[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]]
_______________________________________________________________________
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