[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 32 (Thursday, February 16, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 8973-8981]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-3787]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR PART 51
[Docket Number FV-94-302]
Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type Onions and Onions (Other than Bermuda-
Granex-Grano and Creole Type); Grade Standards
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
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SUMMARY: This proposed rule would revise the United States Standards
for Grades of Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type Onions and United States
Standards for Grades of Onions (Other Than Bermuda-Granex-Grano and
Creole Type). The proposal would set a minimum sample size for consumer
size packages, provide a ``Colossal'' size classification, eliminate
Export size classifications and designate a U.S. No. 1 Peeled Grade. It
would also include other technical revisions to update the standards in
accord with current handling and marketing practices.
DATES: Comments must be postmarked or courier dated on or before April
17, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Interested parties are invited to submit written comments
concerning this proposal. Comments must be sent to the Fresh Products
Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Division, Agricultural Marketing Service,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 96456, Room 2056 South
Building, Washington, DC 20090-6456. Comments should make reference to
the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register and will
be made available for public inspection in the above office during
regular business hours.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank O'Sullivan, at the above address
or call (202) 720-2185.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S. Department of Agriculture is
issuing this proposed rule in conformance with Executive Order 12866.
Pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et. seq.), the Administrator of the
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has determined that this action
will not have a significant economic impact on substantial number of
small entities. This proposed rule for the revision of U.S. Standards
for Grades of Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type Onions and U.S. Standards for
Grades of Onions (Other Than Bermuda-Granex-Grano and Creole Type) will
not impose substantial direct economic cost, recordkeeping, or
personnel workload changes on small entities, and will not alter the
market share or competitive position of these entities relative to
large businesses. In addition, under the Agricultural Marketing Act of
1946, the use of these standards is voluntary.
This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12778,
Civil Justice Reform. This action is not intended to have retroactive
effect. This proposed rule will not preempt any State or local laws,
regulations, or policies, unless they present an irreconcilable
conflict with this rule. There are no administrative procedures which
must be exhausted prior to any judicial challenge to the provisions of
this rule.
Agencies periodically review existing regulations. An objective of
the review is to ensure that the grade standards are serving their
intended purpose, the language is clear, and the standards are
consistent with AMS policy and authority.
The United States Standards for Grades of Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type
Onions was last revised February 20, 1985, and the United States
Standards for Grades of Onions (Other Than Bermuda-Granex-Grano and
Creole Types) was last revised October 1, 1971. In general, the
Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type (BGG) standard is applied to southern grown
onions that have thin papery outer scales, are harvested in the spring
and summer and are not typically kept in storage. The Other Than
Bermuda-Granex-Grano and Creole Types (Other Than) standard is
generally applied to northern grown onions that have thick outer papery
scales, are harvested in the fall and are [[Page 8974]] more commonly
stored. The major distinction between the two standards for grades of
these onions is the lot tolerances; 10 percent for BGG and 5 percent
for Other Than. Although separated by type and tolerances, many
similarities exist in the grading of these onions. The different types
of onions are affected by most of the same defects. The procedures for
sampling and performing grading activities are essentially the same
regardless of which standard is being applied. The standards were
established and have been revised separately over the years to reflect
the needs of their respective industries.
A broad spectrum of growers and shippers of onions who utilize both
standards, represented by The National Onion Association (NOA), have
requested that the minimum sample size for consumer size packages be
designated at 20 pounds. While considering the NOA's request the
Department, through a periodic review, decided to take the opportunity
to bring the standards into closer uniformity with each other and
conformity to current harvesting, handling and marketing practices.
Therefore, this proposal would revise both standards by the addition of
a required minimum sample size. It would also include the following: An
additional grade for peeled onions, an additional size designation for
colossal onions and technical revisions to promote uniformity and
clarity wherever possible. The following are revisions proposed herein:
--``Fairly firm'' is now a basic requirement only in the Other Than
standard. ``Fairly firm'' would be added as a basic requirement to the
U.S. No. 1 grade in the BGG standard (Sec. 51.3195) and also included
in the Definitions section (Sec. 51.3205). This would make both U.S.
Standards uniform in their basic requirements for a U.S. No. 1 onion.
--The BGG standard currently contains paragraphs for tolerances in each
of the respective grade sections. The Other Than standard now contains
a specific section entitled ``Tolerances'' which is the format
established for more recent and current standards. To make referencing
much easier and to make both U.S. Standards current and uniform in the
way they read, a specific section for Tolerances (Sec. 51.3200) would
be established in the BGG standard. The actual tolerances would not be
changed, only the location in the standard.
--A U.S. No. 1 Peeled grade would be established for both standards
(Secs. 51.2835 and 51.3196). The marketing of fresh-cut, ``ready to
use'' products has expanded greatly in the last few years in the
produce industry. Onions offered for sale whole and completely peeled
as a fresh product ready to use have been part of this expanding
market. This grade would provide clear and defined trading language
helping to facilitate the increased movement in these type of onions.
The new grade would read as follows:
``U.S. No. 1 Peeled consists of onions which meet all the
requirements for the U.S. No. 1 grade'' (``except for damage by
peeling'' in the Other Than standard). ``Furthermore, onions must be
free from any outer papery scales in order to meet the requirements of
this grade.''
A 5 percent tolerance for onions in a lot with outer papery scales
in any amount would also be provided in the tolerance section.
--Both the BGG and Other Than standards contain the grade
classification ``Unclassified.'' This grade would be deleted from both
standards since it is not an actual grade classification and is rarely,
if ever used. Elimination of Unclassified would also maintain
consistency with newer versions of standards for other commodities.
