Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type Onions and Onions (Other than Bermuda- Granex-Grano and Creole Type); Grade Standards

Federal RegisterFeb 16, 1995

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR PART 51

[Docket Number FV-94-302]

Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type Onions and Onions (Other than Bermuda-

Granex-Grano and Creole Type); Grade Standards

Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This proposed rule would revise the United States Standards

for Grades of Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type Onions and United States

Standards for Grades of Onions (Other Than Bermuda-Granex-Grano and

Creole Type). The proposal would set a minimum sample size for consumer

size packages, provide a ``Colossal'' size classification, eliminate

Export size classifications and designate a U.S. No. 1 Peeled Grade. It

would also include other technical revisions to update the standards in

accord with current handling and marketing practices.

DATES: Comments must be postmarked or courier dated on or before April

17, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Interested parties are invited to submit written comments

concerning this proposal. Comments must be sent to the Fresh Products

Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Division, Agricultural Marketing Service,

U.S. Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 96456, Room 2056 South

Building, Washington, DC 20090-6456. Comments should make reference to

the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register and will

be made available for public inspection in the above office during

regular business hours.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank O'Sullivan, at the above address

or call (202) 720-2185.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S. Department of Agriculture is

issuing this proposed rule in conformance with Executive Order 12866.

Pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Regulatory

Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et. seq.), the Administrator of the

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has determined that this action

will not have a significant economic impact on substantial number of

small entities. This proposed rule for the revision of U.S. Standards

for Grades of Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type Onions and U.S. Standards for

Grades of Onions (Other Than Bermuda-Granex-Grano and Creole Type) will

not impose substantial direct economic cost, recordkeeping, or

personnel workload changes on small entities, and will not alter the

market share or competitive position of these entities relative to

large businesses. In addition, under the Agricultural Marketing Act of

1946, the use of these standards is voluntary.

This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12778,

Civil Justice Reform. This action is not intended to have retroactive

effect. This proposed rule will not preempt any State or local laws,

regulations, or policies, unless they present an irreconcilable

conflict with this rule. There are no administrative procedures which

must be exhausted prior to any judicial challenge to the provisions of

this rule.

Agencies periodically review existing regulations. An objective of

the review is to ensure that the grade standards are serving their

intended purpose, the language is clear, and the standards are

consistent with AMS policy and authority.

The United States Standards for Grades of Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type

Onions was last revised February 20, 1985, and the United States

Standards for Grades of Onions (Other Than Bermuda-Granex-Grano and

Creole Types) was last revised October 1, 1971. In general, the

Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type (BGG) standard is applied to southern grown

onions that have thin papery outer scales, are harvested in the spring

and summer and are not typically kept in storage. The Other Than

Bermuda-Granex-Grano and Creole Types (Other Than) standard is

generally applied to northern grown onions that have thick outer papery

scales, are harvested in the fall and are [[Page 8974]] more commonly

stored. The major distinction between the two standards for grades of

these onions is the lot tolerances; 10 percent for BGG and 5 percent

for Other Than. Although separated by type and tolerances, many

similarities exist in the grading of these onions. The different types

of onions are affected by most of the same defects. The procedures for

sampling and performing grading activities are essentially the same

regardless of which standard is being applied. The standards were

established and have been revised separately over the years to reflect

the needs of their respective industries.

A broad spectrum of growers and shippers of onions who utilize both

standards, represented by The National Onion Association (NOA), have

requested that the minimum sample size for consumer size packages be

designated at 20 pounds. While considering the NOA's request the

Department, through a periodic review, decided to take the opportunity

to bring the standards into closer uniformity with each other and

conformity to current harvesting, handling and marketing practices.

Therefore, this proposal would revise both standards by the addition of

a required minimum sample size. It would also include the following: An

additional grade for peeled onions, an additional size designation for

colossal onions and technical revisions to promote uniformity and

clarity wherever possible. The following are revisions proposed herein:

--``Fairly firm'' is now a basic requirement only in the Other Than

standard. ``Fairly firm'' would be added as a basic requirement to the

U.S. No. 1 grade in the BGG standard (Sec. 51.3195) and also included

in the Definitions section (Sec. 51.3205). This would make both U.S.

Standards uniform in their basic requirements for a U.S. No. 1 onion.

--The BGG standard currently contains paragraphs for tolerances in each

of the respective grade sections. The Other Than standard now contains

a specific section entitled ``Tolerances'' which is the format

established for more recent and current standards. To make referencing

much easier and to make both U.S. Standards current and uniform in the

way they read, a specific section for Tolerances (Sec. 51.3200) would

be established in the BGG standard. The actual tolerances would not be

changed, only the location in the standard.

--A U.S. No. 1 Peeled grade would be established for both standards

(Secs. 51.2835 and 51.3196). The marketing of fresh-cut, ``ready to

use'' products has expanded greatly in the last few years in the

produce industry. Onions offered for sale whole and completely peeled

as a fresh product ready to use have been part of this expanding

market. This grade would provide clear and defined trading language

helping to facilitate the increased movement in these type of onions.

The new grade would read as follows:

``U.S. No. 1 Peeled consists of onions which meet all the

requirements for the U.S. No. 1 grade'' (``except for damage by

peeling'' in the Other Than standard). ``Furthermore, onions must be

free from any outer papery scales in order to meet the requirements of

this grade.''

A 5 percent tolerance for onions in a lot with outer papery scales

in any amount would also be provided in the tolerance section.

