PLUM BOARD PASSES MEASURE ON SELLING 'UTILITY GRADE' FRUIT

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.