On October 10, 2023, according to the United States Federal Register, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued Notice 2023-22341, proposing to revise the grade standards for shelled and shelled pecans. Major revisions include:

(1) The current 2 quality grades of shelled pecan and the current 4 quality grades of shelled pecan are revised to U.S.Xtrafancy and other 4 grades (grade parameters include color, size, kernel fullness, damage degree, proportion of inediables, etc.);

(2) Revised product quality scoring guidelines, stipulating that the peroxidation value of edible pecan kernel is <5mEq/kg, the free fatty acid content is <1%, and the moisture content is <6%;

(3) Revision of some terms and definitions.

The notice will be published in the Federal Register on October 11, 2023, following a 60-day comment period.

Learn more: https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-22341.pdf