# 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 > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A99-15290 ## Record - **Collection:** Federal Register - **Document type:** Notice - **Published:** June 17, 1999 - **Citation:** 64 FR 32666 ## Text 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 ``unsightly discoloration'' exists in the standards. ``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. 1 on a minimum 25 count sample, set forth sampling. Other citrus Bronze, U.S. No. 2, U.S. No. 2 Russet, in the U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. standards (Florida), at and U.S. No. 3 are provided as 1 Bronze, U.S. Combination, U.S. No. 2, industry's request, have specified. U.S. No. 2 Russet, and U.S. No. 3 are recently been changed to provided as specified. 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.4703 [[Page 32687]] ``U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 1 ``U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 1 We propose to establish Bronze, U.S. No. 2 and U.S. No. 2 Bronze, U.S. No. 2 and U.S. No. 2 separate ``Shipping Russet.'' Not more than a total of 10 Russet.'' For defects at shipping Point'' tolerances to percent, by count, of the fruit in any point. Not more than 10 percent, by standardize them with container may be below the requirements count, of the tangerines in any lot may other fruit and vegetable of the grade other than for fail to meet the requirements relating standards. A ``whole discoloration but not more than 5 to discoloration. In addition, not more number'' decay tolerance percent shall be allowed for very than 10 percent, by count, of the is also proposed, which is serious damage other than by dryness or tangerines in any lot may fail to meet included in practically mushy condition and not more than one- the remaining requirements of the all other fresh fruit and half of 1 percent shall be allowed for specified grade, included in this vegetable grade standards. decay at shipping point: Provided, That amount not more than 5 percent shall be The current decay a total tolerance of not more than 3 allowed for defects causing very tolerance of ``not more percent shall be allowed for decay en serious damage, included in this latter than one-half of 1 percent route or at destination. In addition, amount not more than 1 percent for may be a confusing concept not more than a total of 10 percent, by decay. to an industry which is count, of the fruit in any container may accustomed to ``whole'' not meet the requirements relating to percentage numbers on discoloration but not more than 2 inspection certificates. percent shall be allowed for serious Normally, when dealing damage by unsightly discoloration. 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. We have also re- worded the entire section for clarity. ``U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 1 We propose to establish Bronze, U.S. No. 2 and U.S. No. 2 ``En Route or At Russet.'' For defects en route or at Destination'' tolerances destination. Not more than 10 percent, to be more consistent with by count, of the tangerines in any lot other fruit and vegetable may fail to meet the requirements standards. This proposal relating to discoloration. In addition, includes adding separate not more than 12 percent, by count, of tolerances for permanent the tangerines in any lot may fail to defects; for any defects meet the remaining requirements of the causing very serious specified grade: Provided, that damage; 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. 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. ``U.S. No. 3.'' Not more than a total of ``U.S. No. 3.'' For defects at shipping We propose to establish 15 percent, by count, of the fruit in point. Not more than 10 percent, by separate tolerances at any container may be below the count, of the tangerines in any lot may ``Shipping Point'' and requirements of this grade but not more fail to meet the requirements of the ``En Route or at than 5 percent shall be allowed for specified grade, included in this Destination'' to defects other than dryness or mushy amount not more than 1 percent for standardize them with condition, and not more than 1 percent decay. other fruit and vegetable shall be allowed for decay at shipping standards. Also proposed point: Provided, That a total tolerance is a total defects of not more than 3 percent shall be tolerance of 10 percent at allowed for decay en route or at shipping point. A 12 destination. percent total defects tolerance and a 10 percent permanent defects tolerance en route or at destination is also proposed. These tolerances are consistent with other citrus standards. The decay tolerances in this remain unchanged. ``U.S. No. 3.'' For defects en route or 4703 at destination. Not more than 12 percent, by count, of the tangerines in any lot may fail to meet the remaining requirements of the specified 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 