[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 32 (Thursday, February 16, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 8973-8981]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-3787]



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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR PART 51

[Docket Number FV-94-302]


Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type Onions and Onions (Other than Bermuda-
Granex-Grano and Creole Type); Grade Standards

Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: This proposed rule would revise the United States Standards 
for Grades of Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type Onions and United States 
Standards for Grades of Onions (Other Than Bermuda-Granex-Grano and 
Creole Type). The proposal would set a minimum sample size for consumer 
size packages, provide a ``Colossal'' size classification, eliminate 
Export size classifications and designate a U.S. No. 1 Peeled Grade. It 
would also include other technical revisions to update the standards in 
accord with current handling and marketing practices.

DATES: Comments must be postmarked or courier dated on or before April 
17, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Interested parties are invited to submit written comments 
concerning this proposal. Comments must be sent to the Fresh Products 
Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 96456, Room 2056 South 
Building, Washington, DC 20090-6456. Comments should make reference to 
the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register and will 
be made available for public inspection in the above office during 
regular business hours.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank O'Sullivan, at the above address 
or call (202) 720-2185.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S. Department of Agriculture is 
issuing this proposed rule in conformance with Executive Order 12866.
    Pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et. seq.), the Administrator of the 
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has determined that this action 
will not have a significant economic impact on substantial number of 
small entities. This proposed rule for the revision of U.S. Standards 
for Grades of Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type Onions and U.S. Standards for 
Grades of Onions (Other Than Bermuda-Granex-Grano and Creole Type) will 
not impose substantial direct economic cost, recordkeeping, or 
personnel workload changes on small entities, and will not alter the 
market share or competitive position of these entities relative to 
large businesses. In addition, under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 
1946, the use of these standards is voluntary.
    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12778, 
Civil Justice Reform. This action is not intended to have retroactive 
effect. This proposed rule will not preempt any State or local laws, 
regulations, or policies, unless they present an irreconcilable 
conflict with this rule. There are no administrative procedures which 
must be exhausted prior to any judicial challenge to the provisions of 
this rule.
    Agencies periodically review existing regulations. An objective of 
the review is to ensure that the grade standards are serving their 
intended purpose, the language is clear, and the standards are 
consistent with AMS policy and authority.
    The United States Standards for Grades of Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type 
Onions was last revised February 20, 1985, and the United States 
Standards for Grades of Onions (Other Than Bermuda-Granex-Grano and 
Creole Types) was last revised October 1, 1971. In general, the 
Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type (BGG) standard is applied to southern grown 
onions that have thin papery outer scales, are harvested in the spring 
and summer and are not typically kept in storage. The Other Than 
Bermuda-Granex-Grano and Creole Types (Other Than) standard is 
generally applied to northern grown onions that have thick outer papery 
scales, are harvested in the fall and are [[Page 8974]] more commonly 
stored. The major distinction between the two standards for grades of 
these onions is the lot tolerances; 10 percent for BGG and 5 percent 
for Other Than. Although separated by type and tolerances, many 
similarities exist in the grading of these onions. The different types 
of onions are affected by most of the same defects. The procedures for 
sampling and performing grading activities are essentially the same 
regardless of which standard is being applied. The standards were 
established and have been revised separately over the years to reflect 
the needs of their respective industries.
    A broad spectrum of growers and shippers of onions who utilize both 
standards, represented by The National Onion Association (NOA), have 
requested that the minimum sample size for consumer size packages be 
designated at 20 pounds. While considering the NOA's request the 
Department, through a periodic review, decided to take the opportunity 
to bring the standards into closer uniformity with each other and 
conformity to current harvesting, handling and marketing practices. 
Therefore, this proposal would revise both standards by the addition of 
a required minimum sample size. It would also include the following: An 
additional grade for peeled onions, an additional size designation for 
colossal onions and technical revisions to promote uniformity and 
clarity wherever possible. The following are revisions proposed herein:

--``Fairly firm'' is now a basic requirement only in the Other Than 
standard. ``Fairly firm'' would be added as a basic requirement to the 
U.S. No. 1 grade in the BGG standard (Sec. 51.3195) and also included 
in the Definitions section (Sec. 51.3205). This would make both U.S. 
Standards uniform in their basic requirements for a U.S. No. 1 onion.
--The BGG standard currently contains paragraphs for tolerances in each 
of the respective grade sections. The Other Than standard now contains 
a specific section entitled ``Tolerances'' which is the format 
established for more recent and current standards. To make referencing 
much easier and to make both U.S. Standards current and uniform in the 
way they read, a specific section for Tolerances (Sec. 51.3200) would 
be established in the BGG standard. The actual tolerances would not be 
changed, only the location in the standard.
--A U.S. No. 1 Peeled grade would be established for both standards 
(Secs. 51.2835 and 51.3196). The marketing of fresh-cut, ``ready to 
use'' products has expanded greatly in the last few years in the 
produce industry. Onions offered for sale whole and completely peeled 
as a fresh product ready to use have been part of this expanding 
market. This grade would provide clear and defined trading language 
helping to facilitate the increased movement in these type of onions. 
The new grade would read as follows:

    ``U.S. No. 1 Peeled consists of onions which meet all the 
requirements for the U.S. No. 1 grade'' (``except for damage by 
peeling'' in the Other Than standard). ``Furthermore, onions must be 
free from any outer papery scales in order to meet the requirements of 
this grade.''
    A 5 percent tolerance for onions in a lot with outer papery scales 
in any amount would also be provided in the tolerance section.
--Both the BGG and Other Than standards contain the grade 
classification ``Unclassified.'' This grade would be deleted from both 
standards since it is not an actual grade classification and is rarely, 
if ever used. Elimination of Unclassified would also maintain 
consistency with newer versions of standards for other commodities.
--Currently size classifications in each of the standards are similar 
but not completely the same. Each standard now contains size 
designations for small, medium and large sizes. The BGG standard also 
references a Repacker or Prepacker size, while the Other Than standard 
contains export small, export medium and export large sizes as well as 
regional specifications for the medium size.

