[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 174 (Friday, September 8, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46976-46982]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-22281]




[[Page 46975]]

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Part IV





Department of Agriculture





_______________________________________________________________________



Agricultural Marketing Service



_______________________________________________________________________



7 CFR Part 51



Onions (Bermuda-Granex-Grano) and Other Onions; Grade Standards; Final 
Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 174 / Friday, September 8, 1995 / 
Rules and Regulations   

[[Page 46976]]


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: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This final rule revises 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 
revision sets a minimum sample size for consumer size packages, 
provides a ``Colossal'' size classification and eliminates Export size 
classifications. It also includes other technical revisions to update 
the standards in accord with current handling and marketing practices.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 10, 1995.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank O'Sullivan, Fresh Products 
Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 96456, Room 2049 South 
Building, Washington, DC 20090-6456, (202) 720-2185.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is 
issuing this rule in conformance with Executive Order 12866.
    Pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et. seq.), 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 final 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 final rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12778, 
Civil Justice Reform. This action is not intended to have retroactive 
effect. This 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 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), 
requested that the minimum sample size for consumer size packages be 
designated at 20 pounds in each standard. While considering the NOA's 
request the Agency, 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 by proposing additional revisions including a grade for 
peeled onions, an additional size designation for colossal onions and 
technical revisions to promote uniformity and clarity wherever 
possible.
    The proposed rule, 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), was published 
in the Federal Register on February 16, 1995, (60, FR 8973-8981). The 
60 day comment period ended April 17, 1995, and a total of eleven 
comments were received from six individual growers/packers/shippers, 
four associations and committees and one from an individual consumer.
    Three of these comments, which included two growers/packers/
shippers and the NOA, were in full support of the proposal. One 
commentor expressed that, ``Since we market onions of both types, we 
feel the changes to (the) standard are needed and will make the 
inspection and marketing of onions much easier.'' The NOA agreed with 
the agency's effort to modernize and update the standards because it 
would encourage improved marketing practices and business conditions 
for U.S. onion producers, shippers, and handlers. Another comment 
simply stated agreement with the proposed rule.
    Three comments were received which were in general support of the 
proposed changes but which expressed some disagreement on one or two of 
the specific revisions.
    A grower/packer/shipper suggested that the medium size designation 
be changed from 2 inch minimum to 2\1/4\ inch minimum and be called 
large/medium or medium/large. In regards to the new colossal size 
designation this commentor also stated that ``colossal in the trade is 
generally 4'' and larger not 3\3/4\.'' Size designations in the 
standards are not requirements of the grades but provide reasonable 
guidelines that may be specified in connection with the grades. These 
guidelines provide the basis for a common trading language. However, 
industry members may specify any size qualifications they agree to in 
their contracts. AMS believes that the consolidation of the separate 
size classifications from each standard into one has achieved the 
intended purpose of uniformity and clarity. The colossal size 
designation provides specifications (3\3/4\ inches minimum) that would 
allow for a lot of onions that are packed to 4 inches minimum yet still 
maintains a reasonable distinction from the next smaller size 
designation. Therefore, AMS has decided to leave the sizes as 
designated in the proposal.
    Two produce organization groups sent in identical comments in 
regards to the proposed U.S. No. 1 Peeled grade. They suggested the 
grade be substantially rewritten as a ``U.S. Peeled grade'' and 