--Both the BGG and Other Than standards contain the grade

classification ``Unclassified.'' This grade would be deleted from both

standards since it is not an actual grade classification and is rarely,

if ever used. Elimination of Unclassified would also maintain

consistency with newer versions of standards for other commodities.

--Currently size classifications in each of the standards are similar

but not completely the same. Each standard now contains size

designations for small, medium and large sizes. The BGG standard also

references a Repacker or Prepacker size, while the Other Than standard

contains export small, export medium and export large sizes as well as

regional specifications for the medium size.

Size classifications would be revised and placed in chart form for

each standard (Secs. 51.2837 and 51.3199) to achieve uniformity and

clarity.

A new size classification for colossal onions would be added to

both standards based on the increased trade in this size product and

the need for common trading language.

In the Other Than standard three additional changes would also be

made to the size classifications. First, the reference to export sizes

would be eliminated since these sizes are rarely, if ever used. The

reference to these sizes in the Application of Tolerances section would

also be eliminated. There would be no need for this reference if the

sizes were dropped. Next, the medium size classification would no

longer give smaller size exception for ``onions grown in Minnesota,

Iowa, and States east of the Mississippi River * * *.'' This would

eliminate confusion in the trade and standardize across the nation the

size of onions referred to as ``Medium.'' Finally, the Repacker/

Prepacker size currently only referenced in the BGG standard would be

included in the Other Than standard. This would make both standards

completely uniform along size classifications providing common and

standardized trading language in reference to size for onions shipped

from anywhere in the country. The new size chart proposed for each

standard would read as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Minimum diameter Maximum diameter

Size designation ---------------------------------------------------

Inches Millimeters Inches Millimeters

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Small............... 1 25.4 2\1/4\ 57.2

Repacker/

Prepacker\1\....... 1\3/4\ 44.5 3 76.2

Medium.............. 2 50.8 3\1/4\ 82.6

Large or Jumbo...... 3 76.2 (\2\)

Colossal............ 3\3/4\ 95.3 (\2\)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\In addition to the sizes specified, a lot of onions designated as

Repacker or Prepacker shall contain at least 60 percent or more 2

inches or larger in diameter.

\2\No requirement.

--Sample size is not currently defined in the standards for onions.

Inspections are performed using the consumer package that onions are

packed in as the sample. While this may be a fair and accurate way to

determine percentages of defects for 50 pound sacks, when smaller

consumer size packages (i.e., 2, 3, 5, pounds) are taken as the sample

a lot may be thrown out of grade by a proportionately small number of

[[Page 8975]] onions due to the restrictions imposed by the application

of tolerances.

A specified sample size would provide more uniform sampling when

certifying various sizes of smaller packages. Also, to apply tolerances

more accurately to these smaller packages in conjunction with the

change in sample size the application of tolerances would need to be

applied to the sample as opposed to the package.

Therefore, this proposal would add new sections (Sec. 51.2839 in

Other Than and 51.3201 in BGG), Samples For Grade And Size

Determination, to each standard. The addition of sample size

requirements, Secs. 51.2839 in Other Than and 51.3201 in BGG, will read

as follows in both standards: ``Individual samples shall consist of at

least 20 pounds. When individual packages contain 20 pounds or more and

the onions are packed for Large or Jumbo size or larger the package

shall be the sample. When individual packages contain less than 20

pounds, a sufficient number of adjoining packages are opened to provide

at least a 20 pound sample.'' For onions smaller than Large or Jumbo

size (3 inches), a 20 pound sample would be sufficient regardless of

the package size because the onions are small. Defects are determined

by weight and therefore smaller onions provide ample numbers of units

for inspection purposes, whereas the larger onions provide fewer

specimens in the same size sample. With this proposed addition of

sample sizes a more uniform determination of defect percentages will be

applied to the various sizes of onions in both small and large

packages.

To further enhance the uniform determination of defect tolerances

this proposal would also modify the Application of Tolerances section

in each standard, Secs. 51.2840 & 51.3202.

Currently each standard limits the individual package from

exceeding certain tolerances. Each standard now reads, in part, as

follows: ``* * * the contents of individual packages in the lot, based

on sample inspection, are subject to the following limitations * * *.''

This proposal would change those limits from the package to the

sample. The modified sections as proposed would read, in part:

``Individual samples are subject to the following limitations: * * *''

Of course, in some instances the package still remains the sample.

This proposed change in the application of tolerances is intended

to enhance clarity, simplicity and uniformity of inspection procedure.

Since the sample would be the unit of inspection the tolerances should

apply to that unit. A single package could be just one part of the unit

of inspection (in a combined 20 pound sample) and applying the limits

of tolerances to that package would confuse and complicate the

inspection process.

--Currently each standard contains sections entitled ``Damage'' and

``Serious Damage.'' The paragraphs within each of these sections list

defects and the definitions of damage or serious damage by these

defects. The following proposed revisions would affect some of these

defect definitions in the interest of providing clear language,

uniformity of application and consistency with current marketing and

handling practices.

Currently Dry sunscald is a defect listed under damage in both

standards and also under serious damage in the BGG standard. Over the

years there has been some confusion surrounding the identification of

this defect because dirt clod bruising of the onions may cause an area

similar looking to dry sunscald. To eliminate confusion and to

standardize inspection procedures the term Dry sunken areas is proposed

as a replacement for the term Dry sunscald. This definition is more

objective and precise. (Sections 51.2850(f) and 51.3209(c).)

