[Title 7 CFR ]
[Code of Federal Regulations (annual edition) - January 1, 2024 Edition]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



[[Page i]]

          

          Title 7

Agriculture


________________________

Parts 53 to 209

                         Revised as of January 1, 2024

          Containing a codification of documents of general 
          applicability and future effect

          As of January 1, 2024
                    Published by the Office of the Federal Register 
                    National Archives and Records Administration as a 
                    Special Edition of the Federal Register

[[Page ii]]

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                            Table of Contents



                                                                    Page
  Explanation.................................................       v

  Title 7:
    SUBTITLE B--Regulations of the Department of Agriculture 
      (Continued)
          Chapter I--Agricultural Marketing Service 
          (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), 
          Department of Agriculture (Continued)                      5
  Finding Aids:
      Table of CFR Titles and Chapters........................     469
      Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR......     489
      List of CFR Sections Affected...........................     499

[[Page iv]]





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

                     Cite this Code: CFR
                     To cite the regulations in 
                       this volume use title, 
                       part and section number. 
                       Thus, 7 CFR 53.1 refers to 
                       title 7, part 53, section 
                       1.

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

[[Page v]]



                               EXPLANATION

    The Code of Federal Regulations is a codification of the general and 
permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the Executive 
departments and agencies of the Federal Government. The Code is divided 
into 50 titles which represent broad areas subject to Federal 
regulation. Each title is divided into chapters which usually bear the 
name of the issuing agency. Each chapter is further subdivided into 
parts covering specific regulatory areas.
    Each volume of the Code is revised at least once each calendar year 
and issued on a quarterly basis approximately as follows:

Title 1 through Title 16.................................as of January 1
Title 17 through Title 27..................................as of April 1
Title 28 through Title 41...................................as of July 1
Title 42 through Title 50................................as of October 1

    The appropriate revision date is printed on the cover of each 
volume.

LEGAL STATUS

    The contents of the Federal Register are required to be judicially 
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evidence of the text of the original documents (44 U.S.C. 1510).

HOW TO USE THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS

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OMB CONTROL NUMBERS

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collection request.

[[Page vi]]

Many agencies have begun publishing numerous OMB control numbers as 
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This material, like any other properly issued regulation, has the force 
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that volume.

[[Page vii]]

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    Oliver A. Potts,
    Director,
    Office of the Federal Register
    April 1, 2024







[[Page ix]]



                               THIS TITLE

    Title 7--Agriculture is composed of fifteen volumes. The parts in 
these volumes are arranged in the following order: Parts 1-26, 27-52, 
53-209, 210-299, 300-399, 400-699, 700-899, 900-999, 1000-1199, 1200-
1599, 1600-1759, 1760-1939, 1940-1949, 1950-1999, and part 2000 to end. 
The contents of these volumes represent all current regulations codified 
under this title of the CFR as of January 1, 2024.

    The Food and Nutrition Service current regulations in the volume 
containing parts 210-299, include the Child Nutrition Programs and the 
Food Stamp Program. The regulations of the Federal Crop Insurance 
Corporation are found in the volume containing parts 400-699.

    All marketing agreements and orders for fruits, vegetables and nuts 
appear in the one volume containing parts 900-999. All marketing 
agreements and orders for milk appear in the volume containing parts 
1000-1199.

    For this volume, Cheryl E. Sirofchuck was Chief Editor. The Code of 
Federal Regulations publication program is under the direction of John 
Hyrum Martinez, assisted by Stephen J. Frattini.

[[Page 1]]



                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE




                  (This book contains parts 53 to 209)

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

  SUBTITLE B--Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued)

                                                                    Part

chapter i--Agricultural Marketing Service (Standards, 
  Inspections, Marketing Practices), Department of 
  Agriculture (Continued)...................................          53

[[Page 3]]

  Subtitle B--Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued)

[[Page 5]]



   CHAPTER I--AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (STANDARDS, INSPECTIONS, 
       MARKETING PRACTICES), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED)




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

SUBCHAPTER C--REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING 
       ACT OF 1946 AND THE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT (CONTINUED)
Part                                                                Page
53              Livestock (grading, certification, and 
                    standards)..............................           7
54              Meats, prepared meats, and meat products 
                    (grading, certification, and standards).          13
56              Voluntary grading of shell eggs.............          37
57              Inspection of eggs (Egg Products Inspection 
                    Act)....................................          58
58              Grading and inspection, general 
                    specifications for approved plants and 
                    standards for grades of dairy products..          74
59              Livestock mandatory reporting...............         151
60              Country of origin labeling for fish and 
                    shellfish...............................         166
61              Cottonseed sold or offered for sale for 
                    crushing purposes (inspection, sampling 
                    and certification)......................         171
62              Agricultural Marketing Service Audit 
                    Verification and Accreditation Programs 
                    (AVAAP).................................         178
63              National Sheep Industry Improvement Center..         185
65              Country of origin labeling of lamb, chicken, 
                    and goat meat, perishable agricultural 
                    commodities, macadamia nuts, pecans, 
                    peanuts, and ginseng....................         191
66              National bioengineered food disclosure 
                    standard................................         197
70              Voluntary grading of poultry products and 
                    rabbit products.........................         207
75              Provisions for inspection and certification 
                    of quality of agricultural and vegetable 
                    seeds...................................         226
         SUBCHAPTER D--EXPORT AND DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION PROGRAMS
80              Fresh Russet Potato Diversion Program.......         234
81              Prune/Dried Plum Diversion Program..........         234

[[Page 6]]

82              Clingstone Peach Diversion Program..........         238
           SUBCHAPTER E--COMMODITY LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAMS
90

[Reserved]

91              Services and general information............         243
93              Processed fruits and vegetables.............         256
94              Poultry and egg products....................         260
95-96

[Reserved]

97              Plant variety and protection................         264
98              Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MRE's), meats, and meat 
                    products................................         283
99-109

[Reserved]

110             Recordkeeping on restricted use pesticides 
                    by certified applicators; surveys and 
                    reports.................................         286
111-159

[Reserved]

                       SUBCHAPTER F--NAVAL STORES
160             Regulations and standards for naval stores..         297
 SUBCHAPTER G--MISCELLANEOUS MARKETING PRACTICES UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL 
                          MARKETING ACT OF 1946
170             USDA Farmers Market.........................         315
180             Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program......         318
                         SUBCHAPTER H [RESERVED]
                     SUBCHAPTER K--FEDERAL SEED ACT
201             Federal Seeded Act requirements.............         321
202             Federal Seed Act administrative procedures..         394
203-204

[Reserved]

       SUBCHAPTER L--REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO PURCHASES [RESERVED]
          SUBCHAPTER M--ORGANIC FOODS PRODUCTION ACT PROVISIONS
205             National Organic Program....................         398
206-209

[Reserved]

[[Page 7]]



SUBCHAPTER C_REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING 
       ACT OF 1946 AND THE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT (CONTINUED)





PART 53_LIVESTOCK (GRADING, CERTIFICATION, AND STANDARDS)-
-Table of Contents



                          Subpart A_Regulations

                               Definitions

Sec.
53.1 Meaning of words.
53.2 Designation of official certificates, memoranda, marks, other 
          identifications, for purposes of the Agricultural Marketing 
          Act.

                             Administration

53.3 Authority.

                                 Service

53.4 Kind of service.
53.5 Availability of service.
53.8 How to obtain service.
53.9 Order of furnishing service.
53.10 When request for service deemed made.
53.11 Withdrawal of application or request for service.
53.12 Authority of agent.
53.13 Denial or withdrawal of service.
53.14 Financial interest of official grader.
53.15 Accessibility to livestock.
53.16 Official certificates.
53.17 Advance information concerning service rendered.

                           Charges for Service

53.18 Fees and other charges for service.
53.19 Payment of fees and other charges.

                              Miscellaneous

53.20 Identification.
53.21 Errors in service.

Subpart B [Reserved]

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.

    Source: 42 FR 53902, Oct. 4, 1977, unless otherwise noted.



                          Subpart A_Regulations

                               Definitions



Sec.  53.1  Meaning of words.

    Words used in this subpart in the singular form shall be deemed to 
import the plural, and vice versa, as the case may demand. For the 
purposes of such regulations, unless the context otherwise requires, the 
following terms shall be construed, respectively, to mean:
    Acceptance service. The service established and conducted under the 
regulations for the determination and certification or other 
identification of the compliance of livestock with specifications.
    Act. The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (Title II of the act of 
Congress approved August 14, 1946, 60 Stat. 1087, as amended by Pub. L. 
272, 84th Cong., 69 Stat. 553, 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627).
    Administrator. The Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing 
Service, or any officer or employee of the Agricultural Marketing 
Service to whom authority has heretofore been delegated, or to whom 
authority may hereafter be delegated, to act in his stead.
    Agricultural Marketing Service. The Agricultural Marketing Service 
of the Department.
    Applicant. Any person who has applied for service under the 
regulations.
    Branch. The Livestock Market News Branch of the Division.
    Chief. The Chief of the Branch, or any officer or employee of the 
Branch to whom authority has heretofore been delegated, or to whom 
authority may hereafter be delegated, to act in his stead.
    Class. A subdivision of livestock based on essential physical 
characteristics that differentiate between major groups of the same kind 
of species.
    Compliance. Conformity of livestock to the specifications under 
which the livestock was purchased or sold, with particular reference to 
the weight, quality or other characterics of livestock.
    Cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement between the 
Agricultural Marketing Service and another Federal agency or a State 
agency, or other agency, organization or person as specified in the 
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended, for conducting the 
service.

[[Page 8]]

    Department. The United States Department of Agriculture.
    Director. The Director of the Division or any officer or employee of 
the Division to whom authority has heretofore been delegated, or to whom 
authority may hereafter be delegated, to act in his stead.
    Division. Livestock, Poultry, Grain and Seed Division.
    Financially interested person. Any person having a financial 
interest in the livestock involved, including but not limited to the 
shipper, receiver, producer, seller, buyer, or carrier of the livestock 
or products.
    Grade. (1) As a noun, this term means an important commercial 
subdivision of livestock based on certain definite and preference 
determining factors, such as, but not limited to, conformation, finish, 
and muscling in livestock.
    (2) As a verb, this term means to determine the class, grade, or 
other quality of livestock according to applicable standards for such 
livestock.
    Grading service. The service established and conducted under the 
regulations for the determination and certification or other 
identification of the class, grade, or other quality of livestock under 
standards.
    Legal holiday. Those days designated as legal public holidays in 
title 5, United States Code, section 6103(a).
    Livestock. Cattle, sheep, swine, or goats.
    Official grader. An employee of the Department or other person 
authorized by the Department to determine and certify or otherwise 
identify the class, grade, other quality, or compliance of livestock 
under the regulations.
    Person. Any individual, partnership, corporation, or other legal 
entity, or Government agency.
    Regulations. The regulations in this subpart.
    Service. Grading service or acceptance service.
    Specifications. Description with respect to the class, grade, other 
quality, quantity or condition of livestock approved by the 
Administrator, and available for use by the industry regardless of the 
origin of the descriptions.
    Standards. The standards of the Department contained in Official 
United States Standards for Grades of: Carcass Beef; Veal and Calf 
Carcasses; Lamb, Yearling Mutton, and Mutton Carcasses; and, Pork 
Carcasses.
    Supervisor. An official person designated by the Director or Chief 
to supervise and maintain uniformity and accuracy of service under the 
regulations.

[42 FR 53902, Oct. 4, 1977, as amended at 63 FR 72101, Dec. 31, 1998]



Sec.  53.2  Designation of official certificates, memoranda, marks,
other identifications, for purposes of the Agricultural Marketing Act.

    Subsection 203(h) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as 
amended by Pub. L. 272, 84th Congress, provides criminal penalties for 
various specified offenses relating to official certificates, memoranda, 
marks or other identifications, and devices for making such marks or 
identifications, issued or authorized under section 203 of said act, and 
certain misrepresentations concerning the inspection or grading of 
agricultural products under said section. For the purposes of said 
subsection and the provisions in this part, the terms listed below shall 
have the respective meanings specified:
    (a) Official certificate means any form of certification, either 
written or printed, including that prescribed in Sec.  53.16, used under 
the regulations to certify with respect to the inspection, class, grade, 
quality, size, quantity, or condition of livestock with applicable 
specifications.
    (b) Official memorandum means any initial record of findings made by 
an authorized person in the process of grading, determining compliance, 
or inspecting, pursuant to the regulations, any processing or plant-
operation report made by an authorized person in connection with 
grading, determining compliance, inspecting, or sampling under the 
regulations, and any report made by an authorized person of services 
performed pursuant to the regulations.
    (c) Official mark or other official identification means any form of 
mark or other identification, used under the regulations in marking 
livestock thereof, to show inspection, class,

[[Page 9]]

grade, quality, size, quantity, or condition of the livestock (including 
the compliance of livestock with applicable specifications), or to 
maintain the identity of livestock for which service is provided under 
the regulations.

                             Administration



Sec.  53.3  Authority.

    The Director is charged with the administration of the regulations 
and the Act insofar as they relate to livestock.

                                 Service



Sec.  53.4  Kind of service.

    Grading service under the regulations shall consist of the 
determination and certification and other identification, upon request 
by the applicant, of the class, grade, or other quality of livestock 
under applicable standards. Class, grade and other quality may be 
determined under said standards for livestock. Acceptance service under 
the regulations shall consist of the determination of the conformity of 
livestock to specifications approved by the Director or Chief and the 
certification and other identification of such livestock in accordance 
with specifications, upon request by the applicant.

[42 FR 53902, Oct. 4, 1977, as amended at 63 FR 72101, Dec. 31, 1998]



Sec.  53.5  Availability of service.

    Service under these regulations may be made available with respect 
to livestock shipped or received in interstate commerce, and with 
respect to the livestock not so shipped or received if the Director or 
Chief determines that the furnishing of service for such livestock would 
facilitate the marketing, distribution, processing, or utilization of 
agricultural products through commercial channels. Also, such service 
may be made available under a cooperative agreement. Service under these 
regulations shall be provided without discrimination as to race, color, 
sex, creed, or national origin.



Sec.  53.8  How to obtain service.

    (a) Application. Any person may apply to the Director or Chief for 
service under the regulations with respect to livestock in which the 
applicant is financially interested. The application shall be made on a 
form approved by the Director.
    (b) Notice of eligibility for service. The applicant for service 
will be notified whether his application is approved.
    (c) Request by applicant for service--(1) Noncommitment. Upon 
notification of the approval on an application for service, the 
applicant may, from time to time as desired, make oral or written 
requests for service under the regulations with respect to specific 
livestock for which the service is to be furnished under such 
application. Such requests shall be made at a market news office either 
directly or through any employee of the Agricultural Marketing Service 
who may be designated for such purposes.



Sec.  53.9  Order of furnishing service.

    Service under the regulations shall be furnished to applicants in 
the order in which requests therefor are received, insofar as consistent 
with good management, efficiency and economy. Precedence will be given, 
when necessary, to requests made by any government agency or any regular 
user of the service.



Sec.  53.10  When request for service deemed made.

    A request for service under the regulations shall be deemed to be 
made when received by a market news office. Records showing the date and 
time of the request shall be made and kept in such office.



Sec.  53.11  Withdrawal of application or request for service.

    An application or a request for service under the regulations may be 
withdrawn by the applicant at any time before the application is 
approved or prior to performance of service, upon payment, in accordance 
with Sec. Sec.  53.18 and 53.19, of any expenses already incurred by the 
Agricultural Marketing Service in connection therewith.



Sec.  53.12  Authority of agent.

    Proof of the authority of any person making an application or a 
request for service under the regulations on behalf of any other person 
may be required at the discretion of the Director or Chief

[[Page 10]]

or the official in charge of the market news office or other employee 
receiving the application or request under Sec.  53.8.



Sec.  53.13  Denial or withdrawal of service.

    (a) For misconduct--(1) Bases for denial or withdrawal. An 
application or a request for service may be rejected, or the benefits of 
the service may be otherwise denied to, or withdrawn from, any person 
who, or whose employee or agent in the scope of his employment or 
agency: (i) Has willfully made any misrepresentation or has committed 
any other fraudulent or deceptive practice in connection with any 
application or request for service under the regulations; (ii) has given 
or attempted to give, as a loan or for any other purpose, any money, 
favor, or other thing of value, to any employee of the Department 
authorized to perform any function under the regulations; (iii) has 
interfered with or obstructed, or attempted to interfere with or to 
obstruct, any employee of the Department in the performance of his 
duties under the regulations by intimidation, threats, assaults, abuse, 
or any other improper means; (iv) has knowingly falsely made, issued, 
altered, forged, or counterfeited any official certificate, memorandum, 
mark, or other identification; (v) has knowingly uttered, published, or 
used as true any such falsely made, issued, altered, forged, or 
counterfeited certificate, memorandum, mark, identification, or device; 
(vi) has knowingly obtained or retained possession of any such falsely 
made, issued, altered, forged, or counterfeited certificate, memorandum, 
mark, identification, or device, or of any livestock bearing any such 
falsely made, issued, altered, forged, or counterfeited mark or 
identification; or (vii) has in any manner not specified in this 
paragraph violated subsection 203(h) of the Act: Provided, That 
paragraph (a)(1)(vi) of this section shall not be deemed to be violated 
if the person in possession of any item mentioned therein notifies the 
Director or Chief without delay that he has possession of such item and, 
surrenders it to the Director or Chief or destroys it or brings it into 
compliance with the regulations by obliterating or removing the 
violative features under supervision of the Director or Chief: And 
provided, further, That paragraph (a)(1)(ii) through (vi) of this 
section shall not be deemed to be violated by any act committed by any 
person prior to the making of an application for service under the 
regulations by the principal person. An application or a request for 
service may be rejected, or the benefits of the service may be otherwise 
denied to, or withdrawn from, any person who, or whose employee or agent 
in the scope of his employment or agency, has committed any of the 
offenses specified in paragraph (a)(1) (i) through (vii) of this section 
after such application was made. Moreover, an application or a request 
for service made in the name of a person otherwise eligible for service 
under the regulations may be rejected, or the benefits of the service 
may be otherwise denied to, or withdrawn from, such a person (a) in case 
the service is or would be performed at an establishment operated (1) by 
a corporation, partnership, or other person from whom the benefits of 
the service are currently being withheld under this paragraph, or (2) by 
a corporation, partnership, or other person having an officer, director, 
partner, or substantial investor from whom the benefits of the service 
are currently being withheld and who has any authority with respect to 
the establishment where service is or would be performed, or (b) in case 
the service is or would be performed with respect to any livestock in 
which any corporation, partnership, or other person within paragraph 
(a)(1)(vii)(a)(1) of this section has a contract or other financial 
interest.
    (2) Procedure. All cases arising under this paragraph shall be 
conducted in accordance with the Rules of Practice Governing Formal 
Adjudicatory Proceedings Instituted by the Secretary Under Various 
Statutes set forth in Sec. Sec.  1.130 through 1.151 of this title and 
the Supplemental Rules of Practice in part 50 of this chapter.
    (b) For miscellaneous reasons. An application or a request for 
service may be rejected, or the benefits of the service may be otherwise 
denied to, or withdrawn from, any person, without a hearing, by the 
official in charge of the appropriate market news office with

[[Page 11]]

the concurrence of the Director or Chief: (1) For administrative reasons 
such as the nonavailability of personnel to perform the service; (2) for 
the failure to pay for service; (3) for other noncompliance with the 
conditions on which service is available as provided in the regulations, 
except matters covered by paragraph (a) of this section; or (4) in case 
the person is a partnership, corporation, or other person from whom the 
benefits of the service are currently being withheld under paragraph (a) 
of this section. Notice of such denial or withdrawal, and the reasons 
therefor, shall promptly be given to the person involved.
    (c) Filing of records. The final orders in formal proceedings under 
paragraph (a) of this section to deny or withdraw the service under the 
regulations (except orders required for good cause to be held 
confidential and not cited as precedents) and other records in such 
proceedings (except those required for good cause to be held 
confidential) shall be filed with the Hearing Clerk and shall be 
available for inspection by persons having a proper interest therein.

[42 FR 53902, Oct. 4, 1977, as amended at 60 FR 8464, Feb. 14, 1995]



Sec.  53.14  Financial interest of official grader.

    No official grader shall grade or determine compliance of any 
livestock in which he or any of his relatives by blood or marriage is 
directly or indirectly financially interested.



Sec.  53.15  Accessibility to livestock.

    (a) The applicant shall cause livestock, with respect to which 
service is requested, to be made easily accessible for examination and 
to be so placed, with adequate illuminating facilities, as to disclose 
their class, grade, other quality, and compliance. Supervisors and other 
employees of the Department responsible for maintaining uniformity and 
accuracy of service under the regulations shall have access to all parts 
of establishments covered by approved applications for service under the 
regulations, for the purpose of examining all livestock in the 
establishments which have been or are to be graded or examined for 
compliance with specifications.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec.  53.16  Official certificates.

    (a) Required; exception. The official grader shall prepare, sign, 
and issue a livestock acceptance certificate covering livestock for 
which compliance has been determined.
    (b) Where weight is certified, the word ``Not'' shall be deleted 
from the phrases ``Weights Not Verified.''
    (c) Distribution. The original certificate, and not to exceed two 
copies, shall be delivered or mailed to the applicant or other person 
designated by him. The remaining copies shall be forwarded as required 
by agency, division, and branch instructions. Additional copies will be 
furnished to any person financially interested in livestock involved 
with the concurrence of the applicant and upon payment of fees, as 
provided in Sec.  53.18(d).



Sec.  53.17  Advance information concerning service rendered.

    Upon request of any applicant, all or any part of the contents of 
any certificate issued to him under the regulations, or other 
notification concerning the determination of class, grade, other 
quality, or compliance of livestock for such applicant may be 
transmitted by telegraph or telephone to him, or to any person 
designated by him, at his expense.

                           Charges for Service



Sec.  53.18  Fees and other charges for service.

    Fees and other charges equal as nearly as may be to the cost of the 
services rendered shall be assessed and collected from applicants in 
accordance with the following provisions unless otherwise provided in 
the cooperative agreement under which the services are furnished, or as 
provided in Sec.  53.8.
    (a) Fees based on hourly rates. Except as otherwise provided in this 
section, fees for service shall be based on the time required to render 
the service, calculated to the nearest 15-minute period, including time 
required for the preparation of certificates and travel of the official 
grader in connection

[[Page 12]]

with the performance of service. A minimum charge for 1 hour shall be 
made for service pursuant to each request notwithstanding that the time 
required to perform service may be less than 60 minutes. The base hourly 
rate shall be $29.40 per hour for work performed between the hours of 6 
a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on legal holidays; $32.80 
per hour for work performed before 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, and anytime Saturday or Sunday except on legal holidays; 
and $58.80 per hour for all work performed on legal holidays.
    (b) Travel charges. When service is requested at a place so distant 
from an official grader's headquarters, or place of prior assignment on 
a circuitous routing that a total of one-half hour or more is required 
for the grader to travel to such place and back to the headquarters, or 
to the next place of assignment on a circuitous routing, the charge for 
such service shall include a mileage charge administratively determined 
by the Chief, and travel tolls, if applicable, for such travel prorated 
against all the applicants furnished the service involved on an 
equitable basis, or where the travel is made by public transportation 
(including hired vehicle), a fee equal to the actual cost thereof. 
However, the applicant will not be charged a new mileage rate without 
notification before the service is rendered.
    (c) Per diem charges. When service is requested at a place away from 
the official grader's headquarters, the fee for such service shall 
include a per diem charge if the employee performing the service is paid 
per diem in accordance with existing travel regulations. Per diem 
charges to applicants will cover the same period of time for which the 
grader receives per diem reimbursement. The per diem rate will be 
administratively determined by the Chief. However, the applicant will 
not be charged a new per diem rate without notification before the 
service is rendered.
    (d) Fees for extra copies of certificates. In addition to copies of 
certificates furnished under Sec.  53.16, any financially interested 
person may obtain not to exceed three copies of any such certificate 
within 1 year from its date of issuance upon payment of a fee of $1.00, 
and not to exceed three copies of any such certificate at any time 
thereafter, while a copy of such certificate is on file in the 
Department, upon payment of a fee of $5.00.
    (e) Other charges. When costs, other than costs specified in 
paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this section, are involved in 
providing the services, the applicant will be charged for these costs. 
The amount of these charges will be determined administratively by the 
Chief. However, the applicant will not be charged for such cost without 
notification before the service is rendered of the charge for such item 
of expense.

[42 FR 53902, Oct. 4, 1977, as amended at 47 FR 54927, Dec. 7, 1982; 48 
FR 16874, Apr. 20, 1983]



Sec.  53.19  Payment of fees and other charges.

    Fees and other charges for service shall be paid in accordance with 
the following provisions unless otherwise provided in the cooperative 
agreement under which the service is furnished. Upon receipt of billing 
for fees and other charges for service the applicant shall remit by 
check, draft, or money order, made payable to the Agricultural Marketing 
Service, U.S.D.A., payment for the service in accordance with directions 
on the billing, and such fees and charges shall be paid in advance if 
required by the official grader or other authorized official.

                              Miscellaneous



Sec.  53.20  Identification.

    All official graders and supervisors shall have their Agricultural 
Marketing Service identification cards in their possession at all times 
while they are performing any function under the regulations and shall 
identify themselves by such cards upon request.



Sec.  53.21  Errors in service.

    When an official grader, supervisor, or other responsible employee 
of the Branch has evidence of misgrading, or of incorrect certification 
or other incorrect determination or identification as to the class, 
grade, other quality, or compliance of livestock, he shall report the 
matter to his immediate supervisor. The supervisor will investigate

[[Page 13]]

the matter and, if he deems advisable, will report it to the owner or 
his agent. The supervisor shall take appropriate action to correct 
errors found in the determination or identification of class, grade or 
other quality or compliance of livestock if the livestock is still owned 
by the person who owned them when, and are still located at the 
establishment where, the incorrect service was rendered and if such 
service was rendered by a grader under the jurisdiction of such 
supervisor, and the supervisor shall take adequate measures to prevent 
the recurrence of such errors.

Subpart B [Reserved]



PART 54_MEATS, PREPARED MEATS, AND MEAT PRODUCTS (GRADING, CERTIFICATION,
AND STANDARDS)--Table of Contents



      Subpart A_Grading of Meats, Prepared Meats, and Meat Products

                               Definitions

Sec.
54.1 Meaning of words and terms defined.
54.2 Designation of official certificates, memoranda, marks, other 
          identifications, and devices for purposes of the Agricultural 
          Marketing Act.

                             Administration

54.3 Authority.

                                 Service

54.4 Kind of service.
54.5 Availability of service.
54.6 How to obtain service.
54.7 Order of furnishing service.
54.8 When request for service deemed made.
54.9 Withdrawal of application or request for service.
54.10 Authority of agent.
54.11 Denial, conditional withdrawal, or suspension of service.
54.12 [Reserved]
54.13 Accessibility and refrigeration of products; access to 
          establishments; suitable work environment; and access to 
          records.
54.14 [Reserved]
54.15 Instrument grading.
54.16 Marking of products.
54.17 Official identifications.
54.18 Custody of identification devices.
54.19 Appeal of a grading service decision.
54.20 Exemptions.
54.21-54.26 [Reserved]

                           Charges for Service

54.27 Fees and other charges for service.
54.28 Payment of fees and other charges.

                              Miscellaneous

54.29 Identification.
54.30 [Reserved]
54.31 OMB control number.

Subpart B [Reserved]

Subpart C_Provisions Governing the Certification of Sanitary Design and 
    Fabrication of Equipment Used in the Slaughter, Processing, and 
               Packaging of Livestock and Poultry Products

54.1001 Meaning of words.
54.1002 Terms defined.
54.1003 Designation of official certificates, memoranda, marks, and 
          other identifications for purposes of the Agricultural 
          Marketing Act.
54.1004 Administration and implementation.
54.1005 Basis of service.
54.1006 Kind of service.
54.1007 Availability of service.
54.1008 How to obtain service.
54.1009 Order of furnishing service.
54.1010 When request for service deemed made.
54.1011 Withdrawal of application or request for service.
54.1012 Authority of agent.
54.1013 When an application may be rejected.
54.1014 Accessibility of equipment and utensils; access to 
          establishments.
54.1015 Official reports, forms, and certificates.
54.1016 Advance information concerning service rendered.
54.1017 Authority to use official identification.
54.1018 Form of official identification and approval for use.
54.1019 Renewal of Acceptance Certification.
54.1020 Appeal service; marking equipment or utensils on appeal; 
          requirements for appeal; certain determinations not 
          appealable.
54.1021 Request for appeal service.
54.1022 When request for appeal service may be withdrawn.
54.1023 Denial or withdrawal of appeal service.
54.1024 Who shall perform appeal service.
54.1025 Appeal reports.
54.1026 Superseded reports.
54.1027 Application of other regulations to appeal service.
54.1028 Fees and other charges for service.
54.1029 Payment of fees and other charges.
54.1030 Identification.
54.1031 Errors in service.

[[Page 14]]

54.1032 Denial or withdrawal of service.
54.1033 Confidential treatment.
54.1034 OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction 
          Act.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.

    Source: 42 FR 53921, Oct. 4, 1977, unless otherwise noted. 
Redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981.



      Subpart A_Grading of Meats, Prepared Meats, and Meat Products

                               Definitions



Sec.  54.1  Meaning of words and terms defined.

    Words used in this subpart in the singular form shall be deemed to 
import the plural, and vice versa, as the case may demand. For the 
purposes of such regulations, unless the context otherwise requires, the 
following terms shall be construed, respectively, to mean:
    Administrator. The Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing 
Service (AMS), or any officer or employee of the AMS to whom authority 
has been or may be delegated to act in the Administrator's stead.
    Agricultural Marketing Service. The Agricultural Marketing Service 
of the Department.
    Animals. Bison, cattle, goats, sheep, swine, or other species 
identified by the Administrator.
    Appeal service. Appeal service is a redetermination of the class, 
grade, other quality, or compliance of product when the applicant for 
the appeal service formally challenges the correctness of the original 
determination.
    Applicant. Any person who has applied for service under the 
regulations.
    Branch. The Grading Services Branch of the Division.
    Carcass. The commercially prepared or dressed body of any animal 
intended for human food.
    Carcass Data Service. The service established and conducted under 
the regulations to provide producers and other interested persons with 
data on carcass characteristics.
    Certification service. The service established and conducted under 
the regulations for the determination and certification or other 
identification of the compliance of products with specifications.
    Chief. The Chief of the Grading Services Branch, or any officer or 
employee of the Branch to whom authority has been or may be delegated to 
act in the Chief's stead.
    Class. A subdivision of a product based on essential physical 
characteristics that differentiate between major groups of the same kind 
of species.
    Compliance. Conformity of a product to the specifications under 
which the product was purchased or sold, with particular reference to 
the quality, cleanliness, state of refrigeration, method of processing, 
and trim of products.
    Cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement between the 
Agricultural Marketing Service and another Federal agency or a State 
agency, or other agency, organization or person as specified in the 
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended, for conducting the 
service.
    Department. The United States Department of Agriculture.
    Deputy Administrator. The Deputy Administrator of the Program, or 
any other officer or employee of the Program to whom authority has been 
or may be delegated to act in the Deputy Administrator's stead.
    Director. The Director of the Division, or any officer or employee 
of the Division to whom authority has been or may be delegated to act in 
the Director's stead.
    Division. The Quality Assessment Division of the Livestock and 
Poultry Program.
    Fabricating. Cutting into wholesale or retail cuts, dicing or 
grinding.
    Federal Meat Inspection. The meat inspection system conducted under 
the Federal Meat Inspection Act as amended by the Wholesome Meat Act (21 
U.S.C. 601 et seq.) and the regulations thereunder (9 CFR chapter III, 
subchapter A).
    Financially interested person. Any person having a financial 
interest in the products involved, including but not limited to the 
shipper, receiver, producer, seller, buyer, or carrier of the products.
    Grade. (1) As a noun, this term means an important commercial 
subdivision

[[Page 15]]

of a product based on certain definite and preference determining 
factors, such as, but not limited to, conformation, finish, and quality 
in meats.
    (2) As a verb, this term means to determine the class, grade, or 
other quality of a product according to applicable standards for such 
product.
    Grading Service. The service established and conducted under the 
regulations for the determination and certification or other 
identification of the class, grade, or other quality of products under 
standards.
    Immediate container. The carton, can, pot, tin, casing, wrapper, or 
other receptacle or covering constituting the basic unit in which 
products are directly contained or wrapped when packed in the customary 
manner for delivery to the meat trade or to consumers.
    Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications. Specifications 
describing various meat cuts, meat products, and meat food products 
derived from species covered in the definition of Animals above, 
commonly abbreviated ``IMPS,'' and intended for use by any meat 
procuring activity. For labeling purposes, only product certified by the 
Grading Services Branch may contain the letters ``IMPS'' on the product 
label.
    Legal Holiday. Those days designated as legal public holidays in 
title 5, United States Code, section 6103(a).
    Meat. The edible part of the muscle of an animal, which is skeletal, 
or which is found in the tongue, in the diaphragm, in the heart, or in 
the esophagus, and which is intended for human food, with or without the 
accompanying and overlying fat and the portions of bone, skin, sinew, 
nerve, and blood vessels which normally accompany the muscle tissue and 
which are not separated from it in the process of dressing. This term 
does not include the muscle found in the lips, snout, or ears.
    Meat by-products. Any part capable of use as human food, other than 
meat, which has been derived from one or more cattle, sheep, swine, or 
goats.
    Meat food products. Any articles intended for human food (other than 
meat, prepared meats, and meat by-products) which are derived or 
prepared in whole or in substantial and definite part, from any portion 
of any animal, except such articles as organotherapeutic substances, 
meat juice, meat extract, and the like, which are only for medicinal 
purposes and are advertised only to the medical profession.
    Observed legal holiday. When a holiday falls on a weekend--Saturday 
or Sunday--the holiday usually is observed on Monday (if the holiday 
falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday).
    Office of grading. The office of an official grader.
    Official grader. An employee of the Department or other person 
authorized by the Department to determine and certify or otherwise 
identify the class, grade, other quality, or compliance of products 
under the regulations.
    Official standards. Official standards refer to the United States 
Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef; the United States Standards for 
Grades of Veal and Calf Carcasses; the United States Standards for 
Grades of Lamb, Yearling Mutton, and Mutton Carcasses; and/or the United 
States Standards for Grades of Pork Carcasses.
    Person. Any individual, partnership, corporation, or other legal 
entity, or Government agency.
    Prepared meats. The products intended for human food which are 
obtained by subjecting meat to drying, curing, smoking, cooking, 
grinding, seasoning, or flavoring, or to any combination of such 
procedures, and to which no considerable quantity of any substance other 
than meat or meat byproducts has been added.
    Processing. Drying, curing, smoking, cooking, seasoning, or 
flavoring or any combination of such processes, with or without 
fabricating.
    Products. Meats, prepared meats, meat by-products, or meat food 
products.
    Program. The Livestock and Poultry Program of the Agricultural 
Marketing Service.
    Quality. A combination of the inherent properties of a product which 
determines its relative degree of excellence.
    Quality grade. A designation based on those characteristics of meat 
which

[[Page 16]]

predict the palatability characteristics of the lean.
    Quality Systems Certification Program. A multifaceted program 
allowing all aspects of the livestock industry to have quality systems, 
or processes within quality systems, verified by AMS agent(s) to 
effectuate use of such quality systems to meet contractual requirements, 
or as a marketing tool.
    Service. Services offered by the Grading Services Branch such as 
Grading Service, Certification Service, and Carcass Data Service.
    Shipping container. The receptacle or covering in which one or more 
immediate containers of products are packed for transportation.
    Specifications. Descriptions with respect to the class, grade, other 
quality, quantity or condition of products, approved by the 
Administrator, and available for use by the industry regardless of the 
origin of the descriptions.
    Supervisor of grading. An official grader or other person designated 
by the Director or Chief to supervise and maintain uniformity and 
accuracy of service under the regulations.
    The Act. The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (Title II of the act 
of Congress approved August 14, 1946, 60 Stat. 1087, as amended by Pub. 
L. 272, 84th Cong., 69 Stat. 553, 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627).
    The regulations. The regulations in this subpart.
    Yield grade. A designation which reflects the estimated yield of 
retail cuts that may be obtained from a beef, lamb, yearling mutton, or 
mutton carcass.

[42 FR 53921, Oct. 4, 1977, as amended at 45 FR 51762, Aug. 5, 1980. 
Redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 61 FR 11505, 
Mar. 21, 1996; 63 FR 72102, Dec. 31, 1998; 84 FR 48554, Sept. 16, 2019; 
84 FR 49640, Sept. 23, 2019]



Sec.  54.2  Designation of official certificates, memoranda, marks,
other identifications, and devices for purposes of the Agricultural
Marketing Act.

    Subsection 203(h) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as 
amended by Pub. L. 272, 84th Congress, provides criminal penalties for 
various specified offenses relating to official certificates, memoranda, 
marks or other identifications, and devices for making such marks or 
identifications, issued or authorized under section 203 of said act, and 
certain misrepresentations concerning the inspection or grading of 
agricultural products under said section. For the purposes of said 
subsection and the provisions in this part, the terms listed below shall 
have the respective meanings specified:
    (a) Official certificate means any form of certification, either 
written or printed, used under the regulations to certify with respect 
to the inspection, class, grade, quality, size, quantity, or condition 
of products (including the compliance of products with applicable 
specifications).
    (b) Official memorandum means any initial record of findings made by 
an authorized person in the process of grading, determining compliance, 
inspecting, or sampling pursuant to the regulations, any processing or 
plant-operation report made by an authorized person in connection with 
grading, determining compliance, inspecting, or sampling under the 
regulations, and any report made by an authorized person of services 
performed pursuant to the regulations.
    (c) Official mark or other official identification means any form of 
mark or other identification, including those prescribed in Sec.  54.17; 
used under the regulations in marking any products, or the immediate or 
shipping containers thereof, to show inspection class, grade quality, 
size quantity, or condition of the products (including the compliance of 
products with applicable specifications), or to maintain the identity of 
products for which service is provided under the regulations.
    (d) Official device means any roller, stamp, brand or other device 
used under the regulations to mark any products or the immediate or 
shipping containers, thereof, with any official mark or other official 
identification.

                             Administration



Sec.  54.3  Authority.

    The Chief is charged with the administration, under the general 
supervision and direction of the Director, of the regulations and the 
Act insofar as they relate to products.

[[Page 17]]

                                 Service



Sec.  54.4  Kind of service.

    (a) Grading Service consists of the determination, certification, 
and identification of the class, grade, or other quality attributes of 
products under applicable official standards.
    (b) Certification Service consists of the determination, 
certification, and identification of products to an approved 
specification. Determination of product compliance with specifications 
for ingredient content or method of preparation may be based upon 
information received from the inspection system having jurisdiction over 
the products involved.
    (c) Carcass Data Service consists of the evaluation of carcass 
characteristics of animals identified with an approved ear tag to 
applicable official standards or specifications, and the recording and 
transmitting of the associated data to the applicant or a party 
designated by the applicant.

[84 FR 48555, Sept. 16, 2019]



Sec.  54.5  Availability of service.

    Service under these regulations may be made available to products 
shipped or received in interstate commerce. It also may be made 
available to the products not shipped or received if the Director or 
Chief determines that the furnishing of service for such products will 
facilitate the marketing, distribution, processing, or utilization of 
agricultural products through commercial channels. Service will be 
furnished for products only if they were derived from animals 
slaughtered in federally inspected establishments or establishments 
operated under state meat inspection in a state other than one 
designated in 9 CFR 331.2. Service may be furnished for imported 
carcasses only if an exemption to do so is granted by the Director as 
described in Sec.  54.20.

[84 FR 48555, Sept. 16, 2019]



Sec.  54.6  How to obtain service.

    (a) Application. (1) Any person may apply for service with respect 
to products in which he or she has a financial interest by completing 
the required application for service. In any case in which the service 
is intended to be furnished at an establishment not operated by the 
applicant, the application must be approved by the operator of such 
establishment and such approval shall constitute an authorization for 
any employee of the Department to enter the establishment for the 
purpose of performing his or her functions under the regulations in this 
part. The application must include:
    (i) Name and address of the establishment at which service is 
desired;
    (ii) Name and mailing address of the applicant;
    (iii) Financial interest of the applicant in the products, except 
where application is made by a representative of a Government agency in 
the representative's official capacity;
    (iv) Signature of the applicant (or the signature and title of the 
applicant's representative);
    (v) Indication of the legal status of the applicant as an 
individual, partnership, corporation, or other form of legal entity; and
    (vi) The legal designation of the applicant's business as a small or 
large business, as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration's 
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes.
    (2) In making application, the applicant agrees to comply with the 
terms and conditions of the regulations in this part (including, but not 
being limited to, such instructions governing grading of products as may 
be issued from time to time by the Administrator). No member of or 
Delegate to Congress or Resident Commissioner shall be admitted to any 
benefit that may arise from such service unless derived through service 
rendered a corporation for its general benefit. Any change in such 
status, at any time while service is being received, shall be promptly 
reported by the person receiving the service to the grading office 
designated by the Director or Chief to process such requests.
    (b) Notice of eligibility for service. The applicant will be 
notified whether the application is approved or denied.
    (c) Termination of service. If an applicant who terminates scheduled 
grading service requests service again within a 2-year period from the 
date of the initial termination, the applicant will be

[[Page 18]]

responsible for all relocation costs associated with the grader assigned 
to fulfill the new service agreement. If more than one applicant is 
involved, expenses will be prorated according to each applicant's 
committed portion of the official grader's services.

[84 FR 49640, Sept. 23, 2019]



Sec.  54.7  Order of furnishing service.

    Service shall be furnished to applicants in the order in which 
requests are received. Preference will be given, when necessary, to 
requests made by any government agency or any regular user of the 
service, and to requests for appeal service under Sec.  54.19.

[84 FR 48555, Sept. 16, 2019]



Sec.  54.8  When request for service deemed made.

    A request for service is considered made when received by the 
designated office as identified on the Application for Service form. 
Records showing the date and time of the request shall be made and 
maintained in the designated office.

[84 FR 48556, Sept. 16, 2019]



Sec.  54.9  Withdrawal of application or request for service.

    An application or a request for service may be withdrawn by the 
applicant at any time before the application is approved or prior to 
performance of service. In accordance with Sec. Sec.  54.27 and 54.28, 
any expenses already incurred by AMS in connection with the review of an 
application or fulfilling a request for service are the responsibility 
of the applicant.

[84 FR 48556, Sept. 16, 2019]



Sec.  54.10  Authority of agent.

    Proof that any person making an application or a request for service 
on behalf of any other person has the authority to do so may be required 
at the discretion of the Director or Chief.

[84 FR 48556, Sept. 16, 2019]



Sec.  54.11  Denial, conditional withdrawal, or suspension of service.

    (a) For misconduct--(1) Basis for denial or withdrawal. An 
application or a request for service may be rejected, or the benefits of 
the service may be otherwise denied to, or withdrawn from, any person 
who, or whose employee or agent in the scope of the individual's 
employment or agency:
    (i) Has willfully made any misrepresentation or has committed any 
other fraudulent or deceptive practice in connection with any 
application or request for service;
    (ii) Has given or attempted to give, as a loan or for any other 
purpose, any money, favor, or other thing of value, to any employee of 
the Department authorized to perform any function;
    (iii) Has interfered with or obstructed, or attempted to interfere 
with or to obstruct, any employee of the Department in the performance 
of his or her duties under the regulations by intimidation, threats, 
assaults, abuse, or any other improper means;
    (iv) Has knowingly falsely made, issued, altered, forged, or 
counterfeited any official certificate, memorandum, mark, or other 
identification, or device for making any such mark or identification;
    (v) Has knowingly uttered, published, or used as true any such 
falsely made, issued, altered, forged, or counterfeited certificate, 
memorandum, mark, identification, or device;
    (vi) Has knowingly obtained or retained possession of any such 
falsely made, issued, altered, forged, or counterfeited certificate, 
memorandum, mark, identification, or device, or of any such official 
device, or of any product bearing any such falsely made, issued, 
altered, forged, or counterfeited mark or identification, or of any 
carcass or wholesale or retail cut bearing any designation specified in 
paragraph (a)(1)(vii) of this section which has not been federally 
graded or derived from a carcass graded as being of the indicated grade;
    (vii) Has applied the designation ``US'' or ``USDA'' and ``Prime,'' 
``Choice,'' ``Select,'' ``Good,'' ``Standard,'' ``Commercial,'' 
``Utility,'' ``Cutter,'' ``Canner,'' ``Cull,'' ``No. 1,'' ``No. 2,'' 
``No. 3,'' ``No. 4,'' ``Yield Grade 1,'' ``Yield Grade 2,'' ``Yield 
Grade 3,'' ``Yield Grade 4,'' ``Yield Grade 5,'' and ``USDA Accepted as 
Specified,'' by stamp or text enclosed within a shield, or brand 
directly on any carcass,

[[Page 19]]

wholesale cut, or retail cut of any carcass, or has applied the 
aforementioned designations including ``USDA Certified,'' and ``USDA 
Further Processing Certification Program'' on the marketing material 
associated with any such product as part of a grade designation or 
product specification;
    (viii) Has applied to immediate containers or shipping containers of 
carcasses, wholesale cuts, or retail cuts, grade designations specified 
in paragraph (a)(1)(vii) of this section, when such carcasses, wholesale 
cuts, or retail cuts contained therein have not been federally graded;
    (ix) Has knowingly used, moved, or otherwise altered, in any manner, 
meat or meat products identified by an official product control device, 
mark, or other identification as specified in Sec.  54.17, or has 
removed such official device, mark, or identification from the meat or 
meat products so identified without the express permission of an 
authorized representative of the USDA; or
    (x) Has in any manner not specified in this paragraph violated 
subsection 203(h) of the Act: Provided, that paragraph (a)(1)(vi) of 
this section shall not be deemed to be violated if the person in 
possession of any item mentioned therein notifies the Director or Chief 
without delay that the person has possession of such item and, in the 
case of an official device, surrenders it to the Chief, and, in the case 
of any other item, surrenders it to the Director or Chief or destroys it 
or brings it into compliance with the regulations by obliterating or 
removing the violative features under supervision of the Director or 
Chief: And provided further, that paragraphs (a)(1) (ii) through (ix) of 
this section shall not be deemed to be violated by any act committed by 
any person prior to the making of an application of service under the 
regulations by the principal person. An application or a request for 
service may be rejected or the benefits of the service may be otherwise 
denied to, or withdrawn from, any person who operates an establishment 
for which that person has made application for service if, with the 
knowledge of such operator, any other person conducting any operations 
in such establishment has committed any of the offenses specified in 
paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (x) of this section after such application 
was made. Moreover, an application or a request for service made in the 
name of a person otherwise eligible for service under the regulations 
may be rejected, or the benefits of the service may be otherwise denied 
to, or withdrawn from, such a person: (A) In case the service is or 
would be performed at an establishment operated:
    (1) By a corporation, partnership, or other person from whom the 
benefits of the service are currently being withheld under this 
paragraph; or
    (2) By a corporation, partnership, or other person having an 
officer, director, partner, or substantial investor from whom the 
benefits of the service are currently being withheld and who has any 
authority with respect to the establishment where service is or would be 
performed; or
    (B) In case the service is or would be performed with respect to any 
product with which any corporation, partnership, or other person within 
paragraph (a)(1)(x)(A)(1) of this section has a contract or other 
financial interest.
    (2) Procedure. All cases arising under this paragraph shall be 
initially conducted in accordance with the Supplemental Rules of 
Practice in part 50 of this chapter. Any issue unable to be resolved 
under part 50 of this chapter shall be resolved or handled in accordance 
with the Rules of Practice Governing Formal Adjudicatory Proceedings 
Instituted by the Secretary Under Various Statutes set forth in 
Sec. Sec.  1.130 through 1.151 of this title.
    (b) For miscellaneous reasons. An application or a request for 
service may be rejected, or the benefits of the service may be otherwise 
denied to, or withdrawn from, any person, without a hearing by the 
official in charge of the appropriate office of grading, with the 
concurrence of the Director or Chief (1) for administrative reasons such 
as the nonavailability of personnel to perform the service; (2) for the 
failure to pay for service; (3) in case the application or request 
relates to products which are not eligible for service under Sec.  54.5 
or which are unclean or are in an unclean establishment; (4) for other 
noncompliance with the conditions on which

[[Page 20]]

service is available as provided in the regulations, except matters 
covered by paragraph (a) of this section; or (5) in case the person is a 
partnership, corporation, or other person from whom the benefits of the 
service are currently being withheld under paragraph (a) of this 
section. Notice of such denial or withdrawal, and the reasons therefor, 
shall promptly be given to the person involved.
    (c) Filing of records. The final orders in formal proceedings under 
paragraph (a) of this section to deny or withdraw the service under the 
regulations (except orders required for good cause to be held 
confidential and not cited as precedents) and other records in such 
proceedings (except those required for good cause to be held 
confidential) shall be filed with the Hearing Clerk and shall be 
available for inspection by persons having a proper interest therein.

[42 FR 53921, Oct. 4, 1977. Redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, 
as amended at 50 FR 14366, Apr. 12, 1985; 52 FR 35683, Sept. 23, 1987; 
60 FR 8464, Feb. 14, 1995; 84 FR 48556, Sept. 16, 2019]



Sec.  54.12  [Reserved]



Sec.  54.13  Accessibility and refrigeration of products; access to
establishments; suitable work environment; and access to records.

    (a) The applicant shall make products easily accessible for 
examination, with appropriate and adequate illuminating facilities, in 
order to disclose their class, grade, other quality characteristics, and 
compliance with official standards or other contractual requirements for 
which service is being provided. Supervisors of grading and other 
employees of the Department responsible for maintaining uniformity and 
accuracy of service shall have access to all parts of establishments 
covered by approved applications for service under the regulations, for 
the purpose of examining all products in the establishments that have 
been or are to be graded or examined for compliance with specifications 
or which bear any marks of grade or compliance.
    (b) Grading service will be furnished only for meat that an official 
grader determines is chilled so that grade factors are developed to the 
extent that a proper grade determination can be made in accordance with 
the official standards. Meat that is presented in a frozen condition is 
not eligible for a grade determination. Meat of all eligible species 
shall be graded only in the establishment where the animal was 
slaughtered or initially chilled (except for veal and calf carcasses, 
which will be graded only after the hide is removed and only in the 
establishment where such removal occurs).
    (c) Applicants are responsible for providing a work environment 
where official graders are not subjected to physical and/or verbal 
abuse, or other elements that could have a negative effect on providing 
an unbiased, third-party evaluation. Applicants shall designate primary 
company representatives to discuss grade placements and certification 
determinations with official graders.
    (d) Applicants will make products and related records (approved 
labeling, technical proposals, quality plans, specifications, end 
product data schedules, grade volume information, etc.) easily 
accessible and provide assistance and any equipment necessary to 
accomplish the requested services. Equipment may include storage 
lockers/cabinets, branding ink, certified scales, food blenders, 
processors, grinders, sampling containers, sanitation equipment, 
thermometers, adequate lighting, weight tags, display monitors, video 
equipment for monitoring live animal schedules, etc. When offering 
product for grading or certification, applicants must ensure a minimum 
of 90 percent acceptable product.
    (e) Applicants will provide a metal cabinet(s) or locker(s) for the 
secure storage of official meat grading equipment and identification 
devices for each official meat grader assigned to their establishment. 
Such cabinet(s) or locker(s) must be capable of being locked with a 
Government-owned lock and be located in an easily accessible and secure 
location within the applicant's establishment.

[84 FR 48556, Sept. 16, 2019]

[[Page 21]]



Sec.  54.14  [Reserved]



Sec.  54.15  Instrument grading.

    (a) Applicants may use USDA-approved technologies to augment the 
official USDA grading process for approved species presented for 
official grading. This voluntary program may be utilized by a plant at 
its discretion but must comply with QAD procedures to be recognized and 
relied upon by the official grader in conducting official duties.
    (b) Applicants have the option to augment quality and yield grading 
services through the use of vision-based instrument technology. 
Instrument grading may be used as an option for determining degrees of 
marbling and yield factors for meat carcasses. AMS approves the grading 
instrument itself and its use within individual applicant facilities. 
Applicants may contact grading supervision to initiate the process for 
in-plant approval. The process for instrument grading approval at an 
applicant's facility is dictated through internal procedures. Final 
determination of quality and yield grades is made by the official 
grader.

[84 FR 48557, Sept. 16, 2019]



Sec.  54.16  Marking of products.

    All products examined for class and grade under the official 
standards, or the immediate containers and the shipping containers, 
shall be stamped, branded, or otherwise marked with an appropriate 
official identification. Except as otherwise directed by the Director, 
such markings will not be required when an applicant desires only an 
official memorandum. The marking of products, or their containers, as 
required by this section shall be done by official graders or under 
their immediate supervision.

[84 FR 48557, Sept. 16, 2019]



Sec.  54.17  Official identifications.

    (a) A shield enclosing the letters ``USDA'' and identification 
letters assigned to the grader performing the service, as shown in 
Figure 1 to paragraph (a) of this section, constitutes a form of 
official identification under the regulations for preliminary grade of 
carcasses. This form of official identification may also be used to 
determine the final quality grade of carcasses; one stamp equates to 
``USDA Select'' or ``USDA Good''; two stamps placed together vertically 
equates to ``USDA Choice''; and three stamps placed together vertically 
equates to ``USDA Prime.''
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16SE19.002

    (b) A shield enclosing the letters ``USDA,'' as shown in Figure 2 to 
paragraph (b) of this section, with the appropriate quality grade 
designation ``Prime,'' ``Choice,'' ``Select,'' ``Good,'' ``Standard,'' 
``Commercial,'' ``Utility,'' ``Cutter,'' ``Canner,'' or ``Cull,'' as 
provided in the United States Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef, the 
United States Standards for Grades of Veal and Calf Carcasses, and the 
United States Standards for Grades of Lamb, Yearling Mutton, and Mutton 
Carcasses; and accompanied by the class designation ``Bullock,'' 
``Veal,'' ``Calf,'' ``Lamb,'' ``Yearling Mutton,'' or ``Mutton,'' 
constitutes a form of official identification under the regulations to 
show the quality grade, and where necessary, the class, under said 
standards, of steer, heifer, and cow beef, veal, calf, lamb, yearling 
mutton, and mutton. The identification letters assigned to the grader 
performing the service will appear underneath and outside of the shield.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16SE19.003

    (c) A shield enclosing the letters ``USDA'' and the words ``Yield 
Grade,'' as in Figure 3 to paragraph (c) of this section, with the 
appropriate yield grade designation ``1,'' ``2,'' ``3,'' ``4,'' or ``5'' 
as provided in the United States

[[Page 22]]

Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef and the United States Standards for 
Grades of Lamb, Yearling Mutton, and Mutton Carcasses, constitutes a 
form of official identification under the regulations to show the yield 
grade under said standards. When yield graded, bull and bullock 
carcasses will be identified with the class designation ``Bull'' and 
``Bullock,'' respectively. The identification letters assigned to the 
grader performing the service will appear underneath and outside of the 
shield.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16SE19.004

    (d) For combined quality and yield grade identification purposes 
only, a shield enclosing the letters ``US'' on one side and ``DA'' on 
the other, with the appropriate yield grade designation number ``1,'' 
``2,'' ``3,'' ``4,'' or ``5,'' and with the appropriate quality grade 
designation of ``Prime,'' ``Choice,'' ``Select,'' ``Good,'' 
``Standard,'' ``Commercial,'' ``Utility,'' ``Cutter,'' ``Canner,'' or 
``Cull,'' as shown in Figure 4 to paragraph (d) of this section, 
constitutes a form of official identification under the regulations to 
show the quality and yield grade under said standards. The 
identification letters assigned to the grader performing the service 
will appear underneath and outside of the shield.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16SE19.005

    (e) Under the regulations, for yield grade identification purposes 
only, a shield enclosing the letters ``US'' on one side and ``DA'' on 
the other, and with the appropriate yield grade designation number 
``1,'' ``2,'' ``3,'' ``4,'' or ``5,'' as shown in Figure 5 to paragraph 
(e) of this section, constitutes a form of official identification under 
the regulations to show the yield grade under said standards. The 
identification letters assigned to the grader performing the service 
will appear underneath and outside of the shield.

[[Page 23]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16SE19.006

    (f) For quality grade identification only, a shield enclosing the 
letters ``US'' on one side and ``DA'' on the other with the appropriate 
quality grade designation of ``Prime,'' ``Choice,'' ``Select,'' 
``Good,'' ``Standard,'' ``Commercial,'' ``Utility,'' ``Cutter,'' 
``Canner,'' or ``Cull,'' as shown in Figure 6 to paragraph (f) of this 
section, constitutes a form of official identification under the 
regulations to show the yield grade under said standards. The 
identification letters assigned to the grader performing the service 
will appear underneath and outside of the shield.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16SE19.007

    (g) As shown in Figure 7 to paragraph (g) of this section, a shield 
enclosing the letters ``USDA'' with the appropriate grade designation 
``1,'' ``2,'' ``3,'' ``4,'' or ``Utility,'' as provided in the Official 
United States Standards for Grades of Pork Carcasses, constitutes a form 
of official identification under the regulations to show the grade under 
said standards of barrow, gilt, and sow pork carcasses.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16SE19.008

    (h) The following constitute forms of official identification under 
the regulations to show compliance of products:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16SE19.009

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16SE19.010

    (i) [Reserved]
    (j) Figure 11 to paragraph (j) of this section, constitutes official 
identification to show that products produced under USDA AMS supervision 
that meet specified requirements may carry the ``USDA Certified'' 
statement and/or ``USDA Certified'' shield, so long as each is used in 
direct association with a clear description of the standard or other 
requirement(s) to which the product claims to be certified.
    (1) The ``USDA Certified'' shield must replicate the form and design 
of the example in Figure 11 and must be printed legibly and 
conspicuously:
    (i) On a white background, with the term ``USDA'' in white 
overlaying a blue upper third of the shield and the term ``Certified'' 
in black overlaying a white middle third of the shield, with no terms in 
the red lower third of the shield; or
    (ii) On a white or transparent background with a black trimmed 
shield, with the term ``USDA'' in white overlaying a black upper third 
of the shield and the term ``Certified'' in black overlaying the white 
or transparent remaining two-thirds of the shield.
    (2) Use of the ``USDA Certified'' statement and the ``USDA 
Certified'' shield shall be approved in writing by the Director prior to 
use by an applicant.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16SE19.012


[[Page 24]]


    (k) Figure 12 to paragraph (k) of this section, constitutes official 
identification to show product or services produced under an approved 
USDA Further Processing Certification Program (FPCP):
    (1) Products produced under an approved USDA FPCP may use the ``USDA 
Further Processing Certification Program'' statement and the ``USDA 
Further Processing Certification Program'' shield; and
    (2) The USDA Further Processing Certification Program shield must 
replicate the form and design of the example in Figure 12 to paragraph 
(k) of this section and must be printed legibly and conspicuously:
    (i) On a white background, with the term ``USDA'' in white 
overlaying a blue upper third of the shield and the terms ``USDA Further 
Processing Certification Program'' in black overlaying a white middle 
third of the shield, with no terms in the red lower third of the shield; 
or
    (ii) On a white or transparent background with a black trimmed 
shield, with the term ``USDA'' in white overlaying a black upper third 
of the shield and the terms ``USDA Further Processing Certification 
Program'' in black overlaying the white or transparent remaining two-
thirds of the shield.
    (3) Use of the ``USDA Further Processing Certification Program'' 
statement and the ``USDA Further Processing Certification Program'' 
shield shall be approved in writing by the Director prior to use by an 
applicant.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16SE19.013

    (l)(1) One device used by official graders is the LP-36 Form, a 
rectangular, serially numbered, red tag on which a shield encloses the 
words ``USDA Hold.'' This device constitutes a form of official 
identification under the regulations for meat and meat products.
    (2) Official graders and supervisors of grading may use ``USDA 
Hold'' tags or other methods and devices as approved by the 
Administrator for the identification and control of meat and meat 
products that are not in compliance with the regulations or are held 
pending the results of an examination. Any such meat or meat product 
identified shall not be used, moved, or altered in any manner; nor shall 
official control identification be removed, without the expressed 
permission of an authorized representative of the USDA.

[84 FR 48557, Sept. 16, 2019, as amended at 85 FR 62937, Oct. 6, 2020]



Sec.  54.18  Custody of identification devices.

    (a) All identification devices used in marking products or their 
containers, including those indicating compliance with approved 
specifications, shall be kept in the custody of the Branch, and accurate 
records shall be kept by the Branch of all such devices. Such devices 
shall be distributed only to persons authorized by the Department, who 
will keep the devices in their possession or control at all times.
    (b) [Reserved]

[84 FR 48562, Sept. 16, 2019]



Sec.  54.19  Appeal of a grading service decision.

    Appeal service is a redetermination of the class, grade, other 
quality, or compliance of product when the applicant for the appeal 
service formally challenges the correctness of the original 
determination.
    (a) Authority to request appeal service. A request for appeal 
service with respect to any product may be made by any person who is 
financially interested in the product when that person disagrees with 
the original determination as to class, grade, other quality, or 
compliance of the product as shown by the markings on the product or its 
containers, or as stated in the applicable official memorandum.
    (b) Requesting appeal service. A request for appeal service shall be 
filed with the Chief. The request shall state the reasons for appeal and 
may be accompanied by a copy of any previous official report, or any 
other information that the applicant may have received regarding the 
product at the time of the original service. Such request may be made 
orally (including by

[[Page 25]]

telephone) or in writing (including by email). If made orally, the 
person receiving the request may require that it be confirmed in 
writing.
    (c) Determining original service from appeal service. Examination 
requested to determine the class, grade, other quality, or compliance of 
a product that has been altered or has undergone a material change since 
the original service, or examination of product requested for the 
purpose of obtaining an official memorandum and not involving any 
question as to the correctness of the original service for the product 
involved, shall be considered equivalent to original service and not 
appeal service.
    (d) Not eligible for appeal service. Grade determinations cannot be 
appealed for any lot or product consisting of less than 10 similar units 
or carcasses. Moreover, appeal service will not be furnished with 
respect to product that has been altered or has undergone any material 
change since the original service.
    (e) Withdrawal of appeal service. A request for appeal service may 
be withdrawn by the applicant at any time before the appeal service has 
been performed; however, the applicant is responsible for payment of any 
expenses incurred by the Branch towards providing the appeal service 
prior to withdrawal.
    (f) Denial or withdrawal of appeal service. A request for appeal 
service may be rejected or such service may be otherwise denied to or 
withdrawn from any person, without a hearing, in accordance with the 
procedure set forth in Sec.  54.11(b), if it appears that the person or 
product involved is not eligible for appeal service under Sec.  54.19(a) 
and (b), or that the identity of the product has been lost; or for any 
of the causes set forth in Sec.  54.11(b). Appeal service may also be 
denied to, or withdrawn from, any person in any case under Sec.  
54.11(a).
    (g) Who performs appeal service. Appeal service shall be performed 
by the National Meat Supervisor or his or her designee.
    (h) Appeal service report. Immediately after appeal service has been 
performed for any products, a report shall be prepared and issued 
referring specifically to the original findings and stating the class, 
grade, other quality, or compliance of the products as shown by the 
appeal service.

[84 FR 48562, Sept. 16, 2019]



Sec.  54.20  Exemptions.

    Any exemption to the regulations must be approved by the Director. 
Exemptions may include but are not limited to:
    (a) Grading the meat of animals in other than carcass form if the 
class, grade, and other quality attributes may be determined under the 
applicable official standards.
    (b) Grading in an establishment other than where the animal was 
slaughtered or initially chilled if the class, grade, and other quality 
attributes can be determined under the applicable official standards, 
and if the identity of the carcasses can be maintained.
    (c) If the Branch is unable to provide grading service in a timely 
manner and the meat can be identified in conformance with the official 
standards.
    (d) Grading in the establishment other than where the hide is 
removed, provided the meat can be identified in conformance with the 
official standards.
    (e) Grading imported carcasses, provided:
    (1) The imported carcass is marked so that the name of the country 
of origin is conspicuous to the USDA grader. The mark of foreign origin 
shall be imprinted by roller brand, handstamp, tag, or other approved 
method.
    (2) The imprints of the mark of foreign origin have been submitted 
to the Chief for the determination of compliance with these regulations 
prior to use on meats offered for Federal grading.
    (3) The applicant notifies the official grader performing the 
service whenever imported carcasses are offered for grading.
    (f) For good cause and provided that the meat can be identified in 
conformance with the official standards and procedures.

[84 FR 48563, Sept. 16, 2019]

[[Page 26]]



Sec. Sec.  54.21-54.26  [Reserved]

                           Charges for Service



Sec.  54.27  Fees and other charges for service.

    (a) Fees and other charges equal as nearly as may be to the cost of 
the services rendered shall be assessed and collected from applicants in 
accordance with the following provisions unless otherwise provided in 
the cooperative agreement under which the services are furnished, or as 
provided in Sec.  54.6. For each calendar year, AMS will calculate the 
rate for inspection, grading, or certification services, per hour per 
program employee using the following formulas:
    (1) Regular rate. The total AMS grading, inspection, or 
certification program personnel direct pay divided by direct hours, 
which is then multiplied by the next year's percentage of cost of living 
increase, plus the benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus the 
allowance for bad debt rate. If applicable, travel expenses may also be 
added to the cost of providing the service.
    (2) Overtime rate. The total AMS grading, inspection, or 
certification program personnel direct pay divided by direct hours, 
which is then multiplied by the next year's percentage of cost of living 
increase and then multiplied by 1.5 plus the benefits rate, plus the 
operating rate, plus an allowance for bad debt. If applicable, travel 
expenses may also be added to the cost of providing the service.
    (3) Holiday rate. The total AMS grading, inspection, or 
certification program personnel direct pay divided by direct hours which 
is then multiplied by the next year's percentage of cost of living 
increase and then multiplied by 2, plus benefits rate, plus the 
operating rate, plus an allowance for bad debt. If applicable, travel 
expenses may also be added to the cost of providing the service.
    (b)(1) For each calendar year, based on previous fiscal year/
historical actual costs, AMS will calculate the benefits, operating, and 
allowance for bad debt components of the regular, overtime and holiday 
rates as follows:
    (i) Benefits rate. The total AMS grading, inspection, or 
certification program direct benefits costs divided by the total hours 
(regular, overtime, and holiday) worked, which is then multiplied by the 
next calendar year's percentage cost of living increase. Some examples 
of direct benefits are health insurance, retirement, life insurance, and 
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) retirement basic and matching contributions.
    (ii) Operating rate. The total AMS grading, inspection, or 
certification program operating costs divided by total hours (regular, 
overtime, and holiday) worked, which is then multiplied by the 
percentage of inflation.
    (iii) Allowance for bad debt rate. Total AMS grading, inspection, or 
certification program allowance for bad debt divided by total hours 
(regular, overtime, and holiday) worked.
    (2) The calendar year cost of living expenses and percentage of 
inflation factors used in the formulas in this section are based on the 
most recent Office of Management and Budget's Presidential Economic 
Assumptions.
    (c) Fees for service--(1) On a scheduled basis. Minimum fees for 
service performed under a scheduled agreement or an agreement by 
memorandum will be based on 8 hours per day, Monday through Friday, 
excluding observed Federal legal holidays occurring Monday through 
Friday on which no grading and certification services are performed. The 
Agency reserves the right to use any grader assigned to the plant under 
a scheduled agreement to perform service for other applicants and no 
charge will be assessed to the scheduled applicant for the number of 
hours charged to the other applicant. Charges to plants are as follows:
    (i) The regular hourly rate will be charged for hours worked in 
accordance with the approved tour of duty on the application for service 
between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
    (ii) The overtime rate will be charged for hours worked in excess of 
the approved tour of duty on the application for service.
    (iii) The holiday hourly rate will be charged for hours worked on 
observed legal holidays.
    (iv) The night differential rate (for regular or overtime hours) 
will be

[[Page 27]]

charged for hours worked between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
    (v) The Sunday differential rate (for regular or overtime hours) 
will be charged for hours worked on a Sunday.
    (2) On an unscheduled basis. Minimum fees for service performed 
under an unscheduled basis agreement will be based on the time required 
to render the service, calculated to the nearest 15-minute period, 
including official grader's travel and certificate, memorandum, and/or 
report preparation time performed in connection with the performance of 
service. A minimum charge of one-half hour shall be made for service 
pursuant to each request notwithstanding that the time required to 
perform service may be less than 30 minutes. Charges to plants are as 
follows:
    (i) The regular hourly rate will be charged for the first 8 hours 
worked per grader per day for all days except observed legal holidays.
    (ii) The overtime rate will be charged for hours worked in excess of 
8 hours per grader per day for all days except observed legal holidays.
    (iii) The holiday hourly rate will be charged for hours worked on 
observed legal holidays.
    (d) Fees for appeal service. Fees for appeal service shall be 
determined on the basis of the time of two official graders required to 
render the service, including the time required for the preparation of 
certificates and travel of such graders in connection with the 
performance of the service. Provided, that when on appeal it is found 
that there was error in the original determination equal to or exceeding 
ten percent of the total number of similar units of the products 
involved, no charge will be made for the appeal service unless a special 
agreement therefor was made with the applicant in advance.
    (e) Fees for extra copies of certificates. In addition to copies of 
certificates furnished under Sec.  54.14, any financially interested 
person may obtain not to exceed three copies of any such certificate 
within one year from its date of issuance upon payment of a fee, and not 
to exceed three copies of any such certificate at any time thereafter, 
while a copy of such certificate is on file in the Department. The fee 
for copies of certificates will be determined using the formulas in this 
section.

[79 FR 67321, Nov. 13, 2014, as amended at 84 FR 49641, Sept. 23, 2019]



Sec.  54.28  Payment of fees and other charges.

    Fees and other charges for service must be paid in accordance with 
the following provisions unless otherwise provided in the cooperative 
agreement under which the service is furnished. Upon receipt of billing 
for fees and other charges for service, the applicant will remit by 
check, electronic funds transfer, draft, or money order made payable to 
the National Finance Center. Payment for the service must be made in 
accordance with directions on the billing statement, and such fees and 
charges must be paid in advance if required by the official grader or 
other authorized official.

[84 FR 49641, Sept. 23, 2019]

                              Miscellaneous



Sec.  54.29  Identification.

    All official graders and supervisors of grading shall have their 
Agricultural Marketing Service identification cards in their possession 
at all times while they are performing any function under the 
regulations and shall identify themselves by such cards upon request.



Sec.  54.30  [Reserved]



Sec.  54.31  OMB control number.

    The information collection and recordkeeping requirements of this 
part have been approved by OMB under 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35 and have been 
assigned OMB Control Number 0581-0128.

[84 FR 48563, Sept. 16, 2019]

Subpart B [Reserved]

[[Page 28]]



Subpart C_Provisions Governing the Certification of Sanitary Design and 
    Fabrication of Equipment Used in the Slaughter, Processing, and 
               Packaging of Livestock and Poultry Products

    Source: 66 FR 1198, Jan. 5, 2001, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  54.1001  Meaning of words.

    For the purposes of the regulations in this subpart, words in the 
singular form shall be deemed to impart the plural and vice versa, as 
the case may demand.



Sec.  54.1002  Terms defined.

    Act. The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended (7 U.S.C. 
1621 et seq.).
    Administrator. The Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing 
Service (AMS), United States Department of Agriculture, or the 
representative to whom authority has been delegated to act in the stead 
of the Administrator.
    Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The Agricultural Marketing 
Service of the United States Department of Agriculture.
    Applicant. Any person who applies for service under the regulations 
in this subpart.
    Branch. The Dairy Grading Branch, Dairy Programs, Agricultural 
Marketing Service.
    Chief. The Chief of the Dairy Grading Branch, Dairy Programs, 
Agricultural Marketing Service, or the representative to whom authority 
has been delegated to act in the stead of the Chief.
    Compliance. Conformity of a processing system, piece of processing 
equipment, or a utensil to identified standards.
    Department. The United States Department of Agriculture.
    Deputy Administrator. The Deputy Administrator of the Dairy Programs 
of the Agricultural Marketing Service or any officer or employee of the 
Dairy Programs to whom authority has heretofore been delegated, or to 
whom authority may hereafter be delegated to act in the stead of the 
Deputy Administrator.
    Design Review Specialist. An employee of the Branch who determines 
and certifies or otherwise evaluates the compliance of equipment or 
utensils under the regulations.
    Design Evaluation and Certification Service. The service established 
and conducted under the regulations for the evaluation and certification 
or other identification of the compliance of equipment or utensils used 
for the slaughter, processing or packaging of livestock and poultry 
products (Referred to hereinafter as ``equipment'' or ``utensils'') with 
sanitary specifications or standards.
    Fabricator. Commercial entity engaged in the manufacture or assembly 
of equipment or utensils.
    Financially interested person. Any person having a financial 
interest in the equipment or utensils involved, including but not 
limited to the designer, fabricator, or user of the equipment or 
utensils.
    Legal Holiday. Those days designated as legal public holidays in 
Title 5, United States Code, section 6103(a).
    Person. Any individual, partnership, corporation, or other legal 
entity, or Government agency.
    Processing. Cooking, baking, curing, heating, drying, mixing, 
grinding, churning, separating, extracting, cutting, fermenting, 
eviscerating, preserving, dehydrating, freezing, or otherwise 
manufacturing, and includes the packaging, canning, jarring, or 
otherwise enclosing in a container.
    Program. The Dairy Programs of the Agricultural Marketing Service.
    Standards. The most recent version of standards for equipment and 
utensils formulated by the NSF/3-A Joint Committee on Food Processing 
Equipment (Referred to hereinafter as ``NSF/3-A'').
    The regulations. The regulations in this Subpart.



Sec.  54.1003  Designation of official certificates, memoranda, marks,
and other identifications, for purposes of the Agricultural Marketing 
Act.

    Subsection 203(h) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as 
amended provides criminal penalties for various specified offenses 
relating to official certificates, memoranda, and marks or

[[Page 29]]

other identifications, issued or authorized under section 203 of said 
Act, and certain misrepresentations concerning the inspection or grading 
of agricultural products under said section. For the purposes of said 
subsection and the provisions in this subpart, the terms listed in 
paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section shall have the respective 
meanings specified:
    (a) ``Official certificate'' means any form of certification, either 
written or printed, used under the regulations to certify with respect 
to the evaluation, review, condition, or acceptance of equipment or 
utensils (including the compliance of equipment or utensils with 
applicable standards).
    (b) ``Official memorandum'' means any initial record of findings 
made by an authorized employee of the Dairy Grading Branch in the 
process of determining compliance, evaluating, or reviewing equipment or 
utensils pursuant to the regulations, any processing or in plant-
operation report made by an authorized Dairy Grading Branch employee in 
connection with determining compliance, evaluating, or reviewing 
equipment or utensils under the regulations, and any report made by an 
authorized employee of the Dairy Grading Branch of any other services 
performed pursuant to the regulations.
    (c) ``Official mark'' or ``other official identification'' means any 
form of mark or other identification, including those prescribed in 
Sec.  54.1018; used under the regulations in marking any equipment or 
utensils or displayed as an indication that the equipment or utensils 
has been evaluated by AMS (including the compliance of the equipment or 
utensils with applicable standards).



Sec.  54.1004  Administration and implementation.

    The Administrator designates the administration and implementation 
of the Certification of Sanitary Design and Fabrication of Equipment 
Used in the Processing of Livestock and Poultry Products service to the 
Dairy Grading Branch, Dairy Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service. 
The Chief is charged with the administration, under the general 
supervision and direction of the Deputy Administrator, of the 
regulations and the Act insofar as they relate to equipment or utensils 
used to process livestock and poultry products.



Sec.  54.1005  Basis of service.

    (a) Certification of Sanitary Design and Fabrication of Equipment 
Used in the Slaughter, Processing, and Packaging of Livestock and 
Poultry Products service shall be performed in accordance with the 
provisions of this subpart, the instructions and guidelines issued or 
approved by the Chief and the applicable standards developed by the NSF/
3-A.
    (b) Copies of standards developed by NSF/3-A that AMS will inspect 
and certify to are available, for a nominal fee, from NSF International 
at www.nsf.org or contact Techstreet, 310 Miller Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 
48103; Phone (800) 699-9277. Copies of all other instructions and 
guidelines can be obtained from, and copies of standards developed by 
NSF/3-A may be inspected at, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Agricultural Marketing Service, Dairy Programs, Dairy Grading Branch; 
Room 2746-S; 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-6456.
    (c) All services provided in accordance with the regulations shall 
be rendered without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national 
origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual 
orientation, or marital or family status.



Sec.  54.1006  Kind of service.

    Certification of Sanitary Design and Fabrication of Equipment Used 
in the Slaughter, Processing, and Packaging of Livestock and Poultry 
Products service under the regulations shall consist of the evaluation, 
certification and/or identification, upon request by the applicant, of 
the adherence of the design and fabrication of equipment and utensils to 
sanitary principles and criteria under applicable standards identified 
in this subpart. Equipment or utensils having an identical design, 
materials of construction, and fabrication, except for scaling up or 
down in size, may be submitted for evaluation as a model line or series. 
Determination as to equipment or utensils compliance with standards for 
materials of fabrication or method of fabrication

[[Page 30]]

may be based upon information received from the fabricator.



Sec.  54.1007  Availability of service.

    Service under these regulations may be made available to the 
designers, fabricators, users, or other interested person or party, of 
the equipment or utensils. Subject to the provisions of this subpart, 
services shall be performed only when a qualified design review 
specialist is available, and when the location of the equipment or 
utensils, evaluation facilities and conditions, as determined by the 
Chief, are suitable for conducting such service.



Sec.  54.1008  How to obtain service.

    (a) Application. Any person may apply to the Chief for service under 
the regulations with respect to equipment or utensils in which the 
applicant is financially interested. The application shall be made on a 
form approved by the Chief. In any case in which the service is intended 
to be furnished at an establishment not operated by the applicant, the 
applicant shall be responsible for obtaining approval for accessability 
of the equipment or utensil from the operator of such establishment and 
such approval shall constitute an authorization for any employees of the 
Department to enter the establishment for the purpose of performing 
their functions under the regulations. The application shall state:
    (1) The name and address of the establishment at which service is 
desired;
    (2) The name and post office address of the applicant;
    (3) Identification of the party that will be responsible for payment 
of all services rendered in response to the request;
    (4) The type of equipment or utensil presented for evaluation;
    (5) The date(s) on which service is requested to be performed; and
    (6) The signature of the applicant (or the signature and title of 
the applicant's representative) and date of the request.
    (b) Notice of eligibility for service. The applicant for service 
will be notified whether the applicant's application is approved.



Sec.  54.1009  Order of furnishing service.

    Service under the regulations shall be furnished to applicants, 
insofar as practicable and subject to the availability of a qualified 
design review specialist, in the order in which requests therefor are 
received, insofar as consistent with good management, efficiency and 
economy. Precedence will be given, when necessary, to requests made by 
any government agency and to requests for appeal service under Sec.  
54.1021.



Sec.  54.1010  When request for service deemed made.

    A request for service under the regulations shall be deemed to be 
made when received by the Branch. Records showing the date and time of 
the request shall be maintained.



Sec.  54.1011  Withdrawal of application or request for service.

    An application or a request for service under the regulations may be 
withdrawn by the applicant at any time before the application is 
approved or prior to performance of service. The applicant shall be 
responsible for payment, in accordance with Sec.  54.1028 and Sec.  
54.1029, of any expenses already incurred by the Agricultural Marketing 
Service in connection therewith.



Sec.  54.1012  Authority of agent.

    Proof of the authority of any person making an application or a 
request for service under the regulations on behalf of any other person 
may be required at the discretion of the Deputy Administrator or Chief 
or other employee receiving the application or request under Sec.  
54.1008.



Sec.  54.1013  When an application may be rejected.

    (a) An application or a request for service may be denied by the 
design review specialist, with the concurrence of the Deputy 
Administrator or Chief when:
    (1) For administrative reasons such as the non-availability of 
personnel to perform the service;
    (2) The application or request relates to equipment or utensils 
which are not eligible for service under Sec.  54.1006;

[[Page 31]]

    (3) The applicant fails to meet either the application requirements 
prescribed in this subpart or the conditions for receiving such service;
    (4) The equipment or utensil is owned by, or located on the premises 
of, a person currently denied the benefits of the Act;
    (5) The applicant has substantial financial ties to a person who is 
currently denied the benefits of the Act, or who has been adjudged, in 
an administrative or judicial proceeding, responsible in any way for a 
current denial of benefits of the Act to any other person.
    (6) The applicant is currently denied services under the Act.
    (7) Any fees billed to the applicant are not paid within 30 days; or
    (8) The applicant has failed to comply with the Act or this subpart 
or with the instructions or guidelines issued hereunder.
    (b) The Chief shall provide notice to an applicant whose application 
is rejected, and shall explain the reason(s) for the rejection. If such 
notification is made verbally, written confirmation may be provided.



Sec.  54.1014  Accessibility of equipment and utensils; access to
establishments.

    (a) The applicant shall cause equipment and utensils to be made 
easily accessible for examination and to be so placed, with adequate 
illumination to facilitate evaluation for compliance. The applicant 
shall furnish or make available any necessary tools; such as boroscope, 
profilometer, disassembly tools, ladders, radius gauges, and the like; 
necessary to complete the evaluation.
    (b) Supervisors of USDA design review specialists responsible for 
maintaining uniformity and accuracy of service under the regulations 
shall have access to all parts of establishments covered by approved 
applications for service under the regulations, for the purpose of 
examining all equipment or utensils in the establishments which have 
been or are to be evaluated for compliance with standards or which bear 
any marks of compliance.



Sec.  54.1015  Official reports, forms, and certificates.

    (a) Report. The design review specialist shall prepare, sign, and 
issue a narrative report covering the observations, comments and 
recommendations based on the evaluation for conformance with standards 
of equipment and utensils as provided for in Sec.  54.1005 and indicate 
the fees and other charges incurred for the services rendered.
    (b) Forms. Form DA-161 is the official certificate for equipment or 
utensils evaluated and is accepted under the regulations. Issuance of 
this certificate is optional at the request of the applicant.
    (c) Distribution. The original report and official certificate (if 
requested) shall be delivered or mailed to the applicant or other 
persons designated by the applicant. Other copies shall be forwarded as 
required by agency, program, and branch instructions. Additional copies 
will be furnished to any person financially interested in the equipment 
or utensil involved with the concurrence of the applicant and upon 
payment of fees, as provided in Sec.  54.1028 and Sec.  54.1029.



Sec.  54.1016  Advance information concerning service rendered.

    Upon request of any applicant, all or any part of the contents of 
any report issued to the applicant under the regulations, or other 
notification concerning the determination of compliance of equipment or 
utensils for such applicant may be transmitted by facsimile transmission 
to the applicant, or to any person designated by the applicant at the 
applicant's expense.



Sec.  54.1017  Authority to use official identification.

    The Chief may authorize an applicant or any persons designated by 
the applicant to use the official identification symbol to mark 
equipment or utensils, or for display in descriptive or promotional 
materials providing the equipment or utensils is evaluated pursuant to 
this subpart and found to be in compliance.

[[Page 32]]



Sec.  54.1018  Form of official identification and approval for use.

    (a) The official identification symbol approved for use on 
equipment, utensils, or descriptive or promotional materials shall 
appear in the form and design shown in Figure 1.
    (b) The official identification symbol on equipment or utensils 
shall be displayed by etching or the placement of a non-removable 
sticker located in close proximity to the equipment identification 
plate.
    (c) The official identification symbol is recommended to be at least 
\3/4\ inch by \3/4\ inch in size. Symbols which are smaller in size will 
be considered provided they are sufficiently large to be identifiable 
and legible.
    (d) The official identification symbol shall not be used in 
descriptive and promotional materials without prior approval by the 
Chief. The official identification symbol, if used, on the descriptive 
or promotional materials shall be printed as part of the text or format.
    (e) An applicant shall submit to the Chief of the Dairy Grading 
Branch, Dairy Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department 
of Agriculture, P.O. Box 96456, Washington, D.C. 20090-6456, an 
application, if one is not on file, requesting approval to use the 
official identification symbol on officially accepted equipment and in 
descriptive or promotional materials.

[[Page 33]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05JA01.000



Sec.  54.1019  Renewal of acceptance certification.

    The manufacturer of any equipment or utensil which has been issued a 
report or certification stating acceptance of compliance shall resubmit 
the design and fabrication details of any change in materials of 
construction, design, or fabrication which may impair the cleanability 
or hygienic design of the equipment or utensil. If no change in 
materials of construction, design, or fabrication which may impair the 
cleanability or hygienic design of the equipment or utensil has occurred 
during the period of four years after the date of the most recent report 
stating acceptance of compliance or if no design or fabrication changes 
have been made, the applicant may submit a certificate of conformance 
signed by the chief engineering officer and the chief executive officer 
of the company stating that no design changes have been made to the 
specified equipment or utensil.

[[Page 34]]



Sec.  54.1020  Appeal service; marking equipment or utensils on appeal;
requirements for appeal; certain determinations not appealable.

    (a) Appeal service is a re-evaluation of the compliance of a piece 
of equipment, portion of a piece of equipment, or utensil to design or 
fabrication criteria according to the standards prescribed by this 
subpart.
    (b) Only the original applicant or their representative may request 
appeal service requesting a reevaluation of the original determination 
of the design and fabrication of the equipment or utensil for compliance 
with the standards specified in this subpart.
    (c) Appeal service will not be furnished for:
    (1) A piece of equipment, portion of a piece of equipment, or 
utensil which has been altered or has undergone a material change since 
the original service.
    (2) For the purpose of obtaining an up-to-date report or certificate 
which does not involve a question as to the correctness of the original 
service for the piece of equipment, portion of a piece of equipment, or 
utensil.



Sec.  54.1021  Request for appeal service.

    (a) Except as otherwise provided in Sec.  54.1020, an applicant or 
their representative may request appeal service when the applicant or 
their representative disagree with the determination as to compliance 
with the standard of the piece of equipment, portion of a piece of 
equipment, or utensil as documented in the applicable report.
    (b) A request for appeal service shall be filed with the Chief, 
directly or through the design review specialist who performed the 
original service. The request shall state the reasons for the 
disagreement with the original determination and may be accompanied by a 
copy of any previous certificate or report, or any other information 
which the applicant may have received regarding the piece of equipment, 
portion of a piece of equipment, or utensil at the time of the original 
service. Such request may be made orally (including by telephone) or in 
writing (including by facsimile transmission). If made orally, the Dairy 
Grading Branch employee receiving the request may require that it be 
confirmed in writing.



Sec.  54.1022  When request for appeal service may be withdrawn.

    A request for appeal service may be withdrawn by the applicant at 
any time before the appeal service has been performed, upon payment of 
any expenses already incurred under the regulations by the Branch in 
connection therewith.



Sec.  54.1023  Denial or withdrawal of appeal service.

    A request for appeal service may be rejected or such service may be 
otherwise denied to or withdrawn from any person in accordance with the 
procedure set forth in Sec.  54.1013(a), if it appears that the person 
or product involved is not eligible for appeal service under Sec.  
54.1020, or that the identity of the piece of equipment, portion of a 
piece of equipment, or utensil has been lost; or for any of the causes 
set forth in Sec.  54.1032.



Sec.  54.1024  Who shall perform appeal service.

    Appeal service for equipment or utensils shall be performed by the 
Chief or a design review specialist designated by the Chief. No design 
review specialist may perform appeal service for any piece of equipment, 
portion of a piece of equipment or utensil for which the original design 
review specialist performed the initial evaluation service.



Sec.  54.1025  Appeal reports.

    After appeal service has been performed for any piece of equipment, 
portion of a piece of equipment or utensils, an official report shall be 
prepared, signed, and issued referring specifically to the original 
report and stating the determination of the re-evaluation of compliance 
of the piece of equipment, portion of a piece of equipment or utensil.



Sec.  54.1026  Superseded reports.

    The appeal report shall supersede the original report which, 
thereupon, shall become null and void for all or a portion of the report 
pertaining to the appeal service and shall not thereafter be

[[Page 35]]

deemed to show the compliance of the equipment or utensils described 
therein. However, the fees charged for the original service shall not be 
remitted to the applicant who filed the appeal.



Sec.  54.1027  Application of other regulations to appeal service.

    The regulations in this subpart shall apply to appeal service except 
insofar as they are inapplicable.



Sec.  54.1028  Fees and other charges for service.

    Fees and other charges equal as nearly as may be to the cost of the 
services rendered shall be assessed and collected from applicants in 
accordance with the provisions for Fees and Charges set forth in 7 CFR 
part 58, Subpart A, Regulations Governing the Inspection and Grading 
Services of Manufactured or Processed Dairy Products, sections 
Sec. Sec.  58.38, 58.39, 58.41, 58.42, and 58.43, as appropriate.



Sec.  54.1029  Payment of fees and other charges.

    Fees and other charges for service shall be paid upon receipt of 
billing for fees and other charges for service. The applicant shall 
remit by check, draft, or money order, made payable to the Agricultural 
Marketing Service, USDA, payment for the service in accordance with 
directions on the billing, and such fees and charges shall be paid in 
advance if required by the official design review specialist or other 
authorized official.



Sec.  54.1030  Identification.

    All official design review specialists and supervisors shall have 
their Agricultural Marketing Service identification cards in their 
possession at all times while they are performing any function under the 
regulations and shall identify themselves by such cards upon request.



Sec.  54.1031  Errors in service.

    When a design review specialist, supervisor, or other responsible 
employee of the Branch has evidence of inaccurate evaluation, or of 
incorrect certification or other incorrect determination or 
identification as to the compliance of a piece of equipment or utensil, 
such person shall report the matter to the Chief. The Chief will 
investigate the matter and, if deemed advisable, will report any 
material errors to the owner or the owner's agent. The Chief shall take 
appropriate action to correct errors found in the determination of 
compliance of equipment or utensils, and the Chief shall take adequate 
measures to prevent the recurrence of such errors.



Sec.  54.1032  Denial or withdrawal of service.

    (a)(1) Bases for denial or withdrawal. An application or a request 
for service may be rejected, or the benefits of the service may be 
otherwise denied to, or withdrawn from, any person who, or whose 
employee or agent in the scope of the person's employment or agency:
    (i) Has wilfully made any misrepresentation or has committed any 
other fraudulent or deceptive practice in connection with any 
application or request for service under the regulations;
    (ii) Has given or attempted to give, as a loan or for any other 
purpose, any money, favor, or other thing of value, to any employee of 
the Department authorized to perform any function under the regulations;
    (iii) Has interfered with or obstructed, or attempted to interfere 
with or to obstruct, any employee of the Department in the performance 
of duties under the regulations by intimidation, threats, assaults, 
abuse, or any other improper means;
    (iv) Has knowingly falsely made, issued, altered, forged, or 
counterfeited any official certificate, memorandum, mark, or other 
identification;
    (v) Has knowingly uttered, published, or used as true any such 
falsely made, issued, altered, forged, or counterfeited certificate, 
memorandum, mark or identification;
    (vi) Has knowingly obtained or retained possession of any such 
falsely made, issued, altered, forged, or counterfeited certificate, 
memorandum, mark or identification, or of any equipment or utensil 
bearing any such falsely made, issued, altered, forged, or counterfeited 
mark or identification;
    (vii) Has applied the designation ``USDA Accepted Equipment'', ``AMS

[[Page 36]]

Accepted Equipment'', ``USDA Approved Equipment'', ``AMS Approved 
Equipment'', ``Approved By USDA'', ``Approved By AMS'', ``Accepted By 
USDA'', ``Accepted By AMS'', ``USDA Approved'', ``USDA Accepted'', ``AMS 
Approved'', ``AMS Accepted'', or any other variation of wording which 
states or implies official sanction by the United States Department of 
Agriculture by stamp, or brand directly on any equipment or utensil, or 
used as part of any promotional materials which has not been inspected 
and deemed in compliance with this subpart; or,
    (viii) Has in any manner not specified in this paragraph violated 
subsection 203(h) of the AMA: Provided, That paragraph (a)(1)(vi) of 
this section shall not be deemed to be violated if the person in 
possession of any item mentioned therein notifies the Deputy 
Administrator or Chief without such delay that such person has 
possession of such item and, in the case of an official identification, 
surrenders it to the Chief, and, in the case of any other item, 
surrenders it to the Deputy Administrator or Chief or destroys it or 
brings it into compliance with the regulations by obliterating or 
removing the violative features under supervision of the Deputy 
Administrator or Chief: And provided further, That paragraphs (a)(1) 
(ii) through (vii) of this section shall not be deemed to be violated by 
any act committed by any person prior to the making of an application of 
service under the regulations by the principal person. An application or 
a request for service may be rejected or the benefits of the service may 
be otherwise denied to, or withdrawn from, any person who operates an 
establishment for which such person has made application for service if, 
with the knowledge of such operator, any other person conducting any 
operations in such establishment has committed any of the offenses 
specified in paragraphs (a)(1) (i) through (vii) of this section after 
such application was made. Moreover, an application or a request for 
service made in the name of a person otherwise eligible for service 
under the regulations may be rejected, or the benefits of the service 
may be otherwise denied to, or withdrawn from, such a person:
    (A) In case the service is or would be performed at an establishment 
operated:
    (1) By a corporation, partnership, or other person from whom the 
benefits of the service are currently being withheld under this 
paragraph; or
    (2) By a corporation, partnership, or other person having an 
officer, director, partner, or substantial investor from whom the 
benefits of the service are currently being withheld and who has any 
authority with respect to the establishment where service is or would be 
performed; or
    (B) In case the service is or would be performed with respect to any 
product in which any corporation, partnership, or other person within 
paragraph (a)(1)(viii)(A)(1) of this section has a contract or other 
financial interest.
    (2) Procedure. All cases arising under this paragraph shall be 
conducted in accordance with the Rules of Practice Governing Formal 
Adjudicatory Proceedings Instituted by the Secretary Under Various 
Statutes set forth in 7 CFR Sec. Sec.  1.130 through 1.151 and the 
Supplemental Rules of Practice in part 50, 7 CFR Sec.  50.1 et seq.
    (b) Filing of records. The final orders in formal proceedings under 
paragraph (a) of this section to deny or withdraw the service under the 
regulations (except orders required for good cause to be held 
confidential and not cited as precedents) and other records in such 
proceedings (except those required for good cause to be held 
confidential) shall be filed with the Hearing Clerk and shall be 
available for inspection by persons having a proper interest therein.



Sec.  54.1033  Confidential treatment.

    Every design review specialist providing service under these 
regulations shall keep confidential all information secured and not 
disclose such information to any person except an authorized 
representative of the Department.



Sec.  54.1034  OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork
Reduction Act.

    The following control number has been assigned to the information 
collection requirements in 7 CFR part 54, subpart C, by the Office of 
Management

[[Page 37]]

and Budget pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
Chapter 35).

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Current OMB
       7 CFR section where requirements are described        control No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
54.1008(a).................................................    0581-0126
54.1017....................................................    0581-0126
54.1018(e).................................................    0581-0126
54.1019....................................................    0581-0126
54.1020....................................................    0581-0126
54.1021....................................................    0581-0126
------------------------------------------------------------------------



PART 56_VOLUNTARY GRADING OF SHELL EGGS--Table of Contents



                     Subpart A_Grading of Shell Eggs

                               Definitions

Sec.
56.1 Meaning of words and terms defined.
56.2 Designation of official certificates, memoranda, marks, other 
          identifications, and devices for purposes of the Agricultural 
          Marketing Act.

                                 General

56.3 Administration.
56.4 Basis of grading service.
56.5 Accessibility of product.
56.6 Supervision.
56.7 Nondiscrimination.
56.8 Other applicable regulations.
56.9 OMB control number.

                     Licensed and Authorized Graders

56.10 Who may be licensed and authorized.
56.11 Financial interest of graders.
56.12 Suspension of license; revocation.
56.13 Cancellation of license.
56.14 Surrender of license.
56.15 Political activity.
56.16 Identification.
56.17 Equipment and facilities for graders.
56.18 Schedule of operation of official plants.
56.19 Prerequisites to grading.

                     Application for Grading Service

56.20 Who may obtain grading service.
56.21 How application for service may be made; conditions of service.
56.22 Filing of application.
56.23 Form of application.
56.24 Rejection of application.
56.25 Withdrawal of application.
56.26 Authority of applicant.
56.27 Order of service.
56.28 Types of service.
56.29 Suspension or withdrawal of plant approval for correctable cause.
56.30 Application for grading service in official plants; approval.

                                 Reports

56.31 Report of grading work.
56.32 Information to be furnished to graders.
56.33 Report of violations

                    Identifying and Marking Products

56.35 Authority to use, and approval of official identification.
56.36 Form of grademark and information required.
56.37 Lot marking of officially identified shell eggs.
56.38 Retention authorities.

    Prerequisites to Packaging Shell Eggs Identified With Grademarks

56.39 Quality assurance inspector required.
56.40 Grading requirements of shell eggs identified with grademarks.
56.41 Check grading officially identified product.
56.42-56.43 [Reserved]

                            Fees and Charges

56.45 Payment of fees and charges.
56.46 Charges for service on an unscheduled basis.
56.47 Fees for appeal grading or review of a grader's decision.
56.49 Travel expenses and other charges.
56.52 Charges for services on a scheduled basis.
56.53 Fees or charges for grading service performed under cooperative 
          agreement.
56.54 [Reserved]

                          Grading Certificates

56.55 Forms.
56.56 Issuance.
56.57 Disposition.
56.58 Advance information.

                     Appeal of a Grading or Decision

56.60 Who may request an appeal grading or review of a grader's 
          decision.
56.61 Where to file an appeal.
56.62 How to file an appeal.
56.63 When an application for an appeal grading may be refused.
56.64 Who shall perform the appeal.
56.65 Procedures for appeal gradings.
56.66 Appeal grading certificates.

                            Denial of Service

56.68 Debarment.
56.69 Misrepresentation, deceptive, or fraudulent act or practice.
56.70 Use of facsimile forms.
56.71 Willful violation of the regulations.
56.72 Interfering with a grader or employee of the AMS.
56.73 Misleading labeling.
56.74 Miscellaneous.

[[Page 38]]

                          Facility Requirements

56.75 Applicability of facility and operating requirements.
56.76 Minimum facility and operating requirements for shell egg grading 
          and packing plants.
56.77 Health and hygiene of personnel.

Subpart B [Reserved]

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.



                     Subpart A_Grading of Shell Eggs

                               Definitions



Sec.  56.1  Meaning of words and terms defined.

    For the purpose of the regulations in this part, words in the 
singular shall be deemed to import the plural and vice versa, as the 
case may demand. Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms shall 
have the following meaning:
    Acceptable means suitable for the purpose intended by the AMS.
    Act means the applicable provisions of the Agricultural Marketing 
Act of 1946 (60 Stat. 1087, as amended; 7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.), or any 
other act of Congress conferring like authority.
    Administrator means the Administrator of the AMS or any other 
officer or employee of the Department to whom there has heretofore been 
delegated, or to whom there may hereafter be delegated the authority to 
act in the Administrator's stead.
    Agricultural Marketing Service or AMS means the Agricultural 
Marketing Service of the Department.
    Ambient temperature means the air temperature maintained in an egg 
storage facility or transport vehicle.
    Applicant means any interested person who requests any grading 
service.
    Cage mark means any stain-type mark caused by an egg coming in 
contact with a material that imparts a rusty or blackish appearance to 
the shell.
    Case means, when referring to containers, an egg case, as used in 
commercial practice in the United States, holding 30 dozens of shell 
eggs.
    Chief of the Grading Branch means the Chief of the Grading Branch, 
Poultry Programs, AMS.
    Class means any subdivision of a product based on essential physical 
characteristics that differentiate between major groups of the same 
kind, species, or method of processing.
    Condition means any characteristic detected by sensory examination 
(visual, touch, or odor), including the state of preservation, 
cleanliness, soundness, or fitness for human food that affects the 
marketing of the product.
    Consumer grades means U.S. Grade AA, A, and B.
    Department means the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
    Eggs of current production means shell eggs that are no more than 21 
days old.
    Grademark means the official identification symbol (shield) used to 
identify eggs officially graded according to U.S. consumer grade 
standards.
    Grader means any Federal or State employee or the employee of a 
local jurisdiction or cooperating agency to whom a license has been 
issued by the Secretary to investigate and certify in accordance with 
the regulations in this part, the class, quality, quantity, or condition 
of products.
    Grading or grading service means: (1) The act whereby a grader 
determines, according to the regulations in this part, the class, 
quality, quantity, or condition of any product by examining each unit 
thereof or each unit of the representative sample thereof drawn by a 
grader and issues a grading certificate with respect thereto, except 
that with respect to grading service performed on a resident basis the 
issuance of a grading certificate shall be pursuant to a request 
therefor by the applicant or the AMS; (2) the act whereby the grader 
identifies, according to the regulations in this part, the graded 
product; (3) continuous supervision, in an official plant, of the 
handling or packaging of any product; and (4) any regrading or any 
appeal grading of a previously graded product.
    Grading certificate means a statement, either written or printed, 
issued by a grader pursuant to the Act and the regulations in this part, 
relative to the class, quantity, quality, or condition of products.
    Holiday or legal holiday means the legal public holidays specified 
by the

[[Page 39]]

Congress in paragraph (a) of section 6103, title 5, of the United States 
Code.
    Identify means to apply official identification to products or the 
containers thereof.
    Interested party means any person financially interested in a 
transaction involving any grading, appeal grading, or regrading of any 
product.
    National supervisor means (a) the officer in charge of the shell egg 
grading service of the AMS, and (b) other employees of the Department 
designated by the national supervisor.
    Nest run eggs means eggs which are packed as they come from the 
production facilities without having been washed, sized and/or candled 
for quality, with the exception that some Checks, Dirties, or other 
obvious undergrades may have been removed.
    Observed legal holiday. When a holiday falls on a weekend--Saturday 
or Sunday--the holiday usually is observed on Monday (if the holiday 
falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday).
    Office of grading means the office of any grader.
    Official plant or official establishment means one or more buildings 
or parts thereof comprising a single plant in which the facilities and 
methods of operation therein have been approved by the Administrator as 
suitable and adequate for grading service and in which grading is 
carried on in accordance with the regulations in this part.
    Official standards means the official U.S. standards grades, and 
weight classes for shell eggs maintained by and available from Poultry 
Programs, AMS.
    Officially identified means eggs that have official marks applied to 
the product under the authority of the AMS in accordance with the act 
and its regulations.
    Origin grading means a grading made on a lot of eggs at a plant 
where the eggs are graded and packed.
    Packaging means the primary or immediate container in which eggs are 
packaged and which serves to protect, preserve, and maintain the 
condition of the eggs.
    Packing means the secondary container in which the primary or 
immediate container is placed to protect, preserve, and maintain the 
condition of the eggs during transit or storage.
    Person means any individual, partnership, association, business 
trust, corporation, or any organized group of persons, whether 
incorporated or not.
    Potable water means water that has been approved by the State health 
authority or agency or laboratory acceptable to the Administrator as 
safe for drinking and suitable for food processing.
    Product or products means shell eggs of the domesticated chicken.
    Quality means the inherent properties of any product which determine 
its relative degree of excellence.
    Quality assurance inspector means any designated company employee 
other than the plant owner, manager, foreman, or supervisor, authorized 
by the Secretary to examine product and to supervise the labeling, 
dating, and lotting of officially graded shell eggs and to assure that 
such product is packaged under sanitary conditions, graded by authorized 
personnel, and maintained under proper inventory control until released 
by an employee of the Department.
    Regional director means any employee of the Department in charge of 
the shell egg grading service in a designated geographical area.
    Regulations means the provisions in this entire part and such United 
States standards, grades, and weight classes as may be in effect at the 
time grading is performed.
    Sampling means the act of taking samples of any product for grading 
or certification.
    Secretary means the Secretary of the Department or any other officer 
or employee of the Department to whom there has heretofore been 
delegated, or to whom there may hereafter be delegated, the authority to 
act in the Secretary's stead.
    Shell egg grading service means the personnel who are actively 
engaged in the administration, application, and direction of shell egg 
grading programs and services pursuant to the regulations in this part.
    Shell eggs means shell eggs of domesticated chickens.
    Shell protected means eggs which have had a protective covering such 
as oil

[[Page 40]]

applied to the shell surface. The product used shall be acceptable to 
the Food and Drug Administration.
    Shipped for retail sale means shell eggs that are forwarded from the 
processing facility for distribution to the ultimate consumer.
    State supervisor or Federal-State supervisor means any authorized 
and designated individual who is in charge of the shell egg grading 
service in a State.
    United States Standards for Quality of Individual Shell Eggs means 
the official U.S. Standards, Grades, and Weight Classes for Shell Eggs 
(AMS 56) that are maintained by and available from Poultry Programs, 
AMS.
    United States Standards, Grades, and Weight Classes for Shell Eggs 
(AMS 56) means the official U.S. standards, grades, and weight classes 
for shell eggs that are maintained by and available from Poultry 
Programs, AMS.
    Washed ungraded eggs means eggs which have been washed and that are 
either sized or unsized, but not segregated for quality.

[20 FR 669, Feb. 1, 1955]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  56.1, 
see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids 
section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  56.2  Designation of official certificates, memoranda, marks, other
identifications, and devices for purposes of the Agricultural Marketing Act.

    Subsection 203(h) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as 
amended by Pub. L. 272, 84th Congress, provides criminal penalties for 
various specified offenses relating to official certificates, memoranda, 
marks or other identifications, and devices for making such marks or 
identifications, issued or authorized under section 203 of said act, and 
certain misrepresentations concerning the grading of agricultural 
products under said section. For the purposes of said subsection and the 
provisions in this part, the terms listed in this section shall have the 
respective meanings specified:
    (a) Official certificate means any form of certification, either 
written or printed, used under this part to certify with respect to the 
sampling, class, grade, quality, size, quantity, or condition of 
products (including the compliance of products with applicable 
specifications).
    (b) Official memorandum means any initial record of findings made by 
an authorized person in the process of grading or sampling pursuant to 
this part, any processing or plant-operation report made by an 
authorized person in connection with grading or sampling under this 
part, and any report made by an authorized person of services performed 
pursuant to this part.
    (c) Official mark means the grademark and any other mark, or any 
variations in such marks approved by the Administrator and authorized to 
be affixed to any product, or affixed to or printed on the packaging 
material of any product, stating that the product was graded, or 
indicating the appropriate U.S. grade or condition of the product, or 
for the purpose of maintaining the identity of products graded under 
this part, including but not limited to, those set forth in Sec.  56.36.
    (d) Official identification means any United States (U.S.) standard 
designation of class, grade, quality, size, quantity, or condition 
specified in this part or any symbol, stamp, label or seal indicating 
that the product has been officially graded and/or indicating the class, 
grade, quality, size, quantity, or condition of the product approved by 
the Administrator and authorized to be affixed to any product, or 
affixed to or printed on the packaging material of any product.
    (e) Official device means a stamping appliance, branding device, 
stencil, printed label, or any other mechanically or manually operated 
tool that is approved by the Administrator for the purpose of applying 
any official mark or other identification to any product or the 
packaging material thereof.

[28 FR 6341, June 20, 1963. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981]

                                 General



Sec.  56.3  Administration.

    The Administrator shall perform, for and under the supervision of 
the Secretary, such duties as the Secretary

[[Page 41]]

may require in the enforcement or administration of the provisions of 
the Act and the regulations in this part. The Administrator is 
authorized to waive for limited periods any particular provisions of the 
regulations in this part to permit experimentation so that new 
procedures, equipment, and processing techniques may be tested to 
facilitate definite improvements and at the same time to determine full 
compliance with the spirit and intent of the regulations in this part. 
The AMS and its officers and employees shall not be liable in damages 
through acts of commission or omission in the administration of this 
part.

[20 FR 670, Feb. 1, 1955, as amended at 38 FR 26798, Sept. 26, 1973; 42 
FR 2970, Jan. 14, 1977. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 60 FR 
12402, Mar. 7, 1995; 71 FR 42007, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.4  Basis of grading service.

    (a) Any grading service in accordance with the regulations in this 
part shall be for class, quality, quantity, or condition or any 
combination thereof. Grading service with respect to the determination 
of the quality of products shall be on the basis of the ``United States 
Standards, Grades, and Weight Classes for Egg Shells.'' However, grading 
service may be rendered with respect to products which are bought and 
sold on the basis of institutional contract specifications or 
specifications of the applicant and such service, when approved by the 
Administrator, shall be rendered on the basis of such specifications. 
The supervision of packaging shall be in accordance with such 
instructions as may be approved or issued by the Administrator.
    (b) Whenever grading service is performed on a representative sample 
basis, such sample shall be drawn and consist of not less than the 
minimum number of cases as indicated in the following table. A minimum 
of one hundred eggs shall be examined per sample case. For lots which 
consist of less than 1 case, a minimum of 50 eggs shall be examined. If 
the lot consists of less than 50 eggs, all eggs will be examined.

       Minimum Number of Cases Comprising a Representative Sample
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Cases in
                         Cases in lot                            sample
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 case.......................................................          1
2 to 10, inclusive...........................................          2
11 to 25, inclusive..........................................          3
26 to 50, inclusive..........................................          4
51 to 100, inclusive.........................................          5
101 to 200, inclusive........................................          8
201 to 300, inclusive........................................         11
301 to 400, inclusive........................................         13
401 to 500, inclusive........................................         14
501 to 600, inclusive........................................         16
------------------------------------------------------------------------


For each additional 50 cases, or fraction thereof, in excess of 600 
cases, one additional case shall be included in the sample.

[20 FR 670, Feb. 1, 1955, as amended at 22 FR 8167, Oct. 16, 1957; 28 FR 
6342, June 20, 1963; 42 FR 2970, Jan. 14, 1977. Redesignated at 42 FR 
32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 
1981, as amended at 71 FR 42007, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.5  Accessibility of product.

    Each product for which grading service is requested shall be so 
conditioned and placed as to permit a proper determination of the class, 
quality, quantity, or condition of such product.

[20 FR 670, Feb. 1, 1955, as amended at 27 FR 10317, Oct. 23, 1962. 
Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 
46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981]



Sec.  56.6  Supervision.

    All grading service shall be subject to supervision at all times by 
the responsible State supervisor, regional director and national 
supervisor. Such service shall be rendered in accordance with 
instructions issued by the Administrator where the facilities and 
conditions are satisfactory for the conduct of the service and the 
requisite graders are available. Whenever the supervisor of a grader has 
evidence that such grader incorrectly graded a product, such supervisor 
shall take such action as is necessary to correct the grading and to 
cause any improper grademarks which appear on the product or the 
containers thereof to be corrected prior

[[Page 42]]

to shipment of the product from the place of initial grading.

[40 FR 20055, May 8, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
as amended at 43 FR 60138, Dec. 26, 1978. Redesignated at 46 FR 63203, 
Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 71 FR 42008, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.7  Nondiscrimination.

    The conduct of all services and the licensing of graders under these 
regulations shall be accomplished without discrimination as to race, 
color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political 
beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.

[71 FR 42008, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.8  Other applicable regulations.

    Compliance with the regulations in this part shall not excuse 
failure to comply with any other Federal, or any State, or municipal 
applicable laws or regulations.

[20 FR 670, Feb. 1, 1955. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981]



Sec.  56.9  OMB control number.

    (a) Purpose. The collecting of information requirements in this part 
has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and 
assigned OMB control number 0581-0128.
    (b) Display.

  Sections Where Information Collection Requirements Are Identified and
                                Described
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
56.3(a)                  56.24                    56.52(b)(3)(ii)
56.4(a)                  56.25                    56.54(b)(1)
56.10(a)                 56.26                    56.54(b)(3)(ii)
56.11                    56.30                    56.56(a)
56.12                    56.31(a)                 56.57
56.17(b)                 56.35(b)                 56.58
56.18                    56.35(c)                 56.60
56.21(a)                 56.37                    56.62
56.21(b)                 56.52(a)(1)              56.76(f)(7)
56.21(c)                 56.52(a)(4)              56.76(h)
56.23                    56.52(b)(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[71 FR 42008, July 24, 2006; 71 FR 47564, Aug. 17, 2006]

                     Licensed and Authorized Graders



Sec.  56.10  Who may be licensed and authorized.

    (a) Any person who is a Federal or State employee, the employee of a 
local jurisdiction, or the employee of a cooperating agency possessing 
proper qualifications as determined by an examination for competency and 
who is to perform grading service under this part, may be licensed by 
the Secretary as a grader.
    (b) All licenses issued by the Secretary shall be countersigned by 
the officer in charge of the shell egg grading service of the AMS or any 
other designated officer.
    (c) Any person, who is employed at any official plant and possesses 
proper qualifications, as determined by the Administrator, may be 
authorized to candle and grade eggs on the basis of the ``U.S. Standards 
for Quality of Individual Shell Eggs,'' with respect to eggs purchased 
from producers or eggs to be packaged with official identification. In 
addition, such authorization may be granted to any qualified person to 
act as a ``quality assurance inspector'' in the packaging and grade 
labeling of products. No person to whom such authorization is granted 
shall have authority to issue any grading certificates, grading 
memoranda, or other official documents; and all eggs which are graded by 
any such person shall thereafter be check graded by a grader.

[71 FR 42008, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.11  Financial interest of graders.

    Graders shall not render service on any product in which they are 
financially interested.

[71 FR 42008, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.12  Suspension of license; revocation.

    Pending final action by the Secretary, any person authorized to 
countersign a license to perform grading service may, whenever such 
action is deemed necessary to assure that any grading service is 
properly performed, suspend any license to perform grading service 
issued pursuant to this part, by

[[Page 43]]

giving notice of such suspension or revocation to the respective 
licensee, accompanied by a statement of the reasons therefor. Within 7 
days after the receipt of the aforesaid notice and statement of reasons, 
the licensee may file an appeal in writing with the Secretary, supported 
by any argument or evidence that the licensee may wish to offer as to 
why their license should not be further suspended or revoked. After the 
expiration of the aforesaid 7-day period and consideration of such 
argument and evidence, the Secretary will take such action as deemed 
appropriate with respect to such suspension or revocation. When no 
appeal is filed within the prescribed 7 days, the license to perform 
grading service is revoked.

[71 FR 42008, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.13  Cancellation of license.

    Upon termination of the services of a licensed grader, the grader's 
license shall be immediately surrendered for cancellation.

[71 FR 42008, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.14  Surrender of license.

    Each license which is canceled, suspended, or has expired shall 
immediately be surrendered by the licensee to the office of grading 
serving the area in which the licensee is located.

[31 FR 2773, Feb. 16, 1966. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 71 
FR 42008, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.15  Political activity.

    Federal graders may participate in certain political activities, 
including management of and participation in political campaigns, in 
accordance with AMS policy. Graders are subject to these rules while 
they are on leave with or without pay, including furlough; however the 
rules do not apply to cooperative employees not under Federal 
supervision and intermittent employees on the days they perform no 
service. Willful violations of the political activity rules will 
constitute grounds for removal from the AMS.

[71 FR 42008, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.16  Identification.

    Graders shall have in their possession at all times, and present 
upon request while on duty, the means of identification furnished to 
them by the Department.

[71 FR 42008, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.17  Equipment and facilities for graders.

    Equipment and facilities to be furnished by the applicant for use of 
graders in performing service on a resident basis shall include, but not 
be limited to, the following:
    (a)(1) An accurate metal stem thermometer;
    (2) Electronic digital-display scales graduated in increments of \1/
10\-ounce or less for weighing individual eggs and test weights for 
calibrating such scales. Plants packing product based on metric weight 
must provide scales graduated in increments of 1-gram or less;
    (3) Electronic digital-display scales graduated in increments of \1/
4\-ounce or less for weighing the lightest and heaviest consumer 
packages packed in the plant and test weights for calibrating such 
scales;
    (4) Scales graduated in increments of \1/4\-pound or less for 
weighing shipping containers and test weights for calibrating such 
scales;
    (5) Two candling lights that provide a sufficient combined 
illumination through both the aperture and downward through the bottom 
to facilitate accurate interior and exterior quality determinations.
    (6) A candling booth adequately darkened and located in close 
proximity to the work area that is reasonably free of excessive noise. 
The booth must be sufficient in size to accommodate two graders, two 
candling lights, and other necessary grading equipment.
    (b) Furnished office space, a desk, and file or storage cabinets 
(equipped with a satisfactory locking device) suitable for the security 
and storage of official supplies, and other facilities and equipment as 
may otherwise be required. Such space and equipment must

[[Page 44]]

meet the approval of the national supervisor.

[32 FR 8230, June 8, 1967. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
as amended at 46 FR 39570, Aug. 4, 1981. Redesignated at 46 FR 63203, 
Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 60 FR 12402, Mar. 7, 1995; 63 FR 13330, 
Mar. 19, 1998; 69 FR 76375, Dec. 21, 2004; 71 FR 42008, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.18  Schedule of operation of official plants.

    Grading operating schedules for services performed pursuant to 
Sec. Sec.  56.52 and 56.54 shall be requested in writing and be approved 
by the Administrator. Normal operating schedules for a full week consist 
of a continuous 8-hour period per day (excluding not to exceed 1 hour 
for lunch), 5 consecutive days per week, within the administrative 
workweek, Sunday through Saturday, for each shift required. Less than 8-
hour schedules may be requested and will be approved if a grader is 
available. Clock hours of daily operations need not be specified in the 
request, although as a condition of continued approval, the hours of 
operation shall be reasonably uniform from day to day. Graders are to be 
notified by management 1 day in advance of any change in the hours 
grading service is requested.

[48 FR 20683, May 9, 1983]



Sec.  56.19  Prerequisites to grading.

    Grading of products shall be rendered pursuant to the regulations in 
this part and under such conditions and in accordance with such methods 
as may be prescribed or approved by the Administrator.

[71 FR 42008, July 24, 2006]

                     Application for Grading Service



Sec.  56.20  Who may obtain grading service.

    An application for grading service may be made by any interested 
person, including, but not being limited to any authorized agent of the 
United States, any State, county, municipality, or common carrier.

[71 FR 42009, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.21  How application for service may be made; conditions of service.

    (a) Application. (1) Any person may apply for service with respect 
to products in which he or she has a financial interest by completing 
the required application for service. In any case in which the service 
is intended to be furnished at an establishment not operated by the 
applicant, the application must be approved by the operator of such 
establishment and such approval shall constitute an authorization for 
any employee of the Department to enter the establishment for the 
purpose of performing his or her functions under the regulations in this 
part. The application must include:
    (i) Name and address of the establishment at which service is 
desired;
    (ii) Name and mailing address of the applicant;
    (iii) Financial interest of the applicant in the products, except 
where application is made by a representative of a Government agency in 
the representative's official capacity;
    (iv) Signature of the applicant (or the signature and title of the 
applicant's representative);
    (v) Indication of the legal status of the applicant as an 
individual, partnership, corporation, or other form of legal entity; and
    (vi) The legal designation of the applicant's business as a small or 
large business, as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration's 
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes.
    (2) In making application, the applicant agrees to comply with the 
terms and conditions of the regulations in this part (including, but not 
being limited to, such instructions governing grading of products as may 
be issued from time to time by the Administrator). No member of or 
Delegate to Congress or Resident Commissioner shall be admitted to any 
benefit that may arise from such service unless derived through service 
rendered a corporation for its general benefit. Any change in such 
status, at any time while service is being received, shall be promptly 
reported by the person receiving the service to the grading office 
designated by the Director or Chief to process such requests.

[[Page 45]]

    (b) Notice of eligibility for service. The applicant will be 
notified whether the application is approved or denied.

[84 FR 49641, Sept. 23, 2019]



Sec.  56.22  Filing of application.

    An application for grading service shall be regarded as filed only 
when made pursuant to the regulations in this part.

[71 FR 42009, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.23  Form of application.

    Each application for grading or sampling a specified lot of any 
product shall include such information as may be required by the 
Administrator in regard to the product and the premises where such 
product is to be graded or sampled.

[28 FR 6342, June 20, 1963. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981]



Sec.  56.24  Rejection of application.

    (a) An application for grading service may be rejected by the 
Administrator:
    (1) Whenever the applicant fails to meet the requirements of the 
regulations prescribing the conditions under which the service is made 
available;
    (2) Whenever the product is owned by or located on the premises of a 
person currently denied the benefits of the Act;
    (3) Where any individual holding office or a responsible position 
with or having a substantial financial interest or share in the 
applicant is currently denied the benefits of the Act or was responsible 
in whole or in part for the current denial of the benefits of the Act to 
any person;
    (4) Where the Administrator determines that the application is an 
attempt on the part of a person currently denied the benefits of the Act 
to obtain grading services;
    (5) Whenever the applicant, after an initial survey has been made in 
accordance with the regulations, fails to bring the grading facilities 
and equipment into compliance with the regulations within a reasonable 
period of time;
    (6) Notwithstanding any prior approval whenever, before inauguration 
of service, the applicant fails to fulfill commitments concerning the 
inauguration of the service;
    (7) When it appears that to perform the services specified in this 
part would not be to the best interests of the public welfare or of the 
Government; or
    (8) When it appears to the Administrator that prior commitments of 
the Department necessitate rejection of the application.
    (b) Each such applicant shall be promptly notified by registered 
mail of the reasons for the rejection. A written petition for 
reconsideration of such rejection may be filed by the applicant with the 
Administrator if postmarked or delivered within 10 days after the 
receipt of notice of the rejection. Such petition shall state 
specifically the errors alleged to have been made by the Administrator 
in rejecting the application. Within 20 days following the receipt of 
such a petition for reconsideration, the Administrator shall approve the 
application or notify the applicant by registered mail of the reasons 
for the rejection thereof.

[71 FR 42009, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.25  Withdrawal of Application.

    An application for grading service may be withdrawn by the applicant 
at any time before the service is performed upon payment by the 
applicant, of all expenses incurred by the AMS in connection with such 
application.

[71 FR 42009, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.26  Authority of applicant.

    Proof of the authority of any person applying for any grading 
service may be required at the discretion of the Administrator.

[20 FR 671, Feb. 1, 1955. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981]



Sec.  56.27  Order of service.

    Grading service shall be performed, insofar as practicable and 
subject to the availability of qualified graders, in the order in which 
applications therefore are made except that precedence

[[Page 46]]

may be given to any application for an appeal grading.

[20 FR 671, Feb. 1, 1955; 20 FR 757, Feb. 4, 1955, as amended at 42 FR 
2970, Jan. 14, 1977. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and 
further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 71 FR 
42009, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.28  Types of service.

    (a) Noncontinuous grading service. Service is performed on an 
unscheduled basis, with no scheduled tour of duty, and when an applicant 
requests grading of a particular lot of shell eggs. Charges or fees are 
based on the time, travel, and expenses needed to perform the work. This 
service may be referred to as unscheduled grading service. Shell eggs 
graded under unscheduled grading service are not eligible to be 
identified with the official grademarks shown in Sec.  56.36.
    (b) Continuous grading service on a scheduled basis. Service on a 
scheduled basis has a scheduled tour of duty and is performed when an 
applicant requests that a USDA licensed grader be stationed in the 
applicant's processing plant and grade shell eggs in accordance with 
U.S. Standards. The applicant agrees to comply with the facility, 
operating, and sanitary requirements of scheduled service. Minimum fees 
for service performed under a scheduled agreement will be based on the 
hours of the regular tour of duty. Shell eggs graded under scheduled 
grading service are eligible to be identified with the official 
grademarks shown in Sec.  56.36 only when processed and graded under the 
supervision of a grader or quality assurance inspector as provided in 
Sec.  56.39.
    (c) Temporary grading service. Service is performed when an 
applicant requests an official plant number with service provided on an 
unscheduled basis. The applicant must meet all facility, operating, and 
sanitary requirements of continuous service. Charges or fees are based 
on the time and expenses needed to perform the work. Shell eggs graded 
under temporary grading service are eligible to be identified with the 
official grademarks only when they are processed and graded under the 
supervision of a grader or quality assurance inspector as provided in 
Sec.  56.39.

[84 FR 49642, Sept. 23, 2019]



Sec.  56.29  Suspension or withdrawal of plant approval for correctable cause.

    (a) Any plant approval given pursuant to the regulations in this 
part may be suspended by the Administrator for:
    (1) Failure to maintain grading facilities and equipment in a 
satisfactory state of repair, sanitation, or cleanliness;
    (2) The use of operating procedures which are not in accordance with 
the regulations in this part; or
    (3) Alterations of grading facilities or equipment which have not 
been approved in accordance with the regulations in this part.
    (b) Whenever it is feasible to do so, written notice in advance of a 
suspension shall be given to the person concerned and shall specify a 
reasonable period of time in which corrective action must be taken. If 
advance written notice is not given, the suspension action shall be 
promptly confirmed in writing and the reasons therefor shall be stated, 
except in instances where the person has already corrected the 
deficiency. Such service, after appropriate corrective action is taken, 
will be restored immediately, or as soon thereafter as a grader can be 
made available. During such period of suspension, grading service shall 
not be rendered. However, the other provisions of the regulations 
pertaining to providing grading service on a resident basis will remain 
in effect unless such service is terminated in accordance with the 
provisions of this part.
    (c) If the grading facilities or methods of operation are not 
brought into compliance within a reasonable period of time as specified 
by the Administrator, the Administrator shall initiate withdrawal action 
pursuant to the Rules of Practice Governing Formal Adjudicatory 
Proceedings (7 CFR part 1, subpart H), and the operator shall be 
afforded an opportunity for an oral hearing upon written request in 
accordance with such Rules of Practice, with respect to the merits or 
validity

[[Page 47]]

of the withdrawal action, but any suspension shall continue in effect 
pending the outcome of such hearing unless otherwise ordered by the 
Administrator. Upon withdrawal of grading service in an official plant, 
the plant approval shall also become terminated and all labels, seals, 
tags, or packaging material bearing official identification shall, under 
the supervision of a person designated by the AMS, either be destroyed 
or the official identification completely obliterated or sealed in a 
manner acceptable to the AMS.
    (d) In any case where grading service is withdrawn under this 
section, the person concerned may thereafter apply for grading service 
as provided in Sec. Sec.  56.20 through 56.29 of these regulations.

[71 FR 42009, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.30  Application for grading service in official plants; approval.

    Any person desiring to process and pack products in a plant under 
grading service must receive approval of such plant and facilities as an 
official plant prior to the rendition of such service. An application 
for grading service to be rendered in an official plant shall be 
approved according to the following procedure: When application has been 
filed for grading service, as aforesaid, the State supervisor or the 
supervisor's assistant shall examine the grading office, facilities, and 
equipment and specify any facility or equipment modifications needed for 
the service. When the plant survey has been completed and approved in 
accordance with the regulations in this part, service may be installed.

[71 FR 42009, July 24, 2006]

                                 Reports



Sec.  56.31  Report of grading work.

    Reports of grading work performed within official plants shall be 
forwarded to the Administrator by the grader in a manner as may be 
specified by the Administrator.

[71 FR 42010, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.32  Information to be furnished to graders.

    The applicant for grading service shall furnish to the grader 
rendering such service such information as may be required for the 
purposes of this part.

[71 FR 42010, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.33  Report of violations.

    Each grader shall report, in the manner prescribed by the 
Administrator, all violations of and noncompliance with the Act and the 
regulations in this part of which such grader has knowledge.

[71 FR 42010, July 24, 2006]

                    Identifying and Marking Products



Sec.  56.35  Authority to use, and approval of official identification.

    (a) Authority to use official identification. Authority to 
officially identify product graded pursuant to this part is granted only 
to applicants who make the services of a grader or quality assurance 
inspector available for use in accordance with this part. Packaging 
materials bearing official identification marks shall be approved 
pursuant to Sec. Sec.  56.35 to 56.37, inclusive, and shall be used only 
for the purpose for which approved and prescribed by the Administrator. 
Any unauthorized use or disposition of approved labels or packaging 
materials which bear any official identification may result in 
cancellation of the approval and denial of the use of labels or 
packaging materials bearing official identification or denial of the 
benefits of the Act pursuant to the provisions of Sec.  56.31.
    (b) Approval of official identification. No label, container, or 
packaging material which bears official identification may contain any 
statement that is false or misleading. No label, container, or packaging 
material bearing official identification may be printed or prepared for 
use until the printers' or other final proof has been approved by the 
Administrator in accordance with the regulations in this part, the 
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Fair Packaging and Labeling 
Act, and the regulations promulgated under these acts. The use of 
finished labels

[[Page 48]]

must be approved as prescribed by the Administrator. A grader may apply 
official identification stamps to shipping containers if they do not 
bear any statement that is false or misleading. If the label is printed 
or otherwise applied directly to the container, the principal display 
panels of such container shall for this purpose be considered as the 
label. The label shall contain the name, address, and ZIP Code of the 
packer or distributor of the product, the name of the product, a 
statement of the net contents of the container, and the U.S. grademark.
    (c) Nutritional labeling. Nutrition information must be included on 
the labeling of each unit container of consumer packaged shell eggs in 
accordance with the provisions of title 21, chapter I, part 101, 
Regulations for the Enforcement of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic 
Act and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act. The nutrition information 
included on labels is subject to review by the Food and Drug 
Administration prior to approval by the Department.
    (d) Refrigeration labeling. All containers bearing official U.S. 
Grade AA, A, or B identification shall be labeled to indicate that 
refrigeration is required, e.g., ``Keep Refrigerated,'' or words of 
similar meaning.

[40 FR 20055, May 8, 1975, as amended at 42 FR 2970, Jan. 14, 1977. 
Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 
46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 60 FR 12402, Mar. 7, 1995; 64 
FR 56947, Oct. 22, 1999; 71 FR 42010, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.36  Form of grademark and information required.

    (a) Form of official identification symbol and grademark. (1) The 
shield set forth in Figure 1 of this section shall be the official 
identification symbol for purposes of this part and when used, imitated, 
or simulated in any manner in connection with shell eggs, shall be 
deemed prima facia to constitute a representation that the product has 
been officially graded for the purposes of Sec.  56.2.
    (2) Except as otherwise authorized, the grademark permitted to be 
used to officially identify USDA consumer-graded shell eggs shall be of 
the form and design indicated in Figures 2 through 4 of this section. 
The shield shall be of sufficient size so that the printing and other 
information contained therein is legible and in approximately the same 
proportion as shown in these figures.
    (3) The ``Produced From'' grademark in Figure 5 of this section may 
be used to identify products for which there are no official U.S. grade 
standards (e.g., pasteurized shell eggs), provided that these products 
are approved by the Agency and are prepared from U.S. Consumer Grade AA 
or A shell eggs.
    (b) Information required on grademark. (1) Except as otherwise 
authorized by the Administrator, each grademark used shall include the 
letters ``USDA'' and the U.S. grade of the product it identifies, such 
as ``A Grade,'' as shown in Figure 2 of this section. Such information 
shall be printed with the shield and the wording within the shield in 
contrasting colors in a manner such that the design is legible and 
conspicuous on the material upon which it is printed.
    (2) The size or weight class of the product, such as ``Large,'' may 
appear within the grademark as shown in Figure 3 of this section. If the 
size or weight class is omitted from the grademark, it must appear 
prominently on the main panel of the carton.
    (3) Except as otherwise authorized, the bands of the shield in 
Figure 4 of this section shall be displayed in three colors, with the 
color of the top, middle, and bottom bands being blue, white, and red, 
respectively.
    (4) The ``Produced From'' grademark in Figure 5 of this section may 
be any one of the designs shown in Figures 2 through 4 of this section. 
The text outside the shield shall be conspicuous, legible, and in 
approximately the same proportion and close proximity to the shield as 
shown in Figure 5 of this section.
    (5) The plant number of the official plant preceded by the letter 
``P'' must be shown on each carton or packaging material.

[[Page 49]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR19MR98.011

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR19MR98.012

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR19MR98.013

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR19MR98.014

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR19MR98.015


[63 FR 13330, Mar. 19, 1998, as amended at 68 FR 25485, May 13, 2003]



Sec.  56.37  Lot marking of officially identified shell eggs.

    Shell eggs identified with the grademarks shown in Sec.  56.36 shall 
be legibly lot numbered on either the individual egg, the carton, or the 
consumer package. The lot number shall be the consecutive day of the 
year on which the eggs were packed (e.g., 132), except other lot 
numbering systems may be used when submitted in writing and approved by 
the Administrator.

[35 FR 5664, Apr. 8, 1970. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
as amended at 46 FR 39570, Aug. 4, 1981. Redesignated at 46 FR 63203, 
Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 60 FR 12402, Mar. 7, 1995; 63 FR 13331, 
Mar. 19, 1998; 69 FR 76376, Dec. 21, 2004]



Sec.  56.38  Retention authorities.

    A grader may use retention tags or other devices and methods as 
approved by the Administrator for the identification and control of 
shell eggs which are not in compliance with the regulations or are held 
for further examination and for any equipment, utensils, rooms or 
compartments which are found unclean or otherwise in violation of the 
regulations. Any such item shall not be released until in compliance 
with the regulations and retention identification shall not be removed 
by anyone other than a grader.

[35 FR 5664, Apr. 8, 1970. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981. Redesignated at 
71 FR 42010, July 24, 2006]

[[Page 50]]

    Prerequisites to Packaging Shell Eggs Identified With Grademarks



Sec.  56.39  Quality assurance inspector required.

    The official identification with the grademark of any product as 
provided in Sec. Sec.  56.35 to 56.41, inclusive, shall be done only 
under the supervision of a grader or quality assurance inspector. The 
grader or quality assurance inspector shall have supervision over the 
use and handling of all material bearing any official identification.

[42 FR 2971, Jan. 14, 1977. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
as amended at 46 FR 39570, Aug. 4, 1981. Redesignated at 46 FR 63203, 
Dec. 31, 1981; 69 FR 76376, Dec. 21, 2004]



Sec.  56.40  Grading requirements of shell eggs identified with grademarks.

    (a) Shell eggs to be identified with the grademarks illustrated in 
Sec.  56.36 must be individually graded by a grader or by authorized 
personnel pursuant to Sec.  56.11 and thereafter check graded by a 
grader.
    (b) Shell eggs not graded in accordance with paragraph (a) of this 
section may be officially graded on a sample basis and the shipping 
containers may be identified with grademarks which contain the words 
``Sample Graded'' and which are approved by the Administrator.
    (c) In order to be officially identified with a USDA consumer 
grademark, shell eggs shall:
    (1) Be eggs of current production;
    (2) Not possess any undesirable odors or flavors;
    (3) Not have previously been shipped for retail sale;
    (4) Not originate from a layer house environment determined positive 
for the presence of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE), unless the eggs from 
the layer house have been sampled and have tested negative for the 
presence of SE in the eggs; and
    (5) Not originate from eggs testing positive for SE, or not have 
been subject to a product recall.

[32 FR 8231, June 8, 1967. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
as amended at 46 FR 39571, Aug. 4, 1981. Redesignated at 46 FR 63203, 
Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 63 FR 13331, Mar. 19, 1998; 69 FR 76376, 
Dec. 21, 2004; 71 FR 20292, Apr. 19, 2006; 81 FR 63676, Sept. 16, 2016]



Sec.  56.41  Check grading officially identified product.

    Officially identified shell eggs packed or received in an official 
plant may be subject to final check grading prior to their shipment. 
Such product found not to be in compliance with the assigned official 
grade shall be placed under a retention tag until it is regraded to 
comply with the grade assigned or until the official identification is 
removed.

[35 FR 5664, Apr. 8, 1970. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981]



Sec. Sec.  56.42-56.43  [Reserved]

                            Fees and Charges



Sec.  56.45  Payment of fees and charges.

    (a) Fees and charges for any grading service must be paid by the 
interested party making the application for such grading service, in 
accordance with the applicable provisions of this section and Sec. Sec.  
56.46 through 56.53, inclusive.
    (b) Fees and charges for any grading service shall, unless otherwise 
required pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section, be paid by check, 
electronic funds transfer, draft, or money order made payable to the 
National Finance Center. Payment for the service must be made in 
accordance with directions on the billing statement, and such fees and 
charges must be paid in advance if required by the official grader or 
other authorized official.
    (c) Fees and charges for any grading service under a cooperative 
agreement with any State or person shall be paid in accordance with the 
terms of such cooperative agreement.

[33 FR 20004, Dec. 31, 1968 and 42 FR 2971, Jan. 14, 1977. Redesignated 
at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, 
Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 71 FR 42010, July 24, 2006; 84 FR 49642, 
Sept. 23, 2019]

[[Page 51]]



Sec.  56.46  Charges for service on an unscheduled basis.

    (a) Unless otherwise provided in this part, the fees to be charged 
and collected for any service performed, in accordance with this part, 
on an unscheduled basis shall be based on the applicable formulas 
specified in this section. For each calendar year or crop year, AMS will 
calculate the rate for grading services, per hour per program employee 
using the following formulas:
    (1) Regular rate. The total AMS grading program personnel direct pay 
divided by direct hours, which is then multiplied by the next year's 
percentage of cost of living increase, plus the benefits rate, plus the 
operating rate, plus the allowance for bad debt rate. If applicable, 
travel expenses may also be added to the cost of providing the service.
    (2) Overtime rate. The total AMS grading program personnel direct 
pay divided by direct hours, which is then multiplied by the next year's 
percentage of cost of living increase and then multiplied by 1.5 plus 
the benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus an allowance for bad 
debt. If applicable, travel expenses may also be added to the cost of 
providing the service.
    (3) Holiday rate. The total AMS grading program personnel direct pay 
divided by direct hours, which is then multiplied by the next year's 
percentage of cost of living increase and then multiplied by 2, plus 
benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus an allowance for bad debt. 
If applicable, travel expenses may also be added to the cost of 
providing the service.
    (b)(1) For each calendar year, based on previous fiscal year/
historical actual costs, AMS will calculate the benefits, operating, and 
allowance for bad debt components of the regular, overtime and holiday 
rates as follows:
    (i) Benefits rate. The total AMS grading program direct benefits 
costs divided by the total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday) 
worked, which is then multiplied by the next calendar year's percentage 
cost of living increase. Some examples of direct benefits are health 
insurance, retirement, life insurance, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 
retirement basic and matching contributions.
    (ii) Operating rate. The total AMS grading program operating costs 
divided by total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday) worked, which is 
then multiplied by the percentage of inflation.
    (iii) Allowance for bad debt rate. Total AMS grading program 
allowance for bad debt divided by total hours (regular, overtime, and 
holiday) worked.
    (2) The calendar year cost of living expenses and percentage of 
inflation factors used in the formulas in this section are based on the 
most recent Office of Management and Budget's Presidential Economic 
Assumptions.
    (c) Fees for unscheduled grading services will be based on the time 
required to perform the services. The hourly charges shall include the 
time actually required to perform the grading, waiting time, travel 
time, and any clerical costs involved in issuing a certificate. Charges 
to plants are as follows:
    (1) The regular hourly rate shall be charged for the first 8 hours 
worked per grader per day for all days except observed legal holidays.
    (2) The overtime rate shall be charged for hours worked in excess of 
8 hours per grader per day for all days except observed legal holidays.
    (3) The holiday hourly rate will be charged for hours worked on 
observed legal holidays.

[79 FR 67322, Nov. 13, 2014, as amended at 84 FR 49642, Sept. 23, 2019; 
85 FR 62937, Oct. 6, 2020]



Sec.  56.47  Fees for appeal grading or review of a grader's decision.

    The costs of an appeal grading or review of a grader's decision 
shall be borne by the appellant on an unscheduled basis at rates set 
forth in Sec.  56.46, plus any travel and additional expenses. If the 
appeal grading or review of a grader's decision discloses that a 
material error was made in the original determination, no fee or 
expenses will be charged.

[84 FR 49642, Sept. 23, 2019]



Sec.  56.49  Travel expenses and other charges.

    Charges are to be made to cover the cost of travel and other 
expenses incurred by the AMS in connection with rendering grading 
service. Such

[[Page 52]]

charges shall include the cost of transportation, per diem, and any 
other expenses.

[42 FR 2971, Jan. 14, 1977. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
as amended at 46 FR 8, Jan. 2, 1981. Redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 
31, 1981, as amended at 71 FR 42010, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.52  Charges for services on a scheduled basis.

    Fees to be charged and collected for any grading service, other than 
for an appeal grading, on a scheduled grading basis, will be determined 
based on the formulas in this part. The fees to be charged for any 
appeal grading shall be as provided in Sec.  56.47.
    (a) Charges. The charges for the grading of shell eggs shall be paid 
by the applicant for the service and shall include items listed in this 
section as are applicable. Payment for the full cost of the grading 
service rendered to the applicant shall be made by the applicant to the 
National Finance Center. Such full costs shall comprise such of the 
items listed in this section as are due and included in the bill or 
bills covering the period or periods during which the grading service 
was rendered. Bills are payable upon receipt.
    (1) When a signed application for service has been received, the 
State supervisor or his designee will complete a plant survey pursuant 
to Sec.  56.30. The costs for completing the plant survey will be 
charged to the applicant on an unscheduled basis as described in Sec.  
56.46. No charges will be assessed when the application is required 
because of a change in name or ownership. If service is not installed 
within 6 months from the date the application is filed, or if service is 
inactive due to an approved request for removal of a grader or 
graders(s) for a period of 6 months, the application will be considered 
terminated. A new application may be filed at any time. In addition, 
there will be a charge of $300 if the application is terminated at the 
request of the applicant for reasons other than for a change in location 
within 12 months from the date of the inauguration of service.
    (2) Charges for the cost of each grader assigned to a plant will be 
calculated as described in Sec.  56.46. Minimum fees for service 
performed under a scheduled agreement shall be based on the hours of the 
regular tour of duty. The Agency reserves the right to use any grader 
assigned to the plant under a scheduled agreement to perform service for 
other applicants except that no charge will be assessed to the scheduled 
applicant for the number of hours charged to the other applicant. 
Charges to plants are as follows:
    (i) The regular hourly rate shall be charged for hours worked in 
accordance with the approved tour of duty on the application for service 
between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
    (ii) The overtime rate shall be charged for hours worked in excess 
of the approved tour of duty on the application for service.
    (iii) The holiday hourly rate will be charged for hours worked on 
observed legal holidays.
    (iv) The night differential rate (for regular or overtime hours) 
will be charged for hours worked between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
    (v) The Sunday differential rate (for regular or overtime hours) 
will be charged for hours worked on a Sunday.
    (vi) For all hours of work performed in a plant without an approved 
tour of duty, the charge will be one of the applicable hourly rates in 
Sec.  56.46, plus actual travel expenses incurred by AMS.
    (3) A charge at the hourly rates specified in Sec.  56.46, plus 
actual travel expenses incurred by AMS for intermediate surveys to firms 
without grading service in effect.
    (b) Other provisions. (1) The applicant shall designate in writing 
the employees of the applicant who will be required and authorized to 
furnish each grader with such information as may be necessary for the 
performance of the grading service.
    (2) AMS will provide, as available, an adequate number of graders to 
perform the grading service. The number of graders required will be 
determined by AMS based on the expected demand for service.
    (3) The grading service shall be provided at the designated plant 
and shall be continued until the service is suspended, withdrawn, or 
terminated by:
    (i) Mutual consent;

[[Page 53]]

    (ii) Thirty (30) days' written notice, by either the applicant or 
AMS specifying the date of suspension, withdrawal, or termination;
    (iii) One (1) day's written notice by AMS to the applicant if the 
applicant fails to honor any invoice within thirty (30) days after date 
of invoice covering the cost of the grading service; or
    (iv) Action taken by AMS pursuant to the provisions of Sec.  56.31.
    (4) Graders will be required to confine their activities to those 
duties necessary in the rendering of grading service and such closely 
related activities as may be approved by AMS: Provided, That in no 
instance may the graders assume the duties of management.

[34 FR 8232, May 28, 1969]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
56.52, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  56.53  Fees or charges for grading service performed under
cooperative agreement.

    Fees or charges to be made to an applicant for grading service which 
differ from those listed in Sec. Sec.  56.45 through 56.54 shall be 
provided for by a cooperative agreement.

[36 FR 7894, Apr. 28, 1971. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981]



Sec.  56.54  [Reserved]

                          Grading Certificates



Sec.  56.55  Forms.

    Grading certificates and sampling report forms (including appeal 
grading certificates and regrading certificates) shall be issued on 
forms approved by the Administrator.

[71 FR 42010, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.56  Issuance.

    (a) Resident grading basis. Certificates will be issued only upon 
request therefor by the applicant or the AMS. When requested, a grader 
shall issue a certificate covering product graded by such grader. In 
addition, a grader may issue a grading certificate covering product 
graded in whole or in part by another grader when the grader has 
knowledge that the product is eligible for certification based on 
personal examination of the product or official grading records.
    (b) Other than resident grading. Each grader shall, in person or by 
the grader's authorized agent, issue a grading certificate covering each 
product graded by such grader. A grader's name may be signed on a 
grading certificate by a person other than the grader, if such person 
has been designated as the authorized agent of such grader by the 
national supervisor: Provided, That the certificate is prepared from an 
official memorandum of grading signed by the grader: And provided 
further, That a notarized power of attorney authorizing such signature 
has been issued to such person by the grader and is on file in the 
office of grading. In such case, the authorized agent shall sign both 
the agent's name and the grader's name, e.g., ``John Doe by Mary Roe.''

[71 FR 42010, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.57  Disposition.

    The original and a copy of each grading certificate, issued pursuant 
to Sec.  56.56, and not to exceed two additional copies thereof if 
requested by the applicant prior to issuance, shall, immediately upon 
issuance, be delivered or mailed to the applicant or the applicant's 
designee. Other copies shall be filed and retained in accordance with 
the disposition schedule for grading program records.

[36 FR 9842, May 29, 1971. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 47 
FR 46070, Oct. 15, 1982; 47 FR 54421, Dec. 3, 1982; 71 FR 42010, July 
24, 2006]



Sec.  56.58  Advance information.

    Upon request of an applicant, all or part of the contents of any 
grading certificate issued to such applicant may be telephoned or 
electronically transmitted to the applicant, or to the applicant's 
designee, at the applicant's expense.

[69 FR 76376, Dec. 21, 2004]

                     Appeal of a Grading or Decision

    Source: Sections 56.60 through 56.66 appear at 35 FR 9918, June 17, 
1970, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27,

[[Page 54]]

1977, and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981.



Sec.  56.60  Who may request an appeal grading or review of a grader's
decision.

    An appeal grading may be requested by any interested party who is 
dissatisfied with the determination by a grader of the class, quality, 
quantity, or condition of any product as evidenced by the USDA grademark 
and accompanying label, or as stated on a grading certificate and a 
review may be requested by the operator of an official plant with 
respect to a grader's decision or on any other matter related to grading 
in the official plant.



Sec.  56.61  Where to file an appeal.

    (a) Appeal from resident grader's grading or decision in an official 
plant. Any interested party who is not satisfied with the determination 
of the class, quality, quantity, or condition of product which was 
graded by a grader in an official plant and has not left such plant, and 
the operator of any official plant who is not satisfied with a decision 
by a grader on any other matter related to grading in such plant may 
request an appeal grading or review of the decision by the grader by 
filing such request with the grader's immediate supervisor.
    (b) All other appeal requests. Any interested party who is not 
satisfied with the determination of the class, quality, quantity, or 
condition of product which has left the official plant where it was 
graded or which was graded other than in an official plant may request 
an appeal grading by filing such request with the regional director in 
the area where the product is located or with the Chief of the Grading 
Branch.

[35 FR 9918, June 17, 1970. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 71 
FR 42010, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.62  How to file an appeal.

    Any request for an appeal grading or review of a grader's decision 
may be made orally or in writing. If made orally, written confirmation 
may be required. The applicant shall clearly state the reasons for 
requesting the appeal service and a description of the product, or the 
decision which is questioned. If such appeal request is based on the 
results stated on an official certificate, the original and all 
available copies of the certificate shall be returned to the appeal 
grader assigned to make the appeal grading.



Sec.  56.63  When an application for an appeal grading may be refused.

    When it appears to the official with whom an appeal request is filed 
that the reasons given in the request are frivolous or not substantial, 
or that the quality or condition of the product has undergone a material 
change since the original grading, or that the original lot has changed 
in some manner, or the Act or the regulations in this part have not been 
complied with, the applicant's request for the appeal grading may be 
refused. In such case, the applicant shall be promptly notified of the 
reason(s) for such refusal.



Sec.  56.64  Who shall perform the appeal.

    (a) An appeal grading or review of a decision requested under Sec.  
56.61(a) shall be made by the grader's immediate supervisor, or by one 
or more licensed graders assigned by the immediate supervisor.
    (b) Appeal gradings requested under Sec.  56.61(b) shall be 
performed by a grader other than the grader who originally graded the 
product.
    (c) Whenever practical, an appeal grading shall be conducted jointly 
by two graders. The assignment of the grader(s) who will make the appeal 
grading requested under Sec.  56.61(b) shall be made by the regional 
director or the Chief of the Grading Branch.

[35 FR 9918, June 17, 1970, as amended at 40 FR 20056, May 8, 1975. 
Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 
46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981; 71 FR 42010, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.65  Procedures for appeal gradings.

    (a) The appeal sample shall consist of product taken from the 
original sample container plus an equal number of samples selected at 
random.
    (b) When the original samples are not available or have been 
altered, such as the removal of undergrades, the appeal

[[Page 55]]

sample size for the lot shall consist of double the samples required in 
Sec.  56.4(b).
    (c) Shell eggs shall not have been moved from the original place of 
grading and must have been maintained under adequate refrigeration and 
humidity conditions.

[35 FR 9918, June 17, 1970. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 47 
FR 46070, Oct. 15, 1982; 47 FR 54421, Dec. 3, 1982; 69 FR 76376, Dec. 
21, 2004; 71 FR 42010, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.66  Appeal grading certificates.

    Immediately after an appeal grading is completed, an appeal 
certificate shall be issued to show that the original grading was 
sustained or was not sustained. Such certificate shall supersede any 
previously issued certificate for the product involved and shall clearly 
identify the number and date of the superseded certificate. The issuance 
of the appeal certificate may be withheld until any previously issued 
certificate and all copies have been returned when such action is deemed 
necessary to protect the interest of the Government. When the appeal 
grader assigns a different grade to the lot, the existing grademark 
shall be changed or obliterated as necessary. When the appeal grader 
assigns a different class or quantity designation to the lot, the 
labeling shall be corrected.

[35 FR 9918, June 17, 1970. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 71 
FR 42010, July 24, 2006]

                            Denial of Service



Sec.  56.68  Debarment.

    The acts or practices set forth in Sec. Sec.  56.69 through 56.74, 
or the causing thereof, may be deemed sufficient cause for the debarment 
by the Administrator of any person, including any agents, officers, 
subsidiaries, or affiliates of such person, from all benefits of the act 
for a specified period. The Rules of Practice Governing Formal 
Adjudicatory Proceedings (7 CFR part 1, subpart H) shall be applicable 
to such debarment action.

[71 FR 42011, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.69  Misrepresentation, deceptive, or fraudulent act or practice.

    Any willful misrepresentation or any deceptive or fraudulent act or 
practice found to be made or committed by any person in connection with:
    (a) The making or filing of an application for any grading service, 
appeal, or regrading service;
    (b) The making of the product accessible for sampling or grading;
    (c) The making, issuing, or using or attempting to issue or use any 
grading certificate, symbol, stamp, label, seal, or identification 
authorized pursuant to the regulations in this part;
    (d) The use of the terms ``United States'' or ``U.S.'' in 
conjunction with the grade of the product;
    (e) The use of any of the aforesaid terms or any official stamp, 
symbol, label, seal, or identification in the labeling or advertising of 
any product.

[71 FR 42011, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.70  Use of facsimile forms.

    Using or attempting to use a form which simulates in whole or in 
part any certificate, symbol, stamp, label, seal or identification 
authorized to be issued or used under the regulations in this part.

[71 FR 42011, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.71  Willful violation of the regulations.

    Any willful violation of the regulations in this part or the Act.

[71 FR 42011, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.72  Interfering with a grader or employee of the AMS.

    Any interference with or obstruction or any attempted interference 
or obstruction of or assault upon any graders, licensees, or employees 
of the AMS in the performance of their duties. The giving or offering, 
directly or indirectly, of any money, loan, gift, or anything of value 
to an employee of the AMS or the making or offering of any contribution 
to or in any way supplementing the salary, compensation or expenses of 
an employee of the AMS or the offering or entering into a private 
contract or agreement with an employee of the AMS for any services

[[Page 56]]

to be rendered while employed by the AMS.

[71 FR 42011, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.73  Misleading labeling.

    The use of the terms ``Government Graded'', ``Federal-State 
Graded'', or terms of similar import in the labeling or advertising of 
any product without stating in the label or advertisement the U.S. grade 
of the product as determined by an authorized grader.

[71 FR 42011, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  56.74  Miscellaneous.

    The existence of any of the conditions set forth in Sec.  56.24 
constituting the basis for the rejection of an application for grading 
service.

[71 FR 42011, July 24, 2006]

                          Facility Requirements



Sec.  56.75  Applicability of facility and operating requirements.

    The provisions of Sec.  56.76 shall be applicable to any grading 
service that is provided on a resident or temporary basis.

[69 FR 76376, Dec. 21, 2004]



Sec.  56.76  Minimum facility and operating requirements for shell egg
grading and packing plants.

    (a) Applicants must comply with all applicable Federal, State and 
local government occupational safety and health regulations.
    (b) General requirements for premises, buildings and plant 
facilities. (1) The outside premises shall be free from refuse, rubbish, 
waste, unused equipment, and other materials and conditions which 
constitute a source of odors or a harbor for insects, rodents, and other 
vermin.
    (2) The outside premises adjacent to grading, packing, cooler, and 
storage rooms must be properly graded and well drained to prevent 
conditions that may constitute a source of odors or propagate insects or 
rodents.
    (3) Buildings shall be of sound construction so as to prevent, 
insofar as practicable, the entrance or harboring of vermin.
    (4) Grading and packing rooms shall be of sufficient size to permit 
installation of necessary equipment and conduct grading and packing in a 
sanitary manner. These rooms shall be kept reasonably clean during 
grading and packing operations and shall be thoroughly cleaned at the 
end of each operating day.
    (5) The floors, walls, ceilings, partitions, and other parts of the 
grading and packing rooms including benches and platforms shall be 
constructed of materials that are readily cleanable, maintained in a 
sanitary condition, and impervious to moisture in areas exposed to 
cleaning solutions or moist conditions. The floors shall be constructed 
as to provide proper drainage.
    (6) Adequate toilet accommodations which are conveniently located 
and separated from the grading and packing rooms are to be provided. 
Handwashing facilities shall be provided with hot and cold running 
water, an acceptable handwashing detergent, and a sanitary method for 
drying hands. Toilet rooms shall be ventilated to the outside of the 
building and be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Signs 
shall be posted in the toilet rooms instructing employees to wash their 
hands before returning to work. In new or remodeled construction, toilet 
rooms shall be located in areas that do not open directly into 
processing rooms.
    (7) A separate refuse room or a designated area for the accumulation 
of trash must be provided in plants which do not have a system for the 
daily removal or destruction of such trash.
    (8) Adequate packing and packaging storage areas are to be provided 
that protect packaging materials and are dry and maintained in a clean 
and sanitary condition.
    (c) Grading and packing room requirements. (1) The egg grading or 
candling area shall be adequately darkened to make possible the accurate 
quality determination of the candled appearance of eggs. There shall be 
no other light source or reflection of light that interfere with, or 
prohibit the accurate quality determination of eggs in the grading or 
candling areas.
    (2) The grading and candling equipment shall provide adequate light 
to facilitate quality determinations. When needed, other light sources 
and

[[Page 57]]

equipment or facilities shall be provided to permit the detection and 
removal of stained and dirty eggs or other undergrade eggs.
    (3) The grading and candling equipment must be sanitarily designed 
and constructed to facilitate cleaning. Such equipment shall be kept 
reasonably clean during grading and packing operations and be thoroughly 
cleaned at the end of each operating day.
    (4) Egg weighing equipment shall be constructed of materials to 
permit cleaning; operated in a clean, sanitary manner; and shall be 
capable of ready adjustment.
    (5) Adequate ventilation, heating, and cooling shall be provided 
where needed.
    (d) Cooler room requirements. (1) Cooler rooms holding shell eggs 
that are identified with a consumer grade shall be refrigerated and 
capable of maintaining an ambient temperature no greater than 45 [deg]F 
(7.2 [deg]C) and equipped with humidifying equipment capable of 
maintaining a relative humidity which will minimize shrinkage.
    (2) Accurate thermometers and hygrometers shall be provided for 
monitoring cooler room temperatures and relative humidity.
    (3) Cooler rooms shall be free from objectionable odors and from 
mold, and shall be maintained in a sanitary condition.
    (e) Shell egg protecting operations. (1) Shell egg protecting (oil 
application) operations shall be conducted in a manner to avoid 
contamination of the product and maximize conservation of its quality.
    (2) Component equipment within the shell egg protecting system, 
including holding tanks and containers, must be sanitarily designed and 
maintained in a clean and sanitary manner, and the application equipment 
must provide an adequate amount of oil for shell coverage of the volume 
of eggs processed.
    (3) Eggs with excess moisture on the shell shall not be shell 
protected.
    (4) Oil having any off odor, or that is obviously contaminated, 
shall not be used in shell egg protection operations. Oil is to be 
filtered prior to application.
    (5) The component equipment of the application system shall be 
washed, rinsed, and treated with a bactericidal agent each time the oil 
is removed.
    (6) Adequate coverage and protection against dust and dirt shall be 
provided when the equipment is not in use.
    (f) Shell egg cleaning operations. (1) Shell egg washing equipment 
must be sanitarily designed, maintained in a clean and sanitary manner, 
and thoroughly cleaned at the end of each operating day.
    (2) Shell egg drying equipment must be sanitarily designed and 
maintained in a clean and sanitary manner. Air used for drying purposes 
must be filtered. These filters shall be cleaned or replaced as needed 
to maintain a sanitary process.
    (3) The temperature of the wash water shall be maintained at 90 
[deg]F (32.2 [deg]C) or higher, and shall be at least 20 [deg]F (6.7 
[deg]C) warmer than the internal temperature of the eggs to be washed. 
These temperatures shall be maintained throughout the cleaning cycle. 
Accurate thermometers shall be provided for monitoring wash water 
temperatures.
    (4) Approved cleaning compounds shall be used in the wash water.
    (5) Wash water shall be changed approximately every 4 hours or more 
often if needed to maintain sanitary conditions, and at the end of each 
shift. Remedial measures shall be taken to prevent excess foaming during 
the egg washing operation.
    (6) Replacement water shall be added continuously to the wash water 
of washers. Chlorine or quaternary sanitizing rinse water may be used as 
part of the replacement water, provided, they are compatible with the 
washing compound. Iodine sanitizing rinse water may not be used as part 
of the replacement water.
    (7) Only potable water may be used to wash eggs. Each official plant 
shall submit certification to the national office stating that their 
water supply is potable. An analysis of the iron content of the water 
supply, stated in parts per million, is also required. When the iron 
content exceeds 2 parts per million, equipment shall be provided to 
reduce the iron content below the maximum allowed level. Frequency

[[Page 58]]

of testing for potability and iron content shall be determined by the 
Administrator. When the water source is changed, new tests are required.
    (8) Waste water from the egg washing operation shall be piped 
directly to drains.
    (9) The washing, rinsing, and drying operations shall be continuous 
and shall be completed as rapidly as possible to maximize conservation 
of the egg's quality and to prevent sweating of eggs. Eggs shall not be 
allowed to stand or soak in water. Immersion-type washers shall not be 
used.
    (10) Prewetting shell eggs prior to washing may be accomplished by 
spraying a continuous flow of water over the eggs in a manner which 
permits the water to drain away or other methods which may be approved 
by the Administrator. The temperature of the water shall be the same as 
prescribed in this section.
    (11) Washed eggs shall be spray-rinsed with water having a 
temperature equal to, or warmer than, the temperature of the wash water. 
The spray-rinse water shall contain a sanitizer that has been determined 
acceptable for the intended use by the national supervisor and of not 
less than 100 p/m nor more than 200 p/m of available chlorine or its 
equivalent. Alternate procedures, in lieu of a sanitizer rinse, may be 
approved by the national supervisor.
    (12) Test kits shall be provided and used to determine the strength 
of the sanitizing solution.
    (13) During non-processing periods, eggs shall be removed from the 
washing and rinsing area of the egg washer and from the scanning area 
whenever there is a buildup of heat that may diminish the quality of the 
egg.
    (14) Washed eggs shall be reasonably dry before packaging and 
packing.
    (15) Steam, vapors, or odors originating from the washing and 
rinsing operation shall be continuously and directly exhausted to the 
outside of the building.
    (g) Requirements for eggs officially identified with a grademark. 
(1) Shell eggs that are officially identified with a grademark shall be 
placed under refrigeration at an ambient temperature no greater than 45 
[deg]F (7.2 [deg]C) promptly after packaging.
    (2) Eggs that are to be officially identified with the grademark 
shall be packed only in new or good used packing material and new 
packaging materials that are clean, free of mold, mustiness and off 
odors, and must be of sufficient strength and durability to adequately 
protect the eggs during normal distribution. When packed in other than 
fiber packing material, the containers must be of sound construction and 
maintained in a reasonably clean manner.
    (h) Use of approved chemicals and compounds. (1) All egg washing and 
equipment cleaning compounds, defoamers, destainers, sanitizers, inks, 
oils, lubricants, or any other compound that comes into contact with the 
shell eggs shall be approved by the national supervisor for their 
specified use and handled in accordance with the manufacturer's 
instructions.
    (2) All pesticides, insecticides, and rodenticides shall be approved 
for their specified use and handled in accordance with the 
manufacturer's instructions.

[69 FR 76376, Dec. 21, 2004]



Sec.  56.77  Health and hygiene of personnel.

    (a) No person known to be affected by a communicable or infectious 
disease shall be permitted to come in contact with the product.
    (b) Plant personnel coming into contact with the product shall wear 
clean clothing.

[32 FR 8232, June 8, 1967. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981]

Subpart B [Reserved]



PART 57_INSPECTION OF EGGS (EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT)-
-Table of Contents



          Subpart A_Provisions Governing the Inspection of Eggs

                                 General

Sec.
57.1 Definitions.
57.10 Administration.
57.13 Federal and State cooperation.
57.17 Nondiscrimination.
57.18 OMB control number.

[[Page 59]]

                           Scope of Inspection

57.20 Inspection in accordance with methods prescribed or approved.
57.22 Basis of service.
57.28 Inspections.

                      Relation to Other Authorities

57.35 Eggs in commerce.

                    Eggs Not Intended for Human Food

57.45 Prohibition on eggs not intended for use as human food.

                               Exemptions

57.100 Specific exemptions.
57.105 Suspension or termination of exemptions.

                         Performance of Services

57.110 Licensed inspectors.
57.112 Suspension of license or authority; revocation.
57.114 Surrender of license.
57.119 Political activity.
57.120 Financial interest of inspectors.
57.130 Identification.
57.132 Access to plants.
57.134 Accessibility of product.

Records and Related Requirements for Egg Handlers and Related Industries

57.200 Records and related requirements.
57.220 Information and assistance to be furnished to inspectors.

                        Administrative Detention

57.240 Detaining product.

                         Appeal of an Inspection

57.300 Who may request an appeal inspection.
57.310 Where to file an appeal.
57.320 How to file an appeal.
57.330 When an application for an appeal inspection may be refused.
57.340 Who shall perform the appeal.
57.350 Procedures for selecting appeal samples.
57.360 Appeal inspection certificates.
57.370 Cost of appeals.

                                Retention

57.426 Retention.

                   Registration of Shell Egg Handlers

57.690 Persons required to register.

              Inspection and Disposition of Restricted Eggs

57.700 Prohibition on disposition of restricted eggs.
57.720 Disposition of restricted eggs.

Identification of Restricted Eggs or Egg Products Not Intended for Human 
                               Consumption

57.800 Identification of restricted eggs.
57.801 Nest run or washed ungraded eggs.
57.840 Identification of inedible, unwholesome, or adulterated egg 
          products.
57.860 Identification wording.

                                 Imports

57.900 Requirements for importation of restricted eggs into the United 
          States.
57.905 Importation of restricted eggs or eggs containing more restricted 
          eggs than permitted in the official standards for U.S. 
          Consumer Grade B.
57.915 Foreign inspection certification required.
57.920 Importer to make application for inspection of imported eggs.
57.925 Inspection of imported eggs.
57.930 Imported eggs; retention in customs custody; delivery under bond; 
          movement prior to inspection; sealing; handling; facilities, 
          and assistance.
57.935 Means of conveyance and equipment used in handling eggs to be 
          maintained in sanitary condition.
57.945 Foreign eggs offered for importation; reporting of findings to 
          customs; handling of products refused entry.
57.950 Labeling of containers of eggs for importation.
57.955 Labeling of shipping containers of eggs for importation.
57.960 Small importations for consignee's personal use, display, or 
          laboratory analysis.
57.965 Returned U.S. inspected and marked products; not importations.
57.970 Charges for storage, cartage, and labor with respect to products 
          imported contrary to the Act.

Subpart B_Administrative Provisions Governing Proceedings Under the Egg 
                         Products Inspection Act

          Scope and Applicability of Administrative Provisions

57.1000 Administrative proceedings.

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 1031-1056.

    Source: 63 FR 69968, Dec. 17, 1998, unless otherwise noted.

    Editorial Note: 1. At 63 FR 69969, Dec. 17, 1998, part 57 was added 
by duplicating portions of part 59. At 63 FR 72353, Dec. 31, 1998, part 
59 was redesignated as part 590 of 9 CFR.

    2. Nomenclature changes to part 57 appear at 63 FR 69971, Dec. 17, 
1998.

[[Page 60]]



          Subpart A_Provisions Governing the Inspection of Eggs

                                 General



Sec.  57.1  Definitions.

    For the purpose of the regulations in this part, words in the 
singular shall be deemed to import the plural and vice versa, as the 
case may demand. Unless the context otherwise requires, the following 
terms shall have the following meaning:
    Acceptable means suitable for the purpose intended by the 
Agricultural Marketing Service.
    Act means the applicable provisions of the Egg Products Inspection 
Act, as amended, (Pub. L. 91-597, 84 Stat. 1620 et seq.).
    Administrator means the Administrator of AMS of the Department or 
any other officer or employee of the Department to whom there has 
heretofore been delegated, or to whom there may hereafter be delegated 
the authority to act in the Administrator's stead.
    Adulterated means any egg under one or more of the following 
circumstances:
    (a) If it bears or contains any poisonous or deleterious substance 
which may render it injurious to health; but in case the substance is 
not an added substance, such article shall not be considered adulterated 
under this clause if the quantity of such substance in or on such 
article does not ordinarily render it injurious to health;
    (b)(1) If it bears or contains any added poisonous or added 
deleterious substance (other than one which is a pesticide chemical in 
or on a raw agricultural commodity; a food additive; or a color 
additive) which may in the judgment of the Secretary, make such article 
unfit for human food;
    (2) If it is, in whole or in part, a raw agricultural commodity and 
such commodity bears or contains a pesticide chemical which is unsafe 
within the meaning of section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act;
    (3) If it bears or contains any food additive which is unsafe within 
the meaning of section 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act;
    (4) If it bears or contains any color additive which is unsafe 
within the meaning of section 706 of the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act: Provided, that an article which is not otherwise deemed 
adulterated under paragraph (b)(2), (3), or (4) of this definition shall 
nevertheless be deemed adulterated if use of the pesticide chemical, 
food additive, or color additive, in or on such article, is prohibited 
by regulations of the Secretary in official plants;
    (c) If it consists, in whole or in part, of any filthy, putrid, or 
decomposed substance, or if it is otherwise unfit for human food;
    (d) If it has been prepared, packaged, or held under insanitary 
conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with filth, or 
whereby it may have been rendered injurious to health;
    (e) If it is an egg which has been subjected to incubation or the 
product of any egg which has been subjected to incubation;
    (f) If its container is composed, in whole or in part, of any 
poisonous or deleterious substance which may render the contents 
injurious to health;
    (g) If it has been intentionally subjected to radiation, unless the 
use of the radiation was in conformity with a regulation or exemption in 
effect pursuant to section 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic 
Act; or
    (h) If any valuable constituent has been, in whole or in part, 
omitted or abstracted therefrom; or if any substance has been 
substituted, wholly or in part therefor; or if damage or inferiority has 
been concealed in any manner; or if any substance has been added thereto 
or mixed or packed therewith so as to increase its bulk or weight, or 
reduce its quality or strength, or make it appear better or of greater 
value than it is.
    Agricultural Marketing Service or AMS mean the Agricultural 
Marketing Service of the Department.
    Applicant means any interested party who requests any inspection 
service.
    Capable of use as human food means any egg, unless it is denatured, 
or otherwise identified, as required by these regulations to deter its 
use as human food.

[[Page 61]]

    Chief of the Grading Branch means Chief of the Grading Branch, 
Poultry Programs, AMS.
    Class means any subdivision of a product based on essential physical 
characteristics that differentiate between major groups of the same 
kind, species, or method of processing.
    Commerce means interstate, foreign, or intrastate commerce.
    Condition means any characteristic affecting a products 
merchantability including, but not being limited to, the following: The 
state of preservation, cleanliness, soundness, wholesomeness, or fitness 
for human food of any product; or the processing, handling, or packaging 
which affects such product.
    Container or Package mean for shell eggs, any carton, basket, case, 
cart, pallet, or other receptacle.
    (a) Immediate container means any package or other container in 
which shell eggs are packed for household or other ultimate consumers.
    (b) Shipping container means any container used in packing an 
immediate container.
    Department means the United States Department of Agriculture.
    Egg means the shell egg of the domesticated chicken, turkey, duck, 
goose, or guinea. Some of the terms applicable to shell eggs are as 
follows:
    (a) Check means an egg that has a broken shell or crack in the shell 
but has its shell membranes intact and contents not leaking.
    (b) Clean and sound shell egg means any egg whose shell is free of 
adhering dirt or foreign material and is not cracked or broken.
    (c) Dirty egg or Dirties means an egg(s) that has an unbroken shell 
with adhering dirt, or foreign material.
    (d) Incubator reject means an egg that has been subjected to 
incubation and has been removed from incubation during the hatching 
operations as infertile or otherwise unhatchable.
    (e) Inedible means eggs of the following descriptions: Black rots, 
yellow rots, white rots, mixed rots, sour eggs, eggs with green whites, 
eggs with stuck yolks, moldy eggs, musty eggs, eggs showing blood rings, 
and eggs containing embryo chicks (at or beyond the blood ring stage).
    (f) Leaker means an egg that has a crack or break in the shell and 
shell membranes to the extent that the egg contents are exposed or are 
exuding or free to exude through the shell.
    (g) Loss means an egg that is unfit for human food because it is 
smashed or broken so that its contents are leaking; or overheated, 
frozen, or contaminated; or an incubator reject; or because it contains 
a bloody white, large meat or blood spot, a large quantity of blood, or 
other foreign material.
    (h) Restricted egg means any check, dirty egg, incubator reject, 
inedible, leaker, or loss.
    Egg handler means any person, excluding the household consumer, who 
engages in any business in commerce that involves buying or selling any 
eggs or processing any egg products, or otherwise using any eggs in the 
preparation of human food.
    Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act means the Act so entitled, 
approved June 25, 1938 (52 Stat. 1040), and Acts amendatory thereof or 
supplementary thereto.
    Inedible egg products means dried, frozen, or liquid inedible egg 
products that are unfit for human consumption.
    Inspection means the application of such inspection methods and 
techniques as are deemed necessary by the responsible Secretary to carry 
out the provisions of the Egg Products Inspection Act and the 
regulations under this part.
    Interested party means any person financially interested in a 
transaction involving any surveillance inspection service.
    Label means a display of any printed, graphic, or other method of 
identification upon the shipping container, if any, or upon the 
immediate container, including but not limited to, an individual 
consumer package of eggs, or accompanying such product.
    National supervisor means:
    (a) The officer-in-charge of the surveillance inspection service; 
and
    (b) Other employee of the Department designated by the national 
supervisor.
    Nest-run eggs means eggs that have been packed as they come from the 
production facilities without having been washed, sized and/or candled 
for

[[Page 62]]

quality, with the exception that some checks, dirties, or other obvious 
undergrades may have been removed.
    Office of inspection means the office of any inspector.
    Official certificate means any certificate prescribed by regulations 
of the Administrator for issuance by an inspector or other person 
performing official functions under this part.
    Official device means any device prescribed or authorized by the 
Secretary for use in applying any official mark.
    Official egg products processing plant means one or more buildings 
or parts thereof comprising a single plant in which the plant facilities 
and methods of operation therein have been approved by the Administrator 
of the Food Safety Inspection Service as suitable and adequate for the 
continuous inspection of egg products and in which inspection service is 
carried on.
    Official standards means the official U.S. standards of quality, 
grades, and weight classes for shell eggs maintained by and available 
from Poultry Programs, AMS.
    Person means any individual, partnership, association, business 
trust, corporation, or any organized group of persons, whether 
incorporated or not.
    Pesticide chemical, Food additive, Color additive, and Raw 
agricultural commodity mean the same for purposes of this part as under 
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
    Plant means any place of business where eggs are processed.
    Quality means the inherent properties of any product which determine 
its relative degree of excellence.
    Regional director means any employee of the Department in charge of 
the surveillance inspection service in a designated geographical area.
    Regulations means the provisions in this entire part and such U.S. 
Standards, Grades, and Weight Classes for Shell Eggs as may be in effect 
at the time grading is performed.
    Regulatory inspector or Inspector means any Federal employee or the 
employee of a cooperating agency to whom a license has been issued by 
the Secretary to make such inspections as required in Sec.  57.28 of 
these regulations.
    Regulatory officer or staff officer means staff assistants to 
regional directors who assist the regional director in administering the 
surveillance inspection service.
    Sampling means the act of taking samples of any product for 
inspection.
    Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture or any other officer or 
employee of the Department to whom the authority to act in the 
Secretary's stead has been delegated.
    Service means the personnel who are actively engaged in the 
administration, application, and direction of the surveillance 
inspection service pursuant to the regulations in this part.
    Shell egg packer means any person engaged in the sorting of eggs 
into their various qualities.
    (a) Producer-packer means any person engaged in the sorting of eggs 
from their own production into their various qualities, either 
mechanically or by other means.
    (b) Grading station means any person engaged in the sorting of eggs 
from their own production and sources other than their own production 
into their various qualities, either mechanically or by other means.
    State means any State of the United States of America, the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, 
and the District of Columbia.
    State supervisor or Federal-State supervisor means any authorized 
and delegated individual who is in charge of the surveillance inspection 
program in a state.
    Surveillance inspection service means the official service within 
the Department having the responsibility for carrying out the provisions 
of the Egg Products Inspection Act under this part.
    Ultimate consumer means any household consumer, restaurant, 
institution, or any other party who has purchased or received shell eggs 
for consumption.
    Unclassified eggs means eggs that have been washed or are unwashed 
and show evidence of segregating or sizing.
    United States Standards, Grades, and Weight Classes for Shell Eggs 
(AMS 56) means the official U.S. standards, grades, and weight classes 
for shell eggs that are maintained by and available from Poultry 
Programs, AMS.

[[Page 63]]

    Washed ungraded eggs means eggs which have been washed and that are 
either sized or unsized, but not segregated for quality.

[69 FR 57164, Sept. 24, 2004, as amended at 71 FR 12614, Mar. 13, 2006]



Sec.  57.10  Administration.

    The Administrator shall perform, for and under the supervision of 
the Secretary such duties as the Secretary may require in the 
enforcement or administration of the provisions of the act and the 
regulations in this part. The Administrator is authorized to waive for 
limited periods any particular provisions of the regulations in this 
part to permit experimentation so that new procedures, equipment, 
grading, inspection, and processing techniques may be tested to 
facilitate definite improvements and at the same time to determine full 
compliance with the spirit and intent of the regulations in this part. 
The AMS and its officers and employees shall not be liable in damages 
through acts of commission or omission in the administration of this 
part.

[69 FR 57166, Sept. 24, 2004]



Sec.  57.13  Federal and State cooperation.

    The Secretary shall, whenever determined necessary to effectuate the 
purposes of the Act, authorize the Administrator to cooperate with 
appropriate State and other governmental agencies in carrying out any 
provisions of the Egg Products Inspection Act and this part. In carrying 
out the provisions of the Act and the regulations in this part, the 
Secretary may conduct such examinations, investigations, and inspections 
as the Secretary determines practicable through any officer or employee 
of any such agency commissioned by the Secretary for such purpose. The 
Secretary shall reimburse the States and other agencies for the services 
rendered by them stated in the cooperative agreements signed by the 
Administrator and the duly authorized agent of the State or other 
agency.

[69 FR 57166, Sept. 24, 2004]



Sec.  57.17  Nondiscrimination.

    The conduct of all services and the licensing of inspectors under 
these regulations shall be accomplished without discrimination as to 
race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political 
beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.

[69 FR 57166, Sept. 24, 2004]



Sec.  57.18  OMB control number.

    The information collection requirements in this part have been 
approved by the Office of Management and Budget and assigned OMB control 
number 0581-0113.

[63 FR 69970, Dec. 17, 1998]

                           Scope of Inspection



Sec.  57.20  Inspection in accordance with methods prescribed or approved.

    Inspection of eggs shall be rendered pursuant to these regulations 
and under such conditions and in accordance with such methods as may be 
prescribed or approved by the Administrator.

[63 FR 69968, 69970, Dec. 17, 1998]



Sec.  57.22  Basis of service.

    This part provides for inspection services pursuant to the Egg 
Products Inspection Act, as amended. Eggs shall be inspected in 
accordance with such standards, methods, and instructions as may be 
issued or approved by the Administrator. Inspection services shall be 
subject to supervision at all times by the applicable Federal-State 
supervisor, staff officer, regulatory officer, regional director, and 
national supervisor.

[69 FR 57166, Sept. 24, 2004]



Sec.  57.28  Inspections.

    (a) Periodic inspections shall be made of business premises, 
facilities, inventories, operations, transport vehicles, and records of 
egg handlers, and the records of all persons engaged in the business of 
transporting, shipping, or receiving any eggs. In the case of shell egg 
packers packing eggs for the ultimate consumer, such inspections shall 
be made a minimum of once each calendar quarter. Hatcheries are to be 
inspected a minimum of once each fiscal year.
    (2) [Reserved]

[[Page 64]]

    (b) Inspections shall be made of imported eggs as required in this 
part.

[63 FR 69968, 69970, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57166, Sept. 24, 
2004]

                      Relation to Other Authorities



Sec.  57.35  Eggs in commerce.

    (a)(1) For eggs that moved or are moving in interstate or foreign 
commerce, no State or local jurisdiction:
    (i) May require the use of standards of quality, condition, grade, 
or weight classes which are in addition to or different than the 
official standards; or
    (ii) Other than states in noncontiguous areas of the United States, 
may require labeling to show the State or other geographical area of 
production or origin.
    (2) This shall not preclude a State from requiring the name, 
address, and license number of the person processing or packaging eggs 
to be shown on each container.
    (b) Any State or local jurisdiction may exercise jurisdiction for 
the purpose of preventing the distribution of eggs for human food 
purposes that are in violation of this part or any other Federal acts or 
State or local laws consistent therewith.

[69 FR 57166, Sept. 24, 2004]

                    Eggs Not Intended for Human Food



Sec.  57.45  Prohibition on eggs not intended for use as human food.

    (a) No person shall buy, sell, or transport, or offer to buy or 
sell, or offer or receive for transportation in commerce, any eggs that 
are not intended for use as human food, unless they are denatured or 
decharacterized, unless shipped under seal as authorized in Sec.  
57.720(a) and identified as required by the regulations in this part.
    (b) No person shall import or export shell eggs classified as loss, 
inedible, or incubator rejects unless they are denatured or 
decharacterized and identified as required by the regulations in this 
part.

[63 FR 69968, 69970, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57166, Sept. 24, 
2004]

                               Exemptions



Sec.  57.100  Specific exemptions.

    The following are exempt to the extent prescribed as to the 
provisions for control of restricted eggs in section 8(a)(1) and (2) of 
the Act: Provided, That as to paragraphs (c) through (f) of this 
section, the exemptions do not apply to restricted eggs when prohibited 
by State or local law: And provided further, That the sale of ``hard-
cooked shell eggs'' or ``peeled hard-cooked shell eggs'' prepared from 
checks is subject to the conditions for exemption in paragraphs (c), 
(d), and (f) of this section: And provided further, That the conditions 
for exemption and provisions of these regulations are met:
    (a) The sale, transportation, possession, or use of eggs that 
contain no more restricted eggs than are allowed by the tolerances in 
the official standards for U.S. Consumer Grade B shell eggs;
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) The sale at the site of production, on a door-to-door retail 
route, or at an established place of business away from the site of 
production, by a poultry producer of eggs from his own flock's 
production directly to a household consumer exclusively for use by such 
consumer and members of his household and his nonpaying guests and 
employees, and the transportation, possession, and use of such eggs: 
Provided, That each such sale of restricted eggs shall be limited to no 
more than 30 dozen eggs; And provided further,
    (1) That eggs sold directly to consumers at an established place of 
business away from the site of production be moved directly from the 
producer to such place of business;
    (2) That such business away from the site of production be owned and 
managed by the producer; and
    (3) That such eggs which are sold on a door-to-door route or at an 
established place of business away from the site of production shall 
contain no more loss and/or leakers than allowed in the official 
standards for U.S. Consumer Grade B shell eggs.
    (d) The sale of eggs by any producer with an annual egg production 
from a flock of 3,000 hens or less and the record requirements of Sec.  
57.200;

[[Page 65]]

    (e) The processing and sale of egg products by any producer from 
eggs of the producer's own flock when sold directly to a household 
consumer exclusively for use by such consumer and members of the 
consumer's household and the consumer's nonpaying guests and employees;
    (f) The sale of eggs by shell egg packers on the premises where the 
grading station is located, directly to household consumers for use by 
such consumer and members of the consumer's household and the consumer's 
nonpaying guests and employees, and the transportation, possession, and 
use of such eggs. Each such sale of ``restricted eggs'' shall be limited 
to no more than 30 dozen eggs;
    (g) The processing in nonofficial plants, including but not limited 
to bakeries, restaurants, and other food processors, without continuous 
inspection, of certain categories of food products which contain eggs or 
egg products as an ingredient, and the sale and possession of such 
products: Provided, That such products are manufactured from inspected 
egg products processed in accordance with this part or from eggs 
containing no more restricted eggs than are allowed in the official 
standards for U.S. Consumer Grade B shell eggs;
    (h) The purchase, sale, possession, or transportation of shell eggs 
containing more restricted eggs than allowed in the tolerances for U.S. 
Consumer Grade B shell eggs: Provided, That such eggs are handled in 
accordance with Sec. Sec.  57.200 and 57.700 through 57.860 to assure 
that only eggs fit for human food are used for such purpose. This 
exemption applies to the following:
    (1) Egg producers, assemblers, wholesalers, and grading operations;
    (2) Hatcheries;
    (3) Transporters;
    (4) Laboratories, pharmaceutical companies; and
    (5) Processors of products not intended for use as human food.

[63 FR 69968, 69971, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57166, Sept. 24, 
2004]



Sec.  57.105  Suspension or termination of exemptions.

    (a) The Administrator may modify or revoke any regulation of this 
part, granting exemptions whenever he determines such action appropriate 
to effectuate the purposes of the Act.
    (b) Failure to comply with the condition of the exemptions contained 
in Sec.  57.100 shall subject such person to the penalties provided for 
in the Act and in this part.

[63 FR 69968, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57166, Sept. 24, 2004]

                         Performance of Services



Sec.  57.110  Licensed inspectors.

    (a) Any person who is a Federal employee or the employee of a 
cooperating agency who possesses proper qualifications as determined by 
an examination for competency, and who is to perform surveillance 
inspection services, may be licensed by the Secretary as an inspector.
    (b) All licenses issued by the Secretary shall be countersigned by 
the Administrator or by any other designated official of the service.

[69 FR 67166, Sept. 24, 2004]



Sec.  57.112  Suspension of license or authority; revocation.

    Pending final action by the Secretary, any person authorized to 
countersign a license to perform surveillance inspection services may, 
whenever such action is necessary to assure that any inspection service 
is properly performed, suspend or revoke any license to perform 
inspection services issued pursuant to this part by giving notice of 
such action to the respective licensee, accompanied by a statement of 
the reasons. Within 7 days after the receipt of the suspension or 
revocation notice and statement of reasons, the licensee may file an 
appeal in writing to the Secretary, supported by any argument or 
evidence that the licensee may wish to offer as to why the license 
should not be suspended or revoked. After the expiration of the 7-day 
period and consideration of such argument and evidence, the Secretary 
will take appropriate action regarding the suspension or revocation. 
When no appeal is filed within the prescribed 7 days, the license is 
revoked or suspended.

[69 FR 57166, Sept. 24, 2004]

[[Page 66]]



Sec.  57.114  Surrender of license.

    Each license that is canceled, suspended, revoked, or expired shall 
immediately be surrendered by the licensee to the office of inspection 
serving the area in which the licensee is located.

[69 FR 57167, Sept. 24, 2004]



Sec.  57.119  Political activity.

    Federal inspectors may participate in certain political activities, 
including management and participation in political campaigns as allowed 
by Federal regulation and AMS directives. Inspectors are subject to 
these rules while they are on leave with or without pay, including 
furlough; however the rules do not apply to cooperative employees not 
under Federal supervision and intermittent employees on the days they 
perform no service. Willfull violations of the political activity rules 
constitute grounds for removal from the service.

[69 FR 57167, Sept. 24, 2004]



Sec.  57.120  Financial interest of inspectors.

    An inspector shall not inspect any product in which the inspector is 
financially interested.

[69 FR 57167, Sept. 24, 2004]



Sec.  57.130  Identification.

    Each inspector shall have in their possession at all times, and 
present while on duty upon request, the means of identification 
furnished by the Department.

[69 FR 57167, Sept. 24, 2004]



Sec.  57.132  Access to plants.

    Access shall not be refused to any representative of the Secretary 
to any plant, place of business, or transport vehicle subject to 
inspection under the provisions of this part upon presentation of 
identification furnished by the Department.

[63 FR 69968, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57166, Sept. 24, 2004]



Sec.  57.134  Accessibility of product.

    Each product for which inspection service is required shall be so 
placed as to disclose fully its class, quality, quantity, and condition 
as the circumstances may warrant.

[63 FR 69968, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57167, Sept. 24, 2004]

Records and Related Requirements for Egg Handlers and Related Industries



Sec.  57.200  Records and related requirements.

    (a) Persons engaged in the business of transporting, shipping, or 
receiving any eggs in commerce, or holding such articles so received, 
and all egg handlers, including hatcheries, shall maintain for 2 years 
records showing the receipt, delivery, sale, movement, and disposition 
of all eggs handled by them, and upon the request of an authorized 
representative of the Secretary, shall permit the representative, at 
reasonable times, to have access to and to copy all such records.
    (b) All egg handlers shall maintain production records as approved 
by the Administrator. The records (bills of sale, inventories, receipts) 
shall show the name and address of the shipper and receiver, the date of 
the transaction, the quality of the eggs (graded eggs, nest-run eggs, 
dirties, checks, leakers, loss, inedible eggs), and the quantity of the 
eggs (amount). Producers who ship all of their production as nest-run 
eggs without segregation need only to maintain records indicating the 
amount of shell eggs shipped, date of shipment, and the receivers' name 
and address.

[69 FR 57167, Sept. 24, 2004]



Sec.  57.220  Information and assistance to be furnished to inspectors.

    When surveillance inspection service is performed at any plant, the 
plant operator shall furnish the inspector such information and 
assistance as may be required for the performance of inspection 
functions, preparing certificates, reports, and for other official 
duties.

[63 FR 69968, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57167, Sept. 24, 2004]

[[Page 67]]

                        Administrative Detention



Sec.  57.240  Detaining product.

    Whenever any eggs subject to the Act are found by any authorized 
representative of the Secretary upon any premises, and there is reason 
to believe that they are or have been processed, bought, sold, 
possessed, used, transported, or offered or received for sale or 
transportation in violation of the Act or the regulations in this part, 
or that they are in any other way in violation of the Act, or whenever 
any restricted eggs capable of use as human food are found by such a 
representative in the possession of any person not authorized to acquire 
such eggs under the regulations in this part, such articles may be 
detained by such representative for a period not to exceed 20 days, as 
more fully provided in section 19 of the Act. A detention tag or other 
similar device shall be used to identify detained product, and the 
custodian or owner shall be given a written notice of such detention. 
Only authorized representatives of the Secretary shall affix or remove 
detention identification. The provisions of this section shall in no way 
derogate from authority for condemnation or seizure conferred by other 
provisions of the Act, the regulations in this part, or other laws.

[63 FR 69968, 69971, Dec. 17, 1998]

                         Appeal of an Inspection



Sec.  57.300  Who may request an appeal inspection.

    An appeal inspection may be requested by any interested party who is 
dissatisfied with the determination by an inspector of the class, 
quality, quantity, or condition of any product.

[69 FR 57167, Sept. 24, 2004]



Sec.  57.310  Where to file an appeal.

    Any interested party that is not satisfied with the determination of 
the class, quality, quantity, or condition of product which was 
inspected may request an appeal inspection by filing such request with 
the Regional Director in the region where the product is located or with 
the Chief of the Grading Branch.

[63 FR 69971, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57167, Sept. 24, 2004]



Sec.  57.320  How to file an appeal.

    The request for an appeal inspection may be made orally or in 
writing. If made orally, written confirmation may be required. The 
applicant shall clearly state the identity of the product, the decision 
that is questioned, and the reason(s) for requesting the appeal service.

[69 FR 57167, Sept. 24, 2004]



Sec.  57.330  When an application for an appeal inspection may be refused.

    When it appears to the official with whom an appeal request is filed 
that the reasons given in the request are frivolous or not substantial, 
or that the condition of the product has undergone a material change 
since the original inspection, or that the original lot has changed in 
some manner, or the Act or the regulations in this part have not been 
complied with, the applicant's request for the appeal inspection may be 
refused. In such case, the applicant shall be promptly notified of the 
reason(s) for such refusal.

[63 FR 69968, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57167, Sept. 24, 2004]



Sec.  57.340  Who shall perform the appeal.

    The assignment of the inspector(s) who will make the appeal 
inspection under Sec.  57.310 shall be made by the Regional Director or 
the Chief of the Grading Branch.

[63 FR 69968, 69971, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57167, Sept. 24, 
2004]



Sec.  57.350  Procedures for selecting appeal samples.

    (a) Products shall not have been moved from the place where the 
inspection being appealed was performed and must have been maintained 
under adequate refrigeration when applicable.
    (b) The appeal sample shall consist of product taken from the 
original sample containers plus an equal number of containers selected 
at random. When the original samples are not available or have been 
altered, such as removing the undergrades, the sample size shall

[[Page 68]]

be double the number of samples required in 7 CFR 56.4.

[63 FR 69968, 69971, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57167, Sept. 24, 
2004]



Sec.  57.360  Appeal inspection certificates.

    Immediately after an appeal inspection is completed, an appeal 
certificate shall be issued to show that the original inspection was 
sustained or was not sustained.

[63 FR 69968, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57167, Sept. 24, 2004]



Sec.  57.370  Cost of appeals.

    The costs of an appeal inspection shall be borne by the appellant on 
a fee basis at rates set forth in 7 CFR 56.46, plus any travel and 
additional expenses. If the appeal inspection or review of an 
inspector's decision discloses that a material error was made in the 
original determination, no fee or expense will be charged.

[69 FR 57157, Sept. 24, 2004]

                                Retention



Sec.  57.426  Retention.

    Retention tags or other devices and methods as may be approved by 
the Administrator shall be used for the identification and control of 
products which are not in compliance with the regulations or are held 
for further examination. No product, shall be released for use until it 
has been made acceptable. Such identification shall not be removed by 
anyone other than an inspector.

[63 FR 69968, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57168, Sept. 24, 2004]

                   Registration of Shell Egg Handlers



Sec.  57.690  Person required to register.

    Egg handlers, except for producer-packers with an annual egg 
production from a flock of 3,000 hens or less, who grade and pack eggs 
for the ultimate consumer, and hatcheries, are required to register with 
the Department by furnishing their name, place of business, and such 
other information requested on the registration form available from the 
Department. Completed forms shall be sent to the addressee indicated on 
the form. Persons above who are establishing a business will be required 
to register before they start operations.

[69 FR 571688, Sept. 24, 2004]

              Inspection and Disposition of Restricted Eggs



Sec.  57.700  Prohibition on disposition of restricted eggs.

    (a) No person shall buy, sell, or transport, or offer to buy or 
sell, or offer or receive for transportation in any business in commerce 
any restricted eggs, except as authorized in Sec. Sec.  57.100 and 
57.720.
    (b) No egg handler shall possess any restricted eggs, except as 
authorized in Sec. Sec.  57.100 and 57.720.
    (c) No egg handler shall use any restricted eggs in the preparation 
of human food, except as provided in Sec. Sec.  57.100 and 57.720.

[36 FR 9814, May 28, 1971. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 63 
FR 69970, Dec. 17, 1998]



Sec.  57.720  Disposition of restricted eggs.

    (a) Eggs classified as checks, dirties, incubator rejects, 
inedibles, leakers, or loss shall be disposed of by one of the following 
methods at point and time of segregation:
    (1) By shipping directly or indirectly to an official egg products 
processing plant for segregation and processing, if a check or dirty and 
if labeled in accordance with Sec.  57.800. Inedible and loss eggs shall 
not be intermingled in the same container with checks and dirties.
    (2) By destruction and identification in a manner approved by the 
Administrator.
    (i) Loss and inedible eggs shall be crushed and shall be placed in a 
container containing a sufficient amount of approved denaturant or 
decharacterant, such as FD&C brown, blue, black, or green colors, meat 
and fish by-products, grain and milling by-products, or any other 
substance, as approved by the Administrator, that will accomplish the 
purposes of this section. The approved denaturant or decharacterant 
substance shall be dispersed through the product in amounts sufficient 
to give the product a distinctive appearance or odor.

[[Page 69]]

    (ii) The denatured and decharacterized product shall be labeled as 
required in Sec. Sec.  57.840 and 57.860.
    (3) By processing for industrial use or for animal food. Such 
product shall be denatured or decharacterized in accordance with Sec.  
57.720(a)(2) and identified as provided in Sec. Sec.  57.840 and 57.860, 
or handled in accordance with other procedures approved by the 
Administrator. Notwithstanding the foregoing, product which was produced 
under official supervision and transported for industrial use or animal 
food need not be denatured or decharacterized if it is shipped under 
Government seal and received by an inspector or grader as defined in 
this part.
    (4) By coloring the shells of loss and inedible eggs with a 
sufficient amount of FD&C color to give a distinct appearance, or 
applying a substance that will penetrate the shell and decharacterize 
the egg meat. Except that, lots of eggs containing significant 
percentages of blood spots or meat spots, but no other types of loss or 
inedible eggs may be shipped directly to official egg products 
processing plants, provided they are conspicuously labeled with the name 
and address of the shipper and the wording ``Spots--For Processing Only 
In Official Egg Products Processing Plants.''
    (b) Eggs which are packed for the ultimate consumer and which have 
been found to exceed the tolerance for restricted eggs permitted in the 
official standards for U.S. Consumer Grade B shall be identified as 
required in Sec. Sec.  57.800 and 57.860 and shall be shipped directly 
or indirectly:
    (1) To an official egg products processing plant for proper 
segregation and processing; or
    (2) Be regraded so that they comply with the official standards; or
    (3) Used as other than human food.
    (c) Records shall be maintained as provided in Sec.  57.200 to 
assure proper disposition.

[36 FR 9814, May 28, 1971; 36 FR 10841, June 4, 1971; 37 FR 6659, Apr. 
1, 1972; 40 FR 20059, May 8, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 
1977, and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended 
at 47 FR 745, Jan. 7, 1982; 60 FR 49170, Sept. 21, 1995. Redesignated at 
63 FR 69970, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57168, Sept. 24, 2004]

Identification of Restricted Eggs or Egg Products Not Intended for Human 
                               Consumption



Sec.  57.800  Identification of restricted eggs.

    The shipping container of restricted eggs shall be determined to be 
satisfactorily identified if such container bears the packer's name and 
address, the quality of the eggs in the container (e.g., dirties, 
checks, inedibles, or loss), or the statement ``Restricted Eggs--For 
Processing Only In An Official USDA Egg Products Processing Plant,'' for 
checks or dirties, or ``Restricted Eggs--Not To Be Used As Human Food,'' 
for inedibles, loss, and incubator rejects, or ``Unclassified Eggs--To 
Be Regraded'' for graded eggs which contain more restricted eggs than 
are allowed in the official standards for U.S. Consumer Grade B shell 
eggs. The size of the letters of the identification wording shall be as 
required in Sec.  57.860. When eggs are packed in immediate containers, 
e.g., cartons, sleeve packs, overwrapped 2\1/2\- or 3-dozen packs, etc., 
for sale to household consumers under the exemptions provided for in 
section 57.100 (c), or (f), they shall be deemed to be satisfactorily 
identified in accordance with the requirements of this part if such 
immediate containers bear the packer's name and address and the quality 
of the eggs. Alternatively, a point of sale sign may be displayed 
showing the above information.

[63 FR 69968, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57168, Sept. 24, 2004]



Sec.  57.801  Nest run or washed ungraded eggs.

    Nest run or washed ungraded eggs are exempt from the labeling 
provisions in Sec.  57.800. However, when such eggs are packed and sold 
to consumers, they may not exceed the tolerance for restricted eggs 
permitted in the official standards for U.S. Consumer Grade B shell 
eggs.

[60 FR 49171, Sept. 21, 1995. Redesignated at 63 FR 69970, Dec. 17, 
1998]



Sec.  57.840  Identification of inedible, unwholesome, or adulterated
egg products.

    All inedible, unwholesome, or adulterated egg products shall be 
identified

[[Page 70]]

with the name and address of the processor, the words ``Inedible Egg 
Products--Not To Be Used as Human Food.''



Sec.  57.860  Identification wording.

    The letters of the identification wording shall be legible and 
conspicuous.

                                 Imports



Sec.  57.900  Requirements for importation of restricted eggs into
the United States.

    (a) Restricted eggs may be imported into the United States from any 
foreign country only in accordance with these regulations. The 
importation of any egg in violation of the regulations of this part is 
prohibited. The importation of any egg in violation of the regulations 
of this part is prohibited.
    (b) All such imported articles shall upon entry into the United 
States be deemed and treated as domestic articles and be subject to the 
other provisions of the Act, these regulations, and other Federal or 
State requirements.