not more than 3 percent for decay. [[Page 32688]] ``U.S. Combination grade.'' For defects We propose the addition of at shipping point. Not more than 10 this grade to provide percent, by count, of the tangerines in industry the option of any lot may fail to meet the packing to a certified requirements of the U.S. No. 2 grade combination grade. In this relating to discoloration. In addition, ``new'' grade, the format not more than 10 percent, by count, of and percentages are the tangerines in any lot may fail to consistent with those meet the remaining requirements of the found in other citrus U.S. No. 2 grade, included in this standards. Separate amount not more than 5 percent for very tolerances at ``Shipping serious damage, included in this latter Point'' are included as amount not more than 1 percent for well as a separate decay. tolerance for very serious damage and a 1 percent decay tolerance. ``U.S. Combination grade.'' For defects We propose the addition of en route or at destination. Not more this grade to provide than 10 percent, by count, of the industry the option of tangerines in any lot may fail to meet packing to a certified the requirements of the U.S. No. 2 combination grade. In this grade relating to discoloration. In ``new'' grade, the format addition, not more than 12 percent, by and percentages are count, of the tangerines in any lot may consistent with those fail to meet the remaining requirements found in other citrus of the U.S. No. 2 grade: Provided, that standards. Separate included in this amount not more than tolerances ``En Route or the following percentages shall be at Destination'' are allowed for defects listed: 10 percent included as well as for fruit having permanent defects; or separate permanent defects 7 percent for defects causing very tolerances, a tolerance serious damage, including therein not for very serious damage more than 5 percent for very serious and a 3 percent decay damage by permanent defects, included tolerance. in the latter amount not more than 3 percent for decay. ``U.S. Combination grade.'' For defects We propose the addition of at shipping point and en route or at this section to make it destination. No part of any tolerance consistent with other shall be allowed to reduce for the lot fruit and vegetable as a whole, the 40 percent of U.S. No. standards including those 1 tangerines required in the U.S. listed in this Notice. Use Combination grade, but individual of the term ``sample'' is samples may have not less than 30 continued in this section percent of U.S. No. 1 required: to reflect the proposed Provided, That the entire lot averages change from ``container'' within the percentage required. as listed throughout this Notice. ``Application of tolerances.'' We propose the addition of Individual samples, based on a minimum this section to be 25 count sample, are subject to the consistent with other following limitations, unless otherwise fruit and vegetable specified. Individual samples shall standards. It contains have not more than one and one-half language and format times a specified tolerance of 10 commonly found in most percent or more, and not more than standards. This is also a double a specified tolerance of less change of the ``General'' than 10 percent: Provided, that at section located at the least one decayed fruit may be beginning of this standard permitted in any sample: And provided and includes the phrase further, that the averages for the ``minimum 25 count entire lot are within the tolerances sample'' that is found specified for the grade. throughout this Notice. ``Standard pack.'' (a) The tangerines in No Change. N/A. each container shall be packed in accordance with recognized methods. Each container shall be well filled and properly marked to indicate the size of the fruit. When the figures used to indicate size of the fruit vary from the actual number of tangerines in the container, as in the case of fractional parts of boxes, the figures indicating size shall be followed by the letter ``s'' or the word ``size,'' as, for example, ``210s,'' or ``210 size.'' Containers which are not so marked shall not be regarded as meeting requirements of ``standard pack.'' (b) Fruit in each container shall be of a (b) Fruit in each sample shall be of a We propose to change the size not less than the minimum diameters size not less than the minimum word ``container'' to specified below for the various packs. diameters specified below for the ``sample'' to be Packs other than those listed shall have various packs. Packs other than those consistent with the a minimum size not less than specified listed shall have a minimum size not proposed sampling method for the nearest count. less than specified for the nearest for grade count. determination.4703 [[Page 32689]] Diameter in inches: Diameter in inches: Pack Minimum Pack Minimum 100...................................... 100..................................... ............ 