Comments on: Acorn Squash- Yellowing

By: tyawman

tyawman — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 19:49:52 +0000

Thanks for your comment. You are exactly right, the industry does have a say in the U.S. Grade Standards, but not the scoring guidelines. There is no mention of yellow to orange color being a defect in the grade standard, this ruling came directly from USDA management. I agree, no one should blame the field inspectors; they are only doing what they are told.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 14:08:57 +0000

The USDA field inspectors use the standards as a uniform guideline. It is actually the shippers and other trade members that have the most say in writing the standards as well as the scoring guidelines. If you do not like the scoring of this defect then contact the USDA standardization office and request that they revise the scoring procedures. Don’t lay blame on the field inspectors these are the guidelines that they are presented with has nothing to do with keeping their jobs.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 14:06:41 +0000

Everyone knows why the USDA scores this as a defect. The USDA has to throw product out of grade to stay in business. If they pass loads then applicants will quit calling for inspections. No inspections mean they shut down their offices and they lose their jobs. Shippers don’t stand a chance in this racket. Impartial, honest….no way!