[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 21, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2891-2896]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-1330]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 13 / Tuesday, January 21, 1997 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 2891]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Part 51
[Docket No. FV-95-305]
Shelled Almonds and Almonds in the Shell; Grade Standards
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This final rule revises the United States Standards for Grades
of Shelled Almonds and the United States Standards for Grades of
Almonds in the Shell. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), in
cooperation with the almond industry and other interested parties,
develops and revises standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade,
and packaging in order to facilitate commerce by providing buyers,
sellers, and quality assurance personnel uniform language and criteria
for describing various levels of quality and condition as valued in the
marketplace.
The revision will change the foreign material tolerances; the
tolerance for live insects inside the shell; remove the language
``appearance of the lot'' from all definitions in the standards;
combine tolerances for chipping and scratching and split and broken in
the U.S. Standard Sheller Run grade; revise current definitions; and
add new definitions.
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 24, 1997.
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 2065 South
Building, Washington, D.C. 20090-6456, or call (202) 720-2185.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S. Department of Agriculture is
issuing this rule in conformance with Executive Order 12866.
Pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (RFA), the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has
considered the economic impact of this action on small entities.
The purpose of the RFA is to fit regulatory actions to the scale of
businesses subject to such actions in order that small businesses will
not be unduly or disproportionately burdened. The United States
standards issued pursuant to the Act, and issued thereunder, are unique
in that they are brought about through group action of essentially
small entities acting on their own behalf. Thus, both statutes have
small entity orientation and compatibility.
There are approximately 100 handlers of almonds who are subject to
regulation under these standards and approximately 7,000 producers of
almonds. Small agricultural service firms, which includes handlers,
have been defined by the Small Business Administration (13 CFR 121.601)
as those having annual receipts of less than $5,000,000, and small
agricultural producers are defined as those having annual receipts of
less than $500,000. A majority of handlers and producers of almonds may
be classified as small entities.
The revisions will change the foreign material tolerances; the
tolerance for live insects inside the shell; remove the language
``appearance of the lot'' from all definitions in the standards;
combine tolerances for chipping and scratching and split and broken in
the U.S. Standard Sheller Run grade; revise current definitions; and
add new definitions. These changes are being made in order to bring the
standards into conformity with current cultural, harvesting and
marketing practices. (The standards were last revised in August 1960
and July 1964, respectively.) Accordingly, AMS has determined that the
issuance of this final rule will not have a significant economic impact
on a substantial number of small entities.
This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 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 the rule.
Agencies periodically review existing regulations. An objective of
the review is to ensure that the grade standards are serving their
intended purpose, the language is clear, and the standards are
consistent with AMS policy and authority.
The proposed rule, United States Standards for Grades of Shelled
Almonds, and the United States Standards for Grades of Almonds in the
Shell, was published in the Federal Register on April 22, 1996 (61 FR
17580-17586).
The Almond Board of California's Grades Subcommittee (ABCGS)
requested that the standards be revised in order to bring them into
conformity with current cultural, harvesting and marketing practices.
The 60-day comment period ended June 21, 1996, and a total of seven
comments were received from growers, handlers, shippers, and receivers.
A copy of the proposed rule was provided to the Agricultural
Research Service (ARS) for help in identifying studies, data collection
or other information concerning the possible effect of the proposed
revision on pesticide use. ARS was unable to identify any relevant
information.
Three comments were in favor of the proposal in its entirety. These
commentors agreed that due to changes in current cultural, harvesting,
and marketing practices of almonds, it was necessary to change the
standards as proposed.
One commentor was in favor of the proposal with one exception, the
zero tolerance for glass and metal in the U.S. Standards for Grades of
Shelled Almonds ``could be devastating especially in a year of low
prices to processors.'' The commentor states that ``a customer may
claim to have found a small piece of glass or metal after the product
has been graded and shipped which would cause rejection of the whole
load.'' AMS disagrees that this would be a problem for the industry.