[[Page 46977]]
specified basic requirements, free from defects, free from serious 
damage defects and other requirements. The comments suggested a grade 
for peeled onions that was substantially different than the one 
proposed. Having considered these comments and other comments that give 
general agreement to the proposal as written or make no specific 
comment to this issue, AMS has decided to not include the proposed U.S. 
No. 1 Peeled grade in this standard change. AMS believes further 
investigation of the need for a peeled onion grade and what 
requirements would best serve the industry should be undertaken based 
on these comments.
    Two comments were received that addressed specific points they 
wished to see changed from the proposal.
    One grower/packer/shipper commented that ``we would like to see the 
tolerance for decay increased to 4% and total defects allowed to 7% for 
the other than Bermuda-Grano-Granex type onions. This would save 
millions of dollars in food claims each year that would go to the 
farmers and not adversely affect the ultimate return to the receiver 
with consumer prices eventually falling.'' The tolerances in the 
``Other Than'' standard have been in place since the inception of the 
standard in 1920. Changes to the tolerances were not included in the 
proposed rule because there was no request to do so and AMS saw no need 
to change that which has been working successfully for the life of this 
standard. Accordingly, AMS will not be changing any tolerance 
percentages in this final rule.
    A grower/packer/shipper of pearl and boiler onions had some 
comments in regards to the proposed 20 pound minimum sample size for 
consumer size packages. In the proposal, Samples for grade and size 
determination (sections 51.3201 in ``BGG'' and 51.2839 in ``Other 
Than'') states in part ``When individual packages contain less than 20 
pounds, a sufficient number of adjoining packages are opened to provide 
at least a twenty pound sample.'' This commentor pointed out that for 
the very small pearl or boiler onions which are packed in packages from 
10 to 16 ounces this minimum sample size would impose severe hardship. 
The commentor points out that ``the proposed minimum sampling 
requirement of twenty pounds will necessitate the opening and 
examination of 32 packages of pearl onions and 20 packages of boiler 
onions per sample * * * Therefore, for a full semi-trailer load of 
these consumer size packages, a minimum of 256 packages (approximately 
9,600 bulbs) of pearls and a minimum of 160 packages (approximately 
3,025 bulbs) of boilers would need to be examined under this proposed 
sampling requirement. We believe this is an excessively large number of 
bulbs, and the cost of inspection would be prohibitive.'' AMS believes 
that this comment has merit. There would be an unnecessary burden to 
both industry and the inspection service to sample and inspect as many 
packages as needed for these smaller size onions under the proposed 
sampling guidelines. Therefore, AMS has decided to provide an exemption 
from the 20 pound sample size for onions packed to meet 2\1/4\ inch and 
smaller maximum size. For these onions the samples may consist of 
either 20 pounds or the individual package. Samples for grade and size 
determination will now read: ``Individual samples shall consist of at 
least 20 pounds for onions packed to meet larger than 2\1/4\ inches 
maximum diameter. 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, except that for onions packed to meet 2\1/
4\ inches maximum diameter or smaller, the sample may consist of either 
20 pounds or the individual package.''
    One comment received from a major receiver's association was 
opposed to the proposal in general. They recommend that AMS retain the 
existing standards unchanged citing that ``Increasing the tolerance of 
any grade and/or condition factors as well as increasing the defect 
percentage of any specific grade and/or condition factors or a 
combination thereof will result in a reduction of the existing quality 
standards.'' However, no tolerance changes are included in this 
standard revision. Further, the revisions to these onion standards are 
strictly for clarification, uniformity and conformity to current 
harvesting, handling, and marketing practices. Accordingly, no changes 
to the proposed standards are being made based on this comment.
    Two comments received did not address the provisions of the 
proposal. One was from an individual consumer and the other was from a 
grower/packer/shipper.
    A copy of the proposed rule was provided to the Agricultural 
Research Service (ARS) for help in identifying studies, data collection 
or other information relevant to the possible effect of the proposed 
revision on pesticide use. ARS reported that they were unable to find 
much information on the subject. The information that was found by ARS 
proved not to be relevant.
    The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) develops and improves 
standards of quality, condition, grade, and packaging to enhance the 
marketing of agricultural commodities by fostering consistency in 
commercial practices. The Agency has determined this final rule will 
enhance the marketing of onions. The provisions of this final rule are 
the same as those in the proposed rule except for the changes noted 
above in response to the comments received, and several minor editorial 
changes made for clarity.
    Accordingly, this revision shall become effective 30 days after 
publication in the Federal Register.

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, 7 CFR Part 51 is 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. In 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. 2.

Size Classifications

51.2836  Size classifications.

Tolerances

51.2837  Tolerances.

Samples for Grade and Size Determination

51.2838  Samples for grade and size determination.

Application of Tolerances

51.2839  Application of tolerances.

Export Packing Requirements

51.2840  Export packing requirements.

Definitions

51.2841  Mature.
51.2842  Dormant.
51.2843  Fairly firm. 

[[Page 46978]]

51.2844  Fairly well shaped.
51.2845  Wet sunscald.
51.2846  Doubles.
51.2847  Bottlenecks.
51.2848  Scallions.
51.2849  Damage.
51.2850  Diameter.
51.2851  Badly misshapen.
51.2852  Serious damage.
51.2853  One type.
Metric Conversion Table

51.2854  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) Mechanical;
    (15) Translucent scales;
    (16) Disease;
    (17) Insects; and,
    (18) Other means.
    (d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.2837.
    (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. 51.2836 and 
51.2837) 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) Mechanical;
    (15) Translucent scales;
    (16) Disease;
    (17) Insects; and,
    (18) Other means.
    (d) Unless otherwise specified onions are packed in accordance with 
Export Packing Requirements set forth in Sec. 51.2840. (See 
Sec. 51.2837.)


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) Mechanical;
    (11) Translucent scales;
    (12) Disease;
    (13) Insects; and,
    (14) Other means.
    (d) Free from serious damage caused by:
    (1) Staining;
    (2) Dirt; and,
    (3) Other foreign matter.
    (e) For tolerances see Sec. 51.2837.
    (f) Size. Unless otherwise specified, the diameter shall be not 
less than 1\1/2\ inches. (See Secs. 51.2836 and 51.2837.)
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. 51.2837.)


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. 51.2837.)


