United States Standards for Grades of Oranges (California and Arizona), United States Standards for Grades of Grapefruit (California and Arizona), United States Standards for Grades of Tangerines and the United States Standards for Grades of Lemons

SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of

Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting comments on its proposal to change the

United States Standards for Grades of Oranges, United States Standards

for Grades of Grapefruit, United States Standards for Grades of

Tangerines and the United States Standards for Grades of Lemons.

Specifically, AMS is proposing to change the standards in order to

provide a minimum 25-count sample to be applied to tolerances for

defects. These changes are being requested by industry to promote

greater uniformity and consistency in the standards. In addition, AMS

proposes to further improve the standards and promote consistency by

reviewing the standards in their entirety. These standards have not

been changed within the last 34 to 50 years, depending on the commodity

in question. Revisions are needed to bring them into conformity with

current cultural and marketing practices.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before August 16, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted to Frank O'Sullivan, Fresh

Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing

Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 2065, South Building,

STOP 0240, PO Box 96456, Washington, DC 20090-6456; faxed to (202) 720-

8871; or e-mailed to [email protected].

Comments should reference the date and page number of this issue of

the Federal Register. All comments received will be made available for

public inspection at the above address during regular business hours.

The current U.S. grade standards for these citrus crops, along with

proposed changes, are available either through the above addresses or

by accessing AMS's Home Page on the Internet at www.ams.usda.gov/

standards/frutmrkt.htm.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing

Act of 1946, as amended, directs and authorizes the Secretary of

Agriculture ``to develop and improve standards of quality, condition,

quantity, grade, and packaging and recommend and demonstrate such

standards in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in

commercial practices * * *''. AMS is committed to carrying out this

authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of agricultural

commodities and make copies of official standards available upon

request. The United States Standards for Grades of Oranges (California

and Arizona), United States Standards for Grades of Grapefruit

(California and Arizona), United States Standards for Grades of

Tangerines and the United States Standards for Grades of Lemons no

longer appear in the Code of Federal Regulations but are maintained by

USDA.

AMS is proposing to change the United States Standards for Grades

of Oranges (California and Arizona), United States Standards for Grades

of Grapefruit (California and Arizona), United States Standards for

Grades of Tangerines and the United States Standards for Grades of

Lemons using the procedures it published in the August 13, 1997,

Federal Register and that appear in part 36 of title 7 of the Code of

Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36).

AMS received a request from Sunkist Growers to change the standards

to allow for a minimum 25-count sample. In addition, AMS has

recommended other changes to bring the standards into conformity with

current cultural and marketing practices. This notice provides for a 60

day comment period which affords sufficient time for interested persons

to comment on the revisions to the standards. The following is an

outline of these changes.

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

Current standard Proposed Discussion

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

United States Standards for Grades of Oranges (California and Arizona)

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

``U.S. Fancy'' consists of oranges of No change. N/A.

similar varietal characteristics which

are mature, well colored, firm, well

formed, of smooth texture, and which are

free from decay, broken skins which are

not healed, hard or dry skins,

exanthema, growth cracks, bruises (except exanthema, growth cracks, dryness or We propose to change the

those incident to proper handling and mushy condition, and free from injury phrase ``free from

packing), dryness or mushy condition, caused by bruises, split, rough, wide bruises'' to ``free from

and free from injury caused by split, or protruding navels, creasing, scars, injury by bruises'' to

rough, wide or protruding navels, oil spots, scale standardize with other

creasing, scars, oil spots, scale, fruit and vegetable

standards. Typically,

bruising is defined under

the definitions for

injury, damage, and

serious damage. The

definitions for injury and

damage are the same in

this standard, therefore,

when bruising occurs it

will be considered as

damage.

sunburn, dirt or other foreign material, skin breakdown, sunburn, dirt or other We propose to add ``free

disease, insects or mechanical or other foreign material disease, insects or from injury caused by skin

means. (See ``Tolerances'') mechanical or other means. (See breakdown.'' This defect

``Tolerances'') is currently being scored

based on the ``general

definition'' and is not

specified in the current

standards.

``U.S. No. 1'' consists of oranges of No change. N/A.

similar varietal characteristics which

are mature, firm, well formed, of fairly

smooth texture, and which are free from

decay, broken skins which are not

healed, hard or dry skins,

[[Page 32667]]

exanthema, growth cracks, bruises (except exanthema, growth cracks, and free from We propose to change the

those incident to proper handling and damage caused by bruises, dryness or phrase ``free from

packing), and free from damage caused by mushy condition, split, rough, wide or bruises'' to ``free from

dryness or mushy condition, split, protruding navels, creasing, scars, oil damage by bruises'' to

rough, wide or protruding navels, spots, scale, standardize with other

creasing, scars, oil spots, scale, fruit and vegetable

standards. Typically,

bruising is defined under

the definitions for

injury, damage, and

serious damage. The

definitions for injury and

damage are the same in

this standard, therefore,

when bruising occurs it

will be considered as

damage.

sunburn, dirt or other foreign material, skin breakdown, sunburn, dirt or other We propose to add ``free

disease, insects or mechanical or other foreign material, disease, insects or from damage caused by skin

means. mechanical or other means. breakdown.'' This defect

is currently being scored

based on the ``general

definition'' and is not

specified in the current

standards.

Each fruit shall be well colored except No change. N/A.

Valencia oranges which shall be at least

fairly well colored:

Provided, That navel oranges in any lot No change. N/A.

which is destined for export and which

is certified as meeting the standards

for export need be only fairly well

colored. (See ``Tolerances'')

``U.S. Combination'' consists of a ``U.S. Combination'' consists of a We propose to change the

combination of U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2 combination of U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. word ``container'' to

oranges: Provided, That at least 40 2 oranges: Provided, That at least 40 ``lot'' to remain

percent, by count, of the oranges in percent, by count, of the oranges in consistent with the

each container meet the requirements of each lot shall meet the requirements of proposed sampling method.

U.S. No. 1 grade. (See ``Tolerances'') the U.S. No. 1 grade. (See For tolerances on

``Tolerances'') individual samples please

refer to the

``Tolerances'' section on

page 7.

``U.S. No. 2'' consists of oranges of No change. N/A.

similar varietal characteristics which

are mature, fairly well colored, fairly

firm, fairly well formed, which may be

of slightly rough texture, and which are

free from decay, broken skins which are

not healed, hard or dry skins,

exanthema, growth cracks, and free from

serious damage caused by bruises,

dryness or mushy condition, split or

protruding navels, creasing, scars, oil

spots, scale,

sunburn, dirt or other foreign material, skin breakdown, sunburn, dirt or other We propose to add ``free

disease, insects or mechanical or other foreign material, disease, insects or from serious damage caused

means. (See ``Tolerances'') mechanical or other means. (See by skin breakdown.'' This

``Tolerances'') defect is currently being

scored based on the

``general definition'' and

is not specified in the

current standards.

``Unclassified'' consists of oranges Delete. When changing or updating

which have not been classified in standards in recent years,

accordance with any of the foregoing references to

grades. The term ``unclassified'' is not ``Unclassified'' have been

a grade within the meaning of these removed in an attempt to

standards but is provided as a eliminate the confusion

designation to show that no grade has this term creates. People

been applied to the lot. have incorrectly assumed

that ``Unclassified'' is

an actual grade name; it

is not. To avoid further

confusion, it is proposed

that all references to

this term be

eliminated.4703

``Tolerances.'' In order to allow for ``Tolerances.'' In order to allow for The proposed addition of

variations incident to proper grading variations incident to proper grading the phrase ``a minimum 25

and handling in each of the foregoing and handling in each of the foregoing count sample'' establishes

grades, the tolerances set forth in the grades, the tolerances, by count, based a basis for sampling

U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 2, and on a minimum 25 count sample, set forth uniformity. Other citrus

U.S. Combination grades are provided as in the U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. standards (Florida), at

specified. 2, and U.S. Combination grades are industry's request, have

provided as specified. recently been changed to

include the minimum 25

count sample. This would

make the citrus standards

more uniform regarding

sampling. This change is

also consistent with the

industry's request.

[[Page 32668]]

``U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1, and U.S. No. 2 ``U.S. Fancy and U.S. No. 1 grades.'' We propose to establish

grades.'' Not more than 10 percent, by For defects at shipping point. Not more separate ``Shipping

count, of the oranges in any lot may than 10 percent, by count, of the Point'' tolerances to be

fail to meet the requirements relating oranges in any lot may fail to meet the more consistent with other

to color. In addition, not more than 10 requirements relating to color. In fruit and vegetable

percent, by count, of the oranges in any addition, not more than 10 percent, by standards. A tolerance for

lot may fail to meet the remaining count, of the oranges in any lot may serious damage and a

requirements of the specified grade, but fail to meet the remaining requirements ``whole number'' decay

not more than one-twentieth of this of the specified grade, included in tolerance are proposed.

amount, or one-half of 1 percent, shall this amount not more than 5 percent Separate tolerances for

be allowed for decay at shipping point: shall be allowed for defects causing serious damage and the

Provided, That an additional tolerance serious damage, included in this latter whole number decay

of 2\1/2\ percent, or a total of not amount not more than 1 percent for tolerance at shipping

more than 3 percent, shall be allowed decay. point are included in

for decay en route or at destination. practically all other

fresh fruit and vegetable

grade standards. The

current decay tolerance of

``not more than one-

twentieth of (10%), or one-

half of 1 percent'' may be

a confusing concept to an

industry which is

accustomed to ``whole''

percentage numbers on

inspection certificates.

Normally, when dealing

with defect percentages

ending in fractional

amounts, AMS inspectors

``round up'' percentages

ending in .5 or more and

``round down'' those less

than .5. The current

citrus standards included

in this Notice are an

exception to this

procedure. Changing the

one-half of 1 percent

tolerance to 1 percent

will eliminate industry's

confusion on this issue

and mirror what is

currently contained in

many fruit and vegetable

standards.