[63 FR 69968, 69971, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57168, Sept. 24, 
2004]



Sec.  57.905  Importation of restricted eggs or eggs containing more 
restricted eggs than permitted in the official standards for U.S. 
Consumer Grade B.

    (a) No containers of restricted egg(s) other than checks or dirties 
shall be imported into the United States. The shipping containers of 
such eggs shall be identified with the name, address, and country of 
origin of the exporter, and the date of pack and quality of the eggs 
(e.g., checks, or dirties) preceded by the word ``Imported'' or the 
statement ``Imported Restricted Eggs--For Processing Only In An Official 
USDA Processing Plant,'' or ``Restricted Eggs--Not To Be Used As Human 
Food.'' Such identification shall be legible and conspicuous. 
Alternatively, for properly sealed and certified shipments of shell eggs 
imported for breaking at an official egg products processing plant, the 
shipping containers need not be labeled, provided that the shipment is 
segregated and controlled upon arrival at the destination breaking 
plant.
    (b) Eggs which are imported for use as human food and upon entry are 
found to contain more restricted eggs than permitted in the official 
standards for U.S. Consumer Grade B, shall be refused entry and returned 
to the importing country or be conspicuously and legibly identified as 
``Imported Restricted Eggs'' and be sent directly under official seal: 
(1) To a place where they may be regraded to comply with the official 
U.S. standards for consumer grades; (2) to an official USDA egg products 
processing plant; or (3) to be used as other than human food.

[63 FR 69968, 69971, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57168, Sept. 24, 
2004]



Sec.  57.915  Foreign inspection certification required.

    (a) [Reserved]
    (b) Except as otherwise provided in Sec.  57.960, each consignment 
of shell eggs shall be accompanied by a foreign inspection certificate, 
that, unless otherwise approved by the Administrator contains the 
following information:
    (1) Name of Country exporting product;
    (2) City and date where issued;
    (3) Quality or description of eggs;
    (4) Number of cases and total quantity;
    (5) Identification marks on containers;
    (6) Name and address of exporter;
    (7) Name and address of importer;
    (8) A certification that the quality or description of the shell 
eggs, including date of pack, is true and accurate;
    (9) A certification that shell eggs which have been packed into 
containers destined for the ultimate consumer have, at all times after 
packing, been stored and transported under refrigeration at an ambient 
temperature of no greater than 45 [deg]F (7.2 [deg]C); and
    (10) Name (including signature) and title of person authorized to 
issue inspection certificates for shell eggs exported to the United 
States.

[63 FR 69968, 69971, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57168, Sept. 24, 
2004]

[[Page 71]]



Sec.  57.920  Importer to make application for inspection of imported eggs.

    Each person importing any eggs as defined in these regulations, 
unless exempted by Sec.  57.960 shall make application for inspection 
upon LPS Form 222- Import Request. The application may be submitted to 
the address located on LPS Form 222, filed through electronic submission 
via [email protected], or by accessing the U.S. Customs 
and Border Protection's International Trade Data System. Application 
shall be made as far in advance as possible prior to the arrival of the 
product. Each application shall state the approximate date of product 
arrival in the United States, the name of the ship or other carrier, the 
country from which the product was shipped, the destination, the 
quantity and class of product, and the point of first arrival in the 
United States.

[81 FR 1482, Jan. 13, 2016]



Sec.  57.925  Inspection of imported eggs.

    (a) Except as provided in Sec.  57.960, eggs offered for importation 
from any foreign country shall be subject to inspection in accordance 
with established inspection procedures, including the examination of the 
labeling information on the containers, by an inspector before the 
product shall be admitted into the United States. Importers will be 
advised of the point where inspection will be made, and in case of small 
shipments (less than carload lots), the importer may be required to move 
the product to the location of the nearest inspector.
    (b) Inspectors may take samples, without cost to the United States, 
of any product offered for importation that is subject to quality 
determination, except that samples shall not be taken of any products 
offered for importation under Sec.  57.960, unless there is reason for 
suspecting the presence therein of a substance in violation of that 
section.

[63 FR 69968, 69971, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57168, Sept. 24, 
2004]



Sec.  57.930  Imported eggs; retention in customs custody; delivery 
under bond; movement prior to inspection; sealing; handling; facilities,
and assistance.

    (a) No eggs required by this part to be inspected shall be released 
from customs custody prior to required inspections, but such product may 
be delivered to the consignee, or his agent, prior to inspection if the 
consignee shall furnish a bond, in the form prescribed by the Secretary 
of the Treasury, conditioned that the product shall be returned, if 
demanded, to the collector of the port where the same is offered for 
clearance through customs.
    (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, no product 
required by this part to be inspected shall be moved prior to inspection 
from the port of arrival where first unloaded, and if arriving by water 
from the wharf where first unloaded at such port, to any place other 
than the place designated in accordance with this part as the place 
where the same shall be inspected; and no product shall be conveyed in 
any manner other than in compliance with this part.
    (c) Means of conveyance or packages in which any product is moved in 
accordance with this part, prior to inspection, from the port or wharf 
where first unloaded in the United States, shall be sealed with special 
import seals of the Department or otherwise identified as provided 
herein, unless already sealed with customs or consular seals in 
accordance with the customs regulations. Such special seals shall be 
affixed by an inspector or, if there is no inspector at such port, by a 
customs officer. In lieu of sealing packages, the carrier or importer 
may furnish and attach to each package of product a warning notice on 
bright yellow paper, not less than 5 x 8 inches in size, containing the 
following legend in black type of a conspicuous size:

                     (Name of Truck Line or Carrier)

                                 Notice

    This package of _____ must be delivered intact to an inspector of 
the Poultry Programs, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

[[Page 72]]

                                 Warning

    Failure to comply with these instructions will result in penalty 
action being taken against the holder of the customs entry bond.
    If the product is found to be acceptable upon inspection, the 
product may be released to the consignee, or his agent, and this warning 
notice defaced.
    (d) No person shall affix, break, alter, deface, mutilate, remove, 
or destroy any special import seal of the Department, except customs 
officers or inspectors, or as provided in paragraph (f) of this section.
    (e) No product shall be removed from any means of conveyance or 
package sealed with a special import seal of the Department, except 
under the supervision of an inspector or a customs officer, or as 
provided in paragraph (f) of this section.
    (f) In case of a wreck or similar extraordinary emergency, the 
special import seal of the Department on a car, truck, or other means of 
conveyance may be broken by the carrier and, if necessary, the articles 
may be reloaded into another means of conveyance for transportation to 
destination. In all such cases, the carrier shall immediately report the 
facts to the Chief of the Grading Branch.
    (g) The consignee or his agent shall provide such facilities and 
assistance as the inspector may require for the inspection and handling 
and marking of products offered for importation.

[63 FR 69968, 69971, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57168, Sept. 24, 
2004]



Sec.  57.935  Means of conveyance and equipment used in handling eggs to 
be maintained in sanitary condition.

    Compartments of boats, railroad cars, and other means of conveyance 
transporting any product to the United States, and all chutes, 
platforms, racks, tables, tools, utensils, and all other devices used in 
moving and handling such product offered for importation, shall be 
maintained in a sanitary condition.



Sec.  57.945  Foreign eggs offered for importation; reporting of findings
to customs; handling of products refused entry.

    (a) Inspectors shall report their findings to the collector of 
customs at the port where products are offered for entry, and shall 
request the collector to refuse entry to eggs that are marked or 
designated ``U.S. Refused Entry'' or otherwise are not in compliance 
with the regulations in this part. Unless such products are exported by 
the consignee within a time specified by the collector of customs 
(usually 30 days), the consignee shall cause the destruction of such 
products for human food purposes under the supervision of an inspector. 
If products are destroyed for human food purposes under the supervision 
of an inspector, he shall give prompt notice thereof to the District 
Director of Customs.
    (b) Consignees shall, at their own expense, return immediately to 
the collector of customs, in means of conveyance or packages sealed by 
the Department, any eggs received by them under this part which in any 
respect do not comply with this part.
    (c) Except as provided in Sec.  57.930(a), no person shall remove or 
cause to be removed from any place designated as the place of 
inspection, any eggs that the regulations require to be marked in any 
way, unless the same has been clearly and legibly marked in compliance 
with this part.

[63 FR 69968, 69971, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57168, Sept. 24, 
2004]



Sec.  57.950  Labeling of containers of eggs for importation.

    (a) Immediate containers of product offered for importation shall 
bear a label, printed in English, showing:
    (1) The name of product;
    (2) The name of the country of origin of the product, and for 
consumer packaged products, preceded by the words ``Product of,'' which 
statement shall appear immediately under the name of the product;
    (3) The quality or description of shell eggs, including date of 
pack;
    (4) For shell eggs, the words, ``Keep Refrigerated,'' or words of 
similar meaning;
    (5) [Reserved]

[[Page 73]]

    (6) The name and place of business of manufacturer, packer, or 
distributor, qualified by a phrase which reveals the connection that 
such person has with the product;
    (7) An accurate statement of the quantity;
    (b) For properly sealed and certified shipments of shell eggs 
imported for breaking at an official egg products processing plant, the 
immediate containers need not be labeled, provided that the shipment is 
segregated and controlled upon arrival at the destination breaking 
plant.
    (c) The labels shall not be false or misleading in any respect.

[63 FR 69968, 69971, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57168, Sept. 24, 
2004]



Sec.  57.955  Labeling of shipping containers of eggs for importation.

    (a) Shipping containers of foreign product offered for importation 
shall bear a label, printed in English, showing:
    (1) The common or usual name of the product;
    (2) The name of the country of origin;
    (3)-(4) [Reserved]
    (5) The quality or description of the eggs, except as required in 
Sec.  57.905;
    (6) The words ``Keep refrigerated'' or words of similar meaning.
    (b) Labeling on shipping containers examined at the time of 
inspection in the United States, if found to be false or misleading, 
shall be cause for the product to be refused entry.
    (c) For properly sealed and certified shipments of shell eggs 
imported for breaking at an official egg products plant, the shipping 
containers need not be labeled, provided that the shipment is segregated 
and controlled upon arrival at the destination breaking plant.
    (d) In the case of products which are not in compliance solely 
because of misbranding, such products may be brought into compliance 
with the regulations only under the supervision of an authorized 
representative of the Administrator.

[63 FR 69968, 69971, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57168, Sept. 24, 
2004]



Sec.  57.960  Small importations for consignee's personal use, display,
or laboratory analysis.

    Any eggs that are offered for importation, exclusively for the 
consignee's personal use, display, or laboratory analysis, and not for 
sale or distribution; which is sound, healthful, wholesome, and fit for 
human food; and which is not adulterated and does not contain any 
substance not permitted by the Act or regulations, may be admitted into 
the United States without a foreign inspection certificate. Such product 
is not required to be inspected upon arrival in the United States and 
may be shipped to the consignee without further restriction under this 
part: Provided, That the Department may, with respect to any specific 
importation, require that the consignee certify that such product is 
exclusively for the consignee's personal use, display, or laboratory 
analysis and not for sale or distribution. The amount of such product 
imported shall not exceed 30-dozen shell eggs, unless otherwise 
authorized by the Administrator.

[63 FR 69968, 69971, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57168, Sept. 24, 
2004]



Sec.  57.965  Returned U.S. inspected and marked products; not
importations.

    Products that have been inspected by the Department and so marked, 
and which are returned from foreign countries are not importations 
within the meaning of this part. Such returned shipments shall be 
reported to the Administrator by letter.

[63 FR 69968, 69971, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57168, Sept. 24, 
2004]



Sec.  57.970  Charges for storage, cartage, and labor with respect to 
products imported contrary to the Act.

    All charges for storage, cartage, and labor with respect to any 
product that is imported contrary to this part shall be paid by the 
owner or consignee, and in default of such payment shall constitute a 
lien against such product and any other product thereafter imported 
under the Act by or for such owner or consignee.

[63 FR 69968, 69971, Dec. 17, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 57168, Sept. 24, 
2004]

[[Page 74]]



Subpart B_Administrative Provisions Governing Proceedings Under the Egg 
                         Products Inspection Act

    Source: 64 FR 40738, July 28, 1999, unless otherwise noted.

          Scope and Applicability of Administrative Provisions



Sec.  57.1000  Administrative proceedings.

    (a) The Uniform Rules of Practice for the Department of Agriculture 
promulgated in subpart H of part 1, subtitle A, title 7, Code of Federal 
Regulations, are the Rules of Practice applicable to adjudicating 
administrative proceedings under section 12(c) of the Egg Products 
Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1041).
    (b) In addition to the proceedings set forth in paragraph (a) of 
this section, the Administrator, at any time prior to the issuance of a 
complaint seeking a civil penalty under the Act may enter into a 
stipulation with any person, in accordance with the following prescribed 
conditions:
    (1) The Administrator gives notice of an apparent violation of the 
Act or the regulations issued thereunder by such person and affords such 
person an opportunity for a hearing regarding the matter as provided by 
the Act;
    (2) Such person expressly waives hearing and agrees to a specified 
order including an agreement to pay a specified civil penalty within a 
designated time; and
    (3) The Administrator agrees to accept the specified civil penalty 
in settlement of the particular matter involved if it is paid within the 
designated time.
    (4) If the specified penalty is not paid within the time designated 
in such stipulation, the amount of the stipulated penalty shall not be 
relevant in any respect to the penalty that may be assessed after the 
institution of a formal administrative proceeding pursuant to the 
Uniform Rules of Practice, Subpart H, Part 1, Title 7, Code of Federal 
Regulations.

[64 FR 40738, July 28, 1999, as amended at 69 FR 57168, Sept. 24, 2004]



PART 58_GRADING AND INSPECTION, GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR APPROVED PLANTS
AND STANDARDS FOR GRADES OF DAIRY PRODUCTS--Table of Contents



 Subpart A_Provisions Governing the Inspection and Grading Services of 
                Manufactured or Processed Dairy Products

                               Definitions
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Compliance with these standards does not excuse failure to 
comply with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec.
58.1 Meaning of words.
58.2 Designation of official certificates, memoranda, marks, 
          identifications, and devices for purpose of the Agricultural 
          Marketing Act.

                             Administration

58.3 Authority.

                      Inspection or Grading Service

58.4 Basis of service.
58.5 Where service is offered.
58.6 Supervision of service.
58.7 Who may obtain service.
58.8 How to make application.
58.9 Form of application.
58.10 Filing of application.
58.11 Approval of application.
58.12 When application may be rejected.
58.13 When application may be withdrawn.
58.14 Authority of applicant.
58.15 Accessibility and condition of product.
58.16 Disposition of samples.
58.17 Order of service.
58.18 Inspection or grading certificates, memoranda, or reports.
58.19 Issuance of inspection or grading certificates.
58.20 Disposition of inspection or grading certificates or reports.
58.21 Advance information.

       Appeal Inspection or Grading and Reinstatement of Regrading

58.22 When appeal inspection or grading may be requested.
58.23 How to obtain appeal inspection or grading.
58.24 Record of filing time.
58.25 When an application for appeal inspection or grading may be 
          refused.
58.26 When an application for an appeal inspection or grading may be 
          withdrawn.
58.27 Order in which appeal inspections or gradings are performed.
58.28 Who shall make appeal inspections or gradings.

[[Page 75]]

58.29 Appeal inspection or grading certificate or report.
58.30 Application for reinspection or regrading.
58.31 Reinspection or regrading certificate or report.
58.32 Superseded certificates or reports.

                   Licensing of Inspectors or Graders

58.33 Who may be licensed.
58.34 Suspension or revocation of license.
58.35 Surrender of license.
58.36 Identification.
58.37 Financial interest of licensees.

                            Fees and Charges

58.38 Payment of fees and charges.
58.39 Fees for holiday or other nonworktime.
58.40 Fees for appeal inspection or grading.
58.41 Fees for additional copies of certificates.
58.42 Travel expenses and other charges.
58.43 Fees for inspection, grading, sampling, and certification.
58.45 Fees for continuous resident services.
58.46 Fees for service performed under cooperative agreement.

               Marking, Branding, and Identifying Product

58.49 Authority to use official identification.
58.50 Approval and form of official identification.
58.51 Information required on official identification.
58.52 Time limit for packaging inspected or graded products with 
          official identification.

    Prerequisites to Packaging Products With Official Identification

58.53 Supervisor of packaging required.
58.54 Packing and packaging room and equipment.
58.55 Facilities for keeping quality samples.
58.56 Incubation of product samples.
58.57 Product not eligible for packaging with official identification.

                               Violations

58.58 Debarment of service.

                              Miscellaneous

58.61 Political activity.
58.62 Report of violations.
58.63 Other applicable regulations.
58.64 OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction 
          Act.

  Subpart B_General Specifications for Dairy Plants Approved for USDA 
                     Inspection and Grading Service

                               Definitions

58.100 OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction 
          Act.
58.101 Meaning of words.

                                 Purpose

58.122 Approved plants under USDA inspection and grading service.

                             Approved Plants

58.123 Survey and approval.
58.124 Denial or suspension of plant approval.

         Premises, Buildings, Facilities, Equipment and Utensils

58.125 Premises.
58.126 Buildings.
58.127 Facilities.
58.128 Equipment and utensils.

                    Personnel, Cleanliness and Health

58.129 Cleanliness.
58.130 Health.

             Protection and Transport of Raw Milk and Cream

58.131 Equipment and facilities.

                   Quality Specifications for Raw Milk

58.132 Basis for classification.
58.133 Methods for quality and wholesomeness determination.
58.134 Sediment content for milk in cans.
58.135 Bacterial estimate.
58.136 Rejected milk.
58.137 Excluded milk.
58.138 Quality testing of milk from new producers.
58.139 Record of tests.
58.140 Field service.
58.141 Alternate quality control program.

                   Operations and Operating Procedures

58.142 Product quality and stability.
58.143 Raw product storage.
58.144 Pasteurization or ultra-pasteurization.
58.145 Composition and wholesomeness.
58.146 Cleaning and sanitizing treatment.
58.147 Insect and rodent control program.
58.148 Plant records.
58.149 Alternate quality control programs for dairy products.

                  Packaging and General Identification

58.150 Containers.

[[Page 76]]

58.151 Packaging and repackaging.
58.152 General identification.

                       Storage of Finished Product

58.153 Dry storage.
58.154 Refrigerated storage.

             Inspection, Grading and Official Identification

58.155 Grading.
58.156 Inspection.
58.157 Inspection or grading certificates.
58.158 Official identification.

                          Explanation of Terms

58.159 Terms.

  Supplemental Specifications for Plants Manufacturing, Processing and 
Packaging Nonfat Dry Milk, Instant Nonfat Dry Milk, Dry Whole Milk, and 
                             Dry Buttermilk

                               Definitions

58.205 Meaning of words.

                         Rooms and Compartments

58.210 Dry storage of product.
58.211 Packaging room for bulk products.
58.212 Hopper or dump room.
58.213 Repackaging room.

                         Equipment and Utensils

58.214 General construction, repair and installation.
58.215 Pre-heaters.
58.216 Hotwells.
58.217 Evaporators and/or vacuum pans.
58.218 Surge tanks.
58.219 High pressure pumps and lines.
58.220 Drying systems.
58.221 Collectors and conveyors.
58.222 Dry dairy product cooling equipment.
58.223 Special treatment equipment.
58.224 Sifters.
58.225 Clothing and shoe covers.
58.226 Portable and stationary bulk bins.
58.227 Sampling device.
58.228 Dump hoppers, screens, mixers and conveyors.
58.229 Filler and packaging equipment.
58.230 Heavy duty vacuum cleaners.

                Quality Specifications for Raw Materials

58.231 General.
58.232 Milk.
58.233 Skim milk.
58.234 Buttermilk.
58.235 Modified dry milk products.

                   Operations and Operating Procedures

58.236 Pasteurization and heat treatment.
58.237 Condensed surge supply.
58.238 Condensed storage tanks.
58.239 Drying.
58.240 Cooling dry products.
58.241 Packaging, repackaging and storage.
58.242 Product adulteration.
58.243 Checking quality.
58.244 Number of samples.
58.245 Method of sample analysis.
58.246 Cleaning of dryers, collectors, conveyors, ducts, sifters and 
          storage bins.
58.247 Insect and rodent control program.

 Requirements for Finished Products Bearing USDA Official Identification

58.248 Nonfat dry milk.
58.249 Instant nonfat dry milk.
58.250 Dry whole milk.
58.251 Dry buttermilk and dry buttermilk product.

  Supplemental Specifications for Plants Manufacturing, Processing and 
                  Packaging Butter and Related Products

                               Definitions

58.305 Meaning of words.

                         Rooms and Compartments

58.311 Coolers and freezers.
58.312 Churn rooms.
58.313 Print and bulk packaging rooms.

                         Equipment and Utensils

58.314 General construction, repair and installation.
58.315 Continuous churns.
58.316 Conventional churns.
58.317 Bulk butter trucks, boats, texturizers, and packers.
58.318 Butter, frozen or plastic cream melting machines.
58.319 Printing equipment.
58.320 Brine tanks.
58.321 Cream storage tanks.

                 Quality Specifications for Raw Material

58.322 Cream.
58.323 [Reserved]
58.324 Butteroil.
58.325 Anhydrous milkfat.
58.326 Plastic cream.
58.327 Frozen cream.
58.328 Salt.
58.329 Color.
58.330 Butter starter cultures.
58.331 Starter distillate.

                   Operations and Operating Procedures

58.332 Segregation of raw material.
58.334 Pasteurization.
58.335 Quality control tests.
58.336 Frequency of sampling for quality control of cream, butter and 
          related products.
58.337 Official test methods.
58.338 Composition and wholesomeness.
58.339 Containers.
58.340 Printing and packaging.

[[Page 77]]

58.341 Repackaging.
58.342 General identification.
58.343 Storage of finished product in coolers.
58.344 Storage of finished product in freezer.

 Requirements for Finished Products Bearing USDA Official Identification

58.345 Butter.
58.346 Whipped butter.
58.347 Butteroil or anhydrous milkfat.
58.348 Plastic cream.
58.349 Frozen cream.

   Supplemental Specifications for Plants Manufacturing and Packaging 
                                 Cheese

                               Definitions

58.405 Meaning of words.

                         Rooms and Compartments

58.406 Starter facility.
58.407 Make room.
58.408 Brine room.
58.409 Drying room.
58.410 Paraffining room.
58.411 Rindless cheese wrapping area.
58.412 Coolers or curing rooms.
58.413 Cutting and packaging rooms.

                         Equipment and Utensils

58.414 General construction, repair and installation.
58.415 Starter vats.
58.416 Cheese vats, tanks and drain tables.
58.417 Mechanical agitators.
58.418 Automatic cheese making equipment.
58.419 Curd mill and miscellaneous equipment.
58.420 Hoops, forms and followers.
58.421 Press.
58.422 Brine tank.
58.423 Cheese vacuumizing chamber.
58.424 Monorail.
58.425 Conveyor for moving and draining block or barrel cheese.
58.426 Rindless cheese wrapping equipment.
58.427 Paraffin tanks.
58.428 Specialty equipment.
58.429 Washing machine.

                 Quality Specifications for Raw Material

58.430 Milk.
58.431 Hydrogen peroxide.
58.432 Catalase.
58.433 Cheese cultures.
58.434 Calcium chloride.
58.435 Color.
58.436 Rennet, pepsin, or other milk clotting enzymes and flavor 
          enzymes.
58.437 Salt.

                   Operations and Operating Procedures

58.438 Cheese from pasteurized milk.
58.439 Cheese from unpasteurized milk.
58.440 Make schedule.
58.441 Records.
58.442 Laboratory and quality control tests.
58.443 Whey handling.
58.444 Packaging and repackaging.
58.445 General identification.

 Requirements for Finished Products Bearing USDA Official Identification

58.446 Quality requirements.

   Supplemental Specifications for Plants Manufacturing and Packaging 
                             Cottage Cheese

                               Definitions

58.505 Meaning of words.

                         Rooms and Compartments

58.510 Rooms and compartments.

                         Equipment and Utensils

58.511 General construction, repair and installation.
58.512 Cheese vats or tanks.
58.513 Agitators.
58.514 Container fillers.
58.515 Mixers.
58.516 Starter vats.

                 Quality Specifications for Raw Material

58.517 General.
58.518 Milk.
58.519 Dairy products.
58.520 Nondairy ingredients.

                   Operations and Operating Procedures

58.521 Pasteurization and product flow.
58.522 Reconstituting nonfat dry milk.
58.523 Laboratory and quality control tests.
58.524 Packaging and general identification.
58.525 Storage of finished product.

  Requirements for Cottage Cheese Bearing USDA Official Identification

58.526 Official identification.
58.527 Physical requirements.
58.528 Microbiological requirements.
58.529 Chemical requirements.
58.530 Keeping quality requirements.

 Supplemental Specifications for Plants Manufacturing, Processing, and 
                        Packaging Frozen Desserts

                               Definitions

58.605 Meaning of words.

                         Rooms and Compartments

58.619 Mix processing room.
58.620 Freezing and packaging rooms.
58.621 Freezing tunnels.
58.622 Hardening and storage rooms.

                         Equipment and Utensils

58.623 Homogenizer.

[[Page 78]]

58.624 Freezers.
58.625 Fruit or syrup feeders.
58.626 Packaging equipment.

                 Quality Specifications for Raw Material

58.627 Milk and dairy products.
58.628 Sweetening agents.
58.629 Flavoring agents.
58.630 Stabilizers.
58.631 Emulsifiers.
58.632 Acid.
58.633 Color.

                   Operations and Operating Procedures

58.634 Assembling and combining mix ingredients.
58.635 Pasteurization of the mix.
58.636 Homogenization.
58.637 Cooling the mix.
58.638 Freezing the mix.
58.639 Addition of flavor.
58.640 Packaging.
58.641 Hardening and storage.
58.642 Quality control tests.
58.643 Frequency of sampling.
58.644 Test methods.
58.645 General identification.

 Requirements for Finished Products Bearing USDA Official Identification

58.646 Official identification.
58.647 Composition requirements for ice cream.
58.648 Microbiological requirements for ice cream.
58.649 Physical requirements for ice cream.
58.650 Requirements for frozen custard.
58.651 [Reserved]
58.652 Composition requirements for sherbet.
58.653 Microbiological requirements for sherbet.
58.654 Physical requirements for sherbet.

  Supplemental Specifications for Plants Manufacturing, Processing and 
        Packaging Pasteurized Process Cheese and Related Products

                               Definitions

58.705 Meaning of words.

                         Equipment and Utensils

58.706 General construction, repair and installation.
58.707 Conveyors.
58.708 Grinders or shredders.
58.709 Cookers.
58.710 Fillers.

                 Quality Specifications for Raw Material

58.711 Cheddar, colby, washed or soaked curd, granular or stirred curd 
          cheese.
58.712 Swiss.
58.713 Gruyere.
58.714 Cream cheese, Neufchatel cheese.
58.715 Cream, plastic cream and anhydrous milkfat.
58.716 Nonfat dry milk.
58.717 Whey.
58.718 Flavor ingredients.
58.719 Coloring.
58.720 Acidifying agents.
58.721 Salt.
58.722 Emulsifying agents.

                   Operations and Operating Procedures

58.723 Basis for selecting cheese for processing.
58.724 Blending.
58.725 Trimming and cleaning.
58.726 Cutting and grinding.
58.727 Adding optional ingredients.
58.728 Cooking the batch.
58.729 Forming containers.
58.730 Filling containers.
58.731 Closing and sealing containers.
58.732 Cooling the packaged cheese.
58.733 Quality control tests.

    Requirements for Processed Cheese Products Bearing USDA Official 
                             Identification

58.734 Official identification.
58.735 Quality specifications for raw materials.

              Quality Specifications For Finished Products

58.736 Pasteurized process cheese.
58.737 Pasteurized process cheese food.
58.738 Pasteurized process cheese spread and related products.

 Supplemental Specifications for Plants Manufacturing, Processing, and 
                Packaging Whey, Whey Products and Lactose

                               Definitions

58.805 Meaning of words.

                         Rooms and Compartments

58.806 General.

                         Equipment and Utensils

58.807 General construction, repair and installation.

                Quality Specifications for Raw Materials

58.808 Whey.

                   Operations and Operating Procedures

58.809 Pasteurization.
58.810 Temperature requirements.
58.811 General.
58.812 Methods of sample analysis.

 Requirements for Finished Products Bearing USDA Official Identification

58.813 Dry whey.

[[Page 79]]

  Supplemental Specifications for Plants Manufacturing, Processing and 
  Packaging Evaporated and Condensed Milk or Ultra-Pasteurized Products

                               Definitions

58.905 Meaning of words.

                         Equipment and Utensils

58.912 General construction, repair and installation.
58.913 Evaporators and vacuum pans.
58.914 Fillers.
58.915 Batch or continuous in-container thermal processing equipment.
58.916 Homogenizer.

                   Operations and Operating Procedures

58.917 General.
58.918 Standardization.
58.919 Pre-heat, pasteurization.
58.920 Homogenization.
58.921 Concentration.
58.922 Thermal processing.
58.923 Filling containers.
58.924 Aseptic filling.
58.925 Sweetened condensed.
58.926 Heat stability.
58.927 Storage.
58.928 Quality control tests.
58.929 Frequency of sampling for quality control.
58.930 Official test methods.
58.931 General identification.

                Quality Specifications for Raw Materials

58.932 Milk.
58.933 Stabilizers.
58.934 Sugars.
58.935 Chocolate and cocoa.

 Requirements for Finished Products Bearing USDA Official Identification

58.936 Milk.
58.937 Physical requirements for evaporated milk.
58.938 Physical requirements and microbiological limits for sweetened 
          condensed milk.

Subparts C-V [Reserved]

Subpart W_United States Department of Agriculture Standard for Ice Cream

58.2825 United States Standard for ice cream.
58.2826 General identification.
58.2827 Official identification.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.

    Source: 23 FR 9410, Dec. 5, 1958, unless otherwise noted. 
Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 
46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981.
    Note: Compliance with these standards does not excuse failure to 
comply with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.



 Subpart A_Provisions Governing the Inspection and Grading Services of 
                Manufactured or Processed Dairy Products

    Source: 37 FR 22363, Oct. 19, 1972, unless otherwise noted. 
Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 
46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981.

                               Definitions



Sec.  58.1  Meaning of words.

    For the purpose of the regulations in this subpart, words in the 
singular form shall be deemed to import the plural and vice versa, as 
the case may demand. Unless the context otherwise requires, the 
following terms shall have the following meaning:
    Act means the applicable provisions of the Agricultural Marketing 
Act of 1946 (60 Stat. 1087, as amended; 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627) or any other 
act of Congress conferring like authority.
    Administrator means the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing 
Service or any other officer or employee of the Agricultural Marketing 
Service to whom authority has heretofore been delegated, or to whom 
authority may hereafter be delegated, to act in his stead.
    Agricultural Marketing Service or AMS means the Agricultural 
Marketing Service of the Department.
    Applicant means any interested party who has applied for inspection 
or grading service.
    Approved laboratory means a laboratory in which the facilities and 
equipment used for official testing have been adequate to perform the 
necessary official tests in accordance with this part.
    Approved plant means one or more adjacent buildings, or parts 
thereof, comprising a single plant at one location in which the 
facilities and methods of operation therein have been surveyed and 
approved by the Administrator as suitable and adequate for inspection or 
grading service in accordance with this part.

[[Page 80]]

    Area Supervisor means any employee of the Branch in charge of dairy 
inspection or grading service in a designated geographical area.
    Branch means the Dairy Inspection Branch of the Poultry and Dairy 
Quality Division.
    Chief means the Chief of the Branch, or any officer or employee of 
the Branch to whom authority has been heretofore delegated, or to whom 
authority may hereafter be delegated, to act in his stead.
    Class means any subdivision of a product based on essential physical 
characteristics that differentiate between major groups of the same kind 
or method of processing.
    Condition of container means the degree of acceptability of the 
container with respect to freedom from defects which affect its 
serviceability, including appearance as well as usability, of the 
container for its intended purpose.
    Condition of product or condition is an expression of the extent to 
which a product is free from defects which affect its usability, 
including but not limited to, the state of preservation, cleanliness, 
soundness, wholesomeness, or fitness for human food.
    Continuous resident service or resident service is inspection or 
grading service performed at a dairy manufacturing plant or grading 
station by an inspector or grader assigned to the plant or station on a 
continuous, year-round, resident basis.
    Department or USDA means the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
    Director means the Director of the Poultry and Dairy Quality 
Division, or any other officer or employee of the Division to whom 
authority has heretofore been delegated or to whom authority may 
hereafter be delegated, to act in his stead.
    Division means the Poultry and Dairy Quality Division of the 
Agricultural Marketing Service.
    Inspection or grading service or service means in accordance with 
this part, the act of (a) drawing samples of any product; (b) 
determining the class, grade, quality, composition, size, quantity, or 
condition of any product by examining each unit or representative 
samples; (c) determining condition of product containers; (d) 
identifying any product or packaging material by means of official 
identification; (e) regrading or appeal grading of a previously graded 
product; (f) inspecting dairy plant facilities, equipment, and 
operations; such as, processing, manufacturing, packaging, repackaging, 
and quality control; (g) supervision of packaging inspected or graded 
product; (h) reinspection or appeal inspection; and (i) issuing an 
inspection or grading certificate or sampling, inspection, or other 
report related to any of the foregoing.
    Inspector or grader means any Federal or State employee to whom a 
license has been issued by the Administrator to perform one or more 
types of inspection or grading services.
    Inspection or grading office means the office of any inspector or 
grader.
    Interested party means any person financially interested in a 
transaction involving any inspection or grading service.
    Licensed plant employee means an employee of an approved plant to 
whom a license is issued by the Administrator to supervise packaging of 
officially inspected or graded product, perform laboratory tests, or 
perform other duties as assigned by the Administrator. A licensed plant 
employee is not authorized to issue any inspection or grading 
certificate.
    Product means butter, cheese (whether natural or processed), milk, 
cream, milk products (whether dried, frozen, evaporated, stabilized, or 
condensed), ice cream, dry whey, dry buttermilk, and any other food 
product, which is prepared or manufactured in whole or in part from any 
of the aforesaid products, as the Administrator may hereafter designate.
    Person means any individual, partnership, association, business, 
trust, corporation, or any organized group of persons, whether 
incorporated or not.
    Plant survey means an appraisal of the plant to determine extent to 
which facilities, equipment, method of operation, and raw material being 
received are in accordance with the provisions of this part. The survey 
shall be used to determine suitability of the plant for inspection or 
grading service.

[[Page 81]]

    Quality means the inherent properties of any product which determine 
its relative degree of excellence.
    Regulations means the provisions of this subpart.
    Sampling report means a statement issued by an inspector or grader 
identifying samples taken by him for inspection or grading service.
    Supervisor of packaging means an employee of the Department or other 
person licensed by the Administrator to supervise the packaging and 
official identification of product or any repackaging of bulk product.

(60 Stat. 1087, 7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.; 84 Stat. 1620, 21 U.S.C. 1031 et 
seq.)

[37 FR 22363, Oct. 19, 1972, as amended at 38 FR 4381, Feb. 14, 1973. 
Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, as amended at 43 FR 60138, 
Dec. 26, 1978. Redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 
54 FR 15167, Apr. 17, 1989]



Sec.  58.2  Designation of official certificates, memoranda, marks, 
identifications, and devices for purpose of the Agricultural Marketing Act.

    Subsection 203(h) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as 
amended by Pub. L. 272, 84th Congress, provides criminal penalties for 
various specified offenses relating to official certificates, memoranda, 
marks or identifications, and devices for making such marks or 
identifications, issued or authorized under section 203 of said Act, and 
certain misrepresentations concerning the inspection or grading of 
agricultural products under said section. For the purposes of said 
subsection and the provisions in this part, the terms listed below shall 
have the respective meanings specified:
    (a) Official certificate means any form of certification, either 
written or printed (including that prescribed in Sec.  58.18) used under 
the regulations in this subpart to certify with respect to the 
inspection of dairy processing plants and the inspection, class, grade, 
quality, size, quantity, or condition of products (including the 
compliance of products and packaging material with applicable 
specifications).
    (b) Official memorandum means any initial record of findings made by 
an authorized person in the process of inspecting, grading, determining 
compliance, or sampling pursuant to the regulations in this subpart, any 
processing or plant-operation report made by an authorized person in 
connection with inspecting, grading, determining compliance, or sampling 
under the regulations in this subpart, and any report made by an 
authorized person of services performed pursuant to the regulations in 
this subpart.
    (c) Official identification or other official marks means any form 
of identification or mark (including, but not limited to, those in 
Sec. Sec.  58.49 through 58.51) approved by the Administrator and 
authorized to be affixed to any product, or affixed to or printed on the 
packaging material of any product certifying the inspection, class, 
grade, quality, size, quantity, or condition of the products (including 
the compliance of products with applicable specifications) or to 
maintain the identity of the product for which service is provided under 
the regulations in this subpart.
    (d) Official device means a stamping appliance, branding device, 
stencil, printed label, or any other mechanically or manually operated 
tool that is approved by the Administrator for the purpose of applying 
any official mark or other identification to any product or the 
packaging material thereof.

                             Administration



Sec.  58.3  Authority.

    The Administrator shall perform such duties as may be required in 
the enforcement and administration of the provisions of the Act and this 
part.

                      Inspection or Grading Service



Sec.  58.4  Basis of service.

    Inspection or grading service shall be performed in accordance with 
the provisions of this part, the instructions and procedures issued or 
approved by the Administrator, U.S. standards for grades, Federal 
specifications, and specifications as defined in a specific

[[Page 82]]

purchase contract. All services provided in accordance with these 
regulations shall be rendered without discrimination on the basis of 
race, color, creed, or national origin.

[39 FR 986, Jan. 4, 1974. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981]



Sec.  58.5  Where service is offered.

    Subject to the provisions of this part, inspection or grading 
service may be performed when a qualified inspector or grader is 
available, and when the facilities and conditions are satisfactory for 
the conduct of the service.



Sec.  58.6  Supervision of service.

    All inspection or grading service shall be subject to supervision by 
a supervisory inspector or grader, Area Supervisor, or by the Chief, or 
such other person of the Branch as may be designated by the Chief. 
Whenever there is evidence that inspection or grading service has been 
incorrectly performed, a supervisor shall immediately make a 
reinspection or regrading, and he shall supersede the previous 
inspection or grading certificate or report with a new certificate or 
report showing the corrected information.



Sec.  58.7  Who may obtain service.

    An application for inspection or grading service may be made by any 
interested person, including, but not limited to, the United States, any 
State, county, municipality, or common carrier, or any authorized agent 
of the foregoing.



Sec.  58.8  How to make application.

    (a) On a fee basis. An application for inspection or grading service 
may be made in any inspection or grading office or with any inspector or 
grader. Such application may be made orally (in person or by telephone), 
in writing, or by telegraph. If made orally, written confirmation may be 
required.
    (b) On a continuous basis. Application for inspection or grading 
service on a continuous basis as provided in Sec.  58.45 shall be made 
in writing on application forms as approved by the Administrator and 
filed with the Administrator.



Sec.  58.9  Form of application.

    Each application for inspection or grading service shall include 
such information as may be required by the Administrator in regard to 
the type of service; kind of products and place of manufacture, 
processing, or packaging: and location where service is desired.



Sec.  58.10  Filing of application.

    An application for inspection or grading service shall be regarded 
as filed only when made pursuant to this subpart.



Sec.  58.11  Approval of application.

    An application for inspection or grading service may be approved 
when (a) a qualified inspector or grader is available, (b) facilities 
and conditions are satisfactory for the conduct of the service, and (c) 
the product has been manufactured or processed in a plant approved for 
inspection or grading service in accordance with the provisions of this 
part and instructions issued thereunder.



Sec.  58.12  When application may be rejected.

    An application for inspection or grading service may be rejected by 
the Administrator (a) when the applicant fails to meet the requirements 
of the regulations in this subpart prescribing the conditions under 
which the service is made available; (b) when the product is owned by, 
or located on the premises of, a person currently denied the benefits of 
the Act; (c) when an individual holding office or a responsible position 
with or having a substantial financial interest or share with the 
applicant is currently denied the benefits of the Act or was responsible 
in whole or in part for the current denial of the benefits of the Act to 
any person; (d) when the application is an attempt on the part of a 
person currently denied the benefits of the Act to obtain inspection or 
grading service; (e) when the product was produced from unwholesome raw 
material or was produced under insanitary or otherwise unsatisfactory 
conditions; (f) when the product is of illegal composition or is lacking 
satisfactory keeping quality; (g) when the product has been produced in 
a plant which has not been surveyed and approved for inspection

[[Page 83]]

or grading service; (h) when fees billed are not paid within 30 days; or 
(i) when there is noncompliance with the Act or this part or 
instructions issued hereunder. When an application is rejected, the 
applicant shall be notified in writing by the Area Supervisor or his 
designated representative, the reason or reasons for the rejection.

[37 FR 22363, Oct. 19, 1972, as amended at 53 FR 20278, June 3, 1988]



Sec.  58.13  When application may be withdrawn.

    An application for inspection or grading service may be withdrawn by 
the applicant at any time before the service is performed upon payment, 
by the applicant, of all expenses incurred by AMS in connection with 
such application.



Sec.  58.14  Authority of applicant.

    Proof of the authority of any person applying for any inspection or 
grading service may be required in the discretion of the Administrator.



Sec.  58.15  Accessibility and condition of product.

    Each lot of product for which inspection or grading service is 
requested shall be so conditioned and placed as to permit selection of 
representative samples and proper determination of the class, grade, 
quality, quantity, or condition of such product. In addition, if sample 
packages are furnished by the applicant, such samples shall be 
representative of the lot to be inspected or graded and additional 
samples shall be made available for verification. The room or area where 
the service is to be performed shall be clean and sanitary, free from 
foreign odors, and shall be provided with adequate lighting, 
ventilation, and temperature control.



Sec.  58.16  Disposition of samples.

    Any sample of product used for inspection or grading may be returned 
to the applicant at his request and at his expense if such request was 
made at the time of the application for the service. In the event the 
aforesaid request was not made at the time of application for the 
service, the sample of product may be destroyed, disposed of to a 
charitable organization, or disposed of by any other method prescribed 
by the Administrator.



Sec.  58.17  Order of service.

    Inspection or grading service shall be performed, insofar as 
practicable and subject to the availability of qualified inspectors or 
graders, in the order in which applications are made except that 
precedence may be given to any application for an appeal inspection or 
grading.



Sec.  58.18  Inspection or grading certificates, memoranda, or reports.

    Inspection or grading certificates and sampling, plant survey, and 
other memoranda or reports shall be issued on forms approved by the 
Administrator.



Sec.  58.19  Issuance of inspection or grading certificates.

    An inspection or grading certificate shall be issued to cover a 
product inspected or graded in accordance with Instructions issued by 
the Administrator and shall be signed by an inspector or grader. This 
does not preclude an inspector or grader from granting a power of 
attorney to another person to sign in his stead, if such grant of power 
of attorney has been approved by the Administrator: Provided, That in 
all cases any such certificate shall be prepared in accordance with the 
facts set forth in the official memorandum defined in Sec.  58.2(b): And 
provided further, that whenever a certificate is signed by a person 
under a power of attorney the certificate should so indicate. The 
signature of the holder of the power shall appear in conjunction with 
the name of the grader or inspector who personally graded or inspected 
the product.

[39 FR 986, Jan. 4, 1974. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981]



Sec.  58.20  Disposition of inspection or grading certificates or reports.

    The original of any inspection or grading certificate or report 
issued pursuant to Sec.  58.19, and not to exceed four copies thereof, 
shall immediately upon issuance be delivered or mailed to the applicant 
or person designated by him. One copy shall be filed in the inspection 
and grading office serving the

[[Page 84]]

area in which the service was performed and all other copies shall be 
filed in such manner as the Administrator may approve. Additional copies 
of any such certificate or report may be supplied to any interested 
party as provided in Sec.  58.41.



Sec.  58.21  Advance information.

    Upon request of an applicant, all or part of the contents of any 
inspection or grading certificate or report issued to such applicant may 
be telephoned or telegraphed to him, or to any person designed by him, 
at applicant's expense.

       Appeal Inspection or Grading and Reinstatement of Regrading



Sec.  58.22  When appeal inspection or grading may be requested.

    (a) An application for an appeal inspection or grading may be made 
by any interested party who is dissatisfied with any determination 
stated in any inspection or grading certificate or report if the 
identity of the samples or the product has not been lost; or the 
conditions under which inspection service was performed have not 
changed. Such application for appeal inspection or grading shall be made 
within 2 days following the day on which the service was performed. Upon 
approval by the Administrator, the time within which an application for 
an appeal grading may be made may be extended.
    (b) An appeal inspection shall be limited to a review of the 
sampling procedure and in analysis of the official sample used, when, as 
a result of the original inspection, the commodity was found to be 
contaminated with filthy, putrid, and decomposed material. If it is 
determined that the sampling procedures were improper, a new sample 
shall be obtained.



Sec.  58.23  How to obtain appeal inspection or grading.

    Appeal inspection or grading may be obtained by filing a request 
therefore, (a) with the Administrator, (b) with the inspector or grader 
who issued the inspection or grading certificate or report with respect 
to which the appeal service is requested, or (c) with the supervisor of 
such inspector or grader. The application for appeal inspection or 
grading shall state the reasons therefore, and may be accompanied by a 
copy of the aforesaid inspection or grading certificate or report or any 
other information the applicant may have secured regarding the product 
or the service from which the appeal is requested. Such application may 
be made orally (in person or by telephone), in writing, or by telegraph. 
If made orally, written confirmation may be required.



Sec.  58.24  Record of filing time.

    A record showing the date and hour when each such application for 
appeal inspection or grading is received shall be maintained in such 
manner as the Administrator may prescribe.



Sec.  58.25  When an application for appeal inspection or grading may
be refused.

    The Administrator may refuse an application for an appeal inspection 
or grading when (a) the quality or condition of the products has 
undergone a material change since the time of original service, (b) the 
identical products inspected or graded cannot be made accessible for 
reinspection or regrading, (c) the conditions under which inspection 
service was performed have changed, (d) it appears that the reasons for 
an appeal inspection or grading are frivolous or not substantial, or (e) 
the Act or this part have not been complied with. The applicant shall be 
promptly notified of the reason for such refusal.



Sec.  58.26  When an application for an appeal inspection or grading may
be withdrawn.

    An application for appeal inspection or grading may be withdrawn by 
the applicant at any time before the appeal inspection or grading is 
made upon payment, by the applicant, of all expenses incurred by AMS in 
connection with such application.



Sec.  58.27  Order in which appeal inspections or gradings are performed.

    Appeal inspections or gradings shall be performed, insofar as 
practicable, in

[[Page 85]]

the order in which applications therefor are received; and any such 
application may be given precedence pursuant to Sec.  58.17.



Sec.  58.28  Who shall make appeal inspections or gradings.

    An appeal inspection or grading of any product or service shall be 
made by any inspector or grader (other than the one from whose service 
the appeal is made) designated for this purpose by the Administrator; 
and, whenever practical, such appeal inspection or grading shall be 
conducted jointly by two such inspectors or graders.



Sec.  58.29  Appeal inspection or grading certificate or report.

    Immediately after an appeal inspection or grading has been 
completed, an appeal inspection or grading certificate or report shall 
be issued showing the results of the inspection or grading. Such 
certificate or report shall thereupon supersede the previous certificate 
or report and will be effective retroactive to the date of the previous 
certificate or report. Each appeal certificate or report shall clearly 
set forth the number and the date of the previous certificate or report 
which it supersedes. The provisions of Sec. Sec.  58.18 through 58.21 
shall, whenever applicable, also apply to appeal certificates or reports 
except that copies shall be furnished each interested party of record.



Sec.  58.30  Application for reinspection or regrading.

    An application for the reinspection or regrading of any previously 
inspected or graded product may be made at any time by any interested 
party; and such application shall clearly indicate the reasons for 
requesting the reinspection or regrading. The provisions of the 
regulations in this subpart relative to inspection or grading service 
shall apply to reinspection or regrading service.



Sec.  58.31  Reinspection or regrading certificate or report.

    Immediately after a reinspection or regrading has been completed, a 
reinspection or a regrading certificate or report shall be issued 
showing the results of such reinspection or regrading; and such 
certificate or report shall thereupon supersede, as of the time of 
issuance, the inspection or grading certificate or report previously 
issued. Each reinspection or regrading certificate or report shall 
clearly set forth the number and date of the inspection or grading 
certificate or report that it supersedes. The provisions of Sec. Sec.  
58.18 through 58.21 shall, whenever applicable, also apply to 
reinspection or regrading certificates or reports except that copies 
shall be furnished each interested party of record.



Sec.  58.32  Superseded certificates or reports.

    When any inspection or grading certificate or report is superseded 
in accordance with this part, such certificate or report shall become 
null and void and, after the effective time of the supersedure, shall no 
longer represent the class, grade, quality, quantity, or condition 
described therein. If the original and all copies of such superseded 
certificate or report are not returned to the inspector or grader 
issuing the reinspection or regrading or appeal inspection or grading 
certificate or report, the inspector or grader shall notify such persons 
as he considers necessary to prevent fraudulent use of the superseded 
certificate or report.

                   Licensing of Inspectors or Graders



Sec.  58.33  Who may be licensed.

    Any person processing proper qualifications, as determined by an 
examination for competency, held at such time and in such manner as may 
be prescribed by the Administrator, may be licensed to perform specified 
inspection or grading service. Each license issued shall be signed by 
the Administrator.

[53 FR 20278, June 3, 1988]



Sec.  58.34  Suspension or revocation of license.

    For good cause and in instances of willful wrongdoing, the 
Administrator may suspend any license issued under the regulations in 
this subpart by giving notice of such suspension to the respective 
individual involved, accompanied by a statement of reasons therefor. 
Within 10 days after receipt of the

[[Page 86]]

aforesaid notice and statement of reasons by such individual, he may 
file an appeal in writing with the Administrator supported by any 
argument or evidence that he may wish to offer as to why his license 
should not be suspended or revoked. In conjunction therewith, he may 
request and, in such event, shall be accorded an oral hearing. After 
consideration of such argument and evidence, the Administrator will take 
such action as warranted with respect to such suspension or revocation. 
When no appeal is filed within the prescribed 10 days, the license is 
revoked.



Sec.  58.35  Surrender of license.

    Each license which is suspended or revoked shall be surrendered 
promptly by the licensee to his supervisor. Upon termination of the 
services of a licensee, the license shall be surrendered promptly by the 
licensee to his supervisor.



Sec.  58.36  Identification.

    Each licensee shall have his license card in his possession at all 
times while performing any function under the regulations in this 
subpart and shall identify himself by such card upon request.



Sec.  58.37  Financial interest of licensees.

    No licensee shall render service on any product in which he is 
financially interested.

                            Fees and Charges



Sec.  58.38  Payment of fees and charges.

    (a) Fees and charges for any inspection or grading service shall be 
paid by the interested party, making the application for such service, 
in accordance with the applicable provisions of this section and 
Sec. Sec.  58.39 through 58.46 and, if so required by the inspector or 
grader, such fees and charges shall be paid in advance.
    (b) Fees and charges for any inspection or grading service performed 
by any inspector or grader who is a salaried employee of the Department 
shall, unless otherwise required pursuant to paragraph (c) of this 
section, be paid by the interested party making application for such 
inspection or grading service by check, draft, or money order payable to 
the Agricultural Marketing Service and remitted promptly to the office 
indicated on the bill.
    (c) Fees and charges for any inspection or grading service under a 
cooperative agreement with any State or person shall be paid in 
accordance with the terms of the cooperative agreement by the interested 
party making application for the service.



Sec.  58.39  Fees for holiday or other nonworktime.

    If an applicant requests that inspection or grading service be 
performed on a holiday, Saturday, or Sunday or in excess of each 8-hour 
shift Monday through Friday, the applicant shall be charged for such 
service at a rate determined using the formulas in Sec.  58.43.

[79 FR 67323, Nov. 13, 2014]



Sec.  58.40  Fees for appeal inspection or grading.

    The fees to be charged for any appeal inspection or grading shall be 
double the fees specified on the inspection or grading certificate from 
which the appeal is taken: Provided, That the fee for any appeal grading 
requested by any agency of the U.S. Government shall be the same as set 
forth in the certificate from which the appeal is taken. If the result 
of any appeal inspection or grading discloses that a material error was 
made in the inspection or grading appealed from, no fee shall be 
required.



Sec.  58.41  Fees for additional copies of certificates.

    Additional copies of any inspection or grading certificates 
(including takeoff certificates), other than those provided for in Sec.  
58.20 may be supplied to any interested party upon payment of a fee 
based on time required to prepare such copies at the hourly rate 
specified in Sec.  58.43.

[54 FR 15167, Apr. 17, 1989]



Sec.  58.42  Travel expenses and other charges.

    Charges shall be made to cover the cost of travel and other expenses 
incurred by AMS in connection with the

[[Page 87]]

performance of any inspection or grading service.

[53 FR 20278, June 3, 1988]



Sec.  58.43  Fees for inspection, grading, sampling, and certification.

    (a) Unless otherwise provided in this part, the fees to be charged 
and collected for any service performed, in accordance with this part, 
on a fee basis shall be based on the applicable formulas specified in 
this section. For each calendar year, AMS will calculate the rate for 
grading, certification, or inspection services, per hour per program 
employee using the following formulas:
    (1) Regular rate. The total AMS grading, certification, or 
inspection program personnel direct pay divided by direct hours, which 
is then multiplied by the next year's percentage of cost of living 
increase, plus the benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus the 
allowance for bad debt rate. If applicable, travel expenses may also be 
added to the cost of providing the service.
    (2) Overtime rate. The total AMS grading, certification, or 
inspection program personnel direct pay divided by direct hours, which 
is then multiplied by the next year's percentage of cost of living 
increase and then multiplied by 1.5 plus the benefits rate, plus the 
operating rate, plus an allowance for bad debt. If applicable, travel 
expenses may also be added to the cost of providing the service.
    (3) Holiday rate. The total AMS grading, certification, or 
inspection program personnel direct pay divided by direct hours, which 
is then multiplied by the next year's percentage of cost of living 
increase and then multiplied by 2, plus benefits rate, plus the 
operating rate, plus an allowance for bad debt. If applicable, travel 
expenses may also be added to the cost of providing the service.
    (b) For each calendar year, based on previous fiscal year/historical 
actual costs, AMS will calculate the benefits, operating, and allowance 
for bad debt components of the regular, overtime and holiday rates as 
follows:
    (1) Benefits rate. The total AMS grading, certification, or 
inspection program direct benefits costs divided by the total hours 
(regular, overtime, and holiday) worked, which is then multiplied by the 
next calendar year's percentage cost of living increase. Some examples 
of direct benefits are health insurance, retirement, life insurance, and 
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) retirement basic and matching contributions.
    (2) Operating rate. The total AMS grading, certification, or 
inspection program operating costs divided by total hours (regular, 
overtime, and holiday) worked, which is then multiplied by the 
percentage of inflation.
    (3) Allowance for bad debt rate. Total AMS grading, certification, 
or inspection program allowance for bad debt divided by total hours 
(regular, overtime, and holiday) worked.
    (c) The calendar year cost of living expenses and percentage of 
inflation factors used in the formulas in this section are based on the 
most recent Office of Management and Budget's Presidential Economic 
Assumptions.

[79 FR 67323, Nov. 13, 2014]



Sec.  58.45  Fees for continuous resident services.

    Charges for the inspector(s) and grader(s) assigned to a continuous 
resident program shall be calculated using the formulas in Sec.  58.43.

[79 FR 67323, Nov. 13, 2014]



Sec.  58.46  Fees for service performed under cooperative agreement.

    The fees to be charged and collected for any service performed under 
cooperative agreement shall be those provided for by such agreement.

               Marking, Branding, and Identifying Product



Sec.  58.49  Authority to use official identification.

    Whenever the Administrator determines that the granting of authority 
to any person to package any product, inspected or graded pursuant to 
this part, and to use official identification, pursuant to Sec. Sec.  
58.49 through 58.57, will not be inconsistent with the Act and this 
part, he may authorize such use of official identification. Any 
application for such authority shall be submitted to the Administrator 
in such form as he may require.

[[Page 88]]



Sec.  58.50  Approval and form of official identification.

    (a) Any package label or packaging material which bears any official 
identification shall be used only in such manner as the Administrator 
may prescribe, and such official identification shall be of such form 
and contain such information as the Administrator may require. No label 
or packaging material bearing official identification shall be used 
unless finished copies or samples thereof have been approved by the 
Administrator.
    (b) Inspection or grade mark permitted to be used to officially 
identify packages containing dairy products which are inspected or 
graded pursuant to this part shall be contained in a shield in the form 
and design indicated in Figures 1, 2, and 3 of this section or such 
other form, design, or wording as may be approved by the Administrator.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC25SE91.014

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC25SE91.015

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC25SE91.016


The official identification illustrated in Figure 1 is designed for use 
on graded product packed under USDA inspection. Figure 2 is designed for 
graded product processed and packed under USDA inspection. Figure 3 is 
designated for inspected product (when U.S. standards for grades are not 
established) processed and packed under USDA quality control service. 
The official identification shall be printed on the package label, on 
the carton or on the wrapper and, preferably, on one of the main panels 
of the carton or wrapper. The shield identification shall be not less 
than \3/4\ inch by \3/4\ inch in size, and preferably 1 inch by 1 inch 
on 1-pound cartons or wrappers. Consideration will be given by the 
Administrator of a smaller shield on special packages where the size of 
the label does not permit use of the \3/4\ inch by \3/4\ inch shield.
    (c) Official identification under this subpart shall be limited to 
U.S. Grade B or higher or to an equivalent standard of quality for U.S. 
name grades or numerical score grades when U.S. standards for grades of 
a product have not been established.
    (d) A sketch, proof, or photocopy of each proposed label or 
packaging material bearing official identification shall be submitted to 
the Chief of the Dairy Inspection Branch, Poultry and Dairy Quality 
Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, for review and tentative approval 
prior to acquisition of a supply of material.
    (e) The firm packaging the product shall furnish to the Chief four 
copies of the printed labels and packaging materials bearing official 
identification for final approval prior to use.

(60 Stat. 1087, 7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.; 84 Stat. 1620, 21 U.S.C. 1031 et 
seq.)

[37 FR 22363, Oct. 19, 1972, as amended at 39 FR 987, Jan. 4, 1974. 
Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, as amended at 43 FR 60138, 
Dec. 26, 1978. Redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981]



Sec.  58.51  Information required on official identification.

    Each official identification shall conspicuously indicate the U.S. 
grade of the product it identifies, if there be a grade, or such other 
appropriate terminology as may be approved by the Administrator. Also, 
it shall include the

[[Page 89]]

appropriate phrase: ``Officially graded,'' ``Officially Inspected,'' or 
``Federal-State graded.'' When required by the Administrator, the 
package label, carton, or wrapper bearing official identification for 
dairy products shall be stamped or perforated with the date packed and 
the certificate number or a code number to indicate lot and date packed. 
Such coding shall be made available to and approved by the 
Administrator.



Sec.  58.52  Time limit for packaging inspected or graded products with
official identification.

    Any lot of butter which is graded for packaging with official grade 
identification shall be packaged within 10 days immediately following 
the date of grading, and any lot of natural cheese or dry milk shall be 
packaged within 30 days immediately following date of grading provided 
the product is properly stored during the 10- or 30-day period. Time 
limit for packaging other inspected or graded products shall be as 
approved by the Administrator. If inspected or graded product is moved 
to another location, a reinspection or regrading shall be required.

    Prerequisites to Packaging Products With Official Identification



Sec.  58.53  Supervisor of packaging required.

    The official identification of any inspected or graded product, as 
provided in Sec. Sec.  58.50 through 58.52, this section, and Sec. Sec.  
58.54 through 58.57, shall be done only under the supervision of a 
supervisor of packaging. The authority to use official identification 
may be granted by the Administrator only to applicants who utilize the 
services of a supervisor of packaging in accordance with this subpart. 
The supervisor of packaging shall have jurisdiction over the use and 
handling of all packaging material bearing any official identification.



Sec.  58.54  Packing and packaging room and equipment.

    Each applicant who is granted authority to package any product with 
official identification and who operates, for such purpose, a packaging 
room shall maintain the room and the equipment therein in accordance 
with this part.



Sec.  58.55  Facilities for keeping quality samples.

    Each applicant granted authority, as aforesaid, to package product 
with official identification shall provide and maintain suitable 
equipment for the purpose of incubating samples of product.



Sec.  58.56  Incubation of product samples.

    (a) Samples of product may be taken from any lot of product which is 
submitted for inspection or grading and packaging with official 
identification, or sample may be taken after packaging for the purpose 
of determining in accordance with provisions of this part if such 
product possesses satisfactory keeping quality.
    (b) Samples of product may be taken for keeping quality tests in 
accordance with provisions of this part from any lot of product 
submitted for inspection or grading. Issuance of the inspection or 
grading certificate may be withheld pending completion of the tests.



Sec.  58.57  Product not eligible for packaging with official
identification.

    (a) When a lot of inspected or graded product shows unsatisfactory 
keeping quality, other lots from the same manufacturing plant shall not 
be packaged with official identification. Packaging with official 
identification may be resumed only when it is determined that product 
from such plant possesses satisfactory keeping quality.
    (b) Any manufacturing or processing plant supplying product, 
directly or indirectly, for packaging with official identification shall 
be surveyed and approved for inspection or grading service.

                               Violations



Sec.  58.58  Debarment of service.

    (a) The following acts or practices, or the causing thereof, may be 
deemed sufficient cause for the debarment, by the Administrator, of any 
person, including any agents, officers, subsidiaries, or affiliates of 
such person, from any or all benefits of the Act for a specified period. 
The rules of practice

[[Page 90]]

governing withdrawal of inspection and grading services in formal 
adjudicatory proceedings instituted by the Secretary (7 CFR, part 1, 
subpart H) shall be applicable to such debarment action.
    (1) Fraud or misrepresentation. Any willful misrepresentation or 
deceptive or fraudulent practice or act found to be made or committed by 
any person in connection with:
    (i) The making or filing of any application for any inspection or 
grading service, appeal reinspection, or regrading service;
    (ii) The making of the product accessible for inspection or grading 
service;
    (iii) The making, issuing, or using or attempting to issue or use 
any inspection or grading certificate issued pursuant to the regulations 
in this subpart or the use of any official stamp, label, or 
identification;
    (iv) The use of the terms ``United States,'' ``U.S.,'' ``Officially 
graded,'' ``Officially Inspected,'' ``Federal-State graded,'' or 
``Government graded,'' or terms of similar import in the labeling or 
advertising of any product without stating in conjunction therewith the 
official U.S. grade of the product; or
    (v) The use of any of the aforesaid terms or an official stamp, 
label, or identification in the labeling or advertising of any product 
that has not been inspected or graded pursuant to this part.
    (2) Use of facsimile form. Using or attempting to use a form which 
simulates in whole or in part any official identification for the 
purpose of purporting to evidence the U.S. grade of any product; or the 
unauthorized use of a facsimile form which simulates in whole or in part 
any official inspection or grading certificate, stamp, label, or other 
official inspection mark; and
    (3) Mislabeling. The use of any words, numerals, letters, or 
facsimile form which simulates in whole or in part any identification 
purporting to be a grade when such product does not comply with any 
recognized standards in general use for such grade, and such activity 
may be deemed sufficient cause for debarring such person from any or all 
benefits of the Act.
    (4) Willful violation of the regulations in this subpart. Willful 
violation of the provisions in this part or the Act, or the instructions 
or specifications issued thereunder.
    (5) Interfering with an inspector or grader. Any interference with 
or obstruction or any attempted interference or obstruction of any 
inspector or grader in the performance of his duties by intimidation, 
threat, bribery, assault, or other improper means.
    (b) [Reserved]

(60 Stat. 1087, 7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.; 84 Stat. 1620, 21 U.S.C. 1031 et 
seq.)

[37 FR 22363, Oct. 19, 1972. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
as amended at 43 FR 60138, Dec. 26, 1978. Redesignated at 46 FR 63203, 
Dec. 31, 1981]

                              Miscellaneous



Sec.  58.61  Political activity.

    All inspectors or graders are forbidden during the period of their 
respective appointments or licenses to take an active part in political 
management or in political campaigns. Political activities in city, 
county, State, or national elections, whether primary or regular, or in 
behalf of any party or candidate, or any measure to be voted upon, is 
prohibited. This applies to all appointees, including, but not being 
limited to, temporary and cooperative employees and employees on leave 
of absence with or without pay. Willful violation of this section will 
constitute grounds for dismissal in the case of appointees and 
revocation of licenses in the case of licensees.



Sec.  58.62  Report of violations.

    Each inspector, grader, and supervisor of packaging shall report, in 
the manner prescribed by the Administrator, all violations and 
noncompliances under the Act and this part of which such inspector, 
grader, or supervisor of packaging has knowledge.



Sec.  58.63  Other applicable regulations.

    Compliance with the provisions in this part shall not excuse failure 
to comply with any other Federal, or any State, or municipal applicable 
laws or regulations.

[[Page 91]]



Sec.  58.64  OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork 
Reduction Act.

    The following control number has been assigned to the information 
collection requirements in 7 CFR part 58, subpart A, by the Office of 
Management and Budget pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, 
Pub. L. 96-511.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Current OMB
       7 CFR section where requirements are described        control No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
58.8(a)(b).................................................    0581-0126
58.9.......................................................    0581-0126
58.14......................................................    0581-0126
58.23......................................................    0581-0126
58.30......................................................    0581-0126
58.33......................................................    0581-0126
58.49......................................................    0581-0126
58.50(d)(e)................................................    0581-0126
58.51......................................................    0581-0126
58.122(b)..................................................    0581-0126
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[49 FR 6881, Feb. 24, 1984]



  Subpart B_General Specifications for Dairy Plants Approved for USDA 
                   Inspection and Grading Service \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Compliance with these standards does not excuse failure to 
comply with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 
Environmental Protection Act, or applicable laws and regulations of any 
State or Municipality.

    Source: 40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975, unless otherwise noted. 
Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 
46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981.

                               Definitions



Sec.  58.100  OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork
Reduction Act.

    The following control number has been assigned to the information 
collection requirements in 7 CFR part 58, subpart B, by the Office of 
Management and Budget pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, 
Pub. L. 96-511.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Current OMB
       7 CFR section where requirements are described        control No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
58.139.....................................................    0581-0110
58.148.....................................................    0581-0110
58.441.....................................................    0581-0110
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[49 FR 6881, Feb. 24, 1984, as amended at 61 FR 67448, Dec. 23, 1996]



Sec.  58.101  Meaning of words.

    For the purpose of the regulations of this subpart, words in the 
singular form shall be deemed to impart the plural and vice versa, as 
the case may demand. Unless the context otherwise requires, the 
following terms shall have the following meaning:
    (a) Act. The applicable provisions of the Agricultural Marketing Act 
of 1946 (60 Stat. 1087, as amended; (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627)), or any other 
Act of Congress conferring like authority.
    (b) Administrator. The Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing 
Service or any other officer or employee of the Agricultural Marketing 
Service of the Department to whom there has heretofore been delegated, 
or to whom there may hereafter be delegated the authority to act in his 
stead.
    (c) Approved laboratory. A laboratory in which the facilities and 
equipment used for official testing have been approved by the 
Administrator as being adequate to perform the necessary official tests 
in accordance with this part, and operates under a USDA surveillance 
program as set forth by the Administrator.
    (d) Approved plant. One or more adjacent buildings, or parts 
thereof, comprising a single plant at one location in which the 
facilities and methods of operation therein have been surveyed and 
approved by the Administrator as suitable and adequate for inspection or 
grading service in accordance with the following:
    (1) Shall satisfactorily meet the specifications of this subpart as 
determined by the Administrator.
    (2) Receive dairy products only from plants, transfer stations, 
receiving stations and cream buying stations which satisfactorily comply 
with the applicable requirements of this subpart as determined by the 
Administrator. (Occasional shipments may be received from

[[Page 92]]

nonapproved plants provided the product is tested and meets the quality 
requirements for No. 2 milk.)
    (e) Sanitizing treatment. Subjection of a clean product contact 
surface to steam, hot water, hot air, or an acceptable sanitizing 
solution for the destruction of most human pathogens and other 
vegetative microorganisms to a level considered safe for product 
production. Such treatment shall not adversely affect the equipment, the 
milk or the milk product, or the health of consumers. Sanitizing 
solutions shall comply with 21 CFR 178.1010.
    (f) Resident service. Inspection or grading service performed at a 
dairy manufacturing plant or grading station by an inspector or grader 
assigned to the plant or station on a continuous basis.
    (g) Dairy products. Butter, cheese (whether natural or processed), 
skim milk, cream, whey or buttermilk (whether dry, evaporated, 
stabilized or condensed), frozen desserts and any other food product 
which is prepared or manufactured in whole or in part from any of the 
aforesaid products, as the Administrator may hereafter designate.
    (h) Grader. Any employee of the Department authorized by the 
Administrator or any other person to whom a license has been issued by 
the Administrator to investigate and certify, in accordance with the Act 
and this part, to shippers of products and other interested parties, the 
class, quality, quantity, and condition of such products.
    (i) Inspector. Any employee of the Department authorized by the 
Administrator or any other person to whom a license has been issued by 
the Administrator to inspect and certify quality, quantity and condition 
of products, observe the manufacturing, processing, packaging and 
handling of dairy products, and to perform dairy plant surveys in 
accordance with the regulations of this part.
    (j) Inspection or grading service. Means in accordance with this 
part, the act of (1) drawing samples of any product; (2) determining the 
class, grade, quality, composition, size, quantity, condition, or 
wholesomeness of any product by examining each unit or representative 
samples; (3) determining condition of product containers; (4) 
identifying any product or packaging material by means of official 
identification; (5) regrading or appeal grading of a previously graded 
product; (6) inspecting dairy plant facilities, equipment, and 
operations; such as, processing, manufacturing, packaging, repackaging, 
and quality control; (7) supervision of packaging inspected or graded 
product; (8) reinspection or appeal inspection; and (9) issuing an 
inspection or grading certificate or sampling, inspection, or other 
report related to any of the foregoing.
    (k) Milk. The term milk shall include the following:
    (1) Milk is the lacteal secretion, practically free from colostrum, 
obtained by the complete milking of one or more healthy cows. The cows 
shall be located in a Modified Accredited Area, an Accredited Free 
State, or an Accredited Free Herd for tuberculosis as determined by the 
Department. In addition, the cows shall be located in States meeting 
Class B status or Certified-Free Herds or shall be involved in a milk 
ring testing program or blood testing program under the current USDA 
Brucellosis Eradication Uniform Methods and Rules.
    (2) Goat milk is the lacteal secretion, practically free from 
colostrum, obtained by the complete milking of one or more healthy 
goats. The goats shall be located in States meeting the current USDA 
Uniform Methods and Rules for Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication or an 
Accredited Free Goat Herd. Goat milk shall only be used to manufacture 
dairy products that are legally provided for in 21 CFR or recognized as 
non-standardized traditional products normally manufactured from goats 
milk.
    (l) Official identification. Official identification is provided for 
use on product packed under USDA inspection. Any package label or 
packaging material which bears any official identification shall be used 
only in such manner as the Administrator may prescribe, and such 
official identification shall be of such form and contain such 
information as the Administrator may require.
    (m) Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official 
Analytical Chemists. ``Official Methods of Analysis of

[[Page 93]]

the Association of Official Analytical Chemists,'' a publication of the 
Association of Official Analytical Chemists International, 481 North 
Frederick Avenue, Suite 500, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2417.
    (n) Pasteurization (Pasteurized). Pasteurization shall mean that 
every particle of product shall have been heated in properly operated 
equipment to one of the temperatures specified in the table and held 
continuously at or above that temperature for at least the specified 
time (or other time/temperature relationship equivalent thereto in 
microbial destruction):

                             Fluid Products
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Temperature                              Time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
145 [deg]F (vat pasteurization)..........  30 minutes.
161 [deg]F (high temperature short time    15 seconds.
 pasteurization).
191 [deg]F (higher heat shorter time       1.0 second.
 pasteurization).
194 [deg]F (higher heat shorter time       0.5 second.
 pasteurization).
201 [deg]F (higher heat shorter time       0.1 second.
 pasteurization).
204 [deg]F (higher heat shorter time       .05 second.
 pasteurization).
212 [deg]F (higher heat shorter time       .01 second.
 pasteurization).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


  Products Having Dairy Ingredients With a Fat Content of 10 Percent or
                    More, or Contain Added Sweeteners
150 [deg]F...............................  30 minutes.
166 [deg]F...............................  15 seconds.
 


                           Frozen Dessert Mix
155 [deg]F...............................  30 minutes.
175 [deg]F...............................  25 seconds.
 


                   Condensed Milk To Be Repasteurized
166 [deg]F...............................  15 seconds.
 

    (o) Plant survey. An appraisal of a plant to determine the extent to 
which facilities, equipment, method of operation, and raw material being 
received are in accordance with the provisions of this part. The survey 
shall be used to determine suitability of the plant for USDA inspection 
or grading service.
    (p) Plant status. The extent to which a plant complies with this 
subpart shall be determined under procedures as set forth by the 
Administrator.
    (q) Producer. The person or persons who exercise control over the 
production of the milk delivered to a processing plant or receiving 
station and who receive payment for this product.
    (r) Quality control. The inspection of the quality of the raw 
material and the conditions relative to the preparation of the product 
from its raw state through each step in the entire process. It includes 
the inspection of conditions under which the product is prepared, 
processed, manufactured, packed and stored. In addition, assistance and 
guidance is offered to improve the raw milk quality, processing methods, 
quality, stability, and packaging and handling of the finished product.
    (s) Regulations. The term ``regulations'' means the provisions 
contained in this part.
    (t) Shall. Expresses a provision that is mandatory.
    (u) Should. Expresses recommended nonmandatory provisions which when 
followed would significantly aid in a quality improvement program.
    (v) Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products. 
``Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products,'' a 
publication of the American Public Health Association, 1015 Fifteenth 
Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20005.
    (w) 3-A Sanitary Standards and Accepted Practice. The latest 
standards for dairy equipment and accepted practices formulated by the 
3-A Sanitary Standards Committees representing the International 
Association for Food Protection, the Food and Drug Administration, and 
the Dairy Industry Committee. Published by the International Association 
for Food Protection, 6200 Aurora Avenue, Suite 200 W, Des Moines, Iowa 
50322-2863.
    (x) USDA or Department. Means the United States Department of 
Agriculture.
    (y) Receiving Station. Any place, premise, or establishment where 
milk or dairy products are received, collected or handled for transfer 
to a processing or manufacturing plant.
    (z) Transfer station. Any place, premise, or establishment where 
milk or dairy products are transferred directly from one transport tank 
to another.
    (aa) Corrosion-resistant. Those materials that maintain their 
original surface characteristics under prolonged

[[Page 94]]

influence of the product to be contacted, cleaning compounds and 
sanitizing solutions, and other conditions of the environment in which 
used.

[40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 50 
FR 34672, Aug. 27, 1985; 58 FR 42413, Aug. 9, 1993; 59 FR 24321, May 10, 
1994; 59 FR 50121, Sept. 30, 1994; 67 FR 48974, July 29, 2002]

                                 Purpose



Sec.  58.122  Approved plants under USDA inspection and grading service.

    (a) Adoption of certain sound practices at dairy plants will 
significantly aid the operators to manufacture more consistently, 
uniform high-quality stable dairy products. Only dairy products 
manufactured, processed and packaged in an approved plant may be graded 
or inspected and identified with official identification. The 
specifications established herein provide the basis for a quality 
maintenance program which may be effectively carried forward through 
official inspection, grading, and quality control service.
    (b) USDA inspection and grading service is provided to dairy product 
manufacturing plants on a voluntary basis. The operator of any dairy 
plant desiring to have such a plant qualified as an approved plant under 
USDA inspection and grading service may request surveys of such plant, 
premises, equipment, facilities, methods of operation, and raw material 
to determine whether they are adequate to permit inspection and grading 
service. The cost of this survey shall be borne by the applicant.

                             Approved Plants



Sec.  58.123  Survey and approval.

    Prior to the approval of a plant, a designated representative of the 
Administrator shall make a survey of the plant, premises, storage 
facilities, equipment and raw material, volume of raw material processed 
daily, and facilities for handling the products at the plant. The survey 
shall be made at least twice a year to determine whether the facilities, 
equipment, method of operation, and raw material being received are 
adequate and suitable for USDA inspection and grading service in 
accordance with the provisions of this part. To be eligible for approval 
a plant shall satisfactorily meet the specifications of this subpart as 
determined by the Administrator.



Sec.  58.124  Denial or suspension of plant approval.

    Plant approval may be denied or suspended if a determination is made 
by a designated representative of the Administrator that the plant is 
not performing satisfactorily in regard to;
    (a) The classification of milk,
    (b) Proper segregation and disposal of unwholesome raw materials or 
finished product,
    (c) Adequate facilities and condition of processing equipment,
    (d) Sanitary conditions of plant and equipment,
    (e) Control of insects, rodents and other vermin,
    (f) Use of non-toxic product contact surfaces and prevention of 
adulteration of raw materials and products with chemicals or other 
foreign material,
    (g) Proper operating procedures,
    (h) The maintenance of legal composition of finished products,
    (i) The manufacture of stable dairy products, of desirable keeping 
quality characteristics,
    (j) Proper storage conditions for ingredients and dairy products, or
    (k) Suitable and effective packaging methods and material.

[40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 67 
FR 48974, July 29, 2002]

         Premises, Buildings, Facilities, Equipment and Utensils



Sec.  58.125  Premises.

    (a) The premises shall be kept in a clean and orderly condition, and 
shall be free from strong or foul odors, smoke, or excessive air 
pollution. Construction and maintenance of driveways and adjacent plant 
traffic areas should be of cement, asphalt, or similar material to keep 
dust and mud to a minimum.
    (b) Surroundings. The immediate surroundings shall be free from 
refuse, rubbish, overgrown vegetation, and

[[Page 95]]

waste materials to prevent harborage of rodents, insects and other 
vermin.
    (c) Drainage. A suitable drainage system shall be provided which 
will allow rapid drainage of all water from plant buildings and 
driveways, including surface water around the plant and on the premises, 
and all such water shall be disposed of in such a manner as to prevent 
an environmental or health hazard.



Sec.  58.126  Buildings.

    The building or buildings shall be of sound construction and shall 
be kept in good repair to prevent the entrance or harboring of rodents, 
birds, insects, vermin, dogs, and cats. All service pipe openings 
through outside walls shall be effectively sealed around the opening or 
provided with tight metal collars.
    (a) Outside doors, windows, openings, etc. All openings to the outer 
air including doors, windows, skylights and transoms shall be 
effectively protected or screened against the entrance of flies and 
other insects, rodents, birds, dust and dirt. All outside doors opening 
into processing rooms shall be in good condition and fit propperly. All 
hinged, outside screen doors shall open outward. All doors and windows 
should be kept clean and in good repair. Outside conveyor openings and 
other special-type outside openings shall be effectively protected to 
prevent the entrance of flies and rodents, by the use of doors, screens, 
flaps, fans or tunnels. Outside openings for sanitary pipelines shall be 
covered when not in use. On new construction window sills should be 
slanted downward at approximately a 45[deg] angle.
    (b) Walls, ceilings, partitions and posts. The walls, ceilings, 
partitions, and posts of rooms in which milk, or dairy products are 
processed, manufactured, handled, packaged or stored (except dry storage 
of packaged finished products and supplies) or in which utensils are 
washed and stored, shall be smoothly finished with a suitable material 
of light color, which is substantially impervious to moisture and kept 
clean. They shall be refinished as often as necessary to maintain a 
neat, clean surface. For easier cleaning new construction should have 
rounded cove at the juncture of the wall and floor in all receiving, 
pasteurizing, manufacturing, packaging and storage rooms.
    (c) Floors. The floors of all rooms in which milk, or dairy products 
are processed, manufactured, packaged or stored or in which utensils are 
washed shall be constructed of tile properly laid with impervious joint 
material, concrete, or other equally impervious material. The floors 
shall be smooth, kept in good repair, graded so that there will be no 
pools of standing water or milk products after flushing, and all 
openings to the drains shall be equipped with traps properly constructed 
and kept in good repair. On new construction, bell and standpipe type 
traps shall not be used. The plumbing shall be so installed as to 
prevent the back-up of sewage into the drain lines and to the floor of 
the plant. Cold storage rooms used for storage of product and starter 
rooms need not be provided with floor drains if the floor is sloped to 
drain to an exit.


Sound, smooth, wood floors which can be kept clean, may be used in rooms 
where new containers and supplies and certain packaged finished products 
are stored.
    (d) Lighting and ventilation. (1) Light shall be ample, natural or 
artificial, or both, of good quality and well distributed. All rooms in 
which dairy products are manufactured or packaged or where utensils are 
washed shall have at least 30 foot-candles of light intensity on all 
working surfaces. Rooms where dairy products are graded or examined for 
condition and quality shall have at least 50 foot-candles of light 
intensity on the working surface. Restrooms and locker rooms should have 
at least 30 foot-candles of light intensity. In all other rooms there 
shall be provided at least 5 foot-candles of light intensity when 
measured at a distance of 30 inches from the floor. Where contamination 
of product by broken glass is possible, light bulbs and fluorescent 
tubes shall be protected against breakage.
    (2) There shall be adequate heating, ventilation or air conditioning 
for all rooms and compartments to permit maintenance of sanitary 
conditions. Exhaust or inlet fans, vents, hoods or temperature and 
humidity control equipment shall be provided where and

[[Page 96]]

when needed, to minimize or control room temperatures, eliminate 
objectionable odors, and aid in prevention of moisture condensation and 
mold. Inlet fans should be provided with an adequate air filtering 
device to eliminate dirt and dust from the incoming air. Ventilation 
systems shall be cleaned periodically as needed and maintained in good 
repair. Exhaust outlets shall be screened or provided with self closing 
louvers to prevent the entrance of insects when not in use.
    (e) Rooms and compartments. Rooms and compartments in which any raw 
material, packaging, ingredient supplies or dairy products are handled, 
manufactured, packaged or stored shall be so designed, constructed and 
maintained as to assure desirable room temperatures and clean and 
orderly operating conditions free from objectionable odors and vapors. 
Enclosed bulk milk receiving rooms, when present, shall be separated 
from the processing rooms by a wall. Rooms for receiving can milk shall 
be separated from the processing rooms by a partition or by suitable 
arrangement of equipment. Processing rooms shall be kept free from 
equipment and materials not regularly used.
    (1) Coolers and freezers. Coolers and freezers where dairy products 
are stored shall be clean, reasonably dry and maintained at the proper 
uniform temperature and humidity to adequately protect the product, and 
minimize the growth of mold. Adequate circulation of air shall be 
maintained at all times. They shall be free from rodents, insects, and 
pests. Shelves shall be kept clean and dry. Refrigeration units shall 
have provisions for collecting and disposing of condensate.
    (2) Supply room. The supply rooms or areas used for the storing of 
packaging materials; containers, and miscellaneous ingredients shall be 
kept clean, dry, orderly, free from insects, rodents, and mold, and 
maintained in good repair. Such items stored therein shall be adequately 
protected from dust, dirt, or other extraneous material and so arranged 
on racks, shelves or pallets to permit access to the supplies and 
cleaning and inspection of the room. Insecticides, rodenticides, 
cleaning compounds and other nonfood products shall be properly labeled 
and segregated, and stored in a separate room or cabinet away from milk, 
dairy products, ingredients or packaging supplies.
    (3) Boiler rooms, shop rooms and shop areas. The boiler, and shop 
rooms shall be separated from other rooms where milk, and dairy products 
are processed, manufactured, packaged, handled or stored. Shop rooms or 
areas should be kept orderly and reasonably free from dust and dirt.
    (4) Toilet and dressing rooms. Adequate toilet and dressing room 
facilities shall be conveniently located.
    (i) Toilet rooms shall not open directly into any room in which milk 
or dairy products are processed, manufactured, packaged or stored; doors 
shall be self-closing; ventilation shall be provided by mechanical means 
to the outer air; fixtures shall be kept clean and in good repair.
    (ii) All employees shall be furnished with a locker or other 
suitable facility and the lockers and dressing rooms shall be kept clean 
and orderly. Adequate handwashing facilities shall be provided. Legible 
signs shall be posted conspicuously in each toilet or dressing room 
directing employees to wash their hands before returning to work.
    (5) Laboratory. (i) Consistent with the size and type of plant and 
the volume of dairy products manufactured, an adequately equipped 
laboratory shall be maintained and properly staffed with qualified and 
trained personnel for quality control and analytical testing. The 
laboratory should be located reasonably close to the processing activity 
and be of sufficient size to perform tests necessary in evaluating the 
quality of raw and finished products.
    (ii) Approved laboratories shall be supervised by the USDA resident 
inspector in all aspects of official testing and in reporting results. 
Plant laboratory personnel in such plants may be authorized by USDA to 
perform official duties. The AMS Science and Technology Programs will 
provide independent auditing of laboratory analysis functions.
    (iii) An approved central control laboratory serving more than one 
plant

[[Page 97]]

may be acceptable, if conveniently located to the dairy plants, and if 
samples and results can be transmitted without undue delay.
    (6) Starter facilities. Adequate facilities shall be provided for 
the handling of starter cultures. The facilities shall not be located 
near areas where contamination is likely to occur.
    (7) Grading and inspection room. When grading or inspection of 
product is performed the plants shall furnish a room or designated area 
specifically for this purpose. The room or area shall be suitably 
located, sufficient in size, well lighted (see Sec.  58.126d), 
ventilated and the temperature shall be not less than 60 [deg]F. It 
shall be kept clean and dry, free from foreign odors and reasonably free 
from disturbing elements which would interfere with proper concentration 
by the grader or inspector. The grading or inspection room or area shall 
be equipped with a table or desk and convenient facilities for washing 
hands.
    (8) Resident inspector's facilities. In resident plants, an office 
or space shall be provided for official purposes. The room or space 
should be conveniently located in or near the approved laboratory, 
adequate in size, and equipped with desk and a lockable storage supply 
cabinet, and clothes locker. It shall be well lighted, ventilated or air 
conditioned, and heated. Custodial service shall be furnished on a 
regular basis.
    (9) Lunch rooms and eating areas. When these areas are provided, 
they (i) shall be kept clean and orderly, (ii) should not open directly 
into any room in which milk or dairy products are processed, 
manufactured or packaged, and (iii) signs shall be posted directing 
employees to wash their hands before returning to work.

[40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 58 
FR 42413, Aug. 9, 1993; 59 FR 24321, May 10, 1994; 59 FR 50121, Sept. 
30, 1994; 67 FR 48974, July 29, 2002]



Sec.  58.127  Facilities.

    (a) Water supply. There shall be an ample supply of both hot and 
cold water of safe and sanitary quality, with adequate facilities for 
its proper distribution throughout the plant, and protected against 
contamination. Water from other facilities, when officially approved, 
may be used for boiler feed water and condenser water provided that such 
water lines are completely separated from the water lines carrying the 
sanitary water supply, and the equipment is so constructed and 
controlled as to preclude contamination of product contact surfaces. 
There shall be no cross connection between potable water lines and non-
potable water lines or between public and private water supplies. 
Bacteriological examinations shall be made of the plant's sanitary water 
supply taken at the plant at least twice a year, or as often as 
necessary to determine safety and suitability as related to product 
keeping quality for use in manufactured products shall be made by a USDA 
or State agency laboratory except for supplies that are regularly tested 
for purity and bacteriological quality, and approved by the local health 
officer. The results of all water tests shall be kept on file at the 
plant for which the test was performed.


The location, construction, and operation of any well shall comply with 
regulations of the appropriate agency.
    (b) Drinking-water facilities. Drinking-water facilities of a 
sanitary type shall be provided in the plant and should be conveniently 
located.
    (c) Hand-washing facilities. Convenient hand-washing facilities 
shall be provided, including hot and cold running water, soap or other 
detergents, and sanitary single service towels or air driers. Such 
accommodations shall be located in or adjacent to toilet and dressing 
rooms and also at such other places in the plant as may be essential to 
the cleanliness of all personnel handling products. Vats for washing 
equipment or utensils shall not be used as hand-washing facilities. 
Containers shall be provided for used towels and other wastes. The 
containers may be metal or plastic, disposable or reuseable and should 
have self-closing covers.
    (d) Steam. Steam shall be supplied in sufficient volume and pressure 
for satisfactory operation of each applicable piece of equipment. 
Culinary steam used in direct contact with milk or

[[Page 98]]

dairy products shall be free from harmful substances or extraneous 
material and only those boiler water additives that meet the 
requirements of 21 CFR 173.310 shall be used, or a secondary steam 
generator shall be used in which soft water is converted to steam and no 
boiler compounds are used. Steam traps, strainers, and condensate traps 
shall be used wherever applicable to insure a satisfactory and safe 
steam supply. Culinary steam shall comply with the 3-A Accepted 
Practices for a Method of Producing Steam of Culinary Quality, number 
609. This document is available from the International Association for 
Food Protection, 6200 Aurora Avenue, Suite 200 W, Des Moines, Iowa 
50322-2863.
    (e) Air under pressure. The method for supplying air under pressure, 
which comes in contact with milk or dairy products or any product 
contact surface shall comply with the 3-A Accepted Practices for 
Supplying Air Under Pressure.
    (f) Disposal of wastes. Dairy wastes shall be properly disposed of 
from the plant and premises consistent with requirements imposed by the 
Environmental Protection Act. The sewer system shall have sufficient 
slope and capacity to readily remove all waste from the various 
processing operations. Where a public sewer is not available, all wastes 
shall be properly disposed of so as not to contaminate milk equipment or 
to create a nuisance or public health hazard. Containers used for the 
collection and holding of wastes shall be constructed of metal, plastic, 
or other equally impervious material and kept covered with tight fitting 
lids. Waste shall be stored in an area or room in a manner to protect it 
from flies and vermin. Solid wastes shall be disposed of regularly and 
the containers cleaned before reuse. Accumulation of dry waste paper and 
cardboard shall be kept to a minimum and disposed of in a manner that is 
environmentally acceptable.

[40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 67 
FR 48974, July 29, 2002]



Sec.  58.128  Equipment and utensils.

    (a) General construction, repair and installation. The equipment and 
utensils used for the processing of milk and manufacture of dairy 
products shall be constructed to be readily demountable where necessary 
for cleaning and sanitizing. The product contact surfaces of all 
utensils and equipment such as holding tanks, pasteurizers, coolers, 
vats, agitators, pumps, sanitary piping and fittings or any specialized 
equipment shall be constructed of stainless steel, or other materials 
which under conditions of intended use are as equally corrosion 
resistant. Non-metallic parts other than glass having product contact 
surfaces shall comply with 3-A Sanitary Standards for Plastic or Rubber 
and Rubber-Like Materials. Equipment and utensils used for cleaning 
shall be in an acceptable condition, such as not rusty, pitted or 
corroded. All equipment and piping shall be designed and installed so as 
to be easily accessible for cleaning, and shall be kept in good repair, 
free from cracks and corroded surfaces. New or rearranged equipment, 
shall be set away from any wall or spaced in such a manner as to 
facilitate proper cleaning and to maintain good housekeeping. All parts 
or interior surfaces of equipment, pipes (except certain piping cleaned-
in-place) or fittings, including valves and connections shall be 
accessible for inspection. Milk and dairy product pumps shall be of a 
sanitary type and easily dismantled for cleaning or shall be of 
specially approved construction to allow effective cleaning in place.


All C.I.P. systems shall comply with the 3-A Accepted Practices for 
Permanently Installed Sanitary Product, Pipelines and Cleaning Systems.
    (b) Weigh cans and receiving tanks. Weigh cans and receiving tanks 
shall comply with the 3-A Sanitary Standards for Weigh Cans and 
Receiving Tanks for Raw Milk and shall be easily accessible for cleaning 
both inside and outside and shall be elevated above the floor and 
protected sufficiently with the necessary covers or baffles to prevent 
contamination from splash, condensate and drippage. Where necessary to 
provide easy access for cleaning of

[[Page 99]]

floors and adjacent wall areas, the receiving tank shall be equipped 
with wheels or casters to allow easy removal.
    (c) Can washers. Can washers shall have sufficient capacity and 
ability to discharge a clean dry can and cover and shall be kept 
properly timed in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer. 
They should be equipped with proper temperature controls on the wash and 
rinse tanks and the following additional devices: Prerinse jet, wash 
tank solution feeder, can sanitizing attachment, forced air vapor 
exhaust, and removable air filter on drying chamber. The water and steam 
lines supplying the washer shall maintain a reasonably uniform pressure 
and if necessary be equipped with pressure regulating valves. The steam 
pressure to the can washer should be not less than 80 pounds, and the 
temperature of the wash and final rinse solution should be automatically 
controlled and not exceed 140 [deg]F.
    (d) Product storage tanks or vats. Storage tanks or vats shall be 
fully enclosed or tightly covered and well insulated. The entire 
interior surface, agitator and all appurtenances shall be accessible for 
thorough cleaning and inspection. Any opening at the top of the tank or 
vat including the entrance of the shaft shall be suitably protected 
against the entrance of dust, moisture, insects, oil or grease. The 
sight glasses, if used, shall be sound, clear, and in good repair. Vats 
which have hinged covers shall be easily cleaned and shall be so 
designed that moisture, or dust on the surface cannot enter the vat when 
the covers are raised. If the storage tanks or vats are equipped with 
air agitation, the system shall be of an approved type and properly 
installed in accordance with the 3-A Accepted Practices for Supplying 
Air Under Pressure. Storage tanks or vats intended to hold product for 
longer than approximately 8 hours shall be equipped with adequate 
refrigeration and/or have adequate insulation. New or replacement 
storage tanks or vats shall comply with the appropriate 3-A Sanitary 
Standards for Storage Tanks for Milk and Milk Products or Sanitary 
Standards for Silo-Type Storage Tanks for Milk and Milk Products and 
shall be equipped with thermometers in good operating order.
    (e) Separators. All product contact surfaces of separators shall be 
free from rust and pits and insofar as practicable shall be of stainless 
steel or other equally noncorrosive metals.
    (f) Coil or dome type batch pasteurizers. Coil or dome type batch 
pasteurizers shall be stainless steel lined and if the coil is not 
stainless steel or other equally noncorrosive metal it shall be properly 
tinned over the entire surface. Sanitary seal assemblies at the shaft 
ends of coil vats shall be of the removable type, except that existing 
equipment not provided with this type gland will be acceptable if the 
packing glands are maintained and operated without adverse effects. New 
or replacement units shall be provided with removable packing glands. 
Dome type pasteurizer agitators shall be stainless steel except that any 
non-metallic parts shall comply with 3-A Sanitary Standards for Plastic 
or Rubber and Rubberlike Materials, as applicable. Each pasteurizer used 
for heating product at a temperature of 5 [deg]F. or more above the 
minimum pasteurization temperature need not have the airspace heater. It 
shall be equipped with an airspace thermometer to insure a temperature 
at least 5 [deg]F. above that required for pasteurization of the 
product. There shall be adequate means of controlling the temperature of 
the heating medium, Batch pasteurizers shall have temperature indicating 
and recording devices.
    (g) Short time pasteurizing systems. When pasteurization is intended 
or required, an approved timing pump or device, recorder-controller, 
automatic flow diversion valve and holding tube or its equivalent, if 
not a part of the existing equipment, shall be installed on all such 
equipment used for pasteurization, to assure complete pasteurization. 
The entire facility shall comply with the 3-A Accepted Practices for the 
Sanitary Construction, Installation, Testing and Operation of High 
Temperature Short Time Pasteurizers. After the unit has been tested 
according to the 3-A Accepted Practices, the timing pump or device and 
the recorder controller shall be sealed at the correct setting to assure 
pasteurization. The

[[Page 100]]

system should be rechecked semi-annually to assure continued compliance 
with the 3-A Accepted Practices. Sealing and rechecking of the unit 
shall be performed by the control authority having jurisdiction. When 
direct steam pasteurizers are used, the steam, prior to entering the 
product, shall be conducted through a steam strainer and a steam 
purifier equipped with a steam trap and only steam meeting the 
requirements for culinary steam shall be used.
    (h) Thermometers and recorders--(1) Indicating thermometers. (i) 
Long stem indicating thermometers which are accurate within 0.5 [deg]F., 
plus or minus, for the applicable temperature range, shall be provided 
for checking the temperature of pasteurization and cooling of products 
in vats and checking the accuracy of recording thermometers.
    (ii) Short stem indicating thermometers, which are accurate within 
0.5 [deg]F., plus or minus, for the applicable temperature range, shall 
be installed in the proper stationary position in all pasteurizers. 
Storage tanks where temperature readings are required shall have 
thermometers which are accurate within 2.0 [deg]F., plus or minus.
    (iii) Air space indicating thermometers, where applicable, which are 
accurate within 1.0 [deg]F., plus or minus, for the proper temperature 
range shall also be installed above the surface of the products 
pasteurized in vats, to make certain that the temperature of the foam 
and/or air above the products pasteurized also received the required 
minimum temperature treatment.
    (2) Recording thermometers. (i) Recording thermometers that are 
accurate within 1 [deg]F., plus or minus, for the applicable temperature 
range, shall be used on each heat treating, pasteurizing or thermal 
processing unit to record the heating process.
    (ii) Additional use of recording thermometers accurate within 2 
[deg]F., plus or minus may be required where a record of temperature or 
time of cooling and holding is of significant importance.
    (iii) Recorder charts shall be marked to show date and plant 
identification, reading of the indicating thermometer at a particular 
referenced reading point on the recording chart, amount and name of 
product, product temperature at which the ``cut-in'' and ``cut-out'' 
function, record of the period in which flow diversion valve is in 
forward-flow position, signature or initials of operator.
    (i) Surface coolers. Surface coolers shall be equipped with hinged 
or removable covers for the protection of the product. The edges of the 
fins shall be so designed as to divert condensate on nonproduct contact 
surfaces away from product contact surfaces. All gaskets or swivel 
connections shall be leak proof.
    (j) Plate type heat exchangers. Plate type heat exchanger shall 
comply with the 3-A Sanitary Standards Plate Type Heat Exchangers for 
Milk and Milk Products. All gaskets shall be tight and kept in good 
operating order. Plates shall be opened for inspection by the operator 
at sufficiently frequent intervals to determine if the equipment is 
clean and in satisfactory condition. A cleaning regimen should be posted 
to insure proper cleaning procedures between inspection periods.
    (k) Internal return tubular heat exchangers. Internal return tubular 
heat exchangers shall comply with the 3-A Sanitary Standards for 
Internal Return Tubular Heat Exchangers for Use with Milk and Milk 
Products.
    (l) Pumps. Pumps used for milk, and dairy products shall be of the 
sanitary type and constructed to comply with 3-A Sanitary Standards for 
Pumps for Milk and Milk Products. Unless pumps are specifically designed 
for effective cleaning-in-place they shall be disassembled and 
thoroughly cleaned after use.
    (m) Scales. All scales shall comply with National Bureau of 
Standards Handbook 44. (Latest revision).
    (1) Small capacity scales shall be capable of the following 
accuracy, and shall be graduated in no higher than one ounce 
graduations. (This table taken from the presently effective 1973 
revision.)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Minimum tolerance
                                                   ---------------------
                                                      Ounces     Pounds
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Load in pounds:
  0 to 4 inclusive................................     \1/32\      0.002
  5 to 10 inclusive...............................     \1/16\       .004
  11 to 20 inclusive..............................      \1/8\       .008
  21 to 30 inclusive..............................     \3/16\       .012
  31 to 50 inclusive..............................      \1/2\       .031

[[Page 101]]

 
  51 to 500 inclusive.............................      \3/4\       .047
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Large capacity scales shall be capable of the following 
accuracy, and shall be graduated in no higher than \1/4\ pound 
graduations for scales of capacity of up to 250 pounds; \1/2\ pound 
graduations for scales above 250 pounds capacity.

(This table taken from the presently effective 1973 revision.)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Minimum tolerance
                                                   ---------------------
                                                      Ounces     Pounds
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Load in pounds:
  101 to 150 inclusive............................     1\1/4\      0.078
  151 to 250 inclusive............................          2       .125
  251 to 500 inclusive............................          4       .250
  501 to 1000 inclusive...........................          8       .500
  1001 to 2500 inclusive..........................  .........        1.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------


Compliance shall be determined by the appropriate regulatory authority.
    (n) Homogenizers. Homogenizers and high pressure pumps of the 
plunger type shall comply with the 3-A Sanitary Standards for 
Homogenizers and Pumps of the Plunger Type and shall be disassembled and 
thoroughly cleaned after use.
    (o) New replacement or modified equipment, processing system, or 
utensils. All new, replacement, or modified equipment and all processing 
systems, cleaning systems, utensils, or replacement parts shall comply 
with the most current, appropriate 3-A Sanitary Standards or 3-A 
Accepted Practices. If 3-A Sanitary Standards or 3-A Accepted Practices 
are not available, such equipment and replacements shall meet the 
general criteria of this section and the USDA Guidelines for the 
Sanitary Design and Fabrication of Dairy Processing Equipment available 
from USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service, Dairy Programs, Dairy Grading 
Branch, or by accessing the Internet at www.ams.gov/dairy/grade.htm.
    (p) Vacuumizing equipment. The vacuum chamber, as used for flavor 
control, shall be made of stainless steel or other equally corrosion 
resistant metal. The unit shall be constructed to facilitate cleaning 
and all product contact surfaces shall be accessible for inspection. 
Vacuum chambers located on the pasteurized side of the unit shall be 
isolated by means of a vacuum breaker and a positive activated check 
valve on the product inlet side and a vacuum breaker and a positive 
activated check valve on the discharge side. If direct steam is used, it 
should also be equipped with a ratio controller to regulate the 
composition when applicable to the finished product. Only steam which 
meets the requirements for culinary steam shall be used. The incoming 
steam supply shall be regulated by an automatic solenoid valve which 
will cut off the steam supply in the event the flow diversion valve of 
the pasteurizer is not in the forward flow position. Condensers when 
used shall be equipped with a water level control and an automatic 
safety shutoff valve.

[40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 67 
FR 48974, July 29, 2002]

                    Personnel, Cleanliness and Health



Sec.  58.129  Cleanliness.

    All employees shall wash their hands before beginning work and upon 
returning to work after using toilet facilities, eating, smoking or 
otherwise soiling their hands. They shall keep their hands clean and 
follow good hygienic practices while on duty. Expectorating or use of 
tobacco in any form shall be prohibited in each room and compartment 
where any milk, dairy products, or supplies are prepared, stored or 
otherwise handled. Clean white or light-colored washable or disposable 
outer garments and caps (paper caps, hard hats, or hair nets acceptable) 
shall be worn to adequately protect the hair and beards when grown by 
all persons engaged in receiving, testing, processing milk, 
manufacturing, packaging or handling dairy products.



Sec.  58.130  Health.

    No person afflicted with a communicable disease shall be permitted 
in any room or compartment where milk and dairy products are prepared, 
manufactured or otherwise handled. No person who has a discharging or 
infected wound, sore or lesion on hands, arms or other exposed portion 
of the body shall work in any dairy processing rooms or

[[Page 102]]

in any capacity resulting in contact with milk, or dairy products. Each 
employee whose work brings him in contact with the processing or 
handling of dairy products, containers or equipment should have a 
medical and physical examination by a registered physician or by the 
local department of health at the time of employment. An employee 
returning to work following illness from a communicable disease shall 
have a certificate from the attending physician to establish proof of 
complete recovery.

             Protection and Transport of Raw Milk and Cream



Sec.  58.131  Equipment and facilities.

    (a)(1) Milk cans. Cans used in transporting milk from dairy farm to 
plant shall be of such construction (preferably seamless with umbrella 
lids) as to be easily cleaned, and shall be inspected, repaired, and 
replaced as necessary to exclude substantially the use of cans and lids 
with open seams, cracks, rust, milkstone, or any unsanitary condition. 
Adequate provisions should be made so that milk in cans will be cooled 
immediately after milking to 50 [deg]F. or lower unless delivered to the 
plant within two hours after milking.
    (2) Farm bulk tanks. Farm bulk tanks shall comply with 3-A Sanitary 
Standards for Farm Cooling and Holding Tanks or 3-A Sanitary Standards 
for Farm Milk Storage Tanks, as applicable. They shall be installed in a 
milk house in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory agency 
in jurisdiction. The bulk cooling tanks shall be designed and equipped 
with refrigeration to permit the cooling of the milk to 40 [deg]F. or 
lower within two hours after milking, and maintain it at 45 [deg]F. or 
below until picked up.
    (b)(1) Receiving stations. Receiving stations shall comply with the 
applicable sections of this subpart covering premises, buildings, 
facilities, equipment, utensils, personnel, cleanliness and health.
    (2) Transfer stations. Transfer stations shall comply with the 
applicable sections of this subpart covering premises, floors, lighting, 
water supply, hand-washing facilities, disposal of wastes, general 
construction, repair and installation of equipment, piping and utensils 
and personnel--cleanliness and health. As climatic and operating 
conditions require the transfer station shall comply with the applicable 
sections for walls, ceilings, doors and windows.
    (3) Cream stations. Cream stations shall provide adequate protection 
and facilities for the handling, transferring and cooling of farm 
separated cream. The area shall be large enough to avoid undue crowding 
with a normal volume of business and shall be separated from other areas 
and the outside by self closing, tight fitting doors. All openings shall 
be screened during fly season. The floor, walls and ceiling shall be of 
satisfactory construction, in good repair and kept clean. Lighting and 
ventilation shall meet the requirements of Sec.  58.126(d). Cooling 
facilities shall be provided to cool the cream to 50 [deg]F. or lower 
unless shipped within 8 hours after receipt. Facilities shall be 
provided to wash, sanitize and store cans and equipment used in the 
operation. The cream should not be more than 4 days old when picked up 
for delivery to the processing plant.
    (c)(1) Transporting milk or cream. Vehicles used for the 
transportation of can milk or cream shall be of the enclosed type, 
constructed and operated to protect the product from extreme 
temperature, dust, or other adverse conditions and they shall be kept 
clean. Decking boards or racks shall be provided where more than one 
tier of cans is carried. Cans or vehicles used for the transportation of 
milk from the farm to the plant shall not be used for transporting skim 
milk, buttermilk, or whey to producers.
    (2) Transport tanks. The exterior shell shall be clean and free from 
open seams or cracks which would permit liquid to enter the jacket. The 
interior shell shall be stainless steel and so constructed that it will 
not buckle, sag or prevent complete drainage. All product contact 
surfaces shall be smooth, easily cleaned and maintained in good repair. 
The pump and hose cabinet shall be fully enclosed with tight fitting 
doors and the inlet and outlet shall be provided with dust covers to 
give adequate protection from road dust. Tank

[[Page 103]]

manholes should be equipped with an adequate filtering system during 
loading and unloading. New and replacement transport tanks shall comply 
with 3-A Sanitary Standards for Stainless Steel Automotive Milk and Milk 
Products Transportation Tanks for Bulk Delivery and/or Farm Pick-up 
Service.
    (3) Facilities for cleaning and sanitizing. Enclosed or covered 
facilities (as climatic conditions require) shall be available for 
washing and sanitizing of transport tanks, piping, and accessories, at 
central locations or at all plants that receive or ship milk or milk 
products in transport tanks.
    (d) Transfer of milk to transport tank. Milk shall be transferred 
under sanitary conditions from farm bulk tanks through stainless steel 
piping or approved tubing. The sanitary piping and tubing shall be 
capped when not in use.

[40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 67 
FR 48975, July 29, 2002]

                   Quality Specifications for Raw Milk



Sec.  58.132  Basis for classification.

    The quality classification of raw milk for manufacturing purposes 
from each producer shall be based on an organoleptic examination for 
appearance and odor, a drug residue test, and quality control tests for 
sediment content, bacterial estimate and somatic cell count. All milk 
received from producers shall not exceed the Food and Drug 
Administration's established limits for pesticide, herbicide and drug 
residues. Producers shall be promptly notified of any shipment or 
portion thereof of their milk that fails to meet any of these quality 
specifications.

[58 FR 26912, May 6, 1993]



Sec.  58.133  Methods for quality and wholesomeness determination.

    (a) Appearance and odor. The appearance of acceptable raw milk shall 
be normal and free of excessive coarse sediment when examined visually 
or by an acceptable test procedure. The milk shall not show any abnormal 
condition (including, but not limited to, curdled, ropy, bloody or 
mastitic condition), as indicated by sight or other test procedures. The 
odor shall be fresh and sweet. The milk shall be free from objectionable 
feed and other off-odors that adversely affect the finished product.
    (b) Somatic cell count. (1) A laboratory examination to determine 
the level of somatic cells shall be made at least four times in each 6-
month period at irregular intervals on milk received from each patron.
    (2) A screening test may be conducted on goat herd milk. When a goat 
herd screening sample test exceeds either of the following results, a 
confirmatory test identified in paragraph (b)(3) of this section shall 
be conducted.
    (3) Milk shall be tested for somatic cell content by using one of 
the following procedures or by any other method approved by Standard 
Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products (confirmatory test for 
somatic cells in goat milk):
    (i) Direct Microscopic Somatic Cell Count (Single Strip Procedure). 
Pyronin Y-methyl green stain or ``New York'' modification shall be used 
as the confirmatory test for goat's milk.
    (ii) Electronic Somatic Cell Count (particle counter).
    (iii) Electronic Somatic Cell Count (fluorescent dye).
    (4) The somatic cell test identified in paragraph (b)(3) of this 
section shall be considered as the official results.
    (5) Whenever the official test indicates the presence of more than 
750,000 somatic cells per ml. (1,500,000 per ml. for goat milk), the 
following procedures shall be applied:
    (i) The producer shall be notified with a warning of the excessive 
somatic cell count.
    (ii) Whenever two out of the last four consecutive somatic cell 
counts exceed 750,000 per ml. (1,500,000 per ml. for goat milk), the 
appropriate State regulatory authority shall be notified and a written 
notice given to the producer. This notice shall be in effect as long as 
two of the last four consecutive samples exceed 750,000 per ml. 
(1,500,000 per ml. for goat milk).
    (6) An additional sample shall be taken after a lapse of 3 days but 
within 21 days of the notice required in paragraph (b)(5)(ii) of this 
section. If this sample also exceeds 750,000 per ml.

[[Page 104]]

(1,500,000 per ml. for goat milk), subsequent milkings shall not be 
accepted for market until satisfactory compliance is obtained. Shipment 
may be resumed and a temporary status assigned to the producer by the 
appropriate State regulatory agency when an additional sample of herd 
milk is tested and found satisfactory. The producer may be assigned a 
full reinstatement status when three out of four consecutive somatic 
cell count tests do not exceed 750,000 per ml. (1,500,000 per ml. for 
goat milk). The samples shall be taken at a rate of not more than two 
per week on separate days within a 3-week period.
    (c) Drug residue level. (1) USDA-approved plants shall not accept 
for processing any milk testing positive for drug residue. All milk 
received at USDA-approved plants shall be sampled and tested prior to 
processing for beta lactam drug residue. When directed by the regulatory 
agency, additional testing for other drug residues shall be performed. 
Samples shall be analyzed for beta lactams and other drug residues by 
methods that have been independently evaluated or evaluated by the Food 
and Drug Administration (FDA) and that have been accepted by the (FDA) 
as effective to detect drug residues at current safe or tolerance 
levels. Safe and tolerance levels for particular drugs are established 
by the FDA and can be obtained from the U.S. Food and Drug 
Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 200 C 
Street SW., Washington, DC 20204.
    (2) Individual producer milk samples for beta lactam drug residue 
testing shall be obtained from each milk shipment as follows:
    (i) Milk in farm bulk tanks. A sample shall be taken at each farm 
and shall include milk from each farm bulk tank.
    (ii) Milk in cans. A sample shall be formed separately at the 
receiving plant for each can milk producer included in a delivery, and 
shall be representative of all milk received from the producer.
    (3) Load milk samples for beta lactam drug residue testing shall be 
obtained from each milk shipment as follows:
    (i) Milk in bulk milk pickup tankers. A sample shall be taken from 
the bulk milk pickup tanker after its arrival at the plant and prior to 
further commingling.
    (ii) Milk in cans. A sample representing all of the milk received on 
a shipment shall be formed at the plant, using a sampling procedure that 
includes milk from every can on the vehicle.
    (4) Follow-up to positive-testing samples. (i) When a load sample 
tests positive for drug residue, the appropriate State regulatory agency 
shall be notified immediately of the positive test result and of the 
intended disposition of the shipment of milk containing the drug 
residue.
    (ii) Each individual producer sample represented in the positive-
testing load sample shall be singly tested to determine the producer of 
the milk sample testing positive for drug residue. Identification of the 
producer responsible for producing the milk testing positive for drug 
residue, and details of the final disposition of the shipment of milk 
containing the drug residue, shall be reported immediately to the 
appropriate agency.
    (iii) Milk shipment from the producer identified as the source of 
milk testing positive for drug residue shall cease immediately and may 
resume only after a sample from a subsequent milking does not test 
positive for drug residue.

[50 FR 34672, Aug. 27, 1985, as amended at 58 FR 26912, May 6, 1993; 67 
FR 48975, July 29, 2002; 77 FR 31720, May 30, 2012]



Sec.  58.134  Sediment content for milk in cans.

    (a) Method of testing. Methods for determining the sediment content 
of the milk of individual producers shall be those described in the 
latest edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy 
Products. Sediment content shall be based on comparison with applicable 
charts of the United States Sediment Standards for Milk and Milk 
Products, available from USDA, AMS, Dairy Programs, Dairy 
Standardization Branch.
    (b) Sediment content classification. Milk in cans shall be 
classified for sediment content, regardless of the results

[[Page 105]]

of the appearance and odor examination required in Sec.  58.133(a), as 
follows:

                         USDA SEDIMENT STANDARD

    No. 1 (acceptable)--not to exceed 0.50 mg. or equivalent.
    No. 2 (acceptable)--not to exceed 1.50 mg. or equivalent.
    No. 3 (probational, not over 10 days)--not to exceed 2.50 mg. or 
equivalent.
    No. 4 (reject)--over 2.50 mg. or equivalent.
    (c) Frequency of tests. At least once each month, at irregular 
intervals, one or more cans of milk selected at random from each 
producer shall be tested.
    (d) Acceptance or rejection of milk. If the sediment disc is 
classified as No. 1, No. 2, or No. 3, the producer's milk may be 
accepted. If the sediment disc is classified No. 4 the milk shall be 
rejected: Provided that, If the shipment of milk is commingled with 
other milk in a transport tank the next shipment shall not be accepted 
until its quality has been determined before being picked up; however, 
if the person making the test is unable to get to the farm before the 
next shipment it may be accepted but no further shipments shall be 
accepted unless the milk meets the requirements of No. 3 or better. In 
the case of milk classified as No. 3 or No. 4, all cans shall be tested. 
Producers of No. 3 or No. 4 milk shall be notified immediately and shall 
be furnished applicable sediment discs and the next shipment shall be 
tested.
    (e) Retests. On test of the next shipment all cans shall be tested. 
Milk classified as No. 1, No. 2, or No. 3 may be accepted, but No. 4 
milk shall be rejected. The producers of No. 3 or No. 4 milk shall be 
notified immediately, furnished applicable sediment discs and the next 
shipment tested. This procedure of retesting successive shipments and 
accepting probational (No. 3) milk and rejecting No. 4 milk may be 
continued for not more than 10 calendar days. If at the end of this time 
all of the producer's milk does not meet the acceptable sediment content 
classification (No. 1 or No. 2), it shall be rejected.
This procedure of retesting successive shipments and accepting 
probational (No. 3) milk and rejecting No. 4 milk may be continued for 
not more than 10 calendar days. If at the end of this time all of the 
producer's milk does not meet the acceptable sediment content 
classification (No. 1 or No. 2), it shall be rejected.

[40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975, Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 50 
FR 34673, Aug. 27, 1985; 67 FR 48975, July 29, 2002; 77 FR 31720, May 
30, 2012]



Sec.  58.135  Bacterial estimate.

    (a) Methods of Testing. Milk shall be tested for bacterial estimate 
by using one of the following methods or by any other method approved by 
Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products.
    (1) Direct Microscopic clump count;
    (2) Standard plate count;
    (3) Plate loop count;
    (4) Pectin gel plate count;
    (5) Petrifilm aerobic count;
    (6) Spiral plate count;
    (7) Hydrophobic grid membrane filter count;
    (8) Impedance/conductance count;
    (9) Reflectance calorimetry.
    (b) Frequency of Testing. A laboratory examination to determine the 
bacterial estimate shall be made on a representative sample of each 
producer's milk at least once each month at irregular intervals. Samples 
shall be analyzed at a laboratory in accordance with State regulations.
    (c) Acceptance of milk. The following procedures shall be applied 
with respect to bacterial estimates:
    (1) Whenever the bacterial estimate indicates the presence of more 
than 500,000 bacteria per ml., the producer shall be notified with a 
warning of the excessive bacterial estimate.
    (2) Whenever two of the last four consecutive bacterial estimates 
exceed 500,000 per ml., the appropriate regulatory authority shall be 
notified and a written warning notice given to the producer. The notice 
shall be in effect so long as two out of the last four consecutive 
samples exceed 500,000 per ml.
    (3) An additional sample shall be taken after a lapse of 3 days but 
within 21 days of the notice required in paragraph (c) (2) of this 
section. If this sample also exceeds 500,000 per ml., subsequent 
milkings shall be excluded from

[[Page 106]]

the market until satisfactory compliance is obtained. Shipment may be 
resumed when an additional sample of herd milk is tested and found 
satisfactory.

[67 FR 48975, July 29, 2002]



Sec.  58.136  Rejected milk.

    A plant shall reject specific milk from a producer if the milk fails 
to meet the requirements for appearance and odor (Sec.  58.133(a)), if 
it is classified No. 4 for sediment content (Sec.  58.134), or if it 
tests positive for drug residue (Sec.  58.133(c)).

[58 FR 26913, May 6, 1993]



Sec.  58.137  Excluded milk.

    A plant shall not accept milk from a producer if:
    (a) The milk has been in a probational (No. 3) sediment content 
classification for more than 10 calendar days (Sec.  58.134);
    (b) Three of the last five milk samples have exceeded the maximum 
bacterial estimate of 500,000 per ml. (Sec.  58.135 (c)(3)).
    (c) Three of the last five milk samples have exceeded the maximum 
somatic cell count level of 750,000 per ml. (1,000,000 per ml. for goat 
milk) (Sec.  58.133 (b)(6)); or
    (d) The producer's milk shipments to either the Grade A or the 
manufacturing grade milk market currently are not permitted due to a 
positive drug residue test (Sec.  58.133(c)(4)).

[58 FR 26913, May 6, 1993, as amended at 67 FR 48975, July 29, 2002]



Sec.  58.138  Quality testing of milk from new producers.

    A quality examination and tests shall be made on the first shipment 
of milk from a producer shipping milk to a plant for the first time or 
resuming shipment to a plant after a period of non-shipment. The milk 
shall meet the requirements for acceptable milk, somatic cell count and 
drug residue level (Sec. Sec.  58.133, 58.134 and 58.135). The buyer 
shall also confirm that the producer's milk is currently not excluded 
from the market (Sec.  58.137). Thereafter, the milk shall be tested in 
accordance with the provisions in Sec. Sec.  58.133, 58.134 and 58.135.

[58 FR 26913, May 6, 1993]



Sec.  58.139  Record of tests.

    Accurate records listing the results of quality and drug residue 
tests for each producer shall be kept on file at the plant. 
Additionally, the plant shall obtain the quality and drug residue test 
records (Sec.  58.148(a), (e) and (g)) for any producer transferring 
milk shipment from another plant. These records shall be available for 
examination by the inspector.

[58 FR 26913, May 6, 1993]



Sec.  58.140  Field service.

    A representative of the plant shall arrange to promptly visit the 
farm of each producer whose milk tests positive for drug residue, 
exceeds the maximum somatic cell count level, or does not meet the 
requirements for acceptable milk. The purpose of the visit shall be to 
inspect the milking equipment and facilities and to offer assistance to 
improve the quality of the producer's milk and eliminate any potential 
causes of drug residues. A representative of the plant should routinely 
visit each producer as often as necessary to assist and encourage the 
production of high quality milk.

[58 FR 26913, May 6, 1993]



Sec.  58.141  Alternate quality control program.

    When a plant has in operation an acceptable quality program, at the 
producer level, which is approved by the Administrator as being 
effective in obtaining results comparable to or higher than the quality 
program as outlined above for milk or cream, then such a program may be 
accepted in lieu of the program herein prescribed.

                   Operations and Operating Procedures



Sec.  58.142  Product quality and stability.

    The receiving, holding and processing of milk and cream and the 
manufacturing, handling, packaging, storing and delivery of dairy 
products shall be in accordance with clean and sanitary

[[Page 107]]

methods, consistent with good commercial practices to promote the 
production of the highest quality of finished product and improve 
product stability. Milk should not be more than three days old when 
picked up from the producer and delivered to the plant, receiving 
station or transfer station.



Sec.  58.143  Raw product storage.

    (a) All milk shall be held and processed under conditions and at 
temperatures that will avoid contamination and rapid deterioration. Drip 
milk from can washers and any other source shall not be used for the 
manufacture of dairy products. Bulk milk in storage tanks within the 
dairy plant shall be handled in such a manner as to minimize bacterial 
increase and shall be maintained at 45 [deg]F. or lower until processing 
begins. This does not preclude holding milk at higher temperatures for a 
period of time, where applicable to particular manufacturing or 
processing practices.
    (b) The bacteriological quality of commingled milk in storage tanks 
shall not exceed 1,000,000/ml.

[40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 67 
FR 48976, July 29, 2002]



Sec.  58.144  Pasteurization or ultra-pasteurization.

    When pasteurization or ultra-pasteurization is intended or required, 
or when a product is designated ``pasteurized'' or ``ultra-pasteurized'' 
every particle of the product shall be subjected to such temperatures 
and holding periods in approved systems as will assure proper 
pasteurization or ultra-pasteurization of the product. The heat 
treatment by either process shall be sufficient to insure public health 
safety and to assure adequate keeping quality, yet retaining the most 
desirable flavor and body characteristics of the finished product.



Sec.  58.145  Composition and wholesomeness.

    All necessary precautions shall be taken to prevent contamination or 
adulteration of the milk or dairy products during manufacturing. All 
substances and ingredients used in the processing or manufacturing of 
any dairy product shall be subject to inspection and shall be wholesome 
and practically free from impurities. The finished products shall comply 
with the requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as to 
their composition and wholesomeness.



Sec.  58.146  Cleaning and sanitizing treatment.

    (a) Equipment and utensils. The equipment, sanitary piping and 
utensils used in receiving and processing of the milk, and manufacturing 
and handling of the product shall be maintained in a sanitary condition. 
Sanitary seal assemblies shall be removable on all agitators, pumps, and 
vats and shall be inspected at regular intervals and kept clean. Unless 
other provisions are recommended in the following supplement sections, 
all equipment not designed for C.I.P. cleaning or mechanical cleaning 
shall be disassembled after each day's use for thorough cleaning. Dairy 
cleaners, detergents, wetting agents or sanitizing agents, or other 
similar materials which will not contaminate or adversely affect the 
products may be used. Steel wool or metal sponges shall not be used in 
the cleaning of any dairy equipment or utensils.
    (1) Product contact surfaces shall be subjected to an effective 
sanitizing treatment prior to use, except where dry cleaning is 
permitted. Utensils and portable equipment used in processing and 
manufacturing operations shall be stored above the floor in clean, dry 
locations and in a self draining position on racks constructed of 
impervious corrosion-resistant material.
    (2) C.I.P. cleaning or mechanical cleaning systems shall be used 
only on equipment and pipeline systems which have been designed, 
engineered and installed for that purpose. When such cleaning is used, 
careful attention shall be given to the proper procedures to assure 
satisfactory cleaning. All C.I.P. installations and cleaning procedures 
shall be in accordance with 3-A Suggested Method for the Installation 
and Cleaning of Cleaned-In-Place Sanitary Milk Pipelines for Milk and 
Milk Products Plants. Because of the possibilities of corrosion, the 
recommendations

[[Page 108]]

of the cleaning compound manufacturer should be followed with respect to 
time, temperature and concentration of specific acid or alkaline 
solutions and bactericides. Such cleaning operation should be preceded 
by a thorough rinse at approximately 110-115 [deg]F. continuously 
discarding the water. Following the circulation of the cleaning solution 
the equipment and lines shall be thoroughly rinsed with lukewarm water 
and checks should be made for effectiveness of cleaning. All caps, 
plugs, special fittings, valve seats, cross ends, pumps, and tee ends 
shall be opened or removed and brushed clean. All non-pasteurized 
product contact surfaces should be sanitized. Immediately prior to 
starting the product flow, the pasteurized product contact surfaces 
shall be given sanitizing treatment.
    (b) Milk cans and can washers. Milk cans and lids shall be cleaned, 
sanitized and dried before returning to producers. Inspection, repair or 
replacement of cans and lids shall be adequate to substantially exclude 
from use cans and lids showing open seams, cracks, rust condition, 
milkstone or any unsanitary condition.


Washers shall be maintained in a clean and satisfactory operating 
condition and kept free from accumulation of scale or debris which will 
adversely affect the efficiency of the washer. Only washing compounds 
which are compatible with the water for effective cleaning, should be 
used. The can washer should be checked regularly during the run for 
proper operation. At the end of the day, the wash and rinse tanks should 
be drained and cleaned, jets and strainers cleaned, air filters checked 
and changed or cleaned if needed, and checks should be made for proper 
adjustment and condition of mechanical parts.
    (c) Milk transport tanks. A covered or enclosed wash dock and 
cleaning and sanitizing facilities shall be available to all plants that 
receive or ship milk in tanks. Milk transport tanks, sanitary piping, 
fittings, and pumps shall be cleaned and sanitized at least once each 
day after use: Provided that, if they are not to be used immediately 
after emptying a load of milk, they shall be washed promptly after use 
and given bactericidal treatment immediately before use. After being 
washed and sanitized, each tank should be identified by a tag attached 
to the outlet valve, bearing the following information: Plant and 
specific location where cleaned, date and time of day of washing and 
sanitizing, and name of person who washed and name of person who 
sanitized the tank. The tag shall not be removed until the tank is again 
washed and sanitized.
    (d) Building. All windows, glass, partitions, and skylights should 
be washed as often as necessary to keep them clean. Cracked or broken 
glass shall be replaced promptly. The walls, ceilings and doors should 
be washed periodically and kept free from soil and unsightly conditions. 
The shelves and ledges should be wiped or vacuumed as often as necessary 
to keep them free from dust and debris. The material picked up by the 
vacuum cleaners shall be disposed of in sealed containers which will 
prevent contamination or insect infestation from the waste material.



Sec.  58.147  Insect and rodent control program.

    In addition to any commercial pest control service, if one is 
utilized, a specially designated employee should be made responsible for 
the performance of a regularly scheduled insect and rodent control 
program. Poisonous substances shall be properly labeled, and shall be 
handled, stored and used in such a manner as considered satisfactory by 
the Environmental Protection Agency.



Sec.  58.148  Plant records.

    Adequate plant records shall be maintained of all required tests and 
analyses performed in the laboratory or throughout the plant during 
storage, processing and manufacturing, on all raw milk receipts and 
dairy products. Such records shall be available for examination at all 
reasonable times by the inspector. The following are the records which 
shall be maintained for examination at the plant or receiving station 
where performed.
    (a) Sediment and bacterial test results on raw milk from each 
producer. Retain for 12 months.

[[Page 109]]

    (1) Routine tests and monthly summary of all producers showing 
number and percent of total in each class.
    (2) Retests, if initial test places milk in probationary status.
    (3) Rejections of raw milk over No. 3 in quality.
    (b) Pasteurization recorder charts. Retain for 3 months.
    (c) Water supply test certificate. Retain current copy for 6 months.
    (d) Cooling and heating recorder charts. Retain for 3 months.
    (e) Load and individual drug residue test results. Retain for 12 
months.
    (f) Notifications to appropriate State regulatory agencies of 
positive drug residue tests and intended and final dispositions of milk 
testing positive for drug residue. Retain for 12 months.
    (g) Somatic cell count test results on raw milk from each producer. 
Retain for 12 months.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under OMB control 
number 0583-0047) \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Editorial Note: See table appearing in Sec.  58.100 for correct 
OMB control number.

[40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 47 
FR 745, Jan. 7, 1982; 58 FR 26913, May 6, 1993]



Sec.  58.149  Alternate quality control programs for dairy products.

    (a) When a plant has in operation an acceptable quality control 
program which is approved by the Administrator as being effective in 
obtaining results comparable to or higher than the quality control 
program as outlined in this subpart, then such a program may be accepted 
in lieu of the program herein prescribed.
    (b) Where a minimum number of samples per batch of product, or per 
unit of time on continuous production runs are not specified, the phrase 
``as many samples shall be taken as is necessary to assure compliance to 
specific quality requirements'' is used. Acceptable performance of this 
would be any method approved by the Administrator as meeting sound 
statistical methods of selecting samples and determining the number of 
samples to be taken.

                  Packaging and General Identification



Sec.  58.150  Containers.

    (a) The size, style, and type of packaging used for dairy products 
shall be commercially acceptable containers and packaging materials 
which will satisfactorily cover and protect the quality of the contents 
during storage and regular channels of trade and under normal conditions 
of handling.
    (b) Packaging materials for dairy products shall be selected which 
will provide sufficiently low permeability to air and vapor to prevent 
the formation of mold growth and surface oxidation. In addition, the 
wrapper should be resistant to puncturing, tearing, cracking or breaking 
under normal conditions of handling, shipping and storage. When special 
type packaging is used, the instructions of the manufacturer shall be 
followed closely as to its application and methods of closure.



Sec.  58.151  Packaging and repackaging.

    (a) Packaging dairy products or cutting and repackaging all styles 
of dairy products shall be conducted under rigid sanitary conditions. 
The atmosphere of the packaging rooms, the equipment and packaging 
materials shall be practically free from mold and bacterial 
contamination. Methods for checking the level of contamination shall be 
as prescribed by the latest edition of Standard Methods or by other 
satisfactory methods approved by the Administrator.
    (b) When officially graded bulk dairy products are to be repackaged 
into consumer type packages with official grade labels or other official 
identification, a supervisor of packaging shall be required, see subpart 
A of this part. (title 7, Sec. Sec.  58.2 and 58.53 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations). If the packaging or repackaging is done in a plant 
other than the one in which the dairy product is manufactured, the 
plant, equipment, facilities and personnel shall meet the same 
requirements as outlined in this subpart.



Sec.  58.152  General identification.

    All commercial bulk packages or consumer packaged product containing 
dairy products manufactured under the

[[Page 110]]

provisions of this subpart shall comply with the applicable regulation 
of the Food and Drug Administration.

                       Storage of Finished Product



Sec.  58.153  Dry storage.

    The product should be stored at least 18 inches from the wall in 
aisles, rows, or sections and lots, in such a manner as to be orderly 
and easily accessible for inspection. Rooms should be cleaned regularly. 
It is recommended that dunnage or pallets be used when practical. Care 
shall be taken in the storage of any other product foreign to dairy 
products in the same room, in order to prevent impairment or damage to 
the dairy product from mold, absorbed odors, or vermin or insect 
infestation. Control of humidity and temperature shall be maintained at 
all times, consistent with good commercial practices, to prevent 
conditions detrimental to the product and container.



Sec.  58.154  Refrigerated storage.

    Finished product in containers subject to such conditions that will 
affect its useability shall be placed on shelves, dunnage or pallets and 
properly identified. It shall be stored under temperatures that will 
best maintain the initial quality. The product shall not be exposed to 
anything from which it might absorb any foreign odors or be contaminated 
by drippage or condensation.

             Inspection, Grading and Official Identification



Sec.  58.155  Grading.

    Dairy products which have been processed or manufactured in 
accordance with the provisions of this subpart may be graded by the 
grader in accordance with the U.S. Standards for Grades. Laboratory 
analyses, when required in determining the final grade shall be 
conducted in an approved laboratory.



Sec.  58.156  Inspection.

    Dairy products, which have been processed or manufactured in an 
approved plant, and for which there are no official U.S. Standards for 
Grades, shall be inspected for quality by the inspector in accordance 
with contract requirements or product specifications established by the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture or other Federal agency or buyer and 
seller. Laboratory analysis when required shall be conducted in an 
approved laboratory.



Sec.  58.157  Inspection or grading certificates.

    All dairy products which have been processed or manufactured, 
packaged and inspected or graded in accordance with the provision of 
this part may be covered by an inspection or grading certificate issued 
by the inspector or grader.



Sec.  58.158  Official identification.

    (a) Application for authority to apply official identification to 
packaging material or containers shall be made in accordance with the 
provisions of subpart A of this part. (title 7, Sec. Sec.  58.49 through 
58.57 of the Code of Federal Regulations.)
    (b) Only dairy products received, processed, or manufactured in 
accordance with the specifications contained in this subpart and 
inspected and/or graded in accordance with the provisions of this part 
may be identified with official identification.

                          Explanation of Terms



Sec.  58.159  Terms.

    (a) Fresh and sweet. Free from ``old milk'' flavor of developed 
acidity or other off-flavors.
    (b) Normal feed. Regional feed flavors, such as alfalfa, clover, 
silage, or similar feeds or grasses (weed flavors, such as peppergrass, 
French weed, onion, garlic, or other obnoxious weeds, excluded).
    (c) Off-flavors. Tastes or odors, such as utensil, bitter, barny, or 
other associated defects when present to a degree readily detectable.
    (d) Developed acidity. An apparent increase from the normal acidity 
of the milk to a degree of taste and odor which is detectable.
    (e) Extraneous matter. Foreign substances, such as filth, hair, 
insects and fragments thereof, and rodents, and materials, such as 
metal, fiber, wood and glass.

[[Page 111]]

    (f) Sediment. Fine particles of material other than the foreign 
substances and materials defined in paragraph (e) of this section.
    (g) C.I.P. The abbreviation of an approved system of cleaning 
pipelines called ``Cleaned-in-Place.''
    (h) Mechanical cleaning. Denotes cleaning solely by circulation and/
or flowing chemical detergent solution and water rinses onto and over 
the surfaces to be cleaned, by mechanical means.

 Supplemental Specifications for Plants Manufacturing, Processing, and 
Packaging Nonfat Dry Milk, Instant Nonfat Dry Milk, Dry Whole Milk, and 
                             Dry Buttermilk

                               Definitions



Sec.  58.205  Meaning of words.

    For the purpose of the regulations in this subpart, words in the 
singular form shall be deemed to impart the plural and vice versa, as 
the case may demand. Unless the context otherwise requires, the 
following terms shall have the following meaning:
    (a) Nonfat dry milk. The product obtained by the removal of only 
water from pasteurized skim milk. It contains not more than 5 percent by 
weight of moisture and not more than 1\1/2\ percent by weight of milkfat 
and it conforms to the applicable provisions of 21 CFR 131 ``Milk and 
Cream'' as issued by the Food and Drug Administration. Nonfat dry milk 
shall not contain nor be derived from dry buttermilk, dry whey, or 
products other than skim milk, and shall not contain any added 
preservative, neutralizing agent, or other chemical.
    (b) Instant nonfat dry milk. Instant nonfat dry milk is nonfat dry 
milk which has been produced in such a manner as to substantially 
improve its dispersing and reconstitution characteristics over that 
produced by the conventional process. Instant nonfat dry milk shall not 
contain dry buttermilk, dry whey, or products other than nonfat dry 
milk, except that lactose may be added as a processing aid during 
instantizing. The instant nonfat dry milk shall not contain any added 
preservatives, neutralizing agent, or other chemical. If lactose is 
used, the amount of lactose shall be the minimum required to produce the 
desired effect, but in no case shall the amount exceed 2.0 percent of 
the weight of the nonfat dry milk. If instant nonfat dry milk is 
fortified with vitamin A, and the product is reconstituted in accordance 
with the label directions, each quart of the reconstituted product shall 
contain 2000 International Units thereof. If instant nonfat dry milk is 
fortified with vitamin D, and the product is reconstituted in accordance 
with the label directions, each quart of the reconstituted product shall 
contain 400 International Units thereof.
    (c) Dry whole milk. The pasteurized product resulting from the 
removal of water from milk and contains the lactose, milk proteins, milk 
fat, and milk minerals in the same relative proportions as in the fresh 
milk from which made. The milk may be standardized but shall not contain 
buttermilk, or any added preservative, neutralizing agent or other 
chemicals.
    (d) Dry buttermilk. The product resulting from drying liquid 
buttermilk that was derived from the churning of butter and pasteurized 
prior to condensing at a temperature of 161 [deg]F for 15 seconds or its 
equivalent in bacterial destruction. Dry buttermilk shall have a protein 
content of not less than 30.0 percent. Dry buttermilk shall not contain 
nor be derived from nonfat dry milk, dry whey, or products other than 
buttermilk, and shall not contain any added preservative, neutralizing 
agent, or other chemical.
    (e) Dry buttermilk product. The product resulting from drying liquid 
buttermilk that was derived from the churning of butter and pasteurized 
prior to condensing at a temperature of 161 [deg]F for 15 seconds or its 
equivalent in bacterial destruction. Dry buttermilk product has a 
protein content less than 30.0 percent. Dry buttermilk product shall not 
contain nor be derived from nonfat dry milk, dry whey, or products other 
than buttermilk, and shall not contain any added preservative, 
neutralizing agent, or other chemical.

[40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 56 
FR 33855, July 24, 1991; 61 FR 17548, Apr. 22, 1996; 61 FR 35590, July 
8, 1996]

[[Page 112]]

                         Rooms and Compartments



Sec.  58.210  Dry storage of product.

    Storage rooms for the dry storage of product shall be adequate in 
size, kept clean, orderly, free from rodents, insects, and mold, and 
maintained in good repair. They shall be adequately lighted and 
ventilated. The ceilings, walls, beams and floors should be free from 
structural defects and inaccessible false areas which may harbor 
insects.



Sec.  58.211  Packaging room for bulk products.

    A separate room or area shall be provided for filling bulk 
containers, and shall be constructed in accordance with Sec.  58.126. 
The number of control panels and switch boxes in this area should be 
kept to a minimum. Control panels shall be mounted a sufficient distance 
from the walls to facilitate cleaning or satisfactorily sealed to the 
wall, or shall be mounted in the wall and provided with tight fitting 
removable doors to facilitate cleaning. An adequate exhaust system shall 
be provided to minimize the accumulation of product dust within the 
packaging room and where needed, a dust collector shall be provided and 
properly maintained to keep roofs and outside areas free of dry product. 
Only packaging materials that are used within a day's operation may be 
kept in the packaging area. These materials shall be kept on metal racks 
or tables at least six inches off the floor. Unnecessary fixtures, 
equipment, or false areas which may collect dust and harbor insects, 
should not be allowed in the packaging room.



Sec.  58.212  Hopper or dump room.

    A separate room shall be provided for the transfer of bulk dry dairy 
products to the hoppers and conveyors which lead to the fillers. This 
room shall meet the same requirements for construction and facilities as 
the bulk packaging operation. Areas and facilities provided for the 
transfer of dry dairy products from portable bulk bins will be accepted 
if gasketed surfaces or direct connections are used that appreciably 
eliminate the escape of product into the area.



Sec.  58.213  Repackaging room.

    A separate room shall be provided for the filling of small packages 
and shall meet the same requirements for construction and facilities as 
the bulk packaging operation.

                         Equipment and Utensils



Sec.  58.214  General construction, repair and installation.

    All equipment and utensils necessary to the manufacture of dry milk 
products, including pasteurizer, timing-pump or device, flow diversion 
valve and recorder controller, shall meet the same general requirements 
as outlined in Sec.  58.128 of this subpart. In addition, for certain 
other equipment the following requirements shall be met.



Sec.  58.215  Pre-heaters.

    The pre-heaters shall be of stainless steel or other equally 
corrosion resistant material, cleanable, accessible for inspection and 
shall be equipped with suitable automatic temperature controls.



Sec.  58.216  Hotwells.

    The hotwells shall be enclosed or covered and should be equipped 
with indicating thermometers either in the hotwell or in the hot milk 
inlet line to the hotwell. If used for holding high heat products, they 
should also have recorders.



Sec.  58.217  Evaporators and/or vacuum pans.

    Evaporators or vacuum pans or both, with open type condensers shall 
be equipped with an automatic condenser water level control, barometric 
leg, or so constructed so as to prevent water from entering the product. 
New or replacement units shall comply with the 3-A Sanitary Standards 
for Milk and Milk Products Evaporators and Vacuum Pans. When enclosed 
type condensers are used, no special controls are needed to prevent 
water from entering the product. Water collected from the condensing of 
product (cow water) in this equipment may be utilized for prerinsing and 
cleaning solution make-up; provided it is equipped with proper controls 
that will automatically divert water with entrained

[[Page 113]]

solids to the waste water system. ``Cow water'' shall not be used for 
acidified or final equipment rinse.



Sec.  58.218  Surge tanks.

    If surge tanks are used for hot milk, and temperatures of product 
including foam being held in the surge tank during processing, is not 
maintained at a minimum of 150 [deg]F, then two or more surge tanks 
shall be installed with cross connections to permit flushing and 
cleaning during operation. Covers easily removable for cleaning shall be 
provided and used at all times.



Sec.  58.219  High pressure pumps and lines.

    High pressure lines may be cleaned-in-place and shall be of such 
construction that dead ends, valves and the high pressure pumps can be 
disassembled for hand cleaning. The high pressure pump shall comply with 
the 3-A Sanitary Standard for Homogenizers and Pumps of the Plunger 
Type.



Sec.  58.220  Drying systems.

    (a) Spray dryers. Spray dryers shall be of a continuous discharge 
type and all product contact surfaces shall be of stainless steel or 
other equally corrosion resistant material. All joints and seams in the 
product contact surfaces shall be welded and ground smooth. All dryers 
shall be constructed so as to facilitate ease in cleaning and 
inspection. Sight glasses or ports of sufficient size shall be located 
at strategic positions. Dryers shall be equipped with suitable air 
intake filters. The filter system shall comply with the applicable 
requirements of the 3-A Accepted Practices for Milk and Milk Products 
Spray Drying Systems. The filtering system shall be cleaned or component 
parts replaced as often as necessary to maintain a clean and adequate 
air supply. In gas fired dryers, precautions should be taken to assure 
complete combustion. Air shall be drawn into the dryer from sources free 
from objectionable odors and smoke, dust or dirt. New systems, 
replacement systems, or portions of systems replaced shall comply with 
the requirements of the 3-A Accepted Practices for Milk and Milk 
Products Spray Drying Systems.
    (b) Roller dryers. (1) The drums of a roller dryer shall be smooth, 
readily cleanable and free of pits and rust. The knives shall be 
maintained in such condition so as not to cause scoring of the drums.
    (2) The end boards shall have an impervious surface and be readily 
cleanable. They shall be provided with a means of adjustment to prevent 
leakage and accumulation of milk solids. The stack, hood, the drip pan 
inside of the hood and related shields shall be constructed of stainless 
steel and be readily cleanable. The lower edge of the hood shall be 
constructed so as to prevent condensate from entering the product zone. 
The hood shall be properly located and the stack of adequate capacity to 
remove the vapors. The stack shall be closed when the dryer is not in 
operation. The augers shall be stainless steel or properly plated, and 
readily cleanable. The auger troughs and related shields shall be of 
stainless steel and be readily cleanable. All air entering the dryer 
room shall be filtered to eliminate dust and dirt. The filter system 
shall consist of filtering media or device that will effectively, and in 
accordance with good commercial practices, prevent the entrance of 
foreign substances into the drying room. The filtering system shall be 
cleaned or component parts replaced as often as necessary to maintain a 
clean and adequate air supply. All dryer adjustments shall be made and 
the dryer operating normally before food grade product is collected from 
the dryer.
    (c) Other drying systems. These systems shall be constructed 
following the applicable principles of the 3-A Accepted Practices for 
Milk and Milk Products Spray Drying Systems.



Sec.  58.221  Collectors and conveyors.

    Collectors shall be made of stainless steel or equally noncorrosive 
material and should be constructed to facilitate cleaning and 
inspection. Filter sack collectors, if used, shall be in good condition 
and the system shall be of such construction that all parts are 
accessible for cleaning and inspection. Conveyors shall be of stainless 
steel or equally corrosion resistant material and should be constructed 
to facilitate thorough cleaning and inspection.

[[Page 114]]



Sec.  58.222  Dry dairy product cooling equipment.

    Cooling equipment shall be provided with sufficient capacity to cool 
the product as specified in Sec.  58.240. A suitable dry air supply with 
an effective filtering system meeting the requirements of Sec.  
58.220(a) shall be provided where air cooling and conveying is used.



Sec.  58.223  Special treatment equipment.

    Any special equipment (instantizers, hammer mills, etc.) used to 
treat dry milk products shall be of sanitary construction and all parts 
shall be accessible for cleaning and inspection. New or replacement 
instantizing systems shall comply with the 3-A Accepted Practices for 
Instantizing Systems for Dry Milk and Dry Milk Products.



Sec.  58.224  Sifters.

    All newly installed sifters used for dry milk and dry milk products 
shall comply with the 3-A Sanitary Standards for Sifters for Dry Milk 
and Dry Milk Products. All other sifters shall be constructed of 
stainless steel or other equally noncorrosive material and shall be of 
sanitary construction and accessible for cleaning and inspection. The 
mesh size of sifter screen used for various dry dairy products shall be 
those recommended in the appendix of the 3-A Standard for sifters.



Sec.  58.225  Clothing and shoe covers.

    Clean clothing and shoe covers shall be provided exclusively for the 
purpose of cleaning the interior of the dryer when it is necessary to 
enter the dryer to perform the cleaning operation.



Sec.  58.226  Portable and stationary bulk bins.

    Bulk bins shall be constructed of stainless steel, aluminum or other 
equally corrosion resistant materials, free from cracks, seams and must 
have an interior surface that is relatively smooth and easily cleanable. 
All product contact surfaces shall be easily accessible for cleaning. 
The capacity of each portable and bulk bin shall be limited to permit 
proper operating procedures such as sampling and daily removal of all 
product to preclude commingling of different days production.



Sec.  58.227  Sampling device.

    If automatic sampling devices are used, they shall be constructed in 
such a manner as to prevent contamination of the product, and all parts 
must be readily accessible for cleaning. The type of sampler and the 
sampling procedure shall be as approved by the Administrator.



Sec.  58.228  Dump hoppers, screens, mixers and conveyors.

    The product contact surfaces of dump hoppers, screens, mixers and 
conveyors which are used in the process of transferring dry products 
from bulk containers to fillers for small packages or containers, shall 
be of stainless or equally corrosion resistant material and designed to 
prevent contamination. All parts should be accessible for cleaning. The 
dump hoppers shall be of such height above floor level as to prevent 
foreign material or spilled product from entering the hopper.



Sec.  58.229  Filler and packaging equipment.

    All filling and packaging equipment shall be of sanitary 
construction and all parts, including valves and filler heads accessible 
for cleaning. New or replacement equipment should comply with the 3-A 
Sanitary Standards for equipment for Packaging Dry Milk and Dry Milk 
Products.



Sec.  58.230  Heavy duty vacuum cleaners.

    Each plant handling dry milk products shall be equipped with a heavy 
duty industrial vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner shall be of a type 
that has a collector or disposable bag which will not recontaminate the 
atmosphere of the processing and packaging areas. Regular scheduling 
shall be established for its use in vacuuming applicable areas.

                Quality Specifications for Raw Materials



Sec.  58.231  General.

    All raw materials received at the drying plant shall meet the 
following quality specifications.

[[Page 115]]



Sec.  58.232  Milk.

    Raw milk shall meet the requirements as outlined in Sec. Sec.  
58.132 through 58.138 and, unless processed within two hours after being 
received, it shall be cooled to and held at a temperature of 45 [deg]F. 
or lower until processed.



Sec.  58.233  Skim milk.

    The skim milk shall be separated from whole milk meeting the 
requirements as outlined in Sec. Sec.  58.132 through 58.138, and unless 
processed immediately, it shall be cooled to and maintained at a 
temperature of 45 [deg]F. or lower from the time of separating until the 
time of processing.



Sec.  58.234  Buttermilk.

    Buttermilk for drying as dry buttermilk or dry buttermilk product 
shall be fresh and derived from the churning of butter, with or without 
the addition of harmless lactic culture. No preservative, neutralizing 
agent or other chemical may be added. Fluid buttermilk, unless cultured, 
shall be held at 45 [deg]F or lower unless processed within 2 hours.

[56 FR 33855, July 24, 1991]



Sec.  58.235  Modified dry milk products.

    Dry milk products to which approved neutralizing agents or chemicals 
have been added or constituents removed to alter their original 
characteristics for processing or usage shall come from products meeting 
the requirements of Sec. Sec.  58.232, 58.233, or 58.234. These products 
shall meet the applicable labeling requirements.

                   Operations and Operating Procedures



Sec.  58.236  Pasteurization and heat treatment.

    All milk and buttermilk used in the manufacture of dry milk products 
and modified dry milk products shall be pasteurized at the plant where 
dried, except that acidified buttermilk containing 40 percent or more 
solids may be transported to another plant for drying without 
repasteurization. Provided the condensed product is handled according to 
sanitary conditions approved by the Administrator.
    (a) Pasteurization. (1) All milk or skim milk to be used in the 
manufacture of nonfat dry milk shall be pasteurized prior to condensing 
at a minimum temperature of 161 [deg]F. for at least 15 seconds or its 
equivalent in bacterial destruction. Condensed milk products made from 
pasteurized milk may be transported to a drying plant, provided that it 
shall be effectively repasteurized at the drying plant, prior to drying, 
at no less than 166 [deg]F. for 15 seconds or its equivalent in 
bacterial destruction.
    (2) All buttermilk to be used in the manufacture of dry buttermilk 
or dry buttermilk product shall be pasteurized prior to condensing at a 
temperature of 161 [deg]F for 15 seconds or its equivalent in bacterial 
destruction.
    (b) Heat treatment--(1) High-heat. The finished product shall not 
exceed 1.5 mg. undenatured whey protein nitrogen per gram of nonfat dry 
milk as classified in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Nonfat Dry Milk 
(Spray Process).
    (2) Medium-heat. The finished product shall show undenatured whey 
protein nitrogen between the levels of ``high-heat'' and ``low-heat'' 
(1.51 to 5.99 mg.).
    (3) Low-heat. The finished product shall show not less than 6.0 
undenatured whey protein nitrogen per gram of non-fat dry milk as 
classified in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Nonfat Dry Milk (Spray 
Process).

[40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 56 
FR 33855, July 24, 1991]



Sec.  58.237  Condensed surge supply.

    Surge tanks or balance tanks if used between the evaporators and 
dryer shall be used to hold only the minimum amount of condensed product 
necessary for a uniform flow to the dryers. Such tanks holding product 
at temperatures below 150 [deg]F. shall be completely emptied and washed 
after each 4 hours of operation or less. Alternate tanks shall be 
provided to permit continuous operation during washing of tanks.



Sec.  58.238  Condensed storage tanks.

    (a) Excess production of condensed product over that which the dryer 
will

[[Page 116]]

take continuously from the pans should be bypassed through a cooler into 
a storage tank at 50 [deg]F. or lower and held at this temperature until 
used.
    (b) Product cut-off points shall be made at least every 24 hours and 
the tank completely emptied, washed, and sanitized before reuse.



Sec.  58.239  Drying.

    Each dryer should be operated to produce the highest quality dry 
product consistent with the most efficient operation. The dry products 
shall be removed from the drying chamber continuously during the drying 
process.



Sec.  58.240  Cooling dry products.

    Prior to packaging and immediately following removal from the drying 
chamber the dry product shall be cooled to a temperature not exceeding 
110 [deg]F, however, if the product is to be held in a bulk bin the 
temperature should be reduced to approximately 90 [deg]F but shall be 
not more than 110 [deg]F.



Sec.  58.241  Packaging, repackaging and storage.

    (a) Containers. Packages or containers used for the packaging of 
nonfat dry milk or other dry milk products shall be any clean, sound 
commercially accepted container or packaging material which will 
satisfactorily protect the contents through the regular channels of 
trade, without significant impairment of quality with respect to flavor, 
wholesomeness or moisture content under the normal conditions of 
handling. In no instance will containers which have previously been used 
for nonfood items, or food items which would be deleterious to the dairy 
product be allowed to be used for the bulk handling of dairy products.
    (b) Filling. Empty containers shall be protected at all times from 
possible contamination and containers which are to be lined shall not be 
prepared more than one hour in advance of filling. Every precaution 
shall be taken during the filling operation to minimize product dust and 
spillage. When necessary a mechanical shaker shall be provided; the 
tapping or pounding of containers should be prohibited. The containers 
shall be closed immediately after filling and the exteriors shall be 
vacuumed or brushed when necessary to render them practically free of 
residual product before being transferred from the filling room to the 
palleting or dry storage areas.
    (c) Repackaging. The entire repackaging operation shall be conducted 
in a sanitary manner with all precautions taken to prevent contamination 
and to minimize dust. All exterior surfaces of individual containers 
shall be practically free of product before overwrapping or packing in 
shipping containers. The room shall be kept free of dust accumulation, 
waste, cartons, liners, or other refuse. Conveyors, packaging and carton 
making equipment shall be vacuumed frequently during the operating day 
to prevent the accumulation of dust. No bottles or glass materials of 
any kind shall be permitted in the repackaging or hopper room. The inlet 
openings of all hoppers and bins shall be of minimum size, screened and 
placed well above the floor level. The room and all packaging equipment 
shall be cleaned as often as necessary to maintain a sanitary operation. 
Close attention shall be given to cleaning equipment where residues of 
the dry product may accumulate. A thorough clean-up including windows, 
doors, walls, light fixtures and ledges, should be performed as 
frequently as is necessary to maintain a high standard of cleanliness 
and sanitation. All waste dry dairy products including dribble product 
at the fillers, shall be properly identified and disposed of as animal 
feed.
    (d) Storage--(1) Product. The packaged dry milk product shall be 
stored or so arranged in aisles, rows, or sections and lots at least 18 
inches from any wall and in such a manner as to be orderly, easily 
accessible for inspection or for cleaning of the room. All bags and 
small containers of products shall be placed on pallets elevated from 
the floor. Products in small containers may be stored by methods 
preventing direct contact with the floor when the condition of the 
container is satisfactorily maintained. The storage room shall be kept 
clean and dry and all openings protected against entrance of insects and 
rodents.

[[Page 117]]

    (2) Supplies. All supplies shall be placed on dunnage or pallets and 
arranged in an orderly manner for accessibility and cleaning of the 
room. It is preferable that supplies be stored in an area separate from 
that used for storing the dry products. Supplies shall be kept enclosed 
in their original wrapping material until used. After removal of 
supplies from their original containers, they shall be kept in an 
enclosed metal cabinet, bins or on shelving and if not enclosed shall be 
protected from powder, and dust or other contamination. The room should 
be vacuumed as often as necessary and kept clean and orderly.



Sec.  58.242  Product adulteration.

    All necessary precautions shall be taken throughout the entire 
operation to prevent the adulteration of one product with another. The 
commingling of one type of liquid or dry product with another shall be 
considered as an adulteration of that product. This does not prohibit 
the normal standardization of like products in accordance with good 
commercial practices or the production of specific products for special 
uses, provided applicable labeling requirements are met.



Sec.  58.243  Checking quality.

    All milk, milk products and dry milk products shall be subject to 
inspection and analysis by the dairy plant for quality and condition 
throughout each processing operation. Periodically samples of product 
and environmental material shall be tested for salmonella. Test results 
shall be negative when samples are tested for salmonella. Line samples 
should be taken periodically as an aid to quality control in addition to 
the regular routine analysis made on the finished products.



Sec.  58.244  Number of samples.

    As many samples shall be taken from each dryer production lot as is 
necessary to assure proper composition and quality control. A sufficient 
number of representative samples from the lot shall be taken to assure 
compliance with the stated net weight on the container.



Sec.  58.245  Method of sample analysis.

    Samples shall be tested according to the applicable methods of 
laboratory analysis contained in either DA Instruction 918-RL as issued 
by the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service, Dairy Programs, or Official 
Methods of Analysis of the Association of Analytical Chemists or 
Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products.

[67 FR 48976, July 29, 2002]



Sec.  58.246  Cleaning of dryers, collectors, conveyors, ducts, sifters
and storage bins.

    This equipment shall be cleaned as often as is necessary to maintain 
such equipment in a clean and sanitary condition. The kind of cleaning 
procedure either wet or dry and the frequency of cleaning shall be based 
upon observation of actual operating results and conditions.



Sec.  58.247  Insect and rodent control program.

    In addition to any commercial pest control service, if one is 
utilized, a specially designated employee should be made responsible for 
the performance of a regularly scheduled insect and rodent control 
program as outlined in University of Wisconsin Extension Bulletin A2518 
or subsequent revisions thereof, or one equivalent thereto.

 Requirements for Finished Products Bearing USDA Official Identification



Sec.  58.248  Nonfat dry milk.

    (a) Nonfat dry milk in commercial bulk containers bearing an 
official identification shall meet the requirements of U.S. Extra Grade 
or U.S. Standard Grade.
    (b) Regular nonfat dry milk in consumer size packages which bears an 
official identification shall meet the requirements of U.S. Extra Grade. 
In addition, the nonfat dry milk shall be sampled and tested in 
accordance with Sec. Sec.  58.244 and 58.245.

[[Page 118]]



Sec.  58.249  Instant nonfat dry milk.

    (a) Only instant nonfat dry milk manufactured and packaged in 
accordance with the requirements of this part and with the applicable 
requirements in subpart A of this part which has been officially 
inspected in process and found to be in compliance with these 
requirements may be identified with the official USDA U.S. Extra Grade, 
processed and packed inspection shield.
    (b) Instant nonfat dry milk shall meet the applicable standard for 
U.S. Extra Grade.



Sec.  58.250  Dry whole milk.

    Dry whole milk in commercial bulk containers which bears an official 
identification shall meet the requirements for the U.S. Standards for 
Grades of Dry Whole Milk. Quality requirements for dry whole milk in 
consumer packages shall be for U.S. Extra Grade and shall be gas packed 
with an oxygen content of not more than 2.0 percent.



Sec.  58.251  Dry buttermilk and dry buttermilk product.

    The quality requirements for dry buttermilk or dry buttermilk 
product bearing an official identification shall be in accordance with 
the U.S. Standards for Grades of Dry Buttermilk and Dry Buttermilk 
Product.

[56 FR 33855, July 24, 1991]

  Supplemental Specifications for Plants Manufacturing, Processing and 
                  Packaging Butter and Related Products

                               Definitions



Sec.  58.305  Meaning of words.

    For the purpose of the regulations in this subpart, words in the 
singular form shall be deemed to impart the plural and vice versa, as 
the case may demand. Unless the context otherwise requires, the 
following terms shall have the following meaning.
    (a) Butter. The food product usually known as butter, and which is 
made exclusively from milk or cream, or both, with or without common 
salt, with or without additional coloring matter, and containing not 
less than 80 percent by weight of milkfat, all tolerances having been 
allowed for.
    (b) Butteroil. The food product resulting from the removal of 
practically all of the moisture and solids-not-fat from butter. It 
contains not less than 99.6 percent fat and not more than 0.3 percent 
moisture and not more than 0.1 percent other butter constituents, of 
which the salt shall be not more than 0.05 percent. Antioxidants 
permitted to be used are as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Antioxidant                         Maximum level
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Propyl gallate.........................  0.02% of fat.
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).........  0.02% of fat.
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA).........  0.02% of fat.
Tocopherols............................  Limit by GMP.
Ascorbyl palmitate.....................  Limit by GMP.
Dilauryl thiodipropionate..............  0.02% of fat.
         Antioxidant synergists
Citric acid............................  Limit by GMP.
Sodium citrate.........................  Limit by GMP.
Isopropyl citrate......................  0.02% of food.
Phosphoric acid........................  Limit by GMP.
Monoglyceride citrate..................  200 ppm of fat.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


An inert gas may be used to flush air-tight containers before, during, 
and after filling. Carbon dioxide may not be used for this purpose.
    (c) Anhydrous milkfat. The food product resulting from the removal 
of practically all of the moisture and solids-not-fat from pasteurized 
cream or butter. It contains not less than 99.8 percent fat and not more 
than 0.1 percent moisture and, when produced from butter, not more than 
0.1 percent other butter constituents, of which the salt shall be not 
more than 0.05 percent. An inert gas may be used to flush air-tight 
containers before, during, and after filling. Carbon dioxide may not be 
used for this purpose.
    (d) Frozen cream. Sweet cream which has been pasteurized and frozen. 
It contains approximately 40 percent milkfat.
    (e) Plastic cream. Sweet cream which has been pasteurized and 
contains approximately 80 percent milkfat.
    (f) Whipped butter. The food product is made by the uniform 
incorporation of air or inert gas into butter.

[40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 59 
FR 1264, Jan. 10, 1994; 60 FR 4825, Jan. 24, 1995]

[[Page 119]]

                         Rooms and Compartments



Sec.  58.311  Coolers and freezers.

    The coolers and freezers shall be equipped with facilities for 
maintaining proper temperature and humidity conditions, consistent with 
good commercial practices for the applicable product, to protect the 
equality and condition of the products during storage or during 
tempering prior to further processing. Coolers and freezers shall be 
kept clean, orderly, free from insects, rodents, and mold, and 
maintained in good repair. They shall be adequately lighted and proper 
circulation of air shall be maintained at all times. The floors, walls, 
and ceilings shall be of such construction as to permit thorough 
cleaning.



Sec.  58.312  Churn rooms.

    Churn rooms in addition to proper construction and sanitation shall 
be so equipped that the air is kept free from objectionable odors and 
vapors and extreme temperatures by means of adequate ventilation and 
exhaust systems or air conditioning and heating facilities.



Sec.  58.313  Print and bulk packaging rooms.

    Rooms used for packaging print or bulk butter and related products 
should, in addition to proper construction and sanitation, provide an 
atmosphere relatively free from mold (not more than 15 colonies per 
plate during a 15 min. exposure), dust, or other air-borne contamination 
and maintain a reasonable room temperature in accordance with good 
commercial practices.

                         Equipment and Utensils



Sec.  58.314  General construction, repair and installation.

    All equipment and utensils necessary to the manufacture of butter 
and related products shall meet the same general requirements as 
outlined in Sec.  58.128. In addition for certain other equipment, the 
following requirements shall be met.



Sec.  58.315  Continuous churns.

    All product contact surfaces of the churn and related equipment 
shall be of noncorrosive material. All non-metallic product contact 
surfaces shall comply with 3-A Standards for Plastic, Rubber, and 
Rubber-Like Materials. All product contact surfaces of the churn and 
related equipment shall be readily accessible for cleaning and 
inspection. Construction shall follow the applicable principles of the 
3-A Sanitary Standards.



Sec.  58.316  Conventional churns.

    Churns shall be constructed of aluminum, stainless steel or equally 
corrosion resistant metal, free from cracks, and in good repair. All 
gasket material shall be fat resistant, nontoxic and reasonably durable. 
Seals around the doors shall be tight.



Sec.  58.317  Bulk butter trucks, boats, texturizers, and packers.

    Bulk butter trucks, boats, texturizers, and packers shall be 
constructed of aluminum, stainless steel, or equally corrosion resistant 
metal free from cracks, seams and must have a surface that is relatively 
smooth and easily cleanable. All non-metallic product surfaces shall 
comply with 3-A Standards for Plastic, Rubber, and Rubber-Like Material.



Sec.  58.318  Butter, frozen or plastic cream melting machines.

    Shavers, shredders or melting machines used for rapid melting of 
butter, frozen or plastic cream shall be of stainless steel or equally 
corrosion resistant metal, free from cracks and of sanitary 
construction, and readily cleanable.



Sec.  58.319  Printing equipment.

    All printing equipment shall be designed so as to adequately protect 
the product and be readily demountable for cleaning of product contact 
surfaces. All product contact surfaces shall be aluminum, stainless 
steel or equally corrosion resistant metal, or plastic, rubber and 
rubber like material which comply with 3-A standards, except that 
conveyors may be constructed of material which can be properly cleaned 
and maintained in a satisfactory manner.

[[Page 120]]



Sec.  58.320  Brine tanks.

    Brine tanks used for the treating of parchment liners shall be 
constructed of noncorrosive material and have an adequate and safe means 
of heating the salt solution for the treatment of the liners. The tank 
should also be provided with a satisfactory drainage outlet.



Sec.  58.321  Cream storage tanks.

    Cream storage tanks shall meet the requirements of Sec.  58.128(d). 
Cream storage tanks for continuous churns should be equipped with 
effective temperature controls and recording devices.

                 Quality Specifications for Raw Material



Sec.  58.322  Cream.

    Cream separated at an approved plant and used for the manufacture of 
butter shall have been derived from raw material meeting the 
requirements as listed under Sec. Sec.  58.132 through 58.138 of this 
subpart.

[50 FR 34673, Aug. 27, 1985]



Sec.  58.323  [Reserved]



Sec.  58.324  Butteroil.

    To produce butteroil eligible for official certification, the butter 
used shall conform to the flavor requirements of U.S. Grade AA, U.S. 
Grade A, or U.S. Grade B, and shall have been manufactured in an 
approved plant.



Sec.  58.325  Anhydrous milkfat.

    If cream is used in the production of anhydrous milkfat that is 
eligible for official certification, the anhydrous milkfat shall be made 
by a continuous separation process directly from milk or cream. The 
cream used shall be comparable to the flavor quality specified above for 
U.S. Grade AA or U.S. Grade A butter. The milkfat from cream may then be 
further concentrated into oil. The cream or oil shall be pasteurized in 
accordance with the procedures for cream for buttermaking (Sec.  
58.334a). If butter is used in the production of anhydrous milkfat that 
is eligible for official certification, the butter used shall conform to 
the flavor requirements of U.S. Grade AA or U.S. Grade A butter and 
shall have been manufactured in an approved plant. The appearance of 
anhydrous milkfat should be fairly smooth and uniform in consistency.

[60 FR 4826, Jan. 24, 1995]



Sec.  58.326  Plastic cream.

    To produce plastic cream eligible for official certification, the 
quality of the cream used shall meet the requirements of cream 
acceptable for the manufacture of U.S. Grade AA or U.S. Grade A butter.



Sec.  58.327  Frozen cream.

    To produce frozen cream eligible for official certification, the 
quality of the cream used shall meet the requirements of cream 
acceptable for the manufacture of U.S. Grade AA or U.S. Grade A butter.



Sec.  58.328  Salt.

    The salt shall be free-flowing, white refined sodium chloride and 
shall meet the requirements of The Food Chemical Codex.



Sec.  58.329  Color.

    Coloring, when used shall be Annatto or any color which is approved 
by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.



Sec.  58.330  Butter starter cultures.

    Harmless bacterial cultures when used in the development of flavor 
components in butter and related products shall have a pleasing and 
desirable flavor and shall have the ability to transmit these qualities 
to the finished product.



Sec.  58.331  Starter distillate.

    The refined flavor components when used to flavor butter and related 
products. It shall be of food grade quality, free of extraneous material 
and prepared in accordance with good commercial practice.

                   Operations and Operating Procedures



Sec.  58.332  Segregation of raw material.

    The milk and cream received at the dairy plant shall meet the 
quality specifications as indicated under Sec.  58.322.

[[Page 121]]

The milk and cream should be segregated by quality and processed 
separately in such a manner that the finished product will fully meet 
the requirements of a particular U.S. Grade or other specification, 
whichever is applicable.



Sec.  58.334  Pasteurization.

    The milk or cream shall be pasteurized at the plant where the milk 
or cream is processed into the finished product or by procedures as set 
forth by the Administrator.
    (a) Cream for butter making. The cream for butter making shall be 
pasteurized at a temperature of not less than 165 [deg]F. and held 
continuously in a vat at such temperature for not less than 30 minutes; 
or pasteurized by HTST method at a minimum temperature of not less than 
185 [deg]F. for not less than 15 seconds; or it shall be pasteurized by 
any other equivalent temperature and holding time which will assure 
adequate pasteurization. Additional heat treatment above the minimum 
pasteurization requirement is advisable to insure improved keeping-
quality characteristics.


Adequate pasteurization control shall be used and the diversion valve 
shall be set to divert at no less than 185 [deg]F. with a 15 second 
holding time or its equivalent in time and temperature to assure 
pasteurization. If the vat or holding method of pasteurization is used, 
vat covers shall be closed prior to holding period to assure temperature 
of air space reaching 5 [deg]F. higher than the minimum temperature 
during the holding time. Covers shall also be kept closed during the 
holding and cooling period.
    (b) Cream for plastic or frozen cream. The pasteurization of cream 
for plastic or frozen cream shall be accomplished in the same manner as 
in paragraph (a) of this section, except, that the temperature for the 
vat method shall be not less than 170 [deg]F. for not less than 30 
minutes, or not less than 190 [deg]F. for not less than 15 seconds or by 
any other temperature and holding time which will assure adequate 
pasteurization and comparable keeping-quality characteristics.



Sec.  58.335  Quality control tests.

    All milk, cream and related products are subject to inspection for 
quality and condition throughout each processing operation. Quality 
control tests shall be made on flow samples as often as necessary to 
check the effectiveness of processing and manufacturing and as an aid in 
correcting deficiencies in processing and manufacturing. Routine 
analysis shall be made on raw materials and finished products to assure 
adequate microbiological, composition and chemical control.



Sec.  58.336  Frequency of sampling for quality control of cream, butter
and related products.

    (a) Microbiological. Samples shall be taken from churnings or 
batches and should be taken as often as is necessary to insure 
microbiological control.
    (b) Composition. Sampling and testing for product composition shall 
be made on churns or batches as often as is necessary to insure adequate 
composition control. For in-plant control, the Kohman or modified Kohman 
test may be used.
    (c) Chemical--(1) Acid degree value. This test should be made on 
churnings or batches from samples taken from the cream as often as is 
necessary to aid in the control of lipase activity.
    (2) Free fatty acid. This test should be made on churnings or 
batches from samples taken from the butter as often as is necessary to 
aid in the control of lipase activity.
    (d) Other analysis. Other chemical analysis or physical measurements 
shall be performed as often as is necessary to insure meeting grade 
standards and contract specifications.
    (e) Weight or volume control. Representative samples of the packaged 
product should be checked using procedures prescribed by the 
Administrator during the packaging operation to assure compliance with 
the stated net weight or volume on the container.
    (f) Keeping quality and stability. Samples from churnings shall be 
subjected to a seven day keeping quality test at a temperature of 72 
[deg]F. to establish and maintain a satisfactory keeping quality 
history. Optionally 98 [deg]F. for 48 hours may be used, however, in 
case of

[[Page 122]]

a dispute, the results of the seven days at 72 [deg]F. will prevail.



Sec.  58.337  Official test methods.

    (a) Chemical. Chemical analyses except where otherwise prescribed 
herein, shall be made in accordance with the methods described in the 
latest edition of Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of 
Official Analytical Chemists, published by the Association of Official 
Analytical Chemists, the Official and Tentative Methods of the American 
Oil Chemists Society or any other methods giving equivalent results.
    (b) Microbiological. Microbiological determinations shall be made in 
accordance with the methods described or suggested in the latest edition 
of Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products, published by 
the American Public Health Association.



Sec.  58.338  Composition and wholesomeness.

    All ingredients used in the manufacture of butter and related 
products shall be subject to inspection and shall be wholesome and 
practically free from impurities. Chlorinating facilities shall be 
provided for butter wash water if needed and all other necessary 
precautions shall be taken to prevent contamination of products. All 
finished products shall comply with the requirements of the Federal 
Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as to composition and wholesomeness.



Sec.  58.339  Containers.

    (a) Containers used for the packaging of butter and related products 
shall be commercially acceptable containers or packaging material that 
will satisfactorily protect the quality of the contents in regular 
channels of trade. Caps or covers which extend over the lip of the 
container shall be used on all cups or tubs containing two pounds or 
less, to protect the product from contamination during subsequent 
handling.
    (b) Liners and wrappers. Supplies of parchment liners, wrappers and 
other packaging material shall be protected against dust, mold and other 
possible contamination.
    (1) Prior to use, parchment liners for bulk butter packages shall be 
completely immersed in a boiling salt solution in a suitable container 
constructed of stainless steel or other equally non-corrosive material. 
The liners shall be maintained in the solution for not less than 30 
minutes. The liners shall be effectively treated with a solution 
consisting of at least 15 pounds of salt for every 85 pounds of water 
and shall be strengthened or changed as frequently as necessary to keep 
the solution full strength and in good condition.
    (2) Other liners such as polyethylene shall be treated or handled in 
such a manner as to prevent contamination of the liner prior to filling.
    (c) Filling bulk butter containers. The lined butter containers 
shall be protected from possible contamination prior to filling. Use of 
parchment liners may be accomplished by alternately inverting one 
container over the other or stacking the lined boxes on their sides in a 
rack, until ready for use. When using polyethylene liners the boxes 
should be lined immediately prior to use. When packing butter into the 
bulk containers, care shall be taken to fill the corners leaving as few 
holes or openings as possible. The surface of the butter as well as the 
covering liner shall be smoothed evenly over the top surface before 
closing and sealing the container. Containers should be stacked only as 
high as the firmness of the product will support weight, so as not to 
crush or distort the container.



Sec.  58.340  Printing and packaging.

    Printing and packaging of consumer size containers of butter shall 
be conducted under sanitary conditions. Separate rooms equipped with 
automatic filling and packaging equipment should be provided. The 
outside cartons should be removed from bulk butter in a room outside of 
the printing operation but the parchment removal and cutting of the 
butter may be done in the print room.



Sec.  58.341  Repackaging.

    When officially graded or inspected bulk product is to be repackaged 
into consumer type packages for official grade labeling or other 
official identification, a supervisor of packaging

[[Page 123]]

shall be required and the plant, equipment, facilities and personnel 
shall meet the same specifications as outlined in this part, including 
such markings or identification as may be required.



Sec.  58.342  General identification.

    Commercial bulk shipping containers shall be legibly marked with the 
name of the product, net weight, name and address of manufacturer, 
processor or distributor or other assigned plant identification 
(manufacturer's lot number, churn number, etc.) and any other 
identification that may be required. Packages of plastic or frozen cream 
shall be marked with the percent of milkfat.



Sec.  58.343  Storage of finished product in coolers.

    All products shall be kept under refrigeration at temperatures of 40 
[deg]F. or lower after packaging and until ready for distribution or 
shipment. The products shall not be placed directly on floors or exposed 
to foreign odors or conditions such as drippage due to condensation 
which might cause package or product damage.



Sec.  58.344  Storage of finished product in freezer.

    (a) Sharp freezers. Plastic cream or frozen cream intended for 
storage shall be placed in quick freezer rooms immediately after 
packaging, for rapid and complete freezing within 24 hours. The packages 
shall be piled or spaced in such a manner that air can freely circulate 
between and around the packages. The rooms shall be maintained at -10 
[deg]F. or lower and shall be equipped to provide sufficient high 
velocity, air circulation for rapid freezing. After the products have 
been completely frozen, they may be transferred to a freezer storage 
room for continued storage.
    (b) Freezer storage. The room shall be maintained at a temperature 
of 0 [deg]F. or lower. Adequate air circulation is desirable.


Butter intended to be held more than 30 days shall be placed in a 
freezer room as soon as possible after packaging. If not frozen before 
being placed in the freezer, the packages shall be spaced in such a 
manner as to permit rapid freezing and repiled, if necessary, at a later 
time.

 Requirements for Finished Products Bearing USDA Official Identification



Sec.  58.345  Butter.

    The quality requirements for butter shall be in accordance with the 
U.S. Standards for Grades of Butter for U.S. Grade AA, U.S. Grade A, or 
U.S. Grade B, respectively.
    (a) In addition, the butter is subject to the following 
specifications when sampled and tested in accordance with Sec. Sec.  
58.336 and 58.337.
    (b) Proteolytic count, not more than 100 per gram; yeast and mold 
count, not more than 20 per gram; coliform count, not more than 10 per 
gram.
    (c) Optional except when required or requested: Copper content, not 
more than 0.3 ppm; iron content, not more than 1.0 ppm; enterococci, not 
more than 10 per gram.



Sec.  58.346  Whipped butter.

    (a) The quality requirements for whipped butter shall be in 
accordance with the U.S. Standards for Grades of Whipped Butter for U.S. 
Grade AA and U.S. Grade A, respectively.
    (b) Whipped butter shall also be subject to the following 
specifications when sampled and tested in accordance with Sec.  58.336 
and Sec.  58.337, respectively:
    (1) Proteolytic count, not more than 50 per gram; yeast and mold 
count, not more than 10 per gram; coliform count, not more than 10 per 
gram; and keeping-quality test, satisfactory after 7 days at 72 [deg]F.
    (2) Optional except when required or requested: Copper content, not 
more than 0.3 ppm; iron content, not more than 1.0 ppm; enterococci, not 
more than 10 per gram.

[59 FR 1264, Jan. 10, 1994, as amended at 67 FR 48976, July 29, 2002]



Sec.  58.347  Butteroil or anhydrous milkfat.

    The flavor shall be bland and free from rancid, oxidized, or other 
objectionable flavors.
    (a) In addition, the finished products shall meet the following 
specifications

[[Page 124]]

when sampled and tested in accordance with Sec. Sec.  58.336 and 58.337:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Butteroil       Anhydrous milkfat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Milkfat.........................  Not less than 99.6  Not less than 99.8
                                   percent.            percent.
Moisture........................  Not more than 0.3   Not more than 0.1
                                   percent.            percent.
Other butter constituents         Not more than 0.1   Not more than 0.1
 including salt.                   percent.            percent.
Salt............................  Not more than 0.05  Not more than 0.05
                                   percent.            percent.
Antioxidants....................  Those permitted by  Those permitted by
                                   standards of the    standards of the
                                   Codex               Codex
                                   Alimentarius        Alimentarius
                                   Commission and      Commission and
                                   authorized for      authorized for
                                   use by the Food     use by the Food
                                   and Drug            and Drug
                                   Administration.     Administration.
Free fatty acids................  Not more than 0.5   Not more than 0.3
                                   percent             percent
                                   (calculated as      (calculated as
                                   oleic acid).        oleic acid).
Peroxide value..................  Not more than 0.1   Not more than 0.1
                                   milliequivalent     milliequivalent
                                   per kilogram of     per kilogram of
                                   fat.                fat.
Iron content....................  Not more than 0.2   Not more than 0.2
                                   ppm.                ppm.
Copper content..................  Not more than 0.05  Not more than 0.05
                                   ppm.                ppm.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) [Reserved]

[60 FR 4826, Jan. 24, 1995]



Sec.  58.348  Plastic cream.

    The flavor shall be sweet, pleasing and desirable but may possess 
the following flavors to a slight degree; aged, bitter, flat, smothered 
and storage; and cooked and feed flavors to a definite degree. It shall 
be free from rancid, oxidized or other objectionable flavors.
    (a) In addition, the finished product shall meet the following 
specifications when sampled and tested in accordance with Sec. Sec.  
58.336 and 58.337.
    (b) Standard plate count, not more than 30,000 per gram; coliform 
count, not more than 10 per gram; yeast and mold, not more than 20 per 
gram;
    (c) Optional except when required or requested: Copper content not 
more than 0.3 ppm; iron content not more than 1.0 ppm.



Sec.  58.349  Frozen cream.

    The flavor shall be sweet, pleasing and desirable, but may possess 
the following flavors to a slight degree: Aged, bitter, flat, smothered, 
storage; and cooked and feed flavors to a definite degree. It shall be 
free from rancid, oxidized or other objectionable flavors.
    (a) In addition, the product shall meet the following specifications 
when sampled and tested in accordance with Sec. Sec.  58.336 and 58.337. 
Samples for analysis should be taken prior to freezing of the product.
    (b) Standard plate count, not more than 30,000 per ml.; coliform 
count, not more than 10 per ml.; yeast and mold, not more than 20 per 
ml.
    (c) Optional except when required or requested: Copper content, not 
more than 0.3 ppm; iron content not more than 1.0 ppm.

   Supplemental Specifications for Plants Manufacturing and Packaging 
                                 Cheese

                               Definitions



Sec.  58.405  Meaning of words.

    For the purpose of the regulations in this subpart, words in the 
singular form shall be deemed to impart the plural and vice versa as the 
case may demand. Unless the context otherwise requires, the following 
terms shall have the following meaning:
    (a) Cheese. The fresh or matured product obtained by draining after 
coagulation of milk, cream, skimmed, or partly skimmed milk or a 
combination of some or all of these products and including any cheese 
that conforms to the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration 
for cheeses and related cheese products (21 CFR part 133).
    (b) Milkfat from whey. The fat obtained from the separation of 
cheese whey.

[40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 67 
FR 48976, July 29, 2002]

[[Page 125]]

                         Rooms and Compartments



Sec.  58.406  Starter facility.

    A separate starter room or properly designed starter tanks and 
satisfactory air movement techniques shall be provided for the 
propagation and handling of starter cultures. All necessary precaution 
shall be taken to prevent contamination of the facility, equipment and 
the air therein. A filtered air supply with a minimum average efficiency 
of 90 percent when tested in accordance with the ASHRAE Synthetic Dust 
Arrestance Test should be provided so as to obtain outward movement of 
air from the room to minimize contamination.



Sec.  58.407  Make room.

    The rooms in which the cheese is manufactured shall be of adequate 
size, and the equipment adequately spaced to permit movement around the 
equipment for proper cleaning and satisfactory working conditions. 
Adequate filtered air ventilation should be provided. When applicable, 
the mold count should be not more than 15 colonies per plate during a 15 
minute exposure.



Sec.  58.408  Brine room.

    A brine room, when applicable, should be a separate room constructed 
so it can be readily cleanable. The brine room equipment shall be 
maintained in good repair and corrosion kept at a minimum.



Sec.  58.409  Drying room.

    When applicable, a drying room of adequate size shall be provided to 
accommodate the maximum production of cheese during the flush period. 
Adequate shelving and air circulation shall be provided for proper 
drying. Temperature and humidity control facilities should be provided 
which will promote the development of a sound, dry surface of the 
cheese.



Sec.  58.410  Paraffining room.

    When applicable for rind cheese, a separate room or compartment 
should be provided for paraffining and boxing the cheese. The room shall 
be of adequate size and the temperature maintained near the temperature 
of the drying room to avoid sweating of the cheese prior to paraffining.



Sec.  58.411  Rindless cheese wrapping area.

    For rindless cheese a suitable space shall be provided for proper 
wrapping and boxing of the cheese. The area shall be free from dust, 
condensation, mold or other conditions which may contaminate the surface 
of the cheese or contribute to unsatisfactory packaging of the cheese.



Sec.  58.412  Coolers or curing rooms.

    Coolers or curing rooms where cheese is held for curing or storage 
shall be clean and maintained at the proper uniform temperature and 
humidity to adequately protect the cheese, and minimize the undesirable 
growth of mold. Proper circulation of air shall be maintained at all 
times. The shelves shall be kept clean and dry. This does not preclude 
the maintenance of suitable conditions for the curing of mold and 
surface ripened varieties.



Sec.  58.413  Cutting and packaging rooms.

    When small packages of cheese are cut and wrapped, separate rooms 
shall be provided for the cleaning and preparation of the bulk cheese 
and for the cutting and wrapping operation. The rooms shall be well 
lighted, ventilated and provided with filtered air. Air movement shall 
be outward to minimize the entrance of unfiltered air into the cutting 
and packaging room. The waste materials and waste cheese shall be 
disposed of in an environmentally and/or sanitary approved manner.

                         Equipment and Utensils



Sec.  58.414  General construction, repair and installation.

    All equipment and utensils necessary to the manufacture of cheese 
and related products shall meet the same general requirements as 
outlined in Sec.  58.128. In addition, for certain other equipment the 
following requirements shall be met.



Sec.  58.415  Starter vats.

    Bulk starter vats shall be of stainless steel or equally corrosion 
resistant

[[Page 126]]

metal and should be constructed according to the applicable 3-A Sanitary 
Standards. New or replacement vats shall be constructed according to the 
applicable 3-A Sanitary Standards. The vats shall be in good repair, 
equipped with tight fitting lids and have adequate temperature controls 
such as valves, indicating and/or recording thermometers.



Sec.  58.416  Cheese vats, tanks and drain tables.

    (a) The vats, tanks and drain tables used for making cheese should 
be of metal construction with adequate jacket capacity for uniform 
heating. The inner liner shall be minimum 16 gauge stainless steel or 
other equally corrosion resistant metal, properly pitched from side to 
center and from rear to front for adequate drainage. The liner shall be 
smooth, free from excessive dents or creases and shall extend over the 
edge of the outer jacket. The outer jacket shall be constructed of 
stainless steel or other metal which can be kept clean and sanitary. The 
junction of the liner and outer jackets shall be constructed so as to 
prevent milk or cheese from entering the inner jacket.
    (b) The vat, tank and/or drain table shall be equipped with a 
suitable sanitary outlet valve. Effective valves shall be provided and 
properly maintained to control the application of heat to this 
equipment. If this equipment is provided with removable cloth covers, 
they shall be clean.



Sec.  58.417  Mechanical agitators.

    The mechanical agitators shall be of sanitary construction. The 
carriages shall be of the enclosed type and all product contact 
surfaces, shields, shafts, and hubs shall be constructed of stainless 
steel or other equally corrosion resistant metal. Metal blades, forks, 
or stirrers shall be constructed of stainless steel and of material 
approved in the 3-A Sanitary Standards for Plastic, and Rubber and 
Rubber-Like Materials and shall be free from rough or sharp edges which 
might scratch the equipment or remove metal particles.



Sec.  58.418  Automatic cheese making equipment.

    (a) Automatic Curd Maker. The automatic curd making system shall be 
constructed of stainless steel or of material approved in the 3-A 
Sanitary Standards for Plastic, and Rubber and Rubber-Like Material. All 
areas shall be free from cracks and rough surfaces and constructed so 
that they can be easily cleaned.
    (b) Curd conveying systems. The curd conveying system, conveying 
lines and cyclone separator shall be constructed of stainless steel or 
other equally corrosion resistant metal and in such manner that it can 
be satisfactorily cleaned. The system shall be of sufficient size to 
handle the volume of curd and be provided with filtered air of the 
quality satisfactory for the intended use. Air compressors or vacuum 
pumps shall not be located in the processing or packaging areas.
    (c) Automatic salter. The automatic salter shall be constructed of 
stainless steel or other equally corrosion resistant metal. This 
equipment shall be constructed to equally distribute the salt throughout 
the curd. It shall be designed to accurately weigh the amount of salt 
added. The automatic salter shall be constructed so that it can be 
satisfactorily cleaned. The salting system shall provide for adequate 
absorption of the salt in the curd. Water and steam used to moisten the 
curd prior to salting shall be potable water or culinary steam.
    (d) Automatic curd filler. The automatic curd filler shall be 
constructed of stainless steel or other equally corrosion resistant 
metal. This equipment shall be of sufficient size to handle the volume 
of curd and constructed and controlled so as to accurately weigh the 
amount of curd as it fills. The curd filler shall be constructed so that 
it can be satisfactorily cleaned.
    (e) Hoop and barrel washer. The washer shall be constructed so that 
it can be satisfactorily cleaned. It shall also be equipped with 
temperature and pressure controls to ensure satisfactory cleaning of the 
hoops or barrels. It should be adequately vented to the outside.

[[Page 127]]



Sec.  58.419  Curd mill and miscellaneous equipment.

    Knives, hand rakes, shovels, scoops, paddles, strainers, and 
miscellaneous equipment shall be stainless steel or of material approved 
in the 3-A Sanitary Standards for Plastic and Rubber-like Material. The 
product contact surfaces of the curd mill should be of stainless steel. 
All pieces of equipment shall be so constructed that they can be kept 
clean and free from rough or sharp edges which might scratch the 
equipment or remove metal particles. The wires in the curd knives shall 
be stainless steel, kept tight and replaced when necessary.



Sec.  58.420  Hoops, forms and followers.

    The hoops, forms, and followers shall be constructed of stainless 
steel, heavy tinned steel or other approved materials. If tinned, they 
shall be kept tinned and free from rust. All hoops, forms, and followers 
shall be kept in good repair. Drums or other special forms used to press 
and store cheese shall be clean and sanitary.



Sec.  58.421  Press.

    The cheese press should be constructed of stainless steel and all 
joints welded and all surfaces, seams and openings readily cleanable. 
The pressure device shall be the continuous type. Press cloths shall be 
maintained in good repair and in a sanitary condition. Single service 
press cloths shall be used only once.



Sec.  58.422  Brine tank.

    The brine tank shall be constructed of suitable non-toxic material 
and should be resistant to corrosion, pitting or flaking. The brine tank 
shall be operated so as to assure the brine is clean, well circulated, 
and of the proper strength and temperature for the variety of cheese 
being made.



Sec.  58.423  Cheese vacuumizing chamber.

    The vacuum chamber shall be satisfactorily constructed and 
maintained so that the product is not contaminated with rust or flaking 
paint. An inner liner of stainless steel or other corrosion resistant 
material should be provided.



Sec.  58.424  Monorail.

    The monorail shall be constructed so as to prevent foreign material 
from falling on the cheese or cheese containers.



Sec.  58.425  Conveyor for moving and draining block or barrel cheese.

    The conveyor shall be constructed so that it will not contaminate 
the cheese and be easily cleaned. It shall be installed so that the 
press drippings will not cause an environmental problem.



Sec.  58.426  Rindless cheese wrapping equipment.

    The equipment used to heat seal the wrapper applied to rindless 
cheese shall have square interior corners, reasonably smooth interior 
surface and have controls that shall provide uniform pressure and heat 
equally to all surfaces. The equipment used to apply shrinkable wrapping 
material to rindless cheese shall operate to maintain the natural 
intended shape of the cheese in an acceptable manner, reasonably smooth 
surfaces on the cheese and tightly adhere the wrapper to the surface of 
the cheese.



Sec.  58.427  Paraffin tanks.

    The metal tank should be adequate in size, have wood rather than 
metal racks to support the cheese, have heat controls and an indicating 
thermometer. The cheese wax shall be kept clean.



Sec.  58.428  Speciality equipment.

    All product contact areas of speciality equipment shall be 
constructed of stainless steel or of material approved in the 3-A 
Sanitary Standards for Plastic and Rubber and Rubber-Like Material, and 
constructed following 3-A Sanitary Standards principles.



Sec.  58.429  Washing machine.

    When used, the washing machine for cheese cloths and bandages shall 
be of commercial quality and size; or of sufficient size to handle the 
applicable load. It should be equipped with temperature and water level 
controls.

[[Page 128]]

                 Quality Specifications for Raw Material



Sec.  58.430  Milk.

    The milk shall be fresh, sweet, pleasing and desirable in flavor and 
shall meet the requirements as outlined under Sec. Sec.  58.132 through 
58.138. The milk may be adjusted by separating part of the fat from the 
milk or by adding one or more of the following dairy products: Cream, 
skim milk, concentrated skim milk, nonfat dry milk, and water in a 
quantity sufficient to reconstitute any concentrated or dry milk used. 
Such dairy products shall have originated from raw milk meeting the same 
requirements as outlined under Sec. Sec.  58.132 through 58.138.



Sec.  58.431  Hydrogen peroxide.

    The solution shall comply with the specification of the U.S. 
Pharmacopeia, except that it may exceed the concentration specified 
therein and it does not contain added preservative. Application and 
usage shall be as specified in the ``Definitions and Standards of 
Identity for Cheese and Cheese Products'', Food and Drug Administration.



Sec.  58.432  Catalase.

    The catalase preparation shall be a stable, buffered solution, 
neutral in pH, having a potency of not less than 100 Keil units per 
milliliter. The source of the catalase, its application and usage shall 
be as specified in the ``Definitions and Standards of Identity for 
Cheese and Cheese Products,'' Food and Drug Administration.



Sec.  58.433  Cheese cultures.

    Harmless microbial cultures used in the development of acid and 
flavor components in cheese shall have a pleasing and desirable taste 
and odor and shall have the ability to actively produce the desired 
results in the cheese during the manufacturing process.



Sec.  58.434  Calcium chloride.

    Calcium chloride, when used, shall meet the requirements of the Food 
Chemical Codex.



Sec.  58.435  Color.

    Coloring when used, shall be Annatto or any cheese or butter color 
which meet the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration.



Sec.  58.436  Rennet, pepsin, other milk clotting enzymes and flavor enzymes.

    Enzyme preparations used in the manufacture of cheese shall be safe 
and suitable.



Sec.  58.437  Salt.

    The salt shall be free-flowing, white refined sodium chloride and 
shall meet the requirements of the Food Chemical Codex.

                   Operations and Operating Procedures



Sec.  58.438  Cheese from pasteurized milk.

    If the cheese is labeled as pasteurized, the milk shall be 
pasteurized by subjecting every particle of milk to a minimum 
temperature of 161 [deg]F. for not less than 15 seconds or by any other 
acceptable combination of temperature and time treatment approved by the 
Administrator. HTST pasteurization units shall be equipped with the 
proper controls and equipment to assure pasteurization. If the milk is 
held more than 2 hours between the time of pasteurization and setting, 
it shall be cooled to 45 [deg]F. or lower until time of setting.



Sec.  58.439  Cheese from unpasteurized milk.

    If the cheese is labeled as ``heat treated'', ``unpasteurized,'' 
``raw milk'', or ``for manufacturing'' the milk may be raw or heated at 
temperatures below pasteurization. Cheese made from unpasteurized milk 
shall be cured for a period of 60 days at a temperature not less than 35 
[deg]F. If the milk is held more than 2 hours between time of receipt or 
heat treatment and setting, it shall be cooled to 45 [deg]F. or lower 
until time of setting.



Sec.  58.440  Make schedule.

    A uniform schedule should be established and followed as closely as 
possible for the various steps of setting, cutting, cooking, draining 
the whey

[[Page 129]]

and milling the curd, to promote a uniform quality of cheese.



Sec.  58.441  Records.

    Starter and make records should be kept at least three months.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under OMB control 
number 0583-0047) \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Editorial Note: See table appearing in Sec.  58.100 for correct 
OMB control number.

[40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 47 
FR 745, Jan. 7, 1982]



Sec.  58.442  Laboratory and quality control tests.

    (a) Chemical analyses--(1) Milkfat and moisture. One sample shall be 
tested from each vat of the finished cheese to assure compliance with 
composition requirements.
    (2) Test method. Chemical analysis shall be made in accordance with 
the methods described in Official Methods of Analysis of the Association 
of Official Analytical Chemists as specified in the appropriate 
standards of identity, the latest edition of Standard Methods or by 
other methods giving equivalent results.
    (b) Weight or volume control. Representative samples of the finished 
product shall be checked during the packaging operation to assure 
compliance with the stated net weight on the container of consumer size 
packages.



Sec.  58.443  Whey handling.

    (a) Adequate sanitary facilities shall be provided for the handling 
of whey. If outside, necessary precautions shall be taken to minimize 
flies, insects and development of objectionable odors.
    (b) Whey or whey products intended for human food shall at all times 
be handled in a sanitary manner in accordance with the procedures of 
this subpart as specified for handling milk and dairy products.
    (c) Milkfat from whey should not be more than four days old when 
shipped.



Sec.  58.444  Packaging and repackaging.

    (a) Packaging rindless cheese or cutting and repackaging all styles 
of bulk cheese shall be conducted under rigid sanitary conditions. The 
atmosphere of the packaging rooms, the equipment and the packaging 
material shall be practically free from mold and bacterial 
contamination.
    (b) When officially graded bulk cheese is to be repackaged into 
consumer type packages with official grade labels or other official 
identification, a supervisor of packaging shall be required. If the 
repackaging is performed in a plant other than the one in which the 
cheese is manufactured and the product is officially identified, the 
plant, equipment, facilities and personnel shall meet the same 
requirements as outlined in this part.



Sec.  58.445  General identification.

    Bulk cheese for cutting and the container for cheese for 
manufacturing shall be legibly marked with the name of the product, code 
or date of manufacture, vat number, officially designated code number or 
name and address of manufacturer. Each consumer sized container shall 
meet the applicable regulations of the Food and Drug Administration.

 Requirements for Finished Products Bearing USDA Official Identification



Sec.  58.446  Quality requirements.

    (a) Cheddar cheese. The quality requirements for Cheddar cheese 
shall be in accordance with the U.S. Standards for Grades of Cheddar 
Cheese.
    (b) Colby cheese. The quality requirements for Colby cheese shall be 
in accordance with the U.S. Standards for Grades of Colby Cheese.
    (c) Monterey (Monterey Jack) cheese. The quality requirements for 
Monterey (Monterey Jack) cheese shall be in accordance with the U.S. 
Standards for Grades of Monterey (Monterey Jack) Cheese.
    (d) Swiss cheese, Emmentaler cheese. The quality requirements for 
Swiss cheese, Emmentaler cheese shall be in accordance with the U.S. 
Standards for Grades for Swiss Cheese, Emmentaler Cheese.
    (e) Bulk American cheese for manufacturing. The quality requirements 
for bulk American cheese for manufacturing shall be in accordance with 
the

[[Page 130]]

U.S. Standards for Grades of Bulk American Cheese for Manufacturing.

   Supplemental Specifications for Plants Manufacturing and Packaging 
                             Cottage Cheese

                               Definitions



Sec.  58.505  Meaning of words.

    For the purpose of the regulations in this subpart, words in the 
singular form shall be deemed to impart the plural and vice versa, as 
the case may demand. Unless the context otherwise requires, the 
following terms shall have the following meaning:
    (a) Condensed skim. Skim milk which has been condensed to 
approximately one-third the original volume in accordance with standard 
commercial practice.
    (b) Cottage cheese. (1) The soft uncured cheese meeting the 
requirements of the Food and Drug Administration for dry curd cottage 
cheese (21 CFR 133.129).
    (2) Cottage Cheese. The soft uncured cheese meeting the requirements 
of the Food and Drug Administration for cottage cheese (21 CFR 133.128).
    (3) Reduced Fat, Light, and Fat Free Cottage Cheese. The products 
conforming to all applicable Federal Regulations including ``Cottage 
cheese,'' Food and Drug Administration (21 CFR 133.128), ``Dry curd 
cottage cheese,'' Food and Drug Administration (21 CFR 133.129), 
``Nutrient content claims for fat, fatty acid, and cholesterol content 
of foods,'' Food and Drug Administration (21 CFR 101.62), and 
``Requirements for foods named by use of a nutrient content claim and a 
standardized term,'' Food and Drug Administration (21 CFR 130.10).
    (c) Direct acidification. The production of cottage cheese, without 
the use of bacterial starter cultures, through the use of approved food 
grade acids. This product shall be labeled according to the requirements 
of the Food and Drug Administration, 21 CFR 133.128 or 133.129, as 
appropriate.
    (d) Cottage Cheese with fruits, nuts, chives, or other vegetables. 
Shall consist of cottage cheese to which has been added fruits, nuts, 
chives, and other vegetables. The finished cheese shall comply with the 
requirements of the Food and Drug Administration for cottage cheese (21 
CFR 133.128).
    (e) Cream. The milkfat portion of milk which rises to the surface of 
milk on standing or is separated from it by centrifugal force and 
contains not less than 18.0 percent of milkfat.
    (f) Creaming mixture. The creaming mixture consists of cream or a 
mixture of cream with milk or skim milk or both. To adjust the solids 
content, nonfat dry milk or concentrated skim milk may be added but not 
to exceed 3.0 percent by weight of the creaming mixture. It may or may 
not contain a culture of harmless lactic acid and flavor producing 
bacteria, food grade acid, salt, and stabilizers with or without 
carriers. The creaming mixture in its final form may or may not be 
homogenized and shall conform to the requirements of the Food and Drug 
Administration (21 CFR 133.128(b)).

