Kiwifruit Grown in California; Relaxation of Container Marking Requirements

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that relaxed the container marking requirements for kiwifruit covered under the California kiwifruit marketing order (order). The order regulates the handling of kiwifruit grown in California and is administered locally by the Kiwifruit Administrative Committee (Committee). Prior to implementation of the interim final rule, kiwifruit that had been inspected, met applicable grade and size requirements, and was subsequently placed into new containers, had to be positive lot identified, which required reinspection. This rule continues in effect the action that established procedures for handlers to ship such kiwifruit without positive lot identification (PLI). This rule is intended to reduce handler inspection costs and facilitate the marketing of kiwifruit.