``U.S. Fancy and U.S. No. 1 grades.'' We propose to establish

For defects en route or at destination. ``En Route or At

Not more than 10 percent, by count, of Destination'' tolerances

the oranges in any lot may fail to meet to be more consistent with

the requirements relating to color. In other fruit and vegetable

addition, not more than 12 percent, by standards. This proposal

count, of the oranges in any lot may includes adding separate

fail to meet the remaining requirements tolerances for permanent

of the specified grade: Provided, that defects; for any defects

included in this amount not more than causing serious damage;

the following percentages shall be and for total defects. The

allowed for defects listed: 10 percent decay tolerance, which

for fruit having permanent defects; or remains at 3 percent, is

7 percent for defects causing serious re-worded for clarity.4703

damage, including therein not more than

5 percent for serious damage by

permanent defects and not more than 3

percent for decay.

``U.S. No. 2 grade.'' For defects at We propose to establish

shipping point. Not more than 10 separate tolerances at

percent, by count, of the oranges in ``Shipping Point'' and

any lot may fail to meet the ``En Route or At

requirements relating to color. In Destination'' to be more

addition, not more than 10 percent, by consistent with other

count, of the oranges in any lot may fruit and vegetable

fail to meet the remaining requirements standards. Also proposed

of the specified grade, included in is a 1 percent decay

this amount not more than 1 percent for tolerance at shipping

decay. point. The decay tolerance

en route or at destination

would remain at 3 percent.

``U.S. No. 2 grades.'' For defects en We propose to establish

route or at destination. Not more than ``En Route or At

10 percent, by count, of the oranges in Destination'' tolerances

any lot may fail to meet the to be more consistent with

requirements relating to color. In other fruit and vegetable

addition, not more than 12 percent, by standards. This proposal

count, of the oranges in any lot may includes adding separate

fail to meet the remaining requirements tolerances for permanent

of the specified grade: Provided, that defects and for total

included in this amount not more than defects. The decay

the following percentages shall be tolerance, which remains

allowed for defects listed: 10 percent at 3 percent, is re-worded

for fruit having permanent defects; or for clarity.

not more than 3 percent for decay.

[[Page 32669]]

``U.S. Combination grade.'' Not more than ``U.S. Combination grade.'' For defects We propose to establish

10 percent, by count, of the oranges in at shipping point. Not more than 10 separate ``Shipping

any lot may fail to meet the percent, by count, of the oranges in Point'' tolerances to be

requirements of the U.S. No. 2 grade any lot may fail to meet the more consistent with other

relating to color. In addition, not more requirements of the U.S. No. 2 grade fruit and vegetable

than 10 percent, by count, of the relating to color. In addition, not standards. A tolerance for

oranges in any lot may fail to meet the more than 10 percent, by count, of the serious damage and a

remaining requirements of the U.S. No. 2 oranges in any lot may fail to meet the ``whole number'' decay

grade, but not more than one-twentieth remaining requirements of the U.S. No. tolerance are proposed.

of this amount, or one-half of 1 2 grade, included in this amount not Separate tolerances for

percent, shall be allowed for decay at more than 1 percent for decay. serious damage and the

shipping point: Provided, That an whole number decay

additional tolerance of 2\1/2\ percent, tolerance at shipping

or a total of 3 percent, shall be point are included in

allowed for decay en route or at practically all other

destination. fresh fruit and vegetable

grade standards. The

current decay tolerance of

``not more than one-

twentieth of (10%), or one-

half of 1 percent'' may be

a confusing concept to an

industry which is

accustomed to ``whole''

percentage numbers on

inspection certificates.

Normally, when dealing

with defect percentages

ending in fractional

amounts, AMS inspectors

``round up'' percentages

ending in .5 or more and

``round down'' those less

than .5. The current

citrus standards included

in this Notice are an

exception to this

procedure. Changing the

one-half of 1 percent

tolerance to 1 percent

will eliminate industry's

confusion on this issue

and mirror what is

currently contained in

many fruit and vegetable

standards.

``U.S. Combination grade.'' For defects We propose to establish

en route or at destination. Not more ``En Route or At

than 10 percent, by count, of the Destination'' tolerances

oranges in any lot may fail to meet the to be more consistent with

requirements of the U.S. No. 2 grade other fruit and vegetable

relating to color. In addition, not standards. This proposal

more than 12 percent, by count, of the includes adding separate

oranges in any lot may fail to meet the tolerances for permanent

remaining requirements of the U.S. No. defects; for any defects

2 grade: Provided, that included in causing serious damage;

this amount not more than the following and for total defects. The

percentages shall be allowed for decay tolerance, which

defects listed: 10 percent for fruit remains at 3 percent, is

having permanent defects; or not more re-worded for clarity.

than 3 percent for decay.

(a) No part of any tolerance shall be ``U.S. Combination grade.'' For defects We propose to change the

allowed to reduce for the lot as a whole at shipping point and en route or at word ``container'' to

the percentage of U.S. No. 1 required in destination. No part of any tolerance ``sample'' to be

the combination, but individual shall be allowed to reduce for the lot consistent with the

containers may have not more than a as a whole, the 40 percent of U.S. No. proposed sampling method

total of 10 percent less than percentage 1 oranges required in the U.S. for grade determination.

of U.S. No. 1 required: Provided, That Combination grade, but individual We also propose to re-word

the entire lot averages within the samples may have not less than 30 this section to make it

percentage required. percent of U.S. No. 1 required: consistent with other

Provided, That the entire lot averages fruit and vegetable

within the percentage required. standards including those

listed in this Notice.4703

``Application of tolerances.'' (a) Except ``Application of tolerances.'' We propose to change the

when applying the tolerances for Individual samples, based on a minimum standards to include

standards for export, the contents of 25 count, are subject to the following minimum 25 count samples,

individual packages in the lot, based on limitations, unless otherwise not ``packages.'' This is

sample inspection, are subject to the specified. Individual samples shall consistent with the

following limitations: Provided, That have not more than one and one-half recently-changed Florida

the averages for the entire lot are times a specified tolerance of 10 Citrus Standards.

within the tolerances specified for the percent or more, and not more than Individual sample

grade: double a specified tolerance of less tolerances are also

than 10 percent: Provided, that at proposed to reflect the

least one decayed fruit may be language and tolerances

permitted in any sample: And provided widely used in other fruit

further, that the averages for the and vegetable standards.

entire lot are within the tolerances

specified for the grade.

(1) For packages which contain more than Delete. We propose this deletion

10 pounds, and a tolerance of 10 percent because the reference to

or more is provided, individual packages various size package

in any lot shall have not more than one restrictions from the

and one-half times the tolerance current standard would no

specified. For packages which contain longer be valid with a

more than 10 pounds and a tolerance of minimum 25 count sample.

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 orange may be permitted in any

package.

[[Page 32670]]

(2) For packages which contain 10 pounds Delete. We propose this deletion

or less, individual packages in any lot because the reference to

are not restricted as to the percentage various size package

of defects: Provided, That not more than restrictions listed in the

one orange which is seriously damaged by current standard would no

dryness or mushy condition may be longer be valid with a

permitted in any package and, in minimum 25 count sample.

addition, en route or at destination not

more than 10 percent of the packages may

have more than one decayed orange.

``Standard pack.'' (a) Oranges shall be ``Standard pack.'' (a) Oranges shall be We propose to delete the

fairly uniform in size and shall be fairly uniform in size and shall be reference to ``wrapped

packed in boxes or cartons and arranged packed in boxes or cartons and arranged fruit'' because the

according to the approved and recognized according to the approved and industry no longer packs

methods. Each wrapped fruit shall be recognized methods. fruit in this manner.

fairly well enclosed by its individual

wrapper.

(b) All such containers shall be tightly (b) All such containers shall be tightly We propose to delete the

packed and well filled but the contents packed and well filled but the contents reference to ``nailed

shall not show excessive or unnecessary shall not show excessive or unnecessary boxes'' because they are

bruising because of overfilled bruising because of overfilled no longer used by the

containers. When oranges are packed in containers. When oranges are packed in industry.

standard nailed boxes, each box shall cartons or in wire-bound boxes, each

have a minimum bulge of 1\1/4\ inches; container shall be at least level full

when packed in cartons or in wire-bound at time of packing.

boxes, each container shall be at least

level full at time of packing.

(c) ``Fairly uniform in size'' means that (c) ``Fairly uniform in size'' means We propose to change the

when oranges are packed for 113 carton that when oranges are packed for 113 word ``container'' to

count or smaller size, or equivalent carton count or smaller size, or ``sample'' to be

sizes when packed in other containers, equivalent sizes when packed in other consistent with the

not more than 10 percent, by count, of containers, not more than 10 percent, proposed sampling method

the oranges in any container may vary by count, of the oranges in any sample for grade determination.

more than five-sixteenths inch in may vary more than five-sixteenths inch

diameter; when packed for sizes larger in diameter; when packed for sizes

than 113 carton count or equivalent larger than 113 carton count or

sizes packed in other containers, not equivalent sizes packed in other

more than 10 percent, by count, of the containers, not more than 10 percent,

oranges in any container may vary more by count, of the oranges in any sample

than seven-sixteenths inch in diameter. may vary more than seven-sixteenths

inch in diameter.

(1) ``Diameter'' means the greatest No change. N/A.

dimension measured at right angles to a

line from stem to blossom end of the

fruit.

