The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proposing updates to the United States Standards for Grades of Nectarines that could reduce cosmetic-related shipment downgrades across the produce industry. The proposed rule would remove “speckling” as a grading defect, recognizing that the condition does not affect the fruit’s internal quality, flavor, or shelf life.
According to USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), certain higher-sugar nectarine varieties naturally develop speckling on the skin, even when the fruit remains fully marketable. The agency stated that maintaining the defect classification may result in unnecessary grading reductions and inconsistent inspections.
For produce importers, distributors, and shippers, grading standards can directly impact product acceptance, pricing, and overall supply chain efficiency. Proposed changes like this may help reduce avoidable rejections tied to cosmetic appearance alone while better aligning standards with current growing practices and consumer expectations.
Comments on the proposal are open through July 6, 2026.
At Alba and The Perishable Specialist, we continue monitoring regulatory and industry developments impacting perishables supply chains, inspections, and cross-border trade operations.
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Federal Register Notice