    Size classifications would be revised and placed in chart form for 
each standard (Secs. 51.2837 and 51.3199) to achieve uniformity and 
clarity.
    A new size classification for colossal onions would be added to 
both standards based on the increased trade in this size product and 
the need for common trading language.
    In the Other Than standard three additional changes would also be 
made to the size classifications. First, the reference to export sizes 
would be eliminated since these sizes are rarely, if ever used. The 
reference to these sizes in the Application of Tolerances section would 
also be eliminated. There would be no need for this reference if the 
sizes were dropped. Next, the medium size classification would no 
longer give smaller size exception for ``onions grown in Minnesota, 
Iowa, and States east of the Mississippi River * * *.'' This would 
eliminate confusion in the trade and standardize across the nation the 
size of onions referred to as ``Medium.'' Finally, the Repacker/
Prepacker size currently only referenced in the BGG standard would be 
included in the Other Than standard. This would make both standards 
completely uniform along size classifications providing common and 
standardized trading language in reference to size for onions shipped 
from anywhere in the country. The new size chart proposed for each 
standard would read as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Minimum diameter          Maximum diameter    
  Size designation   ---------------------------------------------------
                         Inches    Millimeters     Inches    Millimeters
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small...............            1         25.4       2\1/4\         57.2
Repacker/                                                               
 Prepacker\1\.......       1\3/4\         44.5            3         76.2
Medium..............            2         50.8       3\1/4\         82.6
Large or Jumbo......            3         76.2        (\2\)             
Colossal............       3\3/4\         95.3       (\2\)              
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\In addition to the sizes specified, a lot of onions designated as    
  Repacker or Prepacker shall contain at least 60 percent or more 2     
  inches or larger in diameter.                                         
\2\No requirement.                                                      

--Sample size is not currently defined in the standards for onions. 
Inspections are performed using the consumer package that onions are 
packed in as the sample. While this may be a fair and accurate way to 
determine percentages of defects for 50 pound sacks, when smaller 
consumer size packages (i.e., 2, 3, 5, pounds) are taken as the sample 
a lot may be thrown out of grade by a proportionately small number of 
[[Page 8975]] onions due to the restrictions imposed by the application 
of tolerances.

    A specified sample size would provide more uniform sampling when 
certifying various sizes of smaller packages. Also, to apply tolerances 
more accurately to these smaller packages in conjunction with the 
change in sample size the application of tolerances would need to be 
applied to the sample as opposed to the package.
    Therefore, this proposal would add new sections (Sec. 51.2839 in 
Other Than and 51.3201 in BGG), Samples For Grade And Size 
Determination, to each standard. The addition of sample size 
requirements, Secs. 51.2839 in Other Than and 51.3201 in BGG, will read 
as follows in both standards: ``Individual samples shall consist of at 
least 20 pounds. When individual packages contain 20 pounds or more and 
the onions are packed for Large or Jumbo size or larger the package 
shall be the sample. When individual packages contain less than 20 
pounds, a sufficient number of adjoining packages are opened to provide 
at least a 20 pound sample.'' For onions smaller than Large or Jumbo 
size (3 inches), a 20 pound sample would be sufficient regardless of 
the package size because the onions are small. Defects are determined 
by weight and therefore smaller onions provide ample numbers of units 
for inspection purposes, whereas the larger onions provide fewer 
specimens in the same size sample. With this proposed addition of 
sample sizes a more uniform determination of defect percentages will be 
applied to the various sizes of onions in both small and large 
packages.
    To further enhance the uniform determination of defect tolerances 
this proposal would also modify the Application of Tolerances section 
in each standard, Secs. 51.2840 & 51.3202.
    Currently each standard limits the individual package from 
exceeding certain tolerances. Each standard now reads, in part, as 
follows: ``* * * the contents of individual packages in the lot, based 
on sample inspection, are subject to the following limitations * * *.''
    This proposal would change those limits from the package to the 
sample. The modified sections as proposed would read, in part: 
``Individual samples are subject to the following limitations: * * *'' 
Of course, in some instances the package still remains the sample.
    This proposed change in the application of tolerances is intended 
to enhance clarity, simplicity and uniformity of inspection procedure. 
Since the sample would be the unit of inspection the tolerances should 
apply to that unit. A single package could be just one part of the unit 
of inspection (in a combined 20 pound sample) and applying the limits 
of tolerances to that package would confuse and complicate the 
inspection process.

--Currently each standard contains sections entitled ``Damage'' and 
``Serious Damage.'' The paragraphs within each of these sections list 
defects and the definitions of damage or serious damage by these 
defects. The following proposed revisions would affect some of these 
defect definitions in the interest of providing clear language, 
uniformity of application and consistency with current marketing and 
handling practices.

