[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 90 (Wednesday, May 8, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20702-20716]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-11457]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Part 51
[Docket Number FV-93-301]
Florida Grapefruit, Florida Oranges and Tangelos, and, Florida
Tangerines; Grade Standards
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This final rule revises the United States Standards for Grades
of Florida Grapefruit, United States Standards for Grades of Florida
Oranges and Tangelos, and, United States Standards for Grades of
Florida Tangerines. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), in
cooperation with industry, and other interested parties develops and
improves standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging
in order to facilitate commerce by providing buyers, sellers, and
quality assurance personnel uniform language and criteria for
describing various levels of quality and condition as valued in the
marketplace.
The revisions will: Redefine terms to reflect more clearly current
cultural and marketing practices; add and revise the grades so as to
make them uniform and consistent with each other and other recently
revised U.S. grade standards; express defect tolerances in terms of
percentages instead of specific numbers of defective fruit; revise the
size sections to provide greater flexibility in marketing and packaging
new varieties of fruit; and, delete references to a visual aid which is
no longer available.
EFFECTIVE DATE: This regulation is effective August 1, 1996. The
incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the
regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of
August 1, 1996.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank O'Sullivan, Fresh Products
Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Division, Agricultural Marketing Service,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 96456, Room 2056 South
Building, Washington, DC 20090-6456, (202) 720-2185.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is
issuing this rule in conformance with Executive Order 12866.
Pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et. seq.), AMS has determined that this
action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities. The revision of U.S. Standards for Grades of
Florida Grapefruit, U.S. Standards for Grades of Florida Oranges and
Tangelos, and U.S. Standards for Grades of Florida Tangerines will not
impose substantial direct economic cost, recordkeeping, or personnel
workload changes on small entities, and will not alter the market share
or competitive position of these entities relative to large businesses.
The final rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12778, Civil
Justice Reform. This action is not intended to have retroactive effect.
This final rule will not preempt any State or local laws, regulations,
or policies, unless they present an irreconcilable conflict with this
rule. There are no administrative procedures which must be exhausted
prior to any judicial challenge to the provisions of the rule.
Agencies periodically review existing regulations. An objective of
the review is to ensure that the grade standards are serving their
intended purpose, the language is clear, and the standards are
consistent with AMS policy and authority.
The proposed rule, United States Standards for Grades of Florida
Grapefruit, Florida Orange and Tangelos, and Florida Tangerines, was
published in the Federal Register on February 22, 1995, (60 FR 9990-
10004).
The Florida Citrus Packers (FCP), which represents the majority of
citrus growers and packers in Florida, requested that the standards be
revised in order to bring them into conformity with current cultural,
harvesting and marketing practices developed since the standards were
last revised in December 1980.
The 60-day comment period ended April 24, 1995, and a total of
fourteen comments were received from growers, shippers, receivers, and
researchers.
Nine comments from growers, and shippers were in favor of the
proposal in its entirety. These commentors agreed that due to changes
in current cultural, harvesting, and marketing practices of Florida
citrus, it was necessary to change the standards as proposed.
A copy of the proposed rule was provided to the Agricultural
Research Service (ARS) for help in identifying studies, data collection
or other information concerning the possible effect of the proposed
revision on pesticide use. ARS was unable to identify any relevant
information.
One comment from a broker did not address the provisions of the
proposal, and indicated that the standards do not pertain to them.
One comment stated that they were ``not in favor of the proposed
changes and that there needs to be an effort to bring about
standardization of grades of citrus.'' AMS disagrees. In light of the
vast differences between the various citrus growing regions in the
United States and the necessary differences in their respective citrus
products, it would not be helpful to commerce in these commodities to
create one U.S. standard that could not accurately identify quality and
condition characteristics.
Two comments were in favor of the proposal except for its
provisions regarding size, bruising, oil spots and skin breakdown. One
comment from a grower/shipper/marketer stated that in the proposal
Secs. 51.762, 51.1153, and 51.1822 paragraph (a) concerning ``approved
and recognized methods'' could be misconstrued to refer to pack
patterns in the current size sections and therefore should reference
the Florida Department of Citrus Code, a State regulation. AMS
disagrees. Although
[[Page 20703]]
size and pack may be closely associated, it is not AMS's intent to
dictate how the fruit is packed, but to create a uniform and consistent
size for the type of pack that the marketplace demands. In light of
this, AMS is of the view that references to Florida State regulations
are no longer needed and that the size section remain as proposed.
The grower/shipper/marketer also commented that the defects, oil
spotting and skin breakdown should be scored on the same basis as they
are often mistaken for one another. AMS agrees that these defects may
be mistaken for each other. Nonetheless, it is AMS's experience that
AMS Agricultural Commodity Graders and others who are familiar with
these defects can distinguish them. Moreover, as oil spotting is a
permanent defect and skin breakdown is a condition defect of a
progressive nature, that it is important to identify between these two
defects. Many who trade in these commodities need to know whether they
have defects of a progressive nature or not, in order to market the
fruit accordingly. Therefore, these defects will remain as proposed.
A receiver commented that the size sections should remain as it is
currently. It is their opinion that the present size designations
``provide for great flexibility in the packing of numerous varieties of
fruit in various types and sizes of containers.'' However, this is not
the case. Due to the shapes of some of the new varieties of citrus, and
the various sizes of containers, the current size and pack provisions
are too stringent for growers/shippers to market these types of citrus
fruits. Also, certain markets request that the fruit be packed in a
specific way in order to meet their market demands. Therefore, AMS is
of the view that proposed changes to the size section will give the
flexibility needed to the entire citrus industry when marketing these
new varieties of citrus.
The receiver also commented on the proposed changes to bruising, in
that they should remain as they are in the current standards. There
appears to be some confusion as to how bruises would be scored based on
the proposed changes. Bruising will be scored the same as it is in the
current standards. The only change to the defect, bruising, is where it
appears in the standards. Rather than being under the basic
requirements section of the standards it will be under the ``free from
injury, free from damage, free from serious damage, and free from very
serious damage'' sections and defined in the classification of defects
sections. Therefore, with no change as to how bruising will be scored,
but only the location of the defect in the standards, no change is
warranted.
Further, due to an oversight the proposed Secs. 51.762, 51.1153,
and 51.1822, are not included in this final rule. Because the standards
are revising the tolerances from a specific number of defective fruit
to percentages, a specified sample size is no longer needed. Also, by
deleting a specific sample size the application of tolerance sections
were updated to allow for defects in consumer type packages. Similar
provisions appear currently in the California and Arizona citrus
standards.
As a matter of technical change and updating references, the
paragraphs incorporating text by reference to maturity requirements for
citrus grown in Florida have been revised. Specifically, Secs. 51.767,
51.1158 and 51.1823 Maturity, for grapefruit, oranges and tangelos, and
tangerines, respectively, have been revised to incorporate by reference
the latest Florida citrus requirements. The latest edition of the State
of Florida Citrus Fruit Laws is 1995 edition, and the latest edition of
the Official Rules Affecting the Florida Citrus Industry is effective
January 1, 1975, as amended. There are no apparent procedure changes as
a result of this change, however, this does make the incorporation by
reference current.
AMS develops and improves standards of quality, condition, grade,
and packaging in order to facilitate efficient marketing. The
provisions of this final rule are the same as those in the proposed
rule, except for the changes noted above in response to the comments
received, and several minor editorial changes made for clarity.
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 51
Agricultural commodities, Food grades and standards, Fruits,
Incorporation by reference, Nuts, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Trees, Vegetables.
For reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR part 51 is amended as
follows:
PART 51--[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 51 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.
2. In part 51, subpart--United States Standards for Grades of
Florida Grapefruit is revised to read as follows:
Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Florida Grapefruit
Grades
Sec.
51.750 U.S. Fancy.
51.751 U.S. No. 1 Bright.
51.752 U.S. No. 1.
51.753 U.S. No. 1 Golden.
51.754 U.S. No. 1 Bronze.
51.755 U.S. No. 1 Russet.
51.756 U.S. No. 2 Bright.
51.757 U.S. No. 2.
51.758 U.S. No. 2 Russet.
51.759 U.S. No. 3.
Tolerances
51.760 Tolerances.
Application of Tolerances
51.761 Application of tolerances.
Size
51.762 Size.
Definitions
51.763 Similar varietal characteristics.
51.764 Well colored.
51.765 Firm.
51.766 Well formed.
51.767 Mature.
51.768 Smooth texture.
51.769 Injury.
51.770 Discoloration.
51.771 Fairly well colored.
51.772 Fairly smooth texture.
51.773 Damage.
51.774 Fairly firm.
51.775 Slightly misshapen.
51.776 Slightly rough texture.
51.777 Serious damage.
51.778 Slightly colored.
51.779 Poorly colored.
51.780 Misshapen.
51.781 Slightly spongy.
51.782 Very serious damage.
51.783 Diameter.
51.784 Classification of defects.
Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Florida Grapefruit
Grades
Sec. 51.750 U.S. Fancy.
``U.S. Fancy'' consists of grapefruit which meet the following
requirements:
(a) Basic requirements:
(1) Discoloration: Not more than one-tenth of the surface, in the
aggregate, may be affected by discoloration. (See Sec. 51.770.);
(2) Firm;
(3) Mature;
(4) Similar varietal characteristics;
(5) Smooth texture;
(6) Well colored; and,
(7) Well formed.
(b) Free from:
(1) Ammoniation;
(2) Buckskin;
(3) Caked melanose;
(4) Decay;
(5) Scab;
(6) Sprayburn;
[[Page 20704]]
(7) Unhealed skin breaks; and,
(8) Wormy fruit.
(c) Free from injury caused by:
(1) Bruises;
(2) Green spots;
(3) Oil spots;
(4) Scale;
(5) Scars;
(6) Skin breakdown; and,
(7) Thorn scratches.
