14

2. Internal (Kernel) Quality Factors:
- Development.
- Curing.
- Discoloration.
- Decay.
- Rancidity.

~- Insect injury.

Mold.

External (Shell) Quality Factors

(41) Curing and Moisture Content. The standards require Brazil nuts

to be well cured. This means the shell is free from surface moisture
and the kernel is firm and crisp, not pliable or leathery. Nuts which
do not meet this requirement must be considered damaged and reported as’

"not well cured".

(42) Moisture content is an important factor in the keeping quality for all
nuts in the shell. Although there is no specific moisture requirement
in the Brazil nut standards, as a service to the applicant, the
inspector may, upon request, draw a sample for moisture determination.
This sample should be taken at random from the composite sample.
Approximately one pound (453.6 grams) of nuts should be placed in an

airtight container (sample bottle, can, or in a polyethylene bag which is


(23)

(24)

(25)

(26)

uniform interpretation of grade factors. The inspector should not

proceed with an inspection unless adequate lighting is available.

DATE AND HOUR
The date and time that. the sample was drawn and graded should appear
on the certificate. If a sample is drawn at one market and graded at
a different market, enter the applicable market after "Sample Drawn"
and "Sample Graded" on the certificate.
Example:
Sample Drawn: Denver, Colorado October 12, 1973 2:10 pm

Market: (Sample Graded) Chicago, Illinois. Date: October 16, 1973

Hour: _1:30 pm

PRODUCTS INSPECTED
Under this heading on the certificate report the product, type of

container, identifying marks and number of containers in the lot.

Product. Report as "BRAZIL NUTS in the Shell." There are many
varieties of Brazil nuts and it is extremely difficult to accurately
identify them. Therefore, the inspector should not attempt to name

the variety.

Type of Container. Brazil nuts are frequently shipped to nut
processors in burlap sacks or other bulk containers. They are usually
shipped to retail stores in consumer size film bags packed in (master)

cartons.


(55)

(56)

(37)

(58)

mold or rancidity may be found in or around the cavity; so the inspector

is reminded to carefully check for these factors.

Decay. There are two types of decay which affect kernels. One
is a dry powdery rot, the other a wet rot. Both are often accompanied
by mold growth. Decay, regardless of the type, must be scored as

serious damage against the 7 percent tolerance,

Rancidity. This defect is usually associated with age, but it may
be found in freshly harvested nuts. In many cases a shell which is oil
stained will contain a rancid kernel. In other cases the inspector
will have to be alert to detect this defect. A rancid kernel usually
is darker in color than a normal kernel and it may have an oily
appearance. When in doubt about whether a kernel is rancid, the
unmistakable rancid flavor will be the deciding factor. All rancid

kernels must be scored as serious damage.

Insect injury. Any dead insect, insect fragment, web or frass

inside the shell, or any kernel showing distinct evidence of insect

feeding must be scored against the 5 percent serious damage tolerance.

If any live insect is found inside the shell it must be scored as

serious damage against the restricted tolerance of 1/2 of 1 percent.


UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE
FRUIT AND VEGETABLE DIVISION

FRESH PRODUCTS BRANCH

INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS
FOR

BRAZIL NUTS IN THE SHELL 1/

GENERAL

Brazil, nuts ("Castanha do Brazil") are grown exclusively in South America (1)
throughout the entire Amazon Basin. Brazil nut trees are not cultivated,
they grow wild. The trees blossom from October to March and it takes

about 14 months for fruit to develop from a blossom stage.

The Brazil nut is really a seed of the fruit of the castanha tree. The (2)
fruit is similar in appearance, shape, and size to a coconut. It ranges
from three to eight inches in diameter and has a tough, hard, and thick
outer shell (pod). Each pod may contain from 12 to 30 nuts inside of

it which are arranged much like segments of an orange - this accounts

for a triangular shape of a shell. ,

When the pods ripen they fall to the ground and are gathered by hand (3)
and are opened by natives using machetes. The nuts are collected in :

open rattan baskets and then washed to remove extraneous material.

1/ These instructions do not establish a new or revised substantive
tule. (United States Standards for Grades of Brazil Nuts in the
Shell CFR §§ 51.3500- 51.3511.)

REPRINTED FEBRUARY 2009


15

hermetically sealed). The sample should be shipped or taken to the near-

est Fav Processed Products lab for moisture determination.

Use "Notice of Sampling" form FV-187. Write the words "BRAZIL NUTS" in (43)
the space marked "Type". Under "Remarks" state: "Sample is submitted

for determination of moisture content." Place the original copy of the
sampling certificate in an envelope inside the package containing the

sample; distribute one copy to the applicant with the fee bill, and

retain a copy for the office files.

