95-23897. Amendment of Provisions Regulating Domestically Produced Peanuts Handled by Persons Not Subject to the Peanut Marketing Agreement  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 188 (Thursday, September 28, 1995)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 50083-50088]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-23897]
    
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
    7 CFR Part 997
    
    [Docket No. FV95-997-2IFR]
    
    
    Amendment of Provisions Regulating Domestically Produced Peanuts 
    Handled by Persons Not Subject to the Peanut Marketing Agreement
    
    AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
    
    ACTION: Interim final rule with request for comments.
    
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    SUMMARY: 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.
    
    DATES: Effective September 28, 1995. Comments received by October 30, 
    1995, will be considered prior to issuance of any final rule.
    
    ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments 
    concerning this rule. Comments must be sent in triplicate to the Docket 
    Clerk, Fruit and Vegetable Division, AMS, USDA, P.O. Box 96456, room 
    2523-S, Washington, D.C., 20090-6456, or Fax: (202) 720-5698. Comments 
    should reference the docket number and the date and page number of this 
    issue of the Federal Register and will be available for public 
    inspection in the Office of the Docket Clerk during regular business 
    hours.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Lower, Marketing Order 
    Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Division, AMS, USDA, P.O. 
    
    [[Page 50084]]
    Box 96456, room 2523-S, Washington, D.C. 20090-6456, telephone (202) 
    720-2020, facsimile (202) 720-5698.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This interim final rule is issued pursuant 
    to requirements of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as 
    amended (7 U.S.C. 601-674), hereinafter referred to as the ``Act.''
        The Department of Agriculture (Department) is issuing this rule in 
    conformance with Executive Order 12866.
        This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12778, Civil 
    Justice Reform. This action will not preempt any State or local laws, 
    regulations, or policies, unless they present an irreconcilable 
    conflict with this rule. This action is not intended to have 
    retroactive effect. There are no administrative procedures which must 
    be exhausted prior to any judicial challenge to the provisions of this 
    rule.
        Pursuant to requirements set forth in the Regulatory Flexibility 
    Act (RFA), the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service 
    (AMS) has considered the economic impact of this rule on small 
    entities.
        The purpose of the RFA is to fit regulatory actions to the scale of 
    business subject to such actions in order that small businesses will 
    not be unduly or disproportionately burdened.
        There are approximately 45 handlers of peanuts who have not signed 
    the Agreement and, thus, are subject to the regulations contained 
    herein. Small agricultural service firms are defined by the Small 
    Business Administration (13 CFR 121.601) as those whose annual receipts 
    are less than $5,000,000. It is estimated that most of the non-
    signatory handlers are small entities. Most of the 47,000 peanut 
    producers who might potentially do business with these handlers are 
    also small entities. Small agricultural producers have been defined as 
    those having annual receipts of less than $500,000.
        In 1994, the reported U.S. production, mostly covered under the 
    Agreement, was approximately 4.25 billion pounds of peanuts, a 25 
    percent increase from the short 1993 crop. The preliminary 1994 peanut 
    crop value is $1.23 billion, up 19 percent from the 1993 crop value.
        After aflatoxin was found in peanuts in the mid-1960's, the 
    domestic peanut industry has sought to minimize aflatoxin contamination 
    in peanuts and peanut products. Under authority of the Act, Peanut 
    Marketing Agreement No. 146 and the Peanut Administrative Committee 
    (Committee) were established by the Secretary in 1965. The Agreement 
    was signed by a majority of domestic peanut handlers (signatory 
    handlers).
        Public Law 101-220, enacted December 12, 1989, amended section 608b 
    of the Act to require that all handlers who have not signed the 
    Agreement (non-signatory handlers) be subject to quality, handling, and 
    inspection requirements to the same extent and manner as are required 
    under the Agreement. Regulations to implement Pub. L. 101-220 were 