(d) Free from damage caused by:
(1) Dirt or other foreign material;
(2) Disease;
(3) Dryness or mushy condition;
(4) Hail;
(5) Insects;
(6) Sprouting;
(7) Sunburn; and,
(8) Other means.
(e) For tolerances see Sec. 51.760.
Sec. 51.751 U.S. No. 1 Bright.
The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1
except that fruit shall have not more than one-fifth of its surface, in
the aggregate, affected by discoloration. For tolerances see
Sec. 51.760.
Sec. 51.752 U.S. No. 1.
``U.S. No. 1'' consists of grapefruit which meet the following
requirements:
(a) Basic requirements:
(1) Discoloration: Not more than one-third of the surface, in the
aggregate, may be affected by discoloration. (See Sec. 51.770.);
(2) Fairly smooth texture;
(3) Fairly well colored;
(4) Firm;
(5) Mature;
(6) Similar varietal characteristics; and,
(7) Well formed.
(b) Free from:
(1) Decay;
(2) Unhealed skin breaks; and,
(3) Wormy fruit.
(c) Free from damage caused by:
(1) Ammoniation;
(2) Bruises;
(3) Buckskin;
(4) Caked melanose;
(5) Dirt or other foreign material;
(6) Disease;
(7) Dryness or mushy condition;
(8) Green spots;
(9) Hail;
(10) Insects;
(11) Oil spots;
(12) Scab;
(13) Scale;
(14) Scars;
(15) Skin breakdown;
(16) Sprayburn;
(17) Sprouting;
(18) Sunburn;
(19) Thorn scratches; and,
(20) Other means.
(d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.760.
Sec. 51.753 U.S. No. 1 Golden.
The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1
except that not more than 30 percent, by count, of the fruit shall have
more than one-third of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by
discoloration. For tolerances see Sec. 51.760.
Sec. 51.754 U.S. No. 1 Bronze.
The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1
except that at least 30 percent, by count, of the fruit shall have more
than one-third of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by
discoloration. The predominating discoloration on each of these fruits
shall be of rust mite type. For tolerances see Sec. 51.760.
Sec. 51.755 U.S. No. 1 Russet.
The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1
except that at least 30 percent, by count, of the fruit shall have more
than one-third of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by any type
of discoloration. For tolerances see Sec. 51.760.
Sec. 51.756 U.S. No. 2 Bright.
The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 2
except that fruit shall have not more than one-fifth of its surface, in
the aggregate, affected by discoloration. For tolerances see
Sec. 51.760.
Sec. 51.757 U.S. No. 2.
``U.S. No. 2'' consists of grapefruit which meet the following
requirements:
(a) Basic requirements:
(1) Discoloration: Not more than one-half of the surface, in the
aggregate, may be affected by discoloration. (See Sec. 51.770.);
(2) Fairly firm;
(3) Mature;
(4) Similar varietal characteristics;
(5) Slightly colored;
(6) Not more than slightly misshapen; and,
(7) Not more than slightly rough texture.
(b) Free from:
(1) Decay;
(2) Unhealed skin breaks; and,
(3) Wormy fruit.
(c) Free from serious damage caused by:
(1) Ammoniation;
(2) Bruises;
(3) Buckskin;
(4) Caked melanose;
(5) Dirt or other foreign material;
(6) Disease;
(7) Dryness or mushy condition;
(8) Green spots;
(9) Hail;
(10) Insects;
(11) Oil spots;
(12) Scab;
(13) Scale;
(14) Scars;
(15) Skin breakdown;
(16) Sprayburn;
(17) Sprouting;
(18) Sunburn;
(19) Thorn scratches; and,
(20) Other means.
(d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.760.
Sec. 51.758 U.S. No. 2 Russet.
The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 2
except that at least 10 percent of the fruit shall have more than one-
half of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by any type of
discoloration. For tolerances see Sec. 51.760.
Sec. 51.759 U.S. No. 3.
``U.S. No. 3'' consists of grapefruit which meet the following
requirements:
(a) Basic requirements:
(1) Mature;
(2) Misshapen;
(3) Poorly colored;
(4) Rough texture, not seriously bumpy;
(5) Similar varietal characteristics; and,
(6) Slightly spongy.
(b) Free from:
(1) Decay;
(2) Unhealed skin breaks; and,
(3) Wormy fruit.
(c) Free from very serious damage caused by:
(1) Ammoniation;
(2) Bruises;
(3) Buckskin;
(4) Caked melanose;
(5) Disease;
(6) Dryness or mushy condition;
(7) Hail;
(8) Insects;
(9) Oil spotting;
(10) Scab;
(11) Scale;
(12) Scars;
(13) Skin breakdown;
(14) Sprayburn;
(15) Sprouting;
(16) Sunburn; and,
(17) Other means.
(d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.760.
Tolerances
Sec. 51.760 Tolerances.
In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and
handling in each of the foregoing grades, the following tolerances, by
count, are provided as specified:
(a) Defects. (1) U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1 Bright, U.S. No. 1, U.S.
No. 1 Golden, U.S. No. 1 Bronze, U.S. No. 1 Russet,
[[Page 20705]]
U.S. No. 2 Bright, U.S. No. 2, and U.S. No. 2 Russet.
(i) For defects at shipping point.\1\ Not more than 10 percent of
the fruit in any lot may fail to meet the requirements of the specified
grade: Provided, that included in this amount not more than 5 percent
shall be allowed for defects causing very serious damage, including in
this latter amount not more than 1 percent for decay or wormy fruit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Shipping point, as used in these standards, means the point
of origin of the shipment in the producing area or at port of
loading for ship stores or overseas shipment, or, in the case of
shipments from outside the continental United States, the port of
entry into the United States.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(ii) For defects en route or at destination. Not more than 12
percent of the fruit which fail to meet the requirements of the
specified grade: Provided, that included in this amount not more than
the following percentages shall be allowed for defects listed:
(A) 10 percent for fruit having permanent defects; or,
(B) 7 percent for defects causing very serious damage, including
therein not more than 5 percent for very serious damage by permanent
defects and not more than 3 percent for decay or wormy fruit.
(2) U.S. No. 3.
(i) For defects at shipping point.\1\ Not more than 10 percent of
the fruit in any lot may fail to meet the requirements of the grade:
Provided, that included in this amount not more than 1 percent shall be
for decay or wormy fruit.
(ii) For defects en route or at destination. Not more than 12
percent of the fruit which fail to meet the requirements of the grade:
Provided, that included in this amount not more than the following
percentages shall be allowed for defects listed:
(A) 10 percent for fruit having permanent defects; or,
(B) 3 percent for decay or wormy fruit.
(b) Discoloration--(1) U.S. No. 1 Bright, U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 2
Bright, and U.S. No. 2. Not more than 10 percent of the fruit in any
lot may fail to meet the requirements relating to discoloration as
specified in each grade. No sample may have more than 20 percent of the
fruit with excessive discoloration: And provided further, that the
entire lot averages within percentage specified.
(2) U.S. No. 1 Golden. Not more than 30 percent of the fruit shall
have in excess of one-third of their surface, in the aggregate,
affected by discoloration, and no part of any tolerance shall be
allowed to increase this percentage. No sample may have more than 40
percent of the fruit with excessive discoloration: And provided
further, that the entire lot averages within the percentage specified.
(3) U.S. No. 1 Bronze, and U.S. No. 1 Russet. At least 30 percent
of the fruit shall have in excess of one-third of the surface, in the
aggregate, affected by discoloration, and no part of any tolerance
shall be allowed to reduce this percentage. No sample may have less
than 20 percent of the fruit with required discoloration: And provided
further, that the entire lot averages within the percentage specified.
(4) U.S. No. 2 Russet. At least 10 percent of the fruit shall have
in excess of one-half of the surface, in the aggregate, affected by
discoloration, and no part of any tolerance shall be allowed to reduce
this percentage: And provided further, that the entire lot averages
within the percentage specified.
Application of Tolerances
Sec. 51.761 Application of tolerances.
The contents of individual packages in the lot, based on sample
inspection, are subject to the following limitations, unless otherwise
specified in Sec. 51.760: Provided, that the average for the entire lot
are within the tolerances specified for the grade:
(a) For packages which contain more than 15 pounds, and a tolerance
of 10 percent or more is provided, individual packages in any lot shall
have not more than one and one-half times the tolerance specified. For
packages which contain more than 15 pounds, and a tolerance of less
than 10 percent is provided, individual packages in any lot shall have
not more than double the tolerance specified, except that at least one
decayed or very seriously damaged fruit may be permitted in any
package.
(b) For packages which contain 15 pounds or less, individual
packages in any lot are not restricted as to the percentage of defects:
Provided, that not more than one fruit which is decayed or otherwise
very seriously damaged may be permitted in any package and, in
addition, en route or at destination not more than 10 percent of the
packages may have more than one fruit which is decayed or otherwise
very seriously damaged.
Size
Sec. 51.762 Size.
(a) Fruits shall be fairly uniform in size and shall be packed in
containers according to approved and recognized methods.
(b) ``Fairly uniform in size'' means that not more than 10 percent
of the grapefruit per sample may vary more than one-half inch in
diameter.
(c) In order to allow for variations incident to proper sizing, not
more than 10 percent of the samples in any lot may fail to meet the
requirements of size.
Definitions
Sec. 51.763 Similar varietal characteristics.
Similar varietal characteristics means that the fruits in any
container are similar in color and shape.
Sec. 51.764 Well colored.
Well colored means that the fruit has characteristic color for the
variety with practically no trace of green color.
Sec. 51.765 Firm.
Firm means that the fruit is not soft, or noticeably wilted or
flabby, and the skin is not spongy or puffy.
Sec. 51.766 Well formed.
Well formed means that the fruit has the shape characteristic of
the variety.
Sec. 51.767 Mature.
