Florida Grapefruit, Florida Oranges and Tangelos, and, Florida Tangerines; Grade Standards

Federal RegisterMay 8, 1996

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 51

[Docket Number FV-93-301]

Florida Grapefruit, Florida Oranges and Tangelos, and, Florida

Tangerines; Grade Standards

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule revises the United States Standards for Grades

of Florida Grapefruit, United States Standards for Grades of Florida

Oranges and Tangelos, and, United States Standards for Grades of

Florida Tangerines. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), in

cooperation with industry, and other interested parties develops and

improves standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging

in order to facilitate commerce by providing buyers, sellers, and

quality assurance personnel uniform language and criteria for

describing various levels of quality and condition as valued in the

marketplace.

The revisions will: Redefine terms to reflect more clearly current

cultural and marketing practices; add and revise the grades so as to

make them uniform and consistent with each other and other recently

revised U.S. grade standards; express defect tolerances in terms of

percentages instead of specific numbers of defective fruit; revise the

size sections to provide greater flexibility in marketing and packaging

new varieties of fruit; and, delete references to a visual aid which is

no longer available.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This regulation is effective August 1, 1996. The

incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the

regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of

August 1, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank O'Sullivan, 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, (202) 720-2185.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is

issuing this 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.), AMS has determined that this

action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial

number of small entities. The revision of U.S. Standards for Grades of

Florida Grapefruit, U.S. Standards for Grades of Florida Oranges and

Tangelos, and U.S. Standards for Grades of Florida Tangerines 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.

The final rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12778, Civil

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

This final 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 the 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 proposed rule, United States Standards for Grades of Florida

Grapefruit, Florida Orange and Tangelos, and Florida Tangerines, was

published in the Federal Register on February 22, 1995, (60 FR 9990-

10004).

The Florida Citrus Packers (FCP), which represents the majority of

citrus growers and packers in Florida, requested that the standards be

revised in order to bring them into conformity with current cultural,

harvesting and marketing practices developed since the standards were

last revised in December 1980.

The 60-day comment period ended April 24, 1995, and a total of

fourteen comments were received from growers, shippers, receivers, and

researchers.

Nine comments from growers, and shippers were in favor of the

proposal in its entirety. These commentors agreed that due to changes

in current cultural, harvesting, and marketing practices of Florida

citrus, it was necessary to change the standards as proposed.

A copy of the proposed rule was provided to the Agricultural

Research Service (ARS) for help in identifying studies, data collection

or other information concerning the possible effect of the proposed

revision on pesticide use. ARS was unable to identify any relevant

information.

One comment from a broker did not address the provisions of the

proposal, and indicated that the standards do not pertain to them.

One comment stated that they were ``not in favor of the proposed

changes and that there needs to be an effort to bring about

standardization of grades of citrus.'' AMS disagrees. In light of the

vast differences between the various citrus growing regions in the

United States and the necessary differences in their respective citrus

products, it would not be helpful to commerce in these commodities to

create one U.S. standard that could not accurately identify quality and

condition characteristics.

Two comments were in favor of the proposal except for its

provisions regarding size, bruising, oil spots and skin breakdown. One

comment from a grower/shipper/marketer stated that in the proposal

Secs. 51.762, 51.1153, and 51.1822 paragraph (a) concerning ``approved

and recognized methods'' could be misconstrued to refer to pack

patterns in the current size sections and therefore should reference

the Florida Department of Citrus Code, a State regulation. AMS

disagrees. Although

[[Page 20703]]

size and pack may be closely associated, it is not AMS's intent to

dictate how the fruit is packed, but to create a uniform and consistent

size for the type of pack that the marketplace demands. In light of

this, AMS is of the view that references to Florida State regulations

are no longer needed and that the size section remain as proposed.

The grower/shipper/marketer also commented that the defects, oil

spotting and skin breakdown should be scored on the same basis as they

are often mistaken for one another. AMS agrees that these defects may

be mistaken for each other. Nonetheless, it is AMS's experience that

AMS Agricultural Commodity Graders and others who are familiar with

these defects can distinguish them. Moreover, as oil spotting is a

permanent defect and skin breakdown is a condition defect of a

progressive nature, that it is important to identify between these two

defects. Many who trade in these commodities need to know whether they

have defects of a progressive nature or not, in order to market the

fruit accordingly. Therefore, these defects will remain as proposed.

A receiver commented that the size sections should remain as it is

currently. It is their opinion that the present size designations

``provide for great flexibility in the packing of numerous varieties of

fruit in various types and sizes of containers.'' However, this is not

the case. Due to the shapes of some of the new varieties of citrus, and

the various sizes of containers, the current size and pack provisions

are too stringent for growers/shippers to market these types of citrus

fruits. Also, certain markets request that the fruit be packed in a

specific way in order to meet their market demands. Therefore, AMS is

of the view that proposed changes to the size section will give the

flexibility needed to the entire citrus industry when marketing these

new varieties of citrus.