    Currently Dry sunscald is a defect listed under damage in both 
standards and also under serious damage in the BGG standard. Over the 
years there has been some confusion surrounding the identification of 
this defect because dirt clod bruising of the onions may cause an area 
similar looking to dry sunscald. To eliminate confusion and to 
standardize inspection procedures the term Dry sunken areas is proposed 
as a replacement for the term Dry sunscald. This definition is more 
objective and precise. (Sections 51.2850(f) and 51.3209(c).)
    The proposed definition for serious damage by dry sunken areas 
would remain the same in the BGG standard as it currently reads 
(51.3211(b)). The same definition would be added to the Other Than 
Standard (51.2853(f)). This would maintain uniformity and clarity in 
each of the standards.
    Some of the defects currently listed in the damage and serious 
damage sections are defined in terms of when materially or seriously 
detracting from the appearance of the lot. Hence, these defects are 
scored as damage or serious damage when the lot is affected to a 
certain degree as opposed to when the individual onions are affected. 
The method of judging when the appearance of the lot is to be scored 
should be more precise and objective.
    In the Other Than standard damage and serious damage by dirt or 
staining, and damage by dry roots, tops and sunburn are defined this 
way. In the BGG standard damage and serious damage by staining, dirt or 
other foreign material is also defined this way.
    This proposed rule would set percentage allowances for when the lot 
is damaged or seriously damaged by individual defective specimens. For 
example the current definition for damage by dry roots in the Other 
Than standard reads: ``when detracting from the appearance of the lot 
more than the presence of 20 percent of the onions having all roots 2 
inches in length.'' The proposed revision would read: ``when more than 
20 percent of the onions in a lot have practically all roots 2 inches 
or more in length.'' The new definition should be more objective and 
precise. ``Practically all'' was added to be more realistic in 
determining the number of roots. This term means 95 percent or more as 
defined in the General Inspection Instructions of the Fresh Products 
Branch. Each of the defects listed above would be clarified in this way 
while keeping the intent of the scoring guidelines intact. See 
Secs. 51.2850 (c), (e), (g), (l) and 51.2853(b) in Other Than and 
Secs. 51.3209 (f), (h) and 51.3211(d) in BGG.
    The Other Than standard currently contains definitions for damage 
by new roots, dry roots, tops, and watery scale. The BGG standard does 
not currently contain definitions for any of these defects. In an 
effort to promote uniformity and clarity these definitions would be 
added to the BGG standard.
    The current definition for damage by watery scale in the Other Than 
standard reads: ``when more than the equivalent of the entire outer 
fleshy scale is affected by an off-color, watersoaked condition.'' To 
distinguish this defect from another condition called translucent scale 
an additional clarification is proposed. The following words would be 
added to the watery scale definition: ``* * * The off-color must be of 
some shade of brown or yellow.'' The serious damage definition would 
also be modified. The BGG standard as mentioned above would also have 
these definitions included for uniformity. (Sections 51.2850(k) & 
51.2853(a) and 51.3209(l) and 51.3211(f).)
    Neither standard currently has a definition for damage by 
translucent scales. To provide clear language that is consistent with 
current marketing practices a definition would be provided as follows: 
``when more than the equivalent of two entire outer fleshy scales have 
a watersoaked condition.'' To provide uniformity each standard would be 
affected. (Sections 51.2850(n) and 51.3209(k).)
    The BGG standard currently contains definitions for damage and 
serious damage by mechanical means. The Other Than standard does not 
contain these definitions. To be consistent with current handling 
practices for both types of onions and to provide uniformity between 
the standards, the current BGG definitions for mechanical damage and 
serious damage would be [[Page 8976]] added to the Other Than standard. 
(Sections 51.2850(m) and 51.2853(e).)

--Finally, the BGG standard currently does not contain a metric 
conversion table. The Other Than standard does. To keep both standards 
uniform and to bring the BGG standard up to date with current standard 
format a metric conversion table would be added. (Section 51.3213.)

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 51

    Agricultural commodities, Food grades and standards, Fruits, Nuts, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Vegetables.

PART 51--[AMENDED]

    For reasons set forth in the preamble, it is proposed that 7 CFR 
part 51 be amended as follows:
    1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 51 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622, 1624.

    2. Part 51, Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Onions 
(Other Than Bermuda-Granex-Grano and Creole Types) is revised to read 
as follows:
Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Onions (Other Than 
Bermuda-Granex-Grano and Creole Types)

Grades

Sec.
51.2830  U.S. No. 1.
51.2831  U.S. Export No. 1.
51.2832  U.S. Commercial.
51.2833  U.S. No. 1 Boilers.
51.2834  U.S. No. 1 Picklers.
51.2835  U.S. No. 1 Peeled.
51.2836  U.S. No. 2.

Size Classifications

51.2837  Size classifications.

Tolerances

51.2838  Tolerances.

Samples for Grade and Size Determination

51.2839  Samples for grade and size determination.

Application of Tolerances

51.2840  Application of tolerances.

Export Packing Requirements

51.2841  Export packing requirements.

Definitions

51.2842  Mature.
51.2843  Dormant.
51.2844  Fairly firm.
51.2845  Fairly well shaped.
51.2846  Wet sunscald.
51.2847  Doubles.
51.2848  Bottlenecks.
51.2849  Scallions.
51.2850  Damage.
51.2851  Diameter.
51.2852  Badly misshapen.
51.2853  Serious damage.
51.2854  One type.

Metric Conversion Table

51.2855  Metric conversion table.

Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Onions (Other Than 
Bermuda-Granex-Grano and Creole Types)

Grades


Sec. 51.2830  U.S. No. 1.

    U.S. No. 1 consists of onions which meet the following 
requirements:
    (a) Basic requirements:
    (1) Similar varietal characteristics;
    (2) Mature;
    (3) Fairly firm; and,
    (4) Fairly well shaped.
    (b) Free from:
    (1) Decay;
    (2) Wet sunscald;
    (3) Doubles;
    (4) Bottlenecks; and,
    (5) Scallions.
    (c) Free from damage caused by:
    (1) Seedstems;
    (2) Splits;
    (3) Tops;
    (4) Roots;
    (5) Dry sunken areas;
    (6) Sunburn;
    (7) Sprouts;
    (8) Freezing;
    (9) Peeling;
    (10) Cracked fleshy scales;
    (11) Watery scales;
    (12) Dirt or staining;
    (13) Foreign matter;
    (14) Disease;
    (15) Insects; and,
    (16) Other means.
    (d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.2838
    (e) Size. Unless otherwise specified the diameter shall be not less 
than 1\1/2\ inches, and yellow, brown, or red onions shall have 40 
percent or more, and white onions shall have 30 percent or more, by 
weight, of the onions in any lot 2 inches or larger in diameter.
    (f) When a percentage of the onions is specified to be of any 
certain size or larger, no part of any tolerance shall be allowed to 
reduce the specified percentage, but individual packages in a lot may 
have as much as 25 percentage points less than the percentage 
specified, except that individual packages containing 10 pounds or less 
shall have no requirements as to percentage of a certain size or 
larger: Provided, that any lot, regardless of package size, shall 
average within the percentage specified. (See Secs. 51.2837 and 
51.2838.)\1\