--Currently size classifications in each of the standards are similar
but not completely the same. Each standard now contains size
designations for small, medium and large sizes. The BGG standard also
references a Repacker or Prepacker size, while the Other Than standard
contains export small, export medium and export large sizes as well as
regional specifications for the medium size.
Size classifications would be revised and placed in chart form for
each standard (Secs. 51.2837 and 51.3199) to achieve uniformity and
clarity.
A new size classification for colossal onions would be added to
both standards based on the increased trade in this size product and
the need for common trading language.
In the Other Than standard three additional changes would also be
made to the size classifications. First, the reference to export sizes
would be eliminated since these sizes are rarely, if ever used. The
reference to these sizes in the Application of Tolerances section would
also be eliminated. There would be no need for this reference if the
sizes were dropped. Next, the medium size classification would no
longer give smaller size exception for ``onions grown in Minnesota,
Iowa, and States east of the Mississippi River * * *.'' This would
eliminate confusion in the trade and standardize across the nation the
size of onions referred to as ``Medium.'' Finally, the Repacker/
Prepacker size currently only referenced in the BGG standard would be
included in the Other Than standard. This would make both standards
completely uniform along size classifications providing common and
standardized trading language in reference to size for onions shipped
from anywhere in the country. The new size chart proposed for each
standard would read as follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum diameter Maximum diameter
Size designation ---------------------------------------------------
Inches Millimeters Inches Millimeters
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small............... 1 25.4 2\1/4\ 57.2
Repacker/
Prepacker\1\....... 1\3/4\ 44.5 3 76.2
Medium.............. 2 50.8 3\1/4\ 82.6
Large or Jumbo...... 3 76.2 (\2\)
Colossal............ 3\3/4\ 95.3 (\2\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\In addition to the sizes specified, a lot of onions designated as
Repacker or Prepacker shall contain at least 60 percent or more 2
inches or larger in diameter.
\2\No requirement.
--Sample size is not currently defined in the standards for onions.
Inspections are performed using the consumer package that onions are
packed in as the sample. While this may be a fair and accurate way to
determine percentages of defects for 50 pound sacks, when smaller
consumer size packages (i.e., 2, 3, 5, pounds) are taken as the sample
a lot may be thrown out of grade by a proportionately small number of
[[Page 8975]] onions due to the restrictions imposed by the application
of tolerances.
A specified sample size would provide more uniform sampling when
certifying various sizes of smaller packages. Also, to apply tolerances
more accurately to these smaller packages in conjunction with the
change in sample size the application of tolerances would need to be
applied to the sample as opposed to the package.
Therefore, this proposal would add new sections (Sec. 51.2839 in
Other Than and 51.3201 in BGG), Samples For Grade And Size
Determination, to each standard. The addition of sample size
requirements, Secs. 51.2839 in Other Than and 51.3201 in BGG, will read
as follows in both standards: ``Individual samples shall consist of at
least 20 pounds. When individual packages contain 20 pounds or more and
the onions are packed for Large or Jumbo size or larger the package
shall be the sample. When individual packages contain less than 20
pounds, a sufficient number of adjoining packages are opened to provide
at least a 20 pound sample.'' For onions smaller than Large or Jumbo
size (3 inches), a 20 pound sample would be sufficient regardless of
the package size because the onions are small. Defects are determined
by weight and therefore smaller onions provide ample numbers of units
for inspection purposes, whereas the larger onions provide fewer
specimens in the same size sample. With this proposed addition of
sample sizes a more uniform determination of defect percentages will be
applied to the various sizes of onions in both small and large
packages.
To further enhance the uniform determination of defect tolerances
this proposal would also modify the Application of Tolerances section
in each standard, Secs. 51.2840 & 51.3202.
Currently each standard limits the individual package from
exceeding certain tolerances. Each standard now reads, in part, as
follows: ``* * * the contents of individual packages in the lot, based
on sample inspection, are subject to the following limitations * * *.''
This proposal would change those limits from the package to the
sample. The modified sections as proposed would read, in part:
``Individual samples are subject to the following limitations: * * *''
Of course, in some instances the package still remains the sample.
This proposed change in the application of tolerances is intended
to enhance clarity, simplicity and uniformity of inspection procedure.
Since the sample would be the unit of inspection the tolerances should
apply to that unit. A single package could be just one part of the unit
of inspection (in a combined 20 pound sample) and applying the limits
of tolerances to that package would confuse and complicate the
inspection process.
--Currently each standard contains sections entitled ``Damage'' and
``Serious Damage.'' The paragraphs within each of these sections list
defects and the definitions of damage or serious damage by these
defects. The following proposed revisions would affect some of these
defect definitions in the interest of providing clear language,
uniformity of application and consistency with current marketing and
handling practices.
Currently Dry sunscald is a defect listed under damage in both
standards and also under serious damage in the BGG standard. Over the
years there has been some confusion surrounding the identification of
this defect because dirt clod bruising of the onions may cause an area
similar looking to dry sunscald. To eliminate confusion and to
standardize inspection procedures the term Dry sunken areas is proposed
as a replacement for the term Dry sunscald. This definition is more
objective and precise. (Sections 51.2850(f) and 51.3209(c).)
The proposed definition for serious damage by dry sunken areas
would remain the same in the BGG standard as it currently reads
(51.3211(b)). The same definition would be added to the Other Than
Standard (51.2853(f)). This would maintain uniformity and clarity in
each of the standards.