Mature shall have the same meaning assigned the term in the Florida
Citrus Code, Chapter 601, 1995 Edition, and the Official Rules
Affecting the Florida Citrus Industry, in effect as of February 12,
1995. These grapefruit maturity requirements are contained in the
Florida Citrus Code, Chapter 601, Florida Statutes, Sections 601.16,
601.17, and 601.18, 1995 Edition, and the State of Florida Department
of Citrus Official Rules Affecting the Florida Citrus Industry, Part 1,
Chapter 20-13 Market Classification, Maturity Standards and Processing
or Packing Restrictions for Hybrids in effect as of February 12, 1995.
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Copies may be obtained from, Florida Department of Citrus, Post Office
Box 148, Lakeland, Florida 33802 or copies of both regulations may be
inspected at USDA, AMS, F&VD, FPB, Standardization Section, Room 2065-
S, 14th and Independence Ave., Washington, DC 20250 or at the Office of
the Federal Register, Suite 700, 800 North Capitol Street, Washington,
DC.
Sec. 51.768 Smooth texture.
Smooth texture means that the skin is thin and smooth for the
variety and size of the fruit. ``Thin'' means that the skin thickness
does not average more than \3/8\ inch (9.5 mm), on a central cross
section, on grapefruit 4\1/8\ inches (104.8 mm) in diameter.
Sec. 51.769 Injury.
Injury means any specific defect described in Sec. 51.784, Table I;
or an equally objectionable variation of any
[[Page 20706]]
one of these defects, any other defect, or any combination of defects,
which slightly detracts from the appearance, or the edible or marketing
quality of the fruit.
Sec. 51.770 Discoloration.
Discoloration means russeting of a light shade of golden brown
caused by rust mite or other means. Lighter shades of discoloration
caused by smooth or fairly smooth superficial scars or other means may
be allowed on a greater area, or darker shades may be allowed on a
lesser area, provided no discoloration caused by speck-type melanose or
other means may detract from the appearance of the fruit to a greater
extent than the shade and amount of discoloration allowed in the grade.
Sec. 51.771 Fairly well colored.
Fairly well colored means that except for an aggregate area of
green color which does not exceed the area of a circle 1 inch (25.4 mm)
in diameter, the characteristic color predominates over the green
color.
Sec. 51.772 Fairly smooth texture.
Fairly smooth texture means that the skin is fairly thin and not
coarse for the variety and size of the fruit. ``Fairly thin'' means
that the skin thickness does not average more than \1/2\ inch (12.7
mm), on a grapefruit 4\1/8\ inches (104.8 mm) in diameter.
Sec. 51.773 Damage.
Damage means any specific defect described in Sec. 51.784, Table I;
or an equally objectionable variation of any one of these defects, any
other defect, or any combination of defects, which materially detracts
from the appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the fruit.
Sec. 51.774 Fairly firm.
Fairly firm means that the fruit may be slightly soft, but not
bruised, and the skin is not spongy or puffy.
Sec. 51.775 Slightly misshapen.
Slightly misshapen means that the fruit has fairly good shape
characteristic of the variety and is not more than slightly elongated
or pointed or otherwise deformed.
Sec. 51.776 Slightly rough texture.
Slightly rough texture means that the skin may be slightly thick
but not excessively thick, materially ridged or grooved. ``Slightly
thick'' means that the skin thickness does not average more than \5/8\
inch (15.9 mm), on a central cross section, on a grapefruit 4\1/8\
inches (104.8 mm) in diameter.
Sec. 51.777 Serious damage.
Serious damage means any specific defect described in Sec. 51.784,
Table I; or an equally objectionable variation of any one of these
defects, any other defect, or any combination of defects, which
seriously detracts from the appearance, or the edible or marketing
quality of the fruit.
Sec. 51.778 Slightly colored.
Slightly colored means that except for an aggregate area of green
color which does not exceed the area of a circle 2 inches (50.8 mm) in
diameter, the fruit surface shows some characteristic color.
Sec. 51.779 Poorly colored.
Poorly colored means that not more than 25 percent of the surface
may be of a solid dark green color.
Sec. 51.780 Misshapen.
Misshapen means that the fruit is decidedly elongated, pointed, or
flatsided.
Sec. 51.781 Slightly spongy.
Slightly spongy means that the fruit is puffy or slightly wilted
but not flabby.
Sec. 51.782 Very serious damage.
Very serious damage means any specific defect described in
Sec. 51.784, Table I; or an equally objectionable variation of any one
of these defects, any other defect, or any combination of defects,
which very seriously detracts from the appearance, or the edible or
marketing quality of the fruit.
Sec. 51.783 Diameter.
Diameter means the greatest dimension measured at right angles to a
line from stem to blossom end.
Sec. 51.784 Classification of defects.
Table I
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Very serious
Factor Injury Damage Serious damage damage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ammoniation..................... .................. Not occurring as Scars are cracked Aggregating more
light speck type. or dark and than 25 percent
aggregating more of the surface.
than a circle 1
inch (25.4 mm) in
diameter.
Bruises......................... Segment walls are Segment walls are Segment walls are Fruit is split
collapsed, or rag collapsed, or rag collapsed, or rag open, peel is
is ruptured and is ruptured and is ruptured and badly
juice sacs are juice sacs are juice sacs are watersoaked, or
ruptured. ruptured. ruptured. rag is ruptured
and juice sacs
are ruptured
causing a mushy
condition
affecting all
segments more
than \3/4\ inch
(19.1 mm) at
bruised area or
the equivalent of
this amount, by
volume, when
affecting more
than one area on
the fruit.
Buckskin........................ .................. Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more
than a circle 1- than 25 percent than 50 percent
\1/4\ inches of the surface. of the surface.
(31.8 mm) in
diameter.
Caked melanose.................. .................. Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more
than a circle \3/ than a circle 1 than 25 percent
4\ inch (19.1 mm) inch (25.4 mm) in of the surface.
in diameter. diameter.
[[Page 20707]]
Dryness or mushy condition...... .................. Affecting all Affecting all Affecting all
segments more segments more segments more
than \1/4\ inch than \1/2\ inch than 3/4 inch
(6.4 mm) at stem (12.7 mm) at stem (19.1 mm) at stem
end, or the end, or the end, or the
equivalent of equivalent of equivalent of
this amount, by this amount, by this amount, by
volume, when volume, when volume, when
occurring in occurring in occurring in
other portions of other portions of other portions of
the fruit. the fruit. the fruit.
Green spots..................... Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more
than a circle \1/ than a circle \3/ than a circle 1 than 1/3 of the
2\ inch (12.7 mm) 4\ inch (19.1 mm) inch (25.4 mm) in surface, caused
in diameter, in diameter, diameter, caused by scale.
caused by scale. caused by scale. by scale.
Oil spots....................... Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more
than a circle \1/ than a circle 1 than a circle 1\1/ than \1/3\ of the
2\ inch (12.7 mm) inch (25.4 mm) in 2\ inches (38.1 surface.
in diameter. diameter. mm) in diameter.
Scab............................ .................. Materially Seriously detracts Aggregating more
detracts from the from the shape or than 25 percent
shape or texture, texture, or of the surface.
or aggregating aggregating more
more than a than a circle 7/8
circle \3/4\ inch inch (22.2 mm) in
(19.1 mm) in diameter.
diameter.
Scale........................... More than a few Blotch aggregating Blotch aggregating Aggregating more
adjacent to the more than a more than a than 25 percent
``button'' at the circle \3/4\ inch circle 1 inch of the surface.
stem end, or more (19.1 mm) in (25.4 mm) in
than 6 scattered diameter, or diameter, or
on other portions occurring as a occurring as a
of the fruit. ring more than a ring more than a
circle 1\3/4\ circle 1\1/2\
inches (31.8 mm) inches (38.1 mm)
in diameter. in diameter..
Scars, Hail, or Thorn scratches Depressed, not Very deep or very Very deep or very Very deep or very
[For smooth or fairly smooth smooth, or rough aggregating rough aggregating rough or
superficial scars see Sec. detracts from more than a more than a unsightly that
51.770.]. appearance more circle \1/2\ inch circle 1 inch appearance is
than the amount (12.7 mm) in (25.4 mm) in very seriously
of discoloration diameter; deep or diameter; deep or affected.
permitted in the rough aggregating rough aggregating
grade. more than a more than 5
circle 1 inch percent of fruit
(25.4 mm) in surface; slight
diameter; depth or slightly
slightly rough or rough aggregating
of slight depth more than 15
aggregating more percent of fruit
than 10 percent surface.
of fruit surface.
Skin breakdown.................. Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more
than a circle \3/ than a circle \3/ than a circle 1 than 25 percent
8\ inch (9.5 mm) 4\ inch (19.1 mm) inch (25.4 mm) in of the surface.
in diameter. in diameter. diameter.
Sprayburn....................... .................. Aggregating more Hard and Aggregating more
than a circle \3/ aggregating more than 25 percent
4\ inch (19.1 mm) than a circle 1\1/ of the surface.
in diameter. 2\ inches (38.1
mm) in diameter.
Sprouting....................... .................. More than six More than six More than six
seeds have seeds have seeds have
sprouts of more sprouts of more sprouts of more
than \1/4\ inch than \1/2\ inch than \3/4\ inch
(6.4 mm) in (12.7 mm) in (19.1 mm) in
length, or more length, or more length, or more
than 3 seeds with than 3 seeds with than 3 seeds with
sprouts over \3/ sprouts over 1 sprouts over 1\1/
4\ inch (19.1 mm) inch (25.4 mm) in 4\ inches (31.8
in length. length. mm) in length.
Sunburn......................... .................. Skin is flattened, Skin is hard and Aggregating more
dry, darkened, or affects more than than 50 percent
hard and the one-third of the of the surface.
affected area surface.
exceeds 25
percent of the
surface.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: All references to area or aggregating area, or length in this standard are based on a grapefruit 4\1/8\
inches (104.8 mm) in diameter, allowing proportionately greater areas on larger fruit and lesser areas on
smaller fruit.
3. In part 51, Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of
Florida Oranges and Tangelos is revised to read as follows:
Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Florida Oranges and
Tangelos
General
Sec.