[40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 67 
FR 48976, July 29, 2002]

                         Rooms and Compartments



Sec.  58.510  Rooms and compartments.

    (a) Processing operations with open cheese vats should be separated 
from other rooms or areas. Excessive personnel traffic or other possible 
contaminating conditions should be avoided. Rooms, compartments, 
coolers, and dry storage space in which any raw material, packaging or 
ingredients supplies or finished products are handled, processed, 
packaged or stored shall be designed and constructed to assure clean and 
orderly operations.
    (b) Ventilation. Processing and packaging rooms or compartments 
shall be ventilated to maintain sanitary conditions, preclude the growth 
of mold and air borne bacterial contaminants, prevent undue condensation 
of water vapor and minimize or eliminate objectionable odors. To 
minimize air borne contamination in processing and packaging rooms a 
filtered air supply meeting the requirements of Sec.  58.510(c) shall be 
provided. The incoming air shall exert an outward pressure so that the 
movement of air will be outward and prevent the movement of unfiltered 
air inward.

[[Page 131]]

    (c) Starter facility. A separate starter room or properly designed 
starter tanks and satisfactory air movement techniques shall be provided 
for the propagation and handling of starter cultures. All necessary 
precautions shall be taken to prevent contamination of the room, 
equipment and the air therein. A filtered air supply with a minimum 
average efficiency of 90% when tested in accordance with the ASHRAE 
Synthetic Dust Arrestance Test should be provided so as to obtain an 
outward movement of air from the room to minimize contamination.
    (d) Coolers. Coolers shall be equipped with facilities for 
maintaining proper temperature and humidity conditions, consistent with 
good commercial practices for the applicable product, to protect the 
quality and condition of the products. Coolers shall be kept clean, 
orderly and free from mold, and maintained in good repair. They shall be 
adequately lighted and proper circulation of air shall be maintained at 
all times. The floors, walls, and ceilings shall be of such construction 
as to permit thorough cleaning.

                         Equipment and Utensils



Sec.  58.511  General construction, repair and installation.

    The equipment and utensils used for the manufacture and handling of 
cottage cheese shall be as specified in Sec.  58.128. In addition for 
certain other equipment the following requirements shall be met.



Sec.  58.512  Cheese vats or tanks.

    (a) Cheese vats or tanks shall meet the requirements of Sec.  
58.416. When direct steam injection is used for heating the milk, the 
vat or tank may be of single shell construction. The steam shall be 
culinary steam.
    (b) Vats shall be equipped with valves to control the heating and 
cooling medium and a suitable sanitary outlet valve. Vats used for 
creaming curd should be equipped with a refrigerated cooling medium. A 
circulating pump for the heating and cooling medium is recommended.



Sec.  58.513  Agitators.

    Mechanical agitators shall meet the requirements of Sec.  58.417.



Sec.  58.514  Container fillers.

    Shall comply with the 3-A Sanitary Standards for Equipment for 
Packaging Frozen Desserts and Cottage Cheese.



Sec.  58.515  Mixers.

    Only mixers shall be used which will mix the cheese carefully and 
keep shattering of the curd particles to a minimum. They shall be 
constructed in such a manner as to be readily cleanable. If shafts 
extend through the wall of the tank below the level of the product, they 
shall be equipped with proper seals which are readily removable for 
cleaning and sanitizing. The mixer shall be enclosed or equipped with 
tight fitting covers.



Sec.  58.516  Starter vats.

    Bulk starter vats shall meet the requirements of Sec.  58.415.

                 Quality Specifications for Raw Material



Sec.  58.517  General.

    Raw materials used for manufacturing cottage cheese shall meet the 
following quality specifications.



Sec.  58.518  Milk.

    The selection of raw milk for cottage cheese shall be in accordance 
with Sec. Sec.  58.132 through 58.138.



Sec.  58.519  Dairy products.

    (a) Raw skim milk. All raw skim milk obtained from a secondary 
source shall be separated from milk meeting the same quality 
requirements for milk as outlined in Sec.  58.518 above. Skim milk after 
being pasteurized and separated shall be cooled to 45 [deg]F. or lower 
unless the skim milk is to be set for cheese within two hours after 
pasteurizing. The skim milk should not be more than 48 hours old from 
the time the milk was received at the plant and the skim milk is set for 
cheese.
    (b) Nonfat dry milk. Nonfat dry milk, when used, shall be obtained 
from milk meeting the same quality requirements

[[Page 132]]

as outlined in Sec.  58.518 above. It shall be processed according to 
the requirements of this Subpart, and should meet the requirements of 
Sec.  58.236(b)(3).
    (c) Condensed skim milk. Condensed skim milk, if used, shall be 
prepared from raw milk or skim milk that meets the same quality 
requirements outlined above for raw milk or skim milk. It shall be 
cooled promptly after drawing from the vacuum pan or evaporator and 
shall have been pasteurized before concentrating or during the 
manufacture. The standard plate count of the concentrated milk shall not 
exceed 30,000 per ml. at time of use.
    (d) Cream. Any cream used for preparing the dressing for creamed 
cottage cheese shall be separated from milk meeting at least the same 
quality requirements as the skim milk used for making the curd. The 
flavor of the cream shall be fresh and sweet. Cream obtained from a 
secondary source shall meet the same requirements. The creaming mixture 
prepared from this cream, after pasteurization, shall have a standard 
plate count of no more than 30,000 per ml.



Sec.  58.520  Nondairy ingredients.

    (a) Calcium chloride. Calcium chloride, when used, shall be of food 
grade quality and free from extraneous material.
    (b) Salt. Salt shall be free flowing, white refined sodium chloride 
and shall meet the requirements of The Food Chemical Codex.
    (c) Other ingredients. Other ingredients such as fruits, nuts, 
chives or other vegetables used or blended with cottage cheese shall be 
reasonably free of bacteria so as not to appreciably increase the 
bacterial count of the finished product. The various ingredients in kind 
shall be consistent in size and color so as to produce the desired 
appearance and appeal of the finished product. The flavor of the 
ingredients used shall be natural and represent the intended flavor and 
intensity desired in the finished product. Such ingredients shall be 
clean, wholesome, of uniformly good quality, free from mold, rancid or 
decomposed particles. Vegetables used in cottage cheese may first be 
soaked for 15 to 20 minutes in a cold 25 to 50 ppm chlorine solution to 
appreciably reduce the bacterial population. After soaking, the 
vegetables shall be drained and used soon thereafter.

                   Operations and Operating Procedures



Sec.  58.521  Pasteurization and product flow.

    (a) The skim milk used for the manufacture of cottage cheese shall 
be pasteurized not more than 24 hours prior to the time of setting by 
heating every particle of skim milk to a temperature of 161 [deg]F. for 
not less than 15 seconds or by any other combination of temperature and 
time giving equivalent results. All skim milk must be cooled promptly to 
setting temperature. If held more than two hours between pasteurization 
and time of setting, the skim milk shall be cooled and held at 45 
[deg]F. or lower until set.
    (b) Cream or cheese dressing shall be pasteurized at not less than 
150 [deg]F. for not less than 30 minutes or at not less than 166 [deg]F. 
for not less than 15 seconds or by any other combination of temperature 
and time treatment giving equivalent results. Cream and cheese dressing 
shall be cooled promptly to 40 [deg]F. or lower after pasteurization to 
aid in further cooling of cottage cheese curd for improved keeping 
quality.
    (c) Reconstituted nonfat dry milk for cottage cheese manufacture 
need not be re-pasteurized provided it is reconstituted within two hours 
prior to the time of setting using water which is free from viable 
pathogenic or otherwise harmful microorganisms as well as microorganisms 
which may cause spoilage of cottage cheese. Skim milk separated from 
pasteurized whole milk need not be re-pasteurized provided it is 
separated in equipment from which all traces of raw milk from previous 
operations have been removed by proper cleaning and sanitizing.



Sec.  58.522  Reconstituting nonfat dry milk.

    Nonfat dry milk shall be reconstituted in a sanitary manner.



Sec.  58.523  Laboratory and quality control tests.

    (a) Quality control tests shall be made on samples as often as 
necessary

[[Page 133]]

to determine the shelf-life and stability of the finished product. 
Routine analyses shall be made on raw materials and finished product to 
assure satisfactory composition, shelf-life and stability.
    (b) Frequency of sampling--(1) Microbiological. Samples of raw milk 
for testing shall be taken as prescribed in Sec.  58.135. Representative 
samples shall be taken of finished cottage cheese and from each lot or 
batch of product used as an ingredient. For keeping quality tests 
representative samples shall be taken of finished cottage cheese;
    (2) Chemical--(i) Milkfat and Moisture. Representative samples shall 
be taken of cottage cheese; dry cottage cheese shall be tested for 
moisture only.
    (ii) pH. Representative samples shall be taken of finished cottage 
cheese.
    (c) Test methods--(1) Microbiological. Microbiological 
determinations shall be made for coliform, psychrotrophic and yeasts and 
molds. These tests shall be made in accordance with the methods 
described in the latest edition of Standard Methods for the Examination 
of Dairy Products, published by the American Public Health Association.
    (2) Chemical. Chemical analysis shall be made in accordance with the 
methods described in the latest edition of Official Methods of Analysis 
of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, published by the 
Association of Official Analytical Chemists, the latest edition of 
Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products, or by other 
methods giving equivalent results.



Sec.  58.524  Packaging and general identification.

    (a) Containers. Containers used for packaging cottage cheese shall 
be any commercially acceptable multiple use or single service container 
or packaging material which will satisfactorily protect the contents 
through the regular channels of trade without significant impairment of 
quality with respect to flavor, or contamination under normal conditions 
of handling. Caps or covers which extend over the lip of the container 
shall be used on all cups or tubs containing two pounds or less, to 
protect the product from contamination during subsequent handling.
    (b) Packaging. The cheese shall be packaged in a sanitary manner and 
automatic filling and capping equipment shall be used on all small 
sizes. The containers shall be checked weighed during the filling 
operation to assure they are filled uniformly to not less than the 
stated net weight on the container. Also care shall be taken that the 
cottage cheese be of uniform consistency at the time of packaging to 
assure legal composition in all packages.
    (c) General identification. Bulk packages containing cottage cheese 
shall be adequately and legibly marked with the name of the product, net 
weight, name and address of the manufacturer, lot number, code or date 
of packaging and any other identification as may be required. Consumer 
size packaged products shall meet the applicable regulations of the Food 
and Drug Administration.



Sec.  58.525  Storage of finished product.

    Cottage cheese after packaging shall be promptly stored at a 
temperature of 45 [deg]F. or lower to maintain quality and condition 
until loaded for distribution. During distribution and storage prior to 
sale the product should be maintained at a temperature of 45 [deg]F. or 
lower. The product shall not be exposed to foreign odors or conditions 
such as drippage or condensation that might cause package or product 
damage. Packaged cottage cheese shall not be placed directly on floors.

  Requirements for Cottage Cheese Bearing USDA Official Identification



Sec.  58.526  Official identification.

    (a) Only cottage cheese manufactured and packaged in accordance with 
the requirements of this part and with the applicable requirements in 
subpart A of this part which has been officially inspected in process 
and found to be in compliance with these requirements may be identified 
with the official USDA Quality Approved Inspection Shield.
    (b) Nonfat dry milk. Nonfat dry milk, when used in cottage cheese 
bearing official identification, shall meet the requirements for U.S. 
Extra Grade

[[Page 134]]

(Spray Process), at time of use, and should be of U.S. Low Heat 
Classification (not less than 6.0 mg. undenatured whey protein nitrogen 
per gram of nonfat dry milk). In addition, the nonfat dry milk shall 
have a direct microscopic count not exceeding 75 million per gram. The 
age of the nonfat dry milk shall be covered by a USDA grading 
certificate, evidencing compliance with quality requirements, dated not 
more than 6 months prior to use of the dry milk. In the interim between 
manufacture and use, the nonfat dry milk shall be stored in a clean, 
dry, vermin-free space. In any case, if the nonfat dry milk is more than 
120 days old, at time of use, it shall be examined for flavor to make 
certain that it meets the requirements for U.S. Extra Grade.



Sec.  58.527  Physical requirements.

    (a) Flavor. The cottage cheese shall possess a mild pleasing flavor, 
similar to fresh whole milk or light cream and may possess the delicate 
flavor and aroma of a good lactic starter. The product may possess to a 
slight degree a feed, acid, or salty flavor but shall be free from 
chalky, bitter, utensil, fruity, yeasty, or other objectionable flavors.
    (b) Body and texture. The curd particles shall have a meaty texture, 
but sufficiently tender to permit proper absorption of cream or cheese 
dressing. The texture shall be smooth and velvety and shall not be 
mealy, crumbly, pasty, sticky, mushy, watery, rubbery or slimy or 
possess any other objectionable characteristics of body and texture. 
Small curd style (cut with \1/4\ inch knives) should have curd particles 
approximately \1/4\ inch or less in size. Large curd style (cut with 
knives over \1/4\ inch) should have curd particles approximately \3/8\ 
inch or more in size.
    (c) Color and appearance. The finished cottage cheese, creamed or 
plain curd, shall have an attractive natural color and appearance with 
curd particles of reasonably uniform size. The creamed cottage cheese 
shall be uniformly mixed with the cream or dressing properly absorbed or 
adhering to the curd so as to prevent excessive drainage.



Sec.  58.528  Microbiological requirements.

    Compliance shall be based on 3 out of 5 consecutive samples taken at 
the time of packaging.
    (a) Coliform. Not more than 10 per gram.
    (b) Psychrotrophic. No more than 100 per gram.
    (c) Yeasts and molds. Not more than 10 per gram.



Sec.  58.529  Chemical requirements.

    (a) Moisture. See Sec.  58.505(b).
    (b) Milkfat. See Sec.  58.505(b).
    (c) pH. Not higher than 5.2.
    (d) Phosphatase. Not more than 4 micrograms of phenol equivalent per 
gram of cheese.



Sec.  58.530  Keeping quality requirements.

    Keeping quality samples taken from the packaging line shall be held 
at 45 [deg]F. for 10 days. At the end of the 10 day period the samples 
shall possess a satisfactory flavor and appearance, and shall be free 
from bitter, sour, fruity, or other objectionable tastes and odors. The 
surface shall not be discolored, translucent, slimy or show any other 
objectionable condition.

  Supplemental Specifications for Plants Manufacturing, Processing and 
                        Packaging Frozen Desserts

                               Definitions



Sec.  58.605  Meaning of words.

    For the purpose of the regulations in this subpart, words in the 
singular form shall be deemed to impart the plural and vice versa, as 
the case may demand. Unless the context otherwise requires, the 
following terms shall have the following meaning as applied to frozen 
desserts meeting FDA requirements and briefly defined as follows:
    (a) Ice cream. The product conforming to the requirements of the 
Food and Drug Administration for ice cream (21 CFR 135.110).
    (b) Frozen custard. The product conforming to the requirements of 
the Food and Drug Administration for frozen custard (21 CFR 135.110).
    (c) Reduced Fat, Light, or Fat free Ice Cream. The products 
conforming to all

[[Page 135]]

applicable Federal Regulations including ``Ice cream and frozen 
custard,'' Food and Drug Administration (21 CFR 135.110), ``Nutrient 
content claims for fat, fatty acid, and cholesterol content of foods,'' 
Food and Drug Administration (21 CFR 101.62), and ``Requirements for 
foods named by use of a nutrient content claim and a standardized 
term,'' Food and Drug Administration (21 CFR 130.10).
    (d) Sherbet. The product conforming to the requirements of the Food 
and Drug Administration for sherbet (21 CFR 135.140).
    (e) Mellorine. The product conforming to the requirements of the 
Food and Drug Administration for mellorine (21 CFR 135.130).
    (f) Overrun. The trade expression used to reference the increase in 
volume of the frozen product over the volume of the mix. This increase 
in volume is due to air being whipped into the product during the 
freezing process. It is expressed as percent of the volume of the mix.
    (g) Mix. The trade name for the combined and processed ingredients 
which after freezing become a frozen dessert.

[40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 67 
FR 48976, July 29, 2002]

                         Rooms and Compartments



Sec.  58.619  Mix processing room.

    The rooms used for combining mix ingredients and processing the mix 
shall meet the applicable requirements for rooms specified in Sec.  
58.126. The room shall be ventilated to remove moisture and prevent 
condensation from forming on walls and ceiling. The room shall be well 
lighted.



Sec.  58.620  Freezing and packaging rooms.

    The rooms used for freezing and packaging frozen desserts shall be 
adequate in size to permit satisfactory air circulation and maintained 
in a clean and sanitary condition. The rooms shall be constructed in the 
same manner as prescribed above for mix rooms.



Sec.  58.621  Freezing tunnels.

    Freezing tunnels for quick freezing at extremely low temperatures 
shall be designed and constructed as to insure ease in cleaning and 
satisfactory conditions of operation.



Sec.  58.622  Hardening and storage rooms.

    Hardening and storage rooms for frozen desserts shall be constructed 
of satisfactory material for this purpose. The rooms shall be maintained 
in a clean and orderly manner. Adequate shelves, bins, or pallets shall 
be provided to keep the packages of finished products off the floor and 
to prevent damage to the containers. Sufficient refrigeration should be 
provided to insure adequate storage temperature (-10[deg] or lower). Air 
shall be circulated to maintain uniform temperature throughout the 
rooms. A vestibule or double entry way should be provided to minimize 
heat shock of the frozen products.

                         Equipment and Utensils



Sec.  58.623  Homogenizer.

    Homogenizer shall comply with 3-A Sanitary Standards.



Sec.  58.624  Freezers.

    Product contact surfaces of freezers used to lower the temperature 
of the liquid mix to a semi-frozen mass by a stirring action shall be 
constructed of a stainless steel or equally corrosion resistant metal 
and all parts easily accessible for cleaning and sanitizing. Batch and 
continuous freezers should comply with the applicable 3-A Standards.



Sec.  58.625  Fruit or syrup feeders.

    Fruit or syrup feeders inject flavoring material into the semi-
frozen product. Product contact surfaces shall be constructed of 
stainless steel or equally corrosion resistant metal and all pumps shall 
be in accordance to 3-A Sanitary Standards for dairy equipment. The 
feeder shall be constructed to enable complete disassembly for cleaning 
and sanitizing.

[[Page 136]]



Sec.  58.626  Packaging equipment.

    Packaging equipment designed to mechanically fill and close single 
service containers with frozen desserts shall be constructed so that all 
product contact surfaces shall be of stainless steel or equally 
corrosion-resistant metal. All product contact surfaces shall be easily 
accessible for cleaning. The design and operation of the machine shall 
in no way contaminate the container of the finished product placed 
therein. New or replacement equipment shall comply with the 3A Sanitary 
Standards for Equipment for Packaging Frozen Desserts and Cottage 
Cheese.

                 Quality Specifications for Raw Material



Sec.  58.627  Milk and dairy products.

    To produce ice cream and related products the raw milk and cream 
shall meet the quality requirements as prescribed in Sec. Sec.  58.132 
through 58.138, except that only commingled milk and cream meeting the 
bacteriological requirements of No. 1 shall be used.



Sec.  58.628  Sweetening agents.

    Sweetening agents shall be clean and wholesome and consist of one or 
more of the approved sweeteners listed in Sec.  58.605.



Sec.  58.629  Flavoring agents.

    Flavoring agents either natural or artificial shall be wholesome and 
free from undesirable flavors. They must impart the desired 
characteristic to the finished product. Flavoring agents shall be one or 
more of those approved in Sec.  58.605.



Sec.  58.630  Stabilizers.

    Stabilizers shall be clean and wholesome and consist of one or more 
of those approved in Sec.  58.605.



Sec.  58.631  Emulsifiers.

    Emulsifiers shall be clean and wholesome and consist of one or more 
of those approved in Sec.  58.605.



Sec.  58.632  Acid.

    Acids used in sherbet shall be wholesome and of food grade quality 
and consist of one or more of those approved in Sec.  58.605.



Sec.  58.633  Color.

    Coloring used for ice cream and related products shall be those 
certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as safe for human 
consumption.

                   Operations and Operating Procedures



Sec.  58.634  Assembling and combining mix ingredients.

    The assembling and combining of mix ingredients for processing shall 
be in accordance with clean and sanitary methods and shall be consistent 
with good commercial practices. All raw materials shall be subjected to 
inspection for quality and condition prior to being combined and 
processed into the finished mix. All necessary precautions shall be 
taken to prevent the contamination of any raw material or the finished 
mix with any foreign substance.



Sec.  58.635  Pasteurization of the mix.

    Every particle of the mix, except added flavoring ingredients, shall 
be pasteurized at not less than 155 [deg]F. and held at that temperature 
for 30 minutes or for 175 [deg]F. for 25 seconds; or it may be 
pasteurized by any other equivalent temperature and holding time which 
will assure adequate pasteurization.



Sec.  58.636  Homogenization.

    Homogenization of the pasteurized mix shall be accomplished to 
effectively reduce the size of the milkfat globules and evenly disperse 
them throughout the mix.



Sec.  58.637  Cooling the mix.

    The mix shall be immediately cooled to a temperature of 45 [deg]F. 
or lower, and stored at this temperature until further processing 
begins.



Sec.  58.638  Freezing the mix.

    After the mix enters the freezer, it shall be frozen as rapidly as 
possible to assure the formation of minute crystals. Proper adjustment 
of rate of flow, refrigerant and air pressure controls shall be achieved 
to assure correct

[[Page 137]]

overrun and consistency of the product for packaging and further 
freezing.



Sec.  58.639  Addition of flavor.

    The addition of flavoring ingredients to semi-frozen mix just prior 
to packaging shall be performed in a clean and sanitary manner. Care 
shall be taken to insure the flavor injection equipment has been 
properly cleaned and sanitized prior to use and that the flavor 
ingredients are of good quality and wholesome.



Sec.  58.640  Packaging.

    The packaging of the semifrozen product shall be done by means which 
will in no way contaminate the container or the product. When single 
service containers and lids are used, they shall be of good construction 
and protect the finished product. Containers used for frozen products 
shall be stored and handled in a sanitary manner so as to protect them 
from dust and bacterial contamination.



Sec.  58.641  Hardening and storage.

    Immediately after the semifrozen product is placed in its intended 
container it shall be placed in a hardening tunnel or hardening room to 
continue the freezing process. Rapid freezing to 0[deg] to -15 [deg]F is 
desirable to produce a good textured product.



Sec.  58.642  Quality control tests.

    All mix ingredients shall be subject to inspection for quality and 
condition throughout each processing operation. Quality control tests 
shall be made on flow line samples as often as necessary to check the 
effectiveness of processing and sanitation and as an aid in correcting 
deficiencies. Routine analysis shall be made on raw materials and 
finished products to assure adequate composition, weight or volume 
control.



Sec.  58.643  Frequency of sampling.

    (a) Microbiological. Representative samples shall be taken from each 
type of mix, and for the finished frozen product one sample from each 
flavor made.
    (b) Composition. Representative samples shall be tested for fat and 
solids-not-fat on each type of mix manufactured. Spot checks shall be 
made on the finished products as often as is necessary to assure 
compliance with composition standards.
    (c) Weight or volume control. Representative samples of the packaged 
products shall be checked during the packaging operation to assure 
compliance with the stated volume on the container as well as weight and 
overrun requirements.



Sec.  58.644  Test methods.

    (a) Microbiological. Microbiological determinations shall be made in 
accordance with the methods described in the latest edition of Standard 
Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products.
    (b) Chemical. Chemical analysis shall be made in accordance with the 
methods described in the latest edition of Official Methods of Analysis 
of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, the latest edition 
of Standard Methods, or by other methods giving equivalent results.



Sec.  58.645  General identification.

    The various types of frozen desserts shall be packaged and labeled 
in accordance with the applicable regulations of the Food and Drug 
Administration.

 Requirements for Finished Products Bearing USDA Official Identification



Sec.  58.646  Official identification.

    (a) Only ice cream and related products manufactured and packaged in 
accordance with the requirements of this part and with the applicable 
requirements in subpart A of this part which have been officially 
inspected in process and found to be in compliance with these 
requirements may be identified with the official USDA Quality Approved 
Inspection Shield.
    (b) Dairy products used in the manufacture of frozen desserts for 
which there are U.S. grades established (nonfat dry milk, whole milk, 
buttermilk and whey) shall be U.S. Extra Grade or better, and in the 
case of unsalted butter, shall be no lower than U.S. Grade A. Dairy 
products for which there are not USDA grade shall meet the applicable 
requirements of this part which permit such product to bear the USDA 
Quality Approved Inspection Shield.

[[Page 138]]



Sec.  58.647  Composition requirements for ice cream.

    See Sec.  58.605(a).



Sec.  58.648  Microbiological requirements for ice cream.

    The finished product shall contain not more than 50,000 bacteria per 
gram as determined by the standard plate count, and shall contain not 
more than 10 coliform organisms per gram for plain and not more than 20 
coliform per gram in chocolate, fruit, nut or other flavors in three out 
of five samples.



Sec.  58.649  Physical requirements for ice cream.

    (a) Flavor. The flavor of the finished ice cream shall be pleasing 
and desirable, and characteristic of the fresh milk and cream and the 
particular flavoring used.
    (b) Body and texture. The body shall be firm, have substance and 
readily melt to a creamy consistency when exposed to room temperatures; 
the texture shall be fine, smooth, and have the appearance of creaminess 
throughout.
    (c) Color. The color shall be attractive, pleasing, uniform and 
characteristic of the flavor represented.



Sec.  58.650  Requirements for frozen custard.

    The same requirements apply as for ice cream except plain frozen 
custard shall have a minimum egg yolk solids content of 1.4 percent, and 
1.12 percent when fruits, nuts and other such ingredients are used for 
flavoring.



Sec.  58.651  [Reserved]



Sec.  58.652  Composition requirements for sherbet.

    See Sec.  58.605(d).



Sec.  58.653  Microbiological requirements for sherbet.

    The finished product shall contain not more than 50,000 bacteria per 
gram as determined by the standard plate count and shall contain not 
more than 10 coliform organisms per gram in three out of five samples.



Sec.  58.654  Physical requirements for sherbet.

    (a) Flavor. The flavor of the finished sherbet shall be pleasing and 
desirable and characteristic of the particular flavoring used and shall 
impart a sweet yet tart sensation.
    (b) Body and texture. The body shall be firm, compact, somwhat chewy 
and readily melt to an even syrupy consistency at room temperatures; the 
texture shall be smooth but not as fine as in ice cream and shall be 
even throughout.
    (c) Color. The color shall be attractive, pleasing, uniform and 
characteristic of the flavor represented.

  Supplemental Specifications for Plants Manufacturing, Processing and 
        Packaging Pasteurized Process Cheese and Related Products

                               Definitions



Sec.  58.705  Meaning of words.

    (a) Pasteurized process cheese and related products. Pasteurized 
process cheese and related products are the foods which conform to the 
applicable requirements of the Food and Drug Administration for cheeses 
and related cheese products (21 CFR part 133).
    (b) Blend set up. The trade term for a particular group of vat lots 
of cheese selected to form a blend based upon their combined ability to 
impart the desired characteristics to a pasteurized process cheese 
product.
    (c) Cooker batch. The amount of cheese and added optional 
ingredients placed into a cooker at one time, heated to pasteurization 
temperature, and held for the required length of time.

[40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 67 
FR 48976, July 29, 2002]

                         Equipment and Utensils



Sec.  58.706  General construction, repair and installation.

    The equipment and utensils used for the handling and processing of 
cheese products shall be as specified in Sec.  58.128 of this subpart. 
In addition, for certain other equipment the following requirements 
shall be met.

[[Page 139]]



Sec.  58.707  Conveyors.

    Conveyors shall be constructed of material which can be properly 
cleaned, will not rust, or otherwise contaminate the cheese, and shall 
be maintained in good repair.



Sec.  58.708  Grinders or shredders.

    The grinders or shredders used in the preparation of the trimmed and 
cleaned cheese shall be of corrosion-resistant material, and of such 
construction as to prevent contamination of the cheese and to allow 
thorough cleaning of all parts and product contact surfaces.



Sec.  58.709  Cookers.

    The cookers shall be the steam jacketed or direct steam type. They 
shall be constructed of stainless steel or other equally corrosion-
resistant material. All product contact surfaces shall be readily 
accessible for cleaning. Each cooker shall be equipped with an 
indicating thermometer, and shall be equipped with a temperature 
recording device. The recording thermometer stem may be placed in the 
cooker if satisfactory time charts are obtained, if not, the stem shall 
be placed in the hotwell or filler hopper. Steam check valves on direct 
steam type cookers shall be mounted flush with cooker wall, be 
constructed of stainless steel and designed to prevent the backup of 
product into the steam line, or the steam line shall be constructed of 
stainless steel pipes and fittings which can be readily cleaned. If 
direct steam is applied to the product only culinary steam shall be used 
(see Sec.  58.127(d)).



Sec.  58.710  Fillers.

    A strainer should be installed between the cooker and the filler. 
The hoppers of all filters shall be covered but the cover may have sight 
ports. If necessary, the hopper may have an agitator to prevent buildup 
on side wall. The filler valves and head shall be kept in good repair 
and capable of accurate measurements. Product contact surfaces shall be 
of stainless steel or other corrosion resistant material.

                 Quality Specifications for Raw Material



Sec.  58.711  Cheddar, colby, washed or soaked curd, granular or stirred
curd cheese.

    Cheese, used in the manufacture of pasteurized process cheese 
products should possess a pleasing and desirable taste and odor 
consistent with the age of the cheese; should have body and texture 
characteristics which will impart the desired body and texture 
characteristics in the finished product; and should possess finish and 
appearance characteristics which will permit removal of all packaging 
material and surface defects. The cheese should at least meet the 
requirements equivalent to U.S. Standard Grade for Bulk American Cheese 
for Manufacturing provided the quantity of the cheese with any one 
defect as listed for U.S. Standard Grade is limited to assure a 
satisfactory finished product.



Sec.  58.712  Swiss.

    Swiss cheese used in the manufacture of pasteurized process cheese 
and related products should be equivalent to U.S. Grade B or better, 
except that the cheese may be blind or possess finish characteristics 
which do not impair the interior quality.



Sec.  58.713  Gruyere.

    Gruyere cheese used in the manufacture of process cheese and related 
products should be of good wholesome quality and except for smaller eyes 
and sharper flavor shall meet the same requirements as for Swiss cheese.



Sec.  58.714  Cream cheese, Neufchatel cheese.

    These cheeses when mixed with other foods, or used for spreads and 
dips should possess a fresh, pleasing and desirable flavor.



Sec.  58.715  Cream, plastic cream and anhydrous milkfat.

    These food products shall be pasteurized, sweet, have a pleasing and 
desirable flavor and be free from objectionable flavors, and shall be 
obtained from milk which complies with the quality requirements as 
specified in Sec. Sec.  58.132 through 58.138 of this subpart.

[[Page 140]]



Sec.  58.716  Nonfat dry milk.

    Nonfat dry milk used in cheese products should meet the requirements 
equivalent to U.S. Extra Grade except that the moisture content may be 
in excess of that specified for the particular grade.



Sec.  58.717  Whey.

    Whey used in cheese products should meet the requirements equivalent 
to USDA Extra Grade except that the moisture requirement for dry whey 
may be waived.



Sec.  58.718  Flavor ingredients.

    Flavor ingredients used in process cheese and related products shall 
be those permitted by the Food and Drug Standards of Identity, and in no 
way deleterious to the quality or flavor of the finished product. In the 
case of bulky flavoring ingredients such as pimento, the particles 
should be, to at least a reasonable degree, uniform in size, shape and 
consistency. The individual types of flavoring materials should be 
uniform in color and should impart the characteristic flavor desired in 
the finished product.



Sec.  58.719  Coloring.

    Coloring shall be Annatto or any other cheese or butter color which 
is approved by the Food and Drug Administration.



Sec.  58.720  Acidifying agents.

    Acidifying agents if used shall be those permitted by the Food and 
Drug Administration for the specific pasteurized process cheese product.



Sec.  58.721  Salt.

    Salt shall be free flowing, white refined sodium chloride and shall 
meet the requirements of The Food Chemical Codex.



Sec.  58.722  Emulsifying agents.

    Emulsifying agents shall be those permitted by the Food and Drug 
Administration for the specific pasteurized process cheese product, and 
shall be free from extraneous material.

                   Operations and Operating Procedures



Sec.  58.723  Basis for selecting cheese for processing.

    A representative sample shall have been examined to determine fat 
and moisture content. One sample unit from each vat of cheese shall have 
been examined to determine the suitability of the vat for use in process 
cheese products in accordance with the flavor, body and texture 
characteristics permitted in Sec. Sec.  58.711 through 58.714 as 
applicable, and to determine the characteristics it will contribute to 
the finished product when blended with other cheese. The cheese included 
in each blend shall be selected on the basis of the desirable qualities 
which will result in the desired finished product. Recook from 
equivalent blends may be used in an amount that will not adversely 
affect the finished product. Hot cheese from the filler may be added to 
the cooker in amounts which will not adversely affect the finished 
product.



Sec.  58.724  Blending.

    To as great an extent as is practical, each vat of cheese should be 
divided and distributed throughout numerous cooker batches. The purpose 
being to minimize the preponderance and consequent influence of any one 
vat on the characteristics of the finished product, and to promote as 
much uniformity as is practical. In blending also consider the final 
composition requirements for fat and moisture. Quantities of salt, 
color, emulsifier and other allowable ingredients to be added shall be 
calculated and predetermined for each cooker batch.



Sec.  58.725  Trimming and cleaning.

    The natural cheese shall be cleaned free of all non-edible portions. 
Paraffin and bandages as well as rind surface, mold or unclean areas or 
any other part which is unwholesome or unappetizing shall be removed.



Sec.  58.726  Cutting and grinding.

    The trimmed and cleaned cheese should be cut into sections of 
convenient size to be handled by the grinder or shredder. The grinding 
and mixing of the blended lots of cheese should be

[[Page 141]]

done in such a manner as to insure a homogeneous mixture throughout the 
batch.



Sec.  58.727  Adding optional ingredients.

    As each batch is added to the cooker, the predetermined amounts of 
salt, emulsifiers, color, or other allowable optional ingredients shall 
be added. However, a special blending vat may be used to mix the ground 
cheese and other ingredients before they enter the cooker to provide 
composition control.



Sec.  58.728  Cooking the batch.

    Each batch of cheese within the cooker, including the optional 
ingredients, shall be thoroughly commingled and the contents pasteurized 
at a temperature of at least 158 [deg]F. and held at that temperature 
for not less than 30 seconds or any other equally effective combination 
of time and temperature approved by the Administrator. Care shall be 
taken to prevent the entrance of cheese particles or ingredients after 
the cooker batch of cheese has reached the final heating temperature. 
After holding for the required period of time, the hot cheese shall be 
emptied from the cooker as quickly as possible.



Sec.  58.729  Forming containers.

    Containers either lined or unlined shall be assembled and stored in 
a sanitary manner to prevent contamination. The handling of containers 
by filler crews should be done with extreme care and observance of 
personal cleanliness. Preforming and assembling of pouch liners and 
containers shall be kept to a minimum and the supply rotated to limit 
the length of time exposed to possible contamination prior to filling.



Sec.  58.730  Filling containers.

    Hot fluid cheese from the cookers may be held in hotwells or hoppers 
to assure a constant and even supply of processed cheese to the filler 
or slice former. Filler valves shall effectively measure the desired 
amount of product into the pouch or container in a sanitary manner and 
shall cut off sharply without drip or drag of cheese across the opening. 
An effective system shall be used to maintain accurate and precise 
weight control. Damaged or unsatisfactory packages shall be removed from 
production, and the cheese may be salvaged into sanitary containers, and 
added back to cookers.



Sec.  58.731  Closing and sealing containers.

    Pouches, liners, or containers having product contact surfaces, 
after filling shall be folded or closed and sealed in a sanitary manner, 
preferably by mechanical means, so as to assure against contamination. 
Each container in addition to other required labeling shall be coded in 
such a manner as to be easily identified as to date of manufacture by 
lot or sublot number.



Sec.  58.732  Cooling the packaged cheese.

    After the containers are filled they shall be stacked, or cased and 
stacked in such a manner as to prevent breaking of seals due to 
excessive bulging and to allow immediate progressive cooling of the 
individual containers of cheese. As a minimum the cheese should be 
cooled to a temperature of 100 [deg]F. or lower within 24 hours after 
filling. The temperature of the cheese should be reduced further, before 
being shipped or if storage is intended.



Sec.  58.733  Quality control tests.

    (a) Chemical analyses. The following chemical analyses shall be 
performed in accordance with the appropriate edition of the Official 
Methods of Analysis of the AOAC as specified in the appropriate 
Standards of Identity or in accordance with methods that give equivalent 
results.
    (1) Cheese. A representative sample of cheese used in the 
manufacture of pasteurized process cheese products shall have been 
tested prior to usage to determine its moisture and fat content.
    (2) Pasteurized process cheese products. As many samples shall be 
taken of the finished product direct from the cooker, hopper, filler, or 
other location as is necessary to assure compliance with composition 
requirements. Spot checks should be made on samples from the cooker as 
frequently as is necessary to indicate pasteurization by means of the 
phosphatase test, as well as any other tests necessary to assure good 
quality control.
    (b) Examination of physical characteristics. As many samples shall 
be taken as

[[Page 142]]

is necessary to assure meeting the required physical characteristics of 
the products. Representative samples shall be taken from production for 
examination of physical characteristics. The samples shall be examined 
at approximately 70 [deg]F. the first day of operation after the date of 
processing for the following characteristics: (1) Finish and appearance, 
(2) flavor, (3) color, (4) body and texture, and (5) slicing or 
spreading properties.
    (c) Keeping quality. During processing or preferably from the cooled 
stock select sufficient samples at random from the production run. The 
samples should be stored at approximately 50 [deg]F. for 3 months for 
evaluation of physical characteristics as in paragraph (b) of this 
section. Additional samples may be selected and held at different 
temperatures or time.
    (d) Weight control. During the filling operation as many samples 
shall be randomly selected and weighed from each production run as is 
necessary to assure accuracy of the net weight established for the 
finished products.

    Requirements for Processed Cheese Products Bearing USDA Official 
                             Identification



Sec.  58.734  Official identification.

    Only process cheese products manufactured and packaged in accordance 
with the requirements of this part and with the applicable requirements 
in subpart A of this part which have been officially inspected in 
process and found to be in compliance with these requirements may be 
identified with official USDA Quality Approved Inspection Shield.



Sec.  58.735  Quality specifications for raw materials.

    (a) Cheddar colby, washed or soaked curd, granular or stirred curd 
cheese. Cheese, used in the manufacture of pasteurized process cheese 
products which are identified with the USDA official identification 
shall possess a pleasing and desirable taste and odor consistent with 
the age of the cheese; shall have body and texture characteristics which 
will impart the desired body and texture characteristics in the finished 
product; and shall possess finish and appearance characteristics which 
will permit removal of all packaging material and surface defects. The 
cheese shall at least meet the requirements of U.S. Standard Grade for 
Bulk American Cheese for Manufacturing provided the quantity of the 
cheese with any one defect as listed for U.S. Standard Grade is limited, 
to assure compliance with the specifications of the finished product.
    (b) Swiss. Swiss cheese used in the manufacture of pasteurized 
process cheese and related products bearing official identification 
shall be U.S. Grade B or better, except that the cheese may be blind or 
possess finish characteristics which do not impair the interior quality.
    (c) Gruyere. Gruyere cheese used in the manufacture of process 
cheese and related products shall be of good wholesome quality and 
except for smaller eyes and sharper flavor shall meet the same 
requirements as for Swiss cheese.
    (d) Cream cheese, Neufchatel cheese. Mixed with other foods, or used 
for spreads and dips shall possess a fresh, pleasing and desirable 
flavor.
    (e) Cream, plastic cream and anhydrous milkfat. These food products 
shall be pasteurized, sweet, have a pleasing and desirable flavor and be 
free from objectionable flavors, and shall be obtained from milk which 
complies with the quality requirements as specified in Sec.  58.132 of 
this subpart.
    (f) Nonfat dry milk. Nonfat dry milk used in officially identified 
cheese products shall meet the requirements of U.S. Extra Grade except 
that the moisture content may be in excess of that specified for the 
particular grade.
    (g) Whey. Condensed or dry whey used in officially identified cheese 
products shall meet the requirements for USDA Extra Grade except that 
the moisture requirement for dry whey may be waived.
    (h) Flavor ingredients. Flavor ingredients used in process cheese 
and related products shall be those permitted by the Food and Drug 
Standards of Identity, and in no way deleterious to the quality or 
flavor of the finished product. In the case of bulky flavoring 
ingredients such as pimento, the particles shall be, to at least a 
reasonable

[[Page 143]]

degree, uniform in size, shape and consistency. The individual types of 
flavoring materials shall be uniform in color and shall impart the 
characteristic flavor desired in the finished product.
    (i) Other ingredients. For coloring, acidifying agents, salt, and 
emulsifying agents see Sec. Sec.  58.719, 58.720, 58.721 and 58.722.

              Quality Specifications for Finished Products



Sec.  58.736  Pasteurized process cheese.

    Shall conform to the provisions of the Definitions and Standards of 
Identity for Pasteurized Process Cheese and Related Products, Food and 
Drug Administration. The average age of the cheese in the blend shall be 
such that the desired flavor, body and texture will be achieved in the 
finished product. The quality of pasteurized process cheese shall be 
determined on the basis of flavor, body and texture, color, and finish 
and appearance.
    (a) Flavor. Has a pleasing and desirable mild cheese taste and odor 
characteristic of the variety or varieties of cheese ingredients used. 
If additional optional ingredients are used they shall be incorporated 
in accordance with good commercial practices and the flavor imparted 
shall be pleasing and desirable. May have a slight cooked or very slight 
acid or emulsifier flavor; is free from any undesirable tastes and 
odors.
    (b) Body and texture. Shall have a medium-firm, smooth and velvety 
body free from uncooked cheese particles. Is resilient and not tough, 
brittle, short, weak, or sticky. It shall be free from pin holes or 
openings except those caused by trapped steam. The cheese shall slice 
freely, and shall not stick to the knife or break when cut into 
approximately \1/8\ inch slices. If in sliced form, the slices shall 
separate readily.
    (c) Color. May be colored or uncolored but shall be uniform 
throughout. If colored it shall be bright and not be dull or faded. To 
promote uniformity and a common reference to describe color use the 
color designations as depicted by the National Cheese Institute standard 
color guide for cheese.
    (d) Finish and appearance. The wrapper may be slightly wrinkled but 
shall envelop the cheese, adhere closely to the surface, and be 
completely sealed and not broken or soiled.



Sec.  58.737  Pasteurized process cheese food.

    Shall conform to the provisions of the Definitions and Standards of 
Identity for Pasteurized Process Cheese Food and Related Products, Food 
and Drug Administration. The average age of the cheese in the blend 
shall be such that the desired flavor, body and texture will be achieved 
in the finished product. The quality of pasteurized process cheese food 
shall be determined on the basis of flavor, body and texture, color, and 
finish and appearance.
    (a) Flavor. Has a pleasing and desirable mild cheese taste and odor 
characteristic of the variety or varieties of cheese ingredients used. 
If additional optional ingredients are used they shall be incorporated 
in accordance with good commercial practices and the flavor imparted 
shall be pleasing and desirable. May have a slight cooked or very slight 
acid or emulsifier flavors; is free from any undesirable tastes and 
odors.
    (b) Body and texture. Shall have a reasonably medium-firm smooth and 
velvety body and free from uncooked cheese particles. Is resilient and 
not tough, brittle, short or sticky. It shall be free from pin holes or 
openings except those caused by trapped steam. The product shall slice 
freely with only a slight amount of sticking and shall not break when 
cut into approximately \1/8\ inch slices. If in sliced form, the slices 
shall separate readily.
    (c) Color. May be colored or uncolored but shall be uniform 
throughout. If colored it shall be bright and not be dull or faded. To 
promote uniformity and a common reference to describe color use the 
color designations as depicted by the National Cheese Institute standard 
color guide for cheese.
    (d) Finish and appearance. The wrapper may be slightly wrinkled but 
shall envelop the cheese, adhere closely to the surface, and be 
completely sealed and not broken or soiled.

[[Page 144]]



Sec.  58.738  Pasteurized process cheese spread and related products.

    Shall conform to the applicable provisions of the Definitions and 
Standards of Identity for Pasteurized Process Cheese Spreads, Food and 
Drug Administration. The pH of pasteurized process cheese spreads shall 
not be below 4.0.


The quality of pasteurized process cheese spreads shall be determined on 
the basis of flavor, body and texture, color, and finish and appearance.
    (a) Flavor. Has a pleasing and desirable cheese taste and odor 
characteristic of the variety or varieties of cheese ingredients used. 
If additional optional ingredients are used they shall be incorporated 
in accordance with good commercial practices and the flavor imparted 
shall be pleasing and desirable. May have a slight cooked, acid, or 
emulsifier flavor; is free from any undesirable tastes and odors.
    (b) Body and texture. Shall have a smooth body free from uncooked 
cheese particles and when packaged shall form into a homogeneous plastic 
mass, and be free from pin holes or openings except those caused by 
trapped steam. Product made for slicing shall slice freely when cut into 
approximately \1/8\ inch slices with only a slight amount of sticking. 
Product made for spreading shall be spreadable at approximately 70 
[deg]F.
    (c) Color. May be colored or uncolored but shall be uniform 
throughout. If colored it shall be bright and not be dull or faded. To 
promote uniformity and a common reference to describe color the color 
designations as depicted by the National Cheese Institute standard color 
guide for cheese may be used.
    (d) Finish and appearance. Wrappers, if used, may be slightly 
wrinkled but shall envelop the cheese, adhere closely to the surface, 
and be completely sealed and not broken or soiled. Other containers made 
of suitable materials shall be completely filled, sealed and not broken 
or soiled.

 Supplemental Specifications for Plants Manufacturing, Processing, and 
                Packaging Whey, Whey Products and Lactose

                               Definitions



Sec.  58.805  Meaning of words.

    For the purpose of the regulations in this subpart, words in the 
singular form shall be deemed to impart the plural and vice versa, as 
the case may demand. Unless the context otherwise requires, the 
following terms shall have the following meaning:
    (a) Whey. ``Whey'' is the fluid obtained by separating the coagulum 
from milk, cream, and/or skim milk in cheesemaking. The acidity of the 
whey may be adjusted by the addition of safe and suitable pH adjusting 
ingredients. Moisture removed from cheese curd as a result of salting 
may be collected for further processing as whey if the collection of the 
moisture and the removal of the salt from the moisture are conducted in 
accordance with procedures approved by the Administrator.
    (b) Dry Whey. ``Dry Whey'' is the product resulting from drying 
fresh whey which has been pasteurized and to which nothing has been 
added as a preservative. It contains all constituents, except moisture, 
in the same relative proportions as in the whey.
    (c) Dry Sweet Whey. Dry whey not over 0.16 percent titratable 
acidity on a reconstituted basis.
    (d) Dry Whey--% Titratable Acidity. Dry whey over 0.16 percent, but 
below 0.35 percent titratable acidity on a reconstituted basis. The 
blank being filled with the actual acidity.
    (e) Dry Acid Whey. Dry whey with 0.35 percent or higher titratable 
acidity on a reconstituted basis.
    (f) Modified Whey Products:
    (1) Partially demineralized whey,
    (2) Partially delactosed whey,
    (3) Demineralized whey, and
    (4) Whey protein concentrate-products defined by regulations of the 
Food and Drug Administration.

[[Page 145]]

    (g) Lactose (milk sugar). That food product defined by regulations 
of the Food and Drug Administration.

[40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
as amended at 46 FR 1257, Jan. 6, 1981. Redesignated at 46 FR 63203, 
Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 55 FR 39912, Oct. 1, 1990]

                         Rooms and Compartments



Sec.  58.806  General.

    Dry storage of product, packaging room for bulk product, and hopper 
or dump room shall meet the requirements of Sec. Sec.  58.210 through 
58.212 as applicable.

                         Equipment and Utensils



Sec.  58.807  General construction, repair and installation.

    All equipment and utensils necessary for the manufacture of whey, 
whey products and lactose shall meet the same general requirements for 
materials and construction as outlined in Sec. Sec.  58.128 and 58.215 
through 58.230 as applicable, except for the following:
    (a) Modified Whey Products. Equipment for whey fractionation, such 
as ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, gel filtration, and electrodialysis 
shall be constructed in accordance with 3-A sanitary design principles, 
except where engineering requirements preclude strict adherence to such 
standards. Materials used for product contact surfaces shall meet 
applicable 3-A Sanitary Standards or Food and Drug Administration 
requirements. All equipment shall be of sanitary construction and 
readily cleanable.
    (b) Lactose. Equipment used in the further processing of lactose 
following its separation from whey shall have smooth surfaces, be 
cleanable, free from cracks or crevices, readily accessible for 
inspection and shall be constructed of non-toxic material meeting 
applicable Food and Drug Administration requirements and under 
conditions of use shall be resistant to corrosion, pitting or flaking. 
[The use of stainless steel is optional.]

                Quality Specifications for Raw Materials



Sec.  58.808  Whey.

    Whey for processing shall be fresh and originate from the processing 
of products made from milk meeting the requirements as outlined in 
Sec. Sec.  58.132 through 58.138. Only those ingredients approved by the 
Food and Drug Administration may be added to the whey for processing, 
except when restricted by this subpart. Whey products to which approved 
ingredients have been added or constituents removed to alter original 
characteristics for processing or usage shall be labeled to meet the 
applicable requirements.

                   Operations and Operating Procedures



Sec.  58.809  Pasteurization.

    (a) All fluid whey used in the manufacture of dry whey, dry whey 
products, modified whey products, and lactose shall be pasteurized prior 
to condensing. When the condensing and drying operations for dry whey 
take place at the same plant, the pasteurization may be located at a 
different point in the operation provided it will protect the quality of 
the finished product and not adversely affect the processing procedure.
    (b) Pasteurized products transported to another plant for final 
processing shall be repasteurized, except that condensed whey containing 
40 percent or more solids may be transported to another plant for 
further processing into dry whey, dry whey products or lactose without 
repasteurization.
    (c) If whey is transferred to another plant for further processing, 
or if during the processing procedure unpasteurized ingredients are 
added (except those necessary for lactose crystallization), or 
processing procedures permit contamination or bacterial growth, the whey 
shall be repasteurized as close to the final drying operations as 
possible.



Sec.  58.810  Temperature requirements.

    (a) Unless processed within 2 hours, all whey or condensed whey, 
except acid type whey with a titratable acidity of 0.40 percent or 
above, or a pH of

[[Page 146]]

4.6 or below, shall be cooled to 45 [deg]F or less, or heated to 145 
[deg]F or higher. Other temperatures may be used when essential for the 
technology of the process, such as lactose crystallization and membrane 
whey separation processes, when the quality and wholesomeness of the 
product is not impaired.
    (b) Recording thermometers shall be required and so located to 
assure that the cooling or heating requirements in paragraph (a) of this 
section are met.



Sec.  58.811  General.

    The operating procedures as contained in Sec. Sec.  58.237 through 
58.244, 58.246, 58.247, and 58.443 (a) and (b) shall be followed as 
applicable.



Sec.  58.812  Methods of sample analysis.

    Samples shall be tested according to the applicable methods of 
laboratory analysis contained in either DA Instruction 918-RL, as issued 
by the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service, Dairy Programs, or the 
Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical 
Chemists, or Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products.

[67 FR 48976, July 29, 2002]

 Requirements for Finished Products Bearing USDA Official Identification



Sec.  58.813  Dry whey.

    The quality requirements for dry whey shall be in accordance with 
the U.S. Standards for Dry Whey.

 Supplemental Specifications for Plants Manufacturing, Processing, and 
  Packaging Evaporated and Condensed Milk or Ultra-Pasteurized Products

                               definitions



Sec.  58.905  Meaning of words.

    For the purpose of the regulations in this subpart, words in the 
singular form shall be deemed to impart the plural and vice versa as the 
case may demand. Unless the context otherwise requires, the following 
terms shall have the following meaning:
    (a) Evaporated milk. The liquid food made by evaporating sweet milk 
to such point that it contains not less than 6.5 percent of milkfat and 
not less than 16.5 percent of the total milk solids. The finished 
product shall conform to the requirements of the Food and Drug 
Administration for evaporated milk (21 CFR 131.130).
    (b) Concentrated milk, plain condensed milk. The product which 
conforms to the standard of identity for evaporated milk except that it 
is not processed by heat to prevent spoilage. The container may be 
unsealed, and stabilizing ingredients are not used. The finished product 
shall conform to the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration 
for concentrated milk (21 CFR 131.115).
    (c) Sweetened condensed milk. The liquid or semi-liquid food made by 
evaporating a mixture of sweet milk and refined sugar (sucrose) or any 
combination of refined sugar (sucrose) and refined corn sugar (dextrose) 
to such point that the finished sweetened condensed milk contains not 
less than 28.0 percent of total milk solids and not less than 8.0 
percent of milkfat. The quantity of sugar used is sufficient to prevent 
spoilage. The finished product shall conform to the requirements of the 
Food and Drug Administration for sweetened condensed milk (21 CFR 
131.120).
    (d) Ultra-pasteurized. The product shall have been thermally 
processed at or above 280 [deg]F for at least 2 seconds, either before 
or after packaging, so as to produce a product which has an extended 
shelf life under refrigerated conditions.

[40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 67 
FR 48976, July 29, 2002]

                         Equipment and Utensils



Sec.  58.912  General construction, repair and installation.

    The equipment and utensils used for processing and packaging 
evaporated, condensed or ultra pasteurized dairy products shall be as 
specified in Sec.  58.128. In addition for certain other equipment, the 
following requirements shall be met.

[[Page 147]]



Sec.  58.913  Evaporators and vacuum pans.

    All equipment used in the removal of moisture from milk or milk 
products for the purpose of concentrating the solids should comply with 
the requirements of the 3-A Sanitary Standards for Milk and Milk 
Products Evaporators and Vacuum Pans.



Sec.  58.914  Fillers.

    Both gravity and vacuum type fillers shall be of sanitary design and 
all product contact surfaces, if metal, shall be made of stainless steel 
or equally corrosion-resistant material; except that, certain evaporated 
milk fillers having brass parts may be approved if free from corroded 
surfaces and kept in good repair. Nonmetallic product contact surfaces 
shall comply with the requirements for 3-A Sanitary Standards for 
Plastic, and Rubber and Rubber-Like Materials. Fillers shall be designed 
so that they in no way will contaminate or detract from the quality of 
the product being packaged.



Sec.  58.915  Batch or continuous in-container thermal processing equipment.

    Batch or continuous in-container thermal processing equipment shall 
meet the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration for thermally 
processed low-acid foods packaged in hermetically sealed containers (21 
CFR part 113). The equipment shall be maintained in such a manner as to 
assure control of the length of processing and to minimize the number of 
damaged containers.

[67 FR 48977, July 29, 2002]



Sec.  58.916  Homogenizer.

    Homogenizers where applicable shall be used to reduce the size of 
the fat particles and to evenly disperse them in the product. 
Homogenizers shall comply with the applicable 3-A Sanitary Standards.

                   Operations and Operating Procedures



Sec.  58.917  General.

    There are many operations and procedures used in the preparation of 
evaporated, condensed and ultra pasteurized dairy products that are 
similar, therefore, the following general requirements will apply when 
such operations or procedures are used.



Sec.  58.918  Standardization.

    The standardization of the product to obtain a finished product of a 
given composition shall be accomplished by the addition or removal of 
milkfat, milk solids-not-fat and/or water. The ingredients added to 
accomplish the desired composition shall be of the same hygenic quality 
as the product being standardized.



Sec.  58.919  Pre-heat, pasteurization.

    When pasteurization is intended or required by either the vat 
method, HTST method, or by the HHST method it shall be accomplished by 
systems and equipment meeting the requirements outlined in Sec.  58.128. 
Pre-heat temperatures prior to ultra pasteurization will be those that 
have the most favorable effect on the finished product.



Sec.  58.920  Homogenization.

    Where applicable concentrated products shall be homogenized for the 
purpose of dispersing the fat throughout the product. The temperature of 
the product at time of homogenization and the pressure at which 
homogenization is accomplished will be that which accomplishes the most 
desired results in the finished products.



Sec.  58.921  Concentration.

    Concentrating by evaporation shall be accomplished with a minimum of 
chemical change in the product. The equipment and systems used shall in 
no way contaminate or adversely affect the desirability of the finished 
product.



Sec.  58.922  Thermal processing.

    The destruction of living organisms shall be performed in one of the 
following methods:
    (a) The complete in-container method, by heating the container and 
contents to a range of 212 [deg]F to 280 [deg]F for a sufficient time;
    (b) By a continuous flow process at or above 280 [deg]F for at least 
2 seconds, then packaged aseptically;

[[Page 148]]

    (c) The product is first processed according to methods as in 
paragraph (b) of this section, then packaged and given further heat 
treatment to complete the process.



Sec.  58.923  Filling containers.

    (a) The filling of small containers with product shall be done in a 
sanitary manner. The containers shall not contaminate or detract from 
the quality of the product in any way. After filling, the container 
shall be hermetically sealed.
    (b) Bulk containers for the product shall be suitable and adequate 
to protect the product in storage or transit. The bulk container 
(including bulk tankers) shall be cleaned and sanitized before filling, 
and filled and closed in a sanitary manner.



Sec.  58.924  Aseptic filling.

    A previously ultra pasteurized product shall be filled under 
conditions which prevent contamination of the product by living 
organisms or spores. The containers prior to being filled shall be 
sterilized and maintained, in a sterile condition. The containers shall 
be sealed in a manner that prevents contamination of the product.



Sec.  58.925  Sweetened condensed.

    After condensing, the sweetened condensed product should be cooled 
rapidly to about 85 [deg]F to induce crystallization of the 
oversaturated lactose. When the desired crystallization is reached 
further cooling is resumed to 68[deg]-70 [deg]F.



Sec.  58.926  Heat stability.

    Prior to thermal processing of concentrated products and where 
stabilizers are allowed, tests should be made on the heat stability of 
the product to determine necessity for, and the amount of stabilizer 
needed. Based on the stability tests, safe and suitable stabilizers and 
emulsifiers may be added.



Sec.  58.927  Storage.

    Finished products which are to be held more than 30 days should be 
stored at temperatures below 72 [deg]F Precautions shall be taken to 
prevent freezing of the product.



Sec.  58.928  Quality control tests.

    All dairy products and other ingredients shall be subject to 
inspection for quality and condition throughout each processing 
operation. Quality control tests shall be made on flow samples as often 
as is necessary to check the effectiveness of processing and 
manufacturing and as an aid in correcting deficiencies. Routine analyses 
shall be made on raw materials and finished products to assure adequate 
composition control. For each batch or production run a keeping quality 
test shall be made to determine product stability.



Sec.  58.929  Frequency of sampling for quality control.

    (a) Composition. Sampling and testing for composition shall be made 
on batches of product as often as is necessary to control composition. 
On continuous production runs, enough samples shall be taken throughout 
the run to adequately assure composition requirements.
    (b) Other chemical analysis or physical analysis. Such tests shall 
be performed as often as is necessary to assure compliance with 
standards, specifications or contract requirements.
    (c) Weight or volume control. Representative samples of the packaged 
products shall be checked during the filling operation to assure 
compliance with the stated net weight or volume on the container.
    (d) Keeping quality and stability. A minimum of one sample from each 
batch of product or one representative sample per hour from a continuous 
production run shall be taken. For continuous runs, samples shall be 
taken at the start, each hour, and at the end of the run. Samples should 
also be taken after resumption of processing following an interruption 
in continuous operation. Each sample shall be incubated at 90 [deg]F to 
100 [deg]F for seven days.



Sec.  58.930  Official test methods.

    (a) Chemical. Chemical analysis, except where otherwise prescribed 
herein, shall be made in accordance with the methods described in the 
latest edition of Official Methods of Analysis of the AOAC or by the 
latest edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy 
Products.

[[Page 149]]

    (b) Microbiological. Microbiological determinations shall be made in 
accordance with the methods described in the latest edition of Standard 
Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products.



Sec.  58.931  General identification.

    Bulk shipping containers shall be legibly marked with the name of 
the product, net weight, name and address of manufacturer, processor or 
distributor, a lot number and coded date of manufacture. Consumer sized 
containers shall meet the applicable regulations of the Food and Drug 
Administration.

                Quality Specifications for Raw Materials



Sec.  58.932  Milk.

    The raw milk shall meet the requirements as outlined in Sec. Sec.  
58.132 through 58.138. Unless processed within two hours after being 
received, it shall be cooled to, and held at a temperature of 45 [deg]F 
or lower until processed.



Sec.  58.933  Stabilizers.

    Shall be those permitted by the Food and Drug Administration's 
``Standards of Identity'' as optional ingredients for specific products. 
Stabilizers shall be free from extraneous material, be of food grade 
quality and not be in violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic 
Act.



Sec.  58.934  Sugars.

    Any sugar used in the manufacture of sweetened condensed or 
sterilized milk products shall be refined, and of food grade quality.



Sec.  58.935  Chocolate and cocoa.

    Such products used as flavor ingredients shall meet the requirements 
of the Food and Drug Administration, ``Definitions and Standards of 
Identity for Cocoa Products.''

 Requirements for Finished Products Bearing USDA Official Identification



Sec.  58.936  Milk.

    To process and package evaporated and condensed milk of ultra-
pasteurized dairy products eligible for official identification with the 
USDA Quality Approved Inspection Shield the raw incoming milk shall meet 
the requirements as outlined in Sec. Sec.  58.132 through 58.136. Unless 
processed within two hours after being received, it shall be cooled to, 
and held at a temperature of 45 [deg]F or lower until processed.



Sec.  58.937  Physical requirements for evaporated milk.

    (a) Flavor. The product shall possess a sweet, pleasing and 
desirable flavor with not more than a definite cooked flavor. It shall 
be free from scorched, oxidized or other objectionable tastes and odors.
    (b) Body and texture. The product shall be of uniform consistency 
and appearance. It shall be smooth and free from fat separation, lumps, 
clots, gel formation, coarse milk solids precipitate or sedimentation 
and extraneous material.
    (c) Color. The color shall be of a natural white or light cream.
    (d) Degree of burn-on. The interior walls of the container shall not 
show excessive burn-on of product (product fused to more than 75 percent 
of the inner surface of the can).
    (e) Keeping quality. Samples incubated at 90-100 [deg]F shall show 
no sensory, chemical or microbiological deterioration after seven days.



Sec.  58.938  Physical requirements and microbiological limits for 
sweetened condensed milk.

    (a) Flavor. Shall be sweet, clean, and free from rancid, oxidized, 
scorched, fermented, stale or other objectionable tastes and odors.
    (b) Color. Shall be white to light cream.
    (c) Texture. Shall be smooth and uniform, free from lumps or coarse 
graininess. There shall not be sufficient settling of the lactose to 
cause a deposit on the bottom of the container.
    (d) Body. Shall be sufficiently viscous so that the product upon 
being poured at room temperature piles up above the surface of that 
previously poured, but does not retain a definite form.
    (e) Microbiological limits. (1) Coliforms, less than 10 per gram; 
(2) yeasts, less than 5 per gram; (3) molds, less than 5 per gram; (4) 
total plate count, less than 1,000 per gram.

[[Page 150]]

    (f) Keeping quality. Samples incubated at 90-100 [deg]F shall show 
no physical evidence of deterioration after seven days.
    (g) Composition. Shall meet the minimum requirements of the Food and 
Drug Administration for sweetened condensed milk (21 CFR 131.120). In 
addition, the quantity of refined sugar used shall be sufficient to give 
a sugar-in-water ratio of not less than 61.5 percent.
    (h) Sediment. The amount of sediment retained on a lintine disc 
after a sample composed of 225 grams of product dissolved in 500 ml. of 
140 [deg]F water has passed through it, shall not exceed 0.10 mg. as 
indicated by the USDA Sediment Standard for Milk and Milk Products (7 
CFR 58.2726).

[40 FR 47911, Oct. 10, 1975. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 67 
FR 48977, July 29, 2002]

Subparts C-V [Reserved]



Subpart W_United States Department of Agriculture Standard for Ice Cream

    Source: 42 FR 56717, Oct. 28, 1977, unless otherwise noted. 
Redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981.



Sec.  58.2825  United States Standard for ice cream.

    (a) Ice cream shall contain at least 1.6 pounds of total solids to 
the gallon, weigh not less than 4.5 pounds to the gallon, and contain 
not less than 20 percent total milk solids, constitued of not less than 
10 percent milkfat. In no case shall the content of milk solids not fat 
be less than 6 percent. Whey shall not, by weight, be more than 25 
percent of the milk solids not fat.
    (b) When one or more of the bulky optional ingredients, as approved 
by the Food and Drug Administration, are used, the weights of milk fat 
and total milk solids (excusive of such fat and solids in any malted 
milk used) are not less than 10 percent and 20 percent, respectively, of 
the remainder obtained by subtracting the weight of such optional 
ingredients, from the weight of the finished ice cream; but in no case 
is the weight of milk fat or total milk solids less than 8 percent and 
16 percent, respectively, of the weight of the finished ice cream. In 
calculating the reduction of milk fat and total milk solids from the use 
of bulky optional ingredients, chocolate and cocoa solids used shall be 
considered the bulky ingredients. In order to make allowance for 
additional sweetening ingredients needed when bulky ingredients are 
used, the weight of chocolate or cocoa solids may be multiplied by 2.5; 
the weight of fruit or nuts used may be multiplied by 1.4; and the 
weight of partially or wholly dried fruits or fruit juices may be 
multiplied by appropriate factors to obtain the original weights before 
drying and this weight multiplied by 1.4 The finished ice cream contains 
not less than 1.6 pounds to the gallon; except that when the optional 
ingredient microcrystalline cellulose is used, the finished ice cream 
contains not less than 1.6 pounds of total solids to the gallon and 
weighs not less than 4.5 pounds to the gallon exclusive, in both cases, 
of the weight of the microcrystalline cellulose.
    (c) Optional characterizing ingredients, optional sweetening 
ingredients, stabilizers, and emulsifiers as approved by the Food and 
Drug Administration may be used.



Sec.  58.2826  General identification.

    Consumer packaged product shall comply with the applicable labeling 
regulations of the Food and Drug Administration.



Sec.  58.2827  Official identification.

    (a) The official symbol to be used to identify product meeting the 
USDA standard for ice cream shall be as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC25SE91.017

    (b) Ice cream manufacturing plants using this symbol shall be USDA 
approved as set forth in subpart B of this

[[Page 151]]

regulation, and the ice cream bearing the symbol shall be manufactured 
under continuous resident or continuous nonresident USDA inspection 
service in accordance with subpart A of this regulation. The dairy 
ingredients used in such ice cream shall come from USDA approved plants.



PART 59_LIVESTOCK MANDATORY REPORTING--Table of Contents



                      Subpart A_General Provisions

Sec.
59.10 General administrative provisions.
59.20 Recordkeeping.
59.30 Definitions.

                       Subpart B_Cattle Reporting

59.100 Definitions.
59.101 Mandatory daily reporting for steers and heifers.
59.102 Mandatory daily reporting for cows and bulls.
59.103 Mandatory weekly reporting for steers and heifers.
59.104 Mandatory reporting of boxed beef sales.

                        Subpart C_Swine Reporting

59.200 Definitions.
59.201 General reporting provisions.
59.202 Mandatory daily reporting for barrows and gilts.
59.203 Mandatory daily reporting for sows and boars.
59.204 Mandatory weekly reporting for swine.
59.205 Mandatory reporting of wholesale pork sales.

                        Subpart D_Lamb Reporting

59.300 Definitions.
59.301 Mandatory daily reporting for lambs.
59.302 Mandatory weekly reporting for lambs.
59.303 Mandatory reporting of lamb carcasses and boxed lamb.

                      Subpart E_OMB Control Number

59.400 OMB control number assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction 
          Act.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1635-1636i.

    Source: 73 FR 28633, May 16, 2008, unless otherwise noted.



                      Subpart A_General Provisions



Sec.  59.10  General administrative provisions.

    (a) Reporting by packers and importers. A packer or importer shall 
report all information required under this part on an individual lot 
basis.
    (b) Reporting schedule. Whenever a packer or importer is required to 
report information on transactions of livestock and livestock products 
under this part by a set time, all covered transactions up to within one 
half hour of the reporting deadline shall be reported. Transactions 
completed during the one half hour prior to the previous reporting time, 
but not reported in the previous report, shall be reported at the next 
scheduled reporting time.
    (c) Regional reporting and aggregation. The Secretary shall make 
information obtained under this part available to the public only in a 
manner that:
    (1) Ensures that the information is published on a national and a 
regional or statewide basis as the Secretary determines to be 
appropriate;
    (2) Ensures that the identity of a reporting person or the entity 
which they represent is not disclosed; and
    (3) Market information reported to the Secretary by packers and 
importers shall be aggregated in such a manner that the market reports 
issued will not disclose the identity of persons, packers and importers, 
including parties to a contract and packer's and importer's proprietary 
information.
    (d) Adjustments. Prior to the publication of any information 
required under this part, the Secretary may make reasonable adjustments 
in information reported by packers and importers to reflect price 
aberrations or other unusual or unique occurrences that the Secretary 
determines would distort the published information to the detriment of 
producers, packers, or other market participants.
    (e) Reporting of activities on weekends and holidays. Livestock and 
livestock products committed to a packer, or importer, or purchased, 
sold, or slaughtered by a packer or importer on a weekend day or holiday 
shall be reported to the Secretary in accordance

[[Page 152]]

with the provisions of this Part and reported by the Secretary on the 
immediately following reporting day. A packer shall not be required to 
report such actions more than once on the immediately following 
reporting day.
    (f) Reporting methods. Whenever information is required to be 
reported under this part, it shall be reported by electronic means and 
shall adhere to a standardized format established by the Secretary to 
achieve the objectives of this part, except in emergencies or in cases 
when an alternative method is agreeable to the entity required to report 
and AMS.



Sec.  59.20  Recordkeeping.

    (a) In general. Each packer or importer required to report 
information to the Secretary under the Act and this Part shall maintain 
for 2 years and make available to the Secretary the following 
information on request:
    (1) The original contracts, agreements, receipts, and other records 
associated with any transaction relating to the purchase, sale, pricing, 
transportation, delivery, weighing, slaughter, or carcass 
characteristics of all livestock or livestock products; and
    (2) Such records or other information as is necessary or appropriate 
to verify the accuracy of the information required to be reported under 
the Act and this Part.
    (b) Purchases of cattle and swine and sales of boxed beef cuts. A 
record of a purchase of a lot of cattle or swine, or a sale of a unit of 
boxed beef cuts, by a packer shall evidence whether the purchase or sale 
occurred:
    (1) Before 10 a.m. central time;
    (2) Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. central time; or
    (3) After 2 p.m. central time.
    (c) Purchases of lambs. A record of a purchase of a lot of lambs by 
a packer shall evidence whether the purchase occurred:
    (1) Before 2 p.m. central time; or
    (2) After 2 p.m. central time.
    (d) Sales of lamb carcasses and sales of boxed lamb cuts. A record 
of a sale by a packer of lamb carcasses and cuts, shall evidence time 
and date the sale occurred:
    (1) Before 2 p.m. central time; or
    (2) After 2 p.m. central time.


A record of sale by an importer of lamb cuts shall evidence the date the 
sale occurred.
    (e) Reporting sales of boxed beef cuts and sales of boxed lamb cuts. 
(1) Beef packers must report all sales of boxed beef items by the 
applicable Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications (IMPS) item number 
or the boxed beef items' cutting and trimming specifications.
    (2) Lamb packers and importers must report all sales of boxed lamb 
items by the applicable Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications 
(IMPS) item number or the boxed lamb items' cutting and trimming 
specifications.
    (f) Reporting sales of wholesale pork. A record of a sale of 
wholesale pork by a packer shall evidence whether the sale occurred:
    (1) Before 10:00 a.m. central time;
    (2) Between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. central time; or
    (3) After 2:00 p.m. central time.

[73 FR 28633, May 16, 2008, as amended at 77 FR 50573, Aug. 22, 2012]



Sec.  59.30  Definitions.

    The following definitions apply to this part.
    Act. The term ``Act'' means Subtitle B of the Agricultural Marketing 
Act of 1946, as amended; 7 U.S.C. 1635-1636h.
    Base price. The term ``base price'' means the price paid for 
livestock, delivered at the packing plant, before application of any 
premiums or discounts, expressed in dollars per hundred pounds of hot 
carcass weight.
    Basis level. The term ``basis level'' means the agreed on adjustment 
to a future price to establish the final price paid for livestock.
    Current slaughter week. The term ``current slaughter week'' means 
the period beginning Monday, and ending Sunday, of the week in which a 
reporting day occurs.
    Discount. The term ``discount'' means the adjustment, expressed in 
dollars per one hundred pounds, subtracted from the base price due to 
weight, quality characteristics, yield characteristics, livestock class, 
dark cutting, breed, dressing percentage, or other characteristic.
    Exported. The term ``exported'' means livestock or livestock 
products that

[[Page 153]]

are physically shipped to locations outside of the 50 States.
    F.O.B. The term ``F.O.B.'' means free on board, regardless of the 
mode of transportation, at the point of direct shipment by the seller to 
the buyer (e.g., F.O.B. Plant, F.O.B. Feedlot) or from a common basis 
point to the buyer (e.g., F.O.B. Omaha).
    Imported. The term ``imported'' means livestock that are raised to 
slaughter weight outside of the 50 States or livestock products produced 
outside of the 50 States.
    Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications. Specifications 
describing various meat cuts, meat products, and meat food products 
derived from all livestock species, commonly abbreviated ``IMPS'', and 
intended for use by any meat procuring activity. Copies of the IMPS may 
be obtained from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, Livestock and Seed Program located at Room 2603 South 
Building, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250. Phone (202) 
260-8295 or Fax (202) 720-1112. Copies may also be obtained over the 
Internet at http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/
LivestockStandardizationIMPS.
    Livestock. The term ``livestock'' means cattle, swine, and lambs.
    Lot. (1) When used in reference to livestock, the term ``lot'' means 
a group of one or more livestock that is identified for the purpose of a 
single transaction between a buyer and a seller;
    (2) When used in reference to lamb carcasses, the term ``lot'' means 
a group of one or more lamb carcasses sharing a similar weight range 
category and comprising a single transaction between a buyer and seller; 
or
    (3) When used in reference to boxed beef, wholesale pork, and lamb, 
the term `lot' means a group of one or more boxes of beef, wholesale 
pork, or lamb items sharing cutting and trimming specifications and 
comprising a single transaction between a buyer and seller.
    Marketing. The term ``marketing'' means the sale or other 
disposition of livestock, livestock products, or meat or meat food 
products in commerce.
    Negotiated purchase. The term ``negotiated purchase'' means a cash 
or spot market purchase by a packer of livestock from a producer under 
which the base price for the livestock is determined by seller-buyer 
interaction and agreement on a delivery day. The livestock are scheduled 
for delivery to the packer not more than 14 days after the date on which 
the livestock are committed to the packer.
    Negotiated grid purchase. The term ``negotiated grid purchase'' in 
reference to cattle means the negotiation of a base price, from which 
premiums are added and discounts are subtracted, determined by seller-
buyer interaction and agreement on a delivery day. The livestock are 
scheduled for delivery to the packer not more than 14 days after the 
date on which the livestock are committed to the packer.
    Negotiated sale. The term ``negotiated sale'' means a cash or spot 
market sale by a producer of livestock to a packer under which the base 
price for the livestock is determined by seller-buyer interaction and 
agreement on a delivery day. The livestock are scheduled for delivery to 
the packer not later than 14 days after the date on which the livestock 
are committed to the packer. When used in reference to sales of boxed 
beef or lamb cuts or lamb carcasses the term ``negotiated sale'' means a 
sale by a packer selling boxed beef or lamb cuts or lamb carcasses to a 
buyer of boxed beef or lamb cuts or lamb carcasses under which the price 
for the boxed beef or lamb cuts or lamb carcasses is determined by 
seller-buyer interaction and agreement on a day.
    Origin. The term ``origin'' means the State where the livestock were 
fed to slaughter weight.
    Percent lean. The term ``percent lean'' means the value equal to the 
average percentage of the carcass weight comprised of lean meat.
    Person. The term ``person'' means any individual, group of 
individuals, partnership, corporation, association, or other entity.
    Premium. The term ``premium'' means the adjustment, expressed in 
dollars per one hundred pounds, added to the base price due to weight, 
quality characteristics, yield characteristics, livestock class, and 
breed.
    Priced. The term ``priced'' means the time when the final price is 
determined

[[Page 154]]

either through buyer-seller interaction and agreement or as a result of 
some other price determining method.
    Prior slaughter week. The term prior ``slaughter week'' means the 
Monday through Sunday prior to a reporting day.
    Producer. The term ``producer'' means any person engaged in the 
business of selling livestock to a packer for slaughter (including the 
sale of livestock from a packer to another packer).
    Purchased. The term ``purchased'' means the agreement on a price, or 
the method for calculating a price, determined through buyer-seller 
interaction and agreement.
    Reporting day. The term ``reporting day'' means a day on which a 
packer conducts business regarding livestock committed to the packer, or 
livestock purchased, sold, or slaughtered by the packer; the Secretary 
is required to make such information available to the public; and the 
Department of Agriculture is open to conduct business.
    Secretary. The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Agriculture 
of the United States or any other officer or employee of the Department 
of Agriculture to whom authority has been delegated or may hereafter be 
delegated to act in the Secretary's stead.
    State. The term ``State'' means each of the 50 States.

[73 FR 28633, May 16, 2008, as amended at 77 FR 50573, Aug. 22, 2012]



                       Subpart B_Cattle Reporting



Sec.  59.100  Definitions.

    The following definitions apply to this subpart.
    Boxed beef. The term ``boxed beef'' means those carlot-based 
portions of a beef carcass including fresh and frozen primals, 
subprimals, cuts fabricated from subprimals (excluding portion-control 
cuts such as chops and steaks similar to those portion cut items 
described in the Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications (IMPS) for 
Fresh Beef Products Series 100), thin meats (e.g. inside and outside 
skirts, pectoral meat, cap and wedge meat, and blade meat), and fresh 
and frozen ground beef, beef trimmings, and boneless processing beef.
    Branded. The term ``branded'' means boxed beef cuts produced and 
marketed under a corporate trademark (for example, products that are 
marketed on their quality, yield, or breed characteristics), or boxed 
beef cuts produced and marketed under one of USDA's Meat Grading and 
Certification Branch, Certified Beef programs.
    Carcass characteristics. The term ``carcass characteristics'' means 
the range and average carcass weight in pounds, the quality grade and 
yield grade (if applicable), and the average cattle dressing percentage.
    Carlot-based. The term ``carlot-based'' means any transaction 
between a buyer and a seller destined for two or less delivery stops 
consisting of one or more individual boxed beef items. When used in 
reference to cow and bull boxed beef items, the term ``carlot-based'' 
means any transaction between a buyer and seller consisting of 2,000 
pounds or more of one or more individual items.
    Cattle committed. The term ``cattle committed'' means cattle that 
are scheduled to be delivered to a packer within the 7-day period 
beginning on the date of an agreement to sell the cattle.
    Cattle type. The term ``cattle type'' means the following types of 
cattle purchased for slaughter:
    (1) Fed steers;
    (2) Fed heifers;
    (3) Fed Holsteins and other fed dairy steers and heifers;
    (4) Cows; and
    (5) Bulls.
    Established. The term ``established'', when used in connection with 
prices, means that point in time when the buyer and seller agree upon a 
net price.
    Formula marketing arrangement.
    (1) When used in reference to live cattle, the term ``formula 
marketing arrangement'' means the advance commitment of cattle for 
slaughter by any means other than through a negotiated purchase or a 
forward contract, using a method for calculating price in which the 
price is determined at a future date.
    (2) When used in reference to boxed beef, the term ``formula 
marketing arrangement'' means the advance commitment of boxed beef by 
any means

[[Page 155]]

other than through a negotiated purchase or a forward contract, using a 
method for calculating price in which the price is determined at a 
future date.
    Forward contract. (1) When used in reference to live cattle, the 
term ``forward contract'' means an agreement for the purchase of cattle, 
executed in advance of slaughter, under which the base price is 
established by reference to prices quoted on the Chicago Mercantile 
Exchange, or other comparable publicly available prices.
    (2) When used in reference to boxed beef, the term ``forward 
contract'' means an agreement for the sale of boxed beef, executed in 
advance of manufacture, under which the base price is established by 
reference to publicly available quoted prices.
    Packer. The term ``packer'' means any person engaged in the business 
of buying cattle in commerce for purposes of slaughter, of manufacturing 
or preparing meats or meat food products from cattle for sale or 
shipment in commerce, or of marketing meats or meat food products from 
cattle in an unmanufactured form acting as a wholesale broker, dealer, 
or distributor in commerce. For any calendar year, the term ``packer'' 
includes only a federally inspected cattle processing plant that 
slaughtered an average of 125,000 head of cattle per year during the 
immediately preceding 5 calendar years. Additionally, in the case of a 
cattle processing plant that did not slaughter cattle during the 
immediately preceding 5 calendar years, it shall be considered a packer 
if the Secretary determines the processing plant should be considered a 
packer under this subpart after considering its capacity.
    Packer-owned cattle. The term ``packer-owned cattle'' means cattle 
that a packer owns for at least 14 days immediately before slaughter.
    Prices for cattle. The term ``prices for cattle'' includes the price 
per hundredweight; the purchase type; the quantity on a live and a 
dressed weight basis; the estimated live weight range; the average live 
weight; the estimated percentage of cattle of a USDA quality grade 
Choice or better; beef carcass classification; any premiums or discounts 
associated with weight, quality grade, yield grade, or type of purchase; 
cattle State of origin; estimated cattle dressing percentage; and price 
basis as F.O.B. feedlot or delivered at the plant.
    Terms of trade. The term ``terms of trade'' means, with respect to 
the purchase of steers and heifers for slaughter:
    (1) Whether a packer provided any financing agreement or arrangement 
with regard to the steers and heifers;
    (2) Whether the delivery terms specified the location of the 
producer or the location of the packer's plant;
    (3) Whether the producer is able to unilaterally specify the date 
and time during the business day of the packer that the cattle are to be 
delivered for slaughter; and
    (4) The percentage of steers and heifers purchased by a packer as a 
negotiated purchase that are scheduled to be delivered to the plant for 
slaughter not later than 14 days and the percentage of slaughter steers 
and heifers purchased by a packer as a negotiated purchase that are 
scheduled to be delivered to the plant for slaughter more than 14 days, 
but fewer than 30 days.
    Type of purchase. The term ``type of purchase'' with respect to 
cattle, means a negotiated purchase, negotiated grid purchase, a formula 
market arrangement, and a forward contract.
    Type of sale. The term ``type of sale'' with respect to boxed beef, 
means a negotiated sale, a formula market arrangement, and a forward 
contract.
    White cow. Cow on a ration that tends to produce white fat.



Sec.  59.101  Mandatory daily reporting for steers and heifers.

    (a) In general. The corporate officers or officially designated 
representatives of each steer and heifer packer processing plant shall 
report to the Secretary at least two times each reporting day not later 
than 10 a.m. central time and not later than 2 p.m. central time the 
following information, inclusive since the last reporting, categorized 
to clearly delineate domestic from imported market purchases as 
described in Sec.  59.10(b).
    (1) The prices for cattle (per hundredweight) established on that 
day, categorized by:
    (i) The type of purchase;

[[Page 156]]

    (ii) The quantity of cattle purchased on a live weight basis;
    (iii) The quantity of cattle purchased on a dressed weight basis;
    (iv) The estimated weights of cattle purchased;
    (v) An estimate of the percentage of the cattle purchased that were 
of a quality grade of Choice or better; and
    (vi) Any premiums or discounts associated with weight, quality 
grade, yield grade, or other characteristic expressed in dollars per 
hundredweight on a dressed basis.
    (2) The quantity of cattle delivered to the packer (quoted in 
numbers of head) on that day, categorized by:
    (i) The type of purchase;
    (ii) The quantity of cattle delivered on a live weight basis; and
    (iii) The quantity of cattle delivered on a dressed weight basis.
    (3) The quantity of cattle committed to the packer (quoted in 
numbers of head) as of that day, categorized by:
    (i) The type of purchase;
    (ii) The quantity of cattle committed on a live weight basis; and
    (iii) The quantity of cattle committed on a dressed weight basis.
    (4) The terms of trade regarding the cattle, as applicable.
    (b) Publication. The Secretary shall make the information available 
to the public not less frequently than three times each reporting day.



Sec.  59.102  Mandatory daily reporting for cows and bulls.

    (a) In General. The corporate officers or officially designated 
representatives of each cow and bull packer processing plant shall 
report to the Secretary each reporting day the following information for 
each cattle type, inclusive since the last reporting, categorized to 
clearly delineate domestic from imported market purchases as described 
in Sec.  59.10(b).
    (1) The base bid price (per hundredweight) intended to be paid for 
slaughter cow and bull carcasses on that day not later than 10 a.m. 
central time categorized by:
    (i) Weight; and
    (ii) For slaughter cows, percent lean (e.g., breaker, boner, cutter 
(lean)).
    (2) The prices for cattle (per hundredweight) purchased during the 
previous day not later than 2 p.m. central time categorized by:
    (i) The type of purchase;
    (ii) The quantity of cattle purchased on a live weight basis;
    (iii) The quantity of cattle purchased on a dressed weight basis;
    (iv) The estimated weight of the cattle purchased;
    (v) The quality classification; and
    (vi) Any premiums or discounts associated with weight or quality 
expressed in dollars per hundredweight on a dressed basis.
    (3) The volume of cows and bulls slaughtered the previous day.
    (b) Publication. The Secretary shall make the information available 
to the public within one hour of the required reporting time on the 
reporting day on which the information is received from the packer.



Sec.  59.103  Mandatory weekly reporting for steers and heifers.

    (a) In general. The corporate officers or officially designated 
representatives of each steer and heifer packer processing plant shall 
report to the Secretary on the first reporting day of each week, not 
later than 9 a.m. central time, the following information applicable to 
the prior slaughter week, categorized to clearly delineate domestic from 
imported market purchases:
    (1) The quantity of cattle purchased through a negotiated basis that 
were slaughtered;
    (2) The quantity of cattle purchased through a negotiated grid basis 
that were slaughtered;
    (3) The quantity of cattle purchased through forward contracts that 
were slaughtered;
    (4) The quantity of cattle delivered under a formula marketing 
arrangement that were slaughtered;
    (5) The quantity and carcass characteristics of packer-owned cattle 
that were slaughtered;
    (6) The quantity, basis level, basis level month, and delivery month 
and year for all cattle purchased through forward contracts;
    (7) The range and average of intended premiums and discounts 
(including those associated with weight, quality grade, yield grade, or 
type of cattle)

[[Page 157]]

that are expected to be in effect for the current slaughter week.
    (b) Publication. The Secretary shall make available to the public 
the information obtained under paragraph (a) of this section on the 
first reporting day of the current slaughter week by 10 a.m. central 
time.



Sec.  59.104  Mandatory reporting of boxed beef sales.

    (a) Daily reporting. The corporate officers or officially designated 
representatives of each packer processing plant shall report to the 
Secretary at least twice each reporting day (once by 10 a.m. central 
time, and once by 2 p.m. central time) the following information on 
total boxed beef domestic and export sales established on that day 
inclusive since the last reporting as described in Sec.  59.10(b):
    (1) The price for each lot of each boxed beef sale, quoted in 
dollars per hundredweight on a F.O.B. plant basis;
    (2) The quantity for each lot of each sale, quoted by number of 
pounds sold; and
    (3) The information regarding the characteristics of each sale is as 
follows:
    (i) The type of sale;
    (ii) The branded product characteristics, if applicable;
    (iii) The grade for steer and heifer beef (e.g., USDA Prime, USDA 
Choice or better, USDA Choice, USDA Select, ungraded no-roll product);
    (iv) The grade for cow beef or packer yield and/or quality sort for 
cow beef (e.g., Breakers, Boners, White Cow, Cutters (lean));
    (v) The cut of beef, referencing the most recent version of the 
Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications (IMPS), when applicable;
    (vi) The trim specification;
    (vii) The weight range of the cut;
    (viii) The product delivery period; and
    (ix) The beef type (steer/heifer, dairy steer/heifer, or cow).
    (b) Publication. The Secretary shall make available to the public 
the information obtained under paragraph (a) of this section not less 
frequently than twice each reporting day.



                        Subpart C_Swine Reporting



Sec.  59.200  Definitions.

    The following definitions apply to this subpart.
    Affiliate. The term ``affiliate'', with respect to a packer, means:
    (1) A person that directly or indirectly owns, controls, or holds 
with power to vote, 5 percent or more of the outstanding voting 
securities of the packer;
    (2) A person 5 percent or more of whose outstanding voting 
securities are directly or indirectly owned, controlled, or held with 
power to vote, by the packer; and
    (3) A person that directly or indirectly controls, or is controlled 
by or under common control with, the packer.
    Applicable reporting period. The term ``applicable reporting 
period'' means the period of time prescribed by the prior day report, 
the morning report, and the afternoon report, as provided in Sec.  
59.202.
    Average carcass weight. The term ``average carcass weight'' means 
the weight obtained by dividing the total carcass weight of the swine 
slaughtered at the packing plant during the applicable reporting period 
by the number of these same swine.
    Average lean percentage. The term ``average lean percentage'' means 
the value equal to the average percentage of the carcass weight 
comprised of lean meat for the swine slaughtered during the applicable 
reporting period. Whenever the packer changes the manner in which the 
average lean percentage is calculated, the packer shall make available 
to the Secretary the underlying data, applicable methodology and 
formulae, and supporting materials used to determine the average lean 
percentage, which the Secretary may convert either to the carcass 
measurements or lean percentage of the swine of the individual packer to 
correlate to a common percent lean measurement.
    Average net price. The term ``average net price'' means the quotient 
(stated per hundred pounds of carcass weight of swine) obtained by 
dividing the total amount paid for the swine slaughtered

[[Page 158]]

at a packing plant during the applicable reporting period (including all 
premiums and less all discounts) by the total carcass weight of the 
swine (in hundred pound increments).
    Average sort loss. The term ``average sort loss'' means the average 
discount (in dollars per hundred pounds carcass weight) for swine 
slaughtered during the applicable reporting period, resulting from the 
fact that the swine did not fall within the individual packer's 
established carcass weight range or lot variation range.
    Backfat. The term ``backfat'' means the fat thickness (in inches) 
measured between the third and fourth rib from the last rib, 7 
centimeters from the carcass split (or adjusted from the individual 
packer's measurement to that reference point using an adjustment made by 
the Secretary) of the swine slaughtered during the applicable reporting 
period.
    Barrow. The term ``barrow'' means a neutered male swine, with the 
neutering performed before the swine reached sexual maturity.
    Base market hog. The term ``base market hog'' means a barrow or gilt 
for which no discounts are subtracted from and no premiums are added to 
the base price.
    Base price. The term ``base price'' means the price from which no 
discounts are subtracted and no premiums are added.
    Boars. The term ``boar'' means a sexually-intact male swine.
    Bred female swine. The term ``bred female swine'' means any female 
swine, whether a sow or gilt, that has been mated or inseminated, or has 
been confirmed, to be pregnant.
    Formula marketing arrangement. When used in reference to wholesale 
pork, the term `formula marketing arrangement' means an agreement for 
the sale of pork under which the price is established in reference to 
publicly-available quoted prices.
    Formula price. The term ``formula price'' means a price determined 
by a mathematical formula under which the price established for a 
specified market serves as the basis for the formula.
    Forward sale. When used in reference to wholesale pork, the term 
`forward sale' means an agreement for the sale of pork where the 
delivery is beyond the timeframe of a ``negotiated sale'' and means a 
sale by a packer selling wholesale pork to a buyer of wholesale pork 
under which the price is determined by seller-buyer interaction and 
agreement.
    Gilt. The term ``gilt'' means a young female swine that has not 
produced a litter.
    Hog Class. The term ``hog class'' means, as applicable, barrows or 
gilts; sows; or boars or stags.
    Inferior swine. The term ``inferior swine'' means swine that are 
discounted in the market place due to light-weight, health, or physical 
conditions that affects their value.
    Loin depth. The term ``loin depth'' means the muscle depth (in 
inches) measured between the third and fourth ribs from the last rib, 7 
centimeters from the carcass split (or adjusted from the individual 
packer's measurement to that reference point using an adjustment made by 
the Secretary) of the swine slaughtered during the applicable reporting 
period.
    Negotiated formula purchase. The term ``negotiated formula 
purchase'' means a swine or pork market formula purchase under which:
    (1) The formula is determined by negotiation on a lot-by-lot basis; 
and
    (2) The swine are scheduled for delivery to the packer not later 
than 14 days after the date on which the formula is negotiated and swine 
are committed to the packer.
    Negotiated sale. The term `negotiated sale' means a sale by a packer 
selling wholesale pork to a buyer of wholesale pork under which the 
price is determined by seller-buyer interaction and agreement, and 
scheduled for delivery not later than 14 days for boxed product and 10 
days for combo product after the date of agreement. The day after the 
seller-buyer agreement shall be considered day one for reporting 
delivery periods.
    Net price. The term ``net price'' means the total amount paid by a 
packer to a producer (including all premiums, less all discounts) per 
hundred pounds of carcass weight of swine delivered at the plant. The 
total amount paid shall include any sum deducted from the price (per 
hundredweight)

[[Page 159]]

paid to a producer that reflects the repayment of a balance owed by the 
producer to the packer or the accumulation of a balance to later be 
repaid by the packer to the producer. The total amount paid shall 
exclude any sum earlier paid to a producer that must be repaid to the 
packer.
    Noncarcass merit premium. The term ``noncarcass merit premium'' 
means an increase in the base price of the swine offered by an 
individual packer or packing plant, based on any factor other than the 
characteristics of the carcass, if the actual amount of the premium is 
known before the sale and delivery of the swine.
    Other market formula purchase. The term ``other market formula 
purchase'' means a purchase of swine by a packer in which the pricing 
mechanism is a formula price based on any market other than the market 
for swine, pork, or a pork product. The term ``other market formula 
purchase'' includes a formula purchase in a case which the price formula 
is based on 1 or more futures or options contracts.
    Other purchase arrangement. The term ``other purchase arrangement'' 
means a purchase of swine by a packer that is not a negotiated purchase, 
swine or pork market formula purchase, negotiated formula purchase, or 
other market formula purchase; and does not involve packer-owned swine.
    Packer. The term ``packer'' means any person engaged in the business 
of buying swine in commerce for purposes of slaughter, of manufacturing 
or preparing meats or meat food products from swine for sale or shipment 
in commerce, or of marketing meats or meat food products from swine in 
an unmanufactured form acting as a wholesale broker, dealer, or 
distributor in commerce. For any calendar year, the term ``packer'' 
includes only a federally inspected swine processing plant that 
slaughtered an average of 100,000 head of swine per year during the 
immediately preceding 5 calendar years and a person that slaughtered an 
average of 200,000 head of sows, boars, or combination thereof per year 
during the immediately preceding 5 calendar years. Additionally, in the 
case of a swine processing plant or person that did not slaughter swine 
during the immediately preceding 5 calendar years, it shall be 
considered a packer if the Secretary determines the processing plant or 
person should be considered a packer under this subpart after 
considering its capacity.
    Packer-owned swine. The term ``packer-owned swine'' means swine that 
a packer (including a subsidiary or affiliate of the packer) owns for at 
least 14 days immediately before slaughter.
    Packer-sold swine. The term ``packer-sold swine'' means the swine 
that are owned by a packer (including a subsidiary or affiliate of the 
packer) for more than 14 days immediately before sale for slaughter; and 
sold for slaughter to another packer.
    Pork. The term ``pork'' means the meat of a porcine animal.
    Pork class. The term ``pork class'' means the following types of 
swine purchased for slaughter:
    (1) Barrow/gilt;
    (2) Sow;
    (3) Boar.
    Pork product. The term ``pork product'' means a product or byproduct 
produced or processed in whole or in part from pork.
    Purchase data. The term ``purchase data'' means all of the 
applicable data, including base price and weight (if purchased live), 
for all swine purchased during the applicable reporting period, 
regardless of the expected delivery date of the swine, reported by:
    (1) Hog class;
    (2) Type of purchase; and
    (3) Packer-owned swine.
    Slaughter data. The term ``slaughter data'' means all of the 
applicable data for all swine slaughtered by a packer during the 
applicable reporting period, regardless of whether the price of the 
swine was negotiated or otherwise determined, reported by:
    (1) Hog class;
    (2) Type of purchase; and
    (3) Packer-owned swine.
    Sow. The term ``sow'' means an adult female swine that has produced 
1 or more litters.
    Specialty pork product. The term `specialty pork product' means 
wholesale pork produced and marketed under any specialty program such 
as, but not limited to, genetically-selected pork, certified programs, 
or specialty selection

[[Page 160]]

programs for quality or breed characteristics.
    Stag. The term ``stag'' means a male swine that was neutered after 
reaching sexual maturity.
    Swine. The term ``swine'' means a porcine animal raised to be a 
feeder pig, raised for seedstock, or raised for slaughter.
    Swine committed. The term ``swine committed'' means swine scheduled 
and delivered to a packer within the 14-day period beginning on the date 
of an agreement to sell the swine.
    Swine or pork market formula purchase. The term ``swine or pork 
market formula purchase'' means a purchase of swine by a packer in which 
the pricing mechanism is a formula price based on a market for swine, 
pork, or a pork product, other than a future or option for swine, pork, 
or a pork product.
    Type of purchase. The term ``type of purchase'', with respect to 
swine, means:
    (1) A negotiated purchase;
    (2) Other market formula purchase;
    (3) A swine or pork market formula purchase;
    (4) Other purchase arrangement; and
    (5) A negotiated formula purchase.
    Type of sale. The term ``type of sale'' with respect to wholesale 
pork means a negotiated sale, forward sale, or formula marketing 
arrangement.
    Variety meats. The term `variety meats' with respect to wholesale 
pork means cut/processing floor items, such as neck bones, tails, skins, 
feet, hocks, jowls, and backfat.
    Wholesale pork. The term `wholesale pork' means fresh and frozen 
primals, sub-primals, cuts fabricated from sub-primals, pork trimmings, 
pork for processing, and variety meats (excluding portion-control cuts, 
cuts flavored above and beyond normal added ingredients that are used to 
enhance products, cured, smoked, cooked, and tray packed products). When 
referring to wholesale pork, added ingredients are used to enhance the 
product's performance (e.g. tenderness, juiciness) through adding a 
solution or emulsion via an injection or immersion process. The 
ingredients shall be limited to water, salt, sodium phosphate, 
antimicrobials, or any other similar combination of foresaid or similar 
ingredients and in accordance with established USDA regulations.

[73 FR 28633, May 16, 2008, as amended at 77 FR 50573, Aug. 22, 2012; 81 
FR 52973, Aug. 11, 2016]



Sec.  59.201  General reporting provisions.

    (a) Packer-owned swine. Information required under this section for 
packer-owned swine shall include quantity and carcass characteristics, 
but not price.
    (b) Type of purchase. If information regarding the type of purchase 
is required under this section, the information shall be reported 
according to the numbers and percentages of each type of purchase 
comprising:
    (1) Packer-sold swine; and
    (2) All other swine.



Sec.  59.202  Mandatory daily reporting for barrows and gilts.

    (a) Prior day report. The corporate officers or officially 
designated representatives of each packer that processes barrows and 
gilts shall report to the Secretary for each business day of the packer 
not later than 7 a.m. central time on each reporting day information 
regarding all barrows and gilts purchased or priced, during the prior 
business day of the packer, and not later than 9 a.m. central time on 
each reporting day information regarding all barrows and gilts 
slaughtered, excluding inferior swine, as specified in Sec.  59.10(b):
    (1) All purchase data, reported by lot, including:
    (i) The total number of barrows and gilts purchased;
    (ii) The total number of barrows and gilts scheduled for delivery to 
a packer for slaughter;
    (iii) The base price and weight for all barrows and gilts purchased 
on a live weight basis; and
    (iv) The base price and premiums and discounts paid for carcass 
characteristics for all barrows and gilts purchased on a carcass basis 
for which a price has been established. For barrows and gilts that were 
not priced, this information shall be reported on the next prior day 
report after the price is established.
    (2) The following slaughter data for the total number of barrows and 
gilts slaughtered:
    (i) The average net price;

[[Page 161]]

    (ii) The average carcass weight;
    (iii) The average sort loss;
    (iv) The average backfat;
    (v) The average loin depth;
    (vi) The average lean percentage; and
    (vii) Total quantity slaughtered.
    (3) Packer purchase commitments, which shall be equal to the number 
of barrows and gilts scheduled for delivery to a packer for slaughter 
for each of the next 14 calendar days.
    (4) The Secretary shall publish the information obtained in 
paragraph (a) of this section in a prior day report not later than 8 
a.m. central time for all barrows and gilts purchased and 10 a.m. 
central time for all barrows and gilts slaughtered on the reporting day 
on which the information is received from the packer. In addition, the 
Secretary shall publish a net price distribution for all barrows and 
gilts slaughtered on the previous day not later than 3 p.m. central 
time.
    (b) Morning report. The corporate officers or officially designated 
representatives of each packer processing plant that processes barrows 
and gilts shall report to the Secretary not later than 10 a.m. central 
time each reporting day as described in Sec.  59.10(b):
    (1) The packer's best estimate of the total number of barrows and 
gilts, and barrows and gilts that qualify as packer-owned swine, 
expected to be purchased throughout the reporting day through each type 
of purchase;
    (2) The total number of barrows and gilts, and barrows and gilts 
that qualify as packer-owned swine, purchased since 1:30 p.m. central 
time of the previous reporting day and up to that time of the reporting 
day through each type of purchase;
    (3) All purchase data for base market hogs purchased since 1:30 p.m. 
central time of the previous reporting day and up to that time of the 
reporting day through negotiated purchases;
    (4) All purchase data for base market hogs purchased through each 
type of purchase other than negotiated purchase since 1:30 p.m. central 
time of the previous reporting day and up to that time of the reporting 
day, unless such information is unavailable due to pricing that is 
determined on a delayed basis. The packer shall report information on 
such purchases on the first reporting day or scheduled reporting time on 
a reporting day after the price has been determined.
    (5) The Secretary shall publish the information obtained in 
paragraph (b) of this section in the morning report as soon as 
practicable, but not later than 11 a.m. central time, on each reporting 
day.
    (c) Afternoon report. The corporate officers or officially 
designated representatives of each packer processing plant that 
processes barrows and gilts shall report to the Secretary not later than 
2 p.m. central time each reporting day as described in Sec.  59.10(b):
    (1) The packer's best estimate of the total number of barrows and 
gilts, and barrows and gilts that qualify as packer-owned swine expected 
to be purchased throughout the reporting day through each type of 
purchase;
    (2) The total number of barrows and gilts, and barrows and gilts 
that qualify as packer-owned swine, purchased up to that time of the 
reporting day through each type of purchase;
    (3) The base price paid for all base market hogs purchased up to 
that time of the reporting day through negotiated purchases; and
    (4) The base price paid for all base market hogs purchased through 
each type of purchase other than negotiated purchase up to that time of 
the reporting day, unless such information is unavailable due to pricing 
that is determined on a delayed basis. The packer shall report 
information on such purchases on the first reporting day or scheduled 
reporting time on a reporting day after the price has been determined.
    (5) The Secretary shall publish the information obtained in 
paragraph (c) of this section in the afternoon report as soon as 
practicable, but not later than 3 p.m. central time, on each reporting 
day.

[73 FR 28633, May 16, 2008, as amended at 81 FR 52974, Aug. 11, 2016]



Sec.  59.203  Mandatory daily reporting for sows and boars.

    (a) Prior day report. The corporate officers or officially 
designated representatives of each packer of sows and boars shall report 
to the Secretary for each business day of the packer not

[[Page 162]]

later than 7 a.m. central time on each reporting day information 
regarding all sows and boars purchased or priced, excluding inferior 
swine, during the prior business day of the packer all purchase data, 
reported by lot, including:
    (1) The total number of sows and boars purchased divided into at 
least three weight groups as specified by the Secretary;
    (2) The average price paid by each purchase type for all sows in 
each weight class specified by the Secretary; and
    (3) The average price paid by each purchase type for all boars in 
each weight class specified by the Secretary.
    (4) The packer is required to report only the volume of sows and 
boars that qualify as packer owned swine and shall omit packer owned 
sows and boars from all average price calculations.
    (b) Publication. The Secretary shall publish the information 
obtained in paragraph (a) of this section as soon as practicable, but 
not later than 8 a.m. central time, on the reporting day on which the 
information is received from the packer.



Sec.  59.204  Mandatory weekly reporting for swine.

    (a) Weekly noncarcass merit premium report. Not later than 4 p.m. 
central time in accordance with Sec.  59.10(b) on the first reporting 
day of each week, the corporate officers or officially designated 
representatives of each packer processing plant shall report to the 
Secretary a noncarcass merit premium report that lists:
    (1) Each category of standard noncarcass merit premiums used by the 
packer in the prior slaughter week; and
    (2) The dollar value (in dollars per hundred pounds of carcass 
weight) paid to producers by the packer, by category.
    (b) Premium list. A packer shall maintain and make available to a 
producer, on request, a current listing of the dollar values (per 
hundred pounds of carcass weight) of each noncarcass merit premium used 
by the packer during the current or the prior slaughter week.
    (c) Publication. The Secretary shall publish the information 
obtained under this subsection as soon as practicable, but not later 
than 5 p.m. central time, on the first reporting day of each week.



Sec.  59.205  Mandatory reporting of wholesale pork sales.

    (a) Daily reporting. The corporate officers or officially designated 
representatives of each packer processing plant shall report to the 
Secretary at least twice each reporting day for barrows and gilts (once 
by 10 a.m. central time, and once by 2 p.m. central time) and once each 
reporting day for sows and boars (by 2 p.m. central time) the following 
information on total pork sales established on that day inclusive since 
the last reporting as described in Sec.  59.10(b):
    (1) The price for each wholesale pork sale, as defined herein, 
quoted in dollars per hundredweight on an F.O.B. Plant and an F.O.B. 
Omaha basis as outlined in Sec.  59.205(d). The price shall include 
brokerage fees, if applicable. All direct, specific, and identifiable 
marketing costs (such as point of purchase material, marketing funds, 
accruals, rebates, and export costs) shall be deducted from the net 
price if applicable and known at the time of sale;
    (2) The quantity for each pork sale, quoted by number of pounds 
sold; and
    (3) The information regarding the characteristics of each sale is as 
follows:
    (i) The type of sale;
    (ii) Pork item description;
    (iii) Pork item product code;
    (iv) The product delivery period, in calendar days;
    (v) The pork class (barrow/gilt, sow, boar);
    (vi) Destination (Domestic, Export/Overseas, NAFTA);
    (vii) Type of Refrigeration (Fresh, Frozen, age range of fresh 
product); and
    (viii) Specialty pork product, if applicable
    (b) Publication. The Secretary shall make available to the public 
the information obtained under paragraph (a) of this section not less 
frequently than twice each reporting day for gilt and barrow product and 
once each reporting day for sow and boar product.
    (c) The Secretary shall obtain product specifications upon request.

[[Page 163]]

    (d) The Secretary shall provide freight information for the purpose 
of calculating prices on an F.O.B. Omaha basis. The Secretary shall 
provide this information periodically, but not less than quarterly.

[77 FR 50574, Aug. 22, 2012]



                        Subpart D_Lamb Reporting



Sec.  59.300  Definitions.

    The following definitions apply to this subpart.
    Boxed lamb. The term ``boxed lamb'' means those carlot-based 
portions of a lamb carcass including fresh primals, subprimals, cuts 
fabricated from subprimals excluding portion-control cuts such as chops 
and steaks similar to those portion cut items described in the 
Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications (IMPS) for Fresh Lamb and 
Mutton Series 200, and thin meats (e.g., inside and outside skirts, 
pectoral meat, cap and wedge meat, and blade meat) not older than 14 
days from date of manufacture; fresh ground lamb, lamb trimmings, and 
boneless processing lamb not older than 7 days from date of manufacture; 
frozen primals, subprimals, cuts fabricated from subprimals, and thin 
meats not older than 180 days from date of manufacture; and frozen 
ground lamb, lamb trimmings, and boneless processing lamb not older than 
90 days from date of manufacture.
    Branded. The term ``branded'' means boxed lamb cuts produced and 
marketed under a corporate trademark (for example, products that are 
marketed on their quality, yield, or breed characteristics), or boxed 
lamb cuts produced and marketed under one of USDA's Meat Grading and 
Certification Branch, Certified programs.
    Carcass characteristics. The term ``carcass characteristics'' means 
the range and average carcass weight in pounds, the quality grade and 
yield grade (if applicable), and the lamb average dressing percentage.
    Carlot-based. The term ``carlot-based'' means any transaction 
between a buyer and a seller destined for three or less delivery stops 
consisting of any combination of carcass weights. When used in reference 
to boxed lamb cuts the term ``carlot-based'' means any transaction 
between a buyer and seller consisting of 1,000 pounds or more of one or 
more individual boxed lamb items.
    Established. The term ``established'', when used in connection with 
prices, means that point in time when the buyer and seller agree upon a 
net price.
    Formula marketing arrangement.
    (1) When used in reference to live lambs, the term ``formula 
marketing arrangement'' means the advance commitment of lambs for 
slaughter by any means other than through a negotiated purchase or a 
forward contract, using a method for calculating price in which the 
price is determined at a future date.
    (2) When used in reference to boxed lamb, the term ``formula 
marketing arrangement'' means the advance commitment of boxed lamb by 
any means other than through a negotiated purchase or a forward 
contract, using a method for calculating price in which the price is 
determined at a future date.
    Forward contract.
    (1) When used in reference to live lambs, the term ``forward 
contact'' means an agreement for the purchase of lambs, executed in 
advance of slaughter, under which the base price is established by 
reference to publicly available prices.
    (2) When used in reference to boxed lamb, the term ``forward 
contract'' means an agreement for the sale of boxed lamb, executed in 
advance of manufacture, under which the base price is established by 
reference to publicly available quoted prices.
    Importer. The term ``importer'' means any person engaged in the 
business of importing lamb meat products with the intent to sell or ship 
in U.S. commerce. For any calendar year, the term includes only those 
that imported an average of 1,000 metric tons of lamb meat products per 
year during the immediately preceding 4 calendar years. Additionally, 
the term includes those that did not import an average 1,000

[[Page 164]]

metric tons of lamb meat products during the immediately preceding 4 
calendar years, if the Secretary determines that the person should be 
considered an importer based on their volume of lamb imports.
    Packer. The term ``packer'' means any person with 50 percent or more 
ownership in a facility engaged in the business of buying lambs in 
commerce for purposes of slaughter, of manufacturing or preparing meat 
products from lambs for sale or shipment in commerce, or of marketing 
meats or meat products from lambs in an unmanufactured form acting as a 
wholesale broker, dealer, or distributor in commerce. For any calendar 
year, the term includes only a federally inspected lamb processing plant 
which slaughtered or processed the equivalent of an average of 35,000 
head of lambs per year during the immediately preceding 5 calendar 
years. Additionally, the term includes a lamb processing plant that did 
not slaughter or process an average of 35,000 lambs during the 
immediately preceding 5 calendar years if the Secretary determines that 
the processing plant should be considered a packer after considering its 
capacity.
    Packer-owned lambs. The term ``packer-owned lambs'' means lambs that 
a packer owns for at least 28 days immediately before slaughter.
    Type of purchase. The term ``type of purchase'' means a negotiated 
purchase, a formula market arrangement, and a forward contract.
    Type of sale. The term ``type of sale'' with respect to boxed lamb, 
means a negotiated sale, a formula market arrangement, and a forward 
contract.
    Yield grade lamb carcass reporting. The term ``yield grade lamb 
carcass reporting'' means if the lot includes 80 percent or more of one 
yield grade, the lot will be considered a single yield grade lot. If the 
lot contains less than 80 percent of one yield grade, the lot will be 
considered a mixed grade lot and all yield grades comprising 10 percent 
or more will be used to describe the lot.

[73 FR 28633, May 16, 2008, as amended at 81 FR 10062, Feb. 29, 2016; 81 
FR 52974, Aug. 11, 2016]



Sec.  59.301  Mandatory Daily Reporting for Lambs.

    (a) In general. The corporate officers or officially designated 
representatives of each packer processing plant shall report to the 
Secretary at least once each reporting day not later than 2 p.m. central 
time the prices for lambs (per hundredweight) established on that day as 
F.O.B. feedlot or delivered at the plant, categorized to clearly 
delineate domestic from imported market purchases as described in Sec.  
59.10(b) and categorized by:
    (1) The type of purchase;
    (2) The class of lamb;
    (3) The quantity of lambs purchased on a live weight basis;
    (4) The quantity of lambs purchased on a dressed weight basis;
    (5) A range and average of estimated live weights of lambs 
purchased;
    (6) An estimate of the percentage of the lambs purchased that were 
of a quality grade of Choice or better;
    (7) Any premiums or discounts associated with weight, quality grade, 
yield grade, or any type of purchase;
    (8) Lamb state of origin;
    (9) The pelt type; and
    (10) The estimated lamb dressing percentage.
    (b) Publication. The Secretary shall make the information available 
to the public not less than once each reporting day.



Sec.  59.302  Mandatory weekly reporting for lambs.

    (a) In general. The corporate officers or officially designated 
representatives of each packer processing plant shall report to the 
Secretary the following information applicable to the prior slaughter 
week contained in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(5) and (a)(7) of this 
section not later than 9 a.m. central time on the second reporting day 
of the current slaughter week, and the following information applicable 
to the prior slaughter week contained in paragraph (a)(6) of this 
section not later than 9 a.m. central time on the first reporting day of 
the current slaughter week categorized to clearly delineate domestic 
from imported market purchases:

[[Page 165]]

    (1) The quantity of lambs purchased through a negotiated purchase 
that were slaughtered;
    (2) The quantity of lambs purchased through forward contracts that 
were slaughtered;
    (3) The quantity of lambs delivered under a formula marketing 
arrangement that were slaughtered;
    (4) The quantity and carcass characteristics of packer-owned lambs 
that were slaughtered;
    (5) The quantity, basis level, and delivery month for all lambs 
purchased through forward contracts;
    (6) The following information applicable to the current slaughter 
week. The range and average of intended premiums and discounts 
(including those associated with weight, quality grade, yield grade, or 
type of lamb) that are expected to be in effect for the current 
slaughter week; and
    (7) The following information for lambs purchased through a formula 
marketing arrangement and slaughtered during the prior slaughter week, 
categorized to clearly delineate domestic from imported market 
purchases:
    (i) The quantity (quoted in both numbers of head and pounds) of 
lambs;
    (ii) The weighted average price paid for a carcass, including 
applicable premiums and discounts;
    (iii) The range of premiums and discounts paid;
    (iv) The weighted average of premiums and discounts paid; and
    (v) The range of prices paid.
    (b) Publication. The Secretary shall make available to the public 
the information obtained in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(5) and (a)(7) 
of this section on the second reporting day of the current slaughter 
week and information obtained in paragraph (a)(6) of this section on the 
first reporting day of the current slaughter week.



Sec.  59.303  Mandatory reporting of lamb carcasses and boxed lamb.

    (a) Daily reporting of lamb carcass transactions. The corporate 
officers or officially designated representatives of each packer shall 
report to the Secretary each reporting day the following information on 
total carlot-based lamb carcass transactions not later than 3 p.m. 
central time in accordance with Sec.  59.10(b):
    (1) The price for each lot of each lamb carcass transaction, quoted 
in dollars per hundredweight on an F.O.B. plant basis;
    (2) The quantity for each lot of each transaction, quoted by number 
of carcasses sold and purchased; and
    (3) The following information regarding the characteristics of each 
transaction:
    (i) The type of transaction;
    (ii) The USDA quality grade of lamb;
    (iii) The USDA yield grade;
    (iv) The estimated weight range of the carcasses; and
    (v) The product delivery period.
    (b) Daily reporting of domestic boxed lamb sales. The corporate 
officers or officially designated representatives of each packer shall 
report to the Secretary each reporting day the following information on 
total domestic boxed lamb cut sales not later than 2:30 p.m. central 
time as described in Sec.  59.10(b):
    (1) The price for each lot of each boxed lamb cut sale, quoted in 
dollars per hundredweight on a F.O.B. plant basis;
    (2) The quantity for each lot of each sale, quoted by product weight 
sold; and
    (3) The following information regarding the characteristics of each 
transaction:
    (i) The type of sale;
    (ii) The branded product characteristics, if applicable;
    (iii) The USDA quality grade of lamb;
    (iv) The cut of lamb, referencing the most recent version of the 
Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications (IMPS), when applicable;
    (v) USDA yield grade, if applicable;
    (vi) The product state of refrigeration;
    (vii) The weight range of the cut; and
    (viii) The product delivery period.
    (c) Weekly Reporting of Imported Boxed Lamb Sales. The corporate 
officers or officially designated representatives of each lamb importer 
shall report to the Secretary on the first reporting day of each week 
the following information applicable to the prior week for imported 
boxed lamb cut sales not later than 10 a.m. central time:

[[Page 166]]

    (1) The price for each lot of a boxed lamb cut sale, quoted in 
dollars per hundredweight on a F.O.B. plant basis;
    (2) The quantity for each lot of a transaction, quoted by product 
weight sold; and
    (3) The following information regarding the characteristics of each 
transaction:
    (i) The type of sale;
    (ii) The branded product characteristics, if applicable;
    (iii) The cut of lamb, referencing the most recent version of the 
Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications (IMPS), when applicable;
    (iv) The product state of refrigeration;
    (v) The weight range of the cut; and
    (vi) The product delivery period.
    (d) Publication. The Secretary shall make available to the public 
the information required to be reported in paragraphs (a) and (b) of 
this section not less frequently than once each reporting day and the 
information required to be reported in paragraph (c) of this section on 
the first reporting day of the current slaughter week.



                      Subpart E_OMB Control Number



Sec.  59.400  OMB control number assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act.

    The information collection and recordkeeping requirements of this 
part have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
under the provisions of 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35 and have been assigned OMB 
Control Number 0581-0186.



PART 60_COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING FOR FISH AND SHELLFISH--Table of Contents



                      Subpart A_General Provisions

                               Definitions

Sec.
60.101 Act.
60.102 AMS.
60.103 Commingled covered commodities.
60.104 Consumer package.
60.105 Covered commodity.
60.106 Farm-raised fish.
60.107 Food service establishment.
60.108-60.110 [Reserved]
60.111 Hatched.
60.112 Ingredient.
60.113 [Reserved]
60.114 Legible.
60.115 [Reserved]
60.116 Person.
60.117 [Reserved]
60.118 Pre-labeled.
60.119 Processed food item.
60.120-60.121 [Reserved]
60.122 Production step.
60.123 Raised.
60.124 Retailer.
60.125 Secretary.
60.126 [Reserved]
60.127 United States.
60.128 United States country of origin.
60.129 USDA.
60.130 U.S. flagged vessel.
60.131 Vessel flag.
60.132 Waters of the United States.
60.133 Wild fish and shellfish.

                     Country of Origin Notification

60.200 Country of origin notification.
60.300 Labeling.

                              Recordkeeping

60.400 Recordkeeping requirements.

Subpart B [Reserved]

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.

    Source: 74 FR 2701, Jan. 15, 2009, unless otherwise noted.



                      Subpart A_General Provisions

                               Definitions



Sec.  60.101  Act.

    Act means the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621 et 
seq.).



Sec.  60.102  AMS.

    AMS means the Agricultural Marketing Service, United States 
Department of Agriculture.



Sec.  60.103  Commingled covered commodities.

    Commingled covered commodities means covered commodities (of the 
same type) presented for retail sale in a consumer package that have 
been prepared from raw material sources having different origins.



Sec.  60.104  Consumer package.

    Consumer package means any container or wrapping in which a covered 
commodity is enclosed for the delivery and/or display of such commodity 
to retail purchasers.

[[Page 167]]



Sec.  60.105  Covered commodity.

    (a) Covered commodity means:
    (1)-(2) [Reserved]
    (3) Farm-raised fish and shellfish (including fillets, steaks, 
nuggets, and any other flesh);
    (4) Wild fish and shellfish (including fillets, steaks, nuggets, and 
any other flesh);
    (5)-(6) [Reserved]
    (b) Covered commodities are excluded from this part if the commodity 
is an ingredient in a processed food item as defined in Sec.  60.119.



Sec.  60.106  Farm-raised fish.

    Farm-raised fish means fish or shellfish that have been harvested in 
controlled environments, including ocean-ranched (e.g., penned) fish and 
including shellfish harvested from leased beds that have been subjected 
to production enhancements such as providing protection from predators, 
the addition of artificial structures, or providing nutrients; and 
fillets, steaks, nuggets, and any other flesh from a farm-raised fish or 
shellfish.



Sec.  60.107  Food service establishment.

    Food service establishment means a restaurant, cafeteria, lunch 
room, food stand, saloon, tavern, bar, lounge, or other similar facility 
operated as an enterprise engaged in the business of selling food to the 
public. Similar food service facilities include salad bars, 
delicatessens, and other food enterprises located within retail 
establishments that provide ready-to-eat foods that are consumed either 
on or outside of the retailer's premises.



Sec. Sec.  60.108-60.110  [Reserved]



Sec.  60.111  Hatched.

    Hatched means emerged from the egg.



Sec.  60.112  Ingredient.

    Ingredient means a component either in part or in full, of a 
finished retail food product.



Sec.  60.113  [Reserved]



Sec.  60.114  Legible.

    Legible means text that can be easily read.



Sec.  60.115  [Reserved]



Sec.  60.116  Person.

    Person means any individual, partnership, corporation, association, 
or other legal entity.



Sec.  60.117  [Reserved]



Sec.  60.118  Pre-labeled.

    Pre-labeled means a covered commodity that has the commodity's 
country of origin and method of production and the name and place of 
business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor on the covered 
commodity itself, on the package in which it is sold to the consumer, or 
on the master shipping container. The place of business information must 
include at a minimum the city and state or other acceptable locale 
designation.



Sec.  60.119  Processed food item.

    Processed food item means a retail item derived from fish or 
shellfish that has undergone specific processing resulting in a change 
in the character of the covered commodity, or that has been combined 
with at least one other covered commodity or other substantive food 
component (e.g., breading, tomato sauce), except that the addition of a 
component (such as water, salt, or sugar) that enhances or represents a 
further step in the preparation of the product for consumption, would 
not in itself result in a processed food item. Specific processing that 
results in a change in the character of the covered commodity includes 
cooking (e.g., frying, broiling, grilling, boiling, steaming, baking, 
roasting), curing (e.g., salt curing, sugar curing, drying), smoking 
(hot or cold), and restructuring (e.g., emulsifying and extruding, 
compressing into blocks and cutting into portions). Examples of items 
excluded include fish sticks, surimi, mussels in tomato sauce, seafood 
medley, coconut shrimp, soups, stews, and chowders, sauces, pates, 
smoked salmon, marinated fish fillets, canned tuna, canned sardines, 
canned salmon, crab salad, shrimp cocktail, gefilte fish, sushi, and 
breaded shrimp.

[[Page 168]]



Sec. Sec.  60.120-60.121  [Reserved]



Sec.  60.122  Production step.

    Production step means in the case of:
    (a) [Reserved]
    (b) Farm-raised Fish and Shellfish: Hatched, raised, harvested, and 
processed.
    (c) Wild Fish and Shellfish: Harvested and processed.



Sec.  60.123  Raised.

    Raised means in the case of:
    (a) [Reserved]
    (b) Farm-raised fish and shellfish as it relates to the production 
steps defined in Sec.  60.122: The period of time from hatched to 
harvested.



Sec.  60.124  Retailer.

    Retailer means any person subject to be licensed as a retailer under 
the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act of 1930 (7 U.S.C. 499a(b)).

[78 FR 31385, May 24, 2013]



Sec.  60.125  Secretary.

    Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States or 
any person to whom the Secretary's authority has been delegated.



Sec.  60.126  [Reserved]



Sec.  60.127  United States.

    United States means the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, 
Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other Commonwealth, 
territory, or possession of the United States, and the waters of the 
United States as defined in Sec.  60.132.



Sec.  60.128  United States country of origin.

    United States country of origin means in the case of:
    (a)-(b) [Reserved]
    (c) Farm-raised Fish and Shellfish: From fish or shellfish hatched, 
raised, harvested, and processed in the United States, and that has not 
undergone a substantial transformation (as established by U.S. Customs 
and Border Protection) outside of the United States.
    (d) Wild-fish and Shellfish: From fish or shellfish harvested in the 
waters of the United States or by a U.S. flagged vessel and processed in 
the United States or aboard a U.S. flagged vessel, and that has not 
undergone a substantial transformation (as established by U.S. Customs 
and Border Protection) outside of the United States.
    (e)-(f) [Reserved]



Sec.  60.129  USDA.

    USDA means the United States Department of Agriculture.



Sec.  60.130  U.S. flagged vessel.

    U.S. flagged vessel means:
    (a) Any vessel documented under chapter 121 of title 46, United 
States Code; or
    (b) Any vessel numbered in accordance with chapter 123 of title 46, 
United States Code.



Sec.  60.131  Vessel flag.

    Vessel flag means the country of registry for a vessel, ship, or 
boat.



Sec.  60.132  Waters of the United States.

    Waters of the United States means those fresh and ocean waters 
contained within the outer limit of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 
the United States as described by the Department of State Public Notice 
2237 published in the Federal Register volume 60, No. 163, August 23, 
1995, pages 43825-43829. The Department of State notice is republished 
in appendix A to this subpart.



Sec.  60.133  Wild fish and shellfish.

    Wild fish and shellfish means naturally-born or hatchery-originated 
fish or shellfish released in the wild, and caught, taken, or harvested 
from non-controlled waters or beds; and fillets, steaks, nuggets, and 
any other flesh from a wild fish or shellfish.

                     Country of Origin Notification



Sec.  60.200  Country of origin notification.

    In providing notice of the country of origin as required by the Act, 
the following requirements shall be followed by retailers:

[[Page 169]]

    (a) General. Labeling of covered commodities offered for sale 
whether individually, in a bulk bin, display case, carton, crate, 
barrel, cluster, or consumer package must contain country of origin and 
method of production information (wild and/or farm-raised) as set forth 
in this regulation.
    (b) Exemptions. Food service establishments as defined in Sec.  
60.107 are exempt from labeling under this subpart.
    (c) Exclusions. A covered commodity is excluded from this subpart if 
it is an ingredient in a processed food item as defined in Sec.  60.119.
    (d) Designation of Method of Production (Wild and/or Farm-Raised). 
Fish and shellfish covered commodities shall also be labeled to indicate 
whether they are wild and/or farm-raised as those terms are defined in 
this regulation.
    (e) Labeling Covered Commodities of United States Origin. A covered 
commodity may only bear the declaration of ``Product of the U.S.'' at 
retail if it meets the definition of United States Country of Origin as 
defined in Sec.  60.128.
    (f) Labeling Imported Products That Have Not Undergone Substantial 
Transformation in the United States. An imported covered commodity shall 
retain its origin as declared to U.S. Customs and Border Protection at 
the time the product entered the United States, through retail sale, 
provided that it has not undergone a substantial transformation (as 
established by U.S. Customs and Border Protection) in the United States.
    (g) Labeling Imported Products That Have Subsequently Been 
Substantially Transformed in the United States. (1) [Reserved]
    (2) Wild and Farm-Raised Fish and Shellfish: If a covered commodity 
was imported from country X and subsequently substantially transformed 
(as established by U.S. Customs and Border Protection) in the United 
States or aboard a U.S. flagged vessel, such product shall be labeled at 
retail as ``From country X, processed in the United States.'' 
Alternatively, the product may be labeled as ``Product of country X and 
the United States''.
    (h) Labeling Commingled Covered Commodities. (1) For imported 
covered commodities that have not subsequently been substantially 
transformed in the United States that are commingled with other imported 
covered commodities that have not been substantially transformed in the 
United States, and/or covered commodities of U.S. origin and/or covered 
commodities as described in Sec.  60.200(g), the declaration shall 
indicate the countries of origin for covered commodities in accordance 
with existing Federal legal requirements.
    (2) For imported covered commodities that have subsequently 
undergone substantial transformation in the United States that are 
commingled with other imported covered commodities that have 
subsequently undergone substantial transformation in the United States 
(either prior to or following substantial transformation in the United 
States) and/or U.S. origin covered commodities, the declaration shall 
indicate the countries of origin contained therein or that may be 
contained therein.
    (i) Remotely Purchased Products. For sales of a covered commodity in 
which the customer purchases a covered commodity prior to having an 
opportunity to observe the final package (e.g., Internet sales, home 
delivery sales, etc.), the retailer may provide the country of origin 
notification and method of production (wild and/or farm-raised) 
designation either on the sales vehicle or at the time the product is 
delivered to the consumer.



Sec.  60.300  Labeling.

    (a) Country of origin declarations and method of production (wild 
and/or farm-raised) designations can either be in the form of a placard, 
sign, label, sticker, band, twist tie, pin tag, or other format that 
provides country of origin and method of production information. The 
country of origin declaration and method of production (wild and/or 
farm-raised) designation may be combined or made separately. Except as 
provided in Sec.  60.200(g) and 60.200(h) of this regulation, the 
declaration of the country(ies) of origin of a product shall be listed 
according to applicable Federal legal requirements. Country of origin 
declarations may be in the form of

[[Page 170]]

a check box provided it is in conformance with other Federal legal 
requirements. Various forms of the production designation are 
acceptable, including ``wild caught'', ``wild'', ``farm-raised'', 
``farmed'', or a combination of these terms for blended products that 
contain both wild and farm-raised fish or shellfish, provided it can be 
readily understood by the consumer and is in conformance with other 
Federal labeling laws. Designations such as ``ocean caught'', ``caught 
at sea'', ``line caught'', ``cultivated'', or ``cultured'' are not 
acceptable substitutes. Alternatively, method of production (wild and/or 
farm-raised) designations may be in the form of a check box.
    (b) The declaration of the country(ies) of origin and method(s) of 
production (wild and/or farm-raised) (e.g., placard, sign, label, 
sticker, band, twist tie, pin tag, or other display) must be placed in a 
conspicuous location, so as to render it likely to be read and 
understood by a customer under normal conditions of purchase.
    (c) The declaration of the country(ies) of origin and the method(s) 
of production (wild and/or farm-raised) may be typed, printed, or 
handwritten provided it is in conformance with other Federal labeling 
laws and does not obscure other labeling information required by other 
Federal regulations.
    (d) A bulk container (e.g., display case, shipper, bin, carton, and 
barrel), used at the retail level to present product to consumers, may 
contain a covered commodity from more than one country of origin and/or 
more than one method of production (wild and farm-raised) provided all 
possible origins and/or methods of production are listed.
    (e) In general, country abbreviations are not acceptable. Only those 
abbreviations approved for use under CBP rules, regulations, and 
policies, such as ``U.K.'' for ``The United Kingdom of Great Britain and 
Northern Ireland'', ``Luxemb'' for Luxembourg, and ``U.S. or USA'' for 
the ``United States'' are acceptable. The adjectival form of the name of 
a country may be used as proper notification of the country(ies) of 
origin of imported commodities provided the adjectival form of the name 
does not appear with other words so as to refer to a kind or species of 
product. Symbols or flags alone may not be used to denote country of 
origin.
    (f) State or regional label designations are not acceptable in lieu 
of country of origin labeling.

                              Recordkeeping



Sec.  60.400  Recordkeeping requirements.

    (a) General. (1) All records must be legible and may be maintained 
in either electronic or hard copy formats. Due to the variation in 
inventory and accounting documentary systems, various forms of 
documentation and records will be acceptable.
    (2) Upon request by USDA representatives, suppliers and retailers 
subject to this subpart shall make available to USDA representatives, 
records maintained in the normal course of business that verify an 
origin claim and method of production (wild and/or farm-raised). Such 
records shall be provided within 5 business days of the request and may 
be maintained in any location.
    (b) Responsibilities of suppliers. (1) Any person engaged in the 
business of supplying a covered commodity to a retailer, whether 
directly or indirectly, must make available information to the buyer 
about the country(ies) of origin and method(s) of production (wild and/
or farm-raised), of the covered commodity. This information may be 
provided either on the product itself, on the master shipping container, 
or in a document that accompanies the product through retail sale 
provided that it identifies the product and its country(ies) of origin 
and method(s) of production. In addition, the supplier of a covered 
commodity that is responsible for initiating a country(ies) of origin 
and method(s) of production (wild and/or farm-raised) claim must possess 
records that are necessary to substantiate that claim for a period of 1 
year from the date of the transaction. Producer affidavits shall also be 
considered acceptable records that suppliers may utilize to initiate 
origin claims, provided it is made by someone having first-hand 
knowledge of the origin of the covered commodity and identifies the 
covered commodity unique to the transaction.

[[Page 171]]

    (2) Any intermediary supplier handling a covered commodity that is 
found to be designated incorrectly as to the country of origin and/or 
method of production (wild and/or farm-raised) shall not be held liable 
for a violation of the Act by reason of the conduct of another if the 
intermediary supplier relied on the designation provided by the 
initiating supplier or other intermediary supplier, unless the 
intermediary supplier willfully disregarded information establishing 
that the country of origin and/or method of production (wild and/or 
farm-raised) declaration was false.
    (3) Any person engaged in the business of supplying a covered 
commodity to a retailer, whether directly or indirectly (i.e., including 
but not limited to harvesters, producers, distributors, handlers, and 
processors), must maintain records to establish and identify the 
immediate previous source (if applicable) and immediate subsequent 
recipient of a covered commodity for a period of 1 year from the date of 
the transaction.
    (4) For an imported covered commodity (as defined in Sec.  
60.200(f)), the importer of record as determined by U.S. Customs and 
Border Protection, must ensure that records: provide clear product 
tracking from the port of entry into the United States to the immediate 
subsequent recipient and accurately reflect the country of origin and 
method of production (wild and/or farm-raised) of the item as identified 
in relevant CBP entry documents and information systems; and must 
maintain such records for a period of 1 year from the date of the 
transaction.
    (c) Responsibilities of retailers. (1) In providing the country of 
origin and method of production (wild and/or farm-raised) notification 
for a covered commodity, in general, retailers are to convey the origin 
and method of production information provided to them by their 
suppliers. Only if the retailer physically commingles a covered 
commodity of different origins and/or methods of production in 
preparation for retail sale, whether in a consumer-ready package or in a 
bulk display (and not discretely packaged) (i.e., full service fish 
case), can the retailer initiate a multiple country of origin and/or 
method of production designation that reflects the actual countries of 
origin and method of production for the resulting covered commodity.
    (2) Records and other documentary evidence relied upon at the point 
of sale to establish a covered commodity's country(ies) of origin and 
designation of wild and/or farm-raised must either be maintained at the 
retail facility or at another location for as long as the product is on 
hand and provided to any duly authorized representative of USDA in 
accordance with Sec.  60.400(a)(2). For pre-labeled products, the label 
itself is sufficient information on which the retailer may rely to 
establish the product's origin and method(s) of production (wild and/or 
farm-raised) and no additional records documenting origin and method of 
production information are necessary.
    (3) Records that identify the covered commodity, the retail 
supplier, and for products that are not pre-labeled, the country of 
origin information and the method(s) of production (wild and/or farm-
raised) must be maintained for a period of 1 year from the date the 
declaration is made at retail.
    (4) Any retailer handling a covered commodity that is found to be 
designated incorrectly as to the country of origin and/or the method of 
production (wild and/or farm-raised) shall not be held liable for a 
violation of the Act by reason of the conduct of another if the retailer 
relied on the designation provided by the supplier, unless the retailer 
willfully disregarded information establishing that the country of 
origin and/or method of production declaration was false.

Subpart B [Reserved]



PART 61_COTTONSEED SOLD OR OFFERED FOR SALE FOR CRUSHING PURPOSES
(INSPECTION, SAMPLING AND CERTIFICATION)--Table of Contents



                         Subpart A_Requirements

                               Definitions

Sec.
61.1 Words in singular form.
61.2 Terms defined.

[[Page 172]]

61.2a Designation of official certificates, memoranda, marks, other 
          identifications, and devices for purpose of the Agricultural 
          Marketing Act.

                       Administrative and General

61.3 Director.
61.4 Supervisor of cottonseed inspection.
61.5 Provisions to govern.
61.6 Denial of further services.
61.7 Misrepresentation.
61.8 Application for review.
61.9 Cost of review.

                      Licensed Cottonseed Samplers

61.25 Application for license as sampler; form.
61.27 Period of license; renewals.
61.30 Examination of sampler.
61.31 License must be posted.
61.32 No discrimination in sampling.
61.33 Equipment of sampler; contents of certificate.
61.34 Drawing and preparation of sample.
61.36 Cause for suspension or revocation.
61.37 License may be suspended.
61.38 Suspended license to be returned to Division.
61.39 Duplicate license.
61.40 Reports of licensed samplers.
61.41 Unlicensed persons must not represent themselves as licensed 
          samplers.
61.42 Information on sampling to be kept confidential.

 Subpart B_Standards for Grades of Cottonseed Sold or Offered for Sale 
             for Crushing Purposes Within the United States

61.101 Determination of grade.
61.102 Determination of quantity index.
61.103 Determination of quality index.
61.104 Sampling and certification of samples and grades.

    Source: 22 FR 10948, Dec. 28, 1957, unless otherwise noted.



                         Subpart A_Requirements

    Authority: Sec. 205, 60 Stat. 1090, as amended, (7 U.S.C. 1624).

                               Definitions



Sec.  61.1  Words in singular form.

    Words used in the regulations in this subpart in the singular form 
shall be deemed to import the plural, and vice-versa, as the case may 
demand.



Sec.  61.2  Terms defined.

    As used throughout the regulations in this part, unless the context 
otherwise requires, the following terms shall be construed, respectively 
to mean:
    (a) The act. The applicable provisions of the Agricultural Marketing 
Act of 1946 (60 Stat. 1087; 7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) or any other act of 
Congress conferring like authority.
    (b) Regulations. Regulations mean the provisions in this subpart.
    (c) Department. The United States Department of Agriculture.
    (d) Secretary. The Secretary of Agriculture of the United States, or 
any officer or employee of the Department to whom authority has 
heretofore been delegated, or to whom authority may hereafter be 
delegated, to act in his stead.
    (e) Service. The Agricultural Marketing Service of the United States 
Department of Agriculture.
    (f) Administrator. The Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing 
Service, or any officer or employee of the Service, to whom authority 
has heretofore been delegated, or to whom authority may hereafter be 
delegated, to act in his stead.
    (g) Division. The Cotton Division of the Agricultural Marketing 
Service.
    (h) Director. The Director of the Cotton Division, or any officer or 
employee of the Division to whom authority has heretofore been 
delegated, or to whom authority may hereafter be delegated, to act in 
his stead.
    (i) Custodian. Person who has possession or control of cottonseed or 
of samples of cottonseed as agent, controller, broker, or factor, as the 
case may be.
    (j) Owner. Person who through financial interest owns or controls, 
or has the disposition of either cottonseed or of samples of cottonseed.
    (k) Official cottonseed standards. The official standards of the 
United States for the grading, sampling, and analyzing of cottonseed 
sold or offered for sale for crushing purposes.
    (l) Supervisor of cottonseed inspection. An officer of the Division 
designated as such by the Director.
    (m) License. A license issued under the act by the Secretary.

[[Page 173]]

    (n) Licensed cottonseed chemist. A person licensed under the act by 
the Secretary to make quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses of 
samples of cottonseed according to the methods prescribed by the Science 
Division Director of the Agricultural Marketing Service and to 
certificate the grade according to the official cottonseed standards of 
the United States.
    (o) Licensed cottonseed sampler. A person licensed by the Secretary 
to draw and to certificate the authenticity of samples of cottonseed in 
accordance with the regulations in this subpart.
    (p) Dispute. A disagreement as to the true grade of a sample of 
cottonseed analyzed and graded by a licensed chemist.
    (q) Party. A party to a dispute.
    (r) Commercial laboratory. A chemical laboratory operated by an 
individual, firm, or corporation in which one or more persons are 
engaged in the chemical analysis of materials for the public.
    (s) Cottonseed. The word ``cottonseed'' as used in this part means 
the seed, after having been put through the usual and customary process 
known as cotton ginning, of any cotton produced within the continental 
United States.
    (t) Lot. That parcel or quantity of cottonseed offered for sale or 
tendered for delivery or delivered on a sale or contract of sale, in 
freight cars, trucks, wagons, or otherwise in the quantities and within 
the time limits prescribed from time to time by the Director for the 
drawing and preparation of official samples by licensed cottonseed 
samplers.
    (u) Official sample. A specimen of cottonseed drawn and prepared by 
a licensed cottonseed sampler and certified by him as representative of 
a certain identified lot, in accordance with the regulations in this 
subpart.

[22 FR 10948, Dec. 28, 1957, as amended at 58 FR 42413, Aug. 9, 1993]



Sec.  61.2a  Designation of official certificates, memoranda, marks, 
other identifications, and devices for purpose of the Agricultural
Marketing Act.

    Subsection 203(h) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as 
amended by Pub. L. 272, 84th Congress, provides criminal penalties for 
various specified offenses relating to official certificates, memoranda, 
marks, or other identifications, and devices for making such marks or 
identifications, issued or authorized under section 203 of said act, and 
certain misrepresentations concerning the inspection or grading of 
agricultural products under said section. For the purposes of said 
subsection and the provisions in this part, the terms listed below shall 
have the respective meanings specified:
    (a) Official certificate means any form of certification, either 
written or printed, used under this part to certify with respect to the 
inspection, sampling, class, grade, quality, quantity, or condition of 
products (including the compliance of products with applicable 
specifications).
    (b) Official memorandum means any initial record of findings made by 
an authorized person in the process of grading, inspecting, or sampling, 
pursuant to this part, any processing or plant-operation report made by 
an authorized person in connection with grading, inspecting, or sampling 
under this part, and any report made by an authorized person of services 
performed pursuant to this part.
    (c) Official mark means the grade mark, inspection mark, and any 
other mark, approved by the Administrator and authorized to be affixed 
to any product, or affixed to or printed on the packaging material of 
any product, stating that the product was graded or inspected or both, 
or indicating the appropriate U.S. grade or condition of the product, or 
for the purpose or maintaining the identity of products graded or 
inspected or both under this part.
    (d) Official identification means any United States (U.S.) standard 
designation of class, grade, quality, quantity, or condition specified 
in this part, or any symbol, stamp, label, or seal indicating that the 
product has been officially graded or inspected and/or indicating the 
class, grade, quality, quantity, or condition of the product, approved 
by the Administrator and authorized to be affixed to any product, or 
affixed to or printed on the packaging material of any product.
    (e) Official device means a stamping appliance, branding device, 
stencil,

[[Page 174]]

printed label, or any other mechanically or manually operated tool that 
is approved by the Administrator for the purpose of applying any 
official mark or other identification to any product or the packaging 
material thereof.

                       Administrative and General



Sec.  61.3  Director.

    The Director shall perform for and under the supervision of the 
Secretary and the Administrator, such duties as the Secretary or the 
Administrator may require in enforcing the provisions of the act and the 
regulations.



Sec.  61.4  Supervisor of cottonseed inspection.

    The Director, whenever he deems necessary, may designate an officer 
of the Division as supervisor of cottonseed inspection who shall 
supervise the inspection and sampling of cottonseed and perform such 
other duties as may be required of him in administering the act and the 
regulations.



Sec.  61.5  Provisions to govern.

    The inspection, sampling, analyzing, and grading of cottonseed in 
the United States pursuant to the act shall be performed as prescribed 
in methods approved from time to time by the Director.



Sec.  61.6  Denial of further services.

    Any person, partnership, or corporation that shall have undertaken 
to utilize the services of licensed cottonseed samplers under these 
regulations who shall not make available for official sampling and 
analysis each lot of cottonseed purchased or sold on grade and received 
by such person or partnership or corporation, may be denied further 
services under the act and these regulations: Provided, That in cases of 
persons, partnerships, or corporations operating two or more cottonseed 
crushing units under separate local managements, such penalty shall 
apply only to the offending unit, unless it shall be shown that the 
actions of such unit were at the direction or with the knowledge, 
approval, or acquiescence of the general management.

[22 FR 10948, Dec. 28, 1957, as amended at 58 FR 42413, Aug. 9, 1993]



Sec.  61.7  Misrepresentation.

    Any willful misrepresentation or any deceptive or fradulent practice 
made or committed by an applicant for a cottonseed sampler's certificate 
or for a cottonseed chemist's certificate or for an appeal grade 
certificate in connection with the sampling or grading of cottonseed by 
persons licensed under the act and the regulations or the issuance or 
use of a certificate not issued by a person licensed under the 
regulations in imitation of or that might mislead anyone to believe that 
such certificate was in fact issued by a person licensed under the act, 
or that might be otherwise false, misleading, or deceptive, may be 
deemed sufficient cause for debarring such applicant from any further 
benefits of the act.



Sec.  61.8  Application for review.

    In case of dispute in which a review is desired of the grading of 
any official sample of cottonseed covered by a valid certificate issued 
by a licensed cottonseed chemist, application therefor shall be filed 
with or mailed to a supervisor of cottonseed inspection within ten days 
after the date of the original certificate, whereupon the licensed 
chemist issuing the certificate shall immediately surrender to such 
supervisor the retained portion of the original sample, together with 
such records as may be required, for the determination of the true 
grade. The supervisor shall assign to such retained portion an 
identification number, shall divide such retained portion into two parts 
and submit the parts to two other licensed cottonseed chemists for 
reanalysis. Should the supervisor determine that such reanalyses 
indicate a grade differing from the original by not more than plus or 
minus one full grade, the original grade shall be considered the true 
grade. Should he find that such reanalyses indicate a grade differing 
more than plus or minus one full grade from the original, he shall 
determine the true grade. In any case, the supervisor shall issue over 
his name an appeal cottonseed grade certificate showing the true grade 
as determined in accordance with this section, which shall supersede the 
licensed chemists' certificates relating to the grade of such seed. 
Where due solely to errors in

[[Page 175]]

calculation or clerical error a grade certificated by a licensed 
cottonseed chemist is not the true grade, the supervisor shall direct 
the licensee to cancel the original and to issue a correct certificate. 
Should such error be found after an application for review has been 
filed, the supervisor shall nevertheless issue an appeal cottonseed 
grade certificate showing the true grade of the cottonseed involved.

[22 FR 10948, Dec. 28, 1957, Dec. 28, 1957, as amended at 58 FR 42413, 
Aug. 9, 1993]



Sec.  61.9  Cost of review.

    In cases of review of the grade of any official sample of 
cottonseed, payment covering the costs of re-analysis shall accompany 
the application.

                      Licensed Cottonseed Samplers



Sec.  61.25  Application for license as sampler; form.

    (a) Applications for licenses to sample cottonseed shall be made to 
the Director on forms furnished for the purpose by him.
    (b) Each such application shall be in English, shall be signed by 
the applicant, and shall contain or be accompanied by (1) satisfactory 
evidence that he is an actual resident of the United States, (2) 
satisfactory evidence of his experience in the handling and sampling of 
cottonseed, (3) a statement by the applicant that he agrees to comply 
with and abide by the terms of the act and these regulations so far as 
they relate to him, and with instructions issued from time to time 
governing the sampling of cottonseed, and (4) such other information as 
may be required.



Sec.  61.27  Period of license; renewals.

    The period for which a license may be issued under the regulations 
in Sec. Sec.  61.25 through 61.42 shall be from the first day of August 
following receipt of the application, and shall continue for 5 years, 
ending on the 31st of July in the fifth year. Renewals shall be for 5 
years also, beginning with the first day of August and ending on the 
31st day of July in the fifth year: Provided, That licenses or renewals 
issued on and after June 1 of any year shall be for the period ending 
July 31 of the fifth year following.

[59 FR 26411, May 20, 1994]



Sec.  61.30  Examination of sampler.

    Each applicant for a license as a sampler and each licensed sampler 
whenever requested by an authorized representative of the Director, 
shall submit to an examination or test to show his ability properly to 
perform the duties for which he is applying for a license or for which 
he has been licensed, and each such applicant or licensee shall furnish 
the Division any information requested at any time in regard to his 
sampling of cottonseed.



Sec.  61.31  License must be posted.

    Each licensed sampler shall keep his license conspicuously posted at 
the place where he functions as a sampler or in such other place as may 
be approved by the Director.



Sec.  61.32  No discrimination in sampling.

    Each licensed sampler, when requested, shall without discrimination, 
as soon as practicable and upon reasonable terms, sample any cottonseed 
if the same be made available to him at his place of business, under 
conditions that will permit proper sampling. Each such licensee shall 
give preference to those who request his services as such over persons 
who request his services in any other capacity.



Sec.  61.33  Equipment of sampler; contents of certificate.

    Each licensed sampler shall have available suitable triers or 
sampling tools, sample containers, scales, seed cleaners, seed mixers, 
and air-tight containers for enclosing and forwarding the official 
samples to licensed chemist, and with tags and samplers' certificates 
approved or furnished by the Director or his representative for 
identifying the samples of cottonseed and for certificating the 
condition of the cottonseed represented by such samples. There shall be 
clearly written or printed on the face of such certificate--
    (a) A suitable caption;
    (b) The location of the cottonseed involved and its point of origin;

[[Page 176]]

    (c) The identification of the lot from which the sample was drawn;
    (d) The date on which the sample was drawn;
    (e) The gross weight of the original sample, and the net weight of 
the cleaned sample;
    (f) A statement indicating that the sample was drawn in accordance 
with sampling methods prescribed by the Director of the Cotton Division; 
and
    (g) The signature of the licensed sampler as such. The use of such 
tags and certificates shall be in conformity with instructions issued 
from time to time by the Division.



Sec.  61.34  Drawing and preparation of sample.

    Each licensed cottonseed sampler shall draw, prepare, and identify 
one official sample of cottonseed and a duplicate thereof from each lot 
made available to him in such manner as may be required by the Director, 
and shall promptly prepare it for forwarding to a licensed cottonseed 
chemist for analysis and grading. The duplicate shall be sealed and 
retained by the sampler until the original official sample shall have 
been analyzed by a licensed chemist. If the original official sample 
shall become lost or destroyed before having been analyzed the duplicate 
shall become the official sample; otherwise the licensed sampler shall 
immediately remove the identification marks from the duplicate and 
discard it. In no case shall the duplicate be offered for analysis 
unless the original shall have been lost or destroyed before analysis.



Sec.  61.36  Cause for suspension or revocation.

    The failure or refusal of any cottonseed sampled, duly licensed as 
such under the regulations in this subpart, to draw, prepare, identify, 
and to forward an official sample of every lot of cottonseed made 
available to him for the purpose, in accordance with these regulations, 
shall be cause for the suspension or revocation of his license. A 
sampler's license may also be suspended when the sampler (a) has ceased 
to perform services as a licensed cottonseed sampler, (b) has knowingly 
or carelessly sampled cottonseed improperly, (c) has violated or evaded 
any provision of the Act, these regulations, or the sampling methods 
prescribed by the Director, (d) has used his license or allowed it to be 
used for any fraudulent or improper purposes, or (e) has in any manner 
become incompetent or incapacitated to perform the duties of a licensed 
sampler.



Sec.  61.37  License may be suspended.

    The Director may, without a hearing, suspend or revoke the license 
issued to a licensed sampler upon written request and a satisfactory 
statement of reasons therefor submitted by such licensed sampler. 
Pending final action by the Secretary, the Director may, whenever he 
deems such action necessary, suspend the license of any licensed sampler 
by giving notice of such suspension to the licensee, accompanied by a 
statement of the reasons therefor. Within 10 days after the receipt of 
the aforesaid notice and statement of reasons by such licensee, he may 
file an appeal, in writing, with the Secretary, supported by any 
argument or evidence that he may wish to offer as to why his license 
should not be suspended or revoked. After the expiration of the 
aforesaid 10-day period and consideration of such argument and evidence, 
the Secretary will take such action as he deems appropriate with respect 
to such suspension or revocation. When no appeal is filed within the 
prescribed 10 days, the license shall be automatically revoked.



Sec.  61.38  Suspended license to be returned to Division.

    In case a license issued to a sampler is suspended or revoked such 
license shall be returned to the Division. At the expiration of any 
period of suspension of such license, unless in the meantime it be 
revoked, the dates of beginning and termination of such suspension shall 
be endorsed thereon, it shall be returned to the person to whom it was 
originally issued, and its shall be posted as prescribed in Sec.  61.31.



Sec.  61.39  Duplicate license.

    Upon satisfactory proof of the loss or destruction of a license 
issued to a sampler hereunder, a new license may

[[Page 177]]

be issued under the same or a new number.



Sec.  61.40  Reports of licensed samplers.

    Each licensed sampler, when requested, shall make reports on forms 
furnished for the purpose by the Division bearing upon his activity as 
such licensee.



Sec.  61.41  Unlicensed persons must not represent themselves as 
licensed samplers.

    No person shall in any way represent himself to be a sampler 
licensed under the act unless he holds an unsuspended and unrevoked 
license issued thereunder.



Sec.  61.42  Information on sampling to be kept confidential.

    Every person licensed under the act as a sampler of cottonseed shall 
keep confidential all information secured by him relative to shipments 
of cottonseed sampled by him. He shall not disclose such information to 
any person except an authorized representative of the Department.



 Subpart B_Standards for Grades of Cottonseed Sold or Offered for Sale 
             for Crushing Purposes Within the United States

    Authority: Secs. 203, 205, 60 Stat. 1087, 1090, as amended; 7 U.S.C. 
1622, 1624.



Sec.  61.101  Determination of grade.

    The grade of cottonseed shall be determined from the analysis of 
samples by licensed chemists, and it shall be the result, stated in the 
nearest whole or half numbers, obtained by multiplying a quantity index 
by a quality index and dividing the result by 100. The quantity index 
and the quality index shall be determined as hereinafter provided.
    (a) The basis grade of cottonseed shall be grade 100.
    (b) High grades of cottonseed shall be those grades above 100.
    (c) Low grades of cottonseed shall be those grades below 100.
    (d) Grades for American Pima cottonseed shall be suffixed by the 
designation ``American Pima'' or by the symbol ``AP.''

[22 FR 10948, Dec. 28, 1957, as amended at 37 FR 20157, Sept. 27, 1972; 
58 FR 42413, Aug. 9, 1993]



Sec.  61.102  Determination of quantity index.

    The quantity index of cottonseed shall be determined as follows:
    (a) For upland cottonseed the quantity index shall equal four times 
percentage of oil plus six times percentage of ammonia, plus 5.
    (b) For American Pima cottonseed the quantity index shall equal four 
times percentage of oil, plus six times percentage of ammonia, minus 10.

[37 FR 20157, Sept. 27, 1972]



Sec.  61.103  Determination of quality index.

    The quality index of cottonseed shall be an index of purity and 
soundness, and shall be determined as follows:
    (a) Prime quality cottonseed. Cottonseed that by analysis contains 
not more than 1.0 percent of foreign matter, not more than 12.0 percent 
of moisture, and not more than 1.8 percent of free fatty acids in the 
oil in the seed, shall be known as prime quality cottonseed and shall 
have a quality index of 100.
    (b) Below prime quality cottonseed. The quality index of cottonseed 
that, by analysis, contain foreign matter, moisture, or free fatty acids 
in the oil in the seed, in excess of the percentages prescribed in 
paragraph (a) of this section shall be found by reducing the quality 
index of prime quality cottonseed as follows:
    (1) Four-tenths of a unit for each 0.1 percent of free fatty acids 
in the oil in the seed in excess of 1.8 percent.
    (2) One-tenth of a unit for each 0.1 percent of foreign matter in 
excess of 1.0 percent.
    (3) One-tenth of a unit for each 0.1 percent of moisture in excess 
of 12.0 percent.
    (c) Off quality cottonseed. Cottonseed that has been treated by 
either mechanical or chemical process other than the usual cleaning, 
drying, and ginning (except sterilization required by the United States 
Department of Agriculture for quarantine purposes) or

[[Page 178]]

that are fermented or hot, or that upon analysis are found to contain 
12.5 percent or more of free fatty acids in the oil in the seed, or more 
than 10.0 percent of foreign matter, or more than 20.0 percent of 
moisture, or more than 25.0 percent of moisture and foreign matter 
combined, shall be designated as ``off quality cottonseed.''
    (d) Below grade cottonseed. Cottonseed the grade of which when 
calculated according to Sec.  61.101 is below grade 40.0 shall be 
designated as ``below grade cottonseed,'' and a numerical grade shall 
not be indicated.



Sec.  61.104  Sampling and certification of samples and grades.

    The drawing, preparation, and certification of samples of 
cottonseed, and certification of grades of cottonseed shall be performed 
in accordance with methods approved from time to time for the purposes 
by the Director, or his representatives.

[22 FR 10948, Dec. 28, 1957, as amended at 58 FR 42413, Aug. 9, 1993]



PART 62_AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE AUDIT VERIFICATION AND 
ACCREDITATION PROGRAMS (AVAAP)--Table of Contents



                          Subpart A_Definitions

Sec.
62.000 Meaning of terms.

                        Subpart B_Administration

62.100 Administrator.

               Subpart C_Audit and Accreditation Services

62.200 Services.

                   Subpart D_Administrative Provisions

62.201 Availability of service.
62.202 How to apply for service.
62.203 How to withdraw service.
62.204 Authority to request service.
62.205 [Reserved]
62.206 Access to program documents and activities.
62.207 Official assessment.
62.208 Publication of assessment status.
62.209 [Reserved]
62.210 Denial, suspension, cancellation or rejection of service.
62.211 Appeals.
62.212 [Reserved]
62.213 Official identification.
62.214 Voluntary participation.

                             Subpart E_Fees

62.300 Fees and other costs of service.
62.301 Payment of fees and other charges.

                      Subpart F_OMB control number

62.400 OMB control number assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction 
          Act.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.

    Source: 85 FR 62937, Oct. 6, 2020, unless otherwise noted.



                          Subpart A_Definitions



Sec.  62.000  Meaning of terms.

    Words used in this subpart in the singular form shall be deemed to 
impart the plural, and vice versa, as the case may demand. For the 
purposes of such regulations, unless the context otherwise requires, the 
following terms shall be construed, respectively, to mean:
    Accreditation. The action or process of officially recognizing an 
entity as being qualified to perform a specific activity(ies).
    Act. The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended (AMA) (7 
U.S.C. 1621-1627).
    Administrator. The Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing 
Service, or any officer or employee of AMS to whom authority has 
heretofore been delegated or to whom authority may hereafter be 
delegated, to act in the Administrator's stead.
    Agricultural Marketing Service. The Agricultural Marketing Service 
(AMS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
    Applicant. Any individual, commodity board, trade association, 
marketing order or agreement administrative body and its program 
signatories, or business with a financial interest in audit verification 
and accreditation services who has applied for service under this part.
    Assessment. A systematic review of the adequacy and implementation 
of a documented program or system.
    Audit. A systematic, independent, and documented process for 
obtaining evidence andevaluating it objectively to determine the extent 
to which criteria are fulfilled.

[[Page 179]]

    Auditor. Person authorized by AMS to conduct official audits or 
assessments.
    Conformance. The condition or fact of an applicant meeting the 
requirements of a standard,contract, specification, or other documented 
service requirements.
    Export certificate. An official paper or electronic document issued 
as part of an export certification program, which describes and attests 
to attributes of consignments of commodities or food destined for 
international trade.
    Nonconformance. The condition or fact of an applicant not meeting 
the requirements of a standard, contract, specification, or other 
documented service program requirements.
    Official mark of conformance. Any form of mark or other 
identification used under the regulations to show the conformance of 
products with applicable service requirements, or to maintain the 
identity of products for which service is provided under the 
regulations.
    Products. All agricultural commodities and services within the scope 
of Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. This includes the processes 
involving the production, handling, processing, packaging, and 
transportation of these products, agricultural product data storage, and 
product traceability and identification.
    Program. Any and all individual auditing or accrediting procedures, 
systems, or instructions developed and administered under the services 
authorized under Sec.  62.200.
    Service. The AMS auditing and accreditation functions authorized 
under the Act and the provisions of this part.
    Service documentation. All requirements, guidelines, manuals, forms, 
and supporting documentation needed to effectuate the administration and 
operation of services authorized under this part.
    USDA. The U.S. Department of Agriculture.



                        Subpart B_Administration



Sec.  62.100  Administrator.

    The Administrator is charged with the administration of official 
assessments conducted according to the regulations in this part and 
approved program procedures.



               Subpart C_Audit and Accreditation Services



Sec.  62.200  Services.

    Services shall be based upon the authorities under the Act and 
applicable standards prescribed by USDA, the laws of the State where the 
particular product was produced, specifications of any governmental 
agency, voluntary audit program requirements in effect under federal 
marketing orders and/or agreements, written buyer and seller contract 
specifications, service documentation, or any written specification by 
an applicant. Services are administered through voluntary, fee-for-
service, audit-based programs by AMS auditor(s) and other USDA officials 
under this part. Services authorized under this part, and programs 
administered under such, shall include:
    (a) Quality Systems Verification Programs. Quality Systems 
Verification Programs (QSVP) assess an applicant's business (quality) 
management system of program documentation and program processes 
regarding quality of products. Such programs include, but are not 
limited to:
    (1) Food Safety Management Systems. A formalized system of 
documents, processes, procedures, and responsibilities for preventing 
foodborne illnesses.
    (i) Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). A formalized system of 
documents, processes, and procedures used by primary producers to 
minimize the risk of contamination during the production, harvesting, 
and handling of crops.
    (ii) GroupGAP. A quality management system approach to GAP 
certification undertaken by a group of producers.
    (iii) Good Manufacturing Practices. A formalized system of 
documents, processes, and procedures used to ensure that products are 
consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards and 
regulatory requirements.
    (2) Export Certification Program. A formalized system of documents, 
processes, and procedures used to validate that a given product meets 
the specific requirements of a foreign country, in

[[Page 180]]

addition to applicable Federal requirements.
    (3) USDA Process Verified Program (PVP). A comprehensive quality 
management system verification program whereby applicants establish 
their own standards to describe products or processes.
    (4) USDA Quality Assessment Program. A quality management system 
verification service that is designed to aid in the marketing of 
products that have undergone specific processes and is limited in scope 
to those specific items associated with the product or process.
    (i) Export Verification Programs. A formalized system of documents, 
processes and procedures used to validate specific requirements of a 
foreign country are being met, in addition to applicable Federal 
requirements.
    (ii) [Reserved].
    (5) USDA Accredited Seed Program. A specialized quality management 
system verification service for the seed industry that offers applicants 
a way to market their product using industry-recognized processes, 
rules, and standards.
    (b) Audit Verification Programs. Audit verification programs assess 
an applicant's documentation of its business management system with 
regard to the production or handling of products. Such programs include, 
but are not limited to:
    (1) Food Defense Verification Program. A service that evaluates 
operators of food establishments that maintain documented and 
operational food defense measures to minimize the risk of tampering or 
other malicious criminal actions against the food under their control.
    (2) Domestic Origin Verification. A service that evaluates a farm's 
and/or a facility's ability to maintain processes, procedures, and 
records to demonstrate products are grown in the United States of 
America, its territories, or possessions.
    (3) Plant System Audit. A service that evaluates the ability of 
operators of food establishments to implement a sanitation program and/
or requirement outlined in good manufacturing practices regulations.
    (4) Audits performed for other government agencies. A service that 
provides quality-based audit services to, and performs audits for, other 
government agencies, such as the Department of Defense or the U.S. Aid 
Agency for International Development, under the Economy Act (31 U.S.C. 
1535).
    (5) Export Audit Programs. An audit intended to ensure that 
information submitted for an export certificate request is complete, 
accurate, and in compliance with the export certification program. In 
some cases, these requirements may include compliance with country-
specific attestations or product requirements.
    (6) Child Nutrition Labeling Program. An audit intended to ensure 
manufacturers properly apply and document effective procedures to 
monitor and control the production of their Child Nutrition products.
    (c) Accreditation Programs. Accreditation programs include 
voluntary, user-fee accreditation services performed by a USDA evaluator 
or accreditation body to conduct assessments of applicant programs, 
services, facilities or equipment, and their ability to achieve planned 
results. Such programs include, but are not limited to:
    (1) USDA ISO Guide 17065 Program. A service that assesses 
certification bodies to determine conformance to the International 
Organization for Standardization (ISO) Guide 17065. These assessments 
are available to U.S. and international certification bodies operating a 
third-party certification system that perform conformity assessment 
activities.
    (2) Laboratory Approval Programs. Laboratories are approved, or 
accredited, to perform testing services in support of domestic and 
international trade. At the request of industry, other Federal Agencies, 
or foreign governments, USDA administers programs to verify that the 
analysis of food and agricultural products meets country and customer-
specific requirements and that the testing of marketed products is 
conducted by qualified and approved laboratories.

[[Page 181]]



                   Subpart D_Administrative Provisions



Sec.  62.201  Availability of service.

    Services under this part are available to applicants, including 
international and domestic government agencies, private agricultural 
businesses, and any financially interested person.



Sec.  62.202  How to apply for service.

    Applicants may apply for services authorized under this part by 
contacting the Administrator's office and requesting specific service or 
program information at USDA, AMS, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 
3069-S, Washington, DC 20250-0294; by fax to: (202) 720-5115, or email 
to: [email protected]. Applicants may also visit: https://
www.ams.usda.gov.



Sec.  62.203  How to withdraw application for service.

    An application for service may be withdrawn, all or in part, by the 
applicant at any time; Provided, That the applicant notifies the USDA 
service office in writing of its desire to withdraw the application for 
service and pays any expenses USDA has incurred in connection with such 
application.



Sec.  62.204  Authority to request service.

    Any person requesting service may be required to prove his/her 
financial interest in the product or service at the discretion of USDA.



Sec.  62.205  [Reserved]



Sec.  62.206  Access to program documents and activities.

    (a) The applicant shall make its products, records, and 
documentation available and easily accessible for assessment, with 
respect to the requested service. Auditors and other USDA officials 
responsible for maintaining uniformity and accuracy of service 
authorized under this part shall have access to all areas of facilities 
covered by approved applications for service under the regulations, 
during normal business hours or during periods of production, for the 
purpose of evaluating products or processes. This includes products in 
facilities which have been or are to be examined for program conformance 
or which bear any USDA official marks of conformance. This further 
includes any facilities or operations that are part of an approved 
program.
    (b) Documentation and records relating to an applicant's program 
must be retained as prescribed under each service program authorized 
under this part.



Sec.  62.207  Official assessment.

    Official assessment of an applicant's program shall include:
    (a) Documentation assessment. Auditors and other USDA officials 
shall review the applicant's program documentation and issue the finding 
of the review to the applicant.
    (b) Program assessment. Auditors and USDA officials shall conduct an 
onsite assessment of the applicant's program to ensure provisions of the 
applicant's program documentation have been implemented and conform to 
program procedures.
    (c) Program determination. Applicants determined to meet or not meet 
program procedures or requirements shall be notified of their approval 
or disapproval.
    (d) Corrective and/or preventative actions. Applicants may be 
required to implement corrective and/or preventative actions upon 
completion of an assessment. After implementation of the corrective and/
or preventative actions, the applicant may request another assessment.



Sec.  62.208  Publication of assessment status.

    Approved programs shall be posted for public reference on: https://
www.ams.usda.gov. Such postings shall include:
    (a) Program name and contact information;
    (b) Products or services covered under the scope of approval;
    (c) Effective dates of approval;
    (d) Control numbers of official assessments, as appropriate; and
    (e) Any other information deemed necessary by the Administrator.

[[Page 182]]



Sec.  62.209  [Reserved]



Sec.  62.210  Denial, suspension, cancellation or rejection of service.

    (a) Denial of services. Services authorized under this part may be 
denied if an applicant fails to meet or conform to a program's 
requirements including, but not limited to, a failure to:
    (1) Adequately address any program requirement resulting in a 
nonconformance for the program.
    (2) Demonstrate capability to meet any program requirement, thereby 
resulting in a major nonconformance.
    (3) Present truthful and accurate information to any auditor or 
other USDA official; or
    (4) Allow any auditor or other USDA official access to facilities 
and records within the scope of the program.
    (b) Suspension of services. Services may be suspended if the 
applicant fails to meet or conform to a program's requirements 
including, but not limited to, a failure to:
    (1) Adequately address any program's requirement, thereby resulting 
in a major nonconformance;
    (2) Demonstrate capability to meet any program requirement, thereby 
resulting in a major nonconformance;
    (3) Follow and maintain its approved program or procedures;
    (4) Provide corrections and take corrective actions as applicable in 
the timeframe specified;
    (5) Submit significant changes to an approved program and seek 
approval from USDA prior to implementation of the significant changes to 
the program;
    (6) Allow any auditor or other USDA official access to facilities 
and records within the scope of the approved program;
    (7) Accurately represent the eligibility of agricultural products or 
services distributed under an approved program;
    (8) Remit payment for services;
    (9) Abstain from any fraudulent or deceptive practice in connection 
with any application or request for service; or
    (10) Allow any auditor or other USDA official to perform his or her 
duties under the provisions of this part or program requirements 
established under one of the authorized services of this part.
    (c) Cancellation of services. Services may be cancelled, an 
application may be rejected, or program assessment may be terminated if 
the Administrator or his/her designee determines that a nonconformance 
has remained uncorrected beyond a reasonable amount of time.
    (d) Rejection of services. Services may be rejected when it appears 
that to perform audit and accreditation services would not be in the 
best interests of the USDA. The applicant shall be promptly notified of 
the reason for such rejection.



Sec.  62.211  Appeals.

    (a) Appeals of adverse decisions. Appeals of adverse decisions under 
this part may be made in writing to the AMS Administrator, Rm. 3069-S, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0249 or to the 
director of the applicable service office. Appeals must be made within 
the timeframe specified by each program or within 30 calendar days of 
receipt of an adverse decision, whichever is sooner.
    (b) Procedure for Appeals. Actions under this subparagraph 
concerning appeals of adverse decisions to the Administrator shall be 
conducted in accordance with the Rules of Practice Governing Formal 
Adjudicatory Proceedings Instituted by the Secretary Under Various 
Statutes set forth at 7 CFR 1.130 through 1.151 and the Administrative 
Procedures Governing Withdrawal of Inspection and Grading Services in 7 
CFR part 50. The procedure for appeals is specified by each program and/
or by an overarching USDA AMS administrative procedure.



Sec.  62.212  [Reserved]



Sec.  62.213  Official identification.

    Some programs offered under this subpart allow for the use of 
official identification or marks of conformance. A program's specific 
documented procedure will indicate whether official marks of conformance 
apply.
    (a) Products or services produced under a program authorized under 
this part may use an official identification mark of approval for that 
program,

[[Page 183]]

such as the ``USDA Process Verified'' statement and the ``USDA Process 
Verified'' shield. Use of program official identification must be in 
accordance with program requirements.
    (b) Use of a program's official identification mark must be approved 
in writing by USDA prior to use by an applicant.
    (c) USDA Process Verified Program shield. Products or services 
produced under an approved USDA PVP may use the ``USDA Process 
Verified'' statement and the ``USDA Process Verified Program'' shield 
(Figure 1 to paragraph (c)), so long as each is used in direct 
association with a clear description of the process verified points 
approved by USDA.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR06OC20.001

    (1) The USDA Process Verified shield must replicate the form and 
design of the example in Figure 1 and must be printed legibly and 
conspicuously:
    (i) On a white background with a gold trimmed shield, with the term 
``USDA'' in white overlaying a blue upper third of the shield, the term 
``PROCESS'' in black overlaying a white middle third of the shield, and 
term ``VERIFIED'' in white overlaying a red lower third of the shield; 
or
    (ii) On a white or transparent background with a black trimmed 
shield, with the term ``USDA'' in white overlaying a black upper third 
of the shield, the term ``PROCESS'' in black overlaying a white middle 
third of the shield, and the term ``VERIFIED'' in white overlaying a 
black lower third of the shield.



Sec.  62.214  Voluntary participation.

    Applying for services, or enrollment in any serviceprogram, is 
voluntary. Once an applicant receives a service or is accepted into a 
program, compliance with that service or program's terms is mandatory 
unless the applicant withdraws its application as provided in Sec.  
62.203 or participation is denied, suspended, cancelled, or rejected 
subject to the terms of Sec.  62.210.



                             Subpart E_Fees



Sec.  62.300  Fees and other costs of service.

    (a) For each calendar year, AMS will calculate the rate for services 
per hour per program employee using the following formulas:
    (1) Regular rate. The total AMS service program personnel direct pay 
divided by direct hours, which is then multiplied by the next year's 
percentage of cost of living increase, plus the benefits rate, plus the 
operating rate, plus the allowance for bad debt rate. If applicable, 
travel expenses may also be added to the cost of providing the service.

[[Page 184]]

    (2) Overtime rate. The total AMS service program personnel direct 
pay divided by direct hours, which is then multiplied by the next year's 
percentage of cost of living increase and then multiplied by 1.5 plus 
the benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus an allowance for bad 
debt. If applicable, travel expenses may also be added to the cost of 
providing the service.
    (3) Holiday rate. The total AMS service program personnel direct pay 
divided by direct hours, which is then multiplied by the next year's 
percentage of cost of living increase and then multiplied by 2, plus the 
benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus an allowance for bad debt. 
If applicable, travel expenses may also be added to the cost of 
providing the service.
    (b)(1) For each calendar year, based on previous fiscal year/
historical actual costs, AMS will calculate the benefits rate, operating 
rate, and allowance for bad debt rate components of the regular, 
overtime, and holiday rates as follows:
    (i) Benefits rate. The total AMS service program direct benefits 
costs divided by the total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday) 
worked, which is then multiplied by the next calendar year's percentage 
cost of living increase. Some examples of direct benefits are health 
insurance, retirement, life insurance, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 
retirement basic and matching contributions.
    (ii) Operating rate. The total AMS service program operating costs 
divided by total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday) worked, which is 
then multiplied by the percentage of inflation.
    (iii) Allowance for bad debt rate. Total AMS service program 
allowance for bad debt divided by total hours (regular, overtime, and 
holiday) worked.
    (2) The calendar year cost of living expenses and percentage of 
inflation factors used in the formulas in this section are based on 
OMB's most recent Presidential Economic Assumptions.
    (c) Applicants are responsible for paying actual travel costs 
incurred to provide services, including but not limited to: Mileage 
charges for use of privately owned vehicles, rental vehicles and gas, 
parking, tolls, and public transportation costs such as airfare, train, 
and taxi service.
    (d) The applicant is responsible for paying per diem costs incurred 
to provide services away from the auditor's or USDA official's official 
duty station(s). Per diem costs shall be calculated in accordance with 
existing travel regulations (41 CFR, subtitle F--Federal Travel 
Regulation System, chapter 301).
    (e) When costs other than those costs specified in paragraphs (a) 
through (c) of this section are involved in providing the services, the 
applicant shall be responsible for these costs. The amount of these 
costs shall be determined administratively by AMS. However, the 
applicant will be notified of these costs before the service is 
rendered.



Sec.  62.301  Payment of fees and other charges.

    Fees and other charges for services shall be paid in accordance with 
each service or program's policy(ies) and documentation. The applicant 
shall remit payment by the date indicated on the invoice. Payment may be 
made by automated clearing house transactions; credit card, debit card, 
or direct debit via Pay.gov or PayPal; electronic funds transfer; check; 
or money order. Remittance must be to USDA, AMS and include the customer 
number (i.e., account number) from the invoice. Check or money orders 
must be mailed to the remit address indicated on the invoice. Wire 
transfers are exclusive to foreign customers. Fees and charges shall be 
paid in advance if required by the service or program's authorized USDA 
official. Failure to pay fees can result in denial, suspension, or 
cancellation of service.



                      Subpart F_OMB Control Number



Sec.  62.400  OMB control number assigned pursuant to the Paperwork
Reduction Act.

    The information collection and recordkeeping requirements of this 
part have been approved by OMB under 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35 and have been 
assigned OMB Control Numbers: 0581-0125, 0581-0128, 0581-0251, and 0581-
0283.

[[Page 185]]



PART 63_NATIONAL SHEEP INDUSTRY IMPROVEMENT CENTER--Table of Contents



                      Subpart A_General Provisions

                               Definitions

Sec.
63.1 Act.
63.2 Board.
63.3 Department or USDA.
63.4 Eligible entity.
63.5 Eligible organization.
63.6 Fiscal year.
63.7 Fund.
63.8 NSIIC.
63.9 Part.
63.10 Secretary.
63.11 Under Secretary for Rural Development.
63.12 Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics.
63.13 United States.

                           Board of Directors

63.100 Establishment and membership.
63.101 Nominations.
63.102 Nominee's agreement to serve.
63.103 Appointment.
63.104 Vacancies.
63.105 Nominating organizations.
63.106 Term of office.
63.107 Compensation.
63.108 Removal.
63.109 Procedure.
63.110 Powers and duties of the Board.
63.111 Prohibited activities.
63.112 Conflict of interest.

               National Sheep Industry Improvement Center

63.200 NSIIC establishment and purpose.

                             Revolving Fund

63.300 Establishment.
63.301 Use of fund.

                       Reports, Books, and Records

63.400 Books and records.
63.401 Use of information.
63.402 Confidentiality.

                              Miscellaneous

63.500 Compliance.
63.501 Patents, copyrights, inventions, trademarks, information, 
          publications, and product formulations.
63.502 Personal liability.
63.503 Separability.
63.504 Amendments.
63.505 OMB control number.

Subpart B [Reserved]

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.

    Source: 75 FR 43034, July 23, 2010, unless otherwise noted.



                      Subpart A_General Provisions

                               Definitions



Sec.  63.1  Act.

    Act means the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-
1627).

[79 FR 31845, June 3, 2014]



Sec.  63.2  Board.

    Board means National Sheep Industry Improvement Center Board of 
Directors established under Sec.  63.100.



Sec.  63.3  Department or USDA.

    Department or USDA means the United States Department of 
Agriculture.



Sec.  63.4  Eligible entity.

    Eligible entity means an entity that promotes the betterment of the 
United States sheep or goat industries and that is a public, private, or 
cooperative organization; an association, including a corporation not 
operated for profit; a federally recognized Indian Tribe; or a public or 
quasi-public agency.



Sec.  63.5  Eligible organization.

    Eligible organization means any national organization that meets the 
criteria provided for in Sec.  63.105 as being eligible to submit 
nominations for membership on the Board.



Sec.  63.6  Fiscal year.

    Fiscal year means a calendar year or any other 12 month period as 
determined by the Board.



Sec.  63.7  Fund.

    Fund means the NSIIC Revolving Fund established in the United States 
Department of the Treasury that is available to the NSIIC without fiscal 
year limitation, to carry out the programs and activities authorized 
under the Act.



Sec.  63.8  NSIIC.

    NSIIC or Center means the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center 
established under Sec.  63.200.

[[Page 186]]



Sec.  63.9  Part.

    Part means the rules and regulations issued pursuant to the Act that 
appear in part 63 of title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations.



Sec.  63.10  Secretary.

    Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States or 
any other officer or employee of the Department to whom authority has 
heretofore been delegated, or to whom authority may hereafter be 
delegated, to act in the Secretary's stead.



Sec.  63.11  Under Secretary for Rural Development.

    Under Secretary for Rural Development means the Under Secretary for 
Rural Development of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or any other 
officer or employee of the Department designated by the Under Secretary 
to act in the Under Secretary's stead.



Sec.  63.12  Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics.

    Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics means the 
Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics of the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, or any other officer or employee of the 
Department designated by the Under Secretary to act in the Under 
Secretary's stead.



Sec.  63.13  United States.

    United States means collectively the 50 States, the District of 
Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the territories and 
possessions of the United States.

                           Board of Directors



Sec.  63.100  Establishment and membership.

    There is hereby established a National Sheep Industry Improvement 
Center Board. The Board is composed of seven voting members and two non-
voting members. Voting members of the Board shall be appointed by the 
Secretary from nominations submitted in accordance with this part. The 
Board shall consist of the following:
    (a) Voting members. (1) Four members shall be active producers of 
sheep or goats in the United States;
    (2) Two members shall have expertise in finance and management; and
    (3) One member shall have expertise in lamb, wool, goat, or goat 
product marketing.
    (b) Non-voting members. (1) One member shall be the Under Secretary 
of Agriculture for Rural Development, USDA; and
    (2) One member shall be the Under Secretary for Research, Education, 
and Economics, USDA.



Sec.  63.101  Nominations.

    All nominations authorized under this section shall be made in the 
following manner:
    (a) Nominations shall be obtained by the Secretary from national 
organizations eligible under Sec.  63.105. An eligible organization 
shall submit to the Secretary for consideration at least two nominations 
for one or more voting member seats on the Board. If two nominations for 
each voting member seat are not submitted by such organization(s), then 
the Secretary may solicit nominations from other sources.
    (b) After the establishment of the initial Board, USDA shall 
announce when a vacancy does or will exist. Nomination for subsequent 
Board members shall be submitted to the Secretary not less than sixty 
(60) days prior to the expiration of the terms of the members whose 
terms are expiring, in the manner as described in this section. In the 
case of vacancies due to reasons other than the expiration of a term of 
office, successor Board members shall be appointed pursuant to Sec.  
63.104.
    (c) If more than one eligible organization exists, they may caucus 
and jointly nominate at least two qualified persons for each position. 
If joint agreement is not reached with respect to any such nominations, 
or if no caucus is held, each eligible organization may submit to the 
Secretary at least two nominees for each appointment to be made.



Sec.  63.102  Nominee's agreement to serve.

    Any person nominated to serve on the Board shall file with the 
Secretary at the time of the nomination a written agreement to:
    (a) Serve on the Board if appointed;

[[Page 187]]

    (b) Disclose any relationship that may create a conflict of interest 
under Sec.  63.112; and
    (c) Withdraw from participation in deliberations, decision-making, 
or voting on matters which concern any relationship disclosed under 
paragraph (b) of this section.



Sec.  63.103  Appointment.

    From the nominations made pursuant to Sec.  63.101, the Secretary 
shall appoint the members of the Board.



Sec.  63.104  Vacancies.

    To fill any vacancy occasioned by the death, removal, resignation, 
or disqualification of any member of the Board, the Secretary shall 
appoint a successor from the most recent list of nominations for the 
position or the Secretary shall request nominations for a successor 
pursuant to Sec.  63.101 and such successor shall be appointed pursuant 
to Sec.  63.103.



Sec.  63.105  Nominating organizations.

    (a) In general. Nominations for voting members of the Board may be 
submitted by any national organization that the Secretary determines 
meets the eligibility criteria established under paragraph (b) of this 
section.
    (b) Basis for eligibility. A national organization is eligible to 
submit nominations for voting members on the Board if:
    (1) The membership of the organization consists primarily of active 
sheep or goat producers in the United States; and
    (2) The primary interest of the organization is the production of 
sheep or goats in the United States.



Sec.  63.106  Term of office.

    (a) The voting members of the Board shall serve for a term of three 
years; except that persons (other than the chairperson) appointed to the 
initial Board shall serve staggered terms of one, two, and three years, 
as determined by the Secretary.
    (b) No member may serve more than two consecutive full terms.



Sec.  63.107  Compensation.

    Board members shall serve without compensation, but shall be 
reimbursed for their reasonable travel, subsistence, and other necessary 
expenses incurred in performing their duties as members of the Board.



Sec.  63.108  Removal.

    If the Secretary determines that any person appointed under this 
part fails or refuses to perform his or her duties properly or engages 
in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct, the Secretary shall remove 
the person from office. A person appointed under this part or any 
employee of the Board may be removed by the Secretary if the Secretary 
determines that the person's continued service would be detrimental to 
the purposes of the Act.



Sec.  63.109  Procedure.

    (a) At a Board meeting, it will be considered a quorum when a simple 
majority of the voting representatives are present.
    (b) A decision of the Board shall be made by a majority of the 
voting members of the board.
    (c) The Board shall meet not less than once each fiscal year at the 
call of the chairperson or at the request of the executive director.
    (d) The location of the meeting shall be established by the Board.
    (e) A chairperson shall be selected from among the voting members of 
the Board and all serve a term of office of two years.
    (f) All Board members and the Secretary will be notified at least 30 
days in advance of all Board meetings, unless an emergency meeting is 
declared.
    (g) In lieu of voting at a properly convened meeting and, when in 
the opinion of the chairperson of the Board such action is necessary, 
the Board may take action if supported by a simple majority of the Board 
representatives by mail, telephone, electronic mail, facsimile, or any 
other means of communication. In that event, all representatives must be 
notified and provided the opportunity to vote. Any action so taken shall 
have the same force and effect as though such action had been taken at a 
properly convened meeting of the Board. All telephone votes shall be 
confirmed promptly in writing. All votes shall be recorded in Board 
minutes.

[[Page 188]]

    (h) There shall be no voting by proxy.
    (i) The organization of the Board and the procedures for conducting 
meetings of the Board shall be in accordance with its bylaws, which 
shall be established by the Board and approved by the Secretary.



Sec.  63.110  Powers and duties of the Board.

    The management of the NSIIC shall be vested in the Board of 
Directors. The Board shall have the following powers and duties:
    (a) Be responsible for the general supervision of the NSIIC;
    (b) Review any grant or contract agreement to be made or entered 
into by the NSIIC and any financial assistance provided to the NSIIC;
    (c) Make the final decision, by majority vote, on whether or not to 
provide grants to an eligible entity in accordance with the strategic 
plan;
    (d) Develop and establish a budget plan and long-term operating plan 
to carry out the goals of the NSIIC;
    (e) Adopt, and amend as appropriate, bylaws as necessary for the 
proper management and functioning of the NSIIC;
    (f) Provide a system of organization to fix responsibility and 
promote efficiency in carrying out the functions of the NSIIC;
    (g) Appoint and establish compensation for an executive director, 
who will serve at the pleasure of the Board, to be the chief executive 
officer of the NSIIC;
    (h) Appoint other officers, attorneys, employees, and agents as 
necessary and set forth their respective duties and powers;
    (i) Delegate, by resolution, to the chairperson, the executive 
director, or any other officer or employee any function, power, or duty 
of the Board--other than voting on a grant, contract, agreement, budget, 
or annual strategic plan; and
    (j) Consult with the following entities to carry out this part:
    (1) State departments of agriculture;
    (2) Federal departments and agencies;
    (3) Nonprofit development corporations;
    (4) Colleges and universities;
    (5) Banking and other credit-related agencies;
    (6) Agriculture and agribusiness organizations, and
    (7) Regional planning and development organizations.



Sec.  63.111  Prohibited activities.

    The Board may not engage in, and shall prohibit the employees and 
agents of the Board from engaging in:
    (a) Any action that is a conflict of interest under Sec.  63.112;
    (b) Using funds to undertake any action for the purpose of 
influencing legislation or governmental action or policy, by local, 
State, national, and foreign governments, other than recommending to the 
Secretary amendments to the Order; and
    (c) Any activity that is false, misleading, or disparaging to 
another agricultural commodity.



Sec.  63.112  Conflict of interest.

    (a) In general. Members of the Board shall not vote on any 
particular matter pending before the Board in which, to the knowledge of 
the member, an interest is held by the member, any spouse of the member, 
any child of the member, any partner of the member, any organization in 
which the member is serving as an officer, director, trustee, partner, 
or employee; or any person with whom the member is negotiating or has 
any arrangement concerning prospective employment or with whom the 
member has a financial interest, except as provided in paragraph (c) of 
this section.
    (b) Validity of action. An action by a member of the Board that 
violates Sec.  63.112 (a) shall not impair or otherwise affect the 
validity of any otherwise lawful action by the Board.
    (c) Disclosure. If a member of the Board makes full disclosure of an 
interest and, prior to any participation by the member, the Board 
determines, by majority vote, that the interest is too remote or too 
inconsequential to affect the integrity of any participation by the 
member, the member may participate in the matter relating to the 
interest, except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section. A member 
that discloses an interest under section

[[Page 189]]

Sec.  63.112(a) shall not vote on a determination of whether the member 
may participate in the matter relating to the interest.
    (d) Remands. The Secretary may vacate and remand to the Board for 
reconsideration any decision made if the Secretary determines that there 
has been a violation of this section or any conflict of interest 
provision of the bylaws of the Board with respect to the decision.
    (1) In the case of any violation and remand of a funding decision to 
the Board, the Secretary shall inform the Board of the reasons for the 
remand.
    (2) If a decision with respect to the matter is remanded to the 
Board by reason of a conflict of interest faced by a Board member, the 
member may not participate in any subsequent decision with respect to 
the matter.

               National Sheep Industry Improvement Center



Sec.  63.200  NSIIC establishment and purpose.

    (a) There is hereby established a National Sheep Industry 
Improvement Center. The purpose of the Center shall be to:
    (1) Promote strategic development activities and collaborative 
efforts by private and State entities to maximize the impact of Federal 
assistance to strengthen and enhance production and marketing of sheep 
or goat products in the United States;
    (2) Optimize the use of available human capital and resources within 
the sheep or goat industries;
    (3) Provide assistance to meet the needs of the sheep or goat 
industry for infrastructure development, business development, 
production, resource development, and market and environmental research;
    (4) Advance activities that empower and build the capacity of the 
U.S. sheep or goat industry to design unique responses to the special 
needs of the sheep or goat industries on both a regional and national 
basis; and
    (5) Adopt flexible and innovative approaches to solving the long-
term needs of the United States sheep and goat industry.
    (b) The NSIIC shall submit to the Secretary an annual strategic plan 
for the delivery of financial assistance provided by the NSIIC. A 
strategic plan shall identify:
    (1) Goals, methods, and a benchmark for measuring the success of 
carrying out the plan and how the plan relates to the national and 
regional goals of the NSIIC;
    (2) The amount and sources of Federal and non-Federal funds that are 
available for carrying out the plan;
    (3) Funding priorities;
    (4) Selection criteria for funding; and
    (5) A method of distributing funding.

                             Revolving Fund



Sec.  63.300  Establishment.

    The NSIIC Revolving Fund established in the Treasury shall be 
available to the NSIIC, without fiscal year limitation, to carry out the 
authorized programs and activities of the NSIIC under this part. There 
shall be deposited in the Fund:
    (a) Such amounts as may be appropriated, transferred, or otherwise 
made available to support programs and activities of the NSIIC;
    (b) Payments received from any source for products, services, or 
property furnished in connection with the activities of the NSIIC;
    (c) Fees and royalties collected by the NSIIC from licensing or 
other arrangements relating to commercialization of products developed 
through projects funded, in whole or part, by grants or contracts 
executed by the NSIIC;
    (d) Donations or contributions accepted by the NSIIC to support 
authorized programs and activities. Such contributions shall be free 
from any encumbrance by the donor and the NSIIC shall retain complete 
control of their use; and
    (e) Any other funds acquired by the NSIIC.



Sec.  63.301  Use of fund.

    The NSIIC shall use the Fund to:
    (a) Make grants to eligible entities in accordance with a strategic 
plan submitted under Sec.  63.310 of this part. Specifically, amounts in 
the Fund may be used to:

[[Page 190]]

    (1) Participate with Federal and State agencies in financing 
activities that are in accordance with the strategic plan, including 
participation with several States in a regional effort;
    (2) Participate with other public and private funding sources in 
financing activities that are in accordance with the strategic plan, 
including participation in a regional effort;
    (3) Accrue interest;
    (4) Serve broad geographic areas and regions of diverse production, 
to the maximum extent practicable;
    (5) Only to supplement and not supplant Federal, State, and private 
funds expended for rural development;
    (6) For administration purposes, with a maximum 10 percent of the 
NSIIC Fund balance at the beginning of each fiscal year for the 
administration of the NSIIC;
    (b) Provide funds to eligible entities contingent upon that entity 
agreeing to account for the amounts using generally accepted accounting 
principles and to provide access to the Secretary for inspection and 
audit of such records.

[75 FR 43034, July 23, 2010, as amended at 79 FR 31845, June 3, 2014]

                       Reports, Books, and Records



Sec.  63.400  Books and records.

    The Board and NSIIC shall:
    (a) Maintain such books and records, which shall be made available 
to the Secretary for inspection and audit as is appropriate for the 
administration or enforcement of the Act or rules and regulations issued 
thereunder;
    (b) Prepare and submit to the Secretary, from time to time, such 
reports as the Secretary may prescribe; and
    (c) Account for the receipt and disbursement of all funds entrusted 
to it. The NSIIC shall cause its books and records to be audited by an 
independent auditor at the end of each fiscal year, and a report of such 
audit to be submitted to the Secretary.



Sec.  63.401  Use of information.

    Information from records or reports required pursuant to this part 
shall be made available to the Secretary as is appropriate for the 
administration or enforcement of the Act or rules and regulation issued 
thereunder.



Sec.  63.402  Confidentiality.

    All information obtained from books, records, reports, or any other 
material obtained under the Act and this part, shall be kept 
confidential by all persons, including employees and former employees of 
the NSIIC. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prohibit the 
issuance of general statements based upon the reports or the statistical 
data, which statements do not identify the information furnished by any 
entity.

                              Miscellaneous



Sec.  63.500  Compliance.

    The Secretary shall review and monitor compliance by the Board and 
the NSIIC with the Act and this part.



Sec.  63.501  Patents, copyrights, inventions, trademarks, information, publications, and product formulations.

    Any patents, copyrights, inventions, trademarks, information, 
publications, or product formulations developed through the use of funds 
collected by the Board under the provisions of this subpart shall be the 
property of the U.S. Government, as represented by the Board, and shall, 
along with any rents, royalties, residual payments, or other income from 
the rental, sales, leasing, franchising, or other uses of such patents, 
copyrights, inventions, trademarks, information, publications, or 
product formulations, inure to the benefit of the Board; shall be 
considered income subject to the same fiscal, budget, and audit controls 
as other funds of the Board; and may be licensed subject to approval by 
the Secretary. Should patents, copyrights, inventions, trademarks, 
information, publications, or product formulations be developed through 
the use of funds collected by the Board under this part and funds 
contributed by another organization or person, ownership and related 
rights to such patents, copyrights, inventions, trademarks, information, 
publications, or product formulations shall be determined by agreement 
between the Board

[[Page 191]]

and the party contributing funds towards the development of such 
patents, copyrights, inventions, trademarks, information, publications, 
or product formulations in a manner consistent with this paragraph.



Sec.  63.502  Personal liability.

    No member or employee of the Board shall be held personally 
responsible, either individually or jointly, in any way whatsoever to 
any person for errors in judgment, mistakes, or other acts, either of 
commission or omission, as such member or employee, except for acts of 
dishonesty or willful misconduct.



Sec.  63.503  Separability.

    If any provision of the part is declared invalid or the 
applicability thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the 
validity of the remainder of this subpart, or the applicability thereof 
to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.



Sec.  63.504  Amendments.

    Amendments to this part may be proposed, from time to time, by the 
Board or by any interested persons affected by the provisions of the 
Act, including the Secretary.



Sec.  63.505  OMB control number.

    The control number assigned to the information collection 
requirements of this part by the Office of Management and Budget 
pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, 
is OMB control number 0505-new.

Subpart B [Reserved]



PART 65_COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING OF LAMB, CHICKEN, AND GOAT MEAT,
PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES, MACADAMIA NUTS, PECANS, PEANUTS, 
AND GINSENG--Table of Contents



                      Subpart A_General Provisions

                               Definitions

Sec.
65.100 Act.
65.105 AMS.
65.115 Born.
65.120 Chicken.
65.125 Commingled covered commodities.
65.130 Consumer package.
65.135 Covered commodity.
65.140 Food service establishment.
65.145 Ginseng.
65.150 Goat.
65.160 Ground chicken.
65.165 Ground goat.
65.170 Ground lamb.
65.180 Imported for immediate slaughter.
65.185 Ingredient.
65.190 Lamb.
65.195 Legible.
65.205 Perishable agricultural commodity.
65.210 Person.
65.218 Pre-labeled.
65.220 Processed food item.
65.225 Produced.
65.230 Production step.
65.235 Raised.
65.240 Retailer.
65.245 Secretary.
65.250 Slaughter.
65.255 United States.
65.260 United States country of origin.
65.265 USDA.

                     Country of Origin Notification

65.300 Country of origin notification.
65.400 Labeling.

                              Recordkeeping

65.500 Recordkeeping requirements.

Subpart B [Reserved]

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.

    Source: 74 FR 2704, Jan. 15, 2009, unless otherwise noted.



                      Subpart A_General Provisions

                               Definitions



Sec.  65.100  Act.

    Act means the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, (7 U.S.C. 1621 et 
seq.).



Sec.  65.105  AMS.

    AMS means the Agricultural Marketing Service, United States 
Department of Agriculture.



Sec.  65.115  Born.

    Born in the case of chicken means hatched from the egg.



Sec.  65.120  Chicken.

    Chicken has the meaning given the term in 9 CFR 381.170(a)(1).

[[Page 192]]



Sec.  65.125  Commingled covered commodities.

    Commingled covered commodities means covered commodities (of the 
same type) presented for retail sale in a consumer package that have 
been prepared from raw material sources having different origins.



Sec.  65.130  Consumer package.

    Consumer package means any container or wrapping in which a covered 
commodity is enclosed for the delivery and/or display of such commodity 
to retail purchasers.



Sec.  65.135  Covered commodity.

    (a) Covered commodity means:
    (1) Muscle cuts of lamb, chicken, and goat;
    (2) Ground lamb, ground chicken, and ground goat;
    (3) Perishable agricultural commodities;
    (4) Peanuts;
    (5) Macadamia nuts;
    (6) Pecans; and
    (7) Ginseng.
    (b) Covered commodities are excluded from this part if the commodity 
is an ingredient in a processed food item as defined in Sec.  65.220.

