[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