The receiver also commented on the proposed changes to bruising, in

that they should remain as they are in the current standards. There

appears to be some confusion as to how bruises would be scored based on

the proposed changes. Bruising will be scored the same as it is in the

current standards. The only change to the defect, bruising, is where it

appears in the standards. Rather than being under the basic

requirements section of the standards it will be under the ``free from

injury, free from damage, free from serious damage, and free from very

serious damage'' sections and defined in the classification of defects

sections. Therefore, with no change as to how bruising will be scored,

but only the location of the defect in the standards, no change is

warranted.

Further, due to an oversight the proposed Secs. 51.762, 51.1153,

and 51.1822, are not included in this final rule. Because the standards

are revising the tolerances from a specific number of defective fruit

to percentages, a specified sample size is no longer needed. Also, by

deleting a specific sample size the application of tolerance sections

were updated to allow for defects in consumer type packages. Similar

provisions appear currently in the California and Arizona citrus

standards.

As a matter of technical change and updating references, the

paragraphs incorporating text by reference to maturity requirements for

citrus grown in Florida have been revised. Specifically, Secs. 51.767,

51.1158 and 51.1823 Maturity, for grapefruit, oranges and tangelos, and

tangerines, respectively, have been revised to incorporate by reference

the latest Florida citrus requirements. The latest edition of the State

of Florida Citrus Fruit Laws is 1995 edition, and the latest edition of

the Official Rules Affecting the Florida Citrus Industry is effective

January 1, 1975, as amended. There are no apparent procedure changes as

a result of this change, however, this does make the incorporation by

reference current.

AMS develops and improves standards of quality, condition, grade,

and packaging in order to facilitate efficient marketing. The

provisions of this final rule are the same as those in the proposed

rule, except for the changes noted above in response to the comments

received, and several minor editorial changes made for clarity.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 51

Agricultural commodities, Food grades and standards, Fruits,

Incorporation by reference, Nuts, Reporting and recordkeeping

requirements, Trees, Vegetables.

For reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR part 51 is amended as

follows:

PART 51--[AMENDED]

1. The authority citation for part 51 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.

2. In part 51, subpart--United States Standards for Grades of

Florida Grapefruit is revised to read as follows:

Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Florida Grapefruit

Grades

Sec.

51.750 U.S. Fancy.

51.751 U.S. No. 1 Bright.

51.752 U.S. No. 1.

51.753 U.S. No. 1 Golden.

51.754 U.S. No. 1 Bronze.

51.755 U.S. No. 1 Russet.

51.756 U.S. No. 2 Bright.

51.757 U.S. No. 2.

51.758 U.S. No. 2 Russet.

51.759 U.S. No. 3.

Tolerances

51.760 Tolerances.

Application of Tolerances

51.761 Application of tolerances.

Size

51.762 Size.

Definitions

51.763 Similar varietal characteristics.

51.764 Well colored.

51.765 Firm.

51.766 Well formed.

51.767 Mature.

51.768 Smooth texture.

51.769 Injury.

51.770 Discoloration.

51.771 Fairly well colored.

51.772 Fairly smooth texture.

51.773 Damage.

51.774 Fairly firm.

51.775 Slightly misshapen.

51.776 Slightly rough texture.

51.777 Serious damage.

51.778 Slightly colored.

51.779 Poorly colored.

51.780 Misshapen.

51.781 Slightly spongy.

51.782 Very serious damage.

51.783 Diameter.

51.784 Classification of defects.

Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Florida Grapefruit

Grades

Sec. 51.750 U.S. Fancy.

``U.S. Fancy'' consists of grapefruit which meet the following

requirements:

(a) Basic requirements:

(1) Discoloration: Not more than one-tenth of the surface, in the

aggregate, may be affected by discoloration. (See Sec. 51.770.);

(2) Firm;

(3) Mature;

(4) Similar varietal characteristics;

(5) Smooth texture;

(6) Well colored; and,

(7) Well formed.

(b) Free from:

(1) Ammoniation;

(2) Buckskin;

(3) Caked melanose;

(4) Decay;

(5) Scab;

(6) Sprayburn;

[[Page 20704]]

(7) Unhealed skin breaks; and,

(8) Wormy fruit.

(1) Bruises;

(2) Green spots;

(3) Oil spots;

(4) Scale;

(5) Scars;

(6) Skin breakdown; and,

(7) Thorn scratches.

(d) Free from damage caused by:

(1) Dirt or other foreign material;

(2) Disease;

(3) Dryness or mushy condition;

(4) Hail;

(5) Insects;

(6) Sprouting;

(7) Sunburn; and,

(8) Other means.

(e) For tolerances see Sec. 51.760.

Sec. 51.751 U.S. No. 1 Bright.

The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1

except that fruit shall have not more than one-fifth of its surface, in

the aggregate, affected by discoloration. For tolerances see

Sec. 51.760.

Sec. 51.752 U.S. No. 1.

``U.S. No. 1'' consists of grapefruit which meet the following

requirements:

(a) Basic requirements:

(1) Discoloration: Not more than one-third of the surface, in the

aggregate, may be affected by discoloration. (See Sec. 51.770.);

(2) Fairly smooth texture;

(3) Fairly well colored;

(4) Firm;

(5) Mature;

(6) Similar varietal characteristics; and,

(7) Well formed.

(b) Free from:

(1) Decay;

(2) Unhealed skin breaks; and,

(3) Wormy fruit.