51.1140 General.
Grades
51.1141 U.S. Fancy.
51.1142 U.S. No. 1 Bright.
51.1143 U.S. No. 1.
51.1144 U.S. No. 1 Golden.
51.1145 U.S. No. 1 Bronze.
51.1146 U.S. No. 1 Russet.
51.1147 U.S. No. 2 Bright.
51.1148 U.S. No. 2.
51.1149 U.S. No. 2 Russet.
51.1150 U.S. No. 3.
Tolerances
51.1151 Tolerances.
[[Page 20708]]
Application of Tolerances
51.1152 Application of tolerances.
Size
51.1153 Size.
Definitions
51.1154 Similar varietal characteristics.
51.1155 Well colored.
51.1156 Firm.
51.1157 Well formed.
51.1158 Mature.
51.1159 Smooth texture.
51.1160 Injury.
51.1161 Discoloration.
51.1162 Fairly smooth texture.
51.1163 Damage.
51.1164 Fairly well colored.
51.1165 Reasonably well colored.
51.1166 Poorly colored.
51.1167 Fairly firm.
51.1168 Slightly misshapen.
51.1169 Slightly rough texture.
51.1170 Serious damage.
51.1171 Misshapen.
51.1172 Slightly spongy.
51.1173 Very serious damage.
51.1174 Diameter.
51.1175 Classification of defects.
Standards for Internal Quality of Common Sweet Oranges (Citrus Sinensis
(L) Osbeck)
51.1176 U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A).
51.1177 U.S. Grade A Juice.
51.1178 Maximum anhydrous citric permissible for corresponding
total soluble solids.
51.1179 Method of juice extraction.
Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Florida Oranges and
Tangelos
General
Sec. 51.1140 General.
The standards contained in this subpart apply only to the common or
sweet orange group and varieties and hybrids of varieties belonging to
the Mandarin group, except tangerines, and to the citrus fruit commonly
known as ``tangelo''--a hybrid between tangerine or mandarin orange
(citrus reticulata) with either the grapefruit or pomelo (C. paradisi
and C. grandis). Separate U.S. standards apply to tangerines. The
standards for internal quality contained in Secs. 51.1176 through
51.1179 apply only to common sweet oranges (citrus sinensis (L)
Osbeck).
Grades
Sec. 51.1141 U.S. Fancy.
``U.S. Fancy'' consists of oranges which meet the following
requirements:
(a) Basic requirements:
(1) Discoloration: Not more than one-tenth of the surface, in the
aggregate, may be affected by discoloration. (See Sec. 51.1161.);
(2) Firm;
(3) Mature;
(4) Similar varietal characteristics;
(5) Smooth texture;
(6) Well colored; and,
(7) Well formed.
(b) Free from:
(1) Ammoniation;
(2) Buckskin;
(3) Caked melanose;
(4) Creasing;
(5) Decay;
(6) Scab;
(7) Split navels;
(8) Sprayburn;
(9) Undeveloped segments;
(10) Unhealed skin breaks; and,
(11) Wormy fruit.
(c) Free from injury caused by:
(1) Bruises;
(2) Green spots;
(3) Oil spots;
(4) Rough, wide or protruding navels;
(5) Scale;
(6) Scars;
(7) Skin breakdown; and,
(8) Thorn scratches.
(d) Free from damage caused by:
(1) Dirt or other foreign material;
(2) Disease;
(3) Dryness or mushy condition;
(4) Hail;
(5) Insects;
(6) Riciness or woodiness;
(7) Sunburn; and,
(8) Other means.
(e) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1151.
(f) Internal quality: Lots meeting the internal requirements for
``U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A)'' or ``U.S. Grade A Juice'' may be so
specified in connection with the grade. (See Secs. 51.1176-51.1179.)
Sec. 51.1142 U.S. No. 1 Bright.
The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1
except that fruit shall have not more than one-fifth of its surface, in
the aggregate, affected by discoloration.
(a) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1151.
(b) Internal quality: Lots meeting the internal requirements for
``U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A)'' or ``U.S. Grade A Juice'' may be so
specified in connection with the grade. (See Secs. 51.1176-51.1179.)
Sec. 51.1143 U.S. No. 1.
``U.S. No. 1'' consists of oranges which meet the following
requirements:
(a) Basic requirements:
(1) Color;
(i) Early and midseason varieties shall be fairly well colored.
(ii) For Valencia and other late varieties, not less than 50
percent, by count, shall be fairly well colored and the remainder
reasonably well colored.
(2) Discoloration: Not more than one-third of the surface, in the
aggregate, may be affected by discoloration. (See Sec. 51.1161.);
(3) Fairly smooth texture;
(4) Firm;
(5) Mature;
(6) Similar varietal characteristics; and,
(7) Well formed.
(b) Free from:
(1) Decay;
(2) Unhealed skin breaks; and,
(3) Wormy fruit.
(c) Free from damage caused by:
(1) Ammoniation;
(2) Bruises;
(3) Buckskin;
(4) Caked melanose;
(5) Creasing;
(6) Dirt or other foreign material;
(7) Disease;
(8) Dryness or mushy condition;
(9) Green spots;
(10) Hail;
(11) Insects;
(12) Oil spots;
(13) Riciness or woodiness;
(14) Scab;
(15) Scale;
(16) Scars;
(17) Skin breakdown;
(18) Split, rough or protruding navels;
(19) Sprayburn;
(20) Sunburn;
(21) Thorn scratches; and,
(22) Other means.
(d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1151.
(e) Internal quality: Lots meeting the internal requirements for
``U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A)'' or ``U.S. Grade A Juice'' may be so
specified in connection with the grade. (See Secs. 51.1176-51.1179.)
Sec. 51.1144 U.S. No. 1 Golden.
The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1
except that not more than 30 percent, by count, of the fruit shall have
more than one-third of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by
discoloration.
(a) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1151.
(b) Internal quality: Lots meeting the internal requirements for
``U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A)'' or ``U.S. Grade A Juice'' may be so
specified in connection with the grade. (See Secs. 51.1176-51.1179.)
Sec. 51.1145 U.S. No. 1 Bronze.
The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1
except at least 30 percent, by count, of the fruit shall have more than
one-third of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by
discoloration. The predominating discoloration on each fruit shall be
of rust mite type.
(a) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1151.
(b) Internal quality: Lots meeting the internal requirements for
``U.S. Grade
[[Page 20709]]
AA Juice (Double A)'' or ``U.S. Grade A Juice'' may be so specified in
connection with the grade. (See Secs. 51.1176-51.1179.)
Sec. 51.1146 U.S. No. 1 Russet.
The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1
except that at least 30 percent, by count, of the fruit shall have more
than one-third of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by any type
of discoloration.
(a) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1151.
(b) Internal quality: Lots meeting the internal requirements for
``U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A)'' or ``U.S. Grade A Juice'' may be so
specified in connection with the grade. (See Secs. 51.1176-51.1179.)
Sec. 51.1147 U.S. No. 2 Bright.
The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 2
except that fruit shall have not more than one-fifth of its surface, in
the aggregate, affected by discoloration.
(a) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1151.
(b) Internal quality: Lots meeting the internal requirements for
``U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A)'' or ``U.S. Grade A Juice'' may be so
specified in connection with the grade. (See Secs. 51.1176-51.1179.)
Sec. 51.1148 U.S. No. 2.
``U.S. No. 2'' consists of oranges which meet the following
requirements:
(a) Basic requirements:
(1) Discoloration: Not more than one-half of the surface, in the
aggregate, may be affected by discoloration. (See Sec. 51.1161.)
(2) Fairly firm;
(3) Mature;
(4) Reasonably well colored;
(5) Similar varietal characteristics;
(6) Not more than slightly misshapen; and
(7) Not more than slightly rough texture.
(b) Free from:
(1) Decay;
(2) Unhealed skin breaks; and
(3) Wormy fruit.
(c) Free from serious damage caused by:
(1) Ammoniation;
(2) Bruises;
(3) Buckskin;
(4) Caked melanose;
(5) Creasing;
(6) Dirt or other foreign material;
(7) Disease;
(8) Dryness or mushy condition;
(9) Green spots;
(10) Hail;
(11) Insects;
(12) Oil spots;
(13) Riciness or woodiness;
(14) Scab;
(15) Scale;
(16) Scars;
(17) Skin breakdown;
(18) Split, rough or protruding navels;
(19) Sprayburn;
(20) Sunburn;
(21) Thorn scratches; and
(22) Other means.
(d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1151.
(e) Internal quality: Lots meeting the internal requirements for
``U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A)'' or ``U.S. Grade A Juice'' may be so
specified in connection with the grade. (See Secs. 51.1176-51.1179.)
Sec. 51.1149 U.S. No. 2 Russet.
The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 2
except that at least 10 percent of the fruit shall have more than one-
half of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by any type of
discoloration.
(a) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1151.
(b) Internal quality: Lots meeting the internal requirements for
``U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A)'' or ``U.S. Grade A Juice'' may be so
specified in connection with the grade. (See Secs. 51.1176-51.1179.)
Sec. 51.1150 U.S. No. 3.
``U.S. No. 3'' consists of oranges which meet the following
requirements:
(a) Basic requirements:
(1) Mature;
(2) Misshapen;
(3) Poorly colored;
(4) Rough texture, not seriously lumpy;
(5) Similar varietal characteristics; and
(6) Slightly spongy.
(b) Free from:
(1) Decay;
(2) Unhealed skin breaks; and
(3) Wormy fruit.
(c) Free from very serious damage caused by:
(1) Ammoniation;
(2) Bruises;
(3) Buckskin;
(4) Caked melanose;
(5) Creasing;
(6) Disease;
(7) Dryness or mushy condition;
(8) Hail;
(9) Insects;
(10) Riciness or woodiness;
(11) Scab;
(12) Scale;
(13) Scars;
(14) Skin breakdown;
(15) Split navels;
(16) Sprayburn;
(17) Sunburn; and
(18) Other means.
(d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1151.
