USDA Upgrades Mushroom Grades with Portabella Addition
Published Date: 4/10/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA is updating the rules for grading mushrooms to include a new grade for portabella mushrooms, separate size from quality grades, and modernize defect rules and terms. This affects mushroom growers, sellers, and buyers by making grading clearer and more up-to-date. Comments on these changes are open until June 9, 2026, with no direct costs expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Updated Defect Rules and Terms
AMS proposes revised tolerances and updated definitions for defects, adding specifications for bruising, cuts or mechanical defects, extraneous material, feathering, open veils, and spots. It also allows some open space before open veils are considered damage for non-portabella types and recognizes open veils as a characteristic (not damage) in portabella types.
Package Tolerance Limits Based on Pack Size
The proposed revisions establish different package tolerance limits based on the size of the packaging; the 'Application of Tolerances' section will identify maximum limits of defects and off-size mushrooms allowed in an individual package.
New Portabella Grade Added
USDA proposes to add a new official grade for portabella-type mushrooms (also spelled portobello; includes ports and giant crimini) under the U.S. Standards for Grades of Mushrooms. The notice says no portabella standard existed prior to this proposal and that the standards cover mushrooms of the Agaricus bisporus species.
Separate Size From Quality Grades
The proposal removes size from the grade criteria and creates a separate section for size and size tolerances so that size is no longer embedded in each grade's criteria. This changes how size and grade will be specified and applied in standards and package tolerances.
Mixed Specialty Packs Allowed; Color Rules
AMS would permit mixed specialty packs of white and brown mushrooms when lots are intentionally packed as mixed/specialty packs. If lots are not intentionally packed as mixed/specialty packs, a dissimilar colored mushroom is considered a defect under the standards.
Standards Specified for Agaricus bisporus
The proposed revisions clarify that the standards apply to all mushrooms of the Agaricus bisporus species and specifically add brown colored button (crimini), cremini, baby/baby bella, and common portabella-type mushrooms to the standards.
60-Day Comment Period; No Direct Costs Expected
AMS is accepting comments for 60 days and requires comments be submitted on or before June 9, 2026. The notice states that no direct costs are expected from these proposed changes.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09571 — Designation Opportunities for United States Grain Standards Act
The USDA is opening up chances for new groups to officially inspect and weigh grain in six areas because some current agencies’ designations are ending or have been canceled. If you’re a private company or state agency interested, you can apply between June 1 and June 30, 2026. This is a great opportunity to step in, keep grain quality high, and serve farmers and buyers with official services.
2026-09502 — Domestic Dates Produced or Packed in Riverside County, California; Decreased Assessment Rate
Starting June 12, 2026, date growers and packers in Riverside County, California, will pay less in fees—dropping from 15 cents to 5 cents per hundredweight. This change helps local date producers save money while keeping the marketing program running smoothly. The new lower rate will stay in place until any future updates are made.
2026-09500 — Blueberry Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Continuance Referendum
Blueberry growers and importers who handled at least 2,000 pounds of highbush blueberries in 2025 will vote from July 13-24, 2026, on whether to keep the current blueberry research and promotion program going. This program helps fund marketing and research efforts through small fees collected from those producers. Your vote decides if these helpful rules stay in place, with ballots sent by mail and accepted electronically.
2026-09504 — Revision of Seven U.S. Grade Standards for Canned Tomato Products
The USDA is updating seven U.S. grade standards for canned tomato products starting June 12, 2026. They’re simplifying color grading, switching from two terms to one, and changing “catsup” to the more popular “ketchup.” These changes help tomato producers and sellers keep things clear and consistent without adding extra costs.
2026-09326 — Kiwifruit Grown in California; Continuance Referendum
California kiwifruit growers will vote from May 18 to June 8, 2026, on whether to keep the current rules that help manage how kiwifruit is grown and sold. Only growers who produced fresh kiwifruit between August 2024 and July 2025 can vote. This decision affects how the kiwifruit market is organized and could impact growers’ costs and sales.
2026-09063 — United States Standards for Grades of Nectarines
The USDA wants to update the rules for grading nectarines by removing 'speckling' as a defect since it’s just a cosmetic thing and actually means the fruit might be sweeter. This change helps farmers, sellers, and buyers better match today’s fruit quality without unfairly knocking down grades. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until July 6, 2026, to speak up—no cost, just your opinion!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-06970 — Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
The Federal Reserve wants to keep collecting info from small businesses and farms for three more years but with some updates to the survey. If you’re a small business or farm, this could affect you because the survey helps track lending trends. You’ve got until June 9, 2026, to share your thoughts, and there’s no new cost for you—just a chance to help shape the questions!
Next: 2026-06973 — 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Rural Capacity Building
HUD wants to update how it collects info from groups working to improve rural communities and affordable housing. This change affects organizations that get HUD grants and focuses on post-award reporting. You’ve got until June 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no extra costs, just a smoother info process!