Some of the defects currently listed in the damage and serious
damage sections are defined in terms of when materially or seriously
detracting from the appearance of the lot. Hence, these defects are
scored as damage or serious damage when the lot is affected to a
certain degree as opposed to when the individual onions are affected.
The method of judging when the appearance of the lot is to be scored
should be more precise and objective.
In the Other Than standard damage and serious damage by dirt or
staining, and damage by dry roots, tops and sunburn are defined this
way. In the BGG standard damage and serious damage by staining, dirt or
other foreign material is also defined this way.
This proposed rule would set percentage allowances for when the lot
is damaged or seriously damaged by individual defective specimens. For
example the current definition for damage by dry roots in the Other
Than standard reads: ``when detracting from the appearance of the lot
more than the presence of 20 percent of the onions having all roots 2
inches in length.'' The proposed revision would read: ``when more than
20 percent of the onions in a lot have practically all roots 2 inches
or more in length.'' The new definition should be more objective and
precise. ``Practically all'' was added to be more realistic in
determining the number of roots. This term means 95 percent or more as
defined in the General Inspection Instructions of the Fresh Products
Branch. Each of the defects listed above would be clarified in this way
while keeping the intent of the scoring guidelines intact. See
Secs. 51.2850 (c), (e), (g), (l) and 51.2853(b) in Other Than and
Secs. 51.3209 (f), (h) and 51.3211(d) in BGG.
The Other Than standard currently contains definitions for damage
by new roots, dry roots, tops, and watery scale. The BGG standard does
not currently contain definitions for any of these defects. In an
effort to promote uniformity and clarity these definitions would be
added to the BGG standard.
The current definition for damage by watery scale in the Other Than
standard reads: ``when more than the equivalent of the entire outer
fleshy scale is affected by an off-color, watersoaked condition.'' To
distinguish this defect from another condition called translucent scale
an additional clarification is proposed. The following words would be
added to the watery scale definition: ``* * * The off-color must be of
some shade of brown or yellow.'' The serious damage definition would
also be modified. The BGG standard as mentioned above would also have
these definitions included for uniformity. (Sections 51.2850(k) &
51.2853(a) and 51.3209(l) and 51.3211(f).)
Neither standard currently has a definition for damage by
translucent scales. To provide clear language that is consistent with
current marketing practices a definition would be provided as follows:
``when more than the equivalent of two entire outer fleshy scales have
a watersoaked condition.'' To provide uniformity each standard would be
affected. (Sections 51.2850(n) and 51.3209(k).)
The BGG standard currently contains definitions for damage and
serious damage by mechanical means. The Other Than standard does not
contain these definitions. To be consistent with current handling
practices for both types of onions and to provide uniformity between
the standards, the current BGG definitions for mechanical damage and
serious damage would be [[Page 8976]] added to the Other Than standard.
(Sections 51.2850(m) and 51.2853(e).)
--Finally, the BGG standard currently does not contain a metric
conversion table. The Other Than standard does. To keep both standards
uniform and to bring the BGG standard up to date with current standard
format a metric conversion table would be added. (Section 51.3213.)
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 51
Agricultural commodities, Food grades and standards, Fruits, Nuts,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Vegetables.
PART 51--[AMENDED]
For reasons set forth in the preamble, it is proposed that 7 CFR
part 51 be amended as follows:
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 51 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622, 1624.
2. Part 51, Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Onions
(Other Than Bermuda-Granex-Grano and Creole Types) is revised to read
as follows:
Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Onions (Other Than
Bermuda-Granex-Grano and Creole Types)
Grades
Sec.
51.2830 U.S. No. 1.
51.2831 U.S. Export No. 1.
51.2832 U.S. Commercial.
51.2833 U.S. No. 1 Boilers.
51.2834 U.S. No. 1 Picklers.
51.2835 U.S. No. 1 Peeled.
51.2836 U.S. No. 2.
Size Classifications
51.2837 Size classifications.
Tolerances
51.2838 Tolerances.
Samples for Grade and Size Determination
51.2839 Samples for grade and size determination.
Application of Tolerances
51.2840 Application of tolerances.
Export Packing Requirements
51.2841 Export packing requirements.
Definitions
51.2842 Mature.
51.2843 Dormant.
51.2844 Fairly firm.
51.2845 Fairly well shaped.
51.2846 Wet sunscald.
51.2847 Doubles.
51.2848 Bottlenecks.
51.2849 Scallions.
51.2850 Damage.
51.2851 Diameter.
51.2852 Badly misshapen.
51.2853 Serious damage.
51.2854 One type.
Metric Conversion Table
51.2855 Metric conversion table.
Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Onions (Other Than
Bermuda-Granex-Grano and Creole Types)
Grades
Sec. 51.2830 U.S. No. 1.
U.S. No. 1 consists of onions which meet the following
requirements:
(a) Basic requirements:
(1) Similar varietal characteristics;
(2) Mature;
(3) Fairly firm; and,
(4) Fairly well shaped.
(b) Free from:
(1) Decay;
(2) Wet sunscald;
(3) Doubles;
(4) Bottlenecks; and,
(5) Scallions.
(c) Free from damage caused by:
(1) Seedstems;
(2) Splits;
(3) Tops;
(4) Roots;
(5) Dry sunken areas;
(6) Sunburn;
(7) Sprouts;
(8) Freezing;
(9) Peeling;
(10) Cracked fleshy scales;
(11) Watery scales;
(12) Dirt or staining;
(13) Foreign matter;
(14) Disease;
(15) Insects; and,
(16) Other means.