[74 FR 2704, Jan. 15, 2009, as amended at 81 FR 10761, Mar. 2, 2016]



Sec.  65.140  Food service establishment.

    Food service establishment means a restaurant, cafeteria, lunch 
room, food stand, saloon, tavern, bar, lounge, or other similar facility 
operated as an enterprise engaged in the business of selling food to the 
public. Similar food service facilities include salad bars, 
delicatessens, and other food enterprises located within retail 
establishments that provide ready-to-eat foods that are consumed either 
on or outside of the retailer's premises.



Sec.  65.145  Ginseng.

    Ginseng means ginseng root of the genus Panax.



Sec.  65.150  Goat.

    Goat means meat produced from goats.



Sec.  65.160  Ground chicken.

    Ground chicken means comminuted chicken of skeletal origin that is 
produced in conformance with all applicable Food Safety and Inspection 
Service labeling guidelines.



Sec.  65.165  Ground goat.

    Ground goat means comminuted goat of skeletal origin that is 
produced in conformance with all applicable Food Safety and Inspection 
Service labeling guidelines.



Sec.  65.170  Ground lamb.

    Ground lamb means comminuted lamb of skeletal origin that is 
produced in conformance with all applicable Food Safety and Inspection 
Service labeling guidelines.



Sec.  65.180  Imported for immediate slaughter.

    Imported for immediate slaughter means imported into the United 
States for ``immediate slaughter'' as that term is defined in 9 CFR 
93.400, i.e., consignment directly from the port of entry to a 
recognized slaughtering establishment and slaughtered within 2 weeks 
from the date of entry.



Sec.  65.185  Ingredient.

    Ingredient means a component either in part or in full, of a 
finished retail food product.



Sec.  65.190  Lamb.

    Lamb means meat produced from sheep.



Sec.  65.195  Legible.

    Legible means text that can be easily read.



Sec.  65.205  Perishable agricultural commodity.

    Perishable agricultural commodity means fresh and frozen fruits and 
vegetables of every kind and character that have not been manufactured 
into articles of a different kind or character and includes cherries in 
brine as defined by the Secretary in accordance with trade usages.

[[Page 193]]



Sec.  65.210  Person.

    Person means any individual, partnership, corporation, association, 
or other legal entity.



Sec.  65.218  Pre-labeled.

    Pre-labeled means a covered commodity that has the commodity's 
country of origin and the name and place of business of the 
manufacturer, packer, or distributor on the covered commodity itself, on 
the package in which it is sold to the consumer, or on the master 
shipping container. The place of business information must include at a 
minimum the city and state or other acceptable locale designation.



Sec.  65.220  Processed food item.

    Processed food item means a retail item derived from a covered 
commodity that has undergone specific processing resulting in a change 
in the character of the covered commodity, or that has been combined 
with at least one other covered commodity or other substantive food 
component (e.g., chocolate, breading, tomato sauce), except that the 
addition of a component (such as water, salt, or sugar) that enhances or 
represents a further step in the preparation of the product for 
consumption, would not in itself result in a processed food item. 
Specific processing that results in a change in the character of the 
covered commodity includes cooking (e.g., frying, broiling, grilling, 
boiling, steaming, baking, roasting), curing (e.g., salt curing, sugar 
curing, drying), smoking (hot or cold), and restructuring (e.g., 
emulsifying and extruding). Examples of items excluded include roasted 
peanuts, breaded chicken tenders, and fruit medley.

[81 FR 10761, Mar. 2, 2016]



Sec.  65.225  Produced.

    Produced in the case of a perishable agricultural commodity, 
peanuts, ginseng, pecans, and macadamia nuts means harvested.



Sec.  65.230  Production step.

    Production step means, in the case of beef, pork, goat, chicken, and 
lamb, born, raised, or slaughtered.



Sec.  65.235  Raised.

    Raised means, in the case of beef, pork, chicken, goat, and lamb, 
the period of time from birth until slaughter or in the case of animals 
imported for immediate slaughter as defined in Sec.  65.180, the period 
of time from birth until date of entry into the United States.



Sec.  65.240  Retailer.

    Retailer means any person subject to be licensed as a retailer under 
the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act of 1930 (7 U.S.C. 499a(b)).

[78 FR 31385, May 24, 2013]



Sec.  65.245  Secretary.

    Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States or 
any person to whom the Secretary's authority has been delegated.



Sec.  65.250  Slaughter.

    Slaughter means the point in which a livestock animal (including 
chicken) is prepared into meat products (covered commodities) for human 
consumption. For purposes of labeling under this part, the word 
harvested may be used in lieu of slaughtered.



Sec.  65.255  United States.

    United States means the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, 
Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other Commonwealth, 
territory, or possession of the United States.



Sec.  65.260  United States country of origin.

    United States country of origin means in the case of:
    (a) Beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and goat:
    (1) From animals exclusively born, raised, and slaughtered in the 
United States;
    (2) From animals born and raised in Alaska or Hawaii and transported 
for a period of not more than 60 days through Canada to the United 
States and slaughtered in the United States; or
    (3) From animals present in the United States on or before July 15, 
2008,

[[Page 194]]

and once present in the United States, remained continuously in the 
United States.
    (b) Perishable agricultural commodities, peanuts, ginseng, pecans, 
and macadamia nuts: from products produced in the United States.



Sec.  65.265  USDA.

    USDA means the United States Department of Agriculture.

                     Country of Origin Notification



Sec.  65.300  Country of origin notification.

    In providing notice of the country of origin as required by the Act, 
the following requirements shall be followed by retailers:
    (a) General. Labeling of covered commodities offered for sale 
whether individually, in a bulk bin, carton, crate, barrel, cluster, or 
consumer package must contain country of origin as set forth in this 
regulation.
    (b) Exemptions. Food service establishments as defined in Sec.  
65.135 are exempt from labeling under this subpart.
    (c) Exclusions. A covered commodity is excluded from this subpart if 
it is an ingredient in a processed food item as defined in Sec.  65.220.
    (d) Labeling Covered Commodities of United States Origin. A covered 
commodity may bear a declaration that identifies the United States as 
the sole country of origin at retail only if it meets the definition of 
United States country of origin as defined in Sec.  65.260. The United 
States country of origin designation for muscle cut covered commodities 
shall include all of the production steps (i.e., ``Born, Raised, and 
Slaughtered in the United States'').
    (e) Labeling Muscle Cut Covered Commodities of Multiple Countries of 
Origin from Animals Slaughtered in the United States. If an animal was 
born and/or raised in Country X and/or (as applicable) Country Y, and 
slaughtered in the United States, the resulting muscle cut covered 
commodities shall be labeled to specifically identify the production 
steps occurring in each country (e.g., ``Born and Raised in Country X, 
Slaughtered in the United States''). If an animal is raised in the 
United States as well as another country (or multiple countries), the 
raising occurring in the other country (or countries) may be omitted 
from the origin designation except if the animal was imported for 
immediate slaughter as defined in Sec.  65.180 or where by doing so the 
muscle cut covered commodity would be designated as having a United 
States country of origin (e.g., ``Born in Country X, Raised and 
Slaughtered in the United States'' in lieu of ``Born and Raised in 
Country X, Raised in Country Y, Raised and Slaughtered in the United 
States'').
    (f) Labeling Imported Covered Commodities. (1) Perishable 
agricultural commodities, peanuts, pecans, ginseng, macadamia nuts and 
ground meat covered commodities that have been produced in another 
country shall retain their origin, as declared to U.S. Customs and 
Border Protection at the time the product entered the United States, 
through retail sale.
    (2) Muscle cut covered commodities derived from an animal that was 
slaughtered in another country shall retain their origin, as declared to 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the time the product entered the 
United States, through retail sale (e.g., ``Product of Country X''), 
including muscle cut covered commodities derived from an animal that was 
born and/or raised in the United States and slaughtered in another 
country. In addition, the origin declaration may include more specific 
location information related to production steps (i.e., born, raised, 
and slaughtered) provided records to substantiate the claims are 
maintained and the claim is consistent with other applicable Federal 
legal requirements.
    (g) Labeling Commingled Covered Commodities. In the case of 
perishable agricultural commodities; peanuts; pecans; ginseng; and 
macadamia nuts: For imported covered commodities that have not 
subsequently been substantially transformed in the United States that 
are commingled with covered commodities sourced from a different origin 
that have not been substantially transformed (as established by CBP) in 
the United States, and/or covered commodities of United States origin, 
the declaration shall indicate the countries of

[[Page 195]]

origin in accordance with existing Federal legal requirements.
    (h) Labeling ground lamb, ground goat, and ground chicken. The 
declaration for ground lamb, ground goat, and ground chicken covered 
commodities shall list all countries of origin contained therein or that 
may be reasonably contained therein. In determining what is considered 
reasonable, when a raw material from a specific origin is not in a 
processor's inventory for more than 60 days, that country shall no 
longer be included as a possible country of origin.
    (i) Remotely Purchased Products. For sales of a covered commodity in 
which the customer purchases a covered commodity prior to having an 
opportunity to observe the final package (e.g., Internet sales, home 
delivery sales, etc.), the retailer may provide the country of origin 
notification either on the sales vehicle or at the time the product is 
delivered to the consumer.

[74 FR 2704, Jan. 15, 2009, as amended at 78 FR 31385, May 24, 2013; 81 
FR 10761, Mar. 2, 2016]



Sec.  65.400  Labeling.

    (a) Country of origin declarations can either be in the form of a 
placard, sign, label, sticker, band, twist tie, pin tag, or other format 
that allows consumers to identify the country of origin. The declaration 
of the country of origin of a product may be in the form of a statement 
such as ``Product of USA,'' ``Produce of the USA'', or ``Grown in 
Mexico,'' may only contain the name of the country such as ``USA'' or 
``Mexico,'' or may be in the form of a check box provided it is in 
conformance with other Federal labeling laws.
    (b) The declaration of the country of origin (e.g., placard, sign, 
label, sticker, band, twist tie, pin tag, or other display) must be 
legible and placed in a conspicuous location, so as to render it likely 
to be read and understood by a customer under normal conditions of 
purchase.
    (c) The declaration of country of origin may be typed, printed, or 
handwritten provided it is in conformance with other Federal labeling 
laws and does not obscure other labeling information required by other 
Federal regulations.
    (d) A bulk container (e.g., display case, shipper, bin, carton, and 
barrel) used at the retail level to present product to consumers, may 
contain a covered commodity from more than one country of origin 
provided all possible origins are listed.
    (e) In general, country abbreviations are not acceptable. Only those 
abbreviations approved for use under Customs and Border Protection 
rules, regulations, and policies, such as ``U.K.'' for ``The United 
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland'', ``Luxemb'' for 
Luxembourg, and ``U.S. or USA'' for the ``United States of America'' are 
acceptable. The adjectival form of the name of a country may be used as 
proper notification of the country of origin of imported commodities 
provided the adjectival form of the name does not appear with other 
words so as to refer to a kind or species of product. Symbols or flags 
alone may not be used to denote country of origin.
    (f) Domestic and imported perishable agricultural commodities, 
peanuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, and ginseng may use State, regional, or 
locality label designations in lieu of country of origin labeling. 
Abbreviations may be used for state, regional, or locality label 
designations for these commodities whether domestically harvested or 
imported using official United States Postal Service abbreviations or 
other abbreviations approved by CBP.

                              Recordkeeping



Sec.  65.500  Recordkeeping requirements.

    (a) General. (1) All records must be legible and may be maintained 
in either electronic or hard copy formats. Due to the variation in 
inventory and accounting documentary systems, various forms of 
documentation and records will be acceptable.
    (2) Upon request by USDA representatives, suppliers and retailers 
subject to this subpart shall make available to USDA representatives, 
records maintained in the normal course of business that verify an 
origin claim. Such records shall be provided within 5 business days of 
the request and may be maintained in any location.

[[Page 196]]

    (b) Responsibilities of suppliers. (1) Any person engaged in the 
business of supplying a covered commodity to a retailer, whether 
directly or indirectly, must make available information to the buyer 
about the country(ies) of origin of the covered commodity. This 
information may be provided either on the product itself, on the master 
shipping container, or in a document that accompanies the product 
through retail sale. In addition, the supplier of a covered commodity 
that is responsible for initiating a country(ies) of origin claim, which 
in the case of lamb, chicken, and goat, is the slaughter facility, must 
possess records that are necessary to substantiate that claim for a 
period of 1 year from the date of the transaction. For that purpose, 
packers that slaughter animals that are tagged with an 840 Animal 
Identification Number device without the presence of any additional 
accompanying marking (i.e., ``CAN'' or ``M'') may use that information 
as a basis for a U.S. origin claim. Packers that slaughter animals that 
are part of another country's recognized official system (e.g. Canadian 
official system, Mexico official system) may also rely on the presence 
of an official ear tag or other approved device on which to base their 
origin claims. Producer affidavits shall also be considered acceptable 
records that suppliers may utilize to initiate origin claims, provided 
it is made by someone having first-hand knowledge of the origin of the 
covered commodity and identifies the covered commodity unique to the 
transaction.
    (2) Any intermediary supplier handling a covered commodity that is 
found to be designated incorrectly as to the country of origin shall not 
be held liable for a violation of the Act by reason of the conduct of 
another if the intermediary supplier relied on the designation provided 
by the initiating supplier or other intermediary supplier, unless the 
intermediary supplier willfully disregarded information establishing 
that the country of origin declaration was false.
    (3) Any person engaged in the business of supplying a covered 
commodity to a retailer, whether directly or indirectly (i.e., including 
but not limited to growers, distributors, handlers, packers, and 
processors), must maintain records to establish and identify the 
immediate previous source (if applicable) and immediate subsequent 
recipient of a covered commodity for a period of 1 year from the date of 
the transaction.
    (4) For an imported covered commodity (as defined in Sec.  
65.300(f)), the importer of record as determined by CBP, must ensure 
that records: provide clear product tracking from the port of entry into 
the United States to the immediate subsequent recipient and accurately 
reflect the country of origin of the item as identified in relevant CBP 
entry documents and information systems; and must maintain such records 
for a period of 1 year from the date of the transaction.
    (c) Responsibilities of retailers. (1) In providing the country of 
origin notification for a covered commodity, in general, retailers are 
to convey the origin information provided by their suppliers. Only if 
the retailer physically commingles a covered commodity of different 
origins in preparation for retail sale, whether in a consumer-ready 
package or in a bulk display (and not discretely packaged) (i.e., full 
service meat case), can the retailer initiate a multiple country of 
origin designation that reflects the actual countries of origin for the 
resulting covered commodity.
    (2) Records and other documentary evidence relied upon at the point 
of sale to establish a covered commodity's country(ies) of origin must 
either be maintained at the retail facility or at another location for 
as long as the product is on hand and provided to any duly authorized 
representative of USDA in accordance with Sec.  65.500(a)(2). For pre-
labeled products, the label itself is sufficient information on which 
the retailer may rely to establish the product's origin and no 
additional records documenting origin information are necessary.
    (3) Any retailer handling a covered commodity that is found to be 
designated incorrectly as to the country of origin shall not be held 
liable for a violation of the Act by reason of the conduct of another if 
the retailer relied

[[Page 197]]

on the designation provided by the supplier, unless the retailer 
willfully disregarded information establishing that the country of 
origin declaration was false.
    (4) Records that identify the covered commodity, the retail 
supplier, and for products that are not pre-labeled, the country of 
origin information must be maintained for a period of 1 year from the 
date the origin declaration is made at retail.

[74 FR 2704, Jan. 15, 2009, as amended at 81 FR 10761, Mar. 2, 2016]

Subpart B [Reserved]



PART 66_NATIONAL BIOENGINEERED FOOD DISCLOSURE STANDARD--Table of Contents



                      Subpart A_General Provisions

Sec.
66.1 Definitions.
66.3 Disclosure requirement and applicability.
66.5 Exemptions.
66.6 List of bioengineered foods.
66.7 Updates to the List of Bioengineered Foods.
66.9 Detectability.
66.11 Severability.
66.13 Implementation and compliance.

                 Subpart B_Bioengineered Food Disclosure

66.100 General.
66.102 Text disclosure.
66.104 Symbol disclosure.
66.106 Electronic or digital link disclosure.
66.108 Text message disclosure.
66.109 Required disclosure with actual knowledge.
66.110 Small food manufacturers.
66.112 Small and very small packages.
66.114 Food sold in bulk containers.
66.116 Voluntary disclosure.
66.118 Other claims.

      Subpart C_Other Factors and Conditions for Bioengineered Food

66.200 Request or petition for determination.
66.202 Standards for consideration.
66.204 Submission of request or petition.

                         Subpart D_Recordkeeping

66.300 Scope.
66.302 Recordkeeping requirements.
66.304 Access to records.

                          Subpart E_Enforcement

66.400 Prohibited act.
66.402 Audit or examination of records.
66.404 Hearing.
66.406 Summary of results.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.

    Source: 83 FR 65871, Dec. 21, 2018, unless otherwise noted.



                      Subpart A_General Provisions



Sec.  66.1  Definitions.

    Act means the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621 et 
seq.), as amended to include Subtitle E--National Bioengineered Food 
Disclosure Standard and Subtitle F--Labeling of Certain Food.
    Administrator means the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing 
Service, United States Department of Agriculture, or the representative 
to whom authority has been delegated to act in the stead of the 
Administrator.
    AMS means the Agricultural Marketing Service of the United States 
Department of Agriculture.
    Bioengineered food means--
    (1) Subject to the factors, conditions, and limitations in paragraph 
(2) of this definition:
    (i) A food that contains genetic material that has been modified 
through in vitro recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) techniques and 
for which the modification could not otherwise be obtained through 
conventional breeding or found in nature; provided that
    (ii) Such a food does not contain modified genetic material if the 
genetic material is not detectable pursuant to Sec.  66.9.
    (2) A food that meets one of the following factors and conditions is 
not a bioengineered food.
    (i) An incidental additive present in food at an insignificant level 
and that does not have any technical or functional effect in the food, 
as described in 21 CFR 101.100(a)(3).
    (ii) [Reserved]
    Bioengineered substance means substance that contains genetic 
material that has been modified through in vitro recombinant 
deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) techniques and for which the modification 
could not otherwise be

[[Page 198]]

obtained through conventional breeding or found in nature.
    Compliance date means--
    (1) Mandatory compliance date. Entities responsible for 
bioengineered food disclosure must comply with the requirements of this 
part by January 1, 2022.
    (2) Updates to the List of Bioengineered Foods. When AMS updates the 
List of Bioengineered Foods pursuant to Sec.  66.7, entities responsible 
for bioengineered food disclosures must comply with the updates no later 
than 18 months after the effective date of the update.
    Food means a food (as defined in section 201 of the Federal Food, 
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321)) that is intended for human 
consumption.
    Food manufacturer means an entity that manufactures, processes, or 
packs human food and labels the food or food product for U.S. retail 
sale.
    Importer means the importer of record, as determined by U.S. Customs 
and Border Protection (19 U.S.C. 1484(a)(2)(B)), who engages in the 
importation of food or food products labeled for retail sale into the 
United States.
    Information panel means that part of the label of a packaged product 
that is immediately contiguous to and to the right of the principal 
display panel as observed by an individual facing the principal display 
panel, unless another section of the label is designated as the 
information panel because of package size or other package attributes 
(e.g. irregular shape with one usable surface).
    Label means a display of written, printed, or graphic matter upon 
the immediate container or outside wrapper of any retail package or 
article that is easily legible on or through the outside container or 
wrapper.
    Labeling means all labels and other written, printed, or graphic 
matter:
    (1) Upon any article or any of its containers or wrappers; or
    (2) Accompanying such article.
    List of Bioengineered Foods means a list, maintained and updated by 
AMS and provided in Sec.  66.6, of foods for which bioengineered 
versions have been developed.
    Marketing and promotional information means any written, printed, 
audiovisual, or graphic information, including advertising, pamphlets, 
flyers, catalogues, posters, and signs that are distributed, broadcast, 
or made available to assist in the sale or promotion of a product.
    Predominance means an ingredient's position in the ingredient list 
on a product's label. Predominant ingredients are those most abundant by 
weight in the product, as required under 21 CFR 101.4(a)(1).
    Principal display panel means that part of a label that is most 
likely to be displayed, presented, shown, or examined under customary 
conditions of display for retail sale.
    Processed food means any food other than a raw agricultural 
commodity, and includes any raw agricultural commodity that has been 
subject to processing, such as canning, cooking, freezing, dehydration, 
or milling.
    Raw agricultural commodity means any agricultural commodity in its 
raw or natural state, including all fruits that are washed, colored, or 
otherwise treated in their unpeeled natural form prior to marketing.
    Regulated entity means the food manufacturer, importer, or retailer 
that is responsible for making bioengineered food disclosures under 
Sec.  66.100(a).
    Secretary means the United States Secretary of Agriculture or a 
representative to whom authority has been delegated to act in the 
Secretary's stead.
    Similar retail food establishment means a cafeteria, lunch room, 
food stand, food truck, transportation carrier (such as a train or 
airplane), saloon, tavern, bar, lounge, other similar establishment 
operated as an enterprise engaged in the business of selling prepared 
food to the public, or salad bars, delicatessens, and other food 
enterprises located within retail establishments that provide ready-to-
eat foods that are consumed either on or outside of the retailer's 
premises.
    Small food manufacturer means any food manufacturer with annual 
receipts of at least $2,500,000, but less than $10,000,000.
    Small package means food packages that have a total surface area of 
less than 40 square inches.

[[Page 199]]

    Very small food manufacturer means any food manufacturer with annual 
receipts of less than $2,500,000.
    Very small package means food packages that have a total surface 
area of less than 12 square inches.



Sec.  66.3  Disclosure requirement and applicability.

    (a) General. (1) A label for a bioengineered food must bear a 
disclosure indicating that the food is a bioengineered food or contains 
a bioengineered food ingredient consistent with this part.
    (2) Except as provided in Sec.  66.116 for voluntary disclosure, a 
label shall not bear a disclosure that a food is a bioengineered food or 
contains a bioengineered food ingredient if the records maintained in 
accordance with Sec.  66.302 demonstrate that the food is not a 
bioengineered food or does not contain a bioengineered food ingredient.
    (b) Application to food. This part applies only to a food subject 
to:
    (1) The labeling requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act (``FDCA''); or
    (2) The labeling requirements under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, 
the Poultry Products Inspection Act, or the Egg Products Inspection Act 
only if:
    (i) The most predominant ingredient of the food would independently 
be subject to the labeling requirements under the FDCA; or
    (ii) The most predominant ingredient of the food is broth, stock, 
water, or a similar solution and the second-most predominant ingredient 
of the food would independently be subject to the labeling requirements 
under the FDCA.



Sec.  66.5  Exemptions.

    This part shall not apply to the food and entities described in this 
section.
    (a) Food served in a restaurant or similar retail food 
establishment.
    (b) Very small food manufacturers.
    (c) A food in which no ingredient intentionally contains a 
bioengineered (BE) substance, with an allowance for inadvertent or 
technically unavoidable BE presence of up to five percent (5%) for each 
ingredient.
    (d) A food derived from an animal shall not be considered a 
bioengineered food solely because the animal consumed feed produced 
from, containing, or consisting of a bioengineered substance.
    (e) Food certified under the National Organic Program.



Sec.  66.6  List of bioengineered foods.

    The List of Bioengineered Foods consists of the following: Alfalfa, 
apple (Arctic\TM\ varieties), canola, corn, cotton, eggplant (BARI Bt 
Begun varieties), papaya (ringspot virus-resistant varieties), pineapple 
(pink flesh varieties), potato, salmon (AquAdvantage[supreg]), soybean, 
squash (summer, coat protein-mediated virus-resistant varieties), 
sugarbeet, and sugarcane (Bt insect-resistant varieties).

[88 FR 83311, Nov. 29, 2023]



Sec.  66.7  Updates to the List of Bioengineered Foods.

    (a) Updates to the List. AMS will review and consider updates to the 
List on an annual basis and will solicit recommendations regarding 
updates to the List through notification in the Federal Register and on 
the AMS website.
    (1) Recommendations regarding additions to and subtractions from the 
List may be submitted to AMS at any time or as part of the annual review 
process.
    (2) Recommendations should be accompanied by data and other 
information to support the recommended action.
    (3) AMS will post public recommendations on its website, along with 
information about other revisions to the List that the agency may be 
considering, including input based on consultation with the government 
agencies responsible for oversight of the products of biotechnology: 
USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS), the U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Health and 
Human Services' Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and appropriate 
members of the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology 
or a similar successor.
    (4) AMS will consider whether foods proposed for inclusion on the 
List have been authorized for commercial production somewhere in the 
world, and

[[Page 200]]

whether the food is currently in legal commercial production for human 
food somewhere in the world.
    (5) If AMS determines that an update to the List is appropriate 
following its review of all relevant information provided, AMS will 
modify the List.
    (b) Compliance period. Regulated entities will have 18 months 
following the effective date of the updated List of Bioengineered Foods 
to revise food labels to reflect changes to the List in accordance with 
the disclosure requirements of this part.



Sec.  66.9  Detectability.

    (a) Recordkeeping requirements. Modified genetic material is not 
detectable if, pursuant to the recordkeeping requirements of Sec.  
66.302, the entity responsible for making a BE food disclosure 
maintains:
    (1) Records to verify that the food is sourced from a non-
bioengineered crop or source; or
    (2) Records to verify that the food has been subjected to a 
refinement process validated to make the modified genetic material in 
the food undetectable; or
    (3) Certificates of analysis or other records of testing appropriate 
to the specific food that confirm the absence of modified genetic 
material.
    (b) Validated refining process. (1) Analytical testing that meets 
the standards described in paragraph (c) of this section must be used to 
validate that a refining process renders modified genetic material in a 
food undetectable.
    (2) Once a refining process has been so validated, additional 
testing is not necessary to confirm the absence of detectable modified 
genetic material in food subsequently refined through that process, 
provided that no significant changes are made to the validated process 
and provided that records are maintained to demonstrate that the 
refining process has been validated and that the validated refining 
process is followed.
    (c) Standards of performance for detectability testing. Analytical 
testing for purposes of detecting the presence of modified genetic 
material in refined foods pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section 
shall meet the following standard:
    (1) Laboratory quality assurance must ensure the validity and 
reliability of test results;
    (2) Analytical method selection, validation, and verification must 
ensure that the testing method used is appropriate (fit for purpose) and 
that the laboratory can successfully perform the testing;
    (3) The demonstration of testing validity must ensure consistent 
accurate analytical performance; and
    (4) Method performance specifications must ensure analytical tests 
are sufficiently sensitive for the purposes of the detectability 
requirements of this part.



Sec.  66.11  Severability.

    If any provision of this part is declared invalid or the 
applicability thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, 
the validity of the remainder of this part or the applicability thereof 
to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.



Sec.  66.13  Implementation and compliance.

    (a) Implementation. Except for small food manufacturers, the 
implementation date for this part is January 1, 2020. For small food 
manufacturers, the implementation date is January 1, 2021.
    (b) Voluntary compliance. (1) Regulated entities may voluntarily 
comply with the requirements in this part until December 31, 2021.
    (2) During this period, regulated entities may use labels that meet 
requirements of preempted State labeling regulations for genetically 
engineered food. Stickers or ink stamps may be applied to existing 
labels to provide appropriate bioengineered food disclosures provided 
that the stickers or ink stamps do not obscure other required label 
information.
    (c) Mandatory compliance. All regulated entities must comply with 
the requirements of this part beginning on January 1, 2022.

[[Page 201]]



                 Subpart B_Bioengineered Food Disclosure



Sec.  66.100  General.

    (a) Responsibility for disclosure. (1) For a food that is packaged 
prior to receipt by a retailer, the food manufacturer or importer is 
responsible for ensuring that the food label bears a bioengineered food 
disclosure in accordance with this part.
    (2) If a retailer packages a food or sells a food in bulk, that 
retailer is responsible for ensuring that the food bears a bioengineered 
food disclosure in accordance with this part.
    (b) Type of disclosure. If a food must bear a bioengineered food 
disclosure under this part, the disclosure must be in one of the forms 
described in this paragraph (b), except as provided in Sec. Sec.  66.110 
and 66.112.
    (1) A text disclosure in accordance with Sec.  66.102.
    (2) A symbol disclosure in accordance with Sec.  66.104.
    (3) An electronic or digital link disclosure in accordance with 
Sec.  66.106.
    (4) A text message disclosure in accordance with Sec.  66.108.
    (c) Appearance of disclosure. The required disclosure must be of 
sufficient size and clarity to appear prominently and conspicuously on 
the label, making it likely to be read and understood by the consumer 
under ordinary shopping conditions.
    (d) Placement of the disclosure. Except as provided in Sec.  66.114 
for bulk food, the disclosure must be placed on the label in one of the 
manners described in this paragraph (d).
    (1) The disclosure is placed in the information panel directly 
adjacent to the statement identifying the name and location of the 
handler, distributor, packer, manufacturer, importer, or any statement 
disclosing similar information.
    (2) The disclosure is placed in the principal display panel.
    (3) The disclosure is placed in an alternate panel likely to be seen 
by a consumer under ordinary shopping conditions if there is 
insufficient space to place the disclosure on the information panel or 
the principal display panel.
    (e) Uniform Resource Locator (URL). Except for disclosures made by 
small manufacturers and for disclosures on very small packages, a 
bioengineered food disclosure may not include an internet website URL 
that is not embedded in an electronic or digital link.



Sec.  66.102  Text disclosure.

    A text disclosure must bear the text as described in this section. A 
text disclosure may use a plural form if applicable, e.g. if a food 
product includes more than one bioengineered food, then ``bioengineered 
foods'' or ``bioengineered food ingredients'' may be used.
    (a) Bioengineered foods. If a food (including any ingredient 
produced from such food) is on the List of Bioengineered Foods, and 
records maintained by a regulated entity demonstrate that the food is 
bioengineered, the text disclosure must be one of the following, as 
applicable:
    (1) ``Bioengineered food'' for bioengineered food that is a raw 
agricultural commodity or processed food that contains only 
bioengineered food ingredients; or
    (2) ``Contains a bioengineered food ingredient'' for multi-
ingredient food that is not described in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section but contains one or more bioengineered food ingredients.
    (b) Predominant language in U.S. Food subject to disclosure that is 
distributed solely in a U.S. territory may be labeled with statements 
equivalent to those required in this part, using the predominant 
language used in that territory.



Sec.  66.104  Symbol disclosure.

    A symbol disclosure must replicate the form and design of Figure 1 
to this section.
    (a) The symbol is a circle with a green circumference, and a white 
outer band. The bottom portion of the circle contains an arch, filled in 
green to the bottom of the circle. The arch contains two light green 
terrace lines, sloping downward from left to right. On the left side of 
the arch is a stem arching towards the center of the circle, ending in a 
four-pointed starburst. The stem contains two leaves originating on the 
upper side of the stem and pointing towards the top of the circle. In 
the background of the leaves, at the top of the

[[Page 202]]

circle and to the left of center, is approximately one-half of a circle 
filled in yellow. The remainder of the circle is filled in light blue. 
The symbol must contain the words ``BIOENGINEERED.''
    (b) If a food (including any ingredient produced from such food) is 
on the List of Bioengineered Foods, and records maintained by a 
regulated entity demonstrate that the food is bioengineered, or do not 
demonstrate whether the food is bioengineered, the symbol disclosure 
must be the following:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21DE18.000

    (c) The symbol may be printed in black and white.
    (d) Nothing can be added to or removed from the bioengineered food 
symbol design except as allowed in this part.



Sec.  66.106  Electronic or digital link disclosure.

    If a required bioengineered food disclosure is made through an 
electronic or digital link printed on the label, the disclosure must 
comply with the requirements described in this section.
    (a) Accompanying statement. (1) An electronic or digital disclosure 
must be accompanied by, and be placed directly above or below, this 
statement: ``Scan here for more food information'' or equivalent 
language that only reflects technological changes (e.g., ``Scan anywhere 
on package for more food information'' or ``Scan icon for more food 
information'').
    (2) The electronic or digital disclosure must also be accompanied by 
a telephone number that will provide the bioengineered food disclosure 
to the consumer, regardless of the time of day. The telephone number 
instructions must be in close proximity to the digital link and the 
accompanying statement described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, 
must indicate that calling the telephone number will provide more food 
information, and must be accompanied by the statement ``Call [1-000-000-
0000] for more food information.''
    (b) Product information page. When the electronic or digital link is 
accessed, the link must go directly to the product information page for 
display on the electronic or digital device. The product information 
page must comply with the requirements described in this paragraph (b).
    (1) The product information page must be the first screen to appear 
on an electronic or digital device after the link is accessed as 
directed.
    (2) The product information page must include a bioengineered food 
disclosure that is consistent with Sec.  66.102 or Sec.  66.104.
    (3) The product information page must exclude marketing and 
promotional information.
    (4) The electronic or digital link disclosure may not collect, 
analyze, or sell any personally identifiable information about consumers 
or the devices of consumers; however, if this information must be 
collected to carry out the purposes of this part, the information must 
be deleted immediately and not used for any other purpose.



Sec.  66.108  Text message disclosure.

    The regulated entity must not charge a person any fee to access the 
bioengineered food information through text message and must comply with 
the requirements described in this section.

[[Page 203]]

    (a) The label must include this statement ``Text [command word] to 
[number] for bioengineered food information.'' The number must be a 
number, including a short code, that sends an immediate response to the 
consumer's mobile device.
    (b) The response must be a one-time response and the only 
information in the response must be the appropriate bioengineered food 
disclosure described in Sec.  66.102 or Sec.  66.116.
    (c) The response must exclude marketing and promotional information.
    (d) A regulated entity that selects the text message option must 
comply with the requirements of this paragraph (d).
    (1) The regulated entity must not collect, analyze, or sell any 
personally identifiable information about consumers or the devices of 
consumers.
    (2) The regulated entity must not use any information related to the 
text message option for any marketing purposes.
    (3) If any information must be collected to carry out the purposes 
of this part, the information must be deleted as soon as possible and 
not be used for any other purpose.



Sec.  66.109  Required disclosure with actual knowledge.

    Notwithstanding any provision in this subpart, if a food 
manufacturer (other than a very small food manufacturer), a retailer, or 
an importer has actual knowledge that the food is a bioengineered food 
or contains a bioengineered food ingredient, it must disclose that the 
food is bioengineered or contains a bioengineered food ingredient, as 
applicable, using appropriate text, symbol, electronic or digital link 
disclosure, or text message.



Sec.  66.110  Small food manufacturers.

    A small food manufacturer must make the required bioengineered food 
disclosure using one of the bioengineered food disclosure options 
permitted under Sec. Sec.  66.102, 66.104, 66.106, and 66.108 or as 
described in this section.
    (a) The label bears the statement: ``Call for more food 
information,'' which accompanies a telephone number that will provide 
the bioengineered food disclosure to the consumer, regardless of the 
time of day. Disclosure via telephone number must include a 
bioengineered food disclosure that is consistent with Sec.  66.102 in 
audio form and may be pre-recorded.
    (b) The label bears the statement: ``Visit [URL of the website] for 
more food information,'' which accompanies a website that meets the 
requirements of Sec.  66.106(b). Disclosure via website must include a 
bioengineered food disclosure that is consistent with Sec.  66.102 or 
Sec.  66.104 in written form.



Sec.  66.112  Small and very small packages.

    In addition to the disclosures described in this subpart, for food 
in small and very small packages, the required disclosure may be in the 
form described in paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this section.
    (a) The label bears the electronic or digital disclosure described 
in Sec.  66.106, and replaces the statement and phone number required in 
Sec.  66.106(a) with the statement ``Scan for info.''
    (b) The label bears a number or short code as described in Sec.  
66.108(a), and replaces the statement with ``Text for info.''
    (c) The label bears a phone number as described in Sec.  66.110(a), 
and replaces the statement with ``Call for info.''
    (d) For very small packages only, if the label includes a 
preexisting Uniform Resource Locator for a website or a telephone number 
that a consumer can use to obtain food information, that website or 
telephone number may also be used for the required bioengineered food 
disclosure, provided that the disclosure is consistent with Sec.  66.102 
or Sec.  66.104 in written or audio form, as applicable.



Sec.  66.114  Food sold in bulk containers.

    (a) Bioengineered food sold in bulk containers (e.g., display case, 
bin, carton, and barrel), used at the retail level to present product to 
consumers, including a display at a fresh seafood counter, must use one 
of the disclosure options described in Sec.  66.102, Sec.  66.104, Sec.  
66.106, or Sec.  66.108.
    (b) The disclosure must appear on signage or other materials (e.g., 
placard, sign, label, sticker, band, twist

[[Page 204]]

tie, or other similar format) that allows consumers to easily identify 
and understand the bioengineered status of the food.



Sec.  66.116  Voluntary disclosure.

    (a) Disclosure of bioengineered food by exempt entities. If a food 
on the List of Bioengineered Foods is subject to disclosure, a very 
small food manufacturer, restaurant, or similar retail food 
establishment may voluntarily provide that disclosure. The disclosure 
must be in one or more of the forms described in this paragraph (a).
    (1) A text disclosure, in accordance with Sec.  66.102.
    (2) A symbol disclosure, in accordance with Sec.  66.104.
    (3) An electronic or digital link disclosure, in accordance with 
Sec.  66.106.
    (4) A text message disclosure, in accordance with Sec.  66.108.
    (5) Appropriate small manufacturer and small and very small package 
disclosure options, in accordance with Sec. Sec.  66.110 and 66.112.
    (b) Disclosure of foods derived from bioengineering. For foods or 
food ingredients that do not meet paragraph (1) of the definition of 
bioengineered food in Sec.  66.1, that do not qualify as a factor or 
condition under paragraph (2) of the definition of bioengineered food in 
Sec.  66.1, that are not exempt from disclosure under Sec.  66.5, and 
that are derived from a food on the List of Bioengineered Foods, 
regulated entities may disclose such foods with one of the disclosures 
described in this paragraph (b).
    (1) A text disclosure with the following statement: ``derived from 
bioengineering'' or ``ingredient(s) derived from a bioengineered 
source.'' The word ``ingredient(s)'' may be replaced with the name of 
the specific crop(s) or food ingredient(s).
    (2) A symbol disclosure using the following symbol:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21DE18.001
    
    (3) An electronic or digital link disclosure, in accordance with 
Sec.  66.106, provided that the disclosure is the text described in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section or the symbol in Figure 1 to this 
section.
    (4) A text message disclosure, in accordance with Sec.  66.108, 
provided that the response is the text described in paragraph (b)(1) of 
this section or the symbol in Figure 1 to this section.
    (5) Appropriate small manufacturer and small and very small package 
disclosure options, in accordance with Sec. Sec.  66.110 and 66.112, 
provided that the disclosure is the text described in paragraph (b)(1) 
of this section or the symbol in Figure 1 to this section.
    (c) Appearance of disclosure. The disclosure should be of sufficient 
size and clarity to appear prominently and conspicuously on the label, 
making it likely to be read and understood by the consumer under 
ordinary shopping conditions.
    (d) Recordkeeping. Reasonable and customary records should be 
maintained to verify disclosures made under this section, in accordance 
with Sec.  66.302.



Sec.  66.118  Other claims.

    Nothing in this subpart will prohibit regulated entities from making 
other claims regarding bioengineered foods, provided that such claims 
are consistent with applicable Federal law.

[[Page 205]]



      Subpart C_Other Factors and Conditions for Bioengineered Food



Sec.  66.200  Request or petition for determination.

    (a) Any person may submit a request or petition for a determination 
by the Administrator regarding other factors and conditions under which 
a food is considered a bioengineered food. A request or petition must be 
submitted in accordance with Sec.  66.204.
    (b) The request or petition may be supplemented, amended, or 
withdrawn in writing at any time without prior approval of the 
Administrator, and without affecting resubmission, except when the 
Administrator has responded to the request or petition.
    (c) If the Administrator determines that the request or petition 
satisfies the standards for consideration in Sec.  66.202, AMS will 
initiate a rulemaking that would amend the definition of ``bioengineered 
food'' in Sec.  66.1 to include the requested factor or condition.
    (d) The Administrator's determination that the request or petition 
does not satisfy the standards for consideration in Sec.  66.202 
constitutes final agency action for purposes of judicial review.



Sec.  66.202  Standards for consideration.

    In evaluating a request or petition, the Administrator must apply 
the applicable standards described in this section.
    (a) The requested factor or condition is within the scope of the 
definition of ``bioengineering'' in 7 U.S.C. 1639(1).
    (b) The Administrator must evaluate the difficulty and cost of 
implementation and compliance related to the requested factor or 
condition.
    (c) The Administrator may consider other relevant information, 
including whether the requested factor or condition is compatible with 
the food labeling requirements of other agencies or countries, as part 
of the evaluation.



Sec.  66.204  Submission of request or petition.

    (a) Submission procedures and format. A person must submit the 
request to the Agricultural Marketing Service in the form and manner 
established by AMS.
    (b) Required information. The request or petition must include the 
information described in this paragraph (b).
    (1) Description of the requested factor or condition.
    (2) Analysis of why the requested factor or condition should be 
included in considering whether a food is a bioengineered food, 
including any relevant information, publications, and/or data. The 
analysis should include how the Administrator should apply the standards 
for consideration in Sec.  66.202.
    (3) If the request or petition contains Confidential Business 
Information (CBI), the submission must comply with the requirements of 
this paragraph (b)(3).
    (i) The requester or petitioner must submit one copy that is marked 
as ``CBI Copy'' on the first page and on each page containing CBI.
    (ii) The requester or petitioner must submit a second copy with the 
CBI deleted. This copy must be marked as ``CBI Redacted'' on the first 
page and on each page where the CBI was deleted.
    (iii) The submission must include an explanation as to why the 
redacted information is CBI.



                         Subpart D_Recordkeeping



Sec.  66.300  Scope.

    This subpart applies to records regarding mandatory and voluntary 
disclosures under this part for foods offered for retail sale in the 
United States.



Sec.  66.302  Recordkeeping requirements.

    (a) General. (1) Regulated entities must maintain records that are 
customary or reasonable to demonstrate compliance with the disclosure 
requirements of this part.
    (2) The records must be in electronic or paper formats and must 
contain sufficient detail as to be readily understood and audited by 
AMS.
    (3) Records must be maintained for at least two years beyond the 
date the food or food product is sold or distributed for retail sale.

[[Page 206]]

    (4) Examples of customary or reasonable records that could be used 
to demonstrate compliance with the disclosure requirements of this part 
include, but are not limited to: Supply chain records, bills of lading, 
invoices, supplier attestations, labels, contracts, brokers' statements, 
third party certifications, laboratory testing results, validated 
process verifications, and other records generated or maintained by the 
regulated entity in the normal course of business.
    (b) Recordkeeping requirements. (1) If a food (including an 
ingredient produced from such food) is on the List of Bioengineered 
Foods, the regulated entity must maintain records regarding that food or 
food ingredient.
    (2) If a food (including an ingredient produced from such food) 
bears a bioengineered food disclosure based on actual knowledge and is 
not on the List of Bioengineered Foods, regulated entities must maintain 
records for such food or food ingredient.



Sec.  66.304  Access to records.

    (a) Request for records. When AMS makes a request for records, the 
entity must provide the records to AMS within five (5) business days, 
unless AMS extends the deadline.
    (b) On-site access. If AMS needs to access the records at the 
entity's place of business, AMS will provide prior notice of at least 
three (3) business days. AMS will examine the records during normal 
business hours, and the records will be made available during those 
times. Access to any necessary facilities for an examination of the 
records must be extended to AMS.
    (c) Failure to provide access. If the entity fails to provide access 
to the records as required under this section, the result of the audit 
or examination of records will be that the entity did not comply with 
the requirement to provide access to records and that AMS could not 
confirm whether the entity is in compliance with the bioengineered food 
disclosure standard for purposes of Sec.  66.402.



                          Subpart E_Enforcement



Sec.  66.400  Prohibited act.

    It is a violation of 7 U.S.C. 1639b for any person to knowingly fail 
to make a bioengineered food disclosure in accordance with this part.



Sec.  66.402  Audit or examination of records.

    (a) Any interested person who has knowledge of or information 
regarding a possible violation of this part may file a written statement 
or complaint with the Administrator.
    (1) Written statements or complaints filed with the Administrator 
must include the following:
    (i) Complete identifying information about the product in question;
    (ii) A detailed explanation of the alleged regulatory violation; and
    (iii) Name and contact information of the person filing the 
statement or complaint.
    (2) Written statements or complaints should be addressed to 
Director, Food Disclosure and Labeling Division, AMS Fair Trade 
Practices Program, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250; or 
submitted through the NBFDS Compliance Portal on the AMS website at 
https://www.ams.usda.gov/be.
    (3) The Administrator will determine whether reasonable grounds 
exist for an investigation of such complaint.
    (b) If the Administrator determines that further investigation of a 
complaint is warranted, an audit, examination, or similar activity may 
be conducted with respect to the records of the entity responsible for 
the disclosures.
    (c) Notice regarding records audits or examinations or similar 
activities will be provided in accordance with Sec.  66.304(a) and (b).
    (d) At the conclusion of the audit or examination of records or 
similar activity, AMS will make the findings available to the entity 
that was the subject of the investigation.
    (e) If the entity that is the subject of the audit or examination of 
records or similar activity objects to any findings, it may request a 
hearing in accordance with Sec.  66.404.

[[Page 207]]



Sec.  66.404  Hearing.

    (a) Within 30 days of receiving the results of an audit or 
examination of records or similar activity to which the entity that was 
the subject of the investigation objects, the entity may request a 
hearing by filing a request, along with the entity's response to the 
findings and any supporting documents, with AMS.
    (b) The response to the findings of the audit or examination of 
records or similar activity must identify any objection to the findings 
and the basis for the objection.
    (c) The AMS Administrator or designee will review the findings of 
the audit or examination of records or similar activity, the response, 
and any supporting documents, and may allow the entity that was the 
subject of the investigation to make an oral presentation.
    (d) At the conclusion of the hearing, the AMS Administrator or 
designee may revise the findings of the audit or examination of records 
or similar activity.



Sec.  66.406  Summary of results.

    (a) If the entity that was the subject of the audit or examination 
of records or similar activity does not request a hearing in accordance 
with Sec.  66.404, or at the conclusion of a hearing, AMS will make 
public the summary of the final results of the investigation.
    (b) AMS's decision to make public the summary of the final results 
constitutes final agency action for purposes of judicial review.



PART 70_VOLUNTARY GRADING OF POULTRY PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS-
-Table of Contents



        Subpart A_Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products

                               Definitions

Sec.
70.1 Definitions.
70.2 Designation of official certificates, memoranda, marks, other 
          identifications, and devices for purposes of the Agricultural 
          Marketing Act.

                                 General

70.3 Administration.
70.4 Services available.
70.5 Nondiscrimination.
70.6 OMB control number.
70.8 Other applicable regulations.
70.10 Basis of grading service.
70.11 [Reserved]
70.12 Supervision.
70.13 Ready-to-cook poultry and rabbits and specified poultry food 
          products.
70.14 Squabs and domesticated game birds; eligibility.
70.15 Equipment and facilities for graders.
70.16 Prerequisites to grading.
70.17 Accessibility of products.
70.18 Schedule of operation of official plants.

                     Licensed and Authorized Graders

70.20 Who may be licensed and authorized.
70.21 Suspension of license; revocation.
70.22 Surrender of license.
70.23 Identification.
70.24 Financial interest of graders.
70.25 Political activity.
70.26 Cancellation of license.

                     Application for Grading Service

70.29 Who may obtain grading service.
70.30 How application for service may be made; conditions of service.
70.31 Filing of application.
70.32 Authority of applicant.
70.33 Application for grading service in official plants; approval.
70.34 Rejection of application.
70.35 Withdrawal of application.
70.36 Order of service.
70.37 Types of service.
70.38 Suspension or withdrawal of plant approval for correctable cause.
70.39 Form of application.

                            Denial of Service

70.40 Debarment.
70.41 Misrepresentation, deceptive, or fraudulent act or practice.
70.42 Use of facsimile forms.
70.43 Willful violation of the regulations.
70.44 Interfering with a grader or employee of Service.
70.45 Misleading labeling.
70.46 Miscellaneous.

                    Identifying and Marking Products

70.50 Approval of official identification and wording on labels.
70.51 Form of grademark and information required.
70.52 Prerequisites to packaging ready-to-cook poultry or rabbits 
          identified with consumer grademarks.
70.54 Retention authorities.
70.55 Check grading officially identified product.

[[Page 208]]

70.56 Grading requirements of poultry and rabbits identified with 
          official identification.

                                 Reports

70.60 Report of grading work.
70.61 Information to be furnished to graders.
70.62 Reports of violations.

                            Fees and Charges

70.70 Payment of fees and charges.
70.71 Charges for services on an unscheduled basis.
70.72 Fees for appeal grading or review of a grader's decision.
70.75 Travel expenses and other charges.
70.76 [Reserved]
70.77 Charges for services on a scheduled basis.
70.78 Fees or charges for grading service performed under cooperative 
          agreement.

                          Grading Certificates

70.90 Forms.
70.91 Issuance.
70.92 Disposition.
70.93 Advance information.

                     Appeal of a Grading or Decision

70.100 Who may request an appeal grading or review of a grader's 
          decision.
70.101 Where to file an appeal.
70.102 How to file an appeal.
70.103 When an application for an appeal grading may be refused.
70.104 Who shall perform the appeal.
70.105 Procedures for appeal gradings.
70.106 Appeal grading certificates.

       Sanitary Requirements, Facilities, and Operating Procedures

70.110 Requirements for sanitation, facilities, and operating procedures 
          in official plants.

Subparts B-C [Reserved]

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.

    Source: 41 FR 23681, June 11, 1976, unless otherwise noted. 
Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 
46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981.



        Subpart A_Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products

                               Definitions



Sec.  70.1  Definitions.

    For the purpose of the regulations in this part, words in the 
singular shall be deemed to import the plural and vice versa, as the 
case may demand. Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms shall 
have the following meaning:
    Acceptable means suitable for the purpose intended by the AMS.
    Act means the applicable provisions of the Agricultural Marketing 
Act of 1946 (60 Stat. 1087, as amended; 7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) or any 
other act of Congress conferring like authority.
    Administrator means the Administrator of the AMS or any other 
officer or employee of the Department to whom there has heretofore been 
delegated or to whom there may hereafter be delegated the authority to 
act in the Administrator's stead.
    Agricultural Marketing Service or AMS means the Agricultural 
Marketing Service of the Department.
    Applicant means any interested person who requests any grading 
service.
    Carcass means any poultry or rabbit carcass.
    Chief of the Grading Branch means Chief of the Grading Branch, 
Poultry Programs, AMS.
    Class means any subdivision of a product based on essential physical 
characteristics that differentiate between major groups of the same kind 
or species.
    Condition means any condition, including but not being limited to, 
the state of preservation, cleanliness, or soundness of any product; or 
any condition, including but not limited to the processing, handling, or 
packaging which affects such product.
    Condition and wholesomeness means the condition of any product and 
its healthfulness and fitness for human food.
    Department means the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
    Free from protruding feathers or hairs means that a poultry carcass, 
part, or poultry product with the skin on is free from protruding 
feathers or hairs which are visible to a grader during an examination at 
normal operating speeds. However, a poultry carcass, part, or poultry 
product may be considered as being free from protruding feathers or 
hairs if it has a generally clean appearance and if not more than an 
occasional protruding feather or

[[Page 209]]

hair is evidenced during a more careful examination.
    Giblets means the following poultry organs when properly trimmed and 
washed: The liver from which the bile sac has been removed, the heart 
from which the pericardial sac has been removed, and the gizzard from 
which the lining and contents have been removed. With respect to rabbits 
``giblets'' means the liver from which the bile sac has been removed and 
the heart from which the pericardial sac has been removed.
    Grader means any Federal or State employee or the employee of a 
local jurisdiction or cooperating agency to whom a license has been 
issued by the Secretary to investigate and certify in accordance with 
the regulations in this part the class, quality, quantity, or condition 
of products.
    Grading or grading service means: (a) The act whereby a grader 
determines, according to the regulations in this part the class, 
quality, quantity, or condition of any product by examining each unit 
thereof or each unit of the representative sample thereof drawn by a 
grader, and issues a grading certificate with respect thereto, except 
that with respect to grading service performed on a resident basis, the 
issuance of a grading certificate shall be pursuant to a request 
therefor by the applicant or the Service; (b) the act whereby the grader 
identifies, according to the regulations in this part, the graded 
product; (c) with respect to any official plant, the act whereby a 
grader determines that the product in such plant was processed, handled, 
and packaged in accordance with Sec.  70.110, or (d) any regrading or 
any appeal grading of a previously graded product.
    Grading certificate means a statement, either written or printed, 
issued by a grader, pursuant to the Act and the regulations in this 
part, relative to the class, quality, quantity, or condition of a 
product.
    Holiday or legal holiday means the legal public holidays specified 
by the Congress in paragraph (a) of section 6103, title 5, of the United 
States Code.
    Identify means to apply official identification to products or the 
containers thereof.
    Interested party means any person financially interested in a 
transaction involving any grading service.
    Lightly shaded discolorations on poultry are generally reddish in 
color and are usually confined to areas of the skin or the surface of 
the flesh.
    Moderately shaded discolorations on poultry skin or flesh are areas 
that are generally dark red or bluish, or are areas of flesh bruising. 
Moderately shaded discolorations are free from blood clots that are 
visible to a grader during an examination of the carcass, part, or 
poultry product at normal grading speeds.
    National supervisor means the officer in charge of the poultry 
grading service of the AMS, and other employees of the Department as may 
be designated by the national supervisor.
    Observed legal holiday. When a holiday falls on a weekend--Saturday 
or Sunday--the holiday usually is observed on Monday (if the holiday 
falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday).
    Office of grading means the office of any grader.
    Official plant or official establishment means one or more buildings 
or parts thereof comprising a single plant in which the facilities and 
methods of operation therein have been approved by the Administrator as 
suitable and adequate for grading service and in which grading is 
carried on in accordance with the regulations in this part.
    Person means any individual, partnership, association, business 
trust, corporation, or any organized group of persons, whether 
incorporated or not.
    Poultry means any kind of domesticated bird, including, but not 
being limited to, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, pigeons, and guineas.
    Poultry food product means any article of human food or any article 
intended for or capable of being so used, which is prepared or derived 
in whole or in substantial part, from any edible part or parts of 
poultry.
    Poultry product means any ready-to-cook poultry carcass or part 
therefrom or any specified poultry food product.
    Poultry grading service means the personnel who are actively engaged 
in the

[[Page 210]]

administration, application, and direction of poultry and rabbit grading 
programs and services pursuant to the regulations in this part.
    Quality means the inherent properties of any product which determine 
its relative degree of excellence.
    Rabbit means any domesticated rabbit whether live or dead.
    Rabbit product means any ready-to-cook rabbit carcass or part 
therefrom.
    Ready-to-cook poultry means any slaughtered poultry free from 
protruding feathers, vestigial feathers (hair or down as the case may 
be) and from which the head, feet, crop, oil gland, trachea, esophagus, 
entrails, mature reproductive organs, and lungs have been removed, and 
the kidneys have been removed from certain mature poultry as defined in 
9 CFR part 381, and with or without the giblets, and which is suitable 
for cooking without need of further processing. Ready-to-cook poultry 
also means any cut-up or disjointed portion of poultry or other parts of 
poultry as defined in 9 CFR part 381 that are suitable for cooking 
without need of further processing.
    Ready-to-cook rabbit means any rabbit which has been slaughtered for 
human food, from which the head, blood, skin, feet, and inedible viscera 
have been removed, that is ready to cook without need of further 
processing. Ready-to-cook rabbit also means any cut-up or disjointed 
portion of rabbit or any edible part thereof.
    Regional director means any employee of the Department in charge of 
poultry grading service in a designated geographical area.
    Regulations means the provisions of this entire part and such United 
States classes, standards, and grades for products as may be in effect 
at the time grading is performed.
    Sampling means the act of taking samples of any product for grading 
or certification.
    Secretary means the Secretary of the Department, or any other 
officer or employee of the Department to whom there has heretofore been 
delegated, or to whom there may hereafter be delegated, the authority to 
act in the Secretary's stead.
    Slight discolorations on poultry skin or flesh are areas of 
discoloration that are generally pinkish in color and do not detract 
from the appearance of the carcass, part, or poultry product.
    Soundness means freedom from external evidence of any disease or 
condition which may render a carcass or product unfit for food.
    State supervisor or Federal-State supervisor means any authorized 
and designated individual who is in charge of the poultry grading 
service in a State.
    United States Classes, Standards, and Grades for Poultry means the 
official U.S. Classes, Standards, and Grades for Poultry (AMS 70.200 et 
seq.) that are maintained by and available from Poultry Programs, AMS.
    United States Classes, Standards, and Grades for Rabbits means the 
official U.S. Classes, Standards, and Grades for Rabbits (AMS 70.300 et 
seq.) that are maintained by and available from Poultry Programs, AMS.

[41 FR 23681, June 11, 1976; 41 FR 24693, June 18, 1976. Redesignated at 
42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, as amended at 43 FR 60138, Dec. 26, 1978. 
Redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 47 FR 46071, 
Oct. 15, 1982; 47 FR 54421, Dec. 3, 1982; 51 FR 17280, May 9, 1986; 60 
FR 6639, Feb. 2, 1995; 63 FR 40628, July 30, 1998; 71 FR 42011, July 24, 
2006; 72 FR 11775, Mar. 14, 2007; 84 FR 49643, Sept. 23, 2019; 85 FR 
62941, Oct. 6, 2020]



Sec.  70.2  Designation of official certificates, memoranda, marks,
other identifications, and devices for purposes of the Agricultural
Marketing Act.

    Subsection 203(h) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as 
amended by Pub. L. 272, 84th Congress, provides criminal penalties for 
various specified offenses relating to official certificates, memoranda, 
marks, or other identification and devices for making such marks or 
identifications, issued or authorized under section 203 of said Act, and 
certain misrepresentations concerning the grading of agricultural 
products under said section. For the purposes of said subsection and the 
provisions in this part, the terms listed in this section shall have the 
respective meaning specified:
    (a) Official certificate means any form of certification, either 
written or printed, used under this part to certify with

[[Page 211]]

respect to the sampling, class, grade, quality, size, quantity, or 
condition of products (including the compliance of products with 
applicable specifications).
    (b) Official memorandum means any initial record of findings made by 
an authorized person in the process of grading or sampling pursuant to 
this part, any processing or plant-operation report made by an 
authorized person in connection with grading or sampling under this 
part, and any report made by an authorized person of services performed 
pursuant to this part.
    (c) Official mark means the grade-mark and any other mark, or any 
variations in such marks, approved by the Administrator and authorized 
to be affixed to any product or affixed to or printed on the packaging 
material of any product, stating that the product was graded or 
indicating the appropriate U.S. grade or condition of the product, or 
for maintaining the identity of products graded under this part, 
including but not limited to, those marks set forth in Sec.  70.51.
    (d) Official identification means any United States (U.S.) standard 
designation of class, grade, quality, size, quantity, or condition 
specified in this part or any symbol, stamp, label, or seal indicating 
that the product has been officially graded and/or indicating the class, 
grade, quality, size, quantity, or condition of the product approved by 
the Administrator and authorized to be affixed to any product, or 
affixed to or printed on the packaging material of any product.
    (e) Official device means a stamping 0, branding device, stencil, 
printed label, or any other mechanically or manually operated tool that 
is approved by the Administrator for the purpose of applying any 
official mark or other identification to any product or the packaging 
material thereof.

[41 FR 23681, June 11, 1976. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 71 
FR 42011, July 24, 2006]

                                 General



Sec.  70.3  Administration.

    The Administrator shall perform, for and under the supervision of 
the Secretary, such duties as the Secretary may require in the 
enforcement or administration of the provisions of the Act and the 
regulations in this part. The Administrator is authorized to waive for 
limited periods any particular provisions of the regulations in this 
part to permit experimentation so that new procedures, equipment, 
grading, and processing techniques may be tested to facilitate definite 
improvements and at the same time to determine full compliance with the 
spirit and intent of the regulations in this part. The AMS and its 
officers and employees shall not be liable in damages through acts of 
commission or omission in the administration of this part.

[71 FR 42011, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.4  Services available.

    The regulations in this part provide for the following kinds of 
service; and any one or more of the different services applicable to 
official plants may be rendered in an official plant:
    (a) Grading of ready-to-cook poultry and rabbits in an official 
plant or at other locations with adequate facilities.
    (b) Grading of specified poultry food products in official plants.

[41 FR 23681, June 11, 1976. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 72 
FR 11775, Mar. 14, 2007; 85 FR 62941, Oct. 6, 2020]



Sec.  70.5  Nondiscrimination.

    The conduct of all services and the licensing of graders under these 
regulations shall be accomplished without regard to race, color, 
national origin, religion, age, sex, disability, political beliefs, 
sexual orientation, or marital or family status.

[71 FR 42012, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.6  OMB control number.

    (a) Purpose. The collecting of information requirements in this part 
has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and 
assigned OMB control number 0581-0127.
    (b) Display.

[[Page 212]]



  Sections Where Information Collection Requirements Are Identified and
                                Described
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.3                     70.36                    70.76(b)(3)(ii)
70.4(a)                  70.38(c)                 70.77(a)(1)
70.5                     70.38(d)                 70.77(a)(4)
70.18                    70.39                    70.77(b)(1)
70.20(a)                 70.40                    70.77(b)(3)(ii)
70.22                    70.50                    70.91(a)
70.31(a)                 70.61                    70.91(c)
70.31(b)                 70.62                    70.92
70.34                    70.73                    70.101
70.35                    70.76(b)(1)              70.102
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[71 FR 42012, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.8  Other applicable regulations.

    Compliance with the regulations in this part shall not excuse 
failure to comply with any other Federal, or any State, or municipal 
applicable laws or regulations.

[71 FR 42012, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.10  Basis of grading service.

    (a) Any grading service in accordance with the regulations in this 
part shall be for class, quality, quantity, or condition or any 
combination thereof. Grading service with respect to determination of 
quality of products shall be on the basis of United States Classes, 
Standards, and Grades for Poultry and Rabbits. However, grading service 
may be rendered with respect to products which are bought and sold on 
the basis of institutional contract specifications or specifications of 
the applicant, and such service, when approved by the Administrator, 
shall be rendered on the basis of such specifications.
    (b) Whenever grading service is provided for examination of quality, 
condition, or for test weighing on a representative sample basis, such 
sample shall be drawn and consist of not less than the minimum number of 
containers indicated in the following table. The number of 
representative samples for large bulk containers (combo bins, tanks, 
etc.) may be reduced by one-half. For quality or condition, all of the 
poultry and rabbits in each representative sample shall be examined 
except for individual ready-to-cook carcasses weighing under 6 pounds in 
large bulk containers. For individual carcasses weighing under 6 pounds 
in large bulk containers, 100 carcasses shall be examined for quality or 
condition. Procedures for test weighing shall be in accordance with 
those prescribed by the Administrator.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Containers in lot                  Containers in sample
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-4.......................................  All.
5-50......................................  4.
51-100....................................  5.
101-200...................................  6.
201-400...................................  7.
401-600...................................  8.
For each additional 100 containers, or      Include one additional
 fraction thereof, in excess of 600          container.
 containers.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[41 FR 23681, June 11, 1976. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 71 
FR 42012, 42014, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.11  [Reserved]



Sec.  70.12  Supervision.

    All grading service shall be subject to supervision at all times by 
the responsible State supervisor, regional director, and national 
supervisor. Such service shall be rendered in accordance with 
instructions issued by the Administrator where the facilities and 
conditions are satisfactory for the conduct of the service and the 
requisite graders are available. Whenever the supervisor of a grader has 
evidence that such grader incorrectly graded a product, such supervisor 
shall take such action as is necessary to correct the grading and to 
cause any improper grademarks which appear on the product or containers 
thereof to be corrected prior to shipment of the product from the place 
of initial grading.



Sec.  70.13  Ready-to-cook poultry and rabbits and specified poultry
food products.

    (a) Ready-to-cook poultry or rabbit carcasses or parts or specified 
poultry food products may be graded only if they have been inspected and 
certified by the poultry inspection service of the Department, or 
inspected and passed by any other inspection system which is acceptable 
to the Department.
    (b) Only when ready-to-cook poultry carcasses, parts, poultry food 
products, including those used in preparing raw poultry food products, 
have been graded on an individual basis by a grader or by an authorized 
person pursuant to Sec.  70.20(c) and thereafter checkgraded by

[[Page 213]]

a grader, and when poultry food products have been prepared under the 
supervision of a grader, when necessary the individual container, 
carcass, part, or poultry food product be identified with the 
appropriate official letter grademark. Checkgrading shall be 
accomplished in accordance with a statistical sampling plan prescribed 
by the Administrator. Grading with respect to quality factors for 
freezing defects and appearance of the finished products, when 
necessary, shall be done on a sample basis in accordance with a plan 
prescribed by the Administrator.
    (c) Only when ready-to-cook rabbit carcasses or parts have been 
graded on an individual basis by a grader or by an authorized person 
pursuant to Sec.  70.20(c) and thereafter checkgraded by a grader, may 
the container or the individual carcass or part be identified with the 
appropriate official letter grademark. Checkgrading shall be 
accomplished in accordance with a statistical sampling plan prescribed 
by the Administrator. Grading with respect to quality factors for 
freezing defects and appearance of the finished products may be done on 
a sample basis in accordance with a plan prescribed by the 
Administrator.

[71 FR 42012, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.14  Squabs and domesticated game birds; eligibility.

    Squabs and domesticated game birds (including, but not being limited 
to, quail, pheasants, and wild species of ducks and geese raised in 
captivity) may be graded under the regulations in this part, only if 
they have been inspected and passed by the poultry inspection service of 
the Department or have been inspected by any other official inspection 
system acceptable to the Department.

[41 FR 23681, June 11, 1976. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 71 
FR 42012, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.15  Equipment and facilities for graders.

    Equipment and facilities to be furnished by the applicant for use of 
graders in performing service on a resident basis shall include, but not 
be limited to, the following:
    (a)(1) An accurate metal stem thermometer.
    (2) A drill with a steel bit to drill holes in frozen product for 
inserting the metal thermometer stem to determine temperature.
    (3) Scales graduated in tenths of a pound or less for weighing 
carcasses, parts, or products individually in containers up to 100 
pounds, and test weights for such scales.
    (4) Scales graduated in one-pound graduation or less for weighing 
bulk containers of poultry and test weights for such scales.
    (b) Furnished office space, a desk, and file or storage cabinets 
(equipped with a satisfactory locking device) suitable for the security 
and storage of official supplies, and other facilities and equipment as 
may otherwise be required. Such space and equipment must meet the 
approval of the national supervisor.

[71 FR 42012, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.16  Prerequisites to grading.

    Grading of products shall be rendered pursuant to the regulations in 
this part and under such conditions and in accordance with such methods 
as may be prescribed or approved by the Administrator.



Sec.  70.17  Accessibility of products.

    Each product for which grading service is requested shall be so 
placed as to disclose fully its class, quality, quantity, and condition 
as the circumstances may warrant.



Sec.  70.18  Schedule of operation of official plants.

    Grading operation schedules for services performed pursuant to 
Sec. Sec.  70.76 and 70.77 shall be requested in writing and be approved 
by the Administrator. Normal operating schedules for a full week consist 
of a continuous 8-hour period per day (excluding not to exceed 1 hour 
for lunch), 5 consecutive days per week, within the administrative 
workweek, Sunday through Saturday, for each shift required. Less than 8-
hour schedules may be requested and will be approved if a grader is 
available. Clock hours of daily operations need not be specified in the 
request, although as a condition of continued approval, the

[[Page 214]]

hours of operation shall be reasonably uniform from day to day. Graders 
are to be notified by management 1 day in advance of any change in the 
hours grading service is requested.

[48 FR 20683, May 9, 1983]

                     Licensed and Authorized Graders



Sec.  70.20  Who may be licensed and authorized.

    (a) Any person who is a Federal or State employee, the employee of a 
local jurisdiction, or the employee of a cooperating agency possessing 
proper qualifications as determined by an examination for competency and 
who is to perform grading service under this part may be licensed by the 
Secretary as a grader.
    (b) All licenses issued by the Secretary shall be countersigned by 
the officer in charge of the poultry grading service of the AMS or any 
other designated officer of such Service.
    (c) Any person who is employed by any official plant and possesses 
proper qualifications as determined by the Administrator may be 
authorized to grade poultry and/or rabbits on the basis of the U.S. 
classes, standards, and grades under the supervision of a grader. No 
person to whom such authorization is granted shall have authority to 
issue any grading certificates, grading memoranda, or other official 
documents; and all products graded by any such person shall thereafter 
be check graded by a grader.

[41 FR 23681, June 11, 1976. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 71 
FR 42012, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.21  Suspension of license; revocation.

    Pending final action by the Secretary, any person authorized to 
countersign a license to perform grading service may, whenever such 
action is deemed necessary to assure that any grading services are 
properly performed, suspend any license to perform grading service 
issued pursuant to this part, by giving notice of such suspension to the 
respective licensee, accompanied by a statement of the reasons therefor. 
Within 7 days after the receipt of the aforesaid notice and statement of 
reasons, the licensee may file an appeal in writing, with the Secretary, 
supported by any argument or evidence that the licensee may wish to 
offer as to why the license should not be further suspended or revoked. 
After the expiration of the aforesaid 7-day period and consideration of 
such argument and evidence, the Secretary will take such action as 
deemed appropriate with respect to such suspension or revocation. When 
no appeal is filed within the prescribed 7 days, the license to perform 
grading service is revoked.

[41 FR 23681, June 11, 1976. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 71 
FR 42012, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.22  Surrender of license.

    Each license which is suspended or revoked shall immediately be 
surrendered by the licensee to the office of grading servicing the area 
in which the license is located.

[71 FR 42012, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.23  Identification.

    Graders shall have in their possession at all times, and present 
upon request while on duty, the means of identification furnished to 
them by the Department.

[71 FR 42013, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.24  Financial interest of graders.

    Graders shall not render service on any product in which they are 
financially interested.

[71 FR 42013, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.25  Political activity.

    Federal graders may participate in certain political activities, 
including management and participation in political campaigns in 
accordance with AMS policy. Graders are subject to these rules while 
they are on leave with or without pay, including furlough; however, the 
rules do not apply to cooperative employees not under Federal 
supervision and intermittent employees on the days they perform no 
service. Willful violations of the political activity rules will 
constitute grounds for removal from the AMS.

[71 FR 42013, July 24, 2006]

[[Page 215]]



Sec.  70.26  Cancellation of license.

    Upon termination of the services of a licensed grader, the grader's 
license shall be immediately surrendered for cancellation.

[71 FR 42013, July 24, 2006]

                     Application for Grading Service



Sec.  70.29  Who may obtain grading service.

    An application for grading service may be made by any interested 
person, including, but not being limited to any authorized agent of the 
United States, 3any State, county, municipality, or common carrier.

[71 FR 42013, July 24, 2006. Redesignated at 84 FR 49643, Sept. 23, 
2019]



Sec.  70.30  How application for service may be made; conditions of service.

    (a) Application. (1) Any person may apply for service with respect 
to products in which he or she has a financial interest by completing 
the required application for service. In any case in which the service 
is intended to be furnished at an establishment not operated by the 
applicant, the application must be approved by the operator of such 
establishment and such approval constitutes an authorization for any 
employee of the Department to enter the establishment for the purpose of 
performing his or her functions under the regulations in this part. The 
application shall include:
    (i) Name and address of the establishment at which service is 
desired;
    (ii) Name and mailing address of the applicant;
    (iii) Financial interest of the applicant in the products, except 
where application is made by a representative of a Government agency in 
the representative's official capacity;
    (iv) Signature of the applicant (or the signature and title of the 
applicant's representative);
    (v) Indication of the legal status of the applicant as an 
individual, partnership, corporation, or other form of legal entity; and
    (vi) The legal designation of the applicant's business as a small or 
large business, as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration's 
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes.
    (2) In making application, the applicant agrees to comply with the 
terms and conditions of the regulations in this part (including, but not 
being limited to, such instructions governing grading of products as may 
be issued from time to time by the Administrator). No member of or 
Delegate to Congress or Resident Commissioner shall be admitted to any 
benefit that may arise from such service unless derived through service 
rendered a corporation for its general benefit. Any change in such 
status, at any time while service is being received, shall be promptly 
reported by the person receiving the service to the grading office 
designated by the Director or Chief to process such requests.
    (b) Notice of eligibility for service. The applicant will be 
notified whether the application is approved or denied.

[84 FR 49643, Sept. 23, 2019]



Sec.  70.31  Filing of application.

    An application for grading service shall be regarded as filed only 
when made pursuant to the regulations in this part.

[41 FR 23681, June 11, 1976, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 42 
FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 
31, 1981, and further redesignated at 84 FR 49643, Sept. 23, 2019]



Sec.  70.32  Authority of applicant.

    Proof of the authority of any person applying for grading service 
may be required at the discretion of the Administrator.

[41 FR 23681, June 11, 1976, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 42 
FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 
31, 1981, and further redesignated at 84 FR 49643, Sept. 23, 2019]



Sec.  70.33  Application for grading service in official plants; approval.

    Any person desiring to process and pack products in a plant under 
grading service must receive approval of such plant and facilities as an 
official plant prior to the rendition of such service. An application 
for grading service to be rendered in an official plant shall be 
approved according to the following procedure: Survey. When application

[[Page 216]]

has been filed for grading service, as aforesaid, the State supervisor 
or the supervisor's assistant shall examine the grading office, 
facilities, and equipment and specify any additional facilities or 
equipment needed for the service. When the plant survey for poultry or 
rabbit grading has been completed and approved in accordance with the 
regulations in this part, service may be installed.

[41 FR 23681, June 11, 1976. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 71 
FR 42013, July 24, 2006. Further redesignated at 84 FR 49643, Sept. 23, 
2019]



Sec.  70.34  Rejection of application.

    (a) Any application for grading service may be rejected by the 
Administrator:
    (1) Whenever the applicant fails to meet the requirements of the 
regulations prescribing the conditions under which the service is made 
available;
    (2) Whenever the product is owned by or located on the premises of a 
person currently denied the benefits of the Act;
    (3) Where any individual holding office or a responsible position 
with or having a substantial financial interest or share in the 
applicant, is currently denied the benefits of the Act, or was 
responsible in whole or in part for the current denial of the benefits 
of the Act to any person;
    (4) Where the Administrator determines that the application is an 
attempt on the part of a person currently denied the benefits of the Act 
to obtain grading service;
    (5) Whenever the applicant, after an initial survey has been made in 
accordance with Sec.  70.34, fails to bring the grading facilities and 
equipment into compliance with the regulations within a reasonable 
period of time; or
    (6) Notwithstanding any prior approval whenever, before inauguration 
of service, the applicant fails to fulfill commitments concerning the 
inauguration of the service.
    (7) When it appears that to perform the services specified in this 
part would not be to the best interests of the public welfare or of the 
Government;
    (8) When it appears to the Administrator that prior commitments of 
the Department necessitate rejection of the application.
    (b) Each such applicant shall be promptly notified by registered 
mail of the reasons for the rejection. A written petition for 
reconsideration of such rejection may be filed by the applicant with the 
Administrator if postmarked or delivered within 10 days after receipt of 
notice of the rejection. Such petition shall state specifically the 
errors alleged to have been made by the Administrator in rejecting the 
application. Within 20 days following the receipt of such a petition for 
reconsideration, the Administrator shall approve the application or 
notify the applicant by registered mail of the reasons for the rejection 
thereof.

[71 FR 42013, July 24, 2006. Redesignated as 84 FR 49643, Sept. 23, 
2019]



Sec.  70.35  Withdrawal of application.

    An application for grading service may be withdrawn by the applicant 
at any time before the service is performed upon payment by the 
applicant, of all expenses incurred by the AMS in connection with such 
application.

[71 FR 42013, July 24, 2006. Redesignated as 84 FR 49643, Sept. 23, 
2019]



Sec.  70.36  Order of service.

    Grading service shall be performed, insofar as practicable and 
subject to the availability of qualified graders, in the order in which 
applications therefor are made, except that precedence may be given to 
any application for an appeal grading.

[41 FR 23681, June 11, 1976, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 42 
FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 
31, 1981, and further redesignated at 84 FR 49643, Sept. 23, 2019]



Sec.  70.37  Types of Service.

    (a) Noncontinuous grading service. Service is performed on an 
unscheduled basis, with no scheduled tour of duty, and when an applicant 
requests grading of a particular lot of poultry or rabbit product. 
Charges or fees are based on the time, travel, and expenses needed to 
perform the work. This service may be referred to as unscheduled grading 
service. Poultry and rabbit products

[[Page 217]]

graded under unscheduled grading service are not eligible to be 
identified with the official grademarks shown in Sec.  70.51.
    (b) Continuous grading service on a scheduled basis. Service on a 
scheduled basis has a scheduled tour of duty and is performed when an 
applicant requests that a USDA licensed grader be stationed in the 
applicant's plant or warehouse and grade poultry and rabbit products in 
accordance with U.S. Standards. The applicant agrees to comply with the 
facility, operating, and sanitary requirements of scheduled service. 
Minimum fees for service performed under a scheduled agreement shall be 
based on the hours of the regular tour of duty. Poultry and rabbit 
products graded under scheduled grading service are eligible to be 
identified with the official grademarks shown in Sec.  70.51 only when 
processed and graded under the supervision of a grader.
    (c) Temporary grading service. Service is performed when an 
applicant requests an official plant number with service provided on an 
unscheduled basis. The applicant must meet facility, operating, and 
sanitary requirements of continuous service. Charges or fees are based 
on the time and expenses needed to perform the work. Poultry and rabbit 
products graded under temporary grading service are eligible to be 
identified with the official grademarks only when they are processed and 
graded under the supervision of a grader.

[84 FR 49643, Sept. 23, 2019]



Sec.  70.38  Suspension or withdrawal of plant approval for correctable cause.

    (a) Any plant approval given pursuant to the regulations in this 
part may be suspended by the Administrator for (1) failure to maintain 
grading facilities and equipment in a satisfactory state of repair, 
sanitation, or cleanliness; (2) the use of operating procedures which 
are not in accordance with the regulations in this part; or (3) 
alterations of grading facilities or equipment which have not been 
approved in accordance with the regulations in this part.
    (b) Whenever it is feasible to do so, written notice in advance of a 
suspension shall be given to the person concerned and shall specify a 
reasonable period of time in which corrective action must be taken. If 
advance written notice is not given, the suspension action shall be 
promptly confirmed in writing and the reasons therefor shall be stated, 
except in instances where the person has already corrected the 
deficiency. Such service, after appropriate corrective action is taken, 
will be restored immediately, or as soon thereafter as a grader can be 
made available. During such period of suspension, grading service shall 
not be rendered. However, the other provisions of the regulations 
pertaining to providing service on a resident basis will remain in 
effect unless such service is terminated in accordance with the 
provisions of this part.
    (c) If the grading facilities or methods of operation are not 
brought into compliance within a reasonable period of time as specified 
by the Administrator, the Administrator shall initiate withdrawal action 
pursuant to the Rules of Practice Governing Formal Adjudicatory 
Proceedings and Grading Service (7 CFR part 1, subpart H), and the 
operator shall be afforded an opportunity for an oral hearing upon the 
operator's written request in accordance with such Rules of Practice, 
with respect to the merits or validity of the withdrawal action, but any 
suspension shall continue in effect pending the outcome of such hearing 
unless otherwise ordered by the Administrator. Upon withdrawal of 
grading service in an official plant, the plant approval shall also 
become terminated, and all labels, seals, tags, or packaging material 
bearing official identification shall, under the supervision of a person 
designated by the AMS, either be destroyed, or the official 
identification completely obliterated, or sealed in a manner acceptable 
to the AMS.
    (d) In any case where grading service is withdrawn under this Sec.  
70.38, the person concerned may thereafter apply for grading service as 
provided in Sec. Sec.  70.30 through 70.37 of these regulations.

[41 FR 23681, June 11, 1976. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
as amended at 43 FR 60139, Dec. 26, 1978. Redesignated at 46 FR 63203, 
Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 71 FR 42013, July 24, 2006]

[[Page 218]]



Sec.  70.39  Form of application.

    Each application for grading or sampling a specified lot of any 
product shall include such information as may be required by the 
Administrator in regard to the product and the premises where such 
product is to be graded or sampled.

[71 FR 42013, July 24, 2006]

                            Denial of Service



Sec.  70.40  Debarment.

    The acts or practices set forth in Sec. Sec.  70.41 through 70.46, 
or the causing thereof, may be deemed sufficient cause for the debarment 
by the Administrator of any person, including any agents, officers, 
subsidiaries, or affiliates of such person, from all benefits of the act 
for a specified period. The Rules of Practice Governing Formal 
Adjudicatory Proceedings (7 CFR part 1, subpart H) shall be applicable 
to such debarment action.

[71 FR 42013, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.41  Misrepresentation, deceptive, or fraudulent act or practice.

    Any willful misrepresentation or any deceptive or fraudulent act or 
practice found to be made or committed by any person in connection with:
    (a) The making or filing of any application for any grading service, 
appeal or regrading service;
    (b) The making of the product accessible for sampling or grading;
    (c) The making, issuing, or using, or attempting to issue or use any 
grading certificate, symbol, stamp, label, seal, or identification, 
authorized pursuant to the regulations in this part;
    (d) The use of the terms ``United States'' or ``U.S.'' in 
conjunction with the grade of the product;
    (e) The use of any of the aforesaid terms or any official stamp, 
symbol, label, seal, or identification in the labeling or advertising of 
any product.

[41 FR 23681, June 11, 1976; 41 FR 24693, June 18, 1976. Redesignated at 
42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, 
Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 71 FR 42014, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.42  Use of facsimile forms.

    Using or attempting to use a form which simulates in whole or in 
part any certificate, symbol, stamp, label, seal, or identification 
authorized to be issued or used under the regulations in this part.



Sec.  70.43  Willful violation of the regulations.

    Any willful violation of the regulations in this part or the Act.



Sec.  70.44  Interfering with a grader or employee of Service.

    Any interference with or obstruction or any attempted interference 
or obstruction of, or assault upon any grader, licensee, or employee of 
the Service in the performance of such employee's duties. The giving or 
offering, directly or indirectly, of any money, loan, gift, or anything 
of value to an employee of the Service, or the making or offering of any 
contribution to or in any way supplementing the salary, compensation, or 
expenses of an employee of the Service, or the offering or entering into 
a private contract or agreement with an employee of the Service for any 
services to be rendered while employed by the Service.

[41 FR 23681, June 11, 1976; 41 FR 24693, June 18, 1976. Redesignated at 
42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, 
Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 71 FR 42014, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.45  Misleading labeling.

    The use of the terms ``Government Graded'' and ``Federal-State 
Graded'' or terms of similar import in the labeling or advertising of 
any product without stating in the labeling or advertisement the U.S. 
grade of the product as determined by an authorized grader.



Sec.  70.46  Miscellaneous.

    The existence of any of the conditions set forth in Sec.  70.35 
constituting a basis for the rejection of an application for grading 
service.

[[Page 219]]

                    Identifying and Marking Products



Sec.  70.50  Approval of official identification and wording on labels.

    Any label or packaging material which bears any official grade 
identification shall be used only in such a manner as the Administrator 
may prescribe, and such labeling or packaging materials, including the 
wording used on such materials, shall be approved in accordance with and 
conform with the provisions of this part 70 and the applicable 
provisions of Sec. Sec.  381.115 through 381.141 of 9 CFR part 381. 
Poultry Products Inspection Regulations. Labeling requirements for 
ready-to-cook rabbits, except for the product name, shall be the same as 
for ready-to-cook poultry. For ready-to-cook rabbits the class name 
shall be shown on the label. The appropriate designation, ``young,'' 
``mature,'' or ``old,'' may be used as a prefix to the word ``rabbit'' 
in lieu of the class name.

[41 FR 23681, June 11, 1976; 41 FR 24694, June 18, 1976. Redesignated at 
42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, 
Dec. 31, 1981]



Sec.  70.51  Form of grademark and information required.

    (a) Form of official identification symbol and grademark. (1) The 
shield set forth in Figure 1 of this section shall be the official 
identification symbol for purposes of this part and when used, imitated, 
or simulated in any manner in connection with poultry or rabbits, shall 
be deemed prima facia to constitute a representation that the product 
has been officially graded for the purposes of Sec.  70.2.
    (2) Except as otherwise authorized, the grademark permitted to be 
used to officially identify USDA consumer-graded poultry and rabbit 
products shall be of the form and design indicated in Figures 2 through 
4 of this section. The shield shall be of sufficient size so that the 
printing and other information contained therein is legible and in 
approximately the same proportion as shown in these figures.
    (3) The ``Prepared From'' grademark in Figure 5 of this section may 
be used to identify specialized poultry products for which there are no 
official U.S. grade standards, provided that these products are approved 
by the Agency and are prepared from U.S. Consumer Grade A poultry 
carcasses, parts, or other products that comply with the requirements of 
AMS Sec.  70.220. All poultry products shall be processed and labeled in 
accordance with 9 CFR part 381.
    (b) Information required on grademark. (1) Except as otherwise 
authorized by the Administrator, each grademark used shall include the 
letters ``USDA'' and the U.S. grade of the product it identifies, such 
as ``A Grade,'' as shown in Figure 2 of this section. Such information 
shall be printed with the shield and the wording within the shield in 
contrasting colors in a manner such that the design is legible and 
conspicuous on the material upon which it is printed.
    (2) Except as otherwise authorized, the bands of the shield in 
Figure 4 of this section shall be displayed in three colors, with the 
color of the top, middle, and bottom bands being blue, white, and red, 
respectively.
    (3) The ``Prepared From'' grademark in Figure 5 of this section may 
be any one of the designs shown in Figures 2 through 4 of this section. 
The text outside the shield shall be conspicuous, legible, and in 
approximately the same proportion and close proximity to the shield as 
shown in Figure 5 of this section.
    (c) Products that may be individually grademarked. The grademarks 
set forth in Figures 2 through 4 of this section may be applied 
individually to ready-to-cook poultry, rabbits, and specified poultry 
food products for which consumer grades are provided in the U.S. 
Classes, Standards, and Grades for Poultry and Rabbits, AMS 70.200 and 
70.300 et seq., respectively, or to the containers in which such 
products are enclosed for the purpose of display and sale to household 
consumers, only when such products qualify for the particular grade 
indicated in accordance with the consumer grades.

[[Page 220]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR30JY98.000


[[Page 221]]



[63 FR 40628, July 30, 1998]



Sec.  70.52  Prerequisites to packaging ready-to-cook poultry or rabbits
identified with consumer grademarks.

    The official identification of any graded product as provided in 
Sec. Sec.  70.50 and 70.51 shall be done only under the supervision of a 
grader. The grader shall have supervision over the use and handling of 
all material bearing any official identification.



Sec.  70.54  Retention authorities.

    A grader may use retention tags or other devices and methods as 
approved by the Administrator for the identification and control of 
poultry or rabbit products which are not in compliance with the 
regulations or are held for further examination. Any such item shall not 
be released until in compliance with the regulations and retention 
identification shall not be removed by anyone other than a grader.



Sec.  70.55  Check grading officially identified product.

    Officially identified poultry or rabbit products may be subject to 
final check grading prior to their shipment. Such product found not to 
be in compliance with the assigned official grade shall be placed under 
a retention tag until it is regraded to comply with the grade assigned 
or until the official identification is removed.



Sec.  70.56  Grading requirements of poultry and rabbits identified with
official identification.

    (a) Poultry and rabbit products to be identified with the grademarks 
illustrated in Sec.  70.51 must be individually graded by a grader or by 
authorized personnel pursuant to Sec.  70.20 and thereafter checkgraded 
by a grader.
    (b) Poultry and rabbit products not graded in accordance with 
paragraph (a) of this section may be officially graded on a sample basis 
and the shipping containers may be identified with grademarks which 
contain the words ``Sample Graded'' and which are approved by the 
Administrator.

[71 FR 42014, July 24, 2006]

                                 Reports



Sec.  70.60  Report of grading work.

    Reports of grading work performed within official plants shall be 
forwarded to the Administrator by the grader in a manner as may be 
specified by the Administrator.

[71 FR 42014, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.61  Information to be furnished to graders.

    The applicant for grading service shall furnish to the grader 
rendering such service such information as may be required for the 
purposes of this part.

[47 FR 46071, Oct. 15, 1982; 47 FR 54421, Dec. 3, 1982]



Sec.  70.62  Report of violations.

    Each grader shall report, in the manner prescribed by the 
Administrator, all violations and noncompliances under the Act and the 
regulations in this part of which such grader has knowledge.

[71 FR 42014, July 24, 2006]

                            Fees and Charges



Sec.  70.70  Payment of fees and charges.

    (a) Fees and charges for any grading service shall be paid by the 
interested party making the application for such grading service, in 
accordance with the applicable provisions of this section and Sec. Sec.  
70.71 through 70.78, inclusive.
    (b) Fees and charges for any grading service shall, unless otherwise 
required pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section, be paid by check, 
electronic funds transfer, draft, or money order made payable to the 
National Finance Center. Payment for the service must be made in 
accordance with directions on the billing statement, and such fees and 
charges must be paid in advance if required by the official grader or 
other authorized official.
    (c) Fees and charges for any grading under a cooperative agreement 
with

[[Page 222]]

any State or person shall be paid in accordance with the terms of such 
cooperative agreement.

[41 FR 23681, June 11, 1976; 41 FR 24693, June 18, 1976. Redesignated at 
42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, 
Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 71 FR 42014, July 24, 2006; 84 FR 49644, 
Sept. 23, 2019]



Sec.  70.71  Charges for services on an unscheduled basis.

    Unless otherwise provided in this part, the fees to be charged and 
collected for any service performed, in accordance with this part, on an 
unscheduled basis shall be based on the applicable formulas specified in 
this section.
    (a) For each calendar year, AMS will calculate the rate for grading 
services, per hour per program employee using the following formulas:
    (1) Regular rate. The total AMS grading program personnel direct pay 
divided by direct hours, which is then multiplied by the next year's 
percentage of cost of living increase, plus the benefits rate, plus the 
operating rate, plus the allowance for bad debt rate. If applicable, 
travel expenses may also be added to the cost of providing the service.
    (2) Overtime rate. The total AMS grading program personnel direct 
pay divided by direct hours, which is then multiplied by the next year's 
percentage of cost of living increase and then multiplied by 1.5, plus 
the benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus an allowance for bad 
debt. If applicable, travel expenses may also be added to the cost of 
providing the service.
    (3) Holiday rate. The total AMS grading program personnel direct pay 
divided by direct hours, which is then multiplied by the next year's 
percentage of cost of living increase and then multiplied by 2, plus the 
benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus an allowance for bad debt. 
If applicable, travel expenses may also be added to the cost of 
providing the service.
    (b)(1) For each calendar year, based on previous fiscal year/
historical actual costs, AMS will calculate the benefits rate, operating 
rate, and allowance for bad debt rate components of the regular, 
overtime and holiday rates as follows:
    (i) Benefits rate. The total AMS grading program direct benefits 
costs divided by the total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday) 
worked, which is then multiplied by the next calendar year's percentage 
cost of living increase. Some examples of direct benefits are health 
insurance, retirement, life insurance, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 
retirement basic and matching contributions.
    (ii) Operating rate. AMS' grading program total operating costs 
divided by total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday) worked, which is 
then multiplied by the percentage of inflation.
    (iii) Allowance for bad debt rate. Total AMS grading program 
allowance for bad debt divided by total hours (regular, overtime, and 
holiday) worked.
    (2) The calendar year cost of living expenses and percentage of 
inflation factors used in the formulas in this section are based on 
OMB's most recent Presidential Economic Assumptions.
    (c) Fees for unscheduled grading services will be based on the time 
required to perform the services. The hourly charges will include the 
time actually required to perform the grading, waiting time, travel 
time, and any clerical costs involved in issuing a certificate. Charges 
to plants are as follows:
    (1) The regular hourly rate will be charged for the first 8 hours 
worked per grader per day for all days except observed legal holidays.
    (2) The overtime rate will be charged for hours worked in excess of 
8 hours per grader per day for all days except observed legal holidays.
    (3) The holiday hourly rate will be charged for hours worked on 
observed legal holidays.

[85 FR 62941, Oct. 6, 2020]



Sec.  70.72  Fees for appeal grading or review of a grader's decision.

    The costs of an appeal grading or review of a grader's decision, 
shall be borne by the appellant on an unscheduled basis at rates set 
forth in Sec.  70.71, plus any travel and additional expenses. If the 
appeal grading or review of a grader's decision discloses that a 
material error was made in the original

[[Page 223]]

determination, no fee or expenses will be charged.

[84 FR 49644, Sept. 23, 2019]



Sec.  70.75  Travel expenses and other charges.

    Charges are to be made to cover the cost of travel and other 
expenses incurred by the AMS in connection with rendering grading 
service. Such charges shall include the cost of transportation, per 
diem, and any other expenses.

[42 FR 2971, Jan. 14, 1977. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
as amended at 46 FR 9, Jan. 2, 1981. Redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 
31, 1981, as amended at 71 FR 42014, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.76  [Reserved]



Sec.  70.77  Charges for services on a scheduled basis.

    Fees to be charged and collected for any grading service, other than 
for an appeal grading, on a scheduled grading basis, will be determined 
based on the formulas in this part. The fees to be charged for any 
appeal grading will be as provided in Sec.  70.71.
    (a) Charges. The charges for the grading of poultry and rabbits and 
edible products thereof must be paid by the applicant for the service 
and will include items listed in this section as are applicable. Payment 
for the full cost of the grading service rendered to the applicant shall 
be made by the applicant to the National Finance Center. Such full costs 
shall comprise such of the items listed in this section as are due and 
included in the bill or bills covering the period or periods during 
which the grading service was rendered. Bills are payable upon receipt.
    (1) When a signed application for service has been received, the 
State supervisor or his designee will complete a plant survey pursuant 
to Sec.  70.34. The costs for completing the plant survey will be borne 
by the applicant on an unscheduled basis as described in Sec.  70.71. No 
charges will be assessed when the application is required because of a 
change in name or ownership. If service is not installed within 6 months 
from the date the application is filed, or if service is inactive due to 
an approved request for removal of a grader or graders for a period of 6 
months, the application will be considered terminated. A new application 
may be filed at any time. In addition, there will be a charge of $300 if 
the application is terminated at the request of the applicant for 
reasons other than for a change in location within 12 months from the 
date of the inauguration of service.
    (2) Charges for the cost of each grader assigned to a plant will be 
calculated as described in Sec.  70.71. Minimum fees for service 
performed under a scheduled agreement will be based on the hours of the 
regular tour of duty. The Agency reserves the right to use any grader 
assigned to the plant under a scheduled agreement to perform service for 
other applicants and no charge will be assessed to the scheduled 
applicant for the number of hours charged to the other applicant. 
Charges to plants are as follows:
    (i) The regular hourly rate will be charged for hours worked in 
accordance with the approved tour of duty on the application for service 
between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
    (ii) The overtime rate will be charged for hours worked in excess of 
the approved tour of duty on the application for service.
    (iii) The holiday hourly rate will be charged for hours worked on 
observed legal holidays.
    (iv) The night differential rate (for regular or overtime hours) 
will be charged for hours worked between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
    (v) The Sunday differential rate (for regular or overtime hours) 
will be charged for hours worked on a Sunday.
    (vi) For all hours of work performed in a plant without an approved 
tour of duty, the charge will be one of the applicable hourly rates in 
Sec.  70.71 plus actual travel expenses incurred by AMS.
    (3) A charge at the hourly rates specified in Sec.  70.71, plus 
actual travel expenses incurred by AMS for intermediate surveys to firms 
without grading service in effect.
    (b) Other provisions. (1) The applicant shall designate in writing 
the employees of the applicant who will be required and authorized to 
furnish each grader with such information as may

[[Page 224]]

be necessary for the performance of the grading service.
    (2) AMS will provide, as available, an adequate number of graders to 
perform the grading service. The number of graders required will be 
determined by AMS based on the expected demand for service.
    (3) The grading service shall be provided at the designated plant 
and shall be continued until the service is suspended, withdrawn, or 
terminated by:
    (i) Mutual consent;
    (ii) Thirty (30) days' written notice by either the applicant or AMS 
specifying the date of suspension, withdrawal, or termination;
    (iii) One (1) day's written notice by AMS to the applicant if the 
applicant fails to honor any invoice within thirty (30) days after date 
of invoice covering the cost of the grading service; or
    (iv) Action taken by AMS pursuant to the provisions of Sec.  70.38 
through Sec.  70.40.
    (4) Graders will be required to confine their activities to those 
duties necessary in the rendering of grading service and such closely 
related activities as may be approved by AMS: Provided, That in no 
instance may the graders assume the duties of management.

[41 FR 23681, June 11, 1976]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
70.77, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  70.78  Fees or charges for grading service performed under
cooperative agreement.

    Fees or charges to be made to an applicant for any grading service 
which differ from those listed in Sec. Sec.  70.70 through 70.77, shall 
be provided for by a cooperative agreement.

                          Grading Certificates



Sec.  70.90  Forms.

    Grading certificates and sampling report forms (including appeal 
grading certificates and regrading certificates) shall be issued on 
forms approved by the Administrator.

[71 FR 42014, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.91  Issuance.

    (a) Resident grading basis. Certificates will be issued only upon a 
request therefor by the applicant or the AMS. When requested, a grader 
shall issue a certificate covering product graded by such grader. In 
addition, a grader may issue a grading certificate covering product 
graded in whole or in part by another grader when the grader has 
knowledge that the product is eligible for certification based on 
personal examination of the product or official grading records.
    (b) Other than resident grading. Each grader shall, in person or by 
an authorized agent, issue a grading certificate covering each product 
graded by such grader. A grader's name may be signed on a grading 
certificate by a person other than the grader if such person has been 
designated as the authorized agent of such grader by the national 
supervisor: Provided, That the certificate is prepared from an official 
memorandum of grading signed by the grader: And provided further, That a 
notarized power of attorney authorizing such signature has been issued 
to such person by the grader and is on file in the office of grading. In 
such case, the authorized agent shall sign both the agents name and the 
grader's name, e.g., ``John Doe by Mary Roe.''

[71 FR 42014, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.92  Disposition.

    The original and a copy of each grading certificate, issued pursuant 
to Sec. Sec.  70.90 through 70.93, and not to exceed two additional 
copies thereof if requested by the applicant prior to issuance shall, 
immediately upon issuance, be delivered or mailed to the applicant or 
the applicant's designee. Other copies shall be filed and retained in 
accordance with the disposition schedule for grading program records.

[71 FR 42014, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.93  Advance information.

    Upon request of an applicant, all or part of the contents of any 
grading certificate issued to such applicant may be telephoned or 
transmitted by any electronic means to the applicant, or

[[Page 225]]

to the applicant's designee, at the applicant's expense.

[71 FR 42014, July 24, 2006]

                     Appeal of a Grading or Decision



Sec.  70.100  Who may request an appeal grading or review of a grader's
decision.

    An appeal grading may be requested by any interested party who is 
dissatisfied with the determination by a grader of the class, quality, 
quantity, or condition of any product as evidenced by the USDA grademark 
and accompanying label, or as stated on a grading certificate, and a 
review may be requested by the operator of an official plant with 
respect to a grader's decision on any other matter relating to grading 
in an official plant.



Sec.  70.101  Where to file an appeal.

    (a) Appeal from resident grader's grading or decision in an official 
plant. Any interested party who is not satisfied with the determination 
of the class, quality, quantity, or condition of product which was 
graded by a grader in an official plant and has not left such plant, and 
the operator of any official plant who is not satisfied with a decision 
made by a grader or any other matter relating to grading in such plant, 
may request an appeal grading or review of the decision by filing such 
request with the grader's immediate supervisor.
    (b) All other appeal requests. Any interested party who is not 
satisfied with the determination of the class, quality, quantity, or 
condition of product which has left the official plant where it was 
graded, or which was graded other than in an official plant, may request 
an appeal grading by filing such request with the regional director in 
the area where the product is located or with the Chief of the Grading 
Branch.



Sec.  70.102  How to file an appeal.

    Any request for an appeal grading or review of a grader's decision 
may be made orally or in writing. If made orally, written confirmation 
may be required. The applicant shall clearly state the reasons for 
requesting the appeal service, and a description of the product or the 
decision which is questioned. If such appeal request is based on the 
results stated on an official certificate, the original and all 
available copies of the certificate shall be returned to the appeal 
grader assigned to make the appeal grading.



Sec.  70.103  When an application for an appeal grading may be refused.

    When it appears to the official with whom an appeal request is filed 
that the reasons given in the request for an appeal grading are 
frivolous or not substantial, or that the quality or condition of the 
product has undergone a material change since the original grading, or 
that the original lot has changed in some manner, or the Act or the 
regulations in this part have not been complied with, the applicant's 
request for the appeal grading may be refused. In such case, the 
applicant shall be promptly notified of the reason(s) for such refusal.



Sec.  70.104  Who shall perform the appeal.

    (a) An appeal grading or review of a decision requested under Sec.  
70.101(a) shall be made by the grader's immediate supervisor or by one 
or more licensed graders assigned by the immediate supervisor.
    (b) Appeal gradings requested under Sec.  70.101(b) shall be 
performed by a grader other than the grader who originally graded the 
product.
    (c) Whenever practical, an appeal grading shall be conducted jointly 
by two graders. The assignment of the grader(s) who will make the appeal 
grading requested under Sec.  70.101(b) shall be made by the regional 
director or the Chief of the Grading Branch.

[41 FR 23681, June 11, 1976; 41 FR 24693, June 18, 1976. Redesignated at 
42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, 
Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 71 FR 42014, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.105  Procedures for appeal gradings.

    (a) The appeal sample shall consist of product taken from the 
original sample container plus an equal number of containers selected at 
random.
    (b) When the original samples are not available or have been 
altered, such as the removal of undergrades, the appeal

[[Page 226]]

sample size for the lot shall consist of double the samples required in 
Sec.  70.80.
    (c) Poultry or rabbits in an unfrozen state must be adequately 
protected and kept in good condition until the appeal grading is 
performed.
    (d) Overwraps on frozen poultry or rabbits shall be removed from all 
birds or rabbits in the sample prior to appeal grading for quality or to 
determine the class.
    (e) When the appeal is based on grading or class determination 
factors, each frozen carcass shall be defrosted prior to conducting the 
appeal grading. Whether defrosting poultry or rabbit carcasses for other 
types of appeals will be required by the appeal grader, will depend upon 
the reason for the appeal.

[41 FR 23681, June 11, 1976; 41 FR 24693, June 18, 1976. Redesignated at 
42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, 
Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 71 FR 42014, July 24, 2006]



Sec.  70.106  Appeal grading certificates.

    Immediately after an appeal grading is completed, an appeal 
certificate shall be issued to show that the original grading was 
sustained or was not sustained. Such certificate shall supersede any 
previously issued certificate for the product involved and shall clearly 
identify the number and date of the superseded certificate. The issuance 
of the appeal certificate may be withheld until any previously issued 
certificate and all copies have been returned when such action is deemed 
necessary to protect the interest of the Government. When the appeal 
grader assigns a different grade to the lot, the existing grademark 
shall be changed or obliterated as necessary. When the appeal grader 
assigns a different class or quantity designation to the lot, the 
labeling shall be corrected.

       Sanitary Requirements, Facilities, and Operating Procedures



Sec.  70.110  Requirements for sanitation, facilities, and operating
procedures in official plants.

    (a) The requirements for sanitation, facilities, and operating 
procedures in official plants shall be the applicable provisions stated 
in 9 CFR part 381 for poultry, and for rabbits the requirements shall be 
the applicable provisions stated in 9 CFR part 354.
    (b) With respect to grading services, there shall be a minimum of 
100-foot candles of light intensity at grading stations; and acceptable 
means, when necessary, of maintaining control and identity of products 
segregated for quality, class, condition, weight, lot, or any other 
factor which may be used to distinguish one type of product from 
another.

[41 FR 23681, June 11, 1976. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, 
and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 51 
FR 17281, May 9, 1986; 63 FR 40630, July 30, 1998]

Subparts B-C [Reserved]



PART 75_PROVISIONS FOR INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION OF QUALITY OF 
AGRICULTURAL AND VEGETABLE SEEDS--Table of Contents



                               Definitions

Sec.
75.1 Meaning of words.
75.2 Terms defined.

                             Administration

75.3 Authority.
75.4 Federal and State cooperation.
75.5 Exceptions.
75.6 Nondiscrimination.

                               Inspection

75.7 Inspection in accordance with methods prescribed or approved.
75.8 Basis of service.
75.9 Who may obtain service.
75.10 How to make application.
75.11 Content of application.
75.12 When application deemed filed.
75.13 When application may be rejected.
75.14 When application may be withdrawn.
75.15 Authority of agent.
75.16 Accessibility of seeds.
75.17 Testing.
75.18 Sampling.
75.19 Seed lot inspection.
75.20 Submitted sample inspection.
75.21 Grain sample inspection.
75.22 Form of inspection certificate.
75.23 Issuance of inspection certificate.
75.24 Disposition of inspection certificate.
75.25 Issuance of corrected certificate.

                            Appeal Inspection

75.26 When appeal inspection may be requested.

[[Page 227]]

75.27 How to file an appeal.
75.28 When a request for an appeal inspection may be withdrawn.
75.29 When an appeal may be refused.
75.30 Who shall perform appeal inspection.
75.31 Appeal inspection certificate.

                         Licensing of Inspectors

75.32 Who may become licensed inspector.
75.33 Suspension or revocation of license of inspector.
75.34 Surrender of license.

                  Sampling Provisions and Requirements

75.35 Obtaining samples for lot inspections.
75.36 Representative sample.
75.37 Submitted samples.
75.38 Lot inspections.
75.39 Use of file samples.
75.40 Protecting samples.

                            Fees and Charges

75.41 General.
75.42 Sampling and sealing.
75.43 Laboratory testing.
75.44 When application rejected or withdrawn.
75.45 Charge for appeals.
75.46 When appeal refused or withdrawn.
75.47 For certificates.

                              Miscellaneous

75.48 Identification number.
75.49 OMB control numbers.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622 and 1624.

    Source: 49 FR 18724, May 2, 1984, unless otherwise noted.

                               Definitions



Sec.  75.1  Meaning of words.

    Words used in the regulations in this part in the singular form 
shall be deemed to import the plural and vice versa, as the case may 
demand.



Sec.  75.2  Terms defined.

    For the purpose of these regulations unless the context otherwise 
requires, the following terms shall be construed, respectively, as 
follows:
    (a) Act means the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended (7 
U.S.C. 1621 et seq.).
    (b) Regulations means the regulations in this part.
    (c) Department means the United States Department of Agriculture 
(USDA).
    (d) Secretary means the Secretary of the United States Department of 
Agriculture, or any officer or employee of the Department to whom 
authority has been delegated to act in the Secretary's stead.
    (e) Administrator means the Administrator of the Agricultural 
Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department, or any other officer or 
employee of AMS to whom authority has been delegated to act in the 
Administrator's stead.
    (f) Division means the Warehouse and Seed Division (WSD), AMS.
    (g) Director means the Director of the Division or any other officer 
or employee of the Division to whom authority has been delegated to act 
in the Director's stead.
    (h) Person means any individual, partnership, association, business 
trust, corporation, entity, or any other organized group of persons, 
whether incorporated or not.
    (i) Seed means any agricultural or vegetable seed.
    (j) Interested Party means any person financially interested in a 
transaction involving seed.
    (k) Applicant means an interested party who requests any inspection 
service with respect to seed.
    (l) Authorized agent means an agent to whom authority to represent a 
person or government agency has been given by that person or government 
agency through delegation, contract or cooperative agreement, or other 
means.
    (m) Memorandum of Understanding means a written plan between AMS and 
a State for carrying out their separate activities in a project of 
mutual interest to the parties involved.
    (n) Inspector means a licensed employee of a State authorized 
pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding or an employee of the 
Department authorized by the Director, to draw samples of seeds, seal 
containers, inspect records, test seeds for quality, issue certificates 
and reports, and bill for services.
    (o) Inspection means sampling seeds, sealing containers, testing 
seeds for quality and reviewing records.
    (p) Appeal inspector means an inspector or other person designated 
or authorized by the Division to perform appeal inspections under the 
Act and regulations in this subpart.

[[Page 228]]

    (q) Certificate means a certificate issued under the Act and the 
regulations in this subpart.

                             Administration



Sec.  75.3  Authority.

    The Director is charged with the administration of the provisions of 
the regulations and the Act insofar as they relate to the subject matter 
of the regulations, under the supervision of the Secretary and the 
Administrator.



Sec.  75.4  Federal and State cooperation.

    Pursuant to the Act, the Administrator is authorized to cooperate 
with the appropriate State agencies in carrying out provisions of the 
Act and these regulations through Memoranda of Understanding. The 
Memorandum of Understanding shall specify the duties to be performed by 
the parties concerned with each party directing its own activities and 
utilizing its own resources.



Sec.  75.5  Exceptions.

    The regulations do not apply to the inspection of grain in the 
United States under the U.S. Grain Standards Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 
71 et seq.), except to the extent that official grain samples received 
from the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) shall be examined for 
the presence of specified weed and crop seeds upon the request of FGIS.



Sec.  75.6  Nondiscrimination.

    The conduct of all services under these regulations shall be 
accomplished without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, or 
national origin.

                               Inspection



Sec.  75.7  Inspection in accordance with methods prescribed or approved.

    Inspection of seed shall be rendered pursuant to these regulations 
and under such conditions and in accordance with the methods of either 
the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) or the International 
Seed Testing Association (ISTA).



Sec.  75.8  Basis of service.

    The regulations provide for inspection services pursuant to the Act. 
Seeds shall be inspected in accordance with the methods of either the 
Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) or the International Seed 
Testing Association (ISTA); provided, that limitations in these rules 
respecting maximum lot size will not be observed and, provided further, 
that certification as to origin may be based on examination of records 
and certification of other seed certifying agencies.



Sec.  75.9  Who may obtain service.

    An application for inspection service may be made by any interested 
party or his authorized agent.



Sec.  75.10  How to make application.

    An application for service shall be confirmed in writing and 
addressed to the Federal Seed Laboratory, WSD, AMS, USDA, Beltsville, 
Maryland 20705.



Sec.  75.11  Content of application.

    An application for service shall include the following information; 
(a) The date of application; (b) the kind and quantity of seed, and 
test(s) to be performed; (c) the methods and instructions for the 
inspection of the seed (either Association of Official Seed Analysts 
(AOSA) or International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) rules); (d) the 
name and address of the applicant and, if made by an authorized agent; 
and (e) such further information relating to the inspection as may be 
required.



Sec.  75.12  When application deemed filed.

    An application shall be deemed filed when received by the Division 
or the Federal Seed Laboratory.



Sec.  75.13  When application may be rejected.

    Any application for service may be rejected by the Director (a) for 
noncompliance with the Act or the regulations relating to applications 
for service in this subpart, or (b) when it is not practicable to 
provide the service. Each such applicant shall be promptly notified in 
writing.

[[Page 229]]



Sec.  75.14  When application may be withdrawn.

    An application may be withdrawn at any time before the requested 
service is rendered. The applicant will remain responsible for payment 
of expenses incurred in connection therewith as provided in Sec.  75.44.



Sec.  75.15  Authority of agent.

    Proof of authority of any person making an application as an agent 
may be required in the discretion of the official receiving the 
application.



Sec.  75.16  Accessibility of seeds.

    Each lot of seed for which a lot inspection is requested shall be 
placed by the applicant so as to permit the entire lot to be sampled and 
a representative sample to be obtained as required.



Sec.  75.17  Testing.

    Upon request by the applicant, tests may be made for kind, variety, 
germination, purity, weed seeds, disease pathogens, treatment, moisture, 
and other special tests, or any combination thereof for which prescribed 
methods of testing are established. The tests shall be in accordance 
with the methods of either the Association of Official Seed Analysts 
(AOSA) or the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) as requested 
by the applicant.



Sec.  75.18  Sampling.

    Sampling, when requested by the applicant, shall be in accordance 
with the methods of either the Association of Official Seed Analysts 
(AOSA) or the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), depending 
upon the test method requested by the applicant.



Sec.  75.19  Seed lot inspection.

    A lot inspection shall be made by obtaining a representative sample 
from a specified quantity of seed identified with a distinguishing mark 
or number to appear on all containers in the lot, and performing such 
test(s) as may be requested by the applicant. The identification mark or 
number must be approved by the inspector and will appear on the 
certificate to be issued.



Sec.  75.20  Submitted sample inspection.

    A sample inspection shall be made by testing a sample of seed 
submitted by an applicant for inspection.



Sec.  75.21  Grain sample inspection.

    A sample inspection shall be performed by examining official grain 
samples received from FGIS to identify specified weed and crop seeds 
upon the request of FGIS.



Sec.  75.22  Form of inspection certificate.

    Inspection certificates shall be approved by the Director as to 
their form. No correction, erasure, or other change shall be made in the 
information on a certificate.



Sec.  75.23  Issuance of inspection certificate.

    After an inspection has been completed, an inspection certificate 
shall be issued showing the results of the inspection in accordance with 
paragraph (a) or (b) of this section.
    (a) Lot inspection certificate. A lot inspection certificate shall 
be issued to include the name of the inspector sampling and sealing the 
seed lot, the analysis results from testing the sample, the identifying 
mark or number which has been approved by the inspector to appear on 
each container in the seed lot, and any other factual information 
pertinent to the inspection.
    (b) Sample inspection certificate. A sample inspection certificate 
shall be issued to show the results of the inspection of a sample of 
seed or grain submitted by an interested party. Each sample inspection 
certificate shall state the results of the inspection that applies only 
to the sample described in the certificate.
    (c) General authorization to issue certificates. Certificates for 
inspections may be issued by any inspector authorized by the Director to 
perform the inspection covered by the certificate.
    (d) Name requirements. The name and signature of the person who 
issued the inspection certificate shall be shown on the certificate. The 
original certificate must be signed, and the signature or a stamped 
facsimile shall be shown on each copy.

[[Page 230]]



Sec.  75.24  Disposition of inspection certificate.

    Upon issuance, the original and one copy of each inspection 
certificate shall be delivered or mailed to the applicant or otherwise 
delivered or mailed in accordance with the applicant's instructions. One 
copy of each inspection certificate shall be filed in the Federal Seed 
Laboratory. In case of a lost or destroyed certificate, a duplicate 
thereof labeled as such may be issued under the same number, date, and 
name.



Sec.  75.25  Issuance of corrected certificate.

    (a) If any error is made in an inspection, a corrected inspection 
certificate may be issued.
    (b) The original and copies of the corrected certificate shall be 
issued as promptly as possible to the same interested persons who 
received the incorrect certificate.
    (c) The corrected certificate shall supersede the incorrect 
inspection certificate previously issued. The corrected certificate 
shall clearly identify, by certificate number and date, the incorrect 
certificate which it supersedes.
    (d) The original and all copies of the superseded incorrect 
certificate shall be obtained by the Director, if possible. If it is not 
possible to obtain the original and all copies of the superseded 
certificate, to the extent possible, all parties involved will be 
notified to prevent misuse of the superseded certificate and the 
corrected certificate so marked as to the outstanding certificate.

                            Appeal Inspection



Sec.  75.26  When appeal inspection may be requested.

    A request for an appeal inspection may be made by any interested 
party regarding the results of an inspection as stated on an inspection 
certificate. Such request shall be made within thirty (30) days 
following the day on which an inspection certificate was issued.



Sec.  75.27  How to file an appeal.

    Any request for an appeal inspection may be made orally or in 
writing to the Federal Seed Laboratory. If made orally, written 
confirmation is required. The applicant shall clearly state the reasons 
for requesting the appeal service. The original and all available copies 
of the certificate shall be returned to the appeal inspector assigned to 
make the appeal inspection.



Sec.  75.28  When a request for an appeal inspection may be withdrawn.

    A request for an appeal inspection may be withdrawn by the applicant 
at any time before the appeal inspection is performed: Provided, that, 
the appellant shall pay any expenses incurred in connection with the 
appeal as provided in Sec.  75.46.



Sec.  75.29  When an appeal may be refused.

    A request for an appeal inspection may be refused if:
    (a) The reasons for an appeal inspection are frivolous or not 
substantial;
    (b) The quality or condition of the seed has been altered since the 
inspection covering the seed on which the appeal inspection is 
requested;
    (c) The lot in question in a lot inspection is not or cannot be made 
accessible for sampling;
    (d) The lot relative to which appeal inspection is requested cannot 
be positively identified by the inspection as the lot from which drawn 
samples were previously inspected in a lot inspection; or
    (e) The application is not in compliance with the regulations; and
    (f) Such applicant shall be notified promptly of the reason for such 
refusal.



Sec.  75.30  Who shall perform appeal inspection.

    An appeal inspection shall be performed by an inspector (other than 
the one from whose inspection the appeal is requested) authorized for 
this purpose by the Director.



Sec.  75.31  Appeal inspection certificate.

    After an appeal inspection has been completed, an appeal inspection 
certificate shall be issued showing the results of such appeal 
inspection; and such certificate shall supersede the inspection 
certificate previously issued for the seed involved. Each appeal 
inspection certificate shall clearly identify the

[[Page 231]]

number and date of the inspection certificate which it supersedes. The 
superseded certificate shall become null and void upon the issuance of 
the appeal inspection certificate and shall no longer represent the 
quality or condition of the seed described therein. The inspector 
issuing an appeal inspection certificate shall forward notice of such 
issuance to such persons as considered necessary to prevent misuse of 
the superseded certificate if the original and all copies of such 
superseded certificate have not previously been delivered to the 
inspector issuing the appeal inspection certificate. The appeal 
inspection certificate shall be marked as to the existence of the 
outstanding certificate. The provisions in the regulations concerning 
forms of certificates and disposition of certificates shall apply to 
appeal inspection certificates, except that copies of such appeal 
inspection certificates shall be furnished to all interested parties who 
received copies of the superseded certificate.

                         Licensing of Inspectors



Sec.  75.32  Who may become licensed inspector.

    Any person nominated by a cooperating State and who is found to have 
the necessary qualifications may be licensed by the Director as an 
inspector to perform such duties of inspection as specified by the 
Memorandum of Understanding. Such a license shall bear the signature of 
an authorized employee of the Department. A licensed inspector shall 
perform duties pursuant to the regulations in accordance with 
instructions issued or approved by the Director.



Sec.  75.33  Suspension or revocation of license of inspector.

    Pending final action by the Administrator, the Director may suspend, 
whenever it is deemed that such action is necessary to assure that any 
service provided is performed properly, the license of any inspector, 
issued pursuant to the regulations by giving notice of such suspension 
to the respective licensee, accompanied by a statement of the reasons 
therefore. Within 7 days after receipt of notice and statement of 
reasons by a licensee, an appeal may be filed in writing with the 
Administrator supported by any argument or evidence as to why the 
license should not be suspended. After expiration of the 7-day period 
and consideration of such argument and evidence, the Administrator shall 
take such action as deemed appropriate with respect to a suspension or 
revocation.



Sec.  75.34  Surrender of license.

    Upon termination of service as an inspector or suspension or 
revocation of such license, such licensee shall surrender the license 
immediately to the Federal Seed Laboratory.

                  Sampling Provisions and Requirements



Sec.  75.35  Obtaining samples for lot inspections.

    Samples of seed for lot inspections may be obtained by licensed 
inspectors or authorized employees of the Department.



Sec.  75.36  Representative sample.

    No lot inspection sample shall be deemed representative of a lot of 
seed unless the sample (a) has been obtained by a licensed inspector or 
an authorized employee of the Department; (b) is of the size prescribed 
in the instructions; and (c) has been obtained, handled, and submitted 
in accordance with the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) or 
the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) procedures.



Sec.  75.37  Submitted samples.

    Submitted samples may be obtained by or for any interested person. 
(Instructions for sampling seed may be obtained upon request to the 
Director or the Federal Seed Laboratory.)



Sec.  75.38  Lot inspections.

    Each lot inspection shall be made on the basis of a representative 
sample obtained from that lot of seed by a licensed inspector or an 
authorized employee of the Department. Each lot of seed which is offered 
for lot inspection shall be sealed at the time of sampling in accordance 
with methods and procedures of the Association of Official

[[Page 232]]

Seed Analysts (AOSA) or the International Seed Testing Association 
(ISTA).



Sec.  75.39  Use of file samples.

    (a) File samples which are retained by inspection personnel in 
accordance with the regulations may be deemed representative for appeal 
inspections: Provided, that (1) the samples have remained in the custody 
of the inspection personnel who certificated the inspection; and (2) the 
inspection personnel who performed the inspection and the inspection 
personnel who are to perform the appeal inspection determine that the 
sample was representative of the seed at the time of the inspection and 
that the quality or condition of the seed in the sample and in the lot 
has not changed since the time of the inspection.
    (b) Upon request of the applicant, and if practicable, a new sample 
may be obtained and examined as a part of an appeal inspection.



Sec.  75.40  Protecting samples.

    Inspection personnel shall protect each sample from manipulation, 
substitution, and improper or careless handling which would deprive the 
sample of its representative character from the time of collection until 
the inspection is completed and the file sample has been discarded.

                            Fees and Charges



Sec.  75.41  General.

    Fees and charges for inspection or certification services performed 
by Federal employees shall cover the cost of performing the service. 
Fees shall be for actual time required to render the service.
    (a) For each calendar year, AMS will calculate the rate for 
inspection or certification services, per hour per program employee 
using the following formulas:
    (1) Regular rate. The total AMS inspection or certification program 
personnel direct pay divided by direct hours, which is then multiplied 
by the next year's percentage of cost of living increase, plus the 
benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus the allowance for bad debt 
rate. If applicable, travel expenses may also be added to the cost of 
providing the service.
    (2) Overtime rate. The total AMS inspection or certification program 
personnel direct pay divided by direct hours, which is then multiplied 
by the next year's percentage of cost of living increase and then 
multiplied by 1.5 plus the benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus 
an allowance for bad debt. If applicable, travel expenses may also be 
added to the cost of providing the service.
    (3) Holiday rate. The total AMS inspection or certification program 
personnel direct pay divided by direct hours, which is then multiplied 
by the next year's percentage of cost of living increase and then 
multiplied by 2, plus benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus an 
allowance for bad debt. If applicable, travel expenses may also be added 
to the cost of providing the service.
    (b) For each calendar year, based on previous fiscal year/historical 
actual costs, AMS will calculate the benefits, operating, and allowance 
for bad debt components of the regular, overtime and holiday rates as 
follows:
    (1) Benefits rate. The total AMS inspection or certification program 
direct benefits costs divided by the total hours (regular, overtime, and 
holiday) worked, which is then multiplied by the next calendar year's 
percentage cost of living increase. Some examples of direct benefits are 
health insurance, retirement, life insurance, and Thrift Savings Plan 
(TSP) retirement basic and matching contributions.
    (2) Operating rate. The total AMS inspection or certification 
program operating costs divided by total hours (regular, overtime, and 
holiday) worked, which is then multiplied by the percentage of 
inflation.
    (3) Allowance for bad debt rate. Total AMS inspection or 
certification program allowance for bad debt divided by total hours 
(regular, overtime, and holiday) worked.
    (c) The calendar year cost of living expenses and percentage of 
inflation factors used in the formulas in this section are based on the 
most recent Office of Management and Budget's Presidential Economic 
Assumptions.

[79 FR 67325, Nov. 13, 2014]

[[Page 233]]



Sec.  75.42  Sampling and sealing.

    (a) Fees for inspection services provided by licensed inspectors may 
be charged by States participating in the program at rates established 
by the individual States.
    (b) When onsite inspection services are performed by Federal 
employees at the request of the applicant, charges will be based on the 
formulas in Sec.  75.41.

[49 FR 18724, May 2, 1984, as amended at 79 FR 67325, Nov. 13, 2014]



Sec.  75.43  Laboratory testing.

    Fees for testing each sample shall include the time required for 
actual testing, preparation of test records, issuing the certificate, 
and filing of samples and documents, with:
    (a) Fees assessed based on the formulas in Sec.  75.41.
    (b) A minimum fee of 1 hour per sample for testing shall be charged.
    (c) The fee for a preliminary report issued prior to completion of 
testing shall be assessed in accordance with paragraph (a) of this 
section.

[49 FR 18724, May 2, 1984, as amended at 67 FR 11384, Mar. 14, 2002; 79 
FR 67325, Nov. 13, 2014]



Sec.  75.44  When application rejected or withdrawn.

    When an application for inspection is rejected in accordance with 
Sec.  75.13 or withdrawn in accordance with Sec.  75.14, the applicant 
will be required to pay applicable fees for the time used by an 
inspector and other expenses incurred in connection with such 
application prior to its rejection or withdrawal.



Sec.  75.45  Charge for appeals.

    A charge of 1 hour shall be made for each appeal filed under Sec.  
75.26, and the fee for an appeal inspection shall equal the fee for the 
original inspection from which the appeal is taken, plus any charges for 
travel or other expenses incurred in performing the appeal: Provided, 
That when a material error in the certificate or sample from which the 
appeal is taken is found by the appeal inspector the charge and fee 
shall be waived.



Sec.  75.46  When appeal refused or withdrawn.

    When an appeal is refused in accordance with Sec.  75.29 or 
withdrawn in accordance with Sec.  75.28, the applicant will be required 
to pay for the time used by the appeal inspector and other expenses 
incurred in connection with such appeal prior to its denial, dismissal, 
or withdrawal.



Sec.  75.47  For certificates.

    A charge of $13.00 per certificate will be made for copies of 
certificates other than those required to be distributed in Sec.  75.23 
and for the issuance of a duplicate certificate in accordance with Sec.  
75.24 and an appeal certificate in Sec.  75.31.

[49 FR 18724, May 2, 1984, as amended at 56 FR 51320, Oct. 11, 1991; 58 
FR 64101, Dec. 6, 1993; 60 FR 21035, May 1, 1995; 65 FR 15832, Mar. 24, 
2000; 67 FR 11384, Mar. 14, 2002]

                              Miscellaneous



Sec.  75.48  Identification number.

    The Director may require the use of official identification numbers 
in connection with seed certificated or sampled under the Act. When 
identification numbers are required, they shall be specified by the 
Director and shall be attached to, or stamped, printed, or stenciled on 
the lot of seed certificated or sampled in a manner specified by the 
Director.



Sec.  75.49  OMB control numbers.

    The control number assigned to the information collection 
requirements by the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 is as follows: OMB Control No. 0581-
0140.

[56 FR 51320, Oct. 11, 1991]

[[Page 234]]



          SUBCHAPTER D_EXPORT AND DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION PROGRAMS





PART 80_FRESH RUSSET POTATO DIVERSION PROGRAM--Table of Contents



             Subpart A_Fresh Russet Potato Diversion Program

Sec.
80.1 Applicability and payments.
80.2 Administration and disputes.

Subpart B [Reserved]

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 612c.

    Source: 66 FR 58349, Nov. 21, 2001, unless otherwise noted.



             Subpart A_Fresh Russet Potato Diversion Program



Sec.  80.1  Applicability and payments.

    Payment be received or retained with respect to diversions of 2001 
Fresh Russet potatoes as allowed by the Administrator of the 
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), of the Department of Agriculture 
(USDA) using standards set out for consideration in the relevant Federal 
Register notice published on April 13, 2001 (66 FR 19099) except that 
total funding for the program may be an amount up to $12 million. If a 
person has or will receive such a payment and there is a failure to 
comply with the conditions for payment or any condition for payment set 
out in the application, or that otherwise applies, all sums received by 
a person shall be returned with interest. No other claims for payment by 
producers or other persons under this part based upon their diversion of 
potatoes, shall be allowed except as approved by the Administrator of 
the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), of the Department of 
Agriculture (USDA). In all cases, the Administrator may set such other 
conditions for payment as may be allowable and serve the accomplishment 
of the goals of the program.



Sec.  80.2  Administration and disputes.

    Administration of this part shall be under the supervision of the 
Deputy Administrator, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, and implemented 
for AMS through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) of USDA. Disputes shall be 
resolved by FSA by using regulations found in 7 CFR part 780.

Subpart B [Reserved]



PART 81_PRUNE/DRIED PLUM DIVERSION PROGRAM--Table of Contents



Sec.
81.1 Applicability.
81.2 Administration.
81.3 Definitions.
81.4 Length of program.
81.5 General requirements.
81.6 Rate of payment; total payments.
81.7 Eligibility for payment.
81.8 Application and approval for participation.
81.9 Inspection and certification of diversion.
81.10 Claim for payment.
81.11 Compliance with program provisions.
81.12 Inspection of premises.
81.13 Records and accounts.
81.14 Offset, assignment, and prompt payment.
81.15 Appeals.
81.16 Refunds; joint and several liability.
81.17 Death, incompetency, or disappearance.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 612c.

    Source: 67 FR 11391, Mar. 14, 2002, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  81.1  Applicability.

    Pursuant to the authority conferred by Section 32 of the Act of 
August 24, 1935, as amended (7 U.S.C. 612c) (Section 32), the Secretary 
of Agriculture will make payment to California producers who divert 
prune/plums by removing trees on which the fruit is produced in 
accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein.



Sec.  81.2  Administration.

    The program will be administered under the direction and supervision 
of the Deputy Administrator, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural 
Marketing Service (AMS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 
and will be implemented by the Prune

[[Page 235]]

Marketing Committee (Committee). The Committee, or its authorized 
representatives, does not have authority to modify or waive any of the 
provisions of this subpart. Such power shall rest solely with the 
Administrator of AMS, or delegatee. The Administator or delegatee, in 
the Administrator's or delegatee's sole discretion can modify deadlines 
or other conditions, as needed or appropriate to serve the goals of the 
program. In all cases, payments under this part are subject to the 
availability of funds.



Sec.  81.3  Definitions.

    (a) Administrator means the Administrator of AMS.
    (b) AMS means the Agricultural Marketing Service of the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture.
    (c) Application means ``Application for Prune Tree Removal 
Program.''
    (d) Committee means the Prune Marketing Committee established by the 
Secretary of Agriculture to locally administer Federal Marketing Order 
No. 993 (7 CFR Part 993), regulating the handling of dried prunes 
produced in California.
    (e) Diversion means the removal of prune-plum trees after approval 
of applications by the Committee through June 30, 2002.
    (f) Producer means an individual, partnership, association, or 
corporation in the State of California who grows prune/plums that are 
dehydrated into dried plums for market.
    (g) Removal means that the prune-plum trees are no longer standing 
and capable of producing a crop, and the roots of the trees have been 
removed. The producer can accomplish removal by any means the producer 
desires. Grafting another type of tree to the rootstock remaining after 
removing the prune/plum tree would not qualify as removal under this 
program.



Sec.  81.4  Length of program.

    Producers diverting prune/plums by removing prune-plum trees must 
complete the diversion no later than June 30, 2002.



Sec.  81.5  General requirements.

    (a) To be eligible for this program, the trees to be removed must 
have yielded at least 1.5 tons of dried prune/plums per net-planted acre 
during the 1999 or 2000 crop year. A net-planted acre is the actual 
acreage planted with prune-plum trees. Abandoned orchards and dead trees 
will not qualify. In new orchards diverted, qualifying trees must be at 
least 5 years of age (6th leaf), contain at least two scaffolds, and be 
capable of producing at least 1.5 tons per net-planted acre. The block 
of trees for removal must be easily definable by separations from other 
blocks and contain at least 1,000 eligible trees or comprise an entire 
orchard.
    (b) Any grower participating in this program must agree not to 
replant prune-plum trees on the land cleared under this program through 
June 30, 2004. Participants bear responsibility for ensuring that trees 
are not replanted, whether by themselves, or by successors to the land, 
or by others, until after June 30, 2004. If trees are replanted before 
June 30, 2004, by any persons, participants must refund any USDA 
payment, with interest, made in connection with this tree removal 
program.



Sec.  81.6  Rate of payment; total payments.

    (a) The rate of payment for each eligible prune-plum tree removed 
will be $8.50 per tree.
    (b) Payment under paragraph (a) of this section will be made after 
tree removal has been verified by the staff of the Committee.
    (c) The $8.50 per tree payment shall be the total payment. USDA will 
make no other payment with respect to such removals. The producer will 
be responsible for arranging, requesting, and paying for the tree 
removal in the specified orchard blocks or orchard(s), as the case may 
be.
    (d) Total payments under this program are limited to no more than 
$17,000,000. No additional expenditures shall be made, unless the 
Administrator or delegatee in their sole and exclusive discretion shall, 
in writing, declare otherwise.



Sec.  81.7  Eligibility for payment.

    (a) If total applications for payment do not exceed $17,000,000, 
less administration costs, payments will be made

[[Page 236]]

under this program to any eligible producer of prune/plums who complies 
with the requirements in Sec.  81.8 and all other terms and conditions 
in this part.
    (b) If applications for participation in the program authorized by 
this part exceed $17,000,000, less administration costs, the Committee 
will approve the applications (subject to the requirements in Sec.  
81.8) in the order in which the completed applications are received in 
the Committee office up to the funding limit of $17,000,000, less 
administration costs, for the program. Any additional applications will 
be denied.
    (c) The Administrator or his delegatee may set other conditions for 
payment, in addition to those provided for in this part, to the extent 
necessary to accomplish the goals of the program.



Sec.  81.8  Application and approval for participation.

    (a) Applications will be reviewed for program compliance and 
approved or disapproved by Committee office personnel.
    (b) Applications for participation in the Prune-Plum Diversion 
Program can be obtained from the Committee office at 3841 North Freeway 
Boulevard, Suite 120, Sacramento, California 95834; telephone (916) 565-
6235.
    (c) Any producer desiring to participate in the prune-plum diversion 
program must have filed an application with the Committee by January 31, 
2002. The application shall be accompanied by a copy of any two of the 
following four documents: Plat Map from the County Hall of Records; 
Irrigation Tax Bill; County Property Tax Bill; or any other documents 
containing an Assessor's Parcel Number. Such application shall include 
at least the following information:
    (1) The name, address, telephone number and tax identification 
number/social security number of the producer;
    (2) The location and size of the production unit to be diverted;
    (3) The prune/plum production from the orchard or portion of the 
orchard to be diverted during the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 seasons;
    (4) A statement that all persons with an equity interest in the 
prune/plums in the production unit to be diverted consent to the filing 
of the application. That is, the statement must show that the applicant 
has clear title to the property in question, and/or as needed, the 
statement must show an agreement to participate in the tree removal 
program from all lien or mortgage holders, and/or land owners, lessors, 
or similar parties with an interest in the property to the extent 
demanded by AMS or to the extent that such persons could object to the 
tree removal. However, obtaining such assent shall be the responsibility 
of the applicant who shall alone bear any responsibilities which may 
extend to third parties;
    (5) A statement that the applicant agrees to comply with all of the 
regulations established for the prune/plum diversion program;
    (6) A certification that the information contained in the 
application is true and correct;
    (7) The year that the unit of prune/plums was planted;
    (8) An identification of the handler(s) who received the prune/plums 
from the producer in the last two years.
    (d) After the Committee receives the producer applications, it shall 
review them to determine whether all the required information has been 
provided and that the information appears reliable.
    (e) As previously indicated, if the number of trees to be removed in 
such applications, multiplied by $8.50 per tree, exceeds the amount of 
funds available for the diversion program, each grower's application 
will be considered in the order in which they are received at the 
Committee office. AMS may reject any application for any reason, and its 
decisions are final.
    (f) After the application reviews and confirmation of eligible trees 
are completed, the Committee shall notify the applicant, in writing, as 
to whether or not the application has been approved and the number of 
trees approved for payment after removal. If an application is not 
approved, the notification

[[Page 237]]

shall specify the reason(s) for disapproval. AMS shall be the final 
arbiter of which applications may be approved or rejected, and the final 
arbiter of any appeal.



Sec.  81.9  Inspection and certification of diversion.

    When the removal of the prune-plum trees is complete, the 
producer(s) will notify the Committee on a form provided by the 
Committee. The Committee will certify that the trees approved for 
removal from the block or orchard, as the case may be, have been 
removed, and notify AMS.



Sec.  81.10  Claim for payment.

    (a) To obtain payment for the trees removed, the producer must 
submit to the Committee by June 30, 2002, a completed form provided by 
the Committee. Such form shall include the Committee's certification 
that the qualifying trees from the blocks or orchards have been removed. 
If all other conditions for payment are met, AMS will then issue a check 
to the producer in the amount of $8.50 per eligible tree removed.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec.  81.11  Compliance with program provisions.

    If USDA on its own, or on the advice of the Committee, determines 
that any provision of this part have not been complied with by the 
producer, the producer will not be entitled to diversion payments in 
connection with tree removal. If a producer does not comply with the 
terms of this part, including the requirement specified in Sec.  
81.5(b), the producer must refund, with interest, any USDA payment made 
in connection with such tree removal, and will also be liable to USDA 
for any other damages incurred as a result of such failure. The 
Committee or USDA may deny any producer the right to participate in this 
program or the right to receive or retain payments in connection with 
any diversion previously made under this program, or both, if the 
Committee or USDA determines that:
    (a) The producer has failed to properly remove the prune/plum trees 
from the applicable block or the whole orchard regardless of whether 
such failure was caused directly by the producer or by any other person 
or persons;
    (b) The producer has not acted in good faith in connection with any 
activity under this program; or
    (c) The producer has failed to discharge fully any obligation 
assumed by, or charged to, him or her under this program.



Sec.  81.12  Inspection of premises.

    The producer must permit authorized representatives of USDA or the 
Committee, at any reasonable time, to have access to their premises to 
inspect and examine the orchard block where trees were removed and 
records pertaining to the orchard to determine compliance with the 
provisions of this part.



Sec.  81.13  Records and accounts.

    (a) The producers participating in this program must keep accurate 
records and accounts showing the details relative to the prune/plum tree 
removal, including the contract entered into with the firm or person 
removing the trees, as well as the invoices.
    (b) The producers must permit authorized representatives of USDA, 
the Committee, and the General Accounting Office, or their delegatees, 
at any reasonable time to inspect, examine, and make copies of such 
records and accounts to determine compliance with provisions of this 
part. Such records and accounts must be retained for two years after the 
date of payment to the producer under the program, or for two years 
after the date of any audit of records by USDA, whichever is later. Any 
destruction of records by the producer at any time will be at the risk 
of the producer when there is reason to know, believe, or suspect that 
matters may be or could be in dispute or remain in dispute.



Sec.  81.14  Offset, assignment, and prompt payment.

    (a) Any payment or portion thereof due any person under this part 
shall be allowed without regard to questions of title under State law, 
and without regard to any claim or lien against the crop proceeds 
thereof in favor of the

[[Page 238]]

producer or any other creditors except agencies of the U.S. Government.
    (b) Payments which are earned by a producer under this program may 
be assigned in the same manner as allowed under the provisions of 7 CFR 
part 1404.
    (c) Prompt payment interest from AMS will not be applicable.



Sec.  81.15  Appeals.

    Any producer who is dissatisfied with a determination made pursuant 
to this part may make a request for reconsideration or appeal of such 
determination. The Deputy Administrator of Fruit and Vegetable Programs 
shall establish the procedure for such appeals.



Sec.  81.16  Refunds; joint and several liability.

    (a) In the event there is a failure to comply with any term, 
requirement, or condition for payment arising under the application of 
this part, and if any refund of a payment to AMS shall otherwise become 
due in connection with the application of this part, all payments made 
under this part to any producer shall be refunded to AMS together with 
interest.
    (b) All producers signing an application for payment as having an 
interest in such payment shall be jointly and severally liable for any 
refund, including related charges, that is determined to be due for any 
reason under the terms and conditions of the application of this part.
    (c) Interest shall be applicable to refunds required of any producer 
under this part if AMS determines that payments or other assistance were 
provided to a producer who was not eligible for such assistance. Such 
interest shall be charged at the rate of interest that the United States 
Treasury charges the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) for funds, as of 
the date AMS made benefits available. Such interest shall accrue from 
the date of repayment or the date interest increases as determined in 
accordance with applicable regulations. AMS may waive the accrual of 
interest if AMS was at fault for the overpayment.
    (d) Interest allowable in favor of AMS in accordance with paragraph 
(c) of this section may be waived when there was no intentional 
noncompliance on the part of the producer, as determined by AMS. Such 
decision to waive or not waive the interest shall be at the discretion 
of the Administrator or delegatee.
    (e) Late payment interest shall be assessed on all refunds in 
accordance with the provisions of, and subject to the rates prescribed 
for those claims which are addressed in 7 CFR part 792.
    (f) Producers must refund to AMS any excess payments, as determined 
by AMS, with respect to such application.
    (g) In the event that a benefit under this part was provided as the 
result of erroneous information provided by the producer, or was 
erroneously or improperly paid for any other reason, the benefit must be 
repaid with any applicable interest.



Sec.  81.17  Death, incompetency, or disappearance.

    In the case of death, incompetency, disappearance, or dissolution of 
a prune/plum producer that is eligible to receive benefits in accordance 
with this part, such person or persons who would, under 7 CFR part 707 
be eligible for payments and benefits covered by that part, may receive 
the tree-removal benefits otherwise due the actual producer.



PART 82_CLINGSTONE PEACH DIVERSION PROGRAM--Table of Contents



Sec.
82.1 Applicability.
82.2 Administration.
82.3 Definitions.
82.4 Length of program.
82.5 General requirements.
82.6 Rate of payment; total payments.
82.7 Eligibility for payment.
82.8 Application and approval for participation.
82.9 Inspection and certification of diversion.
82.10 Claim for payment.
82.11 Compliance with program provisions.
82.12 Inspection of premises.
82.13 Records and accounts.
82.14 Offset, assignment, and prompt payment.
82.15 Appeals.
82.16 Refunds; joint and several liability.
82.17 Death, incompetency or disappearance.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 612c.

[[Page 239]]


    Source: 70 FR 67312, Nov. 4, 2005, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  82.1  Applicability.

    Pursuant to the authority conferred by Section 32 of the Act of 
August 24, 1935, as amended (7 U.S.C. 612c) (Section 32), the 
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will make payment to California 
growers who divert clingstone peaches by removing trees on which the 
fruit is produced in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth 
herein.



Sec.  82.2  Administration.

    The program will be administered under the general direction and 
supervision of the Deputy Administrator, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, 
AMS, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and will be 
implemented by the California Canning Peach Association (CCPA). The 
CCPA, or its authorized representatives, does not have authority to 
modify or waive any of the provisions of this subpart. The Administrator 
or delegatee, in the Administrator's or delegatee's sole discretion can 
modify deadlines to serve the goals of the program. In all cases, 
payments under this part are subject to the availability of funds.



Sec.  82.3  Definitions.

    (a) Administrator means the Administrator of AMS.
    (b) AMS means the Agricultural Marketing Service of the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture.
    (c) Application means ``Application for Clingstone Peach Tree 
Removal Program.''
    (d) Calendar year means the 12-month period beginning January 1 and 
ending the following December 31.
    (e) CCPA means the California Canning Peach Association, a grower-
owned marketing and bargaining cooperative representing the clingstone 
peach industry in California.
    (f) Diversion means the removal of clingstone peach trees after 
approval of applications by the CCPA.
    (g) Grower means an individual, partnership, association, or 
corporation in the State of California who grows clingstone peaches for 
canning.
    (h) Removal or removed means that the clingstone peach trees are no 
longer standing and capable of producing a crop, and the roots of the 
trees have been removed. The grower can accomplish removal by any means 
the grower desires. Grafting another type of tree to the rootstock 
remaining after removing the clingstone peach tree will not qualify as 
removal under this program.



Sec.  82.4  Length of program.

    This program is effective November 5, 2005, through November 9, 
2015. Growers diverting clingstone peaches by removing clingstone peach 
trees must complete the diversion no later than June 1, 2006.



Sec.  82.5  General requirements.

    (a) To be eligible for this program, the trees to be removed must be 
fruit-bearing and have been planted after the 1987 and before the 2003 
calendar years. Abandoned orchards and dead trees will not qualify. The 
block of trees for removal must be easily definable by separations from 
other blocks of eligible trees and contain at least 1,000 eligible trees 
or an entire orchard. Clingstone peach tree removal shall not take place 
until the grower has been informed in writing that the grower's 
application has been approved.
    (b) Any grower participating in this program must agree not to 
replant clingstone peach trees on the land cleared under this program 
through June 1, 2016. Participants bear responsibility for ensuring that 
trees are not replanted, whether by themselves, by successors to the 
land, or by any other person, until after June 1, 2016. If trees are 
replanted before June 1, 2016, by any persons, participants must refund 
all USDA payments, with interest, made in connection with this tree 
removal program.



Sec.  82.6  Rate of payment; total payments.

    (a) Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served 
basis. Growers will be paid $100 per ton based on their actual 2005 
deliveries of clingstone peaches to processors from those acres of 
clingstone peach trees removed under this program, except

[[Page 240]]

that, regardless of actual 2005 deliveries, growers will receive a 
minimum of $500 per acre and a maximum of $1,700 per acre.
    (b) Payment under paragraph (a) of this section will only be made 
after tree removal has been verified by the staff of the CCPA.
    (c) The $100 per ton payment is intended to cover the costs of tree 
removal. USDA will not make any other payment with respect to such 
removals. The grower will be responsible for arranging, requesting, and 
paying for the tree removal in the specified acreage.
    (d) Total payments under this program are limited to not more than 
$5,000,000 of Section 32 funds. No additional expenditures shall be made 
unless the Administrator or delegatee in their sole and exclusive 
discretion shall, in writing, declare otherwise.



Sec.  82.7  Eligibility for payment.

    (a) If total applications for payment do not exceed $5,000,000, less 
administration costs, payments, as set forth in Sec.  82.6, will be made 
under this program to any grower of clingstone peaches who complies with 
the requirements in Sec.  82.8 and all other terms and conditions in 
this part.
    (b) If applications for participation in the program authorized by 
this part exceed $5,000,000, less administration costs, the CCPA will 
approve the applications (subject to the requirements in Sec.  82.8) in 
the order in which the completed applications are received in the CCPA 
office to the extent that funds are available. Applications received 
after total outlays exceed the amount of money available will be denied.



Sec.  82.8  Application and approval for participation.

    (a) Applications will be reviewed for program compliance and 
approved or disapproved by CCPA office personnel.
    (b) Applications for participation in the Clingstone Peach Diversion 
Program can be obtained from the CCPA office at 2300 River Plaza Drive, 
Suite 110, Sacramento, CA 95833; Telephone: (916) 925-9131; Fax: (916) 
925-9030; at 335 Teegarden Avenue, Suite A, Yuba City, CA 95991; 
Telephone: (530) 673-8526; Fax: (530) 673-2673; or at 1704 Herndon Road, 
Ceres, CA 95307; Telephone: (209) 537-0715; Fax: (209) 537-1043.
    (c) Any grower desiring to participate in the Clingstone Peach 
Diversion Program must file an application with the CCPA prior to 
November 30, 2005. The application shall be accompanied by a copy of any 
two of the following four documents: Plot Map from the County Hall of 
Records; Irrigation Tax Bill; County Property Tax Bill; or any other 
documents containing an Assessor's Parcel Number. Such application shall 
include at least the following information:
    (1) The name, address, telephone number, and tax identification 
number or social security number of the grower;
    (2) The location and amount of acreage to be diverted;
    (3) The 2005 clingstone peach production from the acreage to be 
diverted;
    (4) If the land with respect to which the clingstone peach trees 
will be destroyed is subject to a mortgage, statutory lien, or other 
equity interest, the grower must obtain from the holder of such interest 
a written statement that such party agrees to the enrollment of such 
land in this program to the extent determined necessary by AMS. 
Obtaining such assent shall be the responsibility of the applicant who 
shall alone bear any responsibilities which may extend to such third 
parties;
    (5) A statement that the applicant agrees to comply with all of the 
regulations established for the clingstone peach diversion program;
    (6) The applicant shall sign the application certifying that the 
information contained in the application is true and correct;
    (7) The year that the clingstone peach acreage to be diverted was 
planted;
    (8) The names of the processors who received the clingstone peaches 
from the grower in 2005.
    (d) After the CCPA receives the applications, it shall review them 
to determine whether all the required information has been provided and 
that the information is correct.
    (e) If the deliveries off the acreage to be removed in such 
applications, multiplied by $100 per ton (for actual 2005 deliveries on 
these acres, but within the

[[Page 241]]

constraints of a minimum payment of $500 per acre and a maximum payment 
of $1,700 per acre), exceed the amount of funds available for the 
diversion program, each grower's application will be considered in the 
order in which they are received at the CCPA offices.
    (f) After the application reviews and confirmation of eligible trees 
are completed, the CCPA shall notify the applicant, in writing, as to 
whether or not the application has been approved and the tonnage 
approved for payment after removal. If an application is not approved, 
the notification shall specify the reason(s) for disapproval.



Sec.  82.9  Inspection and certification of diversion.

    When the removal of the clingstone peach trees is complete, the 
grower will notify the CCPA on a form provided by the CCPA. The CCPA 
will certify that the trees approved for removal from the acreage have 
been removed, and notify AMS.



Sec.  82.10  Claim for payment.

    To obtain payment for the trees removed, the grower must submit to 
the CCPA by July 31, 2006, a completed form provided by the CCPA. Such 
form shall include the CCPA's certification that the qualifying trees 
from the acreage have been removed. AMS will then issue a check to the 
grower in the amount of $100 per eligible ton removed consistent with 
the minimum and maximum payments per acre earlier specified in this 
part.



Sec.  82.11  Compliance with program provisions.

    If USDA or the CCPA determines that any provision of this part have 
not been complied with by the grower, the grower will not be entitled to 
diversion payments in connection with tree removal. If a grower does not 
comply with all the terms of this part, including the requirement 
specified in Sec.  82.5(b), the grower must refund any payment made in 
connection with this program, and will also be liable for any other 
damages incurred as a result of such failure. The USDA may deny any 
grower the right to participate in this program or the right to receive 
payments in connection with any diversion previously made under this 
program, or both, if the USDA determines that:
    (a) The grower has failed to properly remove the clingstone peach 
trees from the applicable acreage, regardless of whether such failure 
was caused directly by the grower or by any other person or persons;
    (b) The grower has not acted in good faith, or has engaged in a 
scheme, fraud, or device, in connection with any activity under this 
program; or
    (c) The grower has failed to discharge fully any obligation assumed 
by him or her under this program.



Sec.  82.12  Inspection of premises.

    The grower must permit authorized representatives of USDA or the 
CCPA, at any reasonable time, to have access to their premises to 
inspect and examine the acreage where the trees were removed as well as 
any records pertaining to that acreage to determine compliance with the 
provisions of this part.



Sec.  82.13  Records and accounts.

    (a) The growers participating in this program must keep accurate 
records and accounts showing the details relative to the clingstone 
peach tree removal, including the contract entered into with any firm 
removing the trees, as well as the invoices.
    (b) The growers must permit authorized representatives of USDA, the 
CCPA, and the Government Accountability Office at any reasonable time to 
inspect, examine, and make copies of such records and accounts to 
determine compliance with provisions of this part. Such records and 
accounts must be retained for ten years after the date of payment to the 
grower under the program, or for ten years after the date of any audit 
of records by USDA, whichever is later. Any destruction of records by 
the grower at any time will be at the risk of the grower when there is 
reason to know, believe, or suspect that matters may be or could be in 
dispute or remain in dispute.



Sec.  82.14  Offset, assignment, and prompt payment.

    (a) Any payment or portion thereof due any person under this part 
shall be allowed without regard to questions of

[[Page 242]]

title under State law, and without regard to any claim or lien against 
the crop proceeds thereof in favor of the grower or any other creditors 
except agencies of the U.S. Government.
    (b) Payments which are earned by a grower under this program may be 
assigned in the same manner as allowed under the provisions of 7 CFR 
part 1404.



Sec.  82.15  Appeals.

    Any grower who is dissatisfied with a determination made pursuant to 
this part may make a request for reconsideration or appeal of such 
determination. The Deputy Administrator of Fruit and Vegetable Programs 
shall establish the procedure for such appeals.



Sec.  82.16  Refunds; joint and several liability.

    (a) In the event there is a failure to comply with any term, 
requirement, or condition for payment arising under the application of 
this part, and if any refund of a payment to AMS shall otherwise become 
due in connection with the application of this part, all payments made 
under this part to any grower shall be refunded to AMS together with 
interest.
    (b) All growers signing an application for payment as having an 
interest in such payment shall be jointly and severally liable for any 
refund, including related charges, that is determined to be due for any 
reason under the terms and conditions of the application of this part.
    (c) Interest shall be applicable to refunds required of any grower 
under this part if AMS determines that payments or other assistance were 
provided to a grower who was not eligible for such assistance. Such 
interest shall be charged at the rate of interest that the United States 
Treasury charges the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) for funds, as of 
the date AMS made benefits available to such grower. Such interest shall 
accrue from the date of repayment or the date interest increases as 
determined in accordance with applicable regulations. AMS may waive the 
accrual of interest if AMS determines that the cause of the erroneous 
determination was not due to any action of the grower.
    (d) Interest determined in accordance with paragraph (c) of this 
section may be waived on refunds required of the grower when there was 
no intentional noncompliance on the part of the grower, as determined by 
AMS. Such decision to waive or not waive the interest shall be at the 
discretion of the Administrator or delegatee.
    (e) Late payment interest shall be assessed on all refunds in 
accordance with the provisions of, and subject to the rates prescribed 
for, those claims which are addressed in 14 CFR part 1403.
    (f) Growers must refund to AMS any excess payments, as determined by 
AMS, with respect to such application. Such determinations shall be made 
by the Administrator or delegatee.
    (g) In the event that a benefit under this part was provided as the 
result of erroneous information provided by the grower, or was 
erroneously or improperly paid for any other reason, the benefit must be 
repaid with any applicable interest, subject to paragraphs (c) and (d) 
of Sec.  82.6.



Sec.  82.17  Death, incompetency, or disappearance.

    In the case of death, incompetency, disappearance, or dissolution of 
a clingstone peach grower that is eligible to receive benefits in 
accordance with this part, any person or persons who will, under 7 CFR 
part 707 of this title, be eligible for payments and benefits covered by 
this part, may receive such benefits otherwise due the actual producer, 
as determined appropriate by AMS.

[[Page 243]]



           SUBCHAPTER E_COMMODITY LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAMS



                           PART 90 [RESERVED]



PART 91_SERVICES AND GENERAL INFORMATION--Table of Contents



                        Subpart A_Administration

Sec.
91.1 General.
91.2 Definitions.
91.3 Authority.

                       Subpart B_General Services

91.4 Kinds of services.
91.5 Where services are offered.
91.6 Availability of services.

                   Subpart C_Application for Services

91.7 Nondiscrimination.
91.8 Who may apply.
91.9 How to make an application.
91.10 Information required in connection with an application.
91.11 Filing of an application.
91.12 Record of filing time and laboratory tests.
91.13 When an application may be rejected.
91.14 When an application may be withdrawn.

                      Subpart D_Laboratory Service

91.15 Basis of a laboratory service.
91.16 Order of a laboratory service.
91.17 Postponing a laboratory service.
91.18 Financial interest of a scientist.

                            Subpart E_Samples

91.19 General requirements of suitable samples.
91.20 Shipping.
91.21 Protecting samples.
91.22 Disposition of analyzed sample.

                        Subpart F_Method Manuals

91.23 Analytical methods.

                           Subpart G_Reporting

91.24 Reports of test results.
91.25 Certificate requirements.
91.26 Issuance of certificates.
91.27 Corrections to certificates prior to issuance.
91.28 Issuance of corrected certificates or amendments for analysis 
          reports.
91.29 Issuance of duplicate certificates or reissuance of an analysis 
          report.
91.30 Maintenance and retention of copies of certificates or analysis 
          reports.

                 Subpart H_Appeal of Laboratory Services

91.31 When an appeal of a laboratory service may be requested.
91.32 Where to file for an appeal of a laboratory service and 
          information required.
91.33 When an application for an appeal of a laboratory service may be 
          withdrawn.
91.34 When an appeal of a laboratory service may be refused.
91.35 Who shall perform an appealed laboratory service.
91.36 Appeal laboratory certificate.

                       Subpart I_Fees and Charges

91.37 Standard hourly fee rate for laboratory testing, analysis, and 
          other services.
91.38 Additional fees for appeal of analysis.
91.39 Premium hourly fee rates for overtime and legal holiday service.
91.40 Fees for courier service and facsimile of the analysis report.
91.41 Charges for demonstrations and courses of instruction.
91.42 Billing.
91.43 Payment of fees and charges.
91.44 Charges on overdue accounts and issuance of delinquency notices.
91.45 Charges for laboratory services on a contract basis.

    Subpart J_Designation of Approved Symbols for Identification of 
                  Commodities Officially Tested By AMS

91.100 Scope.
91.101 Definitions.
91.102 Form of official identification symbols.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622, 1624.

    Source: 58 FR 42415, Aug. 9, 1993, unless otherwise noted.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 91 appear at 61 FR 
51350, Oct. 2 1996.



                        Subpart A_Administration



Sec.  91.1  General.

    This part consolidates the procedural and administrative rules of 
the Science and Technology Program of the Agricultural Marketing Service 
for conducting the analytical testing and laboratory audit verification 
and accreditation services. It also contains the

[[Page 244]]

fees and charges applicable to such services.

[85 FR 62942, Oct. 6, 2020]



Sec.  91.2  Definitions.

    Words used in the regulations in this part in the singular form will 
import the plural, and vice versa, as the case may demand. As used 
throughout the regulations in this part, unless the context requires 
otherwise, the following terms will be construed to mean:
    Agency. The Agricultural Marketing Service agency of the United 
States Department of Agriculture.
    Analyses. Microbiological, chemical, or physical tests performed on 
a commodity.
    Applicant. Any individual or business requesting services provided 
by the Science and Technology (S&T) programs.
    Legal holidays. Those days designated as legal public holidays 
specified by Congress in paragraph (a) of section 6103, title 5 of the 
United States Code and any other day declared to be a holiday by Federal 
Statute or Executive Order. Under section 6103 and Executive Order 
10357, as amended, if the specified legal public holiday falls on a 
Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be considered the holiday, or if 
the specified legal holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday 
shall be considered to be the holiday.

[58 FR 42415, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 65 FR 64309, Oct. 26, 2000; 85 
FR 62942, Oct. 6, 2020]



Sec.  91.3  Authority.

    The Deputy Administrator is charged with the administration of this 
subchapter.

[58 FR 42415, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 65 FR 64309, Oct. 26, 2000]



                       Subpart B_General Services



Sec.  91.4  Kinds of services.

    (a) Analytical tests. Analytical laboratory testing services under 
the regulations in this subchapter consist of microbiological, chemical, 
and certain other analyses, requested by the applicant and performed on 
tobacco, seed, dairy, egg, fruit and vegetable, meat and poultry 
products, and related processed products. Analyses are performed to 
determine if products meet Federal specifications or specifications 
defined in purchase contracts and cooperative agreements. Laboratory 
analyses are also performed on egg products as part of the mandatory Egg 
Products Inspection Program under the management of USDA's Food Safety 
and Inspection Service (FSIS) as detailed in 9 CFR 590.580.
    (b) Examination and licensure. The manager of a particular Science 
and Technology program administers examinations and licenses analysts in 
laboratories for competency in performing commodity testing services.
    (c) Agricultural Marketing Service Audit Verification and 
Accreditation Programs as described in 7 CFR 62.200.
    (d) Consultation. Technical advice, statistical science 
consultation, and quality assurance program assistance are provided by 
the representatives for the Science and Technology programs for domestic 
and foreign laboratories.

[65 FR 64309, Oct. 26, 2000, as amended at 68 FR 69946, Dec. 16, 2003; 
85 FR 62942, Oct. 6, 2020]



Sec.  91.5  Where services are offered.

    (a) Services are offered to applicants at the Science and Technology 
laboratories and facilities as listed below.
    (1) Science and Technology Programs National Science Laboratory. A 
variety of proximate for composition, chemical, physical, 
microbiological and biomolecular (DNA-based) tests and laboratory 
analyses performed on fruits and vegetables, poultry, dairy and dairy 
products, juices, fish, vegetative seed and oilseed, honey, meat and 
meat products, fiber products and processed foods are performed at the 
Science and Technology Programs (S&T) laboratory located at: USDA, AMS, 
Science and Technology Programs, National Science Laboratory (NSL), 801 
Summit Crossing Place, Suite B, Gastonia, North Carolina 28054-2193.
    (2) Science and Technology (S&T) Programs Science Specialty 
Laboratories. The Science specialty laboratories performing aflatoxin 
and other testing on peanuts, peanut products, dried fruits, grains, 
edible seeds, tree nuts, shelled corn products, oilseed products, olive

[[Page 245]]

oil, vegetable oils, juices, citrus products, and other commodities are 
located as follows:
    (i) USDA, AMS, Science & Technology, Citrus Laboratory, 98 Third 
Street, SW., Winter Haven, Florida 33880-2905.
    (ii) USDA, AMS, Science & Technology, Science Specialty Laboratory, 
6567 Chancey Mill Road, Blakely, Georgia 39823-2785.
    (3) Program laboratories. Laboratory services are available in all 
areas covered by cooperative agreements providing for this laboratory 
work and entered on behalf of the Department with cooperating Federal or 
State laboratory agencies pursuant to authority contained in Act(s) of 
Congress. Also, services may be provided in other areas not covered by a 
cooperative agreement if the Administrator determines that it is 
possible to provide such laboratory services.
    (4) Other alternative laboratories. Laboratory analyses may be 
conducted at alternative Science and Technology Programs laboratories 
and can be reached from any commodity market in which a laboratory 
facility is located to the extent laboratory personnel are available.
    (5) The Plant Variety Protection (PVP) Office. The PVP office and 
plant examination facility of the Science and Technology programs issues 
certificates of protection to developers of novel varieties of plants 
which reproduce sexually. The PVP office is located as follows: USDA, 
AMS, Science & Technology Programs, Plant Variety Protection Office, 
National Agricultural Library Building, Room 401, 10301 Baltimore 
Boulevard, Beltsville, MD 20705-2351.
    (6) [Reserved]
    (7) Statistics Branch Office. The Statistics Branch office of 
Science and Technology Programs (S&T) provides statistical services to 
the Agency and other agencies within the USDA. In addition, the 
Statistics Branch office generates sample plans and performs consulting 
services for research studies in joint efforts with or in a leading role 
with other program areas of AMS or of the USDA. The Statistics Branch 
office is located as follows: USDA, AMS, S&T Statistics Branch, Room 
0603 South Agriculture Bldg., Mail Stop 0223, 1400 Independence Ave., 
SW., Washington, DC 20250-0223.
    (8) Laboratory Approval Service. The Laboratory Approval Service 
(LAS) provides technical, scientific, and quality assurance support 
services to Agency programs, other agencies within the USDA, and private 
entities. In addition, the LAS provides audit verification and approval 
or accreditation services, including laboratory approval and 
accreditation programs of Federal and State government laboratories and 
private/commercial laboratories in support of domestic and international 
trade. The programs administered by LAS verify analyses of food and 
agricultural products showing that said food and products meet country 
or customer-specific requirements and that the testing of marketed 
products is conducted by qualified and approved laboratories. The LAS is 
located and can be reached by mail at: USDA, AMS, S&T, Laboratory 
Approval Service, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, South Building, Mail Stop 
0272, Washington, DC 20250-0272.
    (9) Monitoring Programs Office. Services afforded by the Pesticide 
Data Program (PDP) and Microbiological Data Program (MDP) are provided 
by USDA, AMS, Science and Technology Monitoring Programs Office, 8609 
Sudley Road, Suite 206, Manassas, VA 20110-8411.
    (10) Pesticide Records Branch Office. Services afforded by the 
Federal Pesticide Record Keeping Program for restricted-use pesticides 
by private certified applicators are provided by USDA, AMS, Science and 
Technology, Pesticide Records Branch, 8609 Sudley Road, Suite 203, 
Manassas, VA 20110-8411.
    (b) The addresses of the various laboratories and offices appear in 
the pertinent parts of this subchapter. A prospective applicant may 
obtain a current listing of addresses and telephone numbers of Science 
and Technology Programs laboratories, offices, and facilities by 
addressing an inquiry to the Administrative Officer, Science and 
Technology Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, United States 
Department of Agriculture (USDA), 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 0725

[[Page 246]]

South Agriculture Building, Mail Stop 0271, Washington, DC 20250-0271.

[75 FR 17287, Apr. 6, 2010, as amended at 85 FR 62942, Oct. 6, 2020]



Sec.  91.6  Availability of services.

    (a) Services may be furnished whenever a Science and Technology 
staff is available and the facilities and conditions are satisfactory 
for the conduct of such service.
    (b) Laboratories may provide limited service on Saturdays and 
Sundays at a premium fee. Weekend service may be obtained by contacting 
the laboratory director or supervisor.
    (c) Holiday and overtime laboratory service may be obtained with a 
minimum 24 hour advance notice, at a premium fee, by any prospective 
applicant through the laboratory director or supervisor.

[58 FR 42415, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 65 FR 64310, Oct. 26, 2000]



                   Subpart C_Application for Services



Sec.  91.7  Nondiscrimination.

    All services under these regulations are provided to applicants 
without discrimination as to race, color, handicapped or disabled 
condition, religion, sex, age, or national origin.



Sec.  91.8  Who may apply.

    An application for service may be made by any individual or 
interested party including, but not limited to, the United States and 
any instrumentality or agency thereof, any State, county, municipality, 
or common carrier, and any authorized agent on behalf of the foregoing.



Sec.  91.9  How to make an application.

    (a) Voluntary. An application for analysis and testing may be made 
by contacting the director or supervisor of the Science and Technology 
laboratory where the service is provided, or by contacting the Technical 
Services Branch Chief at Science and Technology Headquarters, 
Washington, DC. A list of the Science and Technology laboratories is 
included in Sec.  91.5.
    (b) Mandatory. In the case of mandatory analyses, such as those 
required to be performed on eggs and egg products, application for 
services may be submitted to the office or USDA agency which administers 
the program, or by contacting an inspector or grader who is involved 
with the program.

[65 FR 64310, Oct. 26, 2000]



Sec.  91.10  Information required in connection with an application.

    (a) An application for laboratory service shall be made in the 
English language and may be made orally (in person or by telephone), in 
writing, or by facsimile. If an application for laboratory service is 
made orally, written confirmation may be required by the laboratory 
involved.
    (b) In connection with each application for a laboratory service, 
information that may be necessary to perform analyses on the processed 
product(s) shall also be furnished. The information shall include, but 
is not limited to, the name of the product, name and address of the 
packer or plant where such product was packed, the location of the 
product, its lot or load number, codes or other identification marks, 
the number of containers, the type and size of the containers, the 
analytical test requested, and the size of the sample. In addition, 
information regarding analysis of the lot by any federal agency previous 
to the application and the purpose of the desired laboratory service may 
be requested.



Sec.  91.11  Filing of an application.

    An application for a laboratory service shall be regarded as filed 
only when made in accordance with the regulations in this part.



Sec.  91.12  Record of filing time and laboratory tests.

    A record showing the date of receipt for each application for a 
laboratory service or an appeal of a laboratory service shall be 
maintained. In addition, the requested laboratory analyses shall be 
recorded at the time of sample receipt.

[[Page 247]]



Sec.  91.13  When an application may be rejected.

    (a) An application for a laboratory service may be rejected by the 
Administrator when deemed appropriate as follows:
    (1) For non-compliance by the applicant with the regulations in this 
part,
    (2) For non-payment of previous laboratory services rendered,
    (3) When the sample is not properly identified by a code or other 
marks,
    (4) When the samples are received in an unsatisfactory condition and 
are rejected for analysis,
    (5) When there is evidence or knowledge of tampering with the 
sample,
    (6) When it appears that to perform the analytical testing or 
laboratory service specified in this part would not be to the best 
interests of the public welfare or of the Government, or
    (7) When it appears to the Administrator that prior commitments of 
the Department necessitate rejection of the application.
    (b) Each such applicant shall be promptly notified by registered 
mail of the reasons for the rejection.
    (c) A written petition for reconsideration of such rejection may be 
filed by the applicant with the Administrator if postmarked or delivered 
within 10 days after the receipt of notice of the rejection. Such 
petition shall state specifically the errors alleged to have been made 
by the Administrator in rejecting the application. Within 20 days 
following the receipt of such a petition for reconsideration, the 
Administrator shall approve the application or notify the applicant by 
registered mail of the reasons for the rejection thereof.



Sec.  91.14  When an application may be withdrawn.

    An application for a laboratory service may be withdrawn by the 
applicant at any time before the analytical testing is performed; 
Provided, That, the applicant shall pay, at the hourly rate prescribed 
in Sec.  91.37, for the time incurred by the scientist or laboratory 
technician, in connection with such application and any travel expenses, 
telephone, facsimile, mailing, telegraph or other expenses, which have 
been incurred by the laboratory servicing office, in connection with 
such application.



                      Subpart D_Laboratory Service



Sec.  91.15  Basis of a laboratory service.

    Analytical testing and laboratory determination for analyte or 
quality constituent shall be based upon the appropriate standards 
promulgated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, applicable standards 
prescribed by the laws of the State where the particular product was 
produced, specifications of any governmental agency, written buyer and 
seller contract specifications, or any written specifications by an 
applicant which is approved by the Administrator; Provided, That, if 
such product is regulated pursuant to the Agricultural Marketing 
Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), or the 
comparable laws of any State, such testing and determination shall be on 
the basis of the standards, if any, prescribed in, or pursuant to, the 
marketing order and/or agreement effective thereunder.



Sec.  91.16  Order of a laboratory service.

    Laboratory service shall be performed, insofar as possible, in the 
order in which applications are made except that precedence may be given 
to any such applications which are made by the United States (including, 
but not being limited to, any instrumentality or agency thereof) and to 
any application for an appeal inspection.



Sec.  91.17  Postponing a laboratory service.

    If the scientist determines that it is not possible to accurately 
analyze or make a laboratory determination of a sample immediately after 
receipt because standard materials, laboratory equipment and supplies 
need replacement, or for any other substantial reason, the scientist may 
postpone laboratory service for such period as may be necessary.



Sec.  91.18  Financial interest of a scientist.

    No scientist shall perform a laboratory analysis on any product in 
which he is directly or indirectly financially interested.

[[Page 248]]



                            Subpart E_Samples



Sec.  91.19  General requirements of suitable samples.

    (a) Samples must be representative of the product tested and 
provided in sufficient quantity for the analyses requested.
    (b) Each sample must be identified with the following information:
    (1) Product type (specific description);
    (2) Lot number or production date;
    (3) Analyses desired;
    (4) Date/time collected;
    (5) Storage conditions prior to shipping;
    (6) Name of applicant;
    (7) Name of sampler;
    (8) Any other information which is required by the specific program 
under which analysis or test is performed.



Sec.  91.20  Shipping.

    (a) Samples must be submitted to the laboratory in a condition 
(including temperature) that does not compromise the quality and 
validity of analytical results.
    (b) All samples must be submitted in sealed, leakproof containers.
    (c) Containers for perishable refrigerated samples should contain 
ice or ice packs to maintain temperatures of 0[deg] to 5 [deg]C, unless 
a different temperature is required for the sample to be tested.
    (d) Containers for frozen samples should contain dry ice or other 
effective methods of maintaining samples in a frozen state.
    (e) The applicant is responsible for providing shipping containers 
and paying shipping costs for fee basis tests.
    (f) A courier charge may apply for the shipment of some samples.



Sec.  91.21  Protecting samples.

    Laboratory personnel shall protect each sample from manipulation, 
substitution, and improper or careless handling which would deprive the 
sample of its representative character from the time of receipt in the 
laboratory until the analysis is completed and the sample has been 
discarded.



Sec.  91.22  Disposition of analyzed sample.

    (a) Excess samples not used in analyses will be placed in proper 
storage for a maximum period of 30 days after reporting results of 
tests.
    (b) Any sample of a processed commodity that has been used for a 
laboratory service may be returned to the applicant at his or her 
request and expense; otherwise, it shall be destroyed or disposed of to 
a charitable institution.



                        Subpart F_Method Manuals



Sec.  91.23  Analytical methods.

    Most analyses are performed according to approved procedures 
described in manuals of standardized methodology. These standard methods 
are the specific methods used. Alternatively, equivalent methods 
prescribed in cooperative agreements are used. The manuals of standard 
methods most often used by the Science and Technology laboratories are 
listed as follows:
    (a) Approved Methods of the American Association of Cereal Chemists 
(AACC), American Association of Cereal Chemists/Eagan Press, 3340 Pilot 
Knob Road, St. Paul, Minnesota 55121-2097.
    (b) ASTA's Analytical Methods Manual, American Spice Trade 
Association (ASTA), 560 Sylvan Avenue, P.O. Box 1267, Englewood Cliffs, 
New Jersey 07632.
    (c) Compendium Methods for the Microbiological Examination of Foods, 
Carl Vanderzant and Don Splittstoesser (Editors), American Public Health 
Association, 1015 Fifteenth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20005.
    (d) Edwards, P.R. and W.H. Ewing, Edwards and Ewing's Identification 
of Enterobacteriaceae, Elsevier Science, Inc., Regional Sales Office, 
655 Avenue of the Americas, P.O. Box 945, New York, NY 10159-0945.
    (e) FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM), AOAC INTERNATIONAL, 
481 North Frederick Avenue, Suite 500, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2417.
    (f) Manual of Analytical Methods for the Analysis of Pesticide 
Residues in Human and Environmental Samples,

[[Page 249]]

EPA 600/9-80-038, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Chemical 
Exposure Research Branch, EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD), 
26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268.
    (g) Official Methods and Recommended Practices of the American Oil 
Chemists' Society (AOCS), American Oil Chemists' Society, P.O. Box 3489, 
2211 West Bradley Avenue, Champaign, Illinois 61821-1827.
    (h) Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL, Volumes I & 
II, AOAC INTERNATIONAL, 481 North Frederick Avenue, Suite 500, 
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2417.
    (i) Standard Analytical Methods of the Member Companies of Corn 
Industries Research Foundation, Corn Refiners Association (CRA), 1701 
Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20006.
    (j) Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products, American 
Public Health Association, 1015 Fifteenth Street, NW., Washington, DC 
20005.
    (k) Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 
American Public Health Association (APHA), the American Water Works 
Association (AWWA) and the Water Pollution Control Federation, AWWA 
Bookstore, 6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO 80235.
    (l) Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste Physical/Chemical 
Methods, Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Solid Waste, SW-846 
Integrated Manual (available from National Technical Information Service 
(NTIS), U.S. Department of Commerce, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, 
VA 22161).
    (m) U.S. Army Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center's 
Military Specifications, approved analytical test methods noted therein, 
Code NPP-9, Department of Defense Single Stock Point (DODSSP) for 
Military Specifications, Standards, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Avenue, 
Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094.
    (n) U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Pesticide Analytical Manuals 
(PAM), Volumes I and II, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), 200 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20204 (available from National Technical Information Service (NTIS), 
U.S. Department of Commerce, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 
22161).

[65 FR 64310, Oct. 26, 2000]



                           Subpart G_Reporting



Sec.  91.24  Reports of test results.

    (a) Results of analyses are provided, in writing, by facsimile, by 
e-mail or other electronic means to the applicant.
    (b) Results of test analyses and laboratory determinations provided 
by AMS laboratory services only apply to the submitted samples and do 
not represent the quality, condition or disposition of the lot from 
which each sample was taken.
    (c) Applicants may call the appropriate Science and Technology 
laboratory for interim or final results prior to issuance of the formal 
report. The advance results may be telegraphed, e-mailed, telephoned, or 
sent by facsimile to the applicant. Any additional expense for advance 
information shall be borne by the requesting party.
    (d) A letter report in lieu of an official certificate of analysis 
may be issued by a laboratory representative when such action appears to 
be more suitable than a certificate: Provided, that, issuance of such 
report is approved by the Deputy Administrator.

[75 FR 17288, Apr. 6, 2010]



Sec.  91.25  Certificate requirements.

    Certificates of analysis and other memoranda concerning laboratory 
service and the reporting of results should have the following 
requirements:
    (a) Certificates of analysis shall be on standard printed forms 
approved by the Deputy Administrator;
    (b) Shall be printed in English;
    (c) Shall have results typewritten, computer generated, or 
handwritten in ink and shall be clearly legible;
    (d) Shall show the results of laboratory tests in a uniform, 
accurate, and concise manner with abbreviations identified on the form;
    (e) Shall show the information required by Sec. Sec.  91.26 through 
91.29; and

[[Page 250]]

    (f) Show only such other information and statements of fact as are 
provided in the instructions authorized by the Deputy Administrator.

[75 FR 17288, Apr. 6, 2010]



Sec.  91.26  Issuance of certificates.

    (a) The person signing and issuing the certificate of analysis shall 
be one of the following:
    (1) The scientist who performed the analysis;
    (2) Another technician of the laboratory facility, who has been 
given power of attorney by the scientist who performed the analytical 
testing and been authorized by the Deputy Administrator to affix the 
scientist's signature to a certificate. The power of attorney shall be 
on file with the employing office or laboratory of the Science and 
Technology program;
    (3) A person designated as the ``laboratory director in charge,'' 
when the certificate represents composite analyses by several 
technicians.
    (b) The laboratory certificate shall be prepared in accordance with 
the facts set forth in the official memoranda made by the scientist or 
technicians in connection with the analysis.
    (c) Whenever a certificate is signed by a person under a power of 
attorney, the certificate should so indicate. The signature of the 
holder of power shall appear under the name of the scientist who 
personally analyzed the sample, and whenever a certificate issued is 
signed by a scientist in charge, that title must appear in connection 
with the signature.

[58 FR 42415, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 65 FR 64311, Oct. 26, 2000]



Sec.  91.27  Corrections to certificates prior to issuance.

    (a) The accuracy of the statements and information shown on 
certificates of analysis must be verified by the individual whose name 
or signature, or both, is shown on the certificate or by the authorized 
agent who affixed the name or signature, or both. When a name or 
signature, or both, is affixed by an authorized agent, the initials of 
the agent shall appear directly below or following the name, or 
signature of the person. Errors found during this process shall be 
corrected according to this section.
    (b) Only official personnel or their authorized agents may make 
corrections, additions, or other changes to certificates.
    (c) No corrections, additions, or other changes shall be made which 
involve identification, quality, or quantity. If such errors are found, 
a new certificate shall be prepared and issued and the incorrect 
certificate marked ``Void.'' Otherwise, errors may be corrected, 
provided there is evidence of satisfactory correction procedures as 
follows:
    (1) The corrections are neat and legible;
    (2) Each correction is initialed by the individual who corrects the 
certificate; and
    (3) The corrections and initials are shown on the original and all 
copies.



Sec.  91.28  Issuance of corrected certificates or amendments for
analysis reports.

    (a) A corrected certificate of analysis or an amended letter report 
may be issued by the laboratory representative who issued the original 
certificate or report after distribution of the form if errors, such as 
incorrect dates, analytical results, or test determination statements, 
lot numbers, or errors in any other pertinent information require the 
issuance of a corrected certificate or an amended report.
    (b) Whenever a corrected certificate or amended report is issued, 
such certificate or report shall supersede the original form which was 
issued in error. The superseded certificate or incorrect report shall 
become null and void after the issuance of the corrected certificate or 
the amended analysis report.
    (c) The corrected certificates or amended reports shall show the 
following:
    (1) The terms ``Corrected Original'' and ``Corrected Copy;''
    (2) A statement identifying the superseded certificate or incorrect 
letter report and the corrections;
    (3) A new serial number or new date of issuance; and

[[Page 251]]

    (4) The same statements and information, including permissive 
statements, that were shown on the incorrect certificate or the 
incorrect report, along with the correct statement or information, shall 
be shown on the corrected form.
    (d) If all copies of the incorrect certificate or incorrect report 
can be obtained, then the superseded form shall be marked ``Void'' when 
submitted.
    (e) Corrected certificates or amended letter reports cannot be 
issued for a certificate that has been superseded by another 
certificate, or superseded on the basis of a subsequent analysis or an 
additional laboratory test determination.



Sec.  91.29  Issuance of duplicate certificates or reissuance of an 
analysis report.

    (a) Upon request by an applicant, a duplicate certificate or an 
additional report may be issued for a lost, destroyed, or otherwise not 
obtainable original form.
    (b) The duplicate certificate or the reissuance of an analysis 
report shall be at the expense of the applicant.
    (c) Requests for duplicate certificates or additional analysis 
reports shall be filed as follows:
    (1) In writing;
    (2) By the applicant who requested the service covered by the lost, 
destroyed, or otherwise not obtainable original form; and
    (3) With the office that issued the initial certificate or original 
laboratory analysis report.
    (d) The duplicate certificates or reissued analysis reports shall 
show the following:
    (1) The terms ``Duplicate Original,'' and the copies shall show 
``Duplicate Copy,''
    (2) A statement that the certificate or letter report was issued in 
lieu of a lost or destroyed or otherwise not obtainable certificate or 
laboratory analysis report; and
    (3) The same statements and information, including permissive 
statements, that were shown on the original certificate or the initial 
analysis report shall be shown on the duplicate form.
    (e) Duplicate certificates or duplicate analysis reports shall be 
issued as promptly as possible and distributed as the original 
certificates or original analysis reports and their copies.
    (f) Duplicate certificates shall not be issued for certificates that 
have been superseded.



Sec.  91.30  Maintenance and retention of copies of certificates or
analysis reports.

    (a) At least one copy of each certificate or analysis report shall 
be filed in the laboratory for a period of not less than 3 years either 
from the date of issuance of the document, from the date of voiding a 
certificate, or from the date last payment is made by the applicant for 
a reported laboratory determination, whichever is later.
    (b) Whenever any document, because of its condition, becomes 
unsuitable for its intended or continued use, the laboratory personnel 
shall make a copy of the original document.
    (c) True copies shall be retained as photocopies, microfilm, 
microfiche, or other accurate reproductions and durable forms of the 
original document. Where reduction techniques, such as microfilming are 
used, suitable reader and photocopying equipment shall be readily 
available. Such reproductions shall be treated and considered for all 
purposes as though they were the original documents.
    (d) All documents required to be maintained under this part shall be 
kept confidential and shall be disclosed only to the applicants or other 
persons with the applicants' knowledge and permission. Only such 
information as the Administrator deems relevant shall be disclosed to 
the public without the applicants' permission, and then, only in a suit 
or administrative hearing brought at the direction, or on the request, 
of the Administrator, or to which the Administrator or any other officer 
of the United States is a party.



                 Subpart H_Appeal of Laboratory Services



Sec.  91.31  When an appeal of a laboratory service may be requested.

    (a) An application for an appeal of a laboratory service may be made 
by any

[[Page 252]]

interested party who is dissatisfied with the results of an analysis as 
stated in a certificate or laboratory report, if the lot of the 
commodity can be positively identified by the laboratory service as the 
lot from which originally drawn samples were previously analyzed.
    (b) An application for an appeal of a laboratory service shall be 
made within thirty (30) days following the day on which the previous 
analysis was performed. However, upon approval by the Deputy 
Administrator, the filing time for an appeal application may be 
extended.

[58 FR 42415, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 65 FR 64311, Oct. 26, 2000]



Sec.  91.32  Where to file for an appeal of a laboratory service and 
information required.

    (a) Application for an appeal of a laboratory service may be filed 
with the supervisor in the office or the director of the laboratory 
facility that issued the certificate or laboratory report on which the 
appeal analysis covering the commodity product is requested.
    (b) The application for an appeal of a laboratory service shall 
state the location of the lot of the commodity product and the reasons 
for the appeal; and date and serial number of the certificate covering 
the laboratory service of the commodity product on which the appeal is 
requested. In addition, such application shall be accompanied by the 
original and all available copies of the certificate or laboratory 
report.
    (c) Application for an appeal of a laboratory service may be made 
orally (in person or by telephone), in writing, by e-mail, by facsimile, 
or by telegraph. If made orally, written confirmation shall be made 
promptly.

[65 FR 64311, Oct. 26, 2000]



Sec.  91.33  When an application for an appeal of a laboratory service
may be withdrawn.

    An application for an appeal of a laboratory service may be 
withdrawn by the applicant at any time before the appealed laboratory 
service is performed; Provided, That, the applicant shall pay, at the 
hourly rate prescribed in Sec.  91.37, for the time incurred by the 
laboratory personnel, any travel, telephone, telegraph, or other 
expenses which have been incurred by the laboratory service in 
connection with such application.



Sec.  91.34  When an appeal of a laboratory service may be refused.

    An application for an appeal of a laboratory service may be refused 
if:
    (a) The reasons for the appealed laboratory service are frivolous or 
not substantial;
    (b) The quality or condition of the commodity product has undergone 
a material change since the laboratory service covering the commodity 
product on which the appealed laboratory service is requested;
    (c) The lot in question is not, or cannot be made accessible for 
sampling;
    (d) The lot relative to which the appealed laboratory service is 
requested cannot be positively identified as the lot from which samples 
were previously drawn and originally analyzed; or
    (e) There is noncompliance with the regulations in this part. Such 
applicant shall be notified promptly of the reason for such refusal.



Sec.  91.35  Who shall perform an appealed laboratory service.

    An appealed laboratory service shall be performed, whenever 
possible, by another individual or other individuals than the 
scientist(s) or the technician(s) that performed the original analytical 
determination.



Sec.  91.36  Appeal laboratory certificate.

    (a) An appeal laboratory certificate shall be issued showing the 
results of such appealed analysis. This certificate shall supersede the 
laboratory certificate previously issued for the commodity product 
involved.
    (b) Each appeal laboratory certificate shall clearly identify the 
number and date of the laboratory certificate which it supersedes. The 
superseded certificate shall become null and void upon the issuance of 
the appealed laboratory certificate and shall no longer represent the 
analytical results of the commodity product.
    (c) The individual issuing an appeal laboratory certificate shall 
forward notice of such issuance to such persons as

[[Page 253]]

he or she considers necessary to prevent misuse of the superseded 
certificate if the original and all copies of such superseded 
certificate have not previously been delivered to the individual issuing 
the appeal certificate.
    (d) The provisions in the regulations in this part concerning forms 
and certificates, issuance of certificates, and retention and 
disposition of certificates shall apply to appeal laboratory 
certificates, except that copies of such appeal certificates shall be 
furnished to all interested parties who received copies of the 
superseded certificate.



                       Subpart I_Fees and Charges



Sec.  91.37  Standard hourly fee rate for laboratory testing, analysis,
and other services.

    (a) For each fiscal year, AMS will calculate the rate for laboratory 
testing, analysis, and other services, per hour per program employee 
using the following formulas:
    (1) Regular rate. The total AMS laboratory service program personnel 
direct pay divided by direct hours, which is then multiplied by the next 
year's percentage of cost of living increase, plus the benefits rate, 
plus the operating rate, plus the allowance for bad debt rate. If 
applicable, travel expenses may also be added to the cost of providing 
the service.
    (2) Overtime rate. The total AMS laboratory service program 
personnel direct pay divided by direct hours, which is then multiplied 
by the next year's percentage of cost of living increase and then 
multiplied by 1.5 plus the benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus 
an allowance for bad debt. If applicable, travel expenses may also be 
added to the cost of providing the service.
    (3) Holiday rate. The total AMS laboratory service program personnel 
direct pay divided by direct hours, which is then multiplied by the next 
year's percentage of cost of living increase and then multiplied by 2, 
plus benefits rate, plus the operating rate, plus an allowance for bad 
debt. If applicable, travel expenses may also be added to the cost of 
providing the service.
    (b)(1) For each calendar year, based on previous fiscal year/
historical actual costs, AMS will calculate the benefits, operating, and 
allowance for bad debt components of the regular, overtime and holiday 
rates as follows:
    (i) Benefits rate. The total AMS laboratory service program direct 
benefits costs divided by the total hours (regular, overtime, and 
holiday) worked, which is then multiplied by the next calendar year's 
percentage cost of living increase. Some examples of direct benefits are 
health insurance, retirement, life insurance, and Thrift Savings Plan 
(TSP) retirement basic and matching contributions.
    (ii) Operating rate. The total AMS laboratory service program 
operating costs divided by total hours (regular, overtime, and holiday) 
worked, which is then multiplied by the percentage of inflation.
    (iii) Allowance for bad debt rate. Total AMS laboratory service 
program allowance for bad debt divided by total hours (regular, 
overtime, and holiday) worked.
    (2) The calendar year cost of living expenses and percentage of 
inflation factors used in the formulas in this section are based on the 
most recent Office of Management and Budget's Presidential Economic 
Assumptions.
    (c) When a laboratory test service is provided for AMS by a 
commercial or State government laboratory, the applicant will be 
assessed a fee which covers the costs to the Science and Technology 
program for the service provided.
    (d) When Science and Technology staff provides applied and 
developmental research and training activities for microbiological, 
physical, chemical, and biomolecular analyses on agricultural 
commodities the applicant will be charged a fee on a reimbursable cost 
to AMS basis.

[75 FR 17288, Apr. 6, 2010, as amended at 79 FR 67325, Nov. 13, 2014]



Sec.  91.38  Additional fees for appeal of analysis.

    (a) The applicant for appeal sample testing will be charged a fee 
based on the formulas in Sec.  91.37.
    (b) The appeal fee will not be waived for any reason if analytical 
testing was

[[Page 254]]

completed in addition to the original analysis.

[75 FR 17288, Apr. 6, 2010, as amended at 79 FR 67326, Nov. 13, 2014]



Sec.  91.39  Premium hourly fee rates for overtime and legal holiday
service.

    (a) When analytical testing in a Science and Technology facility 
requires the services of laboratory personnel beyond their regularly 
assigned tour of duty on any day or on a day outside the established 
schedule, such services are considered as overtime work. When analytical 
testing in a Science and Technology facility requires the services of 
laboratory personnel on a Federal holiday or a day designated in lieu of 
such a holiday, such services are considered holiday work. Laboratory 
analyses initiated at the request of the applicant to be rendered on 
Federal holidays, and on an overtime basis will be charged fees based on 
the formulas in Sec.  91.37.
    (b) Information on legal holidays or what constitutes overtime 
service at a particular Science and Technology laboratory is available 
from the Laboratory Director or facility manager.

[75 FR 17288, Apr. 6, 2010, as amended at 79 FR 67326, Nov. 13, 2014]



Sec.  91.40  Fees for courier service and facsimile of the analysis report.

    (a) The Science and Technology laboratories have a courier charge 
per trip to retrieve the sample package. The courier service charge is 
determined from the established single standard mileage rate and from 
the total authorized distance based on the shortest round trip route 
from laboratory to sample retrieval site. Pursuant to the requirements 
of paragraph (a) (1) of Sec.  5704 of Title 5, United States Code 
(U.S.C.), the automobile reimbursement rate cannot exceed the single 
standard mileage rate established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
    (b) The faxing of laboratory analysis reports or certificates is an 
optional service for each S&T facility offered at a fee specified in 
table 8 in Sec.  91.37.

[65 FR 64314, Oct. 26, 2000]



Sec.  91.41  Charges for demonstrations and courses of instruction.

    Charges, not in excess of the cost thereof and as approved by the 
Deputy Administrator, may be made for demonstrations, samples, or 
courses of instruction when such are furnished upon request.

[58 FR 42415, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 65 FR 64314, Oct. 26, 2000]



Sec.  91.42  Billing.

    (a) Each billing cycle will end on the 25th of the month. The 
applicant will be billed by the National Finance Center (NFC) using the 
Foundation Financial Information System (FFIS) on the 1st day, following 
the end of the billing cycle in which voluntary laboratory services and 
other services were rendered at a particular Science and Technology 
laboratory or office.
    (b) The total charge or fee shall normally be stated directly on the 
analysis report or on a standardized official certificate form for the 
laboratory analysis of a specific agricultural commodity and related 
commodity products.
    (c) The actual bill for collection will be issued by the USDA, 
National Finance Center Billings and Collection Branch, (Mail: P.O. Box 
60075), 13800 Old Gentilly Road, New Orleans, Louisiana 70160-0001.

[72 FR 15021, Mar. 30, 2007]



Sec.  91.43  Payment of fees and charges.

    (a) Fees and charges for services shall be paid by the applicant, by 
check or money order payable, to the ``Agricultural Marketing Service, 
USDA'' and sent to the office indicated on the bill.
    (b) Fees and charges for services under a cooperative agreement with 
a State or other AMS programs or other governmental agency will be paid 
in accordance with the terms of the cooperative agreement.
    (c) As necessary, the Deputy Administrator may require that fees 
shall be paid in advance of the performance of the requested service. 
Any fees paid in excess of the amount due shall be used to offset future 
billings, unless a request for a refund is made by applicant.

[58 FR 42415, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 65 FR 64315, Oct. 26, 2000]

[[Page 255]]



Sec.  91.44  Charges on overdue accounts and issuance of delinquency
notices.

    (a) Accounts are considered overdue if payment is late with the 
National Finance Center (NFC). The timeliness of a payment will be based 
on the postmark date of the payment or the date of receipt by the NFC if 
no postmark date is present or legible. Bills are payable upon receipt 
and become delinquent 30 days from date of billing.
    (b) Any amount due not paid by the due date will be increased by a 
late payment charge. The actual assessed rate applied to overdue 
accounts is set quarterly by the Department of the Treasury. This amount 
is one-twelfth of one year's late penalty interest rate computed at the 
prescribed rate.
    (c) Overtime or holiday laboratory service will not be performed for 
any applicant with a notice of delinquency.
    (d) Applicants with three notices of delinquency will be reviewed 
for possible termination of services. A deposit in advance sufficient to 
cover the fees and expenses for any subsequent service may be required 
of any person failing to pay in claim after issuance of such notice of 
delinquency.
    (e) The Deputy Administrator of S&T program and personnel of the 
USDA, NFC Billings and Collections Branch (address as listed in Sec.  
91.42) will take such actions as may be necessary to collect any 
delinquent amounts due for accounts in claim status.

[58 FR 42415, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 65 FR 64315, Oct. 26, 2000]



Sec.  91.45  Charges for laboratory services on a contract basis.

    (a) Irrespective of hourly fee rates and charges prescribed in Sec.  
91.37, or in other sections of this subchapter E, the Deputy 
Administrator may enter into contracts with applicants to perform 
continuous laboratory services or other types of laboratory services 
pursuant to the regulations in this part and other requirements, as 
prescribed by the Deputy Administrator in such contract. In addition, 
the charges for such laboratory services, provided in such contracts, 
shall be on such basis as will reimburse the Agricultural Marketing 
Service of the Department for the full cost of rendering such laboratory 
services, including an appropriate overhead charge to cover 
administrative overhead expenses as may be determined by the 
Administrator.
    (b) Irrespective of hourly fee rates and charges prescribed in this 
subpart I, or in other parts of this subchapter E, the Deputy 
Administrator may enter into a written Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 
or agreement with any administrative agency or governing party for the 
performance of laboratory services pursuant to said agreement or order 
on a basis that will reimburse the Agricultural Marketing Service of the 
Department for the full cost of rendering such laboratory service, 
including an appropriate overhead administrative overhead charge.
    (c) The conditions and terms for renewal of such Memorandum of 
Understanding or agreement shall be specified in the contract.

[65 FR 64315, Oct. 26, 2000]



    Subpart J_Designation of Approved Symbols for Identification of 
                  Commodities Officially Tested By AMS

    Source: 68 FR 69946, Dec. 16, 2003, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  91.100  Scope.

    Two approved information symbols in the form of AMS shields are 
available to indicate official testing by an AMS laboratory. The two 
approved AMS shields with the words ``USDA AMS TESTED'' and ``USDA 
LABORATORY TESTED FOR EXPORT'' are added to the USDA symbol inventory to 
enhance the acceptance of AMS tested agricultural commodities on a 
national or international basis.



Sec.  91.101  Definitions.

    Words used in the regulations in this part in the singular form will 
import the plural, and vice versa, as the case may demand. As used 
throughout the regulations in this part, unless the context requires 
otherwise, the following terms will be construed to mean:
    AMS. The abbreviation for the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) 
agency of the United States Department of Agriculture.

[[Page 256]]

    Export. To send or transport a product originally created or 
manufactured in the United States of America to another country in the 
course of trade.
    Laboratory. An AMS Science and Technology (S&T) laboratory listed in 
Sec.  91.5 that performs the official analyses.
    Test. To perform chemical, microbiological, or physical analyses on 
a sample to determine presence and levels or amounts of a substance or 
living organism of interest.
    USDA. The abbreviation for the United States Department of 
Agriculture.



Sec.  91.102  Form of official identification symbols.

    Two information symbols in the form of AMS shields indicate 
commodity testing at an AMS laboratory listed in Sec.  91.5 of this 
part. The AMS shield set forth in figure 1 of this section, containing 
the words ``USDA AMS TESTED'', and the shield set forth in figure 2, 
containing the words ``USDA LABORATORY TESTED FOR EXPORT'' have been 
approved by the USDA Office of Communications to be added to the USDA/
AMS inventory of symbols. Each example of an AMS shield has a black and 
white background; however the standard red, white and blue colors are 
approved for the shields. They are approved for use with AMS materials. 
Shields with the same wording that are similar in form and design to the 
examples in figures 1 and 2 of this section may also be used.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16DE03.000



PART 93_PROCESSED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES--Table of Contents



           Subpart A_Citrus Juices and Certain Citrus Products

Sec.
93.1 General.
93.2 Definitions.
93.3 Analyses available and location of laboratory.
93.4 Analytical methods.
93.5 Fees for citrus product analyses set by cooperative agreement.

[[Page 257]]

          Subpart B_Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Corn and Other Oilseeds

93.10 General.
93.11 Definitions.
93.12 Analyses available and locations of laboratories.
93.13 Analytical methods.
93.14 Fees for aflatoxin analysis and fees for testing of other 
          mycotoxins.
93.15 Fees for analytical testing of oilseeds.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622, 1624.

    Source: 61 FR 51351, Oct. 2, 1996, unless otherwise noted.



           Subpart A_Citrus Juices and Certain Citrus Products



Sec.  93.1  General.

    Domestic and imported citrus products are tested to determine 
whether quality and grade standards are satisfied as set forth in the 
Florida Citrus Code.



Sec.  93.2  Definitions.