The applicant should be charged on the hourly basis including the time (44)
required for packaging and delivery to the shipping carrier or Processed
Products lab. The charge for sampling and the prepaid shipping charge

shall be shown at the bottom of each sampling certificate and also on

the billing form.

The percentage of moisture obtained from Processed Products should be (45)
reported under "Quality".
Example: "Average moisture content 6.5%." Then make this state-
ment under "Remarks": "Moisture content was determined

by Processed Products Branch at applicant's request."

Cleanness. The U.S. No. 1 grade requires that Brazil nuts. be (46)
clean. This means that the shell is practically free from dirt or other
adhering substance. Consider the individual nut as clean unless there
is sufficient dirt or other foreign material adhering to its surface

which materially affects the appearance.


21

GENERAL EXAMPLES

Instructions for writing the certificate. are provided in the General (66)
Inspection Instructions. Only those certificate headings which require :

special instructions are shown in the following examples:

1. PRODUCTS: BRAZIL NUTS in the Shell in burlap sacks stenciled
“product of Brazil Class TIPO 2, Brazil Nuts in Shell,
SPC Inspectionada Para-Brazil." Manifested as 2,000

sacks (equivalent 224,000 pounds).

SIZE: Average 48 nuts per pound. 10 smallest nuts per

100 weigh 5% of weight of 100.

QUALITY: Shells are clean and natural. 4% shell defects,
damage by oil stains. Kernels are reasonably well
developed and well cured. 10% kernel defects,
including 8% serious damage by rancidity and 2%

damage by discoloration.

GRADE: Fails to grade U. S. No. 1 Large account of kernel
defects and insufficient weight of 10 smallest nuts

per 100 nuts.


Ne

17

less than one-half of the capacity of the shell is considered poorly

developed and should be scored as damage.

Blank. A blank is defined as a whole shell which does not contain (51)
a kernel or a whole shell containing a kernel which fills less than
one-fourth its capacity. A blank is always scored as serious damage.

Pieces of shell (not a whole shell) shall be classed as foreign material.

Discoloration. All kernels in the sample should first be examined (52)
for discoloration affecting the outer skin (pellicle). Each kernel
should then be cut lengthwise to determine if discoloration or other

factors are present.

A kernel is considered damaged by discoloration when any noticeable (53)
discoloration penetrates more than one-sixteenth inch into the kernel;
seriously damaged when the discoloration affects more than 50 percent

of the flesh of the kernel. If a kernel is seriously damaged by
discoloration and also decayed, rancid or moldy, always score the most
serious defect. Decay is considered the most serious of these defects,

with rancidity, mold and discoloration following in that order.

It is common for some varieties of Brazil nuts -- especially larger (54)
size nuts-- to have a hollow cavity inside the kernel. The cavity

alone should not be scored as a defect. Often discoloration, decay,


12

(37) (e) Percentage Weight of 10 Smallest Nute per 100. Count out 100

nuts at random from the composite sample. Weigh the 100 nuts
on gram scales or ounce-pound scales. (Gram scales should

be used to attain the greatest accuracy.) Record the weight

to the nearest gram, or to the nearest one-half of an ounce.
Gxample: "843 grams" or "30 ounces.") Spread the 100 nuts
in a single layer, so that all may be seen. Then carefully
select 10 which appear to be the smallest among the 100.
Weigh the 10 smallest nuts to the nearest gram or nearest
one-fourth of an ounce and record the weight. (Example:

"51 grams" or "1.75 ounces".) Then divide the weight of the
10 smallest nuts by the weight of the 100 nut sample to obtain
the percentage weight of the 10 smallest. (Example: 1.75 ounces
divided by 29.00 ounces gives 6.03-round to 6%.) If the
average is less than 6.00%, do not round it up to 6%, because
the 10 nuts per 100 must weigh at least 6 percent of the total
weight of the 100 nut sample, in order to meet a size

classification.
(38) Examples of "SIZE" statements:

1. | Average 50 nuts per pound. 10 smallest nuts in 100-nut

sample weigh 8% of total weight.




UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRADES OF
BRAZIL NUTS IN THE SHELL !

(31 F. R. 10069)
Effective August 25, 1966

GRADE
Sec.
51.3500

U.S. No. 1.
Sze CLAssIFIcATIONS
Size classifications,
UNCLASSIFIED

Unclassified.