Furthermore, an inspection at any point along the marketing chain may
be requested. In addition, the ABCGS, which represents a majority of
the industry, contends that the zero tolerance for glass and metal,
which is
[[Page 2892]]
included in the tolerances for foreign material, reflects the current
requirements of most buyers and meets current food safety concerns.
The three remaining comments were in favor of the proposal except
for its provisions regarding embedded shell as it pertains to foreign
material; the definition of similar varietal characteristics; and,
definitions and tolerances for chipped and scratched kernels as well as
split and broken kernels. All three comments expressed concern over
``embedded shell'' as a defect in the U.S. Standards for Grades of
Almonds in the Shell. The commentors contend that almond shell that has
become embedded in the almond nutmeat--embedded shell, should be
considered as foreign material. AMS disagrees with classifying embedded
shell as foreign material. The definition of foreign material in the
standards does not include almonds or almond kernels, and has
historically been reserved for material other than pieces of almond or
almond kernels. Currently, embedded shell is scored as damage against
the tolerance for ``other defects.'' Additionally, AMS understands that
the industry is forming a working group to study this issue and to make
a recommendation to AMS. Revising the standards to include the
commentors' recommendation at this time would be premature in light of
this study. Therefore, no change is being made to the rule in response
to these comments.
Two of the three comments expressed concern over the proposed
revision to the definition of similar varietal characteristics. One of
the commentors raised the concern that the similarity in the shape and
appearance is critical. The other commentor raised the concern that
this definition is being ``relaxed where varieties are not properly
identified.'' AMS disagrees. The proposed definition of similar
varietal characteristics includes ``kernels that are similar in shape
and appearance.'' Unless the lot is specified as ``California,'' the
lot must have kernels that are similar in shape and appearance.
Therefore, this should not relax the identification of varieties but
enhance it. No change is being made to the rule in response to these
comments.
Two of the three comments expressed concern over the proposed
revision to the definitions of, and the tolerances for the defects
``chipping and scratching,'' and ``split and broken.'' One of the
commentors raised the concern that the tolerances for chipping and
scratching and split and broken in the U.S. Sheller Run grade ``* * *
need to be measured separately.'' AMS is of the view that the proposed
changes do address the defects separately. In the U.S. Standards for
Grades of Shelled Almonds, Sec. 51.2109 U.S. Sheller Run grade,
paragraph (c) For kernels damaged by chipping and/or scratching or
split and broken allows 35 percent, provided that not more than 15
percent shall be allowed for split and broken. The intent of this
section is that chipped and/or scratched kernels have to be measured
separately from broken and split kernels. The other commentor stated
that the ``removal of the separate control limits for the two defects
(chipping and scratching or split and broken) will result in wide
product variance.'' AMS agrees that there will be some product variance
in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Shelled Almonds, Sec. 51.2109 U.S.
Sheller Run grade, but only for chipped and scratched kernels. The
proposed changes would allow up to 35 percent chipped and scratched
kernels (with 0 percent split and broken), or any combination of the
two types of defects totaling 35 percent (or less), as long as the
percentage of split and broken does not exceed 15 percent. A contract
between interested parties may specify a more restrictive tolerance for
these defects. Chipped and scratched kernels essentially retain their
full shape, but have superficial chips and scratches of the pellicle
and meat. Split and broken kernels are those with \1/8\ or more of the
kernel split or broken off. In addition, ABCGS views chipped and
scratched kernels as less objectionable than split and broken kernels.
Therefore, there will be some product variance but only for chipped and
scratched kernels, which is less objectionable than split and broken
kernels, and contract specifications can further restrict these
tolerances. Therefore, no change is being made to the rule in response
to these comments.
Lastly, one of the three comments suggested revisions to the
definitions of ``whole,'' ``split or broken kernels,'' and ``injury.''
The commentor suggested extensive revisions to these definitions in
terms of redefining what they mean. AMS is of the view that these
definitions have served for the more than 30 years and they have become
common terminology among those who buy and sell commercial volumes of
almonds. Changing these definitions, when no need has been adequately
demonstrated, could disrupt the efficient marketing of almonds.
Therefore, no change is being made to the rule in response to this
comment.