    Words used in the regulations in this subpart in the singular form 
will import the plural, and vice versa, as the case may demand. As used 
throughout the regulations in this subpart, unless the context requires 
otherwise, the following terms will be construed to mean:
    Acid. The grams of total acidity, calculated as anhydrous citric 
acid, per 100 grams of juice or citrus product. Total acidity is 
determined by titration with standard sodium hydroxide solution, using 
phenolphthalein as indicator.
    Brix or degrees Brix. The percent by weight concentration of the 
total soluble solids of the juice or citrus product when tested with a 
Brix hydrometer calibrated at 20 [deg]C (68 [deg]F) and to which any 
applicable temperature correction has been made. The Brix or degrees 
Brix may be determined by any other method which gives equivalent 
results.
    Brix value. The pure sucrose or soluble solids value of the juice or 
citrus product determined by using the refractometer along with the 
``International Scale of Refractive Indices of Sucrose Solutions'' and 
to which the applicable correction for acidity is added. The Brix value 
is determined in accordance with the refractometer method outlined in 
the Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL, Volumes I & II.
    Brix value/acid ratio. The ratio of the Brix value of the juice or 
citrus product, in degrees Brix, to the grams of anhydrous citric acid 
per 100 grams of juice or citrus product.
    Brix/acid ratio. The ratio of the degrees Brix of the juice to the 
grams of anhydrous citric acid per 100 grams of the juice.
    Citrus. All plants, edible parts and commodity products thereof, 
including pulp and juice of any orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, 
mandarin, tangerine, kumquat or other tree or shrub in the genera 
Citrus, Fortunella, or Poncirus of the plant family Rutaceae.
    Recoverable oil. The percent of oil by volume, determined by the 
bromate titration method after distillation and acidification as 
described in the current edition of the Official Methods of Analysis of 
AOAC INTERNATIONAL, Volumes I & II.

[61 FR 51351, Oct. 2, 1996, as amended at 65 FR 64316, Oct. 26, 2000]



Sec.  93.3  Analyses available and location of laboratory.

    (a) Laboratory analyses of citrus juice and other citrus products 
are being performed at the following Science and Technology location: 
USDA, AMS, S&T Eastern Laboratory (Citrus), 98 Third Street, SW., Winter 
Haven, FL 33880.
    (b) Laboratory analyses of citrus fruit and products in Florida are 
available in order to determine if such commodities satisfy the quality 
and grade standards set forth in the Florida Citrus Code (Florida 
Statutes Pursuant to Chapter 601). Such analyses include tests for acid 
as anhydrous citric acid, Brix, Brix/acid ratio, recoverable oil, and 
artificial coloring matter additive, as turmeric. The Fruit and 
Vegetable Inspectors of the Division of Fruit and Vegetable of the 
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services may also request 
analyses for arsenic metal, pulp wash (ultraviolet and fluorescence), 
standard plate count, yeast with mold count, and nutritive sweetening 
ingredients as sugars.
    (c) There are additional laboratory tests available upon request at 
the

[[Page 258]]

Science and Technology Eastern (Citrus) Laboratory at Winter Haven, 
Florida. Such analyses include tests for vitamins, naringin, sodium 
benzoate, Salmonella, protein, salt, pesticide residues, sodium metal, 
ash, potassium metal, and coliforms for citrus products.

[65 FR 64316, Oct. 26, 2000]



Sec.  93.4  Analytical methods.

    (a) The majority of analytical methods for citrus products are found 
in the Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL, Volumes I & 
II, AOAC INTERNATIONAL, 481 North Frederick Avenue, Suite 500, 
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2417.
    (b) Other analytical methods for citrus products may be used as 
approved by the AMS Deputy Administrator, Science and Technology (S&T).

[65 FR 64317, Oct. 26, 2000]



Sec.  93.5  Fees for citrus product analyses set by cooperative agreement.

    The fees for the analyses of fresh citrus juices and other citrus 
products shall be set by mutual agreement between the applicant, the 
State of Florida, and the AMS Deputy Administrator, Science and 
Technology programs. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or cooperative 
agreement exists presently with the AMS Science and Technology and the 
State of Florida, regarding the set hourly rate and the costs to perform 
individual analytical tests on Florida citrus products, for the State.

[65 FR 64317, Oct. 26, 2000]



          Subpart B_Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Corn and Other Oilseeds



Sec.  93.10  General.

    Chemical analyses are performed to detect the presence of aflatoxin 
in lots of shelled peanuts and peanut products, as well as in other nuts 
and agricultural products. In addition, proximate chemical analyses for 
quality determination are performed on oilseeds.



Sec.  93.11  Definitions.

    Words used in the regulations in this subpart in the singular form 
will import the plural, and vice versa, as the case may demand. As used 
throughout the regulations in this subpart, unless the context requires 
otherwise, the following terms will be construed to mean:
    Aflatoxin. A toxic metabolite produced by the molds Aspergillus 
flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus nomius. The aflatoxin 
compounds fluoresce when viewed under UV light as follows: aflatoxin 
B1 and derivatives with a blue fluorescence, aflatoxin 
B2 with a blue-violet fluorescence, aflatoxin G1 
with a green fluorescence, aflatoxin G2 with a green-blue 
fluorescence, aflatoxin M1 with a blue-violet fluorescence, 
and aflatoxin M2 with a violet fluorescence. These closely 
related molecular structures are referred to as aflatoxin B1, 
B2, G1, G2, M1, 
M2, GM1, B2a, G2a, 
R0, B3, 1-OCH3B2, and 1-
CH3G2.
    Peanut Administrative Committee (PAC). The committee established 
under the United States Department of Agriculture Marketing Agreement 
for Peanuts, 7 CFR part 998, which administers the terms and provisions 
of this Agreement, including the aflatoxin control program for 
domestically produced raw peanuts, for peanut shellers. The Peanut 
Administrative Committee (PAC) headquarters are at 2537 Lafayette Plaza 
Drive Suite A; Albany, Georgia 31707.
    Peanut Marketing Agreement. The agreement concerning the regulations 
and instructions set forth since July 12, 1965, by the Peanut 
Administrative Committee for the marketing of peanuts entered into by 
handlers of domestically produced peanuts under the authority of the 
Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601 
et seq.).
    Peanuts. The seeds of the legume Arachis hypogaea, and includes both 
inshell and shelled nuts.
    Seed. Any vegetable or other agricultural plant ovule having an 
embryo that is capable of germinating to produce a plant.

[61 FR 51351, Oct. 2, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 16375, Apr. 2, 1998; 65 
FR 64317, Oct. 26, 2000]

[[Page 259]]



Sec.  93.12  Analyses available and locations of laboratories.

    (a) Aflatoxin testing services. The aflatoxin analyses for peanuts, 
peanut products, dried fruits, grains, edible seeds, tree nuts, shelled 
corn products, cottonseed, oilseed products and other commodities are 
performed at the following 6 locations for AMS Science and Technology 
(S&T) Aflatoxin Laboratories:

(1) USDA, AMS, S&T
    1211 Schley Avenue, Albany, GA 31707.
(2) USDA, AMS, S&T
    c/o Golden Peanut Company, Mail: P.O. Box 279, 301 West Pearl 
Street, Aulander, NC 27805.
(3) USDA, AMS, S&T
    610 North Main Street, Blakely, GA 31723.
(4) USDA, AMS, S&T
    107 South Fourth Street, Madill, OK 73446.
(5) USDA, AMS, S&T
    c/o Cargill Peanut Products, Mail: P.O. Box 272, 715 North Main 
Street, Dawson, GA 31742-0272.
(6) USDA, AMS, S&T
    Mail: P.O. Box 1130, 308 Culloden Street, Suffolk, VA 23434.

    (b) Peanuts, peanut products, and oilseed testing services. (1) The 
Science and Technology (S&T) Aflatoxin Laboratories at Madill, Oklahoma 
and Blakely, Georgia will perform other analyses for peanuts, peanut 
products, and a variety of oilseeds. The analyses for oilseeds include 
testing for free fatty acids, ammonia, nitrogen or protein, moisture and 
volatile matter, foreign matter, and oil (fat) content.
    (2) All of the analyses described in paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section performed on a single seed sample are billed at the rate of one 
hour per sample. Any single seed analysis performed on a single sample 
is billed at the rate of one-half hour per sample. The standard hourly 
rate shall be as specified in Sec.  91.37(a) of this subchapter.
    (c) Vegetable oil testing services. The analyses for vegetable oils 
are performed at the USDA, AMS, Science and Technology (S&T) Midwestern 
Laboratory, 3570 North Avondale Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618-5391. The 
analyses for vegetable oils will include the flash point test, smoke 
point test, acid value, peroxide value, phosphorus in oil, and specific 
gravity. The fee charged for any single laboratory analysis for 
vegetable oils shall be obtained from the Midwestern Laboratory Director 
and it is based on the hourly fee rates and charges as specified in 7 
CFR part 91, subpart I.

[65 FR 64317, Oct. 26, 2000]



Sec.  93.13  Analytical methods.

    Official analyses for peanuts, nuts, corn, oilseeds, and related 
vegetable oils are found in the following manuals:
    (a) Approved Methods of the American Association of Cereal Chemists 
(AACC), American Association of Cereal Chemists/Eagan Press, 3340 Pilot 
Knob Road, St. Paul, Minnesota 55121-2097.
    (b) ASTA's Analytical Methods Manual, American Spice Trade 
Association (ASTA), 560 Sylvan Avenue, P.O. Box 1267, Englewood Cliffs, 
New Jersey 07632.
    (c) Analyst's Instruction for Aflatoxin (August 1994), S&T 
Instruction No. 1, USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service, Science and 
Technology, 3521 South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, 
SW., P.O. Box 96456, Washington, DC 20090-6456.
    (d) Official Methods and Recommended Practices of the American Oil 
Chemists' Society (AOCS), American Oil Chemists' Society, P.O. Box 3489, 
2211 West Bradley Avenue, Champaign, Illinois 61821-1827.
    (e) Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL, Volumes I & 
II, AOAC INTERNATIONAL, 481 North Frederick Avenue, Suite 500, 
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2417.
    (f) Standard Analytical Methods of the Member Companies of Corn 
Industries Research Foundation, Corn Refiners Association (CRA), 1701 
Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20006.
    (g) U.S. Army Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center's 
Military Specifications, approved analytical test methods noted therein, 
Code NPP-9, Department of Defense

[[Page 260]]

Single Stock Point (DODSSP) for Military Specifications, Standards, 
Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094.

[65 FR 64317, Oct. 26, 2000]



Sec.  93.14  Fees for aflatoxin analysis and fees for testing of
other mycotoxins.

    (a) The fee charged for any laboratory analysis for aflatoxins and 
other mycotoxins shall be obtained from the Laboratory Director for 
aflatoxin laboratories at the Dothan administrative office as follows: 
USDA, AMS, Science & Technology, 3119 Wesley Way, Suite 6, Dothan, 
Alabama 36305, Voice Phone: 334-794-5070, Facsimile: 334-792-1432.
    (b) The charge for the aflatoxin testing of raw peanuts under the 
Peanut Marketing Agreement for subsamples 1-AB, 2-AB, 3-AB, and 1-CD is 
a set cost per pair of analyses and shall be set by cooperative 
agreement between the Peanut Administrative Committee and AMS Science 
and Technology program.

[65 FR 64317, Oct. 26, 2000]



Sec.  93.15  Fees for analytical testing of oilseeds.

    The fee charged for any laboratory analysis for oilseeds shall be 
obtained from the Laboratory Director for aflatoxin laboratories at the 
Dothan administrative office as listed in 7 CFR 93.14(a).

[65 FR 64318, Oct. 26, 2000]



PART 94_POULTRY AND EGG PRODUCTS--Table of Contents



              Subpart A_Mandatory Analyses of Egg Products

Sec.
94.1 General.
94.2 Definitions.
94.3 Analyses performed and locations of laboratories.
94.4 Analytical methods.
94.5 Charges for laboratory service.

              Subpart B_Voluntary Analyses of Egg Products

94.100 General.
94.101 Definitions.
94.102 Analyses available.
94.103 Analytical methods.
94.104 Fees and charges.

           Subpart C_Salmonella Laboratory Recognition Program

94.200 [Reserved]

                  Subpart D_Processed Poultry Products

94.300 General.
94.301 Definitions.
94.302 Analyses available and locations of laboratories.
94.303 Analytical methods.
94.304 Fees and charges.

    Authority: Secs. 2-28 of the Egg Products Inspection Act (84 Stat. 
1620-1635; 21 U.S.C. 1031-1056), Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, 
Secs. 202-208 as amended (60 Stat. 1087-1091; 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627).

    Source: 58 FR 42428, Aug. 9, 1993, unless otherwise noted.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 94 appear at 61 FR 
51352, Oct. 2 1996.



              Subpart A_Mandatory Analyses of Egg Products



Sec.  94.1  General.

    Microbiological, chemical, and physical analysis of liquid, frozen, 
and dried egg products is performed under authority of the Egg Products 
Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1031-1056).



Sec.  94.2  Definitions.

    Words used in the regulations in this subpart in the singular form 
will import the plural, and vice versa, as the case may demand. As used 
throughout the regulations in this subpart, unless the context requires 
otherwise, the following terms will be construed to mean:
    Egg. The shell egg of the domesticated chicken, turkey, duck, goose, 
or guinea. Some of the terms applicable to shell eggs are defined by the 
AMS Poultry Programs in 7 CFR 57.5.
    Egg product. Any dried, frozen, or liquid eggs, with or without 
added ingredients. However, products which contain eggs only in a 
relatively small proportion or historically have not been, in the 
judgment of the Secretary, considered by consumers as products of the 
egg food industry may be exempted by the Secretary under such conditions 
as may be prescribed to assure that the egg ingredients are not 
adulterated and such products are not represented as

[[Page 261]]

egg products. Some of the products exempted as not being egg products 
are specified by the AMS Poultry Programs in 7 CFR 57.5.
    Mandatory sample. An official sample of egg product(s) taken for 
testing under authority of the Egg Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 
1031-1056) for analysis by a United States Department of Agriculture, 
Agricultural Marketing Service, Science and Technology laboratory at 
government expense. A mandatory sample shall include an egg product 
sample to be analyzed for microbiological, chemical, or physical 
attributes. A mandatory egg product sample analyzed for the presence of 
Salmonella is also referred to as a confirmation sample as specified by 
the Food Safety and Inspection Service agency of USDA in 9 CFR 590.580, 
paragraph (d).
    Official plant. Any plant, as determined by the Secretary, at which 
the U.S. Department of Agriculture maintains inspection of the 
processing of egg products under the authority of the Egg Products 
Inspection Act.
    Pasteurize. The subjecting of each particle of egg products to heat 
or other treatments to destroy harmful viable microorganisms by such 
processes as may be prescribed by the regulations in the EPIA.
    Pesticide chemical, food additive, color additive, and raw 
agricultural commodity. These terms shall have the same meaning for 
purposes of this subpart as under sections 408, 409, and 706 of the 
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
    Plant. Any place of business where egg products are processed.
    Processing. Manufacturing of egg products, including breaking eggs 
or filtering, mixing, blending, pasteurizing, stabilizing, cooling, 
freezing, drying, or packaging egg products at official plants.

[58 FR 42428, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 65 FR 64318, Oct. 26, 2000]



Sec.  94.3  Analyses performed and locations of laboratories.

    (a) Samples drawn by a USDA egg products inspector will be analyzed 
by AMS Science and Technology (S&T) personnel for microbiological, 
chemical, and physical attributes. The analytical results of these 
samples will be reported to the resident egg products inspector at the 
applicable plant on the official certificate.
    (b) Mandatory egg product samples for Salmonella are required and 
are analyzed in S&T laboratories to spot check and confirm the adequacy 
of USDA approved and recognized laboratories for analyzing routine egg 
product samples for Salmonella.
    (c) Mandatory egg product samples for chlorinated hydrocarbons are 
required and are submitted by the plant inspectors on a random basis. 
These samples screen for pesticide residues and industrial chemical 
contaminants in egg products.
    (d) Samples are drawn by a USDA egg products inspector to determine 
potential adulteration. These egg product samples may be analyzed for 
extraneous material, color, color additive, pesticide, heavy metal, 
microorganism, dextrin, or other substance.
    (e) The AMS Science and Technology's Eastern Laboratory shall 
conduct the majority of laboratory analyses for egg products. The 
analyses for mandatory egg product samples are performed at the 
following USDA location: USDA, AMS, Science & Technology, Eastern 
Laboratory (Microbiology), 2311-B Aberdeen Boulevard, Gastonia, NC 
28054-0614.

[58 FR 42428, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 24325, May 10, 1994; 59 
FR 50121, Sept. 30, 1994; 65 FR 64318, Oct. 26, 2000]



Sec.  94.4  Analytical methods.

    The majority of analytical methods used by the USDA laboratories to 
perform mandatory analyses for egg products are listed as follows:
    (a) Compendium Methods for the Microbiological Examination of Foods, 
Carl Vanderzant and Don Splittstoesser (Editors), American Public Health 
Association, 1015 Fifteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005.
    (b) Edwards, P.R. and W.H. Ewing, Edwards and Ewing's Identification 
of Enterobacteriaceae, Elsevier Science, Inc., Regional Sales Office, 
655 Avenue of the Americas, P.O. Box 945, New York, NY 10159-0945.

[[Page 262]]

    (c) FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM), AOAC INTERNATIONAL, 
481 North Frederick Avenue, Suite 500, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2417.
    (d) Manual of Analytical Methods for the Analysis of Pesticide 
Residues in Human and Environmental Samples, EPA 600/9-80-038, U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Chemical Exposure Research Branch, 
EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD), 26 West Martin Luther King 
Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268.
    (e) Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL, Volumes I & 
II, AOAC INTERNATIONAL, 481 North Frederick Avenue, Suite 500, 
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2417.
    (f) Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products, American 
Public Health Association, 1015 Fifteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 
20005.
    (g) Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 
American Public Health Association (APHA), the American Water Works 
Association (AWWA) and the Water Pollution Control Federation, AWWA 
Bookstore, 6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO 80235.
    (h) Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste Physical/Chemical 
Methods, Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Solid Waste, SW-846 
Integrated Manual (available from National Technical Information Service 
(NTIS), U.S. Department of Commerce, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, 
VA 22161).
    (i) U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Pesticide Analytical Manuals 
(PAM), Volumes I and II, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), 200 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 
20204 (available from National Technical Information Service (NTIS), 
U.S. Department of Commerce, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 
22161).

[65 FR 64318, Oct. 26, 2000]



Sec.  94.5  Charges for laboratory service.

    The costs for analysis of mandatory egg product samples at Science 
and Technology Division laboratories shall be paid by annually 
appropriated and designated funds allocated to the egg products 
inspection program. The costs for any other mandatory laboratory 
analyses and testing of an egg product's identity and condition, 
necessitated by the Egg Products Inspection Act, shall also be paid by 
such program funding.



              Subpart B_Voluntary Analyses of Egg Products



Sec.  94.100  General.

    Analyses for voluntary egg product samples may be requested to 
certify that specifications regarding stated identity, quality, and 
wholesomeness are met; to test routinely for the presence of Salmonella; 
and to ensure laboratory quality control with testing activities.



Sec.  94.101  Definitions.

    Words used in the regulations in this subpart in the singular form 
will import the plural, and vice versa, as the case may demand. As used 
throughout the regulations in this part, unless the context requires 
otherwise, the following terms will be construed to mean:
    Certification sample. An egg product sample submitted by an 
applicant for chemical, physical, or microbiological analyses and tests 
at a Science and Technology Division laboratory. This voluntary sample 
is analyzed or tested by the Division's analyst or scientist to certify 
that an egg product lot meets applicable specifications for identity, 
quality, and wholesomeness.
    Surveillance sample. This is a 100 gram sample for Salmonella 
analysis that is drawn by the USDA egg product inspector from each lot 
of egg product processed at an official plant. This sample may be 
analyzed by a Science and Technology Division laboratory, or by a 
laboratory approved and recognized by the Division to analyze for 
Salmonella in egg products.
    Unofficial sample. These samples of egg products are drawn by plant 
personnel upon the request of plant management. Analyses of these 
samples are usually conducted for the plant's refractometer correlation, 
bacteriological evaluation of production techniques, or quality control 
of procedures. Official plant or Science and

[[Page 263]]

Technology Division laboratories can analyze these samples.



Sec.  94.102  Analyses available.

    A wide array of analyses for voluntary egg product samples is 
available. Voluntary egg product samples include surveillance, 
certification, and unofficial samples. The physical and chemical tests 
for voluntary egg products include analyses for total ash, fat by acid 
hydrolysis, moisture, salt, protein, beta-carotene, catalase, 
cholesterol, NEPA color, density, total solids, aflatoxin, daminozide 
and amitraz residues, BHA, BHT, alcohol, chlorinated hydrocarbon and 
fumigant residues, dextrin, heavy and light filth, glucose, glycerol and 
gums. In addition, egg products can be analyzed for high sucrose 
content, pH, heavy metals and minerals, monosodium dihydrogen phosphate, 
monosodium glutamate, nitrites, oxygen, palatability and odor, 
phosphorus, propylene glycol, SLS, and zeolex. There are also be tests 
for starch, total sugars, sugar profile, whey, standard plate count, 
direct microscopic count, Campylobacter, coliforms, presumptive 
Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, proteolytic count, 
psychrotrophic bacteria, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, thermoduric 
bacteria, and yeast with mold count.



Sec.  94.103  Analytical methods.

    The analytical methods used by the Science and Technology Division 
laboratories to perform voluntary analyses for egg products shall be the 
same as listed in Sec.  94.4.



Sec.  94.104  Fees and charges.

    (a) The fee charged for any single laboratory analysis of voluntary 
egg product samples shall be obtained from the schedules of charges in 
paragraph (a) of Sec.  91.37 of this subchapter.
    (b) The charge for any requested laboratory analysis not listed 
shall be based on the standard hourly rate specified in Sec.  91.37, 
paragraph (b).



           Subpart C_Salmonella Laboratory Recognition Program



Sec.  94.200  [Reserved]



                  Subpart D_Processed Poultry Products



Sec.  94.300  General.

    Laboratory services of processed poultry products are conducted to 
derive their analytical attributes used to determine the compliance of 
the product with applicable specifications.



Sec.  94.301  Definitions.

    Words used in the regulations in this subpart in the singular form 
will import the plural, and vice versa, as the case may demand. As used 
throughout the regulations in this subpart, unless the context requires 
otherwise, the following terms will be construed to mean:
    Dark meat. Refers to the skinless and deboned drumstick, thigh, and 
back portions of poultry.
    Light meat. Refers to the skinless and deboned breast and wing 
portions of poultry.
    Poultry. Any kind of domesticated bird, including, but not limited 
to, chicken, turkey, duck, goose, pigeon, and guinea.
    Poultry product. Any ready-to-cook poultry carcass or part therefrom 
or any specified poultry food product.



Sec.  94.302  Analyses available and locations of laboratories.

    (a) The Science and Technology Division laboratories will analyze 
processed poultry products for moisture, fat, salt, protein, nitrites, 
and added citric acid.
    (b) Deboned poultry for roasting will have the individual dark meat, 
light meat, and skin portions tumbled separately in the natural juices 
prior to grinding. The skin, light meat, and dark meat portion weight 
percentages of the total product are determined. The ground skin, ground 
dark meat, and ground light meat portions will be analyzed separately 
for moisture, protein, salt, and fat. Moisture to protein ratios will be 
reported also for the individual portions of poultry.

[[Page 264]]

    (c) Canned boned poultry for a variety of USDA programs will be 
tested as a total can composite of the canned product for moisture, fat, 
salt, and protein analyses. Additional poultry commodities and related 
products for specific USDA sponsored programs will be tested for 
different chemical and physical attributes.
    (d) Microbiological analyses, as the Salmonella determination, are 
available for poultry products.
    (e) The majority of analyses for processed poultry products shall be 
performed at the Science and technology Division Eastern Laboratory, as 
indicated in paragraph (e) of Sec.  94.3.



Sec.  94.303  Analytical methods.

    The analytical methods used by the USDA laboratories to perform 
analyses for processed poultry products are found in the latest edition 
of the Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL, Suite 500, 
481 North Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2417.

[61 FR 51352, Oct. 2, 1996]



Sec.  94.304  Fees and charges.

    (a) The fee charged for any single laboratory analysis of processed 
poultry products shall be obtained from the schedules of charges in 
paragraph (a) of Sec.  91.37 of this subchapter.
    (b) The laboratory analyses for processed poultry products shall 
result in an additional fee, found in Table 7 of Sec.  91.37 of this 
subchapter, for sample preparation or grinding.
    (c) The charge for any requested laboratory analysis of processed 
poultry products not listed shall be based on the standard hourly rate 
specified in Sec.  91.37 (b) of this subchapter.

                         PARTS 95	96 [RESERVED]



PART 97_PLANT VARIETY AND PROTECTION--Table of Contents



                                  Scope

Sec.
97.1 General.

                               Definitions

97.2 Meaning of words.

                             Administration

97.3 Plant Variety Protection Board.

                             The Application

97.5 General requirements.
97.6 Application for certificate.
97.7 Deposit of Voucher Specimen.
97.8 Specimen requirements.
97.9 Drawings and photographs.
97.10 Parts of an application to be filed together.
97.11 Application accepted and filed when received.
97.12 Number and filing date of an application.
97.13 When the owner is deceased or legally incapacitated.
97.14 Joint applicants.
97.15 Assigned varieties and certificates.
97.16 Amendment by applicant.
97.17 Papers of completed application to be retained.
97.18 Applications handled in confidence.
97.19 Publication of pending applications.
97.20 Abandonment for failure to respond within the time limit.
97.21 Extension of time for a reply.
97.22 Revival of an application abandoned for failure to reply.
97.23 Voluntary withdrawal and abandonment of an application.
97.24 Assignee.

                  Examinations, Allowances, and Denials

97.100 Examination of applications.
97.101 Notice of allowance.
97.102 Amendments after allowance.
97.103 Issuance of a certificate.
97.104 Application or certificate abandoned.
97.105 Denial of an application.
97.106 Reply by applicant; request for reconsideration.
97.107 Reconsideration and final action.
97.108 Amendments after final action.

                   Correction of Errors in Certificate

97.120 Corrected certificate--office mistake.
97.121 Corrected certificate--applicant's mistake.

                        Reissuance of Certificate

97.122 Certified seed only election.

                        Assignments and Recording

97.130 Recording of assignments.
97.131 Conditional assignments.
97.132 Assignment records open to public inspection.

                     Marking or Labeling Provisions

97.140 After filing.
97.141 After issuance.
97.142 For testing or increase.
97.143 Certified seed only.
97.144 Additional marking or labeling.

[[Page 265]]

                          Attorneys and Agents

97.150 Right to be represented.
97.151 Authorization.
97.152 Revocation of authorization; withdrawal.
97.153 Persons recognized.
97.154 Government employees.
97.155 Signatures.
97.156 Addresses.
97.157 Professional conduct.

                            Fees and charges

97.175 Fees and charges.
97.176 Fees payable in advance.
97.177 Method of payment.
97.178 Refunds.
97.179 Copies and certified copies.

                     Availability of Office Records

97.190 When open records are available.

                           Protest Proceedings

97.200 Protests to the grant of a certificate.
97.201 Protest proceedings.

                         Appeal to the Secretary

97.300 Petition to the Secretary.
97.301 Commissioner's answer.
97.302 Decision by the Secretary.
97.303 Action following the decision.

     General Procedures in Priority, Protest, or Appeal Proceedings

97.400 Extensions of time.
97.401 Miscellaneous provisions.
97.402 Service of papers.
97.403 Manner of service.

                      Review of Decisions by Court

97.500 Appeal to U.S. Courts.

                      Cease and Desist Proceedings

97.600 Administrative provisions.

                         Public Use Declaration

97.700 Public interest in wide usage.

                               Publication

97.800 Publication of public variety descriptions.
97.900 Form of official identification symbol.

    Authority: Plant Variety Protection Act, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 2321 
et seq.

    Source: 58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, unless otherwise noted.

                                  Scope



Sec.  97.1  General.

    Certificates of protection are issued by the Plant Variety 
Protection office for new, distinct, uniform, and stable varieties of 
sexually reproduced, tuber propagated, or asexually reproduced plants. 
Each certificate of plant variety protection certifies that the breeder 
has the right, during the term of the protection, to prevent others from 
selling the variety, offering it for sale, reproducing it, importing or 
exporting it, conditioning it, stocking it, or using it in producing a 
hybrid or different variety from it, as provided by the Act.

[85 FR 430, Jan. 6, 2020]

                               Definitions



Sec.  97.2  Meaning of words.

    Words used in the regulations in this part in the singular form will 
import the plural, and vice versa, as the case may demand. The 
definitions of terms contained in the Act shall apply to such terms when 
used in this part. As used throughout the regulations in this part, 
unless the context requires otherwise, the following terms will be 
construed to mean:
    Abandoned application. An application which has not been pursued to 
completion within the time allowed by the Office or has been voluntarily 
abandoned.
    Act. The Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321 et seq.).
    Administrator. The Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing 
Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or any other officer or 
employee of the Department of Agriculture to whom authority has 
heretofore been delegated, or to whom authority may hereafter be 
delegated, to act in his or her stead.
    Applicant. The person who applied for a certificate of plant variety 
protection.
    Application. An application for plant variety protection under the 
Act.
    Assignee. A person to whom an owner assigns his/her rights in whole 
or in part.
    Board. The Plant Variety Protection Board appointed by the 
Secretary.
    Certificate. A certificate of plant variety protection issued under 
the Act by the Office.
    Certified seed. Seed which has been determined by an official seed 
certifying agency to conform to standards of genetic purity and identity 
as to variety,

[[Page 266]]

which standards have been approved by the Secretary.
    Commissioner. The Examiner in Chief of the Office.
    Decision and order. Includes the Secretary's findings of fact; 
conclusions with respect to all material issues of fact and law, as well 
as the reasons or basis therefor; and order.
    Examiner. An employee of the Plant Variety Protection Office who 
determines whether a certificate is entitled to be issued. The term 
shall, in all cases, include the Commissioner.
    Foreign application. An application for plant variety protection 
filed in a foreign country.
    Hearing Clerk. The Hearing Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, DC.
    Hearing Officer. An Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, or other officer or employee of the Department of 
Agriculture, duly assigned to preside at a hearing held pursuant to the 
rules of this part.
    Office or Plant Variety Protection Office. The Plant Variety 
Protection Office, Science and Technology Programs, AMS, USDA.
    Owner. A breeder who developed or discovered and developed a variety 
for which plant variety protection may be applied for under the Act, or 
a person to whom the rights to such variety have been assigned or 
transferred.
    Person. An individual, partnership, corporation, association, 
government agency, or other business or governmental entity.
    Sale for other than seed or propagating purposes. The transfer of 
title to and possession of the seed or propagating material by the owner 
to a grower or other person, for reproduction for the owner, for 
testing, or for experimental use, and not for commercial sale of the 
seed, reproduced seed, propagating material, or reproduced propagating 
material for planting purposes.
    Secretary. The Secretary of Agriculture of the United States or any 
other officer or employee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to whom 
authority has heretofore been delegated, or to whom authority may 
hereafter be delegated to act in his or her stead.
    Seed certifying agency. It shall be defined as set forth in the 
Federal Seed Act (53 Stat. 1275).

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 17189, Apr. 4, 1995; 61 
FR 248, Jan. 4, 1996; 70 FR 28785, May 19, 2005; 85 FR 430, Jan. 6, 
2020]

                             Administration



Sec.  97.3  Plant Variety Protection Board.

    (a) The Plant Variety Protection Board shall consist of 14 members 
appointed for a 2-year term. The Board shall be appointed every 2 years 
and shall consist of individuals who are experts in various areas of 
varietal development. The membership of the Board, which shall include 
farmer representation, shall be drawn approximately equally from the 
private or seed industry sector and from the government or public 
sector. No member shall be eligible to act on any matter involving any 
appeal or questions under section 44 of the Act, in which the member or 
his or her employer has a direct financial interest.
    (b) The functions of the Board are to:
    (1) Advise the Secretary concerning adoption of rules and 
regulations to facilitate the proper administration of the Act;
    (2) Make advisory decisions on all appeals from the examiner or 
Commissioner;
    (3) Advise the Secretary on the declaration of a protected variety 
open to use in the public interest; and
    (4) Advise the Secretary on any other matters under the regulations 
in this part.
    (c) The proceedings of the Board shall be conducted in accordance 
with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Administrative Regulations of 
the U.S. Department of Agriculture (7 CFR part 25), and such additional 
operating procedures as are adopted by members of the Board.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 61 FR 248, Jan. 4, 1996]

                             The Application



Sec.  97.5  General requirements.

    (a) Protection under the Act shall be afforded only as follows:

[[Page 267]]

    (1) Nationals and residents of the United States shall be eligible 
to receive all of the protection under the Act.
    (2) Nationals and residents of Member States of the International 
Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (including states 
which are members of an intergovernmental organization which is a UPOV 
member) shall be eligible to receive the same protection under the Act 
as is provided to nationals of the United States.
    (3) Persons who are not entitled to protection under paragraph 
(a)(1) or (2) of this section, and who are nationals of a foreign state 
which is not a member of the International Union for the Protection of 
New Varieties of Plants, shall be entitled to only so much of the 
protection provided under the Act, as is afforded by such foreign state 
to nationals of the United States, for the same genus and species under 
the laws of such foreign state in effect at the time that the 
application for protection under the Act is filed, except where further 
protection under the Act must be provided in order to avoid the 
violation of a treaty to which the United States is a party.
    (b) Applications for certificates shall be made to the Plant Variety 
Protection Office. An application shall consist of:
    (1) A completed application form, except that the section specifying 
that seed of the variety shall be sold by variety name only, as a class 
of certified seed, need not be completed at the time of application.
    (2) A completed set of the exhibits, as specified in the application 
form, unless the examiner waives submission of certain exhibits as 
unnecessary, based on other claims and evidence presented in connection 
with the application.
    (3) Language and legibility: (i) Applications and exhibits must be 
in the English language and legibly written, typed or printed.
    (ii) Any interlineation, erasure, cancellation, or other alteration 
must be made in permanent ink before the application is signed and shall 
be clearly initialed and dated by the applicant to indicate knowledge of 
such fact at the time of signing.
    (4) To determine the extent of reciprocity of the protection to be 
provided under the Act, persons filing an application for plant variety 
protection in the United States under the provisions of paragraph (a)(3) 
of this section shall, upon request \1\, furnish the Plant Variety 
Protection Office with a copy of the current plant variety protection 
laws and regulations for the country of which the applicant is a 
national, and an accurate English translation of such laws and 
regulations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Copies and translations of foreign laws and regulations will be 
requested only if they are not in the files of the Plant Variety 
Protection Office. Applicants may learn whether such a request will be 
made by writing to the address given in paragraph (c) of this section.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) Application and exhibit forms shall be issued by the 
Commissioner. (Copies of the forms may be obtained from the Plant 
Variety Protection Office by sending an email request to 
[email protected] or downloading forms from the PVPO website (https://
www.ams.usda.gov/PVPO).
    (d) Effective the date of these regulations and rules of practice, 
the signature of the applicant, or his or her agent or attorney on any 
affidavit or other statement filed pursuant to these regulations and 
rules constitutes a certification by the applicant. The signature 
certifies that all information relied on in any affidavit or statement 
filed in the course of the proceeding is knowingly correct and false 
claims have not been made to mislead.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 17189, Apr. 4, 1995; 61 
FR 248, Jan. 4, 1996; 70 FR 28785, May 19, 2005; 85 FR 430, Jan. 6, 
2020]



Sec.  97.6  Application for certificate.

    (a) An application for a plant variety protection certificate shall 
be signed by, or on behalf, of the applicant.
    (b) The application shall state the full name, including the full 
first name and the middle initial or name, if any, and the capacity of 
the person executing it.
    (c) The fees for filing an application, examination, and certificate 
issuance shall be submitted with the application in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  97.175 through 97.178.

[[Page 268]]

    (d) The applicant shall submit with the application:
    (1) A declaration that at least 3,000 seeds of the viable basic seed 
required to reproduce the variety will be deposited in a public 
depository approved by the Commissioner and will be maintained for the 
duration of the certificate; or
    (2) With the application for a tuber propagated variety, a 
declaration that a viable cell culture will be deposited in a public 
depository approved by the Commissioner and will be maintained for the 
duration of the certificate; or
    (3) With the application for a hybrid from self-incompatible 
parents, a declaration that a plot of vegetative material for each 
parent will be established in a public depository approved by the 
Commissioner and will be maintained for the duration of the certificate, 
or
    (4) Except as provided in Sec.  97.7(d)(3), with the application for 
an asexually propagated variety, a declaration that a deposit of 
propagating material in a public depository approved by the Commissioner 
will be made and maintained for the duration of the certificate.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 17189, Apr. 4, 1995; 61 
FR 248, Jan. 4, 1996; 70 FR 28785, May 19, 2005; 70 FR 54611, Sept. 19, 
2005; 85 FR 430, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  97.7  Deposit of Voucher Specimen.

    (a) Voucher specimen types. As regards the deposit of voucher 
specimen material for purposes of plant variety protection applications 
under 7 U.S.C. 2321 et seq., the term voucher specimen shall include 
material that is capable of self-replication either directly or 
indirectly. Representative examples include seeds, plant tissue cells, 
cell lines, and plots of vegetative material of self-incompatible 
parental lines of hybrids. Seed samples should not be treated with 
chemicals or coatings.
    (b) Need to make a deposit. Except as provided in (d)(3), 
applications for plant variety protection require deposit of a voucher 
specimen of the variety. The deposit shall be acceptable if made in 
accordance with these regulations. Sample packages shall meet the 
packaging and deposit requirements of the depository. Samples and 
correspondence about samples shall be identified, minimally, by:
    (1) The application number assigned by the Office;
    (2) The crop kind, genus and species, and variety denomination; and
    (3) The name and address of the depositor.
    (c) Acceptable depository. A deposit shall be recognized for the 
purposes of these regulations if made in:
    (1) The National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation, ARS, 
USDA, 1111 South Mason Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521-4500, or
    (2) Any other depository recognized to be suitable by the Office. 
Suitability will be determined by the Commissioner on the basis of the 
administrative and technical competence, and agreement of the depository 
to comply with the terms and conditions applicable to deposits for plant 
variety protection purposes. The Commissioner may seek the advice of 
impartial consultants on the suitability of a depository. The depository 
must:
    (i) Have a continuous existence;
    (ii) Exist independent of the control of the depositor;
    (iii) Possess the staff and facilities sufficient to examine the 
viability and quantity of a deposit, and store the deposit in a manner 
which ensures that it is kept viable and uncontaminated;
    (iv) Provide for sufficient safety measures to minimize the risk of 
losing biological material deposited with it;
    (v) Be impartial and objective;
    (vi) Refrain from distributing samples while the application is 
being examined and during the term of protection but, after control of 
the sample is transferred by the Office to the depository, furnish 
samples of the deposited material in an expeditious and proper manner;
    (vii) Have the capability to destroy samples or return samples to 
the Office when requested by the Office; and
    (viii) Promptly notify the Office of low viability or low quantity 
of the sample.
    (3) A depository seeking status under paragraph (c)(2) of this 
section must direct a communication to the Commissioner which shall:
    (i) Indicate the name and address of the depository to which the 
communication relates;

[[Page 269]]

    (ii) Contain detailed information as to the capacity of the 
depository to comply with the requirements of paragraph (c)(2) of this 
section, including information on its legal status, scientific standing, 
staff, and facilities;
    (iii) Indicate that the depository intends to be available, for the 
purposes of deposit, to any depositor under these same conditions;
    (iv) Where the depository intends to accept for deposit only certain 
kinds of biological material, specify such kinds; and
    (v) Indicate the amount of any fees that the depository will, upon 
acquiring the status of suitable depository under paragraph (c)(2) of 
this section, charge for storage, viability statements and furnishings 
of samples of the deposit.
    (4) A depository having status under paragraph (c)(2) of this 
section limited to certain kinds of biological material may extend such 
status to additional kinds of biological material by directing a 
communication to the Commissioner in accordance with paragraph (c)(3) of 
this section. If a previous communication under paragraph (c)(3) of this 
section is of record, items in common with the previous communication 
may be incorporated by reference.
    (5) Once a depository is recognized to be suitable by the 
Commissioner or has defaulted or discontinued its performance under this 
section, notice thereof will be published on the Plant Variety 
Protection Office website (https://www.ams.usda.gov/PVPO).
    (d) Time of making an original deposit. An original deposit of 
materials for seed-reproduced plants shall be made within three months 
of the filing date of the application or prior to issuance of the 
certificate, whichever occurs first. An original deposit of materials 
for tuber-propagated plants or asexually reproduced plants shall be made 
within three months from the notice of certificate issuance date. A 
waiver from these time requirements may be granted for good cause, such 
as delays in obtaining a phytosanitary certificate for the importation 
of voucher sample materials. A delay waiver may also be granted if the 
repository determines that it is technically infeasible to deposit 
propagating materials for certain asexually reproduced plants.
    (1) When the original deposit is made, the applicant must promptly 
submit a statement from a person in a position to corroborate the fact, 
stating that the voucher specimen material which is deposited is the 
variety specifically identified in the application as filed. Such 
statement must be filed in the application and must contain the 
identifying information listed in paragraph (b) of this section and:
    (i) The name and address of the depository;
    (ii) The date of deposit;
    (iii) The accession number given by the depository; and
    (iv) A statement that the deposit is capable of reproduction.
    (2) The following conditions apply to delay waivers granted due to 
technical difficulties with depositing propagating material for 
asexually reproduced plants:
    (i) The applicant is required to make a declaration that the 
propagating material will be maintained at a specific physical location, 
subject to Plant Variety Protection Office inspection when requested; 
and
    (ii) The applicant is required to make a declaration that 
propagating material will be provided within three months of a request 
by the Plant Variety Protection Office. Failure to provide propagating 
material as requested shall result in the certificate being regarded as 
abandoned.
    (iii) The delay waiver is effective until the Plant Variety 
Protection Office notifies the applicant that the technical 
infeasibility has been resolved. Upon that notification, the applicant 
must provide a deposit within three months. Failure to provide a deposit 
shall result in the certificate being regarded as abandoned.
    (3) Original deposits of propagating material for asexually 
reproduced varieties are not required for applications submitted between 
January 6, 2020, and January 6, 2023; provided: That the applicant is 
required to make the declarations described in paragraphs (d)(2)(i) and 
(ii) of this section.

[[Page 270]]

    (e) Replacement or supplement of deposit. If the depository 
possessing a deposit determines either that the sample viability is low 
or that the sample quantity is low, and if this finding is made during 
the pendency of an application or during the term of protection of the 
certificate, the Office shall notify the depositor of the need for 
making a replacement or supplemental deposit. Such deposits will be 
governed by the same considerations governing the need for making an 
original deposit under the provisions set forth in Sec.  97.7(d). 
Notification to the Office concerning deposit of the replacement or 
supplemental sample shall contain a statement from a person in a 
position to corroborate the fact, stating that the replacement or 
supplemental deposit is of a biological material which is identical to 
that originally deposited.
    (f) Term of deposit. A voucher specimen deposit made in support of 
an application for plant variety protection shall be made for a term of 
at least twenty (20) years. In any case, samples must be stored under 
agreements that would make them available to the Office during the 
enforceable life of the certificate for which the deposit was made.
    (g) Viability of deposit. A deposit of biological material that is 
capable of self-replication either directly or indirectly must be viable 
at the time of deposit and during the term of deposit. Viability may be 
tested by the depository periodically. The test must conclude only that 
the deposited material is capable of reproduction. No evidence 
necessarily is required regarding the ability of the deposited material 
to perform any function described in the application. If a viability 
test indicates that the deposit is not viable upon receipt or that the 
quantity of material is insufficient, the examiner shall proceed as if 
no deposit was made. The examiner will accept the conclusion set forth 
in a viability statement issued by a depository recognized under 
paragraph 97.7(c).
    (h) Furnishing of samples. A deposit must be made under conditions 
that assure that:
    (1) Public access to the deposit will not be available during 
pendency of the application or during the term of protection, and
    (2) All restrictions on the availability to the public of the 
deposited material will be irrevocably removed upon the abandonment, 
cancellation, expiration, or withdrawal of the certificate.
    (i) Examination procedures. The examiner shall determine, prior to 
issuance of the certificate, in each application if a voucher sample 
deposit actually made is acceptable for plant variety protection 
purposes.

[70 FR 54611, Sept. 16, 2005, as amended at 85 FR 430, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  97.8  Specimen requirements.

    (a) The applicant may be required by the examiner to furnish 
representative specimens of the variety, or its flower, fruit, or seeds, 
in a quantity and at a specified stage of growth, as may be necessary to 
verify the statements in the application. Such specimens shall be packed 
and forwarded in conformity with instructions furnished by the examiner. 
If the applicant requests the examiner to inspect plants in the field 
before a final decision is made, all such inspection costs shall be 
borne by the applicant by payment of fees sufficient to reimburse the 
Office for all costs, including travel, per diem or subsistence, and 
salary.
    (b) Plant specimens submitted in support of an application shall not 
be removed from the Office except by an employee of the Office or other 
person authorized by the Secretary.
    (c) Plant specimens submitted to the Office shall, except as 
provided below, and upon request, be returned to the applicant at his or 
her expense after the specimens have served their intended purpose. The 
Commissioner, upon a finding of good cause, may require that certain 
specimens be retained in the Office for indefinite periods of time. 
Specimens which are not returned or not retained as provided above shall 
be destroyed.



Sec.  97.9  Drawings and photographs.

    (a) Drawings or photographs submitted with an application shall 
disclose the distinctive characteristics of the variety.
    (b) Drawings or photographs shall be in color when color is a 
distinguishing

[[Page 271]]

characteristic of the variety, and the color shall be described by use 
of Nickerson's color fan, the Munsell Book of Color, the Royal 
Horticultural Society Colour Chart, or other recognized color chart.
    (c) Drawings shall be sent flat, or may be sent in a suitable 
mailing tube or by email in high resolution format, in accordance with 
instructions furnished by the Commissioner.
    (d) Drawings or photographs submitted with an application shall be 
retained by the Office as part of the application file.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 85 FR 431, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  97.10  Parts of an application to be filed together.

    All parts of an application, including exhibits, should be submitted 
to the Office together, otherwise, each part shall be accurately and 
clearly referenced to the application.



Sec.  97.11  Application accepted and filed when received.

    (a) An application, if materially complete when initially submitted, 
shall be accepted and filed to await examination.
    (b) If any part of an application is so incomplete, or so defective 
that it cannot be handled as a completed application for examination, as 
determined by the Commissioner, the applicant will be notified. The 
application will be held a maximum of 3 months for completion. 
Applications not completed at the end of the prescribed period will be 
considered abandoned. The application fee in such cases will not be 
refunded.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 17189, Apr. 4, 1995]



Sec.  97.12  Number and filing date of an application.

    (a) Applications shall be numbered and dated in sequence in the 
order received by the Office. Applicants will be informed in writing, by 
mail or email, as soon as practicable of the number and effective filing 
date of the application.
    (b) An applicant may claim the benefit of the filing date of a prior 
foreign application in accordance with section 55 of the Act. A 
certified copy of the foreign application shall be filed upon request 
made by the examiner. If a foreign application is not in the English 
language, an English translation, certified as accurate by a sworn or 
official translator, shall be submitted with the application.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 85 FR 431, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  97.13  When the owner is deceased or legally incapacitated.

    In case of the death of the owner or if the owner is legally 
incapacitated, the legal representative (executor, administrator, or 
guardian) or heir or assignee of the deceased owner may sign as the 
applicant. If an applicant dies between the filing of his or her 
application and the granting of a certificate thereon, the certificate 
may be issued to the legal representative, heir, or assignee, upon 
proper intervention.



Sec.  97.14  Joint applicants.

    (a) Joint owners shall file a joint application by signing as joint 
applicants.
    (b) If an application for certificate is made by two or more persons 
as joint owners, when they were not in fact joint owners, the 
application shall be amended prior to issuance of a certificate by 
filing a corrected application, together with a written explanation 
signed by the original applicants. Such statement shall also be signed 
by the assignee, if any.
    (c) If an application has been made by less than all the actual 
joint owners, the application shall be amended by filing a corrected 
application, together with a written explanation, signed by all of the 
joint owners. Such statement shall also be signed by the assignee, if 
any.
    (d) If a joint owner refuses to join in an application or cannot be 
found after diligent effort, the remaining owner may file an application 
on behalf of him or herself and the missing owner. Such application 
shall be accompanied by a written explanation and shall state the last 
known address of the missing owner. Notice of the filing of the 
application shall be forwarded by the Office to the missing owner at the 
last known address. If such notice is returned to the Office 
undelivered, or if

[[Page 272]]

the address of the missing owner is unknown, notice of the filing of the 
application shall be published once on the Plant Variety Protection 
Office website (https://www.ams.usda.gov/PVPO). Prior to the issuance of 
the certificate, a missing owner may join in an application by filing a 
written explanation. A certificate obtained by fewer than all of the 
joint owners under this paragraph conveys the same rights and privileges 
to said owners as though all of the original owners had joined in an 
application.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 85 FR 431, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  97.15  Assigned varieties and certificates.

    In case the whole or a part interest in a variety is assigned, the 
application shall be made by the owner or one of the persons identified 
in Sec.  97.13. However, the certificate may be issued to the assignee, 
or jointly to the owner and the assignee, when a part interest in a 
variety is assigned.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 17189, Apr. 4, 1995]



Sec.  97.16  Amendment by applicant.

    An application may be amended before or after the first examination 
and action by the Office, after the second or subsequent examination or 
reconsideration as specified in Sec.  97.107, or when and as 
specifically required by the examiner. Such amendment may include a 
specification that seed of the variety be sold by variety name only as a 
class of certified seed, if not previously specified or if previously 
declined. Once an affirmative specification is made, no amendment to 
reverse such a specification will be permitted unless the variety has 
not been sold and labeled or publication made in any manner that the 
variety is to be sold by variety name, only as a class of certified 
seed.



Sec.  97.17  Papers of completed application to be retained.

    The papers submitted with a completed application shall be retained 
by the Office except as provided in Sec.  97.23(c). After issuance of a 
certificate of protection the Office will furnish copies of the 
application and related papers to any person upon payment of the 
specified fee.



Sec.  97.18  Applications handled in confidence.

    (a) Pending applications shall be handled in confidence. Except as 
provided below, no information may be given by the Office respecting the 
filing of an application, the pendency of any particular application, or 
the subject matter of any particular application. Also, nor will access 
be given to or copies furnished of any pending application or papers 
relating thereto, without written authority of the applicant, or his or 
her assignee or attorney or agent. Exceptions to the above may be made 
by the Commissioner in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552 and Sec.  1.4 of 
this title, and upon a finding that such action is necessary to the 
proper conduct of the affairs of the Office, or to carry out the 
provisions of any Act of Congress, or as provided in sections 56 or 57 
of the Act and Sec.  97.19.
    (b) Abandoned applications shall not be open to public inspection. 
However, if an abandoned application is directly referred to in an 
issued certificate and is available, it may be inspected or copies 
obtained by any person on written request, and with written authority 
received from the applicant. Abandoned applications shall not be 
returned.
    (c) Decisions of the Commissioner on abandoned applications not 
otherwise open to public inspection (see paragraph (b) of this section) 
may be published or made available for publication at the Commissioner's 
discretion. When it is proposed to release such a decision, the 
applicant shall be notified directly or through the attorney or agent of 
record, and a time, not less than 30 days, shall be set for presenting 
objections.



Sec.  97.19  Publication of pending applications.

    Information relating to pending applications shall be published 
periodically as determined by the Commissioner to be necessary in the 
public interest. With respect to each application, the Plant Variety 
Protection Office website (https://www.ams.usda.gov/PVPO) shall show:

[[Page 273]]

    (a) Application number and date of filing;
    (b) The name of the variety or temporary designation;
    (c) The name of the crop; and
    (d) Whether the applicant specified that the variety is to be sold 
by variety name only as a class of certified seed, together with a 
limitation in the number of generations that it can be certified.


Additional information, such as the name and address of the applicant or 
a brief description of the distinctive features of the variety, may be 
published only upon request or approval received from the applicant, at 
the time the application is filed or at any time before the notice of 
allowance of a certificate is issued.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 17189, Apr. 4, 1995; 61 
FR 248, Jan. 4, 1996; 85 FR 431, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  97.20  Abandonment for failure to respond within the time limit.

    (a) Except as otherwise provided in Sec.  97.104, if an applicant 
fails to advance actively his or her application within 30 days after 
the date when the last request for action was mailed to the applicant by 
the Office, or within such longer time as may be fixed by the 
Commissioner, the application shall be deemed abandoned. The filing and 
examination fees in such cases will not be refunded.
    (b) The submission of an amendment to the application, not 
responsive to the last request by the Office for action, and any 
proceedings relative thereto, shall not operate to save the application 
from abandonment.
    (c) When the applicant makes a bona fide attempt to advance the 
application, and is in substantial compliance with the request for 
action, but has inadvertently failed to comply with some procedural 
requirement, opportunity to comply with the procedural requirement shall 
be given to the applicant before the application shall be deemed 
abandoned. The Commissioner may set a period, not less than 30 days, to 
correct any deficiency in the application.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 17189, Apr. 4, 1995; 85 
FR 431, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  97.21  Extension of time for a reply.

    The time for reply by an applicant to a request by the Office for 
certain action, shall be extended by the Commissioner only for good and 
sufficient cause, and for a specified reasonable time. A request for 
extension and appropriate fee shall be filed on or before the specified 
time for reply. In no case shall the mere filing of a request for 
extension require the granting of an extension or state the time for 
reply.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 61 FR 248, Jan. 4, 1996]



Sec.  97.22  Revival of an application abandoned for failure to reply.

    An application abandoned for failure on the part of the applicant to 
advance actively his or her application to its completion, in accordance 
with the regulations in this part, may be revived as a pending 
application within 3 months of such abandonment, upon a finding by the 
Commissioner that the failure was inadvertent or unavoidable and without 
fraudulent intent. A request to revive an abandoned application shall be 
accompanied by a written statement showing the cause of the failure to 
respond, a response to the last request for action, and by the specified 
fee.



Sec.  97.23  Voluntary withdrawal and abandonment of an application.

    (a) An application may be voluntarily withdrawn or abandoned by 
submitting to the Office a written request for withdrawal or 
abandonment, signed by the applicant or his or her attorney or agent of 
record, if any, or the assignee of record, if any.
    (b) An application which has been voluntarily abandoned may be 
revived within 3 months of such abandonment by the payment of the 
prescribed fee and a showing that the abandonment occurred without 
fraudulent intent.
    (c) An original application which has been voluntarily withdrawn 
shall be returned to the applicant and may be reconsidered only by 
refiling and payment of new filing and examination fees.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 17189, Apr. 4, 1995; 85 
FR 431, Jan. 6, 2020]

[[Page 274]]



Sec.  97.24  Assignee.

    The assignee of record of the entire interest in an application is 
entitled to advance actively or abandon the application to the exclusion 
of the applicant.

                  Examinations, Allowances, and Denials



Sec.  97.100  Examination of applications.

    (a) [Reserved]
    (b) Examinations of applications shall include a review of all 
available documents, publications, or other material relating to 
varieties of the species involved in the application, except that if 
there are fundamental defects in the application, as determined by the 
examiner, the examination may be limited to an identification of such 
defects and notification to the applicant of needed corrective action. 
However, matters of form or procedure need not, but may, be raised by an 
examiner until a variety is found to be new, distinct, uniform, and 
stable and entitled to protection.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 17189, Apr. 4, 1995]



Sec.  97.101  Notice of allowance.

    If, on examination, PVPO determines that the applicant is entitled 
to a certificate, a notice of allowance shall be sent to the applicant 
or his or her attorney or agent of record, if any, requesting 
verification of the variety name and of the name of the owner. The 
notice will also provide an opportunity for withdrawal of the 
application before certificate issuance. The applicant must respond 
within 30 days from the date of the notice of allowance. Thereafter, a 
fee for delayed response shall be charged as specified in Sec.  
97.175(f).

[85 FR 431, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  97.102  Amendments after allowance.

    Amendments to the application, after the notice of allowance is 
issued, may be made, if the certificate has not been issued.



Sec.  97.103  Issuance of a certificate.

    (a) After the notice of allowance has been issued and the applicant 
has clearly specified whether or not the variety shall be sold by 
variety name only as a class of certified seed, the certificate shall be 
promptly issued. Once an election is made and a certificate issued 
specifying that seed of the variety shall be sold by variety name only 
as a class of certified seed, no waiver of such rights shall be 
permitted by amendment of the certificate.
    (b) The certificate shall be delivered or mailed to the owner.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 85 FR 432, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  97.104  Application or certificate abandoned.

    (a) Upon request by the Office, the owner shall replenish the seed 
or propagating material of the variety and shall pay the handling fee 
for replenishment. Samples of seed or propagating material related to 
abandoned applications or certificates will be retained or destroyed by 
the depository. Failure to replenish seed or propagating material within 
3 months from the date of request shall result in the certificate being 
regarded as abandoned. No sooner than 1 year after the date of such 
request, notices of abandoned certificates shall be published on the 
Plant Variety Protection Office website (https://www.ams.usda.gov/PVPO), 
indicating that the variety has become open for use by the public and, 
if previously specified to be sold by variety name as ``certified seed 
only,'' that such restriction no longer applies.
    (b) If the seed or propagating material is submitted within 9 months 
of the final due date, it may be accepted by the Commissioner as though 
no abandonment had occurred. For good cause, the Commissioner may extend 
for a reasonable time the period for submitting seed or propagating 
material before declaring the certificate abandoned.
    (c) A certificate may be voluntarily abandoned by the applicant or 
his or her attorney or agent of record or the assignee of record by 
notifying the Commissioner in writing. Upon receipt of such notice, the 
Commissioner shall publish a notice on the Plant Variety Protection 
Office website (https://

[[Page 275]]

www.ams.usda.gov/PVPO) that the variety has become open for use by the 
public, and if previously specified to be sold by variety name as 
``certified seed only,'' that such restriction no longer applies.

[85 FR 432, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  97.105  Denial of an application.

    (a) If the variety is found by the examiner to be not new, distinct, 
uniform, and stable, the application shall be denied.
    (b) In denying an application, the examiner shall cite the reasons 
the application was denied. When a reason involves the citation of 
certain material which is complex, the particular part of the material 
relied on shall be designated as nearly as practicable. The pertinence 
of each reason, if not obvious, shall be clearly explained.
    (c) If prior domestic certificates are cited as a reason for denial, 
their numbers and dates and the names of the owners shall be stated. If 
prior foreign certificates or rights are cited, as a reason for denial, 
their nationality or country, numbers and dates, and the names of the 
owners shall be stated, and such other data shall be furnished, as may 
be necessary to enable the applicant to identify the cited certificates 
or rights.
    (d) If printed publications are cited as a reason for denial, the 
author (if any), title, date, pages or plates, and places of 
publication, or place where a copy can be found shall be given.
    (e) When a denial is based on facts known to the examiner, and upon 
request by the applicant, the denial shall be supported by the affidavit 
of the examiner. Such affidavit shall be subject to contradiction or 
explanation by the affidavits of the applicant and other persons.
    (f) Abandoned applications may not be cited as reasons for denial.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 17189, Apr. 4, 1995]



Sec.  97.106  Reply by applicant; request for reconsideration.

    (a) After an adverse action by the examiner, the applicant may 
respond to the denial and may request a reconsideration, with or without 
amendment of his or her application. Any amendment shall be responsive 
to the reason or reasons for denial specified by the examiner.
    (b) To obtain a reconsideration, the applicant shall submit a 
request for reconsideration in writing and shall specifically point out 
the alleged errors in the examiner's action. The applicant shall respond 
to each reason cited by the examiner as the basis for the adverse 
action. A request for reconsideration of a denial based on a faulty form 
or procedure may be held in abeyance by the Commissioner until the 
question of the variety being new, distinct, uniform, and stable is 
settled.
    (c) An applicant's request for a reconsideration must be a bona fide 
attempt to advance the case to final action. A general allegation by the 
applicant that certain language which he or she cites in the application 
or amendment thereto establishes the variety is new, distinct, uniform, 
and stable without specifically explaining how the language 
distinguishes the alleged new, distinct, uniform, and stable variety 
from the material cited by the examiner shall not be grounds for a 
reconsideration.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 17190, Apr. 4, 1995]



Sec.  97.107  Reconsideration and final action.

    If, upon reconsideration, the application is denied by the 
Commissioner, the applicant shall be notified by the Commissioner of the 
reason or reasons for denial in the same manner as after the first 
examination. Any such denial shall be final unless appealed by the 
applicant to the Secretary. If the denial is sustained by the Secretary 
on appeal, the denial shall be final subject to appeal to the courts, as 
provided in Sec.  97.500.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 70 FR 28785, May 19, 2005]



Sec.  97.108  Amendments after final action.

    (a) After a final denial by the Commissioner, amendments to the 
application may be made to overcome the reason or reasons for denial. 
The acceptance or refusal of any such amendment

[[Page 276]]

by the Office and any proceedings relative thereto shall not relieve the 
applicant from the time limit set for an appeal or an abandonment for 
failure to reply.
    (b) No amendment of the application can be made in an appeal 
proceeding. After decision on appeal, amendments can only be made in 
accordance with the decision.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 70 FR 28785, May 19, 2005]

                   Correction of Errors in Certificate



Sec.  97.120  Corrected certificate--office mistake.

    When a certificate is incorrect because of a mistake in the Office, 
the Commissioner may issue a corrected certificate stating the fact and 
nature of such mistake, under seal, without charge, to be issued to the 
owner and recorded in the records at the Office.



Sec.  97.121  Corrected certificate--applicant's mistake.

    When a certificate is incorrect because of a mistake by the 
applicant of a clerical or typographical nature, or of minor character, 
or in the description of the variety (including, but not limited to, the 
use of a misleading variety name or a name assigned to a different 
variety of the same species), and the mistake is found by the 
Commissioner to have occurred in good faith and does not require a 
further examination, the Commissioner may, upon payment of the required 
fee and return of the original certificate, correct the certificate by 
issuing a corrected certificate, in accordance with section 85 of the 
Act. If the mistake requires a reexamination, a correction of the 
certificate shall be dependent on the results of the reexamination.

                        Reissuance of Certificate



Sec.  97.122  Certified seed only election.

    When an owner elects after a certificate is issued to sell the 
protected variety by variety name only as a class of certified seed, a 
new certificate may be issued upon return of the original certificate to 
the Office and payment of the appropriate fee.

                        Assignments and Recording



Sec.  97.130  Recording of assignments.

    (a) Any assignment of an application for a certificate, or of a 
certificate of plant variety protection, or of any interest in a 
variety, or any license or grant and conveyance of any right to use of 
the variety, may be submitted for recording in the Office in accordance 
with section 101 of the Act (7 U.S.C. 2531).
    (b) No instrument shall be recorded which is not in the English 
language or which does not identify the certificate or application to 
which it relates.
    (c) An instrument relating to title of a certificate shall identify 
the certificate by number and date, the name of the owner, and the name 
of the variety as stated in the certificate. An instrument relating to 
title of an application shall identify an application by number and date 
of filing, the name of the owner, and the name of the variety as stated 
in the application.
    (d) If an assignment is executed concurrently or subsequent to the 
filing of an application, but before its number and filing date are 
ascertained, the assignment shall identify the application by the date 
of the application, the name of the owner, and the name of the variety.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 17190, Apr. 4, 1995]



Sec.  97.131  Conditional assignments.

    Assignments recorded in the Office are regarded as absolute 
assignments for Office purposes until canceled in writing by both 
parties to the assignment or by a decree of a court of competent 
jurisdiction. The Office shall not determine whether conditions 
precedent to the assignment, such as the payment of money, have been 
fulfilled.



Sec.  97.132  Assignment records open to public inspection.

    (a) Assignment records relating to original or amended certificates 
shall be open to public inspection and copies of any recorded document 
may be obtained upon payment of the prescribed fee.
    (b) Assignment records relating to any pending or abandoned 
application

[[Page 277]]

shall not be available for inspection except to the extent that pending 
applications are published as provided in section 57 of the Act and 
Sec.  97.19, or where necessary to carry out the provisions of any Act 
of Congress. Copies of assignment records and information on pending or 
abandoned applications shall be obtainable only upon written authority 
of the applicant or his or her assignee, or attorney or agent of record, 
or where necessary to carry out the provisions of any Act of Congress. 
An order for a copy of an assignment shall give the proper 
identification of the assignment.

                     Marking or Labeling Provisions



Sec.  97.140  After filing.

    Upon filing an application for protection of a variety and payment 
of the prescribed fee, the owner, or his or her designee, may label the 
variety or containers of the seed of the variety or plants produced from 
such seed, substantially as follows: ``Unauthorized Propagation 
Prohibited--(Unauthorized Seed Multiplication Prohibited)--U.S. Variety 
Protection Applied For.'' Where applicable, ``PVPA 1994'' or ``PVPA 
1994--Unauthorized Sales for Reproductive Purposes Prohibited'' may be 
added to the notice.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 17190, Apr. 4, 1995; 61 
FR 248, Jan. 4, 1996]



Sec.  97.141  After issuance.

    Upon issuance of a certificate, the owner of the variety, or his or 
her designee, may label the variety, propagating material of the 
variety, or containers of the seed of the variety or plants produced 
from such seed or propagating material substantially as follows: 
``Unauthorized Propagation Prohibited--(Unauthorized Seed or Propagating 
Material Multiplication Prohibited)--U.S. Protected Variety.'' Where 
applicable, ``PVPA 1994'' or ``PVPA 1994--Unauthorized Sales for 
Reproductive Purposes Prohibited'' may be added to the notice.

[85 FR 432, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  97.142  For testing or increase.

    An owner who contemplates filing an application and releases for 
testing or increase seed of the variety or propagating material or 
reproducible plant material of the variety may label such plant material 
or containers of the seed or plant material substantially as follows: 
``Unauthorized Propagation Prohibited--For Testing (or Increase) Only.''

[85 FR 432, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  97.143  Certified seed only.

    (a) Upon filing an application, or amendment thereto, specifying 
seed of the variety is to be sold by variety name only as a class of 
certified seed, the owner, or his or her designee, may label containers 
of seed of the variety substantially as follows: ``Unauthorized 
Propagation Prohibited--U.S. Variety Protection Applied for Specifying 
That Seed of This Variety Is To Be Sold By Variety Name Only as a Class 
of Certified Seed.''
    (b) An owner who has received a certificate specifying that a 
variety is to be sold by variety name only, as a class of certified 
seed, may label containers of the seed of the variety substantially as 
follows: ``Unauthorized Propagation Prohibited--To Be Sold By Variety 
Name Only as a Class of Certified Seed--U.S. Protected Variety.''



Sec.  97.144  Additional marking or labeling.

    Additional clarifying information that is not false or misleading 
may be used by the owner, in addition to the above markings or labeling.

                          Attorneys and Agents



Sec.  97.150  Right to be represented.

    An applicant may actively advance an application or may be 
represented by an attorney or agent authorized in writing.



Sec.  97.151  Authorization.

    Only attorneys or agents specified by the applicant shall be allowed 
to inspect papers or take action of any kind, on behalf of the 
applicant, in any pending application or proceedings.



Sec.  97.152  Revocation of authorization; withdrawal.

    An authorization of an attorney or agent may be revoked by an 
applicant

[[Page 278]]

at any time, and an attorney or agent may withdraw, upon application to 
the Commissioner. When the authorization is so revoked, or the attorney 
or agent has so withdrawn, the Office shall inform the interested 
parties and shall thereafter communicate directly with the applicant, or 
with such other attorney or agent as the applicant may appoint. An 
assignment will not of itself operate as a revocation of authorization 
previously given, but the assignee of the entire interest may revoke 
previous authorizations and be represented by an attorney or agent of 
his or her own selection.



Sec.  97.153  Persons recognized.

    Unless specifically authorized as provided in Sec.  97.151, no 
person shall be permitted to file or advance applications before the 
Office on behalf of another person.



Sec.  97.154  Government employees.

    Officers and employees of the United States who are disqualified by 
statute (18 U.S.C. 203 and 205) from practicing as attorneys or agents 
in proceedings or other matters before government departments or 
agencies, shall not be eligible to represent applicants, except officers 
and employees whose official duties require the preparation and 
prosecution of applications for certificates of variety protection.



Sec.  97.155  Signatures.

    Every document filed by an attorney or agent representing an 
applicant or party to a proceeding in the Office shall bear the 
signature of such attorney or agent, except documents which are required 
to be signed by the applicant or party.



Sec.  97.156  Addresses.

    Attorneys and agents practicing before the Plant Variety Protection 
Office shall notify the Office in writing of any change of address. The 
Office shall address letters to any person at the last address received.



Sec.  97.157  Professional conduct.

    Attorneys and agents appearing before the Office shall conform to 
the standards of ethical and professional conduct, generally applicable 
to attorneys appearing before the courts of the United States.

                            Fees and Charges



Sec.  97.175  Fees and charges.

    The following fees and charges apply to the services and actions 
specified in paragraphs (a) through (f) of this section:
    (a) Application:
    (1) Initial fee for filing, examination, and certificate issuance--
$5,150
    (2) Submission of new application data prior to issuance of 
certificate--$432
    (3) Granting extensions for responding to data requests--$89
    (4) Refunds pursuant to Sec.  97.178 may be issued for portions of 
the initial application fee as follows: examination--$3,864, and 
certificate issuance--$768.
    (b) Reconsideration of application--$589
    (c) Revival of an abandoned application--$518
    (d) Appeals:
    (1) Filing a petition for protest to Commissioner--$4,118
    (2) Appeal to Secretary (refundable if appeal overturns protest to 
Commissioner)--$4,942
    (e) Field inspections or other services requiring travel by a 
representative of the Plant Variety Protection Office, made at the 
request of the applicant, shall be reimbursable in full (including 
travel, per diem or subsistence, salary, and administrative costs), in 
accordance with standardized government travel regulations.
    (f) Any other service not covered in this section, including, but 
not limited to, reproduction of records, authentication, correction, or 
reissuance of a certificate, recordation or revision of assignment, and 
late fees will be charged for at rates prescribed by the Commissioner, 
but in no event shall they exceed $97 per employee hour. Charges will 
also be made for materials, space, and administrative costs.

[85 FR 432, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  97.176  Fees payable in advance.

    Fees and charges shall be paid at the time of making application or 
at the time of submitting a request for any action by the Office for 
which a fee or

[[Page 279]]

charge is payable and established in this part.



Sec.  97.177  Method of payment.

    Payments can be submitted through the electronic Plant Variety 
Protection system or pay.gov. Checks or money orders shall be made 
payable to the Treasurer of the United States. Remittances from foreign 
countries must be payable and immediately negotiable in the United 
States for the full amount of the prescribed fee. Money sent by mail to 
the Office shall be sent at the sender's risk.

[85 FR 432, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  97.178  Refunds.

    Money paid by mistake or excess payments shall be refunded, but a 
mere change of plans after the payment of money, as when a party decides 
to withdraw an application or to withdraw an appeal, shall not entitle a 
party to a refund. However, the examination fee shall be refunded if an 
application is voluntarily withdrawn or abandoned pursuant to Sec.  
97.23(a) before the examination has begun. The certificate issuance fee 
shall be refunded if an application is voluntarily withdrawn or 
abandoned after an examination has been completed and before a 
certificate has been issued. Amounts of $1 or less shall not be refunded 
unless specifically demanded.

[85 FR 432, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  97.179  Copies and certified copies.

    (a) Upon request, copies of applications, certificates, or of any 
records, books, papers, drawings, or photographs in the custody of the 
Office and which are open to the public, will be furnished to persons 
entitled thereto, upon payment of the prescribed fee.
    (b) Upon request, copies will be authenticated by imprint of the 
seal of the Office and certified by the official, authorized by the 
Commissioner upon payment of the prescribed fee.

                     Availability of Office Records



Sec.  97.190  When open records are available.

    Copies of records, which are open to the public and in the custody 
of the Office, may be examined in the Office during regular business 
hours upon approval by the Commissioner.

                           Protest Proceedings



Sec.  97.200  Protests to the grant of a certificate.

    Opposition on the part of any person to the granting of a 
certificate shall be permitted while an application is pending and for a 
period not to exceed 5 years following the issuance of a certificate.



Sec.  97.201  Protest proceedings.

    (a) Opposition shall be made by submitting in writing a petition for 
protest proceedings, which petition shall be supported by affidavits and 
shall show the reason or reasons for opposing the application or 
certificate. The petition and accompanying papers shall be filed in 
duplicate. If it appears to an examiner that a variety involved in a 
pending application or covered by a certificate may not be or may not 
have been entitled to protection under the Act, a protest proceeding may 
be permitted by the Commissioner.
    (b) One copy of the petition and accompanying papers shall be served 
by the Office upon the applicant or owner, or his or her attorney or 
agent of record.
    (c) An answer, by the applicant or owner of the certificate, or his 
or her assignee, in response to the petition, may be filed with the 
Commissioner within 60 days after service of the petition, upon such 
person. If no answer is filed within said period, the Commissioner shall 
decide the matter on the basis of the allegations set forth in the 
petition.
    (d) If the petition and answer raise any issue of fact needing 
proof, the Commissioner shall afford each of the parties a period of 60 
days in which to file sworn statements or affidavits in support of their 
respective positions.
    (e) As soon as practicable after the petition or the petition and 
answer are filed, or after the expiration of any period for filing sworn 
statements or affidavits, the Commissioner shall issue a decision as to 
whether the protests are upheld or denied. The Commissioner may, 
following the protest proceeding,

[[Page 280]]

cancel any certificate issued and may grant another certificate for the 
same variety to a person who proves to the satisfaction of the 
Commissioner, that he or she is the breeder or discoverer. The decision 
shall be served upon the parties in the manner provided in Sec.  97.403.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 17190, Apr. 4, 1995]

                         Appeal to the Secretary



Sec.  97.300  Petition to the Secretary.

    (a) Petition may be made to the Secretary from any final action of 
the Commissioner denying an application or refusing to allow a 
certificate to be issued, or from any adverse decision of the 
Commissioner made under Sec. Sec.  97.18(c), 97.107, 97.201(e), and 
97.220.
    (b) Any such petition shall contain a statement of the facts 
involved and the point or points to be reviewed, and the actions 
requested.
    (c) A petition to the Secretary shall be filed in duplicate and 
accompanied by the prescribed fee (see Sec.  97.175).
    (d) Upon request, an opportunity to present data, views, and 
arguments orally, in an informal manner or in a formal hearing, shall be 
given to interested persons. If a formal hearing is requested, the 
proceeding shall be conducted in accordance with the Rules of Practice 
Governing Formal Adjudicatory Proceedings Instituted by the Secretary 
Under Various Statutes set forth in Sec. Sec.  1.130 through 1.151 of 
this title.
    (e) Except as otherwise provided in the rules in this part, any such 
petition not filed within 60 days from the action complained of shall be 
dismissed as untimely.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 8464, Feb. 14, 1995]



Sec.  97.301  Commissioner's answer.

    (a) The Commissioner may, within such time as may be directed by the 
Secretary, furnish a written statement to the Secretary in answer to the 
appellant's petition, including such explanation of the reasons for the 
action as may be necessary and supplying a copy to the appellant.
    (b) Within 20 days from the date of such answer, the appellant may 
file a reply statement directed only to such new points of argument as 
may be raised in the Commissioner's answer.



Sec.  97.302  Decision by the Secretary.

    (a) The Secretary, after receiving the advice of the Board, may 
affirm or reverse the decision of the Commissioner, in whole or in part.
    (b) Should the decision of the Secretary include an explicit 
statement that a certificate be allowed, based on an amended 
application, the applicant shall have the right to amend his or her 
application in conformity with such statement and such decision shall be 
binding on the Commissioner.



Sec.  97.303  Action following the decision.

    (a) Copies of the decision of the Secretary shall be served upon the 
appellant and the Commissioner in the manner provided in Sec.  97.403.
    (b) When an appeal petition is dismissed, or when the time for 
appeal to the courts pursuant to the Act has expired and no such appeal 
or civil action has been filed, proceedings in the appeal shall be 
considered terminated as of the dismissal or expiration date, except in 
those cases in which the nature of the decision requires further action 
by the Commissioner. If the decision of the Secretary is appealed or a 
civil action has been filed pursuant to the Act, the decision of the 
Secretary will be stayed pending the outcome of the court appeal or 
civil action.

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 17190, Apr. 4, 1995]

     General Procedures in Priority, Protest, or Appeal Proceedings



Sec.  97.400  Extensions of time.

    Upon a showing of good cause, extensions of time not otherwise 
provided for may be granted by the Commissioner or, if an appeal has 
been filed by the Secretary for taking any action required in any 
priority, protest, or appeal proceeding.



Sec.  97.401  Miscellaneous provisions.

    (a) Petitions for reconsideration or modification of the decision of 
the Commissioner in priority or protest proceedings shall be filed 
within 20 days after the date of the decision.

[[Page 281]]

    (b) The Commissioner may consider on petition any matter involving 
abuse of discretion in the exercise of an examiner's authority, or such 
other matters as may be deemed proper to consider. Any such petition, if 
not filed within 20 days from the decision complained of, may be 
dismissed as untimely.



Sec.  97.402  Service of papers.

    (a) Every paper required to be served on opposing parties and filed 
in the Office in any priority, protest, or appeal proceeding, must be 
served by the Secretary in the manner provided in Sec.  97.403.
    (b) The requirement in certain sections that a specified paper shall 
be served includes a requirement that all related supporting papers 
shall also be served. Proof of such service upon other parties to the 
proceeding must be made before the supporting papers will be considered 
by the Commissioner or Secretary.



Sec.  97.403  Manner of service.

    Service of any paper under this part must be on the attorney or 
agent of the party if there be such, or on the party if there is no 
attorney or agent, and may be made in any of the following ways:
    (a) By mailing a copy of the paper to the person served by certified 
mail, with the date of the return receipt controlling the date of 
service;
    (b) By leaving a copy at the usual place of business of the person 
served with someone in his or her employ;
    (c) When the person served has no usual place of business, by 
leaving a copy at his or her home with a member of the family over 14 
years of age and of discretion; and
    (d) Whenever it shall be found by the Commissioner or Secretary that 
none of the above modes of serving the paper is practicable, service may 
be by notice, published once on the Plant Variety Protection Office 
website (https://www.ams.usda.gov/PVPO).

[58 FR 42435, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 85 FR 432, Jan. 6, 2020]

                      Review of Decisions by Court



Sec.  97.500  Appeal to U.S. Courts.

    Any applicant dissatisfied with the decision of the Secretary on 
appeal may appeal to the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Federal Circuit 
or institute a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the District 
of Columbia, as set forth in the Act. In such cases, the appellant or 
plaintiff shall give notice to the Secretary, state the reasons for 
appeal or civil action, and obtain a certified copy of the record. The 
certified copy of the record shall be forwarded to the Court by the 
Plant Variety Protection Office on order of, and at the expense of the 
appellant or plaintiff.

[85 FR 432, Jan. 6, 2020]

                      Cease and Desist Proceedings



Sec.  97.600  Administrative provisions.

    Any proceedings instituted under section 128 of the Act for false 
marking shall be conducted in accordance with Sec. Sec.  202.10 through 
202.29 of this chapter (rules of practice under the Federal Seed Act) (7 
U.S.C. 1551 et seq.), except that all references in those rules and 
regulations to ``Examiner'' shall be construed to be an Administrative 
Law Judge, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and not an ``Examiner'' as 
defined in the regulations under the Plant Variety Protection Act.

                         Public Use Declaration



Sec.  97.700  Public interest in wide usage.

    (a) If the Secretary has reason to believe that a protected variety 
should be declared open to use by the public in accordance with section 
44 of the Act, the Secretary shall give the owner of the variety 
appropriate notice and an opportunity to present views orally or in 
writing, with regard to the necessity for such action to be taken in the 
public interest.
    (b) Upon the expiration of the period for the presentation of views 
by the owner, as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, the 
Secretary shall refer the matter to the Plant Variety Protection Board 
for advice, including advice on any limitations or rate of remuneration.

[[Page 282]]

    (c) Upon receiving the advice of the Plant Variety Protection Board, 
the Secretary shall advise the owner of the variety, the members of the 
Plant Variety Protection Board, and the public, by issuance of a press 
release, of any decision based on the provisions of section 44 of the 
Act to declare a variety open to use by the public. Any decision not to 
declare a variety open to use by the public will be transmitted only to 
the owner of the variety and the members of the Plant Variety Protection 
Board.

                               Publication



Sec.  97.800  Publication of public variety descriptions.

    Voluntary submissions of varietal descriptions of ``public 
varieties'' on forms obtainable from the Office will be accepted for 
publication on the Plant Variety Protection Office website (https://
www.ams.usda.gov/PVPO). Such publication shall not constitute 
recognition that the variety is, in fact, distinct, uniform, and stable.

[85 FR 433, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  97.900  Form of official identification symbol.

    The symbol set forth in Figure 1, containing the words ``Plant 
Variety Protection Office'' and ``U.S. Department of Agriculture,'' 
shall be the official identification symbol of the Plant Variety 
Protection Office. This information symbol, used by the Plant Variety 
Protection Office on the seal on certificates of Plant Variety 
Protection, has been approved by the Office of Communications to be 
added to the USDA/AMS inventory of symbols. It is approved for use with 
AMS materials.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR02AU00.006


[[Page 283]]



[65 FR 47244, Aug. 2, 2000]



PART 98_MEALS, READY-TO-EAT (MREs), MEATS, AND MEAT PRODUCTS-
-Table of Contents



          Subpart A_MREs, Meats, and Related Meat Food Products

Sec.
98.1 General.
98.2 Definitions.
98.3 Analyses performed and locations of laboratories.
98.4 Analytical methods.
98.5 Fees and charges.

    Subpart B_USDA Certification of Laboratories for the Testing of 
                         Trichinae in Horsemeat

98.100 General.
98.101 Definitions.
98.102-98.600 [Reserved]

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622, 1624.

    Source: 58 FR 42445, Aug. 9, 1993, unless otherwise noted.



          Subpart A_MREs, Meats, and Related Meat Food Products



Sec.  98.1  General.

    Analytical services of meat and meat food products are performed for 
fat, moisture, salt, protein, and other content specifications.



Sec.  98.2  Definitions.

    Words used in the regulations in this subpart in the singular form 
will import the plural, and vice versa, as the case may demand. As used 
throughout the regulations in this subpart, unless the context requires 
otherwise, the following terms will be construed to mean:
    Lard (Edible). The fat rendered from clean and sound edible tissues 
from swine.
    Meals, Ready-To-Eat (MRE). Meals, Ready-To-Eat are complete portions 
of one meal for one military person and are processed and packaged to 
destroy or retard the growth of spoilage-type microorganisms in order to 
extend product shelf life for 7 years. Composition analyses for MREs are 
covered by the reimbursable agreement in the Memorandums of 
Understanding (MOU's) between AMS, USDA and the Defense Personnel 
Support Center, Department of Defense (DOD). These DOD, Defense 
Personnel Support Center (DPSC) contracts state certain military 
specifications for an acceptable one meal serving, retorted pouched or 
18-24 serving hermetically-sealed tray packed meat, or meal product 
regarding satisfactory analyses for fat, salt, protein, moisture 
content, added stabilizer ingredient, and sometimes microbiological 
composition. MREs are for use by the DOD, DPSC as a component of 
operational food rations, and as an item of general issue by the 
military.
    Meat. This includes the edible part of the muscle of any cattle, 
sheep, swine, or goats, which is skeletal or which is found in the 
tongue, in the diaphragm, in the heart, or in the esophagus, and which 
is intended for human food, with or without the accompanying and 
overlying fat, and the portions of bone, skin, tendon, nerve, and blood 
vessels which normally accompany the muscle tissue, and which are not 
separated from it in the process of dressing. It does not include the 
muscle found in the lips, snout, or ears. This term, as applied to 
products of equines, shall have a meaning comparable to that provided in 
this paragraph with respect to cattle, sheep, swine, and goats.
    Meat food product. Any article capable for use as human food (other 
than meat, prepared meat, or a meat by-product), which is derived or 
prepared wholly or in substantial part from meat or other portion of the 
carcass of any cattle, sheep, swine, or goats. An article exempted from 
definition as a meat food product by the Administrator, such as an 
organotherapeutic substance, meat juice, meat extract, and the like, 
which is used only for medicinal purposes and is advertised solely to 
the medical profession is not included.
    Ready-to-eat. The term means consumers are likely to apply little or 
no additional heat to the fully-cooked and the fully-prepared food 
product before consumption.
    Specifications. Descriptions with respect to the class, grade, other 
quality, quantity or condition of products, approved by the 
Administrator, and

[[Page 284]]

available for use by the industry regardless of the origin of the 
descriptions.
    Tallow (Edible). The hard fat derived from USDA inspected and passed 
cattle, sheep, or goats.
    Titer. The measure of the hardness or softness of the tested 
material as determined by the solidification point of fatty acids and 
expressed in degrees centigrade ([deg]C).



Sec.  98.3  Analyses performed and locations of laboratories.

    (a) Tables 1 through 4 list the special laboratory analyses rendered 
by the Science and Technology as a result of an agreement with the 
Livestock and Seed Division. The payment for such laboratory services 
rendered at the request of an individual or third party served shall be 
reimbursed pursuant to the terms as specified in the cooperative 
agreement.

                       Table 1--Schedule Analysis
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Samples
               Identity                        Analyses          tested
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Schedule BC (Beef Chunks, Canned).....  Fat, salt............          1
Schedule BJ (Beef with Natural Juices,  Fat..................          1
 Canned).
Schedule CS (Canned Meatball Stew)....  Fat..................          3
Schedule GP (Frozen Ground Pork)......  Fat..................          4
Schedule PJ (Pork with Natural Juices,  Fat..................          1
 Canned).
Schedule RB (Beef for Reprocessing)...  Fat..................          4
Schedule RG (Beef Roasts and Ground     Fat..................          4
 Beef).
Schedule SB (Slab or Sliced Bacon)....  Moisture, fat, salt..          1
Schedule WS (Beef or Wafer Steaks)....  Fat..................          1
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                    Table 2--Microbiological Analysis
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Number of
                      Type of analysis                         samples
                                                                tested
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psychrotrophic Bacterial Plate Count.......................            1
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                      Table 3--Nonschedule Analysis
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Samples
               Identity                        Analyses          tested
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fed Specification PP-B-2120B (Ground    Fat..................          4
 Beef Products).
Fed Specification PP-B-81J (Sliced      Fat, salt, moisture..          1
 Bacon).
Fed Specification PP-L-800E (Luncheon   Fat, salt............          1
 Meat, Canned).
Ground Beef or Ground Pork............  Fat..................          4
Ground Beef or Ground Pork............  Fat..................          1
Pork Sausage..........................  Fat, salt............          4
Pork Sausage..........................  Fat, moisture........          4
Pork Sausage..........................  Fat..................          4
Mil-P-44131A (Pork Steaks, Flaked,      Fat..................          4
 Formed, Breaded).
Milwaukee Public Schools (Breaded/      Fat..................          4
 Unbreaded Meat).
Chili Con Carne Without Beans.........  Fat..................          1
A-A-20047-B...........................  Fat, protein.........          3
A-A-20136.............................  salt.................          3
A-A-20148.............................  Fat, salt............          3
Mil-B-44133 (GL)......................  Fat, salt............          3
Mil-B-44158A..........................  Water activity.......          6
Mil-C-44253...........................  Fat, salt............          3
Mil-H-44159B (GL).....................  Fat, salt............          1
PP-F-02154 (Army GL)..................  Fat, salt, moisture..          1
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                    Table 4--Lard and Tallow Analysis
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Number of
                      Type of analysis                         samples
                                                                tested
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fat Analysis Committee (FAC) Color.........................            1
Free Fatty Acids...........................................            1
Insoluble Impurities.......................................            1
Moisture and Volatile Matter...............................            1

[[Page 285]]

 
Specific Gravity...........................................       4 to 6
Titer Test.................................................            1
Unsaponifiable Material....................................            1
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Meats, such as ground beef or ground pork, meat food products, 
and MREs, not covered by an agreement with Livestock and Seed Division, 
are analyzed for fat, moisture, salt, sulfur dioxide, nitrites, 
sulfites, ascorbates, citric acid, protein, standard plate counts, and 
coliform counts, among other analyses. These food product analyses are 
performed at any one of the Science and Technology (S&T) field 
laboratories as follows:
    (1) USDA, AMS, Science and Technology, Midwestern Laboratory, 3570 
North Avondale Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618.
    (2) USDA, AMS, S&T Aflatoxin Laboratory, 107 South 4th Street, 
Madill, OK 73446.
    (3) USDA, AMS, S&T, Eastern Laboratory, 2311-B Aberdeen Boulevard, 
Gastonia, NC 28054.

[58 FR 42445, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 24325, May 10, 1994; 59 
FR 50121, Sept. 30, 1994; 61 FR 51353, Oct. 2, 1996; 65 FR 64318, Oct. 
26, 2000]



Sec.  98.4  Analytical methods.

    (a) The majority of analytical methods used by the USDA laboratories 
to perform analyses of meat, meat food products and MREs are listed as 
follows:
    (1) Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL, Suite 500, 
481 North Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2417.
    (2) U.S. Army Individual Protection Directorate's Military 
Specifications, approved analytical test methods noted therein, U.S. 
Army Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center, Kansas Street, 
Natick, MA 01760-5017.
    (b) Additional analytical methods for these foods will be used, from 
time to time, as approved by the Director.

[58 FR 42445, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 61 FR 51353, Oct. 2, 1996]



Sec.  98.5  Fees and charges.

    (a) The fee charged for any single laboratory analysis of meat, meat 
food products, and MREs, not covered by an agreement with Livestock and 
Seed Division, is specified in the schedules of charges in paragraph (a) 
of Sec.  91.37 of this subchapter.
    (b) The laboratory analyses of meat, meat food products, and MREs, 
not covered by a cooperative agreement, shall result in an additional 
fee, found in Table 7 of Sec.  91.37 of this subchapter, for sample 
preparation or grinding.
    (c) The charge for any requested laboratory analysis of meat, meat 
food products, and MREs not listed shall be based on the standard hourly 
rate specified in Sec.  91.37, paragraph (b).



    Subpart B_USDA Certification of Laboratories for the Testing of 
                         Trichinae in Horsemeat



Sec.  98.100  General.

    A laboratory that has met the requirements for certification 
specified in this subpart shall receive an AMS Science and Technology 
certificate to approve its analysis for Trichinella spiralis in 
horsemeat. Certification would be granted to a qualified analyst or a 
laboratory based on having the proper training, facilities, and 
equipment. This AMS laboratory certification program will enable 
horsemeat exporters to comply with trichinae testing requirements of the 
European Community.

[58 FR 42445, Aug. 9, 1993, as amended at 61 FR 51353, Oct. 2, 1996; 65 
FR 64318, Oct. 26, 2000]



Sec.  98.101  Definitions.

    Words used in the regulations in this part in the singular form will 
import the plural, and vice versa, as the case may demand. As used 
throughout the

[[Page 286]]

regulations in this part, unless the context requires otherwise, the 
following terms will be construed to mean:
    European Community. The European Community (EC) consists of the 
initial 12 European countries and the updated and expanded membership of 
nations. The original EC members are Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, 
Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal and 
Spain.
    Horsemeat. That U.S. inspected and passed clean, wholesome muscle 
tissue of horses, which is skeletal or which is found in the tongue, in 
the diaphragm, in the heart, or in the esophagus, with or without the 
accompanying and overlying fat and the portions of sinews, nerves, and 
blood vessels, which normally accompany the muscle tissue and which are 
not separated from it in the process of dressing.
    Trichinae. Round worms or nematodes of the genus Trichinella, which 
live as parasites in man, horses, rats, and other animals.
    Trichinella spiralis. A small parasitic nematode worm which lives in 
the flesh of various animals, including the horse. When such infected 
meat is inadequately cooked and eaten by man, the live worm multiplies 
within the body and the larvae burrow their way into the muscles, 
causing a disease referred to as trichinosis.



Sec. Sec.  98.102-98.600  [Reserved]

                         PARTS 99	109 [RESERVED]



PART 110_RECORDKEEPING ON RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDES BY CERTIFIED
APPLICATORS; SURVEYS AND REPORTS--Table of Contents



Sec.
110.1 Scope.
110.2 Definitions.
110.3 Records, retention, and access to records.
110.4 Demonstration of compliance.
110.5 Availability of records to facilitate medical treatment.
110.6 Federal cooperation with States.
110.7 Penalties.
110.8 Administrative procedures.
110.9 Miscellaneous.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 136a(d)(1)(c), 136i-1, and 450; 7 CFR 2.17, 
2.50.

    Source: 58 FR 19022, Apr. 9, 1993, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  110.1  Scope.

    This part sets forth the requirements for recordkeeping on 
restricted use pesticides by all certified applicators, both private 
applicators and commercial applicators.



Sec.  110.2  Definitions.

    As used in this part, the following terms shall be construed, 
respectively, to mean:
    Administrator. The Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing 
Service, United States Department of Agriculture, or any individual to 
whom the Administrator delegates authority to act in his or her behalf.
    Authorized representative. Any person who is authorized to act on 
behalf of the Secretary or a State lead agency for the purpose of 
surveying records required to be kept under this part and enforcing this 
part.
    Certification number. A number issued by EPA or a State to an 
individual who is authorized by EPA or the State to use or supervise the 
use of any restricted use pesticide.
    Certified applicator. Any individual who is certified by EPA or the 
State to use or supervise the use of any restricted use pesticide 
covered by that individual's certification.
    Commercial applicator. A certified applicator, whether or not the 
individual is a private applicator with respect to some uses, who uses 
or supervises the use of any restricted use pesticide for any purpose on 
any property other than as provided by the definition of private 
applicator.
    Comparable. With respect to the records required to be kept under 
this part, similar to those required under EPA-approved State 
certification programs.
    Complainant. The Administrator or an official of a cooperating State 
that deals with pesticide use or health or environmental issues related 
to the pesticide use, who institutes a proceeding pursuant to Sec.  
110.8 of this part.
    EPA. The United States Environmental Protection Agency.
    EPA registration number. The number assigned to a product registered 
with

[[Page 287]]

EPA in accordance with sections 3 or 24c of the Federal Insecticide, 
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and implementing regulations, and borne 
on the label of the product.
    Indian governing body. The governing body of any tribe, band, or 
group of Indians subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and 
recognized by the United States as possessing power of self-government.
    Licensed health care professional. A physician, nurse, emergency 
medical technician, or other qualified individual, licensed or certified 
by a State to provide medical treatment.
    Medical emergency. A situation that requires immediate medical 
treatment or first aid to treat possible symptoms of pesticide poisoning 
or exposure.
    Parties. Includes the Administrator or cooperating State agencies 
who institute proceedings against whom such proceedings are instituted, 
under Sec.  110.8 of this part.
    Person. Any individual, corporation, company, association, firm, 
partnership, society, or other legal entity.
    Presiding officer. Any individual designated in writing by the 
Administrator to preside at a proceeding conducted pursuant to Sec.  
110.8 of this part.
    Private applicator. A certified applicator who uses or supervises 
the use of any restricted use pesticide for purposes of producing any 
agricultural commodity:
    (1) On property owned or rented by the applicator or the employer of 
the applicator; or
    (2) If applied without compensation, other than trading of personal 
services between producers of agricultural commodities, on the property 
of another person.
    Record. The legible recording of all required elements under section 
110.3(a) (1) through (6) for the application of a federally restricted 
use pesticide. \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Records can be handwritten on individual notes or forms, consist 
of invoices, be computerized, and or be maintained in recordkeeping 
books.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Recordkeeping. The recording by the certified applicator, or the 
agent of the certified applicator, of the information required by Sec.  
110.3(a) and (b) concerning each restricted use pesticide application, 
either electronically or manually in writing, and the maintenance of 
such records in a manner accessible to authorized representatives.
    Respondent. The party proceeded against pursuant to Sec.  110.8 of 
this part, restricted use pesticide. A pesticide that is federally 
classified for restricted use under section 3(d)(1)(c) of the Federal 
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
    Secretary. The Secretary of Agriculture, United States Department of 
Agriculture, or any individual to whom the Secretary delegates authority 
to act in his or her behalf.
    State. A State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, 
the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other territory or possession of 
the United States, or an Indian governing body.
    State lead agency. The agency designated by a State to have access 
to the records required to be maintained under this part.
    Supervise. To provide instruction and guidance in the application of 
restricted use pesticides and exercise control over an applicator of 
restricted use pesticides in accordance with standards prescribed by the 
EPA in 40 CFR part 171.

[58 FR 19022, Apr. 9, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 8123, Feb. 10, 1995]



Sec.  110.3  Records, retention, and access to records.

    (a) Certified applicators of restricted use pesticides shall 
maintain records of the application of restricted use pesticides. Except 
as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, these records shall 
include the following information for each application:
    (1) The brand or product name, and the EPA registration number of 
the restricted use pesticide that was applied;
    (2) The total amount of the restricted use pesticide applied;
    (3) The location of the application, the size of area treated, and 
the crop, commodity, stored product, or site to which a restricted use 
pesticide was applied. The location of the application may be recorded 
using any of the following designations:

[[Page 288]]

    (i) County, range, township, and section;
    (ii) An identification system utilizing maps and/or written 
descriptions which accurately identify location;
    (iii) An identification system established by a United States 
Department of Agriculture agency which utilizes maps and numbering 
system to identify field locations; or
    (iv) The legal property description.
    (4) The month, day, and year on which the restricted use pesticide 
application occurred; and
    (5) The name and certification number (if applicable) of the 
certified applicator who applied or who supervised the application of 
the restricted use pesticide.
    (b) Certified applicators shall maintain records of the application 
of restricted use pesticides made on the same day in a total area of 
less than one-tenth (\1/10\) of an acre. Except for applications of 
restricted use pesticides in greenhouses and nurseries, to which the 
requirements of paragraph (a) of this section apply, these records shall 
include the following information for the application:
    (1) The brand or product name, and the EPA registration number of 
the restricted use pesticide that was applied;
    (2) The total amount of the restricted use pesticide applied;
    (3) The location of the application, designated as ``spot 
application,'' followed by a concise description of location and 
treatment; and
    (4) The month, day, and year on which the restricted use pesticide 
application occurred.
    (c) The information required in this section shall be recorded 
within 14 days following the pesticide application. However, whether or 
not the written record has been completed, the certified applicator 
shall provide the information to be recorded in accordance with Sec.  
110.5(a).
    (d) The records required in this section shall be retained for a 
period of 2 years from the date of the restricted use pesticide 
application and be maintained in a manner that is accessible by 
authorized representatives.
    (e) A commercial applicator shall, within 30 days of a restricted 
use pesticide application, provide a copy of records required under this 
section or under State or Federal regulations (whichever is applicable) 
under which the commercial applicator is holding certification, to the 
person for whom the restricted use pesticide was applied.
    (f) A certified applicator shall, upon oral request and presentation 
of credentials by an authorized representative, make available to the 
authorized representative the records required to be maintained under 
this section and permit the authorized representative to copy any of the 
records. The original of the records required to be maintained under 
this section shall be retained by the certified pesticide applicators.
    (g) No Federal or State agency shall release information obtained 
under this part that would directly or indirectly reveal the identity of 
producers of commodities to which restricted use pesticides have been 
applied.
    (h) Certified applicators who apply restricted use pesticides in 
States where they are required to maintain records on applications of 
restricted use pesticides, comparable to those for commercial 
applicators in that State, and such records are maintained in accordance 
with State requirements, are not subject to paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) 
of this section.

[58 FR 19022, Apr. 9, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 8123, Feb. 10, 1995]



Sec.  110.4  Demonstration of compliance.

    The Secretary is authorized to inspect and copy any record required 
to be maintained by this part in order to determine whether a certified 
applicator is complying with this part.



Sec.  110.5  Availability of records to facilitate medical treatment.

    (a) When the attending licensed health care professional, or an 
individual acting under the direction of the attending licensed health 
care professional, determines that any record of the application of any 
restricted use pesticide required to be maintained under Sec.  110.3 is 
necessary to provide medical treatment or first aid to an individual who 
may have been exposed to the restricted use pesticide for which the 
record is or will be maintained, the

[[Page 289]]

certified applicator required to maintain the record shall promptly 
provide the record information and any available label information. If 
it is determined by the attending licensed health care professional, or 
an individual acting under the direction of the attending licensed 
health care professional, to be a medical emergency, the record 
information of the restricted use pesticide, relating to the medical 
emergency, shall be provided immediately.
    (b)(1) The attending licensed health care professional, or an 
individual acting under the direction of the attending licensed health 
care professional, may utilize and release the record or record 
information obtained under paragraph (a) of this section when necessary 
to provide medical treatment or first aid to an individual who may have 
been exposed to the restricted use pesticide for which the record is or 
will be maintained.
    (2) The attending licensed health care professional may release the 
record or record information to appropriate federal or state agencies 
that deal with pesticide use or any health issue related to the use of 
pesticides when necessary to prevent further injury or illness.
    (3) A licensed health care professional may release the record or 
record information to submit pesticide poisoning incident reports to 
appropriate state or federal agencies.

[60 FR 8123, Feb. 10, 1995]



Sec.  110.6  Federal cooperation with States.

    (a) For the purpose of carrying out this part, the Administrator may 
enter into agreements with States.
    (b) The Administrator may, after entering a State-Federal 
cooperative agreement with a State, utilize employees and facilities of 
the State to carry out any provisions of this part in that State. This 
State-Federal cooperative agreement shall specify:
    (1) The agency of the State that is designated as the State lead 
agency;
    (2) The responsibilities of State agencies for the enforcement of 
this part and the imposition of penalties under this part;
    (3) The qualifications required of the State employees administering 
and enforcing this part;
    (4) That the State-Federal cooperative agreement may be terminated 
at any time by the mutual agreement of the parties to the agreement;
    (5) That the State-Federal cooperative agreement may be terminated 
by either party by giving written notice to the other party at least 90 
days before a specified date of termination; and
    (6) The provisions for liaison between the State and the 
Administrator concerning the administration and enforcement of this part 
as may be agreed by the Administrator and the State.
    (c) If at any time the Administrator shall determine that the State 
lead agency or other State agencies charged with carrying out the terms 
of the State-Federal cooperative agreement are unable or unwilling to 
carry out the terms of the agreement, or, if for any reason the 
Administrator or State shall determine that the agreement is no longer 
in effect, the Administrator shall administer and enforce this part in 
the State.
    (d) If a State shall notify the Administrator of its readiness to 
enter into a State-Federal cooperative agreement prior to passage of 
State legislation and regulations governing recordkeeping by certified 
applicators of restricted use pesticides, the Administrator may enter 
into a State-Federal cooperative agreement with the State on an annual 
basis.
    (e) For a State to be eligible for Federal technical or financial 
assistance under a State-Federal cooperative agreement, the State 
requirements for recordkeeping by all certified applicators of 
restricted use pesticides must be comparable to the recordkeeping 
requirements under this part.



Sec.  110.7  Penalties.

    Any certified applicator who violates 7 U.S.C. 136i-1(a), (b), or 
(c) or this part shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than 
the amount specified in section Sec.  3.91(b)(1)(i)(A) of this title in 
the case of the first offense, and in the case of subsequent offenses, 
be subject to a civil penalty of not less than the

[[Page 290]]

amount specified in Sec.  3.91(b)(1)(i)(B) of this title for each 
violation, except that the civil penalty shall be less than the amount 
specified in Sec.  3.91(b)(1)(i)(B) of this title if the Administrator 
determines that the certified applicator made a good faith effort to 
comply with 7 U.S.C. 136i-1(a), (b), and (c) and this part.

[70 FR 29579, May 24, 2005]



Sec.  110.8  Administrative procedures.

    (a) Notice of violation. If there is reason to believe that a person 
has violated or is violating any provision of this part, the complainant 
may file with the Presiding Officer a notice of violation signed by the 
complainant. The notice of violation shall state:
    (1) The date of issuance of the notice of violation;
    (2) The nature of the proceeding;
    (3) The identification of the complainant and respondent;
    (4) The legal authority under which the proceeding is instituted;
    (5) The allegations of fact and provisions of law which constitute 
the basis for the proceeding;
    (6) The amount of the proposed civil penalty; and
    (7) The name, mailing address, and telephone number of the Presiding 
Officer.
    (b) Answer. Within 30 days after the service of the notice of 
violation, the respondent shall file with the Presiding Officer an 
answer signed by the respondent or by the attorney of record in the 
proceeding. The answer shall:
    (1) Admit, deny, or explain each of the allegations in the notice of 
violation and set forth any defense asserted by the respondent; or
    (2) State that the respondent admits all the facts alleged in the 
notice of violation; or
    (3) State that the respondent admits the jurisdictional allegations 
in the notice of violation and neither admits nor denies the remaining 
allegations and consents to the issuance of an order without further 
procedure.
    (c) Default. Failure to file an answer within 30 days after service 
of the notice of violation shall be deemed, for purposes of the 
proceeding, an admission of the allegations in the notice of violation, 
and failure to deny or otherwise respond to an allegation in the notice 
of violation shall be deemed, for purposes of the proceeding, an 
admission of the allegation, unless the complainant and respondent have 
agreed to a consent decision pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section.
    (d) Amendment of notice of violation or answer. At any time prior to 
the filing of a motion for a hearing, the notice of violation or answer 
may be amended with the consent of the complainant and respondent or as 
authorized by the Presiding Officer upon a showing of good cause.
    (e) Consent decision. At any time before the Presiding Officer files 
the decision, the complainant and respondent may agree to the entry of a 
consent decision. The agreement shall be in the form of a decision 
signed by the complainant and respondent with appropriate space for 
signature by the Presiding Officer, and shall contain an admission of at 
least the jurisdictional facts, consent to the issuance of the agreed 
decision without further procedure, and such other admissions or 
statements as may be agreed to by the complainant and respondent. The 
Presiding Officer shall enter such decision without further procedure, 
unless an error is apparent on the face of the document. The consent 
decision shall have the same force and effect as a decision issued after 
a full hearing, shall become final upon issuance, and shall become 
effective in accordance with the terms of the decision.
    (f) Procedure upon failure to file an answer or admission of facts. 
The failure to file an answer with the Presiding Officer, or the 
admission by the answer of all the material allegations of fact 
contained in the notice of violation, shall constitute a waiver of 
hearing. Upon such admission or failure to submit an answer, complainant 
shall file with the Presiding Officer a proposed decision, along with a 
motion for the adoption of the proposed decision both of which shall be 
served upon the respondent by the Presiding Officer. Within 20 days 
after service of the motion and proposed decision, the respondent may 
file with the Presiding Officer objections to the motion and proposed 
decision. If the Presiding Officer finds that meritorious objections 
have been filed,

[[Page 291]]

complainant's motion shall be denied with supporting reasons. If 
meritorious objections are not filed, the Presiding Officer shall issue 
a decision without further procedure or hearing. Copies of the decision 
or denial of complainant's motion shall be served by the Presiding 
Officer upon the respondent and the complainant and may be appealed 
pursuant to paragraph (l) of this section. Where the decision as 
proposed by complainant is entered, such decision shall become final and 
effective without further proceedings 35 days after the date of service 
of the decision upon the respondent, unless there is an appeal to the 
Administrator by the complainant or respondent, pursuant to paragraph 
(l) of this section.
    (g) Conferences. (1) Upon motion of the complainant or respondent, 
the Presiding Officer may direct the complainant and respondent or their 
counsel to attend a conference at any reasonable time, prior to or 
during the course of the hearing, when the Presiding Officer finds that 
the proceeding would be expedited by a conference. Reasonable notice of 
the time and place of the conference shall be given. The Presiding 
Officer may order the complainant or respondent to furnish at or 
subsequent to the conference any or all of the following:
    (i) An outline of the case or defense;
    (ii) The legal theories upon which the party will rely;
    (iii) A list of documents which the party anticipates introducing at 
the hearing; and
    (iv) A list of anticipated witnesses who will testify on behalf of 
the party. At the discretion of the party furnishing such list of 
witnesses, the names of the witnesses need not be furnished if they are 
otherwise identified in some meaningful way such as a short statement of 
the type of evidence they will offer.
    (2) The Presiding Officer shall not order a party to furnish the 
information or documents listed in paragraph (g)(1) (i) through (iv) of 
this section if the party can show that providing the particular 
information or document is inappropriate or unwarranted under the 
circumstances of the particular case.
    (3) At the conference, the following matters may be considered:
    (i) The simplification of issues;
    (ii) The necessity of amendments to the notice of violation or 
answer;
    (iii) The possibility of obtaining stipulations of facts and of the 
authenticity, accuracy, and admissibility of documents, which will avoid 
unnecessary proof;
    (iv) The limitation of the number of expert or other witnesses;
    (v) Negotiation, compromise, or settlement of issues;
    (vi) The exchange of copies of proposed exhibits;
    (vii) The identification of documents or matters of which official 
notice may be requested;
    (viii) A schedule to be followed by the parties for completion of 
the actions decided at the conference; and
    (ix) Such other matters as may expedite and aid in the disposition 
of the proceeding.
    (4) A conference will not be stenographically reported unless so 
directed by the Presiding Officer.
    (5) In the event the Presiding Officer concludes that personal 
attendance by the Presiding Officer and the parties or counsel at a 
conference is unwarranted or impractical, but determines that a 
conference would expedite the proceeding, the Presiding Officer may 
conduct the conference by telephone or correspondence.
    (6) Actions taken as a result of a conference shall be reduced to a 
written appropriate order, unless the Presiding Officer concludes that a 
stenographic report shall suffice, or, the Presiding Officer elects to 
make a statement on the record at the hearing summarizing the actions 
taken.
    (h) Procedure for hearing--(1) Request for hearing. The complainant 
or respondent may request a hearing on the facts by including such a 
request in the notice of violation or answer, or by a separate request, 
in writing, filed with the Presiding Officer within the time in which an 
answer may be filed. Failure to request a hearing within the time 
allowed for the filing of the answer shall constitute a waiver of a 
hearing. In the event the respondent denies any material fact and fails 
to file a timely request for a hearing, the

[[Page 292]]

matter may be set down for hearing on motion of the complainant filed 
with the Presiding Officer or upon the Presiding Officer's own motion.
    (2) Time and place. If any material issue of fact is joined by the 
pleading, the Presiding Officer, upon motion of any of the parties 
stating that the matter is at issue and is ready for hearing, shall set 
a time and place for hearing as soon as feasible with due regard for the 
public interest and the convenience and necessity of the parties. The 
Presiding Officer shall issue a notice stating the time and place of 
hearing. If any change in the time or place of the hearing is made, the 
Presiding Officer shall issue a notice of this change, which notice 
shall be served upon the complainant and respondent, unless it is made 
during the course of an oral hearing and made a part of the transcript, 
or actual notice is given to the parties.
    (3) Appearances. The parties may appear in person or by attorney of 
record in the proceeding. Any individual who appears as an attorney must 
conform to the standard of ethical conduct required of practitioners 
before the courts of the United States.
    (4) Debarment of attorney. Whenever a Presiding Officer finds that 
an individual acting as attorney for any party to the proceeding is 
guilty of unethical or contumacious conduct, in or in connection with a 
proceeding, the Presiding Officer may order that the individual be 
precluded from further acting as attorney in the proceeding. An appeal 
to the Administrator may be taken from any such order, but no proceeding 
shall be delayed or suspended pending disposition of the appeal: 
Provided, That the Presiding Officer shall suspend the proceeding for a 
reasonable time for the purpose of enabling the party to obtain another 
attorney.
    (5) Failure to appear. A respondent who, after being duly notified, 
fails to appear at the hearing without good cause, shall be deemed to 
have waived the right to an oral hearing in the proceeding and to have 
admitted any facts which may be presented at the hearing. The failure by 
the respondent to appear at the hearing shall also constitute an 
admission of all the material allegations of fact contained in the 
notice of violation. The complainant shall have an election whether to 
follow the procedure set forth in paragraph (f) of this section or 
whether to present evidence, in whole or in part, in the form of 
affidavits, exhibits, or by oral testimony before the Presiding Officer. 
Failure to appear at a hearing shall not be deemed to be a waiver of the 
right to be served with a copy of the Presiding Officer's decision and 
to appeal to the Administrator pursuant to paragraph (l) of this 
section.
    (6) Order of proceeding. Except as may be determined otherwise by 
the Presiding Officer, the complainant shall proceed first at the 
hearing.
    (7) Evidence. (i) The testimony of witnesses at a hearing shall be 
on oath or affirmation and subject to cross-examination.
    (ii) Upon a finding of good cause, the Presiding Officer may order 
that any witness be examined separately and apart from all other 
witnesses except those who are parties to the proceeding.
    (iii) Evidence which is immaterial, irrelevant, or unduly 
repetitious, or which is not of the sort upon which responsible persons 
are accustomed to rely, shall be excluded insofar as practicable.
    (8) Objections. (i) If a party objects to the admission of any 
evidence or to the limitation of the scope of any examination or cross-
examination or to any other ruling of the Presiding Officer, the party 
shall state briefly the grounds of such objection, whereupon an 
automatic exception will follow if the objection is overruled by the 
Presiding Officer.
    (ii) Only objections made before the Presiding Officer may 
subsequently be relied upon in the proceeding.
    (9) Exhibits. Unless the Presiding Officer finds that the furnishing 
of copies is impracticable, four copies of each exhibit shall be filed 
with the Presiding Officer: Provided, That, where there are more than 
two parties in the proceeding, an additional copy shall be filed for 
each additional party. A true copy of an exhibit may be substituted for 
the original.

[[Page 293]]

    (10) Official records or documents. An official government record or 
document or entry in such a record or document, if admissible for any 
purpose, shall be admissible in evidence without the production of the 
individual who made or prepared the same, and shall be prima facie 
evidence of the relevant facts stated in the record or document. Such 
record or document shall be evidenced by an official publication of the 
record or document or by a copy certified by an individual having legal 
authority to make such certification.
    (11) Official notice. Official notice shall be taken of such matters 
as are judicially noticed by the courts of the United States and of any 
other matter of technical, scientific, or commercial fact of established 
character: Provided, That the parties shall be given adequate notice of 
matters so noticed, and shall be given adequate opportunity to show that 
such facts are erroneously noticed.
    (12) Offer of proof. Whenever evidence is excluded by the Presiding 
Officer, the party offering such evidence may make an offer of proof, 
which shall be included in the transcript. The offer of proof shall 
consist of a brief statement describing the evidence excluded. If the 
evidence consists of a brief oral statement, the statement shall be 
included in the transcript in its entirety. If the evidence consists of 
an exhibit, it shall be marked for identification and inserted in the 
hearing record. In either event, the evidence shall be considered a part 
of the transcript and hearing record if the Administrator, upon appeal, 
decides the Presiding Officer's ruling excluding the evidence was 
erroneous and prejudicial. If the Administrator, upon appeal, decides 
the Presiding Officer's ruling excluding the evidence was erroneous and 
prejudicial and that it would be appropriate to have such evidence 
considered a part of the hearing record, the Administrator may direct 
that the hearing be reopened to permit the taking of such evidence or 
for any purpose in connection with the excluded evidence.
    (13) Transcript. Hearings shall be recorded and transcribed 
verbatim.
    (i) Post-hearing procedure--(1) Corrections to transcript. (i) 
Within the period of time fixed by the Presiding Officer, any party may 
file a motion proposing corrections to the transcript.
    (ii) Unless a party files a motion proposing corrections to the 
transcript in the time fixed by the Presiding Officer, the transcript 
shall be presumed, except for obvious typographical errors, to be a 
true, correct, and complete transcript of the testimony given at the 
hearing and to contain an accurate description or reference to all 
exhibits received in evidence and made part of the hearing record and 
shall be deemed to be certified without further action by the Presiding 
Officer.
    (iii) As soon as practicable after the close of the hearing and 
after consideration of any timely objection filed as to the transcript, 
the Presiding Officer shall issue an order making any corrections to the 
transcript which the Presiding Officer finds are warranted, which 
corrections shall be entered on to the original transcript by the 
Presiding Officer without obscuring the original text.
    (2) Proposed finding of fact, conclusions, order, and briefs. Prior 
to the Presiding Officer's decision, each party shall be afforded a 
reasonable opportunity to submit for consideration proposed findings of 
fact, conclusions, order, and brief in support of the proposed findings 
of fact, conclusions and order. A copy of each such document filed by a 
party shall be served upon each of the other parties.
    (3) Presiding Officer's decision. (i) The Presiding Officer shall 
issue a decision within 30 days after the hearing, or, if any party 
submits proposed findings of fact, conclusions, order, and a brief in 
support thereof in accordance with paragraph (i)(2) of this section, 30 
days after the last such submission. The Presiding Officer's decision 
shall include the Presiding Officer's findings of the fact, conclusions 
of law, and the reasons or basis for the findings of fact and 
conclusions of law.
    (ii) The Presiding Officer's decision shall become effective without 
further proceedings 35 days after the date of service of the decision 
upon the respondent, unless there is an appeal to the Administrator by a 
party to the proceeding pursuant to paragraph (l) of this section.

[[Page 294]]

    (j) Motions and requests--(1) General. All motions and requests 
shall be filed with the Presiding Officer, and served upon all the 
parties, except:
    (i) requests for extensions of time pursuant to paragraph (m)(3) of 
this section; and
    (ii) motions and requests made on the record during the oral 
hearing. The Presiding Officer shall rule upon all motions and requests 
filed or made prior to the filing of an appeal of the Presiding 
Officer's decision pursuant to paragraph (l) of this section except 
motions directly relating to the appeal. Thereafter, the Administrator 
will rule on any motions and requests, as well as the motions directly 
relating to the appeal.
    (2) Motions entertained. (i) Any motion will be entertained other 
than a motion to dismiss on the pleading. (A motion by the complainant 
seeking the voluntary dismissal of the notice of violation may be 
entertained by the Presiding Officer or the Administrator.)
    (ii) All motions and requests concerning the notice of violation 
must be made within the time allowed for filing an answer, except 
motions by the complainant seeking voluntary dismissal of the notice of 
violation.
    (3) Contents. All written motions and requests shall state the 
particular order, ruling, or action desired and the grounds for the 
order, ruling, or action desired.
    (4) Response to motions and requests. Within 10 days after service 
of any written motion or request, or within a shorter or longer period 
as may be fixed by the Presiding Officer or the Administrator, an 
opposing party may file a response to the motion or request. The other 
party shall have no right to reply to the response; however, the 
Presiding Officer or the Administrator, in their discretion, may order 
that a reply be filed.
    (k) Presiding Officer--(1) Assignment. No Presiding Officer shall be 
assigned to serve in any proceeding who:
    (i) Has any pecuniary interest in any matter or business involved in 
the proceeding;
    (ii) Is related within the third degree by blood or marriage to any 
party to the proceeding; or
    (iii) Has any conflict of interest which might impair the Presiding 
Officer's objectivity in the proceeding.
    (2) Disqualification of Presiding Officer. (i) Any party to the 
proceeding may, by motion made to the Presiding Officer, request that 
the Presiding Officer withdraw from the proceeding because of an alleged 
disqualifying reason. Such motion shall set forth with particularity the 
grounds of alleged disqualification. The Presiding Officer may then 
either rule upon or certify the motion to the Administrator, but not 
both.
    (ii) A Presiding Officer shall withdraw from any proceeding for any 
reason deemed by the Presiding Officer to be disqualifying.
    (3) Powers. The Presiding Officer, in any assigned proceeding, shall 
have power to:
    (i) Rule upon motions and requests;
    (ii) Set the time and place of a conference and the hearing, adjourn 
the hearing from time to time, and change the time and place of hearing;
    (iii) Administer oaths and affirmations;
    (iv) Summon and examine witnesses and receive evidence at the 
hearing;
    (v) Admit or exclude evidence;
    (vi) Hear oral argument on facts or law;
    (vii) Do all acts and take all measures necessary for maintenance or 
order, including the exclusion of contumacious counsel or other persons; 
and
    (viii) Take all other actions authorized under this section.
    (l) Appeal to the Administrator--(1) Filing of petition. Within 30 
days after receiving notice of the Presiding Officer's decision, a party 
who disagrees with the decision, or any part of the Presiding Officer's 
decision, or any ruling by the Presiding Officer or a party who alleges 
a deprivation of rights, may appeal the Presiding Officer's decision or 
rulings to the Administrator by filing an appeal petition with the 
Administrator. As provided in paragraph (h)(8) of this section, 
objections regarding evidence or a limitation regarding examination or 
cross examination or other ruling made before the Presiding Officer may 
be relied upon in an appeal. The appeal petition shall state

[[Page 295]]

the name and address of the person filing the appeal petition. Each 
issue set forth in the appeal petition, and the arguments on each issue, 
shall be separately numbered; shall be plainly and concisely stated; and 
shall contain detailed citations of the record, statutes, regulations, 
or authorities being relied upon in support of the argument. A brief may 
be filed in support of the appeal simultaneously with the appeal 
petition.
    (2) Response to appeal petition. Within 20 days after the service of 
a copy of an appeal petition and any brief in support of the appeal 
petition, filed by a party to the proceeding, any other party may file 
with the Administrator a response in support of or in opposition to the 
appeal petition and, in such response any relevant issue, not presented 
in the appeal petition, may be raised.
    (3) Transmittal of record. Whenever an appeal to the Presiding 
Officer's decision is filed and a response to the appeal has been filed 
or time for filing a response has expired, the Presiding Officer shall 
transmit to the Administrator the record of the proceeding. The record 
shall include: the pleading; motions and requests filed and rulings on 
such motions and requests; the transcript of the testimony taken at the 
hearing, together with the exhibits filed in connection with the 
hearing; any documents or papers filed in connection with a conference; 
such proposed findings of fact, conclusions, and orders, and briefs in 
support thereof, as may have been filed in connection with the 
proceeding; the Presiding Officer's decision; and such exceptions, 
statements of objections and briefs in support thereof as may have been 
filed in the proceeding.
    (4) Decision of the Administrator on appeal. As soon as practicable 
after the receipt of the record from the Presiding Officer, the 
Administrator, upon the basis of and after due consideration of the 
record and any matter of which official notice is taken, shall rule on 
the appeal. If the Administrator decides that no change or modification 
of the Presiding Officer's decision is warranted, the Administrator may 
adopt the Presiding Officer's decision as the final order in the 
proceeding, preserving any right of the party bringing the appeal to 
seek judicial review of such decision in the proper forum.
    (m) Filing; service; extensions of time; and computation of time--
(1) Filing; number of copies. Except as otherwise provided in this 
section, all documents or papers required or authorized by this section 
to be filed with the Presiding Officer or Administrator shall be filed 
in quadruplicate: Provided, That where there are more than two parties 
in the proceeding, an additional copy shall be filed for each additional 
party.
    (2) Service; proof of service. Copies of all documents or papers 
required or authorized by this section to be filed with the Presiding 
Officer or Administrator shall be served upon the parties by the person 
with whom such documents or papers are filed. Service shall be made 
either:
    (i) By delivering a copy of the document or paper to the individual 
to be served or to a member of the partnership to be served, or to the 
president, secretary, or other executive officer or any director of the 
corporation or association to be served, or to the attorney of record 
representing such person; or
    (ii) By leaving a copy of the document or paper at the principal 
office or place of business or residence of such individual, 
partnership, corporation, organization, or association, or of the 
attorney of record representing such person and mailing by regular mail 
another copy to such person at such address; or
    (iii) By registering or certifying and mailing a copy of the 
document or paper, addressed to such individual, partnership, 
corporation, organization, or association, or to the attorney of record 
representing such person, at the last known residence or principal 
office or place of business of such person: Provided, That if the 
registered or certified document or paper is returned undelivered 
because the addressee refused or failed to accept delivery, the document 
or paper shall be served by remailing it by regular mail. Proof of 
service under this paragraph shall be made by the certificate of the 
person who actually made the service: Provided, That if the service be 
made by mail, under paragraph (m)(2)(iii) of this section, proof of 
service shall be made by the return

[[Page 296]]

post-office receipt, in the case of registered or certified mail, or by 
the certificate of the person who mailed the matter by regular mail. Any 
certificate or post-office receipt returned to the Presiding Officer or 
Administrator shall be filed by the Presiding Officer or Administrator, 
and made a part of the record of the proceeding.
    (3) Extensions of time. The time for the filing of any document or 
paper required or authorized under this section to be filed may be 
extended by the Presiding Officer or the Administrator as provided in 
paragraph (j) of this section, if in the judgment of the Presiding 
Officer or the Administrator, as the case may be, there is good reason 
for the extension. In all instances in which time permits, notice of the 
request for extension of the time shall be given to the other party with 
opportunity to submit views concerning the request.
    (4) Effective date of filing. Any document or paper required or 
authorized under this section to be filed shall be deemed to be filed at 
the time when it reaches the person with whom the document or paper must 
be filed.
    (5) Computation of time. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays shall be 
included in computing the time allowed for the filing of any document or 
paper: Provided, That, when such time expires on a Saturday, Sunday, or 
holiday, such period shall be extended to include the next following 
business day.
    (n) Ex parte communications. (1) At no stage of the proceeding 
between its institution and the issuance of the final decision shall the 
Presiding Officer or Administrator discuss ex parte the merits of the 
proceeding with any person who is connected with the proceeding in an 
advocative or in an investigative capacity, or with any representative 
of such person: Provided, That the Presiding Officer or Administrator 
may discuss the merits of the case with such a person if all parties to 
the proceeding, or their attorneys have been given notice and an 
opportunity to participate. A memorandum of such discussion shall be 
included in the record.
    (2) No interested person shall make or knowingly cause to be made to 
the Presiding Officer or Administrator an ex parte communication 
relevant to the merits of the proceeding.
    (3) If the Presiding Officer of the Administrator receives an ex 
parte communication in violation of this paragraph (n), the individual 
who receives the communication shall place in the public record of the 
proceeding:
    (i) Any such written communication;
    (ii) Memoranda stating the substance of such oral communication; and
    (iii) Any written response, and memoranda stating the substance of 
any oral response to the ex parte communication.
    (4) For purposes of this section ex parte communication means an 
oral or written communication not on the public record with respect to 
which reasonable prior notice to all parties is not given, but it shall 
not include requests for status reports on any matter or the proceeding.



Sec.  110.9  Miscellaneous.

    In accordance with Section 3507 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1980 (44 U.S.C. 3507), the recordkeeping provisions in this rule have 
been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and there are 
no new requirements. The assigned OMB control number is 0581-AA39.

                        PARTS 111	159 [RESERVED]

[[Page 297]]



                        SUBCHAPTER F_NAVAL STORES





PART 160_REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR NAVAL STORES--Table of Contents



                                 General

Sec.
160.1 Definitions of general terms.
160.2 Spirits of turpentine defined.
160.3 Rosin defined.
160.4 Reclaimed rosin.
160.5 Standards for naval stores.
160.6 Standard designations for turpentine.
160.7 Gum spirits of turpentine.
160.8 Steam distilled wood turpentine.
160.9 Destructively distilled wood turpentine.
160.10 Sulphate wood turpentine.
160.11 Quality requirements.
160.12 Standard designations for rosin.
160.13 Grade designations for rosin.
160.14 Opaque rosin.

               Establishment of New and Modified Standards

160.15 New standards.
160.16 Modification of existing standards.

          Methods of Analysis, Inspection, Sampling and Grading

160.17 Laboratory analysis.
160.18 Determining the grade of rosin.
160.19 Samples of rosin for grading.
160.20 More than one grade in a container.
160.21 Rosin not fit for grading.
160.22 Collecting samples; issuing certificates.
160.23 Disposition of samples.

              Analysis, Inspection, and Grading on Request

160.24 Inspection on request.
160.24a Inspection as to condition of drums containing rosin and the 
          quality and condition of the rosin therein upon request.
160.25 How requests shall be made.
160.26 Withdrawal of request.
160.27 Containers to be made ready.
160.28 Tank cars of turpentine.
160.29 Containers to remain intact.
160.30 Contents of containers to be designated.
160.31 Time and manner of sampling.
160.32 Marking containers.
160.33 Containers not acceptable for inspection.
160.34 Responsibility of interested person.
160.35 Illegible inspection marks.
160.36 Authority for changing marks.
160.37 Prior marks to be removed.

                Request Inspection by Licensed Inspectors

160.38 Permit to use licensed inspector.
160.39 Form of application for license or permit.
160.40 Applicant for license to be examined.
160.41 Issuance of temporary license.
160.42 Limitation of license.
160.43 Licensed inspector to be disinterested.
160.44 Other duties of licensed inspectors.
160.45 Conditions governing licensed inspection.
160.46 Identification of containers.
160.47 Periodic re-inspection.
160.48 Form of certificate.
160.49 Responsibility for inspection certificates and forms.
160.50 Reports to be made by accredited processors.
160.51 Report of non-conformance.
160.52 Suspension or revocation of licenses.
160.53 Stopping inspection by suspended inspector.
160.54 Suspension or revocation of permits.
160.55 Voluntary discontinuance of licensed inspection.
160.56 Compensation of licensed inspectors.
160.57 Fees for licensed inspection permits.
160.58 Fees for inspection and certification by licensed inspectors.
160.59 Appeal inspections.
160.60 Charge for appeal inspection.

                        Certificates and Reports

160.61 Kinds of certificates issued.
160.62 When a certificate may be issued.
160.63 When a certificate may not be issued.
160.64 Issuance of loan and sale certificate.
160.65 Prior certification required.

                 Fees and Charges for Services Rendered

160.66 Fees for inspection services.
160.67 Fees under cooperative agreements.
160.68 Collection of fees.
160.69 Expenses to be borne by person requesting service.
160.70 Rendition of claims.
160.71 Delinquent claims.

                Loan and Care of United States Standards

160.73 Availability of standards.
160.74 Loan of standards without security.
160.75 Loan of standards under security deposit.
160.76 Annual charge for use of standards.
160.77 Reporting on use of standards.
160.78 Loss or damage of standards.
160.79 Request for additional standards.
160.80 Denial of loan of additional standards.
160.81 Surrender of standards.
160.82 Return of security.
160.83 Miscellaneous receipts.

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                           Sales and Shipments

160.84 Identification of shipments.
160.85 Sale of mixed turpentine not lawful.
160.86 Prohibited use of United States Standards.
160.87 Prohibited use of word ``turpentine'' or derivatives thereof.
160.88 Permitted use of words ``turpentine'' and ``rosin.''
160.89 Medicinal preparations.

                    Labeling, Advertising and Packing

160.90 False, misleading, or deceitful practices.
160.91 Meaning of words ``pine'' and ``pine tree.''
160.92 Meaning of word ``gallon.''
160.93 Powdered rosin.
160.94 Spirits of turpentine for medicinal use.

                    Proceedings in Case of Violation

160.95 Proceedings prior to reporting violations of the act.
160.96 Report of violations for prosecution.
160.97 Publication.

               Specific Fees Payable for Services Rendered

160.201 Fees generally for field inspection and certification of naval 
          stores and drum containers of rosin.
160.202 Fees generally for laboratory analysis and testing.
160.203 Fees for inspection and certification of other naval stores 
          material.
160.204 Fees for extra cost and hourly rate service.
160.205 Permit fees for eligible processing plants under licensed 
          inspection.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 94, 1624.

    Source: 11 FR 14665, Dec. 27, 1946; 17 FR 221, Jan. 9, 1952; 20 FR 
6433, Sept. 1, 1955, unless otherwise noted.

                                 General



Sec.  160.1  Definitions of general terms.

    The terms as defined in section 2 of the Naval Stores Act shall 
apply with equal force and effect when used in the provisions in this 
part. In addition, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms 
hereinafter set forth shall be defined respectively as follows:
    (a) Act. The Naval Stores Act of March 3, 1923 (42 Stat. 1435; 7 
U.S.C. 91-99).
    (b) Department. The United States Department of Agriculture.
    (c) Administrator. The Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing 
Service of the Department, or any officer or employee of the Department 
to whom authority has heretofore been delegated, or to whom authority 
may hereafter be delegated, to act in his stead.
    (d) Official inspector. Any person designated or licensed by the 
Secretary to sample, examine, analyze, classify or grade naval stores.
    (e) Licensed inspector. A person licensed by the Administrator upon 
recommendation of an accredited processor to act as an official 
inspector with respect to naval stores produced at an eligible 
processing plant of such processor.
    (f) Eligible processing plant. A plant which on examination by the 
Administrator has been found to be designed, operated, and staffed so as 
to permit proper samplings and inspections of the naval stores produced 
thereat, and where a substantial proportion of the output comes from 
oleoresin obtained from trees growing on land not owned or leased by the 
processor himself, or from oleoresin contained within felled trees or 
stumps removed from such land.
    (g) Accredited processor. Any person owning or having charge of or 
jurisdiction over the operation of an eligible processing plant, to whom 
a permit has been issued under these regulations to have inspections of 
naval stores made by a licensed inspector.
    (h) Interested person. Any person who is a party to a factual or 
prospective transaction in a specific lot of naval stores, whether as 
producer, seller, shipper, dealer, or purchaser thereof; or any person 
who in the opinion of the Administrator has sufficient and proper 
interest in the analysis, classification, grading, or sale of naval 
stores to merit the loan and use of duplicates of the United States 
Standards.
    (i) Dealer. Any person who sells or ships in commerce any naval 
stores produced by a person other than himself.
    (j) Cooperative agreement. A written agreement between the 
Department and any person specifying the conditions under which special 
inspection

[[Page 299]]

personnel may be designated and procedures established, not otherwise 
available under existing inspection programs, in order to make possible 
a continuous, day-by-day inspection of naval stores for such person, or 
to provide facilities for carrying out experimental studies on authentic 
naval stores related to the inspection and marketing thereof.
    (k) Standards. The official Naval Stores Standards of the United 
States for classification and grading of spirits of turpentine and 
rosin.
    (l) Analysis. Any examination by physical, chemical, or sensory 
methods.
    (m) Classification. Designation as to kind of spirits of turpentine 
or rosin.
    (n) Grading. Determination of the grade of turpentine or rosin by 
comparison with the standards.
    (o) Certificate. The official certificate issued under the 
provisions of the act and the provisions in this part to show the 
results of any examination, analysis, classification, or grading of 
naval stores by an official inspector.
    (p) Label. Any word, combination of words, coined or trade name, 
picturization of any natural scene or article, or any limitation 
thereof, applied to, superimposed upon, impressed into, or in any other 
manner attached to a container of naval stores or other article coming 
within the scope of the act, by which the nature, kind, quality, or 
quantity of the contents of such container may be indicated.
    (q) Container. Any receptacle in which naval stores are placed for 
inspection or distribution in commerce; includes barrel, drum, tank, 
tank car, bag, bottle, can, or other receptacle.

[11 FR 14665, Dec. 27, 1946, as amended at 17 FR 221, Jan. 9, 1952; 20 
FR 6433, Sept. 1, 1955; 46 FR 47055, Sept. 24, 1981; 47 FR 3344, Jan. 
25, 1982]



Sec.  160.2  Spirits of turpentine defined.

    Spirits of turpentine, also commonly known as turpentine, is the 
colorless or faintly colored volatile oil consisting principally of 
terpene hydrocarbons of the general empirical formula C10 
H16 and having a characteristic odor and taste. It occurs 
naturally in and may be recovered by distillation from the oleoresinous 
secretions obtained from living trees of the family Pinaceae, or present 
in the cellular structure, or wood, of species thereof.



Sec.  160.3  Rosin defined.

    Except as provided in Sec.  160.15, rosin is the vitreous, well-
strained, transparent, solid resin which (a) remains after the volatile 
terpene oils are distilled from (1) the oleoresin collected from living 
trees or (2) the oleoresin extracted from wood; or (b) remains after 
distillation of the fatty acids from tall oil recovered from wood in the 
course of its chemical disintegration to produce cellulose. In addition 
to the free resin acids, rosin may contain relatively small proportions 
of fatty acids, resin esters and other esters, unsaponifiable resenes, 
and non-resinous foreign matter naturally occurring therein.



Sec.  160.4  Reclaimed rosin.

    Reclaimed rosin is rosin that has been recovered or reclaimed by any 
means from waste or deteriorated material: Provided, That such reclaimed 
product may be graded as rosin under the act and the provisions in this 
part only if the concentration of rosin acids therein has not been 
reduced below the concentration normal for rosin, and any residual or 
contaminating component remaining from the waste material itself or from 
any article used in the recovery process is not sufficient to cause the 
physical or chemical properties of the reclaimed product to differ 
substantially from the normal properties of rosin.



Sec.  160.5  Standards for naval stores.

    In addition to the standards of identity for spirits of turpentine 
and rosin and the grade designations for rosin specified in the act, 
certain standards for naval stores have been promulgated by the 
Administrator pursuant to the act as indicated in Sec.  160.301 et seq.



Sec.  160.6  Standard designations for turpentine.

    Spirits of turpentine within the meaning of the act and the 
provisions in this part shall be designated as ``gum spirits of 
turpentine,'' ``steam distilled wood turpentine,'' ``destructively 
distilled wood turpentine,'' or

[[Page 300]]

``sulphate wood turpentine,'' as the case may be.



Sec.  160.7  Gum spirits of turpentine.

    The designation ``gum spirits of turpentine'' shall refer to the 
kind of spirits of turpentine obtained by distillation of the oleoresin 
(gum) from living trees, and commonly known prior to the passage of the 
act as gum spirits, gum turpentine, spirits of turpentine, or oil of 
turpentine.



Sec.  160.8  Steam distilled wood turpentine.

    The designation ``steam distilled wood turpentine'' shall refer to 
the kind of spirits of turpentine obtained by steam distillation from 
the oleoresinous component of wood whether in the presence of the wood 
or after extraction from the wood, and commonly known prior to the 
passage of the act as wood turpentine, steam distilled turpentine, steam 
distilled wood turpentine, or S. D. wood turpentine.



Sec.  160.9  Destructively distilled wood turpentine.

    The designation ``destructively distilled wood turpentine'' shall 
refer to the kind of spirits of turpentine prepared from the distillate 
obtained in the destructive distillation (carbonization) of wood, and 
commonly known prior to the passage of the act as destructively 
distilled wood turpentine or D.D. wood turpentine.



Sec.  160.10  Sulphate wood turpentine.

    The designation ``sulphate wood turpentine'' shall refer to the kind 
of spirits of turpentine prepared from the condensates that are 
recovered in the sulphate process of cooking wood pulp, and commonly 
known as sulphate turpentine or sulphate wood turpentine.



Sec.  160.11  Quality requirements.

    The several standards for spirits of turpentine, as defined in 
Sec. Sec.  160.8 to 160.10, inclusive, shall be deemed to mean the 
respective kinds of spirits of turpentine having properties that conform 
with the standard specifications adopted therefor by the American 
Society for Testing Materials, contained in appendix A to this part.



Sec.  160.12  Standard designations for rosin.

    (a) Rosin within the meaning of the act and the provisions in this 
part shall be designated as ``gum rosin,'' ``wood rosin,'' or ``tall oil 
rosin,'' as the case may be.
    (b) The designation ``gum rosin'' shall refer to the kind of rosin 
remaining after the distillation of gum spirits of turpentine from the 
oleoresin (gum) obtained from living pine trees.
    (c) The designation ``wood rosin'' shall refer to the kind of rosin 
recovered after the distillation of the volatile oil from the oleoresin 
within or extracted from pine wood by any suitable process, followed by 
any necessary further refinement.
    (d) The designation ``tall oil rosin'' shall refer to the kind of 
rosin remaining after the removal of the fatty acids from tall oil by 
fractional distillation, and having the characteristic form and 
appearance and other physical and chemical properties normal for other 
kinds of rosin.



Sec.  160.13  Grade designations for rosin.

    The grades of rosin shall be designated, from highest to lowest, by 
the following letters, respectively: XC, XB, XA, X, WW, WG, N, M, K, I, 
H, G, F, E, D, B. In addition, the letters OP shall be used to designate 
the grade of opaque rosin, and the letters FF shall be used to designate 
the grade of normal wood rosin: Provided, That the product recovered in 
the refining of wood rosin, that is darker in color than the standard 
for FF grade, and that contains rosin acids in lesser quantity than is 
normal for such rosin, shall be graded and designated as B wood resin.

[11 FR 14665, Dec. 27, 1946, as amended at 17 FR 221, Jan. 9, 1952; 33 
FR 8722, June 14, 1968]



Sec.  160.14  Opaque rosin.

    The term ``opaque rosin'' shall apply to the article resulting when 
rosin undergoes internal modification indicated by a turbid, clouded, or 
opaque appearance, that is, loss of transparency, brought about by the 
occlusion of moisture or the formation of an excessive quantity of resin 
acid crystals in the rosin.

[[Page 301]]

               Establishment of New and Modified Standards



Sec.  160.15  New standards.

    Whenever in the opinion of the Administrator a new standard for any 
naval stores is necessary in the interest of the trade, he shall 
announce a hearing thereon, to be held not less than 3 months subsequent 
to such announcement. Notice of the hearing stating the terms or 
description of the proposed new standard, or a summary thereof, shall be 
given by publication in the Federal Register and by such other means as 
may be practicable. The hearing shall be conducted by an official 
designated by the Administrator, and reasonable opportunity shall be 
afforded at the hearing to all interested persons to present their 
views, arguments and data, verbally or in writing, in favor of or in 
opposition to the proposed new standard. All relevant material presented 
at said hearing, or a summary thereof, and a recommendation as to 
adoption or rejection of the proposed new standard shall be transmitted 
to the Administrator for his consideration. A new standard established 
and promulgated by the Administrator shall become effective not less 
than 3 months after the promulgation thereof.



Sec.  160.16  Modification of existing standards.

    Whenever in the opinion of the Administrator a modification of an 
existing standard for naval stores is necessary in the interest of the 
trade, he shall announce a hearing thereon, to be held not less than 6 
months subsequent to such announcement. Notice of the hearing stating 
the terms or description of the proposed modification of any standard, 
or a summary thereof, shall be given by publication in the Federal 
Register and by such other means as may be practicable. The hearing 
shall be conducted by an official designated by the Administrator, and 
reasonable opportunity shall be afforded to all interested persons to 
present their views, arguments and data, verbally or in writing, in 
favor of or in opposition to the proposed modification. All relevant 
material presented at said hearing, or a summary thereof, and a 
recommendation as to adoption or rejection of the proposed modification 
shall be transmitted to the Administrator for his consideration. A 
modified standard established and promulgated by the Administrator shall 
become effective not less than 6 months after the promulgation thereof.

          Methods of Analysis, Inspection, Sampling and Grading



Sec.  160.17  Laboratory analysis.

    The analysis and laboratory testing of naval stores shall be 
conducted, so far as is practicable, according to methods of the 
American Society for Testing Materials. When any such method is deemed 
to be insufficient or unsuitable or when no method has been so 
presented, the analysis shall be made according to any method deemed 
appropriate by the Administrator.



Sec.  160.18  Determining the grade of rosin.

    The grade of rosin shall be determined by comparing a representative 
sample, taken and prepared in accordance with the provisions in this 
part, with the appropriate standard types. The grade shall be the grade 
designation of the standard type which the sample equals or excels in 
color, but below the next higher grade.



Sec.  160.19  Samples of rosin for grading.

    Samples of rosin for grading shall be approximately cubical in 
shape, and shall be seven-eighths inch thick in the direction through 
which they are viewed or graded. Samples may be taken by any of the 
following methods:
    (a) By cutting or cleaving the same from a lump of the rosin removed 
from the solid mass in the barrel or drum, the top side of which lump 
shall come from not less than 4 inches below the surface of the rosin.
    (b) By placing a tin mold of suitable design inside the barrel or 
drum through an opening in the side, the center of which opening is 
approximately 9 inches from the top or 12 inches from the bottom so that 
when the container is filled, the rosin within the mold will have come 
from a position not less than 4 inches below the surface of the rosin. 
The mold thus

[[Page 302]]

placed must be entirely within the barrel or drum and completely encased 
in the rosin.
    (c) By suspending in the barrel or drum of molten rosin a clean 
tinplate mold, \7/8\ inch square (inside) and 1\1/2\ inches or more in 
length, in such a manner that it will be in a horizontal position at 
least 2 inches below the surface of the rosin after it has thoroughly 
cooled. Such sample shall not be spiked from the barrel or drum until it 
is completely cooled.
    (d) By withdrawing a quantity of molten rosin from a full container 
of 150 pounds content or less, pouring the rosin into a suitable mold, 
and allowing it to cool and solidify slowly: Provided, That samples 
taken to represent a single batch or charge made by intermittent 
distillation of oleoresin shall be taken from not less than two 
containers, one of which shall be selected when one fourth of the batch 
has been placed in the containers, and the other shall be from the last 
container filled.
    (e) By withdrawing a quantity of molten rosin from a full drum that 
has been filled after a preliminary cooling period, pouring the rosin 
into a suitable mold, and allowing it to cool and solidify slowly: 
Provided, That such sample shall not be taken until at least one hour 
has elapsed after the drum was filled: And provided further, That the 
selection of drums to be sampled shall be in accordance with the method 
of selecting small containers as set forth in paragraph (d) of this 
section. Rosin in drums sampled in this manner will be graded and 
certified only when the sampling is performed by an official inspector. 
Rosin in open head barrels shall not be sampled by this method.
    (f) By collecting in a suitable vessel a quantity of molten rosin 
from each successive batch or charge as it is delivered into a tank car, 
pouring the respective quantities of rosin into suitable molds, and 
allowing them to cool and solidify: Provided, That any darkening of the 
rosin subsequent to such sampling will not be recognized as affecting 
the correctness of the grades assigned to the rosin at the time it was 
loaded in the car. Rosin so sampled while in process of being placed in 
a tank car will be graded and certified only when the sampling is 
performed by an official inspector.



Sec.  160.20  More than one grade in a container.

    When a sample from the bottom of a barrel or drum shows not more 
than one grade lower than that of a top sample taken in accordance with 
Sec.  160.19, the grade of the rosin shall be that of such top sample: 
Provided, That if such ``bottom head'' sample shows more than one grade 
lower than the top sample, the grade assigned to the rosin shall be that 
of the darkest or lowest grade of rosin in the container.



Sec.  160.21  Rosin not fit for grading.

    An article consisting of rosin with an excessive amount of trash or 
other visible extraneous foreign material, or an article that is of such 
color or appearance as not to permit its accurate classification and 
grading in accordance with the standards provided for rosin, shall not 
be classified, graded, marked, sold, or offered for sale in commerce as 
rosin.



Sec.  160.22  Collecting samples; issuing certificates.

    The collection of official samples for the purpose of putting into 
effect any of the provisions of the act, and the issuance of 
certificates reporting the results of any analysis, classification, or 
grading shall be limited to official inspectors and to such other 
personnel of the Department as may be authorized.



Sec.  160.23  Disposition of samples.

    All samples taken by an official inspector or submitted by an 
interested person shall become and remain the property of the 
Department, to be disposed of as the Administrator may determine.

              Analysis, Inspection, and Grading on Request



Sec.  160.24  Inspection on request.

    Insofar as it may be practicable, official inspectors shall sample, 
analyze, classify, or grade any naval stores at the request of any 
interested person, as provided for by the act and in accordance with the 
provisions in this part.

[[Page 303]]



Sec.  160.24a  Inspection as to condition of drums containing rosin
and the quality and condition of the rosin therein upon request.

    Before or after the shipment in commerce of any lot of rosin in 
drums from a processing or storage point, and upon request by an 
interested person, an inspection may be made by an official inspector of 
the external appearance of the drums, and a report may be made by such 
inspector, on the basis of such inspection, of the condition, including 
soundness, of the drums with reference to the effect thereof upon the 
quality, and preservation of the quality, of the rosin in the drums. In 
conjunction with such service, when practicable, the inspector may upon 
similar request determine and certify the grade, class, other quality, 
or condition of the rosin within the drums, and report the internal 
condition of the drums, under any applicable standards and procedural 
instructions issued to such inspector by the Administrator. Certificates 
and reports issued under this section will be furnished only to the 
interested person requesting the service. Fees and charges for service 
under this section shall be paid by such interested person in accordance 
with Sec. Sec.  160.201, 160.202, and 160.204.

[20 FR 6433, Sept. 1, 1955]



Sec.  160.25  How requests shall be made.

    An interested person desiring the analysis, classification, or 
grading of any naval stores, or of samples thereof, shall submit to the 
nearest official inspector a written request, in which he shall state 
the number and kind of containers of rosin, or the number and kind of 
containers and the number of gallons of turpentine, as the case may be, 
together with the name of the interested person for whose account such 
service is requested, his interest in the naval stores, and other 
information by which the identity of the naval stores in question and 
the propriety of its examination may be determined. Requests for 
seasonal or recurrent services shall so indicate, and the approximate 
quantity of naval stores to be graded and the duration of the desired 
service shall be stated. Fees for such service shall be paid in 
accordance with the provisions in this part.



Sec.  160.26  Withdrawal of request.

    A request for service under the provisions in this part may be 
withdrawn at any time before the service has been completed, on notice 
to the official inspector: Provided, however, That the interested person 
shall reimburse the United States for the time spent and any expenses 
incurred prior to receipt of such withdrawal notice.



Sec.  160.27  Containers to be made ready.

    The interested person shall cause the naval stores to be made 
available, and shall provide any held required to remove the bungs or 
heads, or otherwise open the containers for sampling, to spike the rosin 
or extract the sampler devices from the barrels or drums, to rebung or 
otherwise close the containers, to handle the commodity for weighing, 
and to mark the containers at the direction of the official inspector.



Sec.  160.28  Tank cars of turpentine.

    A tank car loaded for shipment with spirits of turpentine shall, 
after the same has been sampled for analysis, classification, and 
certification, be sealed by the official inspector. Any certificate 
issued thereon prior to shipment shall be valid only for a reasonable 
time to permit arrival at destination, and only so long as the seals 
placed thereon by the inspector remain unbroken.



Sec.  160.29  Containers to remain intact.

    The results of any analysis, classification, or grading of naval 
stores will be certifiable only if the containers holding such naval 
stores remain intact as sampled until the analysis, classification, or 
grading has been completed and the results reported, except when the 
container is a tank car subject to demurrage.



Sec.  160.30  Contents of containers to be designated.

    Prior to inspection at the request of the producer, containers of 
naval stores, other than tank cars, shall have marked thereon a 
designation by such producer of the kind or identity of the

[[Page 304]]

product in accordance with the standard of identity provided therefor by 
or under the act.



Sec.  160.31  Time and manner of sampling.

    Except when batch sampling is authorized at an eligible processing 
plant using licensed inspectors, samples of naval stores to be used for 
official inspection and certification shall be taken direct from the 
commercial containers holding such naval stores by or under the 
immediate supervision of the inspector at the time of inspection.



Sec.  160.32  Marking containers.

    The interested person shall provide any labor necessary for marking 
the containers, after the contents have been sampled and graded, at the 
direction of the official inspector. The container of an article which 
does not conform with any United States Standard for naval stores as to 
kind or grade, shall not be marked or certified, and any unauthorized 
marks appearing on the container shall be removed.



Sec.  160.33  Containers not acceptable for inspection.

    Any container so filled or packed as to conceal the fact that it 
contains anything other than naval stores within the meaning of the act 
or the provisions in this part, and any naval stores in a container 
deemed by an official inspector to be unsuitable for use as a container 
of naval stores in commerce, shall not be accepted for classification or 
grading.



Sec.  160.34  Responsibility of interested person.

    The sampling or acceptance of any sample of naval stores by an 
official inspector for use in grading and certifying the same at the 
request of an interested person, or the placing of any incorrect 
classification or grade marks upon the container thereof, or the issue 
of any incorrect certificate inadvertently to cover the contents, 
because of inability of the inspector to observe the true condition of 
the naval stores, shall not prevent the correction or recall of any such 
certificate, nor relieve the interested person from responsibility for 
the condition of the article or its container.



Sec.  160.35  Illegible inspection marks.

    In case any mark placed on a container of rosin by or under the 
direction of an official inspector has become illegible, he will make 
such examination before remarking as may be necessary to establish the 
proper grade or identity of the rosin. No fee will be charged for this 
service, but the cost of handling, opening, spiking, and closing the 
container shall be borne by the interested person.



Sec.  160.36  Authority for changing marks.

    No mark placed upon any container of naval stores by or at the 
direction of an official inspector shall be obliterated, covered up, 
defaced, or otherwise made illegible, except under authority of an 
official inspector.



Sec.  160.37  Prior marks to be removed.

    Any marking appearing on a container to be used for naval stores, 
relating to the kind, classification, grade, certification, or method of 
inspection of naval stores shall be removed by the user whenever such 
marking does not in all respects describe the kind, classification, 
grade, certification, and method of inspection of the naval stores to be 
placed therein.

                Request Inspection by Licensed Inspectors



Sec.  160.38  Permit to use licensed inspector.

    Any naval stores produced at an eligible processing plant, as herein 
defined, may be inspected, classified, graded, and certified by a 
licensed inspector, after the accredited processor has applied to and 
has been granted a permit by the Administrator to use a licensed 
inspector.



Sec.  160.39  Form of application for license or permit.

    Applications for licenses to inspect and permits to have inspections 
made by licensed inspectors shall be made to the Administrator upon 
forms provided for the purposes. Each such application shall fully and 
truly state the information therein required and shall be signed by the 
applicant.

[[Page 305]]



Sec.  160.40  Applicant for license to be examined.

    Each applicant for a license shall be required to demonstrate his 
qualifications and competency to perform the duties of an official 
inspector at such time and place and in such manner as may be determined 
by the Administrator.



Sec.  160.41  Issuance of temporary license.

    In a case of special urgency, and in the discretion of the 
Administrator, a temporary license may be issued without reference to 
Sec.  160.40 upon presentation of satisfactory evidence by the 
accredited processor of the need therefor and the competency of the 
applicant for such temporary license. Such processor shall receive 
prompt notice of the issuance of any such temporary license. A temporary 
licensee shall be subject to all the provisions in this part. A 
temporary license shall be valid for a specified period not to exceed 30 
days, except that if application is made for a permanent license by a 
person at the same time he applies for a temporary license, any 
temporary license issued to him shall not expire until a permanent 
license has been denied or granted.



Sec.  160.42  Limitation of license.

    The license issued by the Administrator to a licensed inspector of 
naval stores shall state the name of the processing plant or plants at 
which the licensee may perform the duties of an official inspector, and 
shall be countersigned by such official as may be designated and 
authorized.



Sec.  160.43  Licensed inspector to be disinterested.

    No person who determines or controls sales policies or methods of 
distribution of an eligible processing plant, or the selling prices of 
the naval stores processed at such plant, shall be licensed as an 
inspector.



Sec.  160.44  Other duties of licensed inspectors.

    A licensed inspector may perform duties other than those of an 
official inspector, to the extent indicated by the accredited processor 
and not disapproved in writing by the Administrator: Provided, That such 
additional duties not pertaining to the official inspection work shall 
not be permitted to interfere with the proper performance of the duties 
of the licensee as an official inspector.



Sec.  160.45  Conditions governing licensed inspection.

    The work performed by licensed inspectors under the provisions in 
this part shall be supervised and reviewed by authorized representatives 
of the Administrator, who shall issue to such licensed inspectors 
instructions for taking, preserving, and identifying samples; marking 
and maintaining the identity of containers when filled; preparing, 
issuing, and disposing of certificates; the keeping of adequate 
inspection records; and such other procedures as may be necessary in 
carrying out the licensed inspection. The handling, sampling, grading, 
marking, and certification of naval stores at an eligible processing 
plant by a licensed inspector shall be conducted in accordance with such 
instructions and the provisions in this part.



Sec.  160.46  Identification of containers.

    Containers packed with naval stores which have been inspected, 
classified, graded, and certified by a licensed inspector at an eligible 
processing plant shall be marked to show the name and location or other 
acceptable identification of the plant, and the legend ``U.S. Graded'' 
or ``U.S. Inspected'', and, in the case of rosin, the batch number 
indicating the date of production.



Sec.  160.47  Periodic re-inspection.

    Any eligible processing plant may from time to time be re-inspected 
and any rosin produced by such plant may be graded or re-graded by any 
official inspector authorized to make such examinations. The results of 
such examinations shall be made known only to the affected processor, 
the licensed inspector, and to such employees of the Department 
officially authorized to receive such information.



Sec.  160.48  Form of certificate.

    The certificates issued under this part by licensed inspectors shall 
be on forms approved by the Administrator.

[[Page 306]]



Sec.  160.49  Responsibility for inspection certificates and forms.

    Certificate forms and other inspection record forms may be issued to 
an accredited processor, and the said processor shall be responsible for 
and accountable to the Department for all such material supplied to him. 
He shall require the licensed inspector to submit or otherwise make 
disposition of issued certificates in accordance with instructions 
received from the Administrator.



Sec.  160.50  Reports to be made by accredited processors.

    Each accredited processor shall furnish the Administrator such 
reports and other information relative to the operation and output of 
his eligible processing plant as the Administrator may deem necessary or 
appropriate for the administration of the provisions in this part 
applicable to licensed inspection, subject to the approval of the Bureau 
of the Budget. Failure by an accredited processor to keep such records 
as may be necessary for him to submit correct reports, or failure by the 
processor to supply correct information to the Administrator shall be 
deemed a violation of the provisions in this part, and cause for 
suspension or revocation of his inspection permit.



Sec.  160.51  Report of non-conformance.

    Each licensed inspector shall promptly report to his supervising 
inspector and to the accredited processor, any evidence of which he has 
knowledge indicating non-conformance with the provisions in this part, 
and shall also so report any attempt or effort to influence him to 
sample, grade, or certify any naval stores incorrectly or contrary to 
the provisions in this part.



Sec.  160.52  Suspension or revocation of licenses.

    (a) Any license to inspect, grade, and certify naval stores may be 
suspended or revoked for repeated failure by the licensee correctly to 
inspect, grade, classify, or certify naval stores, or upon the 
persistence of any condition which renders him unfit to perform the 
duties of a licensed inspector, or for other continued non-conformance 
with any provision of the act or the provisions in this part. A license 
may be suspended for similar failures, conditions or non-conformance of 
shorter duration or less serious nature.
    (b) A license to inspect, grade and certify naval stores may be 
summarily suspended or revoked by any official authorized to issue or 
countersign such licenses where the public health, interest, or safety 
so requires or for willful acts or omissions by the licensee which 
constitute grounds for suspension or revocation of his license under 
paragraph (a) of this section. In all other cases, prior to the 
institution of proceedings for the suspension or revocation of a 
license, such authorized official shall cause to be served upon the 
licensee, in person or by registered mail, a statement of the facts 
which appear to warrant such suspension or revocation, specifying a 
reasonable time, depending upon the circumstances in each case, within 
which the licensee may demonstrate or achieve compliance with the act, 
and the provisions in this part. The licensee may demonstrate compliance 
by the presentation of evidence in writing or, in the discretion of such 
authorized official, at an oral hearing. If, at the end of the time 
allowed for the licensee to demonstrate or achieve compliance, such 
authorized official finds he is in compliance, his license shall not be 
suspended or revoked. If such authorized official finds the licensee is 
not in compliance, the license may be suspended or revoked after service 
upon the licensee, in person or by registered mail, of a notice that 
such action is under consideration for reasons specified in the 
statement of facts previously served upon him and after reasonable 
opportunity is given the licensee to present further evidence in his 
behalf. Within 7 days after receipt of notice of the suspension or 
revocation of his license, the inspector by letter may appeal to the 
Administrator for its reinstatement and may attach to such letter any 
evidence he may wish to submit.



Sec.  160.53  Stopping inspection by suspended inspector.

    An accredited processor upon receipt of notice of the suspension or 
revocation of a license shall discontinue the

[[Page 307]]

use of the licensee as an official inspector, and the marking of his 
products to indicate official inspection, until the suspension is 
lifted, or another inspector is licensed or assigned.



Sec.  160.54  Suspension or revocation of permits.

    (a) Any permit issued to an accredited processor to have naval 
stores inspected, graded, and certified by a licensed inspector may be 
suspended or revoked for the failure of the processor, after official 
notice, to correct any condition which renders his plant unqualified for 
licensed inspection service, or for repeated or continued non-
conformance with any other provision of the act or the provisions in 
this part. A permit may be suspended for similar non-conformance or 
failure of shorter duration or less serious nature.
    (b) A permit for licensed inspection may be summarily suspended or 
revoked by any official authorized to issue or countersign such permits 
where the public health, interest, or safety so requires or for willful 
acts or omissions by the permittee which constitute grounds for 
suspension or revocation of his permit under paragraph (a) of this 
section. In all other cases, prior to the institution of proceedings for 
the suspension or revocation of a permit, such authorized official shall 
cause to be served upon the permittee, in person or by registered mail, 
a statement of the facts which appear to warrant such suspension or 
revocation, specifying a reasonable time, depending upon the 
circumstances in each case, within which the permittee may demonstrate 
or achieve compliance with the act and the provisions in this part. The 
permittee may demonstrate compliance by the presentation of evidence in 
writing or, in the discretion of such authorized official, at an oral 
hearing. If, at the end of the time allowed for the permittee to 
demonstrate or achieve compliance, such authorized official finds he is 
in compliance, his permit shall not be suspended or revoked. If such 
authorized official finds the permittee is not in compliance, the permit 
may be suspended or revoked after service upon the permittee, in person 
or by registered mail, of a notice that such action is under 
consideration for reasons specified in the statement of facts previously 
served upon him after reasonable opportunity is given the permittee to 
present further evidence in his behalf. Within 7 days after receipt of 
notice of the suspension or revocation of his permit, the processor by 
letter may appeal to the Administrator for its reinstatement, and may 
attach to such letter any evidence he may wish to submit.



Sec.  160.55  Voluntary discontinuance of licensed inspection.

    An accredited processor desiring to discontinue the use of licensed 
inspectors for making official inspections, gradings, and certifications 
of naval stores, shall give not less than 30 days notice in writing to 
the Administrator of the intention to discontinue such service. At the 
termination of the service such processor shall surrender to the 
authorized representative of the Administrator the permit for licensed 
inspection, together with all unused certificates, forms, or other 
supplies and equipment furnished by the Department and held by the 
processor for the use of his licensed inspectors, other than standards 
or such other material as may be covered by a separate loan application 
or agreement.



Sec.  160.56  Compensation of licensed inspectors.

    Each licensed inspector shall be paid directly by the accredited 
processor for his services as an official inspector and for such other 
services or duties to which he may be assigned in accordance with Sec.  
160.44: Provided, That whenever the Administrator shall deem it to be in 
the best interest of the Federal inspection service, he may require such 
processor to report to him the terms and amounts of compensation paid to 
a licensed inspector during any specified period.



Sec.  160.57  Fees for licensed inspection permits.

    Each accredited processor shall pay to the Department annually such 
permit fee for each eligible processing plant for which a permit has 
been issued, as may be prescribed by the Administrator.

[[Page 308]]



Sec.  160.58  Fees for inspection and certification by licensed inspectors.

    Each accredited processor for whom naval stores have been inspected 
and certified hereunder by a licensed inspector during any calendar 
month shall on receipt of invoice pay to the Department the fee for each 
container of naval stores so inspected and certified as may be 
prescribed by the Administrator.



Sec.  160.59  Appeal inspections.

    Any inspection certificate issued by a licensed inspector may be 
appealed in writing to the Administrator, such appeal to state the 
circumstances, the certificate number, and the quantity and certified 
grade of the naval stores covered thereby. A prompt regrade inspection 
shall be made by an official inspector other than the original 
inspector.



Sec.  160.60  Charge for appeal inspection.

    If the findings in an appeal inspection confirm the original 
inspection, the accredited processor shall pay for such reinspection in 
accordance with the fees established for original inspections made by 
inspectors who are paid employees of the Department. If the findings do 
not confirm the original inspection, a corrected certificate will be 
issued and no charge will be made for re-inspection.

                        Certificates and Reports



Sec.  160.61  Kinds of certificates issued.

    A certificate as provided for by section 4 of the act shall be 
issued to the interested person in duplicate covering naval stores 
examined at his request, and additional copies, if desired, may be 
obtained from the inspector. The kind of certificates issued are as 
follows:
    (a) Turpentine analysis and classification certificate.
    (b) Turpentine field classification certificate.
    (c) Rosin classification and grade certificate.
    (d) Rosin grade and weight certificate.
    (e) Loan and sale certificate for United States graded rosin.
    (f) Classification and grade certificate for rosin in small 
containers.



Sec.  160.62  When a certificate may be issued.

    A certificate showing the results of any analysis, classification, 
or grading shall be issued on any naval stores which conform with a 
United States Standard as to kind and grade and which have been sampled 
by or under the direction and supervision of an official inspector in 
accordance with the provisions in this part. The certificate shall be 
valid only so long as the naval stores described therein shall remain 
under seal or in the identical condition obtaining at the time of their 
examination.



Sec.  160.63  When a certificate may not be issued.

    No certificate shall be issued for naval stores unless the naval 
stores have been packed, sampled, marked, and identified as required by 
the provisions in this part, and otherwise conform with the act and such 
provisions. The results of the examination of such naval stores or 
anything offered as such may be covered by a written report, which in no 
case shall be construed as a certificate.



Sec.  160.64  Issuance of loan and sale certificate.

    On request of the owner, a ``Loan and Sale Certificate for United 
States Graded Rosin'' (designated ``L. S. Certificate'' in this part) 
may be issued to cover any rosin for which a Rosin Classification and 
Grade Certificate has previously been issued by an official inspector, 
and which remains in the original container. No inspector shall issue 
and L. S. Certificate until he has made certain that the rosin had 
previously been officially inspected and certified. The request for such 
certificate may be made to the nearest inspector.



Sec.  160.65  Prior certification required.

    If an L. S. Certificate is desired for a quantity of rosin, a part 
of which has not been previously classified and graded by an official 
inspector and covered by a certificate, such part shall be so inspected, 
classified, graded, marked,

[[Page 309]]

and certified, as provided by the provisions in this part.

                 Fees and Charges for Services Rendered



Sec.  160.66  Fees for inspection services.

    The Administrator shall from time to time establish fees and charges 
for examination, sampling, classification, grading, analysis and 
certification of naval stores as he may deem fair and reasonable, and 
commensurate with the cost of the service rendered. Such fees and 
charges may be announced to the trade in such manner as the 
Administrator considers practicable.



Sec.  160.67  Fees under cooperative agreements.

    Fees and charges for any inspection and grading service covered by 
the terms of any cooperative agreement with any interested person may be 
established by and incorporated into such agreement.



Sec.  160.68  Collection of fees.

    Beginning October 1, 1981, all fees and charges assessed to 
interested parties for services rendered under the Naval Stores Act 
shall be collected by the Director, Tobacco Division, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, to cover insofar as practicable, all costs of 
providing such services. Such fees shall be credited to the Division in 
accordance with fiscal regulations of the Department.

[47 FR 3345, Jan. 25, 1982]



Sec.  160.69  Expenses to be borne by person requesting service.

    All expenses incurred by the United States in connection with the 
sampling, analysis, classification, or grading of naval stores on 
request, not otherwise provided for by suitable regulation, shall be 
borne by the person making the request.

[11 FR 14665, Dec. 27, 1946, as amended at 17 FR 221, Jan. 9, 1952; 20 
FR 6433, Sept. 1, 1955. Redesignated at 46 FR 47055, Sept. 24, 1981, as 
amended at 47 FR 3345, Jan. 25, 1982]



Sec.  160.70  Rendition of claims.

    As soon as practicable after the end of each month, or sooner if 
deemed advisable, there shall be mailed to each interested person at 
whose request any services have been performed, a claim for payment of 
moneys due the United States for the services rendered or for the loan 
or repair of any standards.

[11 FR 14665, Dec. 27, 1946, as amended at 17 FR 221, Jan. 9, 1952; 20 
FR 6433, Sept. 1, 1955. Redesignated at 46 FR 47055, Sept. 24, 1981, as 
amended at 47 FR 3345, Jan. 25, 1982]



Sec.  160.71  Delinquent claims.

    Any claim remaining unpaid after 30 days from the date of its 
rendition shall be considered as delinquent, and notice thereof shall be 
brought to the attention of the interested person. After a claim becomes 
delinquent, the Administrator shall suspend or deny inspection and 
related services to any interested party who has failed to make timely 
payment of the fees and charges assessed, as well as any claims which 
have been rendered, and shall take such action as may be necessary to 
collect any amounts due. A deposit in advance sufficient to cover the 
fees and expenses for any subsequent service may be required of any 
person failing to pay his claim after issuance of such notice of 
delinquency.

[11 FR 14665, Dec. 27, 1946, as amended at 17 FR 221, Jan. 9, 1952; 20 
FR 6433, Sept. 1, 1955. Redesignated and amended at 46 FR 47055, Sept. 
24, 1981; 47 FR 3345, Jan. 25, 1982]

                Loan and Care of United States Standards



Sec.  160.73  Availability of standards.

    (a) Standards available on loan. Duplicates of the United States 
Standards provided by the Department for classifying and grading rosin 
in commerce, shall remain the property of the Department, and may be 
loaned, but not sold, to such interested persons as may be approved by 
the Administrator. Any interested person desiring the loan of duplicates 
of the United States Standards for rosin shall submit to the 
Administrator a form application, properly signed, which will show his 
interest in naval stores and his eligibility to receive and use such 
duplicates, in accordance with the provisions in this part. Standards so 
loaned shall be returned promptly on request.
    (b) Standards available for purchase. Duplicate cubes for rosin 
standard

[[Page 310]]

grades XA, XB, and XC are not available from the Department but may be 
obtained commercially.

[11 FR 14665, Dec. 27, 1946, as amended at 17 FR 221, Jan. 9, 1952; 20 
FR 6433, Sept. 1, 1955; 33 FR 8722, June 14, 1968]



Sec.  160.74  Loan of standards without security.

    Duplicates of the United States Standards for rosin may be loaned 
without deposit of security, insofar as the supply in the possession of 
the Department will permit, to:
    (a) Any State, County, or Municipal official duly authorized to 
inspect and grade rosin, who is actually engaged in inspection and 
grading work, and who shall have been approved by the Administrator to 
act as custodian of such standards.
    (b) Any bona fide dealer or distributor of rosin who shall have been 
approved by the Administrator to act as depositary for such standards, 
and who shall maintain and operate a regular naval stores yard which is 
available to and is regularly used by other persons for the purpose of 
having rosin inspected, graded, stored, or sold thereon: Provided, 
however, That a person whose principal use of such standards is the 
grading of rosin of his own production shall not be deemed to come 
within the scope of this paragraph, but shall be required to post the 
security provided for in Sec.  160.75: And provided, further, That no 
person shall receive more than two sets of duplicates under this 
paragraph.
    (c) Any trade organization or institution of higher learning having 
a direct relationship to the production or marketing of naval stores 
other than by reason of the private interests or operations of its 
individual members, when in the opinion of the Administrator such 
standards are necessary to the normal functioning of the organization or 
institution.



Sec.  160.75  Loan of standards under security deposit.

    Duplicates of the United States Standards for rosin may be loaned to 
interested persons other than those specified in Sec.  160.74, on 
deposit with the Department of security in the sum of $100, by 
remittance payable to the Treasurer of the United States.



Sec.  160.76  Annual charge for use of standards.

    The cost of providing duplicates of the United States Standards for 
rosin, and of maintaining such duplicates in accurate and proper 
condition for use in grading rosin, and of keeping necessary records 
thereof, shall be borne by the interested persons to whom the duplicates 
have been issued under Sec.  160.74 (a) or (b) or Sec.  160.75, and 
shall be defrayed by an annual charge of $20.00 for each set of 
duplicates, payable at the end of each Government fiscal year, or on 
surrender of the duplicates, computed pro-rata for the number of 
quarters of the fiscal year during which the duplicates were held: 
Provided, That when any set of standards issued on loan shall need 
servicing more often than once in any fiscal year, in order to maintain 
them in accurate condition for grading, and the need for such extra 
servicing is deemed by the Administrator to be the result of improper 
handling and use of the standards by the interested person or his agent, 
such person shall pay an additional amount of $30.00 for each such 
additional servicing, plus the cost of any parts or components of the 
standards replaced in such servicing, and any postage charges incurred 
by the Department in connection therewith.

[11 FR 14665, Dec. 27, 1946, as amended at 17 FR 221, Jan. 9, 1952; 20 
FR 6433, Sept. 1, 1955; 46 FR 47055, Sept. 24, 1981; 47 FR 3345, Jan. 
25, 1982]



Sec.  160.77  Reporting on use of standards.

    Each person to whom any duplicates of the United States Standards 
for rosin have been loaned under any provision in this part shall, from 
time to time, submit such reports on the use and condition thereof as 
may be required by the Administrator.



Sec.  160.78  Loss or damage of standards.

    In case any duplicates become damaged or are missing, the person to 
whom they were loaned shall promptly inform the Administrator in 
writing, stating what damage or loss was sustained and how the same 
occurred. The cost of making necessary repairs to

[[Page 311]]

any duplicates, or of replacing those damaged beyond repair, or missing, 
shall be paid promptly by the person to whom they were originally 
loaned.



Sec.  160.79  Request for additional standards.

    Any person to whom any duplicates have been loaned without security 
deposit, who shall request and be granted the loan of additional 
duplicates to replace the original ones, shall be required to deposit 
the security provided for in Sec.  160.75 prior to the loan of such 
additional duplicates. If the set of duplicates first loaned to such 
person, or any part thereof, is recovered, it shall be returned for 
inspection or repair. The cost of any repairs or replacements shall be 
paid, whereupon such original set may be returned to such person, and he 
shall surrender the second set, on receipt of which the security posted 
therefor shall be returned.



Sec.  160.80  Denial of loan of additional standards.

    It shall be deemed impracticable under the act to loan additional 
duplicates to any person who has permitted duplicates previously loaned 
to him, without security, to become lost, damaged, or destroyed, if in 
the opinion of the Administrator, such loss, damage, or destruction 
resulted from any failure on the part of the interested person or his 
agent to take suitable precaution to prevent the loss, damage, or 
destruction, or when the available supply of duplicates is deemed 
insufficient to warrant the loan of additional duplicates to such 
person.



Sec.  160.81  Surrender of standards.

    On the death of any person, or the dissolution or reorganization of 
any partnership, firm, or corporation, holding any duplicates of the 
United States Standards for rosin, they shall be promptly returned to 
the Administrator by the holder thereof.



Sec.  160.82  Return of security.

    The security deposit received from any person to whom duplicates of 
the United States Standards for rosin have been loaned will be held in 
the special deposit account of the Department, and the same will be 
returned to the person from whom received, or his legal representative, 
on surrender of the duplicates secured thereby: Provided, That before 
refund is made the cost of any repairs or replacement shall be deducted.



Sec.  160.83  Miscellaneous receipts.

    All moneys received or withheld to cover the cost of repairs, or of 
replacing any missing parts of duplicates, or as rental for duplicates, 
shall be paid into the United States Treasury as Miscellaneous Receipts.

                           Sales and Shipments



Sec.  160.84  Identification of shipments.

    The invoice or contract of sale of any naval stores in commerce 
shall identify and describe the article in accordance with the 
classification and the standard of kind and grade provided by the act or 
established by the Administrator.



Sec.  160.85  Sale of mixed turpentine not lawful.

    Since no standard has been provided for a mixture of two or more 
kinds of spirits of turpentine, the sale in commerce of any such mixture 
is prohibited under any designation.



Sec.  160.86  Prohibited use of United States Standards.

    It shall be deemed unlawful under any condition to sell, under or by 
reference to any United States Standard for naval stores, as provided by 
the act and defined in the regulations in this part, any article which 
fails to conform with such standard in all respects: Provided, That the 
phrase ``under or by reference to United States Standards'' as it 
appears in the act and the regulations in this part, shall include the 
use of any words, letters, brands, labels, or marks constituting any of 
the United States Standards for naval stores on any container of naval 
stores, on anything attached to or supplied therewith on delivery, or on 
any inspection, sale, or shipping record or invoice, in describing the 
kind, classification, or grade of the naval stores covered thereby.

[[Page 312]]



Sec.  160.87  Prohibited use of word ``turpentine'' or derivatives thereof.

    It shall be deemed unlawful to use in commerce the word 
``turpentine'' or a compound, derivative or imitation thereof, or any 
word or combination of words which are a part of a United States 
Standard for any kind of spirits of turpentine, to describe in any 
manner a mixture of spirits of turpentine with any other oil or solvent.



Sec.  160.88  Permitted use of words ``turpentine'' and ``rosin.''

    The use of the word ``turpentine'' or the word ``rosin'' is not 
prohibited in the name of an article made, prepared, or processed from 
spirits of turpentine or rosin, or to indicate the process whereby such 
article was made or prepared: Provided, That this section shall not 
apply to any article covered by Sec.  160.87.



Sec.  160.89  Medicinal preparations.

    A compound or mixture containing spirits of turpentine or rosin, or 
both, with other drugs, when sold for medicinal purposes, is not subject 
to the provisions of the Naval Stores Act or of the provisions in this 
part.

                    Labeling, Advertising and Packing



Sec.  160.90  False, misleading, or deceitful practices.

    No label or other means or practice used in connection with the sale 
of naval stores in commerce or of anything offered as such shall be 
false, misleading, or deceitful in any manner.



Sec.  160.91  Meaning of words ``pine'' and ``pine tree.''

    The words ``pine'' or ``pine tree,'' when used to designate the 
source of spirits of turpentine, shall be deemed to mean a living, 
growing plant of the genus Pinus, family Pinaceae, unless the words 
``wood of'' are used in connection therewith. The terms ``oleoresin of 
the southern pine'' or ``oleoresin from the southern pine'' shall be 
deemed to mean the gum or oleoresin exuded by such living, growing 
trees, the source of gum spirits of turpentine.



Sec.  160.92  Meaning of word ``gallon.''

    The word ``gallon,'' when used on or impressed into any container of 
spirits of turpentine, or when used in an invoice referring to spirits 
of turpentine in containers of 10 gallons content or less, shall mean a 
United States standard gallon of 231 cubic inches of turpentine, 
regardless of any other definitive terms used therewith: Provided, That 
this shall not apply to the meaning of the words ``imperial gallon'', 
when placed on containers intended for foreign shipment. For the purpose 
of these regulations a measured gallon of turpentine, or any indicated 
multiple or fractional part thereof, shall be such quantity when 
measured at a temperature of not more than 75 [deg]Fahrenheit, and a 
weighed gallon shall be construed to mean 7.2 pounds of turpentine.



Sec.  160.93  Powdered rosin.

    The classification and grade of any rosin sold in commerce in a 
powdered or finely broken condition shall be stated in the invoice or 
contract of sale in accordance with the kind and grade of the rosin 
before it was powdered or broken. For the purpose of preventing 
coalescence there may be incorporated in such article a limited and 
necessary quantity of inert, nonresinous foreign material: Provided, 
That the nature and quantity of such inert material shall be stated on 
the label.



Sec.  160.94  Spirits of turpentine for medicinal use.

    Spirits of turpentine so packed, described, labeled, or sold as to 
indicate that it is offered as a medicament shall nevertheless be 
subject to the requirements of the Naval Stores Act and of the 
provisions in this part, as well as any requirements under any other 
statute.

                    Proceedings in Case of Violation



Sec.  160.95  Proceedings prior to reporting violations of the act.

    Whenever it shall appear to the Administrator that any violation of 
the act should be reported to the United States Department of Justice 
for appropriate action, he shall serve notice in writing upon the person 
apparently responsible for the alleged violation

[[Page 313]]

and shall give such person an opportunity to show in duplicate to the 
Administrator within 20 days after the receipt of such notice why the 
alleged violation should not be reported to the Department of Justice. 
The person so notified may within the period stated apply for an 
opportunity to present his views in person, or by his attorney. If the 
Administrator deems the request appropriate he will designate a time and 
place for hearing the applicant.



Sec.  160.96  Report of violations for prosecution.

    In the event of failure of the person notified of an apparent 
violation of the act to submit to the Administrator a written answer as 
provided in Sec.  160.95, or if, after such person has filed his answer 
or in addition, been given an opportunity to present his views orally, 
no sufficient reason has been shown why the alleged violation should not 
be reported for prosecution, the General Counsel of the Department, 
acting for and on behalf of the Administrator, shall report the alleged 
violation to the Department of Justice for appropriate action.



Sec.  160.97  Publication.

    Composite data regarding inspections, analyses, classifications, and 
grading of naval stores made under any provision of the act or the 
provisions in this part may be published from time to time in such 
mediums as the Administrator may designate for the purpose.

               Specific Fees Payable for Services Rendered



Sec.  160.201  Fees generally for field inspection and certification
of naval stores and drum containers of rosin.

    Except as provided in Sec.  160.204, the following fees shall be 
paid to the United States for the field inspection and certification of 
naval stores and drum containers of rosin, not conducted under a 
cooperative agreement and where laboratory analysis or testing is not 
required:
    (a) Inspections by licensed inspectors at eligible processing 
plants. (1) Rosin (grading and incidental certification as to class, 
condition and weight).
    (i) In drums (see Note 1) per drum--$1.24.
    (ii) In 100 pound bags (see Note 1) per bag--$.23.
    (iii) In tank cars, per car--$67.50.
    (iv) In tank trucks, per truck--$34.00.
    (2) Turpentine (Grading and incidental certification as to class, 
condition and volume).
    (i) In 55 gallon drums, per drum--$2.25.
    (ii) In tank cars or trucks, per unit of 100 gallons--$1.41.
    (iii) In bulk for delivery to tank steamer, per unit of 100 
gallons--$2.25.
    (b) Inspections by regularly employed, salaried Federal inspectors.
    (1) Rosin.
    (i) Grading and weighing at concentration and storage yards, per 
drum--$4.05.
    (ii) Irregular inspection and grading at distillation or processing 
plants, up to 400 drums, per drum--$3.60; all over 400 drums, per drum--
$2.25.
    (iii) Weighing at concentration and storage yards, subsequent to 
grading, per drum--$2.25.
    (iv) Examination of the external or internal appearance and 
condition of filled rosin drums, and of the rosin contained therein--See 
Note 2 and Sec.  160.204.
    (v) Re-certification under L.S. Certificate of rosin moving in 
commerce, per drum--$.23.
    (2) Turpentine (inspection and certification as to kind, condition, 
volume, etc.).
    (i) In drums of 55 gallons, per drum--$3.38.
    (ii) In tank cars or trucks, per unit of 100 gallons--$2.81.
    (iii) For bulk delivery to tank steamer, per unit of 100 gallons--
$2.25.

    Note 1: When the number of drums and bags inspected and certified at 
any plant during any calendar month is equivalent to a total of 2,400 or 
more drums (counting five bags as equivalent to one drum), the fee shall 
be computed at the rate of $1.01 per drum and $.18 per bag certified. 
For quantities less than the equivalent of 2,400 drums, the fee shall be 
computed at the prescribed rate of $1.24 per drum and $.23 per bag.
    Note 2: The inspection or related examination of containers of rosin 
and their contents under Section B(1)(iv) shall be performed only after 
the inspector or the Chief of the Marketing Programs Branch has been 
advised regarding the location, nature, scope, and purpose of the 
service desired, and the

[[Page 314]]

charge to be made therefore has been submitted to and accepted by the 
requesting person.

[47 FR 3345, Jan. 25, 1982]



Sec.  160.202  Fees generally for laboratory analysis and testing.

    Except as provided in Sec.  160.204, the following fees shall be 
paid to the United States for laboratory analysis and testing of naval 
stores, when not performed in the conduct of a cooperative agreement 
with respect to such products:
    (a) Rosin and turpentine. (See Note 3).
    (1) Comprehensive analysis to determine purity, specification 
compliance, or other chemical and physical properties related thereto:
    (i) Single Sample--$40.00.
    (ii) Two or more samples analyzed at same time per sample--$35.00.
    (2) Limited testing to determine kind, grade, or other factors 
related to quality of utility.
    (i) Single Sample:
    (A) Rosin--$14.00.
    (B) Turpentine--$10.00.
    (ii) Two or more samples tested at same time:
    (A) Rosin--per sample--$10.00.
    (B) Turpentine--per sample--$8.00.

    Note 3: The analysis and testing of rosin involves many different 
types of laboratory procedures, requiring variable time for performance, 
and including other cost factors. The charge for such analysis and 
testing will depend on the type and extent of the work required to 
supply the information desired by the interested person requesting the 
service. When it appears that the charges indicated in this section will 
not defray the costs of making the tests required, the interested person 
shall be informed before any work is performed and will be supplied with 
a cost estimate of the actual charges to be made. See also Sec.  
160.204.

[47 FR 3345, Jan. 25, 1982]



Sec.  160.203  Fees for inspection and certification of other naval
stores material.

    Whenever it shall be deemed practical and in the interest of the 
naval stores trade to sample, inspect, analyze and certify any naval 
stores material other than spirits of turpentine or rosin, at the 
request of an interested person, the fees for such inspection shall be 
the same as the fees prescribed for spirits of turpentine.

[17 FR 189, Jan. 8, 1952]



Sec.  160.204  Fees for extra cost and hourly rate service.

    The fees specified in Sec. Sec.  160.201 and 160.202 apply to the 
routine field inspection and usual laboratory work incident to the 
certification of commodities covered by those sections. Should 
additional work be required to provide special information desired by 
the person requesting service, or should it be necessary for an 
inspector to make a special trip or to deviate from his regular schedule 
of travel, or should the fees prescribed in Sec. Sec.  160.201 and 
160.202 otherwise be insufficient to defray the cost to the Government 
for rendering such service, then the person requesting the service shall 
pay, in lieu of the prescribed fees, an amount computed by the 
Department as sufficient to defray the total cost thereof, including 
allowances for time spent in collecting and preparing samples obtaining 
identification records, traveling, performing laboratory tests or other 
necessary work, and also any expense incurred for authorized 
transportation and subsistence of the inspector or analyst while in 
travel status. The charge for time so spent shall be computed at the 
rate of $17.80 per hour for laboratory and field inspection work. The 
overtime rate for services performed outside the inspector's regularly 
scheduled tour of duty shall be $21.30. The rate of $26.70 shall be 
charged for work performed on Sundays or holidays.

[47 FR 3345, Jan. 25, 1982]



Sec.  160.205  Permit fees for eligible processing plants under licensed
inspection.

    Initial permit fee--$20.00.
    Annual renewal permit fee--$20.00.
    Note: The renewal permit fee shall be reduced to $10 per year when 
the inspection fees paid by the eligible processing plant aggregate $200 
or more during the preceding fiscal year ended September 30, and shall 
be waived when such fees aggregate $400 or more during such fiscal year. 
Such reduced permit fee shall apply only in case the eligible processing 
plant has made use of the licensed inspection service.

[47 FR 3346, Jan. 25, 1982]

[[Page 315]]



 SUBCHAPTER G_MISCELLANEOUS MARKETING PRACTICES UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL 
                          MARKETING ACT OF 1946





PART 170_USDA FARMERS MARKET--Table of Contents



Sec.
170.1 To which farmers market does this rule apply?
170.2 Is the USDA Farmers Market a producer-only market?
170.3 What products may be sold at the USDA Farmers Market?
170.4 Who may participate in the USDA Farmers Market?
170.5 Is there a fee to participate in the USDA Farmers Market?
170.6 How are potential market participants identified for the USDA 
          Farmers Market?
170.7 Can I apply if I am not recruited?
170.8 What are the application procedures?
170.9 What type of information does the application require?
170.10 Must a participant in the market have insurance?
170.11 How are farmers and vendors selected for participation in the 
          USDA Farmers Market?
170.12 What are the selection criteria for participation in the USDA 
          Farmers Market?
170.13 What are the operating guidelines for the USDA Farmers Market?
170.14 What circumstances will prevent participation in the USDA Farmers 
          Market?

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.

    Source: 70 FR 76131, Dec. 23, 2005, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  170.1  To which farmers markets does this rule apply?

    This rule applies only to the USDA Farmers Market at headquarters on 
the corner of 12th Street & Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC.



Sec.  170.2  Is the USDA Farmers Market a producer-only market?

    Yes. A producer-only market is one that does not offer agricultural 
products that are commercially made, created, or produced, and only 
allows agricultural products that are grown by a principal farmer. A 
producer-only market offers raw agricultural products such as fruits, 
vegetables, flowers, bedding plants, and potted plants. The USDA Farmers 
Market is a producer-only market since only farmers who may sell 
products that they grow or produce will be selected for participation. 
It also allows the sale of value-added products and other specialized 
non-produce items.



Sec.  170.3  What products may be sold at the USDA Farmers Market?

    Products that may be sold at the market include, but are not limited 
to, fresh, high-quality fruits, vegetables, herbs, honey, jams and 
jellies, cheese, vinegars, cider, maple syrup, fish, flowers, bedding 
plants, and potted plants. USDA inspected meats and poultry items also 
may be sold.



Sec.  170.4  Who may participate in the USDA Farmers Market?

    Members of three groups may participate in the USDA Farmers Markets:
    (a) Principal farmers or producers who sell their own agricultural 
products. The principal farmer must be in full control and supervision 
of the individual steps of production of crops including tilling, 
planting, cultivating, fertilizer and pesticide applications (if 
applicable), harvesting and post-harvest handling on its own farm with 
its own machinery and labor.
    (b) Principal farmer or producers who sell their own value-added 
agricultural products. Value-added products may include agricultural 
products that have been enhanced through a modification of the product, 
such as braiding, weaving, hulling, extracting, handcrafting, and the 
like. It also may result from growing the product in a way that is 
acknowledged as safer. Farmers and vendors selling these types of 
products must prepare them predominately with material they have grown 
or gathered.
    (c) Nonproduce vendors. A limited number of non-produce vendors may 
be selected by market management to sell specialized products that 
enhance the market atmosphere and historically attract customers to a 
farmers market. These specialized vendors, such as bakers, may be 
exempted from the reselling restrictions that apply to the farmers and 
vendors described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.

[[Page 316]]



Sec.  170.5  Is there a fee to participate in the USDA Farmers Market?

    No, there are no fees charged to participate in the market.



Sec.  170.6  How are potential market participants identified for the
USDA Farmers Market?

    Potential market participants are recruited by AMS market management 
through local farm organizations in the Washington DC metropolitan area 
State Departments of Agriculture from the mid-Atlantic region including, 
Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Upon 
receiving a list of potential farmers and vendors from the organizations 
and the State Departments of Agriculture, an information packet, which 
includes an application and this rule, will be mailed to each potential 
participant identified by the contacts.



Sec.  170.7  Can I apply if I am not recruited?

    Yes. Interested persons may call or write USDA to request an 
information packet even if they are not recruited. Those interested may 
write USDA/AMS/TM/MSB, Room 2646-South Building, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC, 20250, or call (202) 720-8317. They may 
also call the USDA Farmers Market Hotline at 1-800-384-8704 to leave a 
message to have a packet mailed or faxed. They may also visit the web 
site at http://www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/ to review the selection 
criteria, the operating rules, and to receive an application 
electronically.



Sec.  170.8  What are the application procedures?

    In January of each year, prospective and returning participants must 
submit to USDA a completed application for participation in the upcoming 
market season. Each application will include a copy of this rule, which 
includes the selection criteria and operating guidelines. Each applicant 
also will certify that each is the owner or representative of the farm 
or business submitting the application.



Sec.  170.9  What type of information does the application require?

    The application for participation in the USDA Farmers Market will 
provide market management with information on contacts, farm location, 
type of farming operation, types of products grown, and business 
practices, including insurance coverage.



Sec.  170.10  Must a participant in the market have insurance?

    There is no requirement for a participant to have insurance; 
however, USDA asks that participants with insurance provide insurance 
information for our records.



Sec.  170.11  How are farmers and vendors selected for participation
in the USDA Farmers Market?

    USDA reviews all applications and selects participants based 
primarily on the type of farmer or vendor (i.e., fruit, vegetable, herb, 
baker) and secondly, on the specific types of products to be sold. The 
selection of the participants is conducted by the market management to 
ensure a balanced product mix of fruits, vegetables, herbs, value-added 
products, and baked goods.



Sec.  170.12  What are the selection criteria for participation in 
the USDA Farmers Market?

    The selection criteria are designed to ensure a consistently high 
level of quality and diverse products are available at the market, while 
operating in the constraints of space available at the market site. The 
criteria are:
    (a) Member of one of the three participant groups specified in Sec.  
170.4 of this part. The participant must be a producer-only farmer or 
producer, seller of value-added products, or specialized non-produce 
vendor.
    (b) Participant offers a product that adds to a product mix. Market 
management will ensure that a balanced mix of fresh fruits and 
vegetables will be maintained throughout the season. Final selection of 
fruit and vegetable producers will be made based on their ability to 
ensure a wide range of fresh farm products throughout the season.
    (c) Willingness to Glean. Participants should commit to supporting 
the USDA food gleaning/food recovery initiative.

[[Page 317]]

This commitment requires farmers and vendors to donate surplus food and 
food products at the end of each market day to a local nonprofit 
organization identified by USDA. Questions about tax deductions for 
gleaning should be referred to the Internal Revenue Service or a tax 
advisor. Receipts for donated foods may be obtained from the receiving 
nonprofit organization.
    (d) Commitment to market. Participants must commit to the entire 
market season and be willing to participate on a regular basis.
    (e) Grandfather provision. Market management reserves the right to 
select several farmers or vendors based on previous participation in the 
program, consistency in providing quality products, and compliance with 
operating guidelines.



Sec.  170.13  What are the operating guidelines for the USDA Farmers 
Market?

    (a) Market Operation. The Market will be held in parking court 9 of 
the USDA Headquarters Complex located on the corner of 12th Street and 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC. Selling will not begin before 
10 a.m. and will end promptly at 2 p.m. each market day. All 
participants must be in place, setup and ready to sell by 10 a.m. Due to 
space restrictions at the site, late arrivals will be located at market 
management's discretion. All vehicles must vacate the market site no 
later than 3 p.m.
    (b) Notification of Attendance. Each participant must call USDA 
within 48 hours of a market day if they cannot attend. Failure to 
provide proper and timely notification may result in termination of 
participation in the market.
    (c) Participant Space. One vehicle is permitted per space; all other 
vehicles must be removed from the immediate market premises. One space 
is 16w x 17d feet, and all trucks must fit within that area. There is 
only room for 15 spaces.
    (d) Signage. Participants must clearly display the name of their 
farm/business and post prices for all items being sold.
    (e) Clean-up. Participants are responsible for cleaning all trash 
and waste within and around their allotted space. Garbage bins are 
provided on the market site for this purpose.
    (f) Cooperative Marketing. Participants are permitted to share space 
with another participant or sell another's products if the arrangement 
is deemed by market management as beneficial to the market. A co-op must 
be pre-approved by market management and will not be accepted if similar 
products are already sold by existing farmers or vendors.
    (g) Farm/Business Visits. Market management may visit farm/business 
locations to verify compliance with market criteria and guidelines. 
Participants should submit a map and directions to their farm/businesses 
with their market applications.
    (h) Conduct on Federal Property: Participants must comply with 
Subpart 20.3 of the Federal Property Management Regulations, ``Conduct 
on Federal Property,'' 41 CFR 20.3.



Sec.  170.14  What circumstances will prevent participation in the 
USDA Farmers Market?

    (a) Efforts will be made to accommodate all who apply to participate 
in the market. However, market management may deny participation in the 
market because of insufficient space or excess supply of the products to 
sell, failure to meet the stated criteria, or the participant's 
noncompliance with the operating guidelines or regulations.
    (b) Participants who sell before the 10 a.m. opening time will be 
restricted from participating in the market following their second 
violation. A written warning will be given to the participant for the 
first violation of this guideline. After the second violation occurs, a 
letter of reprimand will be given to the participant restricting their 
participation for the next immediate market day.
    (c) Participants who arrive after the 10 a.m. opening time may be 
restricted from participating in the market following their second 
violation. A written warning may be given to the participant for the 
first violation of this guideline. After the second violation occurs, a 
letter of reprimand may be given to the participant restricting their 
participation for the next immediate market day.

[[Page 318]]



PART 180_CATTLE CONTRACTS LIBRARY PILOT PROGRAM--Table of Contents



Sec.
180.1 General administration.
180.2 Definitions.
180.3 Cattle Contracts Library.
180.4 Monthly cattle volume reporting.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627

    Source: 87 FR 74955, Dec. 7, 2021, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  180.1  General administration.

    (a) Confidentiality. The Secretary shall make information obtained 
under this part available to the public only in a manner that ensures 
that confidentiality is preserved regarding --
    (1) The identity of persons, including parties to a contract; and
    (2) Proprietary business information.
    (b) Disclosure by Federal Government employees--(1) In general. 
Subject to paragraph (b)(2) of this section, no officer, employee, or 
agent of the United States shall, without the consent of the packer or 
other person concerned, divulge or make known in any manner, any facts 
or information regarding the business of the packer or other person that 
was acquired through reporting required under this part.
    (2) Exceptions. Information obtained by the Secretary under this 
part may be disclosed--
    (i) To agents or employees of the Department of Agriculture in the 
course of their official duties under this part;
    (ii) As directed by the Secretary or the Attorney General, for 
enforcement purposes; or
    (iii) By a court of competent jurisdiction.
    (3) Disclosure under Freedom of Information Act. Notwithstanding any 
other provision of law, no facts or information obtained under this part 
shall be disclosed in accordance with section 552 of title 5, United 
States Code.
    (c) Regional reporting. The Secretary shall make information 
obtained under this part available to the public only in a manner that 
ensures that the information is published on a national or regional 
basis as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
    (d) Adjustments. Prior to the publication of any contract 
information obtained under this part, the Secretary may make reasonable 
adjustments to address aberrations or other unusual or unique 
occurrences that the Secretary determines would distort the published 
information to the detriment of producers, packers, or other market 
participants.
    (e) Reporting methods. Information required to be reported under 
this part shall be reported by electronic means in the manner prescribed 
by the Secretary. Information may be reported in an alternative manner 
in emergencies or in cases when an alternative method is agreed to by 
both the entity required to report and the Secretary.
    (f) Verification. The Secretary may take such actions as are 
necessary to verify the accuracy of the information submitted or 
reported under this part.
    (g) Noncompliance. The Secretary may refer instances of non-
compliance with this part to the appropriate office of the Department 
for further investigation.



Sec.  180.2  Definitions.