    \1\Any lot of onions quoted as being of size smaller than 1\1/2\ 
inches minimum, such as ``U.S. No. 1, 1\1/4\ inches min.'' is not 
required to meet the percentages which shall be 2 inches or larger 
as specified in the U.S. No. 1 grade.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sec. 51.2831  U.S. Export No. 1.

    U.S. Export No. 1 consists of onions which meet the following 
requirements:
    (a) Basic requirements:
    (1) Similar varietal characteristics;
    (2) Mature;
    (3) Dormant;
    (4) Fairly firm; and,
    (5) Fairly well shaped.
    (b) Free from:
    (1) Decay;
    (2) Wet sunscald;
    (3) Doubles;
    (4) Bottlenecks; and,
    (5) Scallions.
    (c) Free from damage caused by:
    (1) Seedstems;
    (2) Splits;
    (3) Tops;
    (4) Roots;
    (5) Dry sunken areas;
    (6) Sunburn;
    (7) Sprouts;
    (8) Freezing;
    (9) Peeling;
    (10) Cracked fleshy scales;
    (11) Watery scales;
    (12) Dirt or staining;
    (13) Foreign matter;
    (14) Disease;
    (15) Insects; and,
    (16) Other means.
    (d) Unless otherwise specified onions are packed in accordance with 
Export Packing Requirements set forth in Sec. 51.2841. (See 
Sec. 51.2838.)


Sec. 51.2832  U.S. Commercial.

    U.S. Commercial consists of onions which meet the following 
requirements:
    (a) Basic requirements:
    (1) Similar varietal characteristics;
    (2) Mature;
    (3) Not soft or spongy; and,
    (4) Not badly misshapen.
    (b) Free from:
    (1) Decay;
    (2) Wet sunscald;
    (3) Doubles;
    (4) Bottlenecks; and,
    (5) Scallions.
    (c) Free from damage caused by:
    (1) Seedstems;
    (2) Tops;
    (3) Roots;
    (4) Dry sunken areas;
    (5) Sunburn;
    (6) Sprouts;
    (7) Freezing;
    (8) Cracked fleshy scales;
    (9) Watery scales;
    (10) Disease;
    (11) Insects; and,
    (12) Other means.
    (d) Free from serious damage caused by:
    (1) Staining;
    (2) Dirt; and,
    (3) Other foreign matter.
    (e) For tolerances see Sec. 51.2838.
    (f) Size. Unless otherwise specified, the diameter shall be not 
less than 1\1/2\ inches. (See Secs. 51.2837 and 51.2838.)


Sec. 51.2833  U.S. No. 1 Boilers.

    U.S. No. 1 Boilers consists of onions which meet all the 
requirements for the U.S. No. 1 grade except for size. (See 
Sec. 51.2830.) Size. The diameter of onions of this grade shall be not 
less than 1 inch nor more than 1\7/8\ inches. (See Sec. 51.2838.)


Sec. 51.2834  U.S. No. 1 Picklers.

    U.S. No. 1 Picklers consists of onions which meet all the 
requirements for the U.S. No. 1 grade except for size. (See 
Sec. 51.2830.) Size. The maximum diameter of onions of this grade shall 
be not more than 1 inch. (See Sec. 51.2838.)


Sec. 51.2835  U.S. No. 1 Peeled.

    U.S. No. 1 Peeled consists of onions which meet all the 
requirements for the U.S. No. 1 grade except for damage caused by 
peeling. Furthermore, onions must be free from any outer papery scales 
in order to meet the requirements of this grade. (See Sec. 51.2830.)
    (a) Size. Unless otherwise specified the diameter shall be not less 
than 1\1/2\ inches with 30 percent or more, by weight, of the onions in 
any lot 2 inches or larger in diameter.
    (b) When a percentage of the onions is specified to be of any 
certain size or larger, no part of any tolerance shall be allowed to 
reduce the specified percentage, but individual packages in a lot may 
have as much as 25 percentage points less than the percentage 
specified, except that individual packages containing 10 pounds or less 
shall have no requirements as to percentage of a certain size or 
larger: Provided, that any lot, regardless of package size, shall 
average within the percentage specified.

(See Secs. 51.2837 and 51.2838.)2 [[Page 8977]] 

    \2\Any lot of onions quoted as being of size smaller than 1\1/2\ 
inches minimum, such as ``U.S. No. 1, 1\1/4\ inches min.'' is not 
required to meet the percentages which shall be 2 inches or larger 
as specified in the U.S. No. 1 grade.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sec. 51.2836  U.S. No. 2.

    U.S. No. 2 consists of onions which meet the following 
requirements:
    (a) Basic requirements:
    (1) One type;
    (2) Mature; and,
    (3) Not soft or spongy.
    (b) Free from:
    (1) Decay;
    (2) Wet sunscald; and,
    (3) Scallions.
    (c) Free from serious damage caused by:
    (1) Seedstems;
    (2) Dry sunken areas;
    (3) Sprouts;
    (4) Freezing;
    (5) Watery scales;
    (6) Disease;
    (7) Insects; and,
    (8) Other means.
    (d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.2838.
    (e) Size. Unless otherwise specified, the diameter shall not be 
less than 1\1/2\ inches. (See Secs. 51.2837 and 51.2838.)