The proposed definition for serious damage by dry sunken areas

would remain the same in the BGG standard as it currently reads

(51.3211(b)). The same definition would be added to the Other Than

Standard (51.2853(f)). This would maintain uniformity and clarity in

each of the standards.

Some of the defects currently listed in the damage and serious

damage sections are defined in terms of when materially or seriously

detracting from the appearance of the lot. Hence, these defects are

scored as damage or serious damage when the lot is affected to a

certain degree as opposed to when the individual onions are affected.

The method of judging when the appearance of the lot is to be scored

should be more precise and objective.

In the Other Than standard damage and serious damage by dirt or

staining, and damage by dry roots, tops and sunburn are defined this

way. In the BGG standard damage and serious damage by staining, dirt or

other foreign material is also defined this way.

This proposed rule would set percentage allowances for when the lot

is damaged or seriously damaged by individual defective specimens. For

example the current definition for damage by dry roots in the Other

Than standard reads: ``when detracting from the appearance of the lot

more than the presence of 20 percent of the onions having all roots 2

inches in length.'' The proposed revision would read: ``when more than

20 percent of the onions in a lot have practically all roots 2 inches

or more in length.'' The new definition should be more objective and

precise. ``Practically all'' was added to be more realistic in

determining the number of roots. This term means 95 percent or more as

defined in the General Inspection Instructions of the Fresh Products

Branch. Each of the defects listed above would be clarified in this way

while keeping the intent of the scoring guidelines intact. See

Secs. 51.2850 (c), (e), (g), (l) and 51.2853(b) in Other Than and

Secs. 51.3209 (f), (h) and 51.3211(d) in BGG.

The Other Than standard currently contains definitions for damage

by new roots, dry roots, tops, and watery scale. The BGG standard does

not currently contain definitions for any of these defects. In an

effort to promote uniformity and clarity these definitions would be

added to the BGG standard.

The current definition for damage by watery scale in the Other Than

standard reads: ``when more than the equivalent of the entire outer

fleshy scale is affected by an off-color, watersoaked condition.'' To

distinguish this defect from another condition called translucent scale

an additional clarification is proposed. The following words would be

added to the watery scale definition: ``* * * The off-color must be of

some shade of brown or yellow.'' The serious damage definition would

also be modified. The BGG standard as mentioned above would also have

these definitions included for uniformity. (Sections 51.2850(k) &

51.2853(a) and 51.3209(l) and 51.3211(f).)

Neither standard currently has a definition for damage by

translucent scales. To provide clear language that is consistent with

current marketing practices a definition would be provided as follows:

``when more than the equivalent of two entire outer fleshy scales have

a watersoaked condition.'' To provide uniformity each standard would be

affected. (Sections 51.2850(n) and 51.3209(k).)

The BGG standard currently contains definitions for damage and

serious damage by mechanical means. The Other Than standard does not

contain these definitions. To be consistent with current handling

practices for both types of onions and to provide uniformity between

the standards, the current BGG definitions for mechanical damage and

serious damage would be [[Page 8976]] added to the Other Than standard.

(Sections 51.2850(m) and 51.2853(e).)

--Finally, the BGG standard currently does not contain a metric

conversion table. The Other Than standard does. To keep both standards

uniform and to bring the BGG standard up to date with current standard

format a metric conversion table would be added. (Section 51.3213.)

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 51

Agricultural commodities, Food grades and standards, Fruits, Nuts,

Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Vegetables.

PART 51--[AMENDED]

For reasons set forth in the preamble, it is proposed that 7 CFR

part 51 be amended as follows:

1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 51 continues to read as

follows:

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622, 1624.

2. Part 51, Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Onions

(Other Than Bermuda-Granex-Grano and Creole Types) is revised to read

as follows:

Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Onions (Other Than

Bermuda-Granex-Grano and Creole Types)

Grades

Sec.

51.2830 U.S. No. 1.

51.2831 U.S. Export No. 1.

51.2832 U.S. Commercial.

51.2833 U.S. No. 1 Boilers.

51.2834 U.S. No. 1 Picklers.

51.2835 U.S. No. 1 Peeled.

51.2836 U.S. No. 2.

Size Classifications

51.2837 Size classifications.

Tolerances

51.2838 Tolerances.

Samples for Grade and Size Determination

51.2839 Samples for grade and size determination.

Application of Tolerances

51.2840 Application of tolerances.

Export Packing Requirements

51.2841 Export packing requirements.

Definitions

51.2842 Mature.

51.2843 Dormant.

51.2844 Fairly firm.

51.2845 Fairly well shaped.

51.2846 Wet sunscald.

51.2847 Doubles.

51.2848 Bottlenecks.

51.2849 Scallions.

51.2850 Damage.

51.2851 Diameter.

51.2852 Badly misshapen.

51.2853 Serious damage.

51.2854 One type.

Metric Conversion Table

51.2855 Metric conversion table.

Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Onions (Other Than

Bermuda-Granex-Grano and Creole Types)

Grades

Sec. 51.2830 U.S. No. 1.

U.S. No. 1 consists of onions which meet the following

requirements:

(a) Basic requirements:

(1) Similar varietal characteristics;

(2) Mature;

(3) Fairly firm; and,

(4) Fairly well shaped.