APPLICATION OF STANDARDS

Application of standards.
Derinirions

51.3501

51.3502

51.3508

51.3504
51.3505

51.3506
51.3507
51.3508
51.3509
51.3510
51.3511

Weil cured.

Loose extraneous and foreign mate-
rial.

Clean,

Damage.

Reasonably well developed.

Rancidity. .

Decay. oe

Serious damage.

AurHoriry: The provisions of this subpart
issued under secs. 203, 205, 60 Stat. 1087, as.

amended, 1090 as amended; 7 U.S.C. 1622,
1624, .

GRADE
§ 51.3500 U.S. No.1.

“U.S. No. 1” consists of well cured
whole Brazil nuts in the shell which are
free from loose extraneous and foreign
material and meet one of the size classi-
fications in § 51.3501. The shells are
clean and free from damage caused by
splits, breaks, punctures, oil stain, mold
or other means, and contain kernels

which are reasonably well developed, free .

from rancidity, mold, decay, and from
damage caused by insects, discoloration,

_ or other means.

(a) In order to allow for variations
incident to proper grading and handling,
the following tolerances are provided:

(1) For defects of the shell. Ten per-
cent, by count, may fail to meet the re-
quirements of the grade, including
therein not more than 5 percent for seri-

+Packing of the product in conformity
with the requirements of these standards
shall not excuse failure to comply with the
provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act or with applicable State laws

and reonlatinne

ous damage by split, broken or punc-
tured shells, oil. stains, mold or other
means.

(2) For defects of the kernel. Ten
Percent, by count, may fail to meet the
requirements of the grade, including
therein not more than 7 percent for
serious damage by any cause: Provided,
That not more than five-sevenths of the
latter amount, or 5 percent, shall be al-
lowed for. damage by insects: Provided
further, That included in this 5 percent
tolerance not more than one-half of 1
percent shall be allowed for Brazil nuts
with live insects inside the shell.

- (3) For loose extraneous and foreign
material. One percent, by weight: Pro-
vided, That such material is practically
free from insect infestation.

Swe CLASSIFICATIONS
§ 51.3501 Size classifications.

(a) Extra large: Not more than 15
Percent, by count, of the Brazil nuts pass:
through a round opening 7%, inch. in
diameter, including not more than 2
Percent which pass through a round
opening 7%4 inch in diameter; or count
does not exceed 45 nuts per pound (see
paragraph (d) of this section) ;

(b). Large: Not more than 15 percent,
by count, of the Brazil nuts pass through
a round opening 7% inch in diameter,
including not more than 2 percent which
Pass through a round opening 6%. inch
in diameter; or count does not exceed 50
nuts per pound (see paragraph (d) of
this section) ;

(c) Medium: Not more than 15 per-
cent, by count, of the Brazil nuts pass
through a round opening 5%, inch in
diameter, including not more than 2 per-
cent which pass through a round open-.
ing %4 inch in diameter; or count is not
Jess than 51 nuts per Pound but not more
than 65 nuts per pound (see Paragraph
(d) of this section) and;

(d) When size is based on count per
pound, the 10 smallest nuts per 106
weigh at least 6 percent of the total
weight of the 100 nut sample. .


Ne

-3- Revised January 31, 1974 BN-60-1 (c)
Pages 3,4 and 4a) paragraphs (10,11,lla
and 13a), Brazil Nuts in the Shell
Inspection Instructions, June 1973

2 Composite Sample. The standards provide for inspection on the basis of (8)
a composite sample. Nuts from all containers sampled are combined into
one large sample instead of being graded separately. This procedure is
based on the assumption that nuts in all containers in a lot are similar

in outward appearance and the containers bear identical markings.

Lv Mixed Quality Lots. When drawing a sample, the inspector should observe (9)
the general appearance of nuts in each container sampled. I£ the nuts
in any container or number of containers appear distinctly different in
quality or size from those in the majority of containers, those different
containers should be considered a separate lot. The sample taken from
them should be graded separately and reported separately on the certi-
ficate. If the number of such containers, with different quality or
size nuts, can be determined indicate it on the certificate, otherwise

report in general terms, i.e., “many sacks" or "some sacks", etc.

