USDA proposes new size and handling rules for California and imported kiwifruit

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed changes to handling requirements for kiwifruit grown in California and imported into the United States, aiming to update size and pack standards to reflect current production trends.

According to the proposal, the rule would introduce two additional size categories and increase tolerance levels for certain fruit sizes. It would also adjust the maximum number of fruits allowed in an 8-pound sample for Size 45, aligning standards for both domestic and imported kiwifruit.

USDA explained that the recommendation came from the Kiwifruit Administrative Committee, which said existing standards no longer fully match the characteristics of newer varieties and larger fruit now common in the market.

If adopted, the changes are expected to provide handlers with more flexibility in packing while maintaining quality requirements across the supply chain.

Public comments on the proposal are open until 7 April 2026.

Read the full report here.

photo: ars.usda.gov