AMS develops and improves standards of quality, condition, grade,
and packaging in order to facilitate efficient marketing. The
provisions of the proposed rule are being finalized without any
changes.
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 51
Agricultural commodities, Food grades and standards, Fruits, Nuts,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Trees, Vegetables.
For reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR Part 51 is amended as
follows:
PART 51--[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR Part 51 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.
2. In Part 51, Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of
Almonds in the Shell is revised to read as follows:
Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Almonds in the Shell
Grades
Sec.
51.2075 U.S. No. 1.
51.2076 U.S. No. 1 Mixed.
51.2077 U.S. No. 2.
51.2078 U.S. No. 2 Mixed.
Application of Tolerances
51.2079 Application of tolerances.
Determination of Grade
51.2080 Determination of grade.
Definitions
51.2081 Similar varietal characteristics.
51.2082 Loose extraneous and foreign material.
51.2083 Clean.
51.2084 Fairly bright.
51.2085 Fairly uniform color.
51.2086 Well dried.
51.2087 Decay.
51.2088 Rancidity.
51.2089 Damage.
51.2090 Serious damage.
51.2091 Thickness.
Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Almonds in the Shell
Grades
Sec. 51.2075 U.S. No. 1.
``U.S. No. 1'' consists of almonds in the shell which are of
similar varietal characteristics and free from loose extraneous and
foreign material. The shells are clean, fairly bright, fairly uniform
color, and free from damage caused by discoloration, adhering hulls,
broken shells or other means. The kernels are well dried, free from
decay, rancidity, and free from damage caused by insects, mold, gum,
skin discoloration, shriveling, brown spot or other means.
(a) Unless otherwise specified, the almonds are of a size not less
than 28/64 of an inch (11.1 mm) in thickness.
[[Page 2893]]
(b) In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and
handling, the following tolerances are provided as specified:
(1) For external (shell) defects. 10 percent, by count, for almonds
which fail to meet the requirements of this grade other than for
variety and size;
(2) For dissimilar varieties. 5 percent, by count, including
therein not more than 1 percent for bitter almonds mixed with sweet
almonds;
(3) For size. 5 percent, by count, for almonds which are smaller
than the specified minimum thickness;
(4) For loose extraneous and foreign material. 2 percent, by
weight, including therein not more than 1 percent which can pass
through a round opening 24/64 inch (9.5 mm) in diameter: Provided, that
such material is practically free from insect infestation; and,
(5) For internal (kernel) defects. 10 percent, by count, for
almonds with kernels failing to meet the requirements of this grade:
Provided, that not more than one-half of this tolerance or 5 percent
shall be allowed for kernels affected by decay or rancidity, damaged by
insects or mold or seriously damaged by shriveling: And provided
further, that no part of this tolerance shall be allowed for live
insects inside the shell.
Sec. 51.2076 U.S. No. 1 Mixed.
``U.S. No. 1 Mixed'' consists of almonds in the shell which meet
the requirements of U.S. No. 1 grade, except that two or more varieties
of sweet almonds are mixed.
Sec. 51.2077 U.S. No. 2.
``U.S. No. 2'' consists of almonds in the shell which meet the
requirements of U.S. No. 1 grade, except that an additional tolerance
of 20 percent shall be allowed for almonds with shells damaged by
discoloration.
Sec. 51.2078 U.S. No. 2 Mixed.
``U.S. No. 2 Mixed'' consists of almonds in the shell which meet
the requirements of U.S. No. 2 grade, except that two or more varieties
of sweet almonds are mixed.
Application of Tolerances
Sec. 51.2079 Application of tolerances.
The tolerances for the foregoing grades are applied to the entire
lot of almonds, based upon a composite sample drawn from containers
throughout the lot.
Determination of Grade
Sec. 51.2080 Determination of grade.
In grading the inspection sample, the percentage of loose hulls,
pieces of shell, chaff and foreign material is determined on the basis
of weight. Next, the percentages of nuts which are of dissimilar
varieties, undersize or have adhering hulls or defective shells are
determined by count, using an adequate portion of the total sample.
