VISALIA, Calif. -- The California Plum Marketing Board here approved a measure that would allow fruit with a less-than-perfect appearance on the market.
ld allow plums with external blemishes that currently do not meet U.S. standards on the market.
The California Plum Marketing Board is a division of the Tree Fruit Agreement.
Implementation of the new grade still requires approval by the California state legislature. A vote is expected by the middle of January. If approved, the new grade would go into effect this year.
Utility-grade plums would be allowed external blemishes only, with no internal cuts or bruises, the agreement said. Current pesticide standards would also have to be maintained.