7] Sampling Packed Lots Other than Consumer Size Packages. The inspector (10)

should draw a sample of nuts from at least. 10 percent of the containers

*
*
*
*
selected at random. In extremely small lots -- five containers or less *
*
~~ the inspector shall sampleall the containers. (When sampling for *

*

*

aflatoxin analysis, refer to current "Inspection Instructions for
*

sampling of in~shell Brazil nuts and pistachio nuts for aflatoxin analysis.")

ee eee oe ee HD

* 7 Consumer Size Packages. Brazil nuts are frequently packed in small * (11)


(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

The nuts are then carried by boat to a central gathering point located
along a stream accessible to motor boats or river steamers. These boats
transport the nuts to one of two shipping ports (Belem or Manaos)

where they are graded and dried in dehydrating ovens. When moisture
content is lowered to near 10 percent the nuts are removed from an oven
and bagged in burlap sacks for export (these sacks usually hold about
112 pounds of nuts). Shipments of Brazil nuts arrive in U.S. ports
throughout the year with the biggest volume arriving during May through

October.

It is important that each inspector become familiar with these instruct-
ions and the U. S. Standards for Grades of Brazil Nuts in the Shell. He

should also be aware of changes in inspection policy.

Detailed instructions pertaining to Date, Inspection Point, Kind of
Car (truck or trailer), Loading, and other certificate headings not
covered by these instructions may be found in the General Market or

Shipping Point Inspection Instructions.

SAMPLING ‘o)

Representative sampling is just as important as actual grade deter-
mination. If the samples are not representative of a lot, the grading
results are incorrect regardless of how accurately the grade factors

have been interpretated.


ee

13
2. Generally 73/64 to 60/64 inch in diameter. 5% smaller than

73/64 and 1% smaller than 60/64 inch in diameter.

3. Average 46 nuts per pound. 10 smallest nuts in 100 weigh 6%

of total weight.

QUALITY
The factors affecting quality are determined from the same counted (39)

sample used for size determination. The sample is graded in two
separate steps. First the nute are graded on the basis of shell or
external quality factors. Then every nut in the sample is cracked and
graded on the basis of kernel or internal quality factors. It is
possible that an individual nut may be scored against the tolerance

for both external and internal defects.

The factors to consider under the Quality heading are:
1. External (Shell) Quality Factors:
- Curing and Moisture.

- Cleanness.

Split, broken or punctured.
- Oil stains.

Mold.


ee

~ha-

parts of the load or stack (s). Then open the top of the container
being careful to avoid unnecessary damage to it, and draw a sample from
the central portion of some containers, bottom portion of some, and
from the top portion of others. In order to obtain a sample from the
bottom portion of a large container it may be necessary to dump the
entire contents into an empty container, making the bottom readily

accessible.

Size of Sample. The inspector should take a large handful (or cupful) (13)
of nuts from each container sampled. -A sufficient quantity should be

taken from each to provide a sample for grading, a check sample, and

a small additional amount for grade in borderline cases. These

samples should be collected in one container to form a composite sample

for the lot.

Return Excess Sample. After the check sample has been set aside, all * (13a)
nuts in excess of those cracked for inspection shall be returned to the*

applicant immediately after the grading has been completed. *


Mold. . Any kernel which contains attached mold that is noticeable
is scorable as serious damage. Inspectors should not use a magnifying
glass to look for mold, but should carefully examine kernels with the

naked eye.

CONDITION
Brazil nuts are normally a stable commodity after they have been cured
and fully dried. They are rarely subject to change in quality due to
condition factors common in perishable commodities. Only in cases
where a lot has become wet or otherwise affected in some unusual way
should a condition heading be used. Otherwise it should be blocked out

on all Brazil nut certificates.

GRADE
Under this heading a definite statement must be made stating whether
or not the lot grades U. S. No. 1. In cases where a lot fails to grade

the applicant may request the percentage of U. S. No. 1 quality.

When the applicant requests certification of the percentage of U. S.
No. 1 quality, it shall be assumed that he wants to know the percentage
of kernels free from grade defects. Determine the percentage of U. S.
No. 1 quality by substracting from 100, the percentage of kernels, not

shells, that were scored against the grade.

19

(59)

(60)

(61)

(62)


Fresh Products
Branch

Washington, DC

dune 1973

Brazil Nuts
in the Shell

Inspection
Instructions



q8)

as)

(20)

sample should be analyzed for grade. Then a new sampling routine should
be started again. It is better to grade samples imuediately after

they are obtained than to wait until numerous samples have ‘accumulated.
To accomplish this, it will often be necessary to grade a 25 or S0-nut
sample rather than the customary 100-nut sample.

Mailing a Sample. -Inspection may be requested in markets which

‘have not been furnished with the necessary equipment for grading Brazils,

or other circumstances may arise which require that a sample be drawn
and sent to another office for grading and certification. An official
sample may be drawn by any authorized inspector and delivered or shipped

to a designated inspection office for grading and certification.