Finally, the nuts in that portion of the sample are cracked, and the
percentage having internal defects is determined on the basis of count.
Definitions
Sec. 51.2081 Similar varietal characteristics.
Similar varietal characteristics means that the almonds are similar
in shape, and are reasonably uniform in degree of hardness of the
shells, and that bitter almonds are not mixed with sweet almonds. For
example, hard-shelled varieties, semi-soft shelled varieties, soft-
shelled varieties and paper-shelled varieties are not mixed together,
nor are any two of these types mixed under this definition.
Sec. 51.2082 Loose extraneous and foreign material.
Loose extraneous and foreign material means loose hulls, empty
broken shells, pieces of shells, external insect infestation and any
substance other than almonds in the shell or almond kernels.
Sec. 51.2083 Clean.
Clean means that the shell is practically free from dirt and other
adhering foreign material.
Sec. 51.2084 Fairly bright.
Fairly bright means that the shells show good characteristic color.
Sec. 51.2085 Fairly uniform color.
Fairly uniform color means that the shells do not show excessive
variation in color, whether bleached or natural.
Sec. 51.2086 Well dried.
Well dried means that the kernel is firm and brittle, not pliable
or leathery.
Sec. 51.2087 Decay.
Decay means that part or all of the kernel has become decomposed.
Sec. 51.2088 Rancidity.
Rancidity means that the kernel is noticeably rancid to taste.
Sec. 51.2089 Damage.
Damage means any defect which materially detracts from the
appearance of the individual kernel, or the edible or shipping quality
of the almond. Any one of the following defects or combination thereof,
the seriousness of which exceeds the maximum allowed for any one defect
shall be considered as damage:
(a) Discoloration of the shell which is medium gray to black and
affects more than one-eighth of the surface in the aggregate. Normal
variations of a reddish or brownish color shall not be considered
discoloration;
(b) Adhering hulls which cover more than 5 percent of the shell
surface in the aggregate;
(c) Broken shells when a portion of the shell is missing, or the
shell is broken or fractured to the extent that moderate pressure will
permit the kernel to become dislodged;
(d) Insect injury when the insect, web or frass is present or there
is definite evidence of insect feeding;
(e) Mold, when visible on the kernel, except when white or gray and
easily rubbed off with the fingers;
(f) Gum, when a film of shiny, resinous appearing substance affects
an area aggregating more than the equivalent of a circle one-quarter
inch (6.4 mm) in diameter;
(g) Skin discoloration when more than one-half of the surface of
the kernel is affected by very dark or black stains contrasting with
the natural color of the skin;
(h) Shriveling when the kernel is excessively thin for its size, or
when materially withered, shrunken, leathery, tough or only partially
developed: Provided, that partially developed kernels are not
considered damaged if more than three-fourths of the pellicle is filled
with meat. An almond containing two kernels shall not be classed as
damaged if either kernel has more than three-fourths of the pellicle
filled with meat; and,
(i) Brown spot which affects an aggregate area on the kernel
greater than the area of a circle one-eighth inch (3.2 mm) in diameter.
Sec. 51.2090 Serious damage.
Serious damage means any defect which makes a kernel or piece of
kernel unsuitable for human consumption, and includes decay, rancidity,
insect injury and damage by mold. The following defect shall be
considered as serious damage: Shriveling when the kernel is seriously
withered, shrunken, leathery, tough or only partially developed:
Provided, that partially developed kernels are not considered seriously
damaged if more than one-fourth of the pellicle is filled with meat.
Sec. 51.2091 Thickness.
Thickness means the greatest dimension between the two semi-flat
surfaces of the shell measured at right angles to a plane extending
between the seams of the shell.
[[Page 2894]]
3. In Part 51, Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of
Shelled Almonds is revised to read as follows:
Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Shelled Almonds
Grades
Sec.