    issued and made effective on December 4, 1990 (55 FR 49983). It is 
    estimated that 5 percent of the domestic peanut crop is marketed by 
    non-signatory handlers and the remainder of the crop is handled by 
    signatory handlers.
        The objective of the Agreement and the non-signatory handling 
    regulations (7 CFR part 997) is to ensure that only wholesome peanuts 
    enter edible market channels. Under both regulations, farmers stock 
    peanuts with visible Aspergillus flavus mold (the principle source of 
    aflatoxin) are required to be diverted to non-edible uses. Both 
    regulations also provide that shelled peanuts meeting minimum outgoing 
    quality requirements must be chemically analyzed for aflatoxin 
    contamination.
        Under the non-signatory provisions, no peanuts may be sold or 
    otherwise disposed of for human consumption if the peanuts fail to meet 
    the quality requirements of the Agreement. The non-signatory handler 
    regulations have been amended several times thereafter and are 
    published in 7 CFR part 997. All amendments have been made to ensure 
    that the non-signatory handling requirements are the same as 
    modifications made to the signatory handling requirements under the 
    Agreement. Violation of non-signatory regulations may result in a 
    penalty in the form of an assessment by the Secretary equal to 140 
    percent of the support price for quota peanuts. The support price for 
    quota peanuts is determined under section 108B of the Agricultural Act 
    of 1949 (7 U.S.C. 1445c-3) for the crop year during which the violation 
    occurs.
        Because aflatoxin appears most frequently in damaged, stressed, 
    under-developed, and malformed peanut kernels, peanut lots with fewer 
    poor quality kernels are less likely to be contaminated. Under 
    Sec. 998.200(a) of the Agreement, minimum quality requirements for 
    shelled peanuts are found in the ``Other Edible Quality'' table of the 
    Agreement. All shelled peanuts destined for edible consumption must 
    meet these minimum requirements. Peanuts meeting this minimum grade 
    must also be chemically tested for contamination.
        The Agreement also has a higher level of quality requirements 
    titled ``Indemnifiable Grades.'' Peanuts meeting the indemnifiable 
    grades do not have to be chemically analyzed for aflatoxin.
        The minimum quality requirements specified in the ``Other Edible 
    Quality'' table of the Agreement are also specified in the non-
    signatory handler regulations in the table titled ``Minimum Grade 
    Requirements--Peanut for Human Consumption'' (hereinafter referred to 
    as Table 1) in Sec. 997.30(a).
        To be consistent with the Agreement, the Department is establishing 
    in this interim final rule, a second table titled ``Superior Quality 
    Exemption--Peanuts for Human Consumption'' (hereinafter referred to as 
    Table 2) in the outgoing quality requirements in Sec. 997.30(a). The 
    quality requirements in Table 2 are the same as those established in 
    the Indemnifiable Grades table of the Agreement. Non-signatory handler 
    peanuts meeting the Superior Quality Exemption grades are not required 
    to be chemically tested for aflatoxin. However, buyers often require 
    chemical analysis as an assurance of minimum aflatoxin contamination.
        The Superior Quality Exemption tolerances in these regulations are 
    (in percentage of kernels): Unshelled and damaged kernels (1.25); 
    combined unshelled, damaged kernels and kernels with minor defects 
    (2.00); sound split and broken kernels (3.00 for most varieties); sound 
    whole kernels that pass specified screens (3.00 for most varieties); 
    combined sound split and broken kernels (4.00 for all varieties); 
    foreign material (.10 for some varieties and .20 for other varieties), 
    and moisture (9.00).
        Amendments to handling requirements: The Committee meets in 
    February or March each year and recommends to the Secretary such rules 
    and regulations as may be necessary to keep the Agreement consistent 
    with current industry practice. The Committee met on March 22 and 23, 
    1995, and unanimously recommended four relaxations in the Agreement 
    handling requirements which the Department accepted. The changes were 
    published in the July 14, 1995, issue of the Federal Register as an 
    interim final rule (60 FR 36205). This interim final rule establishes 
    the same relaxations, as appropriate, for the non-signatory handling 
    regulations.
        The first amendment relaxes Positive Lot Identification (PLI) and 
    quality certification requirements specified in paragraph (g) of 
    Sec. 997.20 Shelled 
    
