🧈New USDA Rule on Butterfat Testing
Plant Records To Include Grade Label Butterfat Testing
Summary
This final rule adopts amendments to the plant records requirement for the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Dairy Grading and Inspection Program. The amendments allow butterfat tests to be performed at an in-house or approved third party laboratory and add a requirement for plants to maintain and make such records available for examination by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspector. These amendments increase efficiency by conforming to current industry practice.
Agencies
- Agriculture Department
- Agricultural Marketing Service
Business Impact
$$ - Med
This final rule amends butterfat testing regulations, allowing plants to use in-house or third-party testing, which can significantly reduce costs. The estimated annual savings range from $4,560 to $31,560 per plant, promoting efficiency and compliance with USDA standards, crucial for butter producers under 7 CFR Part 58.