(b) Free from:

(1) Decay;

(2) Wet sunscald;

(3) Doubles;

(4) Bottlenecks; and,

(5) Scallions.

(1) Seedstems;

(2) Splits;

(3) Tops;

(4) Roots;

(5) Dry sunken areas;

(6) Sunburn;

(7) Sprouts;

(8) Freezing;

(9) Peeling;

(10) Cracked fleshy scales;

(11) Watery scales;

(12) Dirt or staining;

(13) Foreign matter;

(14) Disease;

(15) Insects; and,

(16) Other means.

(d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.2838

(e) Size. Unless otherwise specified the diameter shall be not less

than 1\1/2\ inches, and yellow, brown, or red onions shall have 40

percent or more, and white onions shall have 30 percent or more, by

weight, of the onions in any lot 2 inches or larger in diameter.

(f) When a percentage of the onions is specified to be of any

certain size or larger, no part of any tolerance shall be allowed to

reduce the specified percentage, but individual packages in a lot may

have as much as 25 percentage points less than the percentage

specified, except that individual packages containing 10 pounds or less

shall have no requirements as to percentage of a certain size or

larger: Provided, that any lot, regardless of package size, shall

average within the percentage specified. (See Secs. 51.2837 and

51.2838.)\1\

\1\Any lot of onions quoted as being of size smaller than 1\1/2\

inches minimum, such as ``U.S. No. 1, 1\1/4\ inches min.'' is not

required to meet the percentages which shall be 2 inches or larger

as specified in the U.S. No. 1 grade.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec. 51.2831 U.S. Export No. 1.

U.S. Export No. 1 consists of onions which meet the following

requirements:

(a) Basic requirements:

(1) Similar varietal characteristics;

(2) Mature;

(3) Dormant;

(4) Fairly firm; and,

(5) Fairly well shaped.

(b) Free from:

(1) Decay;

(2) Wet sunscald;

(3) Doubles;

(4) Bottlenecks; and,

(5) Scallions.

(1) Seedstems;

(2) Splits;

(3) Tops;

(4) Roots;

(5) Dry sunken areas;

(6) Sunburn;

(7) Sprouts;

(8) Freezing;

(9) Peeling;

(10) Cracked fleshy scales;

(11) Watery scales;

(12) Dirt or staining;

(13) Foreign matter;

(14) Disease;

(15) Insects; and,

(16) Other means.

(d) Unless otherwise specified onions are packed in accordance with

Export Packing Requirements set forth in Sec. 51.2841. (See

Sec. 51.2838.)

Sec. 51.2832 U.S. Commercial.

U.S. Commercial consists of onions which meet the following

requirements:

(a) Basic requirements:

(1) Similar varietal characteristics;

(2) Mature;

(3) Not soft or spongy; and,

(4) Not badly misshapen.

(b) Free from:

(1) Decay;

(2) Wet sunscald;

(3) Doubles;

(4) Bottlenecks; and,

(5) Scallions.

(1) Seedstems;

(2) Tops;

(3) Roots;

(4) Dry sunken areas;

(5) Sunburn;

(6) Sprouts;

(7) Freezing;

(8) Cracked fleshy scales;

(9) Watery scales;

(10) Disease;

(11) Insects; and,

(12) Other means.

(d) Free from serious damage caused by:

(1) Staining;

(2) Dirt; and,

(3) Other foreign matter.

(e) For tolerances see Sec. 51.2838.

(f) Size. Unless otherwise specified, the diameter shall be not

less than 1\1/2\ inches. (See Secs. 51.2837 and 51.2838.)

Sec. 51.2833 U.S. No. 1 Boilers.

U.S. No. 1 Boilers consists of onions which meet all the

requirements for the U.S. No. 1 grade except for size. (See

Sec. 51.2830.) Size. The diameter of onions of this grade shall be not

less than 1 inch nor more than 1\7/8\ inches. (See Sec. 51.2838.)

Sec. 51.2834 U.S. No. 1 Picklers.

U.S. No. 1 Picklers consists of onions which meet all the

requirements for the U.S. No. 1 grade except for size. (See

Sec. 51.2830.) Size. The maximum diameter of onions of this grade shall

be not more than 1 inch. (See Sec. 51.2838.)

Sec. 51.2835 U.S. No. 1 Peeled.

U.S. No. 1 Peeled consists of onions which meet all the

requirements for the U.S. No. 1 grade except for damage caused by

peeling. Furthermore, onions must be free from any outer papery scales

in order to meet the requirements of this grade. (See Sec. 51.2830.)

(a) Size. Unless otherwise specified the diameter shall be not less

than 1\1/2\ inches with 30 percent or more, by weight, of the onions in

any lot 2 inches or larger in diameter.

(b) When a percentage of the onions is specified to be of any

certain size or larger, no part of any tolerance shall be allowed to

reduce the specified percentage, but individual packages in a lot may

have as much as 25 percentage points less than the percentage

specified, except that individual packages containing 10 pounds or less

shall have no requirements as to percentage of a certain size or

larger: Provided, that any lot, regardless of package size, shall

average within the percentage specified.

(See Secs. 51.2837 and 51.2838.)2 [[Page 8977]]

\2\Any lot of onions quoted as being of size smaller than 1\1/2\

inches minimum, such as ``U.S. No. 1, 1\1/4\ inches min.'' is not

required to meet the percentages which shall be 2 inches or larger

as specified in the U.S. No. 1 grade.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec. 51.2836 U.S. No. 2.