In order to be. sure that the official sample will be large enough for
all possible needs, it should consist of about 2-1/4 the amount
necessary for sizing and grading. Make sure the shipping container

is strong and well padded with crumpled newspaper or other types of
padding.

Use "Notice of Sampling" form FV-187. Although designed for peanuts,
the form will serve for Brazils by writing the words "BRAZIL NUTS IN

THE SHELL" in the space marked “Type. Under "Remarks" indicate that
the sample is submitted for grade analysis. This form should be typed

if possible, if not, make sure it is written in ink and is clearly legible.


Added, October 1992, HU-117-1(a)
Page 5, Para. 14, Brazil Nuts in the Shell,
Inspection Instructions, June 1973

‘The composite sample should be thoroughly mixed and from 2,000 to 3,000 grams should be used to (14)
determine the percentage, by weight, of pieces of shell, chaff, and foreign material. From this sample
the minimum number of nuts to be used in determining the grade and size shall be as follows:

-

* — Upto 15,000 100 nuts

15,001 to 30,000 200 nuts

; 30,001 to 60,000 300 nuts
60,001 to 80,000 400 nuts

80,001 to 100,000 500 nuts

100,001 to 120,000 600 nuts

* Over 120,000 700 nuts

ahee

Remember, the above indicates the minimum number of nuts to be graded in each instance, but an (15)
additional 100 or 200 nuts may have to be graded in borderline cases.

‘Sampling from the Packing Line. When inspections are made in the packing house, the “on-line” (16)
method may be used if packing is in progress at time of inspection. Samples may be drawn from the
Packaging machinery after bags are sealed or from the packing line before containers are closed.

Samples should be'taken at frequent intervals from the end of, ‘a conveyor belt or from containers being (17)
filled. These samples must be composited and thoroughly mixed. Every 20 or 30 minutes a portion of
the composite


(d) Discoloration when affecting more
than 50 percent of the flesh of the kernel;
and,

(e). Rancidity or decay.

The amended USS. Standards for
Grades of Brazil Nuts In The Shell con-
tained in this subpart shall become effec-
tive August 25, 1966, and will thereupon
supersede the U.S, Standards for Grades -
of Brazil Nuts In The Shell which have 4
been in effect since October 1, 1964 (7
CFR 51.3500-51.3511).

Dated: July 22, 1966. .

G. R. Grance,
Deputy Administrator,
Marketing Services.

[F.R. Doc. 66-8155; Fited, July 25, 1966;
8:47 a.m.) . -

ssauysng TeTOTIZO

sanztnoTuBy Jo yueujuedag *s *p oszoz = °D ‘qd ‘uo uyysey
GIvd Saad NV aovisod FANLINOTAOY JO INIHIAVIIG SALVIS GALINN


UNCLASSIFIED
§ 51.3502 Unclassified.

“Unclassified” consists of Brazil nuts
in the shell.which have not been classi-
fied in accordance with the foregoing

grade. The term “unclassified” is not a.

grade within the meaning of these stand-
ards but is provided as a designation to
show that no. definite grade has been
applied to the lot.

APPLICATION OF STANDARDS
§ 51.3503 Application of standards.

The grade of a lot of Brazil nuts shall
be determined on the basis of a compos-
ite sample drawn at random from con-
tainers in various locations in the lot.
However, any identifiable portion of the
Jot in which the Brazil nuts are obvi-
ously of a quality or size materially dif-
ferent from that in the majority of con-
tainers shall be considered as a separate
Jot, and shall be sampled and graded
separately.

- DEFINITIONS

§ 51.3504 Well cured.

“Well cured” means that the shell is
free from surface moisture, and that the
kernel is firm and crisp, not pliable or
leathery?

§ 51.3505 Loose extraneous and foreign
material.

“Loose extraneous and foreign ma-
terial” .means pieces of pod, pieces of
shell, dirt, external insect infestation,
or any substance other than Brazil nuts
in the shell or Brazil nut kernels.

§ 51.3506 Clean.

“Clean” means that the shell is prac-
tically free from dirt or other adhering
substance.

§ 51.3507 Damage.

-“Damage” means any specific defect
described in this section; or an equally
objectionable variation of any one of
these defects, or any other defect, or any
combination of defects, which materially
detracts from the appearance or the
edible or marketing quality of the in-
dividual Brazil nut or of the lot. ‘The
following defects shall be considered as
damage:

‘The average moisture content of whole
nuts or of kernels may be determined by
moisture metez, subject to verification by

oven drying.

