Amendment of Provisions Regulating Domestically Produced Peanuts Handled by Persons Not Subject to the Peanut Marketing Agreement

This rule amends for 1995 and subsequent crop years several certification and identification requirements established for peanuts handled by persons not signatory to Peanut Marketing Agreement No. 146 (Agreement). This rule provides for a chemical analysis exemption for superior grade shelled peanuts and establishes a maximum grade tolerance for reconditioning failing peanuts by blanching. Finally, this rule adds addresses and updates contact numbers of chemical analysis laboratories. The changes concerning peanuts for human consumption are consistent with industry operating practices and help bring the non-signatory handling requirements into conformity with requirements specified in the Agreement. The rule should reduce the regulatory burden and handling costs on non-signatory peanut handlers.