Government Finally Fixes Spelling of Ketchup in Official Rules
Published Date: 5/13/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
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 companies and state agencies to become official grain inspectors in six areas because some current inspectors’ designations are ending or were canceled. If you want to apply or share your thoughts on the current inspectors, you’ve got from June 1 to June 30, 2026, to do it. This is a great opportunity for new players to step in and keep grain inspections running smoothly, with no fees mentioned.
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-market kiwifruit between August 2024 and July 2025 can vote. This vote decides if the marketing order continues, which affects how the industry works and could impact growers’ costs and sales.
2026-09058 — Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2025-2026 Marketing Year
The USDA is setting new limits on how much spearmint oil can be sold from Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, and Utah for the 2025-2026 season. This affects spearmint oil farmers and buyers by controlling supply to keep the market steady. The new rules kick in on June 8, 2026, helping producers plan and protect their earnings.
2026-09063 — United States Standards for Grades of Nectarines
The USDA wants to update nectarine grading rules by removing 'speckling' as a defect since it’s just a cosmetic thing and actually means sweeter fruit. This change helps farmers, sellers, and buyers better match today’s quality and could boost how nectarines are sold. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until July 6, 2026, to speak up!
2026-08597 — Almonds Grown in California; Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
The USDA wants to keep collecting info from California almond growers and update how they do it. This affects farmers and businesses involved in California almonds, helping keep the almond market running smoothly. If you have thoughts, speak up by July 6, 2026—no extra costs, just a little paperwork refresh!
2026-08399 — 2026/2027 Rates Charged for AMS Services
Starting May 1, 2026, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is updating the fees it charges for grading, inspecting, and testing agricultural products like meat, fruits, and cotton. Some fees are going up to cover rising costs, while others stay the same. Warehouse service fees for fiscal year 2027 won’t change, so businesses should plan for these updates as the new crop and fiscal years begin.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09503 — Notification of the Revocation of Facility Exemptions From the Port Security Advisory
Starting May 27, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard is removing special security exemptions for port facilities in Equatorial Guinea because the government there isn’t keeping up with important safety checks. This means ships coming from Equatorial Guinea will face stricter security rules when entering U.S. waters. Other countries with similar issues remain on the watch list, so expect tighter security and more inspections.
Next: 2026-09507 — Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT); Request for Information
The FDA wants to hear from food makers, scientists, and anyone with info about BHT, a common food additive, to check if it’s still safe to use. They’re reviewing new science and need your comments by July 13, 2026. This could affect companies using BHT in foods or packaging, so get ready for possible updates that might change how BHT is used or labeled.