(e) Internal quality: Lots meeting the internal requirements for
``U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A)'' or ``U.S. Grade A Juice'' may be so
specified in connection with the grade. (See Secs. 51.1176--51.1179.)
Tolerances
Sec. 51.1151 Tolerances.
In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and
handling in each of the foregoing grades, the following tolerances, by
count, are provided as specified:
(a) Defects. (1) U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1 Bright, U.S. No. 1, U.S.
No. 1 Golden, U.S. No. 1 Bronze, U.S. No. 1 Russet, U.S. No. 2 Bright,
U.S. No. 2, and U.S. No. 2 Russet grades.
(i) For defects at shipping point.1 Not more than 10 percent
of the fruit in any lot may fail to meet the requirements of the
specified grade: Provided, that included in this amount not more than 5
percent shall be allowed for defects causing very serious damage,
including in this latter amount not more than 1 percent for decay or
wormy fruit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Shipping point, as used in these standards, means the point
of origin of the shipment in the producing area or at port of
loading for ship stores or overseas shipment, or, in the case of
shipments from outside the continental United States, the port of
entry into the United States.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(ii) For defects en route or at destination. Not more than 12
percent of the fruit which fail to meet the requirements of the
specified grade: Provided, that included in this amount not more than
the following percentages shall be allowed for defects listed:
(A) 10 percent for fruit having permanent defects; or,
(B) 7 percent for defects causing very serious damage, including
therein not more than 5 percent for very serious damage by permanent
defects and not more than 3 percent for decay or wormy fruit.
(2) U.S. No. 3.
(i) For defects at shipping point.1. Not more than 10 percent
of the fruit in any lot may fail to meet the requirements of the grade:
Provided, that included in this amount not more than 1 percent shall be
for decay or wormy fruit.
(ii) For defects en route or at destination. Not more than 12
percent of the fruit which fail to meet the requirements of the grade:
Provided, that included in this amount not more than the following
percentages shall be allowed for defects listed:
(A) 10 percent for fruit having permanent defects; or,
(B) 3 percent for decay or wormy fruit.
(b) Discoloration.--(1) U.S. No. 1 Bright, U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 2
Bright, and
[[Page 20710]]
U.S. No. 2. Not more than 10 percent of the fruit in any lot may fail
to meet the requirements relating to discoloration as specified in each
grade. No sample may have more than 20 percent of the fruit with
excessive discoloration: And provided further, that the entire lot
averages within the percentage specified.
(2) U.S. No. 1 Golden. Not more than 30 percent of the fruit shall
have in excess of one-third of their surface, in the aggregate, and no
part of any tolerance shall be allowed to increase this percentage. No
sample may have more than 40 percent of the fruit with excessive
discoloration: And provided further, that the entire lot averages
within the percentage specified.
(3) U.S. No. 1 Bronze, and U.S. No. 1 Russet. At least 30 percent
of the fruit shall have in excess of one-third of the surface, in the
aggregate, affected by discoloration, and no part of any tolerance
shall be allowed to reduce this percentage. No sample may have less
than 20 percent of the fruit with required discoloration: And provided
further, that the entire lot averages within the percentage specified.
(4) U.S. No. 2 Russet. At least 10 percent of the fruit shall have
in excess of one-half of the surface, in the aggregate, affected by
discoloration, and no part of any tolerance shall be allowed to reduce
this percentage: And provided further, that the entire lot averages
within the percentage specified.
Application of Tolerances
Sec. 51.1152 Application of tolerances.
The contents of individual packages in the lot, based on sample
inspection, are subject to the following limitations, unless otherwise
specified in Sec. 51.1151: Provided, that the average for the entire
lot are within the tolerances specified for the grade:
(a) For packages which contain more than 15 pounds, and a tolerance
of 10 percent or more is provided, individual packages in any lot shall
have not more than one and one-half times the tolerance specified. For
packages which contain more than 15 pounds, and a tolerance of less
than 10 percent is provided, individual packages in any lot shall have
not more than double the tolerance specified, except that at least one
decayed or very seriously damaged fruit may be permitted in any
package.
(b) For packages which contain 15 pounds or less, individual
packages in any lot are not restricted as to the percentage of defects:
Provided, that not more than one fruit which is decayed or otherwise
very seriously damaged may be permitted in any package and, in
addition, en route or at destination not more than 10 percent of the
packages may have more than one fruit which is decayed or otherwise
very seriously damaged.
Size
Sec. 51.1153 Size.
(a) Fruits shall be fairly uniform in size and shall be packed in
containers according to approved and recognized methods.
(b) ``Fairly uniform in size'' means that not more than 10 percent
of the oranges per sample may vary more than one-half inch in diameter.
(c) In order to allow for variations incident to proper sizing, not
more than 10 percent of the samples in any lot may fail to meet the
requirements of size.
Definitions
Sec. 51.1154 Similar varietal characteristics.
Similar varietal characteristics means that the fruits in any
container are similar in color and shape.
Sec. 51.1155 Well colored.
Well colored as applied to common oranges and tangelos means that
the fruit has characteristic color for the variety with practically no
trace of green color.
Sec. 51.1156 Firm.
Firm as applied to common oranges and tangelos means that the fruit
is not soft, or noticeably wilted or flabby; as applied to oranges of
the Mandarin group (Satsumas, King, Mandarin), ``firm'' means that the
fruit is not extremely puffy, although the skin may be slightly loose.
Sec. 51.1157 Well formed.
Well formed means that the fruit has the shape characteristic of
the variety.
Sec. 51.1158 Mature.
Mature shall have the same meaning assigned the term in the Florida
Citrus Code, Chapter 601, 1995 Edition, and the Official Rules
Affecting the Florida Citrus Industry, in effect as of February 12,
1995. These orange maturity requirements are contained in the Florida
Citrus Code, Chapter 601, Florida Statutes, Sections 601.19, and
601.20, 1995 Edition, and the State of Florida Department of Citrus
Official Rules Affecting the Florida Citrus Industry, Part 1, Chapter
20-13 Market Classification, Maturity Standards and Processing or
Packing Restrictions for Hybrids in effect as of February 12, 1995.
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51.
Copies may be obtained from, Florida Department of Citrus, Post Office
Box 148, Lakeland, Florida 33802 or copies of both regulations may be
inspected at USDA, AMS, F&VD, FPB, Standardization Section, Room 2065-
S, 14th and Independence Ave., Washington, DC 20250 or at the Office of
the Federal Register, Suite 700, 800 North Capitol Street, Washington,
DC.
Sec. 51.1159 Smooth texture.
Smooth texture means that the skin is thin and smooth for the
variety and size of the fruit.
Sec. 51.1160 Injury.
Injury means any specific defect described in Sec. 51.1175, Table
I; or an equally objectionable variation of any one of these defects,
any other defect, or any combination of defects which slightly detracts
from the appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the fruit.
Sec. 51.1161 Discoloration.
Discoloration means russeting of a light shade of golden brown
caused by rust mite or other means. Lighter shades of discoloration
caused by smooth or fairly smooth superficial scars or other means may
be allowed on a greater area, or darker shades may be allowed on a
lesser area, provided no discoloration caused by speck type melanose or
other means may detract from the appearance of the fruit to a greater
extent than the shade and amount of discoloration allowed for the
grade.
Sec. 51.1162 Fairly smooth texture.
Fairly smooth texture means that the skin is fairly thin and not
coarse for the variety and size of the fruit.
Sec. 51.1163 Damage.
Damage means any specific defect described in Sec. 51.1175, Table
I; or an equally objectionable variation of any one of these defects,
any other defect, or any combination of defects, which materially
detracts from the appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the
fruit.
Sec. 51.1164 Fairly well colored.
Fairly well colored as applied to common oranges and tangelos means
that except for an aggregate area of green color which does not exceed
the area of a circle 1 inch (25.4 mm) in diameter, the characteristic
color predominates over the green color.
Sec. 51.1165 Reasonably well colored.
Reasonably well colored as applied to common oranges means that the
characteristic color predominate over
[[Page 20711]]
the green color on at least two-thirds of the fruit surface, in the
aggregate.
Sec. 51.1166 Poorly colored.
Poorly colored as applied to common oranges means that not more
than 25 percent of the surface may be solid dark green color.
Sec. 51.1167 Fairly firm.
Fairly firm as applied to common oranges and tangelos, means that
the fruit may be slightly soft, but not bruised; as applied to oranges
of the Mandarin group (Satsumas, King, Mandarin), means that the skin
of the fruit is not extremely puffy or extremely loose.
Sec. 51.1168 Slightly misshapen.
Slightly misshapen means that the fruit is not of the shape
characteristic of the variety but is not appreciably elongated or
pointed or otherwise deformed.
Sec. 51.1169 Slightly rough texture.
Slightly rough texture means that the skin is not of smooth texture
but is not materially ridged, grooved, or wrinkled.
Sec. 51.1170 Serious damage.
Serious damage means any specific defect described in Sec. 51.1175,
Table I; or an equally objectionable variation of any one of these
defects, any other defect, or any combination of defects, which
seriously detracts from the appearance, or the edible or marketing
quality of the fruit.
Sec. 51.1171 Misshapen.
Misshapen means that the fruit is decidedly elongated, pointed or
flatsided.
Sec. 51.1172 Slightly spongy.
Slightly spongy means that the fruit is puffy or slightly wilted
but not flabby.
Sec. 51.1173 Very serious damage.
Very serious damage means any specific defect described in
Sec. 51.1175, Table I; or an equally objectionable variation of any one
of these defects, any other defect, or any combination of defects,
which very seriously detracts from the appearance, or the edible or
marketing quality of the fruit.
Sec. 51.1174 Diameter.
Diameter means the greatest dimension measured at right angles to a
line from stem to blossom end.
Sec. 51.1175 Classification of defects.
Table I
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Very serious
Factor Injury Damage Serious damage damage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ammoniation..................... .................. Not occurring as Scars are cracked Aggregating more
light speck type. or dark and than 25 percent
aggregating more of the surface.
than a circle \3/
4\ inch (19.1 mm)
in diameter.