Size Classifications


Sec. 51.2837  Size classifications.

    The size of onions may be specified in accordance with one of the 
following classifications.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Minimum diameter          Maximum diameter    
  Size designation   ---------------------------------------------------
                         Inches    Millimeters     Inches    Millimeters
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small...............            1         25.4       2\1/4\         57.2
Repacker/                                                               
 Prepacker\1\.......       1\3/4\         44.5            3         76.2
Medium..............            2         50.8       3\1/4\         82.6
Large or jumbo......            3         76.2        (\2\)  ...........
Colossal............       3\3/4\         95.3        (\2\)  ...........
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\In addition to the sizes specified, a lot of onions designated as    
  Repacker or Prepacker shall contain at least 60 percent or more 2     
  inches or larger in diameter.                                         
\2\No requirement.                                                      

Tolerances


Sec. 51.2838  Tolerances.

    In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and 
handling in each of the foregoing grades the following tolerances, by 
weight, are provided as specified:
    (a) For defects:
    (1) U.S. No. 1, U.S. Export No. 1, U.S. No. 1 Boilers and U.S. No. 
1 Picklers grades.
    (i) Not more than 10 percent of the onions in a lot may be damaged 
by peeling;
    (ii) Not more than 5 percent of the onions in a lot may be below 
the remaining requirements of these grades, but not more than two-
fifths of this tolerance, or 2 percent, may be allowed for onions which 
are affected by decay or wet sunscald (see Sec. 51.2840); and,
    (2) U.S. No. 1 Peeled grade.
    (i) Not more than 5 percent of the onions in a lot may have outer 
papery scales in any amount;
    (ii) Not more than 5 percent of the onions in a lot may be below 
the remaining requirements of the grade, but not more than two-fifths 
of this tolerance, or 2 percent, may be allowed for onions which are 
affected by decay or wet sunscald (see Sec. 51.2840); and,
    (3) U.S. Commercial and U.S. No. 2 grades.
    (i) Not more than 5 percent of the onions in a lot may be below the 
requirements of these grades, but not more than two-fifths of this 
tolerance, or 2 percent, may be allowed for onions which are affected 
by decay or wet sunscald. (See Sec. 51.2840.)
    (b) For off-size:
    (1) U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 1 Boilers, U.S. No. 1 Peeled, U.S. 
Commercial, and U.S. No. 2 grades. Not more than 5 percent of the 
onions in a lot may be below the specified minimum size, and not more 
than 10 percent may be above any specified maximum size. (See 
Sec. 51.2840.)
    (2) U.S. No. 1 Pickler grade. Not more than 10 percent of the 
onions in a lot may be above the maximum size specified for this grade. 
(See Sec. 51.2840.)

Samples for Grade and Size Determination


Sec. 51.2839  Samples for grade and size determination.

    Individual samples shall consist of at least 20 pounds. When 
individual packages contain 20 pounds or more and the onions are packed 
for Large or Jumbo size or larger the package shall be the sample. When 
individual packages contain less than 20 pounds, a sufficient number of 
adjoining packages are [[Page 8978]] opened to provide at least a 20 
pound sample.

Application of Tolerances


Sec. 51.2840  Application of tolerances.

    Individual samples are subject to the following limitations:
    (a) Samples which contain more than 20 pounds shall have not more 
than one and one half times a specified tolerance of 10 percent or 
more, and not more than double a specified tolerance of less than 10 
percent, except that at least one defective and one off-size onion may 
be permitted in any sample: Provided, that en-route or at destination 
when onions in containers of 50 pounds or more are packed to a minimum 
size of 3 inches or larger not more than three onions or more than 4 
percent (whichever is the larger amount) may be affected by decay or 
wet sunscald: And provided further, that the averages for the entire 
lot are within the tolerances specified for the grade; and,
    (b) Samples which contain 20 pounds shall have not more than double 
the tolerance specified, except that at least one defective and one 
off-size onion may be permitted in any sample: Provided, that the 
averages for the entire lot are within the tolerances specified for the 
grade.

Export Packing Requirements


Sec. 51.2841  Export packing requirements.

    Onions specified as meeting Export Packing Requirements shall be 
packed in containers having a net capacity of 25 kilograms 
(approximately 56 pounds).

Definitions


Sec. 51.2842  Mature.

    Mature means well cured. Midseason onions which are not customarily 
held in storage shall be considered mature when harvested in accordance 
with good commercial practice at a stage which will not result in the 
onions becoming soft or spongy.


Sec. 51.2843  Dormant.

    Dormant means that at least 90 percent of the onions in any lot 
show no evidence of growth as indicated by distinct elongation of the 
growing point or distinct yellow or green color in the tip of the 
growing point.


Sec. 51.2844  Fairly firm.

    Fairly firm means that the onion may yield slightly to moderate 
pressure but is not appreciably soft or spongy.


Sec. 51.2845  Fairly well shaped.

    Fairly well shaped means having the shape characteristic of the 
variety, but onions may be slightly off-type or slightly misshapen.


Sec. 51.2846  Wet sunscald.

    Wet sunscald means sunscald which is soft, mushy, sticky or wet.


Sec. 51.2847  Doubles.

    Doubles means onions which have developed more than one distinct 
bulb joined only at the base.


Sec. 51.2848  Bottlenecks.

    Bottlenecks are onions which have abnormally thick necks with only 
fairly well developed bulbs.


Sec. 51.2849  Scallions.

    Scallions are onions which have thick necks and relatively small 
and poorly developed bulbs.


Sec. 51.2850  Damage.