(1) Ammoniation;

(2) Bruises;

(3) Buckskin;

(4) Caked melanose;

(5) Dirt or other foreign material;

(6) Disease;

(7) Dryness or mushy condition;

(8) Green spots;

(9) Hail;

(10) Insects;

(11) Oil spots;

(12) Scab;

(13) Scale;

(14) Scars;

(15) Skin breakdown;

(16) Sprayburn;

(17) Sprouting;

(18) Sunburn;

(19) Thorn scratches; and,

(20) Other means.

(d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.760.

Sec. 51.753 U.S. No. 1 Golden.

The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1

except that not more than 30 percent, by count, of the fruit shall have

more than one-third of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by

discoloration. For tolerances see Sec. 51.760.

Sec. 51.754 U.S. No. 1 Bronze.

The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1

except that at least 30 percent, by count, of the fruit shall have more

than one-third of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by

discoloration. The predominating discoloration on each of these fruits

shall be of rust mite type. For tolerances see Sec. 51.760.

Sec. 51.755 U.S. No. 1 Russet.

The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1

except that at least 30 percent, by count, of the fruit shall have more

than one-third of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by any type

of discoloration. For tolerances see Sec. 51.760.

Sec. 51.756 U.S. No. 2 Bright.

The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 2

except that fruit shall have not more than one-fifth of its surface, in

the aggregate, affected by discoloration. For tolerances see

Sec. 51.760.

Sec. 51.757 U.S. No. 2.

``U.S. No. 2'' consists of grapefruit which meet the following

requirements:

(a) Basic requirements:

(1) Discoloration: Not more than one-half of the surface, in the

aggregate, may be affected by discoloration. (See Sec. 51.770.);

(2) Fairly firm;

(3) Mature;

(4) Similar varietal characteristics;

(5) Slightly colored;

(6) Not more than slightly misshapen; and,

(7) Not more than slightly rough texture.

(b) Free from:

(1) Decay;

(2) Unhealed skin breaks; and,

(3) Wormy fruit.

(1) Ammoniation;

(2) Bruises;

(3) Buckskin;

(4) Caked melanose;

(5) Dirt or other foreign material;

(6) Disease;

(7) Dryness or mushy condition;

(8) Green spots;

(9) Hail;

(10) Insects;

(11) Oil spots;

(12) Scab;

(13) Scale;

(14) Scars;

(15) Skin breakdown;

(16) Sprayburn;

(17) Sprouting;

(18) Sunburn;

(19) Thorn scratches; and,

(20) Other means.

(d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.760.

Sec. 51.758 U.S. No. 2 Russet.

The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 2

except that at least 10 percent of the fruit shall have more than one-

half of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by any type of

discoloration. For tolerances see Sec. 51.760.

Sec. 51.759 U.S. No. 3.

``U.S. No. 3'' consists of grapefruit which meet the following

requirements:

(a) Basic requirements:

(1) Mature;

(2) Misshapen;

(3) Poorly colored;

(4) Rough texture, not seriously bumpy;

(5) Similar varietal characteristics; and,

(6) Slightly spongy.

(b) Free from:

(1) Decay;

(2) Unhealed skin breaks; and,

(3) Wormy fruit.

(1) Ammoniation;

(2) Bruises;

(3) Buckskin;

(4) Caked melanose;

(5) Disease;

(6) Dryness or mushy condition;

(7) Hail;

(8) Insects;

(9) Oil spotting;

(10) Scab;

(11) Scale;

(12) Scars;

(13) Skin breakdown;

(14) Sprayburn;

(15) Sprouting;

(16) Sunburn; and,

(17) Other means.

(d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.760.

Tolerances

Sec. 51.760 Tolerances.

In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and

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

count, are provided as specified:

(a) Defects. (1) U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1 Bright, U.S. No. 1, U.S.

No. 1 Golden, U.S. No. 1 Bronze, U.S. No. 1 Russet,

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U.S. No. 2 Bright, U.S. No. 2, and U.S. No. 2 Russet.

(i) For defects at shipping point.\1\ Not more than 10 percent of

the fruit in any lot may fail to meet the requirements of the specified

grade: Provided, that included in this amount not more than 5 percent

shall be allowed for defects causing very serious damage, including in

this latter amount not more than 1 percent for decay or wormy fruit.

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\1\ Shipping point, as used in these standards, means the point

of origin of the shipment in the producing area or at port of

loading for ship stores or overseas shipment, or, in the case of

shipments from outside the continental United States, the port of

entry into the United States.

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(ii) For defects en route or at destination. Not more than 12

percent of the fruit which fail to meet the requirements of the

specified grade: Provided, that included in this amount not more than

the following percentages shall be allowed for defects listed:

(A) 10 percent for fruit having permanent defects; or,

(B) 7 percent for defects causing very serious damage, including

therein not more than 5 percent for very serious damage by permanent

defects and not more than 3 percent for decay or wormy fruit.

(2) U.S. No. 3.

(i) For defects at shipping point.\1\ Not more than 10 percent of

the fruit in any lot may fail to meet the requirements of the grade:

Provided, that included in this amount not more than 1 percent shall be

for decay or wormy fruit.

(ii) For defects en route or at destination. Not more than 12

percent of the fruit which fail to meet the requirements of the grade:

Provided, that included in this amount not more than the following

percentages shall be allowed for defects listed:

(A) 10 percent for fruit having permanent defects; or,

(B) 3 percent for decay or wormy fruit.

