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Understanding the Official Device [Agricultural Marketing Service] and Its Role in Agriculture
Definition & Meaning
An "official device" refers to any tool that is authorized by the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) for marking or identifying agricultural products. This can include stamping appliances, branding devices, stencils, printed labels, or other tools used to apply official marks or identification to products or their packaging. Additionally, it encompasses devices designated by the Administrator as USDA official devices, which may serve as color standards or defect guides to help interpret USDA grade standards during inspections.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
The term "official device" is primarily used within the context of agricultural regulations, particularly those pertaining to the inspection and certification of processed fruits, vegetables, and other food products. Legal practitioners and agencies involved in agricultural marketing, food safety, and compliance rely on these definitions to ensure that products meet federal standards. Users can manage related forms or procedures through resources like US Legal Forms, which provide templates for compliance documentation.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A fruit packing facility uses a stamping appliance approved as an official device to mark cartons of apples with the USDA grade. This ensures that consumers can identify the quality of the product.
Example 2: A vegetable processing plant employs a stencil as an official device to label bags of frozen peas, indicating they meet USDA standards for quality and safety. (hypothetical example)
Relevant laws & statutes
The primary regulation governing official devices is found in 7 CFR 52.3, which outlines the definitions and requirements for devices used in agricultural marketing and inspection. This regulation is part of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 and the Egg Products Inspection Act.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Differences
Official mark
A symbol or label indicating compliance with standards.
Official devices are tools used to apply official marks.
USDA grade standards
Quality standards set by the USDA for agricultural products.
Official devices help interpret these standards but are not standards themselves.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you are involved in agricultural marketing or processing, ensure that any marking tools you use are officially approved by the AMS. You can explore US Legal Forms for templates that may assist in compliance with USDA regulations. If you face complex issues regarding inspections or certifications, consider seeking professional legal assistance.
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