51.2105 U.S. Fancy.
51.2106 U.S. Extra No. 1.
51.2107 U.S. No. 1.
51.2108 U.S. Select Sheller Run.
51.2109 U.S. Standard Sheller Run.
51.2110 U.S. No. 1 Whole and Broken.
51.2111 U.S. No. 1 Pieces.
Mixed Varieties
51.2112 Mixed varieties.
Size
51.2113 Size requirements.
51.2114 Tolerances for size.
Application of Tolerances
51.2115 Application of tolerances.
Definitions
51.2116 Similar varietal characteristics.
51.2117 Whole.
51.2118 Clean.
51.2119 Well dried.
51.2120 Decay.
51.2121 Rancidity.
51.2122 Insect injury.
51.2123 Foreign material.
51.2124 Doubles.
51.2125 Split or broken kernels.
51.2126 Particles and dust.
51.2127 Injury.
51.2128 Damage.
51.2129 Serious damage.
51.2130 Diameter.
51.2131 Fairly uniform in size.
Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Shelled Almonds
Grades
Sec. 51.2105 U.S. Fancy.
``U.S. Fancy'' consists of shelled almonds of similar varietal
characteristics which are whole, clean and well dried, and which are
free from decay, rancidity, insect injury, foreign material, doubles,
split or broken kernels, particles and dust, and free from injury
caused by chipped and scratched kernels, and free from damage caused by
mold, gum, shriveling, brown spot or other means. (See Secs. 51.2113
and 51.2114.)
In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and
handling, the following tolerances, by weight, shall be permitted:
(a) For dissimilar varieties. 5 percent, including not more than
one-fifth of this amount, or 1 percent, for bitter almonds mixed with
sweet almonds;
(b) For doubles. 3 percent;
(c) For kernels injured by chipping and/or scratching. 5 percent;
(d) For foreign material. One-twentieth of 1 percent (0.05
percent). No part of this percentage shall be allowed for glass and
metal;
(e) For particles and dust. One-tenth of 1 percent (0.10 percent);
and,
(f) For other defects. 2 percent, including not more than one-half
of this amount, or 1 percent, for split or broken kernels, and
including not more than one-half of the former amount, or 1 percent,
for seriously damaged kernels.
Sec. 51.2106 U.S. Extra No. 1.
``U.S. Extra No. 1'' consists of shelled almonds of similar
varietal characteristics which are whole, clean and well dried, and
which are free from decay, rancidity, insect injury, foreign material,
doubles, split or broken kernels, particles and dust, and free from
damage caused by chipped and scratched kernels, mold, gum, shriveling,
brown spot or other means. (See Secs. 51.2113 and 51.2114.)
In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and
handling, the following tolerances, by weight, shall be permitted:
(a) For dissimilar varieties. 5 percent, including not more than
one-fifth of this amount, or 1 percent, for bitter almonds mixed with
sweet almonds;
(b) For doubles. 5 percent;
(c) For kernels damaged by chipping and/or scratching. 5 percent;
(d) For foreign material. One-twentieth of 1 percent (0.05
percent). No part of this percentage shall be allowed for glass and
metal;
(e) For particles and dust. One-tenth of 1 percent (0.10 percent);
and,
(f) For other defects. 4 percent, including not more than one-
fourth of this amount, or 1 percent, for split or broken kernels, and
including not more than three-eighths of the former amount, or 1\1/2\
percent, for seriously damaged kernels.
Sec. 51.2107 U.S. No. 1.
``U.S. No. 1'' consists of shelled almonds of similar varietal
characteristics which are whole, clean and well dried, and which are
free from decay, rancidity, insect injury, foreign material, doubles,
split or broken kernels, particles and dust, and free from damage
caused by chipped and scratched kernels, mold, gum, shriveling, brown
spot or other means. (See Secs. 51.2113 and 51.2114.)
In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and
handling, the following tolerances, by weight, shall be permitted:
(a) For dissimilar varieties. 5 percent, including not more than
one-fifth of this amount, or 1 percent, for bitter almonds mixed with
sweet almonds;
(b) For doubles. 15 percent;
(c) For kernels damaged by chipping and/or scratching. 10 percent;
(d) For foreign material. One-twentieth of 1 percent (0.05
percent). No part of this percentage shall be allowed for glass and
metal;
(e) For particles and dust. One-tenth of 1 percent (0.10 percent);
and,
(f) For other defects. 5 percent including not more than one-fifth
of this amount, or 1 percent, for split or broken kernels, and
including not more than three-tenths of the former amount, or 1\1/2\
percent, for seriously damaged kernels.