(b) Discoloration--(1) U.S. No. 1 Bright, U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 2

Bright, and U.S. No. 2. Not more than 10 percent of the fruit in any

lot may fail to meet the requirements relating to discoloration as

specified in each grade. No sample may have more than 20 percent of the

fruit with excessive discoloration: And provided further, that the

entire lot averages within percentage specified.

(2) U.S. No. 1 Golden. Not more than 30 percent of the fruit shall

have in excess of one-third of their surface, in the aggregate,

affected by discoloration, and no part of any tolerance shall be

allowed to increase this percentage. No sample may have more than 40

percent of the fruit with excessive discoloration: And provided

further, that the entire lot averages within the percentage specified.

(3) U.S. No. 1 Bronze, and U.S. No. 1 Russet. At least 30 percent

of the fruit shall have in excess of one-third of the surface, in the

aggregate, affected by discoloration, and no part of any tolerance

shall be allowed to reduce this percentage. No sample may have less

than 20 percent of the fruit with required discoloration: And provided

further, that the entire lot averages within the percentage specified.

(4) U.S. No. 2 Russet. At least 10 percent of the fruit shall have

in excess of one-half of the surface, in the aggregate, affected by

discoloration, and no part of any tolerance shall be allowed to reduce

this percentage: And provided further, that the entire lot averages

within the percentage specified.

Application of Tolerances

Sec. 51.761 Application of tolerances.

The contents of individual packages in the lot, based on sample

inspection, are subject to the following limitations, unless otherwise

specified in Sec. 51.760: Provided, that the average for the entire lot

are within the tolerances specified for the grade:

(a) For packages which contain more than 15 pounds, and a tolerance

of 10 percent or more is provided, individual packages in any lot shall

have not more than one and one-half times the tolerance specified. For

packages which contain more than 15 pounds, and a tolerance of less

than 10 percent is provided, individual packages in any lot shall have

not more than double the tolerance specified, except that at least one

decayed or very seriously damaged fruit may be permitted in any

package.

(b) For packages which contain 15 pounds or less, individual

packages in any lot are not restricted as to the percentage of defects:

Provided, that not more than one fruit which is decayed or otherwise

very seriously damaged may be permitted in any package and, in

addition, en route or at destination not more than 10 percent of the

packages may have more than one fruit which is decayed or otherwise

very seriously damaged.

Size

Sec. 51.762 Size.

(a) Fruits shall be fairly uniform in size and shall be packed in

containers according to approved and recognized methods.

(b) ``Fairly uniform in size'' means that not more than 10 percent

of the grapefruit per sample may vary more than one-half inch in

diameter.

more than 10 percent of the samples in any lot may fail to meet the

requirements of size.

Definitions

Sec. 51.763 Similar varietal characteristics.

Similar varietal characteristics means that the fruits in any

container are similar in color and shape.

Sec. 51.764 Well colored.

Well colored means that the fruit has characteristic color for the

variety with practically no trace of green color.

Sec. 51.765 Firm.

Firm means that the fruit is not soft, or noticeably wilted or

flabby, and the skin is not spongy or puffy.

Sec. 51.766 Well formed.

Well formed means that the fruit has the shape characteristic of

the variety.

Sec. 51.767 Mature.

Mature shall have the same meaning assigned the term in the Florida

Citrus Code, Chapter 601, 1995 Edition, and the Official Rules

Affecting the Florida Citrus Industry, in effect as of February 12,

1995. These grapefruit maturity requirements are contained in the

Florida Citrus Code, Chapter 601, Florida Statutes, Sections 601.16,

601.17, and 601.18, 1995 Edition, and the State of Florida Department

of Citrus Official Rules Affecting the Florida Citrus Industry, Part 1,

Chapter 20-13 Market Classification, Maturity Standards and Processing

or Packing Restrictions for Hybrids in effect as of February 12, 1995.

This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the

Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

Copies may be obtained from, Florida Department of Citrus, Post Office

Box 148, Lakeland, Florida 33802 or copies of both regulations may be

inspected at USDA, AMS, F&VD, FPB, Standardization Section, Room 2065-

S, 14th and Independence Ave., Washington, DC 20250 or at the Office of

the Federal Register, Suite 700, 800 North Capitol Street, Washington,

DC.

Sec. 51.768 Smooth texture.

Smooth texture means that the skin is thin and smooth for the

variety and size of the fruit. ``Thin'' means that the skin thickness

does not average more than \3/8\ inch (9.5 mm), on a central cross

section, on grapefruit 4\1/8\ inches (104.8 mm) in diameter.

Sec. 51.769 Injury.

Injury means any specific defect described in Sec. 51.784, Table I;

or an equally objectionable variation of any

[[Page 20706]]

one of these defects, any other defect, or any combination of defects,

which slightly detracts from the appearance, or the edible or marketing

quality of the fruit.

Sec. 51.770 Discoloration.

Discoloration means russeting of a light shade of golden brown

caused by rust mite or other means. Lighter shades of discoloration

caused by smooth or fairly smooth superficial scars or other means may

be allowed on a greater area, or darker shades may be allowed on a

lesser area, provided no discoloration caused by speck-type melanose or

other means may detract from the appearance of the fruit to a greater

extent than the shade and amount of discoloration allowed in the grade.