U.S. No. 2 consists of onions which meet the following

requirements:

(a) Basic requirements:

(1) One type;

(2) Mature; and,

(3) Not soft or spongy.

(b) Free from:

(1) Decay;

(2) Wet sunscald; and,

(3) Scallions.

(1) Seedstems;

(2) Dry sunken areas;

(3) Sprouts;

(4) Freezing;

(5) Watery scales;

(6) Disease;

(7) Insects; and,

(8) Other means.

(d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.2838.

(e) Size. Unless otherwise specified, the diameter shall not be

less than 1\1/2\ inches. (See Secs. 51.2837 and 51.2838.)

Size Classifications

Sec. 51.2837 Size classifications.

The size of onions may be specified in accordance with one of the

following classifications.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Minimum diameter Maximum diameter

Size designation ---------------------------------------------------

Inches Millimeters Inches Millimeters

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Small............... 1 25.4 2\1/4\ 57.2

Repacker/

Prepacker\1\....... 1\3/4\ 44.5 3 76.2

Medium.............. 2 50.8 3\1/4\ 82.6

Large or jumbo...... 3 76.2 (\2\) ...........

Colossal............ 3\3/4\ 95.3 (\2\) ...........

------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\In addition to the sizes specified, a lot of onions designated as

Repacker or Prepacker shall contain at least 60 percent or more 2

inches or larger in diameter.

\2\No requirement.

Tolerances

Sec. 51.2838 Tolerances.

In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and

handling in each of the foregoing grades the following tolerances, by

weight, are provided as specified:

(a) For defects:

(1) U.S. No. 1, U.S. Export No. 1, U.S. No. 1 Boilers and U.S. No.

1 Picklers grades.

(i) Not more than 10 percent of the onions in a lot may be damaged

by peeling;

(ii) Not more than 5 percent of the onions in a lot may be below

the remaining requirements of these grades, but not more than two-

fifths of this tolerance, or 2 percent, may be allowed for onions which

are affected by decay or wet sunscald (see Sec. 51.2840); and,

(2) U.S. No. 1 Peeled grade.

(i) Not more than 5 percent of the onions in a lot may have outer

papery scales in any amount;

(ii) Not more than 5 percent of the onions in a lot may be below

the remaining requirements of the grade, but not more than two-fifths

of this tolerance, or 2 percent, may be allowed for onions which are

affected by decay or wet sunscald (see Sec. 51.2840); and,

(3) U.S. Commercial and U.S. No. 2 grades.

(i) Not more than 5 percent of the onions in a lot may be below the

requirements of these grades, but not more than two-fifths of this

tolerance, or 2 percent, may be allowed for onions which are affected

by decay or wet sunscald. (See Sec. 51.2840.)

(b) For off-size:

(1) U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 1 Boilers, U.S. No. 1 Peeled, U.S.

Commercial, and U.S. No. 2 grades. Not more than 5 percent of the

onions in a lot may be below the specified minimum size, and not more

than 10 percent may be above any specified maximum size. (See

Sec. 51.2840.)

(2) U.S. No. 1 Pickler grade. Not more than 10 percent of the

onions in a lot may be above the maximum size specified for this grade.

(See Sec. 51.2840.)

Samples for Grade and Size Determination

Sec. 51.2839 Samples for grade and size determination.

Individual samples shall consist of at least 20 pounds. When

individual packages contain 20 pounds or more and the onions are packed

for Large or Jumbo size or larger the package shall be the sample. When

individual packages contain less than 20 pounds, a sufficient number of

adjoining packages are [[Page 8978]] opened to provide at least a 20

pound sample.

Application of Tolerances

Sec. 51.2840 Application of tolerances.

Individual samples are subject to the following limitations:

(a) Samples which contain more than 20 pounds shall have not more

than one and one half times a specified tolerance of 10 percent or

more, and not more than double a specified tolerance of less than 10

percent, except that at least one defective and one off-size onion may

be permitted in any sample: Provided, that en-route or at destination

when onions in containers of 50 pounds or more are packed to a minimum

size of 3 inches or larger not more than three onions or more than 4

percent (whichever is the larger amount) may be affected by decay or

wet sunscald: And provided further, that the averages for the entire

lot are within the tolerances specified for the grade; and,

(b) Samples which contain 20 pounds shall have not more than double

the tolerance specified, except that at least one defective and one

off-size onion may be permitted in any sample: Provided, that the

averages for the entire lot are within the tolerances specified for the

grade.

Export Packing Requirements

Sec. 51.2841 Export packing requirements.

Onions specified as meeting Export Packing Requirements shall be

packed in containers having a net capacity of 25 kilograms

(approximately 56 pounds).

Definitions

Sec. 51.2842 Mature.

Mature means well cured. Midseason onions which are not customarily

held in storage shall be considered mature when harvested in accordance

with good commercial practice at a stage which will not result in the

onions becoming soft or spongy.

Sec. 51.2843 Dormant.

Dormant means that at least 90 percent of the onions in any lot

show no evidence of growth as indicated by distinct elongation of the

growing point or distinct yellow or green color in the tip of the

growing point.

Sec. 51.2844 Fairly firm.

Fairly firm means that the onion may yield slightly to moderate

pressure but is not appreciably soft or spongy.

Sec. 51.2845 Fairly well shaped.

