USDA proposal seeks new definition for seedless lemons

The US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has proposed revising the US Standards for Grades of Lemons to include a definition for "seedless lemons" and establish marking requirements for this type of fruit.

According to the proposal, a lemon will be considered "seedless" if, in a sample of 100 units, no more than six contain seeds, whether fully developed or undeveloped. This definition considers any undeveloped seeds within the fruit and would not affect the grade of the lemons.

Lots labeled as "seedless" must include the term legibly on at least 95 percent of the packages, including consumer units, so that buyers and consumers can clearly identify the product.

The objective of clarity on "seedless lemons"

The proposal is based on a request from California Citrus Mutual and seeks to maintain consistency in the industry, reflect current marketing practices, and establish a common language of trade.

In the petition submitted on March 25, 2024, the industry organization requested a revision of the lemon standard due to the industry’s technological advancements, which have led to the development of seedless varieties.

"AMS worked closely with California Citrus Mutual throughout the development of the proposed revisions, soliciting their feedback and suggestions on the standards through discussion drafts and submissions,” the document states. “These proposed revisions seek to establish a definition for seedless lemons and marking requirements to maintain consistency in the industry." 

The proposed requirements aim to provide buyers and consumers with clear information about the product. Without them, it would be difficult to differentiate seedless lemons from those with seeds and determine when the proposed definition would apply.

Revisions to these quality standards would provide a common language for trade, better reflect current fruit and vegetable marketing, and offer uniformity in the buying and selling of seedless lemons.

The notice was published in the Federal Register on September 11, 2025, and will be open for comments for 60 days.

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