(d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.2838
(e) Size. Unless otherwise specified the diameter shall be not less
than 1\1/2\ inches, and yellow, brown, or red onions shall have 40
percent or more, and white onions shall have 30 percent or more, by
weight, of the onions in any lot 2 inches or larger in diameter.
(f) When a percentage of the onions is specified to be of any
certain size or larger, no part of any tolerance shall be allowed to
reduce the specified percentage, but individual packages in a lot may
have as much as 25 percentage points less than the percentage
specified, except that individual packages containing 10 pounds or less
shall have no requirements as to percentage of a certain size or
larger: Provided, that any lot, regardless of package size, shall
average within the percentage specified. (See Secs. 51.2837 and
51.2838.)\1\
\1\Any lot of onions quoted as being of size smaller than 1\1/2\
inches minimum, such as ``U.S. No. 1, 1\1/4\ inches min.'' is not
required to meet the percentages which shall be 2 inches or larger
as specified in the U.S. No. 1 grade.
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Sec. 51.2831 U.S. Export No. 1.
U.S. Export No. 1 consists of onions which meet the following
requirements:
(a) Basic requirements:
(1) Similar varietal characteristics;
(2) Mature;
(3) Dormant;
(4) Fairly firm; and,
(5) Fairly well shaped.
(b) Free from:
(1) Decay;
(2) Wet sunscald;
(3) Doubles;
(4) Bottlenecks; and,
(5) Scallions.
(c) Free from damage caused by:
(1) Seedstems;
(2) Splits;
(3) Tops;
(4) Roots;
(5) Dry sunken areas;
(6) Sunburn;
(7) Sprouts;
(8) Freezing;
(9) Peeling;
(10) Cracked fleshy scales;
(11) Watery scales;
(12) Dirt or staining;
(13) Foreign matter;
(14) Disease;
(15) Insects; and,
(16) Other means.
(d) Unless otherwise specified onions are packed in accordance with
Export Packing Requirements set forth in Sec. 51.2841. (See
Sec. 51.2838.)
Sec. 51.2832 U.S. Commercial.
U.S. Commercial consists of onions which meet the following
requirements:
(a) Basic requirements:
(1) Similar varietal characteristics;
(2) Mature;
(3) Not soft or spongy; and,
(4) Not badly misshapen.
(b) Free from:
(1) Decay;
(2) Wet sunscald;
(3) Doubles;
(4) Bottlenecks; and,
(5) Scallions.
(c) Free from damage caused by:
(1) Seedstems;
(2) Tops;
(3) Roots;
(4) Dry sunken areas;
(5) Sunburn;
(6) Sprouts;
(7) Freezing;
(8) Cracked fleshy scales;
(9) Watery scales;
(10) Disease;
(11) Insects; and,
(12) Other means.
(d) Free from serious damage caused by:
(1) Staining;
(2) Dirt; and,
(3) Other foreign matter.
(e) For tolerances see Sec. 51.2838.
(f) Size. Unless otherwise specified, the diameter shall be not
less than 1\1/2\ inches. (See Secs. 51.2837 and 51.2838.)
Sec. 51.2833 U.S. No. 1 Boilers.
U.S. No. 1 Boilers consists of onions which meet all the
requirements for the U.S. No. 1 grade except for size. (See
Sec. 51.2830.) Size. The diameter of onions of this grade shall be not
less than 1 inch nor more than 1\7/8\ inches. (See Sec. 51.2838.)
Sec. 51.2834 U.S. No. 1 Picklers.
U.S. No. 1 Picklers consists of onions which meet all the
requirements for the U.S. No. 1 grade except for size. (See
Sec. 51.2830.) Size. The maximum diameter of onions of this grade shall
be not more than 1 inch. (See Sec. 51.2838.)
Sec. 51.2835 U.S. No. 1 Peeled.
U.S. No. 1 Peeled consists of onions which meet all the
requirements for the U.S. No. 1 grade except for damage caused by
peeling. Furthermore, onions must be free from any outer papery scales
in order to meet the requirements of this grade. (See Sec. 51.2830.)
(a) Size. Unless otherwise specified the diameter shall be not less
than 1\1/2\ inches with 30 percent or more, by weight, of the onions in
any lot 2 inches or larger in diameter.
(b) When a percentage of the onions is specified to be of any
certain size or larger, no part of any tolerance shall be allowed to
reduce the specified percentage, but individual packages in a lot may
have as much as 25 percentage points less than the percentage
specified, except that individual packages containing 10 pounds or less
shall have no requirements as to percentage of a certain size or
larger: Provided, that any lot, regardless of package size, shall
average within the percentage specified.
(See Secs. 51.2837 and 51.2838.)2 [[Page 8977]]
\2\Any lot of onions quoted as being of size smaller than 1\1/2\
inches minimum, such as ``U.S. No. 1, 1\1/4\ inches min.'' is not
required to meet the percentages which shall be 2 inches or larger
as specified in the U.S. No. 1 grade.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 51.2836 U.S. No. 2.
U.S. No. 2 consists of onions which meet the following
requirements:
(a) Basic requirements:
(1) One type;
(2) Mature; and,
(3) Not soft or spongy.
(b) Free from:
(1) Decay;
(2) Wet sunscald; and,
(3) Scallions.
(c) Free from serious damage caused by:
(1) Seedstems;
(2) Dry sunken areas;
(3) Sprouts;
(4) Freezing;
(5) Watery scales;
(6) Disease;
(7) Insects; and,
(8) Other means.