Fairly well shaped means having the shape characteristic of the

variety, but onions may be slightly off-type or slightly misshapen.

Sec. 51.2846 Wet sunscald.

Wet sunscald means sunscald which is soft, mushy, sticky or wet.

Sec. 51.2847 Doubles.

Doubles means onions which have developed more than one distinct

bulb joined only at the base.

Sec. 51.2848 Bottlenecks.

Bottlenecks are onions which have abnormally thick necks with only

fairly well developed bulbs.

Sec. 51.2849 Scallions.

Scallions are onions which have thick necks and relatively small

and poorly developed bulbs.

Sec. 51.2850 Damage.

Damage means any specific defect described in this section; or any

equally objectionable variation of any one of these defects, any other

defect, or any combination of defects, which materially detracts from

the appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the onions. The

following specific defects shall be considered as damage:

(a) Seedstems which are tough or woody, or which are more than \1/

4\ inch in diameter;

(b) Splits when onions with two or more hearts are not practically

covered by one or more outer scales;

3 inches or more in length;

(d) New roots when most roots on an individual onion have grown to

a length of 1 inch or more in length;

(e) Dry roots when more than 20 percent of the onions in a lot have

practically all roots 2 inches or more in length;

(f) Dry sunken areas when the affected areas exceed the equivalent

to that of a circle \1/2\ inch in diameter on an onion 2\3/4\ inches in

diameter which does not have the outer papery scale covering the

affected areas or when the affected areas exceed the equivalent to that

of a circle \3/4\ inch in diameter on an onion 2\3/4\ inches in

diameter which has the outer papery scale covering the affected areas.

Correspondingly lesser or greater areas are allowed on smaller or

larger onions;

(g) Sunburn when more than 33 percent of the onions in a lot have a

medium green color on one-third of the surface;

(h) Sprouts when visible, or when concealed within the dry top and

more than three-fourths inch in length on an onion 2 inches or larger

in diameter, or proportionately shorter on smaller onions;

(i) Peeling when more than one-half of the thin papery skin is

missing, leaving the underlying fleshy scale unprotected;

(j) Cracked fleshy scales when one or more of the fleshy scales are

cracked;

(k) Watery scales when more than the equivalent of the entire outer

fleshy scale is affected by an off-color, watersoaked condition. The

off-color must be of some shade of brown or yellow;

(l) Dirt, staining or other foreign matter when more than 20

percent of the onions in a yellow, brown or red lot, or more than 15

percent of the onions in a white lot are appreciably stained. Onions

with adhering dirt or other foreign matter shall be judged on the same

basis as stained onions;

(m) Mechanical when any cut extends deeper than one fleshy scale,

or when any bruise breaks a fleshy scale; and,

(n) Translucent scales when more than the equivalent of two entire

outer fleshy scales have a watersoaked condition.

Sec. 51.2851 Diameter.

Diameter means the greatest dimension measured at right angles to a

straight line running from the stem to the root.

Sec. 51.2852 Badly misshapen.

Badly misshapen means that the onion is so misshapen that its

appearance is seriously affected.

Sec. 51.2853 Serious damage.

Serious damage means any specific defect described in this section;

or any equally objectionable variation of any one of these defects, any

other defect, or any combination of defects, which seriously detracts

from the appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the onions.

The following specific defects shall be considered as serious damage:

(a) Watery scales when more than the equivalent of two entire outer

fleshy scales are affected by an off-colored, watersoaked condition.

The off-color must be of some shade of brown or yellow;

(b) Dirt, staining or other foreign matter when more than 25

percent of the onions in a lot are badly stained. Onions with adhering

dirt or other foreign matter shall be judged on the same basis as

stained onions;

(d) Sprouts when the visible length is more than one half inch;

(e) Mechanical when any cut extends deeper than two fleshy scales,

or when cuts seriously damage the appearance of the onion; and,

(f) Dry sunken areas when extending deeper than one fleshy scale,

or when affecting an area equivalent to that of a circle 1 inch in

diameter on an onion [[Page 8979]] 2\3/4\ inches in diameter, or

correspondingly lesser or greater areas on smaller or larger onions.

Sec. 51.2854 One type.

One type means that the onions are within the same general color

category.

Metric Conversion Table

Sec. 51.2855 Metric conversion table.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Millimeters

Inches (mm)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1/8\................................................... 3.2

\1/4\................................................... 6.4

\3/8\................................................... 9.5

\1/2\................................................... 12.7

\5/8\................................................... 15.9

\3/4\................................................... 19.1

\7/8\................................................... 22.2

1....................................................... 25.4

1\1/4\.................................................. 31.8

1\1/2\.................................................. 38.1

1\3/4\.................................................. 44.5

2....................................................... 50.8

2\1/2\.................................................. 63.5

2\3/4\.................................................. 69.9

3....................................................... 76.2

3\1/2\.................................................. 88.9

4....................................................... 101.6

------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. In Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Bermuda-

Granex-Grano Type Onions is revised to read as follows:

Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Bermuda-Granex-Grano

Type Onions

Grades

Sec.