Sec. 51.2108 U.S. Select Sheller Run.
``U.S. Select Sheller Run'' consists of shelled almonds of similar
varietal characteristics which are whole, clean and well dried, and
which are free from decay, rancidity, insect injury, foreign material,
doubles, split or broken kernels, particles and dust, and free from
damage caused by chipped and scratched kernels, mold, gum, shriveling,
brown spot or other means. (See Secs. 51.2113 and 51.2114.)
In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and
handling, the following tolerances, by weight, shall be permitted:
(a) For dissimilar varieties. 5 percent, including not more than
one-fifth of this amount, or 1 percent, for bitter almonds mixed with
sweet almonds;
(b) For doubles. 15 percent;
(c) For kernels damaged by chipping and/or scratching. 20 percent;
(d) For foreign material. One-tenth of 1 percent (0.10 percent). No
part of this percentage shall be allowed for glass and metal;
(e) For particles and dust. One-tenth of 1 percent (0.10 percent);
(f) For split and broken kernels. 5 percent: Provided, that not
more than two-fifths of this amount, or 2 percent, shall be allowed for
pieces which will pass through a round opening \20/64\ inch (7.9 mm) in
diameter; and,
(g) For other defects. 3 percent, including not more than two-
thirds of this amount, or 2 percent, for serious damage.
Sec. 51.2109 U.S. Standard Sheller Run.
``U.S. Standard Sheller Run'' consists of shelled almonds of
similar varietal characteristics which are whole, clean and well dried,
and which are free from decay, rancidity, insect injury, foreign
material, doubles, split or broken kernels, particles and dust, and
free from damage caused by chipped and scratched kernels, mold, gum,
shriveling, brown spot or other means. (See Secs. 51.2113 and 51.2114.)
[[Page 2895]]
In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and
handling, the following tolerances, by weight, shall be permitted:
(a) For dissimilar varieties. 5 percent, including not more than
one-fifth of this amount, or 1 percent, for bitter almonds mixed with
sweet almonds;
(b) For doubles. 25 percent;
(c) For kernels damaged by chipping and/or scratching or split and
broken. 35 percent; Provided, that not more than three-sevenths of this
amount, or 15 percent, shall be allowed for split and broken: And
Provided Further, that not more than one-third of this latter amount,
or 5 percent, shall be allowed for pieces which will pass through a
round opening \20/64\ inch (7.9 mm) in diameter;
(d) For foreign material. Two-tenths of 1 percent (0.20 percent).
No part of this percentage shall be allowed for glass and metal;
(e) For particles and dust. One-tenth of 1 percent (0.10 percent);
and,
(f) For other defects. 3 percent, including not more than two-
thirds of this amount, or 2 percent, for serious damage.
Sec. 51.2110 U.S. No. 1 Whole and Broken.
``U.S. No. 1 Whole and Broken'' consists of shelled almonds of
similar varietal characteristics which are clean and well dried, and
which are free from decay, rancidity, insect injury, foreign material,
doubles, particles and dust, and free from damage caused by mold, gum,
shriveling, brown spot or other means.
(a) In this grade not less than 30 percent, by weight, of the
kernels shall be whole. Doubles shall not be considered as whole
kernels in determining the percentage of whole kernels.
(b) Unless otherwise specified, the minimum diameter shall be not
less than \20/64\ of an inch (7.9 mm). (See Secs. 51.2113 and 51.2114.)
(c) In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and
handling, the following tolerances, by weight, shall be permitted:
(1) For dissimilar varieties. 5 percent, including not more than
one-fifth of this amount, or 1 percent, for bitter almonds mixed with
sweet almonds;
(2) For doubles. 35 percent;
(3) For foreign material. Two-tenths of 1 percent (0.20 percent).