(d) In order to allow for variations (d) In order to allow for variations We propose to delete the

incident to proper packing, when oranges incident to proper packing, not more reference to ``wrapped

are wrapped not more than 10 percent of than 5 percent of the samples in any fruit'' because industry

the wrapped fruit in any container may lot may fail to meet the requirements no longer packs fruit in

fail to meet the requirements pertaining for standard pack. this manner; and to change

to wrapping; and, not more than 5 the word ``container'' to

percent of the containers in any lot may ``sample'' to be

fail to meet the requirements for consistent with the

standard pack. proposed sampling

method.4703

``Standard sizing and fill.'' (a) Boxes ``Standard sizing and fill.'' (a) Boxes We propose to change the

or cartons in which oranges are not or cartons in which oranges are not word ``container'' to

packed according to a definite pattern packed according to a definite pattern ``sample'' to be

do not meet the requirements of standard do not meet the requirements of consistent with the

pack, but may be certified as meeting standard pack, but may be certified as proposed sampling method.

the requirements of standard sizing and meeting the requirements of standard

fill: Provided, That the oranges in the sizing and fill: Provided, That the

containers are fairly uniform in size as oranges in the samples are fairly

defined in the standard pack section: uniform in size as defined in the

And provided further, That the contents standard pack section: And provided

have been properly shaken down and the further, That the contents have been

container is at least level full at time properly shaken down and the container

of packing. is at least level full at time of

packing.

(b) In order to allow for variations (b) In order to allow for variations We propose to change the

incident to proper packing, not more incident to proper packing, not more word ``container'' to

than 5 percent of the containers in any than 5 percent of the samples in any ``sample'' to be

lot may fail to meet the requirements of lot may fail to meet the requirements consistent with the

standard sizing and fill. of standard sizing and fill. proposed sampling method.

``Standards for export.'' (a) Not more ``Standards for export.'' (a) Not more We propose to change the

than a total of 10 percent, by count, of than a total of 10 percent, by count, word ``container'' to

the oranges in any container may be of the oranges in any sample may be ``sample'' to be

soft, affected by decay, have broken soft, affected by decay, have broken consistent with the

skins, which are not healed, growth skins, which are not healed, growth proposed sampling method.

cracks, or be damaged by creasing or cracks, or be damaged by creasing or

skin breakdown, or seriously damaged by skin breakdown, or seriously damaged by

split or protruding navels, or by split or protruding navels, or by

dryness or mushy condition, except that: dryness or mushy condition, except

that:

[[Page 32671]]

(1) Not more than one-half of 1 percent No change. N/A.

shall be allowed for oranges affected by

decay;

(2) Not more than 3 percent shall have No change. N/A.

broken skins which are not healed;

(3) Not more than 3 percent shall have No change. N/A.

growth cracks;

(4) Not more than 5 percent shall be No change. N/A.

soft;

(5) Not more than 5 percent shall be No change. N/A.

damaged by creasing;

(6) Not more than 5 percent shall be No change. N/A.

seriously damaged by split or protruding

navels;

(7) Not more than 5 percent shall be No change. N/A.

seriously damaged by dryness or mushy

condition; and,

(8) Not more than 5 percent shall be No change. N/A.

damaged by skin breakdown.

(b) Any lot of oranges shall be (b) Any lot of oranges shall be We propose to change the

considered as meeting the standards for considered as meeting the standards for word ``container'' to

export if the entire lot averages within export if the entire lot averages ``sample'' to be

the requirements specified: Provided, within the requirements specified: consistent with the

That no sample from the containers in Provided, That no sample from the proposed sampling method.

any lot shall have not more than double containers in any lot shall have not

the percentage specified for any one more than double the percentage

defect, and that not more than a total specified for any one defect, and that

of 10 percent, by count, of the oranges not more than a total of 10 percent, by

in any container has any of the defects count, of the oranges in any sample has

enumerated in the standards for export. any of the defects enumerated in the

standards for export.

``Similar varietal characteristics'' No change. N/A.

means that the oranges in any container

are similar in color and type.

``Well colored'' means that the fruit is No change. N/A.

at least light orange in color, with not

more than a trace of green at the stem

end, and not more than 15 percent of the

remainder of the surface of the fruit

shows green color.

``Firm'' means that the fruit does not No change. N/A.

yield more than slightly to moderate

pressure.

``Well formed'' means that fruit shows No change. N/A.4703

the normal shape characteristic of the

variety.

``Smooth texture'' means that the skin is No change. N/A.

of fairly fine grain for the variety,

the ``pebbling'' is not pronounced, and

any furrows radiating from the stem end

are shallow.

``Injury'' means any defect which more No change. N/A.

than slightly affects the appearance, or

the edible or shipping quality of the

fruit. 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 injury:

(a) Split, rough, wide or protruding No change. N/A.

navels when a split is unhealed or is

more than one-eighth inch in length; or

when the navel protrudes beyond the

general contour of the fruit; or when

flush with the contour but with the

opening so wide, considering the size of

the fruit, or the navel growth so folded

and ridged that it detracts noticeably

from the appearance of the fruit;

(b) Slight creasing which is more than No change. N/A.

barely visible, or which extends over

more than 20 percent of the fruit

surface;

(c) Scars (including sprayburn and No change. N/A.

fumigation injury) which exceed the

following aggregate areas of different

types of scars, or a combination of two

or more types of scars the seriousness

of which exceeds the maximum allowed for

any one type:

(1) Scars which are very dark and which No change. N/A.

have an aggregate area exceeding that of

a circle one-eighth inch in diameter;

(2) Scars which are dark, rough or deep No change. N/A.

and which have an aggregate area

exceeding that of a circle one-fourth

inch in diameter;

[[Page 32672]]

(3) Scars which are fairly light in No change. N/A.

color, slightly rough, or with slight

depth and which have an aggregate area

exceeding that of a circle one-half inch

in diameter; and,

(4) Scars which are light in color, No change. N/A.

fairly smooth, with no depth and which

have an aggregate area of more than 5

percent of the fruit surface;

(d) Oil spots (oleocellosis or similar No change. N/A.

injuries) which are depressed or soft,

or which have an aggregate area of more

than 2\1/2\ percent of the fruit

surface, or which are green and more

than 4 in number;

(e) Scale when medium or large and more No change. N/A.

than 5 are present; and,

(f) Sunburn which appreciably changes the No change. N/A.

normal color or shape of the fruit, or

which affects more than 10 percent of

the fruit surface.

(g) Skin breakdown when exceeding that This defect is currently

of a circle \1/8\ inch in diameter. being scored using the

``general definition.'' We

propose to add specific

scoring criteria for

objective treatment of

this defect.

(h) Bruising when segment walls are This defect is currently

collapsed, or albedo and juice sacs are being scored using the

ruptured. ``general definition.'' We

propose to add specific

scoring criteria for

objective treatment of

this defect.4703

``Fairly smooth texture'' means that the No change. N/A.

skin does not feel noticeably rough or

coarse for the variety. The size of the

fruit should be considered in judging

texture, as large fruit is not usually

as smooth as smaller fruit. It is common

for the fruit to show larger and coarser

``pebbling'' on the stem end portion

than on the blossom end. The presence of

furrows or grooves on the stem end

portion of the fruit is a common

condition in certain varieties, and the

fruit shall not be considered as

slightly rough unless the furrows or

grooves are of sufficient depth, length,

and number as to materially affect the

appearance and smoothness of the orange.

``Damage'' means any defect which No change. N/A.

materially affects the appearance, or

the edible or shipping quality of the

fruit. 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 damage:

(a) Dryness or mushy condition when No change. N/A.

affecting all segments more than one-

fourth inch at stem end, or the

equivalent of this amount, by volume,

when occurring in other portions of the

fruit;

(b) Split, rough, wide or protruding No change. N/A.

navels when there are more than three

splits, or when any split is unhealed or

is more than one-fourth inch in length;

or navels which flare, bulge, or

protrude materially beyond the general

contour of the fruit; or when the navel

opening is so wide, considering the size

of the fruit, or the navel growth so

folded and ridged that it detracts

materially from the appearance of the

fruit;

(c) Creasing which materially weakens the No change. N/A.

skin, or which extends over more than

one-third of the fruit surface;

(d) Scars (including sprayburn and No change. N/A.

fumigation injury) which exceed the

following aggregate areas of different

types of scars, or a combination of two

or more types of scars the seriousness

of which exceeds the maximum allowed for

any one type:

[[Page 32673]]

(1) Scars which are very dark, with No change. N/A.

slight depth, and which have an

aggregate area exceeding that of a

circle one-fourth inch in diameter;

(2) Scars which are very dark, with no No change. N/A.

depth, and which have an aggregate area

exceeding that of a circle one-half inch

in diameter;

(3) Scars which are dark, and rough or No change. N/A.

deep, and which have an aggregate area

exceeding that of a circle one-half inch

in diameter;

(4) Scars which are dark, and slightly No change. N/A.

rough or with slight depth, and which

have an aggregate area exceeding that of

a circle three-fourths inch in diameter;

(5) Scars which are fairly light in No change. N/A.

color, slightly rough or with slight

depth, and which have an aggregate area

of more than 5 percent of the fruit

surface; and,

(6) Scars which are light in color, No change. N/A.4703

fairly smooth, with no depth, and which

have an aggregate area of more than 10

percent of the fruit surface;

(e) Oil spots (oleocellosis or similar No change. N/A.

injuries) which are depressed or soft,

or which have an aggregate area of more

than 5 percent of the fruit surface, or

which are green and more than 7 in

number;

(f) Scale when medium or large and more (f) Scale when medium or large and more We propose to change the

than 3 scales are present in each of 3 than 7 are present, or when medium or scoring criteria of this

circular areas 1 inch in diameter, large scale, outside the stem button defect to simplify the

selected as the worst infested areas, or area, aggregate more than a circle 5/8 scoring of scale and

when more than 7 scales are present in inch in diameter. provide uniformity with

one of these areas: Provided, That scale other citrus standards.

within a circle five-eighths inch in

diameter centered at the stem button or

button socket shall not be considered in

determining whether an orange is

damaged; and;

(g) Sunburn which causes appreciable No change. N/A.

flattening of the fruit, drying or

darkening of the skin, or affects more

than 25 percent of the fruit surface.

