) Program was developed as a pilot program in 1995 at the request of the fresh-cut produce industry. The industry asked for a voluntary audit and verification service using science-based techniques that would help maintain public confidence in the wholesomeness of minimally processed fruits and vegetables. AMS finds that the economic impact of this action on businesses should be similar in effect to other existing voluntary programs within the Agency and that firms availing themselves of the QTV program will not necessarily have a significant marketing advantage or risk over those that do not use the service. It is reasonable to assume that a company would not choose to participate in the program unless it expected benefits to exceed costs. AMS went out in a variety of ways, public meetings and public notice to inform the public of the new service which was requested initially by the fresh-cut produce industry. The AMA of 1946 provides AMS authority for offering voluntary quality assurance and related services. 
Agency: Department of Agriculture(USDA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Completed Actions 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 52   
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 to 1627   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Withdrawn  08/01/2001    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Organizations  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
Agency Contact:
James R. Rodeheaver
Chief, Processed Products Branch
Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Marketing Service
MS 0709, Fruit & Vegetable Programs, P.O. Box 96456,
Washington, DC 20090-6456
Phone:202 720-4693
Fax:202 690-1087
Email: james.rodeheaver@usda.gov