Sec. 51.771 Fairly well colored.

Fairly well colored means that except for an aggregate area of

green color which does not exceed the area of a circle 1 inch (25.4 mm)

in diameter, the characteristic color predominates over the green

color.

Sec. 51.772 Fairly smooth texture.

Fairly smooth texture means that the skin is fairly thin and not

coarse for the variety and size of the fruit. ``Fairly thin'' means

that the skin thickness does not average more than \1/2\ inch (12.7

mm), on a grapefruit 4\1/8\ inches (104.8 mm) in diameter.

Sec. 51.773 Damage.

Damage means any specific defect described in Sec. 51.784, Table I;

or an 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 fruit.

Sec. 51.774 Fairly firm.

Fairly firm means that the fruit may be slightly soft, but not

bruised, and the skin is not spongy or puffy.

Sec. 51.775 Slightly misshapen.

Slightly misshapen means that the fruit has fairly good shape

characteristic of the variety and is not more than slightly elongated

or pointed or otherwise deformed.

Sec. 51.776 Slightly rough texture.

Slightly rough texture means that the skin may be slightly thick

but not excessively thick, materially ridged or grooved. ``Slightly

thick'' means that the skin thickness does not average more than \5/8\

inch (15.9 mm), on a central cross section, on a grapefruit 4\1/8\

inches (104.8 mm) in diameter.

Sec. 51.777 Serious damage.

Serious damage means any specific defect described in Sec. 51.784,

Table I; or an 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 fruit.

Sec. 51.778 Slightly colored.

Slightly colored means that except for an aggregate area of green

color which does not exceed the area of a circle 2 inches (50.8 mm) in

diameter, the fruit surface shows some characteristic color.

Sec. 51.779 Poorly colored.

Poorly colored means that not more than 25 percent of the surface

may be of a solid dark green color.

Sec. 51.780 Misshapen.

Misshapen means that the fruit is decidedly elongated, pointed, or

flatsided.

Sec. 51.781 Slightly spongy.

Slightly spongy means that the fruit is puffy or slightly wilted

but not flabby.

Sec. 51.782 Very serious damage.

Very serious damage means any specific defect described in

Sec. 51.784, Table I; or an equally objectionable variation of any one

of these defects, any other defect, or any combination of defects,

which very seriously detracts from the appearance, or the edible or

marketing quality of the fruit.

Sec. 51.783 Diameter.

Diameter means the greatest dimension measured at right angles to a

line from stem to blossom end.

Sec. 51.784 Classification of defects.

Table I

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Very serious

Factor Injury Damage Serious damage damage

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Ammoniation..................... .................. Not occurring as Scars are cracked Aggregating more

light speck type. or dark and than 25 percent

aggregating more of the surface.

than a circle 1

inch (25.4 mm) in

diameter.

Bruises......................... Segment walls are Segment walls are Segment walls are Fruit is split

collapsed, or rag collapsed, or rag collapsed, or rag open, peel is

is ruptured and is ruptured and is ruptured and badly

juice sacs are juice sacs are juice sacs are watersoaked, or

ruptured. ruptured. ruptured. rag is ruptured

and juice sacs

are ruptured

causing a mushy

condition

affecting all

segments more

than \3/4\ inch

(19.1 mm) at

bruised area or

the equivalent of

this amount, by

volume, when

affecting more

than one area on

the fruit.

Buckskin........................ .................. Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more

than a circle 1- than 25 percent than 50 percent

\1/4\ inches of the surface. of the surface.

(31.8 mm) in

diameter.

Caked melanose.................. .................. Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more

than a circle \3/ than a circle 1 than 25 percent

4\ inch (19.1 mm) inch (25.4 mm) in of the surface.

in diameter. diameter.

[[Page 20707]]

Dryness or mushy condition...... .................. Affecting all Affecting all Affecting all

segments more segments more segments more

than \1/4\ inch than \1/2\ inch than 3/4 inch

(6.4 mm) at stem (12.7 mm) at stem (19.1 mm) at stem

end, or the end, or the end, or the

equivalent of equivalent of equivalent of

this amount, by this amount, by this amount, by

volume, when volume, when volume, when

occurring in occurring in occurring in

other portions of other portions of other portions of

the fruit. the fruit. the fruit.

Green spots..................... Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more

than a circle \1/ than a circle \3/ than a circle 1 than 1/3 of the

2\ inch (12.7 mm) 4\ inch (19.1 mm) inch (25.4 mm) in surface, caused

in diameter, in diameter, diameter, caused by scale.

caused by scale. caused by scale. by scale.

Oil spots....................... Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more

than a circle \1/ than a circle 1 than a circle 1\1/ than \1/3\ of the

2\ inch (12.7 mm) inch (25.4 mm) in 2\ inches (38.1 surface.

in diameter. diameter. mm) in diameter.

Scab............................ .................. Materially Seriously detracts Aggregating more

detracts from the from the shape or than 25 percent

shape or texture, texture, or of the surface.

or aggregating aggregating more

more than a than a circle 7/8

circle \3/4\ inch inch (22.2 mm) in

(19.1 mm) in diameter.

diameter.