(d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.2838.
(e) Size. Unless otherwise specified, the diameter shall not be
less than 1\1/2\ inches. (See Secs. 51.2837 and 51.2838.)
Size Classifications
Sec. 51.2837 Size classifications.
The size of onions may be specified in accordance with one of the
following classifications.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum diameter Maximum diameter
Size designation ---------------------------------------------------
Inches Millimeters Inches Millimeters
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small............... 1 25.4 2\1/4\ 57.2
Repacker/
Prepacker\1\....... 1\3/4\ 44.5 3 76.2
Medium.............. 2 50.8 3\1/4\ 82.6
Large or jumbo...... 3 76.2 (\2\) ...........
Colossal............ 3\3/4\ 95.3 (\2\) ...........
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\In addition to the sizes specified, a lot of onions designated as
Repacker or Prepacker shall contain at least 60 percent or more 2
inches or larger in diameter.
\2\No requirement.
Tolerances
Sec. 51.2838 Tolerances.
In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and
handling in each of the foregoing grades the following tolerances, by
weight, are provided as specified:
(a) For defects:
(1) U.S. No. 1, U.S. Export No. 1, U.S. No. 1 Boilers and U.S. No.
1 Picklers grades.
(i) Not more than 10 percent of the onions in a lot may be damaged
by peeling;
(ii) Not more than 5 percent of the onions in a lot may be below
the remaining requirements of these grades, but not more than two-
fifths of this tolerance, or 2 percent, may be allowed for onions which
are affected by decay or wet sunscald (see Sec. 51.2840); and,
(2) U.S. No. 1 Peeled grade.
(i) Not more than 5 percent of the onions in a lot may have outer
papery scales in any amount;
(ii) Not more than 5 percent of the onions in a lot may be below
the remaining requirements of the grade, but not more than two-fifths
of this tolerance, or 2 percent, may be allowed for onions which are
affected by decay or wet sunscald (see Sec. 51.2840); and,
(3) U.S. Commercial and U.S. No. 2 grades.
(i) Not more than 5 percent of the onions in a lot may be below the
requirements of these grades, but not more than two-fifths of this
tolerance, or 2 percent, may be allowed for onions which are affected
by decay or wet sunscald. (See Sec. 51.2840.)
(b) For off-size:
(1) U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 1 Boilers, U.S. No. 1 Peeled, U.S.
Commercial, and U.S. No. 2 grades. Not more than 5 percent of the
onions in a lot may be below the specified minimum size, and not more
than 10 percent may be above any specified maximum size. (See
Sec. 51.2840.)
(2) U.S. No. 1 Pickler grade. Not more than 10 percent of the
onions in a lot may be above the maximum size specified for this grade.
(See Sec. 51.2840.)
Samples for Grade and Size Determination
Sec. 51.2839 Samples for grade and size determination.
Individual samples shall consist of at least 20 pounds. When
individual packages contain 20 pounds or more and the onions are packed
for Large or Jumbo size or larger the package shall be the sample. When
individual packages contain less than 20 pounds, a sufficient number of
adjoining packages are [[Page 8978]] opened to provide at least a 20
pound sample.
Application of Tolerances
Sec. 51.2840 Application of tolerances.
Individual samples are subject to the following limitations:
(a) Samples which contain more than 20 pounds shall have not more
than one and one half times a specified tolerance of 10 percent or
more, and not more than double a specified tolerance of less than 10
percent, except that at least one defective and one off-size onion may
be permitted in any sample: Provided, that en-route or at destination
when onions in containers of 50 pounds or more are packed to a minimum
size of 3 inches or larger not more than three onions or more than 4
percent (whichever is the larger amount) may be affected by decay or
wet sunscald: And provided further, that the averages for the entire
lot are within the tolerances specified for the grade; and,
(b) Samples which contain 20 pounds shall have not more than double
the tolerance specified, except that at least one defective and one
off-size onion may be permitted in any sample: Provided, that the
averages for the entire lot are within the tolerances specified for the
grade.
Export Packing Requirements
Sec. 51.2841 Export packing requirements.
Onions specified as meeting Export Packing Requirements shall be
packed in containers having a net capacity of 25 kilograms
(approximately 56 pounds).
Definitions
Sec. 51.2842 Mature.
Mature means well cured. Midseason onions which are not customarily
held in storage shall be considered mature when harvested in accordance
with good commercial practice at a stage which will not result in the
onions becoming soft or spongy.
Sec. 51.2843 Dormant.
Dormant means that at least 90 percent of the onions in any lot
show no evidence of growth as indicated by distinct elongation of the
growing point or distinct yellow or green color in the tip of the
growing point.
Sec. 51.2844 Fairly firm.
Fairly firm means that the onion may yield slightly to moderate
pressure but is not appreciably soft or spongy.
Sec. 51.2845 Fairly well shaped.
Fairly well shaped means having the shape characteristic of the
variety, but onions may be slightly off-type or slightly misshapen.
Sec. 51.2846 Wet sunscald.
Wet sunscald means sunscald which is soft, mushy, sticky or wet.
Sec. 51.2847 Doubles.
Doubles means onions which have developed more than one distinct
bulb joined only at the base.
Sec. 51.2848 Bottlenecks.
Bottlenecks are onions which have abnormally thick necks with only
fairly well developed bulbs.
Sec. 51.2849 Scallions.
Scallions are onions which have thick necks and relatively small
and poorly developed bulbs.
Sec. 51.2850 Damage.