    Damage means any specific defect described in this section; or any 
equally objectionable variation of any one of these defects, any other 
defect, or any combination of defects, which materially detracts from 
the appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the onions. The 
following specific defects shall be considered as damage:
    (a) Seedstems which are tough or woody, or which are more than \1/
4\ inch in diameter;
    (b) Splits when onions with two or more hearts are not practically 
covered by one or more outer scales;
    (c) Tops when more than 30 percent of the onions in a lot have tops 
3 inches or more in length;
    (d) New roots when most roots on an individual onion have grown to 
a length of 1 inch or more in length;
    (e) Dry roots when more than 20 percent of the onions in a lot have 
practically all roots 2 inches or more in length;
    (f) Dry sunken areas when the affected areas exceed the equivalent 
to that of a circle \1/2\ inch in diameter on an onion 2\3/4\ inches in 
diameter which does not have the outer papery scale covering the 
affected areas or when the affected areas exceed the equivalent to that 
of a circle \3/4\ inch in diameter on an onion 2\3/4\ inches in 
diameter which has the outer papery scale covering the affected areas. 
Correspondingly lesser or greater areas are allowed on smaller or 
larger onions;
    (g) Sunburn when more than 33 percent of the onions in a lot have a 
medium green color on one-third of the surface;
    (h) Sprouts when visible, or when concealed within the dry top and 
more than three-fourths inch in length on an onion 2 inches or larger 
in diameter, or proportionately shorter on smaller onions;
    (i) Peeling when more than one-half of the thin papery skin is 
missing, leaving the underlying fleshy scale unprotected;
    (j) Cracked fleshy scales when one or more of the fleshy scales are 
cracked;
    (k) Watery scales when more than the equivalent of the entire outer 
fleshy scale is affected by an off-color, watersoaked condition. The 
off-color must be of some shade of brown or yellow;
    (l) Dirt, staining or other foreign matter when more than 20 
percent of the onions in a yellow, brown or red lot, or more than 15 
percent of the onions in a white lot are appreciably stained. Onions 
with adhering dirt or other foreign matter shall be judged on the same 
basis as stained onions;
    (m) Mechanical when any cut extends deeper than one fleshy scale, 
or when any bruise breaks a fleshy scale; and,
    (n) Translucent scales when more than the equivalent of two entire 
outer fleshy scales have a watersoaked condition.


Sec. 51.2851  Diameter.

    Diameter means the greatest dimension measured at right angles to a 
straight line running from the stem to the root.


Sec. 51.2852  Badly misshapen.

    Badly misshapen means that the onion is so misshapen that its 
appearance is seriously affected.


Sec. 51.2853  Serious damage.

    Serious damage means any specific defect described in this section; 
or any equally objectionable variation of any one of these defects, any 
other defect, or any combination of defects, which seriously detracts 
from the appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the onions. 
The following specific defects shall be considered as serious damage:
    (a) Watery scales when more than the equivalent of two entire outer 
fleshy scales are affected by an off-colored, watersoaked condition. 
The off-color must be of some shade of brown or yellow;
    (b) Dirt, staining or other foreign matter when more than 25 
percent of the onions in a lot are badly stained. Onions with adhering 
dirt or other foreign matter shall be judged on the same basis as 
stained onions;
    (c) Seedstems when more than one-half inch in diameter;
    (d) Sprouts when the visible length is more than one half inch;
    (e) Mechanical when any cut extends deeper than two fleshy scales, 
or when cuts seriously damage the appearance of the onion; and,
    (f) Dry sunken areas when extending deeper than one fleshy scale, 
or when affecting an area equivalent to that of a circle 1 inch in 
diameter on an onion [[Page 8979]] 2\3/4\ inches in diameter, or 
correspondingly lesser or greater areas on smaller or larger onions.


Sec. 51.2854  One type.

    One type means that the onions are within the same general color 
category.

Metric Conversion Table


Sec. 51.2855  Metric conversion table.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Millimeters 
                         Inches                                (mm)     
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1/8\...................................................             3.2
\1/4\...................................................             6.4
\3/8\...................................................             9.5
\1/2\...................................................            12.7
\5/8\...................................................            15.9
\3/4\...................................................            19.1
\7/8\...................................................            22.2
1.......................................................            25.4
1\1/4\..................................................            31.8
1\1/2\..................................................            38.1
1\3/4\..................................................            44.5
2.......................................................            50.8
2\1/2\..................................................            63.5
2\3/4\..................................................            69.9
3.......................................................            76.2
3\1/2\..................................................            88.9
4.......................................................           101.6
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    3. In Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Bermuda-
Granex-Grano Type Onions is revised to read as follows:
Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Bermuda-Granex-Grano 
Type Onions

Grades

Sec.
51.3195  U.S. No. 1.
51.3196  U.S. No. 1 Peeled.
51.3197  U.S. Combination.
51.3198  U.S. No. 2.
    Size Classifications
51.3199  Size classifications.

Tolerances

51.3200  Tolerances

Samples for Grade and Size Determination

51.3201  Samples for grade and size determination.

Application of Tolerances

51.3202  Application of tolerances.

Definitions

51.3203  Similar varietal characteristics.
51.3204  Mature.
51.3205  Fairly firm.
51.3206  Fairly well shaped.
51.3207  Wet sunscald.
51.3208  Doubles.
51.3209  Bottlenecks.
51.3210  Damage.
51.3211  Serious damage.
51.3212  Diameter.