Scale........................... More than a few Blotch aggregating Blotch aggregating Aggregating more

adjacent to the more than a more than a than 25 percent

``button'' at the circle \3/4\ inch circle 1 inch of the surface.

stem end, or more (19.1 mm) in (25.4 mm) in

than 6 scattered diameter, or diameter, or

on other portions occurring as a occurring as a

of the fruit. ring more than a ring more than a

circle 1\3/4\ circle 1\1/2\

inches (31.8 mm) inches (38.1 mm)

in diameter. in diameter..

Scars, Hail, or Thorn scratches Depressed, not Very deep or very Very deep or very Very deep or very

[For smooth or fairly smooth smooth, or rough aggregating rough aggregating rough or

superficial scars see Sec. detracts from more than a more than a unsightly that

51.770.]. appearance more circle \1/2\ inch circle 1 inch appearance is

than the amount (12.7 mm) in (25.4 mm) in very seriously

of discoloration diameter; deep or diameter; deep or affected.

permitted in the rough aggregating rough aggregating

grade. more than a more than 5

circle 1 inch percent of fruit

(25.4 mm) in surface; slight

diameter; depth or slightly

slightly rough or rough aggregating

of slight depth more than 15

aggregating more percent of fruit

than 10 percent surface.

of fruit surface.

Skin breakdown.................. Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more

than a circle \3/ than a circle \3/ than a circle 1 than 25 percent

8\ inch (9.5 mm) 4\ inch (19.1 mm) inch (25.4 mm) in of the surface.

in diameter. in diameter. diameter.

Sprayburn....................... .................. Aggregating more Hard and Aggregating more

than a circle \3/ aggregating more than 25 percent

4\ inch (19.1 mm) than a circle 1\1/ of the surface.

in diameter. 2\ inches (38.1

mm) in diameter.

Sprouting....................... .................. More than six More than six More than six

seeds have seeds have seeds have

sprouts of more sprouts of more sprouts of more

than \1/4\ inch than \1/2\ inch than \3/4\ inch

(6.4 mm) in (12.7 mm) in (19.1 mm) in

length, or more length, or more length, or more

than 3 seeds with than 3 seeds with than 3 seeds with

sprouts over \3/ sprouts over 1 sprouts over 1\1/

4\ inch (19.1 mm) inch (25.4 mm) in 4\ inches (31.8

in length. length. mm) in length.

Sunburn......................... .................. Skin is flattened, Skin is hard and Aggregating more

dry, darkened, or affects more than than 50 percent

hard and the one-third of the of the surface.

affected area surface.

exceeds 25

percent of the

surface.

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

Note: All references to area or aggregating area, or length in this standard are based on a grapefruit 4\1/8\

inches (104.8 mm) in diameter, allowing proportionately greater areas on larger fruit and lesser areas on

smaller fruit.

3. In part 51, Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of

Florida Oranges and Tangelos is revised to read as follows:

Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Florida Oranges and

Tangelos

General

Sec.

51.1140 General.

Grades

51.1141 U.S. Fancy.

51.1142 U.S. No. 1 Bright.

51.1143 U.S. No. 1.

51.1144 U.S. No. 1 Golden.

51.1145 U.S. No. 1 Bronze.

51.1146 U.S. No. 1 Russet.

51.1147 U.S. No. 2 Bright.

51.1148 U.S. No. 2.

51.1149 U.S. No. 2 Russet.

51.1150 U.S. No. 3.

Tolerances

51.1151 Tolerances.

[[Page 20708]]

Application of Tolerances

51.1152 Application of tolerances.

Size

51.1153 Size.

Definitions

51.1154 Similar varietal characteristics.

51.1155 Well colored.

51.1156 Firm.

51.1157 Well formed.

51.1158 Mature.

51.1159 Smooth texture.

51.1160 Injury.

51.1161 Discoloration.

51.1162 Fairly smooth texture.

51.1163 Damage.

51.1164 Fairly well colored.

51.1165 Reasonably well colored.

51.1166 Poorly colored.

51.1167 Fairly firm.

51.1168 Slightly misshapen.

51.1169 Slightly rough texture.

51.1170 Serious damage.

51.1171 Misshapen.

51.1172 Slightly spongy.

51.1173 Very serious damage.

51.1174 Diameter.

51.1175 Classification of defects.

Standards for Internal Quality of Common Sweet Oranges (Citrus Sinensis

(L) Osbeck)

51.1176 U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A).

51.1177 U.S. Grade A Juice.

51.1178 Maximum anhydrous citric permissible for corresponding

total soluble solids.

51.1179 Method of juice extraction.

Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Florida Oranges and

Tangelos

General

Sec. 51.1140 General.

The standards contained in this subpart apply only to the common or

sweet orange group and varieties and hybrids of varieties belonging to

the Mandarin group, except tangerines, and to the citrus fruit commonly

known as ``tangelo''--a hybrid between tangerine or mandarin orange

(citrus reticulata) with either the grapefruit or pomelo (C. paradisi

and C. grandis). Separate U.S. standards apply to tangerines. The

standards for internal quality contained in Secs. 51.1176 through

51.1179 apply only to common sweet oranges (citrus sinensis (L)

Osbeck).

