Expires: November 15
Cost: $35.00 per room before November 15 (rooms must be sealed on or before November 15).
Contact: Colleen Bess 517-373-0280
Forms: Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Storage License

Introduction

The Controlled Atmosphere Storage Licensing program is for any fruit or vegetable grower that wishes to market their product as meeting the qualifications of Act 228 of 1959 as revised to Act 53 of 2000, effective March 30, 2000, when the producer meets this act they can market their product as "CA STORAGE" produce. The Michigan Department of Agriculture, Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division is responsible for the enforcement of this act.

Who must be licensed?

• A person or legal entity shall not sell, label, describe, advertise, offer, expose, exchange, or transport fruits or vegetable for sale represented as having been held under controlled atmosphere storage conditions as specified in the act unless the sealed storage rooms are licensed.
• If you use the term “CA” or Controlled Atmosphere on containers they must come from a licensed controlled atmosphere storage room.
• Please note that several states and foreign countries have quarantines, which require apples and other fruit to be held in licensed and approved controlled atmosphere storage in order to qualify for phytosanitary certification.

When will my sealed rooms be Inspected?

1. MDA reviews completed application, fee, and room closure notification card. If no additional information is needed the information is sent to the regional office.
2. The inspector will contact you to schedule a time and date for an inspection of the room or rooms.
3. Upon arrival the inspector will ask to see each room's records.
4. The inspector will note the room number, sealing date, date the room was brought under control, the percent of oxygen on that date, temperature on that date, percent of carbon dioxide on that date, approximate number of pounds, variety and number of bins for each room.
5. The inspector will conduct the inspection by accessing each room's air.
6. If the oxygen level is 5% or lower and the temperature is 35 degrees or lower on Jonathan, Rome Beauty, all Delicious and Styman or 41 degrees or lower for all other varieties the room is ready to be sealed with the department's seal.
7. Once inspection and paperwork are complete it will be reviewed and if qualified a license will be issued.

Where can I get the Forms to become a Licensed Controlled Atmosphere Storage Room?

• Controlled Atmosphere Sealed Storage Application Form
• Room Closure Notification Card

What is the cost per license?

$35.00 per room

When do Controlled Atmosphere Storage licenses expire?

All licenses expire on November 15 of the year after Issue and may be renewed annually unless the license is revoked or suspended

Where can I get a copy of the Fruit and Vegetables; Controlled Atmosphere storage Act 228 of 1959?

The Michigan Legislative website

Who should I contact if I need additional information?

Colleen Bess
collierc@michigan.gov
Michigan Department of Agriculture
Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division
Fruit & Vegetable Inspection
P.O. Box 30017, Lansing, Michigan 48909