(a) Insects when an insect or insect
fragment, web, or frass is present inside
the shell, or the kernel shows distinct
evidence of insect feeding ;

(b) Split or broken shells;

(c) Oil stains when affecting an ag-
gregate area of more than 20 percent of
the'surface of. the shell;

(d) Mold when more than 20 percent
of the surface of the shell is affected by
a slight mold growth or when any mold
growth materially detracts from the ap-
pearance of the shell, or when any mold
growth noticeably affects the kernel;
and,

(e) Discoloration when the affected
area penetrates more than one-sixteenth
inch into the kernel.

§ 51.3508 ‘Reasonably well developed.

“Reasonably well developed” means
that the kernel fills at least one-half of
the capacity of the shell. .

§ 51.3509 Rancidity.

“Rancidity” means that state of ‘de-
terioration in which any portion of the
kernel has developed a rancid taste.

§ 51.3510 Decay.

“Decay” means that any portion of the
kernel is decomposed.

§ 51.3511 Serious damage.

“Serious damage” means any specific
defect described in this section; or an
equally objectionable variation of any
one of these defects, or any other defect,
or any combination of defects, which
seriously detracts from the appearance or
the edible or marketing quality of the
individual Brazil nut. The following de-
fects shall be considered serious damage:

(a) Split, broken, or punctured shells
when the kernel is plainly visible through
a split, cracked, or punctured shell with-
out application of pressure;

(b) Oil stains when affecting an ag-
gregate area of. more than 50 percent of
the shell;

(c) Mold when more than 50 percent
of the surface of the shell is affected
by a slight mold growth or when any
mold growth seriously detracts from the
appearance of the shell, or when any
mold growth noticeably affects the

kernel;


-*

(12) 2

-4-

transparent film bags'Which are packed in large shipping containers.
These lots shall be sampled as follows:

2. Carlot or Truck Load. Select master containers at random at

the rate of 1 out 25. Take 1 consumer package out of each master con-
tainer selected.

@ Less than Carlot. Regardless of size of lot, select 20
master containers at random when consumer packages are 1-pound units;
select 15 master containers when consumer packages are 2-pound units.
Take 1 consumer package out of each master container selected. When
lots contain 20 or less master containers with 1-pound units or 15 or
less master containers with 2-pound units, a consumer package shall be
taken from each master container in the lot.

Take the consumer size package from various areas within the master
containers, i.e., top, middle or bottom. Each package that is removed
shall be replaced with one from another master container selected for

plugging the empty spaces. Open every consumer package drawn from the

*

*

lot and empty entire contents into a large carton or box. Mix thoroughly*

Then select at random the number of nuts required in patagraph 13 to

determine thesize and grade.

Other Containers. When sampling containers which are not consumer

size packages, select the containers for sampling, at random, from all

*

*


16

(47)

(48)

(49)

(50)

Split, broken or punctured. A shell which is split or

broken to any degree shall be scored as damage. Score as serious damage
any split, broken or punctured shell when the kernel is plainly visible

through the shell without applying pressure.

O41 stains. If more than 20 percent in the aggregate of the shell
surface is affected by ofl staing the nut shall be scored as damage. If
the affected area exceeds 50 percent in the aggregate, score as serious
damage. CAUTION: Some Brazil nuts are normally dark in color and

should not be confused with nuts which are affected by oil stains.

Mold. A nut is scored as damage when more than 20 percent of the
shell surface is affected by a slight mold growth or when any mold
growth materially detracts from the appearance of the shell. Score as
serious damage when more than 50 percent of the shell surface is affected
by a slight mold growth or when any mold growth seriously detracts from
the appearance of the shell. Mold on the interior of a shell, which
may come in contact with the kernel, shall be scored the same as "Mold"

on page 19,

Internal (Kernel) Quality Factors
Development. The standards require that kernels be reasonably
well developed. This means that a kernel must £111 at least one-half

of the capacity of the shell which surrounds it. Any kernel which fills


22

2.

PRODUCTS:

SIZE:

QUALITY:

GRADE:

BRAZIL NUTS in the Shell in film bags printed
"Gay Pak, Deluxe Brazil Nuts, One Full Pound, by
American Nut Co., Chicago, I11." in cartons
stenciled "Packed under Continuous Inspection of
the USDA, 24-1 pound packages. " Applicant states

1000 cartons - 24,000 pounds.

Generally range from 74/64 to 86/64 inches in diameter.

5% under 78/64 and 1% under 74/64 inches in diameter.

Shells clean, bleached and colored. 12% shell
defects, consisting of 8% serious damage by split
shells and 4% damage by split or broken shells.
Kernels well cured and generally reasonably well
developed. 12% kernel defects consisting of 6%
serious damage by rancidity, 2% serious damage by

mold and 4% damage by discoloration.