No part of this percentage shall be allowed for glass and metal;
(4) For particles and dust. One-tenth of 1 percent (0.10 percent);
(5) For undersize. 5 percent; and,
(6) For other defects. 5 percent, including not more than three-
fifths of this amount, or 3 percent, for serious damage.
Sec. 51.2111 U.S. No. 1 Pieces.
``U.S. No. 1 Pieces'' consists of shelled almonds which are not
bitter, which are clean and well dried, and which are free from decay,
rancidity, insect injury, foreign material, particles and dust, and
free from damage caused by mold, gum, shriveling, brown spot or other
means.
(a) Unless otherwise specified, the minimum diameter shall be not
less than \8/64\ of an inch (3.2 mm). (See Secs. 51.2113 and 51.2114.)
(b) In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and
handling, the following tolerances, by weight, shall be permitted:
(1) For bitter almonds mixed with sweet almonds. 1 percent;
(2) For foreign material. Two-tenths of 1 percent (0.20 percent).
No part of this percentage shall be allowed for glass and metal;
(3) For particles and dust. 1 percent; and
(4) For other defects. 5 percent, including not more than three-
fifths of this amount, or 3 percent, for serious damage.
Mixed Varieties
Sec. 51.2112 Mixed varieties.
Any lot of shelled almonds designated as ``one type'' or
undesignated as to type, which consists of a mixture of two or more
dissimilar varieties which meet the other requirements of any of the
grades of U.S. No. 1, U.S. Select Sheller Run, U.S. Standard Sheller
Run, U.S. No. 1 Whole and Broken may be designated as: ``U.S. No. 1
Mixed;'' ``U.S. Select Sheller Run Mixed;'' ``U.S. Standard Sheller Run
Mixed;'' ``U.S. No. 1 Whole and Broken Mixed;'' respectively; but no
lot of any of these grades may include more than 1 percent of bitter
almonds mixed with sweet almonds.
Size
Sec. 51.2113 Size requirements.
The size may be specified in terms of range in count of whole
almond kernels per ounce or in terms of minimum, or minimum and maximum
diameter. When a range in count is specified, the whole kernels shall
be fairly uniform in size, and the average count per ounce shall be
within the range specified. Doubles and broken kernels shall not be
used in determining counts. Count ranges per ounce commonly used are
shown below, but other ranges may be specified: Provided, that the
kernels are fairly uniform in size.
Count Range Per Ounce
16 to 18, inclusive.
18 to 20, inclusive.
20 to 22, inclusive.
22 to 24, inclusive.
23 to 25, inclusive.
24 to 26, inclusive.
26 to 28, inclusive.
27 to 30, inclusive.
30 to 34, inclusive.
34 to 40, inclusive.
40 to 50, inclusive.
50 and smaller.
Sec. 51.2114 Tolerances for size.
(a) When a range is specified as, for example, ``\18/20\,'' no
tolerance for counts above or below the range shall be allowed.
(b) When the minimum, or minimum and maximum diameter are
specified, a total tolerance of not more than 10 percent, by weight,
may fail to meet the specified size requirements: Provided, that not
more than one-half of this amount, or 5 percent, may be below the
minimum size specified.
Application of Tolerances
Sec. 51.2115 Application of tolerances.
The tolerances for the grades are to be applied to the entire lot,
and a composite sample shall be taken for determining the grade.
However, any container or group of containers in which the almonds are
found to be materially inferior to those in the majority of the
containers shall be considered a separate lot.
Definitions
Sec. 51.2116 Similar varietal characteristics.
Similar varietal characteristics means that the kernels are similar
in shape and appearance. For example, long types shall not be mixed
with short types, or broad types mixed with narrow types, and bitter
almonds shall not be mixed with sweet almonds. Color of the kernels
shall not be considered, since there is often a marked difference in
skin color of kernels of the same variety.