Damage means any specific defect described in this section; or any
equally objectionable variation of any one of these defects, any other
defect, or any combination of defects, which materially detracts from
the appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the onions. The
following specific defects shall be considered as damage:
(a) Seedstems which are tough or woody, or which are more than \1/
4\ inch in diameter;
(b) Splits when onions with two or more hearts are not practically
covered by one or more outer scales;
(c) Tops when more than 30 percent of the onions in a lot have tops
3 inches or more in length;
(d) New roots when most roots on an individual onion have grown to
a length of 1 inch or more in length;
(e) Dry roots when more than 20 percent of the onions in a lot have
practically all roots 2 inches or more in length;
(f) Dry sunken areas when the affected areas exceed the equivalent
to that of a circle \1/2\ inch in diameter on an onion 2\3/4\ inches in
diameter which does not have the outer papery scale covering the
affected areas or when the affected areas exceed the equivalent to that
of a circle \3/4\ inch in diameter on an onion 2\3/4\ inches in
diameter which has the outer papery scale covering the affected areas.
Correspondingly lesser or greater areas are allowed on smaller or
larger onions;
(g) Sunburn when more than 33 percent of the onions in a lot have a
medium green color on one-third of the surface;
(h) Sprouts when visible, or when concealed within the dry top and
more than three-fourths inch in length on an onion 2 inches or larger
in diameter, or proportionately shorter on smaller onions;
(i) Peeling when more than one-half of the thin papery skin is
missing, leaving the underlying fleshy scale unprotected;
(j) Cracked fleshy scales when one or more of the fleshy scales are
cracked;
(k) Watery scales when more than the equivalent of the entire outer
fleshy scale is affected by an off-color, watersoaked condition. The
off-color must be of some shade of brown or yellow;
(l) Dirt, staining or other foreign matter when more than 20
percent of the onions in a yellow, brown or red lot, or more than 15
percent of the onions in a white lot are appreciably stained. Onions
with adhering dirt or other foreign matter shall be judged on the same
basis as stained onions;
(m) Mechanical when any cut extends deeper than one fleshy scale,
or when any bruise breaks a fleshy scale; and,
(n) Translucent scales when more than the equivalent of two entire
outer fleshy scales have a watersoaked condition.
Sec. 51.2851 Diameter.
Diameter means the greatest dimension measured at right angles to a
straight line running from the stem to the root.
Sec. 51.2852 Badly misshapen.
Badly misshapen means that the onion is so misshapen that its
appearance is seriously affected.
Sec. 51.2853 Serious damage.
Serious damage means any specific defect described in this section;
or any equally objectionable variation of any one of these defects, any
other defect, or any combination of defects, which seriously detracts
from the appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the onions.
The following specific defects shall be considered as serious damage:
(a) Watery scales when more than the equivalent of two entire outer
fleshy scales are affected by an off-colored, watersoaked condition.
The off-color must be of some shade of brown or yellow;
(b) Dirt, staining or other foreign matter when more than 25
percent of the onions in a lot are badly stained. Onions with adhering
dirt or other foreign matter shall be judged on the same basis as
stained onions;
(c) Seedstems when more than one-half inch in diameter;
(d) Sprouts when the visible length is more than one half inch;
(e) Mechanical when any cut extends deeper than two fleshy scales,
or when cuts seriously damage the appearance of the onion; and,
(f) Dry sunken areas when extending deeper than one fleshy scale,
or when affecting an area equivalent to that of a circle 1 inch in
diameter on an onion [[Page 8979]] 2\3/4\ inches in diameter, or
correspondingly lesser or greater areas on smaller or larger onions.
Sec. 51.2854 One type.
One type means that the onions are within the same general color
category.
Metric Conversion Table
Sec. 51.2855 Metric conversion table.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Millimeters
Inches (mm)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1/8\................................................... 3.2
\1/4\................................................... 6.4
\3/8\................................................... 9.5
\1/2\................................................... 12.7
\5/8\................................................... 15.9
\3/4\................................................... 19.1
\7/8\................................................... 22.2
1....................................................... 25.4
1\1/4\.................................................. 31.8
1\1/2\.................................................. 38.1
1\3/4\.................................................. 44.5
2....................................................... 50.8
2\1/2\.................................................. 63.5
2\3/4\.................................................. 69.9
3....................................................... 76.2
3\1/2\.................................................. 88.9
4....................................................... 101.6
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. In Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Bermuda-
Granex-Grano Type Onions is revised to read as follows:
Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Bermuda-Granex-Grano
Type Onions
Grades
Sec.
51.3195 U.S. No. 1.
51.3196 U.S. No. 1 Peeled.
51.3197 U.S. Combination.
51.3198 U.S. No. 2.
Size Classifications
51.3199 Size classifications.
Tolerances
51.3200 Tolerances
Samples for Grade and Size Determination
51.3201 Samples for grade and size determination.
Application of Tolerances
51.3202 Application of tolerances.
Definitions
51.3203 Similar varietal characteristics.
51.3204 Mature.
51.3205 Fairly firm.
51.3206 Fairly well shaped.
51.3207 Wet sunscald.
51.3208 Doubles.
51.3209 Bottlenecks.
51.3210 Damage.
51.3211 Serious damage.
51.3212 Diameter.
Metric Conversion Table
51.3213 Metric conversion table.
Subpart--United States standards for Grades of Bermuda-Granex-Grano
Type Onions
Grades
Sec. 51.3195 U.S. No. 1
U.S. No. 1 consists of onions which meet the following
requirements:
(a) Basic requirements:
(1) Similar varietal characteristics;
(2) Mature;
(3) Fairly firm; and,
(4) Fairly well shaped.