Metric Conversion Table

51.3213  Metric conversion table.

Subpart--United States standards for Grades of Bermuda-Granex-Grano 
Type Onions

Grades


Sec. 51.3195  U.S. No. 1

    U.S. No. 1 consists of onions which meet the following 
requirements:
    (a) Basic requirements:
    (1) Similar varietal characteristics;
    (2) Mature;
    (3) Fairly firm; and,
    (4) Fairly well shaped.
    (b) Free from:
    (1) Decay;
    (2) Wet unscald;
    (3) Doubles; and,
    (4) Bottlenecks.
    (c) Free from damage caused by:
    (1) Seedstems;
    (2) Splits;
    (3) Moisture;
    (4) Roots:
    (5) Dry sunscald;
    (6) Sunburn;
    (7) Sprouting;
    (8) Staining;
    (9) Dirt or foreign material;
    (10) Disease;
    (11) Insects;
    (12) Mechanical; and,
    (13) Other means.
    (d) For size and tolerances see Secs. 51.3199 and 51.3200.


Sec. 51.3196  U.S. No. 1 Peeled.

    U.S. No. 1 Peeled consists of onions which meet all the 
requirements for the U.S. No. 1 grade. Furthermore, onions must be free 
from any outer papery scales in order to meet the requirements of this 
grade. (See Secs. 51.3199 and 51.3200.)


Sec. 51.3197  U.S. Combination.

    U.S. Combination consists of a combination of U.S. No. 1 and U.S. 
No. 2 onions: Provided, that at least 50 percent, by weight, of the 
onions in each lot meet the requirements of U.S. No. 1 grade. (See 
Secs. 51.3199 and 51.3200.)


Sec. 51.3198  U.S. No. 2.

    U.S. No. 2 consists of onions which meet the following 
requirements:
    (a) Basic requirements:
    (1) Similar varietal characteristics; and,
    (2) Not soft or spongy.
    (b) Free from:
    (1) Decay;
    (2) Wet sunscald; and,
    (3) Bottlenecks.
    (c) Free from serious damage caused by:
    (1) Seedstems;
    (2) Dry sunken areas;
    (3) Sprouting;
    (4) Staining;
    (5) Dirt or other foreign material;
    (6) Disease;
    (7) Insects;
    (8) Mechanical; and,
    (9) Other means.
    (d) For size and tolerances see Secs. 51.3199 and 51.3200.

Size Classifications


Sec. 51.3199  Size classifications.

    Size shall be specified in connection with the grade in terms of 
minimum diameter, range in diameter, minimum diameter with a percentage 
of a certain size or larger, or in accordance with one of the size 
classifications listed below: Provided, that unless otherwise 
specified, onions shall not be less than 1\1/2\ inches in diameter, 
with 60 percent or more 2 inches or larger in diameter.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Minimum diameter          Maximum diameter    
  Size designation   ---------------------------------------------------
                         Inches    Millimeters     Inches    Millimeters
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small...............            1         25.4       2\1/4\         57.2
Repacker/                                                               
 Prepacker\1\.......       1\3/4\         44.5            3         76.2
Medium..............            2         50.8       3\1/4\         82.6
Large or jumbo......            3         76.2        (\2\)             
Colossal............       3\3/4\  95.3 (\2\)                           
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\In addition to the sizes specified, a lot of onions designated as    
  Repacker or Prepacker shall contain at least 60 percent or more 2     
  inches or larger in diameter.                                         
\2\No requirement.                                                      

 [[Page 8980]] Tolerances


Sec. 51.3200  Tolerances.

    In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and 
handling in each of the foregoing grades the following tolerances, by 
weight, are provided as specified:
    (a) For defects:
    (1) U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2 grades.
    (i) Not more than 10 percent of the onions in a lot may fail to 
meet the requirements of these grades, but not more than one-fifth of 
this tolerance, or 2 percent, may be allowed for onions which are 
affected by decay or wet sunscald.
    (2) U.S. No. 1 Peeled grade.
    (i) Not more than 5 percent of the onions in a lot may have outer 
papery scales in any amount;
    (ii) Not more than 10 percent of the onions in a lot may be below 
the remaining requirements of the grade, but not more than one-fifth of 
this tolerance, or 2 percent, may be allowed for onions which are 
affected by decay or wet sunscald.
    (3) U.S. Combination grade.
    (i) When applying the foregoing tolerances to this grade no part of 
any tolerance shall be allowed to reduce, for the lot as a whole, the 
50 percent of onions of the U.S. No. 1 grade, but individual containers 
shall have not less than 40 percent of the U.S. No. 1 grade.
    (b) For size:
    (1) Not more than 5 percent of the onions in a lot may be smaller 
than the minimum diameter specified. In addition, not more than 10 
percent of the onions in a lot may be larger than the maximum diameter 
specified.
    (2) When a percentage of the onions is specified to be a certain 
size and larger, individual packages containing more than 10 pounds may 
have not less than one-half of the percentage specified: Provided, that 
the entire lot averages within the percentage specified.

Samples for Grade and Size Determination


Sec. 51.3201  Samples for grade and size determination.

    Individual samples shall consist of at least 20 pounds. When 
individual packages contain 20 pounds or more and the onions are packed 
for Large or Jumbo size or larger the package shall be the sample. When 
individual packages contain less than 20 pounds, a sufficient number of 
adjoining packages are opened to provide at least a 20 pound sample.

Application of Tolerances


Sec. 51.3202  Application of tolerances.

    Individual samples are subject to the following limitations:
    (a) Samples which contain more than 20 pounds shall have not more 
than one and one half times a specified tolerance of 10 percent or 
more, and not more than double a specified tolerance of less than 10 
percent, except that at least one defective and one off-size onion may 
be permitted in any sample: Provided, that enroute or at destination 
when onions in containers of 50 pounds or more are packed to a minimum 
size of 3 inches or larger not more than three onions or more than 4 
percent (whichever is the larger amount) may be affected by decay or 
wet sunscald: And provided further, that the averages for the entire 
lot are within the tolerances specified for the grade; and,
    (b) Samples which contain 20 pounds shall have not more than double 
the tolerance specified, except that at least one defective and one 
off-size onion may be permitted in any sample: Provided, that the 
averages for the entire lot are within the tolerances specified for the 
grade.