51.3195 U.S. No. 1.

51.3196 U.S. No. 1 Peeled.

51.3197 U.S. Combination.

51.3198 U.S. No. 2.

Size Classifications

51.3199 Size classifications.

Tolerances

51.3200 Tolerances

Samples for Grade and Size Determination

51.3201 Samples for grade and size determination.

Application of Tolerances

51.3202 Application of tolerances.

Definitions

51.3203 Similar varietal characteristics.

51.3204 Mature.

51.3205 Fairly firm.

51.3206 Fairly well shaped.

51.3207 Wet sunscald.

51.3208 Doubles.

51.3209 Bottlenecks.

51.3210 Damage.

51.3211 Serious damage.

51.3212 Diameter.

Metric Conversion Table

51.3213 Metric conversion table.

Subpart--United States standards for Grades of Bermuda-Granex-Grano

Type Onions

Grades

Sec. 51.3195 U.S. No. 1

U.S. No. 1 consists of onions which meet the following

requirements:

(a) Basic requirements:

(1) Similar varietal characteristics;

(2) Mature;

(3) Fairly firm; and,

(4) Fairly well shaped.

(b) Free from:

(1) Decay;

(2) Wet unscald;

(3) Doubles; and,

(4) Bottlenecks.

(1) Seedstems;

(2) Splits;

(3) Moisture;

(4) Roots:

(5) Dry sunscald;

(6) Sunburn;

(7) Sprouting;

(8) Staining;

(9) Dirt or foreign material;

(10) Disease;

(11) Insects;

(12) Mechanical; and,

(13) Other means.

(d) For size and tolerances see Secs. 51.3199 and 51.3200.

Sec. 51.3196 U.S. No. 1 Peeled.

U.S. No. 1 Peeled consists of onions which meet all the

requirements for the U.S. No. 1 grade. Furthermore, onions must be free

from any outer papery scales in order to meet the requirements of this

grade. (See Secs. 51.3199 and 51.3200.)

Sec. 51.3197 U.S. Combination.

U.S. Combination consists of a combination of U.S. No. 1 and U.S.

No. 2 onions: Provided, that at least 50 percent, by weight, of the

onions in each lot meet the requirements of U.S. No. 1 grade. (See

Secs. 51.3199 and 51.3200.)

Sec. 51.3198 U.S. No. 2.

U.S. No. 2 consists of onions which meet the following

requirements:

(a) Basic requirements:

(1) Similar varietal characteristics; and,

(2) Not soft or spongy.

(b) Free from:

(1) Decay;

(2) Wet sunscald; and,

(3) Bottlenecks.

(1) Seedstems;

(2) Dry sunken areas;

(3) Sprouting;

(4) Staining;

(5) Dirt or other foreign material;

(6) Disease;

(7) Insects;

(8) Mechanical; and,

(9) Other means.

(d) For size and tolerances see Secs. 51.3199 and 51.3200.

Size Classifications

Sec. 51.3199 Size classifications.

Size shall be specified in connection with the grade in terms of

minimum diameter, range in diameter, minimum diameter with a percentage

of a certain size or larger, or in accordance with one of the size

classifications listed below: Provided, that unless otherwise

specified, onions shall not be less than 1\1/2\ inches in diameter,

with 60 percent or more 2 inches or larger in diameter.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Minimum diameter Maximum diameter

Size designation ---------------------------------------------------

Inches Millimeters Inches Millimeters

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Small............... 1 25.4 2\1/4\ 57.2

Repacker/

Prepacker\1\....... 1\3/4\ 44.5 3 76.2

Medium.............. 2 50.8 3\1/4\ 82.6

Large or jumbo...... 3 76.2 (\2\)

Colossal............ 3\3/4\ 95.3 (\2\)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\In addition to the sizes specified, a lot of onions designated as

Repacker or Prepacker shall contain at least 60 percent or more 2

inches or larger in diameter.

\2\No requirement.

[[Page 8980]] Tolerances

Sec. 51.3200 Tolerances.

In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and

handling in each of the foregoing grades the following tolerances, by

weight, are provided as specified:

(a) For defects:

(1) U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2 grades.

(i) Not more than 10 percent of the onions in a lot may fail to

meet the requirements of these grades, but not more than one-fifth of

this tolerance, or 2 percent, may be allowed for onions which are

affected by decay or wet sunscald.

(2) U.S. No. 1 Peeled grade.

(i) Not more than 5 percent of the onions in a lot may have outer

papery scales in any amount;

(ii) Not more than 10 percent of the onions in a lot may be below

the remaining requirements of the grade, but not more than one-fifth of

this tolerance, or 2 percent, may be allowed for onions which are

affected by decay or wet sunscald.

(3) U.S. Combination grade.

(i) When applying the foregoing tolerances to this grade no part of

any tolerance shall be allowed to reduce, for the lot as a whole, the

50 percent of onions of the U.S. No. 1 grade, but individual containers

shall have not less than 40 percent of the U.S. No. 1 grade.

(b) For size:

(1) Not more than 5 percent of the onions in a lot may be smaller

than the minimum diameter specified. In addition, not more than 10

percent of the onions in a lot may be larger than the maximum diameter

specified.

(2) When a percentage of the onions is specified to be a certain

size and larger, individual packages containing more than 10 pounds may

have not less than one-half of the percentage specified: Provided, that

the entire lot averages within the percentage specified.

Samples for Grade and Size Determination

Sec. 51.3201 Samples for grade and size determination.

Individual samples shall consist of at least 20 pounds. When

individual packages contain 20 pounds or more and the onions are packed

for Large or Jumbo size or larger the package shall be the sample. When

individual packages contain less than 20 pounds, a sufficient number of

adjoining packages are opened to provide at least a 20 pound sample.