    [[Page 50085]]
    peanuts by allowing movement of failing quality shelled peanuts, which 
    originated from Segregation 1 peanuts, from one handler to another 
    handler without requiring re-inspection and PLI certification by the 
    receiving handler. Currently, paragraph (g) provides that handlers may 
    acquire from other handlers for remilling, Segregation 1 shelled 
    peanuts that fail to meet the requirements for human consumption. The 
    peanuts must be accompanied by a valid inspection certificate and be 
    positive lot identified. Further, the peanuts must be held and milled 
    separate and apart from other receipts or acquisitions of the receiving 
    handler and the transaction must be reported to the Division by both 
    handlers.
        Under the relaxed handling procedure, receiving handlers are not 
    required to hold and remill such peanuts separate from other receipts 
    and acquisitions of the handlers and the received peanuts do not have 
    to be reinspected. Any peanuts so transferred and handled must still 
    meet all the applicable edible quality requirements before being 
    disposed of for human consumption.
        Therefore, paragraph (g) of Sec. 997.20 is revised by removing the 
    second sentence requiring inspection certification and positive lot 
    identification and changing the last sentence to remove reference to 
    received peanuts being held and milled separate and apart from other 
    peanuts.
        The second amendment relaxes ownership requirements of paragraph 
    (f) of Sec. 997.30 Outgoing regulations by allowing handlers to 
    transfer peanuts to another handler or to domestic commercial storage 
    facilities. Currently, paragraph (f) applies to transfer of peanuts 
    from one plant to another of a handler's plants or to commercial 
    storage without having the peanuts PLI and certified as meeting quality 
    requirements--provided that ownership is retained by the handler and 
    that the transfer is only to points within the same production area.
        The amendment extends the provisions of paragraph (f) to allow the 
    transfer of peanuts from one handler's facility to another handler's 
    facility for further handling. The relaxation allows handlers to make 
    the most efficient use of other handling facilities without having to 
    pay additional costs entailed in obtaining PLI and quality 
    certification of the peanuts. Any peanuts so transferred are still 
    subject to all applicable edible quality requirements before being 
    disposed of for human consumption. Thus, paragraph (f) of Sec. 997.30 
    is revised to include transfer of peanuts between facilities of 
    different handlers without quality certification and PLI at the time of 
    transfer.
        Similarly, the third amendment revises some PLI and certification 
    requirements of paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2) and (a)(3) of Sec. 997.40 
    Reconditioning and disposition of peanuts failing quality requirements. 
    Paragraph (a)(1) currently provides that a handler of failing quality, 
    Segregation 1 shelled peanuts may remill, move under PLI to a custom 
    remiller, sell to another handler, or blanch such peanuts. Paragraph 
    (a)(2) provides that such peanuts moved to blanching, or sold to 
    another handler for blanching, must be moved under PLI. Paragraph 
    (a)(3) requires peanut lots in such transactions to be accompanied by a 
    valid grade certificate and moved under PLI. Peanuts so handled should 
    be kept separate and apart from other peanuts at the remilling, 
    blanching or receiving handler facility.
        Under the relaxed handling procedure, the peanuts do not have to be 
    moved under PLI to the remiller, blancher, or receiving handler. 
    Further, to be consistent with the changes in the Agreement 
    regulations, peanuts so moved no longer have to be kept separate and 
    apart from other peanuts at the remilling, blanching or receiving 