Fails to grade U. S. No. 1 Extra Large, account of
shell and kernel defects. Lot contains 88% U. S.

No. 1 kernel quality.

Above stock manifested as B-L 3-4. Percentage of
U. S. No. 1 kernel quality determined and shown at

applicant's request.

* * * * * * * * *


Paragraph
Numbers

SIZE. ee ee eee ee ee 52

Extra Large . . 33

Large se ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee 34
Medium. 2. 6 eee ee ee ee ee ee we ee 35
Count Per Pound... +s 2 eee ee ee eee ee ee 36
Percentage Weight of 10 Smallet Nuts per 100... .. - 37

se ewe 38

Examples... 6 ee ee ee ee ee ee eee

QUALITY. © ee te ee ee ee ee 89 SD

External (Shell) Quality Factors. 40 - 49

Curing and moisture content... . +--+ +++ ~. 41 - 45
Cleanness. . 2 6 ee ee ee ee ee ew oe 46
Split, broken or punctured... - + +++ oe 47
Qil staing . . 1 1 ee ee ee ee et oe 48
oC), oe 49
Internal (Kernel) Quality Factors .....-.-+-+ ~ -« 50-59
Development... - ese ee ee eee eee oe 50
Blank. 2. 6c ee eee ee ee ee ee oe 51
Discoloration. . 2-6 eee ee ee ee - . 52 - 54
Decay. . 2 6 eee eee ee ew ee ee oa 55
Rancidity, 2. 2 6 eee ee ee te eee oe 56
Insect injury. 2. 6 eee ee ee ee ee -. 57-58
Mold... eee eee ee et ew ee eee oe 59

CONDITION. . 2 6 2 ee eee ee te ee ee ee ee we 60
GRADE. . 2 ee ee te ee eee ee ee ee ee GL 63
REMARKS. 2 wc ee ee ee ee ee ete ee we 64 = 65

GENERAL EXAMPLES . 1 6 ee se ee ee ee ee ee ee 66

APPENDIX I - U.S.STANDARDS.........00+eeeeeeeeeee++PAGES 1-4


Identifying Marks. Any identifying marks, i.e., packer's name and
address, lot number, etc., ‘should be reported as they appear on the
container. Always show a size marking; it may be used as a basis for

size determination when the sample is being graded.

Quantity Inspected. The number of containers covered by the certificate
must always be stated. Usually it is stated as an “applicant's count"
or "manifested as", unless the inspector has counted all containers in
which case an “inspector's count" is reported. Equivalent pounds may

be mentioned in paranthesis following the number of containers.

Examples of “PRODUCT” statements:
1. BRAZIL NUTS in the shell in film bags printed "Brazil Nuts,
Packed by Robert L. Berner Co., Foley, Alabama, Net. wt. 16 oz."
in cartons printed "24 Cello Bags" and stamped"16 oz.,

Medium Polished." Inspector's count 200 cartons.

2. BRAZIL NUTS IN THE SHELL in burlap sacks stenciled “Pazul,
PTC, Mobile Products Deo Brasil, Abraham J. Pazuello, Manaus,
S.E.R. Inspecionado Manuw, Brasil, Classificado TIpo 1,

112 lbs. Applicant's count 200 sacks (equivalent 22,400

pounds) .

(27)

(28)

(29)


11

(bi Large: Not more than 15 percent, by count, of the Brazil nuts (34)
pass through a round opening 73/64 inch in diameter, including
not more than 2 percent which pass through a round opening
60/64 inch in diameter; or count does not exceed 50 nuts per

pound (see (d) and (e) )-

(c) Mediun: Not more than 15 percent, by count, of the Brazil nuts (35)
pass through a round opening 59/64 inch in diameter including
not more than 2 percent which pass through a round opening
50/64 inch in diameter; or count is not less than 51 nuts per

pound but not more than 65 nuts per pound (see (d) and (e) ).

ta) Count Per Pound. Weigh out an even pound of Brazil nuts from (36)
the composite sample. If gram scales are used, the one~pound
equivalent weight is 453.6 grams. Count the nuts and record
the count. Weigh and count a second pound. Average the two
counts, and if the average is clearly within the count range
specified for one of the size classifications, report it as
the count for the lot. However, if the average of the two is
borderline between two size classifications, make one or two
more counts and average all of them. This should help the
inspector decide which size classification should be assigned

to the lot.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Paragraph
Numbers