(h) Skin breakdown when exceeding that This defect is currently

of a circle \1/4\ inch in diameter. being scored using the

``general definition.'' We

propose to add specific

scoring criteria for

objective treatment of

this defect.

(i) Bruising when segment walls are This defect is currently

collapsed, or albedo and juice sacs are being scored using the

ruptured. ``general definition.'' We

propose to add specific

scoring criteria for

objective treatment of

this defect.

``Fairly well colored'' means that the No change. N/A.

yellow or orange color predominates on

the fruit.

``Fairly firm'' means that the fruit may No change. N/A.

yield to moderate pressure but is not

soft.

``Fairly well formed'' means that the No change. N/A.

fruit is not of the shape characteristic

of the variety but is not decidedly

flattened, pointed, extremely elongated,

or otherwise badly deformed.

Slightly rough texture'' means that the No change. N/A.

skin is not decidedly rough, badly

folded, badly ridged, or decidedly

lumpy. Heavily ``pebbled'' skin shall be

considered as slightly rough.

``Serious damage'' means any defect which No change. N/A.

seriously affects the appearance, or the

edible or shipping quality of the fruit.

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) Dryness or mushy condition when No change. N/A.

affecting all segments more than one-

half inch at stem end, or the equivalent

of this amount, by volume, when

occurring in other portions of the

fruit;

[[Page 32674]]

(b) Split or protruding navels when any No change. N/A.

split is unhealed or is more than one-

half inch in length, or when two or more

splits aggregate more than 1 inch in

length; or navels which protrude

seriously beyond the general contour of

the fruit; or when the navel opening is

so wide, considering the size of the

fruit, or the navel growth so badly

folded and ridged that it detracts

seriously from the appearance of the

fruit;

(c) Creasing which seriously weakens the No change. N/A.4703

skin, or which is distributed over

practically the entire fruit surface;

(d) Scars (including sprayburn and No change. N/A.

fumigation injury) which exceed the

following aggregate areas of different

types of scars, or a combination of two

or more types of scars the seriousness

of which exceeds the maximum allowed for

any one type:

(1) Scar which are very dark, very rough No change. N/A.

or very deep, and which have an

aggregate area of more than 5 percent of

the fruit surface;

(2) Scars which are dark, rough or deep, No change. N/A.

and which have an aggregate area of more

than 10 percent of the fruit surface;

(3) Scars which are fairly light in No change. N/A.

color, slightly rough or of slight depth

and which have an aggregate area of more

than 15 percent of the fruit surface;

and,

(4) Scars which are light in color, No change. N/A.

fairly smooth, with no depth, and which

have an aggregate area of more than 25

percent of the fruit surface;

(e) Oil spots (oleocellosis or similar No change. N/A.

injuries) which are depressed or soft,

or which have an aggregate area of more

than 10 percent of the fruit surface;

(f) Scale when medium or large and more (f) Scale when medium or large and when We propose to change the

than 9 scales are present in each of 3 aggregating more than a circle \3/4\ scoring criteria of this

circular areas 1 inch in diameter, inch in diameter. defect to simplify the

selected as the worst infested areas, or scoring of scale and

if more than 19 scales are present in provide uniformity with

one of these areas: Provided, That scale other citrus standards.

within a circle five-eighths inch in

diameter centered at the stem button or

button socket shall not be considered in

determining whether an orange is

seriously damaged; and,

(g) Sunburn which causes decided No change. N/A.

flattening of the fruit, drying or dark

discoloration of the skin, or which

affects more than one-third of the fruit

surface.

(h) Skin breakdown when exceeding that This defect is currently

of a circle \5/8\ inch in diameter. being scored using the

``general definition.'' We

propose to add specific

scoring criteria for

objective treatment of

this defect.

(i) Bruising when fruit has been split This defect is currently

open, peel is badly watersoaked being scored using the

following bruising or albedo and juice ``general definition.'' We

sacs are ruptured causing a mushy propose to add specific

condition affecting all segments more scoring criteria for

than \3/4\ inch at bruised area or the objective treatment of

equivalent of this amount, by volume, this defect.

when affecting more than one area on

the fruit.

[[Page 32675]]

Note: All references in this standard to Currently, the standard

area, aggregating area, or length are does not state whether

based on an orange 2\7/8\ inches in defects are based on a

diameter, allowing proportionately specific size fruit; or if

greater areas on larger fruit and greater defective areas

lesser areas on smaller fruit. are allowed on larger

fruit and lesser areas on

smaller fruit. Many fruit

and vegetable standards

contain this distinction.

To clarify the issue and

to standardize with other

fruit and vegetable

standards, we propose to

include this statement.

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

United States Standards for Grades of Grapefruit (California and Arizona)

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

``U.S. Fancy'' shall consist of No change. N/A.

grapefruit of similar varietal

characteristics which are mature, well

colored, firm, well formed, of smooth

texture for the variety, and fairly thin

skinned; free from decay, broken skins

which are not healed, hard or

dry skins, bruises (except those incident dry skins, dryness or mushy condition, We propose to change the

to proper handling and packing), dryness and free from injury caused by bruises, phrase ``free from

or mushy condition, and from injury sprayburn, fumigation, exanthema, bruises'' to ``free from

caused by sprayburn, fumigation, scars, green spots, scale, sunburn, injury by bruises'' to be

exanthema, scars, green spots, scale, more consistent with other

sunburn, fruit and vegetable

standards. Typically,

bruising is defined under

the definitions of injury,

damage and serious damage.

As proposed, when bruising

is encountered in the U.S.

Fancy grade, it will be

considered injury.

sprouting, dirt or other foreign oil spots, skin breakdown, sprouting, We propose to add ``free

materials, disease, insects or dirt or other foreign materials, from injury by'' to the

mechanical or other means. Stems shall disease, insects or mechanical or other defects skin breakdown and

be properly clipped. (See means. (See ``Tolerances'') oil spots to be more

``Tolerances'') consistent with other

fruit and vegetable

standards. These defects

are currently scored based

on the ``general

definition.'' We also

propose to delete the

phrase ``stems shall be

properly clipped.''

Present harvesting and

packing techniques remove

all stems from the fruit,

making this requirement

unnecessary.4703

``U.S. No. 1'' shall consist of No change. N/A.

grapefruit of similar varietal

characteristics which are mature, fairly

well colored, firm, well formed, of

fairly smooth texture for the variety,

and not excessively thick skinned; free

from decay, broken skins which are not

healed, hard or

dry skins, bruises (except those incident dry skins, and free from damage caused We propose to change the

to proper handling and packing), and by bruises, dryness or mushy condition, phrase ``free from

from damage caused by dryness or mushy sprayburn, fumigation, exanthema, bruises'' to ``free from

condition, sprayburn, fumigation, scars, green spots, scale, sunburn damage by bruises'' which

exanthema, scars, green spots, scale, is more consistent with

sunburn other fruit and vegetable

standards. Typically,

bruising is defined under

the definitions of injury,

damage and serious damage.

As proposed, when bruising

is encountered in the U.S.

No. 1 grade, it will be

considered damage.

sprouting, dirt or other foreign oil spots, skin breakdown, sprouting, We propose to add ``free

materials, disease, insects, or dirt or other foreign materials, from damage by'' to the

mechanical or other means. Stems shall disease, insects or mechanical or other defects skin breakdown and

be properly clipped. (See means. (See ``Tolerances'') oil spots to be more

``Tolerances'') consistent with other

fruit and vegetable

standards. These defects

are currently scored based

on the ``general

definition.'' We also

propose to delete the

phrase ``stems shall be

properly clipped.''

Present harvesting and

packing techniques remove

all stems from the fruit,

making this requirement

unnecessary.

``U.S. No. 2'' shall consist of No change. N/A.

grapefruit of similar varietal

characteristics which are mature,

slightly colored, fairly firm, fairly

well formed, and not decidedly rough;

free from decay, broken skins which are

not healed, hard or dry skins, and from

serious damage caused by bruises,

dryness or mushy condition, sprayburn,

fumigation, exanthema, scars, green

spots, scale, sunburn

[[Page 32676]]

sprouting, dirt or other foreign oil spots, skin breakdown, sprouting, We propose to add ``free

materials, disease, insects, or dirt or other foreign materials, from serious damage by''

mechanical or other means. Stems shall disease, insects or mechanical or other to the defects skin

be properly clipped. (See means. (See ``Tolerances'') breakdown and oil spots.

``Tolerances'') These defects are

currently scored based on

the ``general

definition.'' We propose

to add specific scoring

criteria for objective

treatment of these

defects. We also propose

to delete the phrase

``stems shall be properly

clipped.'' Present

harvesting and packing

techniques remove all

stems from the fruit,

making this requirement

unnecessary.

``U.S. Combination grade.'' Any lot of ``U.S. Combination grade'' shall consist We propose to re-word the

grapefruit may be designated ``U.S. of a combination of U.S. No. 1 and U.S. requirements of this grade

Combination'' when not less than 40 No. 2 grapefruit: Provided, That at to make it consistent with

percent, by count, of the fruits in each least 40 percent, by count, of the other commodities

container meet the requirements of U.S. grapefruit in each lot shall meet the containing a Combination

No. 1 grade and the remainder U.S. No. 2 requirements of the U.S. No. 1 grade. grade.

grade. (See ``Tolerances'') (See ``Tolerances'')

``U.S. No. 3'' shall consist of No change. N/A.

grapefruit of similar varietal

characteristics which are mature,

slightly colored, which may be slightly

spongy, misshapen, and rough but not

seriously lumpy; which are free from

decay, broken skins which are not

healed, hard or dry

skins, and from serious damage caused by skins, and free from very serious damage We propose to change the

bruises, dryness or mushy condition, and caused by bruises, dryness or mushy phrases ``free from

from very serious damage caused by condition, sprayburn, fumigation, serious damage by

sprayburn, fumigation, exanthema, scars, exanthema, scars, green spots, scale, bruises'' and ``free from

green spots, scale, sunburn sunburn, oil spots, skin breakdown, dryness or mushy

condition'' to ``free from

very serious damage by

bruises, dryness or mushy

condition.'' In other

citrus standards, defects

scored against the U.S.