    The following definitions apply to this part.
    Active contract. The term ``active contract'' means a contract that 
is currently available between a packer and producer under which fed 
cattle may be purchased.
    Base price. The term ``base price'' means the price paid for 
livestock, before application of any adjustments, premiums or discounts, 
expressed in dollars per hundred pounds of hot carcass weight or live 
weight.
    Base price adjustment. The term ``base price adjustment'' means the 
positive or negative adjustment to the base price before any premiums or 
discounts are applied.
    Business day. The term ``business day'' means a day on which the 
packer conducts normal business regarding livestock committed to the 
packer, or livestock purchased or sold by the packer, and the Department 
of Agriculture is open to conduct business, typically Monday through 
Friday and excluding Federal holidays.
    Calendar month. The term ``calendar month'' means a timeframe that 
begins on the first day of the month at midnight and ends on the last 
day of the

[[Page 319]]

month at 11:59 p.m. in the central time zone.
    Contract. The term ``contract'' means a written or oral agreement 
concerning the specific terms and conditions under which an unknown 
volume of fed cattle may be purchased by a packer during a specified 
time frame, or under which a known volume of cattle is purchased by a 
packer for a given plant during a specified time frame.
    Contract method. The term ``contract method'' means the way in which 
the contract was established, either written or oral.
    Current month. The term ``current month'' means the present calendar 
month.
    Discount. The term ``discount'' means the adjustment, expressed 
either in dollars per one hundred pound or per head, subtracted from the 
base price.
    Fed cattle. The term ``fed cattle'' means a steer or heifer that has 
been finished on a ration of roughage and feed concentrates, such as 
grains, protein meal, grass (forage), and other nutrient-rich feeds, 
prior to slaughter.
    Inactive contract. The term ``inactive contract'' means a fed cattle 
contract that is no longer available between a packer and producer for 
purchase under, or one that is not currently in use.
    Packer. The term ``packer'' means a packer that has slaughtered 
during the immediately preceding 5 calendar years an average of not less 
than 5 percent of the number of fed cattle slaughtered nationally during 
the immediately preceding 5 calendar years.
    Person. The term ``person'' means any individual, group of 
individuals, partnership, corporation, association, or other entity.
    Premium. The term ``premium'' means the adjustment, expressed either 
in dollars per one hundred pound or per head, added to the base price.
    Prior month. The term ``prior month'' means the calendar month 
immediately preceding the current month.
    Producer. The term ``producer'' means any person engaged in the 
business of selling livestock to a packer for slaughter (including the 
sale of livestock from a packer to another packer).
    Secretary. The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Agriculture 
of the United States or any other officer or employee of the Department 
of Agriculture to whom authority has been delegated or may hereafter be 
delegated to act in the Secretary's stead.
    Selling basis. The term ``selling basis'' refers to cattle that are 
sold on a live, dressed, live converted to dressed, or dressed converted 
to live weight basis under a contract.
    Unique identifier. The term ``unique identifier'' means a unique 
code chosen by the packer for the contract, specific to the contract, 
and utilized and trackable through the life of the contract.



Sec.  180.3  Cattle Contracts Library.

    (a) Initial contract information submission. On January 6, 2023, 
each packer shall submit to the Secretary information for each active 
contract with a unique identifier. The information shall be submitted in 
accordance with Sec.  180.1(e). The contract information required to be 
reported includes:
    (1) The contract method;
    (2) The contract start and end dates; and
    (3) All terms associated with:
    (i) Each base price source and adjustment;
    (ii) Selling basis;
    (iii) Premiums and discounts;
    (iv) Specifications relating to cattle attributes;
    (v) Delivery and transportation terms and payments;
    (vi) Financing, risk-sharing, profit-sharing or other financial 
arrangements; and,
    (vii) Volume provisions.
    (b) Reporting deadlines. Within 1 business day of making a new 
contract available, making a change to an existing contract, or making a 
contract no longer available, each packer must submit the following:
    (1) Packers must submit all contract terms in accordance Sec.  
108.4(a) for each new active contract for each producer or producers at 
each plant that it operates or at which it has cattle slaughtered;
    (2) Packers must submit any changes to the terms of a previously 
submitted active contract and associated schedules or appendices, 
including the

[[Page 320]]

unique identifier for the previously submitted contract it supersedes; 
and
    (3) Packers must submit information to remove inactive contracts 
from the library, including the unique identifier for the now inactive 
contract.



Sec.  180.4  Monthly cattle volume reporting.

    (a) Initial estimated volume submission. On January 6, 2023, each 
packer shall submit to the Secretary an initial estimate of the total 
volume of cattle to be contracted for in the current calendar month in 
accordance with Sec.  180.1(e).
    (b) Reporting deadlines. By the close of business on the second 
Friday of each month, each packer must submit the following information 
in accordance with Sec.  180.1(e). If the second Friday of a month falls 
on a non-business day, the deadline is due no later than the close of 
the next business day following the second Friday of the month:
    (1) Number of cattle purchased by each base price source under each 
active contract in the prior month reported by unique identifier and
    (2) Estimate of the total number of cattle to be purchased under 
active contracts for delivery to each plant for slaughter within the 
current calendar month.



                         SUBCHAPTER H [RESERVED]



[[Page 321]]



                      SUBCHAPTER K_FEDERAL SEED ACT





PART 201_FEDERAL SEED ACT REQUIREMENTS--Table of Contents



                               definitions

Sec.
201.1 Meaning of words.
201.2 Terms defined.

                             administration

201.3 Administrator.

              records for agricultural and vegetable seeds

201.4 Maintenance and accessibility.
201.5 Origin.
201.6 Germination.
201.7 Purity (including variety).
201.7a Treated seed.

                       labeling agricultural seeds

201.8 Contents of the label.
201.9 Kind.
201.10 Variety.
201.11 Type.
201.11a Hybrid.
201.12 Name of kind and variety.
201.12a Seed mixtures.
201.13 Lot number or other identification.
201.14 Origin.
201.15 Weed seeds.
201.16 Noxious-weed seeds.
201.17 Noxious-weed seeds in the District of Columbia.
201.18 Other agricultural seeds.
201.19 Inert matter.
201.20 Germination.
201.21 Hard seed or dormant seed..
201.22 Date of test.
201.23 Seller and buyer information.
201.24 Code designation.
201.24a Inoculated seed.

                        labeling vegetable seeds

201.25 Contents of the label.
201.26 Kind, variety, and hybrid.
201.26a Vegetable seed mixtures.
201.27 Seller and buyer information.
201.28 Code designation.
201.29 Germination of vegetable seed in containers of 1 pound or less.
201.29a Germination of vegetable seed in containers of more than 1 
          pound.
201.30 Hard seed.
201.30a Date of test.
201.30b Lot number or other lot identification of vegetable seed in 
          containers of more than 1 pound.
201.30c Noxious-weed seeds of vegetable seed in containers of more than 
          1 pound.
201.31 Minimum germination standards for vegetable seeds in interstate 
          commerce.

                           labeling in general

201.31a Labeling treated seed.
201.32 Screenings.
201.33 Seed in bulk or large quantities; seed for cleaning or 
          processing.
201.34 Kind, variety, and type; treatment substances; designation as 
          hybrid.
201.35 Blank spaces.
201.36 The words ``free'' and ``none.''

                          modifying statements

201.36a Disclaimers and nonwarranties.

                               advertising

201.36b Name of kind and variety; designation as hybrid.
201.36c Hermetically-sealed containers.

                               inspection

201.37 Authorization.
201.38 [Reserved]

                sampling in the administration of the act

201.39 General procedure.
201.40 Bulk.
201.41 Bags.
201.42 Small containers.
201.43 Size of sample.
201.44 Forwarding samples.

            purity analysis in the administration of the act

201.45 Obtaining the working sample.
201.46 Weight of working sample.
201.47 Separation.
201.47a Seed unit.
201.47b Working samples.
201.48 Kind or variety considered pure seed.
201.49 Other crop seed.
201.50 Weed seed.
201.51 Inert matter.
201.51a Special procedures for purity analysis.
201.51b Purity procedures for coated seed.
201.52 Noxious-weed seeds.

           germination tests in the administration of the act

201.53 Source of seeds for germination.
201.54 Number of seeds for germination.
201.55 Retests.
201.55a Moisture and aeration of substratum.
201.56 Interpretation.
201.56-1 Goosefoot family, Chenopodiaceae and Carpetweed family 
          Aizoaceae.
201.56-2 Sunflower family, Asteraceae (Compositae).
201.56-3 Mustard family, Brassicaceae (Cruciferae).
201.56-4 Cucurbit family (Cucurbitaceae).

[[Page 322]]

201.56-5 Grass family, Poaceae (Gramineae).
201.56-6 Legume or pea family, Fabaceae (Leguminosae).
201.56-7 Lily family, Liliaceae.
201.56-8 Flax family, Linaceae.
201.56-9 Mallow family, Malvaceae.
201.56-10 Spurge family, Euphorbiaceae.
201.56-11 Knotweed family, Polygonaceae.
201.56-12 Miscellaneous plant families.
201.57 Hard seeds.
201.57a Dormant seeds.
201.58 Substrata, temperature, duration of test, and certain other 
          specific directions for testing for germination and hard seed.

              examinations in the administration of the act

201.58a Indistinguishable seeds.
201.58b Origin.
201.58c Detection of captan, mercury, or thiram on seed.
201.58d Fungal endophyte test.

                               tolerances

201.59 Application.
201.60 Purity percentages.
201.61 Fluorescence percentages in ryegrasses.
201.62 Tests for determination of percentages of kind, variety, type, 
          hybrid, or offtype.
201.63 Germination.
201.64 Pure live seed.
201.65 Noxious-weed seeds in interstate commerce.
201.66 [Reserved]

                             certified seed

201.67 Seed certifying agency standards and procedures.
201.68 Eligibility requirements for certification of varieties.
201.69 Classes of certified seed.
201.70 Limitations of generations for certified seed.
201.71 Establishing the source of all classes of certified seed.
201.72 Production of all classes of certified seed.
201.73 Processors and processing of all classes of certified seed.
201.74 Labeling of all classes of certified seed.
201.75 Interagency certification.
201.76 Minimum Land, Isolation, Field, and Seed Standards.

  Additional Requirements for the Certification of Plant Materials of 
                              Certain Crops

201.77 Length of stand requirements.
201.78 Pollen control for hybrids.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1592.
    Note: Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under OMB 
control number 0581-0026 (47 FR 746, Jan. 7, 1982)

                               Definitions



Sec.  201.1  Meaning of words.

    Words in the regulations in this part in the singular form shall be 
deemed to import the plural, and vice versa, as the case may demand.

[5 FR 28, Jan. 4, 1940]



Sec.  201.2  Terms defined.

    When used in the regulations in this part the terms as defined in 
section 101 of the Act, unless modified in this section as provided in 
the Act, shall apply with equal force and effect. In addition, as used 
in this part:
    (a) The Act. The term ``Act'' means the Federal Seed Act approved 
August 9, 1939 (53 Stat. 1275; 7 U.S.C. 1551-1611 as amended);
    (b) Person. The term ``person'' includes an individual partnership, 
corporation, company, society, association, receiver, trustee, or agent;
    (c) Secretary. The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of 
Agriculture of the United States, or any officer or employee of the 
Department to whom authority has heretofore been delegated, or to whom 
authority may hereafter be delegated, to act in his stead;
    (d) Hearing Clerk. The term ``Hearing Clerk'' means the Hearing 
Clerk, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC;
    (e) Respondent. The term ``respondent'' means a person against whom 
a complaint is issued;
    (f) Examiner. The term ``examiner'' means an employee of the 
Department of Agriculture, designated by the Secretary to conduct 
hearings under the Act, and this part;
    (g) Federal Register. The term ``Federal Register'' means the 
publication provided by the Act of July 26, 1935 (49 Stat. 500), and 
acts supplementary thereto and amendatory thereof;
    (h) Agricultural seeds. The term ``agricultural seeds'' means the 
following kinds of grass, forage, and field crop seeds, that are used 
for seeding purposes in the United States:

Agrotricum-- x Agrotriticum Cif. & Giacom.

[[Page 323]]

Alfalfa--Medicago sativa L. subsp. sativa
Alfilaria--Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'H[eacute]r.
Alyceclover--Alysicarpus vaginalis (L.) DC.
Bahiagrass--Paspalum notatum Fl[uuml]gg[eacute]
Barley--Hordeum vulgare L. subsp. vulgare
Barrelclover--Medicago truncatula Gaertn.
Bean, adzuki--Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi & H. Ohashi var. angularis
Bean, field--Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. vulgaris
Bean, mung--Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek var. radiata
Beet, field--Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris
Beet, sugar--Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris
Beggarweed, Florida--Desmodium tortuosum (Sw.) DC.
Bentgrass, colonial--Agrostis capillaris L.
Bentgrass, creeping--Agrostis stolonifera L.
Bentgrass, velvet--Agrostis canina L.
Bermudagrass--Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. var. dactylon
Bermudagrass, giant--Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. var. aridus J.R. Harlan 
& de Wet
Bluegrass, annual--Poa annua L.
Bluegrass, bulbous--Poa bulbosa L.
Bluegrass, Canada--Poa compressa L.
Bluegrass, glaucantha--Poa glauca Vahl
Bluegrass, Kentucky--Poa pratensis L.
Bluegrass, Nevada--Poa secunda J. Presl
Bluegrass, rough--Poa trivialis L.
Bluegrass, Texas--Poa arachnifera Torr.
Bluegrass, wood--Poa nemoralis L.
Bluejoint--Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) P. Beauv.
Bluestem, big--Andropogon gerardi Vitman
Bluestem, little--Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash
Bluestem, sand--Andropogon hallii Hack.
Bluestem, yellow--Bothriochloa ischaemum (L.) Keng var. ischaemum
Bottlebrush-squirreltail--Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey
Brome, field--Bromus arvensis L.
Brome, meadow--Bromus biebersteinii Roem. & Schult.
Brome, mountain--Bromus carinatus var. marginatus (Steud.) Barworth & 
Anderton
Brome, smooth--Bromus inermis Leyss. subsp. inermis
Broomcorn--Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench
Buckwheat--Fagopyrum esculentum Moench
Buffalograss--Bouteloua dactyloides (Nutt.) Columbus
Buffelgrass--Cenchrus ciliaris L.
Burclover, California--Medicago polymorpha L.
Burclover, spotted--Medicago arabica (L.) Huds.
Burnet, little--Sanguisorba minor Scop.
Buttonclover--Medicago orbicularis (L.) Bartal.
Camelina--Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz subsp. sativa
Canarygrass--Phalaris canariensis L.
Canarygrass, reed--Phalaris arundinacea L.
Carpetgrass--Axonopus fissifolius (Raddi) Kuhlm.
Castorbean--Ricinus communis L.
Chess, soft--Bromus hordeaceus L.
Chickpea--Cicer arietinum L.
Clover, alsike--Trifolium hybridum L.
Clover, arrowleaf--Trifolium vesiculosum Savi
Clover, berseem--Trifolium alexandrinum L.
Clover, cluster--Trifolium glomeratum L.
Clover, crimson--Trifolium incarnatum L.
Clover, Kenya--Trifolium semipilosum Fresen.
Clover, ladino--Trifolium repens L.
Clover, lappa--Trifolium lappaceum L.
Clover, large hop--Trifolium campestre Schreb.
Clover, Persian--Trifolium resupinatum L.
Clover, red or
    Red clover, mammoth--Trifolium pratense L.
    Red clover, medium--Trifolium pratense L.
Clover, rose--Trifolium hirtum All.
Clover, small hop or suckling--Trifolium dubium Sibth.
Clover, strawberry--Trifolium fragiferum L.
Clover, sub or subterranean--Trifolium subterraneum L.
Clover, white--Trifolium repens L. (also see Clover, ladino)
Clover--(also see Alyceclover, Burclover, Buttonclover, Sourclover, 
Sweetclover)
Corn, field--Zea mays L. subsp. mays
Corn, pop--Zea mays L. subsp. mays
Cotton--Gossypium spp.
Cowpea--Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. unguiculata
Crambe--Crambe hispanica L. subsp. Abyssinica
Crested dogtail--Cynosurus cristatus L.
Crotalaria, lance--Crotalaria lanceolata E. Mey.
Crotalaria, showy--Crotalaria spectabilis Roth
Crotalaria, slenderleaf--Crotalaria brevidens Benth. var. intermedia 
(Kotschy) Polhill
Crotalaria, striped or smooth--Crotalaria pallida Aiton
Crotalaria, sunn or sunn hemp--Crotalaria juncea L.
Crownvetch--Securigera varia (L.) Lassen
Dallisgrass--Paspalum dilatatum Poir.
Dichondra--Dichondra repens J.R. Forst. & G. Forst.
Dropseed, sand--Sporobolus cryptandrus (Torr.) A. Gray
Emmer--Triticum turgidum L. subsp. dicoccon (Schrank) Thell.
Fescue, Chewing's--Festuca rubra L. subsp. commutata Gaudin
Fescue, hair--Festuca filiformis Pourr.
Fescue, hard--Festuca trachyphylla (Hack.) Krajina
Fescue, meadow--Festuca pratensis Huds.
Fescue, red--Festuca rubra L. subsp. rubra
Fescue, sheep--Festuca ovina L.
Fescue, tall--Festuca arundinacea Schreb.
Flatpea--Lathyrus sylvestris L.
Flax--Linum usitatissimum L.
Foxtail, creeping--Alopecurus arundinaceus Poir.
Foxtail, meadow--Alopecurus pratensis L.

[[Page 324]]

Galletagrass--Pleuraphis jamesii Torr.
Grama, blue--Bouteloua gracilis (Kunth) Griffiths
Grama, side-oats--Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr.
Guar--Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.
Guineagrass--Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B. K. Simon & S. W. L. Jacobs
Hardinggrass--Phalaris aquatica L.'',
Hemp--Cannabis sativa L. subsp. sativa
Indiangrass, yellow--Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash
Indigo, hairy--Indigofera hirsuta L.
Japanese lawngrass--Zoysia japonica Steud.
Johnsongrass--Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.
Kenaf--Hibiscus cannabinus L.
Kochia, forage--Bassia prostrata (L.) A. J. Scott
Kudzu--Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr. var. lobata (Willd.) Sanjappa & 
Predeep
Lentil--Lens culinaris Medik. subsp. culinaris
Lespedeza, Korean--Kummerowia stipulacea (Maxim.) Makino
Lespedeza, sericea or Chinese--Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don
Lespedeza, Siberian--Lespedeza juncea (L. f.) Pers.
Lespedeza, striate--Kummerowia striata (Thunb.) Schindl.
Lovegrass, sand--Eragrostis trichodes (Nutt.) Alph. Wood
Lovegrass, weeping--Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees
Lupine, blue--Lupinus angustifolius L.
Lupine, white--Lupinus albus L.
Lupine, yellow--Lupinus luteus L.
Manilagrass--Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr.
Medic, black--Medicago lupulina L.
Milkvetch or cicer milkvetch--Astragalus cicer L.
Millet, browntop--Urochloa ramosa (L.) T. Q. Nguyen
Millet, foxtail--Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv. subsp. italica
Millet, Japanese--Echinochloa esculenta (A. Braun) H. Scholz
Millet, pearl--Cenchrus americanus (L.) Morrone
Millet, proso--Panicum miliaceum L. subsp. miliaceum
Molassesgrass--Melinis minutiflora P. Beauv.
Mustard, black--Brassica nigra (L.) W.D.J. Koch
Mustard, India--Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. var. juncea
Mustard, white--Sinapis alba L. subsp. alba
Napiergrass--Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone
Needlegrass, green--Nassella viridula (Trin.) Barkworth
Oat--Avena byzantina K. Koch, A. sativa L., A. nuda L.
Oatgrass, tall--Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) J. Presl & C. Presl subsp. 
elatius
Orchardgrass--Dactylis glomerata L.
Panicgrass, blue--Panicum antidotale Retz.
Panicgrass, green--Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B. K. Simon & W. L. 
Jacobs
Pea, field--Pisum sativum L. var. arvense (L.) Poir.
Peanut--Arachis hypogaea L.
Poa trivialis--(see Bluegrass, rough)
Radish--Raphanus sativus L.
Rape, annual--Brassica napus L. var. napus
Rape, bird--Brassica rapa L. subsp. oleifera
Rape, turnip--Brassica rapa L. subsp. oleifera
Rape, winter--Brassica napus L. var. napus
Redtop--Agrostis gigantea Roth
Rescuegrass--Bromus catharticus Vahl var. catharticus
Rhodesgrass--Chloris gayana Kunth
Rice--Oryza sativa L.
Ricegrass, Indian--Achnatherum hymenoides (Roem. & Schult.) Barkworth
Roughpea--Lathyrus hirsutus L.
Rye--Secale cereale L. subsp. cereale
Rye, mountain--Secale strictum (C. Presl) C. Presl subsp. strictum
Ryegrass, annual or Italian--Lolium multiflorum Lam.
Ryegrass, intermediate--Lolium x hybridum Hausskn.
Ryegrass, perennial--Lolium perenne L.
Ryegrass, Wimmera--Lolium rigidum Gaudin
Safflower--Carthamus tinctorius L.
Sagewort, Louisiana--Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt.
Sainfoin--Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.
Saltbush, fourwing--Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nutt.
Sesame--Sesamum indicum L.
Sesbania--Sesbania exaltata (Raf.) A.W. Hill
Smilo--Oloptum miliaceum (L.) R[ouml]ser & Hamasha
Sorghum--Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench
Sorghum almum--Sorghum x almum L. Parodi
Sorghum-sudangrass--Sorghum x drummondii (Steud.) Millsp. & Chase
Sorgrass--Rhizomatous derivatives of a johnsongrass x sorghum cross or a 
johnsongrass x sudangrass cross
Southernpea--(See Cowpea)
Sourclover--Melilotus indicus (L.) All.
Soybean--Glycine max (L.) Merr.
Spelt--Triticum aestivum L. subsp. spelta (L.) Thell.
Sudangrass--Sorghum x drummondii (Steud.) Millsp. & Chase
Sunflower--Helianthus annuus L.
Sweetclover, white--Melilotus albus Medik.
Sweetclover, yellow--Melilotus officinalis Lam.
Sweet vernalgrass--Anthoxanthum odoratum L.
Sweetvetch, northern--Hedysarum boreale Nutt.
Switchgrass--Panicum virgatum L.
Teff--Eragrostis tef (Zuccagni) Trotter
Timothy--Phleum pratense L.
Timothy, turf--Phleum nodosum L.
Tobacco--Nicotiana tabacum L.
Trefoil, big--Lotus uliginosus Schkuhr
Trefoil, birdsfoot--Lotus corniculatus L.

[[Page 325]]

Triticale-- x Triticosecale A. Camus (Secale x Triticum)
Vaseygrass--Paspalum urvillei Steud.
Veldtgrass--Ehrharta calycina Sm.
Velvetbean--Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. utilis (Wight) Burck
Velvetgrass--Holcus lanatus L.
Vetch, common--Vicia sativa L. subsp. sativa
Vetch, hairy--Vicia villosa Roth subsp. villosa
Vetch, Hungarian--Vicia pannonica Crantz
Vetch, monantha--Vicia articulata Hornem.
Vetch, narrowleaf or blackpod--Vicia sativa L. subsp. nigra (L.) Ehrh.
Vetch, purple--Vicia benghalensis L.
Vetch, woollypod or winter--Vicia villosa Roth subsp. varia (Host) Corb.
Wheat, common--Triticum aestivum L. subsp. aestivum
Wheat, club--Triticum aestivum L. subsp. compactum (Host) Mackey
Wheat, durum--Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.
Wheat, Polish--Triticum turgidum L. subsp. polonicum (L.) Thell.
Wheat, poulard--Triticum turgidum L. subsp. turgidum
Wheat x Agrotricum--Triticum x Agrotriticum
Wheatgrass, beardless--Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) [aacute]. 
L[ouml]ve
Wheatgrass, crested or fairway crested--Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.
Wheatgrass, crested or standard crested--Agropyron desertorum (Link) 
Schult.
Wheatgrass, intermediate--Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. 
Dewey subsp. intermedium
Wheatgrass, pubescent--Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. 
Dewey subsp. barbulatum (Schur) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey
Wheatgrass, Siberian--Agropyron fragile (Roth) P. Candargy
Wheatgrass, slender--Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Shinners subsp. 
trachycaulus
Wheatgrass, streambank--Elymus lanceolatus (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) Gould 
subsp. riparius (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) Barkworth
Wheatgrass, tall--Thinopyrum elongatum (Host) D.R. Dewey
Wheatgrass, western--Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey
Wildrye, basin--Leymus cinereus (Scribn. & Merr.) [aacute]. L[ouml]ve
Wildrye, Canada--Elymus canadensis L.
Wildrye, Russian--Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski
Zoysia japonica--(see Japanese
lawngrass)
Zoysia matrella--(see Manilagrass)

    (i) Vegetable seeds. The term ``vegetable seeds'' means the seeds of 
the following kinds that are or may be grown in gardens or on truck 
farms and are or may be generally known and sold under the name of 
vegetable seeds:

Artichoke--Cynara cardunculus L.
Asparagus--Asparagus officinalis L.
Asparagusbean or yard-long bean--Vigna unguiculata (L.)
Walp. subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdc.
Bean, garden--Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. vulgaris
Bean, Lima--Phaseolus lunatus L.
Bean, runner or scarlet runner--Phaseolus coccineus L.
Beet--Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris
Broadbean--Vicia faba L. var. faba
Broccoli--Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck
Brussels sprouts--Brassica oleracea L. var. gemmifera Zenker
Burdock, great--Arctium lappa L.
Cabbage--Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L.
Cabbage, Chinese--Brassica rapa L. subsp. pekinensis (Lour.) Hanelt
Cabbage, tronchuda--Brassica oleracea L. var. costata DC.
Cantaloupe--(see Melon)
Cardoon--Cynara cardunculus L.
Carrot--Daucus carota L. subsp. sativus (Hoffm.) Arcang.
Cauliflower--Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis L.
Celeriac--Apium graveolens L. var. rapaceum (Mill.) Gaudin
Celery--Apium graveolens L. var. dulce (Mill.) Pers.
Chard, Swiss--Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris
Chicory--Cichorium intybus L.
Chives--Allium schoenoprasum L.
Citron melon--Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai var. citroides 
(L.H. Bailey) Mansf.
Collards--Brassica oleracea L. var. viridis L.
Corn, sweet--Zea mays L. subsp. mays
Cornsalad--Valerianella locusta (L.) Laterr.
Cowpea--Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. unguiculata
Cress, garden--Lepidium sativum L.
Cress, upland--Barbarea verna (Mill.) Asch.
Cress, water--Nasturtium officinale R. Br.
Cucumber--Cucumis sativus L.
Dandelion--Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg.
Dill--Anethum graveolens L.
Eggplant--Solanum melongena L.
Endive--Cichorium endivia L. subsp. endivia
Favabean (see Broadbean)
Gherkin, West India--Cucumis anguria L. var. anguria
Kale--Brassica oleracea L. var. viridis L.
Kale, Chinese--Brassica oleracea L. var. alboglabra (L.H. Bailey) Musil
Kale, Siberian--Brassica napus L. var. pabularia (DC.) Rchb.
Kohlrabi--Brassica oleracea L. var. gongylodes L.
Leek--Allium porrum L.
Lettuce--Lactuca sativa L.
Melon--Cucumis melo L. subsp. melo
Muskmelon--(see Melon).
Mustard, India--Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.

[[Page 326]]

Mustard, spinach--Brassica rapa var. perviridis L.H. Bailey
Okra--Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench
Onion--Allium cepa L. var. cepa
Onion, bunching (see Onion, Welsh)
Onion, Welsh--Allium fistulosum L.
Pak-choi--Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis (L.) Hanelt
Parsley--Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) A.W. Hill
Parsnip--Pastinaca sativa L. subsp. sativa
Pea--Pisum sativum L. subsp. sativum
Pepper--Capsicum spp.
Pe-tsai--(see Chinese cabbage).
Pumpkin--Cucurbita pepo L., C. moschata Duchesne, and C. maxima Duchesne
Radicchio (see Chicory)
Radish--Raphanus sativus L.
Rhubarb--Rheum x hybridum Murray
Rutabaga--Brassica napus L. var. napobrassica (L.) Rchb.
Sage--Salvia officinalis L.
Salsify--Tragopogon porrifolius L.
Savory, summer--Satureja hortensis L.
Sorrel--Rumex acetosa L.
Southernpea--(see Cowpea)
Soybean--Glycine max (L.) Merr.
Spinach--Spinacia oleracea L.
Spinach, New Zealand--Tetragonia tetragonoides (Pall.) Kuntze
Squash--Cucurbita pepo L., C. moschata Duchesne, and C. maxima Duchesne
Tomato--Solanum lycopersicum L.
Tomato, husk--Physalis pubescens L.
Turnip--Brassica rapa L. subsp. rapa
Watermelon--Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai var. lanatus

    (j) Regulations. The term ``regulations'' means the rules and 
regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Agriculture and the joint 
rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury and 
the Secretary of Agriculture under the Act.
    (k) Joint regulations. The term ``joint regulations'' means the 
joint rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury 
and the Secretary of Agriculture.
    (l) Complete record. (1) The term ``complete record'' means 
information which relates to the origin, treatment (including but not 
limited to coating, film coating, encrusting, or pelleting), 
germination, and purity (including variety) of each lot of agricultural 
seed transported or delivered for transportation in interstate commerce, 
or which relates to the treatment (including but not limited to coating, 
film coating, encrusting, or pelleting), germination, and variety of 
each lot of vegetable seed transported or delivered for transportation 
in interstate commerce. Such information includes seed samples and 
records of declarations, labels, purchases, sales, cleaning, bulking, 
chemical or biological treatment, handling, storage, analyses, tests, 
and examinations.
    (2) The complete record kept by each person for each treatment 
substance or lot of seed consists of the information pertaining to his 
own transactions and the information received from others pertaining to 
their transactions with respect to each treatment substance or lot of 
seed.
    (m) Declaration. The term ``declaration'' means a written statement 
of a grower, shipper, processor, dealer, or importer giving for any lot 
of seed the kind, variety, type, origin, or the use for which the seed 
is intended.
    (n) Declaration of origin. The term ``declaration of origin'' means 
a declaration of a grower or country shipper in the United States 
stating for each lot of agricultural seed (1) kind of seed, (2) lot 
number or other identification, (3) State where seed was grown and the 
county where grown if to be labeled showing the origin as a portion of a 
State, (4) quantity of seed, (5) date shipped or delivered, (6) to whom 
sold, shipped, or delivered, and (7) the signature and address of the 
grower or country shipper issuing the declaration. If the declaration is 
issued by a grower and the identity of the person delivering the seed is 
unknown to the receiver, the motor vehicle license number or other 
identification of the delivering agency should be entered on the 
declaration by the receiver. If a country shipper's declaration includes 
seed shipped or delivered to him by another country shipper, it shall 
give for each lot the other country shipper's lot number as included in 
the other country shipper's declaration of origin.
    (o) Declaration of kind, variety, or type. The term ``declaration of 
kind, variety, or type'' means a declaration of a grower stating for 
each lot of seed (1) the name of the kind, variety, or type stated in 
accordance with Sec. Sec.  201.9 through 201.12, (2) lot number or other 
identification, (3) place where seed was grown, (4) quantity of seed, 
(5) date shipped or delivered, (6) to whom sold,

[[Page 327]]

shipped or delivered, and (7) the signature and address of the grower 
issuing the declaration.
    (p) Mixture. The term ``mixture'' means seeds consisting of more 
than one kind or variety, each present in excess of 5 percent by weight 
of the whole. A mixture of varieties of a single kind may be labeled as 
a blend.
    (q) Coated seed. The term ``coated seed'' means any seed unit 
covered with a coating material.
    (r) Grower. The term ``grower'' means any person who produces 
directly or through a growing contract, or is a seed-crop sharer in seed 
which is sold, offered for sale, transported, or offered for 
transportation.
    (s) Country shipper. The term ``country shipper'' means any person 
located in a producing area who purchases seed locally for shipment to 
seed dealers or to other country shippers.
    (t) Dealer. The term ``dealer'' means any person who cleans, 
processes, sells, offers for sale, transports, or delivers for 
transportation seeds in interstate commerce.
    (u) Consumer. The term ``consumer'' means any person who purchases 
or otherwise obtains seed for sowing but not for resale.
    (v) Lot of seed. The term ``lot of seed'' means a definite quantity 
of seed identified by a lot number, every portion or bag of which is 
uniform, within permitted tolerances, for the factors which appear in 
the labeling.
    (w) Purity. The term ``purity'' means the name or names of the kind, 
type, or variety and the percentage or percentages thereof; the 
percentage of other agricultural seed; the percentage of weed seeds, 
including noxious-weeds seeds; the percentage of inert matter; and the 
names of the noxious-weed seeds and the rate of occurrence of each.
    (x) Inoculant. The term ``inoculant'' means a product consisting of 
microorganisms applied to the seed for the purpose of enhancing the 
availability or uptake of plant nutrients through the root system.
    (y) Hybrid. The term ``hybrid'' applied to kinds or varieties of 
seed means the first generation seed of a cross produced by controlling 
the pollination and by combining (1) two or more inbred lines; (2) one 
inbred or a single cross with an open pollinated variety; or (3) two 
selected clones, seed lines, varieties, or species. ``Controlling the 
pollination'' means to use a method of hybridization which will produce 
pure seed which is at least 75 percent hybrid seed. Hybrid designations 
shall be treated as variety names.
    (z) Conditioning. For the purpose of section 203 (b)(2)(C) of the 
Act the term ``conditioning'' means cleaning, scarifying, or blending to 
obtain uniform quality, and other operations which would change the 
purity or germination of the seed and therefore require retesting to 
determine the quality of the seed, but does not include operations such 
as packaging, labeling, blending together of uniform lots of the same 
kind or variety without cleaning, or the preparation of a mixture 
without cleaning, any of which would not require retesting to determine 
the quality of the seed.
    (aa) Agricultural Marketing Service means the Agricultural Marketing 
Service, United States Department of Agriculture.
    (bb) Breeder seed. Breeder seed is a class of certified seed 
directly controlled by the originating or sponsoring plant breeding 
institution, or person, or designee thereof, and is the source for the 
production of seed of the other classes of certified seed.
    (cc) Foundation seed. Foundation seed is a class of certified seed 
which is the progeny of Breeder or Foundation seed and is produced and 
handled under procedures established by the certifying agency, in 
accordance with this part, for producing the Foundation class of seed, 
for the purpose of maintaining genetic purity and identity.
    (dd) Registered seed. Registered seed is a class of certified seed 
which is the progeny of Breeder or Foundation seed and is produced and 
handled under procedures established by the certifying agency, in 
accordance with this part, for producing the Registered class of seed, 
for the purpose of maintaining genetic purity and identity.
    (ee) Certified seed. Certified seed is a class of certified seed 
which is the progeny of Breeder, Foundation, or Registered seed, except 
as provided in Sec.  201.70, and is produced and handled

[[Page 328]]

under procedures established by the certifying agency, in accordance 
with this part, for producing the Certified class of seed, for the 
purpose of maintaining genetic purity and identity.
    (ff) Off-type. The term ``off-type'' means a plant or seed which 
deviates in one or more characteristics from that which has been 
described in accordance with Sec.  201.68(c) as being usual for the 
strain or variety.
    (gg) Inbred line. The term ``inbred line'' means a relatively true-
breeding strain resulting from at least five successive generations of 
controlled self-fertilization or of backcrossing to a recurrent parent 
with selection, or its equivalent, for specific characteristics.
    (hh) Single cross. The term ``single cross'' means the first 
generation hybrid between two inbred lines.
    (ii) Foundation single cross. The term ``foundation single cross'' 
means a single cross used in the production of a double cross, a three-
way, or a top cross.
    (jj) Double cross. The term ``double cross'' means the first 
generation hybrid between two single crosses.
    (kk) Top cross. The term ``top cross'' means the first generation 
hybrid of a cross between an inbred line and an open-pollinated variety 
or the first-generation hybrid between a single cross and an open-
pollinated variety.
    (ll) Three-way cross. The term ``three-way cross'' means a first 
generation hybrid between a single cross and an inbred line.
    (mm) Open-pollination. The term ``open-pollination'' means 
pollination that occurs naturally as opposed to controlled pollination, 
such as by detasseling, cytoplasmic male sterility, self-incompatibility 
or similar processes.
    (nn) Coating material. The term ``coating material'' means any 
substance that changes the size, shape, or weight of the original seed. 
Ingredients such as rhizobia, dyes, polymers, biologicals, and 
pesticides are not coating material for purposes of this part.
    (oo) Brand. The term ``brand'' means a name, term, sign, symbol, or 
design, or a combination of them that identifies the seed of one seller 
or group of sellers and differentiates that seed from the seed of other 
sellers.

[5 FR 28, Jan. 4, 1940]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
201.2, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

                             administration



Sec.  201.3  Administrator.

    The Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service may perform 
such duties as the Secretary requires in enforcing the provisions of the 
Act and of the regulations in this part.

[85 FR 40579, July 7, 2020]

              records for agricultural and vegetable seeds



Sec.  201.4  Maintenance and accessibility.

    (a) Each person transporting or delivering for transportation in 
interstate commerce agricultural or vegetable seed subject to the Act 
shall keep for a period of 3 years a complete record of each lot of such 
seed so transported or delivered, including a sample representing each 
lot of such seed, except that any seed sample may be discarded 1 year 
after the entire lot represented by such sample has been disposed of by 
such person.
    (b) Each sample of agricultural seed retained shall be at least the 
weight required for a noxious-weed seed examination as set forth in 
Sec.  201.46 and each sample of vegetable seed retained shall consist of 
at least 400 seeds. The record shall be kept in such manner as to permit 
comparison with the records required to be kept by other persons for the 
same lot of seed so that the origin, treatment (including, but not 
limited to, coating, film coating, encrusting, or pelleting), 
germination, and purity (including variety) of agricultural seed and the 
treatment (including, but not limited to, coating, film coating, 
encrusting, or pelleting), germination and variety of vegetable seed may 
be traced from the grower to the ultimate consumer and so that the lot 
of seed may be correctly labeled. The record shall be accessible for 
inspection by the authorized agents of the Secretary

[[Page 329]]

for purposes of the effective administration of the Act at any time 
during customary business hours.

[24 FR 3951, May 15, 1959, as amended at 32 FR 12778, Sept. 6, 1967; 85 
FR 40579, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.5  Origin.

    (a) The complete record for any lot of seed of alfalfa, red clover, 
white clover, or field corn, except hybrid seed corn, shall include a 
declaration of origin, or information traceable to a declaration of 
origin or evidence showing that a declaration of origin could not be 
obtained.
    (b) Each country shipper shall retain a copy of each declaration 
which he issues and shall attach thereto a detailed record showing the 
names and addresses of growers or country shippers from whom the seed 
was purchased, the quantity of seed purchased from each, and the date on 
which it was delivered to him.

[5 FR 30, Jan. 4, 1940, as amended at 20 FR 7929, Oct. 21, 1955]



Sec.  201.6  Germination.

    The complete record shall include the records of all laboratory 
tests for germination and hard seed for each lot of seed offered for 
transportation in whole or in part. The record shall show the kind of 
seed, lot number, date of test, percentage of germination and hard 
seeds, and such other information as may be necessary to show the method 
used.

[5 FR 30, Jan. 4, 1940]



Sec.  201.7  Purity (including variety).

    The complete record for any lot of seed shall include (a) records of 
tests, including statements of weed seeds, noxious weed seeds, inert 
matter, other agricultural seeds, and of any determinations of kind, 
variety, or type and a description of the methods used; and (b) for 
seeds indistinguishable by seed characteristics, records necessary to 
disclose the kind, variety, or type, including a grower's declaration of 
kind, variety, or type or an invoice, or other document establishing the 
kind, variety, or type to be that stated, and a representative sample of 
the seed. The grower's declaration shall be obtained and kept by the 
person procuring the seed from the grower. A copy of the grower's 
declaration and a sample of the seed shall be retained by the grower.

[5 FR 30, Jan. 4, 1940, as amended at 20 FR 7929, Oct. 21, 1955; 24 FR 
3951, May 15, 1959; 85 FR 40579, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.7a  Treated seed.

    The complete record for any lot consisting of or containing treated 
seed shall include records necessary to disclose the name of any 
substance or substances used in the treatment of such seed, including a 
label or invoice or other document received from any person establishing 
the name of any substance or substances used in the treatment to be as 
stated, and a representative sample of the treated seed.

[32 FR 12778, Sept. 6, 1967]

                       labeling agricultural seeds



Sec.  201.8  Contents of the label.

    The label shall contain the required information in any form that is 
clearly legible and complies with the regulations in this part. The 
information may be on a tag attached securely to the container, or may 
be printed in a conspicuous manner on a side or the top of the 
container. The label may contain information in addition to that 
required by the Act, provided such information is not misleading.

[5 FR 30 Jan. 4, 1940, as amended at 24 FR 3952, May 15, 1959; 85 FR 
40579, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.9  Kind.

    The name of each kind of seed present in excess of 5 percent shall 
be shown on the label and need not be accompanied by the word ``kind.'' 
When two or more kinds of seed are named on the label, the name of each 
kind shall be accompanied by the percentage of each. When only one kind 
of seed is present in excess of 5 percent and no variety name or type 
designation is shown, the percentage of that kind may be shown as ``pure 
seed'' and such percentage shall apply only to seed of the kind named.

[5 FR 30, Jan. 4, 1940]

[[Page 330]]



Sec.  201.10  Variety.

    (a) The following kinds of agricultural seeds are generally labeled 
as to variety and shall be labeled to show the variety name or the words 
``Variety Not Stated.''

    Alfalfa; Bahiagrass; Barley; Bean, field; Beet, field; Brome, 
smooth; Broomcorn; Clover, crimson; Clover, red; Clover, white; Corn, 
field; Corn, pop; Cotton; Cowpea; Crambe; Fescue, tall; Flax; Lespedeza, 
striate; Millet, foxtail; Millet, pearl; Oat; Pea, field; Peanut; 
Radish; Rice; Rye; Safflower; Sorghum; Sorghum-sudangrass, Soybean; 
Sudangrass; Sunflower; Tobacco; Trefoil, birdsfoot; Triticale; Wheat, 
common; Wheat, durum.

    (b) If the name of the variety is given, the name may be associated 
with the name of the kind with or without the words ``kind and 
variety.'' The percentage in such case, which may be shown as ``pure 
seed,'' shall apply only to seed of the variety named, except for the 
labeling of hybrids as provided in Sec.  201.11a. If separate 
percentages for the kind and the variety or hybrid are shown, the name 
of the kind and the name of the variety or the term ``hybrid'' shall be 
clearly associated with the respective percentages. When two or more 
varieties are present in excess of 5 percent and are named on the label, 
the name of each variety shall be accompanied by the percentage of each.

[32 FR 12778, Sept. 6, 1967, and 33 FR 10840, July 31, 1968, as amended 
at 35 FR 6108, Apr. 15, 1970; 59 FR 64491, Dec. 14, 1994; 85 FR 40579, 
July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.11  Type.

    (a) When type is designated, such designation may be associated with 
the name of the kind but shall in all cases be clearly associated with 
the word ``type.'' The percentage, which may be shown as ``pure seed'', 
shall apply only to the type designated. If separate percentages for the 
kind and the type are shown, such percentages shall be clearly 
associated with the name of the kind and the name of the type.
    (b) If the type designation does not include a variety name, it 
shall include a name descriptive of a group of varieties of similar 
character and the pure seed shall be at least 90 percent of one or more 
varieties all of which conform to the type designation.
    (c) If the name of a variety is used as a part of the type 
designation, the seed shall be of that variety and may contain: (1) An 
admixture of seed of other indistinguishable varieties of the same kind 
and of similar character; or, (2) an admixture of indistinguishable 
seeds having genetic characteristics dissimilar to the variety named by 
reason of cross-fertilization with other varieties. In either case, at 
least 90 percent of the pure seed shall be of the variety named or upon 
growth shall produce plants having characteristics similar to the 
variety named.

[5 FR 30, Jan. 4, 1940]



Sec.  201.11a  Hybrid.

    If any one kind or kind and variety of seed present in excess of 5 
percent is ``hybrid'' seed, it shall be designated ``hybrid'' on the 
label. The percentage that is hybrid shall be at least 95 percent of the 
percentage of pure seed shown unless the percentage of pure seed which 
is hybrid seed is shown separately. If two or more kinds or varieties 
are present in excess of 5 percent and are named on the label, each that 
is hybrid shall be designated as hybrid on the label. Any one kind or 
kind and variety that has pure seed which is less than 95 percent but 
more than 75 percent hybrid seed as a result of incompletely controlled 
pollination in a cross shall be labeled to show (a) the percentage of 
pure seed that is hybrid seed or (b) a statement such as ``Contains from 
75 percent to 95 percent hybrid seed.'' No one kind or variety of seed 
shall be labeled as hybrid if the pure seed contains less than 75 
percent hybrid seed.

[33 FR 10840, July 31, 1968]



Sec.  201.12  Name of kind and variety.

    The representation of kind or kind and variety shall be confined to 
the name of the kind or kind and variety determined in accordance with 
Sec.  201.34. The name shall not have affixed thereto words or terms 
that create a misleading impression as to the history or characteristics 
of the kind or variety.

[20 FR 7929, Oct. 21, 1955]

[[Page 331]]



Sec.  201.12a  Seed mixtures.

    Seed mixtures intended for seeding/planting purposes shall be 
designated as a mixture on the label and each seed component shall be 
listed on the label in the order of predominance.

[85 FR 40579, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.13  Lot number or other identification.

    The lot number or other identification shall be shown on the label 
and shall be the same as that used in the records pertaining to the same 
lot of seed.

[5 FR 30, Jan. 4, 1940, as amended at 59 FR 64491, Dec. 14, 1994]



Sec.  201.14  Origin.

    (a) Alfalfa, red clover, white clover, and field corn (except hybrid 
seed corn) shall be labeled to show: (1) The origin, if known; or (2) if 
the origin is not known, the statement ``origin unknown.''
    (b) Whenever such seed originates in more than one State, the name 
of each State and the percentage of seed originating in each State shall 
be given in the order of its predominance. Whenever such seed originates 
in a portion of a State, it shall be permissible to label such seed as 
originating in such portion of a State.
    (c) Reasonable precautions to insure that the origin of seed is 
known shall include the maintaining of a record as described in Sec.  
201.5. The examination of the seed and any pertinent facts may be taken 
into consideration in determining whether reasonable precautions have 
been taken to insure the origin to be that which is represented.

[5 FR 31, Jan. 4, 1940, as amended at 20 FR 7929, Oct. 21, 1955; 32 FR 
12779, Sept. 6, 1967]



Sec.  201.15  Weed seeds.

    The percentage of weed seeds shall include seeds of plants 
considered weeds in the State into which the seed is offered for 
transportation or transported and shall include noxious weed seeds.

[5 FR 31, Jan. 4, 1940]



Sec.  201.16  Noxious-weed seeds.

    (a) Except for those kinds of noxious-weed seeds shown in paragraph 
(b) of this section, the names of the kinds of noxious-weed seeds and 
the rate of occurrence of each shall be expressed in the label in 
accordance with, and the rate of occurrence shall not exceed the rate 
permitted by, the law and regulations of the State into which the seed 
is offered for transportation or is transported. If in the course of 
such transportation, or thereafter, the seed is diverted to another 
State of destination, the person or persons responsible for such 
diversion shall cause the seed to be relabeled with respect to the 
noxious-weed seed content, if necessary to conform to the laws and 
regulations of the State into which the seed is diverted.
    (b) Seeds or bulblets of the following plants shall be considered 
noxious-weed seeds in agricultural and vegetable seeds transported or 
delivered for transportation in interstate commerce (including Puerto 
Rico, Guam, and the District of Columbia). Agricultural or vegetable 
seed containing seeds or bulblets of these kinds shall not be 
transported or delivered for transportation in interstate commerce. 
Noxious-weed seeds include the following species on which no tolerance 
will be applied:

Aeginetia spp.
Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.) King and H.E. Robins.
Alectra spp.
Alternanthera sessilis (L.) DC.
Asphodelus fistulosus L.
Avena sterilis L. (including Avena ludoviciana Dur.)
Azolla pinnata R. Br.
Carthamus oxyacantha M. Bieb
Cenchrus caudatus (Schrad.) Kuntze
Cenchrus clandestinus Morrone
Cenchrus pedicellatus (Trin.) Morrone
Cenchrus polystachios (L.) Morrone
Chrysopogon aciculatus (Retz.) Trin.
Commelina benghalensis L.
Crupina vulgaris Cass.
Digitaria abyssinica Stapf. (=D. scalarum (Schweinf.) Chiov.)
Digitaria scalarum (Schweinfurth) Chiovenda
Dinebra chinensis (L.) P. M. Peterson & N. Snow
Drymaria arenarioides Roem. and Schult.
Eichornia azurea (Sw.) Kunth
Galega officinalis L.
Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier & Levier

[[Page 332]]

Homeria spp.
Hydrilla verticillata (L. f.) Royle
Hygrophila polysperma T. Anders.
Imperata brasiliensis Trin.
Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch.
Ipomoea aquatica Forsk.
Ischaemum rugosum Salisb.
Lagarosiphon major (Ridley) Moss
Limnophila sessiliflora (Vahl) Blume
Lycium ferocissimum Miers
Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) Blake
Melastoma malabathricum L.
Mikania cordata (Burm. f.) B.L. Robins.
Mikania micrantha H.B.K.
Mimosa invisa Mart.
Mimosa pigra L. var. pigra
Monochoria hastata (L.) Sloms-Laub.
Monochoria vaginalis (Burm. f.) K.B. Presl
Nassella trichotoma (Nees) Arechavaleta
Opuntia aurantiaca Lindl.
Oryza longistaminata A. Cheval. and Roehr.
Oryza punctata Steud.
Oryza rufipogon Griff.
Ottelia alismoides (L.) Pers.
Paspalum scrobiculatum L.
Prosopis alapataco R.A. Philippi
Prosopis argentina Burkart
Prosopis articulata S. Watson
Prosopis burkartii Munoz
Prosopis caldenia Burkart
Prosopis calingastana Burkart
Prosopis campestris Griseb.
Prosopis castellanosii Burkart
Prosopis denudans Benth.
Prosopis elata (Burkart) Burkart
Prosopis farcta (Russell) Macbride
Prosopis ferox Griseb.
Prosopis fiebrigii Harms
Prosopis hassleri Harms
Prosopis humilis Hook. and Arn.
Prosopis kuntzei Harms
Prosopis pallida (Willd.) H.B.K.
Prosopis palmeri S. Watson
Prosopis reptans Benth. var. reptans
Prosopis rojasiana Burkart
Prosopis ruizlealii Burkart
Prosopis ruscifolia Griseb.
Prosopis sericantha Hook. and Arn.
Prosopis strombulifera (Lam.) Benth.
Prosopis torquata (Lagasca) DC.
Rottboellia cochinchinensis (Lour.) Clayton
Rubus moluccanus L.
Rubus plicatus Weihe & Nees
Rumex hypogaeus T.M. Schust & Reveal
Rumex spinosus L.
Saccharum spontaneum L.
Sagittaria sagittifolia L.
Salsola vermiculata L.
Salvinia auriculata Aubl.
Salvinia biloba Raddi
Salvinia herzogii de la Sota
Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitchell
Senecio inaequidens DC.
Setaria pallide-fusca (Schumach.) Stapf and Hubb.
Solanum tampicense Dunal
Solanum torvum Sw.
Solanum viarum Dunal
Sparaganium erectum L.
Spermacoce alata (Aublet) de Candolle
Striga spp.
Tridax procumbens L.
Urochloa panicoides Beauv.

[65 FR 1706, Jan. 11, 2000, as amended at 76 FR 31794, June 2, 2011]



Sec.  201.17  Noxious-weed seeds in the District of Columbia.

    (a) Noxious-weed seeds in the District of Columbia are: Quackgrass 
(Elymus repens), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), field bindweed 
(Convolvulus arvensis), bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), giant 
bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon var. aridus), annual bluegrass (Poa 
annua), and wild garlic or wild onion (Allium canadense or Allium 
vineale). The name and number per pound of each kind of such noxious-
weed seeds present shall be stated on the label.
    (b) [Reserved]

[65 FR 1707, Jan. 11, 2000, as amended at 85 FR 40579, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.18  Other agricultural seeds.

    Agricultural seeds other than those included in the percentage or 
percentages of kind, variety, or type may be expressed as ``other crop 
seeds,'' but the percentage shall include collectively all kinds, 
varieties, or types not named upon the label.

[85 FR 40579, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.19  Inert matter.

    The label shall show the percentage by weight of inert matter.

[5 FR 31, Jan. 4, 1940]



Sec.  201.20  Germination

    The label shall show the percentage of germination for each kind, 
kind and variety, kind and type, or kind and hybrid of agricultural seed 
comprising more than 5 percent of the whole. The label shall show the 
percentage of germination for each kind, kind and variety, kind and 
type, or kind and hybrid of agricultural seed comprising 5 percent of 
the whole or less if the seed is identified individually on the label.

[85 FR 40579, July 7, 2020]

[[Page 333]]



Sec.  201.21  Hard seed or dormant seed.

    The label shall show the percentage of hard seed or dormant seed, as 
defined in Sec.  201.57 or Sec.  201.57a, if any is present. The 
percentages of hard seed and dormant seed shall not be included as part 
of the germination percentage.

[85 FR 40579, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.22  Date of test.

    (a) The label shall show the month and year in which the germination 
test was completed. No more than 5 calendar months shall have elapsed 
between the last day of the month in which the germination test was 
completed and the date of transportation or delivery for transportation 
in interstate commerce, except for seed in hermetically sealed 
containers as provided in Sec.  201.36c in which case no more than 24 
calendar months shall have elapsed between the last day of the month in 
which the germination test was completed prior to packaging and the date 
of transportation or delivery for transportation in interstate commerce.
    (b) In the case of a seed mixture, it is only necessary to state the 
calendar month and year of such test for the kind or variety or type of 
agricultural seed contained in such mixture which has the oldest 
calendar month and year test date among the test conducted on all the 
kinds or varieties or types of agricultural seed contained in such 
mixture.
    (c) The following kinds shall be tested within the indicated time 
before interstate shipment:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Months
                                                               from test
           Agricultural seeds and mixtures thereof              date to
                                                                shipment
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bentgrass, Colonial..........................................         15
Bentgrass, Creeping..........................................         15
Bluegrass, Kentucky..........................................         15
Fescue, Chewings.............................................         15
Fescue, Hard.................................................         15
Fescue, Red..................................................         15
Fescue, Tall.................................................         15
Ryegrass, Annual.............................................         15
Ryegrass, Perennial..........................................         15
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[5 FR 31, Jan. 4, 1940, as amended at 32 FR 12779, Sept. 6, 1967; 49 FR 
1172, Jan. 10, 1984; 59 FR 64491, Dec. 14, 1994]



Sec.  201.23  Seller and buyer information.

    Consumer packages or containers of agricultural seed for interstate 
shipment must be labeled as follows:
    (a) The full name and address of the interstate shipper or a code 
designation identifying the interstate shipper, pursuant to Sec.  
201.24, must be printed on the label.
    (b) If pursuant to paragraph (a) only a code is used to identify the 
interstate shipper, the full name and address of the consignee must 
appear on the label.
    (c) For purposes of this section and Sec.  201.24, the term shipper 
means the seller or consignor who puts the seed into interstate 
commerce, and the term consignee means the buyer or recipient of the 
seed shipment.

[85 FR 40579, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.24  Code designation.

    The code designation used in lieu of the full name and address of 
the interstate shipper pursuant to Sec.  201.23(a) shall be approved by 
the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) or such 
other person designated by the Administrator for the purpose. When used, 
the AMS code designation shall appear on the label in a clear and 
legible manner, along with the full name and address of the consignee.

[85 FR 40580, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.24a  Inoculated seed.

    Seed claimed to be inoculated shall be labeled to show the month and 
year beyond which the inoculant on the seed is no longer claimed to be 
effective by a statement such as, ``Inoculant not claimed to be 
effective after____(Month and year).''

[32 FR 12779, Sept. 6, 1967]

                        labeling vegetable seeds



Sec.  201.25  Contents of the label.

    Vegetable seed in packets and in larger containers shall be labeled 
with the required information in any form that is clearly legible. Any 
tag used shall be securely attached to the container. The label may 
contain information in addition to that required by the

[[Page 334]]

Act, provided such information is not misleading.

[5 FR 31, Jan. 4, 1940, as amended at 85 FR 40580, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.26  Kind, variety, and hybrid.

    The label shall bear the name of each kind and variety present as 
determined in accordance with Sec.  201.34. The name shall not have 
affixed thereto words or terms that create a misleading impression as to 
the history or characteristics of kind or variety. If two or more kinds 
or varieties are present, the percentage of each shall be shown. If any 
one kind or variety named on the label is ``hybrid'' seed, it shall be 
so designated on the label. If two or more kinds or varieties are named 
on the label, each that is hybrid shall be shown as ``hybrid'' on the 
label. Any kind or variety that is less than 95 percent but more than 75 
percent hybrid seed as a result of incompletely controlled pollination 
in a cross shall be labeled to show (a) the percentage that is hybrid 
seed or (b) a statement such as ``Contains from 75 percent to 95 percent 
hybrid seed.'' No one kind or variety of seed shall be labeled as hybrid 
if it contains less than 75 percent hybrid seed.

[33 FR 10841, July 31, 1968, as amended at 59 FR 64491, Dec. 14, 1994]



Sec.  201.26a  Vegetable seed mixtures.

    Vegetable seed mixtures for seeding/planting purposes shall be 
designated as a mixture on the label, and each seed component shall be 
listed on the label in the order of predominance.

[85 FR 40580, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.27  Seller and buyer information.

    Consumer packages or containers of vegetable seed for interstate 
shipment must be labeled as follows:
    (a) The full name and address of the interstate shipper or a code 
designation identifying the interstate shipper, pursuant to Sec.  
201.28, must be printed on the label.
    (b) If pursuant to paragraph (a) only a code is used to identify the 
interstate shipper, the full name and address of the consignee must 
appear on the label.
    (c) For purposes of this section and Sec.  201.28, the term shipper 
means the seller or consignor who puts the seed into interstate 
commerce, and the term consignee means the buyer or recipient of the 
seed shipment.

[85 FR 40580, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.28  Code designation.

    The code designation used in lieu of the full name and address of 
the interstate shipper pursuant to Sec.  201.27(a) shall be approved by 
the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) or such 
other person designated by the Administrator for the purpose. When used, 
the AMS code designation shall appear on the label in a clear and 
legible manner, along with the full name and address of the consignee.

[85 FR 40580, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.29  Germination of vegetable seed in containers of 1 pound or less.

    Vegetable seeds in containers of 1 pound or less which have a 
germination percentage equal to or better than the standard set forth in 
Sec.  201.31 need not be labeled to show the percentage of germination 
and date of test. Each variety of vegetable seed which has a germination 
percentage less than the standard set forth in Sec.  201.31 shall have 
the words ``Below Standard'' clearly shown in a conspicuous place on the 
label or on the face of the container in type no smaller than 8 points. 
Each variety which germinates less than the standard shall also be 
labeled to show the percentage of germination and the percentage of hard 
seed (if any).

[85 FR 40580, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.29a  Germination of vegetable seed in containers of more than 1 pound.

    Each variety of vegetable seeds in containers of more than 1 pound 
shall be labeled to show the percentage of germination and the 
percentage of hard seed (if any).

[32 FR 12779, Sept. 6, 1967]



Sec.  201.30  Hard seed.

    The label shall show the percentage of hard seed, if any is present, 
for any seed required to be labeled as to the

[[Page 335]]

percentage of germination, and the percentage of hard seed shall not be 
included as part of the germination percentage.

[32 FR 12779, Sept. 6, 1967]



Sec.  201.30a  Date of test.

    When the percentage of germination is required to be shown, the 
label shall show the month and year in which the germination test was 
completed. No more than 5 calendar months shall have elapsed between the 
last day of the month in which the germination test was completed and 
the date of transportation or delivery for transportation in interstate 
commerce, except for seed in hermetically sealed containers in which 
case no more than 24 calendar months shall have elapsed between the last 
day of the month in which the germination test was completed prior to 
packaging and the date of transportation or delivery for transportation 
in interstate commerce.

[32 FR 12779, Sept. 6, 1967]



Sec.  201.30b  Lot number or other lot identification of vegetable seed
in containers of more than 1 pound.

    The lot number or other lot identification of vegetable seed in 
containers of more than 1 pound shall be shown on the label and shall be 
the same as that used in the records pertaining to the same lot of seed.

[35 FR 6108, Apr. 15, 1970]



Sec.  201.30c  Noxious-weed seeds of vegetable seed in containers of
more than 1 pound.

    Except for those kinds of noxious-weed seeds shown in Sec.  
201.16(b), the names of kinds of noxious-weed seeds and the rate of 
occurrence of each shall be expressed in the label in accordance with, 
and the rate shall not exceed the rate permitted by, the law and 
regulations of the State into which the seed is offered for 
transportation or is transported. If in the course of such 
transportation, or thereafter, the seed is diverted to another State of 
destination, the person or persons responsible for such diversion shall 
cause the seed to be relabeled with respect to noxious-weed seed 
content, if necessary, to conform to the laws and regulations of the 
State into which the seed is diverted.

[85 FR 40580, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.31  Minimum germination standards for vegetable seeds in
interstate commerce.

    The following minimum germination standards for vegetable seeds in 
interstate commerce, which shall be construed to include hard seed, are 
determined and established under section 403(c) of the Act:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Percent
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Artichoke....................................................         60
Asparagus....................................................         70
Asparagusbean................................................         75
Bean, garden.................................................         70
Bean, lima...................................................         70
Bean, runner.................................................         75
Beet.........................................................         65
Broadbean....................................................         75
Broccoli.....................................................         75
Brussels sprouts.............................................         70
Burdock, great...............................................         60
Cabbage......................................................         75
Cabbage, tronchuda...........................................         70
Cardoon......................................................         60
Carrot.......................................................         55
Cauliflower..................................................         75
Celeriac.....................................................         55
Celery.......................................................         55
Chard, Swiss.................................................         65
Chicory......................................................         65
Chinese cabbage..............................................         75
Chives.......................................................         50
Citron.......................................................         65
Collards.....................................................         80
Corn, sweet..................................................         75
Cornsalad....................................................         70
Cowpea.......................................................         75
Cress, garden................................................         75
Cress, upland................................................         60
Cress, water.................................................         40
Cucumber.....................................................         80
Dandelion....................................................         60
Dill.........................................................         60
Eggplant.....................................................         60
Endive.......................................................         70
Kale.........................................................         75
Kale, Chinese................................................         75
Kale, Siberian...............................................         75
Kohlrabi.....................................................         75
Leek.........................................................         60
Lettuce......................................................         80
Melon........................................................         75
Mustard, India...............................................         75
Mustard, spinach.............................................         75
Okra.........................................................         50
Onion........................................................         70
Onion, Welsh.................................................         70
Pak-choi.....................................................         75
Parsley......................................................         60
Parsnip......................................................         60
Pea..........................................................         80
Pepper.......................................................         55
Pumpkin......................................................         75
Radish.......................................................         75
Rhubarb......................................................         60
Rutabaga.....................................................         75

[[Page 336]]

 
Sage.........................................................         60
Salsify......................................................         75
Savory, summer...............................................         55
Sorrel.......................................................         65
Soybean......................................................         75
Spinach......................................................         60
Spinach, New Zealand.........................................         40
Squash.......................................................         75
Tomato.......................................................         75
Tomato, husk.................................................         50
Turnip.......................................................         80
Watermelon...................................................         70
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[59 FR 64491, Dec. 14, 1994, as amended at 85 FR 40580, July 7, 2020]

                           labeling in general



Sec.  201.31a  Labeling treated seed.

    (a) Contents of label. Any agricultural seed or any mixture thereof 
or any vegetable seed or any mixture thereof, for seeding purposes, that 
has been treated shall be labeled in type no smaller than 8 point to 
indicate that the seed has been treated and to show the name of any 
substance or a description of any process (other than application of a 
substance) used in such treatment, in accordance with this section; for 
example,

    Treated with __________ (name of substance or process) or __________ 
(name of substance or process) treated.


If the substance used in such treatment in the amount remaining with the 
seed is harmful to humans or other vertebrate animals, the seed shall 
also bear a label containing additional statements as required by 
paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section. The label shall contain the 
required information in any form that is clearly legible and complies 
with the regulations in this part. The information may be on the tag 
bearing the analysis information or on a separate tag, or it may be 
printed in a conspicuous manner on a side or top of the container.
    (b) Name of substance or active ingredient. The name of any active 
ingredient substance as required by paragraph (a) of this section shall 
be the commonly accepted coined, chemical (generic), or abbreviated 
chemical name. The label shall include either the name of the genus and 
species or the brand name as identified on biological product labels. 
Commonly accepted coined names are free for general use by the public, 
are not private trademarks, and are commonly recognized as names of 
particular substances, such as thiram, captan, lindane, and dichlone. 
Examples of commonly accepted chemical (generic) names are blue-stone, 
calcium carbonate, cuprous oxide, zinc hydroxide, hexachlorobenzene, and 
ethyl mercury acetate. The terms ``mercury'' or ``mercurial'' may be 
used in labeling all types of mercurials. Examples of commonly accepted 
abbreviated chemical names are BHC (1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexachlorocyclohexane) 
and DDT (dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane).
    (c) Mercurials and similarly toxic substances. (1) Seed treated with 
a mercurial or similarly toxic substance (Environmental Protection 
Agency Toxicity Category I), if any amount remains with the seed, shall 
be labeled to show a representation of a skull and crossbones at least 
twice the size of the type used for information required to be on the 
label under paragraph (a) and shall also include in red letters on a 
background of distinctly contrasting color a statement worded 
substantially as follows: ``This seed has been treated with Poison,'' 
``Treated with Poison,'' ``Poison treated,'' or ``Poison''. The word 
``Poison'' shall appear in type no less than 8 point.
    (2) Mercurials and similarly toxic substances (Environmental 
Protection Agency Toxicity Category I) include the following:

Aldrin, technical
Demeton
Dieldrin
p-Dimethylaminobenzenediazo sodium sulfonate
Endrin
Ethion
Heptachlor
Mercurials, all types
Parathion
Phorate
Toxaphene
O - O - Diethyl-O-(isopropyl-4-methyl-6-py- rimidyl) thiophosphate
O, O-Diethyl-S-2-(ethylthio) ethyl phosphorodithioate


Any amount of such substances remaining with the seed is considered 
harmful within the meaning of this section.

[[Page 337]]

    (d) Other harmful substances. If a substance, other than one which 
would be classified as a mercurial or similarly toxic substance under 
paragraph (c) of this section, is used in the treatment of seed, and the 
amount remaining with the seed is harmful to humans or other vertebrate 
animals, the seed shall be labeled with an appropriate caution statement 
in type no smaller than 8 point worded substantially as follows: ``Do 
not use for food,'' ``Do not use for feed,'' ``Do not use for oil 
purposes,'' or ``Do not use for food, feed, or oil purposes.'' Any 
amount of any substance, not within paragraph (c) of this section, used 
in the treatment of the seed, which remains with the seed is considered 
harmful within the meaning of this section when the seed is in 
containers of more than 4 ounces, except that the following substances 
shall not be deemed harmful when present at a rate less than the number 
of parts per million indicated:

    Allethrin--2 p.p.m.
    Malathion--8 p.p.m.
    Methoxyclor--2 p.p.m.
    Piperonyl butoxide--8 p.p.m. on oat and sorghum and 20 p.p.m. on all 
other seeds.
    Pyrethrins--1 p.p.m. on oat and sorghum and 3 p.p.m. on all other 
seeds.

[24 FR 3953, May 15, 1959, as amended at 25 FR 8769, Sept. 13, 1960; 30 
FR 7888, June 18, 1965; 76 FR 31794, June 2, 2011; 85 FR 40580, July 7, 
2020]



Sec.  201.32  Screenings.

    Screenings shipped in interstate commerce, if in containers, shall 
be labeled in a legible manner with letters not smaller than 18 point 
type and, if in bulk, shall be invoiced with the words, ``Screenings for 
processing--not for seeding.''

[5 FR 31, Jan. 4, 1940]



Sec.  201.33  Seed in bulk or large quantities; seed for cleaning
or processing.

    (a) In the case of seed in bulk, the information required under 
sections 201(a), (b), and (i) of the Act shall appear in the invoice or 
other records accompanying and pertaining to such seed. If the seed is 
in containers and in quantities of 20,000 pounds or more, regardless of 
the number of lots included, the information required on each container 
under sections 201 (a), (b), and (i) of the Act need not be shown on 
each container; Provided, That: (1) The omission from each container of 
a label with the required information is with the knowledge and consent 
of the consignee prior to the transportation or delivery for 
transportation of such seed in interstate commerce; (2) each container 
has stenciled upon it or bears a label containing a lot designation; and 
(3) the invoice or other records accompanying and pertaining to such 
seed bear the various statements required for the respective seeds.
    (b) Seed consigned to a seed cleaning or processing establishment, 
for cleaning or processing for seeding purposes, need not be labeled to 
show the information required on each container under sections 201 (a), 
(b), and (i) of the Act if it is in bulk, or in containers and in 
quantities of 20,000 pounds or more regardless of the number of lots 
involved, and the invoice or other records accompanying and pertaining 
to such seed show that it is ``Seed for processing,'' or, if the seed is 
in containers and in quantities less than 20,000 pounds and each 
container bears a label with the words ``Seed for processing.'' If any 
such seed is later to be labeled as to origin and/or variety, the origin 
and/or variety as the case may be, shall be shown on the invoice if the 
seed is in bulk, otherwise, on a label, at the time of transportation to 
such establishment, except that if it is covered by a declaration of 
origin and/or variety it will be sufficient if the lot designation 
appearing in the declaration is placed on the invoice if the seed is in 
bulk, or on a label if the seed is in containers, regardless of the 
quantity.

[24 FR 3953, May 15, 1959, as amended at 85 FR 40580, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.34  Kind, variety, and type; treatment substances; 
designation as hybrid.

    (a) Indistinguishable seed and treatment substances. Reasonable 
precautions to insure that the kind, variety, or type of 
indistinguishable agricultural or vegetable seeds and names of any 
treatment substance are properly stated shall include the maintaining of 
the records described in Sec.  201.7 or Sec.  201.7a. The examination of 
the seed

[[Page 338]]

and any pertinent facts may be taken into consideration in determining 
whether reasonable precautions have been taken to insure the kind, 
variety, or type of seed or any treatment substance on the seed is that 
which is shown. Reasonable precautions in labeling ryegrass seed as to 
kind shall include making or obtaining the results of a fluorescence 
test unless (1) the shortness of the time interval between receipt of 
the seed lot and the shipment of the seed in interstate commerce, or (2) 
dormancy of the seeds in the lot, or (3) other circumstances beyond the 
control of the shipper prevent such action before the shipment is made. 
Reasonable precautions in labeling ryegrass seed as to kind shall also 
include keeping separate each lot labeled on the basis of a separate 
grower's declaration, invoice, or other documents.
    (b) Name of kind. The name of each kind of agricultural or vegetable 
seed is the name listed in Sec.  201.2 (h) or (i), respectively, except 
that a name which has become synonymous through broad general usage may 
be substituted therefor, provided the name does not apply to more than 
one kind and is not misleading.
    (c) Hybrid designation. Seed shall not be designated in labeling as 
``hybrid'' seed unless it comes within the definition of ``hybrid'' in 
Sec.  201.2(y).
    (d) Name of variety. The name of each variety of agricultural or 
vegetable seed is the name determined in accordance with the following 
considerations:
    (1) The variety name shall represent a subdivision of a kind, which 
is characterized by growth, plant, fruit, seed, or other characters by 
which it can be differentiated from other sorts of the same kind.
    (2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the name of a new 
variety shall be the name given by the originator or discoverer of the 
variety, except that in the event the originator or discoverer of a new 
unnamed variety, at the time seed of the variety is first introduced 
into channels of commerce of the United States for sale to the public, 
cannot or chooses not to name the variety, the name of the variety shall 
be the first name under which the seed is introduced into such commerce. 
However, if the variety name so provided is in a language not using the 
Roman alphabet, the variety shall be given a name by the person 
authorized under this paragraph to name the variety, in a language using 
the Roman alphabet.
    (3) The variety name shall not be misleading. The same variety name 
shall not be assigned to more than one variety of the same kind of seed.
    (4) The status under the Federal Seed Act of a variety name is not 
modified by the registration of such name as a trademark.
    (5) Names of varieties which through broad general usage prior to 
July 28, 1956 were recognized variety names, except for hybrid seed 
corn, shall be considered variety names without regard to the principles 
stated in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.
    (6) The variety name for any variety of hybrid seed corn first 
introduced into commercial channels in the United States for sale prior 
to October 20, 1951, shall be any name used for such variety in such 
channels prior to that date. The variety name for any variety of hybrid 
seed corn first introduced into commercial channels in the United States 
for sale on or after October 20, 1951, shall be the name assigned in 
accordance with paragraphs (d)(1) through (4) of this section.
    (e) [Reserved]

[20 FR 7928, Oct. 21, 1955]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
201.34, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  201.35  Blank spaces.

    Blank spaces on the label shall be deemed to imply the word 
``None,'' when such interpretation is reasonable.

[5 FR 32, Jan. 4, 1940]



Sec.  201.36  The words ``free'' and ``none.''

    The words ``free'' and ``none'' shall be construed to mean that none 
were found in a test complying with the methods set forth in Sec. Sec.  
201.45-201.52.

[5 FR 32, Jan. 4, 1940]

[[Page 339]]

                          modifying statements



Sec.  201.36a  Disclaimers and nonwarranties.

    A disclaimer, nonwarranty, or limited warranty used in any invoice 
or other labeling, or advertisement shall not directly or indirectly 
deny or modify any information required by the act or the regulations in 
this part.

[15 FR 2394, Apr. 28, 1950]

                               advertising



Sec.  201.36b  Name of kind and variety; designation as hybrid.

    (a) The representation of the name of a kind or kind and variety of 
seed in any advertisement subject to the Act shall be confined to the 
name of the kind or kind and variety determined in accordance with Sec.  
201.34. The name shall not have associated therewith words or terms that 
create a misleading impression as to the history or characteristics of 
the kind or kind and variety. Descriptive terms and firm names may be 
used in kind or variety names provided the descriptive terms or firm 
names are a part of the name or variety of seed; for example, Stringless 
Green Pod, Detroit Dark Red, Black Seeded Simpson and Henderson Bush 
Lima. Seed shall not be designated as hybrid seed in any advertisement 
subject to the Act unless it comes within the definition of ``hybrid'' 
in Sec.  201.2(y).
    (b) Terms descriptive as to color, shape, size, habit of growth, 
disease-resistance, or other characteristics of the kind or variety may 
be associated with the name of the kind or variety provided it is done 
in a manner which clearly indicates the descriptive term is not a part 
of the name of the kind or variety; for example, Oshkosh pepper 
(yellow), Copenhagen Market (round head) cabbage, and Kentucky Wonder 
(pole) garden bean.
    (c) Terms descriptive of quality or origin and terms descriptive of 
the basis for representations made may be associated with the name of 
the kind or variety: Provided, That the terms are clearly identified as 
being other than part of the name of the kind or variety; for example, 
Fancy quality redtop, Idaho origin alfalfa, and Grower's affidavit of 
variety Atlas sorghum.
    (d) Terms descriptive of the manner or method of production or 
processing the seed (for example, certified, registered, delinted, 
scarified, treated, and hulled), may be associated with the name of the 
kind or variety of seed, providing such terms are not misleading.
    (e) Brand names and terms taken from trademarks may be associated 
with the name of the kind or variety of seed as an indication of source: 
Provided, That the terms are clearly identified as being other than a 
part of the name of the kind or variety; for example, Ox Brand Golden 
Cross sweet corn. Seed shall not be advertised under a trademark or 
brand name in any manner that may create the impression that the 
trademark or brand name is a variety name. If seed advertised under a 
trademark or brand name is a mixture of varieties and if the variety 
names are not stated in the advertising, a description similar to a 
varietal description or a comparison with a named variety shall not be 
used if it creates the impression that the seed is of a single variety.

[21 FR 4652, June 27, 1956, as amended at 32 FR 12780, Sept. 6, 1967; 59 
FR 64491, Dec. 14, 1994; 85 FR 40580, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.36c  Hermetically-sealed containers.

    The 5-month limitation on the date of test in Sec. Sec.  201.22 and 
201.30a shall not apply when the following conditions have been met:
    (a) The seed was packaged within 9 months after harvest;
    (b) The container used does not allow water vapor penetration 
through any wall, including the seals, greater than 0.05 grams of water 
per 24 hours per 100 square inches of surface at 100 [deg]F. with a 
relative humidity on one side of 90 percent and on the other side of 0 
percent. Water vapor penetration or WVP is measured by the standards of 
the U.S. Bureau of Standards as:

gm.H2O / 24 hr. / 100 sq. in. / 100 [deg]F. / 90% RH V.0% RH;

    (c) The seed in the container does not exceed the percentage of 
moisture, on a wet weight basis, as listed below:

[[Page 340]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Agricultural seeds                        Percent
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beet, field..................................................        7.5
Beet, sugar..................................................        7.5
Bluegrass, Kentucky..........................................        6.0
Clover, crimson..............................................        8.0
Fescue, red..................................................        8.0
Mustard, India...............................................        5.0
Ryegrass, annual.............................................        8.0
Ryegrass, perennial..........................................        8.0
All others...................................................        6.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------


------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Vegetable seeds                          Percent
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bean, garden.................................................        7.0
Bean, lima...................................................        7.0
Beet.........................................................        7.5
Broccoli.....................................................        5.0
Brussels sprouts.............................................        5.0
Cabbage......................................................        5.0
Cabbage, Chinese.............................................        5.0
Carrot.......................................................        7.0
Cauliflower..................................................        5.0
Celeriac.....................................................        7.0
Celery.......................................................        7.0
Chard, Swiss.................................................        7.5
Chives.......................................................        6.5
Collards.....................................................        5.0
Corn, sweet..................................................        8.0
Cucumber.....................................................        6.0
Eggplant.....................................................        6.0
Kale.........................................................        5.0
Kohlrabi.....................................................        5.0
Leek.........................................................        6.5
Lettuce......................................................        5.5
Melon........................................................        6.0
Mustard, India...............................................        5.0
Onion........................................................        6.5
Onion, Welsh.................................................        6.5
Parsley......................................................        6.5
Parsnip......................................................        6.0
Pea..........................................................        7.0
Pepper.......................................................        4.5
Pumpkin......................................................        6.0
Radish.......................................................        5.0
Rutabaga.....................................................        5.0
Spinach......................................................        8.0
Squash.......................................................        6.0
Tomato.......................................................        5.5
Turnip.......................................................        5.0
Watermelon...................................................        6.5
All others...................................................        6.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d) The container is conspicuously labeled in not less than 8 point 
type to indicate (1) that the container is hermetically sealed, (2) that 
the seed has been preconditioned as to moisture content, and (3) the 
calendar month and year in which the germination test was completed.
    (e) The percentage of germination of vegetable seed at the time of 
packaging was equal to or above the standards in Sec.  201.31.

[32 FR 12780, Sept. 6, 1967, as amended at 59 FR 64491, Dec. 14, 1994]

                               inspection



Sec.  201.37  Authorization.

    When authorized by the Administrator of the Agriculture Marketing 
Service, or by such other person as may be designated for the purpose, 
Federal employees and qualified State officials, for the purposes of the 
Act, may draw samples of, secure information and inspect records 
pertaining to, and otherwise inspect seeds and screenings subject to the 
Act.

[15 FR 2394, Apr. 28, 1950, as amended at 59 FR 64492, Dec. 14, 1994; 85 
FR 40580, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.38  [Reserved]

                sampling in the administration of the act



Sec.  201.39  General procedure.

    (a) In order to secure a representative sample, equal portions shall 
be taken from evenly distributed parts of the quantity of seed or 
screenings to be sampled. Access shall be had to all parts of that 
quantity. When more than one trierful of seed is drawn from a bag, 
different paths shall be followed. When more than one handful is taken 
from a bag, the handfuls shall be taken from well-separated points.
    (b) For free-flowing seed in bags or bulk, a probe or trier shall be 
used. For small free-flowing seed in bags a probe or trier long enough 
to sample all portions of the bag should be used.
    (c) Non-free-flowing seed, such as certain grass seed, uncleaned 
seed, or screenings, difficult to sample with a probe or trier, shall be 
sampled by thrusting the hand into the bulk and withdrawing 
representative portions. The hand is inserted in an open position and 
the fingers are held closely together while the hand is being inserted 
and the portion withdrawn.
    (d) As the seed or screenings are sampled, each portion shall be 
examined. If there appears to be a lack of uniformity, the portions 
shall not be combined into a composite sample but shall be retained as 
separate samples or combined to form individual-container samples to 
determine such lack of uniformity as may exist.

[[Page 341]]

    (e) When the portions appear to be uniform, they shall be combined 
to form a composite sample.

[5 FR 32, Jan. 4, 1940, as amended at 10 FR 9950, Aug. 11, 1945; 25 FR 
8769, Sept. 13, 1960; 26 FR 10035, Oct. 26, 1961; 85 FR 40580, July 7, 
2020]



Sec.  201.40  Bulk.

    Bulk seeds or screenings shall be sampled by inserting a long probe 
or thrusting the hand into the bulk as circumstances require in at least 
seven uniformly distributed parts of the quantity being sampled. At 
least as many trierfuls or handfuls shall be taken as the minimum which 
would be required for the same quantity of seed or screenings in bags of 
a size customarily used for such seed or screenings.

[5 FR 32, Jan. 4, 1940, as amended at 26 FR 10035, Oct. 26, 1961]



Sec.  201.41  Bags.

    (a) For lots of six bags or fewer, each bag shall be sampled. A 
total of at least five trierfuls shall be taken.
    (b) For lots of more than six bags, five bags plus at least 10 
percent of the number of bags in the lot shall be sampled. (Round off 
numbers with decimals to the nearest whole number, raising 0.5 to the 
next whole number.) Regardless of the lot size it is not necessary that 
more than 30 bags be sampled.
    (c) Samples shall be drawn from unopened bags except under 
circumstances where the identity of the seed has been preserved.

[5 FR 32, Jan. 4, 1940, as amended at 26 FR 10035, Oct. 26, 1961; 76 FR 
31794, June 2, 2011]



Sec.  201.42  Small containers.

    In sampling seed in small containers that it is not practical to 
sample as required in Sec.  201.41, a portion of one unopened container 
or one or more entire unopened containers may be taken to supply a 
minimum size sample, as required in Sec.  201.43.

[30 FR 7888, June 18, 1965]



Sec.  201.43  Size of sample.

    The following are minimum sizes of samples of agricultural seed, 
vegetable seed and screenings to be submitted for analysis, test, or 
examination:
    (a) Two ounces (57 grams) of grass seed not otherwise mentioned, 
white or alsike clover, or seeds not larger than these.
    (b) Five ounces (142 grams) of red or crimson clover, alfalfa, 
lespedeza, ryegrass, bromegrass, millet, flax, rape, or seeds of similar 
size.
    (c) One pound (454 grams) of sudangrass, proso millet, hemp, or 
seeds of similar size.
    (d) Two pounds (907 grams) of cereals, sorghum, vetch, or seeds of 
similar or larger size.
    (e) Two quarts (2.2 liters) of screenings.
    (f) Vegetable seed samples shall consist of at least 400 seeds.
    (g) Coated seed for a purity analysis shall consist of at least 
7,500 seed units. Coated seed for noxious-weed seed examination shall 
consist of at least 30,000 seed units. Coated seed for germination test 
only shall consist of at least 1,000 seed units.

[10 FR 9950, Aug. 11, 1945, as amended at 15 FR 2394, Apr. 28, 1950; 59 
FR 64492, Dec. 14, 1994]



Sec.  201.44  Forwarding samples.

    Before being forwarded for analysis, test, or examination, the 
containers of samples shall be properly sealed and identified in such 
manner as may be prescribed by AMS. Samples of coated seed shall be 
forwarded in firmly packed crush-proof and moisture-proof containers.

[59 FR 64492, Dec. 14, 1994]

            purity analysis in the administration of the act



Sec.  201.45  Obtaining the working sample.

    (a) The working sample on which the actual analysis is made shall be 
taken from the submitted sample in such a manner that it will be 
representative.
    (b) The sample shall be repeatedly divided to the weight to be used 
for the working sample. Some form of efficient mechanical divider should 
be used. To avoid damaging large seeds and coated seeds, a divider 
should be used which will prevent the seeds from falling great distances 
onto hard surfaces. In case the proper mechanical divider cannot be used 
or is not available, the

[[Page 342]]

sample shall be thoroughly mixed and placed in a pile and the pile shall 
be repeatedly divided into halves until a sample of the desired weight 
remains.

[5 FR 32, Jan. 4, 1940, as amended at 20 FR 7929, Oct. 21, 1955; 25 FR 
8769, Sept. 13, 1960; 59 FR 64492, Dec. 14, 1994]



Sec.  201.46  Weight of working sample.

    (a) Unmixed seed. The working samples for purity analysis and 
noxiousweed seed examination of unmixed seed shall be at least the 
weights set forth in table 1.
    (b) Mixtures consisting of one predominant kind of seed or groups of 
kinds of similar size. The weights of the purity and noxious-weed seed 
working samples in this category shall be determined by the kind or 
group of kinds which comprise more than 50 percent of the sample.
    (c) Mixtures consisting of two or more kinds or groups of kinds of 
different sizes, none of which comprise over 50 percent of the sample. 
The weights of the purity working samples in this category shall be the 
weighted averages (to the nearest half gram) of the weights listed in 
table 1 for each of the kinds which comprise the sample determined by 
the following method: (1) Multiply the percentage of each component in 
the mixture (rounded off to the nearest whole number) by the sample 
sizes specified in column 2, table 1, (2) add all these products, (3) 
total the percentages of all components of the mixtures, and (4) divide 
the sum in paragraph (c)(2) of this section by the total in paragraph 
(c)(3) of this section. If the approximate percentage of the components 
of a mixture are not known they may be estimated. The weight of the 
noxious-weed seed working sample shall be determined by multiplying the 
weight of the purity working sample by 10 or by calculating the weighted 
average in the same manner described above for the purity working 
sample.
    (d) Coated seed.
    (1) Unmixed coated seed. Due to variation in the weight of coating 
materials, the size or weight of the working sample shall be determined 
separately for each lot. The weight of the working sample shall be 
determined by weighing 100 completely coated units and calculating the 
weight of 2,500 coated units for the purity analysis and 25,000 coated 
units for the noxious-weed seed examination.
    (2) Mixtures of coated seed. The working weight shall be determined 
in the following manner:
    (i) Calculate the weight of the working sample to be used for the 
mixture under consideration as though the sample were not coated by 
following paragraph (b) or (c) of this section.
    (ii) Determine the amount of coating material on 100 coated units by 
weighing the coated units. Remove the coating material using the methods 
described in Sec. Sec.  201.51b (c) and (d). Calculate the percentage of 
coating material using the following formulas:

Weight of coating material = weight of 100 coated units - weight of 100 
de-coated units;
The percentage of coating material = weight of the coating material 
divided by the weight of 100 coated units x 100%.

    (iii) The weight of the working sample shall be the product of the 
weight calculated in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section multiplied by 
100 percent, divided by 100 percent minus the percentage of coating 
material calculated in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section.

                    Table 1--Weight of Working Sample
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Minimum
                                      Minimum    weight for  Approximate
                                    weight for    noxious-    number of
           Name of seed               purity     weed seed    seeds per
                                     analysis   examination      gram
                                      (grams)     (grams)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Agricultural Seed
Agrotricum........................       65          500             39
Alfalfa...........................        5           50            500
Alfilaria.........................        5           50            440
Alyceclover.......................        5           50            665
Bahiagrass:
    Var. Pensacola................        5           50            600
    All other vars................        7           50            365
Barley............................      100          500             30
Barrelclover......................       10          100            250
Bean:
    Adzuki........................      200          500             11
    Field.........................      500          500              4
    Mung..........................      100          500             24
Beet, field.......................       50          500             55
Beet, sugar.......................       50          500             55
Beggarweed, Florida...............        5           50            440
Bentgrass:
    Colonial......................        0.25         2.5       13,000
    Creeping......................        0.25         2.5       13,515
    Velvet........................        0.25         2.5       18,180
Bermudagrass......................        1           10          3,930
Bermudagrass, giant...............        1           10          2,950
Bluegrass:
    Annual........................        1           10          2,635
    Bulbous.......................        4           40            585

[[Page 343]]

 
    Canada........................        0.5          5          5,050
    Glaucantha....................        1           10
    Kentucky......................        1           10          3,060
    Nevada........................        1           10          2,305
    Rough.........................        0.5          5          4,610
    Texas.........................        1           10          2,500
    Wood..........................        0.5          5          4,330
Bluejoint.........................        0.5          5          8,461
Bluestem:
    Big...........................        7           70            320
    Little........................        5           50            525
    Sand..........................       10          100            215
    Yellow........................        1           10          1,945
Bottlebrush-squirreltail..........        9           90            300
Brome:
    Field.........................        5           50            465
    Meadow........................       13          130            190
    Mountain......................       20          200            140
    Smooth........................        7           70            315
Broomcorn.........................       40          400             60
Buckwheat.........................       50          500             45
Buffalograss:
    (Burs)........................       20          200            110
    (Caryopses)...................        3           30            740
Buffelgrass:
    (Fascicles)...................        6           66            365
    (Caryopses)...................        2           20          1,940
Burclover, California:
    (in bur)......................       50          500
    (out of bur)..................        7           70            375
Burclover, spotted
    (in bur)......................       50          500             50
    (out of bur)..................        5           50            550
Burnet, little....................       25          250            110
Buttonclover......................        7           70            365
Camelina..........................        4           40            880
Canarygrass.......................       20          200            150
Canarygrass, reed.................        2           20          1,185
Carpetgrass.......................        1           10          2,230
Castorbean........................      500          500              5
Chess, soft.......................        5           50            555
Chickpea..........................      500          500              2
Clover:
    Alsike........................        2           20          1,500
    Arrowleaf.....................        4           40            705
    Berseem.......................        5           50            455
    Cluster.......................        1           10          2,925
    Crimson.......................       10          100            330
    Kenya.........................        2           20
    Ladino........................        2           20          1,935
    Lappa.........................        2           20          1,500
    Large hop.....................        1           10          5,435
    Persian.......................        2           20          1,415
    Red...........................        5           50            600
    Rose..........................        7           70            360
    Small hop.....................        2           20          1,950
    Strawberry....................        5           50            635
    Sub...........................       25          250            120
    White.........................        2           20          1,500
Corn:
    Field.........................      500          500              3
    Pop...........................      500          500              3
Cotton............................      300          500              8
Cowpea............................      300          500              8
Crambe............................       25          250
Crested dogtail...................        2           20          1,900
Crotalaria:
    Lance.........................        7           70            375
    Showy.........................       25          250             80
    Slenderleaf...................       10          100            205
    Striped.......................       10          100            215
    Sunn..........................       75          500             35
Crownvetch........................       10          100            305
Dallisgrass.......................        4           40            620
Dichondra.........................        5           50            470
Dropseed, sand....................        0.25         2.5       12,345
Emmer.............................      100          500             25
Fescue:
    Chewings......................        3           30            900
    Hair..........................        1           10
    Hard..........................        2           20          1,305
    Meadow........................        5           50            495
    Red...........................        3           30            900
    Sheep.........................        2           20          1,165
    Tall..........................        5           50            455
Flatpea...........................      100          500             25
Flax..............................       15          150            180
Foxtail, creeping.................        1.5         15          1,736
Foxtail, meadow...................        3           30            893
Galletagrass:
    (Other than caryopses)........       10          100            260
    (Caryopses)...................        5           50            580
Grama:
    Blue..........................        2           20          1,595
    Side-oats:
        (Other than caryopses)....        6           60            350
        (Caryopses)...............        2           20          1,605
Guar..............................       75          500             35
Guineagrass.......................        2           20          2,205
Hardinggrass......................        3           30            750
Hemp..............................       50          500             45
Indiangrass, yellow...............        7           70            395
Indigo, hairy.....................        7           70            435
Japanese lawngrass................        2           20          1,325
Johnsongrass......................       10          100            265
Kenaf.............................       50          500
Kochia, forage....................        2           20          1,070
Kudzu.............................       25          250             80
Lentil............................      120          500          14-23
Lespedeza:
    Korean........................        5           50            525
    Sericea.......................        3           30            820
    Siberian......................        3           30            820
    Striate.......................        5           50            750
Lovegrass, sand...................        1           10          3,585
Lovegrass, weeping................        1           10          3,270
Lupine:
    Blue..........................      500          500              7
    White.........................      500          500              7
    Yellow........................      300          500              9
Manilagrass.......................        2           20
Medic, black......................        5           50            585
Milkvetch.........................        9           90            270
Millet:
    Browntop......................        8           80            315
    Foxtail.......................        5           50            480
    Japanese......................        9           90            315
    Pearl.........................       15          150            180
    Proso.........................       15          150            185
Molassesgrass.....................        0.5          5          7,750

[[Page 344]]

 
Mustard:
    Black.........................        2           20          1,255
    India.........................        5           50            625
    White.........................       15          150            160
Napiergrass.......................        5           50
Needlegrass, green................        7           70            370
Oat...............................       75          500          35-50
Oatgrass, tall....................        6           60            417
Orchardgrass......................        3           30            945
Panicgrass, blue..................        2           20          1,370
Panicgrass, green.................        2           20          1,305
Pea, field........................      500          500              4
Peanut............................      500          500            1-3
Radish............................       30          300             75
Rape:
    Annual........................        7           70            345
    Bird..........................        7           70            425
    Turnip........................        5           50            535
    Winter........................       10          100            230
Redtop............................        0.25         2.5       10,695
Rescuegrass.......................       20          200            115
Rhodesgrass.......................        1           10          4,725
Rice..............................       50          500             65
Ricegrass, Indian.................        7           70            355
Roughpea..........................       75          500             40
Rye...............................       75          500             40
Rye, mountain.....................       28          280             90
Ryegrass:
    Annual........................        5           50            420
    Intermediate..................        8           80            338
    Perennial.....................        5           50            530
    Wimmera.......................        5           50
Safflower.........................      100          500             30
Sagewort, Louisiana...............        0.5          5          8,900
Sainfoin..........................       50          500             50
Saltbush, fourwing................       15          150            165
Sesame............................        7           70            360
Sesbania..........................       25          250            105
Smilo.............................        2           20          2,010
Sorghum...........................       50          500             55
Sorghum almum.....................       15          150            150
Sorghum-sudangrass................       65          500             38
Sorgrass \1\......................       15          150            135
Sourclover........................        5           50            660
Soybean...........................      500          500           6-13
Spelt.............................      100          500             25
Sudangrass........................       25          250            100
Sunflower.........................      100          500
Sweetclover:
    White.........................        5           50            570
    Yellow........................        5           50            570
Sweet vernalgrass.................        2           20          1,600
Sweetvetch, northern..............       19          190            130
Switchgrass.......................        4           40            570
Teff..............................        1           10          3,288
Timothy...........................        1           10          2,565
Timothy, turf.....................        1           10          2,565
Tobacco...........................        0.5          5         15,625
Trefoil:
    Big...........................        2           20          1,945
    Birdsfoot.....................        3           30            815
Triticale.........................      100          500
Vaseygrass........................        3           30            970
Veldtgrass........................        4           40            655
Velvetbean........................      500          500              2
Velvetgrass.......................        1           10          3,360
Vetch:
    Common........................      150          500             19
    Hairy.........................       75          500             35
    Hungarian.....................      100          500             24
    Monantha......................      100          500
    Narrowleaf....................       50          500             60
    Purple........................      100          500             22
    Woollypod.....................      100          500             25
Wheat:
    Common........................      100          500             25
    Club..........................      100          500             25
    Durum.........................      100          500             25
    Polish........................      100          500             25
    Poulard.......................      100          500             25
Wheat x Agrotricum................       65          500             38
Wheatgrass:
    Beardless.....................        8           80            275
    Fairway crested...............        4           40            685
    Standard crested..............        5           50            425
    Intermediate..................       15          150            175
    Pubescent.....................       15          150            180
    Siberian......................        5           50
    Slender.......................        7           70            295
    Streambank....................       10           50            370
    Tall..........................       15          150            165
    Western.......................       10          100            250
Wildrye:
    Basin.........................        8           80            317
    Canada........................       11          110            190
    Russian.......................        6           60            360
          Vegetable Seed
Artichoke.........................      100          500             24
Asparagus.........................      100          500             25
Asparagusbean.....................      300          500              8
Bean:
    Garden........................      500          500              4
    Lima..........................      500          500              2
    Runner........................      500          500              1
Beet..............................       50          300             60
Broadbean.........................      500          500
Broccoli..........................       10           50            315
Brussels sprouts..................       10           50            315
Burdock, great....................       15          150
Cabbage...........................       10           50            315
Cabbage, Chinese..................        5           50            635
Cabbage, tronchuda................       10          100
Cardoon...........................      100          500
Carrot............................        3           50            825
Cauliflower.......................       10           50            315
Celeriac..........................        1           25          2,520
Celery............................        1           25          2,520
Chard, Swiss......................       50          300             60
Chicory...........................        3           50            940
Chives............................        5           50
Citron............................      200          500             11
Collards..........................       10           50            315
Corn, sweet.......................      500          500
Cornsalad:
    Vars. Fullhearted and Dark            5           50
     Green Fullhearted............
    All other vars................       10           50            380
Cowpea............................      300          500              8
Cress:
    Garden........................        5           50            425
    Upland........................        2           35          1,160

[[Page 345]]

 
    Water.........................        1           25          5,170
Cucumber..........................       75          500             40
Dandelion.........................        2           35          1,240
Dill..............................        3           50            800
Eggplant..........................       10           50            230
Endive............................        3           50            940
Gherkin, West India...............       16          160            153
Kale..............................       10           50            315
Kale, Chinese.....................       10           50
Kale, Siberian....................        8           80            325
Kohlrabi..........................       10           50            315
Leek..............................        7           50            395
Lettuce...........................        3           50            890
Melon.............................       50          500             45
Mustard, India....................        5           50            625
Mustard, spinach..................        5           50            535
Okra..............................      100          500             19
Onion.............................        7           50            340
Onion, Welsh......................       10           50
Pak-choi..........................        5           50            635
Parsley...........................        5           50            650
Parsnip...........................        5           50            430
Pea...............................      500          500              3
Pepper............................       15          150            165
Pumpkin...........................      500          500              5
Radish............................       30          300             75
Rhubarb...........................       50          300             60
Rutabaga..........................        5           50            430
Sage..............................       25          150            120
Salsify...........................       50          300             65
Savory, summer....................        2           35          1,750
Sorrel............................        2           35          1,080
Soybean...........................      500          500           6-13
Spinach...........................       25          150            100
Spinach, New Zealand..............      200          500             13
Squash............................      200          500             14
Tomato............................        5           50            405
Tomato, husk......................        2           35          1,240
Turnip............................        5           50            535
Watermelon........................      200          500            11
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Rhizomatous derivatives of a johnsongrass x sorghum cross or a
  johnsongrass x sudangrass cross.


[25 FR 8769, Sept. 13, 1960, as amended at 30 FR 7888, June 18, 1965; 32 
FR 12780, Sept. 6, 1967; 35 FR 6108, Apr. 15, 1970; 41 FR 20156, May 17, 
1976; 46 FR 53635, Oct. 29, 1981; 59 FR 64492, Dec. 14, 1994; 65 FR 
1707, Jan. 11, 2000; 85 FR 40580, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.47  Separation.

    (a) The working sample shall be weighed in grams to four significant 
figures and shall then be separated into four parts: (1) Kind or variety 
to be considered pure seed, (2) other crop seed, (3) weed seed, and (4) 
inert matter. The components shall be weighed in grams to the same 
number of decimal places as the working sample. The percentage of each 
part shall be determined to two decimal places.
    (b) Aids for the classification of pure seed, other crop seed, weed 
seed, and inert matter may include visual examination, use of 
transmitted light (diaphanoscope), or specific gravity (seed blowers). 
Specific instructions for classification of the various components are 
given in Sec. Sec.  201.47a to 201.51, inclusive.
    (c) The components shall be weighed and percentages calculated as 
follows:
    (1) For sample sizes less than 25 grams, all four components shall 
be weighed; the percentages shall be based on the sum of these weights 
and not on the original weight. The sum of these weights shall be 
compared with the original weight of the working sample as a check 
against the loss of material, or other errors.
    (2) For sample sizes of 25 grams or more, the components--other crop 
seed, weed seed, and inert matter--shall be weighed separately and their 
percentages determined by dividing these weights by the original weight 
of the working sample. The pure seed need not be weighed; its percentage 
may be determined by subtracting the sum of the percentages of the other 
three components from 100.
    (3) When rounding off the calculated percentages of each component 
to the second decimal place, round down if the third decimal place is 4 
or less and round up if the third decimal place is 5 or more, except 
that if any component is determined to be present in any amount 
calculated to be less than 0.015 percent, then that component shall be 
reported as 0.01 percent. If any component is not found in the purity 
analysis, then that component shall be reported as 0.00 percent.
    (4) The total percentage of all components shall be 100.00 percent. 
If the total does not equal 100.00 percent (e.g. 99.99 percent or 100.01 
percent), then add to or subtract from the component with the largest 
value (usually the pure seed component).
    (d) When the working sample consists of two or more similar kinds or 
varieties which would be difficult to separate in the entire sample, it 
is permissible to weigh the similar kinds or varieties together as one 
component and

[[Page 346]]

make the separation on a reduced portion of the sample. At least 400 
seeds or an equivalent weight shall be taken indiscriminately from the 
pure seed component and the separation made on this portion. The 
proportion of each kind present shall then be determined by weight and 
from this the percentage in the entire sample shall be calculated.
    (e) The Uniform Blowing Procedure described in Sec.  201.51a(a) 
shall be used for the separation of pure seed and inert matter in seeds 
of Kentucky bluegrass, Canada bluegrass, rough bluegrass, Pensacola 
variety of bahiagrass, orchardgrass, side-oats grama, and blue grama.
    (f) Procedures for purity analysis for coated seed are given in 
Sec.  201.51b.

[25 FR 8770, Sept. 13, 1960, as amended at 30 FR 7890, June 18, 1965; 46 
FR 53635, Oct. 29, 1981; 59 FR 64497, Dec. 14, 1994; 65 FR 1707, Jan. 
11, 2000]



Sec.  201.47a  Seed unit.

    The seed unit is the structure usually regarded as a seed in 
planting practices and in commercial channels. The seed unit may consist 
of one or more of the following structures:
    (a) True seeds;
    (b) For the grass family:
    (1) Caryopses and single florets;
    (2) Multiple florets and spikelets in tall oatgrass (Arrhenatherum 
elatius), oat (Avena spp.), gramas (Bouteloua spp.), rhodesgrass 
(Chloris gayana), barley (Hordeum vulgare), and bluegrass (Poa spp.);
    (3) Entire spikelets in bahiagrass, bentgrasses, dallisgrass, 
guineagrass, browntop millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, 
panicgrasses, redtop, rice, switchgrass, and vaseygrass. Entire 
spikelets which may have attached rachis segments, pedicels, and sterile 
spikelets in big bluestem, little bluestem, sand bluestem, yellow 
bluestem, bottlebrush-squirreltail, broomcorn, yellow indiangrass, 
johnsongrass, sorghum, sorghum- sudangrass, sorghum almum, sorgrass, and 
sudangrass;
    (4) Spikelet groups:
    (i) Spikelet groups that disarticulate as a unit in galletagrass;
    (ii) Spikelet groups that disarticulate as units with attached 
rachis and internodes in bluestems, side-oats grama, and yellow 
indiangrass;
    (5) Fascicles of buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris) consisting of 
bristles and spikelets;
    (6) Burs of buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides);
    (7) Bulblets of bulbous bluegrass (Poa bulbosa);
    (8) Multiple units as defined in Sec.  201.51a(b)(1).
    (c) Dry indehiscent fruits in the following plant families: 
Buckwheat (Polygonaceae), sunflower (Asteraceae), geranium 
(Geraniaceae), goosefoot (Chenopodiaceae), and valerian (Valerianaceae);
    (d) One- and two-seeded pods of small-seeded legumes (Fabaceae), 
burs of the burclovers (Medicago arabica, M. polymorpha), and pods of 
peanuts (Arachis hypogaea). (This does not preclude the shelling of 
small-seeded legumes for purposes of identification.) Pods of legumes 
normally containing more than two seeds, when occurring incidentally in 
the working sample, should be hulled if the kind is hulled when 
marketed;
    (e) Fruits or half fruits in the carrot family (Apiaceae);
    (f) Nutlets in the following plant families: Borage (Boraginaceae), 
mint (Lamiaceae), and vervain (Verbenaceae);
    (g) ``Seed balls'' or portions thereof in multigerm beets, and 
fruits with accessory structures such as occur in other Chenopodiaceae 
and New Zealand spinach. For forage kochia refer to Sec.  201.48(j) and 
Sec.  201.51(a)(7).

[46 FR 53636, Oct. 29, 1981, as amended at 59 FR 64497, Dec. 14, 1994; 
65 FR 1707, Jan. 11, 2000; 85 FR 40581, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.47b  Working samples.

    The purity working sample is the sample on which the purity analysis 
is made. The noxious-weed seed working sample is the sample on which the 
noxious-weed seed examination is made.

[20 FR 7930, Oct. 21, 1955]



Sec.  201.48  Kind or variety considered pure seed.

    The pure seed shall include all seeds of each kind or each kind and 
variety under consideration present in excess of 5 percent by weight of 
the whole.

[[Page 347]]

Seeds of kinds or kinds and varieties present to the extent of 5 percent 
or less of the whole may be considered pure seed if shown on the label 
as components of a mixture in amounts of 5 percent or less. The 
following shall be included with the pure seed:
    (a) Immature or shriveled seeds and seeds that are cracked or 
injured. For seeds of legumes (Fabaceae) and crucifers (Brassicaceae) 
with the seed coats entirely removed refer to Sec.  201.51(a)(1);
    (b) Pieces of seeds which are larger than one-half of the original 
size. For separated cotyledons of legume seeds refer to Sec.  
201.51(a)(2);
    (c) Insect-damaged seeds, provided that the damage is entirely 
internal, or that the opening in the seed coat is not sufficiently large 
so as to allow the size of the remaining mass of tissue to be readily 
determined. Weevil-infested vetch seeds, irrespective of the amount of 
insect damage, are to be considered pure seed, unless they are broken 
pieces one-half or less than the original size. For classification of 
broken pieces of seed units one-half or less than the original size, 
refer to Sec.  201.51(a)(2). Refer to Sec.  201.51(a)(3) for chalcid-
damaged seeds;
    (d) Seeds that have started to germinate;
    (e) Seeds of the cucurbit family (Cucurbitaceae) and the nightshade 
family (Solanaceae) whether they are filled or empty;
    (f) Intact fruits, whether or not they contain seed, of species 
belonging to the following families: Sunflower (Asteraceae), buckwheat 
(Polygonaceae), carrot (Apiaceae), valerian (Valerianaceae), mint 
(Laminaceae) and other families in which the seed unit may be a dry, 
indehiscent one-seeded fruit. For visibly empty fruits, refer to inert 
matter, Sec.  201.51(a)(6);
    (g) Seed units of the grass family listed in Sec.  201.47a(b) (1) 
through (5) if a caryopsis with some degree of endosperm development can 
be detected in the units, either by slight pressure or by examination 
over light. Seed units of smooth brome, fairway crested wheatgrass, 
standard crested wheatgrass, tall wheatgrass, intermediate wheatgrass, 
pubescent wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, fescues (Festuca spp.), and 
ryegrasses (Lolium spp.) if the caryopses are at least one-third the 
length of the palea; the caryopsis is measured from the base of the 
rachilla. Species in which determination of endosperm development is not 
necessary are listed in paragraphs (g) (1) and (2) of this section. 
Refer to Sec. Sec.  201.48(h) and 201.51(a)(5) when nematode galls and 
fungal bodies have replaced the caryopsis in seed units. The following 
procedures apply to determine pure seed in the grass families listed 
below:
    (1) Intact burs of buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides) shall be 
considered pure seed whether or not a caryopsis is present. Refer to 
Sec.  201.51(a)(6) for burs which are visibly empty.
    (2) The Uniform Blowing Procedure described in Sec.  201.51a(a) 
shall be used to determine classification of florets into pure seed or 
inert matter for Kentucky bluegrass, Canada bluegrass, rough bluegrass, 
Pensacola variety of bahiagrass, side-oats grama, blue grama, and 
orchardgrass.
    (3) Special purity procedures for smooth brome, fairway crested 
wheatgrass, standard crested wheatgrass, intermediate wheatgrass, 
pubescent wheatgrass, tall wheatgrass, and western wheatgrass are listed 
in Sec.  201.51a(b).
    (4) For methods of determining pure seed percentages of annual and 
perennial ryegrass, refer to Sec. Sec.  201.58(b)(10) and 201.58a(a).
    (h) Seed units with nematode galls, fungal bodies (i.e. ergot, other 
sclerotia, and smut) and spongy or corky caryopses that are entirely 
enclosed within the seed unit. Refer to Sec.  201.51(c)(1) for inert 
matter classification.
    (i) Seed units of beet and other Chenopodiaceae, and New Zealand 
spinach. Refer to Sec.  201.47a(g) and Sec.  201.51(a)(6) for 
definitions of seed units and inert matter, respectively.
    (j) Seed units of forage kochia that are retained on a 1 mm opening 
square-hole sieve, when shaken for 30 seconds. For inert matter, refer 
to Sec.  201.51(a)(7).

[46 FR 53636, Oct. 29, 1981, as amended at 59 FR 64497, Dec. 14, 1994; 
76 FR 31794, June 2, 2011; 85 FR 40581, July 7, 2020]

[[Page 348]]



Sec.  201.49  Other crop seed.

    (a) Seeds of plants grown as crops (other than the kind(s) and 
variety(ies) included in the pure seed) shall be considered other crop 
seeds, unless recognized as weed seeds by applicable laws, or 
regulations, or by general usage. All interpretations and definitions 
for ``pure seed'' in Sec.  201.48 shall also apply in determining 
whether seeds are ``other crop seed'' or ``inert matter'' with the 
following two exceptions which may be applied as acceptable 
alternatives:
    (1) Uniform Blowing Procedure in Sec.  201.51a(a) for kinds listed 
in Sec.  201.47(e) may be disregarded. If disregarded, all seed units 
(as defined in Sec.  201.47a) for these kinds found in the working 
sample shall be manually separated into pure seed and inert matter. Only 
units containing at least one caryopsis with some degree of endosperm 
development which can be detected either by slight pressure or by 
examination over light are considered other crop seed.
    (2) Multiple Unit Procedure in Sec.  201.51a(b) for kinds listed in 
Sec.  201.48(g)(3) may be disregarded. If disregarded, all multiple 
units and single units (as defined in Sec.  201.51a(b)) for these kinds 
found in the working sample shall be manually separated into single 
florets. Each floret containing a caryopsis with some degree of 
endosperm development, which can be detected either by slight pressure 
or examination over light, is considered other crop seed. Empty florets 
and glumes, if present, are considered inert matter. Refer to Sec.  
201.51(a)(4).
    (b) [Reserved]

[59 FR 64498, Dec. 14, 1994; 60 FR 2493, Jan. 10, 1995]



Sec.  201.50  Weed seed.

    Seeds (including bulblets or tubers) of plants shall be considered 
weed seeds when recognized as weed seeds by the law or rules and 
regulations of the State into which the seed is offered for 
transportation or transported; or by the law or rules and regulations of 
Puerto Rico, Guam, or District of Columbia into which transported, or 
District of Columbia in which sold; or found by the Secretary of 
Agriculture to be detrimental to the agricultural interests of the 
United States, or any part thereof. Damaged weed seeds and immature 
seedlike structures, as described in Sec.  201.51(b), shall be 
considered inert matter. Weed seeds, as defined above in this section, 
requiring further separation into weed seed and inert matter components 
are as follows:
    (a) The individual seeds are to be removed from fruiting structures 
such as pods and heads. The seeds are classified as weed seed and the 
remaining fruiting structures classified as inert matter.
    (b) Wild onion and wild garlic (Allium spp.) bulblets that have any 
part of the husk remaining and are not damaged at the basal end are 
considered weed seeds regardless of size. Bulblets that are completely 
devoid of husk, and are not damaged at the basal end, and are retained 
by a \1/13\-inch (1.9 mm) round-hole sieve are considered weed seeds. 
For wild onion and wild garlic (Allium spp.) bulblets classed as inert 
matter, refer to Sec.  201.51(b)(5).

[46 FR 53636, Oct. 29, 1981, as amended at 59 FR 64498, Dec. 14, 1994; 
65 FR 1707, Jan. 11, 2000]



Sec.  201.51  Inert matter.

    Inert matter shall include seeds and seed-like structures from both 
crop and weed plants and other material not seeds as follows:
    (a) Seeds and seed-like structures from crop plants:
    (1) Seeds of legumes (Fabaceae) and brassica (Brassicaceae) with the 
seed coats entirely removed. Refer to Sec.  210.48(a) for pure seed 
classification.
    (2) Pieces of broken and damaged seed units, including those that 
are insect damaged, which are one-half the original size or less. If 
greater than one-half, refer to Sec.  201.48(b) and (c) for pure seed 
classification. Also included as inert matter are separated cotyledons 
of legumes, irrespective of whether or not the radicle-plumule axis and/
or more than one-half of the seed coat may be attached.
    (3) Chalcid-damaged seeds (puffy, soft, or dry and crumbly) of 
alfalfa, red clover, crimson clover, and similar kinds of small seeded 
legumes. Refer to Sec.  201.48(c) for pure seed classification.
    (4) Glumes and empty florets except as stated under pure seed. Refer 
to

[[Page 349]]

Sec.  201.48 (g) and (h) for pure seed classification.
    (5) Seed units with nematode galls or fungal bodies (smut, ergot, 
and other sclerotia) that are not entirely enclosed within the seed 
unit. Refer to Sec.  201.48(h) for pure seed classification.
    (6) Broken seed units of Chenopodiaceae and fruit portions or 
fragments of monogerm beets, New Zealand spinach, buffalograss, and 
families in which the seed unit is a dry indehiscent one-seeded fruit 
that visibly do not contain a seed. Refer to Sec.  201.48 (f), (g)(1), 
(i), and (j) for pure seed classification.
    (7) Seed units of forage kochia that pass through a 1 mm opening, 
square-hole sieve, when shaken for 30 seconds.
    (8) The thin pericarp (fruit wall), if present on seeds of northern 
sweetvetch.
    (9) Immature florets of smooth brome, fairway crested wheatgrass, 
standard crested wheatgrass, tall wheatgrass, intermediate wheatgrass, 
pubescent wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, fescues (Festuca spp.), and 
ryegrasses (Lolium spp.) in which the caryopses are less than one-third 
the length of the palea; the caryopsis is measured from the base of the 
rachilla.
    (b) Seeds and seed-like structures from weed plants, which by visual 
examination (including the use of light or dissection), can be 
determined to be within the following categories:
    (1) Damaged seed (other than grasses) with over one-half of the 
embryo missing.
    (2) Grass florets and caryopses classed as inert:
    (i) Glumes and empty florets of weedy grasses;
    (ii) Damaged grass caryopses, including free caryopses, with over 
one-half the root-shoot axis missing (the scutellum excluded);
    (iii) Immature free caryopses devoid of embryo and/or endosperm;
    (iv) Immature florets of quackgrass (Elymus repens) in which the 
caryopses are less than one-third the length of the palea. The caryopsis 
is measured from the base of the rachilla;
    (v) Free caryopses of quackgrass (E. repens) that are 2 mm or less 
in length.
    (3) Seeds of legumes and species of Brassica with the seed coats 
entirely removed.
    (4) Immature seed units, devoid of both embryo and endosperm, such 
as occur in but not limited to the following plant families: Sedge 
(Cyperaceae), buckwheat (Polygonaceae), morning glory (Convolvulaceae), 
nightshade (Solanaceae), puncturevine (Zygophyllaceae) and sunflower 
(Asteraceae). Cocklebur (Xanthium spp.) burs are to be dissected to 
determine whether or not seeds are present.
    (5) Wild onion and wild garlic (Allium spp.) bulblets:
    (i) Bulblets which are completely devoid of the husk and pass 
through a

1/13th-inch, round-hole sieve.
    (ii) Bulblets which show evident damage to the basal end, whether 
husk is present or absent. Refer to Sec.  201.50(c) for wild onion and 
wild garlic (Allium spp.) bulblets classed as weed seeds.
    (6) Dodder (Cuscuta spp.): Seeds devoid of embryos and seeds which 
are ashy gray to creamy white in color are inert matter. Seeds should be 
sectioned when necessary to determine if an embryo is present as when 
seeds have a normal color but are slightly swollen, dimpled or have 
minute holes.
    (7) Buckhorn (Plantago lanceolata): Black seeds, with no brown color 
evident, whether shriveled or plump; the color of questionable seeds 
shall be determined by use of a stereoscopic microscope with 
magnification of approximately 10 x and a fluorescent lamp with two 15-
watt daylight-type tubes.
    (8) Ragweed (Ambrosia spp.): Seed with both the involucre and 
pericarp absent.
    (c) Other matter that is not seed:
    (1) Free nematode galls or fungal bodies such as smut, ergot, and 
other sclerotia.
    (2) Soil particles, sand, stone, chaff, stems, leaves, flowers, 
loose coating material, and any other foreign material.

[[Page 350]]

    (3) Coating material removed from coated seed by washing. Refer to 
Sec.  201.51b(c).

[46 FR 53637, Oct. 29, 1981; 46 FR 58059, Nov. 30, 1981, as amended at 
59 FR 64498, Dec. 14, 1994; 65 FR 1707, Jan. 11, 2000; 76 FR 31794, June 
2, 2011; 85 FR 40581, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.51a  Special procedures for purity analysis.

    (a) The laboratory analyst shall use the Uniform Blowing Procedure 
described in this paragraph to separate pure seed and inert matter in 
the following: Kentucky bluegrass, Canada bluegrass, rough bluegrass, 
Pensacola variety of bahiagrass, orchardgrass, blue grama, and side-oats 
grama.
    (1) Separation of mixtures. Separate seed kinds listed in this 
section from other kinds in mixtures before using the Uniform Blowing 
Procedure.
    (2) Calibration samples. Obtain calibration samples and 
instructions, which are available on loan through the Seed Regulatory 
and Testing Division, S&T, AMS, 801 Summit Crossing Place, Suite C, 
Gastonia, North Carolina 28054.
    (3) Blowing point. Use the calibration samples to establish a 
blowing point prior to proceeding with the separation of pure seed and 
inert matter for these kinds.
    (i) Refer to the specifications on the calibration samples for 
Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass, and Pensacola variety of bahiagrass to 
determine their appropriate blowing points for the Uniform Blowing 
Procedure.
    (ii) Use the calibration sample for Kentucky bluegrass to determine 
the blowing points for Canada bluegrass, rough bluegrass, blue grama, 
and side-oats grama.
    (A) The blowing point for Canada bluegrass shall be the same as the 
blowing point determined for Kentucky bluegrass.
    (B) The blowing point for rough bluegrass shall be a factor of 0.82 
(82 percent) of the blowing point determined for Kentucky bluegrass. The 
0.82 factor is restricted to the General-type seed blower.
    (C) The blowing point for blue grama shall be a factor of 1.157 of 
the blowing point determined for Kentucky bluegrass. Before blowing, 
extraneous material that will interfere with the blowing process shall 
be removed. The sample to be blown shall be divided into four 
approximately equal parts and each blown separately. The 1.157 factor is 
restricted to the General-type seed blower.
    (D) The blowing point for side-oats grama shall be a factor of 1.480 
of the blowing point determined for Kentucky bluegrass. Before blowing, 
extraneous material that will interfere with the blowing process shall 
be removed. The sample to be blown shall be divided into four 
approximately equal parts and each part blown separately. The 1.480 
factor is restricted to the General-type seed blower.
    (4) Blower calibration. Calibrate and test the blower according to 
the instructions that accompany the calibration samples before using the 
blower to analyze the seed sample. Use the anemometer to set the blower 
gate opening according to the calibration sample specifications.
    (i) Determine the blowing point using a calibrated anemometer.
    (ii) Position the anemometer fan precisely over the blower opening, 
set it at meters per second (m/s), run the blower at the calibrated gate 
setting, and wait 30 seconds before reading the anemometer.
    (iii) Use this anemometer reading to determine the blower gate 
setting whenever the Uniform Blowing Procedure is required.
    (5) Pure seed and inert matter. Use the calibrated blower to 
separate the seed sample into light and heavy portions. After completing 
the initial separation, remove and separate all weed and other crop 
seeds from the light portion. The remainder of the light portion shall 
be considered inert matter. Remove all weed and other crop seeds and 
other inert matter (stems, leaves, dirt) from the heavy portion and add 
them to the weed seed, other crop seed, or inert matter separations, as 
appropriate. The remainder of the heavy portion shall be considered pure 
seed.
    (b) The Multiple Unit Procedure of determining the pure seed 
fraction shall be used only for the kinds included in the following 
table when multiple units are present in a sample. These methods are 
applicable to the

[[Page 351]]

kinds listed when they occur in mixtures or singly. Any single unit 
without attached structures, as described below, shall be considered a 
single unit. Multiple units and single units for the kinds listed shall 
remain intact. The attached glumes and fertile or sterile florets shall 
not be removed from the fertile floret.
    (1) A multiple unit is a seed unit that includes one or more 
structures as follows (the length of the awn shall be disregarded when 
determining the length of a fertile floret or an attached structure):
    (i) An attached sterile or fertile floret that extends to or beyond 
the tip of a fertile floret;
    (ii) A fertile floret with basally attached glume, glumes, or 
basally attached sterile floret of any length;
    (iii) A fertile floret with two or more attached sterile and/or 
fertile florets of any length.
    (2) Procedure for determination of multiple units:
    (i) For the single kind: determine the percentage of single units 
present, based on the total weight of single units and multiple units. 
Apply the appropriate factor, as determined from the following table, to 
the weight of the multiple units and add that portion of the multiple 
unit weight to the weight of the single units. The remaining multiple 
unit weight shall be added to the weight of the inert matter.
    (ii) For mixtures that include one or more of the kinds in the 
following table, determine the percentage of single units, based on the 
total weight of single units and multiple units, for each kind. Apply 
the appropriate factor as determined from the following table, to the 
weight of multiple units of each kind.

                                                     Table of Factors To Apply to Multiple Units \a\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Crested wheat-     Pubescent     Intermediate     Tall wheat-   Western wheat-
          Percent of single units of each kind               grass \b\      wheat-grass     wheat-grass      grass \c\       grass \c\     Smooth brome
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50 or below.............................................              70              66              72  ..............  ..............              72
50.01-55.00.............................................              72              67              74  ..............  ..............              74
55.01-60.00.............................................              73              67              75  ..............  ..............              75
60.01-65.00.............................................              74              67              76  ..............  ..............              76
65.01-70.00.............................................              75              68              77  ..............              60              78
70.01-75.00.............................................              76              68              78  ..............              66              79
75.01-80.00.............................................              77              69              79              50              67              81
80.01-85.00.............................................              78              69              80              55              68              82
85.01-90.00.............................................              79              69              81              65              70              83
90.01-100.00............................................              79              70              82              70              74              85
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ The factors represent the percentages of the multiple unit weights which are considered pure seed. The remaining percentage is regarded as inert
  matter.
\b\ Includes both standard crested wheatgrass and fairway crested wheatgrass.
\c\ Dashes in table indicate that no factors are available at the levels shown.


[59 FR 64498, Dec. 14, 1994, as amended at 85 FR 40581, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.51b  Purity procedures for coated seed.

    (a) The working sample for coated seed is obtained as described in 
Sec.  201.46(d) (1) and (2), and weighed in grams to four significant 
figures.
    (b) Any loose coating material shall be sieved, weighed, and 
included with the inert matter component.
    (c) Coating material is removed from the seed by washing with water 
or other solvents such as, but not limited to, dilute sodium hydroxide 
(NaOH). Use of fine mesh sieves is recommended for this procedure, and 
stirring or shaking the coated units may be necessary to obtain de-
coated seed.
    (d) Spread de-coated seed on blotters or filter paper in a shallow 
container. Air dry overnight at room temperature.
    (e) Separation of component parts:
    (1) Kind or variety considered pure seed.
    (2) Other crop seed.
    (3) Inert matter.
    (4) Weed seed.
    (f) The de-coated seed shall be separated into four components in 
accordance with Sec. Sec.  201.48 through 201.51.

[[Page 352]]

Sec. Sec.  201.51a (a) and (b) shall not be followed. The weight of the 
coating material is determined by subtracting the sum of the weights of 
the other four components from the original weight of the working 
sample. The percentage of coating material shall be included with the 
inert matter percentage. Calculate percentages of all components based 
on the original weight of the working sample (see paragraph (a) of this 
section).

[59 FR 64499, Dec. 14, 1994]



Sec.  201.52  Noxious-weed seeds.

    (a) The determination of the number of seeds, bulblets, or tubers of 
individual noxious weeds present per unit weight should be made on at 
least the minimum quantities listed in Sec.  201.46 Table 1: Provided, 
That if the following indicated numbers of a single kind of seed, 
bulblet, or tuber are found in the pure seed analysis (or noxious-weed 
seed examination of a like amount) the occurrence of that kind in the 
remainder of the bulk examined for noxious-weed seeds need not be noted: 
\1/2\-gram purity working sample, 16 or more seeds; 1-gram purity 
working sample, 23 or more seeds; 2-gram purity working sample or 
larger, 30 or more seeds. The seeds per unit weight shall be based on 
the number of single seeds. The number of individual seeds shall be 
determined in burs of sandbur (Cenchrus spp.) and cocklebur (Xanthium 
spp.); in capsules of dodder (Cuscuta spp.); in berries of groundcherry, 
horsenettle, and nightshade (Solanaceae); and in the fruits of other 
noxious weeds that contain more than one seed. Refer to Sec. Sec.  
201.50 and 201.51(b)(4) for the classification of weed seeds and inert 
matter, respectively.
    (b) A noxious-weed seed examination of coated seed samples shall be 
made by examining approximately 25,000 units obtained in accordance with 
Sec.  201.46(d) and which have been de-coated by the method described in 
Sec.  201.51b(c).

[59 FR 64499, Dec. 14, 1994]

           germination tests in the administration of the act



Sec.  201.53  Source of seeds for germination.

    (a) When both purity and germination tests are required, seeds for 
germination shall be taken from the separation of the kind, variety, or 
type considered pure seed and shall be counted without discrimination as 
to size or appearance.
    (b) When only a germination test is required and the pure seed is 
estimated or determined to be at least 98 percent, the pure seed for the 
germination test may be taken indiscriminately from a representative 
portion of the bulk.
    (c) When only a germination test is required and the pure seed is 
found to be less than 98 percent, the seed for the test shall be 
obtained by separating the sample into two components as follows: (1) 
Pure seed and (2) other crop seed, weed seed, and inert matter. In 
making this separation at least \1/4\ of the quantity required for a 
regular purity analysis shall be used. The whole sample must be well 
mixed and divided in such a manner as to get a completely representative 
subsample.

[10 FR 9952, Aug. 11, 1945, as amended at 20 FR 7931, Oct. 21, 1955]



Sec.  201.54  Number of seeds for germination.

    At least 400 seeds shall be tested for germination; except that in 
mixtures, 200 seeds of each of those kinds present to the extent of 15 
percent or less may be used in lieu of 400, in which case an additional 
2 percent is to be added to the regular germination tolerances. The 
seeds shall be tested in replicate tests of 100 seeds or less.

[59 FR 64500, Dec. 14, 1994]



Sec.  201.55  Retests.

    Retests shall be made as follows:
    (a) When the range of 100-seed replicates of a given test exceeds 
the maximum tolerated range in the table appearing in this section.

[[Page 353]]



Table of Maximum Tolerated Ranges Between 100-Seed Replicates for Use in
                    Connection With Sec.   201.55(A)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Average percent germinations            Maximum allowed between
-----------------------------------------------        replicates
                                               -------------------------
                                                     4            2
                                                 replicates   replicates
------------------------------------------------------------------------
99...................................        2            5
98...................................        3            6
97...................................        4            7            6
96...................................        5            8            6
95...................................        6            9            7
94...................................        7           10            8
93...................................        8           10            8
92...................................        9           11            9
91...................................       10           11            9
90...................................       11           12            9
89...................................       12           12           10
88...................................       13           13           10
87...................................       14           13           11
86...................................       15           14           11
85...................................       16           14           11
84...................................       17           14           11
83...................................       18           15           12
82...................................       19           15           12
81...................................       20           15           12
80...................................       21           16           13
79...................................       22           16           13
78...................................       23           16           13
77...................................       24           17           13
76...................................       25           17           13
75...................................       26           17           14
74...................................       27           17           14
73...................................       28           17           14
72...................................       29           18           14
71...................................       30           18           14
70...................................       31           18           14
69...................................       32           18           14
68...................................       33           18           15
67...................................       34           18           15
66...................................       35           19           15
65...................................       36           19           15
64...................................       37           19           15
63...................................       38           19           15
62...................................       38           19           15
61...................................       40           19           15
60...................................       41           19           15
59...................................       42           19           15
58...................................       43           19           15
57...................................       44           19           15
56...................................       45           19           15
55...................................       46           20           15
54...................................       47           20           16
53...................................       48           20           16
52...................................       48           20           16
51...................................       50           20           16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) When at the time of the prescribed final count there are 
indications, such as presence of firm ungerminated seeds, that a 
satisfactory germination has not been obtained;
    (c) When there is evidence that the results may not be reliable due 
to improper test conditions, errors in seedling evaluation, the presence 
of fungi or bacteria, or inaccuracies in counting or recording results;
    (d) When a sample shows seedling injury or abnormality as a result 
of chemical treatment, of exposure to chemicals, or of toxicity from any 
source. (Retest shall be made in soil or a mixture of soil and sand);
    (e) When no two satisfactory tests are within tolerance.

    Note to Sec.  201.55: To find the maximum tolerated range, compute 
the average percentage of all 100 seed replicates of a given test, 
rounding off the result to the nearest whole number. The germination is 
found in the first two columns of the table. When the differences 
between highest and lowest replicates do not exceed the corresponding 
values found in the ``4 replicates'' column, no additional testing is 
required. However, if the differences exceed the values in the ``4 
replicates'' column, retesting is necessary.

[25 FR 8771, Sept. 13, 1960, as amended at 65 FR 1707, Jan. 11, 2000]



Sec.  201.55a  Moisture and aeration of substratum.

    (a) The substratum must be moist enough to supply the needed 
moisture to the seeds at all times. Excessive moisture which will 
restrict aeration of the seeds should be avoided. Except as provided for 
those kinds of seeds requiring high moisture levels of the germination 
media, the substrata should never be so wet that a film of water is 
formed around the seeds. For most kinds of seeds blotters or other paper 
substrata should not be so wet that by pressing, a film of water forms 
around the finger.
    (b) The following formula may be used as a guide in the preparation 
of sand for germination tests:

[118.3 cc. (1 gill) sand/Its weight in grams] x 20.2-8.0 = The number of 
         cc. of water to add to each 100 grams of air-dry sand.

    (c) The amount of water provided by this formula is satisfactory for 
seeds the size of clovers and will have to be modified slightly, 
depending on the kind of seed being tested and the kind of sand used. 
For example, slightly more moisture should be added when the larger 
seeds are to be tested.
    (d) In preparing soil tests water should be added to the soil until 
it can be formed into a ball when squeezed in the palm of the hand but 
will break

[[Page 354]]

freely when pressed between two fingers. After the soil has been 
moistened it should be rubbed through a sieve and put in the seed 
containers without packing.
    (e) The addition of water subsequent to placing the seed in test 
will depend on the evaporation from the substrata in the germination 
chambers. Since the rate of evaporation will depend upon the relative 
humidity of the air, it is desirable to keep water in the germination 
chambers or to provide other means of supplying a relative humidity of 
approximately 95 percent. Germination tests should be observed at 
frequent intervals to insure an adequate moisture supply of the 
substrata at all times.

[20 FR 7931, Oct. 21, 1955]



Sec.  201.56  Interpretation.

    (a) A seed shall be considered to have germinated when it has 
developed those essential structures which, for the kind of seed under 
consideration, are indicative of its ability to produce a normal plant 
under favorable conditions. In general, the following are considered to 
be essential structures necessary for the continued development of the 
seedling (although some structures may not be visible in all kinds at 
the time of seedling evaluation). Seedlings possessing these essential 
structures are referred to as normal seedlings: Root system (consisting 
of primary, secondary, seminal, or adventitious roots); hypocotyl; 
epicotyl; cotyledon(s); terminal bud; primary leaves; and coleoptile and 
mesocotyl (in the grass family). Abnormal seedlings consist of those 
with defects to these structures, as described in the abnormal seedling 
descriptions, and are judged to be incapable of continued growth. The 
seedling descriptions assume that test conditions were adequate to allow 
proper assessment of the essential seedling structures.
    (b) Sand and/or soil tests may be used as a guide in determining the 
classification of questionable seedlings and the evaluation of 
germination tests made on approved artificial media. This is intended to 
provide a method of checking the reliability of tests made on artificial 
substrata when there may be doubt as to the proper evaluation of such 
tests.
    (c) Seedlings infected with fungi or bacteria should be regarded as 
normal if all essential structures are present. A seedling that has been 
seriously damaged by bacteria or fungi from any source other than the 
specific seed should be regarded as normal if it is determined that all 
essential structures were present before the injury or damage occurred. 
Germination counts should be made on samples where contamination and 
decay are present at approximately 2-day intervals between the usual 
first count and the final count. During the progress of the germination 
test, seeds which are obviously dead and moldy and which may be a source 
of contamination of healthy seeds should be removed at each count and 
the number of such dead seeds should be recorded. When symptoms of 
certain diseases develop which can be readily recognized and identified, 
their presence should be noted.
    (d) Seed units containing more than one seed or embryo, such as New 
Zealand spinach seed, Beta seed, double fruits of the carrot family 
(Apiaceae), multiple seeds of burnet, and seed units of grasses 
consisting of multiple florets, shall be tested as a single seed and 
shall be regarded as having germinated if they produce one or more 
normal seedlings.
    (e) Standard guides for seedling interpretation shall include the 
following descriptions for specific kinds and groups. The ``General 
Description'' for each group of crop kinds describes a seedling without 
defects. While such a seedling is clearly normal, seedlings with some 
defects may also be classified as normal, provided the defects do not 
impair the functioning of the structure. The ``Abnormal seedling 
description'' is to be followed when judging the severity of defects.

[20 FR 7931, Oct. 21, 1955, as amended at 25 FR 8771, Sept. 13, 1960; 59 
FR 64500, Dec. 14, 1994; 85 FR 40582, July 7, 2020]

[[Page 355]]



Sec.  201.56-1  Goosefoot family, Chenopodiaceae, and Carpetweed family,
Aizoaceae.

    Kinds of seed: Beet, Swiss chard, fourwing saltbush, spinach, New 
Zealand spinach, and forage kochia.
    (a) General description.
    (1) Germination habit: Epigeal dicot.
    (2) Food reserves: Leaf-like cotyledons and perisperm.
    (3) Shoot system: The hypocotyl elongates carrying the cotyledons 
above the soil surface. The epicotyl usually does not show any 
development within the test period.
    (4) Root system: A primary root; secondary roots may develop within 
the test period.
    (5) Seedling: Frequent counts should be made on multigerm beet since 
the growing seedlings will separate from the cluster making it difficult 
to identify the source. Any cluster which produces at least one normal 
seedling is classified as normal; only one normal seedling per cluster 
is to be counted (see Sec.  201.56(d)). Toxic substances from the 
clusters of beet and Swiss chard may cause discoloring of the hypocotyl 
and/or root. Seedlings which are slightly discolored are to be 
classified as normal; however, if there is excessive discoloration, 
retest by the method in Sec.  201.58(b)(3).
    (b) Abnormal seedling description.
    (1) Cotyledons:
    (i) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue remaining 
attached.
    (ii) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue free of 
necrosis or decay.
    (2) Epicotyl:
    (i) Missing. (May be assumed to be present if cotyledons are 
intact.)
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) Hypocotyl:
    (i) Deep open cracks extending into the conducting tissue.
    (ii) Malformed, such as markedly shortened, curled, or thickened.
    (iii) Watery.
    (4) Root:
    (i) None.
    (ii) Weak, stubby, or missing primary root with weak secondary or 
adventitious roots.
    (iii) For discolored roots of beet and Swiss chard, see Sec.  
201.58(b)(3).
    (5) Seedling:
    (i) One or more essential structures impaired as a result of decay 
from primary infection. (For discolored seedlings of beet and Swiss 
chard, see Sec.  201.58(b)(3).)
    (ii) Albino.

[59 FR 64500, Dec. 14, 1994]



Sec.  201.56-2  Sunflower family, Asteraceae (Compositae).

    Kinds of seed: Artichoke, cardoon, chicory, dandelion, endive, great 
burdock, lettuce, safflower, salsify, Louisiana sagewort, and sunflower.
    (a) Lettuce.
    (1) General description.
    (i) Germination habit: Epigeal dicot.
    (ii) Food reserves: Cotyledons which expand and become thin, leaf-
like, and photosynthetic. The cotyledons of some varieties develop 
elongated petioles.
    (iii) Shoot system: The hypocotyl elongates and carries the 
cotyledons above the soil surface. The epicotyl usually does not show 
any development within the test period.
    (iv) Root system: A long primary root.
    (v) Seedling: The interpretations of lettuce seedlings are made only 
at the end of the test period.
    (2) Abnormal seedling description.
    (i) Cotyledons:
    (A) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue remaining 
attached.
    (B) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue free of necrosis 
or decay. (Remove attached seed coat for evaluation of cotyledons. 
Physiological necrosis is manifested by discolored areas on the 
cotyledons and should not be confused with natural pigmentation of some 
lettuce varieties.)
    (ii) Epicotyl:
    (A) Missing. (May be assumed to be present if cotyledons are 
intact.)
    (B) Any degree of necrosis or decay.
    (iii) Hypocotyl:
    (A) Deep open cracks extending into the conducting tissue.
    (B) Severely twisted or grainy.
    (C) Watery.
    (iv) Root:
    (A) Stubby or missing primary root. (Secondary roots will not 
compensate for a defective primary root.)
    (B) Primary root tip blunt, swollen, or discolored. (Toxic materials 
in the

[[Page 356]]

substratum may cause short, blunt roots; see Sec.  201.58(a)(9).)
    (C) Primary root with splits or lesions.
    (v) Seedling:
    (A) Swollen cotyledons associated with extremely short or vestigial 
hypocotyl and root.
    (B) One or more essential structures impaired as a result of decay 
from primary infection.
    (C) Albino.
    (b) Other kinds in the sunflower family: Artichoke, cardoon, 
chicory, dandelion, endive, great burdock, safflower, salsify, Louisiana 
sagewort, and sunflower.
    (1) General description.
    (i) Germination habit: Epigeal dicot.
    (ii) Food reserves: Cotyledons which expand and become thin, leaf-
like, and photosynthetic.
    (iii) Shoot system: The hypocotyl elongates and carries the 
cotyledons above the soil surface. The epicotyl usually does not show 
any development within the test period.
    (iv) Root system: A long primary root with secondary roots usually 
developing within the test period.
    (2) Abnormal seedling description.
    (i) Cotyledons:
    (A) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue remaining 
attached.
    (B) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue free of necrosis 
or decay. (Remove any attached seed coats at the end of the test period 
for evaluation of cotyledons.)
    (ii) Epicotyl:
    (A) Missing. (May be assumed to be present if cotyledons are 
intact.)
    (B) [Reserved]
    (iii) Hypocotyl:
    (A) Deep open cracks extending into the conducting tissue.
    (B) Malformed, such as markedly shortened, curled, or thickened.
    (C) Watery.
    (iv) Root:
    (A) None.
    (B) Weak, stubby, or missing primary root with weak secondary or 
adventitious roots. (Seedlings with roots bound within tough seed coats 
should be left in the test until the final count to allow for 
development.)
    (v) Seedling:
    (A) One or more essential structures impaired as a result of decay 
from primary infection.
    (B) Albino.

[59 FR 64500, Dec. 14, 1994]



Sec.  201.56-3  Mustard family, Brassicaceae (Cruciferae).

    Kinds of seed: Broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, 
cauliflower, collards, garden cress, upland cress, water cress, kale, 
Chinese kale, Siberian kale, kohlrabi, mustard, pakchoi, radish, rape, 
rutabaga, and turnip.
    (a) General description.
    (1) Germination habit: Epigeal dicot.
    (2) Food reserves: Cotyledons which expand and become thin, leaf-
like and photosynthetic. In Brassica, Sinapis, and Raphanus, the 
cotyledons are bi-lobed and folded, with the outer cotyledon being 
larger than the inner.
    (3) Shoot system: The hypocotyl elongates and carries the cotyledons 
above the soil surface; the epicotyl usually does not show any 
development within the test period.
    (4) Root system: A long primary root.
    (b) Abnormal seedling description.
    (1) Cotyledons:
    (i) Decayed at point of attachment.
    (ii) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue remaining 
attached.
    (iii) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue free of 
necrosis or decay.
    (2) Epicotyl:
    (i) Missing. (May be assumed to be present if the cotyledons are 
intact.)
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) Hypocotyl:
    (i) Deep open cracks extending into the conducting tissue.
    (ii) Malformed, such as markedly shortened, curled, or thickened.
    (iii) Watery.
    (4) Root:
    (i) Weak, stubby, or missing primary root. (Secondary roots will not 
compensate for a defective root.)
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) Seedling:
    (i) One or more essential structures impaired as result of decay 
from primary infection.
    (ii) Albino.

[59 FR 64501, Dec. 14, 1994]

[[Page 357]]



Sec.  201.56-4  Cucurbit family, (Cucurbitaceae).

    Kinds of seed: Citron, cucumber, West India gherkin, melon, pumpkin, 
squash, and watermelon.
    (a) General description.
    (1) Germination habit: Epigeal dicot.
    (2) Food reserves: Cotyledons which are large and fleshy; they 
expand, become photosynthetic, and usually persist beyond the seedling 
stage.
    (3) Shoot system: The hypocotyl elongates and the cotyledons are 
pulled free of the seed coat, which often adheres to a peg-like 
appendage at the base of the hypocotyl. The epicotyl usually does not 
show any development within the test period.
    (4) Root system: A long primary root with numerous secondary roots.
    (b) Abnormal seedling description.
    (1) Cotyledons:
    (i) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue remaining 
attached.
    (ii) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue free of 
necrosis or decay. (Remove any attached seed coats at the end of the 
test period for evaluation of cotyledons.)
    (2) Epicotyl:
    (i) Missing. (May be assumed to be present if the cotyledons are 
intact.)
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) Hypocotyl:
    (i) Deep open cracks extending into the conducting tissue.
    (ii) Malformed, such as markedly shortened, curled, or thickened.
    (4) Root:
    (i) None.
    (ii) Weak, stubby, or missing primary root, with less than two 
strong secondary or adventitious roots.
    (5) Seedling:
    (i) One or more essential structures impaired as a result of decay 
from primary infection.
    (ii) Albino.

[59 FR 64501, Dec. 14, 1994]



Sec.  201.56-5  Grass family, Poaceae (Gramineae).

    Kinds of seed: Bentgrasses, bluegrasses, bluestems, bromes, cereals, 
fescues, millets, orchardgrass, redtop, ryegrasses, sorghums, timothy, 
turf timothy, wheatgrasses, and all other grasses listed in Sec.  
201.2(h).
    (a) Cereals: Agrotricum, barley, oat, rye, mountain rye, wheat, 
wheat x agrotricum, and triticale.
    (1) General description.
    (i) Germination habit: Hypogeal monocot.
    (ii) Food reserves: Endosperm. The scutellum is a modified cotyledon 
which is in direct contact with the endosperm. During germination the 
scutellum remains inside the seed to absorb nutrients from the endosperm 
and transfer them to the growing seedling.
    (iii) Shoot system: The shoot consists of the coleoptile, leaves 
enclosed in the coleoptile, and the mesocotyl. The coleoptile elongates 
and pushes through the soil surface; the mesocotyl may elongate 
depending on the variety and light intensity, but may not be 
discernible. Splitting of the coleoptile occurs naturally as a result of 
growth and emergence of the leaves.
    (iv) Root system: A primary root and seminal roots. The primary root 
is not readily distinguishable from the seminal roots; therefore, all 
roots arising from the seed are referred to as seminal roots.
    (2) Abnormal seedling description.
    (i) Shoot:
    (A) Missing.
    (B) No leaf.
    (C) Leaf extending less than halfway up into the coleoptile.
    (D) Leaf extensively shredded or split.
    (E) Spindly or watery.
    (F) Grainy, spirally twisted, shredded, and weak.
    (G) Deep open cracks in the mesocotyl.
    (ii) Root:
    (A) Less than one strong seminal root.
    (B) [Reserved]
    (iii) Seedling:
    (A) Decayed at point of attachment to the scutellum.
    (B) One or more essential structures impaired as a result of decay 
from primary infection.
    (C) Albino.
    (D) Endosperm obviously detached from the root-shoot axis (e.g. 
kernel lifted away by the growing shoot).
    (E) Thickened and shortened roots and/or shoots.

[[Page 358]]

    (b) Rice.
    (1) General description.
    (i) Germination habit: Hypogeal monocot.
    (ii) Food reserves: Endosperm. The scutellum is a modified cotyledon 
which is in direct contact with the endosperm. During germination the 
scutellum remains inside the seed to absorb nutrients from the endosperm 
and transfer them to the growing seedling.
    (iii) Shoot system: The shoot consists of the coleoptile, leaves 
enclosed in the coleoptile, and the mesocotyl. The coleoptile elongates 
and pushes through the soil or water surface; the mesocotyl may elongate 
depending on the variety and environmental conditions. Splitting of the 
coleoptile occurs naturally as a result of growth and emergence of the 
leaves.
    (iv) Root system: Strong primary root and seminal roots. 
Adventitious roots may start to develop from the mesocotyl or 
coleoptilar node within the test period. If the mesocotyl elongates, the 
adventitious roots will be carried above the grain.
    (2) Abnormal seedling description.
    (i) Shoot:
    (A) Missing.
    (B) No leaf.
    (C) Leaf extending less than halfway up into the coleoptile.
    (D) Leaf extensively shredded or split.
    (E) Spindly or watery.
    (F) Deep open cracks in the mesocotyl.
    (ii) Root:
    (A) None.
    (B) Weak primary root with insufficient seminal or adventitious 
roots.
    (iii) Seedling:
    (A) Decayed at point of attachment to the scutellum.
    (B) One or more essential structures impaired as a result of decay 
from primary infection.
    (C) Albino.
    (c) Corn.
    (1) General description.
    (i) Germination habit: Hypogeal monocot.
    (ii) Food reserves: Endosperm. The scutellum is a modified cotyledon 
which is in direct contact with the endosperm. During germination the 
scutellum remains inside the seed to absorb nutrients from the endosperm 
and transfer them to the growing seedling.
    (iii) Shoot system: The shoot consists of the coleoptile, leaves 
enclosed in the coleoptile, and the mesocotyl. The coleoptile elongates 
and pushes through the soil surface. The mesocotyl usually elongates. 
Splitting of the coleoptile occurs naturally as a result of growth and 
emergence of the leaves. A twisted and curled shoot bound by a tough 
seed coat may be considered normal, provided the shoot is not decayed.
    (iv) Root system: Strong primary root and seminal roots. 
Adventitious roots may start to develop from the mesocotyl or 
coleoptilar node within the test period.
    (2) Abnormal seedling description.
    (i) Shoot:
    (A) Missing.
    (B) Thickened and shortened.
    (C) No leaf.
    (D) Leaf extending less than halfway up into the coleoptile.
    (E) Leaf extensively shredded or split.
    (F) Spindly or watery.
    (G) Deep open cracks in the mesocotyl.
    (ii) Root:
    (A) None.
    (B) Weak, stubby, or missing primary root with weak seminal roots.
    (iii) Seedling:
    (A) Decayed at point of attachment to the scutellum.
    (B) One or more essential structures impaired as a result of decay 
from primary infection.
    (C) Albino.
    (d) Johnsongrass, sorghum, sorgrass, sorghum almum, sudangrass, and 
sorghum-sudangrass.
    (1) General description.
    (i) Germination habit: Hypogeal monocot.
    (ii) Food reserves: Endosperm. The scutellum is a modified cotyledon 
which is in direct contact with endosperm. During germination the 
scutellum remains inside the seed to absorb nutrients from the endosperm 
and transfer them to the growing seedling.

[[Page 359]]

    (iii) Shoot system: The shoot consists of the coleoptile, leaves 
enclosed in the coleoptile, and the mesocotyl. The coleoptile elongates 
and pushes through the soil surface; the mesocotyl usually elongates. 
Areas of natural, reddish pigmentation may develop on the mesocotyl and 
coleoptile. Splitting of the coleoptile occurs naturally as a result of 
growth and emergence of the leaves.
    (iv) Root system: A long primary root, usually with secondary roots 
developing within the test period. Adventitious roots may start to 
develop from the mesocotyl or coleoptilar node within the test period. 
Areas of natural, reddish pigmentation may develop on the root.
    (2) Abnormal seedling description.
    (i) Shoot:
    (A) Missing.
    (B) Thickened and shortened.
    (C) No leaf.
    (D) Leaf extending less than halfway up into the coleoptile.
    (E) Leaf extensively shredded or split.
    (F) Spindly or watery.
    (G) Deep open cracks in the mesocotyl.
    (ii) Root:
    (A) None.
    (B) Damaged or weak primary root with less than two strong secondary 
roots.
    (iii) Seedling:
    (A) Decayed at point of attachment to the scutellum.
    (B) One or more essential structures impaired as a result of decay 
from primary infection.
    (C) Albino.
    (e) Grasses and millets.
    (1) General description.
    (i) Germination habit: Hypogeal monocot.
    (ii) Food reserves: Endosperm. The scutellum is a modified cotyledon 
which is in direct contact with the endosperm. During germination the 
scutellum remains inside the seed to absorb nutrients from the endosperm 
and transfer them to the growing seedling.
    (iii) Shoot system: The shoot consists of the coleoptile, leaves 
enclosed in the coleoptile, and the mesocotyl. The coleoptile elongates 
and pushes through the soil surface. The mesocotyl may or may not 
elongate significantly, depending on the kind. Splitting of the 
coleoptile occurs naturally as a result of growth and emergence of the 
leaves.
    (iv) Root system: A long primary root. Secondary or adventitious 
roots may develop within the test period. In certain kinds (e.g. 
bermudagrass) the primary root may not be readily visible because it is 
coiled inside the tightly fitting lemma and palea. At the time of 
evaluation, the glumes should be removed and the root observed. Such 
seedlings are classified as normal if the primary root has developed. 
For Kentucky bluegrass, a primary root \1/16\ inch (1.6 mm) or more in 
length is classified as normal.
    (2) Abnormal seedling description.
    (i) Shoot:
    (A) Missing.
    (B) Short, thick, and grainy.
    (C) No leaf.
    (D) Leaf extending less than halfway up into the coleoptile.
    (E) Leaf extensively shredded or split.
    (F) Spindly or watery.
    (G) Deep open cracks in the mesocotyl.
    (ii) Root:
    (A) Missing or defective primary root even if other roots are 
present.
    (B) Spindly, stubby, or watery primary root.
    (iii) Seedling:
    (A) Decayed at point of attachment to the scutellum.
    (B) One or more essential structures impaired as a result of decay 
from primary infection.
    (C) Albino.
    (D) Yellow (when grown in light).
    (E) Endosperm obviously detached from the root-shoot axis (e.g. 
kernel lifted away by the growing shoot).

[59 FR 64501, Dec. 14, 1994, as amended at 65 FR 1708, Jan. 11, 2000]



Sec.  201.56-6  Legume or pea family, Fabaceae (Leguminosae).

    Kinds of seed: Alfalfa, alyceclover, asparagusbean, beans (Phaseolus 
spp.), Florida beggarweed, black medic, broadbean, burclovers, 
buttonclover, chickpea, clovers (Trifolium spp.), cowpea, crotalarias, 
crownvetch, guar,

[[Page 360]]

hairy indigo, kudzu, lentil, lespedezas, lupines, northern sweetvetch, 
peas, peanut, roughpea, sainfoin, sesbania, sourclover, soybean, 
sweetclovers, trefoils, velvetbean, and vetches.
    (a) Field bean, garden bean, lima bean, mung bean, asparagusbean, 
and cowpea.
    (1) General description.
    (i) Germination habit: Epigeal dicot.
    (ii) Food reserves: Cotyledons which are large and fleshy.
    (iii) Shoot system: The hypocotyl elongates and carries the 
cotyledons above the soil surface. The epicotyl elongates, causing the 
terminal bud to emerge from between the cotyledons; the primary leaves 
expand rapidly.
    (iv) Root system: A long primary root with secondary roots.
    (2) Abnormal seedling description.
    (i) Cotyledons:
    (A) For garden bean (Phaseolus vulgaris in part), remove any 
attached seed coats at the end of the test period for evaluation of 
cotyledons:
    (1) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue remaining 
attached.
    (2) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue free of necrosis 
or decay.
    (B) All other kinds:
    (1) Both missing and the seedling generally weak.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (ii) Epicotyl:
    (A) Missing.
    (B) Deep open cracks.
    (C) Malformed, such as markedly curled or thickened.
    (D) Less than one primary leaf.
    (E) Primary leaves too small in proportion to the rest of the 
seedling, usually associated with visible defects of, or damage to, the 
main stem of the epicotyl.
    (F) Terminal bud missing or damaged. (If a few seedlings with total 
or partial decay to the epicotyl are found, they may be classified as 
normal, provided the hypocotyl and root are normal. The epicotyl on such 
seedlings usually does not decay when grown in a fairly dry environment 
and exposed to light. A retest, preferably in soil or sand, will aid in 
interpretation of such seedlings.)
    (iii) Hypocotyl:
    (A) Deep open cracks extending into the conducting tissue. (A healed 
break, sometimes referred to as a ``knee,'' is considered normal.)
    (B) Malformed, such as markedly shortened, curled, or thickened. 
(Hypocotyl stunting or curling may be caused by seedling orientation or 
constriction on or in the substratum.) (Hypocotyl collar rot is the 
breakdown of hypocotyl tissue initially characterized by a watery 
appearance and collapse of the hypocotyl below the cotyledonary node. 
The area later becomes discolored, shrivelled, and necrotic. The 
condition is caused by insufficient calcium available to the seedling. 
If hypocotyl collar rot is observed on seedlings of garden bean, the 
sample involved shall be retested in accordance with Sec.  
201.58(b)(12).)
    (iv) Root:
    (A) None.
    (B) Weak, stubby, or missing primary root with weak secondary or 
adventitious roots. (A root bound within a tough seed coat is considered 
normal.)
    (v) Seedling:
    (A) One or more essential structures impaired as the result of decay 
from primary infection. (Secondary infection is common in towel and 
blotter tests. Some pathogens, such as Fusarium, Phomopsis, and 
Rhizoctonia, can spread through the substratum and infect seedlings some 
distance away from the primary source. Seedlings with secondary 
infection are to be classified as normal. A retest in sand or soil may 
be advisable.)
    (B) Albino.
    (b) Adzuki bean, broadbean, chickpea, field pea, lentil, pea, 
roughpea, runner bean, velvetbean, and vetches.
    (1) General description.
    (i) Germination habit: Hypogeal dicot.
    (ii) Food reserves: Cotyledons which are large and fleshy, and 
remain enclosed within the seed coat beneath the soil surface. They are 
usually not photosynthetic.
    (iii) Shoot system: The epicotyl elongates and carries the terminal 
bud and primary leaves above the soil surface. The stem bears one or 
more scale leaves and, prior to emergence, is arched near the apex, 
causing the terminal bud to be pulled through the soil; after emergence, 
the stem

[[Page 361]]

straightens. For practical purposes, the hypocotyl is not discernible 
and is not an evaluation factor. Buds in the axils of each cotyledon and 
scale leaf usually remain dormant unless the terminal bud is seriously 
damaged. In this case, one or more axillary buds may start to develop 
into a shoot. If the axillary shoot is well-developed, it may be 
considered normal.
    (iv) Root system: A long primary root with secondary roots.
    (2) Abnormal seedling description.
    (i) Cotyledons:
    (A) Less than half of the original tissue remaining attached.
    (B) Less than half of the original tissue free of necrosis or decay.
    (ii) Epicotyl:
    (A) Missing.
    (B) Less than one primary leaf.
    (C) Malformed such as markedly shortened, curled, or thickened.
    (D) Severely damaged (e.g. terminal bud missing or damaged) with 
only a weak shoot developing from the axil of a cotyledon or scale leaf.
    (E) Two weak and spindly shoots.
    (F) Deep open cracks extending into the conducting tissue.
    (iii) Root:
    (A) None.
    (B) Weak, stubby, or missing primary root with weak secondary roots.
    (iv) Seedlings:
    (A) One or more essential structures impaired as a result of decay 
from primary infection. (Secondary infection is common in towel and 
blotter tests. Some pathogens can spread through the substratum and 
infect seedlings some distance away from the primary source. Seedlings 
with secondary infection are classified as normal. A retest in sand or 
soil may be advisable.)
    (B) Albino.
    (c) Soybean and lupine.
    (1) General description.
    (i) Germination habit: Epigeal dicot.
    (ii) Food reserves: Cotyledons, which are large and fleshy; they 
expand and become photosynthetic.
    (iii) Shoot system: The hypocotyl elongates and carries the 
cotyledons above the soil surface. The primary leaves usually increase 
in size and the epicotyl may elongate within the test period.
    (iv) Root system: A long primary root with secondary roots.
    (2) Abnormal seedling description.
    (i) Cotyledons:
    (A) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue remaining 
attached.
    (B) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue free of necrosis 
or decay.
    (ii) Epicotyl:
    (A) Missing.
    (B) Less than one primary leaf.
    (C) Deep open cracks.
    (D) Terminal bud damaged, missing, or decayed. (If a few seedlings 
with partial decay of the epicotyl are found, they may be classified as 
normal, provided the hypocotyl and root are normal. The epicotyl on such 
seedlings usually does not decay when grown in a fairly dry environment 
and is exposed to light. A retest, preferably in soil or sand, will aid 
in interpretation of such seedlings.)
    (iii) Hypocotyl:
    (A) Deep open cracks extending into the conducting tissue. 
(Adventitious roots may occur at the site of injury, particularly on the 
hypocotyl and near the base of the cotyledons. The seedling is 
classified as normal if the injury is healed over and other essential 
structures are normal.)
    (B) Malformed, such as markedly shortened, curled, or thickened. 
(Hypocotyl development is slow until the roots start functioning. 
Caution should be exercised to ensure slow seedlings are not classified 
as abnormal. Hypocotyl stunting or curling also may be caused by 
seedling orientation or constriction on or in the substratum.)
    (iv) Root:
    (A) None.
    (B) Weak, stubby, or missing primary root with weak secondary or 
adventitious roots. (Roots of seedlings on ``Kimpak'' with insufficient 
moisture may not become established and hypocotyl elongation may appear 
to be abnormal. There may be curling of the root and hypocotyl. When a 
number of seedlings are observed with this condition, the sample should 
be retested.)
    (v) Seedlings:
    (A) One or more essential structures impaired as a result of decay 
from primary infection. (Secondary infection is common in towel and 
blotter tests.

[[Page 362]]

Some pathogens, such as Fusarium, Phomopsis, and Rhizoctonia, can spread 
through the substratum and infect seedlings some distance away from the 
primary source. Seedlings with secondary infection are to be classified 
as normal. A retest in sand or soil may be advisable.)
    (B) Albino.
    (d) Peanut.
    (1) General description.
    (i) Germination habit: Epigeal dicot.
    (ii) Food reserves: Cotyledons, which are large and fleshy.
    (iii) Shoot system: The cotyledons are carried to the soil surface 
by the hypocotyl which is very thick, narrowing abruptly at the root. 
Elongation of the hypocotyl stops when the epicotyl is exposed to light 
at the soil surface. The primary leaves are compound and usually expand 
during the test period.
    (iv) Root system: A long primary root with secondary roots. 
Adventitious roots develop from the base of the hypocotyl if the primary 
root is damaged.
    (2) Abnormal seedling description.
    (i) Cotyledons:
    (A) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue remaining 
attached.
    (B) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue free of necrosis 
or decay.
    (ii) Epicotyl:
    (A) Missing.
    (B) Less than one primary leaf.
    (C) Deep open cracks.
    (D) Terminal bud damaged, missing, or decayed.
    (iii) Hypocotyl:
    (A) Deep open cracks extending into the conducting tissue.
    (B) Malformed, such as markedly shortened or curled. (Hypocotyls 
remain somewhat thickened and may appear to be stunted. Light, depth of 
planting, and substratum moisture all contribute to the length of the 
hypocotyl. Hypocotyl stunting or curling may be caused by seedling 
orientation or constriction in the substratum. Seedlings planted in a 
soil test with the radicle too close to the surface may send roots above 
the soil and appear to exhibit negative geotropism and a distorted, U-
shaped hypocotyl.
    (iv) Root:
    (A) None.
    (B) Weak, stubby, or missing primary root with weak secondary or 
adventitious roots.
    (v) Seedling:
    (A) One or more essential structures impaired as a result of primary 
infection.
    (B) Albino.
    (e) Alfalfa, alyceclover, Florida beggarweed, black medic, 
burclovers, buttonclover, milkvetch, clovers, crotalarias, crownvetch, 
guar, hairy indigo, kudzu, lespedezas, northern sweetvetch, sainfoin, 
sesbania, sourclover, sweetclovers, and trefoils.
    (1) General description.
    (i) Germination habit: Epigeal dicot.
    (ii) Food reserve: Cotyledons, which are small and fleshy; they 
expand and become photosynthetic. The cotyledons of sub clover develop 
elongated petioles.
    (iii) Shoot system: The hypocotyl elongates and carries the 
cotyledons above the soil surface. The epicotyl usually does not show 
any development within the test period.
    (iv) Root system: A long, tapering primary root, usually with root 
hairs. Secondary roots may or may not develop within the test period, 
depending on the kind.
    (2) Abnormal seedling description.
    (i) Cotyledons:
    (A) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue remaining 
attached. (Breaks at the point of attachment of the cotyledons to the 
hypocotyl are common in seeds which have been mechanically damaged. It 
is important that seedlings not be removed during preliminary counts 
unless development is sufficient to allow the conditions of the 
cotyledons to be determined. If the point of attachment of the 
cotyledons cannot be seen at the end of the test, the seed coat should 
be peeled back to determine whether a break has occurred.)
    (B) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue free of necrosis 
or decay.
    (ii) Epicotyl:
    (A) Missing. (May be assumed to be present if both cotyledons are 
intact.)
    (B) [Reserved]
    (iii) Hypocotyl:
    (A) Deep open cracks extending into the conducting tissue.

[[Page 363]]

    (B) Malformed, such as markedly shortened, curled, or thickened. 
(Seedlings of sainfoin which have been constricted by growing through 
the netting of the pod, but which are otherwise normal, are classified 
as normal.)
    (C) Weak and watery.
    (iv) Root:
    (A) None.
    (B) Primary root stubby. (The roots of sweetclovers may be stubby 
when grown on artificial substrata due to the presence of coumarin in 
the seed; since this condition usually does not occur in soil, such 
seedlings are classified as normal. Roots may appear stubby as a result 
of being bound by the seed coat; such seedlings are classified as 
normal. Crownvetch produces phytotoxic effects similar to sweetclovers.)
    (C) Split extending into the hypocotyl.
    (v) Seedling:
    (A) One or more essential structures impaired as a result of decay 
from primary infection.
    (B) Albino.

[59 FR 64503, Dec. 14, 1994, as amended at 65 FR 1708, Jan. 11, 2000]



Sec.  201.56-7  Lily family, Liliaceae.

    Kinds of seed: Asparagus, chives, leek, onion, and Welsh onion.
    (a) Asparagus.
    (1) General description.
    (i) Germination habit: Hypogeal monocot.
    (ii) Food reserves: Endosperm which is hard, semi- transparent, and 
non-starchy; minor reserves in the cotyledon. The endosperm surrounds 
the entire embryo.
    (iii) Cotyledon: A single cylindrical cotyledon; following 
germination, all but the basal end remains embedded in the endosperm to 
absorb nutrients.
    (iv) Shoot system: The epicotyl elongates and carries the terminal 
bud above the soil surface. The epicotyl may bear several small scale 
leaves. A short hypocotyl is barely distinguishable, joining the root to 
the basal end of the cotyledon. More than one shoot may arise 
simultaneously, and the seedling may be considered normal if at least 
one shoot is well- developed and has a terminal growing point, provided 
other essential structures are normal.
    (v) Root system: A long slender primary root.
    (2) Abnormal seedling description.
    (i) Cotyledon:
    (A) Detached from seedling.
    (B) Deep open cracks at basal end.
    (ii) Epicotyl:
    (A) Missing.
    (B) Terminal bud missing or damaged.
    (C) Deep open cracks.
    (D) Malformed, such as markedly shortened, curled, or thickened.
    (E) Spindly.
    (F) Watery.
    (iii) Hypocotyl:
    (A) Deep open cracks.
    (B) [Reserved]
    (iv) Root:
    (A) No primary root.
    (B) Stubby primary root with weak secondary roots.
    (v) Seedling:
    (A) One or more essential structures impaired as a result of decay 
from primary infection.
    (B) Albino.
    (b) Chives, leek, onion, Welsh onion.
    (1) General description.
    (i) Germination habit: Epigeal monocot.
    (ii) Food reserves: Endosperm which is hard, semi-transparent, and 
non-starchy; minor reserves in the cotyledon.
    (iii) Cotyledon: A single cylindrical cotyledon. The cotyledon 
emerges with the seed coat and endosperm attached to the tip. A sharp 
bend known as the ``knee'' forms; continued elongation of the cotyledon 
on each side of this knee pushes it above the soil surface. The 
cotyledon tip is pulled from the soil and straightens except for a 
slight kink which remains at the site of the knee.
    (iv) Shoot system: The first foliage leaf emerges through a slit 
near the base of the cotyledon, but this does not usually occur during 
the test period. The hypocotyl is a very short transitional zone between 
the primary root and the cotyledon, and is not distinguishable for 
purposes of seedling evaluation.

[[Page 364]]

    (v) Root system: A long slender primary root with adventitious roots 
developing from the hypocotyl. The primary root does not develop 
secondary roots.
    (2) Abnormal seedling description.
    (i) Cotyledon:
    (A) Short and thick.
    (B) Without a definite bend or ``knee''.
    (C) Spindly or watery.
    (ii) Epicotyl:
    (A) Not observed during the test period.
    (B) [Reserved]
    (iii) Hypocotyl:
    (A) Not evaluated.
    (B) [Reserved]
    (iv) Root:
    (A) No primary root.
    (B) Short, weak, or stubby primary root.
    (v) Seedling:
    (A) One or more essential structures impaired as a result of decay 
from primary infection.
    (B) Albino.

[59 FR 64504, Dec. 14, 1994]



Sec.  201.56-8  Flax family, Linaceae.

    Kind of seed: Flax.
    (a) General description.
    (1) Germination habit: Epigeal dicot. (Due to the mucilaginous 
nature of the seed coat, seedlings germinated on blotters may adhere to 
the blotter and appear to be negatively geotropic.)
    (2) Food reserves: Cotyledons which expand and become 
photosynthetic.
    (3) Shoot system: The hypocotyl elongates carrying the cotyledons 
above the soil surface. The epicotyl usually does not show any 
development within the test period.
    (4) Root system: A primary root, with secondary roots usually 
developing within the test period.
    (b) Abnormal seedling description.
    (1) Cotyledons:
    (i) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue remaining 
attached.
    (ii) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue free of 
necrosis or decay.
    (2) Epicotyl:
    (i) Missing. (May be assumed to be present if cotyledons are 
intact.)
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) Hypocotyl:
    (i) Deep open cracks extending into the conducting tissue.
    (ii) Malformed, such as markedly shortened, curled, or thickened.
    (4) Root:
    (i) None.
    (ii) Weak, stubby, or missing primary root with weak secondary or 
adventitious roots.
    (5) Seedling:
    (i) One or more essential structures impaired as a result of decay 
from primary infection.
    (ii) Albino.

[59 FR 64505 Dec. 14, 1994]



Sec.  201.56-9  Mallow family, Malvaceae.

    Kinds of seed: Cotton, kenaf, and okra.
    (a) General description.
    (1) Germination habit: Epigeal dicot.
    (2) Food reserve: Cotyledons, which are convoluted in the seed; they 
expand and become thin, leaf-like, and photosynthetic.
    (3) Shoot system: The hypocotyl elongates carrying the cotyledons 
above the soil surface. The epicotyl usually does not show any 
development within the test period. Areas of yellowish pigmentation may 
develop on the hypocotyl in cotton.
    (4) Root system: A primary root, with secondary roots usually 
developing within the test period. Areas of yellowish pigmentation may 
develop on the root in cotton.
    (b) Abnormal seedling description.
    (1) Cotyledons:
    (i) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue remaining 
attached.
    (ii) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue free of 
necrosis or decay. (Remove any attached seed coats at the end of the 
test period for evaluation of cotyledons.)
    (2) Epicotyl:
    (i) Missing. (May be assumed to be present if both cotyledons are 
intact.)
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) Hypocotyl:
    (i) Deep open cracks or grainy lesions extending into the conducting 
tissue.
    (ii) Malformed, such as markedly shortened, curled, or thickened.
    (4) Root:
    (i) None.

[[Page 365]]

    (ii) Weak, stubby, or missing primary root with weak secondary or 
adventitious roots.
    (5) Seedling:
    (i) One or more essential structures impaired as a result of decay 
from primary infection. (A cotton seedling with yellowish areas on the 
root or hypocotyl is classified as normal, provided the cotyledons are 
free of infection.)
    (ii) Albino.

[59 FR 64505 Dec. 14, 1994]



Sec.  201.56-10  Spurge family, Euphorbiaceae.

    Kind of seed: Castorbean.
    (a) General description.
    (1) Germination habit: Epigeal dicot.
    (2) Food reserves: Cotyledons, which are thin and leaf-like; 
endosperm (fleshy food-storage organs) usually persisting in the 
laboratory test.
    (3) Shoot system: The hypocotyl lengthens, carrying the cotyledons, 
endosperm, and epicotyl above the soil surface.
    (4) Root system: A primary root, with secondary roots usually 
developing within the test period.
    (b) Abnormal seedling description.
    (1) Cotyledons:
    (i) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue remaining 
attached.
    (ii) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue free of 
necrosis or decay.
    (2) Endosperm:
    (i) Missing.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) Epicotyl:
    (i) Missing.
    (ii) Damaged or missing terminal bud.
    (4) Hypocotyl:
    (i) Deep open cracks extending into the conducting tissue.
    (ii) Malformed, such as markedly shortened, curled, or thickened.
    (5) Root:
    (i) None.
    (ii) Weak, stubby, or missing primary root with weak secondary or 
adventitious roots.
    (6) Seedling:
    (i) One or more essential structures impaired as a result of decay 
from primary infection.
    (ii) Albino.

[59 FR 64505 Dec. 14, 1994]



Sec.  201.56-11  Knotweed family, Polygonaceae.

    Kinds of seed: Buckwheat, rhubarb, and sorrel.
    (a) General description.
    (1) Germination habit: Epigeal dicot.
    (2) Food reserves: Cotyledons, starchy endosperm.
    (3) Shoot system: The hypocotyl elongates carrying the cotyledons 
above the soil surface. The epicotyl usually does not show any 
development within the test period.
    (4) Root system: A primary root, with secondary roots developing 
within the test period for some kinds.
    (b) Abnormal seedling description.
    (1) Cotyledons:
    (i) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue remaining 
attached.
    (ii) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue free of 
necrosis or decay.
    (2) Epicotyl:
    (i) Missing. (May be assumed to be present if cotyledons are 
intact.)
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) Hypocotyl:
    (i) Deep open cracks or grainy lesions extending into the conducting 
tissue.
    (ii) Malformed, such as markedly shortened, curled, or thickened.
    (iii) Watery.
    (4) Root:
    (i) None.
    (ii) Weak, stubby, or missing primary root with weak secondary or 
adventitious roots.
    (5) Seedling:
    (i) One or more essential structures impaired as a result of decay 
from primary infection.
    (ii) Albino.

[59 FR 64506, Dec. 14, 1994]



Sec.  201.56-12  Miscellaneous plant families.

    Kinds of seed by family:
    Carrot family, Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)--carrot, celery, celeriac, 
dill, parsley, parsnip;
    Hemp family, Cannabaceae--hemp;
    Dichondra family, Dichondraceae--dichondra;
    Geranium family, Geraniaceae--alfilaria;
    Mint family, Lamiaceae (Labiatae)--sage, summer savory; benne 
family, Pedaliaceae--sesame;
    Rose family, Rosaceae--little burnet;

[[Page 366]]

    Nightshade family, Solanaceae--eggplant, tomato, husk tomato, 
pepper, tobacco; and
    Valerian family, Valerianaceae--cornsalad.
    (a) General description.
    (1) Germination habit: Epigeal dicot.
    (2) Food reserves: Cotyledons; endosperm may or may not be present, 
depending on the kind.
    (3) Shoot system: The hypocotyl elongates, carrying the cotyledons 
above the soil surface. The epicotyl usually does not show any 
development within the test period.
    (4) Root system: A primary root; secondary roots may or may not 
develop within the test period, depending on the kind.
    (b) Abnormal seedling description.
    (1) Cotyledons:
    (i) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue remaining 
attached.
    (ii) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue free of 
necrosis or decay.
    (2) Epicotyl:
    (i) Missing. (May be assumed to be present if the cotyledons are 
intact.)
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) Hypocotyl:
    (i) Malformed, such as markedly shortened, curled, or thickened.
    (ii) Deep open cracks extending into the conducting tissue.
    (iii) Watery.
    (4) Root:
    (i) None.
    (ii) Missing or stubby primary root with weak secondary or 
adventitious roots.
    (5) Seedling:
    (i) One or more essential structures impaired as a result of decay 
from primary infection.
    (ii) Albino.

[59 FR 64506, Dec. 14, 1994]



Sec.  201.57  Hard seeds.

    Seeds which remain hard at the end of the prescribed test because 
they have not absorbed water, due to an impermeable seed coat, are to be 
counted as ``hard seed.'' If at the end of the germination period 
provided for legumes, okra, cotton and dichondra in these rules and 
regulations there are still present swollen seeds or seeds of these 
kinds which have just started to germinate, all seeds or seedlings 
except the above-stated shall be removed and the test continued for 5 
additional days and the normal seedlings included in the percentage of 
germination. For flatpea, continue the swollen seed in test for 14 days 
when germinating at 15-25 [deg]C or for 10 days when germinating at 20 
[deg]C.

[5 FR 33, Jan. 4, 1940, as amended at 10 FR 9952, Aug. 11, 1945; 20 FR 
7936, Oct. 21, 1955; 65 FR 1708, Jan. 11, 2000]



Sec.  201.57a  Dormant seeds.

    Dormant seeds are viable seeds, other than hard seeds, which fail to 
germinate when provided the specified germination conditions for the 
kind of seed in question.
    (a) Viability of ungerminated seeds shall be determined by any of 
the following methods or combinations of methods: a cutting test, 
tetrazolium test, scarification, or application of germination promoting 
chemicals.
    (b) The percentage of dormant seed, if present, shall be determined 
in addition to the percentage of germination for the following kinds: 
Bahiagrass, basin wildrye, big bluestem, little bluestem, sand bluestem, 
yellow bluestem, bottlebrush-squirreltail, buffalograss, buffelgrass, 
galletagrass, forage kochia, blue grama, side-oats grama, Indian 
ricegrass, johnsongrass, sand lovegrass, weeping lovegrass, mountain 
rye, sand dropseed, smilo, switchgrass, veldtgrass, western wheatgrass, 
and yellow indiangrass.
    (c) For green needlegrass, if the test result of method 2 is less 
than the result of method 1, subtract the result of method 2 from method 
1 and report the difference as the percentage of dormant seed. Refer to 
Sec.  201.58(b)(7).

[46 FR 53638, Oct. 29, 1981, as amended at 59 FR 64506, Dec. 14, 1994]



Sec.  201.58  Substrata, temperature, duration of test, and certain
other specific directions for testing for germination and hard seed.

    Specific germination requirements are set forth in table 2 to which 
the following paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) are applicable.
    (a) Definitions and explainations applicable to table 2--(1) 
Duration of tests. The following deviations are permitted from the 
specified duration of tests:

[[Page 367]]

Any test may be terminated prior to the number of days listed under 
``Final count'' if the maximum germination of the sample has then been 
determined. The number of days stated for the first count is approximate 
and a deviation of 1 to 3 days is permitted. If at the time of the 
prescribed test period the seedlings are not sufficiently developed for 
positive evaluation, it is possible to extend the time of the test 
period two additional days. If the prescribed test period or the allowed 
extension falls on a weekend or public holiday, the test may be extended 
to the next working day. (Also, see paragraph (a)(5) of this section and 
Sec.  201.57.)
    (2) Light. Cool white fluorescent light shall be provided where 
light is required in table 2. The light intensity shall be 75 to 125 
foot-candles (750-1,250 lux). (The light intensity for nondormant seed 
and during seedling development may be as low as 25 foot-candles to 
enable the essential structures to be evaluated with greater certainty.) 
The seeds shall be illuminated for at least 8 hours every 24 hours 
except when transferred to a low temperature germinator during the 
weekend. When seeds are germinated at alternating temperatures they 
shall be illuminated during high temperature periods. Seeds for which 
light is prescribed shall be germinated on top of the substratum except 
for ryegrass fluorescence tests.
    (3) Moisture-on-dry-side. This term means that the moistened 
substratum should be pressed against a dry absorbent surface such as a 
dry paper towel or blotter to remove excess moisture. The moisture 
content thus obtained should be maintained throughout the germination 
test period.
    (4) Potassium nitrate (KNO3). These terms mean a two-
tenths (0.2) percent solution of potassium nitrate (KNO3) 
shall be used in moistening the substratum. Such solution is prepared by 
dissolving 2 grams of KNO3 in 1,000 ml. of distilled water. 
The grade of the potassium nitrate shall meet A.C.S. specifications.
    (5) Prechill. The term ``prechill'' means a cold, moist treatment 
applied to seeds to overcome dormancy prior to the germination test. The 
prechill method varies among kinds, but is usually performed by holding 
imbibed seeds at a low temperature for a specified period of time. The 
prechill period is not included in the duration of tests given in table 
2, unless otherwise specified.
    (6) Predry. The term ``predry'' means to place the seed in a shallow 
layer at a temperature of 35[deg] to 40 [deg]C. for a period of 5 to 7 
days, with provisions for circulation of the air.
    (7) Substrata (Kinds). The symbols used for substrata are:

B = between blotters
TB = top of blotters
T = paper toweling, used either as folded towel tests or as roll towel 
tests in horizontal or vertical position
S = sand or soil where soil is an artificial planting mix of shredded 
peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite
TS = top of sand or soil
P = covered Petri dishes: with two layers of blotters; with one layer of 
absorbent cotton; with five layers of paper toweling; with three 
thicknesses of filter paper; or with sand or soil
C = creped cellulose paper wadding (0.3-inch thick Kimpak or equivalent) 
covered with a single thickness of blotter through which holes are 
punched for the seed that are pressed for about one-half their thickness 
into the paper wadding
TC = on top of creped cellulose paper without a blotter
RB = blotters with raised covers, prepared by folding up the edges of 
the blotter to form a good support for the upper fold which serves as a 
cover, preventing the top from making direct contact with the seeds.

    (8) Temperature. A single numeral indicates a constant temperature. 
Two numerals separated by a dash indicate an alternation of temperature, 
the test to be held at the first temperature for approximately 16 hours 
and at the second temperature for approximately 8 hours per day. The 
temperature shall be determined at the substratum level and shall be as 
uniform as possible throughout the germination chamber. (A sharp 
alternation of temperature, such as obtained by hand transfer, may be 
beneficial in breaking dormancy.) If tests are not subjected to 
alternating temperatures over weekends and on holidays, they are to be 
held at the first-mentioned temperature during this time. In cases where 
two temperatures are indicated (separated by a semicolon) the first 
temperature shall

[[Page 368]]

be regarded as the regular method and the second as an alternate method.
    (9) Paper substrata must be free of chemicals toxic to germinating 
seed and seedling growth. If root injury occurs from toxicity of a paper 
substratum or from the use of potassium nitrate, retests shall be made 
on soil or on a substratum moistened with water.
    (10) Ethephon. This term means a 29 parts per million (0.0029 
percent) solution of ethephon [(2-chloroethyl) phosphonic acid] which 
shall be used to moisten the substratum. This solution is prepared by 
mixing 0.6 ml of a stock solution with 5,000 ml of distilled water. The 
stock solution contains 24 grams of active material per 100 ml of 
propylene glycol or two pounds of active material per gallon. A solution 
which is five times this concentration (5 x 29 ppm) may be used for 
extremely dormant seeds, provided seeds are transferred to substratum 
moistened with water after 1 to 3 days.
    (11) Ethylene. This term means that five (5) ml of ethylene gas per 
cubic foot (176.57 ml/m\3\) of germinator space is injected into a 
germinator in which peanut seeds in moist rolled towels have been 
placed. Following injection of the ethylene, the germinator is kept 
closed until the first count (5 days). If the germinator door is opened 
for the purpose of checking or rewetting the samples, another injection 
of ethylene at the same rate shall be made.
    (b) Special procedures and alternate methods for germination 
referred to in table 2--(1) Alyceclover; swollen seeds. At the 
conclusion of the 21-day test period, carefully pierce the seed coat 
with a sharp instrument and continue the test for 5 additional days. 
Alternate method: The swollen seeds may be placed at 20 [deg]C for 48 
hours and then at 35 [deg]C for 3 additional days.
    (2) Bahiagrass; removal of glumes. On all varieties except 
``Pensacola,'' remove the enclosing structures (glumes, lemma, and 
palea) from the caryopsis with the aid of a sharp scalpel. If the seed 
is fresh or dormant, lightly scratch the surface of the caryopsis.
    (3) Beet, Swiss chard; preparation of seed for test. Before the 
seeds are placed on the germination substratum, they shall be soaked in 
water for 2 hours, using at least 250 ml of water per 100 seeds, then 
washed in running water and the excess water blotted off. The 
temperature of the soaking and washing water should be no lower than 20 
[deg]C. Samples producing excessive discoloration of the hypocotyl or 
root should be retested in soil or by washing in running water for 3 
hours and testing on ``Kimpak,'' keeping the seed covered with slightly 
moist blotters. Sugar beets may require 16 hours soaking in water at 25 
[deg]C, followed by rinsing and then drying for 2 hours at room 
temperature.
    (4) Buffelgrass; alternate method for dormant seed. The caryopses 
shall be removed from the fascicles and placed on blotters moistened 
with a 0.2 percent solution of KNO3, in petri dishes. The 
seeds from a fascicle should be arranged so they will not be confused 
with seeds from other fascicles during the test. The seeds are then 
prechilled at 5 [deg]C for 7 days and tested at 30 [deg]C in light for 
21 additional days. Firm ungerminated seeds remaining at the conclusion 
of the test should be scratched lightly and left in test for 7 
additional days.
    (5) Cotton (Gossypium spp.); dormant samples. Samples of cottonseed 
which do not respond to the usual method should be placed in a closed 
container with water and shaken until the lint is thoroughly wet. The 
excess moisture should then be blotted off.
    (6) Endive (Cichorium endivia); dormant samples. Add about \1/8\ 
inch of tap water at the beginning of the test and remove excess water 
after 24 hours.
    (7) Green needlegrass; two test methods as prescribed in table 2 
shall be used on each sample:
    (i) For method 1, acid scarify 400 seeds for 10 minutes in 
concentrated sulfuric acid (95 to 98 percent H2 
SO4). Rinse seeds and dry on blotters for 16 hours, then 
place seeds on blotters moistened with a solution of 0.055 percent (500 
ppm gibberellic acid GA3) and 0.46 percent (3,000 ppm) thiram 
and germinate 14 days.
    (ii) For method 2, plant 400 seeds on blotters moistened with a 0.2 
percent solution of KNO3 and germinate 14 days. Refer to 
Sec.  201.57a(c).
    (iii) Report the results of method 2 as the percentage germination. 
If the

[[Page 369]]

number in method 2 is less than method 1, subtract the results of method 
2 from method 1 and report the difference as dormant seed.
    (8) Rescue grass (Bromus catharticus); dormant samples. Wash for 48 
hours in running water, or soak for 48 hours, changing the water and 
rinsing each morning and night.
    (9) Rice (Oryza sativa)--Alternate method. Plant the seeds in moist 
sand. On the seventh day of the test add water to a depth of one-fourth 
inch above the sand level and leave for the remainder of the test. Only 
a final count is made. Dormant seeds: Presoak 24 to 48 hours in 40 
[deg]C. water. For deeply dormant seeds, presoak 24 hours in 1,000 
p.p.m. ethylene chlorohydrin or 5 percent solution of sodium 
hypochlorite (clorox at bottle strength).
    (10) Ryegrass; fluorescence test. The germination test for 
fluorescence of ryegrass shall be conducted in light [not to exceed 100 
foot candles (1,076 lux)] with white filter paper as the substratum. The 
white filter paper should be nontoxic to the roots of ryegrass and of a 
texture that will resist penetration of ryegrass roots. Distilled or 
deionized water shall be used to moisten the filter paper. The test 
shall be conducted in a manner that will prevent the contact of roots of 
different seedlings. Roots of some seedlings produce fluorescent lines 
on white filter paper when viewed under ultraviolet light. First counts 
shall not be made before the eighth day; at that time remove only normal 
fluorescent seedlings. Evaluation of fluorescence shall be made under 
F15T8-BLB or comparable ultraviolet tubes in an area where light from 
other sources is excluded. If there are over 75 percent normal 
fluorescent seedlings present at the time of the first count, break the 
contact of the roots of the nonfluorescent seedlings from the substratum 
and reread the fluorescence at the time of the final count. At the final 
count, lift each remaining seedling, observing the path of each root 
since sometimes faint fluorescence will show on the substratum as the 
root is lifted. Abnormal seedlings and dead seeds are not evaluated for 
fluorescence. See Sec.  201.58a(a).
    (11) Trifolium, Medicago, Melilotus, and Vicia faba; temperature 
requirements. A temperature of 18 [deg]C. is desirable for Trifolium 
spp., Medicago spp., Melilotus spp., and Vicia faba.
    (12) Garden bean; use of calcium nitrate. If hypocotyl collar rot is 
observed on seedlings, the sample involved shall be retested using a 0.3 
to 0.6 percent solution of calcium nitrate (CaNO3) to moisten 
the substratum.
    (13) Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canscens); preparation of seed for 
test. De-wing seeds and soak for 2 hours in 3 liters of water, after 
which rinse with approximately 3 liters of distilled water. Remove 
excess water, air dry for 7 days at room temperature, then test for 
germination as indicated in Table 2.
    (c) Procedures for coated seed. (1) Germination tests on coated seed 
shall be conducted in accordance with methods in paragraphs (a) and (b) 
of this section. However, kinds for which soaking or washing is 
specified in paragraph (b) shall not be soaked or washed in the case of 
coated seed.
    (i) Coated seed units shall be placed on the substratum in the 
condition in which they are received without rinsing, soaking, or any 
other pretreatment.
    (ii) Coated seed units in mixtures which are color coded or can 
otherwise be separated by kinds shall be germinated as separate kinds 
without removing the coating material.
    (iii) Coated seed units in mixtures which cannot be separated by 
kinds without removing the coating material shall be de-coated and 
germinated as separate kinds. The coating material shall be removed in a 
manner that will not affect the germination capacity of the seeds.
    (2) The moisture level of the substratum is important. It may depend 
on the water-absorbing capacity of the coating material. A retest may be 
necessary before satisfactory germination of the sample is achieved.
    (3) Phytotoxic symptoms may be evident when germinating coated seeds 
in paper substrata. In such cases a retest in sand or soil may be 
necessary.

[[Page 370]]



                              Table 2--Germination Requirements for Indicated Kinds
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      Additional directions
                                               Temperature     First    Final  ---------------------------------
        Name of seed            Substrata       ([deg]C)       count    count       Specific        Fresh and
                                                                days     days     requirements     dormant seed
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               AGRICULTURAL SEED
Agrotricum..................  B, T, S       20; 15..........        4        7  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days.
Alfalfa.....................  B, T, S       20..............        4     \1\7  See ] (b)(11)..
Alfilaria...................  B, T          20-30...........        3       14  Clip seeds.....
Alyceclover.................  B, T          35..............        4    \1\21  See ] (b)(1)
                                                                                 for swollen
                                                                                 seeds.
Bahiagrass:
    Var. Pensacola..........  P, S          20-35...........        7       28  Light; see ]     See Sec.
                                                                                 (b)(2).          201.57a
    All other vars..........  P             30-35...........        3       21  Light; remove    Scratch
                                                                                 glumes; see ]    caryopses;
                                                                                 (b)(2).          KNO3; see Sec.
                                                                                                    201.57a
Barley......................  B, T, S       20; 15..........        4        7  ...............  Prechill 5 days
                                                                                                  at 5 or 10
                                                                                                  [deg]C or
                                                                                                  predry
Barrelclover................  B, T          20..............        4    \1\14  Remove seeds
                                                                                 from bur; see
                                                                                 ] (b)(11).
Bean:
    Adzuki..................  B, T, S       20-30...........        4    \1\10
    Field...................  B, T, S, TC   20-30; 25.......        5     \1\8
    Mung....................  B, T, S       20-30...........        3     \1\7
Beet, field.................  B, T, S       20-30...........        3       14  See ] (b)(3)...
Beet, sugar.................  B, T, S       20-30; 20.......        3       10  See ] (b)(3)...
Beggarweed, Florida.........  B, T          30..............        5    \1\28
Bentgrass:
    Colonial................  P             15-30; 10-30; 15-       7       28  Light; KNO3....  Prechill at 5
                                             25.                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 7 days.
    Creeping................  P             15-30; 10-30; 15-       7       28  Light; KNO3....  Prechill at 5
                                             25.                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 7 days.
    Velvet..................  P             15-25; 20-30....        7       21  Light; KNO3....
Bermudagrass................  P             20-35...........        7       21  Light; KNO3;
                                                                                 see ] (a)(9).
Bermudagrass, giant.........  P             20-35...........        7       21  Light; KNO3;     Prechill at 10
                                                                                 see ] (a)(9).    [deg]C for 7
                                                                                                  days and then
                                                                                                  test at 20-35
                                                                                                  [deg]C;
                                                                                                  continue tests
                                                                                                  of hulled seed
                                                                                                  for 14 days
                                                                                                  and of
                                                                                                  unhulled seed
                                                                                                  for 21 days
Bluegrass:
    Annual..................  P             20-30...........        7       21  Light..........
    Bulbous.................  P, S          10..............       10       35  KNO3 or soil...  Prechill all
                                                                                                  samples at 5
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 7
                                                                                                  days.
    Canada..................  P             15-25; 15-30....       10       28  Light; KNO3....  10-30 [deg]C.
    Glaucantha..............  P             15-25; 15-30....       10       28  Light; KNO3....
    Kentucky................  P             15-25; 15-30....       10       28  Light; KNO3....  Prechill at 10
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 5
                                                                                                  days.
    Nevada..................  P             20-30...........        7       21  Light; KNO3....
    Rough...................  P             20-30...........        7       21  Light..........
    Texas...................  P             20-30...........        7       28  Light; KNO3....  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 2
                                                                                                  weeks.
    Wood....................  P             20-30...........        7       28  Light..........
Bluejoint...................  TB, P         15-25...........       10       21  Light and KNO3   Prechill at 5
                                                                                 optional.        [deg]C for 5
                                                                                                  days
Bluestem:
    Big.....................  P, TS         20-30...........        7       14  Light; KNO3....  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 2
                                                                                                  weeks; see
                                                                                                  Sec.
                                                                                                  201.57a.
    Little..................  P, TS         20-30...........        7       14  Light; KNO3....  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 2
                                                                                                  weeks; see
                                                                                                  Sec.
                                                                                                  201.57a.
    Sand....................  P, TS         20-30...........        7       14  Light; KNO3....  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 2
                                                                                                  weeks; see
                                                                                                  Sec.
                                                                                                  201.57a.
    Yellow..................  P, TS         20-30...........        5       14  Light; KNO3....  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 2
                                                                                                  weeks; see
                                                                                                  Sec.
                                                                                                  201.57a.
Bottlebrush-squirreltail....  P, B          20; 15..........       10       14  ...............  See Sec.
                                                                                                  201.57a.
Brome:
    Field...................  P, TB         15-25; 20-30....        6       14  Light..........  Prechill at 10
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 5
                                                                                                  days.
    Meadow..................  B, T, TB      20-30...........        6       14  Light optional.
    Mountain................  P             20-30...........        6       14  Light..........

[[Page 371]]

 
    Smooth..................  P, B, TB      20-30...........        6       14  Light optional.  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days,
                                                                                                  then test at
                                                                                                  30 [deg]C for
                                                                                                  9 additional
                                                                                                  days.
Broomcorn...................  B, T, S       20-30...........        3       10
Buckwheat...................  B, T          20-30...........        3        6
Buffalograss:
    (Burs)..................  P,TB,TS       20-35...........        7       14  Light;KNO3.....  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 2
                                                                                                  weeks; See
                                                                                                  Sec.
                                                                                                  201.57a.
    (Caryopses).............  P             20-35...........        5       14  Light;KNO3.....
Buffelgrass.................  S             30..............        7       28  Light; press     See ] (b)(4);
                                                                                 fascicles into   see Sec.
                                                                                 well-packed      201.57a.
                                                                                 soil and
                                                                                 prechill at 5
                                                                                 [deg]C for 7
                                                                                 days.
Burclover, California.......  B, T          20..............        4   \1\ 14  Remove seeds
                                                                                 from bur; see
                                                                                 ] (b)(11).
Burclover, spotted..........  B, T          20..............        4   \1\ 14  Remove seeds
                                                                                 from bur; see
                                                                                 ] (b)(11).
Burnet, littler.............  B, T          15..............        5       14
Buttonclover................  B, T          20..............        4   \1\ 10  See ] (b)(11)..  15 [deg]C.
Camelina....................  TB            20..............        4        7
Canarygrass.................  B, T          20-30...........        3        7
Canarygrass, reed...........  P             20-30...........        5       21  Light; KNO3....
Carpetgrass.................  P             20-35...........       10       21  Light..........  KNO3.
Castorbean..................  T, S          20-30...........        7       14  Remove caruncle
                                                                                 if mold
                                                                                 interferes
                                                                                 with test.
Chess, soft.................  P             20-30...........        7       14  Light..........  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 7 days.
Chickpea....................  T,S           20-30...........        3   \1\ 17
Clover:
    Alsike..................  B, T, S       20..............        3    \1\ 7  See ] (b)(11)..  15 [deg]C.
    Arrowleaf...............  B, T          20; 15..........        4   \1\ 14  See ] (b)(11)..
    Berseem.................  B, T, S       20..............        3    \1\ 7  See ] (b)(11)..  15 [deg]C.
    Cluster.................  B, T          20..............        4   \1\ 10  See ] (b)(11)..  15 [deg]C.
    Crimson.................  B, T, S       20..............        4    \1\ 7  See ] (b)(11)..  15 [deg]C.
    Kenya...................  B, T, S       20..............        3       17
    Ladino..................  B, T, S       20..............        3    \1\ 7  See ] (b)(11)..  15 [deg]C.
    Lappa...................  B, T          20..............        3    \1\ 7  See ] (b)(11)..  15 [deg]C.
    Large hop...............  B, T          20..............        4   \1\ 14  See ] (b)(11)..  15 [deg]C.
    Persian.................  B, T          20..............        3    \1\ 7  See ] (b)(11)..  15 [deg]C.
    Red.....................  B, T, S       20..............        4    \1\ 7  See ] (b)(11)..  15 [deg]C.
    Rose....................  B, T          20..............        4   \1\ 10  See ] (b)(11)..  15 [deg]C.
    Small hop...............  B, T          20..............        4   \1\ 14  See ] (b)(11)..  15 [deg]C.
    Strawberry..............  B, T          20..............        3    \1\ 7  See ] (b)(11)..  15 [deg]C.
    Sub.....................  B, T          20..............        4   \1\ 14  See ] (b)(11)..  15 [deg]C.
    White...................  B, T, S       20..............        3    \1\ 7  See ] (b)(11)..  15 [deg]C.
Corn:
    Field...................  B, T, S, TC   20-30; 25.......        4        7
    Pop.....................  B, T, S, TC   20-30; 25.......        4        7
Cotton......................  B, T, S       20-30; 30.......        4   \1\ 12                   Test by
                                                                                                  alternate
                                                                                                  method; see ]
                                                                                                  (b)(5).
Cowpea......................  B, T, S       20-30...........        5    \1\ 8
Crambe......................  T,B           20;25...........        4        7  ...............  KNO3
Crested dogtail.............  P             20-30...........       10       21  Light..........  Prechill at
                                                                                                  5[deg] or 10
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 3
                                                                                                  days.
Crotalaria:
    Lance...................  B, T, S       20-30...........        4   \1\ 10
    Showy...................  B, T, S       20-30...........        4   \1\ 10
    Slenderleaf.............  B, T, S       20-30...........        4   \1\ 10
    Striped.................  B, T, S       20-30...........        4   \1\ 10
    Sunn....................  B, T, S       20-30...........        4   \1\ 10
Crownvetch..................  B,T,TB,S      20..............        7   \1\ 14
Dallisgrass.................  P             20-35...........        7       21  Light; KNO3....
Dichondra...................  B, T          20-30...........        7   \1\ 28
Drop seed, sand.............  P             5-35; 15-35.....        5       14  Light; KNO3....  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 4
                                                                                                  weeks; see
                                                                                                  Sec.
                                                                                                  201.57a.
Emmer.......................  B, T, S       20; 15..........        4        7  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days or
                                                                                                  predry.

