LEAMINGTON, ON - Following the USDA’s recently announced revisions to the U.S. Standards for Grades of Mushrooms, Highline Mushrooms is reaffirming its commitment to the quality expectations it has established with its retail and foodservice customers. The revised federal standards, which take effect September 24, modernize mushroom grading requirements for the first time in nearly 60 years, including changes to defect tolerances, sizing, terminology, and the treatment of open veils.

While the updated standards provide the mushroom industry with greater flexibility, Highline does not intend to use that flexibility to lower the quality specifications its customers and consumers have come to expect. “Our customers have built their mushroom programs around specific expectations for quality, appearance, freshness and shelf performance,” said Sabrina Pokomandy, Director of Business Development & Marketing, in the recent release. “A change in an allowable industry tolerance should not automatically mean a change in what arrives at our partner’s stores.”

For Highline, USDA grade standards represent an important industry benchmark. Customer specifications, however, remain central to how Highline grows, packs, and supplies mushrooms. Simply put, if the standard changes, the customer experience shouldn’t have to. Highline will continue to work directly with its customers to maintain agreed-upon product specifications and evaluate any potential changes based on what is right for the customer, the category, and ultimately the consumer.

“Retailers work hard to build shopper confidence in fresh produce, and consistency at shelf matters,” added Sabrina. “At a time when mushroom consumption is already under pressure, we should be focused on giving consumers more reasons to buy mushrooms and not potentially compromising the quality experience that brings them back. Protecting quality and consistency at shelf is part of protecting the category and helping return mushrooms to growth.”

The USDA revisions represent an important modernization of standards originally established in 1966. Highline supports efforts that bring industry standards in line with modern production and marketing practices while remaining committed to delivering the quality and consistency its customers expect.