Kiwifruit Grown in California; Changes in Minimum Size, Pack, Container, and Inspection Requirements

This rule revises the minimum size, pack, container, and inspection requirements prescribed under the California kiwifruit marketing order. The marketing order regulates the handling of kiwifruit grown in California and is administered locally by the Kiwifruit Administrative Committee (Committee). This rule specifies minimum size requirements for all kiwifruit as a maximum of 55 pieces of fruit in an 8-pound sample regardless of pack style; requires that individual consumer packages placed directly on a pallet be stamped with the applicable inspection lot number; and makes minor changes to clarify pack and container marking requirements for several containers. In addition, this rule continues, for the 1999-2000 season, the suspension of minimum net weight requirements for kiwifruit tray packs scheduled to expire at the end of the 1998-1999 season. Also, continued for the 1999-2000 season is the suspension of the requirement that fruit must be reinspected if it has not been shipped by specified dates. These changes clarify the minimum size, pack, and container requirements, and are expected to reduce handler packing costs, increase producer returns, and enable handlers to compete more effectively in the marketplace.