California Almond Information Collection Renewal and Comment Request
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
Extends and revises an existing paperwork approval for the California almond marketing order. The reporting supports the Almond Board of California’s food safety program, including treatment plans and applications for process authorities, Direct Verifiable program participants, auditors, and custom processors. Almond handlers and related businesses are the main affected parties. The notice does not create a new food safety rule, but it keeps the current reporting system moving and asks for public comments on whether the forms are needed, whether the time burden is accurate, and how reporting could be improved or automated. Comments are due by July 6, 2026.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- AMS plans to renew and revise the existing information collection for the California almond marketing order.
- The notice keeps reporting tied to almond treatment plans, process authority applications, Direct Verifiable program applications, auditor applications, and custom processor applications.
- Public comments are requested on the need for the forms, the estimated burden, data quality, and ways to reduce reporting work.
Obligations
What this law requires
Submit an annual almond treatment plan to the Almond Board of California and the inspection agency describing how almonds will be treated in compliance with the mandatory Salmonella-reduction program.
Use either an on-site verification program or an audit-based verification program, and annually submit the Handler Treatment Plan using ABC Form No. 54.
Submit ABC Form No. 51, “Application for Process Authority for Almonds,” to the Almond Board of California to seek approval as an almond process authority validating treatment technologies.
Submit ABC Form No. 52, “Application for Direct Verifiable (DV) Program for Further Processing of Untreated Almonds,” to the Almond Board of California to seek approval to accept untreated almonds under the DV program.
Agree to treat untreated almonds received under the Direct Verifiable program when seeking approval to accept such almonds.