No. 3 grade are typically

``very serious damage.''

This revision will make it

more consistent with those

standards. We also propose

to add the phrase ``free

from very serious damage

by skin breakdown and oil

spots.'' These defects are

currently being scored

based on the ``general

definition.'' We propose

to add specific scoring

criteria for objective

treatment of these

defects.''

sprouting, dirt or other foreign sprouting, dirt or other foreign We propose to delete the

materials, disease, insects or materials, disease, insects or phrase ``stems shall be

mechanical or other means. Stems shall mechanical or other means. (See properly clipped.''

be properly clipped. (See ``Tolerances'') Present harvesting and

``Tolerances'') packing techniques remove

all stems from the fruit,

making this requirement

unnecessary.4703

``Unclassified'' shall consist of Delete. When changing or updating

grapefruit which have not been standards in recent years,

classified in accordance with any of the references to

foregoing grades. The term ``Unclassified'' have been

``unclassified'' is not a grade within removed in an attempt to

the meaning of these standards but is eliminate the confusion

provided as a designation to show that this term creates. People

no definite grade has been applied to have incorrectly assumed

the lot. that ``Unclassified'' is

an actual grade name; it

is not. To avoid further

confusion, it is proposed

that all references to

this term be eliminated.

``Tolerances.'' In order to allow for ``Tolerances.'' In order to allow for The proposed addition of

variations incident to proper grading variations incident to proper grading the phrase ``a minimum 25

and handling in each of the foregoing and handling in each of the foregoing count sample'' establishes

grades, the tolerances set forth in the grades, the tolerances, by count, based a basis for uniform

U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 2, U.S. on a minimum 25 count sample, set forth sampling. Other citrus

No. 3 and U.S. Combination grades are in the U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. standards (Florida), at

provided as specified: 2, U.S. No. 3 and U.S. Combination industry's request, have

grades are provided as specified: recently been changed to

include the minimum 25

count sample. This would

make the citrus standards

more uniform regarding

sampling. This change also

is consistent with the

industry's request.

[[Page 32677]]

``U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 2 and ``U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1, and U.S. No. 2 We propose to establish

U.S. No. 3 grades.'' Not more than 10 grades.'' For defects at shipping separate ``Shipping

percent, by count, of the fruit in any point. Not more than 10 percent, by Point'' tolerances to

lot may fail to meet the requirements of count, of the grapefruit in any lot may standardize them with

the specified grade, other than for fail to meet the requirements relating other fruit and vegetable

color, but not more than one-twentieth to color. In addition, not more than 10 standards. A tolerance for

of this amount, or one-half of 1 percent, by count, of the grapefruit in very serious damage and a

percent, shall be allowed for decay at any lot may fail to meet the remaining ``whole number'' decay

shipping point: Provided, That an requirements of the specified grade, tolerance are also

additional tolerance of 2\1/2\ percent, included in this amount not more than 5 proposed. Tolerances for

or a total of not more than 3 percent, percent shall be allowed for defects very serious damage are

shall be allowed for decay en route or causing very serious damage, included part of all other

at destination. In addition, not more in this latter amount not more than 1 standards that contain a

than 10 percent, by count, of the fruit percent for decay. No. 3 grade and a whole

in any lot may not meet the requirements number decay tolerance at

relating to color. shipping point is included

in practically all other

fresh fruit and vegetable

grade standards. The

current decay tolerance of

``not more than one-

twentieth of (10%), or one-

half of 1 percent'' may be

a confusing concept to an

industry which is

accustomed to ``whole''

percentage numbers on

inspection certificates.

Normally, when dealing

with defect percentages

ending in fractional

amounts, AMS inspectors

``round up'' percentages

ending in .5 or more and

``round down'' those less

than .5. The current

citrus standards included

in this Notice are an

exception to this

procedure. Changing the

one-half of 1 percent

tolerance to 1 percent

will eliminate industry's

confusion on this issue

and mirror what is

currently contained in

many fruit and vegetable

standards.

``U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1, and U.S. No. 2 We propose to establish

grades.'' For defects en route or at ``En Route or At

destination. Not more than 10 percent, Destination'' tolerances

by count, of the grapefruit in any lot to be more consistent with

may fail to meet the requirements other fruit and vegetable

relating to color. In addition, not standards. This proposal

more than 12 percent, by count, of the includes adding separate

grapefruit in any lot may fail to meet tolerances for permanent

the remaining requirements of the defects; for any defects

specified grade: Provided, that causing very serious

included in this amount not more than damage; and for total

the following percentages shall be defects. The decay

allowed for defects listed: 10 percent tolerance, which remains

for fruit having permanent defects; or at 3 percent, is re-worded

7 percent for defects causing very for clarity.4703

serious damage, including therein not

more than 5 percent for very serious

damage by permanent defects and not

more than 3 percent for decay.

``U.S. No. 3 grade.'' For defects at We propose to establish

shipping point. Not more than 10 separate tolerances at

percent, by count, of the grapefruit in ``Shipping Point'' to be

any lot may fail to meet the more consistent with other

requirements relating to color. In fruit and vegetable

addition, not more than 10 percent, by standards. Also included

count, of the grapefruit in any lot may is a 1 percent shipping

fail to meet the remaining requirements point decay tolerance

of the specified grade, included in which is commonly found in

this amount not more than 1 percent for other citrus standards.

decay

``U.S. No. 3 grade.'' For defects en We propose to establish

route or at destination. Not more than separate tolerances ``En

10 percent, by count, of the grapefruit Route or at Destination''

in any lot may fail to meet the to be more consistent with

requirements relating to color. In other fruit and vegetable

addition, not more than 12 percent, by standards. Included is a

count, of the grapefruit in any lot may tolerance for permanent

fail to meet the remaining requirements defects and a total

of the specified grade: Provided, that defects tolerance. The

included in this amount not more than decay tolerance would

the following percentages shall be remain at 3 percent.

allowed for defects listed: 10 percent

for fruit having permanent defects; or

not more than 3 percent for decay.

[[Page 32678]]

``U.S. Combination grade.'' Not more than ``U.S. Combination grade.'' For defects We propose to establish

10 percent, by count, of the fruit in at shipping point. Not more than 10 separate tolerances at

any lot may fail to meet the percent, by count, of the grapefruit in ``Shipping Point'' to be

requirements of this grade, other than any lot may fail to meet the more consistent with other

for color, but not more than one- requirements of the U.S. No. 2 grade fruit and vegetable

twentieth of this amount, or one-half of relating to color. In addition, not standards. This proposal

1 percent, shall be allowed for decay at more than 10 percent, by count, of the includes adding separate

shipping point: Provided, That an grapefruit in any lot may fail to meet tolerances for permanent

additional tolerance of 2\1/2\ percent, the remaining requirements of the U.S. defects; for any defects

or a total of not more than 3 percent, No. 2 grade, included in this amount causing very serious

shall be allowed for decay en route or not more than 5 percent for very damage; and for total

at destination. This 3 percent tolerance serious damage, included in this latter defects. The decay

may be used to reduce the percentage of amount not more than 1 percent for tolerance is also changed

U.S. No. 1 grade required in the decay. to 1 percent. These

combination, provided the affected tolerances are commonly

fruits meet the requirements of the U.S. found in other citrus

No. 1 grade in other respects. In standards.

addition, not more than 10 percent, by

count, of the fruit in any lot may not

meet the requirements of the U.S. No. 2

grade for color.

``U.S. Combination grade.'' For defects We propose to establish

en route or at destination. Not more ``En Route or At

than 10 percent, by count, of the Destination'' tolerances

grapefruit in any lot may fail to meet to be more consistent with

the requirements of the U.S. No. 2 other fruit and vegetable

grade relating to color. In addition, standards. The decay

not more than 12 percent, by count, of tolerance, which remains

the grapefruit in any lot may fail to at 3 percent, is re-worded

meet the remaining requirements of the for clarity.

U.S. No. 2 grade: Provided, that

included in this amount not more than

the following percentages shall be

allowed for defects listed: 10 percent

for fruit having permanent defects; or

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.

No part of any tolerance, other than that ``U.S. Combination grade.'' For defects We propose to change the

for decay, shall be allowed to reduce at shipping point and en route or at word ``container'' to

for the lot as a whole the percentage of destination. No part of any tolerance ``sample'' to be

U.S. No. 1 in the combination, but shall be allowed to reduce for the lot consistent with the

individual containers may have not more as a whole, the 40 percent of U.S. No. proposed sampling method

than a total of 10 percent less than the 1 grapefruit required in the U.S. for grade determination.

percentage of U.S. No. 1 specified: Combination grade, but individual We also propose to re-word

Provided, That the entire lot averages samples may have not less than 30 this section to make it

within the percentage specified. percent less of U.S. No. 1 required: consistent with other

Provided, That the entire lot averages fruit and vegetable

within the percentage specified. standards including those

listed in this Notice.4703

``Application of tolerances to individual ``Application of tolerances.'' We propose to change the

packages.'' (a) The contents of Individual samples, based on a minimum standards to include

individual packages in the lot, based on 25 count, are subject to the following minimum 25 count samples,

sample inspection, are subject to the limitations, unless otherwise not ``packages.'' This is

following limitation: Provided, That the specified. Individual samples shall consistent with the

averages for the entire lot are within have not more than one and one-half recently-changed Florida

the tolerances specified for the grade. times a specified tolerance of 10 Citrus Standards.

percent or more, and not more than Individual sample

double a specified tolerance of less tolerances are also

than 10 percent: Provided, that at proposed to reflect the

least one decayed fruit may be language and tolerances

permitted in any sample: And provided widely used in other fruit

further, that the averages for the and vegetable standards.

entire lot are within the tolerances

specified for the grade.