GENERAL . 6 ee ee eee ee ee ee ee he ee ee 1- 6

SAMPLING. «2 2 ee ee ee et ee ee te we ew ee 7 - 20

Composite Sample .. . 8

Mixed Quality Lots . 6. 6 1 6 ee ee eee ee ee ee 9
Sampling Packed Lots .. . 11 eee eee ee eens 10
Consumer Size Packages . 2. 2 + ee ee et ee es il
Other Containers’. 2. 6 6 ee ee we ee eee wes 12
Size of Sample... 1 ee ee ee ee ee eee ee 619-15
Sampling from the Packing Line... .-..-+-+-- 16-17
Mailing a Sample... 1 ee ee ee ee ee ee ee e618 - 20

INSPECTION EQUIPMENT. © 2 eee ee ee ee ee ee ee) ALR 22

DATE AND HOUR . «es 0 ee ee ee ee ee ee we ee 23

PRODUCTS INSPECTED. . 2. 1. ee ee ee eee ee ee ee 2K 29

Product... 2+ 25

Type of Container. . 1. 6 eee ee ee ee ee ee 26
Identifying Marks. . 6 6 1 2c ee ee eee ee ee 27
Quantity Inspected . . 1-1 1 ee ee ee ee ee 28
Examples . 1 6 ee eee ee ee te eee ee ee 29

PACK. 5 2 ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee tw 30

TEMPERATURE . 2. 1 ee ee ee ee ee ee ee et et 31


20
(63) Following the customary grade statement, make an added statement showing
the percent of U. S. No. 1 kernel quality.

Example: "Lot contains 88% U. S. No. 1 kernel quality."

REMARKS

(64) Under this heading report any special circumstances applying to the
inspection. If the lot is unloaded, it may be possible to show a
steamship name or a trailer or car number from which the applicant
said it was unloaded. If the sample was drawn at one location and
mailed to another location for grading, the facts should be reported
here.

(65) Examples:

-1. Applicant states that above described lot was unloaded from

trailer bearing Alabama license T-7643.

2. (Sample mailed to another office for grading and certification.)
The sample described above was drawn by Federal Inspector
John Kaut at Fargo, North Dakota on Oct. 20, 1973 from a lot
of 100 sacks stenciled "Large Colored Brazil Nuts, 50 lbs.
net wt." printed "Anton-Argires Bros. & Co. AA Quality,

Chicago, Illinois."




spendin L

United States Standards



Place the original copy of the sampling ‘certificate in an envelope
inside the package of nuts. Distribute a copy to the applicant with

the fee bill and retain other copies for office files.

INSPECTION EQUIPMENT

The following equipment is needed when grading Brazil nuts: (21)
1. Scales - gram scales or ounce-pound scales may be used. The
capacity of these scales should be at least 2000 grams or 4 pounds
(64 ounces).
2. Sample board - this should be a square wooden board (or fiberboard)
about 14x14 inches with 10 rows, each row consisting of 10 holes
or squares. The holes should be not less than 1 inch in diameter
and about 3/4 inch deep. If squares are used they should be not
less than 1 inch square.
3. Nut cracker - a hand sheller equipped with sharp jaws which snip

off the shell in a few operations is the preferred cracker.

Inspectors stationed at packing houses should be provided with the (22)
following:
4. Table or bench ~ large enough for cracking and grading operations.
5. Adequate lighting - a fluorescent light, or a strong "daylight"
bulb is preferable to natural daylight because it will provide

about the same intensity of light at all times, permitting more


10

(30)

(31)

(32)

(33)

3. -IN-SHELL BRAZIL NUTS in burlap sacks stenciled "Brazil Nuts,
Fairkist Brand, Schermer Pecan Co., Fairhope, Ala. 50 lbs.
Net" and tagged "Large Artifically Dyed and Polished Nuts."

Manifested as 500 sacks (equivalent 25,000 pounds).

PACK
The Pack heading, as a general rule, should be blocked out on all Brazil

nut inspection certificates.

TEMPERATURE
The Temperature heading, as a general rule, should be blocked out on

all Brazil nut inspection certificates.

SIZE
Size must be determined on diameter of nuts or by count per pound.
No matter which method is used, size must be reported under the Size
heading and stated in connection with the grade statement. Remember,
Brazil nuts mst meet a size classification in order to grade U. S.
No. 1. The inspector shall determine the size and report it as part
of the Grade statement in terms of. one of the following classifications:
(a) Eutra Large: Not more than 15 percent, by count, of the
Brazil nuts pass through a round opening 78/64 inch in diameter,
including not more than 2 percent which pass through a round
opening, 74/64 inch in diameter; or count does not exceed 45
nuts per pound (see (d) and (e) ):