    handler facility. Thus, paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) are 
    revised by removing references to PLI and movement accompanied by valid 
    certification. Additionally, provisions are added in the appropriate 
    provisions to provide that the transferred peanuts do not have to be 
    kept separate and apart at the receiving remilling, blanching, or 
    handling facility.
        The Committee members, in proposing the changes in the Agreement 
    provisions, believed that the more restrictive level of regulatory 
    control for each peanut lot is no longer needed. The changes in this 
    rule are based on the fact that current shelling, processing, remilling 
    and blanching technologies are generally more efficient than in the 
    past. The rule makes it more economical for handlers to use blanchers' 
    and remillers' facilities which are generally operated more 
    efficiently. These facilities are now located throughout the different 
    production areas which also encourages their use.
        The rule is intended to provide handlers more reconditioning 
    flexibility by eliminating some certification requirements and PLI of 
    peanuts and reducing costs incurred during movement to different 
    locations and facilities. The rule should improve handlers' competitive 
    positions. Relaxing the regulations will allow freer movement of 
    peanuts and more efficient use of facilities. The relaxation of PLI and 
    certification requirements will reduce the number of inspections and 
    result in lower costs to the entire industry. Fewer inspections are not 
    expected to compromise the industry's quality control and lot 
    identification objectives.
        This interim final rule also adds and updates addresses and 
    telephone and facsimile numbers, where applicable, of approved 
    aflatoxin testing laboratories. The laboratories perform chemical 
    analyses required by the non-signatory handling regulations. This 
    information is provided in paragraph (c)(5)(i) of Sec. 997.30 Outgoing 
    regulation. Nine of the laboratories are approved by the USDA/AMS 
    Science Division and eight are approved by the Committee. Non-signatory 
    handlers may send peanut samples to any laboratory on the list, per 
    instructions specified in paragraph (c) of the outgoing regulation. 
    This rule also updates information in paragraph (c)(5)(ii) identifying 
    the contact point of the USDA Science Division headquarter's office.
        In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1988 (44 U.S.C. 
    Chapter 35), information collection requirements that are contained in 
    this rule have been previously approved by the Office of Management and 
    Budget (OMB) and have been assigned OMB No. 0581-0163.
        Based on the above, the Administrator of the AMS has determined 
    that this interim final rule will not have a significant economic 
    impact on a substantial number of small entities. Written comments, 
    timely received, in response to this action, will be considered before 
    any finalization of this rule.
        After consideration of all relevant matter presented and other 
    information, it is found that the changes set forth below will tend to 
    effectuate the declared policy of the Act.
        Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, it is also found and determined, upon 
    good cause, that it is impracticable, unnecessary and contrary to the 
    public interest to give preliminary notice prior to putting this rule 
    into effect, and that good cause exists for not postponing the 
    effective date of this action until 30 days after publication in the 
    Federal Register because: (1) This rule relaxes several handling 
    restrictions on peanut handlers not subject to the Agreement; (2) the 
    1995 peanut harvest is expected to begin soon and handlers should be 
    aware of handling regulations prior to harvesting activities; (3) this 
    rule brings the quality requirements under part 997 into conformity 
    with those under the 
    