[[Page 372]]

 
Fescue:
    Chewings................  P             15-25...........        7       21  Light and KNO3   Prechill at 5
                                                                                 optional.        or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days.
    Hair....................  P             10-25...........       10       28  KNO3...........
    Hard....................  P             15-25...........        7       21  Light and KNO3
                                                                                 optional.
    Meadow..................  P             15-25; 20-30....        5       14  Light and KNO3
                                                                                 optional.
    Red.....................  P             15-25...........        7       21  Light and KNO3
                                                                                 optional.
    Sheep...................  P             15-25...........        7       21  Light and KNO3
                                                                                 optional.
    Tall....................  P             15-25; 20-30....        5       14  Light and KNO3   Prechill at 5
                                                                                 optional.        or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days and
                                                                                                  test for 21
                                                                                                  days.
Flatpea.....................  T             15-25;20........       14   \1\ 28
Flax........................  B, T, S       20-30...........        3        7
Foxtail, creeping...........  P             15-30...........        7       21  Light;KNO3.....
Foxtail, meadow.............  P             20-30...........        7       14  Light..........
Galletagrass................  P, B          20; 25; 20-30...        4       10  ...............  See Sec.
                                                                                                  201.57a
Grama:
    Blue....................  P, TB         20-30...........        7       14  Light..........  KNO3; see Sec.
                                                                                                   201.57a.
    Side-oats...............  P             15-30...........        7       14  Light; KNO3....  See Sec.
                                                                                                  201.57a.
Guar........................  B, T, S       30; 20-30.......        5   \1\ 14
Guineagrass.................  P             15-35...........       10       28  Light; KNO3
                                                                                 optional.
Hardinggrass................  P             10-30...........        7       28  Light..........  KNO3.
    Alternate method........  P             15-25...........        7       14  Light; presoak
                                                                                 at 15 [deg]C
                                                                                 for 24 hrs.
Hemp........................  B, T          20-30...........        3        7
Indiangrass, yellow.........  P, TS         20-30...........        7       14  Light; KNO3....  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 2
                                                                                                  weeks; see
                                                                                                  Sec.
                                                                                                  201.57a.
Indigo, hairy...............  B, T          20-30...........        5   \1\ 14
Japanese lawngrass..........  P             35-20...........       10       28  Light; KNO3....
Johnsongrass................  P             20-35...........        7       35  Light..........  KNO3; see Sec.
                                                                                                   201.57a.
Kenaf.......................  T, B          20-30...........        4    \1\ 8
Kochia, forage..............  P             20..............        4       14  ...............  See Sec.
                                                                                                  201.57a.
Kudzu.......................  B, T          20-30...........        5   \1\ 14
Lentil......................  B, T          20..............        5   \1\ 10
Lespedeza:
    Korean..................  B, T, S       20-35...........        5   \1\ 14
    Sericea.................  B, T, S       20-35...........        7   \1\ 21
    Siberian................  B, T, S       20-35...........        7   \1\ 21
    Striate.................  B, T, S       20-35...........        7   \1\ 14
Lovegrass, sand.............  P             20-30...........        5       14  Light; KNO3....  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 6 weeks;
                                                                                                  see Sec.
                                                                                                  201.57a.
Lovegrass, weeping..........  P             20-35...........        5       14  Light..........  KNO3; see Sec.
                                                                                                   201.57a.
Lupine:
    Blue....................  B, T, S       20..............        4   \1\ 10
    White...................  B, T          20..............        3   \1\ 10
    Yellow..................  B, T          20..............        7   \1\ 10
Manilagrass.................  P             35-20...........       10       28  Light; KNO3....
Medic, black................  B, T, S       20..............        4    \1\ 7  See ] (b)(11)..
Milkvetch...................  B, T          20..............        6   \1\ 14
    Alternate method........  B, TB, T      15-25...........       10   \1\ 21
Millet:
    Browntop................  B, P, T       20-30; 30.......        4       14  Light and KNO3   Predry at 35 or
                                                                                 optional.        40 [deg]C for
                                                                                                  7 days and
                                                                                                  test at 30
                                                                                                  [deg]C.
      Alternate method......  B, P, T       5-35............        4       14  Light; KNO3....
    Foxtail.................  B, T          15-30; 20-30....        4       10
    Japanese................  B, T          20-30...........        4       10
    Pearl...................  B, T          20-30...........        3        7
    Proso...................  B, T          20-30...........        3        7
Molassesgrass...............  P             20-30...........        7       21  Light..........
Mustard:
    Black...................  P             20-30...........        3        7  Light..........  KNO3 and
                                                                                                  prechill at 10
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 3
                                                                                                  days.
    India...................  P             20-30...........        3        7  Light..........  Prechill at 10
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 7
                                                                                                  days and test
                                                                                                  for 5 days;
                                                                                                  KNO3.

[[Page 373]]

 
    White...................  P             20-30...........        3        5  Light..........
Napiergrass.................  B, T          20-30...........        3       10
Needlegrass, green:
    Method 1................  P             15-30...........        7       14  H2 SO4,GA3 and
                                                                                 thiram; dark;
                                                                                 see ] (b)(7).
    Method 2................  P             15-30...........        7       14  KNO3; dark; see
                                                                                 (b)(7).
Oat.........................  B, T, S       20; 15..........        5       10  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days and
                                                                                                  test for 7
                                                                                                  days or predry
                                                                                                  and test for
                                                                                                  10 days.
Oatgrass, tall..............  P             20-30...........        6       14  Light..........
Orchardgrass................  P, TS         15-25...........        7       21  Light;           Prechill at 5
                                                                                 germination      or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                 more rapid on    for 7 days.
                                                                                 soil.
Panicgrass, blue............  P, TS         20-30...........        7       28  Light..........
Panicgrass, green...........  P             15-35...........       10       28  Light; KNO3
                                                                                 optional.
Pea, field..................  B, T, S       20..............        3     \1\8
Peanut......................  B, T, S       20-30; 25.......        5    \1\10  Remove shells..  Ethephon or
                                                                                                  ethylene; see
                                                                                                  ] (a) (10) and
                                                                                                  (11).
Radish......................  B, T          20..............        4        6
Rape:
    Annual..................  B, T          20-30...........        3        7
    Bird....................  P             20-30...........        3       10  Light..........  KNO3.
    Turnip..................  B, T          20-30...........        3        7
    Winter..................  B, T          20-30...........        3        7
Redtop......................  P, TB         20-30...........        5       10  Light..........  KNO3.
Rescuegrass.................  P, S          10-30...........        7       28  Light; see ]     In soil at 15
                                                                                 (b)(8) for       [deg]C.
                                                                                 alternate
                                                                                 method.
Rhodesgrass.................  P             20-30...........        6       14  Light; KNO3....
Rice........................  T, S          20-30; 30.......        5       14  See ] (b)(9)     Presoak; see ]
                                                                                 for alternate    (b)(9).
                                                                                 method.
Ricegrass, Indian...........  P             15..............        7       42  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 4
                                                                                                  weeks and test
                                                                                                  for 21
                                                                                                  additional
                                                                                                  days; see Sec.
                                                                                                    201.57a.
    Alternate method........  S             5-15; 15; 15-25.        7       28  ...............  Dark; prechill
                                                                                                  in soil at 5
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 4
                                                                                                  weeks; see
                                                                                                  Sec.
                                                                                                  201.57a.
Roughpea....................  B, T          20..............        7    \1\14
Rye.........................  B, T, S       20; 15..........        4        7  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days or
                                                                                                  predry.
Rye, mountain...............  B, T          20; 15..........        4        7  ...............  See Sec.
                                                                                                  201.57a.
Ryegrass:
    Annual..................  P, TB         15-25...........        5       14  Light optional;  Light; KNO3;
                                                                                 see ] (b)(10)    prechill at 5
                                                                                 for              or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                 fluorescence     for 5 days and
                                                                                 test.            test at 15-25
                                                                                                  [deg]C; if
                                                                                                  still dormant
                                                                                                  prechill for 3
                                                                                                  days and
                                                                                                  continue test
                                                                                                  at 15-25
                                                                                                  [deg]C an
                                                                                                  additional 4
                                                                                                  days.
    Intermediate............  P, TB         15-25...........        7       14  Light..........  KNO3 and
                                                                                                  prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days and
                                                                                                  test at 15-25
                                                                                                  [deg]C; if
                                                                                                  still dormant
                                                                                                  rechill for 3
                                                                                                  days and
                                                                                                  continue test
                                                                                                  at 15-25
                                                                                                  [deg]C an
                                                                                                  additional 4
                                                                                                  days.
    Perennial...............  P, TB         15-25...........        5       14  Light optional;  Light; KNO3;
                                                                                 see ] (b)(10)    prechill at 5
                                                                                 for              or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                 fluorescence     for 5 days and
                                                                                 test.            test at 15-25
                                                                                                  [deg]C; if
                                                                                                  still dormant
                                                                                                  rechill for 3
                                                                                                  days and
                                                                                                  continue test
                                                                                                  at 15-25
                                                                                                  [deg]C an
                                                                                                  additional 4
                                                                                                  days.

[[Page 374]]

 
    Wimmera.................  P, TB         15-25; 20-30....        5       14  Light optional.  Light; KNO3;
                                                                                                  prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days and
                                                                                                  test at 15-25
                                                                                                  [deg]C; if
                                                                                                  still dormant
                                                                                                  rechill for 3
                                                                                                  days and
                                                                                                  continue test
                                                                                                  at 15-25
                                                                                                  [deg]C an
                                                                                                  additional 4
                                                                                                  days.
Safflower...................  P, B, T, S    15; 20..........        4       14  Light at 15
                                                                                 [deg]C.
Sagewort, Louisiana.........  P             15-25...........        7       14  Light..........
Sainfoin....................  B, T          20-30...........        4   \1\ 14
Saltbush, fourwing..........  B             20..............        5       14  See ] (b)(13)..  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 7
                                                                                                  days.
    Alternate method........  B             15..............  .......       21
Sesame......................  B, T, TB      20-30...........        3        6
Sesbania....................  B, T          20-30...........        5    \1\ 7
Smilo.......................  P             20-30...........        7       42  Light..........  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 2
                                                                                                  weeks; see
                                                                                                  Sec.
                                                                                                  201.57a.
Sorghum.....................  B, T, S       20-30...........        4       10  ...............  Prechill grain
                                                                                                  vars. at
                                                                                                  5[deg] or 10
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 5
                                                                                                  days; test
                                                                                                  sweet vars. at
                                                                                                  30-45 [deg]C,
                                                                                                  maintaining 45
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 2-4
                                                                                                  hours per day.
Sorghum almum...............  T, S          20-35; 15-35....        5       21  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 5
                                                                                                  days; on the
                                                                                                  10th day of
                                                                                                  test, clip or
                                                                                                  pierce the
                                                                                                  distal end of
                                                                                                  ungerminated
                                                                                                  seeds.
Sorghum-sudangrass..........  B, T, S       20-30; 25.......        4       10  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days.
Sorgrass \2\................  B, T, S       15-35; 20-35....        5       21  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 7 days.
Sourclover..................  B, T          20..............        3   \1\ 14  See ] (b)(11)..
Soybean.....................  B, T, S, TC   20-30; 25.......        5    \1\ 8
Spelt.......................  B, T, S       20; 15..........        4        7  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days, or
                                                                                                  predry.
Sudangrass..................  B, T, S       20-30; 15-30....        4       10  ...............  Prechill at 10
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 5
                                                                                                  days.
Sunflower...................  T,B           20..............        4        7
Sweetclover:
    White...................  B, T, S       20..............        4    \1\ 7  See ] (b)(11)..
    Yellow..................  B, T, S       20..............        4    \1\ 7  See ] (b)(11)..
Sweet vernalgrass...........  P             20-30...........        6       14  Light..........
Sweetvetch, northern........  B, TB, T      15-25; 20.......       14   \1\ 28
Switchgrass.................  P, TS         15-30...........        7       14  Light; KNO3....  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 2
                                                                                                  weeks; see
                                                                                                  Sec.
                                                                                                  201.57a.
Teff........................  TB            20--30..........        4        7  KNO3...........
Timothy.....................  P, TB         15-25; 20-30....        5       10  Light; see ]     KNO3 and
                                                                                 (a)(9).          prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days.
Timothy, turf...............  P, TB         15-25; 20-30....        5       10  Light..........  KNO3 and
                                                                                                  prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days.
Tobacco.....................  P, TB         20-30...........        7       14  Light..........
Trefoil:
    Big.....................  B, T          20..............        5   \1\ 12
    Birdsfoot...............  B, P, T       20..............        5   \1\ 12
Triticale...................  B, T, S       20; 15..........        4        7  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days, or
                                                                                                  predry.
Vaseygrass..................  P             20-35...........        7       21  Light..........  KNO3.
Veldtgrass..................  P             10-30...........        7       28  Light..........  See Sec.
                                                                                                  201.57a.
Velvetbean..................  B, T, S, C    20-30...........        3   \1\ 14
Velvetgrass.................  P             20-30...........        6       14  Light..........
Vetch:
    Common..................  B, T          20..............        5   \1\ 10
    Hairy...................  B, T          20..............        5   \1\ 14
    Hungarian...............  B, T          20..............        5   \1\ 10
    Monantha................  B, T          20..............        5   \1\ 10

[[Page 375]]

 
    Narrowleaf..............  B, T          20..............        5   \1\ 14
    Purple..................  B, T          20..............        5   \1\ 10
    Woollypod...............  B, T          20..............        5   \1\ 14  ...............  Prechill at 10
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 5
                                                                                                  days, test at
                                                                                                  15 [deg]C.
Wheat:
    Common..................  B, T, S       20; 15..........        4        7  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days, or
                                                                                                  predry.
    Club....................  B, T, S       20; 15..........        4        7  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days, or
                                                                                                  predry.
    Durum...................  B, T, S       20; 15..........        4       10  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days, or
                                                                                                  predry.
    Polish..................  B, T, S       20; 15..........        4        7  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days, or
                                                                                                  predry.
    Poulard.................  B, T, S       20; 15..........        4        7  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days, or
                                                                                                  predry.
Wheat Agrotricum............  B, T, S       20; 15..........        4        7  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days, or
                                                                                                  predry.
Wheatgrass:
    Beardless...............  P, TB         15-25...........        7       14  Light and KNO3   KNO3 and
                                                                                 optional.        prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 7 days.
    Fairway crested.........  P, TB         15-25; 20-30....        5       14  Light and KNO3   KNO3 and
                                                                                 optional.        prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 7 days.
    Standard crested........  P, TB         15-25; 20-30....        5       14  Light and KNO3   KNO3 and
                                                                                 optional.        prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 7 days.
    Intermediate............  P             15-25...........        5       28  Light and KNO3   KNO3 and
                                                                                 optional.        prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 7 days.
      Alternate method......  P             20-30...........        5       28  Light..........
    Pubescent...............  P             15-25...........        5       28  Light and KNO3   KNO3 and
                                                                                 optional.        prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 7 days.
      Alternate method......  P             20-30...........        5       28  Light..........
    Siberian................  P, TB         15-25...........        7       14  Light and KNO3   KNO3 and
                                                                                 optional.        prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 7 days.
    Slender.................  P, TB         15-25; 10-30....        5       14  Light and KNO3   Prechill at 5
                                                                                 optional.        or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days; if
                                                                                                  still dormant
                                                                                                  on the 10th
                                                                                                  day, rechill 2
                                                                                                  days, then
                                                                                                  place at 20-30
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 4
                                                                                                  days.
    Streambank..............  P, TB         15-25...........        5       14  Light and KNO3   Prechill at 5
                                                                                 optional.        or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days.
    Tall....................  P             15-25...........        5       21  Light and KNO3   Prechill at 5
                                                                                 optional.        or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days.
      Alternate method......  P             20-30...........        5       21  Light..........  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days.
    Western.................  B, P, T       15-30...........        7       28  Dark...........  KNO3 or soil;
                                                                                                  see Sec.
                                                                                                  201.57a.
Wildrye:
    Basin...................  P             15-25...........       10       21  ...............  See Sec.
                                                                                                  201.57a.
    Canada..................  P             15-30...........        7       21  Light..........  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 2
                                                                                                  weeks.
    Russian.................  P             20-30...........        5       14  Light..........  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 5 days.
                                                 VEGETABLE SEED
Artichoke...................  B, T          20-30...........        7       21
Asparagus...................  B, T, S       20-30...........        7       21
Asparagusbean...............  B, T, S       20-30...........        5    \1\ 8
Bean:
    Garden..................  B, T, S, TC   20-30; 25.......     None    \1\ 8  ...............  See ] (b)(12).
    Lima....................  B, T, C, S    20-30...........        5    \1\ 9
    Runner..................  B, T, S       20-30...........        5    \1\ 9
Beet........................  B, T, S       20-30...........        3       14  See ] (b)(3)...
Broadbean...................  S, C          20..............        4   \1\ 14  See ] (b)(11)..  Prechill at 10
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 3
                                                                                                  days.
Broccoli....................  B, P, T       20-30...........        3       10  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 3 days;
                                                                                                  KNO3 and
                                                                                                  light.
Brussels Sprouts............  B, P, T       20-30...........        3       10  ...............  Prechill 5 days
                                                                                                  at 5 or 10
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 3
                                                                                                  days; KNO3 and
                                                                                                  Light.

[[Page 376]]

 
Burdock, great..............  B, T          20-30...........        7       14
Cabbage.....................  B, P, T       20-30...........        3       10  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 3 days;
                                                                                                  KNO3 and
                                                                                                  light.
Cabbage, Chinese............  B, T          20-30...........        3        7
 
Cabbage, tronchuda..........  B, P          20-30...........        3       10  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 3 days;
                                                                                                  KNO3 and
                                                                                                  light.
Cardoon.....................  B, T          20-30...........        7       21
Carrot......................  B, T          20-30...........        6       14
Cauliflower.................  B, P, T       20-30...........        3       10  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 3 days;
                                                                                                  KNO3 and light
Celeriac....................  P             5-25; 20........       10       21  Light; see ]
                                                                                 (a)(9).
Celery......................  P             15-25; 20.......       10       21  Light; see ]
                                                                                 (a)(9).
Chard, Swiss................  B, T, S       20-30...........        3       14  See ] (b)(3)...
Chicory.....................  P, TS         20-30...........        5       14  Light; KNO3 or
                                                                                 soil; see ]
                                                                                 (a)(9).
Chives......................  B, T          20..............        6       14
Citron......................  B, T          20-30...........        7       14  Soak seeds 6     Test at 30
                                                                                 hrs.             [deg]C.
Collards....................  B, P, T       20-30...........        3       10  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 3 days;
                                                                                                  KNO3 and light
                                                                                                  .
Corn, sweet.................  B, T, S, TC   20-30; 25.......        4        7
Cornsalad...................  B, T          15..............        7       28  Test at 10
                                                                                 [deg]C..
Cowpea......................  B, T, S       20-30...........        5    \1\ 8
Cress:
    Garden..................  B, P, T       15..............        4       10  ...............  Light.
    Upland..................  P, TB         20-35...........        4        7  Light; KNO3....
    Water...................  P             20-30...........        4       14  Light..........
Cucumber....................  B, T, S       20-30...........        3        7  Keep substratum
                                                                                 on dry side;
                                                                                 see ] (a)(3).
Dandelion...................  P, TB         20-30...........        7       21  Light; see ]
                                                                                 (a)(9).
Dill........................  B, T          20-30...........        7       21
Eggplant....................  P, TB, RB, T  20-30...........        7       14  Light; KNO3....
Endive......................  P, TS         20-30...........        5       14  Light; KNO3 or   See ] (b)(6).
                                                                                 soil.
Gherkin, West India.........  B, T, S       20-30...........        3        7  Test at 30
                                                                                 [deg]C..
Kale........................  B, P, T       20-30...........        3       10  ...............  Prechill at
                                                                                                  5[deg] or 10
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 3
                                                                                                  days; KNO3 and
                                                                                                  light.
Kale, Chinese...............  B, P, T       20-30...........        3       10  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 3 days;
                                                                                                  KNO3 and
                                                                                                  light.
Kale, Siberian..............  B, P, T       20-30; 20.......        3        7
Kohlrabi....................  B, P, T       20-30...........        3       10  ...............  Prechill at 5
                                                                                                  or 10 [deg]C
                                                                                                  for 3 days;
                                                                                                  KNO3 and
                                                                                                  light.
Leek........................  B, T          20..............        6       14
Lettuce.....................  P             20..............     None        7  Light..........  Prechill at 10
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 3
                                                                                                  days or test
                                                                                                  at 15 [deg]C.
Melon.......................  B, T, S       20-30...........        4       10  Keep substratum
                                                                                 on dry side;
                                                                                 see ] (a)(3).
Mustard, India..............  P             20-30...........        3        7  Light..........  Prechill at 10
                                                                                                  [deg]C for 7
                                                                                                  days and test
                                                                                                  for 5
                                                                                                  additional
                                                                                                  days; KNO3.
Mustard, spinach............  B, T          20-30...........        3        7
Okra........................  B, T          20-30...........        4   \1\ 14
Onion.......................  B, T          20..............        6       10
    Alternate method........  S             20..............        6       12
Onion, Welsh................  B, T          20..............        6       10
Pak-choi....................  B, T          20-30...........        3        7
Parsley.....................  B, T, TS      20-30...........       11       28
Parsnip.....................  B, T, TS      20-30...........        6       28
Pea.........................  B, T,S        20..............        5    \1\ 8
Pepper......................  TB, RB, T     20-30...........        6       14  ...............  Light and KNO3.

[[Page 377]]

 
Pumpkin.....................  B, T, S       20-30...........        4        7  Keep substratum
                                                                                 on dry side;
                                                                                 see ] (a)(3).
Radish......................  B, T          20..............        4        6
Rhubarb.....................  TB, TS        20-30...........        7       21  Light..........
Rutabaga....................  B, T          20-30...........        3       14
Sage........................  B, T, S       20-30...........        5       14
Salsify.....................  B, T          15..............        5       10  Prechill at 10
                                                                                 [deg]C for 3
                                                                                 days..
Savory, summer..............  B, T          20-30...........        5       21
Sorrel......................  P, TB, TS     20-30...........        3       14  Light..........  Test at 15
                                                                                                  [deg]C.
Soybean.....................  B, T, S, TC   20-30; 25.......        5    \1\ 8
Spinach.....................  TB, T         15;10...........        7       21  Keep substratum
                                                                                 on dry side;
                                                                                 see ] (a)(3).
Spinach, New Zealand........  T             15; 20..........        5       21  Soak fruits      On 21st day
                                                                                 overnight (16    scrape fruits
                                                                                 hrs), air dry    and test for 7
                                                                                 7 hrs; plant     additional
                                                                                 in very wet      days.
                                                                                 towels; do not
                                                                                 rewater unless
                                                                                 later counts
                                                                                 exhibit drying
                                                                                 out.
Alternate method............  B, T          15..............        5       21  Remove pulp
                                                                                 from basal end
                                                                                 of fruit.
Squash......................  B, T, S       20-30...........        4        7  Keep substratum
                                                                                 on dry side;
                                                                                 see ] (a)(3).
Tomato......................  B, P, RB, T   20-30...........        5       14  ...............  Light; KNO3.
Tomato, husk................  P, TB         20-30...........        7       28  Light; KNO3....
Turnip......................  B, T          20-30...........        3        7
Watermelon..................  B, T, S       20-30; 25.......        4       14  Keep substratum  Test at 30
                                                                                 on dry side;     [deg]C.
                                                                                 see ] (a)(3).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Hard seeds may be present. (See Sec.   201.57)
\2\ Rhizomatous derivatives of a johnsongrass sorghum cross or a johnsongrass sudangrass cross.


[20 FR 7928, Oct. 21, 1955]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
201.58, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

              examinations in the administration of the act



Sec.  201.58a  Indistinguishable seeds.

    When the identification of the kind, variety, or type of seed or 
determination that seed is hybrid is not possible by seed 
characteristics, identification may be based upon the seedling, growing 
plant or mature plant characteristics according to such authentic 
information as is available.
    (a) Ryegrass. In determining the pure seed percentage of perennial 
ryegrass and annual ryegrass, 400 seeds shall be grown on white filter 
paper and the number of fluorescent seedlings determined under 
ultraviolet light at the end of the germination period (see Sec.  
201.58(b)(10)).
    (1) Fluorescence results are to be determined as test fluorescence 
level (TFL) to two decimal places as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR14DE94.001

    (2) The percentage of perennial ryegrass is calculated as follows:

[[Page 378]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR14DE94.002

where VFL = Variety fluorescence level.

    (3) Using results from the above formula, the percentage of annual 
ryegrass is calculated as follows:

% Annual Ryegrass = % Pure Ryegrass-% Perennial Ryegrass

    (4) If the test fluorescence level (TFL) of a perennial ryegrass is 
equal to or less than the variety fluorescence level (VFL) described for 
the variety, all pure ryegrass is considered to be perennial ryegrass 
and the formula is not applied.
    (5) If the test fluorescence level (TFL) of an annual ryegrass is 
equal to or greater than the variety fluorescence level (VFL) described 
for the variety, all pure ryegrass is considered to be annual ryegrass 
and the formula is not applied.
    (6) A list of variety fluorescence level (VFL) descriptions for 
perennial ryegrass varieties which are more than 0 percent fluorescent 
and annual ryegrass varieties which are less than 100 percent 
fluorescent is maintained and published by the National Grass Variety 
Review Board of the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies 
(AOSCA). If the variety being tested is not stated or the fluorescence 
level has not been described, the fluorescence level shall be considered 
to be 0 percent for perennial ryegrass and 100 percent for annual 
ryegrass. Both VFL (annual) and VFL (perennial) values must always be 
entered in the formula. If a perennial ryegrass variety is being tested, 
the VFL (annual) value is 100 percent. If an annual ryegrass variety is 
being tested, the VFL (perennial) value is 0 percent. For blends the 
fluorescence level shall be interpolated according to the portion of 
each variety claimed to be present.
    (b) Sweetclover. To determine the presence of yellow sweetclover in 
samples of white sweetclover, at least 400 seeds shall be subjected to 
the chemical test as follows:
    (1) Preparation of test solution: Add 3 grams of cupric sulfate 
(CuSO4) to 30 ml of household ammonia (NH4 OH, 
approximately 4.8 percent) in a stoppered bottle to form 
tetraamminecopper sulfate 
([Cu(NH3)4]SO4) solution used for this 
test. After mixing, a light blue precipitate of cupric hydroxide 
(Cu(OH)2) should form. If no precipitate forms, add 
additional CuSO4 until a precipitate appears. Since the 
strength of household ammonia can vary, formation of a precipitate 
indicates that a complete reaction has taken place between 
CuSO4 and NH4 OH; otherwise fumes from excess 
ammonium hydroxide may cause eye irritation.
    (2) Preparation of seeds: To insure imbibition, scratch, prick, or 
otherwise scarify the seed coats of the sweetclover seeds being tested. 
Soak seeds in water for 2 to 5 hours in a glass container.
    (3) Chemical reaction: When seeds have imbibed, remove excess water 
and add enough test solution to cover the seeds. Seeds coats of yellow 
sweetclover will begin to stain dark brown to black; seed coats of white 
sweetclover will be olive or yellow-green. Make the separation within 20 
minutes, since the seed coats of white sweetclover will eventually turn 
black also.
    (4) Calculation of results: Count the number of seeds which stain 
dark brown or black and divide by the total number of seeds tested; 
multiply by the pure seed percentage for Melilotus spp.; the result is 
the percentage of yellow sweetclover in the sample. The percentage of 
white sweetclover is found by subtracting the percentage of yellow 
sweetclover from the percentage of Melilotus spp. pure seed.
    (c) Wheat. In determining varietal purity, the phenol test may be 
used. From the pure seed sample count four replicates of 100 seeds each. 
Soak the seed in distilled water for 16 hours; then flush with tap water 
and remove the excess water from the surface of the seeds. Place two 
layers of filter paper in a container and moisten with a 1 percent 
phenol (C6 H5 OH) solution. Place the seed, palea 
side down, on the two layers of filter paper and cover the

[[Page 379]]

container. A preliminary observation may be made at 2 hours. At 4 hours, 
record the number of seeds in each of the following color categories:
    (1) Ivory.
    (2) Fawn.
    (3) Light Brown.
    (4) Brown.
    (5) Brown Black.
    (d) Soybean. In determining the varietal purity, the peroxidase test 
may be used. Remove and place the dry seed coat from seeds into 
individual test tubes or suitable containers. Add 10 drops (0.5-1.0 ml) 
of 0.5 percent guaiacol (C7 H8 O2) to 
each test tube. After waiting 10 minutes add one drop (about 0.1 ml) of 
0.1 percent hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2). One minute 
after adding hydrogen peroxide, record the seed coat as peroxidase 
positive (high peroxidase activity) indicated by a reddish-brown 
solution or peroxidase negative (low peroxidase activity) indicated by a 
colorless solution in the test tube. Various sample sizes may be used 
for this test. Test results shall include the sample size tested.
    (e) Oat. In determining the varietal purity, the fluorescence test 
may be used. Place at least 400 seeds on a black background under a 
F15T8-BLB or comparable ultraviolet tube(s) in an area where light from 
other sources is excluded. Seeds are considered fluorescent if the lemma 
or palea fluoresce or appear light in color. ``Partially fluorescent'' 
seeds shall be considered fluorescent. Seeds are considered 
nonfluorescent if the lemma and palea do not fluoresce and appear dark 
in color under the ultraviolet light.

[59 FR 64514, Dec. 14, 1994]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
201.58a, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  201.58b  Origin.

    The presence of incidental weed seeds, foreign matter, or any other 
existing circumstances shall be considered in determining the origin of 
seed.

[5 FR 35, Jan. 4, 1940. Redesignated at 20 FR 7940, Oct. 21, 1955]



Sec.  201.58c  Detection of captan, mercury, or thiram on seed.

    The bioassay method may be used according to the procedure given in 
Association of Official Seed Analysts, Handbook No. 26, 
``Microbiological Assay of Fungicide-treated Seeds'', May 1964.

[38 FR 12733, May 15, 1973]



Sec.  201.58d  Fungal endophyte test.

    A fungal endophyte test may be used to determine the amount of 
fungal endophyte (Acremonium spp.) in certain grasses.
    (a) Method of preparation of aniline blue stain for use in testing 
grass seed and plant material for the presence of fungal endophyte:
    (1) Prepare a 1 percent aqueous aniline blue solution by dissolving 
1 gram aniline blue in 100 ml distilled water.
    (2) Prepare the endophyte staining solution of one part of 1 percent 
aniline blue solution with 2 parts of 85 percent lactic acid 
(C3 H6 O3).
    (3) Use stain as-is or dilute with water if staining is too dark.
    (b) Procedure for determining levels of fungal endophyte in grass 
seed:
    (1) Take a sub-sample of seed (1 gram is sufficient) from the pure 
seed portion of the kind under consideration.
    (2) Digest seed at room temperature for 12-16 hours in a 5 percent 
sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution or other temperature/time combination 
resulting in adequate seed softening.
    (3) Rinse thoroughly in running tap water.
    (4) De-glume seeds and place on a microscope slide in a drop of 
endophyte staining solution. Slightly crush the seeds. Use caution to 
prevent carryover hyphae of fungal endophyte from one seed to another.
    (5) Place coverglass on seed and apply gentle pressure.
    (6) Examine with compound microscope at 100-400x magnification, 
scoring a seed as positive if any identifiable hyphae are present.
    (7) Various sample sizes may be used for this test. Precision 
changes with sample size; therefore, the test results must include the 
sample size tested.
    (c) Procedure for determining levels of fungal endophyte in 
seedlings from

[[Page 380]]

seed samples suspected to contain fungal endophyte:
    (1) Select seeds at random and germinate.
    (2) Examine seedlings from the sample germinated after growing for a 
minimum of 48 days.
    (3) Remove the outermost sheath from the seedling. Tissue should 
have no obvious discoloration from saprophytes and should have as little 
chlorophyll as possible.
    (4) Isolate a longitudinal section of leaf sheath approximately 3-5 
mm in width.
    (5) Place the section on a microscope slide with the epidermis side 
down.
    (6) Stain immediately with the endophyte staining solution as 
prepared in paragraph (a) (2) and (3) of this section. Allow dye to 
remain at least 15 seconds but no more than one minute.
    (7) Blot off the excess dye with tissue paper. Sections should 
remain on the slide, but may adhere to the tissue paper; if so, remove 
and place in proper position on the slide.
    (8) Place a coverglass on the sections and flood with water.
    (9) Proceed with evaluation as described in paragraph (b) (6) and 
(7) of this section.

[59 FR 64515, Dec. 14, 1994]

                               tolerances



Sec.  201.59  Application.

    Tolerances shall be recognized between the percentages or rates of 
occurrence found by analysis, test, or examination in the administration 
of the Act and percentages or rates of occurrence required or stated as 
required by the Act. Tolerances for purity percentages and germination 
percentages provided for in Sec. Sec.  201.60 and 201.63 shall be 
determined from the mean of (a) the results being compared, or (b) the 
result found by test and the figures shown on a label, or (c) the result 
found by test and a standard. All other tolerances, including tolerances 
for pure-live seed and fluorescence, and tolerances for purity based on 
10 to 1,000 seeds, seedlings, or plants shall be determined from the 
result or results found in the administration of the Act.

[5 FR 34, Jan. 4, 1940, as amended at 20 FR 7940, Oct. 21, 1955; 24 FR 
3954, May 15, 1959; 35 FR 6108, Apr. 15, 1970; 85 FR 40583, July 7, 
2020]



Sec.  201.60  Purity percentages.

    (a)(1) The tolerance for a given percentage of the purity components 
is the same whether for pure seed, other crop seed, weed seed, or inert 
matter. Wider tolerances are provided when 33 percent or more of the 
sample is composed of seed plus empty florets and/or empty spikelets of 
the following chaffy kinds: bentgrasses, bermudagrasses, bluegrasses, 
bluestems, bottlebrush- squirreltail, bromes, buffalograss, buffelgrass, 
carpetgrass, soft chess, dallisgrass, fescues, foxtails, galletagrass, 
guineagrass, gramas, molassesgrass, tall oatgrass, orchardgrass, redtop, 
rescuegrass, rhodesgrass, Indian ricegrass, ryegrasses, sweet 
vernalgrass, teff, vaseygrass, veldtgrass, wheatgrasses, wildryes, and 
yellow indiangrass. The wider tolerances do not apply to seed devoid of 
hulls.
    (2) To determine the tolerance for any purity percentage found in 
the administration of the Act, the percentage found is averaged (i) with 
that claimed or shown on a label or (ii) with a specified standard. The 
tolerance is found from this average. If more than one test is made, all 
except any test obviously in error shall be averaged and the result 
treated as a single percentage.
    (b) The tolerances found in columns C and D for the respective 
purity percentages shown in columns A and B of table No. 3 shall be used 
for (1) unmixed seed and (2) mixtures in which the particle-weight ratio 
is 1:1 to 1.49:1, inclusive. Tolerances for intermediate percentages not 
shown in table 3 shall be obtained by interpolation.

   Table 3--Tolerances for Any Component of a Purity Analysis for (1)
 Unmixed Seed or (2) Mixed Seed in Which the Particle Weight Ratio Is 1:
                         1 to 1.49: 1, Inclusive
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Nonchaffy    Chaffy
        Average analysis (A)               (B)      seeds (C)  seeds (D)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
99.95-100.00........................     0.00-0.04       0.13       0.16
99.90-99.94.........................       .05-.09        .20        .23

[[Page 381]]

 
99.85-99.89.........................       .10-.14        .24        .29
99.80-99.84.........................       .15-.19        .28        .34
99.75-99.79.........................       .20-.24        .32        .37
99.70-99.74.........................       .25-.29        .35        .41
99.65-99.69.........................       .30-.34        .37        .45
99.60-99.64.........................       .35-.39        .40        .48
99.55-99.59.........................       .40-.44        .42        .50
99.50-99.54.........................       .45-.49        .44        .53
99.40-99.49.........................       .50-.59        .47        .57
99.30-99.39.........................       .60-.69        .51        .60
99.20-99.29.........................       .70-.79        .54        .64
99.10-99.19.........................       .80-.89        .57        .66
99.00-99.09.........................       .90-.99        .59        .70
98.75-98.99.........................     1.00-1.24        .64        .75
98.50-98.74.........................     1.25-1.49        .71        .82
98.25-98.49.........................     1.50-1.74        .76        .89
98.00-98.24.........................     1.75-1.99        .82        .95
97.75-97.99.........................     2.00-2.24        .87       1.01
97.50-97.74.........................     2.25-2.49        .92       1.07
97.25-97.49.........................     2.50-2.74        .96       1.12
97.00-97.24.........................     2.75-2.99       1.00       1.17
96.50-96.99.........................     3.00-3.49       1.06       1.24
96.00-96.49.........................     3.50-3.99       1.14       1.34
95.50-95.99.........................     4.00-4.49       1.21       1.41
95.00-95.49.........................     4.50-4.99       1.27       1.49
94.00-94.99.........................     5.00-5.99       1.36       1.60
93.00-93.99.........................     6.00-6.99       1.47       1.73
92.00-92.99.........................     7.00-7.99       1.58       1.85
91.00-91.99.........................     8.00-8.99       1.67       1.96
90.00-90.99.........................     9.00-9.99       1.75       2.06
88.00-89.99.........................   10.00-11.99       1.87       2.19
86.00-87.99.........................   12.00-13.99       2.01       2.36
84.00-85.99.........................   14.00-15.99       2.14       2.51
82.00-83.99.........................   16.00-17.99       2.24       2.64
80.00-81.99.........................   18.00-19.99       2.35       2.76
78.00-79.99.........................   20.00-21.99       2.44       2.86
76.00-77.99.........................   22.00-23.99       2.52       2.96
74.00-75.99.........................   24.00-25.99       2.59       3.04
72.00-73.99.........................   26.00-27.99       2.65       3.12
70.00-71.99.........................   28.00-29.99       2.71       3.19
65.00-69.99.........................   30.00-34.99       2.80       3.29
60.00-64.99.........................   35.00-39.99       2.89       3.40
50.00-59.99.........................   40.00-49.99       2.96       3.48
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) Tolerances calculated by the following formula shall be used for 
either chaffy or nonchaffy mixtures when the average particle-weight 
ratio is 1.5:1 to 20:1 and beyond:
    The symbols used in the formula are as follows:

T = tolerance being calculated.
A = percent which the weight of the component with the heavier average 
    particle-weight is of the weight of both components.
B = percent which the weight of the component with the lighter average 
    particle-weight is of the weight of both components.
H = average particle-weight for the component with the heavier average 
    particle-weight.
L = average particle-weight for the component with the lighter average 
    particle-weight.
R = ratio of the average particle-weight for the component with the 
    heavier average particle-weight to the average particle-weight for 
    the component with the lighter average particle-weight. R = H / L.
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR14DE94.003
    
T1 = regular tolerance for the kind of seed (chaffy or nonchaffy) and 
    for (100B)/(B + A/R).

    In determining the values for A and B in the formula, the sample 
shall be regarded as composed of two parts:
    (1) The kind, type, or variety under consideration, and
    (2) All other components. Values for H and L shall be obtained from 
the last column of Table 1, Sec.  201.46, or by laboratory tests for 
inert matter, weed seeds, or other crop seeds where such values are not 
obtainable from Table 1. In computing tolerances for nonchaffy kinds the 
values for T1 are taken from column C of Table 3, and for chaffy kinds 
the values for T1 are taken from column D of Table 3.

[26 FR 10036, Oct. 26, 1961, as amended at 59 FR 64515, Dec. 14, 1994; 
65 FR 1709, Jan. 11, 2000; 85 FR 40583, July 7, 2020]

[[Page 382]]



Sec.  201.61  Fluorescence percentages in ryegrasses.

    Tolerances for 400-seed fluorescence tests shall be those set forth 
in the following table plus one-half the regular pure-seed tolerance 
determined in accordance with Sec.  201.60. When only 200 seeds of a 
component in a mixture are tested, an additional 2 percent shall be 
added to the fluorescence tolerance.

        Fluorescence Tolerance, Based on Test Fluorescence (TFL)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
100..............................................................
99...............................................................    1.0
98...............................................................    1.6
97...............................................................    2.0
96...............................................................    2.3
95...............................................................    2.6
94...............................................................    2.9
93...............................................................    3.2
92...............................................................    3.4
91...............................................................    3.6
90...............................................................    3.8
89...............................................................    4.0
88...............................................................    4.1
87...............................................................    4.3
86...............................................................    4.5
85...............................................................    4.7
84...............................................................    4.8
83...............................................................    4.9
82...............................................................    5.0
81...............................................................    5.2
80...............................................................    5.3
79...............................................................    5.4
78...............................................................    5.5
77...............................................................    5.6
76...............................................................    5.7
75...............................................................    5.8
74...............................................................    5.8
73...............................................................    5.9
72...............................................................    6.0
71...............................................................    6.1
70...............................................................    6.2
69...............................................................    6.2
68...............................................................    6.3
67...............................................................    6.3
66...............................................................    6.4
65...............................................................    6.5
64...............................................................    6.5
63...............................................................    6.5
62...............................................................    6.6
61...............................................................    6.6
60...............................................................    6.7
59...............................................................    6.7
58...............................................................    6.8
57...............................................................    6.8
56...............................................................    6.8
55...............................................................    6.8
54...............................................................    6.9
53...............................................................    6.9
52...............................................................    6.9
51...............................................................    6.9
50...............................................................    6.9
49...............................................................    6.9
48...............................................................    6.9
47...............................................................    6.9
46...............................................................    6.9
45...............................................................    6.9
44...............................................................    6.9
43...............................................................    6.9
42...............................................................    6.9
41...............................................................    6.9
40...............................................................    6.9
39...............................................................    6.8
38...............................................................    6.8
37...............................................................    6.8
36...............................................................    6.8
35...............................................................    6.7
34...............................................................    6.7
33...............................................................    6.7
32...............................................................    6.6
31...............................................................    6.6
30...............................................................    6.5
29...............................................................    6.5
28...............................................................    6.4
27...............................................................    6.4
26...............................................................    6.3
25...............................................................    6.2
24...............................................................    6.2
23...............................................................    6.1
22...............................................................    6.0
21...............................................................    5.9
20...............................................................    5.8
19...............................................................    5.7
18...............................................................    5.6
17...............................................................    5.5
16...............................................................    5.4
15...............................................................    5.3
14...............................................................    5.2
13...............................................................    5.0
12...............................................................    4.9
11...............................................................    4.7
10...............................................................    4.6
9................................................................    4.4
8................................................................    4.2
7................................................................    4.0
6................................................................    3.7
5................................................................    3.5
4................................................................    3.2
3................................................................    2.8
2................................................................    2.4
1................................................................    1.8
0................................................................    1.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[32 FR 12781, Sept. 6, 1967, as amended at 59 FR 64516, Dec. 14, 1994; 
85 FR 40583, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.62  Tests for determination of percentages of kind, variety, type, hybrid, or offtype.

    Tolerances for tests for determination of percentages of kind, 
variety, type, hybrid, or offtype shall be those set forth in the 
following table, added to one-half the required pure seed tol- erances 
determined in accordance with Sec.  201.60, except that one-half the 
pure seed tolerance will not be applied in determining tolerances for 
hybrids labeled on the basis of the percentage of pure seed which is 
hybrid.

[[Page 383]]



 Table 4--Tolerances for Purity Tests, When Results Are Based on 10 to 1,000 Seeds, Seedlings, or Plants Used in
                                                     a Test
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Number of seeds, seedlings, or plants in tests
   Seed, seedling, or plant count   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
              percent                  10     20     30     50     75    100    150    200    400    800   1,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
100 or 0...........................      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0      0
98 or 2............................   10.3    7.3    6.0    4.6    3.8    3.3    2.7    2.3    1.6    1.2    1.0
96 or 4............................   14.4   10.2    8.3    6.4    5.3    4.6    3.7    3.2    2.3    1.7    1.5
94 or 6............................   17.5   12.4   10.1    7.8    6.4    5.5    4.5    3.9    2.9    2.1    1.9
92 or 8............................   20.0   14.1   11.5    8.9    7.3    6.3    5.2    4.5    3.4    2.4    2.2
90 or 10...........................   22.1   15.7   12.8    9.9    8.1    7.0    5.7    4.9    3.8    2.8    2.4
88 or 12...........................   24.0   17.0   13.8   10.7    8.7    7.6    6.2    5.4    4.1    3.0    2.7
86 or 14...........................   25.7   18.1   14.7   11.4    9.3    8.1    6.6    5.7    4.5    3.2    2.9
84 or 16...........................   26.9   19.0   15.5   12.1    9.8    8.5    7.0    6.0    4.8    3.4    3.0
82 or 18...........................   28.2   20.0   16.4   12.6   10.3    8.9    7.3    6.3    5.0    3.6    3.2
80 or 20...........................   29.5   20.9   16.9   13.2   10.7    9.3    7.6    6.6    5.3    3.8    3.3
78 or 22...........................   30.5   21.6   17.6   13.6   11.0    9.6    7.9    6.8    5.5    3.9    3.5
76 or 24...........................   31.4   22.3   18.2   14.1   11.5    9.9    8.1    7.0    5.7    4.1    3.6
74 or 26...........................   32.3   22.8   18.6   14.4   11.8   10.2    8.3    7.2    5.8    4.2    3.7
72 or 28...........................   33.0   23.4   19.0   14.8   12.1   10.5    8.5    7.4    6.0    4.3    3.8
70 or 30...........................   33.7   23.8   19.5   15.1   12.3   10.7    8.7    7.5    6.2    4.4    3.9
68 or 32...........................   34.3   24.3   19.9   15.4   12.5   10.8    8.9    7.7    6.3    4.5    4.0
66 or 34...........................   35.0   24.7   20.2   15.7   12.7   11.0    9.0    7.8    6.4    4.6    4.0
64 or 36...........................   35.4   25.0   20.5   15.8   12.9   11.2    9.1    7.9    6.5    4.6    4.1
62 or 38...........................   35.5   25.4   20.6   15.9   13.0   11.3    9.2    8.0    6.6    4.7    4.2
60 or 40...........................   36.1   25.7   20.9   16.1   13.2   11.4    9.3    8.1    6.7    4.8    4.2
58 or 42...........................   36.2   25.7   21.0   16.2   13.3   11.5    9.4    8.1    6.8    4.8    4.2
56 or 44...........................   36.5   25.8   21.0   16.4   13.3   11.5    9.4    8.2    6.8    4.8    4.3
54 or 46...........................   36.8   25.8   21.2   16.4   13.4   11.6    9.5    8.2    6.9    4.9    4.3
52 or 48...........................   36.8   25.9   21.2   16.5   13.4   11.6    9.5    8.2    6.9    4.9    4.3
50.................................   36.8   25.9   21.3   16.5   13.4   11.6    9.5    8.2    6.9    4.9    4.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[32 FR 12781, Sept. 6, 1967, as amended at 33 FR 10841, July 31, 1968; 
35 FR 6108, Apr. 15, 1970; 59 FR 64516, Dec. 14, 1994]



Sec.  201.63  Germination.

    The following tolerances are applicable to the percentage of 
germination and also to the sum of the germination plus the hard seed 
when 400 or more seeds are tested.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Mean (See Sec.   201.59)                     Tolerance
------------------------------------------------------------------------
96 or over..................................................           5
90 or over but less than 96.................................           6
80 or over but less than 90.................................           7
70 or over but less than 80.................................           8
60 or over but less than 70.................................           9
Less than 60................................................          10
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    When only 200 seeds of a component in a mixture are tested 2 percent 
shall be added to the above germination tolerances.

[15 FR 2399, Apr. 28, 1950, as amended at 20 FR 7940, Oct. 21, 1955]



Sec.  201.64  Pure live seed.

    The tolerance for pure live seed shall be determined by applying the 
respective tolerances to the germination plus the hard seed and dormant 
seed, and the pure seed.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR07JY20.002


[85 FR 40583, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.65  Noxious-weed seeds in interstate commerce.

    Tolerances for rates of occurrence of noxious-weed seeds shall be 
recognized and shall be applied to the number of noxious-weed seeds 
found by analysis in the quantity of seed specified for noxious-weed 
seed determinations in Sec.  201.46, except as provided in Sec.  
201.16(b). Rates per pound or ounce must be converted to the equivalent 
number of

[[Page 384]]

seeds found in Sec.  201.46, Table 1, Minimum weight for noxious-weed 
seed examination (grams). Some tolerances are listed in the following 
table. The number found as represented by the label or test (Column X) 
will be considered within tolerance if not more than the corresponding 
numbers in Column Y are found by analysis in the administration of the 
Act. For numbers of seed greater than those in the table, a tolerance 
based on a degree of certainty of 5 percent (P = 0.05) can be calculated 
by the formula, Y = X + 1.65[radic]X + 0.03, where X is the number of 
seeds represented by the label or test and Y is the maximum number 
within tolerance.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Maximum number       Number       Maximum number       Number      Maximum number
 Number represented by label       within       represented by       within       represented by      within
           or test               tolerances     label or test      tolerances     label or test     tolerances
(X)                                      (Y)   (X)............             (Y)   (X)............             (Y)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0...........................               2   34.............              43   68.............              81
1...........................               2   35.............              44   69.............              82
2...........................               4   36.............              45   70.............              83
3...........................               5   37.............              46   71.............              84
4...........................               7   38.............              47   72.............              85
5...........................               8   39.............              49   73.............              86
6...........................               9   40.............              50   74.............              87
7...........................              11   41.............              51   75.............              89
8...........................              12   42.............              52   76.............              90
9...........................              13   43.............              53   77.............              91
10..........................              14   44.............              54   78.............              92
11..........................              16   45.............              55   79.............              93
12..........................              17   46.............              56   80.............              94
13..........................              18   47.............              58   81.............              95
14..........................              19   48.............              59   82.............              96
15..........................              21   49.............              60   83.............              97
16..........................              22   50.............              61   84.............              98
17..........................              23   51.............              62   85.............              99
18..........................              24   52.............              63   86.............             101
19..........................              25   53.............              64   87.............             102
20..........................              27   54.............              65   88.............             103
21..........................              28   55.............              67   89.............             104
22..........................              29   56.............              68   90.............             105
23..........................              30   57.............              69   91.............             106
24..........................              31   58.............              70   92.............             107
25..........................              32   59.............              71   93.............             108
26..........................              34   60.............              72   94.............             109
27..........................              35   61.............              73   95.............             110
28..........................              36   62.............              74   96.............             111
29..........................              37   63.............              75   97.............             112
30..........................              38   64.............              76   98.............             114
31..........................              39   65.............              78   99.............             115
32..........................              41   66.............              79   100............             116
33..........................              42   67.............              80
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[76 FR 31794, June 2, 2011]



Sec.  201.66  [Reserved]

                             Certified Seed



Sec.  201.67  Seed certifying agency standards and procedures.

    In order to qualify as a seed certifying agency for purposes of 
section 101(a)(25) of the Federal Seed Act (7 U.S.C. 1551(a)(25)) an 
agency must enforce standards and procedures, as conditions for its 
certification of seed, that meet or exceed the standards and procedures 
specified in Sec.  201.68 through 201.78.

[38 FR 25662, Sept. 14, 1973]



Sec.  201.68  Eligibility requirements for certification of varieties.

    When a seed originator, developer, owner of the variety, or agent 
thereof requests eligibility for certification, the certification agency 
shall require the person to provide the following information upon 
request:
    (a) The name of the variety.

[[Page 385]]

    (b) A statement concerning the variety's origin and the breeding or 
reproductive stabilization procedures used in its development.
    (c) A detailed description of the morphological, physiological, and 
other characteristics of the plants and seed that distinguish it from 
other varieties.
    (d) Evidence supporting the identity of the variety, such as 
comparative yield data, insect and disease resistance, or other factors 
supporting the identity of the variety.
    (e) A statement delineating the geographic area or areas of 
adaptation of the variety.
    (f) A statement on the plans and procedures for the maintenance of 
seed classes, including the number of generations through which the 
variety may be multiplied.
    (g) A description of the manner in which the variety is constituted 
when a particular cycle of reproduction or multiplication is specified.
    (h) Any additional restrictions on the variety, specified by the 
breeder, with respect to geographic area of seed production, age of 
stand or other factors affecting genetic purity.
    (i) A sample of seed representative of the variety as marketed.

[38 FR 25662, Sept. 14, 1973, as amended at 85 FR 40583, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.69  Classes of certified seed.

    (a) Classes of certified seed are as follows:
    (1) Breeder.
    (2) Foundation.
    (3) Registered.
    (4) Certified.

[38 FR 25662, Sept. 14, 1973]



Sec.  201.70  Limitations of generations for certified seed.

    The number of generations through which a variety may be multiplied 
shall be limited to that specified by the originating breeder or owner 
and shall not exceed two generations beyond the Foundation seed class 
with the following exceptions which may be made with the permission of 
the originating or sponsoring plant breeder, institution, or his 
designee:
    (a) Recertification of the Certified class may be permitted when no 
Foundation or Registered seed is being maintained; or
    (b) The production of an additional generation of the Certified 
class may be permitted on a 1-year basis only, when an emergency is 
declared by any official seed certifying agency stating that the 
Foundation and Registered seed supplies are not adequate to plant the 
needed Certified acreage of the variety. The additional generation of 
Certified seed to meet the emergency need is ineligible for 
recertification.

[38 FR 25662, Sept. 14, 1973; 38 FR 26800, Sept. 26, 1973, as amended at 
46 FR 53639, Oct. 29, 1981; 86 FR 40853, July 7, 2020]



Sec.  201.71  Establishing the source of all classes of certified seed.

    The certifying agency shall have evidence of the class and source of 
seed used to plant each crop being considered for certification.

[38 FR 25662, Sept. 14, 1973]



Sec.  201.72  Production of all classes of certified seed.

    (a) Each certifying agency shall determine that genetic purity and 
identity are maintained at all stages of certification including 
seeding, harvesting, processing, and labeling of the seed.
    (b) The unit of certification shall be a clearly defined field or 
fields.
    (c) One or more field inspections shall be made (1) previous to the 
time a seed crop of any class of certified seed is to be harvested, and 
(2) when genetic purity and identity can best be determined. The field 
shall be in suitable condition to permit an adequate inspection to 
determine genetic purity and identity.
    (d) A certification sample shall be drawn in a manner approved by 
the certifying agency from each cleaned lot of seed eligible for 
certification. Evidence that any lot of seed has not been protected from 
contamination which might affect genetic purity, or is not properly 
identified, shall be cause for possible rejection of certification.

[38 FR 25662, Sept. 14, 1973]

[[Page 386]]



Sec.  201.73  Processors and processing of all classes of certified seed.

    The following requirements must be met by processors of all classes 
of certified seed:
    (a) Facilities shall be available to perform processing without 
introducing admixtures.
    (b) Identity of the seed must be maintained at all times.
    (c) Records of all operations relating to certification shall be 
complete and adequate to account for all incoming seed and final 
disposition of seed.
    (d) Processors shall permit inspection by the certifying agency of 
all records pertaining to all classes of certified seed.
    (e) Processors shall designate an individual who shall be 
responsible to the certifying agency for performing such duties as may 
be required by the certifying agency.
    (f) Seed lots of the same variety and class may be blended and the 
class retained. If lots of different classes are blended, the lowest 
class shall be applied to the resultant blend. Such blending can only be 
done when authorized by the certifying agency.

[38 FR 25662, Sept. 14, 1973]



Sec.  201.74  Labeling of all classes of certified seed.

    (a) All classes of certified seed when offered for sale shall have 
an official certification label affixed to each container clearly 
identifying the certifying agency, the lot number or other 
identification, the variety name, and the kind and class of seed.
    (b) In the case of seed sold in bulk, the invoice or accompanying 
document shall identify the certifying agency, the crop kind, variety, 
class of seed, and the lot number or other identification.
    (c) The official certification label may be printed directly on the 
container when an accounting of the containers is required by the 
certifying agency. The seed lot number or other identification number, 
the kind, and variety name shall appear on the official label and/or 
directly on the container in a position to be viewed in conjunction with 
the official certification label.
    (d) Labels other than those printed on the containers shall be 
attached to containers in a manner that prevents removal and 
reattachment without tampering being obvious.

[38 FR 25662, Sept. 14, 1973, as amended at 46 FR 53639, Oct. 29, 1981; 
65 FR 1709, Jan. 11, 2000; 76 FR 31795, June 2, 2011; 85 FR 40583, July 
7, 2020]



Sec.  201.75  Interagency certification.

    Interagency certification may be accomplished by participation of 
more than one official certifying agency in performing the services 
required to certify a lot of seed.
    (a) The certifying agency issuing labels for all classes of 
certified seed shall require the seed on which the labels are used to 
meet standards at least equal to the minimum genetic standards for the 
seed in question as specified in Table 5 of this part.
    (b) Seed to be recognized for interagency certification must be 
received in containers carrying official certification labels, or if 
shipped for processing, evidence of its eligibility from another 
official certifying agency, together with the following information:
    (1) Variety and kind;
    (2) Quantity of seed (pounds or bushels);
    (3) Class of certified seed;
    (4) Inspection or lot number traceable to the previous certifying 
agency's records.
    (c) Each label used in interagency certification shall be serially 
numbered or carry the certification identity number and clearly identify 
the certifying agencies involved, the variety, and the kind and class of 
seed. The seed lot number or other identification number, the kind, and 
variety name shall appear on the official label and/or directly on the 
container in a position to be viewed in conjunction with the official 
certification label.

[38 FR 25662, Sept. 14, 1973; 38 FR 26800, Sept. 26, 1973, as amended at 
65 FR 1710, Jan. 11, 2000; 76 FR 31795, June 2, 2011; 85 FR 40583, July 
7, 2020]



Sec.  201.76  Minimum Land, Isolation, Field, and Seed Standards.

    In the following Table 5 the figures in the ``Land'' column indicate 
the number of years that must elapse between

[[Page 387]]

the destruction of a stand of a kind and establishment of a stand of a 
specified class of a variety of the same kind. A certification agency 
may grant a variance in the land cropping history in specific 
circumstances where cultural practices have been proven adequate to 
maintain genetic purity. The figures in ``Isolation'' column indicate 
the distance in feet from any contaminating source. The figures in the 
``Field'' column indicate the minimum number of plants or heads in which 
one plant or head of another variety is permitted. The figure in the 
``Seed'' column indicate the maximum percentage of seed of other 
varieties or off-types permitted in the cleaned seed.

[[Page 388]]



                                                                                             Table 5
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Foundation                                       Registered                                     Certified
                      Crop                       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Land      Isolation        Field        Seed      Land    Isolation       Field        Seed      Land    Isolation       Field        Seed
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alfalfa:
    Non hybrid..................................     \1\4     \44 48\ 600         1,000      0.1      \1\ 3     \3\ \44\           400      0.25   \1 2\ 1  \44 49\ 165           100      1.0
                                                           (\59\ 182.88m)                                       \48\ 300                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                   (\59\                                        50.29m)
                                                                                                                 91.44m)
    Hybrid......................................    \1\ 4      \43\ 1,320    \42\ 1,000      0.1    .......  ...........  ............  .........  \1 2\ 1     \3\ \43\      \42\ 100      1.0
                                                           (\59\ 402.34m)                                                                                      \44\ 165
                                                                                                                                                                  (\59\
                                                                                                                                                                50.29m)
Barley:
    Non hybrid..................................    \7\ 1          \23\ 0         3,000      0.05     \7\ 1       \23\ 0         2,000      0.1      \7\ 1       \23\ 0         1,000      0.2
    Hybrid......................................   \30\ 1     \21 32\ 660         3,000      0.05    \30\ 1  \21 32\ 660         2,000      0.1     \30\ 1  \21 32\ 330         1,000  \55\ 0.2
                                                           (\59\ 201.17m)                                          (\59\                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                201.17m)                                       100.59m)
    Hybrid (Chemically assisted)................  .......  ..............  ............  .........  .......  ...........  ............  .........   \57\ 0  \52 53\ 330    \54\ 1,000      0.2
                                                                                                                                                                  (\59\
                                                                                                                                                               100.59m)
Bean:
    Field and garden............................    \7\ 1          \23\ 0         2,000      0.05     \7\ 1       \23\ 0         1,000      0.1      \7\ 1       \23\ 0           400      0.2
    Mung........................................    \7\ 1          \23\ 0         1,000      0.1      \7\ 1       \23\ 0           500      0.2      \7\ 1       \23\ 0           200      0.5
Broad bean......................................    \7\ 1          \23\ 0         2,000      0.05     \7\ 1       \23\ 0         1,000      0.1      \7\ 1       \23\ 0           500      0.2
Buckwheat.......................................    \7\ 1             660         3,000      0.05     \7\ 1          660         2,000      0.1      \7\ 1          660         1,000      0.2
                                                           (\59\ 201.17m)                                          (\59\                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                201.17m)                                       201.17m)
Camelina........................................    \8\ 1   \61\ 50 (\59\         5,000      0.1      \8\ 1      \61\ 50         2,000      0.2      \8\ 1      \61\ 50         1,000      0.3
                                                                  15.24m)                                          (\59\                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                 15.24m)                                        15.24m)
Chickpea........................................    \7\ 1          \23\ 0        10,000      0.1      \7\ 1       \23\ 0         2,000      0.2      \7\ 1       \23\ 0         1,000      0.2
Clover all kinds................................  \1 9\ 5   \5\ \18\ \44\         1,000      0.1    \1 9\ 3     \5\ \18\           400      0.25   \1 9\ 2  \18 44\ 165           100      1.0
                                                                      600                                       \44\ 300                                          (\59\
                                                           (\59\ 182.88m)                                          (\59\                                         50.29)
                                                                                                                 91.44m)
Corn:
    Foundation back cross.......................        0     \10 11\ 660       \13 46\  \15\ 0.1
                                                           (\59\ 201.17m)         1,000
    Inbred......................................        0      \10 11\660       \13 46\  \15\ 0.1
                                                           (\59\ 201.17m)         1,000
    Foundation single cross.....................        0     \10 11\ 660       \13 46\  \15\ 0.1
                                                           (\59\ 201.17m)         1,000
    Hybrid......................................  .......  ..............  ............  .........  .......  ...........  ............  .........        0  \11 12\ 660         1,000      0.5
                                                                                                                                                                  (\59\
                                                                                                                                                               201.17m)
    Open-pollinated.............................  .......  ..............  ............  .........  .......  ...........  ............  .........        0  \11 12\ 660           200      0.5
                                                                                                                                                                  (\59\
                                                                                                                                                               201.17m)
    Sweet.......................................  .......  ..............  ............  .........  .......  ...........  ............  .........        0  \11 14\ 600  ............      0.5
                                                                                                                                                                  (\59\
                                                                                                                                                               201.17m)
Cotton..........................................        0          \19\ 0        10,000      0.03         0       \19\ 0         5,000      0.05         0       \19\ 0         1,000      0.1
    Hybrid (Chemically assisted)................        0           \19\0        10,000      0.03   .......  ...........  ............  .........        0        2,640         1,320      0.1
                                                                                                                                                                  (\59\
                                                                                                                                                               804.66m)
Cowpea..........................................    \7\ 1          \23\ 0         2,000      0.1      \7\ 1       \23\ 0         1,000      0.2      \7\ 1       \23\ 0           500      0.5

[[Page 389]]

 
Crambe..........................................    \7\ 1             660         2,000      0.05     \7\ 1     \24\ 660         1,000      0.1      \7\ 1     \24\ 660           500      0.25
                                                           (\59\ 201.17m)                                          (\59\                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                201.17m)                                       201.17m)
Crownvetch......................................    \1\ 5      \5 44\ 600         1,000      0.1      \1\ 3   \5 44\ 300           400      0.25     \1\ 2   \6 44\ 165           100      1.0
                                                           (\59\ 182.88m)                                          (\59\                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                 91.44m)                                         50.29)
Flatpea.........................................    \1\ 4      \5 44\ 600         1,000      0.1      \1\ 3      \3\ \5\           400      0.25   \1 2\ 1   \3 44\ 165           100      1.0
                                                           (\59\ 182.88m)                                       \44\ 300                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                   (\59\                                        50.29m)
                                                                                                                 91.44m)
Flax............................................    \7\ 1          \23\ 0         5,000      0.05     \7\ 1       \23\ 0         2,000      0.1      \7\ 1       \23\ 0         1,000      0.2
Grasses:
    Cross-pollinated............................   \57\ 5   \4\ \18\ \20\         1,000      0.1        \8\     \4\ \18\           100      1.0        \8\     \4\ \18\            50  \47 50\
                                                                      900                            \57\ 1     \20\ 300                            \57\ 1    \20\ \58\                    2.0
                                                           (\59\ 274.32m)                                          (\59\                                            165
                                                                                                                 91.44m)                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                                                                 50.29)
    Strains at least 80 percent apomictic and      \57\ 5   \4\ \18\ \20\         1,000      0.1        \8\     \4\ \18\           100      1.0        \9\     \4\ \18\            50  \16\ 2.0
     highly self-fertile species................                       60                            \57\ 1      \20\ 30                            \57\ 1    \20\ \58\
                                                                                                                                                                     15
                                                  .......   (\59\ 18.29m)  ............  .........  .......        (\59\  ............  .........  .......        (\59\
                                                                                                                  9.14m)                                         4.57m)
Hemp............................................     \63\            \63\          \63\   \63\         \63\         \63\          \63\   \63\         \63\         \63\          \63\   \63\
Lespedeza.......................................    \1\ 5          \4\ 10         1,000      0.1      \1\ 3       \4\ 10           400      0.25     \1\ 2       \4\ 10           100      1.0
                                                             (\59\ 3.05m)                                          (\59\                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                  3.05m)                                         3.05m)
Millet:
    Cross-pollinated............................    \8\ 1      \40\ 1,320   \27\ 20,000      0.005    \8\ 1   \40\ 1,320   \27\ 10,000      0.01     \8\ 1     \40\ 660    \27\ 5,000      0.02
                                                           (\59\ 402.34m)                                          (\59\                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                402.34m)                                       201.17m)
    Self-pollinated.............................    \8\ 1          \23\ 0         3,000      0.05     \8\ 1       \23\ 0         2,000      0.1      \8\ 1       \23\ 0         1,000      0.2
Mustard.........................................        4           1,320         2,000      0.05   .......  ...........  ............  .........        2     \24\ 660           500      0.25
                                                           (\59\ 402.34m)                                                                                         (\59\
                                                                                                                                                               201.17m)
Oat.............................................    \7\ 1          \23\ 0         3,000      0.2      \7\ 1       \23\ 0         2,000      0.3      \7\ 1       \23\ 0         1,000      0.5
Okra............................................    \7\ 1           1,320        \27\ 0      0.0      \7\ 1        1,320    \27\ 2,500      0.5      \7\ 1          825    \27\ 1,250      1.0
                                                           (\59\ 402.34m)                                          (\59\                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                402.34m)                                       251.46m)
Onion...........................................    \7\ 1           5,280      \22\ 200      0.0      \7\ 1        2,640      \22\ 200  \22\ 0.5     \7\ 1        1,320      \22\ 200  \22\ 1.0
                                                                    (\59\                                          (\59\                                          (\59\
                                                               1,609.36m)                                       804.66m)                                       402.34m)
Pea, field......................................    \7\ 1          \23\ 0         2,000      0.05     \7\ 1       \23\ 0         1,000      0.1      \7\ 1       \23\ 0           500      0.2
Peanut..........................................    \7\ 1          \23\ 0         1,000      0.1      \7\ 1       \23\ 0           500      0.2      \7\ 1       \23\ 0           200      0.5
Pepper..........................................    \7\ 1        \25\ 200             0      0.0      \7\ 1     \25\ 100           300      0.5      \7\ 1      \25\ 30           150      1.0
                                                            (\59\ 60.96m)                                          (\59\                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                 30.48m)                                         9.14m)
Radish..........................................   \60\ 5     1,320 (\59\             0      0.05    \60\ 5  1,320 (\59\         1,000      0.1     \60\ 5    660 (\59\           500      0.25
                                                                 402.34m)                                       402.34m)                                       201.17m)
Rape:
    Cross-pollinated............................        4      \24\ 1,320         2,000      0.05   .......  ...........  ............  .........        2     \24\ 330           500      0.25
                                                           (\59\ 402.34m)                                                                                         (\59\
                                                                                                                                                               100.59m)
    Self-pollinated.............................        4        \24\ 660         2,000      0.05   .......  ...........  ............  .........        2     \24\ 330           500      0.25
                                                           (\59\ 201.17m)                                                                                         (\59\
                                                                                                                                                               100.59m)
Rice............................................    \7\ 1         \39\ 10        10,000      0.05     \7\ 1      \39\ 10         5,000      0.1      \7\ 1      \39\ 10         1,000      0.2
                                                             (\59\ 3.05m)                                          (\59\                                    (\59\ 3.05)
                                                                                                                  3.05m)
Rye.............................................    \7\ 1        \18\ 660         3,000      0.05     \7\ 1     \18\ 660         2,000      0.1      \7\ 1     \18\ 660         1,000      0.2
                                                           (\59\ 201.17m)                                          (\59\                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                201.17m)                                       201.17m)
Safflower.......................................    \7\ 2           1,320        10,000      0.01     \7\ 2        1,320         2,000      0.05     \7\ 2        1,320         1,000      0.1
                                                           (\59\ 402.34m)                                          (\59\                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                402.34m)                                       402.34m)
Sainfoin........................................    \1\ 5      \5 44\ 600         1,000      0.1      \1\ 3   \5 44\ 300           400      0.25     \1\ 2   \6 44\ 165           100      1.0
                                                           (\59\ 182.88m)                                          (\59\                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                 91.44m)                                        50.29m)

[[Page 390]]

 
Sorghum:
    Nonhybrid...................................    \7\ 1             900   \27\ 50,000      0.005    \7\ 1          990   \27\ 35,000      0.01     \7\ 1     \29\ 660   \27\ 20,000      0.05
                                                           (\59\ 301.76m)                                          (\59\                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                301.76m)                                       201.17m)
    Hybrid seedstock............................    \7\ 1             990   \27\ 50,000      0.005
                                                           (\59\ 301.76m)
    Commercial hybrid...........................  .......  ..............  ............  .........  .......  ...........  ............  .........    \7\ 1    \21\ \29\   \27\ 20,000      0.1
                                                                                                                                                               \31\ 660
                                                                                                                                                                  (\59\
                                                                                                                                                               201.17m)
Soybean.........................................   \23\ 1          \23\ 0         1,000      0.1     \33\ 1       \23\ 0           500      0.2     \33\ 1       \23\ 0           200      0.5
Sunflower:
    Nonhybrid...................................        1       \41\ \45\           200      0.02         1    \41\ \45\           200      0.02         1    \41\ \45\           200  \34\ 0.1
                                                                    2,640                                          2,640                                          2,640
                                                           (\59\ 804.66m)                                          (\59\                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                804.66m)                                       804.66m)
    Hybrid......................................        1       \41\ \45\      \35\ 250  \56\ 0.02  .......  ...........  ............  .........        1    \41\ \45\      \35\ 250  \34 56\
                                                                    2,640                                                                                         2,640                    0.1
                                                           (\59\ 804.66m)                                                                                         (\59\
                                                                                                                                                               804.66m)
Sunn hemp.......................................    \7\ 1     1,320 (\59\    \62\ 5,000      0.1      \7\ 1    660 (\59\    \62\ 1,000      0.25     \7\ 1    330 (\59\      \62\ 500      0.5
                                                                 402.34m)                                       201.17m)                                       100.58m)
Tomato..........................................    \7\ 1        \25\ 200             0      0        \7\ 1     \25\ 100           300      0.5      \7\ 1      \25\ 30           150      1.0
                                                            (\59\ 60.96m)                                          (\59\                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                 30.48m)                                         9.14m)
Tobacco:
    Nonhybrid...................................   \36\ 0        \37\ 150             0      0.01    \36\ 0     \37\ 150             0      0.01    \36\ 0     \37\ 150             0      0.01
                                                            (\59\ 45.72m)                                          (\59\                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                 45.72m)                                        45.72m)
    Hybrid......................................  .......  ..............  ............  .........  .......  ...........  ............  .........   \36\ 0     \38\ 150             0      0.01
                                                                                                                                                                  (\59\
                                                                                                                                                                45.72m)
Trefoil, birdsfoot..............................    \1\ 5      \5 44\ 600         1,000      0.1      \1\ 3   \5 44\ 300           400      0.25     \1\ 2   \6 44\ 165           100      1.0
                                                           (\59\ 182.88m)                                          (\59\                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                 91.44m)                                        50.29m)
Triticale.......................................    \7\ 1          \23\ 0         3,000      0.05     \7\ 1       \23\ 0         2,000      0.1      \7\ 1       \23\ 0         1,000      0.2
Vetch...........................................  \1 7\ 5      \17 44\ 10         1,000      0.1    \1 7\ 3   \17 44\ 10           400      0.25   \1 7\ 2   \17 44\ 10           100      1.0
                                                             (\59\ 3.05m)                                          (\59\                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                  3.05m)                                         3.05m)
Vetch, milk.....................................    \1\ 5      \5 44\ 600         2,000      0.05     \1\ 3   \5 44\ 300         1,000      0.1      \1\ 2     \44\ 165           200      0.5
                                                           (\59\ 182.88m)                                          (\59\                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                 91.44m)                                        50.29m)
Watermelon......................................    \7\ 1      \26\ 2,640        \28\ 0      0        \7\ 1   \26\ 2,640        \28\ 0      0.5      \7\ 1   \26\ 1,320      \28\ 500      1.0
                                                           (\59\ 804.66m)                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                402.34m)
Wheat:
    Nonhybrid...................................    \7\ 1          \23\ 0         3,000      0.05     \7\ 1       \23\ 0         2,000      0.1      \7\ 1       \23\ 0         1,000      0.2
    Hybrid......................................   \30\ 1     \21 32\ 660         3,000      0.05    \30\ 1  \21 32\ 660         2,000      0.1     \30\ 1  \21 32\ 330         1,000      0.2
                                                           (\59\ 201.17m)                                          (\59\                                          (\59\
                                                                                                                201.17m)                                       100.59m)
    Hybrid (Chemically assisted)................  .......  ..............  ............  .........  .......  ...........  ............  .........   \51\ 0  \52 53\ 330    \54\ 1,000  \55\ 0.2
                                                                                                                                                                  (\59\
                                                                                                                                                               100.58m)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The land must be free of volunteer plants of the crop kind during the year immediately prior to establishment and no manure or other contaminating material shall be applied the year
  previous to seeding or during the establishment and productive life of the stand.
\2\ At least 2 years must elapse between destruction of indistinguishable varieties or varieties of dissimilar adaptation and establishment of the stand for the production of the Certified
  class of seed.
\3\ Isolation distance for certified seed production shall be at least 500 feet (152.07m) from varieties of dissimilar adaptation.
\4\ Isolation between classes of the same variety may be reduced to 25 percent of the distance otherwise required.

[[Page 391]]

 
\5\ This distance applies when fields are 5 acres (2ha) or larger in area. For smaller fields, the distances are 900 feet (274.32m) and 450 feet (137.16m) for the Foundation and Registered
  classes, respectively.
\6\ Fields of less than 5 acres (2ha) require 330 feet (100.59m).
\7\ Requirement is waived if the previous crop was grown from certified seed of the same variety.
\8\ Requirement is waived if the previous crop was of the same variety and of a certified class equal or superior to that of the crop seeded.
\9\ Reseeding varieties of crimson clover may be allowed to volunteer back year after year on the same ground. If a new variety is being planted where another variety once grew, the field
  history requirements apply.
\10\ No isolation is required for the production of hand-pollinated seed.
\11\ When the contaminant is the same color and texture, the isolation distance may be modified by (1) adequate natural barriers or (2) differential maturity dates, provided there are no
  receptive silks in the seed parent at the time the contaminant is shedding pollen. In addition, dent sterile popcorn requires no isolation from dent corn.
\12\ Where the contaminating source is corn of the same color and texture as that of the field inspected or white endosperm-corn optically sorted, the isolation distance is 410 feet (124.97m)
  and may be modified by the planting of pollen parent border rows according to the following table:


[[Page 392]]


------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Minimum Numbers of Border Rows Required
                                ----------------------------------------
     Minimum distance from                              Field size, 20
          contaminant             Field size, up to     acres (8ha) or
                                    20 acres (8ha)           more
------------------------------------------------------------------------
410 (124.97m)..................  0..................  0
370 (112.78m)..................  2 (0.8ha)..........  1 (0.4ha)
330 (100.59m)..................  4 (1.6ha)..........  2 (0.8ha)
290 (88.39m)...................  6 (2.4ha)..........  3 (1.2ha)
245 (74.68m)...................  8 (3.2ha)..........  4 (1.6ha)
205 (62.48m)...................  10 (4.0ha).........  5 (2.0ha)
165 (50.29m)...................  12 (4.8ha).........  6 (2.4ha)
125 (38.10m)...................  14 (5.6ha).........  7 (2.8ha)
85 (25.91m)....................  16 (6.4ha).........  8 (3.2ha)
0..............................  Not permitted......  10 (4.0ha)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\13\ Refers to off-type plants in the pollen parent that have shed
  pollen or to the off-type plants in the see parent at the time of the
  last inspection.
\14\ The required minimum isolation distance for sweet corn is 660 feet
  (201.17m) from the contaminating source, plus four border rows when
  the field to be inspected is 10 acres (4.0ha) or less in size. This
  distance may be decreased by 15 feet (4.57m) for each increment of 4
  acres (1.6ha) in the size of the field to a maximum of 40 acres (16ha)
  and further decreased 40 feet (12.19m) for each additional border row
  to a maximum of 16 rows. These border rows are for pollen-shedding
  purposes only.
\15\ Refers to off-type ears. Ears with off-colored or different
  textured kernels are limited to 0.5 percent, or a total of 25 off-
  colored or different textured kernels per 1,000 ears.
\16\ The Merion variety of Kentucky bluegrass is allowed 3 percent.
\17\ All cross-pollinating varieties must be 400 feet (121.92m) from any
  contaminating source.
\18\ Isolation between diploids and tetraploids shall be at least 15
  feet (4.57m).
\19\ Minimum isolation shall be at least 100 feet (30.48m) if the cotton
  plants in the contaminating source differ by easily observable
  morphological characteristics from the field to be inspected.
  Isolation distance between upland and Egyptian types shall be at least
  1,320 feet (402.34m), 1,320 feet (402.34m), and 660 feet (182.88m) for
  Foundation, Registered, and Certified classes, respectively.
\20\ These distances apply when there is no border removal. Border
  removal applies only to fields of 5 acres (2ha) or more. Removal of a
  9-foot (2.7m) border (after flowering) decreases the required distance
  for Foundation, Registered, and Certified seed classes to 600 feet
  (182.88m), 225 feet (68.58m), and 100 feet (30.48m), respectively, for
  cross-pollinated species, and to 30 feet (9.14m), 15 feet (4.57m), and
  15 feet (4.57m), respectively, for apomictic and self-pollinated
  species. Removal of a 15 foot (4.57m) border (after flowering) allows
  a further decrease to 450 feet (136.16m), 150 feet (45.72m), and 75
  feet (22.86m), respectively, for cross-pollinated species.
\21\ Isolation distances between 2 fields of the same kind may be
  reduced to a distance adequate to prevent mechanical mixture, if the
  sum of percentages of plants in bloom in both fields does not exceed 5
  percent at a time when more than 1 percent of the plants in either
  field are in bloom.
\22\ Refers to bulbs.
\23\ Distance adequate to prevent mechanical mixture is necessary.
\24\ Required isolation between classes of the same variety is 10 feet
  (3.05m).
\25\ The minimum distance may be reduced by 50 percent if different
  classes of the same variety are involved.
\26\ The minimum distance may be reduced by 50 percent if the field is
  adequately protected by natural or artificial barriers.
\27\ These ratios are for definite other varieties. The ratios for
  doubtful other varieties are:


------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Foundation   Registered   Certified
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Millet...........................     1:10,000      1:5,000      1:2,500
Sorghum:.........................
  Nonhybrid......................     1:20,000     1:10,000      1:1,000
  Hybrid.........................     1:20,000           NA      1:1,000
Okra.............................         None        1:750        1:500
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\28\ Whiteheart fruits may not exceed 1 per 100, 40, and 20 for
  Foundation, Registered, and Certified classes, respectively. Citron or
  hard rind is not permitted in Foundation or Registered classes and may
  not exceed 1 per 1,000 fruits in the Certified class.
\29\ This distance applies if the contaminating source does not
  genetically differ in height from the pollinator parent or has a
  different chromosome number. If the contaminating source does
  (genetically) differ and has the same chromosome number the distance
  shall be 990 feet (301.76m). The minimum isolation from grass sorghum
  or broomcorn with the same chromosome number shall be 1,320 feet
  (402.34m).
\30\ Requirement is waived for the production of pollinator lines if the
  previous crop was grown from a certified class of seed of the same
  variety. Sterile lines and crossing blocks must be on land free of
  contaminating plants.
\31\ If the contaminating source is similar to the hybrid in all
  important characteristics, the isolation may be reduced by 66 feet
  (20.12m) for each pair of border rows of the pollinator parent down to
  a minimum of 330 feet (100.59m). These rows must be located directly
  opposite or diagonally to the contaminating source. The pollinator
  border rows must be shedding pollen during the entire time 5 percent
  or more of the seed parent flowers are receptive.
\32\ An unplanted strip at least 2 feet (0.61m) in width shall separate
  male sterile plants and pollinator plants in inter-planted blocks.
\33\ Unless the preceding crop was another kind or unless the preceding
  soybean crop was planted with a class of certified seed of the same
  variety, or unless the preceding soybean crop and the variety being
  planted have an identifiable character difference, in which case, no
  time need elapse.
\34\ May include not more than 0.04 percent purple or white seeds.
\35\ Standards apply equally to seed parents and pollen parents which
  may include up to 1:1,000 plants each of the wild-type branching,
  purple, or white-seeded plants.
\36\ A new plant bed must be used each year unless the bed is properly
  treated with a soil sterilant prior to seeding.
\37\ This distance is applied between varieties of the same type and may
  be waived if four border rows of each variety are allowed to bloom and
  set seed between the two varieties but are not harvested for seed.
  Isolation between varieties of different types shall be 1,320 feet
  (402.34m) except if protected by bagging or by topping all plants in
  the contaminating source before bloom.

[[Page 393]]

 
\38\ When male sterile and male fertile plants of the same type are
  planted adjacent in a field, this requirement may be waived; provided,
  four border rows of male sterile plants are allowed to bloom and set
  seeds. The seed from these border rows shall not be harvested as part
  of the certified lot of seed produced by the male sterile plants. When
  plants are of different types, the distance shall be 1,320 feet
  (402.34m) except if protected by bagging or by topping all plants in
  the contaminating source before bloom.
\39\ Isolation between varieties or non-certified fields of the same
  variety shall be 100 feet (30.48m) if aerial seeded and 50 feet
  (15.24m) if ground broadcast, and 10 feet (3.05m) is ground drilled.
\40\ Isolation between millets of different genera shall be 6 feet
  (1.83m).
\41\ Does not apply to Helianthus similes, H. ludens, or H. agrestis.
\42\ The ratio of male sterile (A) strains and pollen (B or C) strains
  shall not exceed 2:1.
\43\ Parent lines (A and B) in a crossing block, or seed and pollen
  lines in a hybrid seed production field, shall be separated by at
  least 6 feet (1.83m) and shall be managed and harvested in a manner to
  prevent mixing.
\44\ Distance between fields of certified classes of the same variety
  may be reduced to 10 feet (3.05m) regardless of the class or size of
  the fields.
\45\ An isolation distance of 5,280 feet (1609.36m) is required between
  oil and non-oil sunflower types and between either type and other
  volunteers or wild types.
\46\ Detasseling, cutting, or pulling of the cytoplasmic male-sterile
  seed parent is permitted.
\47\ All varieties of perennial ryegrass seed are allowed 3.0 percent.
\48\ This distance applies for fields over 5 acres (2ha). For alfalfa
  fields of 5 acres (2ha) or less that produce the Foundation and
  Registered seed classes, the minimum distance from a different variety
  or a field of the same variety that does not meet the varietal purity
  requirements for certification shall be 900 feet (274.32m) and 450
  feet (137.16m), respectively.
\49\ There must be at least 10 feet (3.05m) or a distance adequate to
  prevent mechanical mixture between a field of another variety (or non-
  certified area within the same field) and the area being certified.
  The 165 feet (50.29m) isolation requirement is waived if the area of
  the ``isolation zone'' is less than 10 percent of the field eligible
  for the Certified class. The ``isolation zone'' is that area
  calculated by multiplying the length of the common border(s) with
  other varieties of alfalfa by the average width of the field (being
  certified) falling within the 165 feet (50.29m) isolation. Areas
  within the isolation zone nearest the contamination source shall not
  be certified.
\50\ Seed of Critana thickspike wheatgrass may contain up to 30 percent
  slender wheatgrass types.
\51\ Crossing blocks must be planted on land free of volunteer
  contaminating plants.
\52\ This distance applies to the seed parent when the contaminating
  source is wheat of another market class. If the contaminating source
  is the same market class as the seed parent, the distance may be
  modified by the planting of pollen parent border according to the
  following table:


------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Minimum distance from contaminant         Pollen (parent border)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Feet                   Meters        Feet        Meters
------------------------------------------------------------------------
330..............................       100.59            0            0
275..............................        83.82           15         4.57
215..............................        65.53           25         7.62
160..............................        48.77           35        10.67
100..............................        30.48           50       15.24
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\53\ Interplanted blocks of seed parent and pollinator shall be
  separated by an unplanted strip a minimum of one foot (0.31m) in width
  and be clearly identifiable.
\54\ If Foundation or Registered the ratio shall be 1:3000 (Foundation)
  and 1:2000 (Registered).
\55\ Does not include seed of the female parent.
\56\ Pre-Control Test Standards: If field inspection shows one or more
  of the following, the applicant may request that seed certification be
  based on the results of a pre-certification grow-out test approved by
  the certification agency: a. inadequate isolation; b. too few male
  parent plants shedding pollen when female plants are receptive; c.
  excess off-types not to include wild types. In such cases, at least
  2,000 plants must be observed and meet the following standards before
  seed can be certified from fields with problems listed above:


[For non-oil types, seed which contains not more than 15 percent sterile
  plants may be certified. If it contains 85 percent-95 percent hybrid
  plants, the percentage of hybrid shall be shown on the certification
                                 label]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Maximum Permitted
                                               -------------------------
                    Factor                         Hybrid       Inbred
                                                 (percent)    (percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sterile Plants................................          5.0
Sterile or Fertile Plants.....................  ...........          5.0
Morphological Variants........................          0.5          0.5
      Wild Types..............................          0.2          0.2
                                               -------------------------
      Total (including above types)...........          5.0         5.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\57\ Application to establish the pedigree must be made within one year
  of seeding. The crop will remain under supervision of the certifying
  agency as long as the field is eligible for certification.
\58\ These distances apply when there is no border removal. Varieties
  that are 95 percent or more apomictic, as defined by the originating
  breeder, shall have the isolation distance reduced to a mechanical
  separation only. Varieties less than 95 percent apomictic and all
  other cross pollinating species that have an ``isolation zone'' of
  less than 10 percent of the entire field, no isolation is required.
  (Isolation zone is calculated by multiplying the length of the common
  border with other varieties of grass by the average width of the
  certified field falling within the isolation distance required.)
\59\ Indicates metric equivalent in meters.
\60\ Land must not have grown or been seeded to any cruciferous crops
  during the previous 5 years. This interval may be reduced to 3 years,
  if following the same variety and the same or higher certification
  class.
\61\ Field producing any class of certified seed must be at least 50
  feet from any other variety or fields of the same variety that do not
  meet the varietal purity requirement for certification.
\62\ No other Crotalaria species allowed in Foundation, Registered and/
  or Certified production fields.
\63\ Refer to the certifying agency in the production State(s) for
  certification standards.


[59 FR 64516, Dec. 14, 1994, as amended at 65 FR 1710, Jan. 11, 2000; 85 
FR 40583, July 7, 2020]

[[Page 394]]

  Additional Requirements for the Certification of Plant Materials of 
                              Certain Crops



Sec.  201.77  Length of stand requirements.

    (a) Alfalfa. Limitations on the age of stand and certified seed 
classes through which a given variety may be multiplied both inside and 
outside its region of adaptation shall be specified by the originator or 
his designee. Certified seed production outside the region of adaptation 
shall not exceed 6 years if not otherwise specified by the originator, 
or his designee.
    (b) Red clover. Only two seed crops are permitted of all certified 
seed classes.
    (c) White and alsike clover. Only two successive seed crops are 
permitted following the year of establishment for Foundation and 
Registered classes, but 2 additional years are permitted if the field is 
reclassified to the next lower class. Four successive seed crops 
following seeding are permitted if the first and succeeding crops are of 
the Certified class, provided the stand of perennial plants is 
maintained.
    (d) Sainfoin. All certified seed classes are eligible to produce 
five successive seed crops following seeding.

[38 FR 25664, Sept. 14, 1973]



Sec.  201.78  Pollen control for hybrids.

    (a) Wheat and barley. Shedders in the seed parent, at any one 
inspection, are limited to 1:200 heads for Foundation A Line and 1:100 
heads for Registered A Line, except that when the A Line is increased 
outside the area of the anticipated A x R production in order to utilize 
self-fertility produced by environmental effects, only isolation and 
genetic purity standards will be in effect. (An A Line is a cytoplasmic 
male sterile female line used to produce hybrid seed. An R Line is a 
pollinator line used to pollinate an A Line and to restore fertility in 
the resulting hybrid seed.)
    (b) Corn. When 5 percent or more of the seed parent plants have 
receptive silks, shedding tassels in the seed parent plants shall be 
limited to 1 percent at any one inspection, or a total of 2 percent at 
any three inspections on different dates. Shedding tassels are those 
which have 2 inches or more of the central stem or branches, or any 
combination thereof, shedding pollen.
    (c) Sorghum. Shedders in the seed parent, at any one inspection, are 
limited to 1:3,000 plants for Foundation class and 1:1,500 plants for 
Certified class.
    (d) Sunflowers. Seed parents flowering and shedding pollen before 
the male parents are shedding pollen must be removed. At least 50 
percent of the male plants must be producing pollen when the seed parent 
is in full bloom.
    (e) Hybrid alfalfa. When at least 75 percent of the plants are in 
bloom and there is no more than 15 percent seed set, 200 plants shall be 
examined to determine the pollen production index (PPI). Each plant is 
rated as 1, 2, 3 or 4 with ``1'' representing no pollen, ``2'' 
representing a trace of pollen, ``3'' representing substantially less 
than normal pollen, and ``4'' representing normal pollen. The rating is 
weighted as 0, 0.1, 0.6 or 1.0, respectively. The total number of plants 
of each rating is multiplied by the weighted rating and the values are 
totaled. The total is divided by the number of plants rated and 
multiplied by 100 to determine the PPI. For hybrid production using 
separate male and female rows, the maximum PPI allowed for 95 percent 
hybrid seed is 14 for the Foundation class, and 6 for the F1 hybrid. For 
hybrid production using comingled parent lines, the maximum PPI allowed 
for 75 percent hybrid Certified class seed is 25, with an allowance for 
blending to reach a PPI of 25 for fields with a PPI above 25, but no 
greater than 30.

[38 FR 25664, Sept. 14, 1973, as amended at 41 FR 20158, May 17, 1976; 
85 FR 40584, July 7, 2020]



PART 202_FEDERAL SEED ACT ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES--Table of Contents



                            Subpart A_General

Sec.
202.1 Meaning of words.
202.2 Definitions.
202.3 Institution of proceedings.
202.4 Status of applicant.

Subpart B [Reserved]

[[Page 395]]

          Subpart C_Provisions Applicable to Other Proceedings

202.40 Proceedings prior to reporting for criminal prosecution.
202.41 Notice and hearing prior to promulgation of rules and 
          regulations.
202.42 Publication of judgments, settlements, and orders.
202.43 Proceedings under section 302(a) to show cause why seed or 
          screenings should be admitted into the United States.
202.44 Proceedings under section 305(b) to determine whether foreign 
          alfalfa or red clover seed is not adapted for general 
          agricultural use in the United States.

    Authority: Secs. 302, 305, 402, 408, 409, 413, 414, 53 Stat. 1275, 
as amended; 7 U.S.C. 1582, 1585, 1592, 1598, 1599, 1603, 1604.

    Source: 36 FR 1314, Jan. 27, 1971, unless otherwise noted.



                            Subpart A_General



Sec.  202.1  Meaning of words.

    As used in this part, words in the singular form shall be deemed to 
import the plural, and vice versa, as the case may require.



Sec.  202.2  Definitions.

    For the purposes of this part, the following terms shall be 
construed, respectively, to mean:
    (a) The term Act means the Federal Seed Act, approved August 9, 1939 
(53 Stat. 1275, 7 U.S.C. 1551 et seq.) and any legislation amendatory 
thereof.
    (b) Complaint means any formal complaint and notice of hearing or 
other document by virtue of which a proceeding under the Act is 
instituted.
    (c) Complainant means the party upon whose complaint the proceeding 
is instituted.
    (d) Decision and Order includes the Secretary's findings, 
conclusions, order, and rulings on motions, exceptions, statements of 
objections, and proposed findings, conclusions and orders submitted by 
the parties not theretofore ruled upon.
    (e) Director means the Director of the Grain Division, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, or any officer or 
employee of the Department to whom authority is delegated to act in his 
stead.
    (f) Administrative Law Judge means an Administrative Law Judge in 
the Office of Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
    (g) Administrative Law Judge Recommended Decision means the 
Administrative Law Judge's report to the Secretary consisting of the 
proposed: (1) Findings of facts and conclusions with respect to all 
material issues of fact, law or discretion, as well as the reasons or 
basis for conclusions and (2) order.
    (h) The term hearing means that part of a proceeding which involves 
the submission of evidence and means either an oral or written hearing.
    (i) Hearing Clerk means the Hearing Clerk, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250.
    (j) The term person includes any individual, partnership, 
corporation, company, society, association, receiver, or trustee.
    (k) The term regulations means the regulations promulgated pursuant 
to the Act (7 CFR part 201).
    (l) Respondent means the party proceeded against.
    (m) Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture of the United 
States, or any officer or employee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture 
to whom authority has heretofore been delegated, or to whom authority 
may hereafter be delegated, to act in his stead, including the Judicial 
Officer.



Sec.  202.3  Institution of proceedings.

    Any person having information of any violation of the Act or of any 
of the regulations promulgated thereunder may file with the Director an 
application requesting the institution of such proceedings as may be 
authorized under the Act. Such application shall be in writing, signed 
by or on behalf of the applicant, and shall contain a short and simple 
statement of the facts constituting the alleged violation and the name 
and address of the applicant and the party complained of. If, after 
investigation of the matters complained of in the application or after 
investigation made on his own motion, the Director has reason to believe 
that any person has violated or is violating any

[[Page 396]]

of the provisions of the Act or the regulations made and promulgated 
thereunder, he may institute such proceedings as may be authorized by 
the Act.



Sec.  202.4  Status of applicant.

    The person filing an application shall not be a party to any 
proceeding which may be instituted under the Act, unless he be permitted 
by the Secretary or by the Administrative Law Judge to intervene 
therein. The Director shall not be required to divulge the name of the 
applicant and such person will have no legal status in the proceeding 
which may be instituted, except where allowed to intervene or as such 
person may be called as a witness. At any time after the institution of 
the proceeding, and before it has been submitted to the Secretary for 
final consideration, the Secretary or the Administrator, may upon 
petition in writing and upon good cause shown, permit any person to 
intervene.

Subpart B [Reserved]



          Subpart C_Provisions Applicable to Other Proceedings



Sec.  202.40  Proceedings prior to reporting for criminal prosecution.

    The Director shall, before any violation of this act is reported to 
any U.S. attorney for institution of a criminal proceeding, notify the 
person against whom such proceeding is contemplated that action is 
contemplated, inform him regarding the facts involved, and afford him an 
opportunity to present his views, either orally or in writing, with 
regard to such contemplated proceeding. Notice shall be served upon such 
person in the manner provided in Sec.  202.27 of this part. If the 
person desires to explain the transaction or otherwise to present his 
views, he shall file with the Director, within 20 days after the service 
of the notice, an answer, in duplicate, signed by him or by his 
attorney, or shall request, within the 20 days, an opportunity to 
express his views orally. The request shall be embodied in a writing 
signed by the person or by his attorney or agent. Such opportunity to 
present his views orally shall be afforded at a time and place to be 
designated by the Director and it shall be given within a time not to 
exceed 10 days after the date of the filing of the request therefor.



Sec.  202.41  Notice and hearing prior to promulgation of rules and 
regulations.

    Prior to the promulgation of any rule or regulation contemplated by 
section 402 of the Act (7 U.S.C. 1592), notice shall be given by 
publication in the Federal Register of intention to promulgate such rule 
or regulation and of the time and place of a public hearing to be held 
with reference thereto. Such hearings shall be conducted by the Director 
or by such employee or employees of the Department of Agriculture as may 
be designated to preside thereat, except that hearings with respect to 
rules or regulations contemplated by section 402(b) of the Act relating 
to title III of the Act (Foreign Commerce), shall be conducted by the 
Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Agriculture, acting 
jointly or separately, or by such employee or employees of the 
Department of Agriculture or the Department of the Treasury as may be 
designated to preside thereat. The presiding officer shall conduct the 
hearing in an orderly and informal manner, according to such procedure 
as he may announce at the commencement of the hearing. Any rule or 
regulation promulgated under section 402 of the Act shall become 
effective on the date fixed in the promulgation, which date shall be not 
less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Any rule or 
regulation may be amended or revoked in the same manner as is provided 
for its promulgation.



Sec.  202.42  Publication of judgments, settlements, and orders.

    After judgment or settlement, or the issuance of a cease and desist 
order, in any case or proceeding arising under this Act, notice thereof 
containing any information pertinent to the judgment or settlement or 
the issuance of the cease and desist order, shall be given by issuing a 
press release or by such other media as the Administrator of the 
Agricultural Marketing Service may designate from time to time.

[[Page 397]]



Sec.  202.43  Proceedings under section 302(a) to show cause why seed
or screenings should be admitted into the United States.

    When seed or screenings have been refused admission into the United 
States under the Act or the joint regulations promulgated thereunder, 
the owner or consignee of such seed or screenings may submit a request 
to the Director for a hearing in which he may show cause, if any he 
have, why such seed or screenings should be admitted. Request for such 
hearing shall be embodied in a writing signed by the owner or consignee 
or by his attorney or agent. The Director shall thereupon fix, and 
notify the owner or consignee of, the time when and place at which the 
hearing will be held. The hearing shall be conducted in an orderly and 
informal manner by the Director or by a presiding officer duly 
designated by him, and it shall be governed by such rules of procedure 
as the presiding officer shall announce at the opening of the hearing. 
The determination as to whether the seed or screenings may be admitted 
into the United States shall be made by the Administrator of the 
Agricultural Marketing Service, within a reasonable time after the close 
of the hearing, and the owner or consignee of the seed or screenings who 
requested the hearing and the Secretary of the Treasury shall be duly 
notified as to such determination.



Sec.  202.44  Proceedings under section 305(b) to determine whether
foreign alfalfa or red clover seed is not adapted for general agricultural
use in the United States.

    The public hearings which shall be held from time to time for the 
purpose of determining whether seed of alfalfa or red clover from any 
foreign country or region is not adapted for general agricultural use in 
the United States shall be conducted by the Director, or by a presiding 
officer duly designated by him. Such hearings shall be conducted in an 
orderly and informal manner in accordance with such procedure as the 
presiding officer shall announce at the opening of each hearing. The 
Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service shall, within a 
reasonable time after the close of the public hearing, make and publish 
his determination as to whether the said seed is adapted for general 
agricultural use in the United States. Publication of the determination 
shall be made in the Federal Register, and through such other media as 
the said Administrator may deem appropriate.

                        PARTS 203	204 [RESERVED]



       SUBCHAPTER L_REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO PURCHASES [RESERVED]



[[Page 398]]



          SUBCHAPTER M_ORGANIC FOODS PRODUCTION ACT PROVISIONS





PART 205_NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM--Table of Contents



                          Subpart A_Definitions

Sec.
205.1 Meaning of words.
205.2 Terms defined.
205.3 Incorporation by reference.

                         Subpart B_Applicability

205.100 What has to be certified.
205.101 Exemptions from certification.
205.102 Use of the term, ``organic.''
205.103 Recordkeeping by certified operations.
205.104 [Reserved]
205.105 Allowed and prohibited substances, methods, and ingredients in 
          organic production and handling.
205.106-205.199 [Reserved]

         Subpart C_Organic Production and Handling Requirements

205.200 General.
205.201 Organic production and handling system plan.
205.202 Land requirements.
205.203 Soil fertility and crop nutrient management practice standard.
205.204 Seeds and planting stock practice standard.
205.205 Crop rotation practice standard.
205.206 Crop pest, weed, and disease management practice standard.
205.207 Wild-crop harvesting practice standard.
205.208-205.235 [Reserved]
205.236 Origin of livestock.
205.237 Livestock feed.
205.238 Livestock health care practice standard.
205.239 Livestock living conditions.
205.240 Pasture practice standard.
205.241 Avian living conditions.
205.242 Transport and slaughter.
205.243-205.269 [Reserved]
205.270 Organic handling requirements.
205.271 Facility pest management practice standard.
205.272 Commingling and contact with prohibited substance prevention 
          practice standard.
205.273 Imports to the United States.
205.274-205.289 [Reserved]
205.290 Temporary variances.
205.291-205.299 [Reserved]

           Subpart D_Labels, Labeling, and Market Information

205.300 Use of the term, ``organic.''
205.301 Product composition.
205.302 Calculating the percentage of organically produced ingredients.
205.303 Packaged products labeled ``100 percent organic'' or 
          ``organic.''
205.304 Packaged products labeled ``made with organic (specified 
          ingredients or food group(s)).''
205.305 Multiingredient packaged products with less that 70 percent 
          organically produced ingredients.
205.306 Labeling of livestock feed.
205.307 Labeling of nonretail containers.
205.308 Agricultural products in other than packaged form at the point 
          of retail sale that are sold, labeled, or represented as ``100 
          percent organic'' or ``organic.''
205.309 Agricultural products in other than packaged form at the point 
          of retail sale that are sold, labeled, or represented as 
          ``made with organic (specified ingredients or food 
          group(s)).''
205.310 Agricultural products produced or processed by an exempt 
          operation.
205.311 USDA Seal.
205.312-205.399 [Reserved]

                         Subpart E_Certification

205.400 General requirements for certification.
205.401 Application for certification.
205.402 Review of application.
205.403 On-site inspections.
205.404 Granting certification.
205.405 Denial of certification.
205.406 Continuation of certification.
205.407-205.499 [Reserved]

              Subpart F_Accreditation of Certifying Agents

205.500 Areas and duration of accreditation.
205.501 General requirements for accreditation.
205.502 Applying for accreditation.
205.503 Applicant information.
205.504 Evidence of expertise and ability.
205.505 Statement of agreement.
205.506 Granting accreditation.
205.507 Denial of accreditation.
205.508 Site evaluations.
205.509 Peer review panel.
205.510 Annual report, recordkeeping, and renewal of accreditation.
205.511 Accepting foreign conformity assessment systems.
205.512-205.599 [Reserved]

[[Page 399]]

                        Subpart G_Administrative

         The National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances

205.600 Evaluation criteria for allowed and prohibited substances, 
          methods, and ingredients.
205.601 Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production.
205.602 Nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in organic crop 
          production.
205.603 Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic livestock 
          production.
205.604 Nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in organic livestock 
          production.
205.605 Nonagricultural (nonorganic) substances allowed as ingredients 
          in or on processed products labeled as ``organic,'' or ``made 
          with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s)).''
205.606 Nonorganically produced agricultural products allowed as 
          ingredients in or on processed products labeled as 
          ``organic.''
205.607 Amending the National List.
205.608-205.619 [Reserved]

                         State Organic Programs

205.620 Requirements of State organic programs.
205.621 Submission and determination of proposed State organic programs 
          and amendments to approved State organic programs.
205.622 Review of approved State organic programs.
205.623-205.639 [Reserved]

                                  Fees

205.640 Fees and other charges for accreditation.
205.641 Payment of fees and other charges.
205.642 Fees and other charges for certification.
205.643-205.649 [Reserved]

                               Compliance

205.660 General.
205.661 Investigation.
205.662 Noncompliance procedure for certified operations.
205.663 Mediation.
205.664 [Reserved]
205.665 Noncompliance procedure for certifying agents.
205.666-205.667 [Reserved]
205.668 Noncompliance procedures under State Organic Programs.

       Inspection and Testing, Reporting, and Exclusion from Sale

205.670 Inspection and testing of agricultural products to be sold or 
          labeled as ``100 percent organic,'' ``organic,'' or ``made 
          with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s)).''
205.671 Exclusion from organic sale.
205.672 Emergency pest or disease treatment.
205.673-205.679 [Reserved]

                      Adverse Action Appeal Process

205.680 General.
205.681 Appeals.
205.682-205.689 [Reserved]

                              Miscellaneous

205.690 OMB control number.
205.691 Severability.
205.692-205.699 [Reserved]

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501-6524.

    Source: 65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, unless otherwise noted.



                          Subpart A_Definitions



Sec.  205.1  Meaning of words.

    For the purpose of the regulations in this subpart, words in the 
singular form shall be deemed to impart the plural and vice versa, as 
the case may demand.



Sec.  205.2  Terms defined.

    Accreditation. A determination made by the Secretary that authorizes 
a private, foreign, or State entity to conduct certification activities 
as a certifying agent under this part.
    Act. The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, as amended (7 U.S.C. 
6501 et seq.).
    Action level. The limit at or above which the Food and Drug 
Administration will take legal action against a product to remove it 
from the market. Action levels are based on unavoidability of the 
poisonous or deleterious substances and do not represent permissible 
levels of contamination where it is avoidable.
    Administrator. The Administrator for the Agricultural Marketing 
Service, United States Departure of Agriculture, or the representative 
to whom authority has been delegated to act in the stead of the 
Administrator.
    Adverse action. A noncompliance decision that adversely affects 
certification, accreditation, or a person subject to the Act, including 
a proposed suspension or revocation; a denial of certification, 
accreditation, or reinstatement; a cease and desist notice; or a civil 
penalty.

[[Page 400]]

    Agricultural inputs. All substances or materials used in the 
production or handling of organic agricultural products.
    Agricultural product. Any agricultural commodity or product, whether 
raw or processed, including any commodity or product derived from 
livestock, that is marketed in the United States for human or livestock 
consumption.
    Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The Agricultural Marketing 
Service of the United States Department of Agriculture.
    Allowed synthetic. A substance that is included on the National List 
of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic production or 
handling.
    AMDUCA. The Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1994 
(Pub. L. 103-396).
    Animal drug. Any drug as defined in section 201 of the Federal Food, 
Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended (21 U.S.C. 321), that is intended for 
use in livestock, including any drug intended for use in livestock feed 
but not including such livestock feed.
    Annual seedling. A plant grown from seed that will complete its life 
cycle or produce a harvestable yield within the same crop year or season 
in which it was planted.
    Area of operation. The types of operations: crops, livestock, wild-
crop harvesting or handling, or any combination thereof that a 
certifying agent may be accredited to certify under this part.
    Audit trail. Documentation that is sufficient to determine the 
source, transfer of ownership, and transportation of any agricultural 
product labeled as ``100 percent organic,'' the organic ingredients of 
any agricultural product labeled as ``organic'' or ``made with organic 
(specified ingredients)'' or the organic ingredients of any agricultural 
product containing less than 70 percent organic ingredients identified 
as organic in an ingredients statement.
    Biodegradable. Subject to biological decomposition into simpler 
biochemical or chemical components.
    Biodegradable biobased mulch film. A synthetic mulch film that meets 
the following criteria:
    (1) Meets the compostability specifications of one of the following 
standards: ASTM D6400, ASTM D6868, EN 13432, EN 14995, or ISO 17088 (all 
incorporated by reference; see Sec.  205.3);
    (2) Demonstrates at least 90% biodegradation absolute or relative to 
microcrystalline cellulose in less than two years, in soil, according to 
one of the following test methods: ISO 17556 or ASTM D5988 (both 
incorporated by reference; see Sec.  205.3); and
    (3) Must be biobased with content determined using ASTM D6866 
(incorporated by reference; see Sec.  205.3).
    Biologics. All viruses, serums, toxins, and analogous products of 
natural or synthetic origin, such as diagnostics, antitoxins, vaccines, 
live microorganisms, killed microorganisms, and the antigenic or 
immunizing components of microorganisms intended for use in the 
diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases of animals.
    Breeder stock. Female livestock whose offspring may be incorporated 
into an organic operation at the time of their birth.
    Buffer zone. An area located between a certified production 
operation or portion of a production operation and an adjacent land area 
that is not maintained under organic management. A buffer zone must be 
sufficient in size or other features (e.g., windbreaks or a diversion 
ditch) to prevent the possibility of unintended contact by prohibited 
substances applied to adjacent land areas with an area that is part of a 
certified operation.
    Bulk. The presentation to consumers at retail sale of an 
agricultural product in unpackaged, loose form, enabling the consumer to 
determine the individual pieces, amount, or volume of the product 
purchased.
    Certification activity. Any business conducted by a certifying 
agent, or by a person acting on behalf of a certifying agent, including 
but not limited to: certification management; administration; 
application review; inspection planning; inspections; sampling; 
inspection report review; material review; label review; records 
retention; compliance review; investigating complaints and taking 
adverse actions; certification decisions; and issuing transaction 
certificates.
    Certification office. Any site or facility where certification 
activities are

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conducted, except for certification activities that occur at certified 
operations or applicants for certification, such as inspections and 
sampling.
    Certification or certified. A determination made by a certifying 
agent that a production or handling operation is in compliance with the 
Act and the regulations in this part, which is documented by a 
certificate of organic operation.
    Certification review. The act of reviewing and evaluating a 
certified operation or applicant for certification and determining 
compliance or ability to comply with the USDA organic regulations. This 
does not include performing an inspection.
    Certified operation. A crop or livestock production, wild-crop 
harvesting or handling operation, or portion of such operation that is 
certified by an accredited certifying agent as utilizing a system of 
organic production or handling as described by the Act and the 
regulations in this part.
    Certifying agent. Any entity accredited by the Secretary as a 
certifying agent for the purpose of certifying a production or handling 
operation as a certified production or handling operation.
    Certifying agent's operation. All sites, facilities, personnel, and 
records used by a certifying agent to conduct certification activities 
under the Act and the regulations in this part.
    Claims. Oral, written, implied, or symbolic representations, 
statements, or advertising or other forms of communication presented to 
the public or buyers of agricultural products that relate to the organic 
certification process or the term, ``100 percent organic,'' ``organic,'' 
or ``made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s)),'' or, 
in the case of agricultural products containing less than 70 percent 
organic ingredients, the term, ``organic,'' on the ingredients panel.
    Class of animal. A group of livestock that shares a similar stage of 
life or production. The classes of animals are those that are commonly 
listed on feed labels.
    Commercially available. The ability to obtain a production input in 
an appropriate form, quality, or quantity to fulfill an essential 
function in a system of organic production or handling, as determined by 
the certifying agent in the course of reviewing the organic plan.
    Commingling. Physical contact between unpackaged organically 
produced and nonorganically produced agricultural products during 
production, processing, transportation, storage or handling, other than 
during the manufacture of a multiingredient product containing both 
types of ingredients.
    Compost. The product of a managed process through which 
microorganisms break down plant and animal materials into more available 
forms suitable for application to the soil. Compost must be produced 
through a process that combines plant and animal materials with an 
initial C:N ratio of between 25:1 and 40:1. Producers using an in-vessel 
or static aerated pile system must maintain the composting materials at 
a temperature between 131 [deg]F and 170 [deg]F for 3 days. Producers 
using a windrow system must maintain the composting materials at a 
temperature between 131 [deg]F and 170 [deg]F for 15 days, during which 
time, the materials must be turned a minimum of five times.
    Conformity assessment system. All activities, including oversight, 
accreditation, compliance review, and enforcement, undertaken by a 
government to ensure that the applicable technical requirements for the 
production and handling of organic agricultural products are fully and 
consistently applied.
    Control. Any method that reduces or limits damage by populations of 
pests, weeds, or diseases to levels that do not significantly reduce 
productivity.
    Crop. Pastures, cover crops, green manure crops, catch crops, or any 
plant or part of a plant intended to be marketed as an agricultural 
product, fed to livestock, or used in the field to manage nutrients and 
soil fertility.
    Crop residues. The plant parts remaining in a field after the 
harvest of a crop, which include stalks, stems, leaves, roots, and 
weeds.
    Crop rotation. The practice of alternating the annual crops grown on 
a specific field in a planned pattern or sequence in successive crop 
years so that crops of the same species or family are not grown 
repeatedly without interruption on the same field. Perennial cropping 
systems employ means

[[Page 402]]

such as alley cropping, intercropping, and hedgerows to introduce 
biological diversity in lieu of crop rotation.
    Crop year. That normal growing season for a crop as determined by 
the Secretary.
    Cultivation. Digging up or cutting the soil to prepare a seed bed; 
control weeds; aerate the soil; or work organic matter, crop residues, 
or fertilizers into the soil.
    Cultural methods. Methods used to enhance crop health and prevent 
weed, pest, or disease problems without the use of substances; examples 
include the selection of appropriate varieties and planting sites; 
proper timing and density of plantings; irrigation; and extending a 
growing season by manipulating the microclimate with green houses, cold 
frames, or wind breaks.
    Detectable residue. The amount or presence of chemical residue or 
sample component that can be reliably observed or found in the sample 
matrix by current approved analytical methodology.
    Disease vectors. Plants or animals that harbor or transmit disease 
organisms or pathogens which may attack crops or livestock.
    Drift. The physical movement of prohibited substances from the 
intended target site onto an organic operation or portion thereof.
    Dry lot. A fenced area that may be covered with concrete, but that 
has little or no vegetative cover.
    Dry matter. The amount of a feedstuff remaining after all the free 
moisture is evaporated out.
    Dry matter demand. The expected dry matter intake for a class of 
animal.
    Dry matter intake. Total pounds of all feed, devoid of all moisture, 
consumed by a class of animals over a given period of time.
    Emergency pest or disease treatment program. A mandatory program 
authorized by a Federal, State, or local agency for the purpose of 
controlling or eradicating a pest or disease.
    Employee. Any person providing paid or volunteer services for a 
certifying agent.
    Excipients. Any ingredients that are intentionally added to 
livestock medications but do not exert therapeutic or diagnostic effects 
at the intended dosage, although they may act to improve product 
delivery (e.g., enhancing absorption or controlling release of the drug 
substance). Examples of such ingredients include fillers, extenders, 
diluents, wetting agents, solvents, emulsifiers, preservatives, flavors, 
absorption enhancers, sustained-release matrices, and coloring agents.
    Excluded methods. A variety of methods used to genetically modify 
organisms or influence their growth and development by means that are 
not possible under natural conditions or processes and are not 
considered compatible with organic production. Such methods include cell 
fusion, microencapsulation and macroencapsulation, and recombinant DNA 
technology (including gene deletion, gene doubling, introducing a 
foreign gene, and changing the positions of genes when achieved by 
recombinant DNA technology). Such methods do not include the use of 
traditional breeding, conjugation, fermentation, hybridization, in vitro 
fertilization, or tissue culture.
    Feed. Edible materials which are consumed by livestock for their 
nutritional value. Feed may be concentrates (grains) or roughages (hay, 
silage, fodder). The term, ``feed,'' encompasses all agricultural 
commodities, including pasture ingested by livestock for nutritional 
purposes.
    Feed additive. A substance added to feed in micro quantities to 
fulfill a specific nutritional need; i.e., essential nutrients in the 
form of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
    Feedlot. A dry lot for the controlled feeding of livestock.
    Feed supplement. A combination of feed nutrients added to livestock 
feed to improve the nutrient balance or performance of the total ration 
and intended to be:
    (1) Diluted with other feeds when fed to livestock;
    (2) Offered free choice with other parts of the ration if separately 
available; or
    (3) Further diluted and mixed to produce a complete feed.
    Fertilizer. A single or blended substance containing one or more 
recognized plant nutrient(s) which is used primarily for its plant 
nutrient content and which is designed for use or

[[Page 403]]

claimed to have value in promoting plant growth.
    Field. An area of land identified as a discrete unit within a 
production operation.
    Forage. Vegetative material in a fresh, dried, or ensiled state 
(pasture, hay, or silage), which is fed to livestock.
    Governmental entity. Any domestic government, tribal government, or 
foreign governmental subdivision providing certification services.
    Graze. (1) The consumption of standing or residual forage by 
livestock.
    (2) To put livestock to feed on standing or residual forage.
    Grazing. To graze.
    Grazing season. The period of time when pasture is available for 
grazing, due to natural precipitation or irrigation. Grazing season 
dates may vary because of mid-summer heat/humidity, significant 
precipitation events, floods, hurricanes, droughts or winter weather 
events. Grazing season may be extended by the grazing of residual forage 
as agreed in the operation's organic system plan. Due to weather, 
season, or climate, the grazing season may or may not be continuous. 
Grazing season may range from 120 days to 365 days, but not less than 
120 days per year.
    Handle. To sell, process, or package agricultural products, 
including but not limited to trading, facilitating sale or trade on 
behalf of a seller or oneself, importing to the United States, exporting 
for sale in the United States, combining, aggregating, culling, 
conditioning, treating, packing, containerizing, repackaging, labeling, 
storing, receiving, or loading.
    Handler. Any person that handles agricultural products, except final 
retailers of agricultural products that do not process agricultural 
products.
    Handling operation. Any operation that handles agricultural 
products, except final retailers of agricultural products that do not 
process agricultural products.
    Immediate family. The spouse, minor children, or blood relatives who 
reside in the immediate household of a certifying agent or an employee, 
inspector, contractor, or other personnel of the certifying agent. For 
the purpose of this part, the interest of a spouse, minor child, or 
blood relative who is a resident of the immediate household of a 
certifying agent or an employee, inspector, contractor, or other 
personnel of the certifying agent shall be considered to be an interest 
of the certifying agent or an employee, inspector, contractor, or other 
personnel of the certifying agent.
    Inclement weather. Weather that is violent, or characterized by 
temperatures (high or low), or characterized by excessive precipitation 
that can cause physical harm to a given species of livestock. Production 
yields or growth rates of livestock lower than the maximum achievable do 
not qualify as physical harm.
    Inert ingredient. Any substance (or group of substances with similar 
chemical structures if designated by the Environmental Protection 
Agency) other than an active ingredient which is intentionally included 
in any pesticide product (40 CFR 152.3(m)).
    Information panel. That part of the label of a packaged product that 
is immediately contiguous to and to the right of the principal display 
panel as observed by an individual facing the principal display panel, 
unless another section of the label is designated as the information 
panel because of package size or other package attributes (e.g., 
irregular shape with one usable surface).
    Ingredient. Any substance used in the preparation of an agricultural 
product that is still present in the final commercial product as 
consumed.
    Ingredients statement. The list of ingredients contained in a 
product shown in their common and usual names in the descending order of 
predominance.
    Inspection. The act of examining and evaluating the production or 
handling operation of an applicant for certification or certified 
operation to determine compliance with the Act and the regulations in 
this part.
    Inspector. Any person retained or used by a certifying agent to 
conduct inspections of certification applicants or certified production 
or handling operations.
    Internal control system. An internal quality management system that 
establishes and governs the review, monitoring, training, and inspection 
of the

[[Page 404]]

producer group operation, and the procurement and distribution of shared 
production and handling inputs and resources, to maintain compliance 
with the USDA organic regulations.
    Label. A display of written, printed, or graphic material on the 
immediate container of an agricultural product or any such material 
affixed to any agricultural product or affixed to a bulk container 
containing an agricultural product, except for package liners or a 
display of written, printed, or graphic material which contains only 
information about the weight of the product.
    Labeling. All written, printed, or graphic material accompanying an 
agricultural product at any time or written, printed, or graphic 
material about the agricultural product displayed at retail stores about 
the product.
    Livestock. Any cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, or equine 
animals used for food or in the production of food, fiber, feed, or 
other agricultural-based consumer products; wild or domesticated game; 
or other nonplant life, except such term shall not include aquatic 
animals for the production of food, fiber, feed, or other agricultural-
based consumer products.
    Lot. Any number of containers which contain an agricultural product 
of the same kind located in the same conveyance, warehouse, or packing 
house and which are available for inspection at the same time.
    Manure. Feces, urine, other excrement, and bedding produced by 
livestock that has not been composted.
    Market information. Any written, printed, audiovisual, or graphic 
information, including advertising, pamphlets, flyers, catalogues, 
posters, and signs, distributed, broadcast, or made available outside of 
retail outlets that are used to assist in the sale or promotion of a 
product.
    Mulch. Any nonsynthetic material, such as wood chips, leaves, or 
straw, or any synthetic material included on the National List for such 
use, such as newspaper or plastic that serves to suppress weed growth, 
moderate soil temperature, or conserve soil moisture.
    Narrow range oils. Petroleum derivatives, predominately of 
paraffinic and napthenic fractions with 50 percent boiling point (10 mm 
Hg) between 415 [deg]F and 440 [deg]F.
    National List. A list of allowed and prohibited substances as 
provided for in the Act.
    National Organic Program (NOP). The program authorized by the Act 
for the purpose of implementing its provisions.
    National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). A board established by the 
Secretary under 7 U.S.C. 6518 to assist in the development of standards 
for substances to be used in organic production and to advise the 
Secretary on any other aspects of the implementation of the National 
Organic Program.
    Natural resources of the operation. The physical, hydrological, and 
biological features of a production operation, including soil, water, 
wetlands, woodlands, and wildlife.
    Nonagricultural substance. A substance that is not a product of 
agriculture, such as a mineral or a bacterial culture, that is used as 
an ingredient in an agricultural product. For the purposes of this part, 
a nonagricultural ingredient also includes any substance, such as gums, 
citric acid, or pectin, that is extracted from, isolated from, or a 
fraction of an agricultural product so that the identity of the 
agricultural product is unrecognizable in the extract, isolate, or 
fraction.
    Nonsynthetic (natural). A substance that is derived from mineral, 
plant, or animal matter and does not undergo a synthetic process as 
defined in section 6502(21) of the Act (7 U.S.C. 6502(21)). For the 
purposes of this part, nonsynthetic is used as a synonym for natural as 
the term is used in the Act.
    Nonretail container. Any container used for shipping or storage of 
an agricultural product that is not used in the retail display or sale 
of the product.
    Nontoxic. Not known to cause any adverse physiological effects in 
animals, plants, humans, or the environment.
    Organic. A labeling term that refers to an agricultural product 
produced in accordance with the Act and the regulations in this part.
    Organic exporter. The final certified exporter of the organic 
agricultural product, who facilitates the trade of, consigns, or 
arranges for the transport/shipping of the organic agricultural

[[Page 405]]

product from a foreign country to the United States.
    Organic fraud. Deceptive representation, sale, or labeling of 
nonorganic agricultural products or ingredients as ``100 percent 
organic,'' ``organic,'' or ``made with organic (specified ingredients or 
food group(s)).''
    Organic importer. The operation responsible for accepting imported 
organic agricultural products within the United States and ensuring NOP 
Import Certificate data are entered into the U.S. Customs and Border 
Protection import system of record.
    Organic Integrity Database. The National Organic Program's 
electronic, web-based reporting tool for the submission of data, 
completion of certificates of organic operation, and other information, 
or the tool's successors.
    Organic management. Management of a production or handling operation 
in compliance with all applicable provisions under this part.
    Organic matter. The remains, residues, or waste products of any 
organism.
    Organic production. A production system that is managed in 
accordance with the Act and regulations in this part to respond to site-
specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical 
practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, 
and conserve biodiversity.
    Organic system plan. A plan of management of an organic production 
or handling operation that has been agreed to by the producer or handler 
and the certifying agent and that includes written plans concerning all 
aspects of agricultural production or handling described in the Act and 
the regulations in subpart C of this part.
    Paper-based crop planting aid. A material that is comprised of at 
least 60% cellulose-based fiber by weight, including, but not limited 
to, pots, seed tape, and collars that are placed in or on the soil and 
later incorporated into the soil, excluding biodegradable mulch film. Up 
to 40% of the ingredients can be nonsynthetic, other permitted synthetic 
ingredients in Sec.  205.601(j), or synthetic strengthening fibers, 
adhesives, or resins. Contains no less than 80% biobased content as 
verified by a qualified third-party assessment (e.g., laboratory test 
using ASTM D6866 or composition review by qualified personnel).
    Pasture. Land used for livestock grazing that is managed to provide 
feed value and maintain or improve soil, water, and vegetative 
resources.
    Peer review panel. A panel of individuals who have expertise in 
organic production and handling methods and certification procedures and 
who are appointed by the Administrator to assist in evaluating 
applicants for accreditation as certifying agents.
    Person. An individual, partnership, corporation, association, 
cooperative, or other entity.
    Pesticide. Any substance which alone, in chemical combination, or in 
any formulation with one or more substances is defined as a pesticide in 
section 2(u) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act 
(7 U.S.C. 136(u) et seq).
    Petition. A request to amend the National List that is submitted by 
any person in accordance with this part.
    Planting stock. Any plant or plant tissue other than annual 
seedlings but including rhizomes, shoots, leaf or stem cuttings, roots, 
or tubers, used in plant production or propagation.
    Practice standard. The guidelines and requirements through which a 
production or handling operation implements a required component of its 
production or handling organic system plan. A practice standard includes 
a series of allowed and prohibited actions, materials, and conditions to 
establish a minimum level performance for planning, conducting, and 
maintaining a function, such as livestock health care or facility pest 
management, essential to an organic operation.
    Principal display panel. That part of a label that is most likely to 
be displayed, presented, shown, or examined under customary conditions 
of display for sale.
    Private entity. Any domestic or foreign nongovernmental for-profit 
or not-for-profit organization providing certification services.
    Processing. Cooking, baking, curing, heating, drying, mixing, 
grinding, churning, separating, extracting,

[[Page 406]]

slaughtering, cutting, fermenting, distilling, eviscerating, preserving, 
dehydrating, freezing, chilling, or otherwise manufacturing and includes 
the packaging, canning, jarring, or otherwise enclosing food in a 
container.
    Processing aid. (1) Substance that is added to a food during the 
processing of such food but is removed in some manner from the food 
before it is packaged in its finished form;
    (2) a substance that is added to a food during processing, is 
converted into constituents normally present in the food, and does not 
significantly increase the amount of the constituents naturally found in 
the food; and
    (3) a substance that is added to a food for its technical or 
functional effect in the processing but is present in the finished food 
at insignificant levels and does not have any technical or functional 
effect in that food.
    Producer. A person who engages in the business of growing or 
producing food, fiber, feed, and other agricultural-based consumer 
products.
    Producer group member. An individual engaged in the activity of 
producing or harvesting agricultural products as a member of a producer 
group operation.
    Producer group operation. A producer, organized as a person, 
consisting of producer group members and production units in geographic 
proximity governed by an internal control system under one organic 
system plan and certification.
    Producer group production unit. A defined subgroup of producer group 
members in geographic proximity within a single producer group operation 
that use shared practices and resources to produce similar agricultural 
products.
    Production lot number/identifier. Identification of a product based 
on the production sequence of the product showing the date, time, and 
place of production used for quality control purposes.
    Prohibited substance. A substance the use of which in any aspect of 
organic production or handling is prohibited or not provided for in the 
Act or the regulations of this part.
    Records. Any information in written, visual, or electronic form that 
documents the activities undertaken by a producer, handler, or 
certifying agent to comply with the Act and regulations in this part.
    Residual forage. Forage cut and left to lie, or windrowed and left 
to lie, in place in the pasture.
    Residue testing. An official or validated analytical procedure that 
detects, identifies, and measures the presence of chemical substances, 
their metabolites, or degradation products in or on raw or processed 
agricultural products.
    Responsibly connected. Any person who is a partner, officer, 
director, holder, manager, or owner of 10 percent or more of the voting 
stock of an applicant or a recipient of certification or accreditation.
    Retail establishment. Restaurants, delicatessens, bakeries, grocery 
stores, or any retail business with a restaurant, delicatessen, bakery, 
salad bar, bulk food self-service station, or other eat-in, carry-out, 
mail-order, or delivery service of raw or processed agricultural 
products.
    Routine use of parasiticide. The regular, planned, or periodic use 
of parasiticides.
    Secretary. The Secretary of Agriculture or a representative to whom 
authority has been delegated to act in the Secretary's stead.
    Sewage sludge. A solid, semisolid, or liquid residue generated 
during the treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment works. Sewage 
sludge includes but is not limited to: domestic septage; scum or solids 
removed in primary, secondary, or advanced wastewater treatment 
processes; and a material derived from sewage sludge. Sewage sludge does 
not include ash generated during the firing of sewage sludge in a sewage 
sludge incinerator or grit and screenings generated during preliminary 
treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment works.
    Shelter. Structures such as barns, sheds, or windbreaks; or natural 
areas such as woods, tree lines, large hedge rows, or geographic land 
features, that are designed or selected to provide physical protection 
or housing to all animals.
    Slaughter stock. Any animal that is intended to be slaughtered for 
consumption by humans or other animals.

[[Page 407]]

    Soil and water quality. Observable indicators of the physical, 
chemical, or biological condition of soil and water, including the 
presence of environmental contaminants.
    Split operation. An operation that produces or handles both organic 
and nonorganic agricultural products.
    Stage of life. A discrete time period in an animal's life which 
requires specific management practices different than during other 
periods (e.g., poultry during feathering). Breeding, freshening, 
lactation and other recurring events are not a stage of life.
    State. Any of the several States of the United States of America, 
its territories, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico.
    State certifying agent. A certifying agent accredited by the 
Secretary under the National Organic Program and operated by the State 
for the purposes of certifying organic production and handling 
operations in the State.
    State organic program (SOP). A State program that meets the 
requirements of section 6506 of the Act, is approved by the Secretary, 
and is designed to ensure that a product that is sold or labeled as 
organically produced under the Act is produced and handled using organic 
methods.
    State organic program's governing State official. The chief 
executive official of a State or, in the case of a State that provides 
for the statewide election of an official to be responsible solely for 
the administration of the agricultural operations of the State, such 
official who administers a State organic certification program.
    Supply chain traceability audit. The process of identifying and 
tracking the movement, sale, custody, handling, and organic status of an 
agricultural product along a supply chain to verify the agricultural 
product's compliance with this part.
    Synthetic. A substance that is formulated or manufactured by a 
chemical process or by a process that chemically changes a substance 
extracted from naturally occurring plant, animal, or mineral sources, 
except that such term shall not apply to substances created by naturally 
occurring biological processes.
    Technical requirements. A system of relevant laws, regulations, 
regulatory practices, standards, policies, and procedures that address 
the certification, production, and handling of organic agricultural 
products.
    Temporary and Temporarily. Occurring for a limited time only (e.g., 
overnight, throughout a storm, during a period of illness, the period of 
time specified by the Administrator when granting a temporary variance), 
not permanent or lasting.
    Third-year transitional crop. Crops and forage from land included in 
the organic system plan of a producer's operation that is not certified 
organic but is in the third year of organic management and is eligible 
for organic certification in one year or less.
    Tolerance. The maximum legal level of a pesticide chemical residue 
in or on a raw or processed agricultural commodity or processed food.
    Transitioned animal. A dairy animal converted to organic milk 
production in accordance with Sec.  205.236(a)(2) that has not been 
under continuous organic management from the last third of gestation; 
offspring born to a transitioned animal that, during its last third of 
gestation, consumes third-year transitional crops; and offspring born 
during the one-time transition exception that themselves consume third-
year transitional crops.
    Transplant. A seedling which has been removed from its original 
place of production, transported, and replanted.
    Unannounced inspection. The act of examining and evaluating all or a 
portion of the production or handling activities of a certified 
operation without advance notice to determine compliance with the Act 
and the regulations in this part.
    Unavoidable residual environmental contamination (UREC). Background 
levels of naturally occurring or synthetic chemicals that are present in 
the soil or present in organically produced agricultural products that 
are below established tolerances.
    Wild crop. Any plant or portion of a plant that is collected or 
harvested from a site that is not maintained under cultivation or other 
agricultural management.

[[Page 408]]

    Yards/Feeding pad. An area for feeding, exercising, and outdoor 
access for livestock during the non-grazing season and a high traffic 
area where animals may receive supplemental feeding during the grazing 
season.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 72 FR 70484, Dec. 12, 2007; 
75 FR 7192, Feb. 17, 2010; 79 FR 58662, Sept. 30, 2014; 80 FR 6429, Feb. 
5, 2015; 87 FR 19772, Apr. 5, 2022; 87 FR 68027, Nov. 14, 2022; 88 FR 
3620, Jan. 19, 2023]

    Effective Date Note: At 88 FR 75444, Nov. 2, 2023, Sec.  205.2 was 
amended by adding in alphabetical order definitions for ``Beak 
trimming'', ``Caponization'', ``Cattle wattling'', ``De-beaking'', ``De-
snooding'', ``Dubbing'', ``Indoors or indoor space'', ``Induced 
molting'', ``Mulesing'', ``Non-ambulatory'', ``Outdoors or outdoor 
space'', ``Perch'', ``Pullets'', ``Religious (or ritual) slaughter'', 
``Stocking density'', ``Toe clipping'', and ``Vegetation'', effective 
Jan. 2, 2024. At 88 FR 86259, Dec. 13, 2023, the effective date was 
delayed to Jan. 12, 2024. At 88 FR 89539, Dec. 28, 2023, the definition 
of ``Cattle wattling'' was corrected, effective Jan. 12, 2024. For the 
convenience of the user, the added text is set forth as follows:



Sec.  205.2  Terms defined.

                                * * * * *

    Beak trimming. The removal of not more than one-quarter to one-third 
of the upper beak or the removal of one-quarter to one-third of both the 
upper and lower beaks of a bird in order to control injurious pecking 
and cannibalism.

                                * * * * *

    Caponization. Castration of chickens, turkeys, pheasants, and other 
avian species.
    Cattle wattling. The surgical separation of two layers of the skin 
from the connective tissue along a 2-to-4-inch path on the dewlap, neck, 
or shoulders used for ownership identification.

                                * * * * *

    De-beaking. The removal of more than one-third of the upper beak or 
removal of more than one-third of both the upper and lower beaks of a 
bird.
    De-snooding. The removal of the turkey snood (a fleshy protuberance 
on the forehead of male turkeys).

                                * * * * *

    Dubbing. The removal of poultry combs and wattles.

                                * * * * *

    Indoors or indoor space. The space inside of an enclosed building or 
housing structure available to livestock. Indoor space for avian species 
includes, but is not limited to:
    (1) Mobile housing. A mobile structure for avian species with solid 
or perforated flooring that is moved regularly and allows birds to 
continuously access areas outside the structure during daytime hours.
    (2) Aviary housing. A fixed structure for avian species that has 
multiple tiers or levels.
    (3) Slatted/mesh floor housing. A fixed structure for avian species 
that has both: a slatted floor where perches, feed, and water are 
provided over a pit or belt for manure collection; and litter covering 
the remaining solid floor.
    (4) Floor litter housing. A fixed structure for avian species that 
has absorbent litter covering the entire floor.
    Induced molting. Molting that is artificially initiated.

                                * * * * *

    Mulesing. The removal of skin from the buttocks of sheep, 
approximately 2 to 4 inches wide and running away from the anus to the 
hock to prevent fly strike.

                                * * * * *

    Non-ambulatory. As defined in 9 CFR 309.2(b).

                                * * * * *

    Outdoors or outdoor space. Any area outside an enclosed building or 
enclosed housing structure. Enclosed housing structures with open sides 
(e.g., open-sided freestall barns) are not to be considered outdoors or 
outdoor space. Outdoor space for avian species includes, but is not 
limited to:
    (1) Pasture pens (avian). Floorless pens, with full or partial 
roofing, that are moved regularly, provide direct access to soil and 
vegetation, and allow birds to express natural behaviors.
    (2) Shade structures that are not enclosed.

                                * * * * *

    Perch. A rod- or branch-type structure above the floor or ground 
that accommodates roosting and allows birds to utilize vertical space.

                                * * * * *

[[Page 409]]

    Pullets. Female chickens or other avian species being raised for egg 
production that have not yet started to lay eggs.

                                * * * * *

    Religious (or ritual) slaughter. Slaughtering in accordance with the 
ritual requirements of any religious faith that prescribes a method of 
slaughter whereby the animal suffers loss of consciousness by anemia of 
the brain caused by the simultaneous and instantaneous severance of the 
carotid arteries with a sharp instrument and handling in connection with 
such slaughtering.

                                * * * * *

    Stocking density. The liveweight or number of animals on a given 
area or unit of land.

                                * * * * *

    Toe clipping. The removal of the nail and distal joint of the back 
two toes of a bird.

                                * * * * *

    Vegetation. Living plant matter that is anchored in the soil by 
roots and provides ground cover.



Sec.  205.3  Incorporation by reference.

    (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part 
with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than that 
specified in this section, we must publish notice of change in the 
Federal Register and the material must be available to the public. All 
approved material is available for inspection at the USDA Agricultural 
Marketing Service, National Organic Program, 1400 Independence Avenue 
SW., Washington, DC 20250; (202) 720-3252, and is available from the 
sources listed below. It is also available for inspection at the 
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on 
the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030 or go to 
http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
    (b) ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West 
Conshohocken, PA 19428; phone 1-877-909-2786; http://www.astm.org/.
    (1) ASTM D5988-12 (``ASTM D5988''), ``Standard Test Method for 
Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in Soil,'' 
approved May 1, 2012, IBR approved for Sec.  205.2.
    (2) ASTM D6400-12 (``ASTM D6400''), ``Standard Specification for 
Labeling of Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal 
or Industrial Facilities,'' approved May 15, 2012, IBR approved for 
Sec.  205.2.
    (3) ASTM D6866-12 (``ASTM D6866''), ``Standard Test Methods for 
Determining the Biobased Content of Solid, Liquid, and Gaseous Samples 
Using Radiocarbon Analysis,'' approved April 1, 2012, IBR approved for 
Sec.  205.2.
    (4) ASTM D6868-11 (``ASTM D6868''), ``Standard Specification for 
Labeling of End Items that Incorporate Plastics and Polymers as Coatings 
or Additives with Paper and Other Substrates Designed to be Aerobically 
Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities,'' approved February 1, 
2011, IBR approved for Sec.  205.2.
    (c) European Committee for Standardization; Avenue Marnix, 17-B-1000 
Brussels; phone 32 2 550 08 11; www.cen.eu.
    (1) EN 13432:2000:E (``EN 13432''), September, 2000, ``Requirements 
for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation--Test 
scheme and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of packaging,'' 
IBR approved for Sec.  205.2.
    (2) EN 14995:2006:E (``EN 14995''), December, 2006, ``Plastics--
Evaluation of compostability--Test scheme and specifications,'' IBR 
approved for Sec.  205.2.
    (d) International Organization for Standardization, 1, ch. de la 
Voie-Creuse, CP 56, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland; phone 41 22 749 01 
11; www.iso.org.
    (1) ISO 17088:2012(E), (``ISO 17088''), ``Specifications for 
compostable plastics,'' June 1, 2012, IBR approved for Sec.  205.2.
    (2) ISO 17556:2012(E) (``ISO 17556''), ``Plastics--Determination of 
the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in soil by 
measuring the oxygen demand in a respirometer or the amount of carbon 
dioxide evolved,'' August 15, 2012, IBR approved for Sec.  205.2.

[79 FR 58662, Sept. 30, 2014]

[[Page 410]]



                         Subpart B_Applicability



Sec.  205.100  What has to be certified.

    (a) Except for the exempt operations described in Sec.  205.101, 
each operation or portion of an operation that produces or handles 
agricultural products intended to be sold, labeled, or represented as 
``100 percent organic,'' ``organic,'' or ``made with organic (specified 
ingredients or food group(s))'' must be certified according to the 
provisions of subpart E of this part and must meet all other applicable 
requirements of this part.
    (b) Any production or handling operation or specified portion of a 
production or handling operation that has been already certified by a 
certifying agent on the date that the certifying agent receives its 
accreditation under this part shall be deemed to be certified under the 
Act until the operation's next anniversary date of certification. Such 
recognition shall only be available to those operations certified by a 
certifying agent that receives its accreditation within 18 months from 
February 20, 2001.
    (c) Any person or responsibly connected person that:
    (1) Knowingly sells or labels a product as organic, except in 
accordance with the Act, shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more 
than the amount specified in Sec.  3.91(b)(1) of this title per 
violation.
    (2) Makes a false statement under the Act to the Secretary, a 
governing State official, or an accredited certifying agent shall be 
subject to the provisions of section 1001 of title 18, United States 
Code.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 70 FR 29579, May 24, 2005; 80 
FR 6429, Feb. 5, 2015; 88 FR 3621, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec.  205.101  Exemptions from certification.

    The following operations in paragraphs (a) through (h) of this 
section are exempt from certification under subpart E of this part and 
from submitting an organic system plan for acceptance or approval under 
Sec.  205.201 but must comply with the applicable organic production and 
handling requirements of subpart C of this part, the applicable labeling 
requirements of subpart D of this part, and any requirements described 
in paragraphs (a) through (i) of this section.
    (a) A production or handling operation that sells agricultural 
products as ``organic'' but whose gross agricultural income from organic 
sales totals $5,000 or less annually.
    (b) A retail establishment that does not process organically 
produced agricultural products.
    (c) A retail establishment that processes, at the point of final 
sale, agricultural products certified under this part as ``100 percent 
organic,'' ``organic,'' or ``made with organic (specified ingredients or 
food group(s)).''
    (d) A handling operation that only handles agricultural products 
that contain less than 70 percent organic ingredients (as described in 
Sec.  205.301(d)) or that only identifies organic ingredients on the 
information panel.
    (e) An operation that only receives, stores, and/or prepares for 
shipment, but does not otherwise handle, organic agricultural products 
that:
    (1) Are enclosed in sealed, tamper-evident packages or containers 
prior to being received or acquired by the operation; and
    (2) Remain in the same sealed, tamper-evident packages or containers 
and are not otherwise handled while in the control of the operation.
    (f) An operation that only buys, sells, receives, stores, and/or 
prepares for shipment, but does not otherwise handle, organic 
agricultural products already labeled for retail sale that:
    (1) Are enclosed in sealed, tamper-evident packages or containers 
that are labeled for retail sale prior to being received or acquired by 
the operation; and
    (2) Remain in the same sealed, tamper-evident packages or containers 
that are labeled for retail sale and are not otherwise handled while in 
the control of the operation.
    (g) A Customs broker (per 19 CFR 111.1) that only conducts customs 
business but does not otherwise handle organic agricultural products.
    (h) An operation that only arranges for the shipping, storing, 
transport, or movement of organic agricultural products but does not 
otherwise handle organic products.

[[Page 411]]

    (i) Recordkeeping by exempt operations.
    (1) Exempt operations described in paragraphs (a) and (c) through 
(f) of this section must make available to representatives of the 
Secretary, upon request, records that:
    (i) Demonstrate that agricultural products identified as organic 
were organically produced and handled; and
    (ii) Verify quantities of organic agricultural products received and 
shipped or sold
    (2) All records described in this section must be maintained for no 
less than 3 years beyond their creation, and the operations must allow 
representatives of the Secretary and the applicable State organic 
programs' governing State official access to these records for 
inspection and copying during normal business hours to determine 
compliance with the applicable regulations set forth in this part.

[88 FR 3621, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec.  205.102  Use of the term, ``organic.''

    Any agricultural product that is sold, labeled, or represented as 
``100 percent organic,'' ``organic,'' or ``made with organic (specified 
ingredients or food group(s))'' must be:
    (a) Produced in accordance with the requirements specified in Sec.  
205.101 or Sec. Sec.  205.202 through 205.207 or Sec. Sec.  205.236 
through 205.240 and all other applicable requirements of part 205; and
    (b) Handled in accordance with the requirements specified in Sec.  
205.101 or Sec. Sec.  205.270 through 205.272 and all other applicable 
requirements of this part 205.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 75 FR 7193, Feb. 17, 2010]



Sec.  205.103  Recordkeeping by certified operations.

    (a) A certified operation must maintain records concerning the 
production, harvesting, and handling of agricultural products that are 
or that are intended to be sold, labeled, or represented as ``100 
percent organic,'' ``organic,'' or ``made with organic (specified 
ingredients or food group(s)).''
    (b) Such records must:
    (1) Be adapted to the particular business that the certified 
operation is conducting;
    (2) Fully disclose all activities and transactions of the certified 
operation, in sufficient detail as to be readily understood and audited; 
records must span the time of purchase or acquisition, through 
production, to sale or transport and be traceable back to the last 
certified operation;
    (3) Include audit trail documentation for agricultural products 
handled or produced by the certified operation and identify agricultural 
products on these records as ``100% organic,'' ``organic,'' or ``made 
with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s)),'' or similar 
terms, as applicable;
    (4) Be maintained for not less than 5 years beyond their creation; 
and
    (5) Be sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the Act and the 
regulations in this part.
    (c) The certified operation must make such records available for 
inspection and copying during normal business hours by authorized 
representatives of the Secretary, the applicable State program's 
governing State official, and the certifying agent.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 88 FR 3621, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec.  205.104  [Reserved]



Sec.  205.105  Allowed and prohibited substances, methods, and 
ingredients in organic production and handling.

    To be sold or labeled as ``100 percent organic,'' ``organic,'' or 
``made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s)),'' the 
product must be produced and handled without the use of:
    (a) Synthetic substances and ingredients, except as provided in 
Sec.  205.601 or Sec.  205.603;
    (b) Nonsynthetic substances prohibited in Sec.  205.602 or Sec.  
205.604;
    (c) Nonagricultural substances used in or on processed products, 
except as otherwise provided in Sec.  205.605;
    (d) Nonorganic agricultural substances used in or on processed 
products, except as otherwise provided in Sec.  205.606;
    (e) Excluded methods, except for vaccines: Provided, That, the 
vaccines are

[[Page 412]]

approved in accordance with Sec.  205.600(a);
    (f) Ionizing radiation, as described in Food and Drug Administration 
regulation, 21 CFR 179.26; and
    (g) Sewage sludge.



Sec. Sec.  205.106-205.199  [Reserved]



         Subpart C_Organic Production and Handling Requirements



Sec.  205.200  General.

    The producer or handler of a production or handling operation 
intending to sell, label, or represent agricultural products as ``100 
percent organic,'' ``organic,'' or ``made with organic (specified 
ingredients or food group(s))'' must comply with the applicable 
provisions of this subpart. Production practices implemented in 
accordance with this subpart must maintain or improve the natural 
resources of the operation, including soil and water quality.



Sec.  205.201  Organic production and handling system plan.

    (a) The producer or handler of a production or handling operation, 
except as exempt under Sec.  205.101, intending to sell, label, or 
represent agricultural products as ``100 percent organic,'' ``organic,'' 
or ``made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s))'' must 
develop an organic production or handling system plan that is agreed to 
by the producer or handler and an accredited certifying agent. An 
organic system plan must meet the requirements set forth in this section 
for organic production or handling. An organic production or handling 
system plan must include:
    (1) A description of practices and procedures to be performed and 
maintained, including the frequency with which they will be performed;
    (2) A list of each substance to be used as a production or handling 
input, indicating its composition, source, location(s) where it will be 
used, and documentation of commercial availability, as applicable;
    (3) A description of the monitoring practices and procedures to be 
performed and maintained, including the frequency with which they will 
be performed, to verify that the plan is effectively implemented. This 
must include a description of the monitoring practices and procedures to 
verify suppliers in the supply chain and organic status of agricultural 
products received, and to prevent organic fraud, as appropriate to the 
certified operation's activities, scope, and complexity;
    (4) A description of the recordkeeping system implemented to comply 
with the requirements established in Sec.  205.103;
    (5) A description of the management practices and physical barriers 
established to prevent commingling of organic and nonorganic products on 
a split operation and to prevent contact of organic production and 
handling operations and products with prohibited substances; and
    (6) Additional information deemed necessary by the certifying agent 
to evaluate compliance with the regulations.
    (b) A producer may substitute a plan prepared to meet the 
requirements of another Federal, State, or local government regulatory 
program for the organic system plan: Provided, That, the submitted plan 
meets all the requirements of this subpart.
    (c) In addition to paragraph (a) of this section, a producer group 
operation's organic system plan must describe its internal control 
system. The description of the internal control system must:
    (1) Define the organizational structure, roles, and responsibilities 
of all personnel;
    (2) Identify producer group production units and locations;
    (3) Describe measures to protect against potential conflicts of 
interest and protect internal control system personnel from retribution;
    (4) Define geographic proximity criteria for producer group members 
and producer group production units;
    (5) Describe procedures for accepting new members into the producer 
group operation, including initial inspection and compliance 
determination;
    (6) Describe characteristics of high-risk producer group members and 
producer group production units;
    (7) Describe how shared resources, including production practices 
and inputs, are procured and provided to all

[[Page 413]]

producer group members and personnel;
    (8) Describe how training, education, and technical assistance is 
provided to producer group members and internal control system 
personnel;
    (9) Describe the system of records used to demonstrate compliance 
with this part, including traceability and mass-balance audits; and
    (10) Describe how internal monitoring, surveillance, inspection, 
sanctions, and auditing are used to assess the compliance of all 
producer group members.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 88 FR 3622, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec.  205.202  Land requirements.

    Any field or farm parcel from which harvested crops are intended to 
be sold, labeled, or represented as ``organic,'' must:
    (a) Have been managed in accordance with the provisions of 
Sec. Sec.  205.203 through 205.206;
    (b) Have had no prohibited substances, as listed in Sec.  205.105, 
applied to it for a period of 3 years immediately preceding harvest of 
the crop; and
    (c) Have distinct, defined boundaries and buffer zones such as 
runoff diversions to prevent the unintended application of a prohibited 
substance to the crop or contact with a prohibited substance applied to 
adjoining land that is not under organic management.



Sec.  205.203  Soil fertility and crop nutrient management practice 
standard.

    (a) The producer must select and implement tillage and cultivation 
practices that maintain or improve the physical, chemical, and 
biological condition of soil and minimize soil erosion.
    (b) The producer must manage crop nutrients and soil fertility 
through rotations, cover crops, and the application of plant and animal 
materials.
    (c) The producer must manage plant and animal materials to maintain 
or improve soil organic matter content in a manner that does not 
contribute to contamination of crops, soil, or water by plant nutrients, 
pathogenic organisms, heavy metals, or residues of prohibited 
substances. Animal and plant materials include:
    (1) Raw animal manure, which must be composted unless it is:
    (i) Applied to land used for a crop not intended for human 
consumption;
    (ii) Incorporated into the soil not less than 120 days prior to the 
harvest of a product whose edible portion has direct contact with the 
soil surface or soil particles; or
    (iii) Incorporated into the soil not less than 90 days prior to the 
harvest of a product whose edible portion does not have direct contact 
with the soil surface or soil particles;
    (2) Composted plant and animal materials produced though a process 
that:
    (i) Established an initial C:N ratio of between 25:1 and 40:1; and
    (ii) Maintained a temperature of between 131 [deg]F and 170 [deg]F 
for 3 days using an in-vessel or static aerated pile system; or
    (iii) Maintained a temperature of between 131 [deg]F and 170 [deg]F 
for 15 days using a windrow composting system, during which period, the 
materials must be turned a minimum of five times.
    (3) Uncomposted plant materials.
    (d) A producer may manage crop nutrients and soil fertility to 
maintain or improve soil organic matter content in a manner that does 
not contribute to contamination of crops, soil, or water by plant 
nutrients, pathogenic organisms, heavy metals, or residues of prohibited 
substances by applying:
    (1) A crop nutrient or soil amendment included on the National List 
of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production;
    (2) A mined substance of low solubility;
    (3) A mined substance of high solubility: Provided, That, the 
substance is used in compliance with the conditions established on the 
National List of nonsynthetic materials prohibited for crop production;
    (4) Ash obtained from the burning of a plant or animal material, 
except as prohibited in paragraph (e) of this section: Provided, That, 
the material burned has not been treated or combined with a prohibited 
substance or the ash is not included on the National List of 
nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in organic crop production; 
and

[[Page 414]]

    (5) A plant or animal material that has been chemically altered by a 
manufacturing process: Provided, That, the material is included on the 
National List of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop 
production established in Sec.  205.601.
    (e) The producer must not use:
    (1) Any fertilizer or composted plant and animal material that 
contains a synthetic substance not included on the National List of 
synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production;
    (2) Sewage sludge (biosolids) as defined in 40 CFR part 503; and (3) 
Burning as a means of disposal for crop residues produced on the 
operation: Except, That, burning may be used to suppress the spread of 
disease or to stimulate seed germination.



Sec.  205.204  Seeds and planting stock practice standard.

    (a) The producer must use organically grown seeds, annual seedlings, 
and planting stock: Except, That,
    (1) Nonorganically produced, untreated seeds and planting stock may 
be used to produce an organic crop when an equivalent organically 
produced variety is not commercially available: Except, That, 
organically produced seed must be used for the production of edible 
sprouts;
    (2) Nonorganically produced seeds and planting stock that have been 
treated with a substance included on the National List of synthetic 
substances allowed for use in organic crop production may be used to 
produce an organic crop when an equivalent organically produced or 
untreated variety is not commercially available;
    (3) Nonorganically produced annual seedlings may be used to produce 
an organic crop when a temporary variance has been granted in accordance 
with Sec.  205.290(a)(2);
    (4) Nonorganically produced planting stock to be used to produce a 
perennial crop may be sold, labeled, or represented as organically 
produced only after the planting stock has been maintained under a 
system of organic management for a period of no less than 1 year; and
    (5) Seeds, annual seedlings, and planting stock treated with 
prohibited substances may be used to produce an organic crop when the 
application of the materials is a requirement of Federal or State 
phytosanitary regulations.
    (b) [Reserved]



Sec.  205.205  Crop rotation practice standard.

    The producer must implement a crop rotation including but not 
limited to sod, cover crops, green manure crops, and catch crops that 
provide the following functions that are applicable to the operation:
    (a) Maintain or improve soil organic matter content;
    (b) Provide for pest management in annual and perennial crops;
    (c) Manage deficient or excess plant nutrients; and
    (d) Provide erosion control.



Sec.  205.206  Crop pest, weed, and disease management practice standard.

    (a) The producer must use management practices to prevent crop 
pests, weeds, and diseases including but not limited to:
    (1) Crop rotation and soil and crop nutrient management practices, 
as provided for in Sec. Sec.  205.203 and 205.205;
    (2) Sanitation measures to remove disease vectors, weed seeds, and 
habitat for pest organisms; and
    (3) Cultural practices that enhance crop health, including selection 
of plant species and varieties with regard to suitability to site-
specific conditions and resistance to prevalent pests, weeds, and 
diseases.
    (b) Pest problems may be controlled through mechanical or physical 
methods including but not limited to:
    (1) Augmentation or introduction of predators or parasites of the 
pest species;
    (2) Development of habitat for natural enemies of pests;
    (3) Nonsynthetic controls such as lures, traps, and repellents.
    (c) Weed problems may be controlled through:
    (1) Mulching with fully biodegradable materials;
    (2) Mowing;
    (3) Livestock grazing;
    (4) Hand weeding and mechanical cultivation;

[[Page 415]]

    (5) Flame, heat, or electrical means; or
    (6) Plastic or other synthetic mulches: Provided, That, they are 
removed from the field at the end of the growing or harvest season.
    (d) Disease problems may be controlled through:
    (1) Management practices which suppress the spread of disease 
organisms; or
    (2) Application of nonsynthetic biological, botanical, or mineral 
inputs.
    (e) When the practices provided for in paragraphs (a) through (d) of 
this section are insufficient to prevent or control crop pests, weeds, 
and diseases, a biological or botanical substance or a substance 
included on the National List of synthetic substances allowed for use in 
organic crop production may be applied to prevent, suppress, or control 
pests, weeds, or diseases: Provided, That, the conditions for using the 
substance are documented in the organic system plan.
    (f) The producer must not use lumber treated with arsenate or other 
prohibited materials for new installations or replacement purposes in 
contact with soil or livestock.



Sec.  205.207  Wild-crop harvesting practice standard.

    (a) A wild crop that is intended to be sold, labeled, or represented 
as organic must be harvested from a designated area that has had no 
prohibited substance, as set forth in Sec.  205.105, applied to it for a 
period of 3 years immediately preceding the harvest of the wild crop.
    (b) A wild crop must be harvested in a manner that ensures that such 
harvesting or gathering will not be destructive to the environment and 
will sustain the growth and production of the wild crop.



Sec. Sec.  205.208-205.235  [Reserved]



Sec.  205.236  Origin of livestock.

    (a) Livestock products that are to be sold, labeled, or represented 
as organic must be from livestock under continuous organic management 
from the last third of gestation or hatching: Except, That:
    (1) Poultry. Poultry or edible poultry products must be from poultry 
that has been under continuous organic management beginning no later 
than the second day of life;
    (2) Dairy animals. Subject to the requirements of this paragraph, an 
operation that is not certified for organic livestock and that has never 
transitioned dairy animals may transition nonorganic animals to organic 
production only once. After the one-time transition is complete, the 
operation may not transition additional animals or source transitioned 
animals from other operations; the operation must source only animals 
that have been under continuous organic management from the last third 
of gestation.
    Eligible operations converting to organic production by 
transitioning organic animals under this paragraph must meet the 
following requirements and conditions:
    (i) Dairy animals must be under continuous organic management for a 
minimum of 12 months immediately prior to production of milk or milk 
products that are to be sold, labeled, or represented as organic. Only 
certified operations may represent or sell products as organic.
    (ii) The operation must describe the transition as part of its 
organic system plan. The description must include the actual or expected 
start date of the minimum 12-month transition, individual identification 
of animals intended to complete transition, and any additional 
information or records deemed necessary by the certifying agent to 
determine compliance with the regulations. Transitioning animals are not 
considered organic until the operation is certified.
    (iii) During the 12-month transition period, dairy animals and their 
offspring may consume third-year transitional crops from land included 
in the organic system plan of the operation transitioning the animals;
    (iv) Offspring born during or after the 12-month transition period 
are transitioned animals if they consume third-year transitional crops 
during the transition or if the mother consumes third-year transitional 
crops

[[Page 416]]

during the offspring's last third of gestation;
    (v) Consistent with the breeder stock provisions in paragraph (a)(3) 
of this section, offspring born from transitioning dairy animals are not 
considered to be transitioned animals if they are under continuous 
organic management and if only certified organic crops and forages are 
fed from their last third of gestation (rather, they are considered to 
have been managed organically from the last third of gestation);
    (vi) All dairy animals must end the transition at the same time;
    (vii) Dairy animals that complete the transition and that are part 
of a certified operation are transitioned animals and must not be used 
for organic livestock products other than organic milk and milk 
products.
    (3) Breeder stock. Livestock used as breeder stock may be brought 
from a nonorganic operation onto an organic operation at any time, 
Provided, That the following conditions are met:
    (i) Such breeder stock must be brought onto the operation no later 
than the last third of gestation if their offspring are to be raised as 
organic livestock; and
    (ii) Such breeder stock must be managed organically throughout the 
last third of gestation and the lactation period during which time they 
may nurse their own offspring.
    (b) The following are prohibited:
    (1) Livestock that are removed from an organic operation and 
subsequently managed or handled on a nonorganic operation may not be 
sold, labeled, or represented as organic.
    (2) Breeder stock, dairy animals, or transitioned animals that have 
not been under continuous organic management since the last third of 
gestation may not be sold, labeled, or represented as organic slaughter 
stock.
    (c) The producer of an organic livestock operation must maintain 
records sufficient to preserve the identity of all organically managed 
animals, including whether they are transitioned animals, and edible and 
nonedible animal products produced on the operation.
    (d) A request for a variance to allow sourcing of transitioned 
animals between certified operations must adhere to the following:
    (1) A variance from the requirement to source dairy animals that 
have been under continuous organic management from the last third of 
gestation, as stated in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, may be granted 
by the Administrator to certified operations that are small businesses, 
as determined in 13 CFR part 121, for any of the following reasons:
    (i) The certified operation selling the transitioned animals is part 
of a bankruptcy proceeding or a forced sale; or
    (ii) The certified operation has become insolvent, must liquidate 
its animals, and as a result has initiated a formal process to cease its 
operations; or
    (iii) The certified operation wishes to conduct an intergenerational 
transfer of transitioned animals to an immediate family member.
    (2) A certifying agent must request a variance on behalf of a 
certified operation, in writing, to the Administrator within ten days of 
receiving the request of variance from the operation. The variance 
request shall include documentation to demonstrate one or more of the 
circumstances listed in paragraph (d)(1) of this section.
    (3) The Administrator will provide written notification to the 
certifying agent and to the operation(s) involved as to whether the 
variance is granted or rejected.

[87 FR 19772, Apr. 5, 2022]



Sec.  205.237  Livestock feed.

    (a) The producer of an organic livestock operation must provide 
livestock with a total feed ration composed of agricultural products, 
including pasture and forage, that are organically produced and handled 
by operations certified under this part, except as provided in Sec.  
205.236(a)(2)(iii) and (a)(3), except, that, synthetic substances 
allowed under Sec.  205.603 and nonsynthetic substances not prohibited 
under Sec.  205.604 may be used as feed additives and feed supplements, 
Provided, That, all agricultural ingredients included in the ingredients 
list, for such additives and supplements, shall have been produced and 
handled organically.

[[Page 417]]

    (b) The producer of an organic operation must not:
    (1) Use animal drugs, including hormones, to promote growth;
    (2) Provide feed supplements or additives in amounts above those 
needed for adequate nutrition and health maintenance for the species at 
its specific stage of life;
    (3) Feed plastic pellets for roughage;
    (4) Feed formulas containing urea or manure;
    (5) Feed mammalian or poultry slaughter by-products to mammals or 
poultry;
    (6) Use feed, feed additives, and feed supplements in violation of 
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act;
    (7) Provide feed or forage to which any antibiotic including 
ionophores has been added; or
    (8) Prevent, withhold, restrain, or otherwise restrict ruminant 
animals from actively obtaining feed grazed from pasture during the 
grazing season, except for conditions as described under Sec.  
205.239(b) and (c).
    (c) During the grazing season, producers shall:
    (1) Provide not more than an average of 70 percent of a ruminant's 
dry matter demand from dry matter fed (dry matter fed does not include 
dry matter grazed from residual forage or vegetation rooted in pasture). 
This shall be calculated as an average over the entire grazing season 
for each type and class of animal. Ruminant animals must be grazed 
throughout the entire grazing season for the geographical region, which 
shall be not less than 120 days per calendar year. Due to weather, 
season, and/or climate, the grazing season may or may not be continuous.
    (2) Provide pasture of a sufficient quality and quantity to graze 
throughout the grazing season and to provide all ruminants under the 
organic system plan with an average of not less than 30 percent of their 
dry matter intake from grazing throughout the grazing season: Except, 
That,
    (i) Ruminant animals denied pasture in accordance with Sec.  
205.239(b)(1) through (8), and Sec.  205.239(c)(1) through (3), shall be 
provided with an average of not less than 30 percent of their dry matter 
intake from grazing throughout the periods that they are on pasture 
during the grazing season;
    (ii) Breeding bulls shall be exempt from the 30 percent dry matter 
intake from grazing requirement of this section and management on 
pasture requirement of Sec.  205.239(c)(2); Provided, That, any animal 
maintained under this exemption shall not be sold, labeled, used, or 
represented as organic slaughter stock.
    (d) Ruminant livestock producers shall:
    (1) Describe the total feed ration for each type and class of 
animal. The description must include:
    (i) All feed produced on-farm;
    (ii) All feed purchased from off-farm sources;
    (iii) The percentage of each feed type, including pasture, in the 
total ration; and
    (iv) A list of all feed supplements and additives.
    (2) Document the amount of each type of feed actually fed to each 
type and class of animal.
    (3) Document changes that are made to all rations throughout the 
year in response to seasonal grazing changes.
    (4) Provide the method for calculating dry matter demand and dry 
matter intake.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 75 FR 7193, Feb. 17, 2010; 87 
FR 19773, Apr. 5, 2022]



Sec.  205.238  Livestock health care practice standard.

    (a) The producer must establish and maintain preventive livestock 
health care practices, including:
    (1) Selection of species and types of livestock with regard to 
suitability for site-specific conditions and resistance to prevalent 
diseases and parasites;
    (2) Provision of a feed ration sufficient to meet nutritional 
requirements, including vitamins, minerals, protein and/or amino acids, 
fatty acids, energy sources, and fiber (ruminants);
    (3) Establishment of appropriate housing, pasture conditions, and 
sanitation practices to minimize the occurrence and spread of diseases 
and parasites;

[[Page 418]]

    (4) Provision of conditions which allow for exercise, freedom of 
movement, and reduction of stress appropriate to the species;
    (5) Performance of physical alterations as needed to promote the 
animal's welfare and in a manner that minimizes pain and stress; and
    (6) Administration of vaccines and other veterinary biologics.
    (b) When preventive practices and veterinary biologics are 
inadequate to prevent sickness, a producer may administer synthetic 
medications: Provided, That, such medications are allowed under Sec.  
205.603. Parasiticides allowed under Sec.  205.603 may be used on:
    (1) Breeder stock, when used prior to the last third of gestation 
but not during lactation for progeny that are to be sold, labeled, or 
represented as organically produced; and
    (2) Dairy animals, as allowed under Sec.  205.603.
    (3) Fiber bearing animals, as allowed under Sec.  205.603.
    (c) The producer of an organic livestock operation must not:
    (1) Sell, label, or represent as organic any animal or edible 
product derived from any animal treated with antibiotics, any substance 
that contains a synthetic substance not allowed under Sec.  205.603, or 
any substance that contains a nonsynthetic substance prohibited in Sec.  
205.604.
    (2) Administer any animal drug, other than vaccinations, in the 
absence of illness;
    (3) Administer hormones for growth promotion;
    (4) Administer synthetic parasiticides on a routine basis;
    (5) Administer synthetic parasiticides to slaughter stock;
    (6) Administer animal drugs in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, 
and Cosmetic Act; or
    (7) Withhold medical treatment from a sick animal in an effort to 
preserve its organic status. All appropriate medications must be used to 
restore an animal to health when methods acceptable to organic 
production fail. Livestock treated with a prohibited substance must be 
clearly identified and shall not be sold, labeled, or represented as 
organically produced.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 83 FR 66571, Dec. 27, 2018]

    Effective Date Note: At 88 FR 75445, Nov. 2, 2023, Sec.  205.238 was 
revised, effective Jan. 2, 2024. At 88 FR 86259, Dec. 13, 2023, the 
effective date was delayed to Jan. 12, 2024. For the convenience of the 
user, the revised text is set forth as follows:



Sec.  205.238  Livestock care and production practices standard.

    (a) Preventive health care practices. The producer must establish 
and maintain preventive health care practices, including:
    (1) Selection of species and types of livestock with regard to 
suitability for site-specific conditions and resistance to prevalent 
diseases and parasites.
    (2) Provision of a feed ration sufficient to meet nutritional 
requirements of the animal, including vitamins, minerals, proteins and/
or amino acids, fatty acids, energy sources, and fiber (ruminants).
    (3) Establishment of appropriate housing, pasture conditions, and 
sanitation practices to minimize the occurrence and spread of diseases 
and parasites.
    (4) Provision of conditions which allow for exercise, freedom of 
movement, and reduction of stress appropriate to the species.
    (5) Physical alterations may be performed for identification 
purposes or the safety of the animal. Physical alterations must be 
performed: at a young age for the species, in a manner that minimizes 
stress and pain, and by a person that is capable of performing the 
physical alteration in a manner that minimizes stress and pain.
    (i) The following practices may not be routinely used and must be 
used only with documentation that alternative methods to prevent harm 
failed: needle teeth clipping (no more than top one-third of the tooth) 
in pigs and tail docking in pigs.
    (ii) The following practices are prohibited: de-beaking, de-
snooding, caponization, dubbing, toe clipping of chickens, toe clipping 
of turkeys unless with infra-red at hatchery, beak trimming after 10 
days of age, tail docking of cattle, wattling of cattle, face branding 
of cattle, tail docking of sheep shorter than the distal end of the 
caudal fold, and mulesing of sheep.
    (6) Administration of vaccines and other veterinary biologics.
    (7) All surgical procedures necessary to treat an illness or injury 
shall be undertaken in a manner that employs best management practices 
to promote the animal's wellbeing and to minimize pain, stress, and 
suffering, with the use of allowed anesthetics, analgesics, and 
sedatives, as appropriate.

[[Page 419]]

    (8) Monitoring of lameness; timely and appropriate treatment of 
lameness for the species; and mitigation of the causes of lameness.
    (b) Preventive medicines and parasiticides. Producers may administer 
medications that are allowed under Sec.  205.603 of this part to 
alleviate pain or suffering, and when preventive practices and 
veterinary biologics are inadequate to prevent sickness. Parasiticides 
allowed under Sec.  205.603 of this part may be used on:
    (1) Breeder stock, when used prior to the last third of gestation 
but not during lactation for progeny that are to be sold, labeled, or 
represented as organically produced; and
    (2) Dairy animals, as allowed under Sec.  205.603 of this part.
    (3) Fiber bearing animals, as allowed under Sec.  205.603 of this 
part.
    (c) Prohibited practices. An organic livestock operation must not:
    (1) Sell, label, or represent as organic any animal or product 
derived from any animal treated with antibiotics, any substance that 
contains a synthetic substance not allowed under Sec.  205.603 of this 
part, or any substance that contains a non-synthetic substance 
prohibited in Sec.  205.604 of this part. Milk from animals undergoing 
treatment with synthetic substances that are allowed under Sec.  205.603 
of this part but have associated withdrawal periods cannot be sold, 
labeled, or represented as organic during the withdrawal period but may 
be fed to calves on the same operation. Milk from animals undergoing 
treatment with prohibited substances cannot be sold, labeled, or 
represented as organic or fed to organic livestock.
    (2) Administer synthetic medications unless:
    (i) In the presence of illness or to alleviate pain and suffering, 
and
    (ii) That such medications are allowed under Sec.  205.603 of this 
part.
    (3) Administer hormones for growth promotion, production, or 
reproduction, except as provided in Sec.  205.603 of this part.
    (4) Administer synthetic parasiticides on a routine basis.
    (5) Administer synthetic parasiticides to slaughter stock.
    (6) Administer animal drugs in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, 
and Cosmetic Act; or
    (7) Withhold medical treatment from a sick animal in an effort to 
preserve its organic status. All appropriate medications must be used to 
restore an animal to health when methods acceptable to organic 
production fail. Livestock treated with a prohibited substance must be 
clearly identified and neither the animal nor its products shall be 
sold, labeled, or represented as organically produced.
    (8) Withhold individual treatment designed to minimize pain and 
suffering for injured, diseased, or sick animals, which may include 
forms of euthanasia as recommended by the American Veterinary Medical 
Association.
    (9) Neglect to identify and record treatment of sick and injured 
animals in animal health records.
    (10) Practice induced molting.
    (d) Parasite control plans. (1) Organic livestock operations must 
have comprehensive plans to minimize internal parasite problems in 
livestock, including preventive measures such as pasture management, 
fecal monitoring, and emergency measures in the event of a parasite 
outbreak.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (e) Euthanasia. (1) Organic livestock operations must have written 
plans for prompt, humane euthanasia for sick or injured livestock 
suffering from irreversible disease or injury.
    (2) The following methods of euthanasia are not permitted: 
suffocation; manual blow to the head by blunt instrument or manual blunt 
force trauma; and the use of equipment that crushes the neck, including 
killing pliers or Burdizzo clamps.
    (3) Following a euthanasia procedure, livestock must be carefully 
examined to ensure that they are dead.



Sec.  205.239  Livestock living conditions.

    (a) The producer of an organic livestock operation must establish 
and maintain year-round livestock living conditions which accommodate 
the health and natural behavior of animals, including:
    (1) Year-round access for all animals to the outdoors, shade, 
shelter, exercise areas, fresh air, clean water for drinking, and direct 
sunlight, suitable to the species, its stage of life, the climate, and 
the environment: Except, that, animals may be temporarily denied access 
to the outdoors in accordance with Sec. Sec.  205.239(b) and (c). Yards, 
feeding pads, and feedlots may be used to provide ruminants with access 
to the outdoors during the non-grazing season and supplemental feeding 
during the grazing season. Yards, feeding pads, and feedlots shall be 
large enough to allow all ruminant livestock occupying the yard, feeding 
pad, or feedlot to feed simultaneously without crowding and without 
competition for food. Continuous total confinement of any animal indoors 
is prohibited. Continuous total confinement of ruminants in yards, 
feeding pads, and feedlots is prohibited.

[[Page 420]]

    (2) For all ruminants, management on pasture and daily grazing 
throughout the grazing season(s) to meet the requirements of Sec.  
205.237, except as provided for in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this 
section.
    (3) Appropriate clean, dry bedding. When roughages are used as 
bedding, they shall have been organically produced in accordance with 
this part by an operation certified under this part, except as provided 
in Sec.  205.236(a)(2)(iii), and, if applicable, organically handled by 
operations certified under this part.
    (4) Shelter designed to allow for:
    (i) Natural maintenance, comfort behaviors, and opportunity to 
exercise;
    (ii) Temperature level, ventilation, and air circulation suitable to 
the species; and
    (iii) Reduction of potential for livestock injury;
    (5) The use of yards, feeding pads, feedlots and laneways that shall 
be well-drained, kept in good condition (including frequent removal of 
wastes), and managed to prevent runoff of wastes and contaminated waters 
to adjoining or nearby surface water and across property boundaries.
    (b) The producer of an organic livestock operation may provide 
temporary confinement or shelter for an animal because of:
    (1) Inclement weather;
    (2) The animal's stage of life: Except, that lactation is not a 
stage of life that would exempt ruminants from any of the mandates set 
forth in this regulation;
    (3) Conditions under which the health, safety, or well-being of the 
animal could be jeopardized;
    (4) Risk to soil or water quality;
    (5) Preventive healthcare procedures or for the treatment of illness 
or injury (neither the various life stages nor lactation is an illness 
or injury);
    (6) Sorting or shipping animals and livestock sales: Provided, that, 
the animals shall be maintained under continuous organic management, 
including organic feed, throughout the extent of their allowed 
confinement;
    (7) Breeding: Except, that, bred animals shall not be denied access 
to the outdoors and, once bred, ruminants shall not be denied access to 
pasture during the grazing season; or
    (8) 4-H, Future Farmers of America and other youth projects, for no 
more than one week prior to a fair or other demonstration, through the 
event and up to 24 hours after the animals have arrived home at the 
conclusion of the event. These animals must have been maintained under 
continuous organic management, including organic feed, during the extent 
of their allowed confinement for the event.
    (c) The producer of an organic livestock operation may, in addition 
to the times permitted under Sec.  205.239(b), temporarily deny a 
ruminant animal pasture or outdoor access under the following 
conditions:
    (1) One week at the end of a lactation for dry off (for denial of 
access to pasture only), three weeks prior to parturition (birthing), 
parturition, and up to one week after parturition;
    (2) In the case of newborn dairy cattle for up to six months, after 
which they must be on pasture during the grazing season and may no 
longer be individually housed: Provided, That, an animal shall not be 
confined or tethered in a way that prevents the animal from lying down, 
standing up, fully extending its limbs, and moving about freely;
    (3) In the case of fiber bearing animals, for short periods for 
shearing; and
    (4) In the case of dairy animals, for short periods daily for 
milking. Milking must be scheduled in a manner to ensure sufficient 
grazing time to provide each animal with an average of at least 30 
percent DMI from grazing throughout the grazing season. Milking 
frequencies or duration practices cannot be used to deny dairy animals 
pasture.
    (d) Ruminant slaughter stock, typically grain finished, shall be 
maintained on pasture for each day that the finishing period corresponds 
with the grazing season for the geographical location: Except, that, 
yards, feeding pads, or feedlots may be used to provide finish feeding 
rations. During the finishing period, ruminant slaughter stock shall be 
exempt from the minimum 30 percent DMI requirement from grazing. Yards, 
feeding pads, or feedlots used to provide finish feeding rations shall 
be large enough to allow

[[Page 421]]

all ruminant slaughter stock occupying the yard, feeding pad, or feed 
lot to feed simultaneously without crowding and without competition for 
food. The finishing period shall not exceed one-fifth (\1/5\) of the 
animal's total life or 120 days, whichever is shorter.
    (e) The producer of an organic livestock operation must manage 
manure in a manner that does not contribute to contamination of crops, 
soil, or water by plant nutrients, heavy metals, or pathogenic organisms 
and optimizes recycling of nutrients and must manage pastures and other 
outdoor access areas in a manner that does not put soil or water quality 
at risk.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 75 FR 7193, Feb. 17, 2010; 87 
FR 19773, Apr. 5, 2022]

    Effective Date Note: At 88 FR 75446, Nov. 2, 2023, Sec.  205.239 was 
revised, effective Jan. 2, 2024. At 88 FR 86259, Dec. 13, 2023, the 
effective date was delayed to Jan. 12, 2024. At 88 FR 89539, Dec. 28, 
2023, paragraph (c)(4) of the revised text was corrected, effective Jan. 
12, 2024. For the convenience of the user, the revised text is set forth 
as follows:



Sec.  205.239  Mammalian and non-avian livestock living conditions.

    (a) The producer of an organic livestock operation must establish 
and maintain year-round livestock living conditions, which accommodate 
the wellbeing and natural behavior of animals, including:
    (1) Year-round access for all animals to the outdoors, shade, 
shelter, exercise areas, fresh air, clean water for drinking, and direct 
sunlight, suitable to the species, its stage of life, the climate, and 
the environment: Except, that, animals may be temporarily denied access 
to the outdoors in accordance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of this 
section. Yards, feeding pads, and feedlots may be used to provide 
ruminants with access to the outdoors during the non-grazing season and 
supplemental feeding during the grazing season. Yards, feeding pads, and 
feedlots shall be large enough to allow all ruminant livestock occupying 
the yard, feeding pad, or feedlot to feed without competition for food. 
Continuous total confinement of any animal indoors is prohibited. 
Continuous total confinement of ruminants in yards, feeding pads, and 
feedlots is prohibited.
    (2) For all ruminants, management on pasture and daily grazing 
throughout the grazing season(s) to meet the requirements of Sec.  
205.237 of this part, except as provided for in paragraphs (b), (c), and 
(d) of this section.
    (3) Appropriate clean, dry bedding. When roughages are used as 
bedding, they shall have been organically produced in accordance with 
this part by an operation certified under this part, except as provided 
in Sec.  205.236(a)(2)(iii) of this part, and, if applicable, 
organically handled by operations certified under this part.
    (4) Shelter designed to allow for:
    (i) Over a 24-hour period, sufficient space and freedom to lie down, 
turn around, stand up, fully stretch their limbs, and express normal 
patterns of behavior;
    (ii) Temperature level, ventilation, and air circulation suitable to 
the species;
    (iii) Reduction of potential for livestock injury; and
    (iv) Indoor housing must have areas for bedding and resting that are 
sufficiently large, solidly built, and comfortable so that animals are 
kept clean and dry, as appropriate for the species, and free of lesions.
    (5) The use of yards, feeding pads, feedlots and laneways that shall 
be well-drained, kept in good condition (including frequent removal of 
wastes), and managed to prevent runoff of wastes and contaminated waters 
to adjoining or nearby surface water and across property boundaries.
    (6) Housing, pens, runs, equipment, and utensils shall be properly 
cleaned and disinfected as needed to prevent cross-infection and build-
up of disease-carrying organisms.
    (7) Dairy young stock may be housed in individual pens until 
completion of the weaning process, provided that they have enough room 
to turn around, lie down, stretch out when lying down, get up, rest, and 
groom themselves; individual animal pens shall be designed and located 
so that each animal can see, smell, and hear other animals.
    (8) Swine must be housed in a group, except:
    (i) Sows may be housed individually at farrowing and during the 
suckling period; gestation and farrowing crates are prohibited;
    (ii) Boars; and
    (iii) Swine with multiple documented instances of aggression or for 
recovery from an illness.
    (9) Piglets shall not be kept on flat decks or in piglet cages.
    (10) For swine, rooting materials must be provided, except during 
the farrowing and suckling period.
    (11) In confined housing with stalls for mammalian livestock, enough 
stalls must be present to provide for the natural behaviors of the 
animals. A cage must not be called a stall. For group-housed swine, the 
number of individual feeding stalls may be less than the number of 
animals, as long as all animals are fed routinely over a 24-hour period. 
For group-housed cattle, bedded packs, compost packs, tie-stalls, free-
stalls, and stanchion barns are all acceptable housing as part of an 
overall organic system plan.

[[Page 422]]

    (12) Outdoor space must be provided year-round. When the outdoor 
space includes soil, vegetative cover must be maintained as appropriate 
for the season, climate, geography, species of livestock, and stage of 
production.
    (b) The producer of an organic livestock operation may provide 
temporary confinement or shelter for an animal because of:
    (1) Inclement weather;
    (2) The animal's stage of life, however, lactation is not a stage of 
life that would exempt ruminants from any of the mandates set forth in 
this part;
    (3) Conditions under which the health, safety, or well-being of the 
animal could be jeopardized;
    (4) Risk to soil or water quality;
    (5) Preventive healthcare procedures or for the treatment of illness 
or injury (neither the various life stages nor lactation is an illness 
or injury);
    (6) Sorting or shipping animals and livestock sales, provided that 
the animals shall be maintained under continuous organic management, 
including organic feed, throughout the extent of their allowed 
confinement;
    (7) Breeding: Except, that, animals shall not be confined any longer 
than necessary for natural breeding or to perform artificial 
insemination. Animals may not be confined to observe estrus, and animals 
may not be confined after breeding to confirm pregnancy; and
    (8) 4-H, National FFA Organization, and other youth projects, for no 
more than one week prior to a fair or other demonstration, through the 
event, and up to 24 hours after the animals have arrived home at the 
conclusion of the event. These animals must have been maintained under 
continuous organic management, including organic feed, during the extent 
of their allowed confinement for the event. Notwithstanding the 
requirements in paragraph (b)(6) of this section, facilities where 4-H, 
National FFA Organization, and other youth events are held are not 
required to be certified organic for the participating animals to be 
sold as organic, provided all other organic management practices are 
followed.
    (c) The producer of an organic livestock operation may, in addition 
to the times permitted under paragraph (b) of this section, temporarily 
deny a ruminant animal pasture or outdoor access under the following 
conditions:
    (1) One week at the end of a lactation for dry off (for denial of 
access to pasture only), three weeks prior to parturition (birthing), 
parturition, and up to one week after parturition;
    (2) In the case of newborn dairy cattle, for up to six months, after 
which they must be on pasture during the grazing season and may no 
longer be individually housed: Except, That, any animal shall not be 
confined or tethered in a way that prevents the animal from lying down, 
standing up, fully extending its limbs, and moving about freely;
    (3) In the case of fiber bearing animals, for short periods for 
shearing; and
    (4) In the case of dairy animals, for short periods daily for 
milking. Milking must be scheduled in a manner to ensure sufficient 
grazing time to provide each animal with an average of at least 30 
percent dry matter intake (DMI) from grazing throughout the grazing 
season. Milking frequencies or duration practices cannot be used to deny 
dairy animals pasture.
    (d) Ruminant slaughter stock, typically grain finished, shall be 
maintained on pasture for each day that the finishing period corresponds 
with the grazing season for the geographical location. Yards, feeding 
pads, or feedlots may be used to provide finish feeding rations. During 
the finishing period, ruminant slaughter stock shall be exempt from the 
minimum 30 percent DMI requirement from grazing. Yards, feeding pads, or 
feedlots used to provide finish feeding rations shall be large enough to 
allow all ruminant slaughter stock occupying the yard, feeding pad, or 
feed lot to feed without crowding and without competition for food. The 
finishing period shall not exceed one-fifth (\1/5\) of the animal's 
total life or 120 days, whichever is shorter.
    (e) The producer of an organic livestock operation must manage 
manure in a manner that does not contribute to contamination of crops, 
soil, or water by plant nutrients, heavy metals, or pathogenic organisms 
and optimizes recycling of nutrients and must manage pastures and other 
outdoor access areas in a manner that does not put soil or water quality 
at risk.



Sec.  205.240  Pasture practice standard.

    The producer of an organic livestock operation must, for all 
ruminant livestock on the operation, demonstrate through auditable 
records in the organic system plan, a functioning management plan for 
pasture.
    (a) Pasture must be managed as a crop in full compliance with 
Sec. Sec.  205.202, 205.203(d) and (e), 205.204, and 205.206(b) through 
(f). Land used for the production of annual crops for ruminant grazing 
must be managed in full compliance with Sec. Sec.  205.202 through 
205.206. Irrigation shall be used, as needed, to promote pasture growth 
when the operation has irrigation available for use on pasture.

[[Page 423]]

    (b) Producers must provide pasture in compliance with Sec.  
205.239(a)(2) and manage pasture to comply with the requirements of: 
Sec.  205.237(c)(2), to annually provide a minimum of 30 percent of a 
ruminant's dry matter intake (DMI), on average, over the course of the 
grazing season(s); Sec.  205.238(a)(3), to minimize the occurrence and 
spread of diseases and parasites; and Sec.  205.239(e) to refrain from 
putting soil or water quality at risk.
    (c) A pasture plan must be included in the producer's organic system 
plan, and be updated annually in accordance with Sec.  205.406(a). The 
producer may resubmit the previous year's pasture plan when no change 
has occurred in the plan. The pasture plan may consist of a pasture/
rangeland plan developed in cooperation with a Federal, State, or local 
conservation office: Provided, that, the submitted plan addresses all of 
the requirements of Sec.  205.240(c)(1) through (8). When a change to an 
approved pasture plan is contemplated, which may affect the operation's 
compliance with the Act or the regulations in this part, the producer 
shall seek the certifying agent's agreement on the change prior to 
implementation. The pasture plan shall include a description of the:
    (1) Types of pasture provided to ensure that the feed requirements 
of Sec.  205.237 are being met.
    (2) Cultural and management practices to be used to ensure pasture 
of a sufficient quality and quantity is available to graze throughout 
the grazing season and to provide all ruminants under the organic system 
plan, except exempted classes identified in Sec.  205.239(c)(1) through 
(3), with an average of not less than 30 percent of their dry matter 
intake from grazing throughout the grazing season.
    (3) Grazing season for the livestock operation's regional location.
    (4) Location and size of pastures, including maps giving each 
pasture its own identification.
    (5) The types of grazing methods to be used in the pasture system.
    (6) Location and types of fences, except for temporary fences, and 
the location and source of shade and the location and source of water.
    (7) Soil fertility and seeding systems.
    (8) Erosion control and protection of natural wetlands and riparian 
areas practices.

[75 FR 7194, Feb. 17, 2010]



Sec.  205.241  Avian living conditions.

    (a) Avian year-round living conditions. The producer of an organic 
poultry operation must establish and maintain year-round poultry living 
conditions that accommodate the health and natural behavior of poultry, 
including: year-round access to the outdoors; shade; shelter; exercise 
areas; fresh air; direct sunlight; clean water for drinking; materials 
for dust bathing; and adequate outdoor space to escape aggressive 
behaviors suitable to the species, its stage of life, the climate, and 
environment. Poultry may be temporarily denied access to the outdoors in 
accordance with paragraph (d) of this section. Continuous total 
confinement of poultry indoors is prohibited.
    (b) Indoor space requirements. (1) Poultry housing must be 
sufficiently spacious to allow all birds to move freely, stretch both 
wings simultaneously, stand normally, and engage in natural behaviors.
    (2) Producers must monitor ammonia levels at least weekly by taking 
measurements at the height of the birds' heads and implement practices 
to maintain ammonia levels below 20 ppm. When ammonia levels exceed 20 
ppm, producers must implement additional practices and additional 
monitoring to reduce ammonia levels below 20 ppm. Ammonia levels must 
not exceed 25 ppm.
    (3) For layers and all other fully feathered birds, artificial light 
may be used to prolong the day length, to provide up to 16 hours of 
continuous light per 24-hour period (i.e., minimum of 8 hours of 
continuous darkness per 24-hour period). Artificial light intensity 
should be lowered gradually to encourage hens to move to perches or 
settle for the night. Artificial light spectrum may not be manipulated 
to increase feed intake and growth rate.
    (4) Exit areas--poultry houses must have at least 1 linear foot of 
exit area for every 360 birds, measured across the base of the exit, but 
no less than one linear foot of exit area for flocks with fewer than 360 
birds. Exit areas must

[[Page 424]]

be appropriately distributed and sized to ensure that all birds have 
ready access to the outdoors;
    (i) If exit areas are not provided at a ratio of at least 1 linear 
foot per 360 birds, a certifier may approve practices that provide less 
than 1 linear foot per 360 birds only if an operation describes its 
practices (in the organic system plan) and demonstrates that ready 
access to the outdoors is provided for all birds;
    (ii) Producers subject to requirements in 21 CFR part 118--
Production, Storage, and Transportation of Shell Eggs, must take steps 
to prevent stray poultry, wild birds, cats, and other animals from 
entering poultry houses.
    (5) Perches--for layers (Gallus gallus), six inches of perch space 
must be provided per bird. Perch space may include the alighting rail in 
front of the nest boxes. All layers must be able to perch at the same 
time except for aviary housing, in which 55 percent of layers must be 
able to perch at the same time. Floors in slatted/mesh floor housing 
cannot be counted as perch space.
    (6) All birds must have access to areas in the house that allow for 
scratching and dust bathing, except, that mobile housing may meet this 
requirement when paired with outdoor space that provides birds with 
areas for scratching and dust bathing. Litter must be provided and 
maintained in a dry condition in the house.
    (7) Non-mobile houses with slatted/mesh floors must have 15 percent 
minimum of solid floor area available with sufficient litter available 
for dust baths so that birds may freely dust bathe without crowding.
    (8) For layers (Gallus gallus), indoor stocking density must meet 
one or both of the following rates, expressed in different terms.
    (i) Mobile housing: not to exceed 4.5 pounds per square foot; or, 
alternatively, a rate of at least 1.5 square feet per bird will comply 
with the requirement.
    (ii) Aviary housing: not to exceed 4.5 pounds per square foot; or, 
alternatively, a rate of at least 1.5 square feet per bird will comply 
with the requirement.
    (iii) Slatted/mesh floor housing: not to exceed 3.75 pounds per 
square foot; or, alternatively, a rate of at least 1.8 square feet per 
bird will comply with the requirement.
    (iv) Floor litter housing: not to exceed 3.0 pounds per square foot; 
or, alternatively, a rate of at least 2.2 square feet per bird will 
comply with the requirement.
    (v) Other housing: not to exceed 2.25 pounds per square foot; or, 
alternatively, a rate of at least 3.0 square feet per bird will comply 
with the requirement.
    (9) For pullets (Gallus gallus), indoor stocking density must not 
exceed 3.0 pounds of bird per square foot; or, alternatively, a rate of 
at least 1.7 square feet per bird will comply with the requirement.
    (10) For broilers (Gallus gallus), indoor stocking density must not 
exceed 5.0 pounds of bird per square foot; or, alternatively, a rate of 
at least 2.0 square feet per bird will comply with the requirement.
    (11) Indoor space includes flat areas available to birds, excluding 
nest boxes.
    (12) Indoor space may include enclosed porches and lean-to type 
structures (e.g., screened in, roofed) as long as the birds always have 
access to the space, including during temporary confinement events. If 
birds do not have continuous access to the porch during temporary 
confinement events, this space must not be considered indoors.
    (c) Outdoor space requirements. (1) Access to outdoor space and door 
spacing must be designed to promote and encourage outside access for all 
birds on a daily basis. Producers must provide access to the outdoors at 
an early age to encourage (i.e., train) birds to go outdoors. Birds may 
be temporarily denied access to the outdoors in accordance with 
paragraph (d) of this section.
    (2) At least 75 percent of outdoor space must be soil. Outdoor space 
with soil must include vegetative cover appropriate for the season, 
climate, geography, species of livestock, and stage of production. 
Vegetative cover must be maintained in a manner that does not provide 
harborage for rodents and other pests.

[[Page 425]]

    (3) Shade may be provided by structures, trees, or other objects in 
the outdoor area.
    (4) For layers (Gallus gallus), outdoor space must be provided at a 
rate of no less than one square foot for every 2.25 pounds of bird in 
the flock; or, alternatively, a rate of at least 3.0 square feet per 
bird will comply with the requirement.
    (5) For pullets (Gallus gallus), outdoor space must be provided at a 
rate of no less than one square foot for every 3.0 pounds of bird in the 
flock; or, alternatively, a rate of at least 1.7 square feet per bird 
will comply with the requirement.
    (6) For broilers (Gallus gallus), outdoor space must be provided at 
a rate of no less than one square foot for every 5.0 pounds of bird in 
the flock; or, alternatively, a rate of at least 2.0 square feet per 
bird will comply with the requirement.
    (7) Outdoor space may include structures that are not enclosed 
(e.g., with roof but no walls) and allow birds to freely access other 
outdoor space.
    (d) Temporary confinement. The producer of an organic poultry 
operation may temporarily confine birds. Confinement must be recorded. 
Operations may temporarily confine birds when one of the following 
circumstances exists:
    (1) Inclement weather, including when air temperatures are under 32 
degrees F or above 90 degrees F.
    (2) The animal's stage of life, including:
    (i) The first 4 weeks of life for broilers (Gallus gallus);
    (ii) The first 16 weeks of life for pullets (Gallus gallus); and
    (iii) Until fully feathered for bird species other than Gallus 
gallus.
    (3) Conditions under which the health, safety, or well-being of the 
animal could be jeopardized.
    (4) Risk to soil or water quality.
    (5) Preventive healthcare procedures or for the treatment of illness 
or injury (neither various life stages nor egg laying is an illness or 
injury).
    (6) Sorting or shipping birds and poultry sales, provided that the 
birds are maintained under continuous organic management, throughout the 
extent of their allowed confinement.
    (7) For nest box training, provided that birds shall not be confined 
any longer than required to establish the proper behavior. Confinement 
for nest box training must not exceed five weeks over the life of the 
bird.
    (8) For 4-H, National FFA Organization, and other youth projects, 
for no more than one week prior to a fair or other demonstration, 
through the event, and up to 24 hours after the birds have arrived home 
at the conclusion of the event. During temporary confinement, birds must 
be under continuous organic management, including organic feed, for the 
duration of confinement. Notwithstanding the requirements in paragraph 
(d)(6) of this section, facilities where 4-H, National FFA Organization, 
and other youth events are held are not required to be certified organic 
for the participating birds to be sold as organic, provided all other 
organic management practices are followed.
    (e) Manure management. The producer of an organic poultry operation 
must manage manure in a manner that does not contribute to contamination 
of crops, soil, or water by plant nutrients, heavy metals, or pathogenic 
organisms. The producer must also optimize recycling of nutrients and 
must manage outdoor access areas in a manner that does not put soil or 
water quality at risk.

[88 FR 75447, Nov. 2, 2023; 88 FR 89539, Dec. 28, 2024]

    Effective Date Note: At 88 FR 75447, Nov. 2, 2023, Sec.  205.241 was 
added, effective Jan. 2, 2024. At 88 FR 86259, Dec. 13, 2023, the 
effective date was delayed to Jan. 12, 2024.



Sec.  205.242  Transport and slaughter.

    (a) Transportation. (1) Certified organic livestock must be clearly 
identified as organic, and this identity must be traceable for the 
duration of transport.
    (2) All livestock must be fit for transport to buyers, auction or 
slaughter facilities.
    (i) Calves must have a dry navel cord and be able to stand and walk 
without human assistance.
    (ii) Seriously crippled and non-ambulatory animals must not be 
transported for sale or slaughter. Such animals

[[Page 426]]

may be medically treated or euthanized.
    (3) Adequate and season-appropriate ventilation is required for all 
livestock trailers, shipping containers, and any other mode of 
transportation used to protect animals against cold and heat stresses.
    (4) During any transport and prior to slaughter, bedding must be 
provided on trailer floors and in holding pens, as needed, to keep 
livestock clean, dry, and comfortable. Use of bedding must be 
appropriate to the species and type of transport. Bedding is not 
required in poultry crates. When roughages are used for bedding, they 
must be certified organic.
    (5) For transport that exceeds eight hours, measured from the time 
all animals are loaded onto a vehicle until the vehicle arrives at its 
final destination, the operation must describe how organic management 
and animal welfare will be maintained.
    (i) The producer or handler of an organic livestock operation, who 
is responsible for overseeing the transport of organic livestock, must 
provide records to certifying agents during inspections or upon request 
that demonstrate that transport times for organic livestock are not 
detrimental to the welfare of the animals and meet the requirements of 
paragraph (a)(5) of this section.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (6) Organic producers and handlers, who are responsible for 
overseeing the transport of organic livestock, must have emergency plans 
in place that adequately address possible animal welfare problems that 
might occur during transport.
    (b) Mammalian slaughter. (1) Producers and handlers who slaughter 
organic livestock must be in compliance, as determined by FSIS, with the 
Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 603(b) and 21 U.S.C. 610(b)), the 
regulations at 9 CFR part 313 regarding humane handling and slaughter of 
livestock, and the regulations of 9 CFR part 309 regarding ante-mortem 
inspection.
    (2) Producers and handlers who slaughter organic exotic animals must 
be in compliance with the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 
1621, et seq.), the regulations at 9 CFR parts 313 and 352 regarding the 
humane handling and slaughter of exotic animals, and the regulations of 
9 CFR part 309 regarding ante-mortem inspection.
    (3) Producers and handlers who slaughter organic livestock or exotic 
animals must provide all noncompliance records related to humane 
handling and slaughter issued by the controlling national, federal, or 
state authority and all records of subsequent corrective actions to 
certifying agents during inspections or upon request.
    (c) Avian slaughter. (1) Producers and handlers who slaughter 
organic poultry must be in compliance, as determined by FSIS, with the 
Poultry Products Inspection Act requirements (21 U.S.C. 453(g)(5)); the 
regulations at paragraph (v) of the definition of ``Adulterated'' in 9 
CFR 381.1(b), and 9 CFR 381.90, and 381.65(b)); and applicable FSIS 
Directives.
    (2) Producers and handlers who slaughter organic poultry must 
provide all noncompliance records related to the use of good commercial 
practices in connection with slaughter issued by the controlling 
national, federal, or state authority and all records of subsequent 
corrective actions to the certifying agent at inspection or upon 
request.
    (3) Producers and handlers who slaughter organic poultry, but are 
exempt from or not covered by the requirements of the Poultry Products 
Inspection Act, must ensure that:
    (i) No lame birds may be shackled, hung, or carried by their legs;
    (ii) All birds shackled on a chain or automated system must be 
stunned prior to exsanguination, with the exception of religious 
slaughter; and
    (iii) All birds must be irreversibly insensible prior to being 
placed in the scalding tank.

[88 FR 75448, Nov. 2, 2023]

    Effective Date Note: At 88 FR 75448, Nov. 2, 2023, Sec.  205.242 was 
added, effective Jan. 2, 2024. At 88 FR 86259, Dec. 13, 2023, the 
effective date was delayed to Jan. 12, 2024.

[[Page 427]]



Sec. Sec.  205.243-205.269  [Reserved]



Sec.  205.270  Organic handling requirements.