(1) For packages which contain more than Delete. We propose this deletion

25 pounds, and a tolerance of 10 percent because the reference to

or more is provided, individual packages various size package

in any lot shall have not more than one restrictions from the

and one-half times the tolerance current standard would no

specified. For packages which contain longer be valid with a

more than 25 pounds and a tolerance of minimum 25 count sample.

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.

[[Page 32679]]

(2) For packages which contain 25 pounds Delete. We propose this deletion

or less, individual packages in any lot because the reference to

are not restricted as to the percentage various size package

of defects: Provided, That not more than restrictions from the

one grapefruit which is seriously current standard would no

damaged by dryness or mushy condition or longer be valid with a

very seriously damaged by other means minimum 25 count sample.

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 decayed fruit.

``Standard pack.'' (a) Grapefruit shall ``Standard pack.'' (a) Grapefruit shall We propose to delete the

be fairly uniform in size, and, when be fairly uniform in size, and, when reference to ``wrapped

packed in boxes, shall be arranged packed in boxes, shall be arranged fruit'' because the

according to the approved and recognized according to the approved and industry no longer packs

methods. Each wrapped fruit shall be recognized methods. fruit in this manner.

fairly well wrapped.

(b) All packages shall be tightly packed No change. N/A.

and well filled but the contents shall

not show excessive or unnecessary

bruising because of overfilled packages.

(c) When packed in standard nailed boxes, Delete. We propose to delete the

grapefruit shall show a minimum bulge of reference to ``nailed

2 inches, except that grapefruit of a boxes'' as they are no

size 80 size or smaller need only show a longer used by the

bulge of 1\1/2\ inches. industry.

(d) ``Fairly uniform in size'' means that (d) ``Fairly uniform in size'' means We propose to change the

not more than 5 percent, by count, of that not more than 5 percent, by count, word ``container'' to

the fruit in any container may be more of the fruit in any sample may be more ``sample'' to be

than one standard size larger or smaller than one standard size larger or consistent with the

than the standard size for the count smaller than the standard size for the proposed sampling method

packed. count packed. for grade determination.

(e) Example of standard size grapefruit: No change. N/A.

The standard size grapefruit for a 64

count is that size grapefruit which will

pack tightly 64 grapefruit of uniform

size when packed according to the

approved and recognized method.

(f) In order to allow for variations, (f) In order to allow for variations, We propose to change the

incident to proper packing, not more incident to proper packing, not more word ``container'' to

than 5 percent of the packages in any than 5 percent of the samples in any ``sample'' to be

lot may not meet the requirements of lot may fail to meet the requirements consistent with the

standard pack. of standard pack. proposed sampling method

for grade determination.

``Standards for export.'' (a) Not more ``Standards for export.'' (a) Not more We propose to change the

than a total of 10 percent, by count, of than a total of 10 percent, by count, word ``container'' to

the grapefruit in any container may be of the grapefruit in any sample may be ``sample'' to be

soft, affected by decay, damaged by skin soft, affected by decay, damaged by consistent with the

breakdown, have broken skins which are skin breakdown, have broken skins which proposed sampling method

not healed, or be seriously damaged by are not healed, or be seriously damaged for grade determination.

dryness or mushy condition, except that: by dryness or mushy condition, except

that:

(1) Not more than one-half of 1 percent No change. N/A.4703

shall be allowed for grapefruit affected

by decay.

(2) Not more than 3 percent shall have No change. N/A.

broken skins which are not healed.

(3) Not more than 5 percent shall be No change. N/A.

soft.

(4) Not more than 5 percent shall be No change. N/A.

seriously damaged by dryness or mushy

condition.

(5) Not more than 5 percent shall be No change. N/A.

damaged by skin breakdown.

(b) Any lot of grapefruit shall be (b) Any lot of grapefruit shall be We propose to change the

considered as meeting the standards for considered as meeting the standards for word ``container'' to

export if the entire lot averages within export if the entire lot averages ``sample'' to be

the requirements specified: Provided, within the requirements specified: consistent with the

That no sample from the containers in Provided, That no sample from the proposed sampling method

any lot shall have more than double the containers in any lot shall have more for grade determination.

percentage specified for any one defect, than double the percentage specified

and that not more than a total of 10 for any one defect, and that not more

percent, by count, of the grapefruit in than a total of 10 percent, by count,

any container has any of the defects of the grapefruit in any sample has any

enumerated in the standards for export. of the defects enumerated in the

standards for export.

``Similar varietal characteristics'' No change. N/A.

means that the fruits in any container

are similar in color and type.

``Well colored'' means that the fruit is No change. N/A.

yellow in color, with not more than a

trace of green.

[[Page 32680]]

``Firm'' means that the fruit is not soft No change. N/A.

or noticeably wilted or flabby. The skin

may feel slightly springy or spongy.

``Well formed'' means that the fruit No change. N/A.

shows the normal shape characteristic of

the variety.

``Smooth'' means that the skin is of ``Smooth texture'' means that the skin We propose to change

fairly fine grain, the ``pebbling'' is is of fairly fine grain, the ``Smooth'' to ``Smooth

not pronounced, and any furrows ``pebbling'' is not pronounced, and any texture'' to make it

radiating from the stem end are short furrows radiating from the stem end are consistent with the other

and shallow. short and shallow. citrus standards.

``Fairly thin skinned'' means that the ``Fairly thin skinned'' means that the We propose to change the

skin thickness does not average more skin thickness does not average more size reference from ``100

than three-eighths of an inch, on a than \1/2\ of an inch, on a central size'' to ``4\1/8\

central cross section, in sizes 100 or cross section, on a grapefruit 4\1/8\ inches'' in diameter.''

smaller, or more than seven-sixteenths inches in diameter. This will provide a

of an inch in sizes larger than 100. standard measurement for

determining defects.

``Injury'' means any defect which more No change. N/A.

than slightly affects the appearance, or

edible or shipping quality of the fruit.

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

injury:

(a) Sprayburn which changes the color to No change. N/A.

such an extent that the appearance of

the fruit is noticeably injured, or

which causes scarring that aggregates

more than one-half inch in diameter.

(b) Fumigation injury which noticeably No change. N/A.

detracts from the appearance of the

fruit, or which occurs as small, thinly

scattered spots over more than 10

percent of the fruit surface, or as

solid or depressed scarring which

aggregates more than one-half of an inch

in diameter.

(c) Exanthema which noticeably detracts No change. N/A.

from the appearance of the fruit, or

which occurs as small, thinly scattered

spots over more than 10 percent of the

fruit surface, or as solid scarring

which aggregates more than one-half of

an inch in diameter.

(d) Scars which are very rough or very No change. N/A.

deep; or scars which are very dark when

more than one-fourth of an inch in

diameter.

(e) Scars which are dark, rough, or deep No change. N/A.4703

and aggregate more than one-half of an

inch in diameter.

(f) Scars which are fairly light in No change. N/A.

color, slightly rough, or of slight

depth and aggregate more than 5 percent

of the fruit surface.

(g) Scars which are light in color, No change. N/A.

fairly smooth, with no depth and

aggregate more than 10 percent of the

fruit surface.

(i) Scale, when more than 5 medium to No change. N/A.

large California red or purple scale are

adjacent to the ``button'' at the stem

end, or scattered over the fruit, or any

scale which affects the appearance of

the fruit to a greater extent.

(j) Sunburn which appreciably changes the No change. N/A.

normal color or shape of the fruit, or

affects more than 10 percent of the

fruit surface.

(k) Green spots, oil spots This defect is currently

(oleocellosis) or other similar being scored based on the

injuries which are depressed or soft, ``general definition.'' We

or which have an aggregate area of more propose to add specific

than 2\1/2\ percent of the fruit scoring criteria for

surface, or which are green and more objective treatment of

than \1/4\ in number. this defect.

(l) Skin breakdown when exceeding that This defect is currently

of a circle \1/4\ inch in diameter. being scored based on the

``general definition.'' We

propose to add specific

scoring criteria for

objective treatment of

this defect.

(m) Bruising when segment walls are This defect is currently

collapsed, or albedo and juice sacs are being scored based on the

ruptured. ``general definition.'' We

propose to add specific

scoring criteria for

objective treatment of

this defect.

[[Page 32681]]

``Fairly well colored'' means that yellow No change. N/A.

color predominates on the fruit and that

the fruit is free from distinctly green

streaks and distinctly green blotches.

``Fairly smooth'' means that the skin ``Fairly smooth texture'' means that the We propose to change

does not feel noticeably rough or skin does not feel noticeably rough or ``Fairly smooth'' to

coarse. The size of the fruit should be coarse. The size of the fruit should be ``Fairly smooth texture''

considered in judging the texture, as considered in judging the texture, as to make it consistent with

large fruit is not usually as smooth as large fruit is not usually as smooth as the other citrus

the small. It is common for the fruit to the small. It is common for the fruit standards.

show larger and coarser ``pebbling'' on to show larger and coarser ``pebbling''

the stem end portion than on the blossom on the stem end portion than on the

end. Slight furrows or grooves which may blossom end. Slight furrows or grooves

be present on the stem end portion of which may be present on the stem end

the fruit shall not be considered as portion of the fruit shall not be

slightly rough unless they are of considered as slightly rough unless

sufficient depth, length, and number to they are of sufficient depth, length,

materially affect the appearance and and number to materially affect the

smoothness of the grapefruit. appearance and smoothness of the

grapefruit.