Application of Tolerances

Sec. 51.3202 Application of tolerances.

Individual samples are subject to the following limitations:

(a) Samples which contain more than 20 pounds shall have not more

than one and one half times a specified tolerance of 10 percent or

more, and not more than double a specified tolerance of less than 10

percent, except that at least one defective and one off-size onion may

be permitted in any sample: Provided, that enroute or at destination

when onions in containers of 50 pounds or more are packed to a minimum

size of 3 inches or larger not more than three onions or more than 4

percent (whichever is the larger amount) may be affected by decay or

wet sunscald: And provided further, that the averages for the entire

lot are within the tolerances specified for the grade; and,

(b) Samples which contain 20 pounds shall have not more than double

the tolerance specified, except that at least one defective and one

off-size onion may be permitted in any sample: Provided, that the

averages for the entire lot are within the tolerances specified for the

grade.

Definitions

Sec. 51.3203 Similar varietal characteristics.

Similar varietal characteristics means that the onions in any

container are similar in color, shape and character of growth.

Sec. 51.3204 Mature.

Mature means that the onion is fairly well cured, and at least

fairly firm.

Sec. 51.3205 Fairly firm.

Fairly firm means that the onion may yield slightly to moderate

pressure but is not appreciably soft or spongy.

Sec. 51.3206 Fairly well shaped.

Fairly well shaped means that the onion shows the characteristic

shape, not appreciably three-, four- or five- sided, thick necked or

badly pinched.

Sec. 51.3207 Wet sunscald.

Wet sunscald means any sunscald which is soft, mushy, sticky or

wet.

Sec. 51.3208 Doubles.

Doubles means onions which have developed more than one distinct

bulb joined only at the base.

Sec. 51.3209 Bottlenecks.

Bottlenecks means onions which have abnormally thick necks with

only fairly well developed bulbs.

Sec. 51.3210 Damage.

Damage unless otherwise specifically defined in this section, means

any defect which materially affects the appearance, or the edible or

shipping quality of the onions. Any one of the following defects, or

combination of defects the seriousness of which exceeds the maximum

allowed for any one defect, shall be considered as damage:

(a) Seedstems which are tough or woody, or which are more than one-

fourth inch in diameter;

(b) Splits when well cured onions are not practically covered by an

outer scale, or when fairly well cured onions are not completely

covered by one outer scale;

to that of a circle \1/2\ inch in diameter on an onion 2\3/4\ inches in

diameter which does not have the outer papery scale covering the

affected areas or when the affected areas exceed the equivalent to that

of a circle \3/4\ inch in diameter on an onion 2\3/4\ inches in

diameter which has the outer papery scale covering the affected areas.

Correspondingly lesser or greater areas are allowed on smaller or

larger onions;

(d) Sunburn when dark green in color and affecting an area

equivalent to that of a circle 1 inch in diameter on an onion 2\3/4\

inches in diameter or correspondingly smaller or larger areas on

smaller or larger onions, or when medium to light green in color and

affecting more than 10 percent of the surface of the onion;

(e) Sprouting when any sprout is visible, or when concealed within

the neck scales and are more than three-fourths inch in length on an

onion 2 inches or larger in diameter, or proportionately shorter on

smaller onions;

(f) Staining, dirt or other foreign material when more than 20

percent of the onions in a yellow, brown or red lot, or more than 15

percent of the onions in a white lot are appreciably stained. Onions

with adhering dirt or other foreign matter shall be judged on the same

basis as stained onions;

(g) Mechanical when any cut extends deeper than one fleshy scale,

or when any bruise breaks a fleshy scale;

(h) Tops when more than 30 percent of the onions in a lot have tops

3 inches or more in length;

(i) New roots when most roots on an individual onion have grown to

a length of 1 inch or more;

(j) Dry roots when practically all roots are 2 inches or more in

length;

(k) Translucent scales when more than the equivalent of two entire

outer [[Page 8981]] fleshy scales have a watersoaked condition; and,

(l) Watery scales when more than the equivalent of the entire outer

fleshy scale is affected by an off-color, watersoaked condition. The

off-color must be of some shade of brown or yellow.

Sec. 51.3211 Serious damage.

Serious damage unless otherwise specifically defined in this

section, means any defect which seriously affects the appearance, or

the edible or shipping quality of the onions. Any one of the following

defects, or any combination of defects the seriousness of which exceeds

the maximum allowed for any one defect, shall be considered as serious

damage:

(a) Seedstems when more than one-half inch in diameter;

(b) Dry sunken areas when extending deeper than one fleshy scale,

or when affecting an area equivalent to that of a circle 1 inch in

diameter on an onion 2\3/4\ inches in diameter, or correspondingly

lesser or greater areas on smaller or larger onions;

length;

(d) Staining, dirt or foreign material when more than 25 percent of

the onions in any lot are badly stained. Onions with adhering dirt or

other foreign matter shall be judged on the same basis as stained

onions;

(e) Mechanical when any cut extends deeper than two fleshy scales,

or when cuts seriously damage the appearance of the onion; and,

(f) Watery scales when more than the equivalent of two entire outer

fleshy scales are affected by an off-colored, watersoaked condition.

The off-color must be of some shade of brown or yellow.

Sec. 51.3212 Diameter.

Diameter means the greatest dimension of the onion at right angles

to a line running from the stem to the root.

Metric Conversion Table

Sec. 51.3213 Metric conversion table.