Bruises......................... Segment walls are Segment walls are Segment walls are Fruit is split
collapsed, or rag collapsed, or rag collapsed, or rag open, peel is
is ruptured and is ruptured and is ruptured and badly
juice sacs are juice sacs are juice sacs are watersoaked, or
ruptured. ruptured. ruptured. rag is ruptured
and juice sacs
are ruptured
causing a mushy
condition
affecting all
segments more
than \3/4\ inch
(19.9 mm) at
bruised area or
the equivalent of
this amount, by
volume, when
affecting more
than one area on
the fruit.
Buckskin........................ .................. Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more
than a circle 1 than 25 percent than 50 percent
inch (25.4 mm) in of the surface. of the surface.
diameter.
Caked melanose.................. .................. Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more
than a circle \5/ than a circle \3/ than 25 percent
8\ inch (15.9 mm) 4\ inch (19.1 mm) of the surface.
in diameter. in diameter.
Creasing........................ .................. Materially weakens Seriously weakens Very seriously
the skin, or the skin, or weakens the skin,
extends over more extends over more or is distributed
than one-third of than one-half of over practically
the surface. the surface. the entire
surface.
Dryness or mushy condition...... .................. Affecting all Affecting all Affecting all
segments more segments more segments more
than \1/4\ inch than \1/2\ inch than \3/4\ inch
(6.4 mm) at stem (12.7 mm) at stem (19.1 mm) at stem
end, or the end, or the end, or the
equivalent of equivalent of equivalent of
this amount, by this amount, by this amount, by
volume, when volume, when volume, when
occurring in occurring in occurring in
other portions of other portions of other portions of
the fruit. the fruit. the fruit.
Green spots..................... Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more
than a circle \3/ than a circle \5/ than a circle \7/ than \1/3\ of the
8\ inch (9.5 mm) 8\ inch (15.9 mm) 8\ inch (22.2 mm) surface, caused
in diameter, in diameter, in diameter, by scale.
caused by scale. caused by scale. caused by scale.
Oil spots....................... Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more
than a circle \3/ than a circle \7/ than a circle 1\1/ than \1/3\ of the
8\ inch (9.5 mm) 8\ inch (22.2 mm) 4\ inches (31.8 surface.
in diameter. in diameter. mm) in diameter.
Scab............................ .................. Materially Seriously detracts Aggregating more
detracts from the from the shape or than 25 percent
shape or texture, texture, or of the surface.
or aggregating aggregating more
more than a than a circle \3/
circle \5/8\ inch 4\ inch (19.1 mm)
(15.9 mm) in in diameter.
diameter.
[[Page 20712]]
Scale........................... More than a few Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more
adjacent to the than a circle \5/ than a circle \3/ than 25 percent
``button'' at the 8\ inch (15.9 mm) 4\ inch (19.1 mm) of the surface.
stem end, or more in diameter. in diameter.
than 6 scattered
on other portions
of the fruit.
Scars, Hail, or Thorn scratches Depressed, not Deep or rough Deep or rough Deep or rough or
[For smooth or fairly smooth smooth, or aggregating more aggregating more unsightly that
superficial scars see Sec. detracts from than a circle \1/ than a circle \1/ appearance is
51.1161.]. appearance more 4\ inch (6.4 mm) 2\ inch (12.7 mm) very seriously
than the amount in diameter; in diameter; affected.
of discoloration slightly rough slightly rough
permitted in the with slight depth with depth
grade. aggregating more aggregating more
than a circle \7/ than a circle 1\1/
8\ inch (22.2 mm) 4\ inches (31.8
in diameter; mm) in diameter;
smooth or fairly smooth or fairly
smooth with smooth with
slight depth slight depth
aggregating more aggregating more
than a circle 1\1/ than 10 percent
4\ inches (31.8 of fruit surface.
mm) in diameter.
Skin breakdown.................. Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more Aggregating more
than a circle \1/ than a circle \1/ than a circle \7/ than 25 percent
4\ inch (6.4 mm) 2\ inch (12.7 mm) 8\ inch (22.2 mm) of the surface.
in diameter. in diameter. in diameter.
Sprayburn....................... .................. Aggregating more Hard and Aggregating more
than a circle \5/ aggregating more than 25 percent
8\ inch (15.9 mm) than a circle 1\1/ of the surface.
in diameter. 2\ inches (38.1
mm) in diameter.
Split, rough, protruding navels. Split is unhealed, Split is unhealed, Split is unhealed, Split is unhealed
or more than \1/ or more than \1/ or more than \1/ or fruit is
8\ inch (3.2 mm) 4\ inch (6.4 mm) 2\ inch (12.7 mm) seriously
in length, or in length, or in length, or two weakened.
navel protrudes more than three or more splits
beyond the well healed aggregate more
general contour, splits, or navel than 1 inch (25.4
and opening is so protrudes beyond mm) in length, or
wide, folded and the general navel protrudes
ridged that it contour, and beyond general
detracts from the opening is so contour, and
appearance. wide, folded and opening is so
ridged that it wide, folded and
detracts from ridged that it
appearance. detracts from
appearance.
Sunburn......................... .................. Skin is flattened, Skin is hard and Aggregating more
dry, darkened, or affects more than than 50 percent
hard and the one-third of the of the surface.
affected area surface.
exceeds 25
percent of the
surface.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: All references to area or aggregating area, or length in this standard are based on an orange or tangelo
2\7/8\ inches (73.0 mm) in diameter, allowing proportionately greater areas on larger fruit and lesser areas
on smaller fruit.
Standards for Internal Quality of Common Sweet Oranges (Citrus Sinensis
(L) Osbeck)
Sec. 51.1176 U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A).
Any lot of oranges, the juice content of which meets the following
requirements, may be designated ``U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A)'':
(a) Each lot of fruit shall contain an average of not less than 5
gallons (18.9 liters) of juice per standard packed box of 1\3/5\
bushels.
(b) The average juice content for any lot of fruit shall have not
less than 10 percent total soluble solids, and not less than one-half
of 1 percent anhydrous citric acid, or more than the permissible
maximum acid specified in Table II of Sec. 51.1178.
Sec. 51.1177 U.S. Grade A Juice.
Any lot of oranges, the juice content of which meets the following
requirements, may be designated ``U.S. Grade A Juice'':
(a) Each lot of fruit shall contain an average of not less than
4\1/2\ gallons (17.0 liters) of juice per standard packed box of 1\3/5\
bushels.
(b) The average juice content for any lot of fruit shall have not
less than 9 percent total soluble solids, and not less than one-half of
1 percent anhydrous citric acid, or more than the permissible maximum
acid specified in Table II of Sec. 51.1178.
Sec. 51.1178 Maximum anhydrous citric acid permissible for
corresponding total soluble solids.
For determining the grade of juice, the maximum permissible
anhydrous citric acid content in relation to corresponding total
soluble solids in the fruit is set forth in the following Table II
together with the minimum ratio of total soluble solids to anhydrous
citric acid:
Table II
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum
Maximum ratio of
anhydrous total
Total soluble solids (average pct) citric acid soluble
(average solids to
pct) anhydrous
citric acid
------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.0.......................................... 0.947 9.50-1
9.1.......................................... .963 9.45-1
9.2.......................................... .979 9.40-1
9.3.......................................... .995 9.35-1
9.4.......................................... 1.011 9.30-1
9.5.......................................... 1.027 9.25-1
9.6.......................................... 1.043 9.20-1
9.7.......................................... 1.060 9.15-1
9.8.......................................... 1.077 9.10-1
9.9.......................................... 1.094 9.05-1
10.0.......................................... 1.111 9.00-1
10.1.......................................... 1.128 8.95-1
10.2.......................................... 1.146 8.90-1
10.3.......................................... 1.164 8.85-1
10.4.......................................... 1.182 8.80-1
10.5.......................................... 1.200 8.75-1
10.6.......................................... 1.218 8.70-1
10.7.......................................... 1.237 8.65-1
[[Page 20713]]
10.8.......................................... 1.256 8.60-1
10.9.......................................... 1.275 8.55-1
11.0.......................................... 1.294 8.50-1
11.1.......................................... 1.306 8.50-1
11.2.......................................... 1.318 8.50-1
11.3.......................................... 1.329 8.50-1
11.4.......................................... 1.341 8.50-1
11.5.......................................... 1.353 8.50-1
11.6.......................................... 1.365 8.50-1
11.7.......................................... 1.376 8.50-1
11.8.......................................... 1.388 8.50-1
11.9.......................................... 1.400 8.50-1
12.0.......................................... 1.412 8.50-1
12.1.......................................... 1.424 8.50-1
12.2.......................................... 1.435 8.50-1
12.3.......................................... 1.447 8.50-1
12.4.......................................... 1.459 8.50-1
12.5.......................................... 1.471 8.50-1
12.6.......................................... 1.482 8.50-1
12.7.......................................... 1.494 8.50-1
12.8.......................................... 1.506 8.50-1
12.9.......................................... 1.517 8.50-1
13.0.......................................... 1.530 8.50-1
13.1.......................................... 1.541 8.50-1
13.2.......................................... 1.553 8.50-1
13.3.......................................... 1.565 8.50-1
13.4.......................................... 1.576 8.50-1
13.5.......................................... 1.588 8.50-1
13.6.......................................... 1.600 8.50-1
13.7.......................................... 1.612 8.50-1
13.8.......................................... 1.624 8.50-1
13.9.......................................... 1.635 8.50-1
14.0.......................................... 1.647 8.50-1
14.1.......................................... 1.659 8.50-1
14.2.......................................... 1.671 8.50-1
14.3.......................................... 1.682 8.50-1
14.4.......................................... 1.694 8.50-1
14.5.......................................... 1.705 8.50-1
14.6.......................................... 1.718 8.50-1
14.7.......................................... 1.729 8.50-1
14.8.......................................... 1.741 8.50-1
14.9.......................................... 1.753 8.50-1
15.0.......................................... 1.765 8.50-1
15.1.......................................... 1.776 8.50-1
15.2.......................................... 1.788 8.50-1
15.3.......................................... 1.800 8.50-1
15.4.......................................... 1.812 8.50-1
15.5.......................................... 1.824 8.50-1
15.6 or more.................................. ........... 8.50-1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 51.1179 Method of juice extraction.