Sec. 51.2835  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) Watery scales;
    (2) Dirt or Staining;
    (3) Foreign Matter;
    (4) Seedstems;
    (5) Sprouts;
    (6) Mechanical;
    (7) Dry sunken areas;
    (8) Disease;
    (9) Freezing;
    (10) Insects; and,
    (11) Other means.
    (d) For tolerances see Sec. 51.2837.
    (e) Size. Unless otherwise specified, the diameter shall not be 
less than 1\1/2\ inches. (See Secs. 51.2836 and 51.2837.)

Size Classifications


Sec. 51.2836  Size classifications.

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

                                                                        

[[Page 46979]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          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. 51.2837  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; and,
    (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. 51.2839.)
    (2) 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. 51.2839.)
    (b) For off-size:
    (1) U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 1 Boilers, 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. 51.2839.)
    (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. 51.2839.)

Samples for Grade and Size Determination


Sec. 51.2838  Samples for grade and size determination.

    Individual samples shall consist of at least 20 pounds for onions 
packed to meet larger than 2\1/4\ inches maximum diameter. 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, 
except that for onions packed to meet 2\1/4\ inches maximum diameter or 
smaller, the sample may consist of either 20 pounds or the individual 
package.

Application of Tolerances


Sec. 51.2839  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 or less 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. 51.2840  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. 51.2841  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. 51.2842  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. 51.2843  Fairly firm.

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


Sec. 51.2844  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. 51.2845  Wet sunscald.

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


Sec. 51.2846  Doubles.

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


Sec. 51.2847  Bottlenecks.

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


Sec. 51.2848  Scallions.

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


Sec. 51.2849  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; 

[[Page 46980]]

    (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 \3/4\ 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. 51.2850  Diameter.

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


Sec. 51.2851  Badly misshapen.

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


Sec. 51.2852  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 \1/2\ inch in diameter;
    (d) Sprouts when the visible length is more than \1/2\ 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 2\3/4\ inches in diameter, or correspondingly 
lesser or greater areas on smaller or larger onions.


Sec. 51.2853  One type.

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

Metric Conversion Table


Sec. 51.2854  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 Part 51, 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. Combination.
51.3197  U.S. No. 2.

Size Classifications

51.3198  Size classifications.

Tolerances

51.3199  Tolerances.

Samples for Grade and Size Determination

51.3200  Samples for grade and size determination.

Application of Tolerances

51.3201  Application of tolerances.

Definitions

51.3202  Similar varietal characteristics.
51.3203  Mature.
51.3204  Fairly firm.
51.3205  Fairly well shaped.
51.3206  Wet sunscald.
51.3207  Doubles.
51.3208  Bottlenecks.
51.3209  Damage.
51.3210  Serious damage.
51.3211  Diameter.

Metric Conversion Table

51.3212  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 sunscald;
    (3) Doubles; and,
    (4) Bottlenecks.
    (c) Free from damage caused by:
    (1) Seedstems;
    (2) Splits;
    (3) Dry sunken areas;
    (4) Sunburn;
    (5) Sprouting;
    (6) Staining;
    (7) Dirt or foreign material;
    (8) Mechanical;
    (9) Tops;
    (10) Roots;
    (11) Translucent scales;
    (12) Watery scales;
    (13) Moisture;
    (14) Disease;
    (15) Insects; and,
    (16) Other means. 

[[Page 46981]]

    (d) For size and tolerances see Secs. 51.3198 and 51.3199.


Sec. 51.3196  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. 51.3198 and 51.3199.)


Sec. 51.3197  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) Mechanical;
    (7) Watery scales;
    (8) Insects;
    (9) Disease; and,
    (10) Other means.
    (d) For size and tolerances see Secs. 51.3198 and 51.3199.
Size Classifications


Sec. 51.3198  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.                                                     

Tolerances


Sec. 51.3199  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. 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. Combination grade. 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. 51.3200  Samples for grade and size determination.

    Individual samples shall consist of at least 20 pounds for onions 
packed to meet larger than 2\1/4\ inches maximum diameter. 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, 
except that for onions packed to meet 2\1/4\ inches maximum diameter or 
smaller, the sample may consist of either 20 pounds or the individual 
package.

Application of Tolerances


Sec. 51.3201  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 or less 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. 51.3202  Similar varietal characteristics.

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


Sec. 51.3203  Mature.

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


Sec. 51.3204  Fairly firm.

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


Sec. 51.3205  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. 

[[Page 46982]]



Sec. 51.3206  Wet sunscald.

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


Sec. 51.3207  Doubles.

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


Sec. 51.3208  Bottlenecks.

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


Sec. 51.3209  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 \1/
4\ 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 \3/4\ 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 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. 51.3210  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 \1/2\ 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 \1/2\ 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. 51.3211  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. 51.3212  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: September 1, 1995.
Lon Hatamiya,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 95-22281 Filed 9-7-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P