    [[Page 50086]]
    Agreement, as required by the Act; and (4) this action provides a 30-
    day comment period and any comments received will be considered prior 
    to issuance of any final rule.
    
    List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 997
    
        Food grades and standards, Peanuts, Reporting and recordkeeping 
    requirements.
    
        For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR part 997 is 
    amended as follows:
    
    PART 997--PROVISIONS REGULATING THE QUALITY OF DOMESTICALLY 
    PRODUCED PEANUTS HANDLED BY PERSONS NOT SUBJECT TO THE PEANUT 
    MARKETING AGREEMENT
    
        1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 997 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601-674.
    
        2. Paragraph (g) of Sec. 997.20 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 997.20  Incoming regulation.
    
    * * * * *
        (g) Shelled peanuts. Handlers may acquire from other handlers or a 
    handler as defined in 7 CFR 998.8, for remilling and subsequent 
    disposition to human consumption outlets, shelled peanuts (which 
    originated from ``Segregation 1 peanuts'') that fail to meet the 
    requirements specified for human consumption in Sec. 997.30(a). 
    Transactions made in this manner shall be reported to the Division on 
    Form FV-117-3 ``Report of Disposition to and Acquisition from Another 
    Handler--Shelled Peanuts Failing Edible Quality Requirements for 
    Remilling and Further Handling'' by both the handler selling such 
    peanuts and the handler acquiring such peanuts. Further disposition of 
    such peanuts shall be regulated by Sec. 997.40.
    * * * * *
        3. Section 997.30(a)(1) is amended by redesignating paragraph 
    (a)(1) as paragraph (a)(1)(i), revising introductory text preceding the 
    table, designating the table as ``Table 1'' and adding a new paragraph 
    (a)(1)(ii) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 997.30  Outgoing regulation.
    
        (a) Shelled peanuts. (1)(i) No handler shall ship, sell, or 
    otherwise dispose of shelled peanuts for human consumption unless such 
    peanuts are Positive Lot Identified and certified as meeting the 
    requirements specified in Table 1 in this section. * * *
        (ii) Peanuts meeting the specifications in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of 
    this section must also be certified ``negative'' as to aflatoxin, prior 
    to shipment, unless such peanuts are certified as meeting the superior 
    quality requirements in Table 2, and, as such, are exempt from 
    aflatoxin certification requirements.
    
                                               Table 2.--Superior Quality Exemption--Peanuts for Human Consumption                                          
                                                                   [Whole kernels and splits]                                                               
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                                                                       Maximum limitations                                                                  
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Unshelled       Unshelled                                  Fall through                                                       
                             peanuts and  peanuts, damaged ------------------------------------------------------------------------   Foreign               
    Type and grade category    damaged       kernels and                                                                             materials     Moisture 
                               kernels          minor       Sound split and broken    Sound whole kernels            Total           (percent)    (percent) 
                              (percent)   defects(percent)     kernels (percent)           (percent)                                                        
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Runner U.S. No.1 and            1.25            2.00    3.00%; \17/64\ inch,    3.00%; \16/64\ x \3/4\  4.00%; both screens...          .10         9.00
     better.                                                 round screen.           inch, slot screen.                                                     
    Virginia U.S. No.1 and          1.25            2.00    3.00%; \17/64\ inch,    3.00%; \15/64\ x 1      4.00%; both screens...          .10         9.00
     better.                                                 round screen.           inch, slot screen.                                                     
    Spanish and Valencia            1.25            2.00    3.00%; \16/64\ inch,    2.00%; \15/64\ x \3/4\  4.00%; both screens...          .10         9.00
     U.S. No.1 and better.                                   round screen.           inch, slot screen.                                                     
    Runner U.S. Splits (not         1.25            2.00    2.00%; \17/64\ inch,    3.00%; \14/64\ x \3/4\  4.00%; both screens...          .20         9.00
     more than 4% sound,                                     round screen.           inch, slot screen.                                                     
     whole kernels).                                                                                                                                        
    Virginia U.S. Splits            1.25            2.00    3.00%; \17/64\ inch,    3.00%; \14/64\ x 1      4.00%; both screens...          .20         9.00
     (not less than 90%                                      round screen.           inch, slot screen.                                                     
     splits and not more                                                                                                                                    
     than 3.00% sound whole                                                                                                                                 
     kernels and portions                                                                                                                                   
     passing through \20/                                                                                                                                   
     64\ inch round screen).                                                                                                                                
    Spanish and Valencia            1.25            2.00    2.00%; \16/64\ inch,    3.00%; \13/64\ x \3/4\  4.00%; both screens...          .20         9.00
     U.S. Splits (not more                                   round screen.           inch, slot screen.                                                     
     than 4% sound, whole                                                                                                                                   
     kernels).                                                                                                                                              
    Runner with splits (not         1.25            2.00    3.00%; \17/64\ inch,    3.00%; \16/64\ x \3/4\  4.00%; both screens...          .10        9.00 
     more than 15% sound                                     round screen.           inch, slot screen.                                                     
     splits).                                                                                                                                               
    