2\15/16\ ............. 2\15/16\ 120...................................... 120..................................... ............ 2\11/16\ ............. 2\11/16\ 150...................................... 150..................................... ............ 2\8/16\ ............. 2\8/16\ 176...................................... 176..................................... ............ 2\6/16\ ............. 2\6/16\ 210...................................... 210..................................... ............ 2\4/16\ ............. 2\4/16\ 246...................................... 246..................................... ............ 2\2/16\ ............. 2\2/16\ 294...................................... 294..................................... ............ 2 ............. 2 (c) In order to allow for variations (c) In order to allow for variations We propose to change the incident to proper sizing, not more than incident to proper sizing, not more word ``container'' to 10 percent, by count, of the fruit in than 10 percent, by count, of the fruit ``sample'' to be any container may be below the minimum in any sample may be below the minimum consistent with the size for the count as specified. size for the count as specified. proposed sampling method for grade determination. ``Firm'' means that the flesh is not soft No change. N/A and the fruit is not badly puffy, and that the skin has not become materially separated from the flesh of the tangerine. ``Well formed'' means that the fruit has No change N/A. the characteristic tangerine shape and is not deformed. ``Injury'' means any defect which more We propose to add than slightly affects the appearance, definitions of injury for or edible or shipping quality of the the U.S. Fancy grade in an fruit. Any one of the following effort to establish an defects, or any combination of defects, objective scoring base. It the seriousness of which exceeds the is consistent with other maximum allowed for any one defect, fruit and vegetable shall be considered as injury: standards, as well as the citrus standards included in this Notice, to provide objective scoring criteria whenever practicable. (a) Ammoniation which does not occur as light speck type; (b) Creasing which is more than barely visible, or which extends over more than 20 percent of the fruit surface; (c) Green spot or oil spots (oleocellosis or similar injuries) which are depressed or soft, or which have an aggregate area of a circle more than 3/8 inch in diameter, or which are green and more than 4 in number; (d) Skin breakdown when exceeding that of a circle 1/8 inch in diameter; (e) Sprayburn when causing the skin to become hard, or when aggregating more than a circle 3/8 inch in diameter; (f) Sunburn when causing the skin to become hard and affecting more than 10 percent of the fruit surface. (g) Scale when medium or large and more than 4 are present; (h) Bruising when segment walls are collapsed, or albedo is ruptured and juice sacs are ruptured. ``Damage'' means any defect or blemish No change. N/A. which more than slightly affects the appearance, or edible or shipping quality of the fruit. Any one of the following defects, the seriousness of which exceeds the maximum allowed for any one defect shall be considered as damage: (a) Ammoniation, when not occurring as (a) Ammoniation, when not occurring as We propose to change this speck-type similar to melanose: light speck type, or which occurs as definition to be more Provided, That no ammoniation shall be small, thinly scattered spots over more consistent with other permitted that detracts from the than 10 percent of the fruit surface, citrus standards.4703 appearance of the individual fruit to a or as solid scarring which aggregates greater extent than the amount of more than one-fourth of an inch in discoloration allowed for the grade. diameter. (b) Creasing, when it materially affects (b) Creasing, when it materially weakens We propose to change this the appearance or shipping quality of the skin, or extends over more than one- definition to be more the fruit. third of the fruit surface. consistent with other citrus standards. (c) Dryness or mushy condition, when (c) Dryness or mushy condition when We propose to change this mushy or distinctly dry to a depth of affecting all segments more than one- definition to be more more than one-eighth inch in all eighth inch at stem end, or the consistent with other segments at the stem end, or the equivalent of this amount, by volume, citrus standards. equivalent of this amount, by volume, of when occurring in other portions of the mushy condition or dryness when fruit. occurring in any portion of the fruit. [[Page 32690]] (d) Green spots or oil spots, when the (d) Green spots or oil spots We propose to change this appearance is affected to a greater (oleocellosis) or similar injuries definition to be more extent than 10 green spots caused by which are depressed or soft, or which consistent with