(a) When a lot is specified as ``one type,'' all kernels shall be
the same in shape and appearance; and,
(b) When a lot is specified and carton marked as ``California,''
kernels present may include any one or a combination of blanchable
varieties within the ``California'' Marketing Classification. In
addition, Nonpareil or similar types may be included provided that it
does not exceed twenty-five percent (25%), by weight, of the lot.
Sec. 51.2117 Whole.
Whole means that there is less than one-eighth of the kernel
chipped off or missing, and that the general contour of
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the kernel is not materially affected by the missing part.
Sec. 51.2118 Clean.
Clean means that the kernel is practically free from dirt and other
foreign substance.
Sec. 51.2119 Well dried.
Well dried means that the kernel is firm and brittle, and not
pliable or leathery.
Sec. 51.2120 Decay.
Decay means that part or all of the kernel has become decomposed.
Sec. 51.2121 Rancidity.
Rancidity means that the kernel is noticeably rancid to the taste.
Sec. 51.2122 Insect injury.
Insect injury means that the insect, web, or frass is present or
there is definite evidence of insect feeding.
Sec. 51.2123 Foreign material.
Foreign material means pieces of shell, hulls or other foreign
matter which will not pass through a round opening \8/64\ of an inch
(3.2 mm) in diameter.
Sec. 51.2124 Doubles.
Doubles means kernels that developed in shells containing two
kernels. One side of a double kernel is flat or concave.
Sec. 51.2125 Split or broken kernels.
Split or broken kernels means seven-eighths or less of complete
whole kernels but which will not pass through a round opening 8/64 of
an inch (3.2 mm) in diameter.
Sec. 51.2126 Particles and dust.
Particles and dust means fragments of almond kernels or other
material which will pass through a round opening 8/64 of an inch (3.2
mm) in diameter.
Sec. 51.2127 Injury.
Injury means any defect which more than slightly detracts from the
appearance of the individual almond. The following shall be considered
as injury:
(a) Chipped and scratched kernels when the affected area on an
individual kernel aggregates more than the equivalent of a circle one-
eighth inch (3.2 mm) in diameter.
Sec. 51.2128 Damage.
Damage means any defect which materially detracts from the
appearance of the individual kernel, or the edible or shipping quality
of the almonds. Any one of the following defects or combination
thereof, the seriousness of which exceeds the maximum allowed for any
one defect shall be considered as damage:
(a) Chipped and scratched kernels, when the affected area on an
individual kernel aggregates more than the equivalent of a circle one-
quarter inch (6.4 mm) in diameter;
(b) Mold, when visible on the kernel, except when white or gray and
easily rubbed off with the fingers;
(c) Gum, when a film of shiny, resinous appearing substance affects
an area aggregating more than the equivalent of a circle one-quarter
inch (6.4 mm) in diameter;
(d) Shriveling, when the kernel is excessively thin for its size,
or when materially withered, shrunken, leathery, tough or only
partially developed: Provided, that partially developed kernels are not
considered damaged if more than three-fourths of the pellicle is filled
with meat;
(e) Brown spot on the kernel, either single or multiple, when the
affected area aggregates more than the equivalent of a circle one-
eighth inch (3.2 mm) in diameter; and,
(f) Skin discoloration when more than one-half of the surface of
the kernel is affected by very dark or black stains contrasting with
the natural color of the skin.
Sec. 51.2129 Serious damage.
Serious damage means any defect which makes a kernel or piece of
kernel unsuitable for human consumption, and includes decay, rancidity,
insect injury and damage by mold.
Sec. 51.2130 Diameter.
Diameter means the greatest dimension of the kernel, or piece of
kernel at right angles to the longitudinal axis. Diameter shall be
determined by passing the kernel or piece of kernel through a round
opening.
Sec. 51.2131 Fairly uniform in size.
Fairly uniform in size means that, in a representative sample, the
weight of 10 percent, by count, of the largest whole kernels shall not
exceed 1.70 times the weight of 10 percent, by count, of the smallest
whole kernels.
Dated: January 14, 1997.
Robert C. Keeney,
Director, Fruit and Vegetable Division.
[FR Doc. 97-1330 Filed 1-17-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P