``Excessively thick skinned'' means that ``Excessively thick skinned'' means that We propose to change the

the skin thickness averages more than the skin thickness averages more than size reference from ``100

seven-sixteenths of an inch, on a \5/8\ of an inch, on a central cross size'' to ``4\1/8\

central cross section, in sizes 100 or section, on a grapefruit 4\1/8\ inches inches'' in diameter. This

smaller, or more than one-half of an in diameter. will provide a standard

inch in sizes larger than 100. measurement for

determining defects.

``Damage'' means any injury which No change. N/A.

materially affects the appearance, or

the edible or shipping quality of the

fruit. 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 damage:

(a) Dryness or mushy condition, when No change. N/A.

affecting all segments more than one-

fourth of an inch at the stem end, or

the equivalent of this amount by volume,

when occurring in other portions of the

fruit.

(b) Sprayburn which changes the color to No change. N/A.4703

such an extent that the appearance of

the fruit is materially injured, or

which causes scarring that aggregates

more than three-fourths of an inch in

diameter.

(c) Fumigation injury which materially No change. N/A.

detracts from the appearance of the

fruit, or which occurs as small, thinly

scattered spots over more than 25

percent of the fruit surface, or as

solid scarring or depressions which

aggregate more than three-fourths of an

inch in diameter.

(d) Exanthema which material detracts No change. N/A.

from the appearance of the fruit, or

which occurs as small, thinly scattered

spots over more than 25 percent of the

fruit surface, or as solid scarring,

that is not cracked, which aggregates

more than three-fourths of an inch in

diameter.

(e) Scars which are very deep; or scars No change. N/A.

which are very rough or very dark and

aggregate more than one-half of an inch

in diameter.

(f) Scars which are dark, rough or deep No change. N/A.

and aggregate more than three-fourths of

an inch in diameter.

(g) Scars which are fairly light in No change. N/A.

color, slightly rough, or of slight

depth and aggregate more than 10 percent

of the fruit surface.

(h) Scars which are light colored, fairly No change. N/A.

smooth, with no depth and aggregate more

than 15 percent of the fruit surface.

(i) Green spots which are depressed or (i) Green spots, oil spots We propose to score Green

soft, or more than seven in number, or (oleocellosis) or other similar spots and oil spots using

which aggregate more than 5 percent of injuries which are depressed or soft, the same criteria. These

the fruit surface. or which have an aggregate area of more are similar defects and

than 5 percent of the fruit surface, or scoring is comparable in

which are green and more than 7 in other citrus standards.

number.

[[Page 32682]]

(j) Scale, when more than 10 medium to No change. N/A.

large California red or purple scale are

adjacent to the ``button'' at the stem

end, or scattered over the fruit, or any

scale which affects the appearance of

the fruit to a greater extent.

(k) Sunburn which causes appreciable No change. N/A.

flattening of the fruit, drying or

darkening of the skin, or affects more

than 25 percent of the fruit surface.

(l) Skin breakdown when exceeding that This defect is currently

of a circle \3/8\ inch in diameter. being scored based on the

``general definition.'' We

propose to add specific

scoring criteria for

objective treatment of

this defect.

(m) Bruising when segment walls are This defect is currently

collapsed, or albedo and juice sacs are being scored based on the

ruptured. ``general definition.'' We

propose to add specific

scoring criteria for

objective treatment of

this defect.

``Slightly colored'' means that No change. N/A.

sufficient yellow color is distributed

over the fruit surface and, when blended

with the green color present, is

equivalent to 25 percent of full yellow

color characteristic of the variety.

``Fairly firm'' means that the fruit may No change. N/A.

be slightly soft but is not decidedly

flabby. The skin may be thick and

slightly puffy.

``Fairly well formed'' means that the No change. N/A.

fruit is not materially flattened,

materially pointed, extremely elongated,

or otherwise decidedly deformed.

``Decidedly rough'' means that the skin No change. N/A.

is materially rough, materially lumpy,

decidedly folded, or decidedly ridged.

``Serious damage'' means any injury which No change. N/A.4703

seriously affects the appearance, or the

edible or shipping quality of the fruit.

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) Dryness or mushy condition, when No change. N/A.

affecting all segments more than one-

half of an inch at the stem end, or the

equivalent of this amount, by volume,

when occurring in other portions of the

fruit.

(b) Sprayburn which changes the color to No change. N/A.

such an extent that the appearance of

the fruit is seriously injured, or which

causes scarring that aggregates more

than 10 percent of the fruit surface.

(c) Fumigation injury which occurs as No change. N/A.

small, thinly scattered spots over more

than one-half of the fruit surface, or

solid scarring of depressions which

aggregate more than 5 percent of the

fruit surface.

(d) Exanthema which occurs as small, No change. N/A.

thinly scattered spots over more than

one-half of the fruit surface, or solid

scarring that is not cracked, which

aggregates more than 5 percent of the

fruit surface.

(e) Scars which are very deep; or scars No change. N/A.

which are very rough or very dark and

aggregate more than one inch in

diameter.

(f) Scars which are dark, rough, or deep No change. N/A.

and aggregate more than 5 percent of the

fruit surface.

(g) Scars which are fairly light in No change. N/A.

color, slightly rough or of slight depth

and aggregate more than 15 percent of

the fruit surface.

(h) Scars which are light colored, fairly No change. N/A..

smooth, with no depth and aggregate more

than 25 percent of the fruit surface.

[[Page 32683]]

(i) Green spots which are soft or (i) Green spots, oil spots We propose to score Green

aggregate more than 2 inches in (oleocellosis) or other similar spots and oil spots using

diameter. injuries which are soft, or which have the same criteria. These

an aggregate area of more than 10 are similar defects and

percent of the fruit surface. scoring is comparable in

other citrus standards.

(j) Scale, when California red or purple No change. N/A.

scale is concentrated as a ring or

blotch, or which is more than thinly

scattered over the fruit surface, or any

scale which affects the appearance of

the fruit to a greater extent.

(k) Sunburn which causes decided No change. N/A.

flattening of the fruit, drying or dark

discoloration of the skin, or which

affects more than one-third of the fruit

surface.

(l) Skin breakdown when exceeding that This defect is currently

of a circle \5/8\ inch in diameter being scored based on the

``general definition.'' We

propose to add specific

scoring criteria for

objective treatment of

this defect.

(m) Bruising when segment walls are This defect is currently

collapsed, or albedo is ruptured and being scored based on the

juice sacs are ruptured. ``general definition.'' We

propose to add specific

scoring criteria for

objective treatment of

this defect.

``Slightly spongy'' means that the fruit No change. N/A.

is puffy or slightly wilted but not

decidedly flabby.

``Misshapen'' means that the fruit is No change. N/A.

materially flattened, materially

pointed, extremely elongated or

otherwise decidedly deformed.

``Very serious damage'' means any injury No change. N/A.

which very seriously affects the

appearance, or the edible or shipping

quality of the fruit. 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 very

serious damage:

(a) Sprayburn which seriously affects No change. N/A.4703

more than 25 percent of the fruit

surface.

(b) Fumigation injury which causes deep, No change. N/A.

rough, or dark scarring which aggregates

more than 25 percent of the fruit

surface.

(c) Exanthema which aggregates more than No change. N/A.

10 percent of the fruit surface or

causes serious cracks.

(d) Scars which are very dark, very No change. N/A.

rough, or very deep and aggregate more

than 10 percent of the fruit surface.

(e) Scars which are dark, rough or deep No change. N/A.

and aggregate more than 25 percent of

the fruit surface.

(f) Green spots which are badly sunken or (f) Green spots, oil spots We propose to score Green

soft. (oleocellosis) or other similar spots and oil spots using

injuries which are badly sunken or the same criteria. These

soft, or which have an aggregate area are similar defects and

of more than 25 percent of the fruit scoring is comparable in

surface. other citrus standards.

(g) Scale so numerous or large that the No change. N/A.

appearance of the fruit is very

seriously affected.

(h) Sunburn which seriously affects more No change. N/A.

than one-third of the fruit surface.

(i) Skin breakdown when exceeding that This defect is currently

of a circle 1\1/4\ inches in diameter. being scored based on the

``general definition.'' We

propose to add specific

scoring criteria for

objective treatment of

this defect.

(j) Bruising when fruit has been split This defect is currently

open, peel is badly watersoaked being scored based on the

following bruising or albedo is ``general definition.'' We

ruptured and juice sacs are ruptured propose to add specific

causing a mushy condition affecting all scoring criteria for

segments more than \3/4\ inch at objective treatment of

bruised area or the equivalent of this this defect.

amount, by volume, when affecting more

than one area on the fruit.

[[Page 32684]]

(k) Dryness or mushy condition, when We propose to change the

affecting all segments more than three- phrase ``free from serious

fourths of an inch at the stem end, or damage by dryness or mushy

the equivalent of this amount, by condition'' to ``free from

volume, when occurring in other very serious damage by

portions of the fruit. dryness or mushy

condition.'' In other

citrus standards, defects

scored against the U.S.

No. 3 grade are typically

``very serious damage.''

This change will make it

consistent with those

standards.

Note: All references in this standard to Currently, the standard

area, aggregating area, or length are does not state whether

based on a grapefruit 4\1/8\ inches in defects are based on a

diameter, allowing proportionately specific size fruit; or if

greater areas on larger fruit and greater defective areas

lesser areas on smaller fruit. are allowed on larger

fruit and lesser areas on

smaller fruit. Many fruit

and vegetable standards

contain this distinction.

To clarify the issue and

to standardize with other

fruit and vegetable

standards, we propose to

include this statement.

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

4703United States Standards for Grades of Tangerines

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

``General.'' (a) The tolerances for the Delete. We propose to delete this

standards are on a container basis. section and add an

However, individual packages in any lot ``Application of

may vary from the specified tolerances Tolerances'' section after

as stated below, provided the averages ``Tolerances.'' This will

for the entire lot, based on sample maintain consistency with

inspection, are within the tolerances other standards.

specified.