    (a) Mechanical or biological methods, including but not limited to 
cooking, baking, curing, heating, drying, mixing, grinding, churning, 
separating, distilling, extracting, slaughtering, cutting, fermenting, 
eviscerating, preserving, dehydrating, freezing, chilling, or otherwise 
manufacturing, and the packaging, canning, jarring, or otherwise 
enclosing food in a container may be used to process an organically 
produced agricultural product for the purpose of retarding spoilage or 
otherwise preparing the agricultural product for market.
    (b) Nonagricultural substances allowed under Sec.  205.605 and 
nonorganically produced agricultural products allowed under Sec.  
205.606 may be used:
    (1) In or on a processed agricultural product intended to be sold, 
labeled, or represented as ``organic,'' pursuant to Sec.  205.301(b), if 
not commercially available in organic form.
    (2) In or on a processed agricultural product intended to be sold, 
labeled, or represented as ``made with organic (specified ingredients or 
food group(s)),'' pursuant to Sec.  205.301(c).
    (c) The handler of an organic handling operation must not use in or 
on agricultural products intended to be sold, labeled, or represented as 
``100 percent organic,'' ``organic,'' or ``made with organic (specified 
ingredients or food group(s)),'' or in or on any ingredients labeled as 
organic:
    (1) Practices prohibited under paragraphs (e) and (f) of Sec.  
205.105.
    (2) A volatile synthetic solvent or other synthetic processing aid 
not allowed under Sec.  205.605: Except, That, nonorganic ingredients in 
products labeled ``made with organic (specified ingredients or food 
group(s))'' are not subject to this requirement.



Sec.  205.271  Facility pest management practice standard.

    (a) The producer or handler of an organic facility must use 
management practices to prevent pests, including but not limited to:
    (1) Removal of pest habitat, food sources, and breeding areas;
    (2) Prevention of access to handling facilities; and
    (3) Management of environmental factors, such as temperature, light, 
humidity, atmosphere, and air circulation, to prevent pest reproduction.
    (b) Pests may be controlled through:
    (1) Mechanical or physical controls including but not limited to 
traps, light, or sound; or
    (2) Lures and repellents using nonsynthetic or synthetic substances 
consistent with the National List.
    (c) If the practices provided for in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this 
section are not effective to prevent or control pests, a nonsynthetic or 
synthetic substance consistent with the National List may be applied.
    (d) If the practices provided for in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of 
this section are not effective to prevent or control facility pests, a 
synthetic substance not on the National List may be applied: Provided, 
That, the handler and certifying agent agree on the substance, method of 
application, and measures to be taken to prevent contact of the 
organically produced products or ingredients with the substance used.
    (e) The handler of an organic handling operation who applies a 
nonsynthetic or synthetic substance to prevent or control pests must 
update the operation's organic handling plan to reflect the use of such 
substances and methods of application. The updated organic plan must 
include a list of all measures taken to prevent contact of the 
organically produced products or ingredients with the substance used.
    (f) Notwithstanding the practices provided for in paragraphs (a), 
(b), (c), and (d) of this section, a handler may otherwise use 
substances to prevent or control pests as required by Federal, State, or 
local laws and regulations: Provided, That, measures are taken to 
prevent contact of the organically produced products or ingredients with 
the substance used.

[[Page 428]]



Sec.  205.272  Commingling and contact with prohibited substance
prevention practice standard.

    (a) The handler of an organic handling operation must implement 
measures necessary to prevent the commingling of organic and nonorganic 
products and protect organic products from contact with prohibited 
substances.
    (b) The following are prohibited for use in the handling of any 
organically produced agricultural product or ingredient labeled in 
accordance with subpart D of this part:
    (1) Packaging materials, and storage containers, or bins that 
contain a synthetic fungicide, preservative, or fumigant;
    (2) The use or reuse of any bag or container that has been in 
contact with any substance in such a manner as to compromise the organic 
integrity of any organically produced product or ingredient placed in 
those containers, unless such reusable bag or container has been 
thoroughly cleaned and poses no risk of contact of the organically 
produced product or ingredient with the substance used.



Sec.  205.273  Imports to the United States.

    Each shipment of organic agricultural products imported into the 
United States must be certified pursuant to subpart E of this part, 
labeled pursuant to subpart D of this part, be declared as organic to 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and be associated with valid NOP 
Import Certificate data.
    (a) Persons exporting organic agricultural products to the United 
States must request an NOP Import Certificate from a certifying agent 
prior to their export. Only certifying agents accredited by the USDA or 
foreign certifying agents authorized under an organic trade arrangement 
or agreement may issue an NOP Import Certificate.
    (b) The certifying agent must review an NOP Import Certificate 
request and determine whether the export complies with the USDA organic 
regulations. The certifying agent must have and implement a documented 
organic control system for intaking and approving or rejecting the 
validity of an NOP Import Certificate request. The certifying agent 
shall issue the NOP Import Certificate through the Organic Integrity 
Database only if the export complies with the USDA organic regulations.
    (c) Each compliant organic import must be declared as organic to 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection by entering NOP Import Certificate 
data into the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Automated Commercial 
Environment system. Organic imports must be clearly identified and 
marked as organic on all import documents including but not limited to 
invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and U.S. Customs and Border 
Protection entry data. Only NOP Import Certificate data generated by the 
Organic Integrity Database are valid.
    (d) Upon receiving a shipment with organic agricultural products, 
the organic importer must ensure the import is accompanied by accurate 
NOP Import Certificate data and must verify that the shipment has had no 
contact with prohibited substances pursuant to Sec.  205.272 or exposure 
to ionizing radiation pursuant to Sec.  205.105, since export. The 
organic importer must have a documented organic control system to 
conduct this verification.

[88 FR 3622, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec. Sec.  205.274-205.289  [Reserved]



Sec.  205.290  Temporary variances.

    (a) Temporary variances from the requirements in Sec. Sec.  205.203 
through 205.207, 205.236 through 205.240 and 205.270 through 205.272 may 
be established by the Administrator for the following reasons:
    (1) Natural disasters declared by the Secretary;
    (2) Damage caused by drought, wind, flood, excessive moisture, hail, 
tornado, earthquake, fire, or other business interruption; and
    (3) Practices used for the purpose of conducting research or trials 
of techniques, varieties, or ingredients used in organic production or 
handling.
    (b) A State organic program's governing State official or certifying 
agent may recommend in writing to the Administrator that a temporary 
variance from a standard set forth in

[[Page 429]]

subpart C of this part for organic production or handling operations be 
established: Provided, That, such variance is based on one or more of 
the reasons listed in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (c) The Administrator will provide written notification to 
certifying agents upon establishment of a temporary variance applicable 
to the certifying agent's certified production or handling operations 
and specify the period of time it shall remain in effect, subject to 
extension as the Administrator deems necessary.
    (d) A certifying agent, upon notification from the Administrator of 
the establishment of a temporary variance, must notify each production 
or handling operation it certifies to which the temporary variance 
applies.
    (e) Temporary variances will not be granted for any practice, 
material, or procedure prohibited under Sec.  205.105.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 75 FR 7194, Feb. 17, 2010]



Sec. Sec.  205.291-205.299  [Reserved]



           Subpart D_Labels, Labeling, and Market Information



Sec.  205.300  Use of the term, ``organic.''

    (a) The term, ``organic,'' may only be used on labels and in 
labeling of raw or processed agricultural products, including 
ingredients, that have been produced and handled in accordance with the 
regulations in this part. The term, ``organic,'' may not be used in a 
product name to modify a nonorganic ingredient in the product.
    (b) Products for export, produced and certified to foreign national 
organic standards or foreign contract buyer requirements, may be labeled 
in accordance with the organic labeling requirements of the receiving 
country or contract buyer: Provided, That, the shipping containers and 
shipping documents meet the labeling requirements specified in Sec.  
205.307(c).
    (c) Products produced in a foreign country and exported for sale in 
the United States must be certified pursuant to subpart E of this part, 
labeled pursuant to this subpart D, and must comply with the 
requirements in Sec.  205.273.
    (d) Livestock feeds produced in accordance with the requirements of 
this part must be labeled in accordance with the requirements of Sec.  
205.306.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 88 FR 3622, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec.  205.301  Product composition.

    (a) Products sold, labeled, or represented as ``100 percent 
organic.'' A raw or processed agricultural product sold, labeled, or 
represented as ``100 percent organic'' must contain (by weight or fluid 
volume, excluding water and salt) 100 percent organically produced 
ingredients. If labeled as organically produced, such product must be 
labeled pursuant to Sec.  205.303.
    (b) Products sold, labeled, or represented as ``organic.'' A raw or 
processed agricultural product sold, labeled, or represented as 
``organic'' must contain (by weight or fluid volume, excluding water and 
salt) not less than 95 percent organically produced raw or processed 
agricultural products. Any remaining product ingredients must be 
organically produced, unless not commercially available in organic form, 
or must be nonagricultural substances or nonorganically produced 
agricultural products produced consistent with the National List in 
subpart G of this part. If labeled as organically produced, such product 
must be labeled pursuant to Sec.  205.303.
    (c) Products sold, labeled, or represented as ``made with organic 
(specified ingredients or food group(s)).'' Multiingredient agricultural 
product sold, labeled, or represented as ``made with organic (specified 
ingredients or food group(s))'' must contain (by weight or fluid volume, 
excluding water and salt) at least 70 percent organically produced 
ingredients which are produced and handled pursuant to requirements in 
subpart C of this part. No ingredients may be produced using prohibited 
practices specified in paragraphs (f)(1), (2), and (3) of Sec.  205.301. 
Nonorganic ingredients may be produced without regard to paragraphs 
(f)(4), (5), (6), and (7) of Sec.  205.301. If labeled as containing 
organically produced ingredients or food groups, such product must be 
labeled pursuant to Sec.  205.304.

[[Page 430]]

    (d) Products with less than 70 percent organically produced 
ingredients. The organic ingredients in multiingredient agricultural 
product containing less than 70 percent organically produced ingredients 
(by weight or fluid volume, excluding water and salt) must be produced 
and handled pursuant to requirements in subpart C of this part. The 
nonorganic ingredients may be produced and handled without regard to the 
requirements of this part. Multiingredient agricultural product 
containing less than 70 percent organically produced ingredients may 
represent the organic nature of the product only as provided in Sec.  
205.305.
    (e) Livestock feed. (1) A raw or processed livestock feed product 
sold, labeled, or represented as ``100 percent organic'' must contain 
(by weight or fluid volume, excluding water and salt) not less than 100 
percent organically produced raw or processed agricultural product.
    (2) A raw or processed livestock feed product sold, labeled, or 
represented as ``organic'' must be produced in conformance with Sec.  
205.237.
    (f) All products labeled as ``100 percent organic'' or ``organic'' 
and all ingredients identified as ``organic'' in the ingredient 
statement of any product must not:
    (1) Be produced using excluded methods, pursuant to Sec.  
205.105(e);
    (2) Be processed using ionizing radiation, pursuant to Sec.  
205.105(f);
    (3) Be produced using sewage sludge, pursuant to Sec.  205.105(g);
    (4) Be processed using processing aids not approved on the National 
List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances in subpart G of this part: 
Except, That, products labeled as ``100 percent organic,'' if processed, 
must be processed using organically produced processing aids;
    (5) Contain sulfites, nitrates, or nitrites added during the 
production or handling process, Except, that, wine containing added 
sulfites may be labeled ``made with organic grapes'';
    (6) Be produced using nonorganic ingredients when organic 
ingredients are available; or
    (7) Include organic and nonorganic forms of the same ingredient.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 80 FR 6429, Feb. 5, 2015; 88 
FR 3621, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec.  205.302  Calculating the percentage of organically produced
ingredients.

    (a) The percentage of all organically produced ingredients in an 
agricultural product sold, labeled, or represented as ``100 percent 
organic,'' ``organic,'' or ``made with organic (specified ingredients or 
food group(s)),'' or that include organic ingredients must be calculated 
by:
    (1) Dividing the total net weight of the combined organic 
ingredients at formulation by the total weight of all ingredients of the 
product at formulation. Water and salt added as ingredients at 
formulation are excluded from the calculation.
    (2) Dividing the total fluid volume of the combined organic 
ingredients at formulation by the total fluid volume of all ingredients 
of the product at formulation if the product and ingredients are liquid. 
Water and salt added as ingredients at formulation are excluded from the 
calculation. If the liquid product is identified on the principal 
display panel or information panel as being reconstituted from 
concentrates, the calculation should be made based on single-strength 
concentrations of all ingredients.
    (3) For products containing organically produced ingredients in both 
solid and liquid form, dividing the combined net weight of the solid 
organic ingredients and the net weight of the liquid organic ingredients 
at formulation by the total weight of all ingredients of the product at 
formulation. Water and salt added as ingredients at formulation are 
excluded from the calculation.
    (b) The percentage of all organically produced ingredients in an 
agricultural product must be rounded down to the nearest whole number.
    (c) The percentage must be determined by the handler who affixes the 
label on the consumer package and verified by the certifying agent of 
the handler. The handler may use information provided by the certified 
operation in determining the percentage.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 88 FR 3622, Jan. 19, 2023]

[[Page 431]]



Sec.  205.303  Packaged products labeled ``100 percent organic''
or ``organic.''

    (a) Agricultural products in packages described in Sec.  205.301(a) 
and (b) may display, on the principal display panel, information panel, 
and any other panel of the package and on any labeling or market 
information concerning the product, the following:
    (1) The term, ``100 percent organic'' or ``organic,'' as applicable, 
to modify the name of the product;
    (2) For products labeled ``organic,'' the percentage of organic 
ingredients in the product; (The size of the percentage statement must 
not exceed one-half the size of the largest type size on the panel on 
which the statement is displayed and must appear in its entirety in the 
same type size, style, and color without highlighting.)
    (3) The term, ``organic,'' to identify the organic ingredients in 
multiingredient products labeled ``100 percent organic'';
    (4) The USDA seal; and/or
    (5) The seal, logo, or other identifying mark of the certifying 
agent which certified the production or handling operation producing the 
finished product and any other certifying agent which certified 
production or handling operations producing raw organic product or 
organic ingredients used in the finished product: Provided, That, the 
handler producing the finished product maintain records, pursuant to 
this part, verifying organic certification of the operations producing 
such ingredients, and: Provided further, That, such seals or marks are 
not individually displayed more prominently than the USDA seal.
    (b) Agricultural products in packages described in Sec.  205.301(a) 
and (b) must:
    (1) For products labeled ``organic,'' identify each organic 
ingredient in the ingredient statement with the word, ``organic,'' or 
with an asterisk or other reference mark which is defined below the 
ingredient statement to indicate the ingredient is organically produced. 
Water or salt included as ingredients cannot be identified as organic.
    (2) On the information panel, below the information identifying the 
handler or distributor of the product and preceded by the statement, 
``Certified organic by * * *,'' or similar phrase, identify the name of 
the certifying agent that certified the handler of the finished product 
and may display the business address, Internet address, or telephone 
number of the certifying agent in such label.



Sec.  205.304  Packaged products labeled ``made with organic 
(specified ingredients or food group(s)).''

    (a) Agricultural products in packages described in Sec.  205.301(c) 
may display on the principal display panel, information panel, and any 
other panel and on any labeling or market information concerning the 
product:
    (1) The statement:
    (i) ``Made with organic (specified ingredients)'': Provided, That, 
the statement does not list more than three organically produced 
ingredients; or
    (ii) ``Made with organic (specified food groups)'': Provided, That, 
the statement does not list more than three of the following food 
groups: beans, fish, fruits, grains, herbs, meats, nuts, oils, poultry, 
seeds, spices, sweeteners, and vegetables or processed milk products; 
and, Provided further, That, all ingredients of each listed food group 
in the product must be organically produced; and
    (iii) Which appears in letters that do not exceed one-half the size 
of the largest type size on the panel and which appears in its entirety 
in the same type size, style, and color without highlighting.
    (2) The percentage of organic ingredients in the product. The size 
of the percentage statement must not exceed one-half the size of the 
largest type size on the panel on which the statement is displayed and 
must appear in its entirety in the same type size, style, and color 
without highlighting.
    (3) The seal, logo, or other identifying mark of the certifying 
agent that certified the handler of the finished product.
    (b) Agricultural products in packages described in Sec.  205.301(c) 
must:
    (1) In the ingredient statement, identify each organic ingredient 
with the word, ``organic,'' or with an asterisk or other reference mark 
which is defined

[[Page 432]]

below the ingredient statement to indicate the ingredient is organically 
produced. Water or salt included as ingredients cannot be identified as 
organic.
    (2) On the information panel, below the information identifying the 
handler or distributor of the product and preceded by the statement, 
``Certified organic by * * *,'' or similar phrase, identify the name of 
the certifying agent that certified the handler of the finished product: 
Except, That, the business address, Internet address, or telephone 
number of the certifying agent may be included in such label.
    (c) Agricultural products in packages described in Sec.  205.301(c) 
must not display the USDA seal.



Sec.  205.305  Multi-ingredient packaged products with less than
70 percent organically produced ingredients.

    (a) An agricultural product with less than 70 percent organically 
produced ingredients may only identify the organic content of the 
product by:
    (1) Identifying each organically produced ingredient in the 
ingredient statement with the word, ``organic,'' or with an asterisk or 
other reference mark which is defined below the ingredient statement to 
indicate the ingredient is organically produced, and
    (2) If the organically produced ingredients are identified in the 
ingredient statement, displaying the product's percentage of organic 
contents on the information panel.
    (b) Agricultural products with less than 70 percent organically 
produced ingredients must not display:
    (1) The USDA seal; and
    (2) Any certifying agent seal, logo, or other identifying mark which 
represents organic certification of a product or product ingredients.



Sec.  205.306  Labeling of livestock feed.

    (a) Livestock feed products described in Sec.  205.301(e)(1) and 
(e)(2) may display on any package panel the following terms:
    (1) The statement, ``100 percent organic'' or ``organic,'' as 
applicable, to modify the name of the feed product;
    (2) The USDA seal;
    (3) The seal, logo, or other identifying mark of the certifying 
agent which certified the production or handling operation producing the 
raw or processed organic ingredients used in the finished product, 
Provided, That, such seals or marks are not displayed more prominently 
than the USDA seal;
    (4) The word, ``organic,'' or an asterisk or other reference mark 
which is defined on the package to identify ingredients that are 
organically produced. Water or salt included as ingredients cannot be 
identified as organic.
    (b) Livestock feed products described in Sec.  205.301(e)(1) and 
(e)(2) must:
    (1) On the information panel, below the information identifying the 
handler or distributor of the product and preceded by the statement, 
``Certified organic by * * *,'' or similar phrase, display the name of 
the certifying agent that certified the handler of the finished product. 
The business address, Internet address, or telephone number of the 
certifying agent may be included in such label.
    (2) Comply with other Federal agency or State feed labeling 
requirements as applicable.



Sec.  205.307  Labeling of nonretail containers.

    (a) Nonretail containers used to ship or store certified organic 
agricultural products must display:
    (1) Identification of the product as organic; and
    (2) The production lot number, shipping identification, or other 
unique information that links the container to audit trail 
documentation.
    (b) Audit trail documentation for nonretail containers must identify 
the last certified operation that handled the agricultural product.
    (c) Paragraph (a)(1) of this section does not apply to nonretail 
containers used to ship or store agricultural products packaged for 
retail sale with organic identification visible on the retail label.
    (d) Shipping containers of domestically produced product labeled as 
organic intended for export to international markets may be labeled in 
accordance with any shipping container labeling requirements of the 
foreign country of destination or the container

[[Page 433]]

labeling specifications of a foreign contract buyer: Provided, that, the 
shipping containers and shipping documents accompanying such organic 
products are clearly marked ``For Export Only'' and: Provided further, 
that proof of such container marking and export must be maintained by 
the handler in accordance with recordkeeping requirements for exempt 
operations under Sec.  205.101.

[88 FR 3622, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec.  205.308  Agricultural products in other than packaged form at 
the point of retail sale that are sold, labeled, or represented as 
``100 percent organic'' or ``organic.''

    (a) Agricultural products in other than packaged form may use the 
term, ``100 percent organic'' or ``organic,'' as applicable, to modify 
the name of the product in retail display, labeling, and display 
containers: Provided, That, the term, ``organic,'' is used to identify 
the organic ingredients listed in the ingredient statement.
    (b) If the product is prepared in a certified facility, the retail 
display, labeling, and display containers may use:
    (1) The USDA seal; and
    (2) The seal, logo, or other identifying mark of the certifying 
agent that certified the production or handling operation producing the 
finished product and any other certifying agent which certified 
operations producing raw organic product or organic ingredients used in 
the finished product: Provided, That, such seals or marks are not 
individually displayed more prominently than the USDA seal.



Sec.  205.309  Agricultural products in other than packaged form at 
the point of retail sale that are sold, labeled, or represented as
``made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s)).''

    (a) Agricultural products in other than packaged form containing 
between 70 and 95 percent organically produced ingredients may use the 
phrase, ``made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s)),'' 
to modify the name of the product in retail display, labeling, and 
display containers.
    (1) Such statement must not list more than three organic ingredients 
or food groups, and
    (2) In any such display of the product's ingredient statement, the 
organic ingredients are identified as ``organic.''
    (b) If prepared in a certified facility, such agricultural products 
labeled as ``made with organic (specified ingredients or food 
group(s))'' in retail displays, display containers, and market 
information may display the certifying agent's seal, logo, or other 
identifying mark.



Sec.  205.310  Agricultural products produced or processed by an
exempt operation.

    (a) An agricultural product organically produced or processed by an 
exempt operation must not:
    (1) Display the USDA seal or any certifying agent's seal or other 
identifying mark which represents the exempt operation as a certified 
organic operation; or
    (2) Be represented as a certified organic product or certified 
organic ingredient to any buyer.
    (b) An agricultural product organically produced or processed by an 
exempt operation may be identified as an organic product or organic 
ingredient in a multi-ingredient product produced by the exempt 
operation. Such product or ingredient must not be identified or 
represented as ``organic'' in a product processed by others.
    (c) Such product is subject to requirements specified in paragraph 
(a) of Sec.  205.300, and paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(7) of Sec.  
205.301.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 88 FR 3623, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec.  205.311  USDA Seal.

    (a) The USDA seal described in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this 
section may be used only for raw or processed agricultural products 
described in paragraphs (a), (b), (e)(1), and (e)(2) of Sec.  205.301.
    (b) The USDA seal must replicate the form and design of the example 
in figure 1 and must be printed legibly and conspicuously:
    (1) On a white background with a brown outer circle and with the 
term, ``USDA,'' in green overlaying a white

[[Page 434]]

upper semicircle and with the term, ``organic,'' in white overlaying the 
green lower half circle; or
    (2) On a white or transparent background with black outer circle and 
black ``USDA'' on a white or transparent upper half of the circle with a 
contrasting white or transparent ``organic'' on the black lower half 
circle.
    (3) The green or black lower half circle may have four light lines 
running from left to right and disappearing at the point on the right 
horizon to resemble a cultivated field.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21DE00.001



Sec. Sec.  205.312-205.399  [Reserved]



                         Subpart E_Certification



Sec.  205.400  General requirements for certification.

    A person seeking to receive or maintain organic certification under 
the regulations in this part must:
    (a) Comply with the Act and applicable organic production and 
handling regulations of this part;
    (b) Establish, implement, and update annually an organic production 
or handling system plan that is submitted to an accredited certifying 
agent as provided for in Sec.  205.201;
    (c) Permit on-site inspections with complete access to the 
production or handling operation, including noncertified production and 
handling areas, structures, and offices by the certifying agent as 
provided for in Sec.  205.403;
    (d) Maintain all records applicable to the organic operation for not 
less than 5 years beyond their creation and allow authorized 
representatives of the Secretary, the applicable State organic program's 
governing State official, and the certifying agent access to such 
records during normal business hours for review and copying to determine 
compliance with the Act and the regulations in this part, as provided 
for in Sec.  205.103;
    (e) Submit the applicable fees charged by the certifying agent; and
    (f) Immediately notify the certifying agent concerning any:
    (1) Application, including drift, of a prohibited substance to any 
field, production unit, site, facility, livestock, or product that is 
part of an operation; and
    (2) Change in a certified operation or any portion of a certified 
operation that may affect its compliance with the Act and the 
regulations in this part.
    (g) In addition to paragraphs (a) through (f) of this section, a 
producer group operation must:
    (1) Be organized as a person;
    (2) Use centralized processing, distribution, and marketing 
facilities and systems;
    (3) Be organized into producer group production units;
    (4) Maintain an internal control system to implement the practices 
described in Sec.  205.201(c) and ensure compliance with this part;
    (5) Ensure that all agricultural products sold, labeled, or 
represented as organic are produced only by producer group members using 
land and facilities within the certified operation;
    (6) Ensure that producer group members do not sell, label, or 
represent their agricultural products as organic outside of the producer 
group operation unless they are individually certified;
    (7) Report to the certifying agent, at least annually, the name and 
location of all producer group members and producer group production 
units, the agricultural products produced, estimated yields, and size of 
production areas;
    (8) Conduct internal inspections of each producer group member, at 
least annually, by internal inspectors with the member present, which 
must include mass-balance audits and reconciliation of each producer 
group member's and each producer group production unit's yield and group 
sales;

[[Page 435]]

    (9) Implement recordkeeping requirements to ensure traceability from 
production at each producer group member and production unit through 
handling to sale and transport;
    (10) Implement procedures to ensure all production and handling by 
the producer group operation is compliant with the USDA organic 
regulations and the Act; and
    (11) Address any other terms or conditions determined by the 
Administrator to be necessary to enforce compliance with the USDA 
organic regulations and the Act.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 80 FR 6429, Feb. 5, 2015; 88 
FR 3623, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec.  205.401  Application for certification.

    A person seeking certification of a production or handling operation 
under this subpart must submit an application for certification to a 
certifying agent. The application must include the following 
information:
    (a) An organic production or handling system plan, as required in 
Sec.  205.201;
    (b) The name of the person completing the application; the 
applicant's business name, address, and telephone number; and, when the 
applicant is a corporation, the name, address, and telephone number of 
the person authorized to act on the applicant's behalf;
    (c) The name(s) of any organic certifying agent(s) to which 
application has previously been made; the year(s) of application; the 
outcome of the application(s) submission, including, when available, a 
copy of any notification of noncompliance or denial of certification 
issued to the applicant for certification; and a description of the 
actions taken by the applicant to correct the noncompliances noted in 
the notification of noncompliance, including evidence of such 
correction; and
    (d) Other information necessary to determine compliance with the Act 
and the regulations in this part.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 88 FR 3623, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec.  205.402  Review of application.

    (a) Upon acceptance of an application for certification, a 
certifying agent must:
    (1) Review the application to ensure completeness pursuant to Sec.  
205.401;
    (2) Determine by a review of the application materials whether the 
applicant appears to comply or may be able to comply with the applicable 
requirements of subpart C of this part;
    (3) Verify that an applicant who previously applied to another 
certifying agent and received a notification of noncompliance or denial 
of certification, pursuant to Sec.  205.405, has submitted documentation 
to support the correction of any noncompliances identified in the 
notification of noncompliance or denial of certification, as required in 
Sec.  205.405(e); and
    (4) Schedule an on-site inspection of the operation to determine 
whether the applicant qualifies for certification if the review of 
application materials reveals that the production or handling operation 
may be in compliance with the applicable requirements of subpart C of 
this part.
    (b) The certifying agent shall within a reasonable time:
    (1) Review the application materials received and communicate its 
findings to the applicant;
    (2) Provide the applicant with a copy of the on-site inspection 
report, as approved by the certifying agent, for any on-site inspection 
performed; and
    (3) Provide the applicant with a copy of the test results for any 
samples taken by an inspector.
    (c) The applicant may withdraw its application at any time. An 
applicant who withdraws its application shall be liable for the costs of 
services provided up to the time of withdrawal of its application. An 
applicant that voluntarily withdrew its application prior to the 
issuance of a notice of noncompliance will not be issued a notice of 
noncompliance. Similarly, an applicant that voluntarily withdrew its 
application prior to the issuance of a notice of certification denial 
will not be issued a notice of certification denial.



Sec.  205.403  On-site inspections.

    (a) On-site inspections. (1) A certifying agent must conduct an 
initial on-site

[[Page 436]]

inspection of each production unit, facility, and site that produces or 
handles organic products and that is included in an operation for which 
certification is requested. An on-site inspection shall be conducted 
annually thereafter for each certified operation that produces or 
handles organic products for the purpose of determining whether to 
approve the request for certification or whether the certification of 
the operation should continue.
    (2) Inspections of a producer group operation must:
    (i) Assess the internal control system's compliance, or ability to 
comply, with the requirements of Sec.  205.400(g)(8). This must include 
review of the internal inspections conducted by the internal control 
system.
    (ii) Conduct witness audits of internal control system inspectors 
performing inspections of the producer group operation.
    (iii) Individually inspect at least 1.4 times the square root or 2% 
of the total number of producer group members, whichever is higher. All 
producer group members determined to be high risk by the certifying 
agent must be inspected. At least one producer group member in each 
producer group production unit must be inspected.
    (iv) Inspect each handling facility.
    (3)(i) A certifying agent may conduct additional on-site inspections 
of applicants for certification and certified operations to determine 
compliance with the Act and the regulations in this part.
    (ii) The Administrator or State organic program's governing State 
official may require that additional inspections be performed by the 
certifying agent for the purpose of determining compliance with the Act 
and the regulations in this part.
    (iii) Additional inspections may be announced or unannounced at the 
discretion of the certifying agent or as required by the Administrator 
or State organic program's governing State official.
    (b) Unannounced inspections. (1) A certifying agent must, on an 
annual basis, conduct unannounced inspections of a minimum of five 
percent of the operations it certifies, rounded up to the nearest whole 
number.
    (2) Certifying agents must be able to conduct unannounced 
inspections of any operation they certify and must not accept 
applications or continue certification with operations located in areas 
where they are unable to conduct unannounced inspections.
    (c) Scheduling. (1) The initial on-site inspection must be conducted 
within a reasonable time following a determination that the applicant 
appears to comply or may be able to comply with the requirements of 
subpart C of this part: Except, That, the initial inspection may be 
delayed for up to 6 months to comply with the requirement that the 
inspection be conducted when the land, facilities, and activities that 
demonstrate compliance or capacity to comply can be observed.
    (2) All on-site inspections must be conducted when an authorized 
representative of the operation who is knowledgeable about the operation 
is present and at a time when land, facilities, and activities that 
demonstrate the operation's compliance with or capability to comply with 
the applicable provisions of subpart C of this part can be observed, 
except that this requirement does not apply to unannounced on-site 
inspections.
    (d) Verification of information. The on-site inspection of an 
operation must verify:
    (1) The operation's compliance or capability to comply with the Act 
and the regulations in this part;
    (2) That the information, including the organic production or 
handling system plan, provided in accordance with Sec. Sec.  205.401, 
205.406, and 205.201, accurately reflects the practices used or to be 
used by the applicant for certification or by the certified operation;
    (3) That prohibited substances have not been and are not being 
applied to the operation through means which, at the discretion of the 
certifying agent, may include the collection and testing of soil; water; 
waste; seeds; plant tissue; and plant, animal, and processed products 
samples.
    (4) Mass-balances, in that quantities of organic product and 
ingredients produced or purchased account for organic product and 
ingredients used, stored, sold, or transported (that is, inputs account 
for outputs); and

[[Page 437]]

    (5) That organic products and ingredients are traceable by the 
operation from the time of purchase or acquisition through production to 
sale or transport; and that the certifying agent can verify compliance 
back to the last certified operation.
    (e) Exit interview. The inspector must conduct an exit interview 
with an authorized representative of the operation who is knowledgeable 
about the inspected operation to confirm the accuracy and completeness 
of inspection observations and information gathered during the on-site 
inspection. The inspector must also address the need for any additional 
information as well as any issues of concern.
    (f) Documents to the inspected operation. (1) At the time of the 
inspection, the inspector shall provide the operation's authorized 
representative with a receipt for any samples taken by the inspector. 
There shall be no charge to the inspector for the samples taken.
    (2) A copy of the on-site inspection report and any test results 
will be sent to the inspected operation by the certifying agent.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 88 FR 3623, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec.  205.404  Granting certification.

    (a) Within a reasonable time after completion of the initial on-site 
inspection, a certifying agent must review the on-site inspection 
report, the results of any analyses for substances conducted, and any 
additional information requested from or supplied by the applicant. If 
the certifying agent determines that the organic system plan and all 
procedures and activities of the applicant's operation are in compliance 
with the requirements of this part and that the applicant is able to 
conduct operations in accordance with the plan, the agent shall grant 
certification. The certification may include requirements for the 
correction of minor noncompliances within a specified time period as a 
condition of continued certification.
    (b) The certifying agent must issue a certificate of organic 
operation. The certificate of organic operation must be generated from 
the Organic Integrity Database and may be provided to certified 
operations electronically.
    (c) In addition to the certificate of organic operation provided for 
in paragraph (b) of this section, a certifying agent may issue its own 
addenda to the certificate of organic operation. If issued, any addenda 
must include:
    (1) Name, address, and contact information for the certified 
operation;
    (2) The certified operation's unique ID number/code that corresponds 
to the certified operation's ID number/code in the Organic Integrity 
Database;
    (3) A link to the Organic Integrity Database or a link to the 
certified operation's profile in the Organic Integrity Database, along 
with a statement, ``You may verify the certification of this operation 
at the Organic Integrity Database,'' or a similar statement;
    (4) Name, address, and contact information of the certifying agent; 
and
    (5) ``Addendum issue date.''
    (d) Once certified, a production or handling operation's organic 
certification continues in effect until surrendered by the organic 
operation or suspended or revoked by the certifying agent, the State 
organic program's governing State official, or the Administrator.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended of 88 FR 3623, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec.  205.405  Denial of certification.

    (a) When the certifying agent has reason to believe, based on a 
review of the information specified in Sec.  205.402 or Sec.  205.404, 
that an applicant for certification is not able to comply or is not in 
compliance with the requirements of this part, the certifying agent must 
provide a written notification of noncompliance to the applicant. When 
correction of a noncompliance is not possible, a notification of 
noncompliance and a notification of denial of certification may be 
combined in one notification. The notification of noncompliance shall 
provide:
    (1) A description of each noncompliance;
    (2) The facts upon which the notification of noncompliance is based; 
and
    (3) The date by which the applicant must rebut or correct each 
noncompliance and submit supporting documentation of each such 
correction when correction is possible.

[[Page 438]]

    (b) Upon receipt of such notification of noncompliance, the 
applicant may:
    (1) Correct noncompliances and submit a description of the 
corrective actions taken with supporting documentation to the certifying 
agent;
    (2) Correct noncompliances and submit a new application to another 
certifying agent: Provided, That, the applicant must include a complete 
application, the notification of noncompliance received from the first 
certifying agent, and a description of the corrective actions taken with 
supporting documentation; or
    (3) Submit written information to the issuing certifying agent to 
rebut the noncompliance described in the notification of noncompliance.
    (c) After issuance of a notification of noncompliance, the 
certifying agent must:
    (1) Evaluate the applicant's corrective actions taken and supporting 
documentation submitted or the written rebuttal, conduct an on-site 
inspection if necessary, and
    (i) When the corrective action or rebuttal is sufficient for the 
applicant to qualify for certification, issue the applicant an approval 
of certification pursuant to Sec.  205.404; or
    (ii) When the corrective action or rebuttal is not sufficient for 
the applicant to qualify for certification, issue the applicant a 
written notice of denial of certification.
    (2) Issue a written notice of denial of certification to an 
applicant who fails to respond to the notification of noncompliance.
    (d) A notice of denial of certification must state the reason(s) for 
denial and the applicant's right to:
    (1) Reapply for certification pursuant to Sec. Sec.  205.401 and 
205.405(e);
    (2) Request mediation pursuant to Sec.  205.663 or, if applicable, 
pursuant to a State organic program; or
    (3) File an appeal of the denial of certification pursuant to Sec.  
205.681 or, if applicable, pursuant to a State organic program.
    (e) An applicant for certification who has received a written 
notification of noncompliance or a written notice of denial of 
certification may apply for certification again at any time with any 
certifying agent, in accordance with Sec. Sec.  205.401 and 205.405(e). 
When such applicant submits a new application to a certifying agent 
other than the agent who issued the notification of noncompliance or 
notice of denial of certification, the applicant for certification must 
include a copy of the notification of noncompliance or notice of denial 
of certification and a description of the actions taken, with supporting 
documentation, to correct the noncompliances noted in the notification 
of noncompliance.
    (f) A certifying agent who receives a new application for 
certification, which includes a notification of noncompliance or a 
notice of denial of certification, must treat the application as a new 
application and begin a new application process pursuant to Sec.  
205.402.
    (g) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, if a certifying 
agent has reason to believe that an applicant for certification has 
willfully made a false statement or otherwise purposefully 
misrepresented the applicant's operation or its compliance with the 
certification requirements pursuant to this part, the certifying agent 
may deny certification pursuant to paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section 
without first issuing a notification of noncompliance.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 88 FR 3624, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec.  205.406  Continuation of certification.

    (a) To continue certification, a certified operation must annually 
pay the certification fees and submit the following information to the 
certifying agent:
    (1) A summary statement, supported by documentation, detailing any 
deviations from, changes to, modifications to, or other amendments made 
to the organic system plan submitted during the previous year;
    (2) Any additions or deletions to the previous year's organic system 
plan, intended to be undertaken in the coming year, detailed pursuant to 
Sec.  205.201;
    (3) Any additions to or deletions from the information required 
pursuant to Sec.  205.401(b); and

[[Page 439]]

    (4) Other information as deemed necessary by the certifying agent to 
determine compliance with the Act and the regulations in this part.
    (b) The certifying agent must arrange and conduct an on-site 
inspection, pursuant to Sec.  205.403, of the certified operation at 
least once per calendar year.
    (c) If the certifying agent has reason to believe, based on the on-
site inspection and a review of the information specified in Sec.  
205.404, that a certified operation is not complying with the 
requirements of the Act and the regulations in this part, the certifying 
agent shall provide a written notification of noncompliance to the 
operation in accordance with Sec.  205.662.
    (d) If the certifying agent determines that the certified operation 
is complying with the Act and the regulations in this part and that any 
of the information specified on the certificate of organic operation has 
changed, the certifying agent must issue an updated certificate of 
organic operation pursuant to Sec.  205.404(b).

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 88 FR 3624, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec. Sec.  205.407-205.499  [Reserved]



              Subpart F_Accreditation of Certifying Agents



Sec.  205.500  Areas and duration of accreditation.

    (a) The Administrator shall accredit a qualified domestic or foreign 
applicant in the areas of crops, livestock, wild crops, or handling or 
any combination thereof to certify a domestic or foreign production or 
handling operation as a certified operation.
    (b) Accreditation shall be for a period of 5 years from the date of 
approval of accreditation pursuant to Sec.  205.506.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 88 FR 3624, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec.  205.501  General requirements for accreditation.

    (a) A private or governmental entity accredited as a certifying 
agent under this subpart must:
    (1) Have sufficient expertise in organic production or handling 
techniques to fully comply with and implement the terms and conditions 
of the organic certification program established under the Act and the 
regulations in this part;
    (2) Demonstrate the ability to fully comply with the requirements 
for accreditation set forth in this subpart;
    (3) Carry out the provisions of the Act and the regulations in this 
part, including the provisions of Sec. Sec.  205.402 through 205.406 and 
Sec.  205.670;
    (4) Continuously use a sufficient number of qualified and adequately 
trained personnel, including inspectors and certification review 
personnel, to comply with and implement the USDA organic standards.
    (i) Certifying agents must demonstrate that all inspectors, 
including staff, volunteers, and contractors, have the relevant 
knowledge, skills, and experience required to inspect operations of the 
scope and complexity assigned and to evaluate compliance with the 
applicable regulations of this part.
    (A) Certifying agents must demonstrate that inspectors continuously 
maintain adequate knowledge and skills about the current USDA organic 
standards, production and handling practices, certification and 
inspection, import and/or export requirements, traceability audits, 
mass-balance audits, written and oral communication skills, sample 
collection, investigation techniques, and preparation of technically 
accurate inspection documents.
    (B) All inspectors must demonstrate successful completion of 
training that is relevant to inspection. Inspectors with less than one 
year of inspection experience must complete at least 50 hours of 
training within their first year and prior to performing inspections 
independently. Inspectors with one or more years of inspection 
experience must annually complete at least 10 hours of training if 
inspecting one area of operation (as defined at Sec.  205.2) and an 
additional 5 hours of training for each additional area of operation 
inspected.
    (C) Certifying agents must demonstrate that inspectors have a 
minimum of 2,000 hours of experience relevant to the scope and 
complexity of

[[Page 440]]

operations they will inspect before assigning initial inspection 
responsibilities.
    (ii) Certifying agents must demonstrate that all certification 
review personnel, including staff, volunteers, or contractors, have the 
knowledge, skills, and experience required to perform certification 
review of operations of the scope and complexity assigned and to 
evaluate compliance with the applicable regulations of this part.
    (A) Certifying agents must demonstrate that all certification review 
personnel continuously maintain adequate knowledge and skills in the 
current USDA organic standards, certification and compliance processes, 
traceability audits, mass-balance audits, and practices applicable to 
the type, volume, and range of review activities assigned.
    (B) All certification review personnel must demonstrate successful 
completion of training that is relevant to certification review. 
Certification review personnel with less than one year of certification 
review experience must complete at least 50 hours of training within 
their first year performing certification review. Certification review 
personnel with one or more years of certification review experience must 
annually complete at least 10 hours of training if conducting 
certification review related to one area of operation and an additional 
5 hours of training for each additional area of operation.
    (iii) Certifying agents must maintain current training requirements, 
training procedures, and training records for all inspectors and 
certification review personnel.
    (5) Demonstrate that all persons with inspection or certification 
review responsibilities have sufficient expertise in organic production 
or handling techniques to successfully perform the duties assigned. 
Sufficient expertise must include knowledge of certification to USDA 
organic standards and evidence of education, training, or professional 
experience in the fields of agriculture, science, or organic production 
and handling that relates to assigned duties.
    (6) Conduct an annual performance evaluation of all persons who 
conduct inspections, certification review, or implement measures to 
correct any deficiencies in certification services.
    (i) Witness inspections--certifying agents must ensure that each 
inspector is evaluated while performing an inspection at least once 
every three years, or more frequently if warranted. Inspectors with less 
than three years of inspection experience must undergo a witness 
inspection annually. Witness inspections must be performed by certifying 
agent personnel who are qualified to evaluate inspectors.
    (ii) Certifying agents must maintain documented policies, 
procedures, and records for annual performance evaluations and witness 
inspections.
    (7) Have an annual program review of its certification activities 
conducted by the certifying agent's staff, an outside auditor, or a 
consultant who has expertise to conduct such reviews and implement 
measures to correct any noncompliances with the Act and the regulations 
in this part that are identified in the evaluation;
    (8) Provide sufficient information to persons seeking certification 
to enable them to comply with the applicable requirements of the Act and 
the regulations in this part;
    (9) Maintain all records pursuant to Sec.  205.510(b) and make all 
such records available for inspection and copying during normal business 
hours by authorized representatives of the Secretary and the applicable 
State organic program's governing State official;
    (10) Maintain strict confidentiality with respect to its clients 
under the applicable organic certification program and not disclose to 
third parties (except for the Secretary or the applicable State organic 
program's governing State official or their authorized representatives) 
any business-related information concerning any client obtained while 
implementing the regulations in this part, except:
    (i) For information that must be made available to any member of the 
public, as provided for in Sec.  205.504(b)(5);
    (ii) For enforcement purposes, certifying agents must exchange any 
compliance-related information that is credibly needed to certify, 
decertify, or investigate an operation, including for the purpose of 
verifying supply chain

[[Page 441]]

traceability and audit trail documentation; and
    (iii) If a certified operation's proprietary business information is 
compliance-related and thus credibly needed to certify, decertify, or 
investigate that operation, certifying agents may exchange that 
information for the purposes of enforcing the Act, but the information 
in question still retains its proprietary character even after it is 
exchanged and all of the certifying agents that are involved in the 
exchange still have a duty to preserve the confidentiality of that 
information after the exchange.
    (11) Prevent conflicts of interest by:
    (i) Not certifying a production or handling operation if the 
certifying agent or a responsibly connected party of such certifying 
agent has or has held a commercial interest in the production or 
handling operation, including an immediate family interest or the 
provision of consulting services, within the 12-month period prior to 
the application for certification;
    (ii) Excluding any person, including contractors, with conflicts of 
interest from work, discussions, and decisions in all stages of the 
certification process and the monitoring of certified production or 
handling operations for all entities in which such person has or has 
held a commercial interest, including an immediate family interest or 
the provision of consulting services, within the 12-month period prior 
to the application for certification;
    (iii) Not permitting any employee, inspector, contractor, or other 
personnel to accept payment, gifts, or favors of any kind, other than 
prescribed fees, from any business inspected: Except, That, a certifying 
agent that is a not-for-profit organization with an Internal Revenue 
Code tax exemption or, in the case of a foreign certifying agent, a 
comparable recognition of not-for-profit status from its government, may 
accept voluntary labor from certified operations;
    (iv) Not giving advice or providing consultancy services, to 
certification applicants or certified operations, for overcoming 
identified barriers to certification;
    (v) Requiring all persons who review applications for certification, 
perform on-site inspections, review certification documents, evaluate 
qualifications for certification, make recommendations concerning 
certification, or make certification decisions and all parties 
responsibly connected to the certifying agent to complete an annual 
conflict of interest disclosure report; and
    (vi) Ensuring that the decision to certify an operation is made by a 
person different from those who conducted the review of documents and 
on-site inspection.
    (12)(i) Reconsider a certified operation's application for 
certification and, if necessary, perform a new on-site inspection when 
it is determined, within 12 months of certifying the operation, that any 
person participating in the certification process and covered under 
Sec.  205.501(a)(11)(ii) has or had a conflict of interest involving the 
applicant. All costs associated with a reconsideration of application, 
including onsite inspection costs, shall be borne by the certifying 
agent.
    (ii) Refer a certified operation to a different accredited 
certifying agent for recertification and reimburse the operation for the 
cost of the recertification when it is determined that any person 
covered under Sec.  205.501(a)(11)(i) at the time of certification of 
the applicant had a conflict of interest involving the applicant.
    (13) Accept the certification decisions made by another certifying 
agent accredited or accepted by USDA pursuant to Sec.  205.500. 
Certifying agents must provide information to other certifying agents to 
ensure organic integrity or to enforce organic regulations, including to 
verify supply chain integrity, authenticate the organic status of 
certified products, and conduct investigations;
    (14) Refrain from making false or misleading claims about its 
accreditation status, the USDA accreditation program for certifying 
agents, or the nature or qualities of products labeled as organically 
produced;
    (15) Maintain current and accurate data in the Organic Integrity 
Database for each operation which it certifies;
    (16) Charge applicants for certification and certified production 
and handling operations only those fees and

[[Page 442]]

charges for certification activities that it has filed with the 
Administrator;
    (17) Pay and submit fees to AMS in accordance with Sec.  205.640;
    (18) Provide the inspector, prior to each on-site inspection, with 
previous on-site inspection reports and notify the inspector of its 
decision regarding certification of the production or handling operation 
site inspected by the inspector and of any requirements for the 
correction of minor noncompliances;
    (19) Accept all production or handling applications that fall within 
its area(s) of accreditation and certify all qualified applicants, to 
the extent of its administrative capacity to do so without regard to 
size or membership in any association or group; and
    (20) Demonstrate its ability to comply with a State's organic 
program to certify organic production or handling operations within the 
State.
    (21) Conduct risk-based supply chain traceability audits as 
described in the criteria and procedures for supply chain audits, per 
Sec.  205.504(b)(7), and share audit findings with other certifying 
agents as needed to determine compliance, per paragraph (a)(13) of this 
section.
    (22) Notify AMS not later than 90 calendar days after certification 
activities begin in a new certification office. The notification must 
include the countries where the certification activities are being 
provided, the nature of the certification activities, and the 
qualifications of the personnel providing the certification activities.
    (23) Comply with, implement, and carry out any other terms and 
conditions determined by the Administrator to be necessary.
    (b) A private or governmental entity accredited as a certifying 
agent under this subpart may establish a seal, logo, or other 
identifying mark to be used by production and handling operations 
certified by the certifying agent to indicate affiliation with the 
certifying agent: Provided, That, the certifying agent:
    (1) Does not require use of its seal, logo, or other identifying 
mark on any product sold, labeled, or represented as organically 
produced as a condition of certification and
    (2) Does not require compliance with any production or handling 
practices other than those provided for in the Act and the regulations 
in this part as a condition of use of its identifying mark: Provided, 
That, certifying agents certifying production or handling operations 
within a State with more restrictive requirements, approved by the 
Secretary, shall require compliance with such requirements as a 
condition of use of their identifying mark by such operations.
    (c) A private entity accredited as a certifying agent must:
    (1) Hold the Secretary harmless for any failure on the part of the 
certifying agent to carry out the provisions of the Act and the 
regulations in this part;
    (2) Furnish reasonable security, in an amount and according to such 
terms as the Administrator may by regulation prescribe, for the purpose 
of protecting the rights of production and handling operations certified 
by such certifying agent under the Act and the regulations in this part; 
and
    (3) Transfer to the Administrator and make available to any 
applicable State organic program's governing State official all records 
or copies of records concerning the person's certification activities in 
the event that the certifying agent dissolves or loses its 
accreditation; Provided, That, such transfer shall not apply to a 
merger, sale, or other transfer of ownership of a certifying agent.
    (d) No private or governmental entity accredited as a certifying 
agent under this subpart shall exclude from participation in or deny the 
benefits of the National Organic Program to any person due to 
discrimination because of race, color, national origin, gender, 
religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or 
marital or family status.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 88 FR 3624, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec.  205.502  Applying for accreditation.

    (a) A private or governmental entity seeking accreditation as a 
certifying agent under this subpart must submit an application for 
accreditation which contains the applicable information and documents 
set forth in Sec. Sec.  205.503

[[Page 443]]

through 205.505 and the fees required in Sec.  205.640 to: Program 
Manager, USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room 2648 So. Bldg., 
Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250-0268.
    (b) Following the receipt of the information and documents, the 
Administrator will determine, pursuant to Sec.  205.506, whether the 
applicant for accreditation should be accredited as a certifying agent.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 80 FR 6429, Feb. 5, 2015]



Sec.  205.503  Applicant information.

    A private or governmental entity seeking accreditation as a 
certifying agent must submit the following information:
    (a) The business name, primary office location, mailing address, 
name of the person(s) responsible for the certifying agent's day-to-day 
operations, contact numbers (telephone, facsimile, and Internet address) 
of the applicant, and, for an applicant who is a private person, the 
entity's taxpayer identification number;
    (b) The name, office location, mailing address, and contact numbers 
(telephone, facsimile, and Internet address) for each of its 
organizational units, such as chapters or subsidiary offices, and the 
name of a contact person for each unit;
    (c) Each area of operation (crops, wild crops, livestock, or 
handling) for which accreditation is requested and the estimated number 
of each type of operation anticipated to be certified annually by the 
applicant along with a copy of the applicant's schedule of fees for all 
services to be provided under these regulations by the applicant;
    (d) The type of entity the applicant is (e.g., government 
agricultural office, for-profit business, not-for-profit membership 
association) and for:
    (1) A governmental entity, a copy of the official's authority to 
conduct certification activities under the Act and the regulations in 
this part,
    (2) A private entity, documentation showing the entity's status and 
organizational purpose, such as articles of incorporation and by-laws or 
ownership or membership provisions, and its date of establishment; and
    (e) A list of each State or foreign country in which the applicant 
currently certifies production and handling operations and a list of 
each State or foreign country in which the applicant intends to certify 
production or handling operations.



Sec.  205.504  Evidence of expertise and ability.

    A private or governmental entity seeking accreditation as a 
certifying agent must submit the following documents and information to 
demonstrate its expertise in organic production or handling techniques; 
its ability to fully comply with and implement the organic certification 
program established in Sec. Sec.  205.100 and 205.101, 205.201 through 
205.203, 205.300 through 205.303, 205.400 through 205.406, and 205.661 
through 205.663; and its ability to comply with the requirements for 
accreditation set forth in Sec.  205.501:
    (a) Personnel. (1) A copy of the applicant's policies and procedures 
for training, evaluating, and supervising personnel;
    (2) The name and position description of all personnel to be used in 
the certification operation, including administrative staff, 
certification inspectors, members of any certification review and 
evaluation committees, contractors, and all parties responsibly 
connected to the certifying agent;
    (3) A description of the qualifications, including experience, 
training, and education in agriculture, organic production, and organic 
handling, for:
    (i) Each inspector to be used by the applicant and
    (ii) Each person to be designated by the applicant to review or 
evaluate applications for certification; and
    (4) A description of any training that the applicant has provided or 
intends to provide to personnel to ensure that they comply with and 
implement the requirements of the Act and the regulations in this part.
    (b) Administrative policies and procedures. (1) A copy of the 
procedures to be used to evaluate certification applicants, make 
certification decisions, and issue certification certificates;
    (2) A copy of the procedures to be used for reviewing and 
investigating certified operation compliance with

[[Page 444]]

the Act and the regulations in this part and the reporting of violations 
of the Act and the regulations in this part to the Administrator;
    (3) A copy of the procedures to be used for complying with the 
recordkeeping requirements set forth in Sec.  205.501(a)(9);
    (4) A copy of the procedures to be used for sharing information with 
other certifying agents and for maintaining the confidentiality of any 
business-related information as set forth in Sec.  205.501(a)(10);
    (5) A copy of the procedures to be used, including any fees to be 
assessed, for making the following information available to any member 
of the public upon request:
    (i) Certification certificates issued during the current and 3 
preceding calendar years;
    (ii) A list of producers and handlers whose operations it has 
certified, including for each the name of the operation, type(s) of 
operation, products produced, and the effective date of the 
certification, during the current and 3 preceding calendar years;
    (iii) The results of laboratory analyses for residues of pesticides 
and other prohibited substances conducted during the current and 3 
preceding calendar years; and
    (iv) Other business information as permitted in writing by the 
producer or handler; and
    (6) A copy of the procedures to be used for sampling and residue 
testing pursuant to Sec.  205.670.
    (7) A copy of the criteria to identify high-risk operations and 
agricultural products for supply chain traceability audits; and 
procedures to conduct risk-based supply chain traceability audits, as 
required in Sec.  205.501(a)(21); and procedures to report credible 
evidence of organic fraud to the Administrator.
    (8) A copy of reasonable decision criteria for acceptance of 
mediation, and a process for identifying personnel conducting mediation 
and setting up mediation.
    (c) Conflicts of interest. (1) A copy of procedures intended to be 
implemented to prevent the occurrence of conflicts of interest, as 
described in Sec.  205.501(a)(11).
    (2) For all persons who review applications for certification, 
perform on-site inspections, review certification documents, evaluate 
qualifications for certification, make recommendations concerning 
certification, or make certification decisions and all parties 
responsibly connected to the certifying agent, a conflict of interest 
disclosure report, identifying any food- or agriculture-related business 
interests, including business interests of immediate family members, 
that cause a conflict of interest.
    (d) Current certification activities. An applicant who currently 
certifies production or handling operations must submit: (1) A list of 
all production and handling operations currently certified by the 
applicant;
    (2) Copies of at least 3 different inspection reports and 
certification evaluation documents for production or handling operations 
certified by the applicant during the previous year for each area of 
operation for which accreditation is requested; and
    (3) The results of any accreditation process of the applicant's 
operation by an accrediting body during the previous year for the 
purpose of evaluating its certification activities.
    (e) Other information. Any other information the applicant believes 
may assist in the Administrator's evaluation of the applicant's 
expertise and ability.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 88 FR 3625, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec.  205.505  Statement of agreement.

    (a) A private or governmental entity seeking accreditation under 
this subpart must sign and return a statement of agreement prepared by 
the Administrator which affirms that, if granted accreditation as a 
certifying agent under this subpart, the applicant will carry out the 
provisions of the Act and the regulations in this part, including:
    (1) Accept the certification decisions made by another certifying 
agent accredited or accepted by USDA pursuant to Sec.  205.500;
    (2) Refrain from making false or misleading claims about its 
accreditation status, the USDA accreditation program for certifying 
agents, or the nature or qualities of products labeled as organically 
produced;

[[Page 445]]

    (3) Conduct an annual performance evaluation of all persons who 
review applications for certification, perform on-site inspections, 
review certification documents, evaluate qualifications for 
certification, make recommendations concerning certification, or make 
certification decisions and implement measures to correct any 
deficiencies in certification services;
    (4) Have an annual internal program review conducted of its 
certification activities by certifying agent staff, an outside auditor, 
or a consultant who has the expertise to conduct such reviews and 
implement measures to correct any noncompliances with the Act and the 
regulations in this part;
    (5) Pay and submit fees to AMS in accordance with Sec.  205.640; and
    (6) Comply with, implement, and carry out any other terms and 
conditions determined by the Administrator to be necessary.
    (b) A private entity seeking accreditation as a certifying agent 
under this subpart must additionally agree to:
    (1) Hold the Secretary harmless for any failure on the part of the 
certifying agent to carry out the provisions of the Act and the 
regulations in this part;
    (2) Furnish reasonable security, in an amount and according to such 
terms as the Administrator may by regulation prescribe, for the purpose 
of protecting the rights of production and handling operations certified 
by such certifying agent under the Act and the regulations in this part; 
and
    (3) Transfer to the Administrator and make available to the 
applicable State organic program's governing State official all records 
or copies of records concerning the certifying agent's certification 
activities in the event that the certifying agent dissolves or loses its 
accreditation; Provided, That such transfer shall not apply to a merger, 
sale, or other transfer of ownership of a certifying agent.



Sec.  205.506  Granting accreditation.

    (a) Accreditation will be granted when:
    (1) The accreditation applicant has submitted the information 
required by Sec. Sec.  205.503 through 205.505;
    (2) The accreditation applicant pays the required fee in accordance 
with Sec.  205.640(c); and
    (3) The Administrator determines that the applicant for 
accreditation meets the requirements for accreditation as stated in 
Sec.  205.501, as determined by a review of the information submitted in 
accordance with Sec. Sec.  205.503 through 205.505 and, if necessary, a 
review of the information obtained from a site evaluation as provided 
for in Sec.  205.508.
    (b) On making a determination to approve an application for 
accreditation, the Administrator will notify the applicant of the 
granting of accreditation in writing, stating:
    (1) The area(s) for which accreditation is given;
    (2) The effective date of the accreditation;
    (3) Any terms and conditions for the correction of minor 
noncompliances; and
    (4) For a certifying agent who is a private entity, the amount and 
type of security that must be established to protect the rights of 
production and handling operations certified by such certifying agent.
    (c) The accreditation of a certifying agent shall continue in effect 
until such time as the certifying agent fails to renew accreditation as 
provided in Sec.  205.510(c), the certifying agent voluntarily ceases 
its certification activities, or accreditation is suspended or revoked 
pursuant to Sec.  205.665.



Sec.  205.507  Denial of accreditation.

    (a) If the Program Manager has reason to believe, based on a review 
of the information specified in Sec. Sec.  205.503 through 205.505 or 
after a site evaluation as specified in Sec.  205.508, that an applicant 
for accreditation is not able to comply or is not in compliance with the 
requirements of the Act and the regulations in this part, the Program 
Manager shall provide a written notification of noncompliance to the 
applicant. Such notification shall provide:
    (1) A description of each noncompliance;
    (2) The facts upon which the notification of noncompliance is based; 
and

[[Page 446]]

    (3) The date by which the applicant must rebut or correct each 
noncompliance and submit supporting documentation of each such 
correction when correction is possible.
    (b) When each noncompliance has been resolved, the Program Manager 
will send the applicant a written notification of noncompliance 
resolution and proceed with further processing of the application.
    (c) If an applicant fails to correct the noncompliances, fails to 
report the corrections by the date specified in the notification of 
noncompliance, fails to file a rebuttal of the notification of 
noncompliance by the date specified, or is unsuccessful in its rebuttal, 
the Program Manager will provide the applicant with written notification 
of accreditation denial. An applicant who has received written 
notification of accreditation denial may apply for accreditation again 
at any time in accordance with Sec.  205.502, or appeal the denial of 
accreditation in accordance with Sec.  205.681 by the date specified in 
the notification of accreditation denial.
    (d) If the certifying agent was accredited prior to the site 
evaluation and the certifying agent fails to correct the noncompliances, 
fails to report the corrections by the date specified in the 
notification of noncompliance, or fails to file a rebuttal of the 
notification of noncompliance by the date specified, the Administrator 
will begin proceedings to suspend or revoke the certifying agent's 
accreditation. A certifying agent who has had its accreditation 
suspended may at any time, unless otherwise stated in the notification 
of suspension, submit a request to the Secretary for reinstatement of 
its accreditation. The request must be accompanied by evidence 
demonstrating correction of each noncompliance and corrective actions 
taken to comply with and remain in compliance with the Act and the 
regulations in this part. A certifying agent whose accreditation is 
revoked will be ineligible for accreditation for a period of not less 
than 3 years following the date of such determination.



Sec.  205.508  Site evaluations.

    (a) Site evaluations of accredited certifying agents shall be 
conducted for the purpose of examining the certifying agent's operations 
and evaluating its compliance with the Act and the regulations of this 
part. Site evaluations shall include an on-site review of the certifying 
agent's certification procedures, decisions, facilities, administrative 
and management systems, and production or handling operations certified 
by the certifying agent. Site evaluations shall be conducted by a 
representative(s) of the Administrator.
    (b) An initial site evaluation of an accreditation applicant shall 
be conducted before or within a reasonable period of time after issuance 
of the applicant's ``notification of accreditation.'' A site evaluation 
shall be conducted after application for renewal of accreditation but 
prior to the issuance of a notice of renewal of accreditation. One or 
more site evaluations will be conducted during the period of 
accreditation to determine whether an accredited certifying agent is 
complying with the general requirements set forth in Sec.  205.501.



Sec.  205.509  Peer review panel.

    The Administrator shall establish a peer review panel pursuant to 
the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C. App. 2 et seq.). The 
peer review panel shall be composed of not less than 3 members who shall 
annually evaluate the National Organic Program's adherence to the 
accreditation procedures in this subpart F and ISO/IEC Guide 61, General 
requirements for assessment and accreditation of certification/
registration bodies, and the National Organic Program's accreditation 
decisions. This shall be accomplished through the review of 
accreditation procedures, document review and site evaluation reports, 
and accreditation decision documents or documentation. The peer review 
panel shall report its finding, in writing, to the National Organic 
Program's Program Manager.

[[Page 447]]



Sec.  205.510  Annual report, recordkeeping, and renewal of accreditation.

    (a) Annual report and fees. An accredited certifying agent must 
submit annually to the Administrator, on or before the anniversary date 
of the issuance of the notification of accreditation, the following 
reports and fees:
    (1) A complete and accurate update of information submitted pursuant 
to Sec. Sec.  205.503 and 205.504;
    (2) Information supporting any changes being requested in the areas 
of accreditation described in Sec.  205.500;
    (3) A description of the measures implemented in the previous year 
and any measures to be implemented in the coming year to satisfy any 
terms and conditions determined by the Administrator to be necessary, as 
specified in the most recent notification of accreditation or notice of 
renewal of accreditation;
    (4) The results of the most recent performance evaluations and 
annual program review and a description of adjustments to the certifying 
agent's operation and procedures implemented or to be implemented in 
response to the performance evaluations and program review; and
    (5) The fees required in Sec.  205.640(a).
    (b) Recordkeeping. Certifying agents must maintain records according 
to the following schedule:
    (1) Records obtained from applicants for certification and certified 
operations must be maintained for not less than 5 years beyond their 
receipt;
    (2) Records created by the certifying agent regarding applicants for 
certification and certified operations must be maintained for not less 
than 10 years beyond their creation; and
    (3) Records created or received by the certifying agent pursuant to 
the accreditation requirements of this subpart F, excluding any records 
covered by Sec.  205.510(b)(2), must be maintained for not less than 5 
years beyond their creation or receipt.
    (c) Renewal of accreditation. (1) The Administrator shall send the 
accredited certifying agent a notice of pending expiration of 
accreditation approximately 1 year prior to the scheduled date of 
expiration.
    (2) An accredited certifying agent's application for accreditation 
renewal must be received at least 6 months prior to the fifth 
anniversary of issuance of the notification of accreditation and each 
subsequent renewal of accreditation. The accreditation of certifying 
agents who make timely application for renewal of accreditation will not 
expire during the renewal process. The accreditation of certifying 
agents who fail to make timely application for renewal of accreditation 
will expire as scheduled unless renewed prior to the scheduled 
expiration date. Certifying agents with an expired accreditation must 
not perform certification activities under the Act and the regulations 
of this part.
    (3) Following receipt of the information submitted by the certifying 
agent in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section and the results 
of a site evaluation, the Administrator will determine whether the 
certifying agent remains in compliance with the Act and the regulations 
of this part and should have its accreditation renewed.
    (d) Notice of renewal of accreditation. Upon a determination that 
the certifying agent is in compliance with the Act and the regulations 
of this part, the Administrator will issue a notice of renewal of 
accreditation. The notice of renewal will specify any terms and 
conditions that must be addressed by the certifying agent and the time 
within which those terms and conditions must be satisfied.
    (e) Noncompliance. Upon a determination that the certifying agent is 
not in compliance with the Act and the regulations of this part, the 
Administrator will initiate proceedings to suspend or revoke the 
certifying agent's accreditation.
    (f) Amending accreditation. Amendment to scope of an accreditation 
may be requested at any time. The application for amendment shall be 
sent to the Administrator and shall contain information applicable to 
the requested change in accreditation, a complete and accurate update of 
the information submitted pursuant to Sec. Sec.  205.503 and 205.504, 
and the applicable fees required in Sec.  205.640.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 80 FR 6429, Feb. 5, 2015]

[[Page 448]]



Sec.  205.511  Accepting foreign conformity assessment systems.

    (a) Foreign product may be certified under the USDA organic 
regulations by a USDA-accredited certifying agent and imported for sale 
in the United States. Foreign product that is produced and handled under 
another country's organic certification program may be sold, labeled, or 
represented in the United States as organically produced if the U.S. 
Government determines that such country's organic certification program 
provides technical requirements and a conformity assessment system 
governing the production and handling of such products that are at least 
equivalent to the requirements of the Act and the regulations in this 
part.
    (b) Countries desiring to establish eligibility of product certified 
under that country's organic certification program to be sold, labeled, 
or represented in the United States as organically produced may request 
equivalence determinations from AMS. A foreign government must maintain 
compliance and enforcement mechanisms to ensure that its organic 
certification program is fully meeting the terms and conditions of any 
equivalence determination provided by the U.S. Government pursuant to 
this section. To request an equivalence determination, the requesting 
country must submit documentation that fully describes its technical 
requirements and conformity assessment system. If the U.S. Government 
determines it can proceed, AMS will assess the country's organic 
certification program to evaluate if it is equivalent.
    (c) USDA, working with other Federal agencies, will describe the 
scope of an equivalence determination.
    (d) AMS will conduct regular reviews and reassessments of countries 
deemed equivalent to verify that the foreign government's technical 
requirements and conformity assessment system continue to be at least 
equivalent to the requirements of the Act and the regulations of this 
part, and will determine if the equivalence determination should be 
continued, amended, or terminated. AMS will determine the timing and 
scope of reviews and re-assessments based on, but not limited to, 
factors such as: the terms of the equivalence determination, changes to 
the foreign country's technical requirements or conformity assessment 
system, the results of previous reviews and re-assessments, instances of 
suspected or verified noncompliance issues, the volume of trade, and 
other factors contributing to the risk level of the equivalence 
determination.
    (e) The U.S. Government may terminate an equivalence determination 
if the terms or conditions established under the equivalence 
determination are not met; if AMS determines that the country's 
technical requirements and/or conformity assessment program are no 
longer equivalent; if AMS determines that the foreign government's 
organic control system is inadequate to ensure that the country's 
organic certification program is fully meeting the terms and conditions 
under the equivalence determination; or for other good cause.

[88 FR 3625, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec. Sec.  205.512-205.599  [Reserved]



                        Subpart G_Administrative

         The National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances



Sec.  205.600  Evaluation criteria for allowed and prohibited 
substances, methods, and ingredients.

    The following criteria will be utilized in the evaluation of 
substances or ingredients for the organic production and handling 
sections of the National List:
    (a) Synthetic and nonsynthetic substances considered for inclusion 
on or deletion from the National List of allowed and prohibited 
substances will be evaluated using the criteria specified in the Act (7 
U.S.C. 6517 and 6518).
    (b) In addition to the criteria set forth in the Act, any synthetic 
substance used as a processing aid or adjuvant will be evaluated against 
the following criteria:
    (1) The substance cannot be produced from a natural source and there 
are no organic substitutes;
    (2) The substance's manufacture, use, and disposal do not have 
adverse effects on the environment and are done

[[Page 449]]

in a manner compatible with organic handling;
    (3) The nutritional quality of the food is maintained when the 
substance is used, and the substance, itself, or its breakdown products 
do not have an adverse effect on human health as defined by applicable 
Federal regulations;
    (4) The substance's primary use is not as a preservative or to 
recreate or improve flavors, colors, textures, or nutritive value lost 
during processing, except where the replacement of nutrients is required 
by law;
    (5) The substance is listed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) 
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when used in accordance with FDA's 
good manufacturing practices (GMP) and contains no residues of heavy 
metals or other contaminants in excess of tolerances set by FDA; and
    (6) The substance is essential for the handling of organically 
produced agricultural products.
    (c) Nonsynthetics used in organic processing will be evaluated using 
the criteria specified in the Act (7 U.S.C. 6517 and 6518).



Sec.  205.601  Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop 
production.

    In accordance with restrictions specified in this section, the 
following synthetic substances may be used in organic crop production: 
Provided, That, use of such substances do not contribute to 
contamination of crops, soil, or water. Substances allowed by this 
section, except disinfectants and sanitizers in paragraph (a) and those 
substances in paragraphs (c), (j), (k), (l), and (o) of this section, 
may only be used when the provisions set forth in Sec.  205.206(a) 
through (d) prove insufficient to prevent or control the target pest.
    (a) As algicide, disinfectants, and sanitizer, including irrigation 
system cleaning systems.
    (1) Alcohols.
    (i) Ethanol.
    (ii) Isopropanol.
    (2) Chlorine materials--For pre-harvest use, residual chlorine 
levels in the water in direct crop contact or as water from cleaning 
irrigation systems applied to soil must not exceed the maximum residual 
disinfectant limit under the Safe Drinking Water Act, except that 
chlorine products may be used in edible sprout production according to 
EPA label directions.
    (i) Calcium hypochlorite.
    (ii) Chlorine dioxide.
    (iii) Hypochlorous acid--generated from electrolyzed water.
    (iv) Potassium hypochlorite--for use in water for irrigation 
purposes.
    (v) Sodium hypochlorite.
    (3) Copper sulfate--for use as an algicide in aquatic rice systems, 
is limited to one application per field during any 24-month period. 
Application rates are limited to those which do not increase baseline 
soil test values for copper over a timeframe agreed upon by the producer 
and accredited certifying agent.
    (4) Hydrogen peroxide.
    (5) Ozone gas--for use as an irrigation system cleaner only.
    (6) Peracetic acid--for use in disinfecting equipment, seed, and 
asexually propagated planting material. Also permitted in hydrogen 
peroxide formulations as allowed in Sec.  205.601(a) at concentration of 
no more than 6% as indicated on the pesticide product label.
    (7) Soap-based algicide/demossers.
    (8) Sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate (CAS -15630-89-4)--Federal law 
restricts the use of this substance in food crop production to approved 
food uses identified on the product label.
    (b) As herbicides, weed barriers, as applicable.
    (1) Herbicides, soap-based--for use in farmstead maintenance 
(roadways, ditches, right of ways, building perimeters) and ornamental 
crops.
    (2) Mulches.
    (i) Newspaper or other recycled paper, without glossy or colored 
inks.
    (ii) Plastic mulch and covers (petroleum-based other than polyvinyl 
chloride (PVC)).
    (iii) Biodegradable biobased mulch film as defined in Sec.  205.2. 
Must be produced without organisms or feedstock derived from excluded 
methods.
    (c) As compost feedstocks--Newspapers or other recycled paper, 
without glossy or colored inks.

[[Page 450]]

    (d) As animal repellents--Soaps, ammonium--for use as a large animal 
repellant only, no contact with soil or edible portion of crop.
    (e) As insecticides (including acaricides or mite control).
    (1) Ammonium carbonate--for use as bait in insect traps only, no 
direct contact with crop or soil.
    (2) Aqueous potassium silicate (CAS -1312-76-1)--the silica, used 
in the manufacture of potassium silicate, must be sourced from naturally 
occurring sand.
    (3) Boric acid--structural pest control, no direct contact with 
organic food or crops.
    (4) Copper sulfate--for use as tadpole shrimp control in aquatic 
rice production, is limited to one application per field during any 24-
month period. Application rates are limited to levels which do not 
increase baseline soil test values for copper over a timeframe agreed 
upon by the producer and accredited certifying agent.
    (5) Elemental sulfur.
    (6) Lime sulfur--including calcium polysulfide.
    (7) Oils, horticultural--narrow range oils as dormant, suffocating, 
and summer oils.
    (8) Soaps, insecticidal.
    (9) Sticky traps/barriers.
    (10) Sucrose octanoate esters (CAS s--42922-74-7; 58064-47-4)--in 
accordance with approved labeling.
    (f) As insect management. Pheromones.
    (g) As rodenticides. Vitamin D3.
    (h) As slug or snail bait.
    (1) Ferric phosphate (CAS  10045-86-0).
    (2) Elemental sulfur.
    (i) As plant disease control.
    (1) Aqueous potassium silicate (CAS -1312-76-1)--the silica, used 
in the manufacture of potassium silicate, must be sourced from naturally 
occurring sand.
    (2) Coppers, fixed--copper hydroxide, copper oxide, copper 
oxychloride, includes products exempted from EPA tolerance, Provided, 
That, copper-based materials must be used in a manner that minimizes 
accumulation in the soil and shall not be used as herbicides.
    (3) Copper sulfate--Substance must be used in a manner that 
minimizes accumulation of copper in the soil.
    (4) Hydrated lime.
    (5) Hydrogen peroxide.
    (6) Lime sulfur.
    (7) Oils, horticultural, narrow range oils as dormant, suffocating, 
and summer oils.
    (8) Peracetic acid--for use to control fire blight bacteria. Also 
permitted in hydrogen peroxide formulations as allowed in Sec.  
205.601(i) at concentration of no more than 6% as indicated on the 
pesticide product label.
    (9) Potassium bicarbonate.
    (10) Elemental sulfur.
    (11) Polyoxin D zinc salt.
    (j) As plant or soil amendments.
    (1) Aquatic plant extracts (other than hydrolyzed)--Extraction 
process is limited to the use of potassium hydroxide or sodium 
hydroxide; solvent amount used is limited to that amount necessary for 
extraction.
    (2) Elemental sulfur.
    (3) Humic acids--naturally occurring deposits, water and alkali 
extracts only.
    (4) Lignin sulfonate--chelating agent, dust suppressant.
    (5) Magnesium oxide (CAS  1309-48-4)--for use only to control the 
viscosity of a clay suspension agent for humates.
    (6) Magnesium sulfate--allowed with a documented soil deficiency.
    (7) Micronutrients--not to be used as a defoliant, herbicide, or 
desiccant. Those made from nitrates or chlorides are not allowed. 
Micronutrient deficiency must be documented by soil or tissue testing or 
other documented and verifiable method as approved by the certifying 
agent.
    (i) Soluble boron products.
    (ii) Sulfates, carbonates, oxides, or silicates of zinc, copper, 
iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and cobalt.
    (8) Liquid fish products--can be pH adjusted with sulfuric, citric 
or phosphoric acid. The amount of acid used shall not exceed the minimum 
needed to lower the pH to 3.5.
    (9) Vitamins, C and E.
    (10) Squid byproducts--from food waste processing only. Can be pH 
adjusted with sulfuric, citric, or phosphoric acid. The amount of acid 
used

[[Page 451]]

shall not exceed the minimum needed to lower the pH to 3.5.
    (11) Sulfurous acid (CAS  7782-99-2) for on-farm generation of 
substance utilizing 99% purity elemental sulfur per paragraph (j)(2) of 
this section.
    (k) As plant growth regulators.
    (1) Ethylene gas--for regulation of pineapple flowering.
    (2) Fatty alcohols (C6, C8, C10, and/or C12)--for sucker control in 
organic tobacco production.
    (l) As floating agents in postharvest handling. Sodium silicate--for 
tree fruit and fiber processing.
    (m) As synthetic inert ingredients as classified by the 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for use with nonsynthetic 
substances or synthetic substances listed in this section and used as an 
active pesticide ingredient in accordance with any limitations on the 
use of such substances.
    (1) EPA List 4--Inerts of Minimal Concern.
    (2) EPA List 3--Inerts of unknown toxicity--for use only in passive 
pheromone dispensers.
    (n) Seed preparations. Hydrogen chloride (CAS  7647-01-0)--for 
delinting cotton seed for planting.
    (o) Production aids.
    (1) Microcrystalline cheesewax (CAS 's 64742-42-3, 8009-03-08, and 
8002-74-2)--for use in log grown mushroom production. Must be made 
without either ethylene-propylene co-polymer or synthetic colors.
    (2) Paper-based crop planting aids as defined in Sec.  205.2. Virgin 
or recycled paper without glossy paper or colored inks.
    (p)-(z) [Reserved]

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 68 FR 61992, Oct. 31, 2003; 
71 FR 53302 Sept. 11, 2006; 72 FR 69572, Dec. 10, 2007; 75 FR 38696, 
July 6, 2010; 75 FR 77524, Dec. 13, 2010; 77 FR 8092, Feb. 14, 2012; 77 
FR 33298, June 6, 2012; 77 FR 45907, Aug. 2, 2012; 78 FR 31821, May 28, 
2013; 79 FR 58663, Sept. 30, 2014; 80 FR 77234, Dec. 14, 2015; 82 FR 
31243, July 6, 2017; 83 FR 66571, Dec. 27, 2018; 84 FR 56677, Oct. 23, 
2019; 87 FR 10938, Feb. 28, 2022; 87 FR 16375, Mar. 23, 2022; 87 FR 
68027, Nov. 14, 2022]



Sec.  205.602  Nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in organic 
crop production.

    The following nonsynthetic substances may not be used in organic 
crop production:
    (a) Ash from manure burning.
    (b) Arsenic.
    (c) Calcium chloride, brine process is natural and prohibited for 
use except as a foliar spray to treat a physiological disorder 
associated with calcium uptake.
    (d) Lead salts.
    (e) Potassium chloride--unless derived from a mined source and 
applied in a manner that minimizes chloride accumulation in the soil.
    (f) Rotenone (CAS  83-79-4).
    (g) Sodium fluoaluminate (mined).
    (h) Sodium nitrate--unless use is restricted to no more than 20% of 
the crop's total nitrogen requirement; use in spirulina production is 
unrestricted until October 21, 2005.
    (i) Strychnine.
    (j) Tobacco dust (nicotine sulfate).

[68 FR 61992, Oct. 31, 2003, as amended at 83 FR 66572, Dec. 27, 2018]



Sec.  205.603  Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic livestock
production.

    In accordance with restrictions specified in this section the 
following synthetic substances may be used in organic livestock 
production:
    (a) As disinfectants, sanitizer, and medical treatments as 
applicable.
    (1) Alcohols.
    (i) Ethanol--disinfectant and sanitizer only, prohibited as a feed 
additive.
    (ii) Isopropanol-disinfectant only.
    (2) Aspirin-approved for health care use to reduce inflammation.
    (3) Atropine (CAS -51-55-8)--federal law restricts this drug to use 
by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in 
full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug 
Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP 
requires:
    (i) Use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed 
veterinarian; and
    (ii) A meat withdrawal period of at least 56 days after 
administering to livestock intended for slaughter; and a

[[Page 452]]

milk discard period of at least 12 days after administering to dairy 
animals.
    (4) Biologics--Vaccines.
    (5) Butorphanol (CAS -42408-82-2)--federal law restricts this drug 
to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed 
veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of 
the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR 
part 205, the NOP requires:
    (i) Use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed 
veterinarian; and
    (ii) A meat withdrawal period of at least 42 days after 
administering to livestock intended for slaughter; and a milk discard 
period of at least 8 days after administering to dairy animals.
    (6) Activated charcoal (CAS  7440-44-0)--must be from vegetative 
sources.
    (7) Calcium borogluconate (CAS  5743-34-0)--for treatment of milk 
fever only.
    (8) Calcium propionate (CAS  4075-81-4)--for treatment of milk 
fever only.
    (9) Chlorhexidine (CAS  55-56-1)--for medical procedures conducted 
under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Allowed for use as a 
teat dip when alternative germicidal agents and/or physical barriers 
have lost their effectiveness.
    (10) Chlorine materials--disinfecting and sanitizing facilities and 
equipment. Residual chlorine levels in the water shall not exceed the 
maximum residual disinfectant limit under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
    (i) Calcium hypochlorite.
    (ii) Chlorine dioxide.
    (iii) Hypochlorous acid--generated from electrolyzed water.
    (iv) Sodium hypochlorite
    (11) Electrolytes--without antibiotics.
    (12) Flunixin (CAS -38677-85-9)--in accordance with approved 
labeling; except that for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires a 
withdrawal period of at least two-times that required by the FDA.
    (13) Glucose.
    (14) Glycerin--allowed as a livestock teat dip, must be produced 
through the hydrolysis of fats or oils.
    (15) Hydrogen peroxide.
    (16) Iodine.
    (17) Kaolin pectin--for use as an adsorbent, antidiarrheal, and gut 
protectant.
    (18) Magnesium hydroxide (CAS -1309-42-8)--federal law restricts 
this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed 
veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of 
the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR 
part 205, the NOP requires use by or on the lawful written order of a 
licensed veterinarian.
    (19) Magnesium sulfate.
    (20) Mineral oil--for treatment of intestinal compaction, prohibited 
for use as a dust suppressant.
    (21) Nutritive supplements--injectable supplements of trace minerals 
per paragraph (d)(2) of this section, vitamins per paragraph (d)(3), and 
electrolytes per paragraph (a)(11), with excipients per paragraph (f), 
in accordance with FDA and restricted to use by or on the order of a 
licensed veterinarian.
    (22) Oxytocin--use in postparturition therapeutic applications.
    (23) Parasiticides--prohibited in slaughter stock, allowed in 
emergency treatment for dairy and breeder stock when organic system 
plan-approved preventive management does not prevent infestation. In 
breeder stock, treatment cannot occur during the last third of gestation 
if the progeny will be sold as organic and must not be used during the 
lactation period for breeding stock. Allowed for fiber bearing animals 
when used a minimum of 36 days prior to harvesting of fleece or wool 
that is to be sold, labeled, or represented as organic.
    (i) Fenbendazole (CAS 43210-67-9)--milk or milk products from a 
treated animal cannot be labeled as provided for in subpart D of this 
part for: 2 days following treatment of cattle; 36 days following 
treatment of goats, sheep, and other dairy species.
    (ii) Moxidectin (CAS 113507-06-5)--milk or milk products from a 
treated animal cannot be labeled as provided for in subpart D of this 
part for: 2 days following treatment of cattle; 36 days following 
treatment of goats, sheep, and other dairy species.

[[Page 453]]

    (24) Peroxyacetic/peracetic acid (CAS -79-21-0)--for sanitizing 
facility and processing equipment.
    (25) Phosphoric acid--allowed as an equipment cleaner, Provided, 
That, no direct contact with organically managed livestock or land 
occurs.
    (26) Poloxalene (CAS -9003-11-6)--for use under 7 CFR part 205, the 
NOP requires that poloxalene only be used for the emergency treatment of 
bloat.
    (27) Propylene glycol (CAS 57-55-6)--only for treatment of ketosis 
in ruminants.
    (28) Sodium chlorite, acidified--allowed for use on organic 
livestock as a teat dip treatment only.
    (29) Tolazoline (CAS 59-98-3)--federal law restricts this drug to 
use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed 
veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of 
the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR 
part 205, the NOP requires:
    (i) Use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed 
veterinarian;
    (ii) Use only to reverse the effects of sedation and analgesia 
caused by Xylazine; and,
    (iii) A meat withdrawal period of at least 8 days after 
administering to livestock intended for slaughter; and a milk discard 
period of at least 4 days after administering to dairy animals.
    (30) Xylazine (CAS 7361-61-7)--federal law restricts this drug to 
use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed 
veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of 
the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR 
part 205, the NOP requires:
    (i) Use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed 
veterinarian; and,
    (ii) A meat withdrawal period of at least 8 days after administering 
to livestock intended for slaughter; and a milk discard period of at 
least 4 days after administering to dairy animals.
    (b) As topical treatment, external parasiticide or local anesthetic 
as applicable.
    (1) Copper sulfate.
    (2) Elemental sulfur--for treatment of livestock and livestock 
housing.
    (3) Formic acid (CAS  64-18-6)--for use as a pesticide solely 
within honeybee hives.
    (4) Iodine.
    (5) Lidocaine--as a local anesthetic. Use requires a withdrawal 
period of 8 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter 
and 6 days after administering to dairy animals.
    (6) Lime, hydrated--as an external pest control, not permitted to 
cauterize physical alterations or deodorize animal wastes.
    (7) Mineral oil--for topical use and as a lubricant.
    (8) Oxalic acid dihydrate--for use as a pesticide solely for 
apiculture.
    (9) Sodium chlorite, acidified--allowed for use on organic livestock 
as teat dip treatment only.
    (10) Sucrose octanoate esters (CAS s-42922-74-7; 58064-47-4)--in 
accordance with approved labeling.
    (11) Zinc sulfate--for use in hoof and foot treatments only.
    (c) As feed supplements--None.
    (d) As feed additives.
    (1) DL-Methionine, DL-Methionine--hydroxy analog, and DL-
Methionine--hydroxy analog calcium (CAS 's 59-51-8, 583-91-5, 4857-44-
7, and 922-50-9)--for use only in organic poultry production at the 
following pounds of synthetic 100 percent methionine per ton of feed in 
the diet, maximum rates as averaged per ton of feed over the life of the 
flock: Laying chickens--2 pounds; broiler chickens--2.5 pounds; turkeys 
and all other poultry--3 pounds.
    (2) Trace minerals, used for enrichment or fortification when FDA 
approved.
    (3) Vitamins, used for enrichment or fortification when FDA 
approved.
    (e) As synthetic inert ingredients as classified by the 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for use with nonsynthetic 
substances or synthetic substances listed in this section and used as an 
active pesticide ingredient in accordance with any limitations on the 
use of such substances.
    (1) EPA List 4--Inerts of Minimal Concern.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (f) Excipients--only for use in the manufacture of drugs and 
biologics used to treat organic livestock when the excipient is: (1) 
Identified by the FDA as Generally Recognized As Safe; (2) Approved by 
the FDA as a food additive; (3) Included in the FDA review

[[Page 454]]

and approval of a New Animal Drug Application or New Drug Application; 
or (4) Approved by APHIS for use in veterinary biologics.
    (g)-(z) [Reserved]

[72 FR 70484, Dec. 12, 2007, as amended at 73 FR 54059, Sept. 18, 2008; 
75 FR 51924, Aug. 24, 2010; 77 FR 28745, May 15, 2012; 77 FR 45907, Aug. 
2, 2012; 77 FR 57989, Sept. 19, 2012; 80 FR 6429, Feb. 5, 2015; 82 FR 
31243, July 6, 2017; 83 FR 66572, Dec. 27, 2018; 84 FR 18136, Apr. 30, 
2019; 86 FR 33484, June 25, 2021; 87 FR 10938, Feb. 28, 2022]



Sec.  205.604  Nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in organic
livestock production.

    The following nonsynthetic substances may not be used in organic 
livestock production:
    (a) Strychnine.
    (b)-(z) [Reserved]



Sec.  205.605  Nonagricultural (nonorganic) substances allowed as 
ingredients in or on processed products labeled as ``organic'' or 
``made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s)).''

    The following nonagricultural substances may be used as ingredients 
in or on processed products labeled as ``organic'' or ``made with 
organic (specified ingredients or food group(s))'' only in accordance 
with any restrictions specified in this section.
    (a) Nonsynthetics allowed.
    (1) Acids (Citric--produced by microbial fermentation of 
carbohydrate substances; and Lactic).
    (2) Agar-agar.
    (3) Animal enzymes--(Rennet--animals derived; Catalase--bovine 
liver; Animal lipase; Pancreatin; Pepsin; and Trypsin).
    (4) Attapulgite--as a processing aid in the handling of plant and 
animal oils.
    (5) Bentonite.
    (6) Calcium carbonate.
    (7) Calcium chloride.
    (8) Calcium sulfate--mined.
    (9) Carrageenan.
    (10) Diatomaceous earth--food filtering aid only.
    (11) Enzymes--must be derived from edible, nontoxic plants, 
nonpathogenic fungi, or nonpathogenic bacteria.
    (12) Flavors--nonsynthetic flavors may be used when organic flavors 
are not commercially available. All flavors must be derived from organic 
or nonsynthetic sources only and must not be produced using synthetic 
solvents and carrier systems or any artificial preservative.
    (13) Gellan gum (CAS  71010-52-1)--high-acyl form only.
    (14) Glucono delta-lactone--production by the oxidation of D-glucose 
with bromine water is prohibited.
    (15) Kaolin.
    (16) L-Malic acid (CAS  97-67-6).
    (17) Magnesium chloride.
    (18) Magnesium sulfate, nonsynthetic sources only.
    (19) Microorganisms--any food grade bacteria, fungi, and other 
microorganism.
    (20) Nitrogen--oil-free grades.
    (21) Oxygen--oil-free grades.
    (22) Perlite--for use only as a filter aid in food processing.
    (23) Potassium chloride.
    (24) Potassium iodide.
    (25) Pullulan--for use only in tablets and capsules for dietary 
supplements labeled ``made with organic (specified ingredients or food 
group(s)).
    (26) Sodium bicarbonate.
    (27) Sodium carbonate.
    (28) Tartaric acid--made from grape wine.
    (29) Waxes--nonsynthetic (Wood rosin).
    (30) Yeast--When used as food or a fermentation agent in products 
labeled as ``organic,'' yeast must be organic if its end use is for 
human consumption; nonorganic yeast may be used when organic yeast is 
not commercially available. Growth on petrochemical substrate and 
sulfite waste liquor is prohibited. For smoked yeast, nonsynthetic smoke 
flavoring process must be documented.
    (b) Synthetics allowed.
    (1) Acidified sodium chlorite--Secondary direct antimicrobial food 
treatment and indirect food contact surface sanitizing. Acidified with 
citric acid only.
    (2) Activated charcoal (CAS s 7440-44-0; 64365-11-3)--only from 
vegetative sources; for use only as a filtering aid.
    (3) Alginates.
    (4) Ammonium bicarbonate--for use only as a leavening agent.

[[Page 455]]

    (5) Ammonium carbonate--for use only as a leavening agent.
    (6) Ascorbic acid.
    (7) Calcium citrate.
    (8) Calcium hydroxide.
    (9) Calcium phosphates (monobasic, dibasic, and tribasic).
    (10) Carbon dioxide.
    (11) Cellulose (CAS 9004-34-6)--for use in regenerative casings, 
powdered cellulose as an anti-caking agent (non-chlorine bleached) and 
filtering aid. Microcrystalline cellulose is prohibited.
    (12) Chlorine materials--disinfecting and sanitizing food contact 
surfaces, equipment and facilities may be used up to maximum labeled 
rates. Chlorine materials in water used in direct crop or food contact 
are permitted at levels approved by the FDA or EPA for such purpose, 
provided the use is followed by a rinse with potable water at or below 
the maximum residual disinfectant limit for the chlorine material under 
the Safe Drinking Water Act. Chlorine in water used as an ingredient in 
organic food handling must not exceed the maximum residual disinfectant 
limit for the chlorine material under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
    (i) Calcium hypochlorite.
    (ii) Chlorine dioxide.
    (iii) Hypochlorous acid--generated from electrolyzed water.
    (iv) Sodium hypochlorite.
    (13) Collagen gel--as casing, may be used only when organic collagen 
gel is not commercially available.
    (14) Ethylene--allowed for postharvest ripening of tropical fruit 
and degreening of citrus.
    (15) Ferrous sulfate--for iron enrichment or fortification of foods 
when required by regulation or recommended (independent organization).
    (16) Glycerides (mono and di)--for use only in drum drying of food.
    (17) Hydrogen peroxide.
    (18) Low-acyl gellan gum.
    (19) Magnesium stearate--for use only in agricultural products 
labeled ``made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s)),'' 
prohibited in agricultural products labeled ``organic''.
    (20) Nutrient vitamins and minerals, in accordance with 21 CFR 
104.20, Nutritional Quality Guidelines For Foods.
    (21) Ozone.
    (22) Peracetic acid/Peroxyacetic acid (CAS  79-21-0)--for use in 
wash and/or rinse water according to FDA limitations. For use as a 
sanitizer on food contact surfaces.
    (23) Phosphoric acid--cleaning of food-contact surfaces and 
equipment only.
    (24) Potassium carbonate.
    (25) Potassium citrate.
    (26) Potassium hydroxide--prohibited for use in lye peeling of 
fruits and vegetables except when used for peeling peaches.
    (27) Potassium lactate--for use as an antimicrobial agent and pH 
regulator only.
    (28) Potassium phosphate--for use only in agricultural products 
labeled ``made with organic (specific ingredients or food group(s)),'' 
prohibited in agricultural products labeled ``organic''.
    (29) Silicon dioxide--Permitted as a defoamer. Allowed for other 
uses when organic rice hulls are not commercially available.
    (30) Sodium acid pyrophosphate (CAS  7758-16-9)--for use only as a 
leavening agent.
    (31) Sodium citrate.
    (32) Sodium hydroxide--prohibited for use in lye peeling of fruits 
and vegetables.
    (33) Sodium lactate--for use as an antimicrobial agent and pH 
regulator only.
    (34) Sodium phosphates--for use only in dairy foods.
    (35) Sulfur dioxide--for use only in wine labeled ``made with 
organic grapes,'' Provided, That, total sulfite concentration does not 
exceed 100 ppm.
    (36) Tocopherols--derived from vegetable oil when rosemary extracts 
are not a suitable alternative.
    (37) Xanthan gum.
    (c)-(z) [Reserved]

[68 FR 61993, Oct. 31, 2003]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
205.605, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

[[Page 456]]



Sec.  205.606  Nonorganically produced agricultural products allowed
as ingredients in or on processed products labeled as ``organic.''

    Only the following nonorganically produced agricultural products may 
be used as ingredients in or on processed products labeled as 
``organic,'' only in accordance with any restrictions specified in this 
section, and only when the product is not commercially available in 
organic form.
    (a) Carnauba wax
    (b) Casings, from processed intestines.
    (c) Celery powder.
    (d) Colors derived from agricultural products--Must not be produced 
using synthetic solvents and carrier systems or any artificial 
preservative.
    (1) Beet juice extract color--derived from Beta vulgaris L., except 
must not be produced from sugarbeets.
    (2) Beta-carotene extract color--derived from carrots (Daucus carota 
L.) or algae (Dunaliella salina).
    (3) Black/purple carrot juice color--derived from Daucus carota L.
    (4) Chokeberry, aronia juice color--derived from Aronia arbutifolia 
(L.) Pers. or Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott.
    (5) Elderberry juice color--derived from Sambucus nigra L.
    (6) Grape skin extract color--derived from Vitis vinifera L.
    (7) Purple sweet potato juice color--derived from Ipomoea batatas L. 
or Solanum tuberosum L.
    (8) Red cabbage extract color--derived from Brassica oleracea L.
    (9) Red radish extract color--derived from Raphanus sativus L.
    (10) Saffron extract color--derived from Crocus sativus L.
    (e) Cornstarch (native).
    (f) Fish oil (Fatty acid CAS 's: 10417-94-4, and 25167-62-8)--
stabilized with organic ingredients or only with ingredients on the 
National List, Sec. Sec.  205.605 and 205.606.
    (g) Fructooligosaccharides (CAS  308066-66-2).
    (h) Gelatin (CAS  9000-70-8).
    (i) Glycerin (CAS  56-81-5)--produced from agricultural source 
materials and processed using biological or mechanical/physical methods 
as described under Sec.  205.270(a).
    (j) Gums--water extracted only (Arabic; Guar; Locust bean; and Carob 
bean).
    (k) Inulin--oligofructose enriched (CAS  9005-80-5).
    (l) Lecithin--de-oiled.
    (m) Orange pulp, dried.
    (n) Orange shellac--unbleached (CAS  9000-59-3).
    (o) Pectin (non-amidated forms only).
    (p) Potassium acid tartrate.
    (q) Seaweed, Pacific kombu.
    (r) Tamarind seed gum.
    (s) Tragacanth gum (CAS  9000-65-1).
    (t) Wakame seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida).
    (u)--(w) [Reserved]

[72 FR 35140, June 27, 2007, as amended at 75 FR 77524, Dec. 13, 2010; 
77 FR 8092, Feb. 14, 2012; 77 FR 33299, June 6, 2012; 77 FR 44429, July 
30, 2012; 78 FR 31821, May 28, 2013; 79 FR 58663, Sept. 30, 2014; 80 FR 
77234, Dec. 12, 2015; 82 FR 31244, July 6, 2017; 83 FR 66571, Dec. 27, 
2018; 84 18136, Apr. 30, 2019; 85 FR 70435, Nov. 5, 2020; 87 FR 10938, 
Feb. 28, 2022; 88 FR 33816, May 25, 2023]



Sec.  205.607  Amending the National List.

    (a) Any person may petition the National Organic Standards Board for 
the purpose of having a substance evaluated by the Board for 
recommendation to the Secretary for inclusion on or deletion from the 
National List in accordance with the Act.
    (b) A person petitioning for amendment of the National List should 
request a copy of the petition procedures from the USDA at the address 
in Sec.  205.607(c).
    (c) A petition to amend the National List must be submitted to: 
Program Manager, USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room 2648 So. 
Bldg., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250-0268.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 68 FR 61993, Oct. 31, 2003; 
80 FR 6429, Feb. 5, 2015]



Sec. Sec.  205.608-205.619  [Reserved]

                         State Organic Programs



Sec.  205.620  Requirements of State organic programs.

    (a) A State may establish a State organic program for production and 
handling operations within the State

[[Page 457]]

which produce and handle organic agricultural products.
    (b) A State organic program must meet the requirements for organic 
programs specified in the Act.
    (c) A State organic program may contain more restrictive 
requirements because of environmental conditions or the necessity of 
specific production or handling practices particular to the State or 
region of the United States.
    (d) A State organic program must assume enforcement obligations in 
the State for the requirements of this part and any more restrictive 
requirements approved by the Secretary.
    (e) A State organic program and any amendments to such program must 
be approved by the Secretary prior to being implemented by the State.



Sec.  205.621  Submission and determination of proposed State organic
programs and amendments to approved State organic programs.

    (a) A State organic program's governing State official must submit 
to the Secretary a proposed State organic program and any proposed 
amendments to such approved program.
    (1) Such submission must contain supporting materials that include 
statutory authorities, program description, documentation of the 
environmental conditions or specific production and handling practices 
particular to the State which necessitate more restrictive requirements 
than the requirements of this part, and other information as may be 
required by the Secretary.
    (2) Submission of a request for amendment of an approved State 
organic program must contain supporting materials that include an 
explanation and documentation of the environmental conditions or 
specific production and handling practices particular to the State or 
region, which necessitates the proposed amendment. Supporting material 
also must explain how the proposed amendment furthers and is consistent 
with the purposes of the Act and the regulations of this part.
    (b) Within 6 months of receipt of submission, the Secretary will: 
Notify the State organic program's governing State official of approval 
or disapproval of the proposed program or amendment of an approved 
program and, if disapproved, the reasons for the disapproval.
    (c) After receipt of a notice of disapproval, the State organic 
program's governing State official may submit a revised State organic 
program or amendment of such a program at any time.



Sec.  205.622  Review of approved State organic programs.

    The Secretary will review a State organic program not less than once 
during each 5-year period following the date of the initial program 
approval. The Secretary will notify the State organic program's 
governing State official of approval or disapproval of the program 
within 6 months after initiation of the review.



Sec. Sec.  205.623-205.639  [Reserved]

                                  Fees



Sec.  205.640  Fees and other charges for accreditation.

    Fees and other charges equal as nearly as may be to the cost of the 
accreditation services rendered under the regulations, including initial 
accreditation, review of annual reports, and renewal of accreditation, 
shall be assessed and collected from applicants for initial 
accreditation and accredited certifying agents submitting annual reports 
or seeking renewal of accreditation in accordance with the following 
provisions:
    (a) Fees-for-service. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this 
section, fees-for-service shall be based on the time required to render 
the service provided calculated to the nearest 15-minute period, 
including the review of applications and accompanying documents and 
information, evaluator travel, the conduct of on-site evaluations, 
review of annual reports and updated documents and information, and the 
time required to prepare reports and any other documents in connection 
with the performance of service. The hourly rate shall be the same as 
that charged by the Agricultural Marketing Service, through its Quality 
Systems Certification Program, to certification bodies requesting 
conformity assessment to

[[Page 458]]

the International Organization for Standardization ``General 
Requirements for Bodies Operating Product Certification Systems'' (ISO 
Guide 65).
    (2) Applicants for initial accreditation and accredited certifying 
agents submitting annual reports or seeking renewal of accreditation 
during the first 18 months following the effective date of subpart F of 
this part shall receive service without incurring an hourly charge for 
service.
    (3) Applicants for initial accreditation and renewal of 
accreditation must pay at the time of application, effective 18 months 
following February 20, 2001, a nonrefundable fee of $500.00 which shall 
be applied to the applicant's fees-for-service account.
    (b) Travel charges. When service is requested at a place so distant 
from the evaluator's headquarters that a total of one-half hour or more 
is required for the evaluator(s) to travel to such place and back to the 
headquarters or at a place of prior assignment on circuitous routing 
requiring a total of one-half hour or more to travel to the next place 
of assignment on the circuitous routing, the charge for such service 
shall include a mileage charge administratively determined by the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture and travel tolls, if applicable, or such 
travel prorated among all the applicants and certifying agents furnished 
the service involved on an equitable basis or, when the travel is made 
by public transportation (including hired vehicles), a fee equal to the 
actual cost thereof. Travel charges shall become effective for all 
applicants for initial accreditation and accredited certifying agents on 
February 20, 2001. The applicant or certifying agent will not be charged 
a new mileage rate without notification before the service is rendered.
    (c) Per diem charges. When service is requested at a place away from 
the evaluator's headquarters, the fee for such service shall include a 
per diem charge if the employee(s) performing the service is paid per 
diem in accordance with existing travel regulations. Per diem charges to 
applicants and certifying agents will cover the same period of time for 
which the evaluator(s) receives per diem reimbursement. The per diem 
rate will be administratively determined by the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture. Per diem charges shall become effective for all applicants 
for initial accreditation and accredited certifying agents on February 
20, 2001. The applicant or certifying agent will not be charged a new 
per diem rate without notification before the service is rendered.
    (d) Other costs. When costs, other than costs specified in 
paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section, are associated with 
providing the services, the applicant or certifying agent will be 
charged for these costs. Such costs include but are not limited to 
equipment rental, photocopying, delivery, facsimile, telephone, or 
translation charges incurred in association with accreditation services. 
The amount of the costs charged will be determined administratively by 
the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Such costs shall become effective 
for all applicants for initial accreditation and accredited certifying 
agents on February 20, 2001.



Sec.  205.641  Payment of fees and other charges.

    (a) Applicants for initial accreditation and renewal of 
accreditation must remit the nonrefundable fee, pursuant to Sec.  
205.640(a)(3), along with their application. Remittance must be made 
payable to the USDA, AMS Livestock Program and mailed to: USDA, AMS 
Livestock, Poultry and Seed Program, QAD, P.O. Box 790304 St. Louis, MO 
63179-0304 or such other address as required by the Program Manager.
    (b) Payments for fees and other charges not covered under paragraph 
(a) of this section must be:
    (1) Received by the due date shown on the bill for collection;
    (2) Made payable to the Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA; and
    (3) Mailed to the address provided on the bill for collection.
    (c) The Administrator shall assess interest, penalties, and 
administrative costs on debts not paid by the due date shown on a bill 
for collection and collect delinquent debts or refer such debts to the 
Department of Justice for litigation.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 80 FR 6429, Feb. 5, 2015]

[[Page 459]]



Sec.  205.642  Fees and other charges for certification.

    Fees charged by a certifying agent must be reasonable, and a 
certifying agent shall charge applicants for certification and certified 
production and handling operations only those fees and charges that it 
has filed with the Administrator. The certifying agent shall provide 
each applicant with an estimate of the total cost of certification and 
an estimate of the annual cost of updating the certification. The 
certifying agent may require applicants for certification to pay at the 
time of application a nonrefundable fee which shall be applied to the 
applicant's fees-for-service account. The certifying agent may set the 
nonrefundable portion of certification fees; however, the nonrefundable 
portion of certification fees must be explained in the fee schedule 
submitted to the Administrator. The fee schedule must explain what fee 
amounts are nonrefundable and at what stage during the certification 
process fees become nonrefundable. The certifying agent shall provide 
all persons inquiring about the application process with a copy of its 
fee schedule.



Sec. Sec.  205.643-205.649  [Reserved]

                               Compliance



Sec.  205.660  General.

    (a) The National Organic Program's Program Manager, on behalf of the 
Secretary, may inspect and review certified production and handling 
operations and accredited certifying agents for compliance with the Act 
or regulations in this part.
    (b) The Program Manager may initiate suspension or revocation 
proceedings against a certified operation:
    (1) When the Program Manager has reason to believe that a certified 
operation has violated or is not in compliance with the Act or 
regulations in this part; or
    (2) When a certifying agent or a State organic program's governing 
State official fails to take appropriate action to enforce the Act or 
regulations in this part.
    (c) The Program Manager may initiate enforcement action against any 
person who sells, labels, or provides other market information 
concerning an agricultural product if such label or information implies 
that such product is produced or handled using organic methods, if the 
product was produced or handled in violation of the Organic Foods 
Production Act or the regulations in this part.
    (d) The Program Manager may initiate suspension or revocation of a 
certifying agent's accreditation if the certifying agent fails to meet, 
conduct, or maintain accreditation requirements pursuant to the Act or 
this part.
    (e) Each notification of noncompliance, rejection of mediation, 
noncompliance resolution, proposed suspension or revocation, and 
suspension or revocation issued pursuant to Sec.  205.662, Sec.  
205.663, and Sec.  205.665 and each response to such notification must 
be sent to the recipient's place of business via a delivery service 
which provides dated return receipts.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 88 FR 3625, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec.  205.661  Investigation.

    (a) A certifying agent may investigate complaints of noncompliance 
with the Act or regulations of this part concerning production and 
handling operations certified as organic by the certifying agent. A 
certifying agent must notify the Program Manager of all compliance 
proceedings and actions taken pursuant to this part.
    (b) A State organic program's governing State official may 
investigate complaints of noncompliance with the Act or regulations in 
this part concerning organic production or handling operations operating 
in the State.



Sec.  205.662  Noncompliance procedure for certified operations.

    (a) Notification. When an inspection, review, or investigation of a 
certified operation by a certifying agent or a State organic program's 
governing State official reveals any noncompliance with the Act or 
regulations in this part, a written notification of noncompliance shall 
be sent to the certified operation. Such notification shall provide:
    (1) A description of each noncompliance;

[[Page 460]]

    (2) The facts upon which the notification of noncompliance is based; 
and
    (3) The date by which the certified operation must rebut or correct 
each noncompliance and submit supporting documentation of each such 
correction when correction is possible.
    (b) Resolution. When a certified operation demonstrates that each 
noncompliance has been resolved, the certifying agent or the State 
organic program's governing State official, as applicable, shall send 
the certified operation a written notification of noncompliance 
resolution.
    (c) Proposed suspension or revocation. When rebuttal is unsuccessful 
or correction of the noncompliance is not completed within the 
prescribed time period, the certifying agent or State organic program's 
governing State official shall send the certified operation a written 
notification of proposed suspension or revocation of certification of 
the entire operation or a portion of the operation, as applicable to the 
noncompliance. When correction of a noncompliance is not possible, the 
notification of noncompliance and the proposed suspension or revocation 
of certification may be combined in one notification. The notification 
of proposed suspension or revocation of certification shall state:
    (1) The reasons for the proposed suspension or revocation;
    (2) The proposed effective date of such suspension or revocation;
    (3) The impact of a suspension or revocation on future eligibility 
for certification; and
    (4) The right to request mediation pursuant to Sec.  205.663 or to 
file an appeal pursuant to Sec.  205.681.
    (d) Willful violations. Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this 
section, if a certifying agent or State organic program's governing 
State official has reason to believe that a certified operation has 
willfully violated the Act or regulations in this part, the certifying 
agent or State organic program's governing State official shall send the 
certified operation a notification of proposed suspension or revocation 
of certification of the entire operation or a portion of the operation, 
as applicable to the noncompliance.
    (e) Suspension or revocation. (1) If the certified operation fails 
to correct the noncompliance, to resolve the issue through rebuttal or 
mediation, or to file an appeal of the proposed suspension or revocation 
of certification, the certifying agent or State organic program's 
governing State official shall send the certified operation a written 
notification of suspension or revocation.
    (2) A certifying agent or State organic program's governing State 
official must not send a notification of suspension or revocation to a 
certified operation that has requested mediation pursuant to Sec.  
205.663 or filed an appeal pursuant to Sec.  205.681, while final 
resolution of either is pending.
    (3) Within 3 business days of issuing a notification of suspension 
or revocation, or the effective date of an operation's surrender, the 
certifying agent must update the operation's status in the Organic 
Integrity Database.
    (f) Eligibility. (1) A certified operation or a person responsibly 
connected with an operation whose certification has been suspended may 
at any time, unless otherwise stated in the notification of suspension, 
submit a request to the Secretary for reinstatement of its 
certification, or submit a request for eligibility to be certified. The 
request must be accompanied by evidence demonstrating correction of each 
noncompliance and corrective actions taken to comply with and remain in 
compliance with the Act and the regulations in this part.
    (2) A certified operation or a person responsibly connected with an 
operation whose certification has been revoked will be ineligible to 
receive certification for a period of 5 years following the date of such 
revocation, Except, That, the Secretary may, when in the best interest 
of the certification program, reduce or eliminate the period of 
ineligibility.
    (g) Violations of Act. In addition to suspension or revocation, any 
certified operation that:
    (1) Knowingly sells or labels a product as organic, except in 
accordance with the Act, shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more 
than the amount specified in 7 CFR 3.91(b)(1)(xxxvi) per violation.

[[Page 461]]

    (2) Makes a false statement under the Act to the Secretary, a State 
organic program's governing State official, or a certifying agent shall 
be subject to the provisions of section 1001 of title 18, United States 
Code.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 75 FR 17560, Apr. 7, 2010; 79 
FR 6430, Feb. 5, 2015; 88 FR 3626, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec.  205.663  Mediation.

    (a) A certifying agent must submit with its administrative policies 
and procedures: decision criteria for acceptance of mediation, and a 
process for identifying personnel conducting mediation and setting up 
mediation sessions per Sec.  205.504(b)(8).
    (b) A certified operation or applicant for certification may request 
mediation to resolve a denial of certification or proposed suspension or 
proposed revocation of certification issued by a certifying agent or 
State organic program.
    (1) A certified operation or applicant for certification must submit 
any request for mediation in writing to the applicable certifying agent 
or State organic program within 30 calendar days of receipt of the 
notice of proposed suspension or proposed revocation of certification or 
denial of certification.
    (2) A certifying agent or State organic program may accept or reject 
a request for mediation based on the decision criteria required in 
paragraph (a) of this section. Certifying agents must document these 
criteria and how the certifying agent applied the criteria to the 
request.
    (3) If a certifying agent rejects a mediation request, it must 
provide this rejection, and the justification for the rejection, in 
writing to the applicant for certification or certified operation. The 
rejection must include the right to request an appeal, pursuant to Sec.  
205.681, within 30 calendar days of the date of receipt of the written 
notification of rejection of the request for mediation.
    (4) When an operation appeals a rejection of mediation, the adverse 
action which is contested must not be finalized during the appeal 
proceeding.
    (c) Both parties must agree on the person conducting the mediation.
    (d) If a State organic program is in effect, the parties must follow 
the mediation procedures established in the State organic program and 
approved by the Secretary.
    (e) The parties to the mediation have a maximum of 30 calendar days 
from the start of mediation to reach an agreement. Successful mediation 
results in a settlement agreement agreed to in writing by both the 
certifying agent and the certified operation. If mediation is 
unsuccessful, the applicant for certification or certified operation has 
30 calendar days from receipt of a written notice of termination of 
mediation to appeal the denial of certification or proposed suspension 
or revocation pursuant to Sec.  205.681.
    (f) Any settlement agreement reached through mediation must comply 
with the Act and the regulations in this part. The Program Manager may 
review any mediated settlement agreement for conformity to the Act and 
the regulations in this part and may reject any agreement or provision 
not in conformance with the Act or the regulations in this part.
    (g) The Program Manager may propose mediation and enter into a 
settlement agreement at any time to resolve any adverse action notice.

[88 FR 3626, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec.  205.664  [Reserved]



Sec.  205.665  Noncompliance procedure for certifying agents.

    (a) Notification. (1) A written notification of noncompliance will 
be sent to the certifying agent when:
    (i) An inspection, review, or investigation of an accredited 
certifying agent by the Program Manager reveals any noncompliance with 
the Act or regulations in this part; or
    (ii) The Program Manager determines that the certification 
activities of the certifying agent, or any person performing 
certification activities on behalf of the certifying agent, are not 
compliant with the Act or the regulations in this part; or
    (iii) The Program Manager determines that the certification 
activities at a certification office, and/in specific countries, are not 
compliant with the Act or the regulations in this part.
    (2) Such notification must provide:

[[Page 462]]

    (i) A description of each noncompliance;
    (ii) The facts upon which the notification of noncompliance is 
based; and
    (iii) The date by which the certifying agent must rebut or correct 
each noncompliance and submit supporting documentation of each 
correction when correction is possible.
    (b) Resolution. When the certifying agent demonstrates that each 
noncompliance has been resolved, the Program Manager shall send the 
certifying agent a written notification of noncompliance resolution.
    (c) Proposed suspension or revocation. When rebuttal is unsuccessful 
or correction of the noncompliance is not completed within the 
prescribed time period, the Program Manager shall send a written 
notification of proposed suspension or revocation of accreditation to 
the certifying agent. The notification of proposed suspension or 
revocation shall state whether the certifying agent's accreditation or 
specified areas of accreditation are to be suspended or revoked. When 
correction of a noncompliance is not possible, the notification of 
noncompliance and the proposed suspension or revocation may be combined 
in one notification. The notification of proposed suspension or 
revocation of accreditation shall state:
    (1) The reasons for the proposed suspension or revocation;
    (2) The proposed effective date of the suspension or revocation;
    (3) The impact of a suspension or revocation on future eligibility 
for accreditation; and
    (4) The right to file an appeal pursuant to Sec.  205.681.
    (d) Willful violations. Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this 
section, if the Program Manager has reason to believe that a certifying 
agent has willfully violated the Act or regulations in this part, the 
Program Manager shall send a written notification of proposed suspension 
or revocation of accreditation to the certifying agent.
    (e) Suspension or revocation. When the accredited certifying agent 
fails to file an appeal of the proposed suspension or revocation of 
accreditation, the Program Manager shall send a written notice of 
suspension or revocation of accreditation to the certifying agent.
    (f) Cessation of certification activities. A certifying agent whose 
accreditation is suspended or revoked must:
    (1) Cease all certification activities in each area of accreditation 
and in each State for which its accreditation is suspended or revoked.
    (2) Transfer to the Secretary and make available to any applicable 
State organic program's governing State official all records concerning 
its certification activities that were suspended or revoked.
    (g) Eligibility. (1) A certifying agent whose accreditation is 
suspended by the Secretary under this section may at any time, unless 
otherwise stated in the notification of suspension, submit a request to 
the Secretary for reinstatement of its accreditation. The request must 
be accompanied by evidence demonstrating correction of each 
noncompliance and corrective actions taken to comply with and remain in 
compliance with the Act and the regulations in this part.
    (2) A certifying agent whose accreditation is revoked by the 
Secretary shall be ineligible to be accredited as a certifying agent 
under the Act and the regulations in this part for a period of not less 
than 3 years following the date of such revocation.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 88 FR 3626, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec. Sec.  205.666-205.667  [Reserved]



Sec.  205.668  Noncompliance procedures under State organic programs.

    (a) A State organic program's governing State official must promptly 
notify the Secretary of commencement of any noncompliance proceeding 
against a certified operation and forward to the Secretary a copy of 
each notice issued.
    (b) A noncompliance proceeding, brought by a State organic program's 
governing State official against a certified operation, shall be 
appealable pursuant to the appeal procedures of the State organic 
program. There shall be no subsequent rights of appeal to the Secretary. 
Final decisions of a State may be appealed to the United States District 
Court for the district in which such certified operation is located.

[[Page 463]]

    (c) A State organic program's governing State official may review 
and investigate complaints of noncompliance with the Act or regulations 
concerning accreditation of certifying agents operating in the State. 
When such review or investigation reveals any noncompliance, the State 
organic program's governing State official shall send a written report 
of noncompliance to the Program Manager. The report shall provide a 
description of each noncompliance and the facts upon which the 
noncompliance is based.



Sec.  205.669  [Reserved]

       Inspection and Testing, Reporting, and Exclusion from Sale



Sec.  205.670  Inspection and testing of agricultural products to
be sold or labeled as ``100 percent organic,'' ``organic,'' or
``made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s)).''

    (a) All agricultural products that are to be sold, labeled, or 
represented as ``100 percent organic,'' ``organic,'' or ``made with 
organic (specified ingredients or food group(s))'' must be made 
accessible by certified organic production or handling operations for 
examination by the Administrator, the applicable State organic program's 
governing State official, or the certifying agent.
    (b) The Administrator, applicable State organic program's governing 
State official, or the certifying agent may require preharvest or 
postharvest testing of any agricultural input used or agricultural 
product to be sold, labeled, or represented as ``100 percent organic,'' 
``organic,'' or ``made with organic (specified ingredients or food 
group(s))'' when there is reason to believe that the agricultural input 
or product has come into contact with a prohibited substance or has been 
produced using excluded methods. Samples may include the collection and 
testing of soil; water; waste; seeds; plant tissue; and plant, animal, 
and processed products samples. Such tests must be conducted by the 
applicable State organic program's governing State official or the 
certifying agent at the official's or certifying agent's own expense.
    (c) A certifying agent must conduct periodic residue testing of 
agricultural products to be sold, labeled, or represented as ``100 
percent organic,'' ``organic,'' or ``made with organic (specified 
ingredients or food group(s)).'' Samples may include the collection and 
testing of soil; water; waste; seeds; plant tissue; and plant, animal, 
and processed products samples. Such tests must be conducted by the 
certifying agent at the certifying agent's own expense.
    (d) A certifying agent must, on an annual basis, sample and test 
from a minimum of five percent of the operations it certifies, rounded 
to the nearest whole number. A certifying agent that certifies fewer 
than thirty operations on an annual basis must sample and test from at 
least one operation annually. Tests conducted under paragraphs (b) and 
(c) of this section will apply to the minimum percentage of operations.
    (e) Sample collection pursuant to paragraphs (b) and (c) of this 
section must be performed by an inspector representing the 
Administrator, applicable State organic program's governing State 
official, or certifying agent. Sample integrity must be maintained 
throughout the chain of custody, and residue testing must be performed 
in an accredited laboratory. Chemical analysis must be made in 
accordance with the methods described in the most current edition of the 
Official Methods of Analysis of the AOAC International or other current 
applicable validated methodology for determining the presence of 
contaminants in agricultural products.
    (f) Results of all analyses and tests performed under this section 
will be available for public access, unless the testing is part of an 
ongoing compliance investigation.
    (g) If test results indicate a specific agricultural product 
contains pesticide residues or environmental contaminants that exceed 
the Food and Drug Administration's or the Environmental Protection 
Agency's regulatory tolerances, the certifying agent must promptly 
report such data to the Federal health agency whose regulatory

[[Page 464]]

tolerance or action level has been exceeded. Test results that exceed 
federal regulatory tolerances must also be reported to the appropriate 
State health agency or foreign equivalent.

[77 FR 67251, Nov. 9, 2012]



Sec.  205.671  Exclusion from organic sale.

    When residue testing detects prohibited substances at levels that 
are greater than 5 percent of the Environmental Protection Agency's 
tolerance for the specific residue detected or unavoidable residual 
environmental contamination, the agricultural product must not be sold, 
labeled, or represented as organically produced. The Administrator, the 
applicable State organic program's governing State official, or the 
certifying agent may conduct an investigation of the certified operation 
to determine the cause of the prohibited substance.



Sec.  205.672  Emergency pest or disease treatment.

    When a prohibited substance is applied to a certified operation due 
to a Federal or State emergency pest or disease treatment program and 
the certified operation otherwise meets the requirements of this part, 
the certification status of the operation shall not be affected as a 
result of the application of the prohibited substance: Provided, That:
    (a) Any harvested crop or plant part to be harvested that has 
contact with a prohibited substance applied as the result of a Federal 
or State emergency pest or disease treatment program cannot be sold, 
labeled, or represented as organically produced; and
    (b) Any livestock that are treated with a prohibited substance 
applied as the result of a Federal or State emergency pest or disease 
treatment program or product derived from such treated livestock cannot 
be sold, labeled, or represented as organically produced: Except, That:
    (1) Milk or milk products may be sold, labeled, or represented as 
organically produced beginning 12 months following the last date that 
the dairy animal was treated with the prohibited substance; and
    (2) The offspring of gestating mammalian breeder stock treated with 
a prohibited substance may be considered organic: Provided, That, the 
breeder stock was not in the last third of gestation on the date that 
the breeder stock was treated with the prohibited substance.



Sec. Sec.  205.673-205.679  [Reserved]

                      Adverse Action Appeal Process



Sec.  205.680  General.

    (a) Persons subject to the Act who believe they are adversely 
affected by an adverse action of the National Organic Program's Program 
Manager may appeal such decision to the Administrator.
    (b) Persons subject to the Act who believe they are adversely 
affected by an adverse action of a State organic program may appeal such 
decision to the State organic program's governing State official, who 
will initiate handling of the appeal pursuant to appeal procedures 
approved by the Secretary.
    (c) Persons subject to the Act who believe they are adversely 
affected by an adverse action of a certifying agent may appeal such 
decision to the Administrator, Except, that, when the person is subject 
to an approved State organic program, the appeal must be made to the 
State organic program.
    (d) Persons subject to the Act who believe they are adversely 
affected by an adverse action of a certifying agent or a State organic 
program may request mediation as provided in Sec.  205.663.
    (e) All appeals must comply with the procedural requirements in 
Sec.  205.681(c) and (d).
    (f) All written communications between parties involved in appeal 
proceedings must be sent to the recipient's place of business by a 
delivery service which provides dated return receipts.
    (g) All appeals must be reviewed, heard, and decided by persons not 
involved with the adverse action being appealed.

[88 FR 3626, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec.  205.681  Appeals.

    (a) Adverse actions by certifying agents. An applicant for 
certification may appeal a certifying agent's notice of denial of 
certification, and a certified operation may appeal a certifying agent's

[[Page 465]]

notification of proposed suspension or proposed revocation of 
certification to the Administrator, Except, that, when the applicant or 
certified operation is subject to an approved State organic program, the 
appeal must be made to the State organic program which will carry out 
the appeal pursuant to the State organic program's appeal procedures 
approved by the Secretary.
    (1) If the Administrator or State organic program sustains a 
certification applicant's or certified operation's appeal of a 
certifying agent's decision, the applicant will be issued organic 
certification, or a certified operation will continue its certification, 
as applicable to the operation. The act of sustaining the appeal shall 
not be an adverse action subject to appeal by the affected certifying 
agent.
    (2) If the Administrator or State organic program denies an appeal, 
a formal administrative proceeding will be initiated to deny, suspend, 
or revoke the certification unless the parties resolve the issues 
through settlement, or the appellant waives or does not timely request a 
hearing. Such proceeding must be conducted pursuant to the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture's Uniform Rules of Practice, 7 CFR part 1, 
subpart H, or the State organic program's rules of procedure.
    (b) Adverse actions by the NOP Program Manager. A person affected by 
an adverse action, as defined by Sec.  205.2, issued by the NOP Program 
Manager, may appeal to the Administrator.
    (1) If the Administrator sustains an appeal, an applicant will be 
issued accreditation, a certifying agent will continue its 
accreditation, or an operation will continue its certification, a civil 
penalty will be withdrawn, and a cease and desist notice will be 
withdrawn, as applicable to the operation.
    (2) If the Administrator denies an appeal, a formal administrative 
proceeding will be initiated to deny, suspend, or revoke the 
accreditation or certification and/or levy civil penalties unless the 
parties resolve the issues through settlement, the appellant waives a 
hearing, or the appellant does not timely request a hearing. Such 
proceeding must be conducted pursuant to the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture's Uniform Rules of Practice, 7 CFR part 1, subpart H.
    (c) Filing period. An appeal must be filed in writing within the 
time period provided in the letter of notification or within 30 days 
from receipt of the notification, whichever occurs later. The appeal 
will be considered ``filed'' on the date received by the Administrator 
or by the State organic program. An adverse action will become final and 
nonappealable unless an appeal is timely filed.
    (d) Where and what to file. (1) Appeals to the Administrator and 
Requests for Hearing must be filed in writing and addressed to: 1400 
Independence Ave. SW, Room 2642, Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250, or 
electronic transmission, [email protected].
    (2) Appeals to the State organic program must be filed in writing to 
the address and person identified in the letter of notification.
    (3) All appeals must include a copy of the adverse action and a 
statement of the appellant's reasons for believing that the action was 
not proper or made in accordance with applicable program regulations.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 71 FR 53303, Sept. 11, 2006; 
80 FR 6430, Feb. 4, 2015; 88 FR 3627, Jan. 19, 2023]



Sec. Sec.  205.682-205.689  [Reserved]

                              Miscellaneous



Sec.  205.690  OMB control number.

    The control number assigned to the information collection 
requirements in this part by the Office of Management and Budget 
pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, 
is OMB number 0581-0191.

[65 FR 80637, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 75 FR 7195, Feb. 17, 2010]



Sec.  205.691  Severability.

    If any provision of any subpart is declared invalid or the 
applicability thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the 
validity of the remainder of any subpart or the applicability thereof to 
other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

[88 FR 75449, Nov. 2, 2023]

[[Page 466]]


    Effective Date Note: At 88 FR 75449, Nov. 2, 2023, Sec.  205.691 was 
added, effective Jan. 2, 2024. At 88 FR 86259, Dec. 13, 2023, the 
effective date was delayed to Jan. 12, 2024.



Sec. Sec.  205.692-205.699  [Reserved]

                        PARTS 206	209 [RESERVED]

[[Page 467]]



                              FINDING AIDS




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

  A list of CFR titles, subtitles, chapters, subchapters and parts and 
an alphabetical list of agencies publishing in the CFR are included in 
the CFR Index and Finding Aids volume to the Code of Federal Regulations 
which is published separately and revised annually.

  Table of CFR Titles and Chapters
  Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR
  List of CFR Sections Affected

[[Page 469]]



                    Table of CFR Titles and Chapters




                     (Revised as of January 1, 2024)

                      Title 1--General Provisions

         I  Administrative Committee of the Federal Register 
                (Parts 1--49)
        II  Office of the Federal Register (Parts 50--299)
       III  Administrative Conference of the United States (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  Miscellaneous Agencies (Parts 400--599)
        VI  National Capital Planning Commission (Parts 600--699)

                    Title 2--Grants and Agreements

            Subtitle A--Office of Management and Budget Guidance 
                for Grants and Agreements
         I  Office of Management and Budget Governmentwide 
                Guidance for Grants and Agreements (Parts 2--199)
        II  Office of Management and Budget Guidance (Parts 200--
                299)
            Subtitle B--Federal Agency Regulations for Grants and 
                Agreements
       III  Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 300--
                399)
        IV  Department of Agriculture (Parts 400--499)
        VI  Department of State (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Agency for International Development (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Department of Veterans Affairs (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Department of Energy (Parts 900--999)
         X  Department of the Treasury (Parts 1000--1099)
        XI  Department of Defense (Parts 1100--1199)
       XII  Department of Transportation (Parts 1200--1299)
      XIII  Department of Commerce (Parts 1300--1399)
       XIV  Department of the Interior (Parts 1400--1499)
        XV  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 1500--1599)
     XVIII  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 
                1800--1899)
        XX  United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 
                2000--2099)
      XXII  Corporation for National and Community Service (Parts 
                2200--2299)
     XXIII  Social Security Administration (Parts 2300--2399)
      XXIV  Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                2400--2499)
       XXV  National Science Foundation (Parts 2500--2599)
      XXVI  National Archives and Records Administration (Parts 
                2600--2699)

[[Page 470]]

     XXVII  Small Business Administration (Parts 2700--2799)
    XXVIII  Department of Justice (Parts 2800--2899)
      XXIX  Department of Labor (Parts 2900--2999)
       XXX  Department of Homeland Security (Parts 3000--3099)
      XXXI  Institute of Museum and Library Services (Parts 3100--
                3199)
     XXXII  National Endowment for the Arts (Parts 3200--3299)
    XXXIII  National Endowment for the Humanities (Parts 3300--
                3399)
     XXXIV  Department of Education (Parts 3400--3499)
      XXXV  Export-Import Bank of the United States (Parts 3500--
                3599)
     XXXVI  Office of National Drug Control Policy, Executive 
                Office of the President (Parts 3600--3699)
    XXXVII  Peace Corps (Parts 3700--3799)
     LVIII  Election Assistance Commission (Parts 5800--5899)
       LIX  Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Parts 5900--
                5999)
        LX  Federal Communications Commission (Parts 6000--6099)

                        Title 3--The President

         I  Executive Office of the President (Parts 100--199)

                           Title 4--Accounts

         I  Government Accountability Office (Parts 1--199)

                   Title 5--Administrative Personnel

         I  Office of Personnel Management (Parts 1--1199)
        II  Merit Systems Protection Board (Parts 1200--1299)
       III  Office of Management and Budget (Parts 1300--1399)
        IV  Office of Personnel Management and Office of the 
                Director of National Intelligence (Parts 1400--
                1499)
         V  The International Organizations Employees Loyalty 
                Board (Parts 1500--1599)
        VI  Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Parts 
                1600--1699)
      VIII  Office of Special Counsel (Parts 1800--1899)
        IX  Appalachian Regional Commission (Parts 1900--1999)
        XI  Armed Forces Retirement Home (Parts 2100--2199)
       XIV  Federal Labor Relations Authority, General Counsel of 
                the Federal Labor Relations Authority and Federal 
                Service Impasses Panel (Parts 2400--2499)
       XVI  Office of Government Ethics (Parts 2600--2699)
       XXI  Department of the Treasury (Parts 3100--3199)
      XXII  Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Parts 3200--
                3299)
     XXIII  Department of Energy (Parts 3300--3399)
      XXIV  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Parts 3400--
                3499)
       XXV  Department of the Interior (Parts 3500--3599)

[[Page 471]]

      XXVI  Department of Defense (Parts 3600--3699)
    XXVIII  Department of Justice (Parts 3800--3899)
      XXIX  Federal Communications Commission (Parts 3900--3999)
       XXX  Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation (Parts 4000--
                4099)
      XXXI  Farm Credit Administration (Parts 4100--4199)
    XXXIII  U.S. International Development Finance Corporation 
                (Parts 4300--4399)
     XXXIV  Securities and Exchange Commission (Parts 4400--4499)
      XXXV  Office of Personnel Management (Parts 4500--4599)
     XXXVI  Department of Homeland Security (Parts 4600--4699)
    XXXVII  Federal Election Commission (Parts 4700--4799)
        XL  Interstate Commerce Commission (Parts 5000--5099)
       XLI  Commodity Futures Trading Commission (Parts 5100--
                5199)
      XLII  Department of Labor (Parts 5200--5299)
     XLIII  National Science Foundation (Parts 5300--5399)
       XLV  Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 5500--
                5599)
      XLVI  Postal Rate Commission (Parts 5600--5699)
     XLVII  Federal Trade Commission (Parts 5700--5799)
    XLVIII  Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 5800--5899)
      XLIX  Federal Labor Relations Authority (Parts 5900--5999)
         L  Department of Transportation (Parts 6000--6099)
       LII  Export-Import Bank of the United States (Parts 6200--
                6299)
      LIII  Department of Education (Parts 6300--6399)
       LIV  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 6400--6499)
        LV  National Endowment for the Arts (Parts 6500--6599)
       LVI  National Endowment for the Humanities (Parts 6600--
                6699)
      LVII  General Services Administration (Parts 6700--6799)
     LVIII  Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System 
                (Parts 6800--6899)
       LIX  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 
                6900--6999)
        LX  United States Postal Service (Parts 7000--7099)
       LXI  National Labor Relations Board (Parts 7100--7199)
      LXII  Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Parts 7200--
                7299)
     LXIII  Inter-American Foundation (Parts 7300--7399)
      LXIV  Merit Systems Protection Board (Parts 7400--7499)
       LXV  Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                7500--7599)
      LXVI  National Archives and Records Administration (Parts 
                7600--7699)
     LXVII  Institute of Museum and Library Services (Parts 7700--
                7799)
    LXVIII  Commission on Civil Rights (Parts 7800--7899)
      LXIX  Tennessee Valley Authority (Parts 7900--7999)
       LXX  Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the 
                District of Columbia (Parts 8000--8099)
      LXXI  Consumer Product Safety Commission (Parts 8100--8199)

[[Page 472]]

    LXXIII  Department of Agriculture (Parts 8300--8399)
     LXXIV  Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission 
                (Parts 8400--8499)
     LXXVI  Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Parts 
                8600--8699)
    LXXVII  Office of Management and Budget (Parts 8700--8799)
      LXXX  Federal Housing Finance Agency (Parts 9000--9099)
   LXXXIII  Special Inspector General for Afghanistan 
                Reconstruction (Parts 9300--9399)
    LXXXIV  Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (Parts 9400--
                9499)
    LXXXVI  National Credit Union Administration (Parts 9600--
                9699)
     XCVII  Department of Homeland Security Human Resources 
                Management System (Department of Homeland 
                Security--Office of Personnel Management) (Parts 
                9700--9799)
    XCVIII  Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and 
                Efficiency (Parts 9800--9899)
      XCIX  Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization 
                Commission (Parts 9900--9999)
         C  National Council on Disability (Parts 10000--10049)
        CI  National Mediation Board (Parts 10100--10199)
       CII  U.S. Office of Special Counsel (Parts 10200--10299)
       CII  U.S. Office of Special Counsel (Parts 10300--10399)
       CIV  Office of the Intellectual Property Enforcement 
                Coordinator (Part 10400--10499)

                      Title 6--Domestic Security

         I  Department of Homeland Security, Office of the 
                Secretary (Parts 1--199)
         X  Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (Parts 
                1000--1099)

                         Title 7--Agriculture

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Agriculture 
                (Parts 0--26)
            Subtitle B--Regulations of the Department of 
                Agriculture
         I  Agricultural Marketing Service (Standards, 
                Inspections, Marketing Practices), Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 27--209)
        II  Food and Nutrition Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 210--299)
       III  Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 400--499)
         V  Agricultural Research Service, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Farm Service Agency, Department of Agriculture (Parts 
                700--799)

[[Page 473]]

      VIII  Agricultural Marketing Service (Federal Grain 
                Inspection Service, Fair Trade Practices Program), 
                Department of Agriculture (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Agricultural Marketing Service (Marketing Agreements 
                and Orders; Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts), Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 900--999)
         X  Agricultural Marketing Service (Marketing Agreements 
                and Orders; Milk), Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 1000--1199)
        XI  Agricultural Marketing Service (Marketing Agreements 
                and Orders; Miscellaneous Commodities), Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 1200--1299)
       XIV  Commodity Credit Corporation, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 1400--1499)
        XV  Foreign Agricultural Service, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 1500--1599)
       XVI  [Reserved]
      XVII  Rural Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 1700--1799)
     XVIII  Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative 
                Service, Rural Utilities Service, and Farm Service 
                Agency, Department of Agriculture (Parts 1800--
                2099)
        XX  [Reserved]
       XXV  Office of Advocacy and Outreach, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 2500--2599)
      XXVI  Office of Inspector General, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 2600--2699)
     XXVII  Office of Information Resources Management, Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 2700--2799)
    XXVIII  Office of Operations, Department of Agriculture (Parts 
                2800--2899)
      XXIX  Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 2900--2999)
       XXX  Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 3000--3099)
      XXXI  Office of Environmental Quality, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 3100--3199)
     XXXII  Office of Procurement and Property Management, 
                Department of Agriculture (Parts 3200--3299)
    XXXIII  Office of Transportation, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 3300--3399)
     XXXIV  National Institute of Food and Agriculture (Parts 
                3400--3499)
      XXXV  Rural Housing Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 3500--3599)
     XXXVI  National Agricultural Statistics Service, Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 3600--3699)
    XXXVII  Economic Research Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 3700--3799)
   XXXVIII  World Agricultural Outlook Board, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 3800--3899)
       XLI  [Reserved]

[[Page 474]]

      XLII  Rural Business-Cooperative Service and Rural Utilities 
                Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 4200--
                4299)
         L  Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and Rural 
                Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 5000--5099)

                    Title 8--Aliens and Nationality

         I  Department of Homeland Security (Parts 1--499)
         V  Executive Office for Immigration Review, Department of 
                Justice (Parts 1000--1399)

                 Title 9--Animals and Animal Products

         I  Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 1--199)
        II  Agricultural Marketing Service (Fair Trade Practices 
                Program), Department of Agriculture (Parts 200--
                299)
       III  Food Safety and Inspection Service, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 300--599)

                           Title 10--Energy

         I  Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 0--199)
        II  Department of Energy (Parts 200--699)
       III  Department of Energy (Parts 700--999)
         X  Department of Energy (General Provisions) (Parts 
                1000--1099)
      XIII  Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board (Parts 1300--
                1399)
      XVII  Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (Parts 1700--
                1799)
     XVIII  Northeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste 
                Commission (Parts 1800--1899)

                      Title 11--Federal Elections

         I  Federal Election Commission (Parts 1--9099)
        II  Election Assistance Commission (Parts 9400--9499)

                      Title 12--Banks and Banking

         I  Comptroller of the Currency, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 1--199)
        II  Federal Reserve System (Parts 200--299)
       III  Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Export-Import Bank of the United States (Parts 400--
                499)
         V  [Reserved]
        VI  Farm Credit Administration (Parts 600--699)
       VII  National Credit Union Administration (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Federal Financing Bank (Parts 800--899)
        IX  (Parts 900--999)[Reserved]

[[Page 475]]

         X  Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Parts 1000--
                1099)
        XI  Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council 
                (Parts 1100--1199)
       XII  Federal Housing Finance Agency (Parts 1200--1299)
      XIII  Financial Stability Oversight Council (Parts 1300--
                1399)
       XIV  Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation (Parts 1400--
                1499)
        XV  Department of the Treasury (Parts 1500--1599)
       XVI  Office of Financial Research, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 1600--1699)
      XVII  Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, 
                Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                1700--1799)
     XVIII  Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, 
                Department of the Treasury (Parts 1800--1899)

               Title 13--Business Credit and Assistance

         I  Small Business Administration (Parts 1--199)
       III  Economic Development Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Emergency Steel Guarantee Loan Board (Parts 400--499)
         V  Emergency Oil and Gas Guaranteed Loan Board (Parts 
                500--599)

                    Title 14--Aeronautics and Space

         I  Federal Aviation Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 1--199)
        II  Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation 
                (Aviation Proceedings) (Parts 200--399)
       III  Commercial Space Transportation, Federal Aviation 
                Administration, Department of Transportation 
                (Parts 400--1199)
         V  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 
                1200--1299)
        VI  Air Transportation System Stabilization (Parts 1300--
                1399)

                 Title 15--Commerce and Foreign Trade

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Commerce (Parts 
                0--29)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Commerce and 
                Foreign Trade
         I  Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce (Parts 
                30--199)
        II  National Institute of Standards and Technology, 
                Department of Commerce (Parts 200--299)
       III  International Trade Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Foreign-Trade Zones Board, Department of Commerce 
                (Parts 400--499)
       VII  Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 700--799)

[[Page 476]]

      VIII  Bureau of Economic Analysis, Department of Commerce 
                (Parts 800--899)
        IX  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
                Department of Commerce (Parts 900--999)
        XI  National Technical Information Service, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 1100--1199)
      XIII  East-West Foreign Trade Board (Parts 1300--1399)
       XIV  Minority Business Development Agency (Parts 1400--
                1499)
        XV  Office of the Under-Secretary for Economic Affairs, 
                Department of Commerce (Parts 1500--1599)
            Subtitle C--Regulations Relating to Foreign Trade 
                Agreements
        XX  Office of the United States Trade Representative 
                (Parts 2000--2099)
            Subtitle D--Regulations Relating to Telecommunications 
                and Information
     XXIII  National Telecommunications and Information 
                Administration, Department of Commerce (Parts 
                2300--2399) [Reserved]

                    Title 16--Commercial Practices

         I  Federal Trade Commission (Parts 0--999)
        II  Consumer Product Safety Commission (Parts 1000--1799)

             Title 17--Commodity and Securities Exchanges

         I  Commodity Futures Trading Commission (Parts 1--199)
        II  Securities and Exchange Commission (Parts 200--399)
        IV  Department of the Treasury (Parts 400--499)

          Title 18--Conservation of Power and Water Resources

         I  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of 
                Energy (Parts 1--399)
       III  Delaware River Basin Commission (Parts 400--499)
        VI  Water Resources Council (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Susquehanna River Basin Commission (Parts 800--899)
      XIII  Tennessee Valley Authority (Parts 1300--1399)

                       Title 19--Customs Duties

         I  U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of 
                Homeland Security; Department of the Treasury 
                (Parts 0--199)
        II  United States International Trade Commission (Parts 
                200--299)
       III  International Trade Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 300--399)
        IV  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department 
                of Homeland Security (Parts 400--599) [Reserved]

[[Page 477]]

                     Title 20--Employees' Benefits

         I  Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Department 
                of Labor (Parts 1--199)
        II  Railroad Retirement Board (Parts 200--399)
       III  Social Security Administration (Parts 400--499)
        IV  Employees' Compensation Appeals Board, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 500--599)
         V  Employment and Training Administration, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 600--699)
        VI  Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Department 
                of Labor (Parts 700--799)
       VII  Benefits Review Board, Department of Labor (Parts 
                800--899)
      VIII  Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries (Parts 
                900--999)
        IX  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' 
                Employment and Training Service, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 1000--1099)

                       Title 21--Food and Drugs

         I  Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and 
                Human Services (Parts 1--1299)
        II  Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice 
                (Parts 1300--1399)
       III  Office of National Drug Control Policy (Parts 1400--
                1499)

                      Title 22--Foreign Relations

         I  Department of State (Parts 1--199)
        II  Agency for International Development (Parts 200--299)
       III  Peace Corps (Parts 300--399)
        IV  International Joint Commission, United States and 
                Canada (Parts 400--499)
         V  United States Agency for Global Media (Parts 500--599)
       VII  U.S. International Development Finance Corporation 
                (Parts 700--799)
        IX  Foreign Service Grievance Board (Parts 900--999)
         X  Inter-American Foundation (Parts 1000--1099)
        XI  International Boundary and Water Commission, United 
                States and Mexico, United States Section (Parts 
                1100--1199)
       XII  United States International Development Cooperation 
                Agency (Parts 1200--1299)
      XIII  Millennium Challenge Corporation (Parts 1300--1399)
       XIV  Foreign Service Labor Relations Board; Federal Labor 
                Relations Authority; General Counsel of the 
                Federal Labor Relations Authority; and the Foreign 
                Service Impasse Disputes Panel (Parts 1400--1499)
        XV  African Development Foundation (Parts 1500--1599)
       XVI  Japan-United States Friendship Commission (Parts 
                1600--1699)
      XVII  United States Institute of Peace (Parts 1700--1799)

[[Page 478]]

                          Title 23--Highways

         I  Federal Highway Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 1--999)
        II  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and 
                Federal Highway Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 1200--1299)
       III  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 1300--1399)

                Title 24--Housing and Urban Development

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary, Department of 
                Housing and Urban Development (Parts 0--99)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Housing and Urban 
                Development
         I  Office of Assistant Secretary for Equal Opportunity, 
                Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                100--199)
        II  Office of Assistant Secretary for Housing-Federal 
                Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Parts 200--299)
       III  Government National Mortgage Association, Department 
                of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Office of Housing and Office of Multifamily Housing 
                Assistance Restructuring, Department of Housing 
                and Urban Development (Parts 400--499)
         V  Office of Assistant Secretary for Community Planning 
                and Development, Department of Housing and Urban 
                Development (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Office of Assistant Secretary for Community Planning 
                and Development, Department of Housing and Urban 
                Development (Parts 600--699) [Reserved]
       VII  Office of the Secretary, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Housing Assistance Programs and 
                Public and Indian Housing Programs) (Parts 700--
                799)
      VIII  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal 
                Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Section 8 Housing Assistance 
                Programs, Section 202 Direct Loan Program, Section 
                202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program and 
                Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons With 
                Disabilities Program) (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Office of Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian 
                Housing, Department of Housing and Urban 
                Development (Parts 900--1699)
         X  Office of Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal 
                Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Interstate Land Sales 
                Registration Program) (Parts 1700--1799) 
                [Reserved]
       XII  Office of Inspector General, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Parts 2000--2099)
        XV  Emergency Mortgage Insurance and Loan Programs, 
                Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                2700--2799) [Reserved]

[[Page 479]]

        XX  Office of Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal 
                Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Parts 3200--3899)
      XXIV  Board of Directors of the HOPE for Homeowners Program 
                (Parts 4000--4099) [Reserved]
       XXV  Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation (Parts 4100--
                4199)

                           Title 25--Indians

         I  Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior 
                (Parts 1--299)
        II  Indian Arts and Crafts Board, Department of the 
                Interior (Parts 300--399)
       III  National Indian Gaming Commission, Department of the 
                Interior (Parts 500--599)
        IV  Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation (Parts 
                700--899)
         V  Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, 
                and Indian Health Service, Department of Health 
                and Human Services (Part 900--999)
        VI  Office of the Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, 
                Department of the Interior (Parts 1000--1199)
       VII  Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians, 
                Department of the Interior (Parts 1200--1299)

                      Title 26--Internal Revenue

         I  Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury 
                (Parts 1--End)

           Title 27--Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms

         I  Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Department 
                of the Treasury (Parts 1--399)
        II  Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, 
                Department of Justice (Parts 400--799)

                   Title 28--Judicial Administration

         I  Department of Justice (Parts 0--299)
       III  Federal Prison Industries, Inc., Department of Justice 
                (Parts 300--399)
         V  Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice (Parts 500--
                599)
        VI  Offices of Independent Counsel, Department of Justice 
                (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Office of Independent Counsel (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the 
                District of Columbia (Parts 800--899)
        IX  National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact Council 
                (Parts 900--999)

[[Page 480]]

        XI  Department of Justice and Department of State (Parts 
                1100--1199)

                            Title 29--Labor

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Labor (Parts 
                0--99)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Labor
         I  National Labor Relations Board (Parts 100--199)
        II  Office of Labor-Management Standards, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 200--299)
       III  National Railroad Adjustment Board (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Office of Labor-Management Standards, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 400--499)
         V  Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor (Parts 
                500--899)
        IX  Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Commission 
                (Parts 900--999)
         X  National Mediation Board (Parts 1200--1299)
       XII  Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (Parts 
                1400--1499)
       XIV  Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Parts 1600--
                1699)
      XVII  Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 
                Department of Labor (Parts 1900--1999)
        XX  Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission 
                (Parts 2200--2499)
       XXV  Employee Benefits Security Administration, Department 
                of Labor (Parts 2500--2599)
     XXVII  Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission 
                (Parts 2700--2799)
        XL  Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (Parts 4000--
                4999)

                      Title 30--Mineral Resources

         I  Mine Safety and Health Administration, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 1--199)
        II  Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, 
                Department of the Interior (Parts 200--299)
        IV  Geological Survey, Department of the Interior (Parts 
                400--499)
         V  Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Department of the 
                Interior (Parts 500--599)
       VII  Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 
                Department of the Interior (Parts 700--999)
       XII  Office of Natural Resources Revenue, Department of the 
                Interior (Parts 1200--1299)

                 Title 31--Money and Finance: Treasury

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of the Treasury 
                (Parts 0--50)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Money and Finance

[[Page 481]]

         I  Monetary Offices, Department of the Treasury (Parts 
                51--199)
        II  Fiscal Service, Department of the Treasury (Parts 
                200--399)
        IV  Secret Service, Department of the Treasury (Parts 
                400--499)
         V  Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Department of 
                the Treasury (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Office of Investment Security, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Federal Claims Collection Standards (Department of the 
                Treasury--Department of Justice) (Parts 900--999)
         X  Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Department of 
                the Treasury (Parts 1000--1099)

                      Title 32--National Defense

            Subtitle A--Department of Defense
         I  Office of the Secretary of Defense (Parts 1--399)
         V  Department of the Army (Parts 400--699)
        VI  Department of the Navy (Parts 700--799)
       VII  Department of the Air Force (Parts 800--1099)
            Subtitle B--Other Regulations Relating to National 
                Defense
       XII  Department of Defense, Defense Logistics Agency (Parts 
                1200--1299)
       XVI  Selective Service System (Parts 1600--1699)
      XVII  Office of the Director of National Intelligence (Parts 
                1700--1799)
     XVIII  National Counterintelligence Center (Parts 1800--1899)
       XIX  Central Intelligence Agency (Parts 1900--1999)
        XX  Information Security Oversight Office, National 
                Archives and Records Administration (Parts 2000--
                2099)
       XXI  National Security Council (Parts 2100--2199)
      XXIV  Office of Science and Technology Policy (Parts 2400--
                2499)
     XXVII  Office for Micronesian Status Negotiations (Parts 
                2700--2799)
    XXVIII  Office of the Vice President of the United States 
                (Parts 2800--2899)

               Title 33--Navigation and Navigable Waters

         I  Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (Parts 
                1--199)
        II  Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army, Department 
                of Defense (Parts 200--399)
        IV  Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development 
                Corporation, Department of Transportation (Parts 
                400--499)

[[Page 482]]

                          Title 34--Education

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary, Department of 
                Education (Parts 1--99)
            Subtitle B--Regulations of the Offices of the 
                Department of Education
         I  Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education 
                (Parts 100--199)
        II  Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, 
                Department of Education (Parts 200--299)
       III  Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative 
                Services, Department of Education (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, 
                Department of Education (Parts 400--499)
         V  Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages 
                Affairs, Department of Education (Parts 500--599) 
                [Reserved]
        VI  Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of 
                Education (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Office of Educational Research and Improvement, 
                Department of Education (Parts 700--799) 
                [Reserved]
            Subtitle C--Regulations Relating to Education
        XI  [Reserved]
       XII  National Council on Disability (Parts 1200--1299)

                          Title 35 [Reserved]

             Title 36--Parks, Forests, and Public Property

         I  National Park Service, Department of the Interior 
                (Parts 1--199)
        II  Forest Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 200--
                299)
       III  Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  American Battle Monuments Commission (Parts 400--499)
         V  Smithsonian Institution (Parts 500--599)
        VI  [Reserved]
       VII  Library of Congress (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (Parts 800--
                899)
        IX  Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation (Parts 
                900--999)
         X  Presidio Trust (Parts 1000--1099)
        XI  Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance 
                Board (Parts 1100--1199)
       XII  National Archives and Records Administration (Parts 
                1200--1299)
        XV  Oklahoma City National Memorial Trust (Parts 1500--
                1599)
       XVI  Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National 
                Environmental Policy Foundation (Parts 1600--1699)

             Title 37--Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights

         I  United States Patent and Trademark Office, Department 
                of Commerce (Parts 1--199)
        II  U.S. Copyright Office, Library of Congress (Parts 
                200--299)

[[Page 483]]

       III  Copyright Royalty Board, Library of Congress (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  National Institute of Standards and Technology, 
                Department of Commerce (Parts 400--599)

           Title 38--Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief

         I  Department of Veterans Affairs (Parts 0--199)
        II  Armed Forces Retirement Home (Parts 200--299)

                       Title 39--Postal Service

         I  United States Postal Service (Parts 1--999)
       III  Postal Regulatory Commission (Parts 3000--3099)

                  Title 40--Protection of Environment

         I  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 1--1099)
        IV  Environmental Protection Agency and Department of 
                Justice (Parts 1400--1499)
         V  Council on Environmental Quality (Parts 1500--1599)
        VI  Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (Parts 
                1600--1699)
       VII  Environmental Protection Agency and Department of 
                Defense; Uniform National Discharge Standards for 
                Vessels of the Armed Forces (Parts 1700--1799)
      VIII  Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Parts 1800--
                1899)
        IX  Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Part 
                1900)

          Title 41--Public Contracts and Property Management

            Subtitle A--Federal Procurement Regulations System 
                [Note]
            Subtitle B--Other Provisions Relating to Public 
                Contracts
        50  Public Contracts, Department of Labor (Parts 50-1--50-
                999)
        51  Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or 
                Severely Disabled (Parts 51-1--51-99)
        60  Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Equal 
                Employment Opportunity, Department of Labor (Parts 
                60-1--60-999)
        61  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' 
                Employment and Training Service, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 61-1--61-999)
 Chapters 
   62--100  [Reserved]
            Subtitle C--Federal Property Management Regulations 
                System
       101  Federal Property Management Regulations (Parts 101-1--
                101-99)
       102  Federal Management Regulation (Parts 102-1--102-299)
 Chapters 
  103--104  (Parts 103-001--104-099) [Reserved]

[[Page 484]]

       105  General Services Administration (Parts 105-1--105-999)
       109  Department of Energy Property Management Regulations 
                (Parts 109-1--109-99)
       114  Department of the Interior (Parts 114-1--114-99)
       115  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 115-1--115-99)
       128  Department of Justice (Parts 128-1--128-99)
 Chapters 
  129--200  [Reserved]
            Subtitle D--Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security
       201  Federal Acquisition Security Council (Parts 201-1--
                201-99).
            Subtitle E [Reserved]
            Subtitle F--Federal Travel Regulation System
       300  General (Parts 300-1--300-99)
       301  Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel Allowances (Parts 301-1--
                301-99)
       302  Relocation Allowances (Parts 302-1--302-99)
       303  Payment of Expenses Connected with the Death of 
                Certain Employees (Part 303-1--303-99)
       304  Payment of Travel Expenses from a Non-Federal Source 
                (Parts 304-1--304-99)

                        Title 42--Public Health

         I  Public Health Service, Department of Health and Human 
                Services (Parts 1--199)
 Chapters 
   II--III  [Reserved]
        IV  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department 
                of Health and Human Services (Parts 400--699)
         V  Office of Inspector General-Health Care, Department of 
                Health and Human Services (Parts 1000--1099)

                   Title 43--Public Lands: Interior

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of the Interior 
                (Parts 1--199)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Public Lands
         I  Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior 
                (Parts 400--999)
        II  Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior 
                (Parts 1000--9999)
       III  Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation 
                Commission (Parts 10000--10099)

             Title 44--Emergency Management and Assistance

         I  Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of 
                Homeland Security (Parts 0--399)

[[Page 485]]

        IV  Department of Commerce and Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 400--499)

                       Title 45--Public Welfare

            Subtitle A--Department of Health and Human Services 
                (Parts 1--199)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Public Welfare
        II  Office of Family Assistance (Assistance Programs), 
                Administration for Children and Families, 
                Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 
                200--299)
       III  Office of Child Support Enforcement (Child Support 
                Enforcement Program), Administration for Children 
                and Families, Department of Health and Human 
                Services (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Office of Refugee Resettlement, Administration for 
                Children and Families, Department of Health and 
                Human Services (Parts 400--499)
         V  Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United 
                States, Department of Justice (Parts 500--599)
        VI  National Science Foundation (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Commission on Civil Rights (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Office of Personnel Management (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Denali Commission (Parts 900--999)
         X  Office of Community Services, Administration for 
                Children and Families, Department of Health and 
                Human Services (Parts 1000--1099)
        XI  National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities 
                (Parts 1100--1199)
       XII  Corporation for National and Community Service (Parts 
                1200--1299)
      XIII  Administration for Children and Families, Department 
                of Health and Human Services (Parts 1300--1399)
       XVI  Legal Services Corporation (Parts 1600--1699)
      XVII  National Commission on Libraries and Information 
                Science (Parts 1700--1799)
     XVIII  Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation (Parts 1800--
                1899)
       XXI  Commission of Fine Arts (Parts 2100--2199)
     XXIII  Arctic Research Commission (Parts 2300--2399)
      XXIV  James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation (Parts 
                2400--2499)
       XXV  Corporation for National and Community Service (Parts 
                2500--2599)

                          Title 46--Shipping

         I  Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (Parts 
                1--199)
        II  Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation 
                (Parts 200--399)

[[Page 486]]

       III  Coast Guard (Great Lakes Pilotage), Department of 
                Homeland Security (Parts 400--499)
        IV  Federal Maritime Commission (Parts 500--599)

                      Title 47--Telecommunication

         I  Federal Communications Commission (Parts 0--199)
        II  Office of Science and Technology Policy and National 
                Security Council (Parts 200--299)
       III  National Telecommunications and Information 
                Administration, Department of Commerce (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  National Telecommunications and Information 
                Administration, Department of Commerce, and 
                National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 400--499)
         V  The First Responder Network Authority (Parts 500--599)

           Title 48--Federal Acquisition Regulations System

         1  Federal Acquisition Regulation (Parts 1--99)
         2  Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Department of 
                Defense (Parts 200--299)
         3  Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 300--
                399)
         4  Department of Agriculture (Parts 400--499)
         5  General Services Administration (Parts 500--599)
         6  Department of State (Parts 600--699)
         7  Agency for International Development (Parts 700--799)
         8  Department of Veterans Affairs (Parts 800--899)
         9  Department of Energy (Parts 900--999)
        10  Department of the Treasury (Parts 1000--1099)
        12  Department of Transportation (Parts 1200--1299)
        13  Department of Commerce (Parts 1300--1399)
        14  Department of the Interior (Parts 1400--1499)
        15  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 1500--1599)
        16  Office of Personnel Management, Federal Employees 
                Health Benefits Acquisition Regulation (Parts 
                1600--1699)
        17  Office of Personnel Management (Parts 1700--1799)
        18  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 
                1800--1899)
        19  Broadcasting Board of Governors (Parts 1900--1999)
        20  Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 2000--2099)
        21  Office of Personnel Management, Federal Employees 
                Group Life Insurance Federal Acquisition 
                Regulation (Parts 2100--2199)
        23  Social Security Administration (Parts 2300--2399)
        24  Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                2400--2499)
        25  National Science Foundation (Parts 2500--2599)

[[Page 487]]

        28  Department of Justice (Parts 2800--2899)
        29  Department of Labor (Parts 2900--2999)
        30  Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security 
                Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) (Parts 3000--3099)
        34  Department of Education Acquisition Regulation (Parts 
                3400--3499)
        51  Department of the Army Acquisition Regulations (Parts 
                5100--5199) [Reserved]
        52  Department of the Navy Acquisition Regulations (Parts 
                5200--5299)
        53  Department of the Air Force Federal Acquisition 
                Regulation Supplement (Parts 5300--5399) 
                [Reserved]
        54  Defense Logistics Agency, Department of Defense (Parts 
                5400--5499)
        57  African Development Foundation (Parts 5700--5799)
        61  Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, General Services 
                Administration (Parts 6100--6199)
        99  Cost Accounting Standards Board, Office of Federal 
                Procurement Policy, Office of Management and 
                Budget (Parts 9900--9999)

                       Title 49--Transportation

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Transportation 
                (Parts 1--99)
            Subtitle B--Other Regulations Relating to 
                Transportation
         I  Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
                Administration, Department of Transportation 
                (Parts 100--199)
        II  Federal Railroad Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 200--299)
       III  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (Parts 
                400--499)
         V  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Federal Transit Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 600--699)
       VII  National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) 
                (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  National Transportation Safety Board (Parts 800--999)
         X  Surface Transportation Board (Parts 1000--1399)
        XI  Research and Innovative Technology Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 1400--1499) 
                [Reserved]
       XII  Transportation Security Administration, Department of 
                Homeland Security (Parts 1500--1699)

[[Page 488]]

                   Title 50--Wildlife and Fisheries

         I  United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of 
                the Interior (Parts 1--199)
        II  National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic 
                and Atmospheric Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 200--299)
       III  International Fishing and Related Activities (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  Joint Regulations (United States Fish and Wildlife 
                Service, Department of the Interior and National 
                Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and 
                Atmospheric Administration, Department of 
                Commerce); Endangered Species Committee 
                Regulations (Parts 400--499)
         V  Marine Mammal Commission (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Fishery Conservation and Management, National Oceanic 
                and Atmospheric Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 600--699)

[[Page 489]]





           Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR




                     (Revised as of January 1, 2024)

                                                  CFR Title, Subtitle or 
                     Agency                               Chapter

Administrative Conference of the United States    1, III
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation         36, VIII
Advocacy and Outreach, Office of                  7, XXV
Afghanistan Reconstruction, Special Inspector     5, LXXXIII
     General for
African Development Foundation                    22, XV
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 57
Agency for International Development              2, VII; 22, II
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 7
Agricultural Marketing Service                    7, I, VIII, IX, X, XI; 9, 
                                                  II
Agricultural Research Service                     7, V
Agriculture, Department of                        2, IV; 5, LXXIII
  Advocacy and Outreach, Office of                7, XXV
  Agricultural Marketing Service                  7, I, VIII, IX, X, XI; 9, 
                                                  II
  Agricultural Research Service                   7, V
  Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service      7, III; 9, I
  Chief Financial Officer, Office of              7, XXX
  Commodity Credit Corporation                    7, XIV
  Economic Research Service                       7, XXXVII
  Energy Policy and New Uses, Office of           2, IX; 7, XXIX
  Environmental Quality, Office of                7, XXXI
  Farm Service Agency                             7, VII, XVIII
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 4
  Federal Crop Insurance Corporation              7, IV
  Food and Nutrition Service                      7, II
  Food Safety and Inspection Service              9, III
  Foreign Agricultural Service                    7, XV
  Forest Service                                  36, II
  Information Resources Management, Office of     7, XXVII
  Inspector General, Office of                    7, XXVI
  National Agricultural Library                   7, XLI
  National Agricultural Statistics Service        7, XXXVI
  National Institute of Food and Agriculture      7, XXXIV
  Natural Resources Conservation Service          7, VI
  Operations, Office of                           7, XXVIII
  Procurement and Property Management, Office of  7, XXXII
  Rural Business-Cooperative Service              7, XVIII, XLII
  Rural Development Administration                7, XLII
  Rural Housing Service                           7, XVIII, XXXV
  Rural Utilities Service                         7, XVII, XVIII, XLII
  Secretary of Agriculture, Office of             7, Subtitle A
  Transportation, Office of                       7, XXXIII
  World Agricultural Outlook Board                7, XXXVIII
Air Force, Department of                          32, VII
  Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement       48, 53
Air Transportation Stabilization Board            14, VI
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau          27, I
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives,       27, II
     Bureau of
AMTRAK                                            49, VII
American Battle Monuments Commission              36, IV
American Indians, Office of the Special Trustee   25, VII
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service        7, III; 9, I
Appalachian Regional Commission                   5, IX
Architectural and Transportation Barriers         36, XI
   Compliance Board
[[Page 490]]

Arctic Research Commission                        45, XXIII
Armed Forces Retirement Home                      5, XI; 38, II
Army, Department of                               32, V
  Engineers, Corps of                             33, II; 36, III
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 51
Benefits Review Board                             20, VII
Bilingual Education and Minority Languages        34, V
     Affairs, Office of
Blind or Severely Disabled, Committee for         41, 51
     Purchase from People Who Are
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 19
Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Office    34, IV
     of
Census Bureau                                     15, I
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services          42, IV
Central Intelligence Agency                       32, XIX
Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board    40, VI
Chief Financial Officer, Office of                7, XXX
Child Support Enforcement, Office of              45, III
Children and Families, Administration for         45, II, III, IV, X, XIII
Civil Rights, Commission on                       5, LXVIII; 45, VII
Civil Rights, Office for                          34, I
Coast Guard                                       33, I; 46, I; 49, IV
Coast Guard (Great Lakes Pilotage)                46, III
Commerce, Department of                           2, XIII; 44, IV; 50, VI
  Census Bureau                                   15, I
  Economic Affairs, Office of the Under-          15, XV
       Secretary for
  Economic Analysis, Bureau of                    15, VIII
  Economic Development Administration             13, III
  Emergency Management and Assistance             44, IV
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 13
  Foreign-Trade Zones Board                       15, IV
  Industry and Security, Bureau of                15, VII
  International Trade Administration              15, III; 19, III
  National Institute of Standards and Technology  15, II; 37, IV
  National Marine Fisheries Service               50, II, IV
  National Oceanic and Atmospheric                15, IX; 50, II, III, IV, 
       Administration                             VI
  National Technical Information Service          15, XI
  National Telecommunications and Information     15, XXIII; 47, III, IV
       Administration
  National Weather Service                        15, IX
  Patent and Trademark Office, United States      37, I
  Secretary of Commerce, Office of                15, Subtitle A
Commercial Space Transportation                   14, III
Commodity Credit Corporation                      7, XIV
Commodity Futures Trading Commission              5, XLI; 17, I
Community Planning and Development, Office of     24, V, VI
     Assistant Secretary for
Community Services, Office of                     45, X
Comptroller of the Currency                       12, I
Construction Industry Collective Bargaining       29, IX
     Commission
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau              5, LXXXIV; 12, X
Consumer Product Safety Commission                5, LXXI; 16, II
Copyright Royalty Board                           37, III
Corporation for National and Community Service    2, XXII; 45, XII, XXV
Cost Accounting Standards Board                   48, 99
Council on Environmental Quality                  40, V
Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity    5, XCVIII
     and Efficiency
Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency    5, LXX; 28, VIII
     for the District of Columbia
Customs and Border Protection                     19, I
Defense, Department of                            2, XI; 5, XXVI; 32, 
                                                  Subtitle A; 40, VII
  Advanced Research Projects Agency               32, I
  Air Force Department                            32, VII
  Army Department                                 32, V; 33, II; 36, III; 
                                                  48, 51
  Defense Acquisition Regulations System          48, 2
  Defense Intelligence Agency                     32, I

[[Page 491]]

  Defense Logistics Agency                        32, I, XII; 48, 54
  Engineers, Corps of                             33, II; 36, III
  National Imagery and Mapping Agency             32, I
  Navy, Department of                             32, VI; 48, 52
  Secretary of Defense, Office of                 2, XI; 32, I
Defense Contract Audit Agency                     32, I
Defense Intelligence Agency                       32, I
Defense Logistics Agency                          32, XII; 48, 54
Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board           10, XVII
Delaware River Basin Commission                   18, III
Denali Commission                                 45, IX
Disability, National Council on                   5, C; 34, XII
District of Columbia, Court Services and          5, LXX; 28, VIII
     Offender Supervision Agency for the
Drug Enforcement Administration                   21, II
East-West Foreign Trade Board                     15, XIII
Economic Affairs, Office of the Under-Secretary   15, XV
     for
Economic Analysis, Bureau of                      15, VIII
Economic Development Administration               13, III
Economic Research Service                         7, XXXVII
Education, Department of                          2, XXXIV; 5, LIII
  Bilingual Education and Minority Languages      34, V
       Affairs, Office of
  Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Office  34, IV
       of
  Civil Rights, Office for                        34, I
  Educational Research and Improvement, Office    34, VII
       of
  Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of   34, II
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 34
  Postsecondary Education, Office of              34, VI
  Secretary of Education, Office of               34, Subtitle A
  Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,  34, III
       Office of
Educational Research and Improvement, Office of   34, VII
Election Assistance Commission                    2, LVIII; 11, II
Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of     34, II
Emergency Oil and Gas Guaranteed Loan Board       13, V
Emergency Steel Guarantee Loan Board              13, IV
Employee Benefits Security Administration         29, XXV
Employees' Compensation Appeals Board             20, IV
Employees Loyalty Board                           5, V
Employment and Training Administration            20, V
Employment Policy, National Commission for        1, IV
Employment Standards Administration               20, VI
Endangered Species Committee                      50, IV
Energy, Department of                             2, IX; 5, XXIII; 10, II, 
                                                  III, X
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 9
  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission            5, XXIV; 18, I
  Property Management Regulations                 41, 109
Energy, Office of                                 7, XXIX
Engineers, Corps of                               33, II; 36, III
Engraving and Printing, Bureau of                 31, VI
Environmental Protection Agency                   2, XV; 5, LIV; 40, I, IV, 
                                                  VII
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 15
  Property Management Regulations                 41, 115
Environmental Quality, Office of                  7, XXXI
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission           5, LXII; 29, XIV
Equal Opportunity, Office of Assistant Secretary  24, I
     for
Executive Office of the President                 3, I
  Environmental Quality, Council on               40, V
  Management and Budget, Office of                2, Subtitle A; 5, III, 
                                                  LXXVII; 14, VI; 48, 99
  National Drug Control Policy, Office of         2, XXXVI; 21, III
  National Security Council                       32, XXI; 47, II
  Presidential Documents                          3
  Science and Technology Policy, Office of        32, XXIV; 47, II
  Trade Representative, Office of the United      15, XX
     States
[[Page 492]]

Export-Import Bank of the United States           2, XXXV; 5, LII; 12, IV
Family Assistance, Office of                      45, II
Farm Credit Administration                        5, XXXI; 12, VI
Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation          5, XXX; 12, XIV
Farm Service Agency                               7, VII, XVIII
Federal Acquisition Regulation                    48, 1
Federal Acquisition Security Council              41, 201
Federal Aviation Administration                   14, I
  Commercial Space Transportation                 14, III
Federal Claims Collection Standards               31, IX
Federal Communications Commission                 2, LX; 5, XXIX; 47, I
Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Office of   41, 60
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation                7, IV
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation             5, XXII; 12, III
Federal Election Commission                       5, XXXVII; 11, I
Federal Emergency Management Agency               44, I
Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Federal    48, 21
     Acquisition Regulation
Federal Employees Health Benefits Acquisition     48, 16
     Regulation
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission              5, XXIV; 18, I
Federal Financial Institutions Examination        12, XI
     Council
Federal Financing Bank                            12, VIII
Federal Highway Administration                    23, I, II
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation            1, IV
Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight Office       12, XVII
Federal Housing Finance Agency                    5, LXXX; 12, XII
Federal Labor Relations Authority                 5, XIV, XLIX; 22, XIV
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center           31, VII
Federal Management Regulation                     41, 102
Federal Maritime Commission                       46, IV
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service        5, CIII; 29, XII
Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission  5, LXXIV; 29, XXVII
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration       49, III
Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council   40, IX
Federal Prison Industries, Inc.                   28, III
Federal Procurement Policy Office                 48, 99
Federal Property Management Regulations           41, 101
Federal Railroad Administration                   49, II
Federal Register, Administrative Committee of     1, I
Federal Register, Office of                       1, II
Federal Reserve System                            12, II
  Board of Governors                              5, LVIII
Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board        5, VI, LXXVI
Federal Service Impasses Panel                    5, XIV
Federal Trade Commission                          5, XLVII; 16, I
Federal Transit Administration                    49, VI
Federal Travel Regulation System                  41, Subtitle F
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network              31, X
Financial Research Office                         12, XVI
Financial Stability Oversight Council             12, XIII
Fine Arts, Commission of                          45, XXI
Fiscal Service                                    31, II
Fish and Wildlife Service, United States          50, I, IV
Food and Drug Administration                      21, I
Food and Nutrition Service                        7, II
Food Safety and Inspection Service                9, III
Foreign Agricultural Service                      7, XV
Foreign Assets Control, Office of                 31, V
Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the       45, V
     United States
Foreign Service Grievance Board                   22, IX
Foreign Service Impasse Disputes Panel            22, XIV
Foreign Service Labor Relations Board             22, XIV
Foreign-Trade Zones Board                         15, IV
Forest Service                                    36, II
General Services Administration                   5, LVII; 41, 105
  Contract Appeals, Board of                      48, 61
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 5

[[Page 493]]

  Federal Management Regulation                   41, 102
  Federal Property Management Regulations         41, 101
  Federal Travel Regulation System                41, Subtitle F
  General                                         41, 300
  Payment From a Non-Federal Source for Travel    41, 304
       Expenses
  Payment of Expenses Connected With the Death    41, 303
       of Certain Employees
  Relocation Allowances                           41, 302
  Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel Allowances          41, 301
Geological Survey                                 30, IV
Government Accountability Office                  4, I
Government Ethics, Office of                      5, XVI
Government National Mortgage Association          24, III
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards          7, VIII; 9, II
     Administration
Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development       33, IV
     Corporation
Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council          2, LIX; 40, VIII
Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation            45, XVIII
Health and Human Services, Department of          2, III; 5, XLV; 45, 
                                                  Subtitle A
  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services        42, IV
  Child Support Enforcement, Office of            45, III
  Children and Families, Administration for       45, II, III, IV, X, XIII
  Community Services, Office of                   45, X
  Family Assistance, Office of                    45, II
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 3
  Food and Drug Administration                    21, I
  Indian Health Service                           25, V
  Inspector General (Health Care), Office of      42, V
  Public Health Service                           42, I
  Refugee Resettlement, Office of                 45, IV
Homeland Security, Department of                  2, XXX; 5, XXXVI; 6, I; 8, 
                                                  I
  Coast Guard                                     33, I; 46, I; 49, IV
  Coast Guard (Great Lakes Pilotage)              46, III
  Customs and Border Protection                   19, I
  Federal Emergency Management Agency             44, I
  Human Resources Management and Labor Relations  5, XCVII
       Systems
  Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau      19, IV
  Transportation Security Administration          49, XII
HOPE for Homeowners Program, Board of Directors   24, XXIV
     of
Housing and Urban Development, Department of      2, XXIV; 5, LXV; 24, 
                                                  Subtitle B
  Community Planning and Development, Office of   24, V, VI
       Assistant Secretary for
  Equal Opportunity, Office of Assistant          24, I
       Secretary for
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 24
  Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, Office    12, XVII
       of
  Government National Mortgage Association        24, III
  Housing--Federal Housing Commissioner, Office   24, II, VIII, X, XX
       of Assistant Secretary for
  Housing, Office of, and Multifamily Housing     24, IV
       Assistance Restructuring, Office of
  Inspector General, Office of                    24, XII
  Public and Indian Housing, Office of Assistant  24, IX
       Secretary for
  Secretary, Office of                            24, Subtitle A, VII
Housing--Federal Housing Commissioner, Office of  24, II, VIII, X, XX
     Assistant Secretary for
Housing, Office of, and Multifamily Housing       24, IV
     Assistance Restructuring, Office of
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau        19, IV
Immigration Review, Executive Office for          8, V
Independent Counsel, Office of                    28, VII
Independent Counsel, Offices of                   28, VI
Indian Affairs, Bureau of                         25, I, V
Indian Affairs, Office of the Assistant           25, VI
     Secretary
Indian Arts and Crafts Board                      25, II

[[Page 494]]

Indian Health Service                             25, V
Industry and Security, Bureau of                  15, VII
Information Resources Management, Office of       7, XXVII
Information Security Oversight Office, National   32, XX
     Archives and Records Administration
Inspector General
  Agriculture Department                          7, XXVI
  Health and Human Services Department            42, V
  Housing and Urban Development Department        24, XII, XV
Institute of Peace, United States                 22, XVII
Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator,    5, CIV
     Office of
Inter-American Foundation                         5, LXIII; 22, X
Interior, Department of                           2, XIV
  American Indians, Office of the Special         25, VII
       Trustee
  Endangered Species Committee                    50, IV
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 14
  Federal Property Management Regulations System  41, 114
  Fish and Wildlife Service, United States        50, I, IV
  Geological Survey                               30, IV
  Indian Affairs, Bureau of                       25, I, V
  Indian Affairs, Office of the Assistant         25, VI
       Secretary
  Indian Arts and Crafts Board                    25, II
  Land Management, Bureau of                      43, II
  National Indian Gaming Commission               25, III
  National Park Service                           36, I
  Natural Resource Revenue, Office of             30, XII
  Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of              30, V
  Reclamation, Bureau of                          43, I
  Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Bureau    30, II
       of
  Secretary of the Interior, Office of            2, XIV; 43, Subtitle A
  Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement,     30, VII
       Office of
Internal Revenue Service                          26, I
International Boundary and Water Commission,      22, XI
     United States and Mexico, United States 
     Section
International Development, United States Agency   22, II
     for
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 7
International Development Cooperation Agency,     22, XII
     United States
International Development Finance Corporation,    5, XXXIII; 22, VII
     U.S.
International Joint Commission, United States     22, IV
     and Canada
International Organizations Employees Loyalty     5, V
     Board
International Trade Administration                15, III; 19, III
International Trade Commission, United States     19, II
Interstate Commerce Commission                    5, XL
Investment Security, Office of                    31, VIII
James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation      45, XXIV
Japan-United States Friendship Commission         22, XVI
Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries       20, VIII
Justice, Department of                            2, XXVIII; 5, XXVIII; 28, 
                                                  I, XI; 40, IV
  Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives,     27, II
       Bureau of
  Drug Enforcement Administration                 21, II
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 28
  Federal Claims Collection Standards             31, IX
  Federal Prison Industries, Inc.                 28, III
  Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the     45, V
       United States
  Immigration Review, Executive Office for        8, V
  Independent Counsel, Offices of                 28, VI
  Prisons, Bureau of                              28, V
  Property Management Regulations                 41, 128
Labor, Department of                              2, XXIX; 5, XLII
  Benefits Review Board                           20, VII
  Employee Benefits Security Administration       29, XXV
  Employees' Compensation Appeals Board           20, IV
  Employment and Training Administration          20, V
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 29

[[Page 495]]

  Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Office    41, 60
       of
  Federal Procurement Regulations System          41, 50
  Labor-Management Standards, Office of           29, II, IV
  Mine Safety and Health Administration           30, I
  Occupational Safety and Health Administration   29, XVII
  Public Contracts                                41, 50
  Secretary of Labor, Office of                   29, Subtitle A
  Veterans' Employment and Training Service,      41, 61; 20, IX
       Office of the Assistant Secretary for
  Wage and Hour Division                          29, V
  Workers' Compensation Programs, Office of       20, I, VI
Labor-Management Standards, Office of             29, II, IV
Land Management, Bureau of                        43, II
Legal Services Corporation                        45, XVI
Libraries and Information Science, National       45, XVII
     Commission on
Library of Congress                               36, VII
  Copyright Royalty Board                         37, III
  U.S. Copyright Office                           37, II
Management and Budget, Office of                  5, III, LXXVII; 14, VI; 
                                                  48, 99
Marine Mammal Commission                          50, V
Maritime Administration                           46, II
Merit Systems Protection Board                    5, II, LXIV
Micronesian Status Negotiations, Office for       32, XXVII
Military Compensation and Retirement              5, XCIX
     Modernization Commission
Millennium Challenge Corporation                  22, XIII
Mine Safety and Health Administration             30, I
Minority Business Development Agency              15, XIV
Miscellaneous Agencies                            1, IV
Monetary Offices                                  31, I
Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in     36, XVI
     National Environmental Policy Foundation
Museum and Library Services, Institute of         2, XXXI
National Aeronautics and Space Administration     2, XVIII; 5, LIX; 14, V
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 18
National Agricultural Library                     7, XLI
National Agricultural Statistics Service          7, XXXVI
National and Community Service, Corporation for   2, XXII; 45, XII, XXV
National Archives and Records Administration      2, XXVI; 5, LXVI; 36, XII
  Information Security Oversight Office           32, XX
National Capital Planning Commission              1, IV, VI
National Counterintelligence Center               32, XVIII
National Credit Union Administration              5, LXXXVI; 12, VII
National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact     28, IX
     Council
National Drug Control Policy, Office of           2, XXXVI; 21, III
National Endowment for the Arts                   2, XXXII
National Endowment for the Humanities             2, XXXIII
National Foundation on the Arts and the           45, XI
     Humanities
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency           32, I
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration    23, II, III; 47, VI; 49, V
National Imagery and Mapping Agency               32, I
National Indian Gaming Commission                 25, III
National Institute of Food and Agriculture        7, XXXIV
National Institute of Standards and Technology    15, II; 37, IV
National Intelligence, Office of Director of      5, IV; 32, XVII
National Labor Relations Board                    5, LXI; 29, I
National Marine Fisheries Service                 50, II, IV
National Mediation Board                          5, CI; 29, X
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration   15, IX; 50, II, III, IV, 
                                                  VI
National Park Service                             36, I
National Railroad Adjustment Board                29, III
National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK)  49, VII
National Science Foundation                       2, XXV; 5, XLIII; 45, VI
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 25
National Security Council                         32, XXI; 47, II

[[Page 496]]

National Technical Information Service            15, XI
National Telecommunications and Information       15, XXIII; 47, III, IV, V
     Administration
National Transportation Safety Board              49, VIII
Natural Resource Revenue, Office of               30, XII
Natural Resources Conservation Service            7, VI
Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation, Office of      25, IV
Navy, Department of                               32, VI
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 52
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation             24, XXV
Northeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste  10, XVIII
     Commission
Nuclear Regulatory Commission                     2, XX; 5, XLVIII; 10, I
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 20
Occupational Safety and Health Administration     29, XVII
Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission  29, XX
Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of                30, V
Oklahoma City National Memorial Trust             36, XV
Operations Office                                 7, XXVIII
Patent and Trademark Office, United States        37, I
Payment From a Non-Federal Source for Travel      41, 304
     Expenses
Payment of Expenses Connected With the Death of   41, 303
     Certain Employees
Peace Corps                                       2, XXXVII; 22, III
Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation       36, IX
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation              29, XL
Personnel Management, Office of                   5, I, IV, XXXV; 45, VIII
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 17
  Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Federal  48, 21
       Acquisition Regulation
  Federal Employees Health Benefits Acquisition   48, 16
       Regulation
  Human Resources Management and Labor Relations  5, XCVII
       Systems, Department of Homeland Security
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety           49, I
     Administration
Postal Regulatory Commission                      5, XLVI; 39, III
Postal Service, United States                     5, LX; 39, I
Postsecondary Education, Office of                34, VI
President's Commission on White House             1, IV
     Fellowships
Presidential Documents                            3
Presidio Trust                                    36, X
Prisons, Bureau of                                28, V
Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board       6, X
Procurement and Property Management, Office of    7, XXXII
Public and Indian Housing, Office of Assistant    24, IX
     Secretary for
Public Contracts, Department of Labor             41, 50
Public Health Service                             42, I
Railroad Retirement Board                         20, II
Reclamation, Bureau of                            43, I
Refugee Resettlement, Office of                   45, IV
Relocation Allowances                             41, 302
Research and Innovative Technology                49, XI
     Administration
Rural Business-Cooperative Service                7, XVIII, XLII, L
Rural Development Administration                  7, XLII
Rural Housing Service                             7, XVIII, XXXV, L
Rural Utilities Service                           7, XVII, XVIII, XLII, L
Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Bureau of   30, II
Science and Technology Policy, Office of          32, XXIV; 47, II
Secret Service                                    31, IV
Securities and Exchange Commission                5, XXXIV; 17, II
Selective Service System                          32, XVI
Small Business Administration                     2, XXVII; 13, I
Smithsonian Institution                           36, V
Social Security Administration                    2, XXIII; 20, III; 48, 23
Soldiers' and Airmen's Home, United States        5, XI
Special Counsel, Office of                        5, VIII
Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,    34, III
     Office of
State, Department of                              2, VI; 22, I; 28, XI

[[Page 497]]

  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 6
Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement,       30, VII
     Office of
Surface Transportation Board                      49, X
Susquehanna River Basin Commission                18, VIII
Tennessee Valley Authority                        5, LXIX; 18, XIII
Trade Representative, United States, Office of    15, XX
Transportation, Department of                     2, XII; 5, L
  Commercial Space Transportation                 14, III
  Emergency Management and Assistance             44, IV
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 12
  Federal Aviation Administration                 14, I
  Federal Highway Administration                  23, I, II
  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration     49, III
  Federal Railroad Administration                 49, II
  Federal Transit Administration                  49, VI
  Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development     33, IV
       Corporation
  Maritime Administration                         46, II
  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  23, II, III; 47, IV; 49, V
  Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety         49, I
       Administration
  Secretary of Transportation, Office of          14, II; 49, Subtitle A
  Transportation Statistics Bureau                49, XI
Transportation, Office of                         7, XXXIII
Transportation Security Administration            49, XII
Transportation Statistics Bureau                  49, XI
Travel Allowances, Temporary Duty (TDY)           41, 301
Treasury, Department of the                       2, X; 5, XXI; 12, XV; 17, 
                                                  IV; 31, IX
  Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau        27, I
  Community Development Financial Institutions    12, XVIII
       Fund
  Comptroller of the Currency                     12, I
  Customs and Border Protection                   19, I
  Engraving and Printing, Bureau of               31, VI
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 10
  Federal Claims Collection Standards             31, IX
  Federal Law Enforcement Training Center         31, VII
  Financial Crimes Enforcement Network            31, X
  Fiscal Service                                  31, II
  Foreign Assets Control, Office of               31, V
  Internal Revenue Service                        26, I
  Investment Security, Office of                  31, VIII
  Monetary Offices                                31, I
  Secret Service                                  31, IV
  Secretary of the Treasury, Office of            31, Subtitle A
Truman, Harry S. Scholarship Foundation           45, XVIII
United States Agency for Global Media             22, V
United States and Canada, International Joint     22, IV
     Commission
United States and Mexico, International Boundary  22, XI
     and Water Commission, United States Section
U.S. Copyright Office                             37, II
U.S. Office of Special Counsel                    5, CII
Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation      43, III
     Commission
Veterans Affairs, Department of                   2, VIII; 38, I
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 8
Veterans' Employment and Training Service,        41, 61; 20, IX
     Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Vice President of the United States, Office of    32, XXVIII
Wage and Hour Division                            29, V
Water Resources Council                           18, VI
Workers' Compensation Programs, Office of         20, I, VII
World Agricultural Outlook Board                  7, XXXVIII

[[Page 499]]



List of CFR Sections Affected



All changes in this volume of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that 
were made by documents published in the Federal Register since January 
1, 2019 are enumerated in the following list. Entries indicate the 
nature of the changes effected. Page numbers refer to Federal Register 
pages. The user should consult the entries for chapters, parts and 
subparts as well as sections for revisions.
For changes to this volume of the CFR prior to this listing, consult the 
annual edition of the monthly List of CFR Sections Affected (LSA). The 
LSA is available at www.govinfo.gov. For changes to this volume of the 
CFR prior to 2001, see the ``List of CFR Sections Affected, 1949-1963, 
1964-1972, 1973-1985, and 1986-2000'' published in 11 separate volumes. 
The ``List of CFR Sections Affected 1986-2000'' is available at 
www.govinfo.gov.

                                  2019

7 CFR
                                                                   84 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter I
54.1 Heading revised; section amended..............................48554
54.1 Amended.......................................................49640
54.4 Revised.......................................................48555
54.5 Revised.......................................................48555
54.6 Revised................................................48555, 49640
54.7 Revised.......................................................48555
54.8 Revised.......................................................48556
54.9 Revised.......................................................48556
54.10 Revised......................................................48556
54.11 Heading, (a)(1) introductory text, (i), (ii), (iii), (vii), 
        (x), and (2) revised.......................................48556
54.12 Removed......................................................48556
54.13 Revised......................................................48556
54.14 Removed......................................................48557
54.15 Revised......................................................48557
54.16 Revised......................................................48557
54.17 Revised......................................................48557
54.18 Revised......................................................48562
54.19--54.20 Undesignated center heading removed...................48562
54.19 Revised......................................................48562
54.20 Revised......................................................48563
54.21 Removed......................................................48563
54.22 Removed......................................................48563
54.23 Removed......................................................48563
54.24 Removed......................................................48563
54.25 Removed......................................................48563
54.26 Removed......................................................48563
54.27 (c) revised..................................................49641
54.28 Revised......................................................49641
54.30 Removed......................................................48563
54.31 Revised......................................................48563
56.1 Amended.......................................................49641
56.21 Revised......................................................49641
56.28 Revised......................................................49642
56.45 (a) and (b) revised..........................................49642
56.46 Heading, (a) introductory text, and (c) revised..............49642
56.47 Revised......................................................49642
56.52 Heading, introductory text, and (a) revised..................49642
56.54 Removed......................................................49643
70.1 Amended.......................................................49643
70.29 Redesignated from 70.30......................................49643
70.30 Redesignated as 70.29; new section redesignated from 70.31 
        and revised................................................49643
70.31 Redesignated as 70.30; new section redesignated from 70.32 
                                                                   49643
70.32 Redesignated as 70.31; new section redesignated from 70.33 
                                                                   49643
70.33 Redesignated as 70.32; new section redesignated from 70.34 
                                                                   49643
70.34 Redesignated as 70.33; new section redesignated from 70.35 
                                                                   49643

[[Page 500]]

70.35 Redesignated as 70.34; new section redesignated from 70.36 
                                                                   49643
70.36 Redesignated as 70.35; new section redesignated from 70.37 
                                                                   49643
70.37 Redesignated as 70.36; new section added.....................49643
70.70 (a) and (b) revised..........................................49644
70.71 Heading, introductory text, and (c) revised..................49644
70.72 Revised......................................................49644
70.76 Removed......................................................49644
70.77 Heading, introductory text, and (a) revised..................49644
205 Notification...................................................53577
205.601 (h) revised; (i)(11) added.................................56677
205.603 (b)(2) through (10) redesignated as (b)(3) through (11); 
        new (b)(2) added...........................................18136
205.605 (b) amended................................................18136
205.605 (a) and (b) amended........................................56677
205.606 (q) through (v) redesignated as (r) through (w); new (q) 
        added......................................................18136

                                  2020

7 CFR
                                                                   85 FR
                                                                    Page
Subtitle A
54.1--54.31 (Subpart A) Heading revised.............................7445
54.17 (i) removed..................................................62937
54.1001--54.1034 (Subpart C) Heading revised........................7445
56.1 Amended.......................................................62937
56.46 (a) and (b)(1)(i) through (iii) revised; (d) removed.........62937
57.1--57.970 (Subpart A) Heading revised............................7445
57.1000 Undesignated center heading revised.........................7445
57.1000 (Subpart B) Heading revised.................................7445
58 Heading revised..................................................7445
58.1--58.64 (Subpart A) Heading revised.............................7445
61.1--61.42 (Subpart A) Heading revised.............................7445
61.5 Heading revised................................................7445
62 Revised.........................................................62937
66 Policy statement................................................40867
70.1 Amended.......................................................62941
70.4 (c) removed...................................................62941
70.71 Revised......................................................62941
75 Heading revised..................................................7445
75.5 Heading revised................................................7445
90 Removed.........................................................62942
91.1 Revised.......................................................62942
91.2 Amended.......................................................62942
91.4 (c) revised...................................................62942
91.5 (a)(6) removed; (a)(8) revised................................62942
97.1 Revised.........................................................430
97.2 Amended.........................................................430
97.5 (c) revised.....................................................430
97.6 (c) and (d)(3) revised; (d)(4) added............................430
97.7 (b) introductory text amended; (c)(5) and (d) revised...........430
97.9 (b) and (c) revised.............................................431
97.12 (a) revised....................................................431
97.14 (d) revised....................................................431
97.19 Introductory text and (c) amended..............................431
97.20 (a) revised....................................................431
97.23 (c) revised; (d) removed.......................................431
97.101 Revised.......................................................431
97.103 (a) revised...................................................432
97.104 Revised.......................................................432
97.141 Revised.......................................................432
97.142 Revised.......................................................432
97.175 Revised.......................................................432
97.177 Revised.......................................................432
97.178 Revised.......................................................432
97.403 (d) revised...................................................432
97.500 Revised.......................................................432
97.600 Heading revised...............................................433
97.800 Revised.......................................................433
110.8 Heading revised...............................................7445
201 Heading revised; undesignated center heading removed...........40578
201.2 (a), (b), (h) through (j), (l)(1), (w), (x), (z), and (mm) 
        amended; (p) and (q) revised; (nn) and (oo) added..........40578
201.3 Revised......................................................40579
201.4 (a) and (b) amended..........................................40579
201.7 Amended......................................................40579
201.8 Amended......................................................40579
201.10 (a) amended.................................................40579
201.12a Revised....................................................40579
201.16 (a) and (b) amended.........................................40579
201.17 Amended.....................................................40579
201.18 Revised.....................................................40579
201.20 Revised.....................................................40579
201.21 Revised.....................................................40579
201.23 Revised.....................................................40580
201.24 Revised.....................................................40580
201.25 Amended.....................................................40580
201.26a Added......................................................40580

[[Page 501]]

201.27 Revised.....................................................40580
201.28 Revised.....................................................40580
201.29 Revised.....................................................40580
201.30c Added......................................................40580
201.31 Heading and introductory text revised.......................40580
201.31a (b) revised................................................40580
201.33 (a) and (b) amended.........................................40580
201.36b (a) amended................................................40580
201.37 Amended.....................................................40580
201.38 Removed.....................................................40580
201.39 (c) amended.................................................40580
201.46 (b) revised; (d)(2)(iii) Table 1 amended....................40580
201.47a (b)(6) and (c) through (f) amended.........................40581
201.48 Introductory text amended; (a), (f), (g)(1), and (3) 
        revised....................................................40581
201.51 (a)(1), (b)(2)(iv), (v), (4) amended........................40581
201.51a (a) and (b)(2)(ii) table revised...........................40581
201.56 (d) amended.................................................40582
201.58 (a)(1) and (b)(13) revised; (c)(3) Table 2 amended..........40582
201.58 (c)(3) Table 2 amended......................................65190
201.59 Amended.....................................................40583
201.60 (a)(1), (2), and (b)(2) amended.............................40583
201.61 Table heading revised.......................................40583
201.64 Revised.....................................................40583
201.68 Introductory text and (b) revised...........................40583
201.70 (a) revised.................................................40583
201.74 (a) through (c) amended.....................................40583
201.75 (b)(1) and (c) amended......................................40583
201.76 Table 5 amended.............................................40583
201.78 (e) revised.................................................40584
202 Heading revised................................................40584
202.40--202.44 (Subpart C) Heading revised.........................40584
205 Authority citation revised.....................................70435
205 Policy statement...............................................27105
205 Notification...................................................57937
205.606 (t) through (w) redesignated as (u) through (x); new (t) 
        added......................................................70435

                                  2021

7 CFR
                                                                   86 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter I
205 Authority citation revised.....................................33484
205 Policy statement...............................................41699
205.603 (b)(8) through (11) redesignated as (b)(9) through (12); 
        new (b)(8) added...........................................33484
205.605 (a) and (b) amended........................................33484

                                  2022

7 CFR
                                                                   87 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter I
180 Added; eff. 1-6-23.............................................74955
205.2 Amended...............................................19772, 68027
205.236 Revised....................................................19772
205.237 (a) revised................................................19773
205.239 (a)(3) revised.............................................19773
205.601 (j)(9) revised.............................................10938
205.601 (a)(2)(iv) and (k) revised; (a)(2)(v) added................16375
205.601 Introductory text and (o) revised..........................68028
205.603 (b)(9) removed; (b)(10) through (12) redesignated as 
        (b)(9) through (11)........................................10938
205.605 (b) amended................................................10938
205.605 (a) amended................................................16375
205.605 (a) and (b) amended........................................68028
205.606 (d) through (t) revised; (u) through (w) removed...........10938

                                  2023

7 CFR
                                                                   88 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter I
66.6 Revised.......................................................83311
205 Policy statement...............................................22893
205.2 Amended.......................................................3620
205.2 Amended; eff. 1-2-24.........................................75444
205.2 Regulation at 88 FR 75444 eff. date delayed to 1-12-24.......86259
205.2 Correction: Amended; eff. 1-12-24............................89539
205.100 (a) and (c) introductory text revised.......................3621
205.101 Revised.....................................................3621
205.103 (b)(2) revised; (b)(3) and (4) redesignated as (b)(4) and 
        (5); new (b)(3) added.......................................3621
205.201 (a) introductory text amended; (a)(3) revised; (c) added 
                                                                    3622
205.238 Revised; eff. 1-2-24.......................................75445
205.238 Regulation at 88 FR 75445 eff. date delayed to 1-12-24.....86259
205.239 Revised; eff. 1-2-24.......................................75446
205.239 Regulation at 88 FR 75446 eff. date delayed to 1-12-24.....86259

[[Page 502]]

205.239 Correction: (c)(4) amended; eff. 1-12-24...................89539
205.241 Added; eff. 1-2-24.........................................75447
205.241 Regulation at 88 FR 75447 eff. date delayed to 1-12-24.....86259
205.241 Correction: (a), (b)(4)(i), and (d)(8) amended; eff. 1-12-
        24.........................................................89539
205.242 Added; eff. 1-2-24.........................................75448
205.242 Regulation at 88 FR 75448 eff. date delayed to 1-12-24.....86259
205.273 Added.......................................................3622
205.300 (c) revised.................................................3622
205.301 (f)(2) and (3) revised......................................3622
205.302 (a)(1) through (3) revised..................................3622
205.307 Revised.....................................................3622
205.310 Heading, (a), and (b) revised...............................3623
205.400 (b) amended; (g) added......................................3623
205.401 (a) amended.................................................3623
205.403 (a)(2) redesignated as (a)(3); new (a)(2), (d)(4), and (5) 
        added; (b) through (e) redesignated as (c) through (f); 
        new (b) added; new (d)(2) amended...........................3623
205.404 (b) revised; (c) redesignated as (d); new (c) added.........3623
205.405 (c)(3) removed..............................................3624
205.406 (a) and (b) revised.........................................3624
205.500 (c) removed.................................................3624
205.501 (a)(4), (5), (6) (10), (13), and (15) revised; (a)(21) 
        redesignated as (a)(23); new (a)(21) and (22) added.........3624
205.504 Introductory text and (b)(4) revised; (b)(7) and (8) added
                                                                    3625
205.511 Added.......................................................3625
205.606 Correction: (x) removed....................................33816
205.660 (c) and (d) redesignated as new (d) and (e); new (c) added
                                                                    3626
205.661 Heading revised.............................................3626
205.662 (e)(3) added; (f)(1) amended; (g)(1) revised................3626
205.663 Revised.....................................................3626
205.665 (a) revised.................................................3626
205.680 (a) introductory text, (2), (b), (c), (d)(1), and (3) 
        revised.....................................................3626
205.691 Added; eff. 1-2-24.........................................75449
205.691 Regulation at 88 FR 75449 eff. date delayed to 1-12-24.....86259


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