The juice used in the determining of solids, acids and juice
content shall be extracted from representative samples as thoroughly as
possible with a hand reamer or by such mechanical extractor or
extractors as may be approved. The juice shall be strained through
cheese cloth or other approved straining device of extra fine mesh to
prevent passage of juice cells, pulp, or seeds.
4. In part 51, Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of
Florida Tangerines is revised to read as follows:
Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Florida Tangerines
Grades
Sec.
51.1810 U.S. Fancy.
51.1811 U.S. No. 1 Bright.
51.1812 U.S. No. 1.
51.1813 U.S. No. 1 Golden.
51.1814 U.S. No. 1 Bronze.
51.1815 U.S. No. 1 Russet.
51.1816 U.S. No. 2 Bright.
51.1817 U.S. No. 2.
51.1818 U.S. No. 2 Russet.
51.1819 U.S. No. 3.
Tolerances
51.1820 Tolerances.
Application of Tolerances
51.1821 Application of tolerances.
Size
51.1822 Size.
Definitions
51.1823 Mature.
51.1824 Firm.
51.1825 Well formed.
51.1826 Damage.
51.1827 Highly colored.
51.1828 Discoloration.
51.1829 Well colored.
51.1830 Fairly well colored.
51.1831 Fairly firm.
51.1832 Fairly well formed.
51.1833 Serious damage.
51.1834 Reasonably well colored.
51.1835 Very serious damage.
51.1836 Diameter.
51.1837 Classification of defects.
Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Florida Tangerines
Sec. 51.1810 U.S. Fancy.
``U.S. Fancy'' consists of tangerines which meet the following
requirements:
(a) Basic requirements:
(1) Discoloration: Not more than one-tenth of the surface, in the
aggregate, may be affected by discoloration. (See Sec. 51.1828.);
(2) Firm;
(3) Highly colored;
(4) Mature; and,
(5) Well formed.
(b) Free from:
(1) Caked melanose;
(2) Decay;
(3) Unhealed skin breaks; and,
(4) Wormy fruit.
(c) Free from damage caused by:
(1) Ammoniation;
(2) Bruises;
(3) Buckskin;
(4) Creasing;
(5) Dirt or other foreign material;
(6) Dryness or mushy condition;
(7) Disease;
(8) Green spots;
(9) Hail;
(10) Insects;
(11) Oil spots;
(12) Scab;
(13) Scale;
(14) Scars;
(15) Skin breakdown;
(16) Sprayburn;
(17) Sunburn; and,
(18) Other means.
(d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1820.
Sec. 51.1811 U.S. No. 1 Bright.
The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1
except that fruit shall have not more than one-fifth of its surface, in
the aggregate, affected by discoloration. For tolerances see
Sec. 51.1820.
Sec. 51.1812 U.S. No. 1.
``U.S. No. 1'' consists of tangerines which meet the following
requirements:
(a) Basic requirements:
(1) Discoloration: Not more than one-third of the surface, in the
aggregate, may be affected by discoloration. (See Sec. 51.1828.);
(2) Fairly well colored;
(3) Firm;
(4) Mature; and,
(5) Well formed.
(b) Free from:
(1) Decay;
(2) Unhealed skin breaks; and,
(3) Wormy fruit.
(c) Free from damage caused by:
(1) Ammoniation;
(2) Bruises;
(3) Buckskin;
(4) Caked melanose;
(5) Creasing;
(6) Dirt or other foreign material;
(7) Disease;
(8) Dryness or mushy condition;
(9) Green spots;
(10) Hail;
(11) Insects;
(12) Oil spots;
(13) Scab;
(14) Scale;
(15) Scars;
(16) Skin breakdown;
(17) Sprayburn;
(18) Sunburn; and
(19) Other means.
(d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1820.
Sec. 51.1813 U.S. No. 1 Golden.
The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1
except that not more than 30 percent, by count, of the fruit shall have
than more one-third of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by
discoloration. For tolerances see Sec. 51.1820.
Sec. 51.1814 U.S. No. 1 Bronze.
The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1
except that at least 30 percent, by count, of the fruit shall have more
than one-third of their
[[Page 20714]]
surface, in the aggregate, affected by discoloration. The predominating
discoloration on each fruit shall be of rust mite type. For tolerances
see Sec. 51.1820.
Sec. 51.1815 U.S. No. 1 Russet.
The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1
except that at least 30 percent, by count, of the fruit shall have more
than one-third of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by any type
of discoloration. For tolerances see Sec. 51.1820.
Sec. 51.1816 U.S. No. 2 Bright.
The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 2
except that fruit shall have not more than one-fifth of its surface, in
the aggregate, affected by discoloration. For tolerances see
Sec. 51.1820.
Sec. 51.1817 U.S. No. 2.
``U.S. No. 2'' consists of tangerines which meet the following
requirements:
(a) Basic requirements:
(1) Discoloration: Not more than one-half of the surface, in the
aggregate, may be affected by discoloration. (See Sec. 51.1828.);
(2) Fairly firm;
(3) Fairly well formed;
(4) Mature; and
(5) Reasonably well colored.
(b) Free from:
(1) Decay;
(2) Unhealed skin breaks; and,
(3) Wormy fruit.
(c) Free from serious damage caused by:
(1) Ammoniation;
(2) Bruises;
(3) Buckskin;
(4) Caked melanose;
(5) Creasing;
(6) Dirt or other foreign material;
(7) Disease;
(8) Dryness or mushy condition;
(9) Green spots;
(10) Hail;
(11) Insects;
(12) Oil spots;
(13) Scab;
(14) Scale;
(15) Scars;
(16) Skin breakdown;
(17) Sprayburn;
(18) Sunburn; and
(19) Other means.
(d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1820.
Sec. 51.1818 U.S. No. 2 Russet.
The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 2
except that at least 10 percent of the fruit shall have more than one-
half of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by any type of
discoloration. For tolerances see Sec. 51.1820.
Sec. 51.1819 U.S. No. 3.
``U.S. No. 3'' consists of tangerines which meet the following
requirements:
(a) Basic requirements:
(1) Mature;
(2) Not flabby; and
(3) Not seriously lumpy.
(b) Free from:
(1) Decay;
(2) Unhealed skin breaks; and
(3) Wormy fruit.
(c) Free from very serious damage caused by:
(1) Ammoniation;
(2) Bruises;
(3) Caked melanose;
(4) Creasing;
(5) Dirt or other foreign material;
(6) Disease;
(7) Dryness or mushy condition;
(8) Hail;
(9) Insects;
(10) Scab;
(11) Scale;
(12) Scars;
(13) Skin breakdown;
(14) Sprayburn;
(15) Sunburn; and,
(16) Other means.
(d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.1820.
Tolerances
Sec. 51.1820 Tolerances.
In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and
handling in each of the foregoing grades, the following tolerances, by
count, are provided as specified:
(a) Defects.
(1) U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1 Bright, U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 1 Golden,
U.S. No. 1 Bronze, U.S. No. 1 Russet, U.S. No. 2 Bright, U.S. No. 2,
and U.S. No. 2 Russet grades.
(i) For defects at shipping point.1 Not more than 10 percent
of the fruit in any lot may fail to meet the requirements of the
specified grade: Provided, that included in this amount not more than 5
percent shall be allowed for defects causing very serious damage,
including in this latter amount not more than 1 percent for decay or
wormy fruit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Shipping point, as used in these standards, means the point
of origin of the shipment in the producing area or at port of
loading for ship stores or overseas shipment, or, in the case of
shipments from outside the continental United States, the port of
entry into the United States.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(ii) For defects en route or at destination. Not more than 12
percent of the fruit which fail to meet the requirements of the
specified grade: Provided, that included in this amount not more than
the following percentages shall be allowed for defects listed:
(A) 10 percent for fruit having permanent defects; or,
(B) 7 percent for defects causing very serious damage, including
therein not more than 5 percent for very serious damage by permanent
defects and not more than 3 percent for decay or wormy fruit.
(2) U.S. No. 3.
(i) For defects at shipping point.\1\ Not more than 10 percent of
the fruit in any lot may fail to meet the requirements of the grade:
Provided, that included in this amount not more than 1 percent shall be
for decay or wormy fruit.
(ii) For defects en route or at destination. Not more than 12
percent of the fruit which fail to meet the requirements of the grade:
Provided, that included in this amount not more than the following
percentages shall be allowed for defects listed:
(A) 10 percent for fruit having permanent defects; or,
(B) 3 percent for decay or wormy fruit.
(b) Discoloration.--(1) U.S. No. 1 Bright, U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 2
Bright, and U.S. No. 2. Not more than 10 percent of the fruit in any
lot may fail to meet the requirements relating to discoloration as
specified in each grade. No sample may have more than 20 percent of the
fruit with excessive discoloration: And provided further, that the
entire lot averages within the percentage specified.
(2) U.S. No. 1 Golden. Not more than 30 percent of the fruit shall
have in excess of one-third of their surface, in the aggregate,
affected by discoloration, and no part of any tolerance shall be
allowed to increase this percentage. No sample may have more than 40
percent of the fruit with excessive discoloration: And provided
further, that the entire lot averages within the percentage specified.
(3) U.S. No. 1 Bronze, and U.S. No. 1 Russet. At least 30 percent
of the fruit shall have in excess of one-third of the surface, in the
aggregate, affected by discoloration, and no part of any tolerance
shall be allowed to reduce this percentage. No sample may have less
than 20 percent of the fruit with required discoloration: And provided
further, that the entire lot averages within the percentage specified.