(b) For packages which contain more than Delete. We propose to delete this

10 pounds and a tolerance of 10 percent section and add an

or more is provided, individual packages ``Application of

in any lot shall have not more than one Tolerances'' section after

and one-half times the tolerance ``Tolerances.'' This will

specified. For packages which contain maintain consistency with

more than 10 pounds and a tolerance of other standards.

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.

(c) For packages which contain 10 pounds Delete. We propose to delete this

or less, individual packages in any lot section and add an

are not restricted as to the percentage ``Application of

of defects except that not more than one Tolerance'' section after

fruit which is decayed or very seriously ``Tolerances.'' This will

damaged shall be allowed in any package. maintain consistency with

other standards.

``U.S. Fancy'' shall consist of ``U.S. Fancy'' shall consist of We propose to delete the

tangerines which are mature, firm, and tangerines which are mature, firm, and phrase ``free from soft

well formed; free from soft bruises, well formed; free from unhealed skin bruises'' and add ``free

bird pecks, unhealed skin breaks, and breaks, dryness or mushy condition, from injury by bruises''

decay; hard or dry skins and decay; to the listing of ``free

from injury'' defects. It

is consistent with other

standards to define

bruising separately under

the definitions for

injury, damage, serious

damage, and very serious

damage. We also propose to

delete ``free from bird

pecks.'' Advances in

agricultural techniques

have virtually eliminated

this defect. Also proposed

is the addition of the

``free from dryness or

mushy condition'' and

``hard or dry skins''

requirements. These

requirements are

consistent with those

contained in other citrus

standards.

free from damage by ammoniation, free from injury caused by ammoniation, We propose to delete the

creasing, dryness or mushy condition, bruising, creasing, green spots or oil term ``pitting'' and

green spots or oil spots, pitting, spots, skin breakdown, scale, replace it with the term

scale, sprouting, sprayburn, sunburn, sprouting, sprayburn, and sunburn, and ``skin breakdown.'' Skin

unsightly discoloration, buckskin, free from damage caused by buckskin, breakdown is a defect

melanose, scars, scab, dirt or other melanose, scars, scab, dirt or other included in other citrus

foreign materials, disease, insects, foreign materials, disease, insects, standards to encompass

mechanical or other means. mechanical or other means. several similarly

appearing defects,

including ``pitting.'' We

also propose to delete the

term ``unsightly

discoloration'' to

eliminate the confusion

with ``discoloration''.

The defect

``discoloration'' is

defined in Section

51.1785. No definition for

``unsightly

discoloration'' exists in

the standards.

[[Page 32685]]

(a) Each fruit in this grade shall be (a) Each fruit in this grade shall be We propose this change to

highly colored. well colored. be more consistent with

other citrus standards

containing this

requirement.

(b) In this grade not more than \1/10\ of No change. N/A.4703

the surface in the aggregate of each

fruit may have a light shade of brown

discoloration caused by rust mite, or an

equivalent in appearance to this amount

when the fruit is discolored by any

cause. (See ``Tolerances'')

``U.S. No. 1'' shall consist of ``U.S. No. 1'' shall consist of We propose to delete the

tangerines which are mature, firm, and tangerines which are mature, firm, and phrase ``free from soft

well formed; free from soft bruises, well formed; free from unhealed skin bruises'' and add ``free

bird pecks, unhealed skin breaks, and breaks, hard or dry skins, and decay; from damage by bruises''

decay; to the listing of ``free

from damage by'' defects.

It is consistent with

other standards to define

bruising separately under

the definitions for

injury, damage, serious

damage, and very serious

damage. We also propose to

delete the phrase ``free

from bird pecks.''

Advances in agricultural

techniques have virtually

eliminated this defect.

Also proposed is the

addition of the

requirement ``free from

hard or dry skins.'' This

requirement is consistent

with those contained in

other citrus standards.

free from damage by ammoniation, free from damage by ammoniation, We propose to delete the

creasing, dryness or mushy condition, bruising, creasing, dryness or mushy term ``pitting'' and

green spots or oil spots, pitting, condition, green spots or oil spots, replace it with the term

scale, sprouting, sprayburn, sunburn, skin breakdown, scale, sprouting, ``skin breakdown.'' Skin

unsightly discoloration, buckskin, sprayburn, sunburn, buckskin, melanose, breakdown is a defect

melanose, scars, scab, dirt or other scars, scab, dirt or other foreign included in other citrus

foreign materials, disease, insects, materials, disease, insects, mechanical standards to encompass

mechanical or other means. or other means. several similarly

appearing defects,

including ``pitting.'' We

also propose to delete the

term ``unsightly

discoloration'' to

eliminate the confusion

with ``discoloration''.

The defect

``discoloration'' is

defined in Section

51.1785. No definition for

``unsightly

discoloration'' exists in

the standards.

(a) Each fruit of this grade shall be No change. N/A.

fairly well colored.

(b) In this grade not more than one-third No change. N/A.

of the surface in the aggregate of each

fruit may have a light shade of brown

discoloration caused by rust mite, or an

equivalent in appearance to this amount

when the fruit is discolored by any

cause. (See ``Tolerances'')

``U.S. No. 1 Bronze.'' The requirements No change. N/A.

for this grade are the same as for U.S.

No. 1 except for discoloration. In this

grade at least 75 percent, by count, of

the fruit shall show some discoloration,

and more than 20 percent, by count, of

the fruit shall have more than one-third

of the surface of each fruit affected

with bronzed russeting: Provided, That

no discoloration that exceeds the amount

allowed in the U.S. 1 grade shall be

permitted unless such discoloration is

caused by thrip or wind scars, or rust

mite. (See ``Tolerances'')

``U.S. Combination'' consists of a We propose the addition of

combination of U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. the Combination grade to

2 tangerines: Provided, That at least make it consistent with

40 percent, by count, of the tangerines other standards.

in each lot shall meet the requirements

of the U.S. No. 1 grade. (See

``Tolerances'')

[[Page 32686]]

``U.S. No. 2'' shall consist of ``U.S. No. 2'' shall consist of We propose to delete the

tangerines which are mature, fairly tangerines which are mature, fairly phrase ``free from soft

firm, and fairly well formed; free from firm, and fairly well formed; free from bruises'' and add ``free

soft bruises, bird pecks, unhealed skin unhealed skin breaks, hard or dry from serious damage by

breaks, and decay; skins, and decay; bruises'' to the listing

of ``free from serious

damage by'' defects. It is

consistent with other

standards to define

bruising separately under

the definitions for

injury, damage, serious

damage, and very serious

damage. We also propose to

delete the phrase ``free

from bird pecks.''

Advances in agricultural

techniques have virtually

eliminated this defect.

Also proposed is the

addition of the

requirement ``free from

hard or dry skins.'' This

requirement is consistent

with those contained in

other citrus

standards.4703

free from serious damage by ammoniation, free from serious damage by ammoniation, We propose to delete the

creasing, dryness or mushy condition, bruising, creasing, dryness or mushy term ``pitting'' and

green spots or oil spots, pitting, condition, green spots or oil spots, replace it with the term

scale, sprouting, sprayburn, sunburn, skin breakdown, scale, sprouting, ``skin breakdown.'' Skin

unsightly discoloration, buckskin, sprayburn, sunburn, buckskin, melanose, breakdown is a defect

melanose, scars, scab, dirt or other scars, scab, dirt or other foreign included in other citrus

foreign materials, disease, insects, materials, disease, insects, mechanical standards to encompass

mechanical or other means. or other means. several similarly

appearing defects,

including ``pitting.'' We

also propose to delete the

term ``unsightly

discoloration'' to

eliminate the confusion

with ``discoloration''.

The defect

``discoloration'' is

defined in Section

51.1785. No definition for

``unsightly

discoloration'' exists in

the standards.

(a) Each fruit of this grade shall be No change. N/A.

reasonably well colored.

(b) In this grade not more than two- No change. N/A.

thirds of the surface in the aggregate

of each fruit may be affected with light

brown discoloration, or may have the

equivalent to this amount in appearance

when the fruit has lighter or darker

shades of discoloration. (See

``Tolerances'')

``U.S. No 2. Russet.'' The requirements No change. N/A.

for this grade are the same as for U.S.

No. 2 except that more than 20 percent,

by count, of the fruits shall have in

excess of two-thirds of the surface in

the aggregate affected with light brown

discoloration. (See ``Tolerances'')

``U.S. No. 3'' shall consist of ``U.S. No. 3'' shall consist of We propose to delete the

tangerines which are mature, not flabby tangerines which are mature, not flabby phrase ``free from

and not seriously lumpy; which are free and not seriously lumpy; which are free unhealed bird pecks.''

from unhealed bird pecks, unhealed skin from unhealed skin breaks, hard or dry Advances in agricultural

breaks and decay; skins, and decay; practices have virtually

eliminated this defect. We

also propose to add the

phrase ``free from hard or

dry skins.'' This

requirement is consistent

with those contained in

other citrus standards.

free from very serious damage by bruises, free from very serious damage by We propose to delete the

ammoniation, creasing, dryness or mushy bruises, ammoniation, creasing, dryness term ``pitting'' and

condition, pitting, scale, sprouting, or mushy condition, oil spots or green replace it with the term

sprayburn, sunburn, unsightly spots, skin breakdown, scale, ``skin breakdown.'' Skin

discoloration, melanose, scars, scab, sprouting, sprayburn, sunburn, breakdown is a defect

dirt or other foreign materials, buckskin, melanose, scars, scab, dirt included in other citrus

disease, insects, mechanical or other or other foreign materials, disease, standards to encompass

means. (See ``Tolerances'') insects, mechanical or other means. several similarly

(See ``Tolerances'') appearing defects,

including ``pitting.'' We

also propose to delete the

term ``unsightly

discoloration'' to

eliminate the confusion

with ``discoloration''.

The defect

``discoloration'' is

defined in Section

51.1785. No definition for

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