USDA Seeks Comments on Revising Food Packaging Standards

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has opened up for comment proposed changes to the nation’s food container inspection law.

The USDA is proposing changes to the Standards for Condition of Food Containers which sets out the standards for defects and sampling of food containers. The standards are relied upon to ensure the quality of food is not impacted by its packaging. The Agricultural Marketing Service has proposed the changes to reportedly streamline and simplify the standards, incorporate standards for new packaging technologies and include optional guidelines for evaluating container interiors.

Comments must be received by March 19, 2012. Written comments may be sent to Lynne E. Yedinak, Processed Products Division, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, Stop 0247, 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-0247, or by fax to (202) 690-1527. To read or comment on the proposal, click here.