other scale, each of which is approximately have an aggregate area of more than 5 citrus standards. one-eighth inch in diameter. percent of the fruit surface, or which are green and more than 10 in number; (e) Pitting when materially affecting the (e) Skin breakdown when aggregating more We propose to delete the appearance or shipping quality of the than a circle \1/4\ inch in diameter. term ``pitting'' and individual fruit. replace it with ``skin breakdown.'' Skin breakdown is a defect included in other citrus standards to encompass several similarly appearing defects, including ``pitting.'' We also propose to include an objective scoring guide for this defect, rather than retain the scoring guide based on the ``general definition.'' (f) Scale, when occurring as a blotch No change. N/A. which averages more than three-eighths inch in diameter or any scale that detracts from the appearance of the individual fruit to a greater extent than a three-eighths inch blotch. ``Blotch'' refers to actual scale and not the discolored area caused by scale. (g) Sprayburn, when causing the skin to (g) Sprayburn, when causing the skin to We propose to change this become hard or when it materially become hard, or when aggregating more definition to be more affects the appearance of the fruit. than 5 percent of the fruit surface. consistent with other citrus standards. (h) Sunburn, when causing the skin to (h) Sunburn, when causing the skin to We propose to change this become hard or when it materially become hard and affecting more than 5 definition to be more affects the appearance of the fruit. percent of the fruit surface. consistent with other citrus standards. (i) 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. (i) Unsightly discoloration, when the Delete. We propose to delete the color or the pattern, or a combination term ``unsightly of color and pattern, causes the fruit discoloration'' to to have an unattractive appearance. eliminate the confusion with ``discoloration''. The defect ``discoloration'' is defined in Section 51.1785. No definition for ``unsightly discoloration'' exists in the standards. (j) Buckskin, when it detracts from the (j) Buckskin when aggregating more than We propose to change this appearance of the fruit to a greater 5 percent of the fruit surface. definition to be more extent than the amount of discoloration consistent with other allowed for the grade. citrus standards. (k) Melanose, when not small smooth speck- No change. N/A. type, or any speck-type that detracts from the appearance of the fruit to a greater extent than the amount of discoloration allowed in the grade. Melanose that exceeds the amount allowed in the U.S. No. 1 grade is not permitted in the U.S. No. 1 Bronze grade. (l) Scars, when not smooth, or when (l) Scars, when deep or rough We propose to change this causing any noticeable depression or aggregating more than a circle 1/4 inch definition to be more when detracting from the appearance of in diameter; slightly rough with slight consistent with other the fruit to a greater extent than the depth aggregating more than a circle 3/ citrus standards. amount of discoloration allowed for the 4 inch in diameter; smooth or fairly grade. smooth with slight depth aggregating more than a circle 1-1/8 inches in diameter. (m) Scab, when not smooth, or when it (m) Scab, when it materially detracts We propose to change this affects shape or when it detracts from from the shape or texture, or definition to be more the appearance of the fruit to a greater aggregates more than 5 percent of the consistent with other extent than the amount of discoloration fruit surface. citrus standards.4703 allowed for the grade. Scab injury that exceeds the amount allowed in the U.S. No. 1 grade is not permitted in the U.S. No. 1 Bronze grade. ``Highly colored'' means that the ground ``Well colored'' means that the ground We propose to change this color of each fruit is a deep tangerine color of each fruit is a deep tangerine definition to be more color with practically no trace of color with practically no trace of consistent with other yellow color.'' yellow color. citrus standards. [[Page 32691]] ``Discoloration'' includes discoloration No change. N/A. caused by rust mite, melanose, scars, scab, or any other means. Shades of discoloration which blend with the ground color of the fruit may be allowed on a larger area than that specified in the grade for light brown discoloration, and shades of discoloration which are more in contrast with the ground color shall be restricted to a lesser area, provided no discoloration may affect the appearance to a greater extent than the amount light brown discoloration specified for the grade. Tangerines which show discoloration caused by melanose, scab, or any cause other than by thrip, or wind scars, or by rust mite shall not be permitted in the U.S. No. 1 Bronze grade when such discoloration exceeds the amount allowed in the U.S. No. 1 grade. (See ``Bronzed Russeting'') Fairly well colored'' means that each No change. N/A. fruit may have not over one inch of green color in the aggregate and the remainder of the surface shall show a good tangerine color with some portion of the surface showing a reddish tangerine blush. ``Bronzed russeting'' means russeting No change. N/A. caused by thrip, or wind scars, or by rust mite or similar russeting which is not readily distinguishable from that caused by melanose, scab, etc., are not considered as ``bronzed russeting'' within the meaning of these standards but are regarded as defects when they exceed the amount permitted in the U.S. No. 1 grade and are not permitted in the U.S. No. 1 Bronze grade. ``Fairly firm'' means that the flesh may No change. N/A. be slightly soft but is not bruised or badly puffy, and that the skin has not become seriously separated from the flesh of the tangerine. ``Fairly well formed'' means that the No change. N/A. fruit may not have the shape characteristic of the variety but that it is not badly deformed. ``Serious damage'' means any defect or No change. N/A. blemish which seriously 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 serious damage: (a) Ammoniation, when scars are cracked, No change. N/A. or dark and aggregating more than one- half inch in diameter or when light- colored and aggregating more than 1 inch in diameter. (b) Creasing, when it causes the skin to (b) Creasing, when it seriously weakens We propose to change this be seriously weakened. the skin, or extends over more than one- definition to be more half of the fruit surface. consistent with other citrus standards. (c) 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. (c) Dryness or mushy condition, when (d) Dryness or mushy condition when We propose to change this mushy or distinctly dry to a depth of affecting all segments more than one- definition to be more more than one-quarter inch in all quarter inch at stem end, or the consistent with other segments at the stem end, or the equivalent of this amount, by volume, citrus standards. This equivalent of this amount, by volume, of when occurring in other portions of the section is re-designated mushy condition or dryness when fruit. ``(d)'' due to the occurring in any portion of the fruit. addition of ``(c) Bruising.''4703 (d) Green spots or oil spots, when the (e) Green spots or oil spots We propose to change this appearance is affected to a greater (oleocellosis) or similar injuries definition to be more extent than 25 green spots, caused by which are depressed or soft, or which consistent with other scale, each of which is approximately have an aggregate area of more than 10 citrus standards. This one-eighth inch in diameter. percent of the fruit surface. section is re-designated ``(e)'' due to the addition of ``(c) Bruising.'' [[Page 32692]] (e) Pitting, when seriously affecting the (f) Skin breakdown, when aggregating We propose to delete the appearance or shipping quality of the more than a circle \5/8\ inch in term ``pitting'' and fruit. diameter. replace it with ``skin breakdown.'' Skin breakdown is a defect included in other citrus standards to encompass several similarly appearing defects, including ``pitting.'' We also propose to include an objective scoring guide for this defect, rather than retain the scoring guide based on the ``general definition.'' This section is re- designated ``(f)'' due to the addition of ``(c) Bruising.'' (f) Scale, when occurring as a blotch (g) Scale, when occurring as a blotch This section is re- which averages more than one-half inch which averages more than one-half inch designated ``(g)'' due to in diameter, or any scale that detracts in diameter, or any scale that detracts the addition of ``(c) from the appearance of the fruit to a from the appearance of the fruit to a Bruising.'' greater extent than a one-half inch greater extent than a one-half inch blotch. ``Blotch'' refers to actual blotch. ``Blotch'' refers to actual scale and not the discoloration caused scale and not the discoloration caused by scale. by scale. (g) Sprayburn, when it has caused the (h) Sprayburn, when causing the skin to We propose to change this skin to become hard, or when it become hard, or when aggregating more definition to be more seriously affects the appearance of the than 10 percent of the fruit surface. consistent with other fruit. citrus standards. This section is re-designated ``(h)'' due to the addition of ``(c) Bruising.'' (h) Sunburn, when it has caused the skin (i) Sunburn, when causing the skin to We propose to change this to become hard, or when it seriously become hard and affecting more than 10 definition to be more affects the appearance of the fruit. percent of the fruit surface. consistent with other citrus standa [Text truncated at 120,000 characters. The full text is on the page linked above.] --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A99-15290. Public record. Not legal advice.