(b) Free from:
(1) Decay;
(2) Wet unscald;
(3) Doubles; and,
(4) Bottlenecks.
(c) Free from damage caused by:
(1) Seedstems;
(2) Splits;
(3) Moisture;
(4) Roots:
(5) Dry sunscald;
(6) Sunburn;
(7) Sprouting;
(8) Staining;
(9) Dirt or foreign material;
(10) Disease;
(11) Insects;
(12) Mechanical; and,
(13) Other means.
(d) For size and tolerances see Secs. 51.3199 and 51.3200.
Sec. 51.3196 U.S. No. 1 Peeled.
U.S. No. 1 Peeled consists of onions which meet all the
requirements for the U.S. No. 1 grade. Furthermore, onions must be free
from any outer papery scales in order to meet the requirements of this
grade. (See Secs. 51.3199 and 51.3200.)
Sec. 51.3197 U.S. Combination.
U.S. Combination consists of a combination of U.S. No. 1 and U.S.
No. 2 onions: Provided, that at least 50 percent, by weight, of the
onions in each lot meet the requirements of U.S. No. 1 grade. (See
Secs. 51.3199 and 51.3200.)
Sec. 51.3198 U.S. No. 2.
U.S. No. 2 consists of onions which meet the following
requirements:
(a) Basic requirements:
(1) Similar varietal characteristics; and,
(2) Not soft or spongy.
(b) Free from:
(1) Decay;
(2) Wet sunscald; and,
(3) Bottlenecks.
(c) Free from serious damage caused by:
(1) Seedstems;
(2) Dry sunken areas;
(3) Sprouting;
(4) Staining;
(5) Dirt or other foreign material;
(6) Disease;
(7) Insects;
(8) Mechanical; and,
(9) Other means.
(d) For size and tolerances see Secs. 51.3199 and 51.3200.
Size Classifications
Sec. 51.3199 Size classifications.
Size shall be specified in connection with the grade in terms of
minimum diameter, range in diameter, minimum diameter with a percentage
of a certain size or larger, or in accordance with one of the size
classifications listed below: Provided, that unless otherwise
specified, onions shall not be less than 1\1/2\ inches in diameter,
with 60 percent or more 2 inches or larger in diameter.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum diameter Maximum diameter
Size designation ---------------------------------------------------
Inches Millimeters Inches Millimeters
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small............... 1 25.4 2\1/4\ 57.2
Repacker/
Prepacker\1\....... 1\3/4\ 44.5 3 76.2
Medium.............. 2 50.8 3\1/4\ 82.6
Large or jumbo...... 3 76.2 (\2\)
Colossal............ 3\3/4\ 95.3 (\2\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\In addition to the sizes specified, a lot of onions designated as
Repacker or Prepacker shall contain at least 60 percent or more 2
inches or larger in diameter.
\2\No requirement.
[[Page 8980]] Tolerances
Sec. 51.3200 Tolerances.
In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and
handling in each of the foregoing grades the following tolerances, by
weight, are provided as specified:
(a) For defects:
(1) U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2 grades.
(i) Not more than 10 percent of the onions in a lot may fail to
meet the requirements of these grades, but not more than one-fifth of
this tolerance, or 2 percent, may be allowed for onions which are
affected by decay or wet sunscald.
(2) U.S. No. 1 Peeled grade.
(i) Not more than 5 percent of the onions in a lot may have outer
papery scales in any amount;
(ii) Not more than 10 percent of the onions in a lot may be below
the remaining requirements of the grade, but not more than one-fifth of
this tolerance, or 2 percent, may be allowed for onions which are
affected by decay or wet sunscald.
(3) U.S. Combination grade.
(i) When applying the foregoing tolerances to this grade no part of
any tolerance shall be allowed to reduce, for the lot as a whole, the
50 percent of onions of the U.S. No. 1 grade, but individual containers
shall have not less than 40 percent of the U.S. No. 1 grade.
(b) For size:
(1) Not more than 5 percent of the onions in a lot may be smaller
than the minimum diameter specified. In addition, not more than 10
percent of the onions in a lot may be larger than the maximum diameter
specified.
(2) When a percentage of the onions is specified to be a certain
size and larger, individual packages containing more than 10 pounds may
have not less than one-half of the percentage specified: Provided, that
the entire lot averages within the percentage specified.
Samples for Grade and Size Determination
Sec. 51.3201 Samples for grade and size determination.
Individual samples shall consist of at least 20 pounds. When
individual packages contain 20 pounds or more and the onions are packed
for Large or Jumbo size or larger the package shall be the sample. When
individual packages contain less than 20 pounds, a sufficient number of
adjoining packages are opened to provide at least a 20 pound sample.
Application of Tolerances
Sec. 51.3202 Application of tolerances.
Individual samples are subject to the following limitations:
(a) Samples which contain more than 20 pounds shall have not more
than one and one half times a specified tolerance of 10 percent or
more, and not more than double a specified tolerance of less than 10
percent, except that at least one defective and one off-size onion may
be permitted in any sample: Provided, that enroute or at destination
when onions in containers of 50 pounds or more are packed to a minimum
size of 3 inches or larger not more than three onions or more than 4
percent (whichever is the larger amount) may be affected by decay or
wet sunscald: And provided further, that the averages for the entire
lot are within the tolerances specified for the grade; and,
(b) Samples which contain 20 pounds shall have not more than double
the tolerance specified, except that at least one defective and one
off-size onion may be permitted in any sample: Provided, that the
averages for the entire lot are within the tolerances specified for the
grade.