(4) U.S. No. 2 Russet. At least 10 percent of the fruit shall have
in excess of one-half of the surface, in the aggregate, affected by
discoloration, and no part of any tolerance shall be allowed to reduce
this percentage: And provided further, that the entire lot averages
within the percentage specified.
Application of Tolerances
Sec. 51.1821 Application of tolerances.
The contents of individual packages in the lot, based on sample
inspection,
[[Page 20715]]
are subject to the following limitations, unless otherwise specified in
Sec. 51.1820: Provided, that the average for the entire lot are within
the tolerance specified for the grade:
(a) For packages which contain more than 15 pounds, and a tolerance
of 10 percent or more is provided, individual packages in any lot shall
have not more than one and one-half times the tolerance specified. For
packages which contain more than 15 pounds, and a tolerance of less
than 10 percent is provided, individual packages in any lot shall have
not more than double the tolerance specified, except that at least one
decayed or very seriously damaged fruit may be permitted in any
package.
(b) For packages which contain 15 pounds or less, individual
packages in any lot are not restricted as to the percentage of defects:
Provided, that not more than one fruit which is decayed or otherwise
very seriously damaged may be permitted in any package and, in
addition, en route or at destination not more than 10 percent of the
packages may have more than one fruit which is decayed or otherwise
very seriously damaged.
Size
Sec. 51.1822 Size.
(a) Fruits shall be fairly uniform in size and shall be packed in
containers according to approved and recognized methods.
(b) ``Fairly uniform in size'' means that not more than 10 percent
of the tangerines per sample may vary more than one-half inch in
diameter.
(c) In order to allow for variations incident to proper sizing, not
more than 10 percent of the samples in any lot may fail to meet the
requirements of size.
Definitions
Sec. 51.1823 Mature.
Mature shall have the same meaning assigned the term in the Florida
Citrus Code, Chapter 601, 1995 Edition, and the Official Rules
Affecting the Florida Citrus Industry, in effect as of February 12,
1995. These tangerine maturity requirements are contained in the
Florida Citrus Code, Chapter 601, Florida Statutes, Sections 601.21,
and 601.22, 1995 Edition, and the State of Florida Department of Citrus
Official Rules Affecting the Florida Citrus Industry, Part 1, Chapter
20-13 Market Classification, Maturity Standards and Processing or
Packing Restrictions for Hybrids in effect as of February 12, 1995.
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51.
Copies may be obtained from, Florida Department of Citrus, Post Office
Box 148, Lakeland, Florida 33802 or copies of both regulations may be
inspected at USDA, AMS, F&VD, FPB, Standardization Section, Room 2065-
S, 14th and Independence Ave., Washington, DC 20250 or at the Office of
the Federal Register, Suite 700, 800 North Capitol Street, Washington,
DC.
Sec. 51.1824 Firm.
Firm means that the flesh is not soft and the fruit is not badly
puffy and that the skin has not become materially separated from the
flesh of the tangerine.
Sec. 51.1825 Well formed.
Well formed means that the fruit has the characteristic tangerine
shape and is not deformed.
Sec. 51.1826 Damage.
Damage means any specific defect described in Sec. 51.1837, Table
I; or an equally objectionable variation of any one of these defects,
any other defect, or any combination of defects, which materially
detracts from the appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the
fruit.
Sec. 51.1827 Highly colored.
Highly colored means that the ground color of each fruit is a deep
tangerine color, or characteristic color for the variety, with
practically no trace of yellow color.
Sec. 51.1828 Discoloration.
Discoloration means russeting of a light shade of golden brown
caused by rust mite or other means. Lighter shades of discoloration
caused by smooth or fairly smooth superficial scars or other means may
be allowed on a greater area, or darker shades may be allowed on a
lesser area, provided no discoloration caused by speck type melanose or
other means may detract from the appearance of the fruit to a greater
extent than the shade and amount of discoloration allowed in the grade.
Sec. 51.1829 Well colored.
Well colored means that a good yellow or better ground color
predominates over the green color on the entire fruit surface with no
distinct green color present, and that some portion of the surface has
a reddish tangerine blush, or characteristic color for the variety.
Sec. 51.1830 Fairly well colored.
Fairly well colored means that the surface of the fruit may have
green color which does not exceed the aggregate area of a circle 1-\1/
4\ inches (31.8 mm) in diameter and that the remainder of the surface
has a yellow or better ground color with some portion of the surface
showing reddish tangerine blush, or characteristic color for the
variety.
Sec. 51.1831 Fairly firm.
Fairly firm means that the flesh may 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.
Sec. 51.1832 Fairly well formed.
Fairly well formed means that the fruit may not have the shape
characteristic of the variety but that it is not badly deformed.
Sec. 51.1833 Serious damage.
Serious damage means any specific defect described in Sec. 51.1837,
Table I; or an equally objectionable variation of any one of these
defects, any other defect, or any combination of defects, which
seriously detracts from the appearance, or the edible or marketing
quality of the fruit.
Sec. 51.1834 Reasonably well colored.
Reasonably well colored means that a good yellow or reddish
tangerine color shall predominate over the green color on at least one-
half of the fruit surface in the aggregate, and that each fruit shall
show practically no lemon color.
Sec. 51.1835 Very serious damage.
Very serious damage means any specific defect described in
Sec. 51.1837, Table I; or an equally objectionable variation of any one
of these defects, any other defect, or any combination of defects,
which very seriously detracts from the appearance, or the edible or
marketing quality of the fruit.
Sec. 51.1836 Diameter.
Diameter means the greatest dimension measured at right angles to a
line from stem to blossom end.
[[Page 20716]]
Sec. 51.1837 Classification of defects.
Table I
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Factor Damage Serious damage Very serious damage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ammoniation.......................... Not occurring as light Scars are cracked or Aggregating more than
speck type, or dark and aggregating 25 percent of the
detracts more than more than a circle \5/ surface.
discoloration 8\ inch (15.9 mm) in
permitted in the grade. diameter.
Bruises.............................. Segment walls are Segment walls are Fruit is split open,
collapsed, or rag is collapsed, or rag is peel is badly
ruptured and juice ruptured and juice watersoaked, or rag is
sacs are ruptured. sacs are ruptured. ruptured and juice
sacs are ruptured
causing a mushy
condition affecting
all segments more than
\1/2\ inch (12.7 mm)
at bruised area or the
equivalent of this
amount, by volume,
when affecting more
than one area on the
fruit.
Buckskin............................. Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than Aggregating more than
circle \3/4\ inch 25 percent of the 50 percent of the
(19.1 mm) in diameter. surface. surface.
Caked melanose....................... Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than
circle \3/8\ inch (9.5 circle \5/8\ inch 25 percent of the
mm) in diameter. (15.9 mm) in diameter. surface.
Creasing............................. Materially weakens the Seriously weakens the Very seriously weakens
skin, or extends over skin, or extends over the skin, or is
more than one-third of more than one-half of distributed over
the surface. the surface. practically the entire
surface.
Dryness or mushy condition........... Affecting all segments Affecting all segments Affecting all segments
more than \1/8\ inch more than \1/4\ inch more than \1/2\ inch
(3.2 mm) at stem end, (6.4 mm) at stem end, (12.7 mm) at stem end,
or the equivalent of or the equivalent of or the equivalent of
this amount, by this amount, by this amount, by
volume, when occurring volume, when occurring volume, when occurring
in other portions of in other portions of in other portions of
the fruit. the fruit. the fruit.
Green spots.......................... Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than
circle \1/2\ inch circle \5/8\ inch 25 percent of the
(12.7 mm) in diameter. (15.9 mm) in diameter. surface.
Oil spots............................ Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than
circle \1/2\ inch circle \3/4\ inch 25 percent of the
(12.7 mm) in diameter. (19.1 mm) in diameter. surface.
Scab................................. Materially detracts Seriously detracts from Aggregating more than
from the shape or the shape or texture, 25 percent of the
texture, or or aggregating more surface.
aggregating more than than a circle \5/8\
a circle \3/8\ inch inch (15.9 mm) in
(9.5 mm) in diameter. diameter.
Scale................................ Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than
circle \3/8\ inch (9.5 circle \5/8\ inch 25 percent of the
mm) in diameter. (15.9 mm) in diameter. surface.
Scars, Hail, and Thorn scratches [For Deep or rough Deep or rough Deep or rough or
smooth or fairly smooth superficial aggregating more than aggregating more than unsightly that
scars see Sec. 51.1828.]. a circle \1/4\ inch a circle \1/2\ inch appearance is very
(6.4 mm) in diameter; (12.7 mm) in diameter; seriously affected.
slightly rough with slightly rough with
slight depth slight depth
aggregating more than aggregating more than
a circle \3/4\ inch a circle 1\1/8\ inches
(19.1 mm) in diameter; (28.6 mm) in diameter;
smooth or fairly smooth or fairly
smooth with slight smooth with slight
depth aggregating more depth aggregating more
than a circle 1\1/8\ than 10 percent of
inches (28.6 mm) in fruit surface.
diameter.
Skin breakdown....................... Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than
circle \1/2\ inch circle \3/4\ inch 25 percent of the
(12.7 mm) in diameter. (19.1 mm) in diameter. surface.
Sprayburn............................ Skin is hard and Skin is hard and Aggregating more than
aggregating more than aggregating more than 25 percent of the
a circle \3/4\ inch a circle 1\1/4\ inches surface.
(19.1 mm) in diameter. (31.8 mm) in diameter.
Sunburn.............................. Skin is flattened, dry, Skin is hard and Aggregating more than
darkened, or hard and affects more than one- 50 percent of the
the affected area third of the surface. surface.
exceeds 25 percent of
the surface.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: All references to area or aggregate area, or length are based on a tangerine 2\1/2\ inches in diameter
(63.5 mm), allowing proportionately greater areas on larger fruit and lesser areas on smaller fruit.
Dated: May 2, 1996.
Robert C. Keeney,
Director, Fruit and Vegetable Division.
[FR Doc. 96-11457 Filed 5-7-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
