Description
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has revised the Commodity Specification for Tree Nuts, effective January 2026. The specification outlines the requirements for tree nuts, including U.S. Standards, exceptions to U.S. Standards, product origin, domestic origin verification, and labeling and packaging. The specification also includes individual commodity specifications for shelled almonds, filbert (hazelnut) kernels, pecan pieces, pistachio nuts in the shell, and shelled walnuts. Some key points include:
* Tree nuts must meet the requirements of the applicable United States Standards for Grades of Nuts.
* Exceptions to U.S. Standards are found in the Individual Commodity Specifications section of the document.
* Product origin must be domestic, and verification of domestic origin is required for every purchase order.
* Labeling and packaging must meet specific requirements, including the use of commercial labeling and packaging, and the inclusion of certain information such as product name, pack size, and purchase order number.
* Inspection and certification must be performed by the Federal or Federal-State Inspection Service.
* Laboratory testing must be performed by a certified laboratory, and results must be furnished to the Federal or Federal-State Inspector prior to issuance of the inspection certificate.
Some of the key requirements for each type of tree nut include:
* Shelled almonds: must meet U.S. No. 1 grade or better, with specific requirements for styles, types, and sizes.
* Filbert (hazelnut) kernels: must meet Oregon No. 1 grade, with specific requirements for styles, sizes, and textures.
* Pecan pieces: must meet U.S. Fancy or better grade, with specific requirements for size, color, and flavor.
* Pistachio nuts in the shell: must meet U.S. Extra No. 1 grade, with specific requirements for size, color, and flavor.
* Shelled walnuts: must meet U.S. Commercial or better grade, with specific requirements for variety, size classification, and color.