Grades

Sec. 51.1141 U.S. Fancy.

``U.S. Fancy'' consists of oranges which meet the following

requirements:

(a) Basic requirements:

(1) Discoloration: Not more than one-tenth of the surface, in the

aggregate, may be affected by discoloration. (See Sec. 51.1161.);

(2) Firm;

(3) Mature;

(4) Similar varietal characteristics;

(5) Smooth texture;

(6) Well colored; and,

(7) Well formed.

(b) Free from:

(1) Ammoniation;

(2) Buckskin;

(3) Caked melanose;

(4) Creasing;

(5) Decay;

(6) Scab;

(7) Split navels;

(8) Sprayburn;

(9) Undeveloped segments;

(10) Unhealed skin breaks; and,

(11) Wormy fruit.

(1) Bruises;

(2) Green spots;

(3) Oil spots;

(4) Rough, wide or protruding navels;

(5) Scale;

(6) Scars;

(7) Skin breakdown; and,

(8) Thorn scratches.

(d) Free from damage caused by:

(1) Dirt or other foreign material;

(2) Disease;

(3) Dryness or mushy condition;

(4) Hail;

(5) Insects;

(6) Riciness or woodiness;

(7) Sunburn; and,

(8) Other means.

(e) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1151.

(f) Internal quality: Lots meeting the internal requirements for

``U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A)'' or ``U.S. Grade A Juice'' may be so

specified in connection with the grade. (See Secs. 51.1176-51.1179.)

Sec. 51.1142 U.S. No. 1 Bright.

The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1

except that fruit shall have not more than one-fifth of its surface, in

the aggregate, affected by discoloration.

(a) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1151.

(b) Internal quality: Lots meeting the internal requirements for

``U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A)'' or ``U.S. Grade A Juice'' may be so

specified in connection with the grade. (See Secs. 51.1176-51.1179.)

Sec. 51.1143 U.S. No. 1.

``U.S. No. 1'' consists of oranges which meet the following

requirements:

(a) Basic requirements:

(1) Color;

(i) Early and midseason varieties shall be fairly well colored.

(ii) For Valencia and other late varieties, not less than 50

percent, by count, shall be fairly well colored and the remainder

reasonably well colored.

(2) Discoloration: Not more than one-third of the surface, in the

aggregate, may be affected by discoloration. (See Sec. 51.1161.);

(3) Fairly smooth texture;

(4) Firm;

(5) Mature;

(6) Similar varietal characteristics; and,

(7) Well formed.

(b) Free from:

(1) Decay;

(2) Unhealed skin breaks; and,

(3) Wormy fruit.

(1) Ammoniation;

(2) Bruises;

(3) Buckskin;

(4) Caked melanose;

(5) Creasing;

(6) Dirt or other foreign material;

(7) Disease;

(8) Dryness or mushy condition;

(9) Green spots;

(10) Hail;

(11) Insects;

(12) Oil spots;

(13) Riciness or woodiness;

(14) Scab;

(15) Scale;

(16) Scars;

(17) Skin breakdown;

(18) Split, rough or protruding navels;

(19) Sprayburn;

(20) Sunburn;

(21) Thorn scratches; and,

(22) Other means.

(d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1151.

(e) Internal quality: Lots meeting the internal requirements for

``U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A)'' or ``U.S. Grade A Juice'' may be so

specified in connection with the grade. (See Secs. 51.1176-51.1179.)

Sec. 51.1144 U.S. No. 1 Golden.

The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1

except that not more than 30 percent, by count, of the fruit shall have

more than one-third of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by

discoloration.

(a) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1151.

(b) Internal quality: Lots meeting the internal requirements for

``U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A)'' or ``U.S. Grade A Juice'' may be so

specified in connection with the grade. (See Secs. 51.1176-51.1179.)

Sec. 51.1145 U.S. No. 1 Bronze.

The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1

except at least 30 percent, by count, of the fruit shall have more than

one-third of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by

discoloration. The predominating discoloration on each fruit shall be

of rust mite type.

(a) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1151.

(b) Internal quality: Lots meeting the internal requirements for

``U.S. Grade

[[Page 20709]]

AA Juice (Double A)'' or ``U.S. Grade A Juice'' may be so specified in

connection with the grade. (See Secs. 51.1176-51.1179.)

Sec. 51.1146 U.S. No. 1 Russet.

The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1

except that at least 30 percent, by count, of the fruit shall have more

than one-third of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by any type

of discoloration.

(a) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1151.

(b) Internal quality: Lots meeting the internal requirements for

``U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A)'' or ``U.S. Grade A Juice'' may be so

specified in connection with the grade. (See Secs. 51.1176-51.1179.)

Sec. 51.1147 U.S. No. 2 Bright.

The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 2

except that fruit shall have not more than one-fifth of its surface, in

the aggregate, affected by discoloration.

(a) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1151.

(b) Internal quality: Lots meeting the internal requirements for

``U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A)'' or ``U.S. Grade A Juice'' may be so

specified in connection with the grade. (See Secs. 51.1176-51.1179.)

Sec. 51.1148 U.S. No. 2.