    [[Page 50087]]
                                                                                                                                                            
    Virginia with splits            1.25            2.00    3.00%; \17/64\ inch,    3.00%; \15/64\ x 1      4.00%; both screens...          .10         9.00
     (not more than 15%                                      round screen.           inch, slot screen.                                                     
     sound splits).                                                                                                                                         
    Spanish and Valencia            1.25            2.00    3.00%; \16/64\ inch,    2.00%; \15/64\ x \3/4\  4.00%; both screens...          .10         9.00
     with splits (not more                                   round screen.           inch, slot screen.                                                     
     than 15% sound splits).                                                                                                                                
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    * * * * *
    
    
    Sec. 997.30  [Amended]
    
        3. Section 997.30(a)(2) is amended by removing the first sentence.
        4. Section 997.30(c)(5) and (f) are revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 997.30  Outgoing regulation.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) * * *
        (5) Information on making arrangements for the required inspection 
    and certification can be obtained by contacting the Fresh Products 
    Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, 
    USDA, P.O. Box 96456, room 2049-S, Washington, DC, 20250, telephone 
    (202) 690-0604 or facsimile (202)720-0393.
        (i) Laboratories at the following locations are approved to perform 
    the chemical analyses required pursuant to this part. The sampling plan 
    and procedures may be obtained from the Science Division.
    
    USDA/AMS Science Division Aflatoxin Laboratories
    
    USDA, AMS, Science Division, 1211 Schley Avenue, Albany, Georgia 31707, 
    Tel: (912) 430-8490, Fax: (912) 430-8534
    USDA, AMS, Science Division, c/o Golden Peanut Company, 200 W. 
    Washington Street (Mail: P.O. Box 488), Ashburn, Georgia 31714, Tel: 
    (912) 567-3703, Fax: (912) 567-2006
    USDA, AMS, Science Division, c/o Golden Peanut Company, 301 W. Pearl 
    Street (Mail: P.O. Box 279), Aulander, North Carolina 27805, Tel: (919) 
    345-1661, ext. 156, Fax: (919) 345-1991
    USDA, AMS, Science Division, 610 North Main Street, Blakely, Georgia 
    31723, Tel: (912) 723-4570, Fax: (912) 723-3294
    USDA, AMS, Science Division, c/o Golden Peanut Company, 42 North Ellis 
    Street (Mail: P.O. Box 548), Camilla, Georgia 31730, Tel: (912) 336-
    0785, ext. 246, Fax: (912) 336-5776
    USDA, AMS, Science Division, c/o Stevens Industries, Cargill, Inc., 715 
    North Main Street (Mail: P.O. Box 272), Dawson, Georgia 31742, Tel: 
    (912) 995-7257, Fax: (912) 995-3268
    USDA, AMS, Science Division, 107 S. Fourth Street, Madill, Oklahoma 
    73446, Tel: (405) 795-5615, Fax: (405) 795-3645
    USDA, AMS, Science Division, 1411 Reeves Street (Mail: P.O. Box 1368), 
    Dothan, Alabama 36302, Tel: (205) 792-5185, Fax: (205) 671-7984
    USDA, AMS, Science Division, 308 Culloden Street (Mail: P.O. Box 1130), 
    Suffolk, Virginia 23434, Tel: (804) 925-2286, Fax: (804) 925-2285
    
