Jan 14, 2016

Burnette Foods challenges tart cherry rules

Burnette Foods, a Michigan company, has filed a complaint against tart cherry rules established by USDA and the Cherry Industry Administrative Board. The complaint was filed in federal court in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Jan. 11.

In its complaint, Burnette Foods claims the restrictions set on the amount of Michigan tart cherries sold commercially are unfair compared to those set for other states.

Here’s more from the Courthouse News Service:

Burnette is asking a federal judge to hold the Board’s cherry restrictions unconstitutional.

It previously sought, and initially won, a modification of the cherry order to exempt canned cherry products from the same restrictions as frozen cherry products. But a judicial officer overturned this ruling and reimposed the limits on Burnette’s sales.