``U.S. No. 2'' consists of oranges which meet the following

requirements:

(a) Basic requirements:

(1) Discoloration: Not more than one-half of the surface, in the

aggregate, may be affected by discoloration. (See Sec. 51.1161.)

(2) Fairly firm;

(3) Mature;

(4) Reasonably well colored;

(5) Similar varietal characteristics;

(6) Not more than slightly misshapen; and

(7) Not more than slightly rough texture.

(b) Free from:

(1) Decay;

(2) Unhealed skin breaks; and

(3) Wormy fruit.

(1) Ammoniation;

(2) Bruises;

(3) Buckskin;

(4) Caked melanose;

(5) Creasing;

(6) Dirt or other foreign material;

(7) Disease;

(8) Dryness or mushy condition;

(9) Green spots;

(10) Hail;

(11) Insects;

(12) Oil spots;

(13) Riciness or woodiness;

(14) Scab;

(15) Scale;

(16) Scars;

(17) Skin breakdown;

(18) Split, rough or protruding navels;

(19) Sprayburn;

(20) Sunburn;

(21) Thorn scratches; and

(22) Other means.

(d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1151.

(e) Internal quality: Lots meeting the internal requirements for

``U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A)'' or ``U.S. Grade A Juice'' may be so

specified in connection with the grade. (See Secs. 51.1176-51.1179.)

Sec. 51.1149 U.S. No. 2 Russet.

The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 2

except that at least 10 percent of the fruit shall have more than one-

half of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by any type of

discoloration.

(a) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1151.

(b) Internal quality: Lots meeting the internal requirements for

``U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A)'' or ``U.S. Grade A Juice'' may be so

specified in connection with the grade. (See Secs. 51.1176-51.1179.)

Sec. 51.1150 U.S. No. 3.

``U.S. No. 3'' consists of oranges which meet the following

requirements:

(a) Basic requirements:

(1) Mature;

(2) Misshapen;

(3) Poorly colored;

(4) Rough texture, not seriously lumpy;

(5) Similar varietal characteristics; and

(6) Slightly spongy.

(b) Free from:

(1) Decay;

(2) Unhealed skin breaks; and

(3) Wormy fruit.

(1) Ammoniation;

(2) Bruises;

(3) Buckskin;

(4) Caked melanose;

(5) Creasing;

(6) Disease;

(7) Dryness or mushy condition;

(8) Hail;

(9) Insects;

(10) Riciness or woodiness;

(11) Scab;

(12) Scale;

(13) Scars;

(14) Skin breakdown;

(15) Split navels;

(16) Sprayburn;

(17) Sunburn; and

(18) Other means.

(d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1151.

(e) Internal quality: Lots meeting the internal requirements for

``U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A)'' or ``U.S. Grade A Juice'' may be so

specified in connection with the grade. (See Secs. 51.1176--51.1179.)

Tolerances

Sec. 51.1151 Tolerances.

In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and

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

count, are provided as specified:

(a) Defects. (1) U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1 Bright, U.S. No. 1, U.S.

No. 1 Golden, U.S. No. 1 Bronze, U.S. No. 1 Russet, U.S. No. 2 Bright,

U.S. No. 2, and U.S. No. 2 Russet grades.

(i) For defects at shipping point.1 Not more than 10 percent

of the fruit in any lot may fail to meet the requirements of the

specified grade: Provided, that included in this amount not more than 5

percent shall be allowed for defects causing very serious damage,

including in this latter amount not more than 1 percent for decay or

wormy fruit.

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

\1\ Shipping point, as used in these standards, means the point

of origin of the shipment in the producing area or at port of

loading for ship stores or overseas shipment, or, in the case of

shipments from outside the continental United States, the port of

entry into the United States.

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

(ii) For defects en route or at destination. Not more than 12

percent of the fruit which fail to meet the requirements of the

specified grade: Provided, that included in this amount not more than

the following percentages shall be allowed for defects listed:

(A) 10 percent for fruit having permanent defects; or,

(B) 7 percent for defects causing very serious damage, including

therein not more than 5 percent for very serious damage by permanent

defects and not more than 3 percent for decay or wormy fruit.

(2) U.S. No. 3.

(i) For defects at shipping point.1. Not more than 10 percent

of the fruit in any lot may fail to meet the requirements of the grade:

Provided, that included in this amount not more than 1 percent shall be

for decay or wormy fruit.

(ii) For defects en route or at destination. Not more than 12

percent of the fruit which fail to meet the requirements of the grade:

Provided, that included in this amount not more than the following

percentages shall be allowed for defects listed:

(A) 10 percent for fruit having permanent defects; or,

(B) 3 percent for decay or wormy fruit.

(b) Discoloration.--(1) U.S. No. 1 Bright, U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 2

Bright, and

[[Page 20710]]

U.S. No. 2. Not more than 10 percent of the fruit in any lot may fail

to meet the requirements relating to discoloration as specified in each

grade. No sample may have more than 20 percent of the fruit with

excessive discoloration: And provided further, that the entire lot

averages within the percentage specified.

(2) U.S. No. 1 Golden. Not more than 30 percent of the fruit shall

have in excess of one-third of their surface, in the aggregate, and no

part of any tolerance shall be allowed to increase this percentage. No

sample may have more than 40 percent of the fruit with excessive

discoloration: And provided further, that the entire lot averages