Definitions
Sec. 51.3203 Similar varietal characteristics.
Similar varietal characteristics means that the onions in any
container are similar in color, shape and character of growth.
Sec. 51.3204 Mature.
Mature means that the onion is fairly well cured, and at least
fairly firm.
Sec. 51.3205 Fairly firm.
Fairly firm means that the onion may yield slightly to moderate
pressure but is not appreciably soft or spongy.
Sec. 51.3206 Fairly well shaped.
Fairly well shaped means that the onion shows the characteristic
shape, not appreciably three-, four- or five- sided, thick necked or
badly pinched.
Sec. 51.3207 Wet sunscald.
Wet sunscald means any sunscald which is soft, mushy, sticky or
wet.
Sec. 51.3208 Doubles.
Doubles means onions which have developed more than one distinct
bulb joined only at the base.
Sec. 51.3209 Bottlenecks.
Bottlenecks means onions which have abnormally thick necks with
only fairly well developed bulbs.
Sec. 51.3210 Damage.
Damage unless otherwise specifically defined in this section, means
any defect which materially affects the appearance, or the edible or
shipping quality of the onions. Any one of the following defects, or
combination of defects the seriousness of which exceeds the maximum
allowed for any one defect, shall be considered as damage:
(a) Seedstems which are tough or woody, or which are more than one-
fourth inch in diameter;
(b) Splits when well cured onions are not practically covered by an
outer scale, or when fairly well cured onions are not completely
covered by one outer scale;
(c) Dry sunken areas when the affected areas exceed the equivalent
to that of a circle \1/2\ inch in diameter on an onion 2\3/4\ inches in
diameter which does not have the outer papery scale covering the
affected areas or when the affected areas exceed the equivalent to that
of a circle \3/4\ inch in diameter on an onion 2\3/4\ inches in
diameter which has the outer papery scale covering the affected areas.
Correspondingly lesser or greater areas are allowed on smaller or
larger onions;
(d) Sunburn when dark green in color and affecting an area
equivalent to that of a circle 1 inch in diameter on an onion 2\3/4\
inches in diameter or correspondingly smaller or larger areas on
smaller or larger onions, or when medium to light green in color and
affecting more than 10 percent of the surface of the onion;
(e) Sprouting when any sprout is visible, or when concealed within
the neck scales and are more than three-fourths inch in length on an
onion 2 inches or larger in diameter, or proportionately shorter on
smaller onions;
(f) Staining, dirt or other foreign material when more than 20
percent of the onions in a yellow, brown or red lot, or more than 15
percent of the onions in a white lot are appreciably stained. Onions
with adhering dirt or other foreign matter shall be judged on the same
basis as stained onions;
(g) Mechanical when any cut extends deeper than one fleshy scale,
or when any bruise breaks a fleshy scale;
(h) Tops when more than 30 percent of the onions in a lot have tops
3 inches or more in length;
(i) New roots when most roots on an individual onion have grown to
a length of 1 inch or more;
(j) Dry roots when practically all roots are 2 inches or more in
length;
(k) Translucent scales when more than the equivalent of two entire
outer [[Page 8981]] fleshy scales have a watersoaked condition; and,
(l) Watery scales when more than the equivalent of the entire outer
fleshy scale is affected by an off-color, watersoaked condition. The
off-color must be of some shade of brown or yellow.
Sec. 51.3211 Serious damage.
Serious damage unless otherwise specifically defined in this
section, means any defect which seriously affects the appearance, or
the edible or shipping quality of the onions. Any one of the following
defects, or any combination of defects the seriousness of which exceeds
the maximum allowed for any one defect, shall be considered as serious
damage:
(a) Seedstems when more than one-half inch in diameter;
(b) Dry sunken areas when extending deeper than one fleshy scale,
or when affecting an area equivalent to that of a circle 1 inch in
diameter on an onion 2\3/4\ inches in diameter, or correspondingly
lesser or greater areas on smaller or larger onions;
(c) Sprouting when any visible sprout is more than one-half inch in
length;
(d) Staining, dirt or foreign material when more than 25 percent of
the onions in any lot are badly stained. Onions with adhering dirt or
other foreign matter shall be judged on the same basis as stained
onions;
(e) Mechanical when any cut extends deeper than two fleshy scales,
or when cuts seriously damage the appearance of the onion; and,
(f) Watery scales when more than the equivalent of two entire outer
fleshy scales are affected by an off-colored, watersoaked condition.
The off-color must be of some shade of brown or yellow.
Sec. 51.3212 Diameter.
Diameter means the greatest dimension of the onion at right angles
to a line running from the stem to the root.
Metric Conversion Table
Sec. 51.3213 Metric conversion table.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Millimeters
Inches (mm)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1/8\................................................... 3.2
\1/4\................................................... 6.4
\3/8\................................................... 9.5
\1/2\................................................... 12.7
\5/8\................................................... 15.9
\3/4\................................................... 19.1
\7/8\................................................... 22.2
1....................................................... 25.4
1\1/4\.................................................. 31.8
1\1/2\.................................................. 38.1
1\3/4\.................................................. 44.5
2....................................................... 50.8
2\1/2\.................................................. 63.5
2\3/4\.................................................. 69.9
3....................................................... 76.2
3\1/2\.................................................. 88.9
4....................................................... 101.6
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dated: February 9, 1995.
Lon Hatamiya,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 95-3787 Filed 2-15-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