    Aflatoxin Laboratories Approved by the Peanut Administrative Committee
    
    Pert Laboratories, P.O. Box 267, Peanut Drive, Edenton, North Carolina 
    27932, Tel: (919) 482-4456, Fax: (919) 482-5370
    J. Leek Associates, Inc., 1200 Wyandotte (Mail: P.O. Box 50395), 
    Albany, Georgia 31705, Tel: (912) 889-8293, Fax: (912) 888-1166
    J. Leek Associates, 675 E. Pine (Mail: P.O. Box 368), Colquitt, Georgia 
    31737, Tel: (912) 758-3722, Fax: (912) 758-2538
    Pert Laboratory South, Highway 82 East Seabrook Drive (Mail: P.O. Box 
    149), Sylvester, Georgia 31791, Tel: (912) 776-7676, Fax: (912) 776-
    1137
    ABC Research, 3437 SW 24th Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32607-4502, 
    Tel: (904) 372-0436, Fax: (904) 378-6483
    J. Leek Associates, 502 West Navarro Street (Mail: P.O. Box 6), DeLeon, 
    Texas 76444, Tel: (817) 893-3653, Fax: (817) 893-3640
    Quanta Lab, 9330 Corporate Drive, Suite 703, Selma, Texas 78154-1257, 
    Tel: (210) 651-5799, Fax: (210) 651-9271
    Professional Service Ind., Inc., 3 Burwood Lane, San Antonio, Texas 
    78216, Tel: (210) 349-5242, Fax: (210) 342-9401.
    
        (ii) Handlers should contact the nearest laboratory from the list 
    in paragraph (c)(5)(i) of this section to arrange to have samples 
    chemically analyzed for aflatoxin content, or for further information 
    concerning the chemical analyses required pursuant to this part 
    handlers may contact: The Science Division, Agricultural Marketing 
    Service, USDA, P.O. Box 96456, room 3507-S, Washington, D.C., 20090-
    6456, telephone (202) 720-5231, facsimile (202) 720-6496.
    * * * * *
        (f) Transfer between plants. Handlers may transfer peanuts to any 
    handler or to domestic commercial storage without having such peanuts 
    positive lot identified and certified as meeting quality requirements. 
    Prior to any subsequent disposition to human consumption outlets, such 
    peanuts shall meet all quality requirements applicable for such 
    disposition.
    * * * * *
        5. In Sec. 997.40, paragraph (a)(1) and the first sentence in 
    paragraph (a)(2) are revised, and the first sentence of paragraph 
    (a)(3) is removed to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 997.40  Reconditioning and disposition of peanuts failing quality 
    requirements.
    
        (a) Further processing of shelled peanuts failing quality 
    requirements--
    
    [[Page 50088]]
    (1) Handlers may remill, move to a custom remiller, or sell to or 
    contract with another handler, or handler as defined in 7 CFR 998.8, 
    for remilling or further handling, shelled peanuts (which originated 
    from Segregation 1 peanuts) that fail to meet the requirements of 
    Sec. 997.30(a). Transactions made in this manner shall be reported to 
    the Department by both the buyer and seller on Form FV-117-4 provided 
    by the Department. If, after further handling, such peanuts meeting the 
    requirements of Sec. 997.30(a) may be disposed of for human 
    consumption. Such peanuts which still do not meet quality requirements 
    of Sec. 997.30(a) may be blanched as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of 
    this section or disposed of and such disposition reported as provided 
    in paragraph (b) of this section.
        (2) Handlers may blanch, or cause to have blanched, shelled peanuts 
    (which originated from Segregation 1 peanuts) that fail to meet the 
    requirements for human consumption specified in Sec. 997.30(a) because 
    of excessive damage, minor defects, moisture, or foreign material or 
    are positive to aflatoxin. * * *
    * * * * *
        Dated: September 15, 1995.
    Robert C. Keeney,
    Director, Fruit and Vegetable Division.
    [FR Doc. 95-23897 Filed 9-27-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
9/28/1995
Published:
09/28/1995
Department:
Agriculture Department
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Interim final rule with request for comments.
Document Number:
95-23897
Dates:
Effective September 28, 1995. Comments received by October 30, 1995, will be considered prior to issuance of any final rule.
Pages:
50083-50088 (6 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. FV95-997-2IFR
PDF File:
95-23897.pdf
CFR: (5)
7 CFR 998.200(a)
7 CFR 997.30(a)
7 CFR 997.20
7 CFR 997.30
7 CFR 997.40