Definitions


Sec. 51.3203  Similar varietal characteristics.

    Similar varietal characteristics means that the onions in any 
container are similar in color, shape and character of growth.


Sec. 51.3204  Mature.

    Mature means that the onion is fairly well cured, and at least 
fairly firm.


Sec. 51.3205  Fairly firm.

    Fairly firm means that the onion may yield slightly to moderate 
pressure but is not appreciably soft or spongy.


Sec. 51.3206  Fairly well shaped.

    Fairly well shaped means that the onion shows the characteristic 
shape, not appreciably three-, four- or five- sided, thick necked or 
badly pinched.


Sec. 51.3207  Wet sunscald.

    Wet sunscald means any sunscald which is soft, mushy, sticky or 
wet.


Sec. 51.3208  Doubles.

    Doubles means onions which have developed more than one distinct 
bulb joined only at the base.


Sec. 51.3209  Bottlenecks.

    Bottlenecks means onions which have abnormally thick necks with 
only fairly well developed bulbs.


Sec. 51.3210  Damage.

    Damage unless otherwise specifically defined in this section, means 
any defect which materially affects the appearance, or the edible or 
shipping quality of the onions. Any one of the following defects, or 
combination of defects the seriousness of which exceeds the maximum 
allowed for any one defect, shall be considered as damage:
    (a) Seedstems which are tough or woody, or which are more than one-
fourth inch in diameter;
    (b) Splits when well cured onions are not practically covered by an 
outer scale, or when fairly well cured onions are not completely 
covered by one outer scale;
    (c) Dry sunken areas when the affected areas exceed the equivalent 
to that of a circle \1/2\ inch in diameter on an onion 2\3/4\ inches in 
diameter which does not have the outer papery scale covering the 
affected areas or when the affected areas exceed the equivalent to that 
of a circle \3/4\ inch in diameter on an onion 2\3/4\ inches in 
diameter which has the outer papery scale covering the affected areas. 
Correspondingly lesser or greater areas are allowed on smaller or 
larger onions;
    (d) Sunburn when dark green in color and affecting an area 
equivalent to that of a circle 1 inch in diameter on an onion 2\3/4\ 
inches in diameter or correspondingly smaller or larger areas on 
smaller or larger onions, or when medium to light green in color and 
affecting more than 10 percent of the surface of the onion;
    (e) Sprouting when any sprout is visible, or when concealed within 
the neck scales and are more than three-fourths inch in length on an 
onion 2 inches or larger in diameter, or proportionately shorter on 
smaller onions;
    (f) Staining, dirt or other foreign material when more than 20 
percent of the onions in a yellow, brown or red lot, or more than 15 
percent of the onions in a white lot are appreciably stained. Onions 
with adhering dirt or other foreign matter shall be judged on the same 
basis as stained onions;
    (g) Mechanical when any cut extends deeper than one fleshy scale, 
or when any bruise breaks a fleshy scale;
    (h) Tops when more than 30 percent of the onions in a lot have tops 
3 inches or more in length;
    (i) New roots when most roots on an individual onion have grown to 
a length of 1 inch or more;
    (j) Dry roots when practically all roots are 2 inches or more in 
length;
    (k) Translucent scales when more than the equivalent of two entire 
outer [[Page 8981]] fleshy scales have a watersoaked condition; and,
    (l) Watery scales when more than the equivalent of the entire outer 
fleshy scale is affected by an off-color, watersoaked condition. The 
off-color must be of some shade of brown or yellow.


Sec. 51.3211  Serious damage.

    Serious damage unless otherwise specifically defined in this 
section, means any defect which seriously affects the appearance, or 
the edible or shipping quality of the onions. Any one of the following 
defects, or any combination of defects the seriousness of which exceeds 
the maximum allowed for any one defect, shall be considered as serious 
damage:
    (a) Seedstems when more than one-half inch in diameter;
    (b) Dry sunken areas when extending deeper than one fleshy scale, 
or when affecting an area equivalent to that of a circle 1 inch in 
diameter on an onion 2\3/4\ inches in diameter, or correspondingly 
lesser or greater areas on smaller or larger onions;
    (c) Sprouting when any visible sprout is more than one-half inch in 
length;
    (d) Staining, dirt or foreign material when more than 25 percent of 
the onions in any lot are badly stained. Onions with adhering dirt or 
other foreign matter shall be judged on the same basis as stained 
onions;
    (e) Mechanical when any cut extends deeper than two fleshy scales, 
or when cuts seriously damage the appearance of the onion; and,
    (f) Watery scales when more than the equivalent of two entire outer 
fleshy scales are affected by an off-colored, watersoaked condition. 
The off-color must be of some shade of brown or yellow.


Sec. 51.3212  Diameter.

    Diameter means the greatest dimension of the onion at right angles 
to a line running from the stem to the root.

Metric Conversion Table


Sec. 51.3213  Metric conversion table.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Millimeters 
                         Inches                                (mm)     
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1/8\...................................................             3.2
\1/4\...................................................             6.4
\3/8\...................................................             9.5
\1/2\...................................................            12.7
\5/8\...................................................            15.9
\3/4\...................................................            19.1
\7/8\...................................................            22.2
1.......................................................            25.4
1\1/4\..................................................            31.8
1\1/2\..................................................            38.1
1\3/4\..................................................            44.5
2.......................................................            50.8
2\1/2\..................................................            63.5
2\3/4\..................................................            69.9
3.......................................................            76.2
3\1/2\..................................................            88.9
4.......................................................           101.6
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Dated: February 9, 1995.
Lon Hatamiya,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 95-3787 Filed 2-15-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P